Elderly people encouraged to take care of their health
They were educated about the importance of taking their medication and honouring their clinic appointments.
Elderly people in Mamelodi were educated about diabetes mellitus and the importance of taking their medication.
They received this important message during a World Diabetes Day (November 14) ceremony held at Stanza Bopape clinic last Thursday.
Sister Mapitso Makgamatha, clinic facility manager, said: “We want to educate those who are in denial of the diagnosis to be aware of the complications of diabetes mellitus.”
She said the event was not about the elderly but the public community at large.
The theme for World Diabetes Day this year is “access to diabetes care”.
“We are teaching them what they should take and how to prevent complications,” said Makgamatha.
The elderly were also told about the importance of honouring their clinic appointments.
“If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you are fortunate. There is no cure but it is controllable.
Not taking your medication as prescribed and denying the diagnosis, you will have health complications such as kidney failure and your vision will be impaired,” she said.
The event started with an aerobics session. The seniors were encouraged to start exercising and join senior citizens’ clubs in their area.
“Many senior citizens find themselves going to hospitals and clinics complaining about body aches and pains, blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Exercise could help alleviate many citizens’ health problems as well as keep them healthy and strong.”
Phumzile Gama of Gauteng Age-in-Action said: “As elderly people we are here to celebrate World Diabetes Day and have learned a lot about the disease.”
Councillor Pinkie Lelaka said it was always a pleasure to be around elderly people because “we can learn a lot from them”.
“We also encourage elderly people to join senior citizens’ clubs within their communities to fight boredom.
The event was a success as we have invited different stakeholders to educate the public and elderly people about taking care of their health,” said Lelaka.
She wished them “a healthy mind in a healthy body”.
The clinic also conducted a health screening for everyone who attended the event.
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