Your
September 2021 Issue 22
Matters The community paper to whom your wellness matters. facebook.com/yourwellnessza
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NETCARE FOUNDATION The Golden Bow SAVES BABY’S HEART Muhammad Noor’s mother, Sana Maher, comforts him after his life-saving operation.
a symbol for breastfeeding protection, promotion and support.
baby boy is back home with his mother and recovering well after undergoing a life-saving operation to fix a large hole in his little heart. With no time to lose, healthcare companies and top medical specialists teamed up to ensure eight-month-old baby Muhammad Noor Ismail could receive the urgent surgery he needed at the world-class cardiothoracic centre at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. “When he was two weeks old, I noticed PARTNERS:
he was a bit congested and wasn’t feeding well, and at first we tried some of the recommended home remedies. When he didn’t improve, we took him to the doctor, and when he still wasn’t thriving, we were very worried that there could be something wrong with our baby’s heart,” says Sana Maher, Muhammad Noor’s mother. Baby Muhammad Noor is the latest beneficiary of the Heart-to-Heart campaign, a corporate social investment (CSI) match funding challenge by the
Netcare Foundation and Medipost Holdings, for operations to disadvantaged children with life-threatening heart conditions by specialists at the Maboneng Heart and Lung Institute. The doctor suggested he might have a heart defect, and Muhammad Noor was first referred to Kalafong Hospital and from there to Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
SIR FRUIT LAUNCHES ALL-NEW PROBIOTIC CRANBERRY HEALTH SHOT – THE BEST THING FOR YOUR GUT! Advertorial
While we find ourselves in the middle of our South African winter and many an immune system compromised, Sir Fruit has done it again and created a one of a kind probiotic shot that will kick things up a notch! Introducing, the all-new Probiotic Cranberry Health Shot - the little guy that packs a punch to help improve your immune system and gut health. Overall health starts in the gut, and thus SA’s favourite premium juice company searched far and wide to make use of only the best ingredients that are 100% proven to work and provide consumers with a dose of good! What are probiotics? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Several factors such as; poor diet, stress, travel, medications or hormonal change can disturb your intestinal balance and ultimately decrease the level of beneficial bacteria in your gut. With this in mind, Sir Fruit sought out a one-of-a-kind probiotic such as GanedenBC30 which is an extremely stable probiotic due to the cell’s ability to form a protective spore. Just like seeds wait to grow when conditions are optimal, GanedenBC30 spores wait to germinate until they reach the intestines where the moisture level, temperature and nutrient levels are just right. Packed with all the good stuff, each 100ml Probiotic Cranberry shot consists of: • GanedenBC30 Probiotic: Helps to strengthen and increase the good bacte-
Your Wellness Matters is a free wellness community newspaper created to empower readers with preventative wellness information in order to make better wellness and lifestyle decisions.
ria in your system and works hard to ensure that you win in the fight for healthy digestion. • Artemisia Afra: This widely known African plant has many benefits for the immune system despite its bitter fl a v o u r . Research suggests that bitter flavours aid in digestion as your body associates bitterness with toxin. Once the ‘toxin’ enters your body the stomach excretes enzymes as a form of defence which in turn aids in digestion. • Cranberry: This shot has a very high concentration of cranberry in a combination of cold pressed cranberry and cranberry concentrate. At these levels studies have shown it to help with UTI’s. • Buchu: Known as a wonder plant with many benefits, Buchu has probiotic properties of its own; helps for UTI’s and is a great aid to cleanse your kidneys. Sir Fruit’s Probiotic Cranberry Shot will retail from R21.99 and is available at top grocers nationwide and for home delivery online at www.sirfresh.co.za. For more information, visit the Sir Fruit website: www.sirfruit.com and follow
their social media platforms for further updates: Twitter | @sirfruit_ Facebook | www.facebook.com/welovefruit | Instagram| @sirfruit_
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Printing Paarl Coldset Published by 44Ten Media Publishing
Writers: Zagreb Kline, Refiloe Nomdada, Tsolofelo Mhabe
Contributors • • • •
Western Cape Government: Health Heart and Stroke Foundation CANSA Dr Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam
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Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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PULLING TOGETHER FOR BABY MUHAMMAD’S HEART OPERATION Refiloe Nomdada
A large hole in the babyʼs heart
“Earlier this year Muhammad Noor was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect [VSD], or a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of his heart. It was not clear at first how badly his tiny heart was affected, but it soon became evident that the hole was so large that it would likely become debilitating, potentially even life-threatening, if not corrected soon,” says cardiothoracic surgeon and co-founder of the Maboneng Heart Institute, Dr Erich Schürmann. “As the child grows, this type of heart defect damages the arteries of the lungs, and a specialised procedure is required to correct it, ideally as soon as possible. Sadly, there is a considerable waiting list for such resource-intensive procedures, and when we heard about Muhammad Noor’s condition, we were determined to find a way to assist,” he says. “We prayed for a solution to help get the operation for our baby sooner but we aren’t on medical aid and at times it felt like there was little hope. Interventional paediatric cardiologist Prof Lindy Mitchell at Steve Biko assisted with the application, and soon we got the good news that he was accepted for surgery at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. We couldn’t believe it, Muhammad Noor would have his operation much sooner than expected as a beneficiary of the Heart-to-Heart campaign, ” Sana says. A slight delay
This match donation initiative between Netcare’s CSI arm and Medipost Holdings provided the necessary funding for Muhammad Noor to have his operation.
Images Supplied
There was, however, an unforeseen delay when the family tested positive for Covid-19 the day before he was first scheduled to be admitted for surgery.
thank you to everyone involved in making this possible for my son and for your kindness. Everyone will always be in our prayers.”
“We had no symptoms at any stage fortunately, but it meant Muhammad Noor’s operation had to be postponed as a precaution. We had to be patient for just a few weeks longer, and thankfully towards the end of August his procedure could go ahead,” his mother remembers.
A chance at life
Life-saving procedure
Cardiothoracic surgeons Dr Schürmann and Dr Hendrick Mamorare of the Maboneng Heart and Lung Institute, paediatric cardiologist Dr Kenny Govandrageloo, anaesthetist Dr Krishnee Naidoo and cardiac perfusionist Mr Mogotsi Mophosho, who all practise at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, committed their time and expertise pro bono to provide baby Muhammad Noor with the specialised procedure and care. The cost for theatre and his hospital care was covered by Medipost and the Netcare Foundation. “Thank goodness, the operation went well. He is recovering quickly and was back home after a few days. Muhammad Noor and I had never been apart before, and now that he is home and the hole in his heart has been repaired it is such a relief, I cannot express my gratitude,” says Sana, who lives with her son in Erasmia, Pretoria. “God sent angels to look after our baby boy. The doctors and nurses both at Steve Biko and Netcare Sunninghill Hospital were wonderful, and it was very reassuring to know he was in such good hands at the hospital. A huge
“Coming together to help a child have the chance of a full and normal life is an enormous privilege, and we thank the Netcare Foundation for doubling the reach of this CSI initiative with us to benefit more children,” says Rentia Myburgh, group sales and marketing director of Medipost Holdings, comprising Medipost Pharmacy, MediLogistics, Kawari Wholesaler and Distributor and the Medi Training Academy. “We are most grateful to the medical team who donated their time and expertise pro bono and the nursing staff who put so much care into their work with little patients,” says Mande Toubkin, general manager emergency, trauma, transplant and CSI at Netcare, and a trustee of the Netcare Foundation. “It is deeply rewarding to invest in the future of a child, and there can be no greater return than seeing a family so relieved and the bright eyes of a healthy baby with a whole lifetime of opportunities ahead. Many more children with serious heart defects are in need of similar operations, and it is only through working together to find solutions that we can reach more children in time,” she concludes. For more information about the Maboneng Foundation, which coordinates sponsorship of the procedures, or to make a donation please visit http://www.mabonengfoundation.co.za/
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
SOUTH AFRICA’S LOOMING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS By Dr Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam
In 2020, mental health accounted for 19% of Sanlam’s disability claims – up 11% from 2019. While the numbers are too low to read much into this, the increase is consistent with findings that Covid-19 has caused a global mental health crisis. People are stressed, anxious and grieving. Lockdowns and loss have magnified depression. In a deeply unequal society like South Africa, the virus laid bare an existing mental healthcare service gap and the shocking public health crisis in the country. While psychiatric services took an unavoidable step back during the successive lockdowns, they now have a crucial role to play. The impact of Covid-19
It has been a devastating time. People are, by nature and necessity, social. Many have experienced the inability to be at a loved one’s side during their final moments. There’s also limited capacity to grieve together – a Zoom funeral can never replace a real-life coming together. There’s fatigue over the disease, pandemic protocols, and the incessant uncertainty. There’s survivor guilt – ‘why did I survive and not my friend or family member?’ And then, there’s long Covid-19 and the inability to feel normal, months down the line, when everyone expects a full recovery. Many have reported depression, sleep disturbance, impaired concentration and more. Being ‘locked’ in our homes has had consequences too. There’s been an increase in gender-based violence. People have faced severe substance withdrawal. There’s a feeling of displacement as some everyday rituals are lost and social connections are severed. Statistics released by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) show the negative mental impact of quarantine. Young people are living in a bubble – quarantined in body and mind. At Sanlam, we’ve seen an increase in the use of mental health services by our team. We’re seeing more healthcare workers presenting with mental health issues – and PTSD in particular. Already, 20 to 30% of the US’s healthcare workers are considering leaving the profession. And four in ten nurses are contemplating leaving their roles as well. South Africa is likely to see similar trends. Down the line, Sanlam is expecting to see the delayed impact of Covid-19 on mental health in the claims environment. Collectively, we are going to be paying due for this pandemic for a long time. Positively, it may shine some much-needed attention on our
lack of mental health resources and facilities in this country. And the dire need for more people to have greater access to care. South Africa’s mental health crisis is not new Siphelele Nguse and Douglas Wassenaar’s Mental health and Covid-19 in South Africa shows that prior to the pandemic (2018), 1 in 6 South Africans already suffered from anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder, with 60% of people possibly dealing with post-traumatic stress. However, just 27% of South Africans with severe mental disorders receive treatment. The same paper says that just 5% of the national health budget goes to mental health (for 2019) and only 50% of public hospitals with ‘mental health services’ actually have a psychiatrist. Perhaps the pandemic has given us an opportunity to turn this around. Now’s the time to show collective will to broaden the reach of psychiatric services. Dealing with the aftermath
Naidu suggests that the pandemic may mean that more people present with post-traumatic stress; mood, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders; and phobias. A 2020 study by the Human Sciences Research Council found 33% of South Africans were depressed, with 45% feeling fearful and 29% facing loneliness in the first lockdown. People could access counselling, but many defaulted on appointments due to the risks perceived with in-person consultations. We are likely to see more consequences from these missed sessions. Now’s the time for a focused response from mental health workers. Nguse and Wassenaar say we need mental health to be front and centre of policy frameworks and national strategies. It needs to be part of the national plan for recovery, with an emphasis on reaching our most vulnerable through consistent counselling and care. We must explore all avenues of alternative interventions as well, including the opportunities brought about by telemedicine. From an insurance perspective, we embarked on a mental health support programme for our clients last year. Through a series of webinars, the programme aimed to help them navigate the stresses of our Covid-19-world, from balancing family and work life, to managing grief during a pandemic. We also expect to see an increase in mental health related claims, not only as a primary diagnosis but as an existing co-morbidity when individuals are diagnosed with a
Dr Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam
severe disease. How to protect mental health right now Reabetsoe Buys, a psychologist based in Johannesburg, suggests that individuals take time for self-care and prioritise their holistic health. Here are her five suggestions for looking after one’s mental health right now: 1. Stop what you're doing, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Breathe in for four counts and out for four counts. This will slow your heart rate and calm you down. Try and do a breathing or meditation exercise every morning and every evening for at least 15 minutes. 2. Identify what triggers you and problem solve around it. Is it work, finances, relationships? What will help you manage it differently or deal with it better? 3. Walk it out! Moving your body will help to burn off some of the stress chemicals our bodies release when we're anxious. It also allows you to focus on your body instead of only focusing on the anxiety-causing thoughts. 4. Put your thoughts on paper. By doing this you externalise what is making you anxious, make it less daunting and clear your head, which makes it easier to problem solve. 5. Watch what you're consuming in terms of food and information. Diet-wise, it's important to stay away from caffeine, nicotine and high sugar as these can trigger anxiety but it is vital to consider your environment too. You can do this by limiting your exposure to distressing news and social media. Of course, it is important to stay up to date but try to do so without taking on too much negative information. Here are some hotlines to call if you need someone to speak to: SADAG: 0800 567 567 Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline: 0800 708 090 Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
“MY SISTER SAVED MY LIFE”
Image Supplied
Zagreb Kline
8-year-old luthando Sibiya from KwaZulu-Natal received a blood stem cell donation from his 9-year-old sister, Lusanda in 2020. he was 7 years old. This month we focus our attention on children who have survived serious illnesses as we commemorate world childhood cancer awareness month. When Luthando Sibiya was five years old his mother woke up to him coughing blood in his sleep. According to his mother, Lindiwe Sibiya, her little boy seemed healthy when he went to bed that night. When the blood wouldn’t stop, she called an ambulance and he got admitted to hospital. From thereon, their lives changed forever. Following blood tests, the Sibiya’s found out that Luthando was suffering from a rare blood disorder, aplastic anaemia. According to the Leukaemia Foundation, aplastic anaemia occurs when one’s bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. If left untreated, this blood disorder can be fatal and in some instances a blood stem cell transplant is the only viable treatment option for patients with severe aplastic anemia. Luthando was one of the lucky 25 percent of blood disorder sufferers who found a donor match – from a relative. In 2020 the boister-
ous preschooler received a blood stem cell transplant from his older sister, Lusanda, who was just 9 years old. Lusanda was a 100 percent genetic match to Luthando. “I thought my child had been bewitched,” says Luthando’s mother, Lindiwe Sibiya, as she replays the night that changed their lives forever. “My lively child had an arduous journey that affected our entire family. We are forever changed by his illness, and, at the same time, we are immensely grateful that Lusanda was able to gift her brother a second chance at life at such a young age.” “Luthando’s story illuminates the journey of children and the heavy toll that illnesses like blood disorders place on the entire family unit. Luthando was extremely fortunate that his sister was a match and we are extremely proud of her bravery. We are also immensely proud of the role that organisations such as CHOC play in supporting patients,” says Alana James, Country Executive Director for DKMS Africa. “My little girl was so brave and did everything she could to help her brother. But others are not as lucky and need the help of strangers. I am begging fellow South Africans to find the courage like my daughter did, please register to become a blood
stem cell donor. I can promise you the procedure was simple and pain free to Lusanda,” says the beaming mom. To become a blood stem cell donor, if you are between the ages of 18-55 and in general good health, register today. For more information visit DKMS-Africa.org or to register visit or call 0800 12 10 82. Children have a better chance of accessing life changing treatment when they are diagnosed earlier. The Siluan Method is just one way to help you identify symptoms in children: S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising & bleeding A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with / without vomiting & enlarged head.
Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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COMPETE ALONGSIDE SOME OF SOUTH AFRICA’S ROAD RUNNING LEGENDS Supplied Content
Nedbank Running Club (NRC), Africa’s largest virtual running club has launched its third challenge in the Nedbank Runified virtual series. NRC is encouraging runners on all fitness levels to challenge their limits, run, get rewarded and compete alongside some of South Africa’s road running legends by joining the Nedbank Runified virtual series on Strava. The Nedbank Running Club (NRC) is home to some of South Africa’s legendary runners, such as Gerda Steyn and Irvette Van Zyl, and has transformed lives and ignited the passion for running for ordinary South Africans. Nedbank Runified, the NRC’s first virtual running series, was formed to unify runners countrywide and give them a feeling of purpose and hope during Covid 19. Kelly van Vliet, still an amateur runner at the start of the Nedbank Runified virtual series in 2020, believes the Runified series gave her an opportunity to develop and reignite her passion for running. She joined the NRC
Image Supplied
Green Team in 2020 and competed in the Nedbank Runified: Breaking Barriers 50 km International Association of Ultrarunners world record attempt not even a year later on 23 May 2021. Nedbank Runified gave Van Vliet a sense of community, even with the restrictions, and made her excited and eager. 'I registered for the Runified series because it was exciting to have something to look forward to. Training through lockdown was hard and when we finally were allowed on the road there were no races happening. When Nedbank and their sponsors decided to form this initiative, with prizes and prize money and a platform for anyone to race, I happily joined,' she said. The Nedbank Runified series also played a role in motivating Steyn, who competed for the first time in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 'The Runified series is all about consistency and that is a key factor in my training too. It is a perfect motivation to keep going. It also came at a great time for me because it motivated me to get back on the road after recovering from my previous marathon,' said Steyn. The Nedbank Runified series gives an oppor-
tunity to runners across all fitness levels to run alongside elite athletes, knowing that they are all part of a large virtual community. Running provides development to people in more ways than just physical. 'Running is more than a sport – it is my passion and love. It is not always easy but that is what keeps it interesting. It is where I can be alone in my thoughts and have my me-time to reset mentally,' said Van Zyl. The pandemic affected our routines and while many people turned to running to provide some form of normality, doing so responsibly remains top of mind. In light of the adjusted level 2 restrictions, Nedbank encourages runners of all fitness levels to compete in the series either alone or with a family member living in the same house, but avoid large groups to help minimise the spread of Covid-19. Challenge your limits, run and get rewarded by joining the Nedbank Runified virtual series. To keep abreast of all updates, join the NRC on Strava. For more information on the NRC, visit nedbankrunningclub.co.za and follow Nedbank Sport on Twitter and Facebook.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
“WHEN PEOPLE SERVE” Jehad Kasu
With the widespread use of social media by children of all ages, some even as young as three-years-old, we find them embracing influencers, rappers, and YouTube personalities as role models, wanting to become like them. We no longer hear of children who dream of becoming civil servants such as teachers, firefighters or police officers. With the result that these important professions are losing its luster and appeal, despite still being very important vocations. Which is why it’s such an honour for us to celebrate one of own community heroes, Captain Arthur Minnaar. Captain Minnaar is a lifelong civil servant who not only served his community as a police officer for 37 years from the age of 17
years old, but also as a mentor and role model to youth in his community. On Heritage Day 2021, Captain Minnaar hosted an event outside his childhood home in Vyeboom Street in Bonteheuwel, at which various motivational speakers encouraged youth from the area to dream big, work hard and stay away from a life of crime. Captain Minnaar wrote a book about his illustrious career, aptly titled “When People Serve”. Some of the proceeds of his book sales was donated to making several large pots of food to feed families who are desperately struggling as the crippling impact of Covid-19 continues to grip the most vulnerable members of society.
Guest Speaker Sergeant Samantha Adonis with Captain Arthur Minnaar
Captain Minnaar dishes food made from the proceeds of his book sales, that was distributed to people in the Bonteheuwel community.
This is yet another testament to how committed Captain Minnaar is to serving his community at every level possible. Speaking to him on the sidelines of the event he said “it is important to keep youth occupied with beneficial activities such as sport and pursuing an education of some sort – and to stay away from crime, gangsterism and substance abuse. Our children need mentors, and while I don’t necessarily consider myself one, I am happy to play my part.” To read more about this Captain Minnaar’s career as a police office we encourage you to purchase his book at your local PNA outlet, or email him at arthur.minnaar21@gmail.com.
Constable Hayes, Cpt Arthur Minnaar, Sergeant Williams, Sergeant Hayes, Sergeant Adonis - from SAPS Bishop Lavis
Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
“WHEN PEOPLE SERVE”
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
FINANCIALLY NAVIGATING A CRITICAL ILLNESS Partner Content
consumer households as a result of various lockdowns, the affordability of maintaining medical scheme cover is another hurdle facing medical scheme members. In Aon’s 2021 Global Medical Trends Rate Report, it was found that South Africa’s medical trend rate is expected to remain stable with percentage increases in medical plan costs anticipated for 2022 at 5.% to 6.5%.
Jacqui Nel, Business Unit Head of Healthcare at Aon South Africa
Few people consider the far-reaching implications of a health crisis on every facet of their lifestyle.The devastating effect of a serious health crisis such as cancer, a stroke or heart attack, COVID-19 or even an accident typically extends far beyond the physical consequences of such an event, with significant implications for your financial and emotional wellbeing too, and even your ability to work and earn an income. “Navigating the implications of a potential health crisis requires a holistic approach that takes into account not only the cost of the healthcare treatment both in and out of hospital, but also looks at aspects such as income protection if you’re unable to work, disability (which could be temporary or permanent) and any lifestyle changes you may have to make as a result. The reality is that while a healthcare financial plan that includes medical scheme benefits to cover your medical costs is crucial, a much wider safety net is needed to protect you if you’re unable to work and earn an income, and the potential for temporary or even permanent disability,” explains Jacqui Nel, Business Unit Head of Healthcare at Aon South Africa. Aon offers the following aspects to consider when navigating the financial implications of a possible future critical illness diagnosis: • Maintain your access to quality private healthcare
Given the major financial challenges facing
“As long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues it is difficult to predict what future medical scheme contribution increases may be,” explains Jacqui. “2020 has shown a decrease in claims ratios during the ongoing pandemic. However, claims are steadily increasing back to 2019 trends and in certain instances increasing above 2019 trends. Many uncertainties prevail, such as the impact of mental health, the delay of preventative care and any COVID-19 side-effects that are yet to be determined. Medical schemes will have to evaluate its immediate circumstances and take future risks into consideration to determine its medical scheme contribution increases.” As financial pressures remain, many medical scheme members are looking to change and downgrade their benefit options in a bid to save money, but still retain access to quality private healthcare in a crisis. Making the right decisions about the options selected within a medical scheme
starts by understanding what benefits will be available and the affordability of the premium attached to these benefits. Benefits that are not covered will have to come out of your pocket, which needs to factor into your decision. The Medical Scheme Act currently protects members within the realm of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), which enforces cover for 270 diagnosis and treatments of a defined list of chronic conditions and emergency care, assuring members of this cover, which now includes COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment and care. The only precaution to take is to confirm whether the cover falls in the private or public-sector environment. Once that aspect is confirmed, a member can drill down to the day-to-day care offered in a medical scheme option and the subsequent affordability of it. Make sure you do this planning with the guidance and advice of a professional and qualified healthcare broker. • Get Gap Cover
Most medical schemes have deductibles and co-payments and many members are left out of pocket when hospitalised due to shortfalls on what specialist doctors charge which is usually significantly higher than the rate that medical schemes reimburse. This gap becomes more pronounced when a
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Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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FINANCIALLY NAVIGATING A CRITICAL ILLNESS Partner Content
patient is faced with a critical illness. Gap insurance can step in and reduce the financial impact with a medical scheme that may impose a co-payment or an annual limit on oncology. Various gap cover options are available in the market, including options that provide additional cover for critical illness. These limits are low and therefore increasing this cover in your personal life insurance cover may be required • Get back to regular health checks
A major trend brought about by the pandemic is that of deferred treatments and routine checks for fear of exposure to COVID-19 infection, which will have far-reaching health impacts in the long run. The longer symptoms are ignored, and the later a patient is diagnosed with a serious illness or condition, the more complex the health implications become, in addition to treatments becoming more costly and possibly more protracted. In the case of critical illnesses such as cancer, a delay in diagnosis and commencement of treatment greatly impacts prognosis and survival rates. The pandemic will continue for months if not years, thus it's essential that preventative annual health checks are routinely done. • Critical Illness Cover
While your medical scheme benefit may cover you for the actual medical treatment in a health crisis, the reality is that it may not cover you for everything, such as out-of-hospital treatment and especially the domino
impact of ill health on your finances. In fact, critical illness cover has little to do with the cost of treatment but more with the loss of income – which is where it differs markedly from medical aid which is based on the cost of treatment. For example: If your medical scheme does not cover biologicals for cancer treatment, the lump sum received from your critical illness cover places you in a position to afford this if needed.
