Your
December 2016
Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
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Matters
Gauteng Volume1, Issue 1
The community paper to whom your wellness matters. facebook.com/yourwellnessza
HIV won’t take away my smile PaGE 3
@YourWellnessZA
Giving the gift of health this holiday season - PaGE 10
@your_wellness_za
SIX CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS PaGE 11
GAUTENG ON WELLNESS
Dali Chiwara
ywm@44tenmedia.co.za
We had the pleasure of interviewing the Gauteng MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu, about the state of healthcare In the Gauteng Province. This is what she had to say: Your Wellness Matters: YWM Qedani Mahlangu: QM
YWM: What is the Gauteng Department of Health’s definition of wellness? QM: Wellness is not merely the absence of disease and physical vitality. Wellness encompasses one’s health, social, emotional, financial and spiritual well-being and having an optimal quality of life. Wellness is something that individuals should take ownership of. Ever y individual should take the decision to be well and healthy, and the Depar tment of Health has a responsibility to create an enabling environment where this choice can be exercised. Continued on page 2
“We have prioritised primary health care, we have improved the way of providing services at that level, queues have ruduced drastically.”
Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu Picture: Gauteng Department of Health
PARTNERS
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
Your Wellness Matters is the first free wellness community newspaper created to assist people in understanding all aspects of wellness. Launched in the Western Cape in July 2015, Your Wellnesss Matters is now available in Gauteng.
Contact Us Address: Century City Cape Town 7441 ywm@44tenmedia.co.za 44tenmedia.co.za 011 886 1343 021 388 5522 Managing Editors Jehad Kasu Dali Chiwara Staff writers Tasneem Smith Nicole Watson Advertising ywmads@44tenmedia.co.za Printing Paarl Coldset Designer Rabson Takavarasha Reggie Jooste Proofreading and Translations Lois-Marie Swanepoel Nobuntu Stengile Printing Paarl Coldset Published by: 44Ten MEDIA Publishing Copyright Copyright © 2015 by 44Ten Media All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Request” at editor@44tenmedia.co.za.
Image: Gauteng Health Dpt
Gauteng MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu, cuts the ribbon at the opening of Alexandra Eye Clinic
MEC MAHLANGU TALKS GAUTENG HEALTH
Continued from page 1
YWM: As a community wellness newspaper, we find that the lack of wellness education leads to poor health choices especially in lower income areas. How is your department encouraging the adoption of better lifestyle choices in these communities?
central points for medicine collection in order to avoid pressuring our hospitals. Tracking of medicine was also introduced to make sure we do not experience shortage of medicine.
Stock control, to avoid unnecessary stock piling, we track our stock levels at our storages at all facilities, this has yielded QM: Any opportunity that pre- results. vails, we address communities to lead healthy and stop risky behaviour. We have partnered YWM: The nation has just with community health care commemorated World Aids workers who train elderly peo- Day. What measures has ple twice a week and facilitate your department put in sporting activities for them to place in reducing the burden play. We also focus on our em- of disease due to HIV/AIDS ployees by encouraging them and TB in Gauteng? to play sport, eat well and avoid risky behaviour. QM: We have made inroads by working with the targeted and vulnerable groups like the YWM: What were your key objectives in providing quality LGBTI, sex workers and MSM, crafted strong messaging and healthcare in the year 2016, communicated these messagand how successful has your department been in achieving es which some communities deemed as controversial. these goals? We also distributed condoms QM: We have prioritised priat taxi ranks, truck stops, and mary health care, we have building construction sites. improved the way of providing services at that level, queues We are continuously providhave ruduced drastically. ing education on safe sex and avoiding risky behaviours. We have introduced a central medication distribution system, Pre-exposure prophylaxis is sending all chronic patients to provided to sex workers.This is
a preventative method through which people who do not have HIV take a pill daily to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Since September we began making sure that everyone with HIV will be offered antiretroviral treatment irrespective of how advanced the infection is in their bodies. YWM: What message would you like to send to our readers? QM: We need to always take care of ourselves and think about our families.
“Wellness encompasses one’s health, social, emotional, financial and spiritual wellbeing and having an optimal quality of life”
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
CANSA’S SUNSMART CAMPAIGN BE SMART IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER Each year during the hot summer months, CANSA steps up its skin cancer awareness communication through its SunSmart campaign, to remind South Africans of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun. Run from mid-November to January, which includes the end-of-year holiday season, the campaign includes beach, workplace and school activations, as well as sharing education online on CANSA’s platforms.
Image: CANSA
CANSA CEO - Elize Joubert
W
arm weather naturally encourages people to spend more time outside. Have fun this summer, says the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), however be sensible. Always remember to protect skin from the harsh African sun.
