By: Ayanda Kasule

It was a day to know your blood pressure, HIV status, sugar level or simply your body mass index during the Health and Wellness Fair held at Durban University of Technology, Ritson Campus.

The Health and Wellness Fair is an event that takes place annually and is aimed at cultivating awareness about health related issues experienced by young people such as hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes and obesity.

Naseem Haniff, Director for Student Council and Health Service for the university said, “What we are saying if students are aware and start to live a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet, regular medical test these will contribute to a more successful academic career.”

The South African Blood Service (SANBS), Department of Homeopathy, SANCA, Virgin Active, student counseling HIV and AIDS center are among the 18 organisations that provide assistance to students.

“I have checked my weight, eye sight just to see what kind of eye related problems I might have and tuberculosis not because I have a problem but because I want to know more about my health,” said Fisher Malunga, a management student.

DUT in partnership with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Health have turned this event into an educational victory.  Nobuhle Shezi, a student at DUT said, “I enjoyed this fair and I promise to visit the clinic on a regular basis and leave a healthy life.”