27 January 2021
www.thevillagenews.co.za
Physiotherapy aids Covid recovery
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an Vuuren Physiotherapists celebrate their 27th birthday this month, making this the oldest physiotherapy practice in Hermanus. With the current Covid regulations in force, celebrations were subdued but the team did get together for a special anniversary photograph. Above are (back row) Annelize Boshoff, Chanel Mouton, Antionette van Vuuren (owner), Charlotte Cronje, and (front) Hannah de Waal and Silke Struwig. Each of these therapists is passionate about their profession, with a variety of special interests to tend to patients’ individual needs, including women’s health courses, stretch classes and Pilates.
While most locals know ‘the blue house’ on the corner of Main Road and Albertyn Street in Northcliff, not everyone is aware of the important role that owner, Antionette van Vuuren and her team of physiotherapists are also playing in the fight against Covid-19. Not only do they assist patients in hospital but they also offer Covid-related rehab in the comfort of your own home. “Unfortunately the Coronavirus affects various systems in the body,” says Antionette. “The latest research shows that some of the symptoms and limitations can last well up to a year post-infection.”
The goal of Van Vuuren Physiotherapists is to reduce these long-term effects on the body by addressing physical difficulties such as poor cardiovascular tolerance, weakened muscles due to inactivity, and loss of functionality in and around the house.
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Local business assists with clean-up First impressions are lasting ones. The impression which visitors to Hermanus form of our town based on what they see when they arrive along the R43 between Sandbaai and Gateway is not what one would like it to be.
management team decided to turn this into an opportunity to serve the community. When the idle workers were asked if they would be willing to clean the road reserve, they jumped at the opportunity.
“The amount of litter lying in the road reserve and accumulating in the stormwater ditch next to the road is a real eyesore and creates such a distorted image of our lovely town. Proud locals cringe every time they drive, walk or cycle past there,” says Robbie Viljoen, owner of local business, Coastal Trusses.
Armed with masks, gloves, overalls and safety bibs, they took to the task and within a matter of two hours collected about 25 refuse bags of rubbish just on the northern side of the road between Rotary and Mountain Drives. The bags were taken to Ingomso Lelethu Recycling to be recycled.
When Coastal Trusses experienced a lull in their business activities earlier this week and found it difficult to keep all their employees constructively occupied, Robbie and his
“Not having enough work to keep your workers busy is painful. It’s a nightmare for any business owner. But the pain is alleviated when one converts it into an opportunity to make a difference,” says Robbie.
Many people also suffer from breathing difficulties due to Covid-19, and the physios can assist by breaking down and reducing phlegm, offering exercises to strengthen weakened breathing muscles and improve restricted chest movement, as well as breathing techniques and exercises to ease the effort when struggling for air. “Our Covid-19 rehab therapist, Charlotte Cronje is available to evaluate your specific needs at home and will work with other medical professionals where necessary to ensure that you receive the best care while recovering from Covid-19,” says Antionette. Contact Van Vuuren Physiotherapy in Hermanus on 028 312 1941 or their satellite practice in Onrus on 028 316 1577. – Hedda Mittner
Coastal Trusses employees Ayanda Ginya, Yanga Dalibango, Artwell Magqirha and Samuel Feni filled 25 refuse bags with litter along the R43 opposite Gateway Centre on Monday morning when the company did not have enough work to keep them busy.