• Regardless of your health, life goes on. Additional expenses such as hiring an
au pair to take care of your children while you are unable may be necessary. You may require home nursing or a step-down facility to get you back on your feet, which may not be covered by your medical scheme. Or you may run out of sick leave before you’re fully recovered. Your critical illness cover will help bridge the cost of these lifestyle changes. • Disability Cover
Most people are shocked to learn that critical illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, stroke and diabetes – and not accidents cause the majority of partial or permanent disabilities. Disability cover is about compensating for the future loss of income and costs associated with being disabled as a result of a critical illness or accident. A permanent disability prevents a person from working again. This is where disability
insurance provides a lump sum or monthly income benefit should you become permanently disabled and as a result, unable to work and earn an income. Should you become partially disabled, you would likely need to take a lower-paid position or work reduced hours. Managed disability income insurance provides for pro-active health management and rehabilitation programmes to assist you to return to work in a reduced capacity but still earn an income. From an employer's perspective, this leads to a saving in training costs and results in continued productivity. Early intervention with a rehabilitation programme significantly increases the chance of recovery and ability to return to work. “A critical illness diagnosis has very far-reaching implications for your lifestyle that extend well beyond the costs of medical treatment. While you are sick or in recovery, there are very few people who don’t need to work to pay the bills – which won’t stop arriving because you’re sick or injured to the point that you are unable to work and function normally. The interplay between medical scheme benefits and gap cover, to critical illness insurance, disability and income protection requires careful planning and the guidance of an expert broker to assess your needs as part of a holistic financial planning portfolio,” Jacqui concludes.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
NESTLÉ OPTIFAST® - START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
Promotional Content
OPTIFAST® is evidence-based and endorsed by healthcare professionals. Nestlé OPTIFAST® Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) helps those looking to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. South Africans can use the intensive weight loss programme to manage obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnoea. There are four phases of the VLCD Programme: Intensive Phase, Active 1 Phase, Active 2 Phase and Maintenance Phase for longer-term healthy eating and weight management. One can begin at the phase that best suits their needs and weight loss goals. The OPTIFAST® Programme incorporates meal replacement products plus vegetables in the Intensive phase, followed by the gradual replacement of appropriate meals to maintain the achieved weight loss. OPTI-
FAST® is designed as a flexible programme so that you can interchange or have any combination of the OPTIFAST® products so that it suits your likes and lifestyle. "We are very excited that this programme is now accessible to the wider public and will help assist those looking to embark on their weight loss journey. OPTIFAST® is evidence-based and endorsed by healthcare professionals. The OPTIFAST® Programme is comprehensive, effective and safe to use, and best outcomes are seen under the supervision of a healthcare professional.", says Nithal Soni Ramjee, Commercial Manager, Nestlé Health Science in ESAR "Obesity prevalence has grown dramatically in South Africa and has contributed significantly to the rise of non-communicable diseases in the country. People who use meal replacements to lose weight must choose products that will not compromise
their required daily intake of vitamins, minerals and protein", says Monique Bailey, Registered Dietitian. “The range of products includes various great-tasting products including shakes, dessert, and bar) in multiple flavours, which contain the recommended daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and protein, whilst ensuring compliance” continues Soni – Ramjee. OPTIFAST®, is a clinically proven meal replacement product and programme for weight management, is available to purchase directly from eCommerce websites such as Takealot to ensure product accessibility. It is still recommended that the OPTIFAST® Programme is followed under the supervision of a registered dietitian or healthcare professional. For more information on the product and to find out more visit www.optifast.co.za.
Issue 22
September 2021
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Your Wellness Matters
DEMENTIA – A ‘FAMILY’ ILLNESS, WITH A FAR-REACHING IMPACT Supplied Content
21 September was World Alzheimer’s Day – a day in which organisations around the world focus their efforts on raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia. “Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia,” says Dr Heather Rauch, a clinical social worker with her doctorate in social work, and member of SAASWIPP (South African Association for Social Workers in Private Practice). The WHO Global status report 2021 indicates that as many as 139 million people could be suffering from dementia by 2050 (an increase from 55 million in 2019)[1]. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is a general term for memory loss and the impairment of other intellectual abilities that are serious enough to interfere with daily life. It accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases[2]. Rauch explains that dementia affects the structure and chemistry of the brain that is responsible for day-to-day functioning, communication, thinking and planning: “Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by different disorders and conditions that leads to the deterioration of a person’s ability to remember, communicate or make decisions”. Whilst the exact cause of the disease is unknown, it is known to be both progressive and incurable. “Over time, the brain will continue to deteriorate, impacting the person’s daily performance until they are no longer able to function and lose the ability to lead a normal life,” says Rauch.
Although certain prescribed medications can slow the progression, this is only possible for a certain length of time. “It is actually very difficult to get an exact and final diagnosis, with a true diagnosis only possible after a post-mortem has been conducted,” continues Rauch. Early diagnosis is usually made clinically (presenting facts) rather than medically (tests). The first step in a clinical diagnosis will usually entail ruling out any other diseases (constipation, UTI, temperature, pneumonia, very low blood pressure, dehydration, stroke, low folic acid levels, lack of vitamins, brain tumour, stress, trauma) as a probable cause for the symptoms being experienced. Certain symptoms exhibited in the early stages of the disease could also look similar to the natural aging process. “It is a difficult and complex process and it is highly recommended to involve a specialist such as a psychiatrist or neurologist,” advises Rauch. The family also have a very important role to play in the diagnosis as they know both present and past information about the person. While signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s differ from person to person, Alzheimer’s is usually characterised by four stages: mild, moderate, severe and terminal. • Mild: Symptoms begin slowly and are usually mild and can be hidden. This is why most people are not diagnosed until the moderate stage. Loss of short-term memory is usually one of the most common symptoms in this stage. • Moderate: The person is often aware that something is wrong and may ask for help. In
this stage, the patient may need more help and frequent reminders to help them cope with daily living. The person may also become very upset or angry and aggressive as they may feel frustrated that they are not able to do things for themselves as they did before. • Severe: At this stage, people are not aware of their memory changes and usually cannot complete even simple or routine tasks and will become increasingly frail. • Terminal: Often at this stage, the patient requires constant care. Communication is minimal and often non-existent. The person is unable to help him or herself even in the smallest way. Some people never reach this stage. Rauch outlines some of the things that can be done in order to help a person suffering from dementia. These include:
• Stick to a regular daily routine. Make sure there are lots of familiar objects around to be seen and enjoyed. • Regularly check on the patient’s safety. • Make sure the patient eats well and drinks plenty of fluids. • Help the patient remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. • Provide for regular exercise and recreation. • Keep in touch with friends and family. • Use written memory aids such as large calendars and clocks, written lists of daily
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
DEMENTIA – A ‘FAMILY’ ILLNESS, WITH A FAR-REACHING IMPACT Supplied Content
routines, reminders about safety measures and name tags placed on important objects. • Ensure that the patient gets regular medical check-ups. • Plan for future needs such as respite care or nursing home placement. • Provide lots of emotional support to the patient and all the care givers. • If medicines are prescribed, see that the patient takes them regularly. • Join a support group of other people who care for people with dementia. • Ask for help with money problems, legal problems, day to day advice, emotional issues, respite care or nursing home placement when they are needed. • Check the home for safety features such as bars on the wall near the toilet and bathtub, night lights in hallways and on the stairs, non-slip rugs, lowering the height of the bed to prevent falls, lowering the temperature of the geyser water, putting bells on all external doors so that you can hear if the patient is going outside, etc. • Make sure all health care providers have a complete list of all the patient’s prescription and over the counter medicines. • If incontinence is a problem, remind the patient to use the toilet every two hours. • Enrol the patient in a dementia day programme to provide stimulation for the patient and respite for the caregiver. “Alzheimer’s, and dementia in general, can be an incredibly difficult and emotionally distressing experience particularly for the patient’s loved ones and family members,” says Rauch. Often known as a ‘family
