Mission

Our mission is to apply well researched interventions aimed at promotion of healthy lifestyle and prevention of lifestyle diseases through community centred and inter-professional care approach.

Vision

Our vision is to be recognized nationally and internationally in research aimed at the prevention and reduction of risks of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which causes impairments, disability, mental disorder, and premature deaths in rural African communities.

What are lifestyle diseases?

Lifestyle diseases are defined as chronic health conditions that are primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking and obesity. These diseases affect people of all age groups, regions and countries.

What are the common lifestyle diseases?

• Cardiovascular diseases (E.g. heart attack & stroke)
• Chronic respiratory diseases (E.g. asthma)
• Metabolic diseases (E.g. Diabetes mellitus)
• Cancer
• Mental health conditions

What are the risk factors of lifestyle diseases?

• Lack of physical activity
• Tobacco use
• Unhealthy diets, including excess salt, sugar and fats
• Harmful use of alcohol
• Overweight/obesity
• High blood pressure
• Uncontrolled blood glucose levels

How to prevent lifestyle diseases?

• exercising regularly (E.g. walking, gardening & lunges)
• following a healthy diet (E.g. fruits, vegetables & beans)
• abstain from substance abuse (E.g. alcohol & dagga)
• practicing good sleeping habits (at least 7-8 hours each night)
• establishing healthy relationships
• better stress management
• regulating and monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels