health ° wellness ° community ° going greenMAY ° products ° events 2010 / soap box magazine May 2010
THE
HEALTHFACTORY’S
www.thehealthfactory.co.za
y g r e n e s s e l d n bou
the voice of healthcare
Turn chronic fatigue into
MS?
We’ve got good news!
Before you light up,
listen up!
Finally!
The future of healthcare has arrived!
Have a heart ... Get involved with our NGO’s
3
easy steps
to reduce your
carbon footprint
Forever young You can turn back the clock
n ew ou rfavourite things ...
soap box magazine / MAY 2010
THE
HEALTHFACTORY the future of healthcare Health, it is often said, is our most precious possession. But, according to WHO (World Health Organisation), health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Rather it is
“a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being” – something we all strive for. To achieve this, a holistic approach is needed – an approach that combines feeling good with looking good and doing good.
And this is where
THE HEALTH FACTORY comes in. Our unique combination of health and wellness services is focused entirely on helping you live the healthiest life possible: The practitioners in our
health depot work together to get you feeling good and functioning at your
optimum level. Looking your best is taken care of by our wellness depot. Our food depot ensures that all your nutritional needs are met. And our community depot gives you the opportunity to do
something good
and promote the health and well-being of others.
Our services are not for the individual only but extend to our
tailor made corporate health and wellness solutions packages. From cholesterol testing and
chiropractic treatment to massages and manicures, we offer everything you need to take care of your company’s most important assets – your employees. Because, at the end of the day, healthy employees ensure a healthy bottom line! And, best of all, you needn’t even leave your office. THE HEALTH FACTORY comes to you. Our exciting innovations such as Medics on the Move™, Wellness on Wheels™ and Corporate Chillout ™ means our specialised team of health and wellness professionals can take care of you and your employees in your place of work. And our
follow-up programmes guarantee that your health and well-being is constantly monitored and maintained.
So, isn’t it time that you got started living your healthiest life? Phone us on 011 804 4049 to book an appointment with our biokineticist, chiropractor, dietitian or wellness therapists at 2 Stirrup Lane, Woodmead Office Park. For more information on our corporate health & wellness solutions, please phone Dr Dylan Herwill on 073 381 9408. Alternatively, visit our website at www.thehealthfactory.co.za
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
“From small beginnings come great things.”
M
ay – named after Maia, the goddess of spring – is traditionally a month of rebirth and new beginnings. We at THE HEALTH FACTORY could therefore not think of a better time to launch our brand new magazine. THE HEALTH FACTORY’s soap box magazine heralds the beginning of a new era. With this debut issue we are ushering in the future of healthcare – a future where health & wellbeing are integrally linked with the passion and vision to better serve the South African community. Through this publication we give you the tools you need to be in control of your own health & wellbeing as well as make a difference in the health & wellbeing of others. Because of our holistic approach to everything we do, you’ll find the pages of every month’s issue crammed with everything you need to know to lead a healthy lifestyle. This month we’re covering:
contributors Biokineticist Kabelo Sennelo Chiropractors Dr Nadia Carlyle Dr Ronnie Cloete Dr Dylan Herwill Dietitian Niki Urquhart Physiotherapist Andrew van Rensburg Cosmetic Pharmacologist John Littlefield Editor & Designer Marike Groot
contact details 011 804 4049 THE HEALTH FACTORY Health & Wellness Centre 2 Stirrup Lane Woodmead Office Park 011 787 8244 Endurance Sport & Wellness Centre 2nd Floor Riverview Centre 98 Conrad Drive Blairgowrie
website www.thehealthfactory.co.za
to advertise Please call 011 804 4049
health
Multiple Sclerosis & Physiotherapy Living with or supporting someone living with this devastating disease can be severly taxing. A Physiotherapist can help ease the burden.
5
Quit While You’re Ahead In support of Anti Tobacco Month and World No Tobacco Day 2010, we take a look at how the deadly habit of smoking affects women in particular.
6
wellness
The Skinny on Low GI/GL We have the low-down on low GI/GL dieting ... what it means, how it works and why you should start changing your eating habits today.
7
Act your age Don’t wait till it’s too late - start turning back the clock today!
11
community
Our Heart & Soul Millions of South Africans feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. Read how you can reach out and show them they are not alone.
going green As Easy As 1, 2, 3 ... Being environmentally-conscious is child’s play! Learn the 3 easy steps to reducing your carbon footprint.
look what we’ve found! We can’t wait to tell you all about our new favourite things ... they’re sure to become yours too!
13
15 17
we have lots to tell you!
soap box magazine / MAY 2010
If you would like to
advertise your product in our magazine, please e-mail info@thehealthfactory.co.za or call
011 804 4049
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
A helping hand MS is a devastating disease, but physiotherapy intervention can help patients to lead a full and active life
M
ay is World Multiple Sclerosis Month. Let’s demystify the condition and give more information to those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and those family members and friends supporting someone with this debilitating disease.
Photo: Dreamstime
what is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis or MS (meaning “many scars”) is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, including the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord. Each nerve fibre in the white matter of the CNS is surrounded and insulated by a protective layer called myelin. Nerve signals travel along the myelin between the brain and the rest of the body. In MS these myelin pathways are damaged causing scattered patches of de-myelination, making it difficult or impossible for messages to move over these hard, damaged areas. In short this is why movement, feeling and co-ordination is affected, depending on the location of the “plaques” or scars in the brain and /or spinal cord. And this is proving to be the most frustrating thing about MS in that each patient will present a different set of symptoms depending on which portion or portions of the nervous system are most affected. And to further the frustration, most or some of these symptoms may come and go, some symptoms will never appear again and other symptoms may get worse over time. The course of the illness and the variety of symptoms presented in each individual is unpredictable.
who gets MS? Geography is thought to play an important role. The disease seems to present itself more in temperate zones – probability to contract it increases as one moves further away from the Equator. Most cases of MS are found in northern Europe, Scandinavia, North America and portions of Australia and New Zealand. Women are more likely to develop MS than men – the ratio is believed to be three to two. MS is not hereditary, but may be slightly more common in close relatives. Relatives who develop the disease may share some particular predisposing factor for MS. It is not a contagious or infectious disease and cannot be spread in the same way as the common cold or flu. The most common age for a MS diagnosis is between 20 and 40. Worldwide more white people are affected than in any other population group.
by Andrew van Rensburg – physiotherapist
physiotherapy & MS A physiotherapist will be one of the members of the team that will be involved with the treatment and maintenance of a patient suffering from MS. From a physiotherapy point of view, the primary concern is the functional ability of the patient. Independence is essential for any patient to keep a positive attitude toward the condition. Paramount to this is the ability to walk. Its has been proven that physiotherapy intervention with a focus on weight bearing, balance, co-ordination, gait pattern rehabilitation and strength acquisition is essential. When compared to the results of patients who do not receive any physiotherapy it is obvious that quality of life is improved. Physiotherapy can help a person with MS to recover good posture – with particular emphasis on the right way to stand, walk, rise from a sitting or lying position and how best to position oneself for sleeping. The benefits can include more normal and easier movement and, as a consequence, the possibility of enjoying a more active life. Preventative therapy is encouraged early in order to avoid secondary disability which may arise from the disuse of a particular muscle group. Incorporating an exercise program into the patient’s daily program therefore reduces the rate of decline. Physiotherapy intervention, with special interest in neurology, is a key element in keeping MS patients leading full and active lives and forms part of the holistic treatment and rehabilitation of a patient suffering from MS. sb
health
soap box magazine / MAY 2010
C
Quit
while you’re ahead
igarette smoking represents the single greatest cause of death worldwide. Each year, more than 450 000 people die from smoking-related diseases in America alone. These include heart disease, cancer, strokes, aortic aneurysms and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). On average, a chronic cigarette smoker lives 18 years less than non-smokers. In fact, it is estimated that each cigarette shortens the smoker’s life by about seven minutes! Tobacco smoke contains more than 1 200 toxic chemicals – the tar alone contains nearly 30 known carcinogens (cancer causing agents). And every time you inhale smoke from a cigarette, some of the alveoli (air sacks) in your lungs are permanently destroyed. These alveoli are responsible for transferring oxygen to your blood. This means that as a smoker, or someone regularly exposed to cigarette smoke, you will have trouble doing activities such as sports, dancing, singing, etc. Everyone knows cigarettes are extremely harmful. Why, then, do people still smoke? How do they become addicted? People often begin to experiment with cigarettes without being fully aware of its harmful effects. Within seconds of inhalation, however, nicotine, one of the toxins found in cigarettes, affects the central nervous system in a way similar to tranquillisers and stimulants. This effect soon causes a strong physiological and psychological dependency, which develops over time as the smoker associates the physiological effects with the psychological effects of calming and pleasurable activities such as drinking coffee or alcohol, participating in social gatherings, relaxing after a meal, talking on the telephone, reading and watching television. There is hope however. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, quitting is known to lower the risk of developing lung cancer. This is the first major clinical trial to show quitting quickly improves artery health. In the study, 1 500 smokers were given one of five methods to help them quit: nicotine patches; nicotine lozenges; the drug bupropion, sold as Wellbutrin and Zyban; a combination of patches and lozenges; a combination of the drug and lozenges. A sixth group received placebo’s. After one year, 36% of the respondents quit, and it made no difference which method they used. That may not sound like much, but research shows that quitting smoking translates to a 14% lower risk of developing heart disease.
