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North West embarks on 'healthy living' campaign
Oupa Segalwe, BuaNews, Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
2006-06-15

Itsoseng - The North West government has embarked on a campaign to encourage people to embrace healthy lifestyles.

The campaign focuses on the dangers of smoking, alcohol abuse, and highlights the benefits of physical activity, healthy nutrition and the practice of safe sex.

It also seeks to increase awareness on the causes and effects of diabetes and hypertension and encourages people to take oral hygiene seriously.

The provincial health department says recent surveys show that in South Africa alone, tobacco kills more than 25 000 people every year.

The figures also indicate that tobacco is the cause of major illnesses among adults and that the number of those who get sick from passive smoking is increasing.

The department says the campaign will also drive home the message - smoking leads to heart diseases, strokes, tooth decay, cancer and fertility problems.

Today, hundreds of locals joined Health MEC Nomonde Rasmeni and health professionals in a fun-run which marked the official launch of the campaign here.
Ms Rasmeni said government was concerned about the increasing usage of tobacco, especially by teenagers and young girls.

It has now become fashionable to see young ladies and women smoking. This is a dangerous practice.

We would like to call on our youth as we celebrate Youth Month to dedicate their efforts in raising awareness against tobacco usage, she said.

At the event, the department set up stalls and mobile clinics to share information with the public on dental care and nutrition. Officials were also on hand help people with tests for diabetes and blood pressure.

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