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City raises awareness about hypertension.

World Hypertension Day is on 17 May. City Health encourages residents to get their blood pressure checked, and to take the necessary steps to manage hypertension, if a diagnosis is made.Hypertension is defined as a reading of 140/90 or higher. Known as the ‘silent killer’, it generally has no symptoms, but can strike quite unexpectedly. The good news is that medication, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can prevent complications.‘South Africa faces an uphill battle with lifestyle diseases, including hypertension. We have seen an exponential rise in high blood pressure cases over the last two decades, with one in three of our population living with the disease. Apart from the risks of heart attacks and strokes, uncontrolled high blood pressure can also lead to heart failure, kidney failure, visual impairment and blindness and peripheral vascular disease, which can cause gangrene and amputation of limbs.‘It’s a scary scenario, but one that can be managed, even if there is a diagnosis. We ask that the public ascertain their status, know the risk factors and implement lifestyle changes to mitigate those factors, and to take their medication regularly. Like many health concerns, self-management is critical and can be the difference between life and death,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.For the period April 2020 to March 2021, City Health screened 421 888 clients for hypertension. During the same period, 2 727 new cases were diagnosed, and just under 50 000 clients had follow up visits at their local clinics.Risk factors include a family history, diabetes or stroke, obesity, ethnicity, sentary lifestyle, high BP in pregnancy and a poor diet with excess alcohol, sugar and salt. However, anyone can be affected, which is why it is important that everyone has their blood pressure screened regularly. ‘All City clinics offer routine blood pressure screening at every visit. Please ensure that your blood pressure is checked at every consultation by one of our health care providers, or during a visit to your local GP or hospital. The City also runs a Live Well Challenge programme across all areas in the metropole, which teaches communities about healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise as well as how to take care of your mental health. Residents are encouraged to join the programmes at their nearest facility.‘A healthy diet and a healthy heartbeat go hand in hand. Give your undivided attention to this disease that comes without any symptoms; check your blood pressure today and start the journey towards a longer, healthier life,’ added Councillor Badroodien. End

2021-05-12T22:00:00Z

Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato wishes all Muslims Eid Mubarak

STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR DAN PLATO

As the holy month of Ramadaan comes to an end, I hope this month of fasting has brought you reflection, peace, renewal and strength.The Muslim community plays an important role towards building a caring city. Your efforts, along with the rest of Cape Town, to reach out to those in need during this time has been wonderful to see. We are fortunate that our City finds its beauty through its diversity, and our people, as we celebrate our different cultures, religions and beliefs. I know that this period of fasting and the traditions that come with it have been impacted by Covid-19. However, it did not take away from the significance of this period. We are hopeful that the next Ramadaan will be with far fewer restrictions as the national vaccination rollout ramps up over the coming months. Capetonians are courageous, resilient and show great kindness. Residents have opened their hearts and helped those in need, and my wish is for this spirit of community and sharing to continue. The City of Cape Town, too, has gone above and beyond its municipal mandate by allocating R39 million towards critical food aid relief to reach out to vulnerable communities, and has supported more than 260 soup kitchens - and counting - to feed more than 200 000 residents each day during lockdown. I appeal to all residents to please continue practising social distancing and good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, not touching your face or shaking hands. We all need to continue adhering to the national lockdown regulations so we can limit the extent of the third wave.On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I extend my best wishes to you on this holy occasion. Eid Mubarak! End

2021-05-12T22:00:00Z

City advises of water supply disruption affecting the Scottsville (Hout Bay) area

The City’s Water and Sanitation Department will be conducting zero pressure tests on the main water supply to the Scottsville (Hout Bay) area.

This disruption will affect the Scottsville area in Hout Bay bounded by Scott Road and Hout Bay Main.Zero-pressure testing is part of the installation process for pressure management technology. Tests are done to see if there are any unmapped inflows that need to be taken into account before smart pressure reducing valves are installed. Residents are advised to store water in clean, sealed containers for use during this period and to ensure that their taps are closed to avoid water loss and/or damage when the supply is restored. This work forms part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy. Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage. The City regrets any inconvenience caused. End

2021-05-12T22:00:00Z

City advises of water supply disruption affecting the Bellville area

The City’s Water and Sanitation Department will be conducting zero pressure tests on the main water supply to the Bellville area.

This disruption will affect the area in Bellville bounded by Willie van Schoor Drive, South of Old Oak Road and North of N1.Zero-pressure testing is part of the installation process for pressure management technology. Tests are done to see if there are any unmapped inflows that need to be taken into account before smart pressure reducing valves are installed. Residents are advised to store water in clean, sealed containers for use during this period and to ensure that their taps are closed to avoid water loss and/or damage when the supply is restored. This work forms part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy. Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage. The City regrets any inconvenience caused. End

2021-05-12T22:00:00Z

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