Bodylanguage issue 01 summer 2012

A better health care experience altogether

|

December 2012

Fiks

en gesond hierdie somer

Emergency:

3 life-saving steps

Tasty, healthy party food for kids

Moenie malaria onderskat nie HEALTHY PETS = HAPPY HOLIDAYS

GET

SUN SMART FREE

Y

COP

|

Issue 01

December 2012

1

contents up close and personal 02

CEO's note

04

Health bites –

4

bon voyage 12

Lyftaal – prettige idees vir vakansie-oefensessies

Short bits of info to digest

14

while on the go

Do it yourself – eat, drink and stay merry

26

In the know – Consider

interact

your pets’ wellness before

03

Contributors

leaving for the holidays

06

A day in the life of ...

11

Intercare branch news –

32

8

28

Travel health – Let Intercare travel health

Happenings at Intercare Branches

clinics prepare you for

Intercare events – Events at

healthy travel

Intercare over the last few months from the experts 10

Aspen – Supplier of quality generics

16

National Renal Care –

29

Malaria – Besef die risiko

31

First aid – swift reaction in an emergency – you could help save a life

Dialysis provider of choice your body 08

Dental health – brush up on your oral health

18

Health advice – skincare 101,

24

get sun smart this summer

Making your own recovery the first priority in your life

your health 20

How to – choose eye-catching sunglasses

22

Recipe – fruitcake picnic surprise, perfect for your summer holiday

24

Health treats – wholesome party treats for kids

28

2

CEO note Dear patient, This year the Intercare Group celebrated its tenth anniversary – a decade of health care service delivery to you, our valued customer.

It is with gratitude that we look back on an extraordinary growth path the past ten years. Currently the Intercare Group boasts 15 medical and dental centres, three sub-acute and rehabilitation hospitals and a day hospital. Licences for additional hospitals were already approved. As we enter the next ten years of our company’s existence, we are looking forward to the expansion of Intercare’s national footprint in the health care industry in South Africa.

It seems only fitting that, considering the milestone our company has reached, we also expand and implement new ways to communicate with our patients. Complementing our dedicated health care teams as well as our modern and technologically advanced facilities, we thought it appropriate to introduce Body Language, our first Intercare magazine.

EDITORIAL Publishing editors Christa Grobler christa@health-bytes.co.za Marilize Eygenberger marilize@health-bytes.co.za

The magazine’s objectives are three-fold:  It will educate and inform about health issues affecting our patients.  It will keep patients up to date on Intercare events, news and promotions.  It will enhance the relationship between patient and health care professional.

Amidst a variety of other health magazines on the shelves today, the Intercare magazine will be unique in two ways: we will strive to make it as personal as possible with news and information from your preferred branch. Secondly, it will be exclusively distributed to Intercare patients free of charge through our waiting rooms and reception areas.

Intercare’s innovative nature ensures that we implement new things almost daily. However, we’ve come to realise

Editorial enquiries Unit 11, Bellfour Office Park, Corner of Rodger & Edmar Street, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530 Tel: 021 917 8804 Fax: 021 917 8801 info@health-bytes.co.za

that innovation is co-dependent on active participation. Therefore, I would like to thank the advertisers whose support made the first edition see the light. I also thank the health care professionals who took the time to contribute to the magazine and will continue to do so in future. Last, but not least, I would like to invite all patients and customers to air their views and provide us with input regarding this magazine. In doing so, we can remain relevant and actual. We will then be able to make a difference and to “create the better health care experience altogether” on a daily basis.

A special word of thanks to the Health Bytes editorial team who took our idea and turned it into a reality.

Dr Hendrik Hanekom CEO Intercare Group

Design Blinc Design, Bronwen Moys Proofing Albert Buhr Business managers & publishers Christa Grobler & Marilize Eygenberger Printing Kadimah Print

INDEMNITY: The information contained in Body Language is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and not to replace professional medical advice. Persons requiring any medical advice or treatment should consult their relevant qualified health-care professional. The publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any act, omission, loss, damage, or the consequences thereof caused

ADVERTISING: Body Language is published quarterly. FREE copies are distributed at Intercare Medical and Dental Centres. To advertise, please contact our advertising department at: Tel: 021 917 8804, Fax: 021 917 8801, info@health-bytes.co.za

by reliance by any person upon the information contained in the publication. The information included in Body Language is subject to copyright and all rights are reserved. The information may not be sold, resold, transmitted or otherwise made available or disseminated in any manner via any media to third parties unless the prior written consent of the publisher has been obtained.

December 2012

3

contributors

Prof Andre W van Zyl (B.Ch.D., M.Ch.D (OMP) (Stell)) is the Head of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Pretoria.

Email: andre.vanzyl@up.ac.za Dr Johan Hartshorne (B.Sc., B.Ch.D., M.Ch.D., M.P.A., Ph.D. (Stell), FFPH.RCP (UK)) has a practice at the Tyger Valley Intercare Medical and Dental Centre in Bellville.

Email: johan.laptop@intercare.co.za Petrus Janse van Rensburg – Biokinetikus BSc Menslike bewegingskunde BA Hons Sport wetenskap met Sport Sielkunde BA Hons in Biokinetika.

Health Bytes Publishers Christa Grobler (MSc Biochemistry, MBA) and Marilize Eygenberger (BPharm, MBA) have extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry with regard to patient education, sales, marketing research, scientific knowledge (disease and products) and pharmacy management.

Dr Sonya C Lindeque, at the Intercare Travel Clinic, M.B.Ch.B (Stell), B.Sc.Hon (Pharm), M.Fam.Med (Stell) Larine Gerber is an optometrist from Neovision at Intercare Tygervalley.

She obtained her B Optom (RAU) qualification in 1998, whereafter she worked in the UK for 8 years and qualified for her MC Optom (UK) in 2003.

We want to hear from you ...

We would like to invite all patients and customers to air their views and provide us with input regarding this magazine. In doing so, we can remain relevant and actual. We will then be able to make a difference and to “create the better health care experience altogether” on a daily basis.

Please email us at: info@intercare.co.za with any suggestions, ideas and things you would like to see on these pages.

Take Note: Like us on Facebook: Become a fan of Intercare on Facebook by joining us on our page: ‘Intercare Health Care Group’. www.intercare.co.za

Health bites

4

healthbites

Short snippets of info to read and digest while on the go ... take heed of the following ...

HIV/AIDS deaths declining in SA

Keeping your brain healthy

The government’s HIV/AIDS programme may be bearing fruit, with fewer deaths reported now than in 2006, according to a government census released in November.

There are many ways you can keep your brain healthy and reduce the risk of dementia. It’s about how active you are, how much learning you are doing in your day-to-day life, and whether you are meeting new people.

When you are of working age, you need to pay attention to your physical risk factors, particularly high blood pressure, because heart health is linked to brain health. Once you retire, it’s essential to stay mentally, physically and socially active. There are a variety of hobbies and pursuits that target mental, physical and social stimulation, such as:

Most deaths recorded by the census were due to natural causes, with just 9.6% attributed to unnatural causes. And most deaths are now in older people as opposed to younger people.

Statisticians believe that the majority of deaths prior to 2006 were related to the AIDS epidemic because tuberculosis, a close ally of HIV infection, has been the number one killer of South Africans, accounting for more than half the country’s deaths.

With the onset of the government’s AIDS treatment programme and the availability of anti-retrovirals and Nevirapine, mortality figures have decreased.

SA wine is good for the heart Researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) set out to see if South African wines have the same heart benefits as those tested in international studies, and whether white wine held the same benefits as red.

The UCT researchers focused on melatonin, a powerful antioxidant found in red and white wines and a hormone which occurs naturally in humans and is known to regulate sleeping patterns. South African wines showed higher levels of melatonin than European wines. High levels of resveratol (a polyphenol chemical found in red wine) were also found in South African wines. The study concluded that moderate consumption of South African red and white wines could potentially protect against a heart attack. However, excessive use of alcohol is one of the greatest risk factors for developing heart disease.

 dancing and tai chi or yoga  joining a social club  learning a new language  learning a musical instrument  travelling  playing bridge, chess and other strategic games.

5 Fast facts for women’s health Women often put their own health on the backburner while they focus on the health of their families. There is no better time to do what you can to make sure that you are as healthy as you can be.

1. Book your mammogram The number one cause of critical illness insurance claims among women is cancer. Of these, 58% are for breast cancer. The majority of cancer claims occur in women between the ages of 31 and 45. So book your annual mammogram and medical check-up now.

2. Get heart healthy Heart attacks and strokes are becoming the leading cause of death amongst women. Of all life claims for women, 34% are due to heart disease and most are for women younger than 50. Ditch the bad eating habits, commit to exercising regularly and get heart-healthy today!

3. Watch that posture After cancer, back pain is the leading cause of disability claims in women. Remember – use your knees and legs when you lift, not your back. And watch your posture when you’re behind your PC!

The statistics above are based on Altrisk’s assessment of its critical illness, disability and life insurance claims, made by women, between May 2011 and May 2012.

HEALTH TIP Sniff rosemary According to some research, catching a whiff of this aromatic herb may increase alertness and improve memory. To stay alert, take a deep breath of fresh rosemary or inhale the scent of rosemary essential oil.

Does online brain training make you smarter?

So far no brain training programme has been shown to actually prevent dementia. But there is evidence to show it can help maintain and boost cognitive function in adults in their 60s and older. In these individuals, cognitive training on the computer may improve overall brain function, and the effects appear to last for at least a few months after the end of training.

