Latest news with #DiscoveryVitality
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Vitality named official wellness partner of HYROX South Africa
Discovery Vitality is proud to announce its official partnership with HYROX South Africa, the world's fastest-growing fitness racing series. This exciting collaboration introduces a dynamic new way for Vitality members to stay active, push their limits, and earn Vitality points through participation in HYROX events and training. As part of this partnership, Vitality members can now earn up to 600 Vitality points for completing a HYROX race. Additionally, members can use their two free workouts with Vitality Fitness to train at 24 HYROX affiliated facilities on the fitness platform and can get 100 points per session. What is HYROX? HYROX is a unique indoor fitness race that combines running with functional workouts in a standardised format. Each event features eight 1km runs, each followed by a functional fitness station—ranging from sled pushes and rowing to burpee broad jumps—making it both a test of endurance and strength. 'HYROX offers a unique combination of challenge, accessibility, and fun, and that's what makes it such a powerful fit for Vitality,' says Celeste Williams, head of marketing at Discovery Vitality. 'We believe in creating more opportunities for people to move more and live healthier. HYROX adds a new layer of motivation to that mission, helping our members train with consistency, push their limits, and get rewarded for every effort.' 'Partnering with Discovery Vitality is a major milestone for HYROX South Africa. We share a deep commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles and building inclusive fitness communities. This collaboration brings strong alignment between our brands and real value for both the HYROX and Discovery Vitality communities. Together, we're set to grow the sport with more events, bigger race days, and a world-class participant experience,' says Mlondi Mashinini, Managing Director, HYROX South Africa. With standardised race conditions and a global leaderboard, HYROX is both competitive and inclusive—welcoming everyone from first-timers to elite athletes. In 2024 alone, over 300,000 participants competed in more than 65 races worldwide, and the momentum continues to grow. HYROX Cape Town: the countdown begins The next big event on the calendar is HYROX Cape Town, taking place on 19–20 July 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Both athlete and spectator tickets are available for purchase. An estimated 6,200 participants and the same number of spectators are expected at HYROX Cape Town. To help members prepare, the Vitality Fitness platform offers: • Two free HYROX training sessions per month at participating fitness facilities • An additional eight free sessions for Discovery Bank clients (limited-time offer) Looking ahead, a pre-access offer to Discovery Bank clients to purchase HYROX tickets will be announced.
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
How to spend Mandela Day 2025 in Cape Town
As South Africans, we know the default association most people make with us globally is either rugby or Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Now more than ever, Tata Madiba continues to rest in power, with his powerful legacy celebrated through calls to action each year on Mandela Day. Every year on July 18, people around the world dedicate 67 minutes to service in honour of the 67 years that South Africa's first democratically elected president spent fighting for justice, freedom, and human rights. The idea is simple: small acts, when multiplied, can make a big difference. Mandela Day, inspired during Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday in 2008, was officially declared by the United Nations in 2009 and first celebrated globally in 2010. 'This year's theme is both a challenge and a call for solidarity. We are inviting the world to respond with action, to tackle poverty, fight inequity, and build a society grounded in dignity, justice, and shared humanity,' said Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Dr. Mbongiseni Buthelezi. Cape Town never holds back when it comes to community spirit, and Mandela Day is no exception. Whether you're packing food parcels, joining a city-wide clean-up, or crafting toys for kids in need, here's how you can get involved this year—with options for all ages, interests, and time commitments. National Events Mandela Day Walk & Run 2025 (with Virtual Mandela Day Walk & Run option) Lace-up for the annual Mandela Day Walk & Run taking place on Saturday, 19 July 2025, with 5km, 10km, and 21km routes starting from 07:30. Entry fees range from R100 to R200, and all participants will receive a finisher's medal. Race number collection takes place on 17 and 18 July at the venue. Runners can also earn Discovery Vitality points —300 for 5km, 600 for 10km, and 1,500 for 21km. Commemorative t-shirts are available online when registering. (Note: No pets allowed on race day.) Can't make it in person? Join the virtual race from anywhere on Sunday, 20 July 2025 - Register to complete a walk or run and connect globally. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nelson Mandela Foundation (@nelsonmandelafoundationsa) Rise Against Hunger Africa Food-Packing Events On July 18, 2025, teams will pack nutritious meals across South Africa: Cape Town-Specific Events The Botriver Vineyards Association is bringing back its popular Mandela Day Wine Raffle for 2025, with proceeds supporting youth development and community upliftment projects in the region. One lucky winner will take home 80 bottles of premium wine from 13 top Botriver wineries. Tickets are R100 via Quicket | Draw on 18 July 2025 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bot River Wines (@botriverwines) FoodForward SA Mandela Day Packing Hosted at Century City Conference Centre on July 18, 2025, starting at 09:30. Pack food parcels to address local food insecurity (ticket ~R67) Book via Webtickes Ladles of Love Activation Stations All proceeds will go towards feeding a child two healthy meals a day for a month. Participate in Four zones: Make (food bundles), Create (educational posters), Craft (toys/dolls) or Grow (garden kits). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ladles Of Love South Africa (@ladlesoflove) CPUT Mandela Day Awareness Campaign Cape Peninsula University of Technology is running a campaign within its campuses, focusing on food and period poverty. Donations can be made on July 18 and July 31 at the following locations: Bellville Campus: Sports Hall and Student Centre from 10 am to 2pm. Spotlight Everyday Change-makers Liberty Promenade Mall in Mitchells Plain has launched its 'Heroes Among Us ' campaign ahead of Mandela Day 2025. Nominate unsung community heroes making a lasting impact through ongoing, selfless service: From teachers and coaches to healthcare workers and NGO volunteers, the campaign seeks to honour those quietly transforming their communities. Shortlisted nominees will be featured in a powerful photo exhibition at the mall this July, with one standout individual receiving up to R20,000 to support their work. Nominations are open via the Liberty Promenade website and social media channels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liberty Promenade Mall (@libertypromenademall_za) French‑SA Chamber & Zip Zap Circus Workshop (registered members only) Zip Zap Circus Academy, On July 18, 2025, from 12:00‑13:30 Join a creative Mandela Day initiative with Zip Zap Circus by crafting juggling balls to support their free youth outreach programmes. Organise your own 67-minute mission. Not near an official event? Here are a few DIY Mandela Day ideas: Host a community clean-up in your neighbourhood or along a stretch of coastline. Donate school stationery or sanitary products to a local shelter or NPO. Cook a meal for someone else - a neighbour, car guard, security staff, or stranger. Plant a small food garden at a local school, creche or on your stoep. Give your time or skills —whether that's tutoring, resume help, or lifting boxes. Mandela Day is about more than 67 minutes. It's about turning compassion into action. Whether you're knitting a scarf, painting a wall, or feeding a family, the heart of the day is in choosing service over silence. Have an event to include? Tag us on social or email .
