Unisa's Employee Relations and Wellness Directorate recently hosted its annual Health and Wellness Day at the Muckleneuk Campus. Unisa remains committed to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for its students and staff. During the annual Health and Wellness Day, Prof Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, and Bertus Albrecht, Acting Director of Employee Relations and Wellness, emphasised the significance of regular health checks and exercise.

Unisans kick off the fun walk, bursting with excitement.

In today's fast-paced world, work-related stress can significantly impact one's physical and mental health. Unisa recognises the importance of addressing these challenges and promoting a healthy work environment.

By prioritising regular health checks, individuals can identify and proactively address potential health concerns early on. These screenings can include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests and screenings for communicable diseases. Additionally, incorporating physical activity into daily routines can help reduce stress and boost energy levels.

The university offers a range of resources to support students and staff in their health and wellness goals. These include sports activities, a dedicated clinic, and educational workshops on stress management and healthy eating guidelines. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals can create a healthier work-life balance and improve their overall well-being.

Lowering health problem risks

Magano, representing the management of the university, stated that through the Department of Human Resources' Health and Wellness Directorate, the university ensures that it renders holistic support to all the students and employees, adding: "One critical aspect of the wellness directorate is to provide assistance related to opportunities of physical health and wellness."

Magano expressed that stress alleviation is part of this health and wellness day, adding that it alone is responsible for many health issues. He explained: "Recently, it has become distinctively clear from research conducted by the medical field that stress contributes to innumerable diseases; therefore, by being physically active, you are lowering the risk of such health problems."

Prof Solom Magano, Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, and Bertus Albrecht, Acting Director: Employee Relations and Wellness

"If you want to maintain your healthiness," added Magano, "you should additionally be mindful of your diet because, in essence, you are what you eat, and a bad diet can lead to many health problems."

Magano re-emphasised the importance of health and wellness as an essential investment in one's well-being. In addition, he thanked the organisers of the event from the Human Resource Department, the nurses, participants and other members, who, he said, made this day possible.

Regularising health screening

Albrecht highlighted that the annual health and wellness day, held each spring, remains a crucial part of the university's tradition. He emphasised that this event is a reminder of the university's unwavering commitment to prioritising and promoting the health and well-being of its employees and students through actioning and endorsing various health and wellness initiatives, adding: "We don't focus on sport and exercise; but additionally, we look at the broader wellness in terms of screenings for high blood pressure, and other infectious diseases. Through this, we see an important measure for the university: ensuring it is invested in a healthy workforce. Employees who prioritise their health and well-being often exhibit greater levels of productivity." Furthermore, Albrecht stated that these efforts should not just be on the wellness day but continue to form part of their lifestyle.

Albrecht mentioned that the university offers a range of sports activities that students and staff are welcome to join and a clinic where they can check their vitals. This proactive approach towards holistic wellness, he said, emphasises the importance of regularising health screening for early detection and intervention, aligning with the belief that prevention is better than cure.

Unisans at various Muckleneuk Campus sites

The Health and Wellness Day offered various medical screenings and sporting activities, including aerobic exercises and a fun walk.

Students and staff are reminded that the university offers a variety of sports activities and a dedicated clinic to support them in their health and wellness goals.

By encouraging regular health checks and promoting a healthy lifestyle, the university aims to create a thriving and productive community.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement