Your
October/November 2015 – Issue 4
Matters
English
The community paper to whom your wellness matters.
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
YOU CAN BE SAFE –
How to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence Why do we need to talk about violence against women and children? Violence against women has serious mental, physical and sexual health consequences. Knowing the facts will help you recognise the signs and symptoms, so you or someone you know can find help. Violence takes many forms Physical violence: punching, kicking, slapping, pushing or burning. Emotional violence and abuse: insults, constant humiliation, intimidation, threats of harm, or threats to take away the children. Sexual violence: forced sexual intercourse and other kinds of sexual coercion.
The Golden Bow
a symbol for breastfeeding protection, promotion and support.
You can be safe How to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence.
South Africa has the highest rate of abuse, rape and physical assault against women in the world. During pregnancy, women have a higher chance of experiencing abuse.
IN THIS
ISSUE
“I used to feel sad all the time. I used to feel useless, but now I feel I can do something.” – Pauline Women and girls are most at risk of violence from men they know, particularly in the family.
1 You can be safe – How to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence 2
It’s almost that time of the year again – the “silly season” as it has been coined by someone.
Continued on page 3
4 Metrorail joins the WoW! healthy lifestyles initiative
8 Keep that ticker ticking
6 COMPETITION! Preventing and managing diabetes
10 RECIPE! Omelette with broccoli and cheese
7 Simple steps for keeping healthy
12 Life and funeral cover
PARTNERS:
WesternCape on Wellness
2
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
It’s almost that time of the year again – the “silly season” as it has been coined by someone But let’s not be silly about our wellness. The festive season is a joyous period of fun and festivities, often overflowing with lots of food, beverages and an inadequate amount of physical activity. We remind you that a healthy life is a way of life. And what this means is that we must be consistent with the small efforts we make to improve our health and wellness – even during the holidays.
We remind you that a healthy life is a way of life. And what this means is that we must be consistent with the small efforts we make to improve our health and wellness – even during the holidays.
For example, you usually walk a combined 2km to and from work every day, but now you are on leave for two weeks during December and don’t have to walk to work for 14 days. Try to continue walking this distance while on leave; take your family and friends with you, encouraging them to do the same. November observes Diabetes Awareness Month and 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children. Both of these diseases – yes, abuse is a disease – are at risk of escalating during the festive season because of unhealthy eating and alcohol abuse. We encourage our readers to value and respect themselves, as well as all other citizens of our beautiful city, by caring for one another, especially our women, children and senior citizens.
We encourage our readers to value and respect themselves, as well as all other citizens of our beautiful city, by caring for one another, especially our women, children and senior citizens.
The festive season often puts pressure on people to buy goods/services on credit – which they cannot afford. Have a look at the new feature in Your Wellness Matters, where experts at Metropolitan discuss and answer your questions about financial wellness. We wish you all a safe and joyous festive season. Until next month … Eat healthy. Keep moving. And keep it up!
Your Wellness Matters managing editors, Dali Chiwara and Jehad Kasu.
CREDITS Your Wellness Matters is the first free wellness community newspaper created to assist people in understanding all aspects of wellness. The Business Centre 1 Bridgeways Road Bridgeways Precinct Century City Cape Town 7441 ywm@44tenmedia.co.za +27 (0)21 830 5490/ +27 (0)21 388 5522 www.44tenmedia.co.za
Managing editors Jehad Kasu Dali Chiwara Staff writers Tasneem Smith Nicole Watson Shared services division Mymoena Sedick
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
Designer Catherine van Dyk
Advertising ywmads@44tenmedia.co.za
Proofreading and Afrikaans translations Lois-Mari Swanepoel
Printing Paarl Coldset
Xhosa translations Nobuntu Stengile
Published by 44Ten MEDIA Publishing
Contributors • Western Cape Department of Health • Heart and Stroke Foundation • CANSA • Metropolitan Group • Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP)
ten
MEDIA
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
3
PUBLISHING
Continued from page 1 Controlling behaviours: isolating one’s partner from friends and family, monitoring their movements or restricting access to financial resources, employment, education and healthcare.
