The UP Corporate Wellness Programme, presented in partnership with Bestmed Medical Scheme, is pleased to inform you that we are continuing with our monthly group intervention initiative during lunch breaks, from March to October 2017. The information sessions, which will be presented by a Bestmed medical health professional, are aimed at educating staff on a variety of health-related topics and helping them to make voluntary behavioural changes that will reduce health risks and enhance their productivity and well-being. All UP employees should contribute towards building a healthier and more positive workforce.

The fifth information session will deal with cholesterol and heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance in the body making it difficult for the body to function normally. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls of membranes everywhere in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. The body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat. It takes only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet these needs. If you have too much cholesterol in your blood steam, the excess may be deposited in arteries, including the coronary (heart) arteries, where it contributes to the narrowing and blockages that cause the signs and symptoms of heart disease. Those attending the session will gain a thorough understanding of the clinical concepts such as total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides, as well as the risk factors that play a role in developing elevated blood fat levels. Strategies towards maintaining healthy fat levels and lowering elevated fat levels will be discussed as well as the role of medication and screening tools available.

By the end of the information session, persons who attended should:

• have a basic overview of the clinical background of cholesterol, surrounding blood fats and their metabolism and how it can lead to heart disease and other complications such as stroke;
• understand how high cholesterol is diagnosed and the basic principles of its treatment, and
• finally grasp the relationship between lifestyle choices and high cholesterol and how the various components of a healthy lifestyle can impact on general health and well-being.

Date: Friday, 22 September 2017

Time: 12:30−13:15 

Presenter:  a Bestmed medical health practitioner 

Venue: Lecture Hall 2-2.7, Natural Sciences 1 Building, Hatfield Campus

Please note that an attendance register will be circulated, although participation is voluntary.

Further information can be obtained from the UP Wellness Coordinator, Stembiso Magagula, on 012 420 2870 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Please direct all enquiries to him only.

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

Kind regards