disease’, dementia not only affects the patient but has an enormous impact on their family and friends as well. A patient, particularly in the more advanced stages of the illness, may not actually be aware of how ill they are. There is a kindness in this. However, the patient’s reality can often be very different from the reality of their family and loved ones. “The family of the patient are acutely aware of, and witness to, the gradual deterioration of their loved one,” empathises Rauch. It can take as long as 10 to 15 years from initial diagnosis until the eventual passing of the patient, with the last five years often seeing the patient admitted to an old age home or care facility. “This is an extraordinarily long and cruel grieving process during which time family members may experience a range of emotions from loss and grief through to guilt, anger, embarrassment, sadness and eventually, even relief.” It is vital that family members and loved ones of a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s allow themselves access to their own care and support during this time. “A combination of a social worker, counsellor and support groups can play a huge role in aiding the family members to process their own loss and emotions, helping to provide structures and tools that allow them to be able to continue with their own lives during these difficult years and eventually, with time, to be able to let go.” Alzheimerʼs Signs
Disease
Early
Warning
• A memory problem which is NOT caused by alcohol abuse or head injury, and which
worsens with time. • Language problems. Difficulty naming objects, finding the right word to use in a sentence, and often speaking nonsense. • Zips and buttons are difficult to fasten. Alzheimer sufferers find it hard to dress themselves. • Hygiene. Those with Alzheimer’s may not care about how they look and may not want to bath. • Extreme mood swings. A change in mood for no reason – going from calm to suddenly scared or angry and aggressive within minutes. • Impaired judgement. Strange behaviour – like wearing underclothes over outer garments or taking clothes off in public. • Many Alzheimer sufferers get lost in familiar places such as their own neighbourhood. • Even recognition of their own family and friends becomes difficult. • Recalls memories of childhood at times but cannot remember anything that happened the same day. • Suspicious of other people and may accuse them of stealing or hiding things. For assistance: If anyone you know has a NUMBER of these signs, they should be advised to visit their doctor or you can contact Alzheimer’s SA. The organisation operates in 9 provinces, this contact number is the one to call to source a contact in your: 011- 7922511/ 063 6849158 or email info@alzheimers.org.za. To find a social worker that works with dementia or Alzheimers, visit: https://www.saaswipp.co.za/social-worker-search
Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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NATIONAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO CURB DEADLY HIGH CHOLESTEROL Partner Content
“Know Your Risk, Treat Your Numbers” aims to raise South Africans’ awareness as cardiovascular disease remains the world’s #1 killer. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, SA Heart , Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society of Southern Africa (LASSA), Global Alliance for Patient Access, and a group of South African cardiovascular disease experts have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease and strokes. “Know Your Risk, Treat Your Numbers” encourages people to prevent high cholesterol and manage it by: 1. Knowing your risk: referring to a common list of risk factors to establish risk for high cholesterol as well as heart diseases and strokes 2. Treating your numbers: Getting tested for high cholesterol and if levels are high “The most effective strategy for tackling high cholesterol is for patients to establish their risk, get tested and start treatment recommended by their health care provider as early as possible. As doctors and health advocates, we must intensify our commitment to ensuring that patients at risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and strokes get adequate support to manage their conditions,” said Dr Blanche Cupido, President of SA Heart . Cardiovascular Risk & COVID-19
With emerging evidence indicating that cardiovascular patients have an increased risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19, preventing cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors has become more urgent than ever. “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our country was already grappling with a dangerous combination of many life-threatening epidemics,” said Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “The increasing rate of heart disease and strokes over the years and risk of patients having worse COVID-19 outcomes indicates that we have to mobilize to prevent and manage the complex burden of co-morbidities”
strokes. Although one in three people in South Africa are living with high cholesterol, it remains largely underdiagnosed. Unfortunately, national cholesterol screening and treatment guidelines are lagging behind international best-practice which delays diagnosis and patient care. Treatment guidelines published by SA Heart and LASSA recommend early diagnosis of high cholesterol and rapid initiation to cholesterol lowering medication, particularly for patients with a genetic form of high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolaemia or FH.
Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death. In South Africa, CVD and other circulatory diseases are among the top 10 causes of death and each day over 200 people die from heart attacks and stroke. Death rates for these and other non-communicable conditions are now almost the same as that of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis combined.
Patient stories An early high cholesterol diagnosis changed the course of Warren Petterson and Ruchay Sohawan’s lives. They were both diagnosed in their early twenties and since then, they’ve taken control of the condition by taking the right medication and leading healthy lifestyles. Know Your Risk, Treat Your Numbers campaign aims to empower other patients like Warren and Ruchay with information that could potentially save their lives.
Multiple risk factors contribute to high rates of cardiovascular diseases, including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and medical conditions such as diabetes. High cholesterol, also referred to as low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, is also a major risk factor for heart disease and
Download campaign resources below: Social media graphics: https://1drv.ms/u/s!Art07_5Es8-HhvIcn8WhzAijEeINNg?e=OWRIJK Facts sheets: https://1drv.ms/u/s!Art07_5Es8-HhuwGn_2PZ0HNMBnzxw?e=6eYBWf
About Cardiovascular Disease
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
GIVE OREOKAME, 9, A CHANCE TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE
Oreokame Sehularo
Supplied Content
Northern Cape based 9-year-old, Oreokame Sehularo, has not led the average life of most young boys his age as he fought through a number of critical medical diagnoses since birth. Oreokame is a fun-loving child who is crazy about jumping castles and birthday parties. Unfortunately, having frequented the hospital for most of his life, his first real birthday party at home was at the age of 7. With the help of the community, Oreokame can have the most memorable 10th birthday ever with many more to come. Being the tenacious boy his family lovingly know him as, Oreokame has overcome and towered over many of his challenges save the grave diagnosis that came in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia, a rare disease that mainly affects the bone marrow. Five years and numerous intensive treatments later, doctors at the Unitas Paediatric Oncology Unit have confirmed that Oreokame is currently transfusion dependent and desperately needs a life-saving blood stem cell transplant. Oreokame’s family members have been tested and are sadly not a match for him so he now has to find an unrelated donor match, the chances of which are 1 in 100 000 within one’s own
ethnic group. DKMS Africa Country Executive Director, Alana James, says “We have been deeply moved by Oreokame’s plight and are urging everyone who can assist him and many other children like him to register to become stem cell donors. We want to make sure that his 10th birthday is his most memorable and are asking the South African community to help us make this possible.” DKMS Africa helps with patients across South Africa, assisting them to get a transplant. The old African proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, could not be more relevant than now. The South African community is urged to rally around Oreokame and not only help him to survive but to thrive with a life that is healthy and full, one that he has lacked thus far but so richly deserves. “The Sehularo family, together with DKMS Africa, are sending out an appeal to as many eligible people as possible to register, especially those of Black African descent. Patients of colour are at a distinct disadvantage due
to the low number of registered donors from Black, Coloured and Indian population groups in the global donor database. Every new donor registered gives hope to Oreokame and patients like him. Anyone who is healthy and between the ages of 18 and 55 is eligible to register and if one is a successful match, the process of donating blood stem cells is as painless as donating blood, much like donating blood platelets. DKMS Africa, formerly known as The Sunflower Fund, is the South African entity of the global DKMS family. DKMS is a stem cell donor registry and has registered over 10.6 million donors worldwide. To register as a donor is a quick and simple process which involves a non-invasive cheek swab. Once you have registered online, a swab kit is sent to you via courier and then collected when you have completed the process. For more information or to register as a blood stem cell donor, please visit www.dkms-africa.org or call 0800 12 10 82, weekdays between 8.30am and 4.30pm.
Partner Content
Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
SA BONE MARROW REGISTRY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES Tsolofelo Mhabe
The SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is celebrating three decades of saving lives this September. In honour of its anniversary, the registry will be hosting a virtual concert this Friday, 17 September commemorating its 30-year legacy with actor/producer, Frank Rautenbach as MC and SAMA nominated artist, Jarrad Ricketts providing top-notch entertainment. Dr Charlotte Ingram, Medical Director and CEO of the SABMR says the concert is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the work they do and to share poignant stories of donors and patients whose lives they have touched over the years. “We will also be paying tribute to donors who are the backbone of the SA Bone Marrow Registry. They continue to provide hope to countless families and patients whose lives depend on their selfless acts. “Annually, an estimated 4 000 new cases of blood disorders, such as leukaemia and lymphoma occur in South Africa. For many patients, the best chance of a cure is a bone marrow transplant, also termed a “stem cell” transplant. “With thousands of tissue types, the odds of finding a match outside of a patient’s family is one in 100 000, which is like finding a needle in a haystack. For others, who may have inherited unique tissue types, the odds drop even further. The more donors we have across racial demographics, the greater the likelihood of a match and saving a patient’s life,” she says. As the only accredited member of the World Marrow Donor Association in Africa, the SABMR collaborates with expert physicians across South Africa and over 70 registries worldwide to search locally and internationally for compatible donors for patients in need.
