LEGACY LIVES ON

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Gabi grew up in the Upper Highway area and went to St Mary’s DSG. “I come from a very close family and am the youngest of three girls,” she says. “My late father, Dr Peter Breedt, was an incredible inspiration to me.”

Gabi completed her undergraduate in Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Witswatersrand in Johannesburg, and then went on to do two years of internship at Pietermaritzburg Hospital Complex. “I rotated through Grey’s, Edendale and Northdale hospitals before I was placed at New Somerset Hospital in Cape Town for my community service year,” says Gabi. In 2020 she returned home to work alongside her dad. “This was one of the most incredible experiences, where I was able to learn from him and to work with my hero.

“Growing up in a medical household, I was both fascinated and drawn to medicine from a young age. Medicine is a calling, one doesn’t choose to do it, but rather it chooses you. My dad has played a big role in why I chose to do medicine. I often found myself in awe of both the impact and difference he made in people’s lives. It was a privilege to have him, not only as my father – but my mentor, Medical Centre on Lyngarth Road. “It was always a dream of mine to have my own practice one day and provide an environment in which patients feel welcome and at home,” she says. “Following the tragic passing of my dad from the devastating Covid pandemic, I found it difficult to imagine my career in medicine without my lifelong mentor by my side.” But through the support of family, friends and the Upper Highway community, Gabi is now able to allow his legacy to live on.

“Being a GP you get to build relationships with your patients and become an integral part of their lives. Whether it be through triumphs or losses, a GP is allowed to share in those moments and it enables connections to last for years and years to come,” says Gabi – adding that she is extremely fortunate to have Sister Kaylie Penery, who, with 10 years of casualty experience behind her, is a huge asset to the practice. “Kaylie’s kind and compassionate nature makes any patient who walks through our doors feel welcome and at ease,” says Gabi. *

GABI BREEDT HAS OPENED A KLOOF PRACTICE IN HER LATE FATHER’S MEMORY LEGACY

lives on

confidant and colleague. His love, kindness and compassion for all his patients have resonated through the community for many years, and it would be one of my greatest accomplishments if I could be even half the doctor he was.”

Gabi, a general practitioner with a keen interest in aesthetic medicine, has just opened up her own practice at Kloof

FOR MORE INFO https://gpbreedt.co.za

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic many of us are now working from home, making correct ergonomics and posture even more important. Since the pandemic the percentage of employed South Africans working from home has risen from 4% to 38%. Post-pandemic, businesses in South Africa are predicting that many employees, almost 33%, will still be working from home. This can lead to an increase in the risk for developing sitting-induced lower back pain.

Ergonomics is the science applied to the physical and psychological principles in an environment in order to increase productivity and well-being. Physical ergonomics refers to human anatomy and factors that affect movement or posture. Lower-back pain has been linked to poor workplace ergonomics, especially due to long hours at a desk and performing repetitive actions.

According to Debbie Cameron, time, posture, and your environment are the main factors influencing the link between sitting and lower-back pain. Sustained sitting decreases variation of movement, and increases use of the spinal muscles when in awkward positions, and are the primary causes of sitting-induced lower-back pain.

Research has shown that moving every 20 minutes can decrease the likelihood of developing sitting-induced lower-back pain. Thus, taking breaks from sitting or changing positions can help prevent lowerback pain, where shorter, more frequent breaks are better than fewer, longer ones.  A good sitting position when at your desk is vital: • Sit with your lower back supported. • Your weight should be evenly distributed through both hips. • Your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees slightly lower than your hips. • Your arms should make an “L” shape and your wrists should be straight. • Your screen should be at eye level and your keyboard straight in front of you. You

Beat back PAIN

MEGAN FRYER OF DEBBIE CAMERON PHYSIOTHERAPY EXPLAINS THE IMPACT OF ERGONOMICS ON THE LOWER BACK

ABOVE: Physiotherapist Megan Fryer advises Debbie Cameron on optimal chair ergonomics to help prevent back pain. can also leave a space of 10-15cm from the edge of your desk to rest your wrists when you are not typing.  Alter your environment in order to optimise your sitting posture: • Adjust the height of your desk or chair. • Use of a footrest if your feet don’t touch the floor. • Additional back/lumbar support if needed. • Keep your mouse close to you and use a mouse pad to avoid awkward wrist movements. • Have objects you use often, such as the phone or stapler, nearby to avoid repetitive reaching/stretching. • If you spend a lot of time on the phone, try using a headset. • If you wear bifocals and you find yourself having to raise or lower your head to see your monitor, please consult your optician. These actions can put strain on your neck and back.

Physiotherapy will help should you be experiencing sitting-induced lower-back pain, firstly to identify and treat the painful structure that is troubling and secondly to help you with an individual office set up that includes: education on postural awareness, a plan to avoid long sedentary period, prescribing appropriate exercises, and recommending assistive devices/equipment..

FOR MORE INFO Debbie Cameron Physiotherapy; 031 765 8898; www.debbiecameronphysio.co.za