The new trend: DIY fitness DIY health has been named the second biggest trend of 2012 by trendwatching.com. Smart devices track your every move: record the number of steps you take, the kilojoules you burn and your blood pressure, to name but a few.

Apple’s App Store houses more than 9 000 mobile health apps, including nearly 1 500 cardio fitness apps and over 1 300 diet apps.

A day in the life of ...

6

14 THINGS

TO KNOW ABOUT ...

Dr Seef Pretorius, one of our dedicated team members, who is a General Practitioner at Intercare Glenfair.

1.

Where were you born?

Pretoria.

2.

Who do you share your house with?

Hilda, Danielle, and Nathan, three dogs, chickens, ducks, birds, and my Land Rover.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

What would people be surprised to know about you? That is still my secret.

8.

9.

10.

What music are you listening to?

I have moods. Classical (instrumental), pop and disco music.

Perfect happiness is ... to be saved by the blood of Jesus!

Success to me means ... to make a living by what we get and to make a life by what we give.

If you weren’t doing what you do, you would be a ... vet.

11.

One of my life mottos is ... too blessed to be stressed.

Everything in moderation but ... not ice cream.

12.

I’d like to be remembered as ... my wife’s best friend ever and my children’s all-time hero.

I can’t go a day without ... reading my Bible, seeing my wife and children, breakfast and tea.

My friends and I like … adventurous stuff, hunting, cycling and camping.

13.

I’m scared of ... spiders.

14.

I would like to ... meet my Maker.

fun facts Likes:  radio-controlled toys  hunting  woodwork

Dislikes:  to fight  b eing away from my

wife and kids  incompetence where

one claims to have some My best ...

Places: The ski slopes of the Canadian rockies, farm in Hoedspruit by the fire with my family, daybreak at the fourth river bed at the farm with my 30.06 rifle (hoorah), at the airfield with my Mustang P51 bomber plane.

Shops: Builders Warehouse, any hobbyshops.

Restaurants: Wimpy and Cynthias.

“One of my life mottos is: too blessed to be stressed."

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27/11/2012 7:59 pm

Dental health: By Prof Andre W van Zyl and Dr Johan Hartshorne

8

Gum disease & my health –

What are the risks and how do I prevent it?

Tell-tale signs of periodontal disease  Bleeding of the gums while brushing, flossing, eating or on your cushion in the morning  Gums that are receding, causing the teeth to look longer  Swelling and puffiness of the gums  Tooth sensitivity  Loosening of teeth  Shifting of teeth and appearance of gaps between teeth  Persistent bad breath

What is gum disease and how does it develop?

Gum disease (periodontitis) begins when plaque bacteria build up at and below the gum margin. If you do not remove the plaque every day by brushing or flossing, it may harden into tartar (also called calculus) (Photo 1). Plaque bacteria cause infection of the gums and calculus will allow more plaque to accumulate due to its roughness. In its early stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. Your gums may be a bit red or bleed when brushing your teeth, but you may not notice anything in the early stages.

When early gum disease is not treated the gingivitis may develop into more serious gum disease, your gums become swollen and may bleed more when brushing or flossing your teeth, but it is seldom painful. Over time, the infection will penetrate deeper into the gums and reach the jawbone. Once it reaches the jaw-bone it may destroy the bone and develop into advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis. Periodontitis is usually pain-less and most people are totally unaware of the disease.

There are however tell-tale signs that you may have the disease (see tell-tale signs).

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the supporting tissue surrounding the tooth (gum and bone). The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum margin.

Bacterial antigens and toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the surrounding bone and gum tissue that hold the teeth in place. If not treated, the gums and bone that support the teeth are progressively destroyed. The teeth may then eventually become loose and have to be removed (Photo 2).

Gum disease progresses silently and painlessly until advanced signs of the disease become visible, such as loose teeth or spaces developing between teeth. That is why it is so important to diagnose and treat it early before it reaches the advanced stages.

How common is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent non-communicable chronic diseases in our population. Approximately 70% of South Africans will develop periodontal disease at some time in their lives. Your chances of developing periodontal disease increases as you get older.

Research has shown that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to periodontal disease. Such people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease in the presence of plaque.

Numerous studies have also concluded that smoking substantially increases your risk of gum disease and subsequent tooth loss. Smoking

December 2012

9

How is gum disease diagnosed?

is also a risk factor for oral cancer and many other conditions.

Can it affect other members of my family?

Research has shown that periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that is initiated and sustained by plaque bacteria beneath the gums. Periodontal disease is not contagious, however, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction, can spread through the saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or toothbrushes. Deep kissing may spread the disease between partners over time.

Why is periodontal disease a risk for my health?

Research findings suggest that periodontal disease may be linked to other chronic inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory disease.

There is evidence that it may play a role in premature childbirth.

Bacterial antigens and toxins associated with periodontal disease can also travel from the gum or bone tissues into the blood stream

Your dentists will ask you about your medical history to identify any conditions or risk factors such as smoking that may contribute towards gum disease.

Next, the dentist will examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation and bleeding. A tiny ruler or ‘probe’ is used to check for and measure periodontal pockets.

In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 to 3 mm. An X-ray is also taken to see where and how much bone has been lost (Photo 3).

When gum disease is more serious, your dentist may refer you to a gum specialist called a periodontist to restore health and regenerate bone and gum tissues that have been lost because of the periodontal disease. The periodontist also treats serious forms of gum disease that do not get better with normal dental care.

Advanced gum disease can be treated by deep cleaning, medications, surgery to eliminate or reduce very deep pockets and/or to regenerate lost soft and bone tissue (Photo 4) with grafts.

When serious gum disease is found, brushing and flossing become even more important.

and pose a threat to other parts of the body.

Therefore it is very important to eliminate the bacterial plaque that is responsible for initiating and sustaining periodontal disease and to treat the gum infection as soon as possible to ensure that your entire body stays healthy.

More research is needed to clarify the exact role periodontal disease has beyond the mouth, and whether treating gum disease can keep other health conditions from developing.

How do I know that I have periodontal disease?

People are often not aware that they have gum disease and symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease.

However, there are some warning signs for periodontal disease (see tell-tale signs).

Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem and should be checked immediately by your dentist or oral hygienist.

A clinical examination of your gums is the only accurate way to determine if you have periodontal disease.

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, both your dentist and periodontist should be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment.

Maintaining good periodontal health is important for overall health and well-being.

Key points to remember You can prevent gum disease by following some simple rules. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease together with meticulous oral hygiene can help you preserve your teeth and smile for life.  Brush your teeth twice a day  Floss every day  Visit a dentist routinely for a check-up

Photo 1: Tartar build-up and gum recession.

 Visit an oral hygienist twice a year for a professional cleaning  Don’t smoke (and it is never too late to quit)  Eat a well-balanced diet

Photo 2: Typical appearance of a case with chronic periodontitis.

Photo 3: X-ray showing bone destruction around teeth.

Photo 4: Advanced periodontitis due to neglect.

10

Aspen advertorial

Supremacy in manufacturing and supply of quality generics Aspen, SA’s leading pharmaceutical company, is synonymous with 1 quality. Its heritage spans more than 160 years, dating back to 1850 through its Lennon business, which pioneered the research and 1 development of generic medicines in South Africa.

A

spen is a leading generics

production processes, resulting in notable

demonstrated with the launch in 2003 of

manufacturer in the southern

cost-efficiencies.3

Aspen-Stavudine – the first generic ARV

hemisphere and is Africa’s

The Port Elizabeth Facility was inspected

drug developed and manufactured in

largest pharmaceutical manufacturer.2

by the United States Food and Drug

Africa.2 It was testimony to the company’s

Aspen is also a leading supplier of generic

Administration (US FDA), the World Health

commitment to finding a positive solution

medicines to both the private and public

Organisation and the Brazilian National

in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS.

2

sectors in South Africa.

As a result, Aspen became the first

Health Surveillance Agency with no

The company’s reputation is well

issues of concern being raised.4 In fact, so

generics producer in the world to receive

earned. All its manufacturing facilities

highly regarded is the quality of Aspen’s

US FDA approval for the manufacturing of

comply with Good Manufacturing

manufacturing facilities that they produce

selected generic ARVs for the treatment

Practice (GMP) and its quality control

broad ranges of product types for Aspen’s

of HIV/AIDS at its Port Elizabeth facility.2 The

2

4

processes are rigorous. It has significant

offshore businesses and for third parties.

scientific expertise and capability which

The production of Aspen’s generic

South African government also awarded Aspen 58% volume share of its first ARV

consistently ensure that each generic

medicines are subject to the same strict

tender and was subsequently awarded

product complies with the standards of the

controls as original medicines, ensuring

the largest share – 50% by volume, of their

Medicines Regulatory Authority.2

their efficacy and safety.2 Aspen boasts

second tender.2

In addition, these facilities are

an exceptional generic pipeline too, with

This reputation for quality and genuine

constantly being upgraded and

products being developed under the

concern is recognised not only by local

expanded to keep abreast of global

supervision of highly skilled scientists.2

and selected international regulatory

trends and developments. During 2010,

The company’s ethos “Healthcare –

bodies, but also by the South African public

additional capacity was introduced in

We Care” indicates the commitment

as more South Africans ask for an Aspen

its manufacturing facilities in both Port

that permeates the entire organisation

generic by name than any other brand,

Elizabeth and East London, with significant

in developing and manufacturing its

indicating their trust in the safety and

attention being paid to improving

products. This philosophy was amply

efficacy of the product.2

Issued by: Nkini Phasha, Bakone Public Relations. Tel: 011 011 9050; e-mail: nkini@bakonegroupsa.co.za; on behalf of Deon Hall, Aspen Pharmacare. Tel: 011 239 3458; e-mail: dhall@aspenpharma.com For further information or assistance, please contact: Aspen’s medical information hotline: 0800 118 088 or Aspen’s medical affairs division: 011 239 6100 References available on request. 1. Aspen Corporate Profile; 2. Aspen website www.aspenpharma.com; 3. Aspen Annual Report 2010 – Group Chief Executive’s Report; 4. Aspen Annual Report 2010

December 2012

11

Intercare branch news – events over the last few months

Various schools visit Intercare Gonubie

O

n the 27th of September, Dr Moekie Stampa and the dental assistants gave an oral health talk to the 123 Grade 1’s from Gonubie Primary School. They all received their activity books and entertained the staff with stories about the experiences they have had at dentists. It is always good to start early! The little ones from ‘Rooi Miere’ play school visited the Gonubie branch and, according to the parents, enjoyed every moment. The Busy Bodies Pre-Primary school also came for a tour to Intercare. Tracey from Pathcare spoiled them with sweets and other goodies.