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Roodepoort parkrun sees strong turnout
The Roodepoort parkrun was once again buzzing with enthusiasm on Saturday, May 18, as 444 runners and walkers gathered, awaiting the run director's signal to start the 5km run. This was event number 607 and saw 29 volunteers facilitating the event by directing participants, scanning barcodes and providing support and encouragement. The event drew an amazing 31 first-time runners, and as always, a whole host of participants celebrated the coveted parkrun milestones, including Tatum King, who completed her 10th; Vincent Joel and Helen Mittwoch with their 100th; and Sadiq Gordon with his 150th run. Desmond Campbell was also honoured on the honours board for his 200th parkrun alongside Gielie Nel with 300, and John Carstens closed off the board with 350. Also read: Easter fun at parkrun According to Pascal Simba, the ambassador for Roodepoort parkrun, a new initiative has been introduced by Discovery Vitality and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture called Give2move, which kicked off on May 10 in celebration of World Move for Health Day. Watch video here: 'The aim is to collect 100 000 pairs of shoes in all sizes, which will be donated to those who need them the most. 'Parkrunners are encouraged to donate old or new shoes of any size every Saturday, and that will be appreciated,' he said. Pascal would also like to remind the community that the parkrun takes place every Saturday at 08:00 at Len Rutter Park in Florida Park. The event is free and is a two-lap course. All you have to do is register on print out your barcode, and you are ready to become part of the parkrun community. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Know your numbers: Hypertension poses a silent threat to millions
Know your numbers: Hypertension poses a silent threat to millions World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, is a global reminder of the silent but deadly condition affecting millions. Marking its 20th anniversary this year under the theme Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!, the day encourages awareness, prevention and the control of high blood pressure. Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. 'Unmanaged hypertension is very dangerous,' warns Dr Deepak Patel, a clinical specialist at Discovery Vitality, 'because it leads to aneurysms, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and cognitive impairment.' This is because, over time, the increased pressure damages blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions like heart disease and heart attacks. One serious concern with hypertension is that it often presents without noticeable symptoms. When they do occur, they might include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nose bleeds. These are warning signs that the heart and blood vessels are under severe strain. Patel explains that hypertension contributes to atherosclerosis, a thickening and hardening of the arteries that narrows blood flow. 'Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of coronary artery disease (heart attack), strokes and kidney failure,' he says. SA is in the danger zone The World Health Organisation reports that 10 million people die prematurely annually due to hypertension. This year, an estimated 1.56 billion adults globally will live with the condition. In SA, the figures are staggering. A 2016 Demographic and Health Survey found that 46% of women and 44% of men aged 15 and over suffered from hypertension. Even more concerning is that nearly half of South Africans with high blood pressure have never been tested and are unaware of their condition. What causes hypertension? There are two main types of hypertension. • Primary hypertension develops gradually over time and has no identifiable cause but is influenced by genetics and lifestyle; • Secondary hypertension stems from underlying conditions like kidney disease, vascular disease or tumours. Risk factors you can control Many risk factors linked to high blood pressure are lifestyle-related and preventable. The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as major contributors: • Age: Risk increases as you get older, particularly after age 64; • Race: People of African heritage are more likely to develop hypertension earlier and suffer complications such as stroke and kidney failure; • Obesity: More body weight means more blood is needed to supply tissues, raising blood pressure; • Family history: Genetics play a significant role in risk; • Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise leads to higher heart rates and increased arterial pressure; • High stress levels: Chronic stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, or drinking can raise blood pressure; • Smoking: Tobacco damages the arteries and elevates blood pressure; • Excessive alcohol: Drinking too much, especially regularly, strains the heart; • Poor diet: A high sodium intake causes the body to retain fluid, increasing pressure; • Chronic illnesses: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnoea also elevate risk. The bottom line Hypertension might be silent, but it's far from harmless. Regular screening, healthy living and awareness are crucial to combat this condition. As World Hypertension Day reminds us: Accurately measure your blood pressure, control it and live longer. Knowing your numbers could save your life. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
17-05-2025
- Health
- eNCA
Hypertension remains a 'silent' killer in SA
PHILADELPHIA - On 17 May 2025 is World Hypertension Day. Often known as a silent killer, Hypertension affects countless individuals without their awareness. Health experts are urging everyone to prioritise regular blood pressure screenings for better health management. Dr. Mosima Mabunda, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Vitality, says lifestyle factors play a significant role in hypertension. She says those who have been diagnosed with hypertension should exercise and eat properly.
