Issue 12 | winter 2017
SMOKING VS VAPING
Is vaping better?
Bullying
AND YOUR CHILD
Hospital stay HEALTH ADVICE
Ask our experts
BUSTING
flu myths
FIRST-AID Fall-proofing YOUR HOME
Do you suffer from ADULT ADHD?
6
contents
Issue 12 | winter 2017
Be personal 2
CEO Message
31
your experts Your questions
12
14
Interact 3
Intercare News & events
4
SNIPPETS Latest health news
32
8
18
follow on sociauls media!
From the experts 6
Health Strategy Flu Myths Busted
18
ALL ABOUT Bullying and your Child
25
TRAVELGROUND Off the Grid
28
First Aid Fall-proofing your home
Your health
Recipe Delicious Cajun prawn Alfredo
10
HOW TO Prepare your child for hospital stay
Your body
14
HEALTH IQ Adult ADHD
INFOGRAPHIC All About Blood
21
KNOW IT ALL Vaping vs Smoking
yo u. .. W e wa nt to hentsarandfrcusom to air their ers tom
21
32
ite all patie We would like to inv ing this magazine. us with input regard e vid views and pro will then be able remain relevant and In doing so, we can at healthcare gre a e eat “cr and to make a difference Please email us at er” on a daily basis. experience altogeth intercare.co.za ce@ en eri OR myexp info@intercare.co.za ideas and topics you with any suggestions, d about. rea would like to rial Enquiries Advertising & Edito ng: Health-B ytes Publishi health-b ytes.co.za 021 913 0504 | christa@ ista Grobler Publishing editor Chr : Bernette Becker Design – Health-B ytes t | Printing BusinessPrin Proofing Albert Buhr
Advertising: Language FREE copies of Bod y rcare are distributed at Inte tres. Medical and Dental Cen act cont se To advertise, plea ent. our advertising departm
CEO message
CEO
message
All of this was made possible by the dedication and tenacity of men and women in clinical, management and administrative positions and for that I would like to thank every one of you. healthcare, the Intercare Group is committed to create value for all our patients and stakeholders, while earning everyone’s confidence and trust as we build the future. We value all our patients and would like to thank you for believing in us and trusting us with your healthcare.
On Saturday, 27 May 2017, Intercare celebrated its 15th anniversary, and more than ever we reaffirm our commitment to create a better healthcare experience. Together we’ve built a business that we can be proud of. We’ve created a home for nearly 1000 health professionals and other team members and we provide care to more than a million patients per year. All of this was made possible by the dedication and tenacity of men and women in clinical, management and administrative positions and for that I would like to thank every one of you. Faithful to our original ambition to become the provider of choice in
The digital revolution opens up a whole new era for healthcare and a great opportunity to revolutionise the patient experience in our industry. We’re biased towards safer, traditional care models since healthcare is essentially about people’s lives. However, innovation should be part of our DNA. We should look at new ways of working together while caring for patients the Intercare way. I mentioned ambition, innovation and dedication – I would like to end with confidence. I have witnessed the shared determination at all levels of the organisation, and that inspires me with confidence that we are ready for the next 15 years.
Warmest Regards Dr Hendrik Hanekom Chief Executive – Intercare Group
news and events Fltr back: Elsa Swanepoel, Dr Siebert van Onselen, Dr Arno Weber, Dr Corné van Geer, Dr Hendrik Hanekom (Chief Executive), Amanda Hanekom, Dr Wiek Labuschagne and Dr Naudé van Niekerk. Front: Bettie Havenga, Johanna Ntsele and Jacobyn vd Merwe.
ye ar s of ca ri ng I nt er ca re ce le br at es 15 Intercare is privileged to have a handful of health professionals and other team members in our midst since the opening of the first Medical and Dental Centre at Glenfair in 2000. These members were recently honoured for their loyalty and dedication.
INTERCARE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS! Fltr: Liani Wenhold, Melattie and Lou van Vuuren (CFO), Erna Wenhold, Amanda Hanekom, Dr Hendrik Hanekom (Chief Executive), Dr Ammie Brummer (dentist at Woodhill), Cornelia Naudé, Conrad Knoetze, Marié Schouwstra and Charmaine van den Berg
Ra ce fo r fr ie nd sh ip As part of Intercare’s 15th birthday celebrations, a number of health professionals and employees participated in the Race 4 Friendship Fun Run/Walk on 24 June 2017. Intercare also sponsored the water table at the finishing line, whilst Lamar International (a pharmaceutical company) sponsored the T- shirts for the team. All proceeds went to the Sungardens Hospice.
page 03
snippets
tHhEAeLTlaHtNeEsWSt EXERCISE WHEN YOU ARE TIRED After a long, exhausting workday, exercising sounds like the last thing you'd want to do, but getting your sweat on will actually energize you. Fatigue along with mood and depression improved after a single 30-minute moderate intensity exercise session, according to a study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
Sunday Blues? TRY NEW THINGS
It’s Sunday evening… where did the weekend go? If this is your lament as you head back to work each week, there’s something you can do about it. According to neuroscientist David Eagleman, a professor at Stanford University and author of The Brain: The Story of You, the trick to prolonging your days off is to try new activities and/or a new setting. Time spent doing something unfamiliar seems to last longer because your brain is focused on gathering new information and creating new memories. That’s the same reason time seems to go by more slowly when we’re young and faster when we get older. Remember endless summer vacations when you were a kid? As we age, we’ve seen most of the patterns of daily life before. But time really does fly when you’re having fun (seemingly). Therefore, a weekend spent on a new adventure will only seem to have lasted longer in hindsight – at the time, it will fly by much faster than a weekend spent on your couch binge-watching your favorite television shows. Source: CNN
WHY IS
osteoarthritis
MORE COMMON IN
women?