They watched in anticipation when she drew blood – even though some of them wanted to faint!

Dr Stampa also gave them a talk on oral care.

Kiddie area gets facelift

Celebrity visits Tyger Valley

Curves surprises the ladies

wing to a number of small children exercising their creativity against the walls of the kiddies corner, Cilla Stark, practice manager at Gonubie, had to make a plan. With the help of Nestlé Nutrition in East London, the wall was redecorated with unique mural wallpaper. The kiddies area looks brand new.

special privilege was bestowed upon the staff at Intercare Tyger Valley when Mr FW de Klerk, the former president of South Africa, visited the branch on 16 August. After visiting Dr Sonya Lindeque at the travel clinic, he was willing to pose for a photograph with some of the staff.

epresentatives from Curves for Women, a gym for women only, visited the female staff members at Intercare Tyger Valley.

As part of this wellness initiative, they offered free gym sessions to all. For once, it was the ladies at Intercare’s turn to get spoiled!

O

A

R

Fiks

Lyftaal: Deur biokinetikus, Petrus Janse van Rensburg

12

en gesond hierdie somer

Fiksheid en gesondheid vorm ‘n baie belangrike lewenspatroon wat ook gedurende die somervakansie gehandhaaf moet word.

O

ns oefen gewoonlik minder tydens die vakansie as gedurende die jaar, veral omdat die tyd dan meer beperk is. Al die oefeninge wat gedurende die vakansie gedoen word, moet dus effektief én lekker wees.

Die meeste van ons is moeg na ’n lang jaar, wat dit nog moeiliker maak om gesond te eet en gereeld gedurende die somervakansie te oefen. Gedurende hierdie ruskansie is dit ook die tyd wanneer daar meer geëet word, meer gedrink word en ook meer geslaap word.

Oefening is gewoonlik die laaste aktiwiteit op meeste van ons se programme, maar dit bly een van die belangrikste tydverdrywe.

Die oefening wat ons dus in die vakansie doen, moet so lekker en effektief as moontlik wees – nie net vir algehele gesondheid en fiksheid nie, maar ook vir meer daaglikse energie. Gereelde oefening gedurende die Desember vakansie maak dit makliker om in die volgende jaar weer te begin oefen en dit verhoed dat te veel van die vorige jaar se harde werk tevergeefs verlore gaan.

Beplanning Beplanning van oefensessies kan ’n uitdaging wees, want daar is dikwels geen spesifieke roetine gedurende die vakansie nie en oefening neem tyd in beslag. Dit kan soms voel asof ’n mens van die plesier van die vakansie mis as jy die enigste een is wat oefen. Dit is gewoon-

December 2012

TOP PUNT

Voorbeeld van ‘n oefensessie met jou eie liggaamsgewig as weerstand Opwarming Bene Maag Rus

Bolyf Maag Rus

Strek

13

Begin jou oefensessie met opwarming, dan twee oefeninge vir die bene gevolg deur maagoefeninge. Daarna twee oefeninge vir die bolyf gevolg deur maagoefeninge en eindig dan met ‘n streksessie. Doen altyd oefeninge waarmee jy vertroud is. Sommige oefensessies kan geheel uit strekke bestaan. Dit sal goed wees om gereeld ‘n streksessie te hê.

Oefening

Tyd/Repetisies

Draf op die plek en strek 1. Hurksakke (squats) 2. Uitsteekbewegings (lunges) Plank (bridge) Tussen beenoefeninge Tussen maagoefeninge

5 min 4 x 15 4 x 15 per been 4 x 30 sek 15 tot 20 sek 5 sek

1. Opstote (push-ups) 2. Afsakke (dips) Opsitte (sit-ups) Tussen bolyf-oefeninge Tussen maagoefeninge

4 x 10 4 x 15 4 x 30 10 tot 15 sek 5 sek

Al die spiere wat geoefen is

5 min

lik makliker en geselliger as daar een of rustye tussen die verskillende oefeninge meer vriende of familielede saam met jou wees nie en daar moet ook nie te lank kan oefen. Pas gerus jou oefenprogram tussen die verkillende stelle van ’n sekere en die tye van die oefensessies bietjie aan. oefening gerus word nie.

Die noodsaaklikste Kies jou oefeninge uit oefeninge gedurende die programme wat jy van tevore somer is kardiovaskulêre of gedurende die jaar gevolg oefeninge. Geen spesifieke het. Moenie vreemde of Doen die oefenprogram hoef gevolg nuwe oefeninge gedurende of voorgeskryf te word die vakansie doen nie. Dit oefening nie. Swem, draf, fietsry en verhoog die risiko van waarvan jy stap is maar slegs ’n paar beserings. die meeste voorbeelde van aktiwiteite Die verkorte rustye tussen hou en, as jy waaraan jy kan deelneem. oefenstelle en verskillende so voel, kan jy oefeninge sal meebring dat Doen die oefening waarvan jy die meeste hou en, as jy die oefeninge jou kardiovaskulêre fiksheid so voel, kan jy die oefeninge ook nog ook verbeter. ook nog afwissel. Niemand Dit is baie goeie oefeafwissel. wil gedurende ’n vakansie ning en aangenaam, veral oefeninge doen waarvan hy vir senior burgers, om vroeg of sy niks hou nie. Indien jy soggens langs die see te nie gedurende die vakansie gaan stap. So ’n wandeling toegang tot ’n gimnasium het nie, is daar kan 30 minute tot ’n uur van gemaklike darem nog baie ander oefeninge wat jy stap behels. Maak maar net seker dat die kan geniet. roetes wat vir stap gekies word, veilig is, veral indien die vakansie in die binneland Vakansie-oefensessies is. Indien jy van tevore met kardiale proVakansie-oefensessies is gewoonlik bleme gediagnoseer is, moet die stapseskorter en dit beteken dat meer effektiewe sies versigtig aangepas word. Raadpleeg oefening in ’n korter tydjie ingeruim moet jou kardioloog hieroor en reël ook om word. Probeer om jou sessies so 30 mivoor die vakansie ’n biokinetikus in jou nute lank te maak. Daar moet dus nie lang omgewing te besoek sodat die intensiteit

en lengte van die sessies bepaal kan word.

Oefen so speel-speel Die strand bied baie aktiwiteite en speletjies. Strandtennis, -vlugbal, -raakrugby of -sokker is baie gewild. Dit is goeie kardiovaskulêre oefeninge waar die fokus nie eers op oefening is nie, maar op die plesier van die spel, die vakansiegees en die omgewing.

Oefening in die water is ook heerlik, soos swem, branderplankry of doodgewoon branders uitry na die strand. Indien jy naby ’n lopende rivier vakansie hou, kan jy net met jou arms in ’n binneband stroomop roei, sonder ’n roeispaan.

Diegene met kinders wat gereeld krieket of raakrugby op oop sportvelde speel, kan af en toe saamspeel. Sessies van so ongeveer 20 minute saam met die kinders sal ’n lekker uitdaging bied.

Dit is belangrik om te onthou dat selfs ’n bietjie oefening beter as geen oefening is. Maak dus ’n gewoonte daarvan om, wanneer jy met vakansie is, eerder te stap as om na kaffees, winkels of vriende te ry as jy kan. Eie diskressie moet aan die dag gelê word oor die afstande wat jy gaan stap en die spoed waarteen jy gaan stap.

Geniet die somervakansie en oefen veilig!

Do it yourself: By Health Bytes

14

Surviving the party season The calendar tells you it’s time to par-tay, but that doesn’t mean you have to overindulge.

’T

is the season to be jolly, but going overboard? Everyone loves a good party, especially over the holidays, but overindulge and you’ll most likely end up with heartburn, bloating, sickness and stomach pain.

What’s more, overeating and binge drinking quickly take their toll in the looks department.

So, can you “eat, drink and be merry” over the festive season and avoid the consequences? As long as you take some precautions, the answer is yes.

1. Get it all Never skip breakfast, and start the day with a 10-minute walk. (You could do this at work by climbing a few flights of stairs in your tea break.) A breakfast rich in protein (try cottage cheese, a hardboiled egg or a protein shake) will keep you energised.

