Health in the dock

You don’t have to go to the gym every day, as long as you’re active, was the message of a health team from the Government Employees Medical Scheme during a recent visit to the high court in Grahamstown.

The team from the Gems Head Office, led by Sister Yekiwe Phephe, was invited by the Justice Department.

Blood pressure, weight, HIV counselling and testing, cholesterol and blood sugar were some of the health checks on offer, with neck and shoulder massages from Gems physiotherapist Zabo Qegu as a special treat.

“It is important for everyone to know their blood pressure, because high blood pressure leads to strokes,” said Phephe.

It's also important that people don’t get overweight, Phephe said, because this often leads to high blood pressure and diabetes.

HCT testing is also a route for people to find out their HIV status.

If you're HIV-positive and you take care of yourself and eat healthily you can live long life, Mphephe said. “It is very important for everyone to know his or her status so that you can take care of yourself.

Desk jobs were bad for health.

“People who sit a lot are likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes, especially if they don’t exercise.”