Osteoarthritis – the wear-and-tear form of degenerative joint disease – is the most common joint condition. It affects more women than men, and a new study suggests the reasons for this gender-related disparity: differences in the composition of synovial fluid between men and women. Synovial fluid surrounds the joints and protects cartilage that covers the ends of bones where they meet in the joints. Researchers at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University analysed the synovial fluid of men and women with and without osteoarthritis. They found differences that may be influenced by the female hormone estrogen, which plays an important role in the development of osteoarthritis. Hormone levels typically decrease with age and in postmenopausal women, lower estrogen levels appear to increase osteoarthritis risk. Source: MNT
MEDICINE AND GRAPEFRUIT If you like grapefruit – fresh or juiced – note that it can interfere with a large number of medicines and warnings aren't always on the box. Check with your pharmacist. Source: abc.net.au
Men at work...
No phone zone Your cognitive capacity is significantly reduced when your smartphone is within reach – even if it's off. The mere presence of your smartphone reduces brain power. That's the takeaway finding from a new study from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. The researchers found that participants with their phones in another room significantly outperformed those with their phones on the desk. Experiments with nearly 800 smartphone users were conducted in an attempt to measure, for the first time, how well people can complete tasks when they have their smartphones nearby even when they're not using them.
The researchers found that participants with their phones in another room significantly outperformed those with their phones on the desk, and they also slightly outperformed those participants who had kept their phones in a pocket or bag.
The researchers also found that participants who were the most dependent on their smartphones performed worse compared with their less-dependent peers, but only when they kept their smartphones on the desk or in their pocket or bag.
The findings suggest that the mere presence of one's smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity and impairs cognitive functioning, even though people feel they're giving their full attention and focus to the task at hand.
Ward and his colleagues also found that it didn't matter whether a person's smartphone was turned on or off, or whether it was lying face up or face down on a desk. Having a smartphone within sight or within easy reach reduces a person's ability to focus and perform tasks because part of their brain is actively working to not pick up or use the phone. Source: University of Texas at Austin
GOT A COLD? HOW TO GET UN-SICK We've been told a million times there's no cure for the common cold. But is there a way to at least speed up recovery when we're sick? As a matter of fact, there is. Certain foods can help you kick that crummy feeling quicker. For example: • Garlic: It acts as an antibiotic and lessens the severity of colds and other infections. • Chicken soup: Yep, chicken soup actually works. It provides fluids and electrolytes and may contain antiinflammatory properties that decrease cold symptoms. You have to eat
real chicken soup though – the kind you make from simmering a chicken carcass – not the kind from a can. • Green tea: It boosts the production of B cell antibodies, helping us rid ourselves of invading pathogens. • Honey: It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and helps
suppress coughs. A few teaspoons in a cup of green tea are all you need. • Elderberries: They have antiviral properties and are loaded with phytonutrients. Elderberry extract may reduce the duration of colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.
page 05
health strategy We are heading INTO this year’s flu season. This time of the year is filled with great myths and mystery (or rather misery) caused by flu. Quite a number of people belieVE in home remedies, a post on Facebook, or something they read on a blog, rather than solid, evidence-based medicine. Let’s clarify a few myths about flu or influenza.
Myth 1:
Flu is just a bad cold
Myth 2:
Antibiotics can cure flu
Myth 3:
I don’t get the flu vaccine, because it makes you sick
The words “Doctor, I have
Antibiotics receive a lot of
the flu”, is often heard in the
undue credit. Unfortunately,
doctor’s consultation room,
many people believe that if
This is the oldest complaint
but when asked when the
you feel sick an antibiotic
in the book, and also the
fever started, the patient
will kill the culprits.
main reason why patients
often doesn’t have an idea.
decline flu vaccines. The
Influenza is an acute and
The fact is that antibiotics
flu vaccine can cause a
possibly deadly viral disease
only kill bacteria and not
mild immune response
that almost always presents
viruses. As flu is caused
(mild fever, headache and
with a fever. It may also be
by the influenza virus,
body pains for 2 days),
accompanied with an airway
it is therefore a major
but definitely can’t let a
infection or even diarrhoea.
disappointing medical fact
patient become sick. It
The clue here is acute onset,
that antibiotics will not cure
doesn’t break down your
i.e. within hours.
your flu or cold.
immunity, or cause you to
A cold usually develops
We know that flu is
infections. The vaccine can’t
over the course of a few
sometimes complicated
lead to a patient getting
days and progressively gets
by secondary bacterial
the flu because it’s a dead
worse. In the words of Prof.
infections, but taking an
vaccine. No live viruses here!
Robert Green, paediatric
antibiotic when you start
It’s so safe, in fact, we also
pulmonologist at the Steve
with acute fever and body
give it to pregnant women
Biko Academic Hospital,
aches will not prevent a
and babies older than 6
“Call a cold a cold!”
possible secondary infection.
months.
be more susceptible to other
Myth 6:
I can boost my immunity by taking supplements A popular myth! Despite spending exuberant amounts on supplements, disappointed souls that still get sick may ask: “But doctor, I don’t understand! I take a high dose of vitamin C every day! Why am I sick?”
Myth 4:
You don’t need a flu shot every year
Myth 5:
There is no such thing as man flu
Harvard Medical School published an article on this subject: “How to boost your immunity during flu
Flu vaccination leads to an
This is a highly controversial
season”. Their conclusion was that
immune response, which
subject - it’s long been
you can’t boost your immunity,
is unfortunately a waning
suggested that males
you can only maintain the one
immunity. In other words,
do get affected by flu
you have! You can achieve this
as time goes by, you lose
symptoms more than the
by sleeping enough, not smoking,
the ability to react to
fairer sex. Interestingly,
regular exercise, lowering your
viruses well enough to
this might not be a myth
stress levels, drinking enough
prevent infection.
after all!
water and by following a healthy
Another reason for getting
Studies done and published
take a supplement if you feel that
a vaccine every year is
by Stanford University
you’re not getting enough vitamins
because the strains or types
in 2013 found that men
and minerals through your diet.
of virus in the vaccine differ
usually don’t have the same
from year to year. Scientists
response to the flu vaccine
Although vitamin C is the most
do extensive research to
than women, making them
commonly used supplement,
determine which strains are
more prone to contracting
studies have shown that the
xpected to have the biggest
flu. Due to a reaction with
only people who really benefit
impact in the coming
testosterone, they might
from vitamin C supplements, in
flu season. A lot of the
also get worse symptoms
preventing and even curing a
southern hemisphere’s data
if they do get influenza.
cold or flu a few days sooner, are
balanced diet. You only need to
endurance athletes. Unless you
gets corrected following the flu season in the northern
In other words, ladies:
are training for the Comrades
hemisphere and vice versa.
your big baby lying on
or Iron Man, don’t waste your
In South Africa, we only
the couch, moaning and
money. And no, going to the gym
have three different strains
groaning, feeling very sorry
five times per week doesn’t make
in our vaccines, but some
for himself, might actually
you an endurance athlete!
of the northern hemisphere
feel that way due to his very
vaccines contain four
manly high testosterone
The best way to prevent influenza
different strains.
levels!
is still to get a yearly flu jab.
