WSU-PSSA CONFERENCE JUST WHAT YOUR BODY NEEDS

The Physiology Society of South Africa (PSSA) in collaboration with Walter Sisulu University continues its quest to empower the physiology industry through its Forty Seventh (47^th) annual conference held in East London.

The conference, a mecca for devout physiologists, was aptly themed “Recent advances in physiological sciences: synergism in health and disease”. which touched on issues that are of immediate relevance to the challenges that burden the South African health system.

The conference chairperson, Professor Constance Sewani-Rusike, said physiology is “the tree trunk of life sciences”.

“It (physiology) explores biological functions and underlying synergistic mechanisms that elucidate the logic of health and disease. We hope to provide a unique platform and enough opportunity for every participant to share and discuss their cutting-edge research,” Rusike added.

Professor Victor Mtetwa, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Academic Affairs at Walter Sisulu University said WSU, through the Department of Human Biology, upholds its vision of being a preeminent, value-driven African centre of scientific excellence committed to producing future-ready graduates who will make a sustainable national and global impact.

“Take, for instance, the long-standing concern about the high mortality rate of non-communicable diseases in South Africa. An important aspect of this concern is the multifarious aetiological bases of these diseases. It underscores the need for the exploitation of knowledge from across the wide spectrum of biological, and even social, disciplines to curtail what has effectively become a pandemic” Mtetwa said.

The gathering will interrogate and discuss research that looks at, but not limited to; “Nocturnal Hypertension: A Silent Killer In the Dark, by Professor” Muzi Maseko, Wits; “Investigation Of The Effects Of Over-use of Portable Listening Devices On Hearing Among WSU students” and “The Effect Of Energy Drink On Blood Pressure, Heart Rate And Breathing Rate In Walter Sisulu University Students”.

The conference proceeded over a three-day course from 18 – 21 August, 2019.

By: Sinawo Hermans