“Most South Africans love the outdoors, especially at this time of year,” says CANSA Chief Executive officer Elize Joubert. “Our Sunsmart campaign’s title is really self-explanatory – we’re saying ‘have fun, but be smart about it. We all need to be aware of the damage the sun can do, but we don’t need to fear it. You can enjoy the outdoors without suffering from sun burn, as long as you are SunSmart.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of
both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades. At least 20 000 South Africans are diagnosed each year with non-melanoma skin cancers and a further approximately 1 500 are diagnosed with malignant melanoma. The WHO further estimates that that a 10% decrease in ozone levels will result in an additional 300 000 non-melanoma and 4 500 melanoma skin cancer cases globally. It has survived not only five cThere are two main categories of skin cancer – melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma, also known as ‘malignant melanoma’, is less common than non-melanoma cancers, but is the most dangerous. Non-melanoma skin cancers mainly comprise ‘Basal Cell Carcinoma’ (BCC) and ‘Squamous Cell Carcinoma’ (SCC). BCC is the most common and the least dangerous.
Who is at risk? People at high risk include those with: • Fair skin that burns easily in the sun • Personal or family history of skin cancer • Lots of moles, that is, more than 50 And those who are being treated with immunosuppressive drugs. If you are at high risk, you should make protecting your skin in the sun a priority. In addition try to get as much vitamin D as possible from sources other than the sun, such as, your diet and supplements.
Image: Big Stock
Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
Image: CANSA
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Donna Short (Be Sun Smart), Hayleigh Bott (Be Sun Smart), Mbali Sithole (NIVEA Sun) and Cara Noble (CANSA, Durban Care Centre Regional Manager)
HOW TO RECOGNISE SKIN CANCER
You don’t need any x-rays or blood tests to find skin cancer early – just your eyes and a mirror. If you have skin cancer, finding it early is the best way to make sure it can be treated with success. Check the moles on your skin carefully every month. Ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head. If you notice any of the following ABCDE warning signs, you need to see a doctor or dermatologist immediately:
A-symmetry
– a mole or mark with one
half unlike the other. Common moles are know your family history and skin type and do your monthly mole check.” round and symmetrical.
B-order
irregularities – scalloped or poorly defined edges. Common moles Preventative measures include eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fathave smooth and even borders. ty acids, fruits, and vegetables. They all C-olour variations and inconsistency – contribute to fighting free radicals, which tan, brown, black, red, white and blue. lowers the risk of cancerous cell growth. Common moles are usually a single Always apply sunscreen regularly (SPF shade of brown or black. of 20 - 50) according to skin type. People with fair skin have a higher chance of getD-iameter – larger than 6 mm. ting skin cancer while dark-skinned peoE-volving – changes in the shape, colour ple are still at risk. Darker skin as more protective melanin pigment and the incior border of a mole. dence is lower than in dark skinned peo“The key message is that everyone is ple. However, skin cancers do occur and at risk of getting skin cancer, it doesn’t they are often detected at a later, more matter how old you are, your skin type dangerous stage. or where you live,” says Joubert. “It’s up to you to work to lower the skin cancer risk. Ensure you are protected in the sun, Image: CANSA
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
MOTHER BANS JUNK FOOD AND FIZZY DRINKS AFTER 5-YEAR-OLD SON HITS 45KG By Bontle Motsoeneng
A mother, upset about her five-year-old son having become extremely overweight, has managed to resolve the situation by seeking help from a counsellor and dietician. Image: Shutterstock
Meisie Mokoena (32) of the Free State said she felt helpless after being told that her son’s weight was a serious health issue. “My son Lehlohonolo is only five years old, and is already weighing 45kg. The last time he visited the clinic, the nurse advised me that I must watch what I give my child to eat because he is too overweight for his age,” Mokoena said. “I do not know when things went wrong, but I am the one to blame for my son’s weight because I am spoiling him by giving him too much junk food and fizzy drinks. He prefers this kind of food, especially chips, so I usually buy it for him everyday after pre-school before dropping him at after care.”
“I do not know when things went wrong, but I am the one to blame for my son’s weight because I am spoiling him by giving him too much junk food and fizzy drinks.”
Junk Food Addiction
Healthy Living
Mokoena said she would offer buy burgers, cold drinks and sweets for her son, and was shocked when she was told that she was not being kind, but rather harming her child.
Encouraged by what she was learning through counselling, Mokoena managed to start a healthier eating programme at home. She also signed Lehlohonolo up for tennis at his pre-school, as well as for swimming lessons.
“I don’t know what to do any more. When I try to be tough with him, it hurts,” she said, explaining the pain she felt when she did not give in to the child’s demands for junk food. I do not know when things went wrong, but I am the one to blame for my son’s weight because I am spoiling him by giving him too much junk food and fi zzy drinks. “I started going to therapy in order to deal with all of this, because I could no longer stand seeing my son eating about four meals a day,” she said, adding that not only was Lehlohonolo overweight, his teeth had also started changing colour.
“I want him to exercise more so he can lose some weight,” she said. Tennis coach Lyndon van der Haer said he tried to encourage the overweight children he teaches to do extra practice rounds in an effort to make them more active. Mokoena said after realising that she was harming Lehlohonolo by allowing bad eating habits she has since made a rule banning junk food and fizzy drinks at home. - Health-e.org.za
Dental surgeon Dr Sello Phakoe said many children experienced a discolouration of their teeth because of excessive consumption of sugary drinks and insufficient brushing. “I always advise my patients not to drink too much tea or fizzy drinks, and that they should go for regular check-ups 1/2 with dentist,” he said.