Written by: Dr Yolande Louw (General Practitioner, Intercare Silver Lakes)
page 07
how to...
how to
PREPARE YOUR CHILD
for hospital
Going to the hospital can be a frightening, anxious time for kids and stressful for parents and families. Here are ideas and information to help you and your child before, during and after a hospital visit.
At Home
going to the hospital for an
is under six years of age, tell
operation, test, or procedure,
them a few days beforehand.
Before you leave for the
and let them know that you
You can tell older children a
hospital, you should explain
feel this is the right thing
week or two beforehand, so
to your child where they will
to do. Use simple, age-
that they have time to think
be going, and why.
appropriate words they can
of any questions or issues
understand. Children can
that might be relevant to
usually sense how a parent
them. Write questions down
Tell your child honestly and
feels about a hospitalisation
as a family so that you can ask
truthfully that they’ll be
or a procedure. If your child
them to the nurse or doctor.
• Set the stage.
• Get to know the hospital.
At the Hospital
Read books or watch a
After arriving at the hospital,
Encourage your child to
story with younger children
help keep your child calm and
ask you and the doctors
about going to hospital;
relaxed before, during, and
and nurses a lot of
for older children you can
after tests and treatments.
questions. If your child is
find interesting information
In general, it’s important to
uneasy about it, you can
on the internet to explore.
inform children what they’re
ask on their behalf.
Familiarise your child with
about to experience.
the hospital through a visit or look at a virtual
• Avoid surprises.
• Encourage questions.
• Take breaks and look after yourself too.
tour and photographs on
Let your child know
the hospital’s website.
in advance if a test or
This will help you to
Depending on the age of
procedure is about
cope better and provide
your child, give them plenty
to happen, even if it’s
support and care for your
of time for ‘hospital play’.
something uncomfortable,
child. Remember, this can
You can get them to do
like a needle. It’ll give them
also be a scary and tiring
things like bandaging a
a feeling of trust. Use honest
experience for a parent.
teddy, listening to family
and simple explanations
members’ heartbeats, or
that fit your child’s age
practising taking medicine.
and level of understanding,
• GIVE Reassurance. Reassure your child that
and ask them questions to
Try to choose words
make sure they understand
that are neutral when
what you’ve said.
describing procedures and tests to your child. For
you, a parent or a family member will be coming with and staying through the
• Use reassuring language.
• Explain what's happening.
example, you might say, ”The nurse will ’slide‘ a
whole hospital visit. Usually,
Tell your child how
needle into your arm,“
you will be able to stay with
they might feel before,
rather than ”’stick‘ or ’poke‘
your child until they are
during,and after a
a needle into your arm.“
asleep (have an anaesthetic)
procedure or test. For
before their surgery.
example, you may want to explain that they won’t
• Pack some favourite things.
hear, see, or feel anything during an operation,
Plan with your child in
because the doctor will
organizing and packing
give them a special sleep
a few things they would
medicine called aneasthesia
like to take to hospital e.g.
beforehand. Try not to
new pajamas and toiletries.
make promises you can't
Encourage your child to
keep. Don’t tell your child
bring along their favourite
that nothing will hurt or
possessions, like a stuffed
that there won’t be any
animal, pillow, or books.
blood tests, for instance.
Source: www.rch.org.au www. childrenshospital.org.za
page 11
how to...
Returning Home
behaviours, (like sucking
more information and
their thumb) which they
experience now, and
had previously grown out
need to play out these
A visit to hospital is a
of.
experiences to make sense of and cope with them.
big event in a child’s life, even if it is only for a day procedure. Allow plenty of
• Stick to your usual routines.
Key points to remember
time for readjustment when
Give them some
your child returns home
time, patience and
again. NEVER threaten
understanding. Your
your child with a return to
child will soon return to
children information
hospital as a punishment for
their normal self. Siblings
simply and truthfully, in
behaviours you do not like.
may also be clingy or
words they understand.
• It is important to give
show attention-seeking
• Expect “abnormal” behaviour.
behaviours. It has been
• They need to be told that
different for them too,
they will be going to
It is not unusual for a child
so allow time for their
hospital and what they
to show some behaviours
questions and also
may expect to happen
that are different to
try to involve them in
there.
normal when they leave
events. Again, allow
hospital. For example, they
your child plenty of
might be clingy, attention
time to ’play‘ being
it easier to cope with their
seeking or have ’babyish‘
in hospital. They have
hospital experience.
• A prepared child will find
health IQ
Are you suffering from
ADULT ADHD?
The majority of adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) don’t realise that they have it. This can have dire consequences for your relationships, career, and your happiness. However, with an accurate diagnosis and the correct treatment, you can live a happy and normal life.
It's often viewed as a childhood disorder, but Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), often persists into adulthood. In fact, as many as 70% of children with ADHD will also
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by neurotransmitters in the brain that don’t function properly in the areas that control activity and attention.
have it as adults, according to clinical psychiatrist and ADHD expert, Dr Shabeer Jeeva.
Hyperactiveimpulsive type About 15% of people with ADHD suffer from hyperactiveimpulsive ADHD. They are often blamed for being
The difference between ADHD in children and adults.
disruptive and find it difficult to sit still and keep quiet. Normally the symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive
“The first symptoms of ADHD typically appear when you are
“There are differences
disorder subside when
about five and a half years
between ADHD symptoms in
patients hit their twenties.
old, and the disorder is usually
adults and children. Through
diagnosed by the age of 12,”
the course of your life, you
Symptoms include:
says Dr Jeeva.
may experience different
• Fidgeting.
symptoms that are caused by
• Squirming.
