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12 October 2020
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Story Arina Engelbrecht
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Arina Engelbrecht from Organisational Development and Employee Well-being believes physical activity has a number of benefits for one’s health, including stress relief.
Being physically active plays a big role in preventing the development of mental-health problems and in improving the quality of life of people experiencing mental-health problems.
Treatment for depression
Physical activity can be an alternative treatment for depression. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with medication and/or psychological therapy. It promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns are formed that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It releases endorphins – powerful chemicals in the brain that energise your spirit and make you feel good.
Physical activity can be very effective in relieving stress. Research in adults has found that physically active individuals tend to have lower stress levels compared to individuals who are less active. It also leads to improved sleep. When a person sleeps better and feels more rested, overall quality of life improves. They cope better with daily life stressors.
Reduce Alzheimer's risk
Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50%. It can also slow down further deterioration in those who have already started to develop cognitive problems. It stimulates the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as to make new ones.
A study asked people to rate their mood immediately after periods of physical activity (e.g. going for a walk/run, cycling, doing housework) and periods of inactivity (e.g. reading a book or watching television). Researchers found that participants felt more content, more awake, and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity.
In conclusion, people who are physically active feel a sense of well-being, feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives.
“Being physically active not only changes your body, it changes your mind,
attitude, and your mood.” – Arina Engelbrecht
UFS takes precautions against Swine Flu
2009-08-05
“No cases of the Human Swine Flu have been reported at the University of the Free State (UFS) so far,” says Sister Riana Johnson from Kovsie Health.
“The situation is monitored closely and we are taking the necessary precautions to deal with any possible cases,” she says.
“Staff and students should visit their nearest clinic, medical practitioner or an emergency room if they experience any of the symptoms. They can also contact Kovsie Health at 051 401 2603 on the Main Campus and 058 718 5210 on the Qwaqwa Campus during office hours,” says Sister Johnson.
The symptoms of Swine Flu resemble those of ordinary flu and it includes a fever above 38 degrees Celsius together with a sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, coughing, headaches, tiredness and joint pains. Some people also have diarrhoea and vomiting.
A confirmed case of Swine Flu is a person who has an acute respiratory infection and where Swine Flu A/H1N1 infection is confirmed by a laboratory. There is no vaccine available against Swine Flu at the moment. However, antiviral medication is available and will be prescribed if necessary.
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
5 August 2009