YUVA, in close collaboration with the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), organised a medical camp on Saturday 24 August 2019 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Super U, Grand Bay Coeur de Ville.
Through this initiative, YUVA brought awareness amongst the population on the importance of good health. Free medical advice was provided to the people and they were referred for specialised treatment. Amongst the different services offered were blood donation, general check-up, eye check-up, diabetes check-up, hypertension check-up and biofeedback stress test, conducted by professionals from different organisations.
Health is one of the main pillars of YUVA’s vision. YUVA has previously conducted different projects in the health area. Blood donation campaigns, setting medical camps, raising awareness on the prevention and cure of common diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, distribution of medical plants which play a crucial role in disease prevention, all contributed to bettering the health of the young people and children in Mauritius, especially those living in difficult conditions. YUVA is an unswerving supporter of children’s and young people’s health.
Health examinations and tests at the early stages of the illness can help to cure it faster and save a life before it can cause any damage. One can live longer and healthier only when the individual gets the right kind of health check-up, screening, and treatments. Even the most basic checkups can identify underlying illnesses. Getting the appropriate kind of health check-up is vital for every human being and while considering it, some important factors like age, lifestyle, family background, and risks are taken into account.
The medical camp interested many passers-by, who were interested to do the medical screenings and agreed to give blood, which in turn, shows that Mauritians are treading towards a more health-conscious lifestyle. Lastly, each participant was given healthy refreshments after carrying out the check-ups.
Participants were also invited to YUVA’s stand to learn more about YUVA’s work as well as to collaborate with the NGO for future projects in the health sector, for a positive development of the state of health of Mauritian youth and children, especially the most vulnerable. This was done through the distribution of flyers, brochures and business cards, as well as in-depth discussions with YUVA representatives.
Blood donation
Various organisations and health professionals contributed to making the event a success. Amongst them was the National Blood Transfusion Service of the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life.
Situated in the premises of Victoria Hospital, Candos, it is one of the many departments of Central Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. It caters for the need of blood and blood components for all public and private health care institutions in the Republic of Mauritius. It collects blood at fixed points as well as through a system of mobile blood collection throughout the island. Special thanks to the National Blood Transfusion Service staff, namely Ms Fakira, Ms Koonjul, Ms Ramdour, Ms Soorjee and Ms Kissoondayal.
Biofeedback stress test
Members of the Brahma Kumaris (Mauritius) were also present to conduct the Biofeedback Stress Test. The biofeedback session monitors and displays a sound, a flash of light, or an image that represents your heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, sweating, or muscle activity.
When you’re under stress, these functions change. Your heart rate speeds up, your muscles tighten, your blood pressure rises, you start to sweat, and your breathing quickens. You can see these stress responses as they happen on the monitor, and then get immediate feedback as you try to stop them.
The biofeedback therapists have also advised on relaxation exercises to reduce the level of stress experienced by most participants.
Eye check-up
Ms Shafiee (Optometrist) and Mr Muzammil, from Farouk Hossen Opticians conducted Eye Check-up. Farouk Hossen Opticians are driven by a desire to help the Mauritian people live healthful lives, endeavour to bring decades of experience, state-of-the-art clinical facilities and affordable eye care to all Mauritians. Their philosophy stems from a long-standing tradition of optometry, paired with modernism and innovation.
Diabetes and hypertension tests
The general medical tests, including Hypertension and Diabetes, were conducted by the general practitioners, Dr Autar, Dr Damry, Dr Ramrucha and Dr Moosoohur.
