Health Society of South Africa

THE HEALTH SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA (HSSA)

The Health Society was established in April 2005

Non-profit Registration No: 042-990-NPO

Section 21 Company Registration number: 2005/030612/08

Directors:

Andrew Oberholzer (Nat. Dip Podiatry, Grad. Dip. IMM)

Bronwen Oberholzer (BA (Ed) BA(Hons) MEd(Ed Psych)
Lana Pepler M. Tech Hom , Hons Chem. B Sc (SA)
Glynis Williams RN, RM, CHN

1. THE MISSION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY

1.1 MAIN OBJECTIVE

To increase the awareness of the importance of health and to provide scientifically accurate information on health issues to the general public, the media and healthcare professionals.

1.2 ANCILLARY OBJECTIVES

1.2.1 Participate in local and international health weeks and health days together with other health organisations.

1.2.2 Disseminate unbiased scientifically accurate information on health and well being through written books, brochures, articles, websites, and press releases.

1.2.3 Provide expert opinions on health issues to the media.

1.2.4 Report inaccurate and misleading media reporting and advertising on health to the relevant bodies.

2. THE VALUES OF THE ORGANISATION

2.1 The society supports the right of the consumer to access all available information on health.

2.2 The society supports the rights of the consumer to actively participate in decision-making that affects his or her health.

2.3 The society supports a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to health.

3. FUNDING

Funding for the HSSA is obtained through memberships. Industry members partner with the society to promote awareness around various diseases and medical conditions. We appeal to organisations which benefit from the society's activities to also offer a donation to the society to assist with the running costs.

4. STRUCTURE

The Health Society is managed by a board of executive directors who have had extensive experience in health promotions. Healthcare Professionals and Health Science students assist with the implementation of the Society's disease awareness programs.

5. CURRENT ACTIVITIES

5.1 A health information website: www.healthsoc.co.za

The website is one of the most comprehensive health information sources for consumers in South Africa. There are over 1000 conditions covered. Advertising space is available on the website.

5.2 Participation in Corporate Wellness Days

Corporations in South Africa are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of employee wellness. In addition to ongoing corporate wellness programs, many of them now hold corporate wellness days. The Health Society and its members actively participate in these wellness days and provide scientifically accurate health information on various areas of health and safety.

5.3 TALKS AND WORKSHOPS

The Health Society has an extensive range of courses available for corporates (catalogues are available on request). Speakers have been selected for their product knowledge and their ability to convey information in an entertaining and informative style.

5.4 HEALTH SCREENING

Early diagnosis of chronic diseases and cancer is an essential element of any wellness program. HSSA provides a full screening service.