Although the disorder does
the three types of ADHD,” says
• Unable to sit for long
not develop in adulthood,
Dr Jeeva. They are:
many childhood cases go undiagnosed or are
periods. • Running or climbing at
Inattentive type:
misdiagnosed, which means
inappropriate times. • Struggling to do activities
that many adults may not be
About 23% of school children,
aware that they have been
mainly girls, suffer from
• Can’t stop talking.
suffering from the disorder
inattentive ADHD. Sufferers
• Interrupting people while
most of their life.
are often called lazy or stupid due to their low energy levels.
About 2% to 5% of adults
Inattentive ADHD symptoms
have ADHD, but currently only
also become more prominent
25% of them are adequately
among patients after the age
diagnosed. That means that
of 20.
more than 70% of adults with
quietly.
talking. • Constantly on the go.
Combined type The most common type of ADHD is combined ADHD
ADHD are unaware of what’s
Symptoms include:
that affects about 62% of
causing their symptoms
• Being easily distracted.
patients. People with this
that may keep them from
• Being forgetful.
type will have a combination
flourishing in their careers
• Not paying attention to
of symptoms that include
and relationships, and
detail.
inattentiveness, hyperactivity,
they may be more prone
• Avoiding difficult tasks.
and impulsiveness.
to depression, anxiety, or
• Making careless mistakes.
However, as patients age,
substance abuse, according
• Struggling to pay attention
they may experience fewer
to Dr Jeeva. ADHD that is not
and to remain focused.
symptoms of hyperactivity
diagnosed or treated can
• Struggling to listen.
and impulsiveness, while
keep people from living a
• Struggling to follow or
symptoms of inattentive
normal and happy life.
understand instructions.
ADHD may become worse.
page 15
health IQ How ADHD affects adults
the non-ADHD spouse who
What causes ADHD?
has to deal with a partner who doesn’t follow through
Experts aren’t exactly sure
Adults with ADHD may act
on promises, forgets to pay
what causes ADHD, but
in a way that others deem
the bills, and makes impulsive
people with a family history
inappropriate, reckless,
decisions, and ultimately
of ADHD have a greater risk
or careless. This can lead
these behaviours may lead
of developing the disorder, as
to conflict in personal
to divorce.
studies of twins have shown
relationships and at work.
that it is 76% inheritable. People with ADHD are also
Parents with ADHD are also
Studies in the Health and
often underachievers.
more likely to have a child
Quality of Life Outcomes
a study in the Journal
that suffers from the disorder.
journal and the Journal of
of Clinical Psychiatry
Attention Disorders have
found that adults with
Environmental factors that
found that adults with ADHD
self-reported ADHD
include birth complications,
face unique challenges
compared to healthy
low birth weight, and brain
including difficulty managing
adults were less likely
injuries may also increase
their time and impaired
to have achieved
your risk for ADHD.
social skills that may impact
a college degree.
their productivity and their
Reasons for this may be
Other possible causes may
reputation at work. They are
inattention, disorganisation,
include smoking, or using
also more likely to struggle
making careless mistakes,
alcohol or drugs during
with retaining a job and may
and battling to get through
pregnancy that may harm the
be frequently unemployed.
large workloads.
development of the foetus.
They also struggle in their
All of the above challenges
According to Dr Jeeva,
personal lives. The divorce
increase ADHD patients’ risk
lifestyle factors like stress,
rate is nearly twice as high for
for depression, anxiety, and
technological distractions,
adults with ADHD compared
substance abuse. According
and bad eating habits are
to healthy couples, according
to clinical psychiatrist
unlikely to cause ADHD, but
to Dr A. J. Marsden, an
Dr Renata Schoeman, about
they should be considered in
assistant professor of human
80% of adults with ADHD
the management of ADHD.
services and psychology
suffer from psychiatric
at the Beacon College in
disorders. About 40% of them
Although lifestyle factors
America. In an article in
have symptoms of anxiety
don’t cause ADHD, Dr
Health Journal he says that
and 35% have symptoms of
Schoeman says that it may
people with ADHD are more
ma jor depressive disorder.
produce symptoms that
likely to get divorced due to
These psychiatric disorders
are similar to ADHD. “For
their increased distractibility,
can disrupt their lives further,
example, many people will
forgetfulness, and impulsivity.
which can eventually lead to
read their emails, browse
There is normally a lot of
them seeking treatment and
the internet, and check their
anger and resentment from
being diagnosed with ADHD.
phone at the same time.”
References: www.webmd.com/add-adhd | www.thehealthjournals.com/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder www.myadhd.co.za/about-adhd | www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov | Biederman J, Faraone SV, Spencer TJ, et al. Functional impairments in adults with self-reports of diagnosed ADHD: A controlled study of 1001 adults in the community. J Clin Psychiatry 2006; 67: 524-540 Interviews with: Shabeer Jeeva <jeeva786@rogers.com> | Dr Renata Schoeman oudewesthof@renataschoeman.co.za
Being constantly
Managing ADHD
distracted from your task at hand may
An unhealthy lifestyle can
interfere with your
aggravate the symptoms
ability to concentrate
of ADHD, according to Dr
AND finish tasks, and
Jeeva. “It’s important to
you may become more
follow a healthy diet that is
forgetful and find
high in protein. A diet high in
yourself forgetting
carbohydrates and junk food
important meetings or
can make symptoms worse.
deadlines. It’s therefore
Avoid stimulating foods like
important to limit your
chocolate, sweets, sugar,
daily distractions and
coffee, fizzy drinks, and
to focus on one task at
energy drinks.”
Adults with ADHD face unique challenges, including difficulty managing their time and impaired social skills that may impact their productivity and their reputation at work.
a time to prevent these symptoms.
He also recommends 30–45 minutes of exercise five
Diagnosing ADHD
times a week to improve your overall health.
If you suspect that you are suffering from ADHD, it’s
It’s also important to limit
important to seek help.
your daily distractions
Dr Jeeva recommends
and to avoid spending
consulting a doctor or
too much time playing
therapist that specialises in
computer games and using
ADHD, as most doctors aren’t
technological devices. Dr
equipped to diagnose and
Jeeva recommends no more
treat adult ADHD.
than three hours a day.
