Holistic health and wellness fair in Mbekweni
2008-05-08
THE Mbekweni Primary School will be transformed into a centre for Women’s Wellness on 31 May when the Gender Advocacy Programme (GAP) holds its annual Women’s Health Fair. The Fair, which has been an annual event since 1999, will expose women to progressive health and wellness options, as well as facilitate easy and convenient access to certain primary health care services around cervical cancer, breast cancer and HIV/Aids. Women will be able to go for free pap smear tests, breast examinations and HIV/Aids counselling and testing. “The emphasis will be on body, soul and mind, implying that health does not only involve caring about physical challenges and illnesses, but also about making sure the mind and soul are well looked after too,” according to GAP. In line with this, there will be information, awareness raising, demonstrations and actual treatments from a range of holistic health therapists and instructors. Women will be able to enjoy treatments such as Indian head massage, reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu Massage, hot stone therapy and Ayurvedic healing. “The aim is to expose people in marginalised communities to different wellness options, as well as to introduce alternative health therapists to new communities so that they may be able to extend their services to these areas,” says the GAP statement. Apart from actual treatments, there will also be group wellness exercise displays that people can participate in and learn techniques on how to stay healthy. These will include different yoga sessions, Tai Chi, rhythmic therapy and meditation exercises. GAP is working closely with state health practitioners in the Drakenstein to source nurses and other staff on the day, while community organisations from Mbekweni itself will be responsible for organising the many marshals and volunteers that will be required for the event. There will be several exhibits, including an organic gardening display, an anti-tobacco awareness raising exhibit by the Cancer Association of South Africa, and numerous other community-based organisations who will be advertising the various work and programmes they undertake. The Mayor of Drakenstein, Charmaine Manuel, will officially open the event. Entrance will be free, child care facilities will be available, and food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day. If there are any holistic and alternative health therapists in the Drakenstein who are interested in being part of the fair, contact Raashied Galant on 021-465-0197.
More
News
|
