The Health Expo, held from 25-27 March kick started the HIT 10th Anniversary celebrations. Held under the theme: "Celebrating 10th Anniversary through a healthy lifestyle," the Health Expo was hosted by the HIT Health Club under the Student Affairs Division.
Sister Mashoko of the Student Services Department said the Health Expo was aimed at promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle amongst students and staff.
"We wanted to promote health awareness on non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension," she said. She further added that the promotion of a good healthy diet and nutrition was another aspect of the Expo.
CORPORATE 24, a medical aid service provider for HIT students supported the Health Expo as well as Population Services International (PSI), the Diabetic Association and SayWhat.
The Health Expo provided health services such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, exercise tolerance checks, information on sexual health, nutritional information, social health, and body water checks.
"It was quite successful as we managed to get a large turn out from students and members of staff. We are currently getting some feedback, but from our assessment, people welcomed the idea. We are witnessing some reform in people’s eating habits as some have already changed their diets and taking up exercise to keep their bodies healthy and fit", said Sister Mashoko.
Phillip Mashingaidze, a Part Three student in the E – Commerce programme who visited the Health Expo said that he was able to be checked and tested for various non-communicable diseases, as well as getting advice on a nutritional diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Macdonald Nhakura, a member of staff who attended the Health Expo was examined on three health aspects, which provided him with free healthy tips for a healthy lifestyle.
"My sugar levels were tested and I was relieved that I was on the normal levels and I was given tips on how to maintain it that way so that I may not develop the chronic sugar diabetes, a life threatening disease.
"They gave us tips on healthy foods and lifestyle which can assist us to maintain good health. The exercise was very informative and conducted in an orderly and exciting way. I wouldn’t mind being examined annually", said Mr Nhakura.
The Health Expo was the first in the series of events to be held under the banner of the 10th Anniversary celebrations. Several other activities are lined up throughout the year which includes conferences, symposia and an open day, among others. The anniversary celebrations are being held under the theme: "Celebrating innovation, Championing Technopreneurship."