“We are extremely proud to celebrate the registry’s 30th anniversary, which marks a milestone in our journey,” remarks Dr Ingram. “Since it was founded by Prof Ernette du Toit and the late Prof Peter Jacobs in 1991, much has changed, but the one constant has been our mission, to ‘save lives’. For 30 years, we have connected patients with their lifesaving donors and provided support to patients and their loved ones throughout their transplant journey. This commitment has always and will continue to remain at the heart of what we do. “Each and every day, we facilitate and improve access to transplants, conduct research, educate and support patients and physicians. From the moment a physician contacts us for a donor to the safe delivery of the cells to a patient, we are there every step of the way. “We are touched by the lives saved through transplantation and it’s what fuels our passion and dedication to find and deliver matched unrelated donor stem cells to patients, not only in South Africa, but all over the world.” Some of the milestones achieved by the SABMR in the last three decades: - Facilitated the first unrelated donor match in 1997. - Aided in more than 180 collections within South Africa and 550 bone marrow stem cell transplants. - The youngest patient to receive a matched unrelated donor (MUD) was three months old, while the oldest patient was 71. - The youngest SABMR donor to donate stem cells was 19. - The majority of overseas stem cell donations have come from Germany (>250), but
donations have also been received from donors as far afield as Russia, Brazil, India, Taiwan, Cyprus, Singapore, Israel, Canada, USA, Portugal, Spain, Poland, France, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria and Australia. - In turn, SABMR donors have donated for patients in Sweden, USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands and India. - In 2018, the SABMR launched an online platform to recruit donors and it introduced buccal swabs – used for collecting DNA from cells on the inside of a person’s cheek for initial tissue typing. - Lowered recruitment age from 18 to 16. Last year, South Africa became the 2nd country to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to become stem cell donors. - In 2020, the registry partnered with Netcells Nextbiosciences, the largest cord blood bank in SA, to launch a community cord blood bank, which would allow patients in need of a stem cell transplant access to cord blood. Dr Ingram says the NGO continues to spread hope and healing to everyone affected by blood disorders and invites all to join their virtual celebration this Friday. “By registering as a donor or making a financial donation will help to chart the path forward for the organisation and patients in need for years to come.” The concert is free to the public and can be streamed on YouTube via this link https://youtu.be/ZJYtQblLv1w from 18:30 to 20:00. If you would like to become a donor, contact the SABMR on 021 447 8638 or email: donors@sabmr.co.za Financial donations can also be made via www.sabmr.co.za/donate.
Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
19
HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD BIG SCHOOL READY
Supplied Content
For parents and children, the step up into Grade 1 is a time of excitement and great anxiety. How do you know if your child is ready for this step? Firstly, parents should be guided by qualified teachers to assess a child’s readiness to begin and take the step up into the start of their formal schooling. What exactly is school readiness?
School readiness is a measure of how prepared a child is to succeed at school and involves two types of readiness: a readiness to learn (which is continuous) and a readiness for school (which is associated with a fixed age). School readiness depends on both emotional maturity and scholastic ability. It is split into different areas and, although these areas are separate, they do interact with and reinforce each other. Children need to be developed across these key five areas.
3. Cognitive development
• Can make independent decisions and follow through. • Have ideas of their own. • Can follow simple directions or instructions. • Shows an interest in learning. 4. Language development (includes literacy, listening, speaking and vocabulary)
• Should be able to communicate effectively in home language. • Be able to sequence (retell a story or a set of events). • Identify similarities and differences between objects. 5. Emotional maturity
school uniform, bath time, quiet play with no screen time, story time and finally bedtime. A Grade 1 child should be in bed between 19:30 and 20:00. Allocate a homework space
Your child will require a place to do their homework where distractions are limited. Have specific stationery available so that they can complete the given tasks properly. Create a homework routine, with a specific time, sequence of activities to be followed and end off with packing the school suitcase. Homework in Grade 1 needs to be supervised by an adult who can create a positive environment.
• Independence. • Reasonable control over emotions. • Basic problem-solving skills. • Confidence. • Shows responsibility. • Handles separation well
Prepare a healthy snack box
• Gross motor, example running, skipping, standing on one leg. • Fine motor, example comfortable using a pair of scissors, successfully doing zips and buttons, is able to use cutlery. • Perceptual development, both visual and auditory. • Taking care of themselves, example manages to go to the toilet by themselves.
Jenny Trollip, Head of Department at St Martin’s Junior Preparatory Phase in the south of Johannesburg, encourages parents to begin getting their child into the routine in preparation for Grade 1. St Martin's is well-known for their smaller classes, passionate teachers, individual attention, and holistic education, and Trollip offers the following advice for establishing a routine.
Communication is key
2. Emotional and social development
Establish a morning routine
1. Physical and motor development
• A child who is emotionally well-adjusted has a significantly greater chance of early school success. • Gets along with peers, can interact within a group or shows an interest in other children, willing to help a friend. • Can express feelings and needs. • Can share. • Can sit still, example long enough to listen to a story. • Can concentrate on a task for a reasonable amount of time. • Able to deal with frustration in an acceptable way.
Your child should follow the same sequence of activities each morning so that it becomes an automatic chain of tasks. This leads to a sense of independence on the part of your child. A suggested morning routine could include the following: wake up, breakfast, ablutions, get dressed, collect school bag and lunch, walk to the car. Set up an evening routine
The aim of this routine is to calm your child. They can relax knowing that they are prepared for the next day at school. Ideas for this routine could include taking out the
Discuss nutritious options and treats with your child. Prepare a menu together. Take into consideration that these snacks will have to sustain your child for at least six hours at school. When you child starts Grade 1, make sure that as parents you are on the school App and class Dojo, or whatever communication mechanism is used at the school so that you know what is happening and do not miss out on special days. In addition to establishing a routine, parents can take time to prepare their children for this new phase in their lives by • Reading to their child. • Teaching their child songs, nursery rhymes and poems. • Take your children on excursions to, for example, museums. • Make regular opportunities for play-dates. • Play games so that your child starts recognising colours, numbers, and letters. Cherish moments spent with your child and enjoy their school journey with them. Grade 1 is exciting, and memories made in this year should be filled with laughter and enjoyment.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER NOT JUST A KID’S PROBLEM Supplied Content
Impact of ADHD into adulthood significant People with ADHD are often thought of as simply being hyperactive, distracted or generally disorganised. However, there is much more than meets the eye to this attention disorder that is usually associated with children but, interestingly, is also common in adults. Dr Laura Comrie, a psychiatrist practicing at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth, points out that there are many misconceptions around ADHD – which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – and that it in fact describes a very real and legitimate problem with regulating attention. “This largely hereditary neuro-developmental disorder has to do with the wiring of the brain during development. The research indicates that ADHD has persisted since childhood in 25% - 50% of adults who have it. While current figures for adults with ADHD are at around 4% in the general population, it is suspected that this number is much higher but that due to a lack of awareness, it often goes undiagnosed.” Is this you or someone you know?
Dr Comrie notes that there are three different sub-types of ADHD, each of which present differently. 1. Hyperactive/Impulsive:
• Fidgety, unable to sit still or wait patiently • Talking too much, interrupting others
• Highly active – as though there is a motor constantly running inside 2. Inattentive:
• Easily distracted and often day-dreaming; seemingly avoiding dislikes • Problems with completing or remembering tasks; making mistakes • Losing things often and difficulty in being organised 3. Combined:
• A combination of the above types of symptoms “ADHD tends to present more commonly in men, with the Hyperactive/Impulsive type being most prevalent in that sex. These individuals will often choose a line of work that involves physical activity rather than sitting at a desk. Inattentive ADHD is more common in women. It is possible that because Inattentive ADHD is less of a visible concern, it is more undiagnosed than Hyperactive/Impulsive or Combined ADHD. “The disorder occurs on a spectrum, so it is more severe in some than in others. Many people are quite functional and have systems in place to help them manage their condition. Those with ADHD often have a strong entrepreneurial spirit as they tend to be creative thinkers and can experience incredible levels of focus on subjects about which they are passionate. At the same time, they can really struggle with more mundane tasks in life, such as doing the bookkeeping or remembering to run an errand, for example.
