Lebowakgomo- Capricorn district incorporated three in one umbrella events which were the commemoration of world Aids day, disability and closing campaign on 16 days of activism against children and women abuse.

“Today as we are gathered here as stakeholders we need to deal with the abuse that we see manifesting in our communities,” said Lufuno Ndou who is working with gender based violence at Lebowakgomo magistrate

court. She mentioned that people have abandoned their African value system where “your child was regarded as my child” and that spirit had played a pertinent role of instilling respect and self discipline in society.

“As we speak we have people who are abused by their family members and such victims decide to be silent with the reasons that when abusers are arrested it means there would be no food on table for them to eat. We need to join hands and put a stop for these kind of abuse. We have people who abuse their f a m i l i e s

economically by not supporting their children. Our elder parents are no longer enjoying their pension’s money as they have to take up responsibility that is not meant to be theirs, “she said. Ndou encourage attendees to report any form of abuse that happens in their families and that of neighbors.

Sister Nthani a nurse at Zone R Primary Health Care gave precautionary measures on cholesterol, Blood pressure and HIV/AIDS which are among others that are threatening human lives. “abnormal level of fats circulating in the blood stream can lead to long term problems, a normal person should have 140-200 milligrams and if the cholesterol can move to 300 then the risk of heart attack is very high,” she highlight. The mechanism to reduce cholesterol is through exercise regularly, stop smoking, reduce the amount of fats to avoid being overweight or obese.

High blood pressure (HBP) according to Nthane is a symptom in which abnormal high blood pressure in the arteries increases the risk of sickness such as Stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. “While BP can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise or sleep a normal readings after being examined by a doctor should be less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic for an adult age 20 or over. is regarded as a n o r m a l figure but also at the same time BP varies from one age to the other, children have low blood pressure compared with adult people,” she said.

Sister Nthane emphasized that a single high reading does not necessarily mean that one has high blood pressure. However, if readings stay at 140/90 mm Hg or above over time it means a doctor should begin with the treatment program. “such a programme almost includes lifestyle changes and often prescription of medication for those with 140/90 or higher. If you have 180/110 mm Hg you should seek emergency medical treatment for a hypertensive crisis,” she said.

The presentation which sister Nthane delivered also captured issues of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and the community where we live. “Times have completely changed unlike in the olden days where a man can have multi partners. If you are not infected definitely you are affected. Those who are free from HIV should continue to condomise every time they engage into sexual activities. Let us dispel the theory that has been created in people’s minds that a man is measured by the number of women he has, such thinking is no longer applicable at the present day,” She warns.

The event was concluded by demonstration of both male and female condoms. “Women and men should take equal responsibility to ensure that condoms are available before they decide to have sex. It is also important to have blood test when planning to take your relationship to the next level as the individual status is not written in people’s faces, “she concluded.