Is your child’s gut health up to scratch?
We are already well into spring, many of our children are going back to school after a long period of staying at home and we are in the midst of a very unsettling and unusual time with the world shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the renewed emphasis on healthy eating and supporting immune systems, many parents may be setting goals of preparing healthier family meals and nutritious school lunches. While most of us know that well-balanced, consistent nutrition is very important for growth and development from birth and into adulthood, how many of us are aware of the importance of gut health, especially in our children?
Child growth awareness – how an app can help you monitor child’s growth
During September Child Growth Awareness was commemorated extensively but it remains an important topic for all parents throughout their child’s life.
On 20 September 2020, organisations united globally to promote the educational initiative of International Children’s Growth Awareness. The goal is to share and support the key message of the campaign in order to inform parents about the importance of annual and regular growth checks for their children.
Pandemic delivers mixed fortunes for laboratory, analytics industry
The pandemic has resulted in an overall drop in revenues for global laboratory and analytics businesses, although some segments in the sector reported a spike in demand. The pandemic catalysed change not only in manufacturers and distributors in the sector but also in the industry’s leading trade event. analytica, the world’s leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology, will now be staged 100% virtually from October 19 to 23 2020.
Technology as an enabler to the implementation of Good Pharmacy Practice
In light of the current pandemic, the importance of a well-functioning pharmaceutical services sector cannot be overstated, especially in developing societies such as South Africa.
COVID-19 — Private hospitals an ‘obsessive infection control bubble’
Patients returning to private hospitals for treatment will find themselves in an “obsessive infection control bubble” environment that is intended to keep them safer from the novel coronavirus than virtually anywhere else. Hospitals have paid close attention to their systems to ensure as heightened a state of safety for patients from the virus exists, as is possible. COVID-19 shouldn’t deter anyone from seeking healthcare.
Local digital health company acquired by global insurance leader
Digital health and wellness services company HealthInsite, has been acquired by international insurance giant Zurich. HealthInsite offers a range of innovative health tech products which impact on engagement, productivity, and health outcomes through the incorporation of health risk assessments, physical activity and biometric tracking, behavioural change challenges that reduce lifestyle risk, sophisticated rewards system and personalised content covering physical, mental, financial and social health.
New supplement launched in SA to assist with male infertility
For many couples, starting a family happens naturally without any detailed planning or interventions. Unfortunately, when trying to conceive, 15% of couples struggle and may need to seek medical advice about how to improve their chances of falling pregnant. Fortunately, SINOPOL® him is now available in South Africa.
1 in 28 SA women affected by breast cancer – detecting breast cancer through mammograms increases survival
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst women in South Africa, affecting 1 in 28 women, and in urban communities the incidence is as high as 1 in 8 according to National Health Laboratory statistics. But early screening and detection of the disease dramatically improve women’s chances of survival and reduces the need for aggressive and invasive treatment. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa (BISSA) urges women to regularly self-examine and have an annual mammogram from the age of 40.
A healthy heart matters this World Heart Day
In South Africa, 255 people die from heart diseases every single day, despite the fact that 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented. Healthy food choices can positively impact cardiovascular health and immunity in a matter of weeks and along with moderate physical activity, can reduce the risk of heart disease and play a vital role in maintaining an optimal immune response.
Vagisan – trust the no. 1 product for vaginal dryness
Dryness, itching, burning or pain in the female genital area is a problem for nearly half of all women over the age of 45. Too many suffer in silence and many do not seek treatment. Local specialist brand-building distributor, ACDOCO SA is launching yet another over-the-counter (OTC) first in South Africa, Dr. Wolff’s Vagisan Moisturising Cream.
Excessive salt consumption taking its toll on South Africans’ hearts
Excessive salt consumption taking its toll on South Africans’ hearts The country’s biggest provider of heart disease medication warns South Africans to cut back on salt, as it could have a destructive impact on their cardiovascular system. Nicole Jennings,...
Family caregiving: A case for taking a break
As we approach Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Months, we want to take this time to check in with many South African family and friends who find themselves caring for someone at home. Family caregivers typically wear many hats: from healthcare provider to companion, all on top of working a full or part-time job, which experts estimate to be true for 60% of family caregivers. But who takes care of the caregiver? CareChamp weighs in on how caregivers can get the support they need, and make the process more positive for both parties.
South Africans at increasing risk of vision loss
With an ever-growing number of South Africans diagnosed with diabetes and an ageing population, loss of vision due to diabetic eye complications and age-related visual conditions is on the rise. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye, is the leading cause of vision loss globally.
Drones boost healthcare supply chains
Health workers serving remote communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must often undertake a six-day return journey to collect vaccines, traversing dense tropical forests and often the raging Congo River and its tributaries. Drone technology is offering a lifesaving solution to the challenges, including helping to ensure that cold chains are maintained, and vaccine quality is not compromised.
Healthier lifestyles can prevent or delay dementia
More than 50-million people globally live with dementia, a figure expected to treble in the next 30 years, but up to 40% of cases could be prevented or delayed by reducing risks – including getting exercise, eating healthily, and staying mentally fit and socially active.