Dr Laura Comrie, psychiatrist at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth
“This type of behaviour can be frustrating for family members and colleagues but it is quite literally out of the control of the person with ADHD. Because it is a neurological disorder, it often requires medical intervention to help regulate it. It is most certainly not the case that these individuals lack discipline or are lazy, as some people believe. In fact, they have the potential to make valuable contributions to society, provided they receive the medication, psychotherapy and societal support that they need,” she says. Why medication?
Dr Comrie explains that ADHD affects the
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Issue 22
September 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER NOT JUST A KID’S PROBLEM Supplied Content
delivery of two neurotransmitters – namely dopamine and noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine – to the front part of the brain that controls planning, organisation, maintaining focus during routine tasks and similar neural processes. “These neurotransmitters are important for ensuring that such processes in the brain take place effectively. In people with ADHD, dopamine and noradrenaline are not being properly delivered to the front part of the brain, affecting the brain’s function. This has been studied with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which has clearly shown measurable differences in the brains of those with ADHD and those without it. “Medication is important for these individuals to function in a neurotypical or ‘normal’ world, like school, university or certain workplaces. This helps them to gain and maintain confidence, to absorb and retain information and generally to develop and grow,” she says. According to Dr Comrie, ADHD medication works by delivering the missing stimulants, dopamine or noradrenaline, to the brain. “The more common type of medication used assists with the delivery of dopamine and works quickly, sometimes within 20 minutes. It also leaves the system quickly – within four to eight hours. Dosage and type will therefore depend on whether you need short-acting or long-acting medicine. Adults usually require long-acting medicine,
because their workday is typically longer than a school day. “This type of medication is not a huge commitment, as the person is able to try it out and see fairly quickly if it works for them. Many adults choose to take this medication only when they need it, in circumstances which they know will require strong focus – for example they may skip it on weekends. This medication can however make you feel wired and over-stimulated, in which case the other form of medication needs to be explored. “The second type of ADHD medication available works on noradrenaline. This requires you to gradually build up towards the full dosage over ten weeks and must be taken daily without skipping a dose, in order to build and maintain efficacy. This is often seen as the second line in treatment as it is a bigger commitment. “The medicines are costly but it is important to weigh up the cost versus benefit ratio against how difficult your life can be without the help. Fortunately, generics have become available in recent years so the medication is more affordable now than previously. Again, ADHD occurs on a spectrum and only those with impaired functioning in daily life really need to consider using medication,” she says. Other factors to consider
Addressing the concern that many people have around they or their children taking medication for ADHD, Dr Comrie points out that if untreated, ADHD can lead to a serious lack of confidence as well as low academic or career performance. “Some individuals are afraid of addiction to ADHD medication. However, by not having the clinical support they need, people with ADHD may seek out the stimulants their brains need elsewhere, such as in certain illegal and seriously addictive drugs. If used properly, ADHD medication can in fact help to avoid substance addiction into adulthood. “Upon receiving an ADHD diagnosis, it is important to fully discuss both medication and psychotherapy treatment options with a psychiatrist, as contributing factors such as anxiety or depression need to be taken into account in creating the right treatment programme. “The medical management of ADHD can only be improved with a healthy lifestyle such as avoiding stimulants like caffeine, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and practising daily mindfulness in the form of a breathing exercise, for example. This approach, along with understanding and support from family and colleagues, can go a long way to positively impacting the life of someone with ADHD,” concludes Dr Comrie.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
EARLY SIGNS OF PSORIASIS Supplied Content
Before you can treat psoriasis, it’s important to recognise the signs. Here are five early symptoms, 1. Rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin, covered in loose silvery plaques. In severe instances, the plaques grow and merge into each other and cover larger areas of the body. 2. Itchy, painful skin that may crack and bleed when scratched. 3. Pitting or discolouring of the fingernails and toenails. The nails may begin to crumble or detach from the nailbed. 4. Scaly plaques of silvery skin on the scalp. 5. Achy or swollen joints may occur as a result of psoriatic arthritis, which is a related condition that affects psoriasis sufferers. “There is help out there, and you can change the course of the disease,” said Dr Ugeshnie Naidoo, a renowned specialist dermatologist based in Pretoria. “The sooner you treat psoriasis, and the more effectively you treat it, means you can prevent long-term problems and comorbidities.” Why you should get the right treatment for psoriasis ASAP
Psoriasis, a disease that many doctors and patients once thought to be a simple skin disease, has been researched and found to be more than skin deep.1 In fact, the disease
is so severe that it impacts the mental and physical wellbeing of a patient, at times leading to suicide.2 Some of the symptoms prevent people from doing normal things such as wearing clothes that show their skin and carrying their kids.
symptoms, many people experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation.2 The impact of mental health disorders could result in constant sadness, impacting a person’s ability to live a happy, normal life.
Psoriasis complications
How to treat psoriasis
If left untreated, psoriasis could flare up and result in further health complications such as, Psoriatic arthritis
One of the more common comorbidities, affecting 30 to 33% of people living with psoriasis, is psoriatic arthritis. This causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints when left untreated. Cardiovascular diseases
Also known as heart disease, this progression of psoriasis may result in heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and heart valve problems. Metabolic syndrome
Due to increased blood pressure caused by psoriasis, people may experience excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol levels, both of which could lead to strokes or type 2 diabetes. Mental health disorders
Due to the debilitating nature of psoriasis
Seek immediate assistance from your doctor, who will be able to assess the severity of your psoriasis and place you on a treatment plan. After years of research, pharmaceutical companies have developed a biologic treatment that reduces the severity of symptoms and can achieve clear skin. “With the introduction of a breakthrough biologic treatment, you can change the course of your life, and enjoy clear skin”, added Dr Naidoo. People living with this devastating condition deserve access to effective treatment. If you’re living with psoriasis, talk to your dermatologist ASAP and ask them to help you get treatment that will achieve clear skin. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed. Visit the #MoreThanSkinDeep Facebook page to learn more about psoriasis and how you can show your support to those living with this condition.
RECOMED Tsolofelo Mhabe
RecoMed, the largest online healthcare booking platform in South Africa, and Discovery Health, South Africa’s foremost medical scheme administrator, have been working together to assist the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines across the country. RecoMed’s innovative technology platform enables digital patient bookings into healthcare facilities around South Africa, driving new business for healthcare providers. RecoMed’s unique combination of industry wide integrations and experience working with various healthcare provider groups has positioned it as the leader in the healthcare bookings market. “In partnership with Discovery Health we’ve led the way in health tech innovation in
South Africa. The imperative to rapidly enable the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines motivated us to support Discovery Health in their vaccine booking efforts by creating a customised platform for their use and integration. This platform went live in June 2021,” comments RecoMed CEO Sheraan Amod. Dr Ronald Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer at Discovery Health says, “Discovery’s Connected Care application for members already connects members to a range of healthcare services, enabling seamless and convenient end-to-end healthcare journeys. RecoMed integrates into the Connected Care application giving members the ability to make online bookings for their COVID-19
Sheraan Amod, RecoMed CEO
vaccination and appointments with a range of doctors and other healthcare providers.” With over 500,000 online vaccination book-
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Issue 22
September 2021
ings processed since June, Discovery continues to offer the platform to their clients today. “Our platform plays a key role in managing the booking software for all Discovery vaccination sites across South Africa,” explains Amod. “This includes assisting Discovery Health with site set-up, operational tools to manage the site bookings daily, managing changes to member bookings and providing detailed site reporting nationally.” “Discovery set up vaccination sites to support the national COVID-19 mass vacci-
Your Wellness Matters nation programme and to assist Discovery clients as well as members of the public, more broadly, with convenient access to vaccinations. There are currently 9 Discovery vaccination sites operational nationwide” comments Whelan. “Online technology is enjoying a drastic growth in popularity and customer adoption, not least as a result of the restrictions imposed by lockdowns and the need to work and operate remotely,” Amod points out. “The user-friendly platforms and applications we have developed greatly facilitate
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this evolution and suit people’s lifestyles, enabling them to interact 24/7 from wherever they are situated, by phone, PC or tablet. For instance, we find that 70% of patient bookings occur after-hours.” RecoMed was the natural choice for Discovery Health, not only because of its leadership in the online healthcare marketplace, but also because it already powers online bookings for healthcare practices across South Africa and for other Discovery businesses, including Discovery Vitality, Discovery Insure and Discovery Stores.
