KEEP YOUR HEALTH IN CHECK!

“You” can make a difference , says Thulani “Thulas” Sibisi.

By KOPANO MONAHENG
WATCH what you eat, keep your weight in check and exercise!

You may have heard about it many times, but exercise is one of the most important and easiest ways to keep and stay healthy.

One of the surviving founders of the Soweto Marathon, Thulani Sibisi (70), said eating too much meat and junk foods will work against you in the long run.

Thulani, who formed the Soweto Marathon 28 years ago along with Leonard Tshwene and Banele Sindani, was diagnosed of prostate cancer in 2013.

As a build-up to the much-anticipated annual Soweto Marathon on 5 November, Thulani urged every adult in Mzansi to look after themselves and their health.

He will be raising awareness around prostate cancer and other cancers. Thulani has seen the need to educate and empower other men as well as women to lead a healthy lifestyle and eating right.

“Always get tested for diseases at your local clinic and general practitioners, it’s important,” he said.

Thulani found out about his illness after he was admitted at a hospital struggling to pass urine.

“I had been fit as I am right now. But my only problem then was that I was always checking my BP, diabetes and not the prostate or other diseases.”

He said those who are 40 years old and above must start visiting clinics to find out about their prostrate condition.

“Drinking and smoking also must be avoided, if you want to stay healthy.”

He said men must share information among themselves about the things they need to know about their health and wellness. This way, many lives will be saved.

Having been involved in the race since its formation, Thulani’s main role is to ensure that former winners of the Soweto Marathon return, to inspire others who will be running the race for the first time.

The legend started his running career in KZN during his school days.
He won the Two Oceans marathon in 1986, followed by a second place in 1987. In 1992, he represented the SA Olympics team in Barcelona as one of the management officials for the South African long-distance athletics team.

Thulani’s advice to those who will be participating in the African Bank Soweto Marathon for the first time is, “they must take it easy in the first half”.

“It’s a tough second half and hydration is key, especially due to the scorching heat typically experienced in November in Gauteng.

“It’s important that each runner runs runs their own race, based on the training done – because the race is about finishing as that’s when you get your medal.”