Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu is concerned about the impact of obesity, violence and HIV/Aids has on the nation’s image, productivity and citizens’ longevity.
She said South Africans were one of the most overweight people in the world alongside those of developed nations. She attributed this to the fast food culture taking precedence over healthier eating options. Her worry is the affect of this on children who risk contracting chronic ailments like diabetes and heart diseases. “We must consider what we eat, exercise regularly and walk more in order to shed excess weight and remain healthy. This will also assist to avoid costly medical care and overcrowding clinics and hospitals which should be left to deal with the sick.”
She is also concerned of high levels of violence nationally and in Alex which results in fatalities, long-term injuries and cost to government when treating the injured and in the loss of working hours. She attributed this to the lack of social cohesion, uncontrolled alcohol and substance abuse especially on weekends which causes queues and overburdens intensive care units at hospitals at the expense of the genuinely sick.
Mahlangu further expressed concern on the high rate of HIV/Aids infection. “The disease continues to ravage communities and households 30 years after it emerged and South Africans have the unenviable record of being one of the most infected and affected people.” She linked this to high levels of promiscuity, multi partnerships, inappropriate sexual preferences and the lack of dialogue and trust in the home between parents and children. “Free and frank talk on sex issues in the home is essential to help children not to rely on outsiders for advice which often is wrong. Parental advice would help stop more people adding onto over a million who are infected.”
She urged those on treatment not to default to avoid their bodies resisting medicines when they resumed treatment. She further advised residents from resorting to other non-hospital treatment options as medical facilities were well stocked with free medicines and protective measures like condoms for both males and females.
Filler: How can South Africans stop obesity, violence and HIV/Aids? Share your view with us on www.alexnews.co.za or our Facebook page
