Third year physiology students were treated to a surprise visit from the Chief Executive Officer of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa recently.
Dr Vash Mungal-Singh visited Stellenbosch University (SU) on invitation of Prof Faadiel Essop, head of the Department of Physiological Sciences at SU, to address students after a series of lectures on cardiovascular diseases.
Prof Essop says he wanted to expose students to the real-life issues faced by the foundation, but also to show them how an in depth understanding of the basic physiology of the heart can help to make a contribution towards combatting what is currently described as the world's biggest killer.
Dr Mungal-Singh noted that over the last 15 years non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and cancer have become the 'new global epidemic', killing around 36 million people per year.
"Of greater concern, however, is the fact that people in the age group 30 to 65 are starting to die from diseases that were previously associated with old age," she told the class.
South Africans are particularly at risk as more people are starting to consume fast foods, she says: "South Africans need to lose weight. We are eating way too much sugar and salt and we drink a third more than the world average. Up to 80% of all heart diseases and 40% of some cancers can be prevented if people cut out smoking and drinking, change their diets and become physically active."
She also stated that the Heart and Stroke Foundation works closely with researchers like Prof Essop to provide science-based evidence on which the foundation can base their recommendations. There is, however, a dearth of information about the South African population.
Dr Munhgal-Singh also encouraged students to take the lead on the research front: "This is where future scientists like you can play a major role. We will always be in need of new data on which to base our recommendations, which are revised every five years and based on the latest research."
One of the students who attended the class, Ms Llelani Coetzer, says she is now more aware of the practical application and relevance of the physiological sciences in the real world: "The physiological sciences are important to foundations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and it was good to hear how we can help improve the longevity and life quality of the population."
"I suggest having more seminars where researchers or other people can come and talk about their projects and new results. This can happen over lunch time, so that all students and lecturers can attend," she said.
On the photo, third year physiology students with Dr Vash Mungal-Singh, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, and Prof Faadiel Essop, head of the Department of Physiological Sciences at SU, in the middle. Photo: Wiida Fourie-Basson