2. A healthy tum is a happy tum Avoid party snacks. They tend to be high in fat, as well as gluten, which disrupt digestion in many people, leading to bloating and stomach cramps.

3. Eat first Have a light, healthy snack before you go out – this will prevent you from diving into the chips, peanuts and sausage rolls.

When you do start eating, go slow. Eating in a hurry or not chewing your food properly can cause bloating.

4. Snack wisely Head for the crudités and fresh fruit kebabs when the nibbles come out. As a rule of thumb, food that takes a long time for you to crunch through is healthier.

Have you ever seen a fat rabbit? If you enjoy dips, forego the creamy ones in favour of tomato-based salsas. Gherkins and olives are a good choice; pastries are a treat to be had in small doses. Also remember, in general, the softer the cheese (cheddar, gouda, brie, camembert), the higher the fat content. The better cheese choices include mozzarella, feta, ricotta and cottage cheese.

5. Glug, glug, glug Next to drinking moderately, drinking plenty of water is the best way to avoid a hangover. The classic hangover headache is a sign that the alcohol has dehydrated the brain and caused it to swell. Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks. Have one glass of water for every glass of alcohol – this is not negotiable!

6. Don’t mix Mixing beer, wine and spirits will leave you feeling dreadful the next morning.

Stick to one type of drink, or have vodka with soda as it’s the purest and lowestsugar alcohol.

7. Zzzzzzz Who feels like a three-step beauty routine after the coach has turned into

a pumpkin? At least ensure you have an SOS kit by your bed with a wipe-off cleanser to remove the worst of your make-up and a hydrating moisturiser to beat the dehydration caused by alcohol.

8. My friends told me to eat a fry-up, and I said no, no, no You might just wake up craving a greasy breakfast, but this is a terrible idea. What you need now is fibre and vitamins. (Refined food just leaves you sluggish, while fat makes … that’s right, fat.) Rather sip on some ginger tea (this combats nausea) and go for grapes, strawberries or blueberries, which are rich in anti-oxidants. If you have yoghurt, and the strength, you could even make a smoothie.

9. Get your vitamins Vitamin supplements are a good idea.

The B vitamins keep energy levels up, vitamin C is an immune booster, and milk thistle supports liver function.

10. Get moving Gentle exercise and fresh air will work wonders for your health, body and mind.

Go for a short, brisk walk or even swim a few slow lengths followed by a toxinreleasing sauna and cool shower. And don’t forget to drink lots of water. You might even feel good enough to head on over to the next party …

December 2012

15

Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks. Have one glass of water for every glass of alcohol – this is not negotiable!

It’s my party, and I’ll braai if I want to Everybody loves a braai, especially in summer! They’re not always great for slimmers or those trying to keep off the pounds, but with these tips, you can easily have your braai and eat it.

Watch those portions These are good points of reference:  A tennis ball or clenched

fist = about 1 cup. This is the maximum total amount of starchy sides (potato salad, bread, baked beans) you should be having if you’re watching your weight.  A deck of cards, or your

cellphone = about 85g of meat.  Your thumb = about 1

tablespoon. This measure comes in handy when you’re trying to estimate dressing or a spread. Most full-fat salad dressings have between 200 and 400 kilojoules per tablespoon.

Veggies first Fill up on green salad and

crudités, and make sure you have a healthy dip on hand.

Try this one, which is great

with chips, nachos and crudités – Spicy yoghurt dip: Just mix these ingredients

together and keep cool.

250 ml thick natural yoghurt, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 desert spoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon chilli paste, or a small green chilli chopped, or a few drops of Tabasco half a teaspoon of celery salt freshly ground black pepper.

that starch serving on a scoop of that potato salad.  Skip starch in favour of

dessert. Have a piece of lean protein, grilled vegetables and a healthy side (1/2 cup or so of baked beans or a bean salad) so you can indulge in dessert.

How to eat what you really like  Really want a burger? Go

for it, but leave the chips.

Have greens on the side instead.  Love potato salad? Go for

grilled chicken or fish, plus your greens, and spend

First eat, then play  Start tossing a ball with

the kids.  Rally the adults to play

volleyball or some other outdoor game. The point is not to burn off your lunch, but to pull yourself away from the chips and dips.

Sources: www.webmd.com, www.handbag.com

TOP TIPS

16

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17

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TOP TIPS How can you prevent and manage kidney disease?

Following these tips can prevent many kidney diseases:

 If you have a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension or have HIV, you should have your urine and kidneys checked annually.

 Quit smoking. This is one of the most important lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing a kidney disease.

Smokers are three times more likely to have reduced kidney function.

 Live life to its fullest. Being healthy and happy will have a positive influence on your mind and body.

 Nutrition: The food we eat plays a huge role in our health. By ensuring that you eat a balanced, nutritious diet you can help prevent kidney disease.

A healthy diet can also help you shed some unwanted kilos as people who are overweight have a greater risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure – both of which are major risk factors in kidney disease.

The following are very important

Our core values: Optimising the healthcare and the quality of life for patients with compromised organ function.

dietary tips:

 Only use a sprinkling of salt occasionally (very little!).

 Avoid or minimise: Processed foods, spices and condiments, pre-prepared foods and eating out or take-aways.

 Avoid saturated fats: Chicken skin, visible fat on meat, full fat dairy products, palm kernel oil, coconut, butter and hard margarine.

 Beware of the sugar content in what you eat and drink and avoid excessive

crease your risk factors for kidney

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 Exercise: Walk, opt for the stairs instead

 Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol

of the lift and get your heart pumping

intake can lead to heart disease

blood to your organs. It can reduce

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and diabetes, which in turn can in-

Tips for drinking:

 Make water your tipple of choice.

Water assists in transporting nutrients around the body, as well as helping to eliminate waste.

 Limit your intake of caffeine and cola. These can irritate the bladder and act as a diuretic.

Health advice: By Health Bytes

18

GET

Sun smart

Brush up on your sun savvy before you head out this summer.

Remember to use sunscreen ...

Sources: www.clicks.co.za, www.cansa.co.za, www.myhealthyvision.co.za

What are UVA and UVB? UVA and UVB are radiation from the sun that affects the human skin. UVB radiation is the main cause of sunburn whereas UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, causing premature ageing of the skin.

How does SPF work?

A sunscreen or sun block is a lotion, cream or spray that absorbs or reflects the sun’s radiation and protects the skin. A sun protection factor (SPF) indicates the time a person can be exposed to sunlight before burning if a sunscreen is applied, in comparison to the time a person is exposed to sunlight without applying a sunscreen. You can work it out: take the time it would usually take you to start burning if you didn’t apply sunscreen. Multiply that by the SPF and that is how long the sunscreen will protect you. For example, if it takes you 10 minutes to start burning, an SPF10 sunscreen will protect you for 10 x 10 minutes = 100 minutes. This is only a guideline. Other factors that may affect how fast you start burning are:  The amount of sunscreen applied  Your skin type  The frequency of sunscreen reapplication  Activities, such as swimming and sport The higher the SPF, the better?

A higher factor sunscreen only provides a small percentage more protection against UVB but it may give you more protection against UVA rays. Even with sunscreen, you shouldn’t be out in the sun all day.

The ten golden rules 1 If your shadow is longer than you are, you are at risk of sunburn. Stay out of direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm.

2 Consider cloudy days sunny – UV rays penetrate through clouds even if it is overcast.

3 Cover up with a broadbrimmed hat and longsleeved clothing.

4 Apply an SPF30+ sunscreen to any exposed skin.

5 Keep children under the age of one out of the sun.

6 See your doctor or dermatologist immediately if you become aware of any changes in moles or new irregular patches.

7 Avoid sunburn, and even doused in sunscreen, don’t stay in the sun longer than you have to.

8

Avoid sunbeds at all cost.

9 Remember that the earlier a melanoma is diagnosed and surgically removed, the better the chance for a complete cure.

10 Make sun safety a habit!

How do I protect my kids?

Keep children out of the sun as much as possible, and encourage them to wear fullbody swimsuits, broad-rimmed hats and an SPF30 sunscreen.

What about dark skins?

People often assume that darker skin, which has more melanin, is less susceptible to sun damage. This is not true. While fair skins are more at risk, everyone should take precautions against sunburn.

How do I get the most out of my sunscreen?  Always use at least a SPF30 and make sure it gives you UVB and UVA protection.  Check the expiry date – old sunscreen won’t be effective.  Keep sunscreen products in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.  Shake the bottle before use.  Apply the lotion generously and evenly, 30 minutes before heading outside.  Reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring, exercise and towel-drying.

What about protecting the eyes?

Many South Africans already have conditions such as pterygium* and photokeratitis* that are caused by UV exposure. To protect your eyes, make sure your sunglasses are 100% UV resistant and if you wear glasses, try variable-tint lenses that cut out UV rays.

December 2012

“If your shadow is longer than you are, you are at risk of sunburn.”

THE FACTS The ABCDs of melanoma A = Asymmetry Melanomas are often asymmetrical, whereas moles are generally symmetrical.

And if you don’t ...

Can excessive sun exposure cause skin cancer?