W
orld No Tobacco Day is an international initiative to promote the concept that quitting saves lives. “Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women” is the theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day on 31 May and is aimed at drawing particular attention to the harmful effects of tobacco marketing towards women and girls. Tobacco companies often target women when marketing light, mild and menthol cigarettes. This year’s World
health
Every time you light up, you shorten your life by 7 minutes
No Tobacco Day will also highlight the need for the nearly 170 parties to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on tobacco control to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship in accordance with their constitutions or constitutional principles. In most countries, the prevalence of smoking is lower among women than men, yet there are about 200 million women in the world who smoke. In addition, there are millions more who chew tobacco. Approximately 22% of women in developed countries and 9% of women in developing countries smoke, but because of population density there are numerically more women smokers in developing countries. In Asia, although there are currently lower levels of tobacco use among women, smoking among girls is already on the rise. The spending power of women and girls is ever on the increase and cigarettes are therefore becoming more affordable. The social and cultural constraints that previously prevented many women from smoking are also weakening. Unless effective, comprehensive and sustained initiatives are implemented to reduce smoking uptake and increase cessation rates among women and girls, the prevalence of female smoking in developed and developing countries is likely to rise to 20% by 2025. This would mean that by 2025 there could be 532 million female smokers. While the epidemic of tobacco use among men is in slow decline, the epidemic among women will not reach its peak until well into the 21st century. And for women, the negative effects of smoking are more serious than for men. In addition to the general health problems commonly seen in both male and female smokers, women face additional hazards in pregnancy and female-specific cancers such as cervical cancer. Furthermore, evidence suggests that women find it harder to quit smoking and yet women-specific health education and quitting programmes are rare. The increase in female smoking will not only have enormous consequences for women’s health, but also for their economic wellbeing and the wellbeing of their families. For more information on World No Tobacco Day as well as resources on how to quit smoking, please visit: whyquit.com
Try these tips when you are in the process of quitting: ° Eat a carrot or celery stick or any other healthy, low calorie food. Also try drinking sips of water, when you feel uncomfortable. ° Exercise. This will not only help to take your mind off smoking, it will also help you to become healthier. ° Keep busy. You will be less likely to smoke when you are doing other things. sb
by Kabelo Sennelo – biokineticist
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
skinny
Understanding the concept of eating for sustained energy could potentially change your life
The on low GI/GL
D
o you wake up from a full night’s rest and still feel exhausted? Do you feel tired all the time? Are you lacking in motivation and finding it difficult to concentrate? Sound familiar? You may be running on empty: Your current food choices may be filling you up with empty calories – leaving your cells shrivelled up and screaming for nutrients and you feeling miserable and tired. 12 May is World Chronic Fatigue Day and you may be suffering from this debilitating condition. The good news is that help is at hand! And it starts with changing your eating habits … By changing to LOW GI, LOW GL, you “break the vicious cookie cycle”, as some would say. I’m sure you have heard some of the buzz on these 2 major players in nutrition but you may not know what they mean. This article will hopefully help to clarify these terms and give you the vital information you need to get started on changing your diet. And your life! Let’s turn “chronic fatigue” into “boundless energy”!
what does GI mean? GI stands for glycaemic index. Carbohydrate containing foods, such as starches (bread, pasta, rice etc), fruit, vegetables, legumes and some dairy (milk and yoghurt) are digested by the body into glucose and then used for energy by the cells. Not all these foods, however, are created equal. Some are digested very quickly, while others take a long time to be digested into glucose and absorbed by the body. This difference is known as the GI, the rate at which the carbohydrate is broken down and absorbed.
why is this important? Photo: Dreamstime
Why does my blood sugar need to be within the normal range? Continuous spikes of blood glucose and insulin are very damaging to the body. Not only does it drain your energy but it also increases the risk of becoming overweight or obese and puts you at risk of certain diseases (insulin resistance, type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or triglycerides, inflammatory disease, cancer).
by Niki Urquhart – dietitian
health
soap box magazine / MAY 2010
why should we eat mainly low GI foods? In order for your body to have energy, it needs to get the glucose from the food you eat into your cells. To do this it must release insulin. When we eat High GI foods, it causes a steep spike in blood glucose, which results in a massive surge of insulin being released. This is becuase the body is trying to normalise blood glucose levels (your body recognises too much glucose in your blood as poison, so it will do everything it can to get it back to a normal value). It often happens, however, that the body releases too much insulin (to make sure it gets all that sugar out), which causes a drop in blood glucose levels that leaves you feeling nauseous, sweaty, irritable and tired (hypoglycaemia). When this happens your body releases stress hormones to help to get glucose levels back to normal and you end up reaching for the closest sugar laden thing you can find, starting the process all over again. This unfortunately leaves you tumbling around on the vicious cookie cycle. Over time, the continuous fluctuations in glucose produce a chronic stress situation in the body and leave you feeling miserable, exhausted and often “fat”. When you eat low GI foods they are digested and absorbed slowly and steadily and thus will only cause a small increase in blood glucose. This means that the body only needs a small steady stream of insulin to be released in order to control blood glucose levels within the normal range. Therefore there is no need for stress hormones or sugar/caffeine to rescue you from low blood sugar. From the graph you can also see that the high GI food will give your cells a quick burst of energy, while the low GI food will give a small steady amount over a longer period. This means that the low GI foods offer sustained energy and keep the hunger pangs away for a much longer time than the higher GI foods.
