Wendy Vermaak Biokineticist

19/11/2025

Chuffed to be featured for the by Buddies for Life magazine... an article I wrote about Exercise oncology, and how correctly dosed physical activity precsription for Cancer patients, can assist with Mental Health, Function, Memory, and Cognition. You can read the article here or listen to it on their podcast...

Wendy Vermaak emphasises the emotional power that physical activity has in cancer care.

14/11/2025

💙 World Diabetes Day 2025 💙
This year’s focus — Diabetes and Wellbeing and Diabetes in the Workplace — highlights how deeply diabetes affects daily life, mental health, and productivity.

As a Biokineticist, I work daily with individuals navigating these challenges, and one truth remains constant: exercise is one of the most powerful tools for both prevention and management of diabetes.

🏃‍♀️ Exercise supports wellbeing by:
✅ Improving insulin sensitivity
✅ Enhancing energy levels
✅ Reducing stress and anxiety
✅ Supporting healthy weight and cardiovascular health

🏢 In the workplace, regular movement also helps to:
✔ Improve focus and productivity
✔ Reduce fatigue
✔ Support long-term prevention of lifestyle diseases

Even small, consistent changes — walking breaks, stretching, strength training, or a guided exercise program — can make a meaningful difference.

Let’s prioritise movement, wellbeing, and healthier workplaces for a future where diabetes is better understood, supported, and managed.

Because exercise is medicine, and your wellbeing truly matters. 💙💪

31/10/2025

🎗 Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be October, but breast cancer doesn’t follow a calendar. 💗

For many women — and men — the journey continues long after the pink ribbons are packed away. It’s a reminder that awareness, early detection, support, and access to care matter every single day of the year.

Let’s keep talking, screening, exercising, supporting, and standing together — because this is a fight worth showing up for all year through. 💪✨

27/10/2025

Excited to present for CAMAF Wellness Club this Wednesday!

📣 Coming Up This Week!

Join us on Wednesday, 29 October at 12:00 for an inspiring wellness webinar:
“Stronger Through Movement: The Role of Exercise in Oncology”
Presented by Wendy Vermaak (Biokineticist)

Discover how exercise can support cancer recovery, improve strength, and enhance quality of life.
💻 Join live on Zoom: http://bit.ly/4qmvUqG

14/10/2025

What an incredible experience presenting on Exercise Oncology at the Life Through Movement International Conference (LTMIC) 2025!

It was deeply meaningful to share evidence-based insights on how movement can be a form of medicine — impacting tumour biology, treatment tolerance, and overall quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

And yes… if there was any doubt, the photos confirmed it — I definitely speak using my hands! 👋💬

I loved how involved the Bios attending were involved offering their own advice and insights!
Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this growing field alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about advancing the role of exercise in oncology care.

11/10/2025

🌍✨ And we’re DONE!
Presentation complete for the Life Through Movement International Conference (LTMIC) 2025 — the end of an inspiring few days surrounded by brilliant minds in movement science and health.
Well done to our Biokinetics Association of South Africa, the Board of Directors, and Committee members, but also to the 200 Bios who attended!

It’s such a meaningful opportunity to be part of the international conversation on Exercise Oncology — sharing knowledge, learning from global experts, and celebrating how movement continues to transform lives. 💪

09/10/2025

Stepping into LTMIC 2025 with gratitude and excitement!
Ready for a weekend of connection, collaboration, and sharing insights on Exercise Oncology alongside passionate professionals from around the world.

Here’s to meaningful conversations, lifelong learning, and the power of movement to make a difference. 🌿💫

02/10/2025

✨ Exercise and the Immune System in Cancer Survivors ✨

A recent study has shown that both low- and high-intensity aerobic exercise can positively influence inflammation in cancer survivors.

🔹 After just 2 weeks:

Low-intensity exercise reduced CCL2 (linked to monocyte recruitment).

High-intensity exercise lowered CXCL12 (linked to neutrophil recruitment).

👉 This suggests that exercise intensity may target different immune pathways.

Low-intensity training offers a safe and scalable entry point for cancer survivors.

Higher intensities may provide additional immune benefits.

This reinforces the message that exercise is medicine—with both gentle and vigorous movement playing a role in recovery, resilience, and long-term wellness. 💪🎗️

📖 Reference: Clifford BK, Kaakoush NO, Tedla N, Goldstein D, Simar D. Eur J Clin Invest. 2023;53(7):e13984. doi:10.1111/eci.13984

24/09/2025

🇿🇦 This Heritage Day, we celebrate the rich diversity of our nation and the shared value that unites us all – the right to quality care.

At Health Care Matters, our pro bono efforts are dedicated to ensuring that every community, including those disadvantaged or previously disadvantaged, has access to high-quality treatment and rehabilitation.

By serving the public sector, we honour not only the heritage of resilience and strength in our people, but also the vision of a healthier, more inclusive South Africa.

Because when it comes to health – every community matters. 💙

23/09/2025

🌍 Today is World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day – a day to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact clinical exercise physiologists make across the globe.

I am grateful to stand alongside colleagues worldwide who are advancing health, empowering patients, and bringing evidence-based movement into healthcare. Together, we are shaping lives and redefining what it means to use exercise as medicine. 💪✨



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16/09/2025

✨ Exciting News ✨
I am honoured to be a workshop presenter at the upcoming Life Through Movement International Conference next month! 🌍

Alongside esteemed colleagues from across the world, I’ll be sharing insights in the field of Exercise Oncology — a passion and calling that continues to shape the way we support cancer survivors through movement. 💪🎗️

I look forward to learning, engaging, and contributing to this incredible platform that brings together leaders, clinicians, and researchers dedicated to advancing health through movement.

15/09/2025

🌍💚 Today is World Lymphoma Awareness Day – a day to stand together in raising awareness and support for those affected by lymphoma.

As biokineticists, we know that exercise oncology plays a vital role in improving quality of life for patients with lymphoma. Regular, supervised exercise can:
✨ Reduce fatigue
✨ Improve strength and fitness
✨ Support immune health
✨ Enhance emotional well-being

Every step, stretch, and movement matters – not only during treatment but also in recovery and survivorship. Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s about hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Let’s keep moving forward, together. 💪💚