Yes, excessive sun exposure, especially with blistering sunburn episodes, is one of the major risk factors in the development of melanoma – the most dangerous and lethal of all skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. Over 90% of cases are caused by sun exposure, and both UVA and UVB radiation are responsible for the development of skin cancer.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a malignant* skin cancer that arises from the uncontrolled growth of pigment cells. From the skin it can spread to the lymph glands or via the bloodstream to other organs such as the liver, lungs and bones (metastases). This is invariably fatal. It is imperative to diagnose and treat melanoma as early as possible.

What is the incidence of melanoma?

The incidence of melanoma has been increasing in fair-skinned people throughout the world for several decades. While melanoma accounts for only 4% of skin cancer cases, it causes about 80% of skin cancer deaths. South Africa has the second highest incidence after Australia. The average age of presentation is 50 years.

B = Border Melanomas frequently have irregular uneven borders with scalloped edging.

Benign* moles usually have smooth, even borders.

C = Colour Common moles are usually a single shade or shades of brown and black.

Melanomas are often multicoloured, with multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, grey, pink or blue.

D = Diameter Benign moles are usually (but not always) less than 6mm in diameter, whereas melanomas tend to be larger.

19 What are the risk factors of melanoma?  Red, fair or blonde hair  History of blistering sunburn  Atypical* or dysplastic* moles  Frequent use of sunbeds  A personal or family history of melanoma  A history of other skin cancers

When should I consult my doctor regarding skin cancer?

Be aware of any ABCD changes. If in doubt about a mark, lesion or mole, especially the shape, size and colour, consult your doctor or dermatologist. Early detection of melanoma can be life-saving.

If your skin naturally has lots of moles and freckles, ask you GP or dermatologist about mole mapping. This front and back body map documents existing moles and their size, so you can later compare them to new moles and changes in existing ones.

Remember that most people develop their moles before the age of 30. A sudden development of a new expanding, irregularly pigmented or non-pigmented patch after the age of 30 should ring the alarm bells.

All types of skin cancer can be treated successfully, if discovered and attended to early enough.

You can also call CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22 or visit www.cansa.org.za.

Medical Dictionary Atypical: The word “atypical” is often used to refer to the appearance of precancerous or cancerous cells.

Benign: Not harmful.

Dysplastic moles: Atypical moles that look different to common ordinary moles.

Malignant: Cancerous, with the ability to invade and destroy nearby tissue.

Malignant tumours may spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.

Photokeratitis: Inflammation of the cornea and iris.

Pterygium: A creamy or opaque growth attached to the cornea.

How to: By optometrist Larine Gerber

20

HOW TO ...

SHOP FOR SUNGLASSES Sunglasses not only look fashionable, they also help protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your skin as well as your eyes. Strong sunlight can burn the corneas and conjunctivas of your eyes. In addition, longterm exposure to UV radiation can contribute to eye disease, especially cataracts.

You should choose sunglasses that  reduce glare  filter out 99-100% of UV rays  protect your eyes  are comfortable to wear  do not distort colours.

1 Step One Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. Ideally, sunglasses should block these two components of UV radiation at least by 99% and 95% respectively:  UVB rays are the main concern for eyes.

UVB radiation is considered more dangerous to eyes and skin than UVA radiation.  UVA rays are the primary ones absorbed by your eyes. While they pose far less concern than UVB, doctors still recommend that they be avoided.

UV protection information should be printed on the hangtag or price sticker of any sunglasses you buy, no matter where you buy them. If it isn’t, find a different pair.

2 Step Two Look for sunglasses that filter out at least some blue light, as this can damage the retina and cause macular degeneration (vision loss from degeneration in parts of the eye). To make sure, try wearing them outside; a blue sky should appear gray with these on.

When choosing sunglasses, there are many options. Some tips on what to look for:

 Polarised lenses. Although polarised

lenses protect against glare, they don’t meet the criteria for UV protection unless they contain additional UV-blocking material.  Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing UV intensity and temperature to protect you in a wider range of conditions. They will darken into a sunglass tint when exposed to UV thus removing the need to carry a separate pair of sunglasses for protection against harmful UV rays from the sun. Some disadvantages of photochromic lenses are that they do not adjust immediately and they will not darken when worn inside vehicles (windscreen/green glass absorbs virtually 100% of UV light). Since they do not darken inside vehicles, they may not be adequate as driving glasses.  Polycarbonate lenses. A wise choice for children and athletes, as polycarbonate lenses shield the eyes from UV radiation and protect the eyes against impact injuries that may be sustained during play and sports.

Standard glasses can also be treated with a material that absorbs UV radiation sufficiently to protect the eye while retaining a clear, nontinted appearance. In addition, UV protection can be obtained for most rigid contact lenses and many soft contact lenses.

3 Step Three Choose a lens colour based on your preferences and comfort level. Gray doesn’t affect

December 2012

21

Ultraviolet rays (UV): Invisible shortwavelength radiation beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays, which are responsible for the production of both suntan and – on overexposure – sunburn.

UVA: Ultraviolet rays with a longer

colour perception. Orange-brown lenses are a good choice for those with macular degeneration, since they filter out UV and blue light rays for maximum retinal protection. Green lenses distort colour less than other shades (such as red or yellow). Rose-coloured glasses really do make the world seem brighter.

They provide excellent low-light visibility and enhance contrast. Mirrored coatings reduce glare by reflecting much of the light that hits the lens surface.

4 Step Four The material used in your sunglass lenses will affect their clarity, weight, durability and cost. Choosing a frame is nearly as important as the lenses, since it also contributes to the comfort, durability and safety of your sunglasses.

Additional tips for protecting your eyes in the sun include:  A darker lens does not necessarily indicate better protection, and lighter-tinted lenses offer better visibility. Check labels to find sunglasses that provide the best protection possible.  For added eye protection, wear a widebrimmed hat or cap. This keeps out sunlight from directly overhead.  Never look directly at the sun — even through sunglasses — because doing so can cause permanent eye damage.

wavelength – the closest to visible light.

Mainly this is the ultraviolet light that reaches the earth and which is responsible for sunburn as well as the forming of vitamin D. UVB: Ultraviolet rays with intermediate wavelengths and especially responsible for cataracts and skin cancer.

Conjunctivas: The delicate mucous

Fit tips  Frames should fit snugly on your nose and ears, but not pinch or rub.

 The weight of sunglasses should be evenly distributed between your ears and nose. Frames should be light enough to avoid excess friction on these contact points.

membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.

Cornea: The transparent circular part of the front of the eyeball. It refracts the light entering the eye onto the lens.

Cataracts: Any opacity in the lens of the eye that results in blurred vision – it may be congenital or acquired.

Are pricey glasses worth it?

A R100 pair of sunglasses can look pretty similar to a R2 500 pair, so why pay more?

The difference is in the technology, which offers more comfort, durability and performance. For around-town wear and while driving, an inexpensive casual pair may be all that you need. But for outdoor activities, especially high-impact ones such as cycling, performance glasses are usually well worth the investment.

 Your eyelashes should not contact the frame.

Sunglasses for children?

Kids’ eyes are especially vulnerable to UV light, since they don’t have the same level of natural protection as adults.

Here are some helpful suggestions for choosing sunglasses for children:

 Check to make sure the sunglasses fit well and are not damaged.

 Choose sunglasses that fit your child’s lifestyle. The lenses should be impact resistant and should not pop out of the frames.

 Choose lenses that are large enough to shield the eyes from most angles.

Sources: Mayoclinic, Intelihealth

Medical Dictionary

Recipe: www.food.com

22

Fruitcake

MUFFINS

Try this delicious recipe for the summer holidays – great for picnics!

Ingredients you will need  nonstick cooking spray or

paper baking cup  1/2 cup chopped glace cherries  1/4 cup dried currant  1/4 cup chopped dried apricot  1/2 cup brandy  2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour  2 teaspoons baking soda  1 teaspoon baking powder  1 teaspoon salt  1/2 teaspoon ground ginger  1/2 teaspoon allspice  2 large eggs, at room temperature  1/2 cup sugar  3/4 cup buttermilk  10 tablespoons unsalted butter,

melted and cooled  1/3 cup honey  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

Directions 1 Preheat the oven to 200˚C. To prepare the muffin pans, spray the holes and the rims with nonstick spray.

A nice muffin for Christmas parties or breakfasts.

No nasty citron.

2 Combine the cherries, currants, apricots,

and brandy in a small bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking soda,

baking powder, salt, ginger and allspice in a medium bowl until mixed well. Set aside.

4 Place the egg whites in a separate me-

dium bowl that is clean and dry. Beat with an electric whisk at high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

5 In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks just until lightly beaten, then add the sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and sunny yellow, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, honey and vanilla extract until smooth.

6 Using a wooden spoon, stir in the fruit and any remaining brandy into the egg yolk mixture, then stir in the pecans until well mixed.

Stir in the flour mixture until incorporated, then gently fold in the beaten egg whites until no streaks of white are visible.

7 Fill the prepared pans three-quarters full.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are light brown, with firm, rounded tops.

8 Set the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Remove them from the pan and let cool on the rack for 5 more minutes.

The muffins will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Useful info Cooking time: 20 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes Recipe makes: 12 muffins Decorations: Top muffins with flaked almonds or any choice of sliced berries to garnish. Ice if you feel like adding an extra dash of style and creativity.

December 2012

Get the whole family involved and make it a holiday project and have some fun together!

Tips for cooking with kids  Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before cooking.  Check all the listed ingredients – get them out ready to start cooking.  Make sure you have all the right sized pans, baking tins and other containers needed.  Set the oven to the required temperature and preheat.  Get a grown-up to help you with tricky recipes involving sharp knives and hot surfaces.  Always wear oven gloves when using hot pans, baking trays.  Clean utensils and scrub cutting boards after use.