“Your doctor will also
Cognitive-behavioural
determine if anxiety and
therapy can make a positive
depression as a comorbidity,
difference in your personal
meaning an effect of
and work relationships.
untreated ADHD, has set in. If so, they will recommend
In severe cases, your doctor
medication that helps to
will recommend medication
increase the neurotransmitter
and mood enhancers to
brain chemicals, dopamine
relieve your symptoms.
for focus and attention, and norepinephrine for impulisivity
For further advice, please
and hyperactivity,” says Dr
consult your doctor or
Jeeva.
therapist.
Written by: Liezl Russell, Freelance Journalist
page 17
all about
Bullying and your child
beginning For most children the fill ed with is ar ye l oo of a new sch ent, but em cit expectation and ex ool sch to ck ba for some, going g tin lia mi hu a d an l is stressfu tless children experience as coun , harassment ing lly bu fall victim to ls. and abuse at schoo
Research found that 57% of South African school children claim to have been bullied at school.
What is school bullying?
+ In some cases, bullies are
form of bullying needs
being abused at home and
to be noted as a distinct
they take out their anger on
phenomenon impacting the
one or more children they
lives of many young people,
deem most likely to “take
families and communities.
it” and not stand up for themselves. They might also
Researchers note that there
Bullying in school occurs
bully children from healthy
are differences in school
when one student or a group
homes out of their envy for
bullying patterns between
of students intentionally hurt
their normal and happy lives.
boys and girls. Boys tend to be
another student. Bullying
more physical while girls are
has two key components: repeated harmful acts and an imbalance of power. It involves
verbal and use social bullying
Types of school bullying + Verbal: excessive and
methods to hurt others. This passive-aggressive type of
repeated physical, verbal or
malicious teasing, insulting
bullying may be harder for
psychological attacks or
remarks, name calling,
adults to detect.
intimidation directed against
embarrassing jokes
a victim who cannot properly
and revealing intimate
defend him- or herself because
information, cursing, crude
of size or strength, or because
and inappropriate sexual
the victim is outnumbered or
comments, threats and
less psychologically resilient.
taunting.
peers at school, in the
kicking, pushing and shoving. + Social: ignoring a certain
community, or in social
person, casting them out of
groups. There are even cases
a group, making them feel
of teachers bullying students.
left out, spreading rumours about them and telling other
Who is the bully?
+ The bully (or bullies) may
kids not to be friends with
consequences beyond + Some victims experience psychological and/or physical distress. + They are frequently absent and cannot concentrate on schoolwork. + Threaten students’ physical and emotional safety. + They generally have a low
them. + Cyber bullying: when
have self-esteem issues and
a child is tormented,
would only feel better about
threatened, harassed,
themselves by picking on
humiliated, embarrassed
someone who is weaker and
or otherwise targeted
less powerful.
by another child, using
+ The bully/bullies may
+ Victims of bullying suffer embarrassment.
+ Physical: hitting, tripping, Bullying can occur between
Consequences of bullying
the Internet, interactive
self-esteem. + Their victimisation can lead to depression that can last for years after the victimisation. + Children stay at home to avoid being bullied. + Some children who are
develop a herd mentality
and digital technologies
bullied experience poorer
and pick on a child who
or mobile phones. It is
health, more frequently
does not conform to what
usually not a one-time
contemplate suicide, and
they view as normal.
communication act but
suffer from depression,
+ Children bully other children
extends over a period of
social dysfunction, anxiety,
to be seen as “cool” to avoid
time. The emergence of
and insomnia.
being bullied themselves.
cyber bullying as a new Written by: Prof Eldrie Gouws (Ph.D, Psychology of Education)
page 19
all about
How do you know if your child is a victim of bullying?
Guidelines for parents to prevent bullying The best way to address
bullying behaviour, let that
A child may display the
bullying is to stop it
person talk about his or
following signs:
before it starts.
her experiences, and offer
+ Withdrawal, loss of appetite
+ Listen to children. If someone
support in a non-judgmental
or having trouble sleeping. + Poor self-esteem.
tells you bullying is taking place, take action.
+ Having suicidal thoughts or
+ Seek counselling for your
attempts to commit suicide.
child if he/she shows signs of
+ A sudden decrease in academic performance. + Fear of going to school, riding the bus or taxi, walking to school, or taking
being bullied. + Teach your children to report
not their fault. + If someone is exhibiting
way. + Be a positive role model. Set a good example. + Take a leadership position in preventing bullying by developing and
bullying safely yet
implementing a bullying-
immediately.
prevention initiative at
+ Ask open-ended questions
part in organised activities
about their relationships with
with peers.
their teachers and their peers.
+ Frequent complaints of
being bullied that bullying is
+ Let children know you are
home. Set consequences. Make bullying unacceptable. + Monitor cell phone and Internet usage of children. + If you are worried that
headaches and stomach-
there to support them and
aches.
you will do all you can to help
your child might be bullied,
them feel safe.
you should discuss your
+ Unexplained physical marks, cuts, bruises and scrapes.
Advice to children who are BEING bullied + Tell your parents or teachers. + When bullied, stay calm and don't fight back. + Avoid vulnerable situations.
+ Reassure children who are
concerns with the school.
+ Don't be alone in hallways,
info also includes pictures
restrooms or empty
of yourself and your email
classrooms.
address. Never tell anyone
+ Never give out or share personal information online, including your name, the
your passwords. + Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reply to messages from cyberbullies. + Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t erase or delete
Walk to school earlier or
names of friends or family,
later in the day, or walk with
your address, phone number
messages from cyberbullies
siblings or friends.
and school name. Personal
but keep them as evidence.
