Universiteit Stellenbosch
Welkom by Universiteit Stellenbosch
I`m a healthcare worker – what`s your superpower?
Outeur: CHS Physio: Emma Carstens
Gepubliseer: 03/04/2020

The past few weeks have been an emotional roller-coaster for us South-Africans, with a lot of uncertainty. It has been a time of panic and fear globally with the COVID-19 pandemic and not knowing what tomorrow might hold. One thing we knew we could rely on through-out all the hardship and turmoil, was our healthcare professionals working in the front-line around the clock to provide high quality care to all!

7 April 2020 is World Health Day and this year to focus shifts to the vital role that our nurses and midwives play in providing Health Care around the world and call for “strengthening of the nursing and midwifery workforce". (WHO, 2020)

Let`s make an effort next time we are treated or come in contact with a nurse or midwife, to show our appreciation. What can we do?:

  • Thank them for the work they do and for keeping us healthy. Share your photos on social media using hashtag #SupportNursesAndMidwives
  • Call on local leaders to support them and make investments that will enable them to work to their full potential
  • In this time, we can respect and protect them, by protecting ourselves when consulting a nurse or midwive

 

At Campus Health Service, we are fortunate to have 4 nurse practitioners, that have various fields of expertise - from travel medicine to occupational health. For more information, please refer to the website for appointments.

 

If you don't have a Health Care Worker on speed dial, here is what YOU can do to look after yourself this World Health Day:

  1. Stay active – try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week
  2. Reduce sugar and saturated fat intake – increased salt and fat can lead to high blood pressure which can put strain on our heart
  3. Drink lots of water and enjoy fruits and vegetables – feed your body with foods that are high in vitamins and minerals
  4. Feed the brain – we sometimes forget that our brain is our most active muscle! Unwind with a good book or a stroll in nature.

 

Let`s celebrate World Health Day by looking after ourselves and those who look after us!