Latest news with #GrassrootsMovement
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Free Health screenings boost wellness in Kempton Park
Kempton Park residents received free health screenings during a wellness initiative hosted by the Ken G Morka Foundation's Grassroots Movement on June 11. The event at the Unique Medical Centre promoted health awareness, preventative care and early detection of chronic conditions. Led by Sister Ceby Mthabela, attendees could have free tests for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, weight and height. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni's spaza shop crackdown: Health and safety violations lead to closures Mthabela highlighted the importance of regular check-ups. 'Early detection helps identify potential health concerns before they become serious. Preventative care, such as vaccinations and screenings, significantly improves long-term health outcomes.' She also stressed the value of establishing a relationship with a healthcare provider. 'When people trust their provider, they're more likely to talk openly about health issues, which leads to better care,' she added. Community members at the event shared their reasons for prioritising their health. 'We lost a pastor at our church who didn't know she had diabetes. By the time it was discovered, it was too late. She slipped into a coma and sadly passed away,' said Blessing Nyakudzi. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni's spaza shop crackdown: Health and safety violations lead to closures 'That experience made me realise how important it is to know your health status. Many conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are silent killers.' Nyakudzi added that some people avoid getting tested out of fear, 'One person told me, 'I'd rather not know', but how can you protect yourself if you don't check? These conditions can be managed if caught early.' Emily Nyakudzi also shared her story, explaining how a seemingly minor issue in 2023 turned out to be life-threatening. 'I developed a swollen leg and was shocked to learn it was a blood clot. I was admitted for two weeks. That experience changed me, and I've since encouraged many, especially women, to go for regular check-ups.' She was thankful for the free services offered. 'My sugar levels were fine, but my blood pressure was high, probably due to stress. It's services like these that help save lives. The staff were friendly and supportive, and I urge everyone to take advantage when they can.' The founder of the Ken G Morka Foundation, Professor Ken G Morka, confirmed that similar health check-ups would be held regularly and are open to everyone, regardless of age. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health gets R100m boost to fix hospital equipment and laundry services 'Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure no longer affect only the elderly; they're becoming more common in young people, too,' he said. This initiative forms part of the foundation's broader Grassroots Movement, which seeks to empower communities by addressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality and illiteracy through sustainable, community-based programmes. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters gather in Peoria for ‘D-Day for Democracy' rally
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — On Saturday, more than 100 individuals assembled along War Memorial Drive in front of Peoria Stadium to participate in a protest organized by the Peoria chapter of 50501. Participants carried signs and chanted slogans expressing their views on the Trump administration. The date of the rally comes one day after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy Beach in France by Allied troops in World War II. For the organizers, this moment harkens back to that time when democracy triumphed over autocracy. Organizers described the current moment in American history as a pivotal one, likening it to the turning point of World War II. That connection inspired the event's name: 'D-Day for Democracy.' 'Of course, yesterday we all honored the veterans with the remembrance of the battle in 1944, when our veterans fought fascism in Europe. And so we're riding kind of on the heels of that. So today we're saying ordinary citizens are coming out and declaring their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and to the rule of law,' Theresa Kuhlmann, the spokeswoman for Peoria 50501, said. The rally also included a mock court trial for President Trump, staged by the organizers. The 'D-Day for Democracy' rally was the fifth mass rally organized by 50501, a grassroots national movement opposing the policies and practices of the second Trump administration. Organizers with the Peoria chapter of 50501 said their goal is to build a movement that cannot be ignored by elected officials. The Peoria 50501 chapter hopes the event will encourage ongoing civic engagement among community members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