SMOKING VS VAPING
? r e t t e b g in p a v s I
r health and that it can tobacco is bad for you ng oki e sm t tha w kno We all why many people hav other diseases. Th at is ttes) are cig (es tte lead to lung cancer and are cig c cigarettes for electroni swapped their regular ) better for your health? (the use of e-cigarettes ing vap instead. But, is Although there hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been
Organisation report from August
Since e-cigarettes are a
sufficient research carried
2016 the prevalence of e-cigarette
fairly new technology, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
out to show the current
is rapidly increasing in some
not yet been possible to
trend of e-cigarettes in
countries, including the largest
determine its long-term
South Africa, there is a rapid
market in the world, the USA.
effects. It may seem that vaping compared to
increase in the number of people who use e-cigarettes
In fact, a projection by research
smoking could be less
across the globe, according
company Bloomberg Industries,
harmful to your health, but
to the Cancer Organisation
shows that e-cigarette sales
according to CANSA, further
of South Africa (CANSA).
could surpass traditional tobacco
studies are necessary to
According to a World Health
sales by as early as 2023.
determine all the risks.
page 21
know it all The difference between regular cigarettes AND e-cigarettes
its stimulating and relaxing
are smokeless and they often
effects. E-cigarettes, on the
taste nice due to flavours, people
other hand, are battery-operated
believe that it is healthier than
devices that also contain nicotine
cigarettes, as research has shown
but in a liquid form that is
that tobacco smoke has a strong
heated and released as a vapour.
link to the development of cancer.
the addictive drug, nicotine.
Some e-cigarettes don’t
However, vaping may have
Tobacco in regular cigarettes
contain nicotine, but they do
health risks too that may be just
contains nicotine, which you have
contain other chemicals and
as harmful as the ones posed
to burn and inhale to experience
flavours. Because e-cigarettes
by traditional cigarettes.
Both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes expose people to
Because e-cigarettes are smokeless and they often taste nice due to flavours, many people believe that it’s a healthier alternative to cigarettes, as research has shown that tobacco smoke has a strong link to the development of cancer.
How vaping may harm your health
2. It may contain cancercausing chemicals
in a statement: That may be true
1. It may increase your risk for cardiovascular disease
E-cigarettes may also contain
quit, but the problem is, it
chemicals that can cause cancer,
doesn’t mean that they’re
according to a study in the
healthy. Regular cigarettes are
It’s common knowledge that
journal Environmental Science
super unhealthy. E-cigarettes
smoking can increase your risk
& Technology. During the study
are just unhealthy.
for cardiovascular diseases like
researchers analysed the vapour
heart attacks and strokes. Until
of two different e-cigarettes.
recently, experts weren’t sure if
for certain users, for example, long time smokers that cannot
3. It may damage your mouth and gums
or how vaping would affect your
They found that e-cigarettes
heart. However, a recent study
release 31 harmful chemicals,
A study in the journal
in the journal JAMA Cardiology
including two that can be
Oncotarget, found that
has found that people who vape
linked to cancer. The number of
e-cigarettes may be just as
may not be better off than their
chemicals that is released varies,
damaging to your mouth and
tobacco-smoking counterparts.
based on the temperature at
gums as traditional cigarettes.
which the liquids are vaporised. During the study, researchers
The higher the temperature, the
When researchers exposed the
compared people who had
more chemicals are emitted.
cells of human oral tissue to
been regularly vaping for a year
the vapour of e-cigarettes, the
to healthy non-smokers, and
In a reaction to e-cigarette
cells produced inflammatory
found that vapers had increased
advocates who claim that
proteins, which cause a stress
levels of adrenaline in the heart
e-cigarettes’ emissions are
response within the cell.
and increased oxidative stress,
still much lower compared to
which are the same biological
traditional cigarettes, study
This stress response can have a
markers that increase the risk of
co-author and Berkeley Lab
damaging effect on the cells that
heart disease in tobacco users.
researcher Hugo Destaillats said
can lead to several oral diseases.
What’s more, some of the flavours added to the nicotine liquid can further increase the risk of cellular damage, said study contributor Fawad Javed.
Research has so far been unable to find a strong link between vaping and helping people to quit smoking.
References: www.casaa.org/historical-timeline-of-electronic-cigarettes/ | www.theverge.com/2016/7/27/12299784/electronic-cigarettes-e-cigs-chemicals-cancer-fda www.jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2600166 | www.health.harvard.edu/blog/electronic-cigarettes-good-news-bad-news-2016072510010 www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-02-06/e-cigarettes-fda-regulation-looms-for-1-dot-5-billion-industry | www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363846/ Harmful effects of nicotine | Interview with CANSA representative Lorraine Govender lgovender@cansa.org
Can vaping help you quit smoking?
Who should avoid vaping?
can potentially lead to learning
The original purpose of the
At the moment, there is
Nicotine can also negatively
first commercially successful
strong scientific evidence that
affect the development of
e-cigarette, invented in 2003,
warns children, teenagers,
a foetus during pregnancy.
was to help people quit
pregnant women, and women
smoking.
of reproductive age against says CANSA.
What to consider if you vape
Although nicotine itself is not a
If you choose to vape, make
e-cigarette and nicotine use, However, research has so far
and anxiety disorders.
been unable to find a strong link between vaping and
helping people to quit smoking. carcinogen, it may function as a
sure you choose a product that
‘tumour promoter’ and seems to
fully discloses the chemicals
Given the scarcity and low
play a role in the development
used, so that you can educate
quality of scientific evidence, it
of serious diseases, like cancer.
yourself on their potential
cannot be determined whether
harmful effects.
e-cigarettes may help most
Children and teenagers who
smokers quit or prevent them
are exposed to nicotine may
However, the best thing you
from doing so, according to
also suffer long-term brain
can do for your health is to quit
CANSA.
development consequences that
smoking altogether.
Written by: Liezl Russell, Freelance Journalist
page 23
WE ARE GOING
! D I R G E H T F F O How do you cut down on your environmental impact while enjoying a well-deserved holiday? Go off the grid! We compiled a list of eco-friendly stays where you can get close to nature and relax and help save the planet while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at it.
Wolwekrans Eco Lodge, Schoemanskloof - mpumalanga From R1400 per night for 4 people This 100% eco-friendly lodge is located on an escarpment boasting panoramic views of the Lowveld Valley and the Schoemansberg Mountains.
