Throughout social distancing and lockdown regulations, many people became isolated. Have you ever been lonely while in a crowd?

September is heart awareness month and the theme from the World Heart Federation for World Heart Day on 29 September 2022 is Use Heart for Every Heart.

There are 3 pillars to the theme.

USE 🖤 FOR HUMANITY

Is about accessibility of medical services for heart health especially in developing countries like South Africa. By creating awareness of this day, we support action and accessibility.

USE 🖤 FOR NATURE

Are you the one who throws the starfish back in the sea, or the one who despairs and gives up. Choosing to cycle or walk instead of driving, reduces pollution. Do you recycle or is it just too much effort? Each little effort we make can aid a cleaner healthier environment. Did you know that air pollution contributes towards 7 million human deaths a year. What about the sea-life dying from plastic pollution. Next time you see plastic blowing around pick it up and dispose of it properly.

USE 🖤 FOR YOU

Pre-pandemic, 1 in 4 South Africans suffered from depression &/ anxiety. The isolation has exacerbated this.  If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. To find resources on campus for both students and staff please visit. http://www.sun.ac.za/english/staffnet/Pages/Health-and-Wellbeing.aspx

Its also important to reach out to family and friends, many people put up a strong front when they are broken inside and its much easier to miss this over the phone than when you are face to face. This heart awareness month, please make an effort to connect in person with your family and friends and be real. Have a coffee or go for a walk together, challenge each other to exercise. For ideas and tips on exercise for health visit http://www.sun.ac.za/english/CampusHealth/exercise-for-health

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