Prof Leepile Sehularo, the newly appointed director of the Lifestyle Diseases research niche area at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, says the research area is committed to implementing enhanced programmes dedicated to preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases.

A ground-breaking long-term care model, focusing on psychological perspectives for managing lifestyle diseases, is a key component of the upcoming initiatives.

Two fourth-year nursing students recently represented the North-West University (NWU) at the WorldSkills South Africa competition in Durban.

Competing against six other participants from across the country, Nobuhle Noluthando Motlhare secured the top spot in the Health and Social Care Skills category, while Boitshwarelo Motlhokudi secured a commendable third place, earning herself a bronze medal.

The Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference, held from the 23rd until the 26th October 2023, in Cape Town, served as a distinguished platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of researchers and postgraduate students from the North-West University’s (NWU) affiliated with the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

On 29 and 30 November 2023, the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a workshop to share knowledge and best practices regarding the use of direct-reading methodologies and sensors in occupational hygiene. Themed "The changing landscape of occupational hygiene: Challenges and opportunities presented by real-time exposure data", the event brought together 50 professionals, including international representatives, government bodies, universities and industry experts.

To mark Child Health Day, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) organised some fun activities for the youngsters at Stadt Primary School to highlight the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Learners and parents from the school in Mahikeng’s Montshioa-Stadt village attended the event at the Ratshidi Hall on 12 October 2023. The aim of the event was not only to raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle, but also to collect data and encourage a good relationship with the local community.

A researcher of the North-West University (NWU) has been selected to serve on the board of directors of the South African Heart Association (SA Heart®). He will also work in its executive and stakeholder committees.

Prof Ruan Kruger from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) will serve on the board for a period of three years. “It is a great honour. The SA Heart® board comprises the best cardiologists in South Africa, and for me as a physiologist to be selected is a wonderful milestone.”

The top floor of the G23 Building on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) hosts the subject group Pharmacology in the School of Pharmacy, and a research team of the Pharmacen centre of excellence.

The Sports Science team of the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) at the North-West University (NWU) recently travelled to the Tlamelang Special School just outside Mahikeng to conduct a series of talent identification tests on wheelchair basketball players for the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). SASCOC is the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for South Africa.

The faculties at the North-West University (NWU) are doing exciting work on the research front.

Prof Philimon Modisha is an associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering and his research is centred on liquid organic hydrogen storage. His research is mostly at the Department of Science and Innovation Hydrogen South Africa Infrastructure Centre of Competence, co-hosted by the NWU and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

They thrive on adrenaline, excitement and energy, but it is particularly sleep or the lack of it that can impact the performance of athletes. A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) says her research has shown that ensuring good sleeping habits, or sleep hygiene as it is known, not only improves athletic performance and endurance capabilities, but also athletes’ overall well-being.