Local clinic hosts TB awareness day in eMbalenhle
People taking TB medication were encouraged to complete their treatment as this prevents the spread of TB.
eMBALENHLE – The Extension 4 Community Health Centre held an open day promoting healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about Tuberculosis (TB) on Friday, 29 March.
Various stakeholders including the police, department of home affairs, South African Social Security Agency and other health care organisations took part in the event.
The attendees were given more information about TB and how it can be prevented.
Following are the ways in which TB can be prevented:
* People taking TB medication must complete the treatment, this prevents the spread of TB.
* Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper or your hands when coughing or sneezing.
* Do not cough, sneeze or spit on other people.
* Do not let other people cough, sneeze or spit on you.
* Wash hands with soap and water.
* Immunise babies at a clinic within 1 year of birth.
* Keep your body healthy by eating balanced meals consisting of food like meat, fish, eggs, beans, mills, amasi, brown bread, maize meal, vegetables and fruits.
* Avoid alcohol because it lowers the body’s resistance to sickness and affects the treatment.
* Smoking causes further damage to the lungs and can also cause heart disease and lung cancer.
* Keep your windows open in your home – fresh air blows the TB germs away and sunshine kills the TB germs.
* Keep your body healthy by exercising
The nurses also encouraged the residents to live a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid chronic illness such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Minor ailments and other chronic diseases caused by poor healthy lifestyle habits.
Ms Nonceba Masilela, assistant director for PHC, said HIV testing is a very important part of the fight against the HIV/Aids epidemic in South Africa.
“By now everyone should know his or her status, get tested so that you know where you stand.
“Continue to live a healthy lifestyle and those who are sexually active should practice safe sex at all times.
“The government is doing a lot to ensure that this epidemic is defeated.”
She also encouraged those who are on treatment to adhere to the treatment.
Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor, accompanied by the members of the mayoral committe including Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, speaker, attended the event.
Ms Ngxonono commended the nurses for their work and encouraged locals to support the awareness day.