how is the GI rated? What is considered, low GI, intermediate GI and high GI? The GI of a food is rated from 1 – 100, by comparing it to a reference food (usually glucose). The higher the GI value, the quicker the food is digested and absorbed and the greater the spike in blood glucose levels will be, i.e. the quicker the fatigue and hunger will set in, tempting you into that vicious cycle once more. GI < 55 is considered low GI, which means the food is digested and absorbed very slowly. These foods can be eaten most of the time and will form the basis of your newly transformed eating habits. GI 56-69 is considered intermediate GI, which means the food is digested and absorbed quicker than low GI foods. These foods are best eaten during and after exercise. GI > 70 is considered high GI, which means the food is digested and absorbed very quickly. These foods should be strictly reserved for during and after exercise in athletes and endurance training of moderate and high intensity.
health
2
Must I know the GI of every food? No, you don’t need to learn all the GI values off by heart. What you DO need to do is to understand the concept of GI. Then you will be able to figure out if the particular food is low, intermediate or high GI. To do this however one needs to understand what affects the GI.
which factors affect the GI of a food? Before you take the next bite, chew on these ... ° The degree of starch gelatinisation: This is rather complicated, but basically, when we cook a starch the starch combines with water (in the presence of heat) and allows the flour to be more easily digested (giving it a higher GI). ° Pasta cooked till al dente (just tender) will have a lower GI than pasta cooked until it is soft and mushy. ° The size of the particles: The bigger the particles the harder they are to digest and thus the lower the GI. ° Wholegrain and whole corn will have a much lower GI than the flour made from the same grain (cake flour and maizena). ° Processing: Milling, beating, grinding, mashing, mixing and refining foods all raise the GI. Always limit these where possible. ° White bread has a higher GI than wholewheat bread. ° Fibre: The more fibre the food contains, the lower the GI. ° Type of sugar: Glucose has a GI of 100 while table sugar has an intermediate GI and can actually lower the GI of a high GI food. Replace sugar with Xylitol (a low GI sugar), where possible. ° Rice Crispies and cornflakes are high GI, while sugar coated strawberry pops are intermediate GI. ° Protein and fat: Remember that only foods containing carbohydrates have a GI value. Eating a small amount of protein and good fat with most meals will help lower the GI of the meal. ° Bread with peanut butter has a lower GI, than plain bread. ° Acidity: The more acidic the food, the lower the GI. ° A sour granny smith apple has a lower GI than a sweet golden delicious apple ° Resistant starch: This develops after cooking and then cooling down the starch and helps to lower the GI. ° Cooled potato salad has a lower GI than freshly baked potato. ° Speed of eating: Yes, you have heard it before. Eat slowly! The slower you eat the slower your blood glucose levels will rise.
by Niki Urquhart – dietitian
so what does GL mean? The GL stands for the glycaemic load. The GL indicates how much carbohydrate there is in a given portion size. It indicates the glucose load the body must deal with in order to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. It therefore works side by side with GI, as although the GI tells us how quickly the food is digested, it does not indicate portion size. E.g. even though an apple has a low GI, if you eat 5 apples at a time, it will definitely cause a big increase in blood sugar. This is why the GL is vital as it makes sure you don’t fall into the trap of portion distortion.
before you take the next bite …
Sources: L. Delport & G. Steenkamp (2003): Eat Smart and Stay Slim – The GI diet; G. Steenkamp & L. Delport (2007): The South African Glycaemic Index & Load Guide; P. Holford (2005): The Holford Diet; S. Creed (2007): Let Food be your Medicine
Small packet jelly beans 54GLs 1 packet 2 min noodles 43 GLs 1 packet flavoured oats 45GLs
low GL < 10
intermediate GL 11-19
high GL > 20
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
“
Your current food choices may be filling you up with empty calories ... leaving you feeling miserable and tired
how should I include GI & GL into my eating plan?