“He was always so sorry afterwards, I used to believe each time that he would stop it. It was like a story I was telling myself. When my lung got punctured, I realised I needed to make a plan to get out for good.” – Sarah
You have choices Any and all forms of abuse are a violation of a person’s human rights – the right to dignity, freedom, equality and security. The truth is there is no need for you or anyone else to tolerate this behaviour and you do not need to face this alone. There is help. You can live a life without fear. Here are some steps you can take to be safe: • Ask someone for help. Speak to a health worker, social worker, friend or family member about options to stay safe. • Contact any of the organisations listed at the end of this article. These organisations are dedicated to the safety and well-being of women, and their staff are trained to help you. Taking a stand against violence The 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children is an international awareness-raising campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November to 10 December. This period includes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, International Human Rights Day, Universal Children’s Day and World AIDS Day.
South Africa adopted the campaign in 1998 as one of the intervention strategies towards creating a society free of violence. The campaign continues to raise awareness among South Africans about the negative impact of violence against women and children on all members of the community. What can you do? Say something – prevent and respond • Encourage victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help. • Report child abuse to the police. • Talk to friends, relatives and colleagues to take a stand against the abuse of women and children. • Try and understand how your own attitudes and actions might perpetuate sexism and violence. • Spread the message on social media using #16Days2015 The truth about abuse is: help is out there! Contact professional help: • Mosaic Centre for Women and Children (021 761 7585) • Rape Crisis (021 447 1467) • Saartjie Baartman Centre (021 633 5287)
a
The Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) is based at the University of Cape Town, located within the Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health. The PMHP actively addresses the challenges associated with genderbased violence, teen pregnancy, HIV, substance abuse, refugee status and early childhood development through its clinical engagement with vulnerable women and their families, training of staff that interact with these women, research projects and advocacy work. www.pmhp.za.org @PMHPatUCT PerinatalMentalHealthProject
4
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
Metrorail joins the WoW! healthy lifestyles initiative
Members of Metrorail’s WoW! team
The daily flight of stairs walk – often referred to as a “stair break” (with reference to employees indulging in a smoke break) – has become a soughtafter workplace activity.
35 Metrorail staff members have recently signed up to become workplace participants of the WoW! (WesternCape on Wellness) initiative. This programme, which is aimed at promoting health and well-being of individuals and groups within the workplace, will run for a period of six months. In addition to conducting regular discussions and participating in workplacerelated physical activities, participants are also assessed on a monthly basis to evaluate progress towards achieving their personal healthy lifestyle goals.
environment for the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight and managing one’s health”.
The purpose of the WoW! programme as defined by the Western Cape Government Department of Health (WCDoH) is to “promote healthy lifestyles by using a settingsbased approach within the workplace”. The programme is furthermore focused on “providing support within the work
The WoW! initiative, which includes regular dialogue among participants, exchange of eating plans and workplace as well as outdoor exercises, has over a short period significantly contributed to informed employees making small, health-conscious lifestyle changes with the spin-off of such changes evident in the
weight loss and improved blood pressure among participants. “I am delighted at the 2 kg I have lost since joining the programme. Moreover, I am confident that I will reach my goal of shedding 15 kg by the end of the year,” says Patricia Edson. The daily flight of stairs walk – often referred to as a “stair break” (with reference to employees indulging in a smoke break) – has become a sought-after workplace activity.
WoW! testimonial by Merencia Hendricks of Metrorail
Merencia Hendricks
When I heard about the WoW! programme, I was very eager to join. At first I thought that it was a type of diet with strict instructions, however I soon discovered that it is not about being on a diet, but a guide to healthier living. Each participant was issued a welcome pack which included two Heart Healthy recipe books, a WoW! participant guide and a buff, which we could wear when we participate in the activities.
At first I thought that it was a type of diet with strict instructions, however I soon discovered that it is not about being on a diet, but a guide to healthier living.
