The Department of Health is set to kick off a campaign tomorrow promoting healthy lifestyles
and regular health screenings to combat rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
like diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke.

With South Africa facing a growing burden of these so-called “diseases of lifestyle”, citizens
are being urged to exercise, avoid tobacco, eat healthy diets, and limit alcohol – all factors
that increase NCD risk.

The campaign aims to improve public health and wellbeing through promoting cost-effective
physical activity, healthy eating habits and regular health checks and testing.

NCDs contribute heavily to sickness and death in South Africa. But many are preventable
through lifestyle changes.

The Department of Health is urging all citizens to take charge of their health by visiting local
health facilities for check-ups and screenings.

These simple steps of getting tested and making lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in
the fight against NCDs.