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Get a handle on your health through screenings and tests, which the City is offering for free. Information is also available.
FREE health screening and tests, and information about life-threatening diseases will be offered by the City to the public on 19 November to help people detect a range of preventable health problems.
The screenings will take place at Cresta Shopping Centre, in Blackheath. The City will set up its facilities in the car park close to entrance one, from 9am to 3pm.
The City’s manager for programmes, Virginia Mosime, said the health screenings will help create awareness about the causes and management of chronic lifestyle diseases.
Cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, tuberculosis, haemoglobin levels and breast, cervical and prostate cancer tests will be done
“In low to middle income countries such as South Africa, socio-economic conditions are improving and people are adopting more affluent lifestyles, which have resulted in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases becoming more widespread in the population, causing complications which lead to increased morbidity and mortality,” she said.
Free tests will be given for cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, tuberculosis, haemoglobin levels and breast, cervical and prostate cancer.
“The campaign will help to empower people with knowledge about and attitude towards early detection, treatment and control of diseases.”
Various City departments will be on hand to provide information on their services, including environmental health, human development, migrant help desk, urban management, sports and recreation, and Joburg Water.
Diseases
According to the International Diabetes Federation, some 840 000 people are estimated to have diabetes in South Africa.
The federation and the World Health Organization predict that in South Africa, this number will increase to more than 1,3 million in the next 25 years. Although all groups are affected, those most at risk are those undergoing rapid lifestyle and cultural changes.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure affects a large segment of the South African population. It is known as the “silent killer” as there are rarely visible symptoms that warn people that their blood pressure is high.
In more advanced cases, headaches, visual disturbances, nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting, sleepiness and seizures maybe experienced.
It is estimated that one in four South Africans between the ages of 15 and 64 suffer from high blood pressure. It is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and premature death.
Tuberculosis
South Africa is in the top four countries with the largest concentrations of tuberculosis (TB) sufferers with diagnosed drug-resistant strains of the diseases. The others are China, Russia and India.
According to the World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2009, nearly 460 000 new TB cases were reported in South Africa in 2007, with an incidence rate of an estimated 948 cases per 100 000 population – a major increase from 338 cases per 100 000 population in 1998.
For more information about health screenings, contact Virginia Mosime on 011 718 9659 or send an email to
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