Before commencing the programme, all participants had to sign indemnity forms and be declared medically fit to continue before being assessed by the Sports Science Institute team and a biokeneticist. The assessment included blood pressure reading, height and weight measurements, BMI assessments as well as a 12-minute fitness test. The team from the Sport Science Institute will be visiting the WoW! team again in three, six, nine and 12-month intervals of the programme to measure progress made. The WoW! team regularly meets up for movement activities that take place during the week, for example the Paul Sauer building participants climb stairs daily at 10:00. Continued on page 10
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015 – pg 5
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
6
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
PREVENTING AND MANAGING DIABETES Win airtime by finding out how much you know about diabetes! Competition! WIN R200 airtime
Go through the list and decide which of the statements are true or false, and send the answer to only Question 1. The right answers for all the questions will be in the next issue of Your Wellness Matters. Enter by sending the answer, your name, address and telephone number to ywm@44tenmedia.co.za or SMS it to 082 350 2882. Closing date is Friday, 27 November 2015.
Normal SMS rates apply.
1
Diabetes runs in families and you can’t do much to avoid it.
2
I will have diabetes for the rest of my life.
True or False
3
Being overweight is harmful to my health.
True or False
4
Herbal products can cure me of diabetes.
True or False
5
To control my diabetes, I only need to take my medication.
True or False
6
Stress causes diabetes.
True or False
7
If I don’t manage my diabetes, there is a chance of developing complications.
True or False
8
People with diabetes can’t eat fruit.
True or False
9
It is better to drink fruit juice than to drink soft drinks if you have diabetes.
True or False
10
Using brown sugar instead of white sugar is better for diabetics.
True or False
11
Changes in my eating habits can have a big effect on diabetes.
True or False
12
A healthy lifestyle (healthy eating, physical activity, healthy body weight, etc.) can reduce my risk of developing diabetes.
True or False
13
If you have type 2 diabetes you will never need to take insulin.
True or False
14
Exercise means going to the gym or playing a sport.
True or False
15
“Low fat” on the label doesn’t mean that food is healthy.
True or False
olden Bow
(Send the answer to this question to us)
True or False
Measure your waist today
protection, promotion and support.
Men: Do you have a waist size of more than 94 cm? Women: Do you have a waist size of more than 80 cm? WesternCape on Wellness
Carrying extra body fat, especially around the stomach area, means you have a greater chance of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, back and knee pain, gout ... Ask your local clinic if you need help to lose weight
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
ten
MEDIA
7
PUBLISHING
SIMPLE STEPS FOR KEEPING HEALTHY The Western Cape Government Health and its partners* are testing a different approach to promote and activate healthy lifestyles together with citizens of the Western Cape. The aim is to prevent and successfully reduce chronic health conditions which are on the increase among children and adults of all ages. These conditions include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and other health conditions related to the heart and lungs. Lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, being overweight, smoking and drinking too much alcohol are major risk factors for developing chronic conditions. WoW! (WesternCape on Wellness) wants to increase the wellness of people by supporting them to make gradual changes to their behaviour in order to develop healthy habits such as increased physical activity, healthier eating and by having a healthy weight. The idea is to encourage Small Changes for BIG Benefits! Below are steps you can take towards a healthier lifestyle – start today! Please share this information with your family, friends and community. And let us know your tips for being more physically active and for healthier eating (and cooking). We would like to share your ideas with other readers in the next edition of Your Wellness Matters – together creating a culture of wellness in the Western Cape!
. min
30 Do ical hys p day of er p y ot ivit s n e act o d the to – it g n i o n g . mea gym
KEY MESSAGES: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Walk more. Walk faste r.
Sit less,
alt Use e for rnativ es sal as t, suc l juic emon h e, g a or ging rlic er.
stand more. And stand
up when your phone rings.
Ta
ke
Walk up escalators – stand left, pass on the right.
Do gard enin g.
d foo ng e di st Ta e ad d for an e be alt th s m ve o fro m re pot . ble lt sa e ta th
th
st e ins airs te th ad o e lift f .
Exer
cise
in gr oups to st ay motiv ated .
ce Dan move and usic. to m
Choose exercise that you
Pla y gam es with you kids r .
enjoy – have fun!