Use a different cutting board for raw and cooked food.

Source: www.coolkidscooking.com

*

cky E r Pi Fo

at e r s — ch il dr en wh o d o n ot ea t w e l l

Recommend 2 to 3 cups of Promise PE Gold per day to build a strong nutritional foundation to get picky eaters back on the path to healthy development.

Strong

l

Nutritiona

n Foundatio

23

Health treats: By Health Bytes

24

Children’s Party Food:

The healthy alternative Parties are a great time for celebration, fun and laughter with family and friends. The food too can shine with fresh fruits and vegetables.

G

ive kids colourful and healthy party food, instead of sugary ‘junk’ food that is loaded with saturated fats. These great ideas will help you to make kids’ party food healthier and by designing a child-friendly and healthy buffet, both children and parents will be happy!

What food makes for a great kids’ party? Serve fun finger-food snacks like baby carrots, chicken pieces/ nuggets, home-made sausage rolls, sushi, Vietnamese rolls, home-made salt-free popcorn, cobs of corn, salad wraps cut into small portions, tortilla/rice chips with dip, cheese, grapes, watermelon and any other fruit.

Nourishing party nibbles Low-fat vegetable sticks like carrot served with an avocado dip (simply blend mashed avocado with lemon juice) or a ready-made reduced fat dip make the best nibbles instead of fat-loaded crisps and snack foods. Pretzels are also a good alternative.

Cool party choices Finger sandwiches are the perfect party food for kids of all ages; simple to make and easy for kids to eat. Include a fresh

vegetable or use nutritious avocado in the filling and use wholegrain or wholemeal bread.

Try these simple sandwich filling combinations:  Lettuce and cheese slices  Ham, tomato and cheese  Avocado and shaved ham Make pinwheel sandwiches using ready-made crepes or tortilla bread (both available from supermarkets). Spread the crepes or tortilla breads with mashed avocado (mashed with a drizzle of lemon juice) and reduced-fat spreadable cream cheese. Roll up and cut into thick slices, secure with a halved cherry tomato and a toothpick and serve.

Warm veggie choices Freshly-baked pizzas with vegetables or pineapple in the topping are always popular party foods for boys and girls of all ages.

For mini pizzas, use round or shaped cutters to cut shapes into ready-made pizza bases. Girls like heart-shaped pizzas while boys often go for star-shaped ones.

Use fresh pineapple, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced button mushrooms with diced lean bacon and reduced-fat cheese like grated mozzarella for the topping.

Boys in particular enjoy a grilled

sausage on a small wholemeal roll. Add a small leaf of butter lettuce and a spread of mashed avocado to the roll to make it more nourishing.

Colourful fresh fruit platter Kids prefer their fruit cut and ready to eat.

Arrange a colourful selection of fruit on a large platter for a kids’ party at any age.

Add a caramel dip or chocolate fountain for older children to dunk the fruit.

The following fruits are perfect for platters:  Watermelon and melon wedges  Peeled pineapple wedges  Whole hulled strawberries  Small bunches of seedless grapes  Cherries (for older children)  Bananas  Apples and pears

Healthy drinks For cool slushies, simply blend peeled and chopped fruit like watermelon or mango with ice to make the most refreshing and colourful party drink.

To make a creamy smoothie, blend fresh berries, banana or mango with reduced-fat milk and flavoured yoghurt.

Little ‘princess’ or ‘fairy’ girls prefer delicate-pink strawberry smoothies at their

December 2012

25 parties. Whilst busy ‘superhero’ or ‘pirate’ boys like energising banana and honey smoothies with a dash of Milo. Remember the cocktail umbrellas or pirate flags!

Home-made juices are easy to prepare and water at hand is even better. Organic fruit juices are easily available from the supermarket rather than sugar-filled cordials and fizzy drinks.

Birthday cupcakes Kids love to eat little cupcakes. They look terrific arranged on a cake stand and they’re the ideal size for kids to pick up with their hands which minimises the need for plates and spoons.

Healthy options Whip up a batch of banana cupcakes or use freshly grated carrot to make little

carrot cupcakes. If you prefer to use a packet cupcake mixture, add a few handfuls of fresh blueberries to a basic vanilla cupcake recipe.

Transform cupcakes by topping with reduced-fat cream cheese icing and use colourful fresh fruits for decoration.

If you’re making the cakes in advance, decorate the cakes with the fruit just before serving.

For dynamic little boys, use blueberries, whole cherries and seedless grapes, and for little girls use halved strawberries to make appealing strawberry-winged butterfly cakes.

Hope you’ll win your little critics over with this fantastic selection of great-looking and tasting treats, and you’ll please the parents with healthy and nutritious catering. Win-win!

T. rex dinosaur recipe

Recipe and image courtesy of www.watermelon.org

Or … if you are really up for it you can try this watermelon carved into a T. rex dinosaur – it is sure to be a hit!

The mouth, spiked with toothpick or skewer teeth, is filled with chunks of watermelon and other melon – for contrast, try a yellow watermelon (if you can find one) or a cantaloupe. Cut them

into triangular chunks that resemble a mouth full of teeth. Of course you could fill it with any sort of fruit salad – just make sure the pieces are big enough that they don’t tumble out. Although visually, that could be quite entertaining for the kids.

Caution: pointed skewers are very sharp! Make sure that guests, espe-

cially young ones, use a long-handled serving tool to avoid having hands come in contact with the sharp skewers. You may even wish to remove a section of the skewer teeth prior to serving so the fruit can more easily be removed. If you’re looking for something a little more cute and less scary, try a watermelon hedgehog!

Sweet fruit party treats Bursting with natural sweetness, colour and goodness, fresh fruit is the healthiest party food for kids. The important point is to make the fruit look appealing to kids. As it’s a time for celebration, the addition of a little chocolate or eye-catching topping adds a ‘special’ touch to the occasion and enhances its appeal. Try these easy fresh fruit birthday ideas.

Choc-dipped strawberries Skewer large strawberries onto ice cream sticks or skewers and dip the tip into melted chocolate. Alternatively, lightly drizzle strawberries with melted chocolate (a mixture of white and milk chocolate stripes looks fabulous). Chocolate melts are available in supermarkets and can be easily melted in the microwave ready for drizzling.

Fresh fruit kebabs drizzled with chocolate Thread wedges of peeled and chopped fruit banana, melon and pineapple onto ice cream sticks and lightly drizzle with melted chocolate.

You can also serve tiny fruit kebabs on colourful toothpicks with a low-fat vanilla yoghurt dip.

Fresh fruit jellies Add fresh fruits like seedless grapes to jellies. Include a marshmallow as an additional treat. Top with halved strawberry to serve.

Strawberry smoothie pops Terrific for a summer birthday party, strawberry smoothie pops can be made in advance using fresh hulled strawberries and yoghurt. Store them in the freezer until ready to serve.

Berry yoghurt sundaes Make delicious berry yoghurt sundae treats with fresh berries and yoghurt in small plastic disposable cups – they’re particularly appealing to little princesses!

In the know: By Dr Reena Cotton, veterinarian in private practice

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Healthy Pets Happy Holidays We are heading towards the festive season and it is time to start planning for the December holiday period. We also have to consider our pets’ welfare while we are relaxing, catching up with friends and recharging our energy after a long and sometimes stressful year.

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e can expect sunny and hot weather at the end of the year, with many activities around swimming pools, beaches, rivers and dams. Contrary to what many of us think, not all dogs can swim, and they must be supervised when in the vicinity of water.

Dogs can fall or jump into the water without knowing what it is, or how deep it is, and if they cannot swim, they can inhale water and even drown. If there is any chance that the dog will have access to water, we must ensure that it will be able to get out of the water.

Show the dog where the stairs are, or even place a heavy object in the water for it to step on. Many drowning tragedies occur because even though the dog can swim, it gets exhausted or panics because it does not know how to get out of the water.

Like us, dogs can get too much sun and they can overheat, resulting in sunburn or heat stroke. They should always have clean drinking water available and shelter from sun, heat and wind. Heat stroke (or heat exhaustion)

can be serious, even lethal. It is particularly dangerous in the flat-faced breeds like bulldogs, pugs and boxers, as well as in older dogs, which may have weaker hearts, or in fat animals, which are less efficient at losing body heat.

A pet-friendly sunscreen should be applied to all unpigmented areas, especially around the muzzle, ears and belly when dogs will be out in the sun. If possible, keep your dog indoors or in a cool shady place during the hottest hours of the day.

The increase in summer parties means that there will be more food around that may lead to ‘dietary indiscretion’, which results in more vet visits due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Dogs should not be given human food – they are not rubbish bins for left-over food or food that is spoilt. In the heat, food not only goes off quicker, but there is also an increase in flies settling on various surfaces, spreading bacteria from decaying or infected material (including animal and human faeces and discarded food scraps) to the dog’s food. Leaving a bowl of food out for the dog or cat should be avoided. If you are out for an

Ensure that your pets can be adequately identified by means of microchips or name tags with phone numbers.

extended period, arrange for a neighbour or friend to feed your pet.

Braais and picnics can be hazardous for dogs prone to scavenging. They might swallow bones, mielie cobs, wine corks, fruit pips or other objects that can cause obstruction or damage to the intestines.