Kurisa Moya, Magoebaskloof - LIMpOPO
From R1600 per night for 2 people Make your way to Kurisa Moya, an ecolodge nestled in unspoilt nature, peace and tranquillity. They offer walking and hiking trails, 4x4 drives, abseiling, guided bird walks and so much more.
Eyeview, Bonjala - NORTH WEST
From R300 per night for 2 people Surround yourself with peace and tranquillity on a hilltop at Eyeview. You might even spot game from the balconies of some of the units.
page 25
TravelGround
Karoo Eco Reserve, Graaff-Reinet - EASTERN CAPE
From R750 per night for 2 people This amazing reserve is set high up in the Sneeuberg Mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is the ideal place to relax with friends and family in nature.
The Bush Camp at Welgedacht, Dinokeng - GAUTENG PROVINCE
From R3000 per night for 2 people The Welgedacht Private Game Reserve shares a border with the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve. So, book a stay here for an authentic African experience while giving Mother Nature a break.
Satori Farm Lodge, Natal Midlands - kwazulu-natal
From R700 per night for 2 people Satori Farm Lodge is located in the magical Midlands and is surrounded by mountains and fresh mountain streams. This eco-friendly lodge is a piece of paradise waiting to be discovered.
Noup, Namaqualand - NORTHERN CAPE
From R1250 per night for 2 people Restful and seemingly deserted, Noup is quietly tucked away between the mining towns of Kleinsee and Koingnaas on the Diamond Coast. You will be charmed by the unique character of this seaside village.
Pear Tree Cottage, Storms River - EASTERN CAPE
From R800 per night for 2 people Unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this quaint cottage while you listen to the trees rustling in the breeze. Be on the lookout for a whole range of bird species by the pond.
The Travelling Tortoise Retreat, De Rust - WESTERN CAPE From R450 per night for 2 people This resort is set in natural Klein Karoo veld just 10km from the pretty town of De Rust. Imagine lazing the day away on one of those balconies overlooking the vast landscape.
Morung Glam Camp at Affi Lande Boetiek Guest Farm, Clarens - FREE STATE From R1000 per night for 2 people Sit back and relax in luxury at this unique bush camp. This log cabin is completely off the grid and equipped for self-catering, so you don’t have to see a single soul while you stay here.
Wild, off the grid, style and comfort, Suurbraak - WESTERN CAPE
From R1400 per night for 2 people This architectural marvel is set on the outskirts of Suurbraak, a historic village and old mission station established in 1812. You’ll be surrounded by mountains and wetlands while you’re relaxing at this beautiful home. Source: All images found on Travelground.com
page 27
first aid
Your guide to:
ME
O H R U O Y G N I F O O R P L L FA Falls happen anytime and anywhere to people of any age. However, as people get older, the number of falls and severity of injury resulting from falls increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in people age 65 and older. Common injuries due to falls are head injuries, shoulder and forearm fractures, spine fractures, pelvic fractures, and hip fractures.
There is a pattern to
be prevented. In addition to
falls among the elderly:
assessing your loved onesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
The fear of falling, then
fall risks and taking simple
the injury, followed
health steps to prevent falls,
by hospitalisation and
you can also help reduce
decreased independence
your risks of falling at home
and mobility.
by making simple changes.
Falls in seniors can be a
TIPS TO Fall-Proof Your Home
ma jor life-changing event with severe repercussions. A fall leads to a greater fear
The bathroom is the area
of falling, which can lead to
you should focus on first
reduced physical activity
because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where most
and fitness - thus increasing
senior falls occur. Grab bars
the actual risk of falls and
may need to be installed
worsening their quality of life.
in various places and rugs should cover areas where
Fortunately, many falls can
slipping might occur.
Here are recommendations to help YOU keep your elderly relative safe from falling in your OR THEIR home environment:
1. Remove anything that could cause tripping or slipping while walking.
6. Use caution at night.
Small furniture and
people are groggy and
attach rugs to the floor
everyday clutter, such
balance isn’t always the
with double-sided tape.
as bags, pet bowls, small
best. Place a lamp next to
decor, electrical and phone
the elderly person’s bed,
cords, or even throw rugs
along with night lights in
can cause falls.
the bathroom, hallway
Night time is one of the most dangerous times as
8. Make sure carpets are secured. Use non-slip rugs, or
9. Use handrails.
Stairs are one of the most
and kitchen. Also keep a
dangerous places in the
flashlight by their bed in
home for seniors. Make
2. Avoid wet floors.
case the power goes out
sure your senior relative
It’s important to be
and they need to get up at
knows to use the handrails
cognizant of drips from the
night.
and avoid carrying items up and down the stairs
shower and faucets that
with both hands as it’s
can pose a tripping hazard. Use only non-skid wax on waxed floors, to also help avoid slippery surfaces.
5. Create clear walking paths.
important they have
Arrange all furniture so
support to keep their
your elderly loved one has
balance.
plenty of room to walk freely. It’s also important
3. Wear suitable shoes.
to remove items from
Wearing unsuitable
stairs and hallways that
footwear increases the risk
may act as a tripping
of falling. Make sure your
hazard.
10. Make sure the house is well-lit. Good lighting is one of
the most simple ways to
shoes have non-slip soles
avoid falls. Since eyesight
and heels of reasonable
diminishes with age, it’s
7. Keep up a regular health and exercise regime.
important to make sure
Preventative health is very
light to help seniors take
heel cup that goes around
important. By eating a
in their surroundings and
the back of the heel also
healthy diet and staying
avoid any obstacles in
stabilises the ankle.
physically active, seniors
their path. You should
can improve their balance,
have enough lighting at
coordination and health.
entrances, in each room,
4. Use non-slip items in the bathroom.
For exercises, help your
on the stairs, and on
elderly loved one focus
outdoor walkways. Use
Put non-slip strips or a
on balance exercises and
bulbs with the highest
rubber mat on the floor of
lower-body strength, which
wattage recommended for
your bathtub or shower.
can help prevent falls.
the fixture.
height, and are wide enough to prevent any twisting of the foot. A good
the living space has ample
Sources: www.aplaceformom.com, www.publichealth.gc.ca
page 29
first aid What to do after a fall…
the chair or object. • Place your stronger leg in front, holding on to the
If you can get up:
chair or object.