”
The best food options will be both low GI and low GL. Avoid the high GL options, regardless of the GI (e.g.pastries and chocolate have a low GI due to the high fat content, but will have a high GL value). Think of GI as your energy and satiety rating of the food, while GL is the portion size you are allowed. For weight loss, try eating 45 GLs a day. In general no-one should be eating more than 120 GLs per day. It is important to spread this throughout the day, usually as 3 meals and 2 snacks. This rhythm of eating will ensure sustained energy and satiety.
low GI < 55
intermediate GI 56-69
popcorn - 1 cup; durum wheat pasta - 1/2 cup; beans and lentils - 1 cup; seedloaf - 1 slice; sourdough rye (100%) - 1 slice; Provita - 5; yoghurt - 1 cup; milk - 1 cup; tortilla - 1; apple - 1 ; berries - punnet
apricots - 3; tacos - 2; *wholewheat digestive biscuits - 2; melon - 1 cup; new baby potato - 2
Corn thins - 3; snackbread - 2; rice cakes - 2; butternut - 1 cup; Watermelon - 3 slices
All bran - 1 cup; *muesli - 1/2 cup; wholewheat Pronutro 1/2 cup; *ice cream - 2 scoops; choc milk - 1 carton; apple juice 100% - 200ml
small pita - 1; maximize - 1 cup; Strawberry Pops - 1 cup; banana - 1; Pronutro Flakes - 1 cup
*Marie biscuit - 3; bread roll - 1; white and brown bread - 1 slice; Weetbix - 2; *Fritos - 1 small packet
* chocolate - 1 bar; sweet potato - 1 med; mealie meal - 1 cup cooled; grapetizer/appletizer - 1 can; sushi (rice based) - 4 pieces
red grape juice (100%) 200ml; Coke/Fanta -1 can; condensed milk - 3tsp; raisins - 3tbs; pizza - 1 large slice
* fat content
high GI > 70
x
most cereals - 1 cup; Coco Pops; flavoured oats; choclate Pronutro, Rice Crispies, Cornflakes, Special K; slap chips; 2 min noodles - 1 packet; sweets; sports drinks; smash/ mashed potato - 1 cup
who should adopt the low GI / low GL way of eating? EVERYONE will benefit from eating this way! But most especially: ° People wanting to lose weight: It controls insulin (a fat storer) and keeps you feeling full for longer, preventing overeating. ° Diabetics: It controls blood glucose levels. ° People who suffer from hypoglycaemia: It offers sustained energy and prevents dips in blood glucose. ° People at risk of heart disease: Combined with low fat, it helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides as well as blood pressure. ° Children with ADHD: it controls blood sugar levels which results in improved concentration and mood. ° People who suffer from chronic fatigue: It provides sustained energy and prevents energy spikes and dips. ° Even those suffering from cancer, irritable bowel, hormone related issues, mood swings and gout will benefit from a lower fat low GI way of eating. sb
by Niki Urquhart – dietitian
health
soap box magazine / MAY 2010
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MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
A
s a professional working in the Beauty industry for nearly 20 years, I regularly encounter women desperate to repair aged, damaged and wrinkled skin. If only they had properly taken care of their skin and prevented the damage in the first place ...
be proactive Start as early as possible by following these simple rules: ° In this very sunny country of ours it is very important to always use a good sunscreen offering both UVA and UVB protection. ° UVA protection, the SPF Factor, prevents burning on the surface of the skin. ° UVB protection, shown as a line or dial measuring minimal to maximum protection – often the Boots Scale – prevents ageing and further damage under the surface of the skin. ° Moisturise, both in the morning and at night, with a good quality moisturiser. Avoid petroleum based moisturisers as they actually lead to dry skin and blocked pores which can cause acne. ° If you absolutely have to tan, start at 20 minutes a day and slowly work your way to that suntanned look. Never tan at midday. ° Use a gentle soap or cleanser that does not damage the protective barrier layer of the skin.
Photo: TVLand
keep at it Throughout your teenage years and early 20’s, ensure that you don’t damage the barrier layer of the skin and accelerate ageing: ° Avoid sunbeds and excessive sun tanning as they damage the barrier layer of your skin. ° Moisturise twice daily with a good quality moisturiser. ° Everything in moderation! You can also damage the barrier layer of your skin through the excessive use of: ° Exfoliators ° Peels – Glycolic or Fruit ° Products that contain Fruit acids ° In your 20’s use a good quality eye serum that not only moisturises but also treats dark rings, bags and wrinkles.