This can result in a variety of symptoms, including pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of appetite, depression, bowel obstruction and even death. Feed your pets before you bring out the food, so that they are not hungry, and ask your guests not to give your pets scraps from their plates.

Dogs and cats can wander away from their owners or homes, so ensure that they can be adequately identified by means of microchips or name tags with phone numbers. A contact number should be stitched or written in the inside of the pet’s collar.

If your pet goes missing, do not delay looking for your pet, but set off immediately. Notify the security company in your area – their members patrol the area regularly, and will often recognise your or other pets in the area. Leave a description at all the nearby vets, rescue organisations and anywhere that your pet might frequent.

If you leave your pet in the care of a petsitter, make sure they have all the necessary contact numbers. Explain to them what to do if your pet goes missing.

December 2012

27 A found animal can be taken to the nearest vet or rescue centre and if no enquiries have been made, the pet can be rehomed after two weeks, while you, the owners, are away and unaware that your

beloved pet has gone missing.

As the status of our pets evolves from merely providing a service to being members of our family, we invest more time, emotion and money into our relationship

with them. We, in turn, benefit from the pleasure of their love and company. If we plan ahead for the welfare of our pets, we can relax and enjoy the holiday season that much more.

Boarding kennels  Start looking into boarding kennels as soon as possible, if you do not intend taking your pet with you on holiday.

Get reliable verbal recommendations. Speak to the manager or owner and visit the facility to make sure you are happy to leave your pet in their care. Discuss your pet’s special needs, diet and exercise routine, sociability and any medical conditions that your pet may have.

P ahea lan welfa d for the pets, re of your then & enj relax the h oy oli seaso day n!

 Ensure you know what documentation the kennels will require. Your pet’s vaccinations must be up to date, as he or she will be in close contact with many other animals. Leave your contact details with the kennel management, in case of emergency, as well as contact numbers of your vet.  If you do not feel comfortable with the kennels, you should try others, as you want to go away with the reassurance that your pet is happy and in good hands.

Pets on the move ...

Some lucky pets get to go on holiday with their owners. If you are planning to take your furry child out of the country, ensure you have all the required vaccines, treatments and paperwork as requested by the country of destination.

Most European countries will insist on an up-to-date rabies vaccine and a blood test showing adequate antibody levels to the rabies

virus. As the dog or cat may only travel three months after blood is taken for this test, plan at least three to four months before your departure date in order for your pet to travel with you.

Some countries will insist on up-to-date vaccination certificates, while others may insist on various antiparasitic treatments. Get accurate and current information on the specific requirements of the country that you will be visiting from companies

specialising in animal travel.

If you are visiting another area in South Africa, check what illnesses or special conditions may occur where you will be travelling to. Some places are more likely to have a tick or flea problem. Rabies is endemic in KwaZulu-Natal and vaccination must be done every year as opposed to Cape Town where rabies vaccination is only required every three years. Farms tend to have more allergens and

dogs may itch more when visiting such rural areas.

Places with slow-moving or stagnant water may have higher levels of organisms causing diarrhoea and vomiting.

If you are going to travel to isolated areas where veterinary help will not be available, speak to your vet about putting together a first-aid kit with instructions on how to treat common conditions involving eyes, ears, skin and tummies.

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Travel health: By Dr Sonya Lindeque at the Intercare Travel Clinic

Prepare for

healthy travel Going on a trip? Don’t leave home before visiting your nearest Intercare Travel Clinic!

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eople are usually under the impression that they should only go for a compulsory yellow fever vaccination before going to certain destinations, such as specific countries in South America and Africa. There are, however, other life-threatening diseases and situations that you should also be aware of. These include malaria and the possibility of food poisoning, especially when visiting Third World countries in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.

At Intercare’s Travel Clinics we aim to address this common misconception that taking one vaccination will keep you healthy throughout your trip.

If possible, visit one of our clinics at least six weeks before you leave. The doctor will determine your current health status and look into your medical history. Do you have high blood pressure, a heart condition or asthma? What are your

The ultimate aim is to anticipate and prevent any illness or health condition you might encounter while away from home.

December 2012

‘n Paar feite oor malaria  Elke 30 sekondes sterf ‘n kind aan malaria.  Malaria is teenwoordig in meer as 100 lande wereldwyd.  Malaria kan met griepagtige simptome presenteer. 

Die muskiete vlieg laag en steek veral om die enkels. 

Kinders onder vyf jaar oud en swanger vroue het die potensiaal om ernstig siek te word van malaria.

allergies? For instance, certain antimalaria tablets should not be taken by patients suffering from depression and anxiety. Usually, the last thing on your mind could be your dental health, but the pain of a broken or carious tooth can drive one up the wall.

This is where your Intercare medical travel specialist can make a difference.

They have access to relevant information about the country you will be visiting, which puts them in the best position to give medical advice on the necessary vaccinations and precautions to be taken.

The ultimate aim is to anticipate and prevent any illness or health condition you might encounter while away from home.

Another aspect that cannot be underestimated is your post-travel visit to the Intercare Travel Clinic. Some diseases will only show symptoms six weeks after you have contracted the virus. It is therefore important to return to your travel clinic the moment you experience any discomfort, fever or any other abnormalities pertaining to your health.

Also take note that your travel insurance must be up to date!

Take your health seriously and talk to the experts before leaving home.

Malaria Die dodelike byt wat alle weerstand verkrummel

Baie van ons kan nie wag om van ‘n misdaadgeteisterde stedelike lewe te ontsnap en na die rustige buitelewe te ontvlug nie.

Dikwels vergeet ons egter van een van die kleinste insekte wat baie gevaarliker as die ‘rat race’ is: ‘n muskiet wat die malariaparasiet dra.

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ir kranige reisigers, veral in Afrika, is hierdie ’n bedreiging wat nie ligtelik opgeneem kan word nie. Die Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie (WGO) beraam dat meer as een miljoen mense jaarliks aan malaria sterf, en 90% van hulle kom uit sub-Sahara Afrika. Malaria dra tot ’n groot persentasie van alle siektes in Afrika by, en veral kinders is die grootste slagoffers van hierdie siekte.

Reiswenke Muskiete is vanaf sonsondergang tot sonsopkoms baie aktief en die beste

manier om infeksie te voorkom, is om te sorg dat jy nie gebyt word nie.  Insekweerders met 30% DEET (diethyl-methyl-toluamide), soos Tabard of Peaceful Sleep, kan gebruik word en muskietmatjies kan binne- en buitenshuis, byvoorbeeld onder ’n lapa, aangesteek word.  Vermy buitemuurse aktiwiteite na sononder in areas wat gevaar mag inhou.  Slaap onder ’n muskietnet en maak deure en vensters toe.  Dra langmouhemde en -broeke en beskerm veral die enkels.

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30

Travel health: By Dr Sonya Lindeque at the Intercare Travel Clinic

Onthou: Vir enige verdere advies of navrae stuur gerus ‘n epos aan travelmeds@intercare.co.za  Klere kan ook in Permethrin

As gevolg van die toeganklikheid na alle dele van die wêreld, is ‘lughawemalaria’ en ‘naweekmalaria’ besig om toe te neem.

Mites en feite oor malaria Mite: Ek word nooit deur muskiete gebyt nie, so ek hoef nie anti-malaria middels te neem nie.

Feit: Malaria muskiete ontsien niemand nie.

Mite: Indien jy na ‘n area reis gedurende die droë seisoen, is anti-malaria middels nie nodig nie.

Feit: In 2011 was die meeste mense met malaria, wat uit Afrika geevakueer word, tydens die droë seisoen opgedoen.

Mite: Anti-malaria middels is nie 100% effektief nie, daarom is dit onnodig om dit te gebruik.

Feit: Indien dit korrek gebruik word, is die middels baie

geweek word. Permethrin is ’n goeie insekweerder wat by buitelugwinkels te koop is.  Neem die korrekte profilaktiese medikasie (jou reisdokter sal weet) en neem dit presies soos dit voorgeskryf is: voor, tydens en na jou reis. Jou reisdokter sal ’n volledige mediese geskiedenis neem en sodoende sorg dat jy die regte medikasie ontvang.

Onthou ook om aan jou reisdokter te noem as jy miskien gaan skuba-duik, rotsklim of aan hoogte-aktiwiteite gaan deelneem, of indien jy aan depressie of angs ly.

Malaria is veral gevaarlik vir vrouens tydens swangerskap en ook vir kinders onder vyf jaar – hulle behoort verkieslik nie malaria-areas te besoek nie. Alhoewel sommige lande nog

effektief, veral as dit saam met ‘n insekweerder gebruik word.

Mite: Dit is beter om nie antimalaria middels te gebruik nie aangesien dit net die simptome van malaria maskeer indien jy dit wel sou kry.

Feit: Geen hedendaagse middels maskeer die simptome van malaria nie.

“Prevention is better than cure.”

Mite: Die newe-effekte van anti-malaria middels is erger as malaria.

Feit: Daar is drie soorte beskikbaar om uit te kies.

Jou dokter sal besluit watter een die beste vir jou sal wees. Malaria kan dodelik wees en geen voorkomende middels

uitgesonder word, is malaria nie meer tot sekere areas beperk nie. As gevolg van die toeganklikheid na alle dele van die wêreld, is ‘lughawe-malaria’ en ‘naweek-malaria’ besig om toe te neem. Die parasiet word dus maklik na niksvermoedende slagoffers versprei soos wat mense heen en weer reis.