Do not panic. The first
• Stand up.
thing to do is to catch your
• Very carefully, turn and
breath. Assess the situation
sit down.
where you will be heard. • Make noise with your cane or another object to attract attention. • Wait for help in the most comfortable position for you. • If able, place a pillow
and determine if you are
under your head and
hurt. Even if you think you’re OK, take your time
If you cannot get up:
cover yourself with a
before getting up again.
If you feel any discomfort
piece of clothing or a
or are unable to get up, try
Follow these five steps for getting up:
• Lie on your side, bend the
to get help.
blanket to stay warm. • Slowly try to move your joints and muscles to
• Call out for help if you
leg that is on top and lift
think you can be heard.
yourself onto your elbows
• If you have an emergency
ease circulation and prevent stiffness.
call device or telephone
Practice these steps
• Pull yourself toward an
at hand, use it.
often and be prepared
armchair or a sturdy
• If you don’t, try to
or hands.
FOR in case you fall.
object, then kneel while
slide yourself towards
Most IMPORTANT of all,
placing both hands on
a telephone or a place
stay calm.
WhEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
• vision problems
Never underestimate the
Symptoms may appear in the days that follow a fall.
seriousness of a fall. Even if it appears no harm was
• drowsiness
If you fall, take note of your
done, there could be after-
condition. If you witness a
effects.
fall, take note of the person’s condition. In some cases, a
reasons for seeing
fall may be the sign of an
a doctor:
illness, or it may be caused
• loss of consciousness just
by medication.
before or after the fall • injuries • a strong or lingering pain • dizziness
It's always better to mention falls to your doctor. He or she can then assess
• nausea
the situation and see if the
• overall weakness or
fall is linked to an illness,
unsteadiness • headaches
prescribed medication or over-the-counter drugs.
YOUR s to Email your question .za experts@intercare.co
Recurring kidney stones
I had kidney stones last year. What are the chances that I will get it again? Is there anything I can do to prevent kidney stones like drinking water with lemon? The chance of a recurrence of kidney stones after a first episode is 70-80% or 50% over five years. This can increase with underlying genetic tendencies. Several years ago there was not much a patient could do to prevent a recurrence, but nowadays medical treatment can be tailor made to prevent a recurrence in 95% of sufferers. It's very important to be able to catch the stone, if at all possible, to analyse its content, which will help to select the most effective treatment. Prevention is achieved through: 1. Hydration: Drinking lots of fluids is essential. 2. Diet: 73% of stones are made up of calcium oxalate. So by cutting down on oxalate-rich foods like beer, chocolate, cheese, cola, coffee and tea, your risk will diminish. High animal protein and sodium diets increase risk, whereas diets rich in potassium and magnesium decrease risk. 3. Medication: Once again, the composition of the stone will guide drug selection. Medication that increases the citrate content in the urine helps to stop the formation of calcium oxalate stones. The same effect can be achieved by drinking lemonade.
These questions were answered by Dr Lisa Lovell, a General Practitioner from Intercare Medical and Dental Centre Glenfair
Contact our Intercare experts at INTERCARE GLENFAIR Tel: 012 368 8800 | Fax: 012 368 8801 Email: glenfair@intercare.co.za Address: Glenfair Boulevard, Corner of Lynnwood and Daventry Roads, Lynnwood, Pretoria
Pre-diabetes diagnosis
I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes in January. Can you eat right and exercise enough for it to go away? What type of diet and exercise will help me? 'Pre-diabetes' is also referred to as impaired glucose tolerance. This means that your body is not responding to the insulin it produces as effectively as it did in the past. It can be detected using a fasting glucose blood test or OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). Fortunately, the progression of the disease is relatively slow, and in the early stages lifestyle changes can decrease your risk to full diabetes by 58%. Contact a dietician or certified diabetes educator to organise a meal plan for you. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily will also aid your body to respond to the existing insulin and drop the glucose level. Additional benefits of exercise include weight loss, mood enhancement, better sleep and a healthy heart.
Persistent sinuses
My two daughters (ages 8 and 11) both have persistent sinus trouble, and seem to have trouble after eating certain foods, especially fruit juice. Could this be a real problem, or am I just being a paranoid mom? Sinuses are small hollow pockets found in the bones of the cheeks, nose and forehead. They produce mucus which drains out through the nasal passages. Occasionally these outlets get blocked due to swelling which is caused by allergies or underlying infection (usually viral) and the pain that is felt is due to a pressure buildup. A secondary bacterial infection can then occur. People can have many allergies including to components in fruit juice. Luckily, food allergies can be easily detected by eliminating the food in your diet and observing any results. You can also make an appointment with a paediatrician or allergist to do skin prick tests or blood tests to pick up any existing allergies.
page 31
recipe SERVES FOUR
DELICIOUS ce. redible Cajun prawn sau minutes. re delicious with this inc Alfredo pasta just got mo with great flavours and can be on the table in 20 packed is ipe rec ta pas lthy hea This
Ingredients • 225g pasta (linguine or fettuccine works well) • 500g prawns (shelled) • 2 teaspoons olive oil • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Prep time: 10 minutes tes Cook time: 15 minu tes Total time: 25 minu
Instructions 1. Cook the pasta according
butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Whisk in the flour, and cook, whisking constantly, until it is lightly browned, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in
to the package directions in
the milk, stirring until it is
a large pot of boiling water.
incorporated and smooth.
Drain.
Add the thyme, oregano, salt,
2. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick
pepper and Parmesan and whisk continuously for 3–4
skillet over medium heat. Toss
minutes until the sauce has
the prawns with the olive oil
thickened slightly. Reduce
• 1 ¾ cup milk
and the Cajun seasoning. Add
the heat to a low simmer
• ½ teaspoon dried
the prawns to the skillet and
until the pasta is ready.
• 2 tablespoons allpurpose flour
thyme • ½ teaspoon dried oregano • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
cook for about 4 minutes, flipping once, until they are
4. Toss together the pasta
completely pink. Set aside
and Alfredo sauce and serve
and keep warm.
with the Cajun prawns on
3. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the
top. Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.
page 33