As members of the North-West University (NWU) community, students and staff can often prioritize their academic or career pursuits over their personal health. However, it is important to remember that good health is essential for any success. As we celebrate the #WorldHealthDay today, it is a great time for us to focus on prioritizing our physical and mental well-being.
At the NWU, students and staff can rest assured that their health needs are taken care of. Each of the three campuses has a health centre that provides medical assistance to students and staff in need. The NWU places a strong emphasis on student and staff health, striving to create an environment where everyone can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
But it is not enough to wait until you are sick to prioritize your health. The NWU encourages students and staff to adopt healthy habits that promote good health, such as engaging in regular physical activities, eating nutritious meals, and getting quality sleep daily. By incorporating these habits into our routine, we can enhance our overall well-being and academic or professional success.
Physical activity is an excellent way to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Exercise helps us maintain a healthy weight, promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality. By incorporating physical activity into our daily routine, we can stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is equally important. Consuming nutrient-rich foods provides our bodies with the necessary vitamins and minerals to function optimally. By making conscious food choices, we can maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve our overall well-being.
Quality sleep is also crucial to our physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to a host of health problems, including increased stress, decreased immunity, and decreased cognitive function. By prioritizing sleep, we can improve our focus, memory, and overall health.
In addition to these healthy habits, the NWU’s health centres offer a wide range of services to all students and staff. These services include birth control and prenatal care, voluntary counselling, and testing for HIV/Aids (VCT), health guidance, promotion, and education, emergency care, and community services.
The health centres also provide health screening for chronic conditions and chronic disease management, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, pregnancy tests, and weighing. Students and staff who receive chronic treatment at a government facility can have their medication delivered to the NWU healthcare centres.
Furthermore, the health centres provide daily laboratory services, where blood and other specimens can be taken by a nurse during a consultation. They also perform minor surgical procedures, such as applying stitches, tending to cuts, or the insertion and removal of Implanon (contraceptive implant).
Finally, the NWU places a strong emphasis on students’ and staff’s mental health and well-being. The health centres offer comprehensive and professional career counselling, psychometric testing, and career-path guidance to ensure that students and staff are well-equipped to navigate their academic or professional lives.
It is important to note that students and staff with or without medical aid are welcome to use the services provided by the NWU’s health centres. Consultations are offered at a minimum fee, making it accessible to all students and staff.
On the Vanderbijlpark Campus, the Health Centre is located in Building 25 on Hendrik van Eck Boulevard. The centre is open on weekdays from 08:30 to 16:00, and consultations start from 08:30-16:00. In case of medical emergencies outside of these hours, campus Protection Services can be contacted at 016 910 3339.
On the Mahikeng Campus, the Health Centre is in Building B6 and is open from 08:00 to 16:30 on weekdays. Consultations start from 08:30-16:30. For further assistance, students can contact the Health Centre at 018 389 2495/018 389 2907. In case of medical emergencies outside of these hours, Protection Services can be contacted at 018 389 2331, and they will transport students to public health institutions.
On the Potchefstroom Campus, the Health Centre is located in Building E16 on Jooste Street. The centre is open from Monday to Friday between 07:45 and 16:15, and consultations start from 08:30-16:00. For appointments, further information, or any queries, students can call 018 299 4345. In case of a medical emergency on campus, emergency services can be activated by contacting Protection Services at 018 299 2211.
The NWU’s health centres prioritize the health and well-being of students and staff. By providing a wide range of services, the health centres ensure that everyone can access medical care and support when needed. By taking advantage of these services, students and staff can prioritize their health, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and achieve academic or professional success.
Let us celebrate World Health Day by committing to prioritizing our physical and mental well-being!
#MyNWU #NWUCares #HealthForAll