13 Oct 2015

Human resources manager at Morupule Coal Mine, Ms Neo Gaba says poor health can affect productivity in organisations including government.

Speaking during Ministry of Agriculture wellness day held in Palapye recently, Ms Gaba implored employees to actively participate in physical exercises and adopt healthy lifestyles.

She said most people live inactive lifestyle, therefore making them vulnerable to lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, which ultimately affect productivity in the work place.

She said people no longer do household chores such as gardening, manual work or even walking to work or shops.

That, she said had increased incidences of poor health with more people suffering from non- communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cardiac complications.

Also, she said government’s efforts alone were not sufficient, thus workers must work together with private sector to respond effectively to the challenges of modern day life.

In addition, she said the national health policy bears the slogan ‘towards a healthier Botswana’ saying that the provision of health services was not just a mere curing of diseases, but also to promote a healthier lifestyle in order to prevent diseases.

She said people living with HIV/AIDS could live longer when they actively participate in physical exercises and healthy lifestyles. 

She expressed her gratitude to those companies like NIRALI Enterprises (PTY) LTD in Lerala and Ratho Distributors (PTY) LTD for donating money for the success of the occasion.

For her part, district agriculture coordinator for Central region, Ms Fatima Mokgethe said wellness is meant for colleagues to relax, exercise, network and refresh.

Ms Mokgethe said people must be cautious of what they eat, when and how much they eat adding that they should also allow their bodies to rest. The day was held under the theme ‘Our body is the temple of God, say no to all diseases’. Ends