“A Moment That Could Save Your Life”: NWU’s HART Leads the Fight Against Hypertension
- Karen Scheepers
- May 30
- 3 min read
A Life-Saving Message During May Measurement Month
High blood pressure, often dubbed the "silent killer," continues to pose a serious yet preventable threat to millions around the globe. Without any visible symptoms, it quietly damages blood vessels, raising the risk of strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, and other life-altering complications. But in Potchefstroom and surrounding communities, help is on the way, one blood pressure check at a time.
In May, during the globally recognised May Measurement Month, the North-West University’s Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) took a proactive stance against hypertension. With a goal to screen and educate over 2,500 individuals, they didn’t just raise awareness, they potentially saved lives.
Taking Hypertension Awareness to the People
Led by Professor Carina Mels, HART kicked off their awareness campaign on 6 May during NWU’s Wellness Week. This was no token gesture. The team of dedicated researchers, biokineticists, nutritionists, and students transformed public spaces into life-saving stations. From the heart of the university to bustling community hubs, they took screenings directly to where people live, shop, and work.
On 16 May, they set up at the Potchefstroom Campus. The following day, coinciding with International Hypertension Day, they brought their services to Mooirivier Mall in partnership with Dischem Pharmacy. It was a fitting reminder that a five-minute check could make a lifetime of difference.
The campaign didn’t stop there. On 14 May, they visited Huis Anna Viljoen. On 21 May, Safe Haven became a site for health empowerment. Then Samuel Broadbent House welcomed the team on 28 May. The effort concludes at Vyfhoek Mall on 31 May, wrapping up a month that was as much about awareness as it was about action.
The Human Side of a Medical Campaign
At the centre of this effort is Sister Adéle Burger, who manages the HART clinic at NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus. Her message is simple but powerful: “With knowledge comes power, and it enables people to make better health and lifestyle choices.” According to her, the team isn’t just measuring blood pressure, they’re sparking important conversations, opening eyes to risk factors, and guiding people toward healthier futures.
Whether it was a student hesitantly sitting down for their first check, or an elderly resident surprised by their results, the message remained clear: It only takes a moment.
A Community Collaboration with Heart
What made this campaign truly impactful was its collaborative nature. NWU’s HART team was joined by experts from Biokinetics, Nutrition, and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). This synergy of knowledge and care allowed for a broader reach and a deeper impact.
But beyond medical expertise, it was the approachability of the team, composed in large part of students, that made participants feel comfortable. These were peers, neighbours, and friends extending a hand, not just researchers in lab coats.
Prof. Mels highlights the true goal of the campaign: “Our aim is not only to screen individuals but to empower them to find manageable ways to reduce their risk.” Whether it’s dietary advice, lifestyle tips, or referrals for follow-up care, every interaction was tailored to inform and support.
Health Starts With a Moment
As the campaign draws to a close, its message will linger. In a world where chronic illnesses often go unnoticed until it’s too late, efforts like these serve as a crucial reminder: prevention is possible. Through education, accessibility, and community engagement, HART is rewriting the story of hypertension in Potchefstroom and beyond.
For many, May Measurement Month was more than a health campaign. It was a wake-up call, a moment of clarity, and, possibly, the beginning of a longer, healthier life.
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