Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for more than 65% of all deaths worldwide. NCDs are of pandemic proportions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Africa (SA). More than 80% of the NCD deaths are as a result of four disease groups: heart and blood vessel disease, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung disease. Tobacco use, harmful substance abuse, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diets are the main risk factors. Scientific studies have identified one 'drug' that reduces the risk of dying from an NCD by 35 to 50%. This is a drug that everyone should take! Come and join a discussion on the why, how and what of this 'wonder' drug.

 

Prof Schwellnus is a specialist sports and exercise medicine physician who regularly consults athletes at all levels. He holds an MBBCh from University of the Witwatersrand (cum laude), an MSc (Med) and an MD (equivalent to a PhD) both from the University of Cape Town. He is the Director of the newly established Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) at the University of Pretoria and Director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Center in South Africa. Prof Schwellnus has a specific interest in the health benefits of regular exercise.

The UP Expert Lecture Series provides a public platform for UP researchers to engage with a general audience on significant developments in their fields of expertise that are likely to have an impact in the future. We invite you to participate in our hour-long Expert Lecture Series and to be enriched and informed by the University's research output.

 

 

Click here to view this invitation in PDF format.