Dear Bestmed member

The UP Corporate Wellness Programme, presented in partnership with Bestmed Medical Scheme, is continuing its annual health screenings aimed at the early detection of health risks. Please note that only Bestmed members qualify for these free screenings.

Following the mammoscan screenings in May, the third screening will focus on smoke free awareness screenings. Smoking contributes to the development of several diseases and conditions, including cancer, long-term (chronic) respiratory disease, heart disease and premature death. Smoking results in an accumulation of fatty substances in the arteries (a condition known as atherosclerosis), which is the main contributor to smoking-related deaths. Smoking is also a significant contributing factor in coronary heart disease. If you stop smoking you will find it easier to breathe and you will cough less. After nine months of not smoking your lung capacity will have improved by up to 10%.  Many smokers find it extremely hard to quit because they are addicted to nicotine and in the habit of reaching for a cigarette, especially in social or stressful situations. By not smoking you are protecting your health and that of those around you.  

Employees will have the opportunity to do a carbon monoxide (CO) breath test. The amount of CO present in the breath and bloodstream gives an indication of health risk to the smoker. The CO test will be followed by a 'Smoker-willingness-and-readiness-to-stop-smoking' assessment screening.  The aim of this awareness is to promote the benefits of a smoke free life and to identify smokers who have a willingness and desire to stop smoking. These candidates will then have the opportunity to take part in the support group (smoking cessation programme) that will be hosted in September 2017.

We would like to encourage you to make use of this service.

Date: Friday, 4 August 2017

Time: 09:00−12:00 

Venue: EWP@UP, corner of Roper and Prospect Streets (Entrance 9), Hatfield Campus (opposite the Mirage aircraft)

A smoke free screening will take about 5 minutes and no appointment is necessary.  Further information can be obtained from the UP Wellness Coordinator, Stembiso Magagula, at [email protected]. Please direct all enquiries to him only.

Join us and start making health and wellness a way of life!

Kind regards