13 Feb 2014

A well implemented health and wellness programme raises knowledge, awareness and empowers employees of any institution to make informed choices, says Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West.

Speaking at the National Assembly wellness day for employees, Mr Gilbert Mangole said if employees were armed with such knowledge, they could avoid risky behaviors such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, multiple concurrent sexual partnerships, amongst others.

“The effects of these risky behaviors do not only affect your personal lives but also your performance at your various work stations,” he said. He encouraged employees to make use of various intervention programmes and services that government had put in place.

“Provision of anti-retroviral drugs, prevention of mother to child transmission, voluntary counseling and testing, free access to condoms, life planning skills and low consultation fees at government hospitals are some of the few intervention programmes and services that you can use,” said Mr Mangole.

The Kgatleng West legislator said people should take pride in making sound decisions regarding one’s health and wellness. “Both our physical and spiritual wellbeing should be your major concern for the realisation of Vision 2016 which we are all looking forward to,” he said.

For her part, Clerk of the National Assembly, Ms Monica Tselayakgosi said people should be motivated to dream beyond their current life challenges and obstacles to make the right choices and decisions that would shape their future positively.

She said the day’s theme: It is not too late for a fresh start, “challenges us here to be accountable and take responsibility for our actions regarding health and wellness.” Activities for the day included testing for illnesses such as diabetes, cholesterol, poor eye sight, high blood pressure, low blood pressure and HIV amongst others. ENDS