KEY MESSAGES: MOTIVATION
Limit f ast foods and fizzy drinks to spe e v i cial d tf Ea s an y. occasions. a it fru er d p g Enjoy a ve
re he Ma w se ke rt U a sm St are. u cha a o nge ll u y o s y t for a Do wh BIG n. be e. a v c n a e h fits ou ! t y a wh I’m doing
Watch your
KEY MESSAGES: HEALTHY EATING
f goodvariety o utritious quality n cluding foods, in plenty of s and vegetable ry day. fruit eve
weight –
know what
your healthy weight
should be. k at Drin six/ least eight f es o glass r r pe wate day.
Try to c ut out add i n g suga r to your tea and coff ee.
Balanc e the amount of food you ea t (ene rgy in) wit h phys ical activity (energ y out).
it for me.
The Golden Bow
a symbol for breastfeeding protection, promotion and support.
For more information about WoW!, please contact us with your full name and telephone number on wow@westerncape.gov.za or ywm@44tenmedia.co.za or SMS 082 350 2882. WesternCape on Wellness
* WoW! partners: Western Cape Government: Health, Cultural Affairs and Sport, Education, Agriculture, Community Safety, Transport and Public Works, the Premier/eG4C; City of Cape Town: Urban Agriculture; Eskom Western Cape; Metrorail Western Cape; University of Cape Town; University of the Western Cape; University of Stellenbosch; 44ten Media, The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, BASA (Biokinetics Association of South Africa); Pharma Dynamics; CapeMedia; Ubuntu Touch Project; Mamelani Projects; CPOA (Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged); HealthInsite; Capitec Bank. Additional sponsors: Discovery Vitality; Virgin Active; FNB. Adopting an inclusive approach, additional organisations and individuals with related expertise and a keen interest are encouraged to join the partnership – to co-create a culture of wellness!
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
8
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
Keep that
ticker ticking
As we get older, wrinkles and grey hairs may be inevitable, but heart disease doesn’t have to be. It’s never too early to start looking after your heart – or too late! A healthy lifestyle – eating better, moving more and not smoking – can help protect you. Let’s look at some ways that seniors should be caring for their heart health.
3
Up your fibre
Fibre slows down absorption of food, making you feel fuller for longer and controlling energy levels. Upping your fibre intake can also improve your cholesterol levels and help to ward off diabetes. Aim for five portions of fruits and vegetables, and exchange refined grains for wholegrains, as these are good sources of fibre.
1
Check you out!
Older age places more importance on frequent check-ups or at least an annual visit to your physician, GP or nearest clinic. Check-ups may be required more regularly if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also have your blood sugar (glucose) checked at least every three years. Have you been checked this year?
Read before you eat
Get out those specs because reading food packaging can help you make the healthy choice. Use the ingredient list to help choose foods that are lower in salt. Look out for words that will inform you if salt has been added: salt, any ingredient with sodium, MSG, baking powder or baking soda. If any of these appear in the first three ingredients, the food is likely to be high in salt. Look out for the Heart Mark logo – these foods are lower in unhealthy fats, sugar and salt, and higher in fibre (where applicable), making these healthier choices for your heart.
2
5
4
Action satisfaction
Being active does not necessarily equal sweating on the treadmill in the gym. Activity should be something that is practical, sustainable and enjoyable for you. It could be dancing in the living room with your grandchildren, weekly gardening or a walk around the neighbourhood. Aim for 150 minutes a week: you decide how you fit this into your lifestyle – from 10 minutes at a time to a couple of longer sessions throughout the week.
Ban the salt shaker
South Africans eat almost twice the amount of salt that is recommended. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, and South Africa has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure worldwide, with almost eight out of 10 people over the age of 50 living with high blood pressure. Take the salt grinder or shaker off the table – the easiest way to reduce your salt intake is to stop adding salt at the table. Continue doing this for a few weeks and your taste buds will start to adjust.
Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015 – pg 9
LOOK WHAT LOOK WHAT CANSA SBU CANSA DID INSBU DID 2014/2015 IN 2014/2015
r s
m
Health by numbers Numbers HealthAwareness awareness by
164 379 people were reached with 2 913 talks on cancer
• 164 379 people were reached with 2 913 talks on cancer awareness awareness 24 762 248 248 werewere reached through cancer • 24 people 762 people reached through cancer awareness exhibitions, health days and health camps awareness exhibitions, health days and health camps 17 250 250 werewere reached withwith talkstalks on screening • 568 17 people 568 people reached on screening and early detection and early detection 4• 3764 people 120 120 were reached through screening and and 376 people were reached through screening earlyearly detection exhibitions detection exhibitions A total 21 youth 992 youths educated 66 schools A• total of 21of992 were were educated at 66 at schools and and educational facilities educational facilities • 478 49 cancer 478 cancer awareness leaflets distributed 49 awareness leaflets werewere distributed
Screeningby byNumbers numbers Screening
conducted screenings some in partnership with the WeWe’ve conducted screening – some– in partnership with the Department of Health (DoH) at care centres, well Department of Health (DoH) at Care Centres, asas well asas in in remote areas – using our mobile health clinics. remote areas using our Mobile Health Clinics • 1 932 pap smears for cervical cancer plus 2 706 with DoH 1 932 Pap smears for cervical cancer plus 2 706 with DoH • 4 244 clinical breast examinations and 1 630 with DoH 4 244 Clinical Breast Examinations and 1 630 with DoH • 2 680 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to detect 2 680 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to detect prostate abnormalities prostate • Skin abnormalities cancer examinations and 267 FotoFinder 69 Skin cancer examinations and 267 FotoFinder examinations examinations • Assessed 72 people in determining their healthy lifestyle Assessed risk 72 people to determine their healthy lifestyle risk • Conducted 153 rapid HIV rapid (finger blood Conducted 153 HIV teststests - finger prickprick blood teststests) • Performed 105 blood glucose for diabetes Performed 105 blood glucose teststests for diabetes
OnOn average 8%8% abnormalities werewere detected in average of abnormalities detected theintotal of screenings donedone. the number total number of screenings
Support Supportby byNumbers numbers carecare provided to 39to810 cancer survivors and and their Patient • Patient provided 39 810 cancer survivors
loved ones their loved ones 9• 6809 survivors werewere cared for atforhome (home-based care) 680 survivors cared at home (home-based 1 004care) patients were accommodated at the four CANSA Care (13 063were bed-days) • 1Homes 004 patients accommodated at the four CANSA 50 support groups and maintained - attended care homes (13established 063 bed days) • 3 50 groups established and maintained – 755support by survivors attended by 3 755 Medical equipment andsurvivors other assistive devices were made • Medical equipment and available to 1 498 people other assistive devices were made available tosupported 1 498 people 24 814 patients were at oncology clinics whilst • 24 814 patients were supported at oncology clinics while receiving cancer treatment receiving cancer treatment 294 beneficiaries received care and support as part of the • 294 beneficiaries received care and support as part of CANSA TLC programme the CANSA TLC programme
Volunteer Snapshot
Volunteer snapshot fund development R21 351 163*
129 Liaison Committees 282 Health Programme volunteers • 892 andcommittees Support volunteers 129Care liaison • 36282 Administration volunteers health programme volunteers • 675 volunteers 892Fund careDevelopment and support volunteers administration volunteers • 9836 Phakamisa Navigators to assist with cancer support and
• care 675tofund development volunteers breast cancer patients • 98 Phakamisa navigators toassist assistwith withcancer cancersupport supportand and 28 Movember Navigators to caretotoprostate breast cancer patientscancer patients care and testicular • 28 Movember navigators to assist with cancer support and care to prostate and testicular cancer patients