Act your
age
There are simple things you can do to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing step it up As you move into middle age, moisturising becomes all important, and it’s time to switch to a more effective product. Because most people stick to moisturising twice a day, even if it is with a good quality moisturiser, the wrinkles slowly appear. If you keep on using your normal moisturiser, you’ll have to increase the number of times you apply it. As a simple rule of thumb: ° In your 40’s – 3 times a day ° In your 50’s – 4 times a day, etc But moisturising more than twice a day isn’t very practical …
the age of miracles Research has shown that the best way to prevent wrinkles and other effects of ageing is to use a product that repairs the barrier layer of your skin and so eliminate the need for more and more moisturiser. And our experts have found a product that does exactly that. Dermaphuzion Facial Intelligence Serum is a breakthrough in skincare technology and works in 3 unique ways: ° A Cell Intelligent complex, the ultimate in cell repair, supports cells in repairing their DNA (the barrier layer). ° A phyto-milk that promotes lipid build (often lost in washing) and accelerates the regeneration of your skin barrier. It also has excellent moisturising properties. ° An organic natural restructuring skin repair bio that stimulates the reconstruction of dry or damaged.
the bottom line In skincare, as in healthcare, prevention is better than cure. But fortunately, due to ever evolving skincare technologies, it’s never too late to turn back the clock. The important thing is to start taking action today, whatever your age! sb
by John Littlefield – cosmetic pharmacologist
wellness
11
soap box magazine / MAY 2010
If you would like to
advertise your product in our magazine, please e-mail info@thehealthfactory.co.za or call
011 804 4049
12
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
Our
heart & soul
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein
W
e at THE HEALTH FACTORY feel that it is our social responsibility, especially as healthcare professionals, to give back to the community in any way possible! It is for this reason that we have identified a number of causes that are in need of support and structure. This is an integral part of our company and something that we all hold near and dear to our hearts.
buddies
Bosom Buddies is our Breast Cancer Foundation and it is part of THE HEALTH FACTORY that we are all very proud to be associated with. Through it we endorse and support a number of Cancer Societies and Organisations throughout South Africa. One in 29 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Thankfully, full recovery is likely if it is detected and treated at an early stage! We have therefore endeavoured to provide our wives, moms and daughters with the necessary education and knowledge to stop this dreaded disease in its tracks. vision: to provide care and compassion to those affected by breast cancer. mission: to be at the forefront of Cancer research and education in order to make a marked inroad into the final eradication of the disease. Every cent donated to Bosom Buddies is greatly appreciated and goes directly into cancer education and research. Our plans for the future include the establishment of a Cancer research unit which will service the Community. The aim of this facility will be to Educate, Prevent and Eradicate the disease through early detection. We are busy identifying sites in the community from which to run the clinic and we are looking for: ° Financial Assistance ° Volunteers ° Donations If you would like to be a part of this facility please don’t hesitate to contact us at: bosombuddies@thehealthfactory.co.za
The
foundation Our Children are our future and therefore it is a cause very close to all of our hearts to ensure that they grow up to be the best that they can possibly be. THE HEALTH FACTORY endeavours to ensure that each and every child is given a solid foundation from which to grow. Vision: to form a solid foundation for our children through health, education and social development. Mission: to ensure that our children are able to grow up in a stress free society, away from financial, nutritional and educational worries, and to allow our children to become part of a productive and passionate society. There are no limits to this section of our company. We are here to provide all and every aspect needed by a child to grow into a healthy, productive member of society and as such we: ° Support and help fundraise money for a number of Children’s Charities as seen fit by the Board of THE HEALTH FACTORY. ° Provide Scholarships and help assistance programmes to those in need in order to allow them to attend school in an environment conducive to education and learning. We will provide support structures for immediate, monthly and future needs. To achieve this THE HEALTH FACTORY relies on the collaboration between a number of Corporate Sponsors and patrons to assist with: ° Donations ° Financial Assistance and Contributions ° Volunteer work If you would like to get involved and give back to your community, then please contact us at: thecradle@thehealthfactory.co.za
community
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soap box magazine / MAY 2010
WINDOW ON THE WORLD
sports foundation Participation in Sport does not only increase one’s health and wellness, but also teaches: ° fundamental skills essential for an individual to develop friendships; ° self confidence and belief in themselves; ° the ability to work as part of a team; ° and a passion for life. All of these qualities are essential in the building of a better society and this fits into exactly what THE HEALTH FACTORY is about. We intend to provide everyone with the ability to become a “Shooting Star”. Vision: to build a healthier, more productive society through sport and recreation. Mission: to develop the vital skills needed for teamwork and self belief through the provision and supply of sports facilities and professional expertise in order to establish a new sporting culture in our community. THE HEALTH FACTORY relies on the collaboration between a number of Corporate Sponsors and patrons to assist with the following fundraising opportunities: ° Financial contributions ° Project sponsorships ° Fundraising Event Sponsors such as Golf Days and Sports Events ° Corporate Sponsorship and Endorsement of Specific Events We as THE HEALTH FACTORY will use our expertise to make sure that your valuable contributions actually meet those that they are intended for! If you would like to get involved and give back to your community, then please contact us at: shootingstars@thehealthfactory.co.za
