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12 October 2020
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Story Arina Engelbrecht
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Photo Supplied
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 presents short course on dairy
2010-05-02
The University of the Free State (UFS) will present a one-day short course titled “Adding value to milk and milk products” in the Board Room in the Agriculture Building on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 19 May 2010, from 08:15 to 17:00. The cost per person is R950,00 and it includes refreshments, lunch, practical experience and course material. The course will be presented by Prof. Celia Hugo and Dr Maryna de Wit of the UFS.
The after the course the attendants will be able to produce cheese, cottage cheese, feta cheese, maas (Amazi) and yoghurt. In South Africa milk is produced on a large scale. With the basic knowledge anybody is able to add value to this product by further processing of the milk.
For registration contact Anita at 0836698435 or vwsdairy@ufs.ac.za. Please note that registration closes on 7 May 2010. For more information on the course contact Celia at 0514012692 or hugocj@ufs.ac.za or Maryna at 0514013261 or dewitm@ufs.ac.za.