Fund Development Fund351 development R21 351 163* R21 163* The Thefollowing followingmain mainevents eventswere weresuccessfully successfullychampioned championed with withthe thehelp helpofofour ourdedicated dedicatedvolunteers: volunteers: CANSA Relay For Life – R4 775 445 CANSA Relay For Life - R4 775 445 CANSA R866141 141 CANSAShavathon Shavathon–-R866 Sanlam Cancer Challenge – Sanlam Cancer Challenge -R1 R1126 126419 419 Cuppa For CANSA – R1 009 073 Cuppa For CANSA - R1 009 073 Teledonations – R269 746 Teledonations - R269 746 Toktokkie (Tap-Tap) – R610 310 Toktokkie (Tap-Tap) - R610 310 Breast Health Walks – R180 173 Breast Health Walks - R180 173 Jail ’n Bail – R282 955 Jail n Bail- R282 955 Special regional events – R991 403 Other R991bequests) 403 Special regional events- and (grants, donations – R6 133 165 Other (Grants, Donations & Bequests) - R6 133 165 *Unaudited income * Unaudited income figures atfigures the timeat ofthe print.time of print
Toll-free 0800 22 66 22 www.cansa.org.za
MOBILE HEALTH MOBILE HEALTHCLINIC CLINIC
6
10
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
Continued from page 4 The entire WoW! team also enjoys regular movement activities which include skipping rope, running/walking, ball skills (netball) as well as a walk to the Company’s Gardens. The WoW! team will also be participating at the Zumba classes during the EAP wellness campaign in October. However, the participation and motivation does not stop there; our WoW! champions keep us motivated and inspired with tips and ideas on how to become more active and healthy with regular emails. Since I joined I have made the personal decision to cut out all forms of sugar as far as possible, switched from white flour and grains to wholewheat and made a conscious effort to move more. As I am unable to climb stairs due to two knee operations, I downloaded a pedometer application to my cell phone. I set my initial goal for 2 000 steps a day and I have since increased it to
MEDIA
4 500 steps a day, with my aim eventually being able to walk 10 000 steps a day. I am happy to state that by making a few minor changes I’ve dropped 2 kg in one week, which is amazing, since the first time I set foot on the dreaded scale I felt quite depressed.
under one month – resulting in me now easily walking up six flights of stairs. For me it was a personal achievement and I am proud of my commitment to achieve my goal of being able to walk up 13 flights of stairs. Furthermore, I am also encouraged by the fact that since joining the WoW! programme, I have shed WoW! is an amazing project that will guide us 2 kg, and am confident that I will reach the to healthier living. We often take our health for targeted goal of losing 15 kg before our next granted and forget that conditions such as WoW! screening date. diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks and strokes can all be prevented by making small changes now, rather than later.
WoW! testimonial by Patricia Edson The WoW! programme serves as a big motivation for me to change my lifestyle, particularly relating to exercise. Before joining the programme, I could barely walk up two flights of stairs. I am delighted with the progress I’ve made in
Patricia Edson
Omelette with broccoli and cheese (Serves 4) Ready in 30 minutes
Reci
pe
This makes a delicious breakfast or quick and light dinner, and is a great way to use up leftover veggies.
You’ll need: 2 tbsp (30 ml) sunflower or canola oil 1 onion; finely sliced 100 g broccoli; cut in florets 1 tbsp (15 ml) dried mixed herbs Lemon juice to taste Black pepper to taste 6 eggs; beaten ½ tsp (2,5 ml) salt 1/ cup (80 ml) Cheddar or mozzarella cheese; grated 3 Method 1. Heat half of the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry onion until soft. 2. Add broccoli and herbs and fry for a few more minutes until broccoli is just cooked, but still crunchy. 3. Season broccoli with a few drops of lemon juice and pepper. 4. Beat eggs and salt together. 5. Add remaining oil to the veggies in the pan and stir through. 6. Pour egg evenly over veggies, but don’t stir, then reduce heat slightly. 7. Allow egg to set and lift cooked egg around the edges with an egg lifter to allow raw egg to run in underneath. Continue this process until most of the egg has set, but don’t stir the eggs.
8. Sprinkle with cheese and allow to melt slightly. 9. Cover with a lid for a few minutes or until the egg is just set on top. 10. Serve with salad, slices of tomato or a slice of wholewheat toast. A dollop of chutney or sweet chilli sauce will also be delicious.
