Wellness programme at Stellenbosch University officially launched

In less than ten days the Wellness Programme at Stellenbosch University (SU) will be launched officially and during the two open days, on 11 and 12 June 2009, SU staff members can grab the chance to meet the wellness team, check your blood pressure, donate some blood and even find out whether your cholesterol levels need some attention!

The Wellness Programme has been identified as one of the OSP enablers and has been operational since 2007. In June 2008 a wellness coordinator was appointed to manage the programme. Since its inception the following initiatives were implemented for SU staff:

• Support and assistance for staff members experiencing challenges at work or in their personal lives
• Health advancement to ensure optimal health
• Prevention, education and support regarding HIV/Aids in the workplace

The Programme’s official launch ceremony is on Tuesday 9 June 2009 at the Wallenberg Research Centre where several members of the University Management will be present. Dr Tracy Kolbie-Alexander, well-known expert in the field of wellness, will be the guest speaker at this event.

During the two open days, in the Sanlam Hall in the Neelsie Student Centre, staff will get the opportunity to check their blood pressure, cholesterol levels and even their eyes. Staff members will also be able to donate blood.

Some of the service providers that will be part of the open days are Discovery Health (who will facilitate the cholesterol and blood pressure tests as well as give flu injections), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Campus Health Service, SUSPI, the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management, the Western Cape Blood Transfusion Service, Herbal Life and the Legal Aid Clinic.

Ms Maureen Kennedy, Wellness Coordinator at SU, says the open days is a very important event where staff members can assess their state of health and also gather advice and information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “It can also be an encouragement for those who have been following a healthy lifestyle to maintain it and to continue doing so.”

The open days will be from 09:00 until 16:00 in the Sanlam Hall in the Neelsie Student Centre.

* Discovery Health members must bring their membership cards with to the open days  the

For more information contact Maureen Kennedy on 021 808 4824, Samantha Titus on 021 808 2966 or Nellie Snyman on 021 808 2867.