Walking and riding for their generation’s sake
ALEXANDRA –Youth took their health and wellness into their own hands with the hope that others would do likewise.
Some youths in Alexandra took their health and wellness into their own hands with the hope that others would do likewise.
This was through an initiative they anticipate their generation will emulate in an effort to improve their physical and mental health and extend their lives.
“Unlike our parents, our lifestyle is dominated by drugs, alcohol and substance abuse, crime and other negative conduct which ought to change,” said David Ndala, chairperson of the organising group, Buddies and Siga Events. “We want to inculcate a positive outlook to life, instil health values and dispel ignorance among us on [health] services that are at our disposal and to our benefit which we don’t know and do not use.”
The day involved a 6km walk and 13.5km cycling event which started in East Bank. Five hundred participants in the age groups 18 to 40, walked or cycled on routes which went passed the township’s clinics as the first of many planned events to promote healthy lifestyles and positive livelihoods among the youth.
Afterwards, participants gathered for awareness sessions on chronic diseases which Ndala said could be halted, reversed or managed through changes in lifestyles. “The Joburg city council’s department of health in Region E, Npos Life Line and Hivsa advised on and tested for tuberculosis, prostate and breast cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes.”
Of the future events Ndala said, “We want, in the end, to have helped drug addicts, rape victims, the disabled and those at the hospice. We have a desire to give back to the township, make a change, influence a better future for the youth and show that our lives do not centre on parties.”
ALSO READ: Alex recovering drug addict receives a hero’s welcome back from the community