Tips: 1. Any veggies of your choice can be used for this omelette. If the veggies have lots of liquid like mushrooms or tomatoes, first sauté them for a few minutes (like the broccoli in step 2), otherwise it could draw water once the egg is added. 2. Rocket leaves and spinach are also delicious with this omelette. 3. Substitute Cheddar or mozzarella cheese with a slice of feta (if preferred).
This recipe can be found in Cooking from the Heart 2, a joint initiative between the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa and Pharma Dynamics.
e é t
. f
METAD_201508
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015 – pg 11
. .
MS PETERSEN, YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY.
NOW LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER. At Metropolitan, we know that starting your own business can be very challenging, especially when you’re from a modest background like Ms Petersen. Thankfully, with the help of a hard-working Metropolitan savings plan, she managed to turn her life’s passion into a stable income. With expert advice and a range of life, health, funeral cover and investment plans, you’ll find the perfect way to create a financially secure future and make your dreams a reality. For more information call 0860 724 724 or visit www.metropolitan.co.za
12
Your Wellness Matters – Issue 4 – October/November 2015
ten
MEDIA PUBLISHING
Your Financial Wellness brought you by Metropolitan. For more information call 0860 724 724 or visit www.metropolitan.co.za
Cebisa Mfenyana, METROPOLITAN.
LIFE AND FUNERAL COVER
Q&A with Cebisa Mfenyana, Advertising and PR manager, Client Solutions, Metropolitan. What is the difference between life and funeral cover? Life cover ensures that your loved ones can continue with the lifestyle they are accustomed to, even when you are no longer there to support them. It is there to pay off your outstanding debt on your home, or any other debt that you may have, after you pass away. Funeral cover is insurance that you take to bury yourself or a loved one with dignity. The payout amount for funeral cover is much smaller than the life cover payout.
What must be done to ensure a successful claim for cover? • Read the fine print! When you receive your policy documents, always make sure that you read them or get someone you trust to read them with you. If there are things in those documents that you do not understand, contact your financial advisor for clarity. • Make sure that if you have a debit or stop order, that the money is deducted on the date that you requested or agreed upon. Ensure that all your premiums are paid on the agreed date.
• Inform your insurer of your change of address, contact number or marital status. • If you are unable to pay your premiums, contact your insurer immediately and make the necessary arrangements with them.
What is the normal waiting period to receive funeral benefits? This differs per company and per funeral cover. Always find out from the outset what the waiting period will be. A waiting period is the amount of time in which you do not have cover, even though you are paying premiums. The waiting period is not related to the number of premiums paid – it depends on the number of months that have passed since the cover began. The waiting period starts from the day that your first premium is received. In the case where the funeral benefit is increased, a separate waiting period will apply on the increased portion from the date that the increased premium is received. Waiting periods can apply when you: • first start your policy; • change your cover level; and • add a person to your policy.
Life cover ensures that your loved ones can continue with the lifestyle they are accustomed to, even when you are no longer there to support them. It is there to pay off your outstanding debt on your home, or any other debt that you may have, after you pass away.
Do I get any cover while in my waiting period?
Some funeral and life cover policies offer accidental death cover from when you sign up and some from when the first premium is received.
Can one add or change beneficiaries in the future?
Yes. You must ensure that you have at least one beneficiary for all your insurance policies. A beneficiary is someone who will receive the payout when you die. Beneficiaries must be 18 years or older – minors cannot be beneficiaries. A beneficiary should be someone you trust to take care of your loved ones on your behalf after you are gone.
Are there any medical tests required?
This depends on the policy you take out. There are a variety of life and funeral policies available and each have their individual rules. There are some funeral and life policies that do not require medical tests and some that do.
Why is it important to take out funeral cover?
Funeral cover ensures that you are able to afford a dignified funeral for yourself or a loved one when you/they pass away.
How much funeral cover is sufficient?
This depends on each individual, their needs and the premium they are able to afford.
Is it possible to cover extended family with funeral cover?
Many funeral policies offer cover for extended families, but some do not.