COMMUNITIES TO ACT ON NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS) Partner Content
This Global Week for Action on NCDs (6 - 12 September 2021), the South African Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (SANCDA), of which the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is a founding partner, celebrate the progress made in raising the profile of people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in SA. Together with other civil society members, the Global Week of Action on NCDs hails the power and potential of people to act together on and drive NCDs change. The aim is to ensure that commitments made by government to improve health for people living with NCDs, will become a reality. The challenges presented by COVID-19 will not compromise action to help relieve the NCDs burden. #ActOnNCDs #NCDvoices Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson, Director of the SANCDA says, "In SA, the people's NCDs movement struggles to make the government recognise and meaningfully involve diverse groups, including people living with NCDs to reduce the NCDs burden. Government and other stakeholders committed to global targets to prevent and control NCDs and improve the health of the nation. Now we need to these commitments translate into meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals." Many NCDs are preventable, yet they remain the number one cause of death and disability globally and in SA. Diabetes is still the leading cause of death in SA women. NCDs are mainly driven by five preventable risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and air pollution. Weak health systems, under-investment and lack of accountability by government contributes to increasing the NCDs burden. NCDs include health conditions which usually don't spread from person to person. Examples are cancers, diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and mental health conditions. "If every person exercises the right to participate in decision making about their health we would have more accountability for NCDs prevention and care. The SANCDA and our many partners urge the people, including those living with NCDs, to join us in our quest to accelerate action on NCDs. Together we will hold the authorities to account for meeting our needs. What we demand is understanding community needs better, helping to identify gaps, developing options in response to challenges, understand the impact of decisions on different people, and balance input, perspectives and interests," adds Pinkney-Atkinson, herself living with more than 20 NCDs. By working together, civil society and the SANCDA highlights the actions undertaken to close the NCDs gap. Achievements include: • Teaming up with the Dullah Omar Institute with its expertise in constitutional law and human rights to explore how law and treaties advance the NCDs agenda. Legal measures against government for its failure to meet commitments to rights and equity are part of this. • Working with the National Department of Health to craft the national NCDs policy (due for publication soon). • Joining forces with local and global social movements representing people left behind, including those focussed on stigmatised NCDs conditions like disability, mental health and obesity. • Coordinating consistent civil society policy action across all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to NCDs prevention and control such as poverty, hunger,
and emergency-disaster preparedness and responses to COVID-19. • Calls for inclusive NCD governance mechanisms to secure the role of people living with NCDs and civil society in health policy at national, regional and international levels, since 2013. SANCDA endorses the Global Charter on Meaningful Involvement of People Living with NCDs. As a tool this will ensure meaningful involvement and transparency. • Consistently communicating by leveraging outrage, rebuking injustice, translating evidence, sharing personal stories, celebrating successes, and campaigning collaboratively for the annual Global Week of Action on NCDs and other milestone days, weeks and political campaigns. It includes using traditional social media to make noise, demand change, and put issues, insights, and possible solutions in front of policymakers based on human rights and dignity. Pinkney-Atkinson states, "During COVID-19, we experienced the devastating effects of neglect of NCDs and failure to invest in our health systems. Role players can prevent a repetition of this and can help close gaps and deliver progress on NCDs." #ActOnNCDs through social media People affected by NCDs can be a voice of change by sharing their own messages of support by going to the Global Week for Action on NCDs Map of Impact on https://actonncds.org/take-action/be-a-voice-change . The Voices of Change online picture generator will quickly and easily upload a message and picture and share it on social media. The SANCDA encourages all to get involved and share messages of support on social media platforms using the hashtags: #ActOnNCDs #NCDvoices. Or mobilise action and be an agent of change - https://actonncds.org/take-action/go-extra-mile
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 22
September 2021
A SAFE AND HEALTHY START IN LIFE BEGINS AT PREGNANCY Supplied Content
Moms and babies’ care celebrated this World Patient Safety Day The care mothers and babies receive before, during and after birth can affect their safety, wellbeing and the child’s development for years to come. Awareness of vaccination in antenatal care has new significance this World Patient Safety Day, Friday, 17 September, which focuses on mothers and newborns, as the COVID-19 vaccine offers significant protection against the virus for pregnant women and their unborn babies. “World Patient Safety Day is an international day of awareness that aims to build global understanding of patient safety and promote global actions to improve patient safety, and this year’s theme is ‘Safe maternal and newborn care’,” says Verena Bolton, national coordinator of Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks. “Maternity safety starts well before birth with antenatal care, as taking care of the health of the mother-to-be and her unborn baby automatically contributes to their ongoing wellbeing. A recently updated circular from the Department of Health advises that pregnant women should be informed that they face a slightly higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease, and should be offered the vaccine during any stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding. “Previously, the immunisation awareness in antenatal classes, such as those provided by the experienced nurses at Netcare mother and baby wellness clinics, was primarily focused on the baby to reduce child mortality. Now it has also become important to also make parents aware that both mothers and babies are safer when the mother has been vaccinated against COVID-19.” Bolton says that being exclusively fed on breastmilk is another integral element that supports the safety of newborn babies. “Breastmilk offers the best possible start in life for all babies. It contains IgA, which is one
of a range of immunoglobulins, and this confers immunity to neonates until their immune system has matured and is able to start producing its own antibodies. Breastmilk also contains oligosaccharides, which are prebiotics to prime the baby’s digestive system with normal gut flora; and lactoferrin, which destroys harmful microorganisms.” Early initiation of breastfeeding is therefore encouraged within Netcare maternity units, and support is offered to mothers to continue breastfeeding, as per international recommendations. “Babies whose health is compromised in some way receive the most benefit, particularly from age-appropriate milk, and this can play an invaluable role in their survival and in supporting their development and recovery.” Netcare neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) throughout South Africa contribute to the Vermont Oxford Network (VON), an international information platform that promotes data-driven quality improvement through benchmarking. “Netcare’s participation in VON helps to ensure we are continuously measuring each baby’s care in our NICUs in terms of international best practice. Quality improvement can only be empirically tracked through benchmarking, which enables us to measure our performance on key indicators that contribute to better clinical outcomes,” she says. “We have focused on the cornerstones of care, and have seen significant improvement in several key indicators year on year, including babies across all birthweights achieving an ideal temperature within the first hour of life. The proportion of babies discharged from Netcare NICUs receiving breastmilk only in 2019 was at 44.7%, compared to the international average of 22.5%, and this improved further in 2020 to 47,3% at Netcare hospitals, more than double the global figure of 21.6%,” Bolton says. “Netcare is deeply committed to ensuring
that high risk babies in both the private and public sectors have access to the safety benefits associated with age-appropriate breastmilk,” adds Mande Toubkin, Netcare’s general manager of emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment. “The Netcare Foundation recognised the importance of securing stocks of breastmilk because of its immense health and developmental benefits. Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks use a state-of-the-art digital system to track and trace breastmilk donations every step of the way from donor to recipient, and records all details relevant to matching donor milk to the recipient babies.” Breastmilk is donated by eligible women who are breastfeeding and have excess milk, which they express under specific hygienic conditions and deliver it to Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks or depots based at 36 Netcare maternity facilities. The milk is then pasteurised, and then it is tested, frozen and safely stored. In February 2019, Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks started providing breastmilk to hospitals in the public sector, including Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) and more recently Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). “The safety of patients is always our first priority, and we are constantly striving to find ways to further optimise care for mothers and babies through rigorous benchmarking, promoting awareness of the lifesaving benefits of breastmilk and value of the COVID-19 vaccine for reducing maternal and neonatal health risks,” Bolton concludes. For more information on World Patient Safety Day, please visit the World Health Organization website at www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/09/17/def a u l t - c a l e n dar/world-patient-safety-day-2021