Breastfeeding
Introduction Breastfeeding is as old as humanity and there are various references in the Christian Bible to breastfeeding. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 New International Version (NIV) 7 Instead, we were like young children[a] among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share […]
Parkinson’s disease: Stages & Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder of the nervous system that deteriorate over time. While nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain wane or are damaged or die, people may notice problems with movement, tremor, stiffness in the limbs or the trunk of the body, or impaired balance. As these symptoms become more […]
World Health Day: Building a fairer, healthier world
The past 50 years were characterised by significant health issues such as mental health, maternal and childcare, and climate change. Celebrating World Health Day is attributed to activities that extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health. From its inception at the […]
The Status of Doctors – Present and Future
According to the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, South Africa is currently facing a doctor and nurse shortage due to a lack of funding. Responding in a recent parliamentary session, Mkhize stated that the primary reason for this shortage is that the public health sector budget has not increased in real terms for the […]
World Patient Safety Day
No one should be harmed in healthcare! On 17 September 2020, the World Health Organization arranges World Patient Safety Day. The theme for this year is “Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety”. They call for everyone working in healthcare to speak up for health worker safety, which we fully support! (The patient safety […]
GERD / GORD Awareness
Dealing with the belching, burning, nausea and chest pain caused by acid reflux is no fun. Gastrooesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which contents of the stomach (gastric acid) flow back into the oesophagus, causing injury to the oesophagus and problematic symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation. The condition usually arises as a result […]
World Aids/HIV Day
HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system (the body’s natural defence against illness). The virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a T-helper cell – also referred to as a CD4 cell – and uses these cells to make copies of itself. As HIV destroys […]
Sunsmart Skin Cancer Awareness Month (1 December 2020 – 31 January 2021)
It is reported that South Africa has a very high rate of skin cancer irrespective of skin colour and therefore South Africans are advised to take precautionary measures to protect themselves against the sun. In addition to skin cancer, overexposure to UV radiation can cause eye damage, sunburn or tanning when a person’s skin becomes […]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
What is domestic violence? South Africa has one of the highest incidences of domestic violence in the world. And, sadly, domestic violence is the most common and widespread human rights abuse in South Africa. Every day, women are murdered, physically and sexually assaulted, threatened and humiliated by their partners, within their own homes. It is […]
Men’s Health Part 1
Globally, health outcomes amongst boys and men continue to be substantially worse than amongst girls and women, yet this gender-based disparity in health has received little national, regional or global acknowledgement or attention from health policymakers or healthcare providers. In most parts of the world, health outcomes amongst boys and men continue to be substantially worse than amongst girls and women, yet […]
