Dr Arien van der Merwe

Dr Arien van der Merwe MBChB (Pretoria) FRSPH (London) MISMA (UK) is a medical doctor and author with extensive experience in natural and complementary medicine, stress management, workplace wellness and health promotion through well researched health and wellness products and sustainable interventions, incorporating the power of thoughts and emotions and their effect on physical health and wellness. She has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH) in the UK for the work she does in South Africa to promote public health and wellness through education, training and communication. She is a Member of the International Stress Management Association, UK branch.

For 2 ½ years, Arien was the appointed Stress Expert to Discovery Health and Business Owner of the Stress Centre on DiscoveryWorld, www.discovery.co.za. As director of Health Stress Management (Pty) Ltd, Arien acts as specialist Corporate Health & Wellness service provider, advisor and consultant, workplace peer educator trainer, stress expert, product and program developer to the health care industry, companies, government & para-statal organisations, interest groups, websites and the media.

As an accomplished author of many books and training manuals, the focus of her work is on addressing and finding lasting wellness solutions for the chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL's), among these especially heart disease, HIV & Aids, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, osteoarthritis, depression and cancer.

She assists companies in recognising the importance and effects of workplace wellness & CDL, (incl. HIV/AIDS) programs, by identifying their impact through measurable return on investment protocols on company wellness investments. She advocates the importance of employees learning and understanding that managing preventable health conditions will benefit both themselves and ultimately their employer (and livelihood) through the impact their health has on the bottom line of their company's financial success.

Another work focus is putting the 'H' back in SHE (Safety, Health & Environment), a very practical tool for companies in the mining, production and manufacturing industries. Safety is of main concern to companies, but it is often neglected or not known, that physical wellness plays a major role in safety - e.g. presenteeism (employees being at work but not feeling optimally well) from high blood pressure (headaches), sleep deprivation and low blood sugar (low concentration, fatigue, irritability) are major hazards when operating heavy machinery and vehicles.

Dr van der Merwe's recent books are 'Health & Happiness', 'Herbal Remedies' and 'Stress Solutions' (all HSM Publishers). She also released a relaxation CD especially aimed at newcomers to meditation and relaxation techniques. She writes training manuals and presents regular peer educator training, stress management and workplace wellness talks, workshops, courses and seminars. Dr Arien developed and facilitates three accredited Short Courses on Peer Educator Training, Stress Management and Wellness in the Workplace, through the University of Pretoria.