Premier Lifestyle partners Zimpapers in cancer awareness
Premier Service Medical Aid Society screened scores of participants at the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk-Harare edition that took place on the 5th of November 2022.
Screenings which were on offer included pelvis and prostate scans, blood pressure, blood sugar diabetes and body analysis.
Premier Lifestyle also provided health education and coaching on the importance of healthy lifestyles and good eating habits to curtail prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cancers.
The event provided the Society with an opportunity to contribute towards the wellness of not only PSMAS members but entire Zimbabweans.
Screenings and health education were open to all participants regardless of whether one is a PSMAS member or not with a clear message “early diagnosis saves lives.”
In Bulawayo, a cancer survivor, Mrs Rejoice Chigumbura, who is a PSMAS member and has been getting assistance from the Society also shared her experiences with participants during the Bulawayo Walkathon held concurrently with the Harare edition.
While explaining the importance of early diagnosis, eating healthy and regular exercises to other participants during the Walkathon, Mrs Chigumbura said she was diagnosed with one of the most dreadful type of cancers called cardiac amyloidosis in 2018.
Cardiac amyloidosis is a build-up of abnormal proteins in the tissues of the heart that affect its function and for Mrs Chigumbura, these abnormal proteins affected the better part of the heart. This resulted in her being in and out of hospital.
She said her chances of survival were slim, but PSMAS came in as a life-saver to her ailment.
“I got my chemotherapy injections all subsidized by PSMAS, I met friendly staff that encouraged me to keep on fighting. Even after treatment, I’m still getting my chemotherapy maintenance drugs from PSMAS,” said Mrs Chigumira.
After completing her 10km walk, Mrs Chigumira encouraged all cancer patients to have a positive mindset for them to win the cancer battle.
“Yes, feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, and helplessness comes with cancer diagnosis but if diagnosed, you need to be strong. A supporting family and community also comes in handy,” she said.
About 120 PSMAS employees and members from Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Masvingo took part in the Walkathon contributing a total of ZWL$257 197.24 and US$3 from participation fee.
All proceeds were handed over to Zimpapers (Pvt) Ltd for official handover to Island Hospice and Healthcare.