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community
This is the section of our company that we set up in order to develop and initiate the Social Responsibility and Development aspect that is such a huge component of our company. Through various avenues, we will be providing people with a greater view of and access to the Health and Wellness Industry. Their very own “Window on the World”. We are in the process of setting up vital structures essential to ensure the long lasting and efficient running of this sector. Some of our Developments are: ° Skills and Education Development We feel that it simply isn’t good enough to just provide people with an opportunity or monetary donation. It is vital to teach them the skills needed in order to succeed. Therefore, every aspect within our company is run along these principles – from staff education and training all the way to the members of our society that we support. ° Scholarship / Learnerships We will be identifying those not fortunate enough to afford a proper education. Scholarships and Learnerships within our company and within the health industry will be provided. THE HEALTH FACTORY will endeavour to ensure that thesestudents are able to achieve their dreams. Once these students qualify we will be able to offer them a placing within the structures of our company. These students will not only be given an education but will also be provided with other essential skills needed to survive and succeedin the Business world: Business Development Skills, Financial Principles, etc. Students will therefore be able to “live and learn” with the growth of our company, thus producing a well rounded and passionate individual ready to serve South Africa’s Healthcare Sector. ° Healthcare Product Production We have developed a range of healthcare products that we will be selling and marketing through THE HEALTH FACTORY on behalf of the Community by which they were made. These products will be manufactured by an identified Community and part of the profits will be donated to them. On top of this we will be providing the identified Community with Business and Financial Skills – with the eventual aim of outsourcing or franchising these initiatives. ° Satellite Clinics What company in the health industry would be complete without providing their essential skills to the community? We are therefore in the process of establishing a series of Satellite Clinics in various areas identified as being in need. We will be looking at the building, marketing, managing and staffing of all these facilities. An undoubtedly mammoth task. Every bit of assistance would be greatly appreciated, so if you would like to serve your community then please contact us on: window@thehealthfactory.co.za
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
As easy as 1, 2, 3 .... first: reduce The concept is very simple: The less you use, the less impact you have on the environment.
be reducing your personal contribution to pollution and waste, but you will also save a lot of money.
Simplify Get rid of the clutter and simplify the way you live. Clear out your closets and drawers and only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. Your efforts will not only contribute to a greener way of living, but donating your unwanted goods to charity will aslo contribute to someone else’s wellbeing. And simply making the effort to reduce what you own makes you more aware to purchase less and create less waste in the future.
Create a Tree-Free Home As far as possible: ° replace paper napkins with cloth napkins. ° replace paper towels with cloth towels (or cut up old T-shirts) – store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse. ° purchase bleach-free toilet paper that is made from at least 50% postconsumer waste. ° if you print documents, print on used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest postconsumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it). ° create and use note pads from onceused paper. ° leave messages on a reusable message board. It also keeps things tidier. ° make your own cards and letters from once-used products or handmade paper. ° when doing any kind of construction, search out alternatives to using newly cut wood: ° eco-friendly flooring ° straw bales ° bamboo ° true (natural) linoleum ° cob ° composite decking
Reduce Purchases This one is especially important to all of us shopaholics. Before you buy anything, ask yourself: ° Do I really need this product? Be honest! ° How did the production of this product impact the environment? If you don’t know, Google it before you buy it. ° What further impacts will there be with the disposal of this product and its packaging? Once again, let Google be your guide. When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule – wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. Not only will you
compiled by Marike Groot
Bulk Purchases Avoid purchasing products that are packaged for single use, such as drinks, school lunches, candy, pet food, salad mixings, etc. They may be convenient, but it’s much less wasteful and cheaper to buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins where they sell everything from grains and cereal to cleaning products. Avoid Trash Creating trash is often unavoidable. But there are some simple ways to reduce waste: ° When ordering food ask in advance and avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. ° Feel like a kid again and buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup. It’s more fun too! ° Buy products with the least amount of packaging. For example, purchse your fruit and veg from a green grocer instead of the packaged produce at your local supermarket. Every little bit of trash avoided really does make a difference! Shopping Bags Skip the plastic shopping bag and bring your own. There are some very trendy options available. If you’re feeling creative, implement the next two steps in of the reduce-reuse-recycle mantra and make your own!
going green
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soap box magazine / MAY 2010
Being environmentally conscious might seem impossible in our frantic, consumer-driven lives. There are, however, some really easy ways to effectively reduce our impact on the environment. By becoming more aware of the importance of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra, you’re already halfway to becoming a real tree-hugger!
second: reuse
third: recycle
The attractiveness and benefits of buying “new”, “improved” or “special” products is extremely tempting. If you are truly honest and reuse things a few times, you probably already own enough “stuff” to see you through for quite some time to come.
