01 Nov 2023

Regular exercise has been linked with prolonged life as well as fighting non-communicable diseases.

Speaking during a holistic health event, themed: My Wellness My Life, on Saturday in Digawana, the area Member of Parliament, who is also Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti advised residents to regularly screen for various illnesses to ensure early detection if any.

“If the illness is detected late, treatment will be costly for government and there is high possibility of the treatment not being effective,” said Dr Dikoloti.

He said the event was for residents to test for various illnesses and acquire necessary health information.

Dr Dikoloti said Botswana aspired to have a healthy nation by 2036, and that could only be achieved if every individual took responsibility for their health.

He thanked Dr Geoffrey Tirelo and his associates for offering a wheelchair that was donated to Digawana Clinic.

Dr Tirelo, a managing partner at MedPoint Diagnostics informed residents that physical activity and healthy eating were vital in keeping healthy, adding that the way of life determined one’s health status.

He said it was important to screen for such NCDs as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer, noting that if not treated on time, they had devastating effects.

He advised residents to always be cautious of any symptoms of illnesses and visit health facilities immediately they experience such.

Dr Tirelo further advised women to always check for lumps in their breasts, noting that usually breast cancer did not present any pains.

He advised the youth against alcohol and drug use and urged parents and relevant stakeholders to encourage the youth to lead healthy lives.

“If this is not addressed, our future leaders would perish,” said Dr Tirelo.

Those on medications, he pleaded, should do exactly as prescribed by doctors.

Attendees were treated to team building games, body massages, cycling and pedal smoothies, health exhibitions as well as testing for various health conditions. Ends