Peer support for chronic conditions
People with chronic illnesses are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Kwa-Thema – The Mandla-Wethu Chronic Support Group wants the community to lead healthy lives.
The group was formed on May 11 at Pholosong Hospital by Mandla Sibeko, who at the time was admitted after being diagnosed with diabetes.
Sibeko said he had realised the challenges people with diabetes and other chronic diseases faced by having no support.
“When we grew up, we used to think chronic illnesses were for the grown-ups and the rich, but the reality is anyone can be chronic,” he said.
He also said the group would work with schools because school nutritional programmes didn’t usually cater for a diet for children with diabetes.
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“We have children with juvenile diabetes, and when they see other children eat at school, they also eat.
“Children don’t have time to check what they are eating. That is why we need to work with schools to address such issues,” he said.
Sibeko also said most men didn’t like going to clinics, but they should make clinics their friends.
“Most men find they are chronic when it’s already late. Visiting the clinic can help them with early detection of whatever disease they might have, and it could help them to lead healthy lives,” Sibeko said.
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The group’s PRO, Sphiwe Mahlangu, said, “People should check their diet and how they eat. We know it’s not everyone who can afford proper food. We have had people who have helped us to provide healthy food parcels to those with chronic illnesses.”
Mahlangu said they need more funders to reach more people by providing parcels. On November 28 at 09:00, the group will host a chronic awareness programme and screen and test for all chronic illnesses at the Kwa-Thema Hall.
The programme will run under the theme, Healthy living, your ticket to a better future.
“We urge community members to attend the programme to get more knowledge on chronic illnesses and how to support a person with them,” Sibeko said.
Those wanting to know more about the support group or donate can call Sibeko on 069 199 7740 or Mahlangu on 069 129 7540.