Neem kennis Die simptome kom so vroeg as tien tot 14 dae na ’n byt voor en kan koors, sweet, spierpyn, hoofpyn, naarheid en braking, stuiptrekkings, moegheid en bewusteloosheid (koma) insluit. Let wel dat van die simptome griep en verkoue kan naboots. As jy enige van hierdie simptome tot en met ses maande na jou besoek aan ’n malariagebied ervaar, moet jy onmiddellik met jou dokter in verbinding tree. Al sal jy geen bytplek vind nie, vrywaar dit jou nie van malaria nie.

maak dood nie.

Mite: Dit is nie nodig om antimalaria middels te gebruik wanneer daar na ‘n malaria area gereis word vir slegs ‘n paar dae nie.

Feit: Dit vat slegs een muskietbyt om malaria op te doen!

Mite: Knoffel en vitamien B bied beskerming teen malaria.

Feit: Die enigste veilige voorkoming is malaria middels en insekweerder wat DEET bevat.

‘n Paar feite oor malaria  Malaria is lewensgevaarlik.

 Malaria word versprei deur die vroulike

anopheles muskiet.

 Dit verg slegs een byt van ‘n muskiet wat besmet is met malaria om malaria op te doen.  Daar is vyf tipes malaria: Falciparum, Vivax, Ovale , Malariae en Knowlesi.  Malaria word meestal versprei deur muskiete wat in die nag byt, tussen sonsondergang en sonsopkoms.  3.3 biljoen mense wereldwyd loop die risiko om malaria te kry.  Elke jaar word daar 250 million malaria gevalle aangemeld, met ongeveer een miljoen sterftes.  In Afrika is een uit elke vyf kinder sterftes as gevolg van malaria.

December 2012

31

FIRST AID FACT FILE

First at the scene

Know what to do!

Time is crucial and your actions can make a difference between life and death …

Emergency Numbers

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Medical Emergency Services: 10177

1 Secure the scene

 DO: Pull your vehicle over in a safe DO:

position off the road.  DO: Make the area safe. Protect

yourself and the injured person/s from further injury.  DO: Look out for physical dangers (hazardous chemical symbols, damaged power lines or spilt fuel).  DO: Disable the vehicles involved by turning off engines and applying handbrakes. If there is any fire/flames and you have a fire extinguisher, use it and direct the foam/water at the base of the flames.  DO: Turn on the hazard lights and headlights of all vehicles on the scene.  DO: Find all the casualties – ask how many people were in the car/s as small children may be trapped.

2 Call for help

When you call an emergency number, supply the following information:  Your name and contact telephone number (to remain in contact with you

should you be cut off)  Your exact location (street name and nearest cross road) 3 Assist the injured

If you are NOT trained in first aid:  DO: Stay calm and reassure the people involved that you have called the emergency services. This may be the only thing AND the most important thing you can do to help.  Do NOT move the injured or attempt to remove them from the vehicle UNLESS there is an immediate threat to life (e.g. oncoming traffic or fire). There may be an underlying injury to the neck or spine and unnecessary movement could make this worse.  DO: If the person is unconscious, open the mouth and check if there is nothing inside causing obstruction.  DO: Check if the person is breathing.  DO: If the patient is breathing leave them in the position you find them and monitor them regularly.  DO: If a person is bleeding heavily from a wound, take any available material e.g. a T-shirt/gauze from a first aid kit and place it over the open bleeding wound. Apply direct pressure to the wound. Maintain that pressure until help arrives.

Nationwide Emergency Response: 10111 or 107 (from a landline)

Johannesburg: 011 375 5911 Cape Town: 021 480 7700 Pretoria / Tshwane: 012 368 2111 Port Elizabeth: 041 506 5555 East London: 043 705 2000 Cell Phone Emergency number: 112 ER24: 084 124 Netcare911: 082 911  Do NOT: Touch blood without latex

gloves ever, even if trained in first aid.  DO: Cover victims with a blanket or

jacket until help arrives.

If you are trained in first aid:  DO: Check for breathing and circulation.

Do the ABC’s: Airway, Breathing and Circulation. If the patient is NOT breathing, begin CPR and rescue breathing as necessary.  Do NOT: Move the injured if you suspect a head, back or neck injury, unless there is imminent danger or you need to perform CPR.  DO: Prioritise problems. Deal with the most life-threatening problems (blocked airway and excessive bleeding) first.

Remember: a casualty who is screaming is less likely to be in danger than a silent or moaning casualty..

REMEMBER: This Fact File features vital emergency and first aid information to keep close at hand. While the Fact File offers guidelines it does not substitute/replace hands-on training by experts to learn how to perform first aid safely. Recommendations change, so training should be repeated every three years and CPR recertification is recommended annually. IMPORTANT: It is best to obtain training in first aid before a medical emergency occurs.

Source: Netcare911, Arrive Alive, Health24

hat should you do if you are first at an accident scene?

If you remain calm and follow the basic principles, you could be instrumental in assisting and even saving the lives of the accident victims.

Events: Intercare

32

Intercare events – over the last few months

Above: The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, opened the new hospital.

Hospitals launched in Gauteng

Dr Solly lends a helping hand

Dr Zelda is a Springbok

Dental Marketing Day

fter months of intensive preparation and hard work, the first Day Hospital and Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Hospital for the Intercare Group in Gauteng were officially opened on 7 September 2012.

“In our pursuit to transform the health care industry, we are proud to take the next step on our very successful growth path,” said Dr Hendrik Hanekom.

Dr George Veliotes, Chairman of Intercare, also reiterated that the new hospitals are a confirmation of Intercare’s main reason for existence:  Firstly, Intercare is about an unconditional commitment from everyone in the team to serve the most important asset that we have, our patients and customers.  Secondly it is about offering top-of-the-range facilities and medical equipment, which compares with the best you can get anywhere in the world.  Thirdly it is about bringing health care professionals together with capable management and facilitating a team approach to patient care.  Fourthly, Intercare is about transforming the health care industry by providing access to affordable, cost-effective health care of high quality.

r Solly Nkhumeleni, an orthodontist from Intercare Glen Marais, will be assisting 50 children to complete matric successfully.

The children all come from the rural areas of Venda where Dr Solly grew up. He saw the need for proper support, emotionally and financially, to assist these children and decided to do his part. Dr Solly visited his former high school a while ago and discovered that they did not have a proper library. He is currently busy with a project to collect 500 books to deliver to the library early in 2013.

For more information, email: gavin.graham@intercare.co.za.

r Zelda Smook from Intercare Fourways has officially been selected to represent Tennis South Africa Seniors in Turkey during March 2013. This is an outstanding achievement and a dream come true for her!

he grade one’s at Impala Primary School in Kempton Park were treated to a puppet show on Wednesday 21st November by the Glen Marais Dental department.

It was loads of fun and excitement to watch when “Mietsie the Meerkat” (Dr Nadia) took her best friend “Follie Volstruis” to the dentist.

Dr Paul and his assistant Nurse Sweetie gave “Follie die Volstruis” (played by Rika) an oral examination when “Gogga the germ” (Dr Nem) jumped out and attacked the tooth.

Goodies bags with apples, tooth brushes and colouring books were also handed out.

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D

Unique knitting project

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ntercare Tyger Valley decided to participate in a knitting project where the target is to complete 1000 blankets for a variety of charities in the Western Cape.

The knitting yarn and needles were distributed throughout the Western Cape in consulting rooms, hair salons and coffee shops.

The staff participated actively and all the yarn at Intercare Tyger Valley was used within two weeks, enough for six blankets.

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Intercare’s tenth anniversary

F

rom 14–16 September 2012, Intercare health professionals and other staff members came together for another weekend of teambuilding and knowledge sharing at the annual Intercare Congress. This year Intercare also celebrated its tenth anniversary during the gala evening on Saturday night, sponsored by Cipla. Guests were privileged to be addressed by well-know celebrity chef and extreme adventurer, David Grier, who inspired everyone.

Juanita Coetzee, hospital manager of the Tyger Valley Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Hospital is Manager of the Year with Deirdre Coetzee, manager of the Centre for Lifestyle Management in second place. Lucy Ramashetsa, a receptionist from Intercare Glen Marais is the Employee of the Year.

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Staff at Gonubie saves a life!

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n the 17th of August, in the bitter cold, a three-month old baby, weighing about 4kg, was found.

A good Samaritan bathed it, kept it warm and took it to the police station with it later arriving at Intercare Gonubie. Sr Maryann O’Hagan of the Intercare Baby Clinic, provided them with baby care products, bottles, a feeding plan and advice. The baby was then taken to the Christian Social Council for further care. We were so grateful to make a difference.

DO YOU HAVE ASTHMA? INTRODUCING

Breathe Free is an asthma education initiative from Cipla. 48 Breathe Free clinics have been opened countrywide during 2012 offering extensive asthma education by trained healthcare professionals to the public. If you or your child has asthma, visit www.breathefree.co.za to find a clinic near you.

The following Intercare Breathe Free Clinics were opened during 2012: Intercare Parow Intercare Irene Intercare Woodhill Intercare Fourways Intercare Wonderboom Intercare Glenfair Intercare Silverlakes

Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No. 1995/004182/07, Rosen Heights, Pasita Street, Rosen Park, Bellville, 7530. Tel (021) 943 4200, Fax (021) 914 4699.

E-mail: medicalpa@ciplamedpro.co.za Website: www.cipla.co.za