When you have no other alternative than to chuck the trash, at least do it sensibly. Create designated holding bins for each type of recyclable product and place them in convenient locations in your home and office. Find out where you can take the following items to be recycled: ° glass ° paper products ° plastic ° aluminium ° cardboard ° tin cans ° scrap metal ° motor oil ° ink cartridges ° household appliances such as refrigerators ° computer equipment and other electronic devices ° aseptic packaging (square boxes used for liquids) ° styrofoam ° tyres ° athletic shoes (Contact a local sporting goods or athletic shoe store – some donate used shoes, others recycle them.)
Garage Sales Shop at and hold garage sales – this is a great way to reuse products. Or organise a swap party, exchanging clothes, furniture, toys, books, CD’s, tools, sports gear, etc.
www.globalstewards.org / Photo: Stockxpert
Reusables Wherever possible, switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, pens, razors, towels, shopping bags, etc.
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Donations Donate your old: ° household items like clothes, furniture, dishes, books, sports equipment, magazines, appliances, electronics, business attire, wedding attire, etc. to charity. ° computer equipment. ° building material to companies who specialize in selling used building materials. ° extra hangers to your local dry cleaners. ° art materials to a school or cultural organization. ° unwanted boxed/bagged/canned food to a homeless shelter, food bank or soup kitchen. The possibilties are endless ... ° Buy and sell your items on sites such as Gumtree or at your local second hand store. ° Organize a community/office/church swap program and create a designated place where people can leave unwanted items for others to use. ° Reuse all your plastic bags or donate them to charity. ° Pick up books from your local library or used book store. ° Purchase rechargeable batteries.
going green
Go one step further ... ° Buy products made from the highest recycled content whenever possible. ° Leave grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer. ° Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps. ° If you are shopping for wedding rings or other jewellery consider buying recycled gold jewellery.
last but not least ... Always keep in mind: ° Reducing is better than reusing. ° Reusing is better than recycling ° Recycling is far better than nothing! sb
compiled by Marike Groot
MAY 2010 / soap box magazine
breathing easy Living in Jozi can be hazardous to your health – just look up and see the air we’re breathing. Isn’t it scary that you can actually see the air you’re breathing? The high levels of air pollution in this city means we’re constantly exposed to dust, exhaust fumes, carbon particles, pesticides, tobacco smoke and more. Not to mention dust mites, animal dander, pollen, bacteria, viruses, moulds, mildew spores and other unpleasant airborne particles. Fortunately, help is at hand. A Kitz Air Purifier utilizes a unique, natural “air-scrubbing process” to effectively produceclean, refreshing, and healthy air. It not only purifies, sanitizes, humidifies and deodorizes, it also provides a soothing, natural aromatherapy effect.
If you would like to have
your product or event featured in this section, please e-mail marike@thehealthfactory.co.za or call
011 804 4049
The wide range of Kitz botanical aromatherapy solutions will have you breathing easy in no time! Grapefruit - Apple - Citronella and Lemon Grass - Oasis - Lemon - Lavender - Tea Tree and Lavender Eucalyptus & Peppermint - Orange Peel - Lily of the valley Visit www.kitzair.co.za for more information.
confidence included Good news, ladies! With the new Serum Anti-Cellulite Gel from Dermaphuzion™ you can have smoother, firmer skin ... and the confidence that goes with it! This gel, a real breakthrough in the fight against cellulite, consists of 2 main components: ° Body Fit: A multi-functional peptide that inhibits the appearance of adipocytes (building blocks of cellulite). ° Cellactive-shape: Attacks the appearance of cellulite by strengthening within the cellulite structure the outer layer of skin (epidermis). The Serum Anti-Cellulite Gel works by strengthening the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and reducing fat infiltration into the middle layer of the skin (dermis). By speeding up the splitting of fats, it improves Micro-circulation and removes water and waste products within the Cellulite structure. Visit the Prophuzion website www.prophuzion. com to find out how you can get your hands on Dermaphuzion™‘s fantastic products!
quality caffè One cannot help but fall in love with the Italian way of life, and its passion for art, fashion, food, and of course espresso. And now that the Mokador family has come to South Africa, we can also experience this truly beautiful way life! Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that every cup of java is a cup worth savouring: ° Separate roasting of each coffee variety enhances their unique characteristics. ° Immediately after roasting, the aromas are fixed in the beans through a air cooling system. ° The coffee is left to rest for 20 days and only when the flavour is at its richest, is it packaged. ° The Mokador aroma and flavour are controlled and guaranteed over time. And although Mokador fully embraces technological advances, it also believes in “the human touch” and certifying quality through personal experience. The verdict? Making good coffee is an art. And Mokador have clearly mastered it. Browse through their various blends and product ranges at www.mokador.co.za
All the products featured on this page are also available at THE HEALTH FACTORY Health & Wellness Centre at 2 Stirrup lane, Woodmead Office Park
look what we’ve found!
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