Image: Shutterstock
Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
The average 500ml bottle of sugary drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar, where one teaspoon = 5g.
YOU WOULDN’T GIVE YOUR CHILD 10 SPOONS OF SUGAR, would you? Then why do you give them sugary drinks? Sugary drinks lead to fat build-up in and around vital organs, bringing on obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Are you drinking yourself sick? Visit heala.org to find out more.
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
HIV WON’T TAKE AWAY my SMILE
Activists Take Part in AIDS Day march
Photo by: Tommaso Boddi / AIDS Health Care Foundation
Accepting a positive HIV status can be difficult: One Free State woman shares her journey. By Bontle Motsoeneng
From tears to a smile
“I may be living with HIV, but it won’t take my smile.”
Mofokeng says that she has discovered that she now finds peace in smiling. By focusing on her blessings and the good things around These are the words of Mpuse Mofokeng her, life does not get her down. (30) from Clarens in the Free State, who
“There’s no denying that life is tough. I believes it is her radiant smile that keeps don’t work and I sometimes struggle to find enough money to buy food. But I thank my her moving forward in life. mother for being there for me. I know how to count my blessings.” “My mother helps me where she can, and I go for counselling “I found out that I was HIV positive, but and have joined support groups so that I can that didn’t change who I am. I was angry learn more and stay motivated, because one at first, but I told myself that am going to day I would like to be an agent in support groups so that I can help others learn to acstart living a healthy life, cept their status,” she said.
Positive HIV test “My husband passed away in July. Not long after his death I started falling sick. So I went to the clinic and they did some tests and I was told that I have TB. I immediately started taking my treatment, but I also asked for an HIV test, and boom! I discovered that am HIV positive,” she said. “Wow. That was hard. I cried and went straight to my mother’s house and cried and cried some more. Eventually I was able to tell my mom, and she was great. She didn’t judge me and cried with me. She promised to support me, as she has since my husband died.
Courage in acceptance Modiehi Mofokeng, her mother, said: “I am very proud of my daughter. She was called names by the community, but she has managed to hold her head high. She didn’t let her sickness change who she is. And her smile was always there.” Mpho Lekgowa, and agent from the loveLife support group, said as soon as a person accepts their status, they find courage. At that point they are able to stand up and ask for the treatment they need. – Health-e News.
Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
Breastfeeding: Let’s Invest In Creating An Enabling Environment For Mothers And Babies
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
THE HEALTHY LIVING ALLIANCE: Giving the gift of health this holiday season As we enter the holiday season, many of us are looking forward to spending some quality time with our family and friends, maybe around a braai or your Grandmother’s famous breyani. Its also that time of the year when we tend to overindulge a little too much, especially with our favourite sugary drinks. Give the gift of health this festive season to you and your loved ones, by helping to make healthier changes in your home. What we put into our bodies has a huge impact on the future of our health. Swapping out junk food and fizzy drinks, with fresh and healthy food and water will help towards keeping dangerous diseases at bay. The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) is an alliance of organisations that are dedicated to a healthier South Africa, and who believe that having access to clean drinking water and healthy food is a basic human right. Tracey Malawana, the coordinator of HEALA believes the alliance will be essential in creating a culture of healthy living in the country: “Many people don’t know what is good and what is bad for their health, and part of that is because of advertising from junk food and drink companies.” “Through HEALA, we hope to educate South African’s about the importance of good nutritional health, while also lobbying government to make healthy foods and drinks more affordable and banning marketing directed at children. The first change we are supporting is the proposed tax on sugary drinks”, says Malawana. HEALA launched on 11 October this year with a mass media campaign aimed at educating South Africans about the dangers of sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are a major cause of obesity, and can contribute towards life threatening conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes and even certain cancers. It’s especially dangerous for children to drink sugary drinks because it increases their risk of developing these conditions when they are older. Dr Sundeep Ruder, an endocrinologist, is a specialist doctor who focuses on treating conditions like diabetes and is also an active member of HEALA. He has seen a drastic change in the patients he treats. “Type 2 diabetes, which is a diabetes that is associated with diet and lifestyle, used to be considered as a disease of aging. So we used to see it mainly in patients who were in their late 50’s and 60’s. Now we are seeing it in teenagers”, said Ruder. Diabetes and the other obesity and lifestyle related diseases can have devastating consequences such as blindness and amputations, especially for those who develop these illnesses earlier in life. “Those complications are difficult to treat. They are a burden on healthcare professionals and they place a burden on families who are busy and working. There are not enough support structures to take care of people with strokes and amputations and these people, once they’ve developed a complication, become ‘disabled’ to an extent that they have to leave their jobs and they become state-dependent on grants”, explains Ruder. One of HEALA’s main objectives is to keep our future generations healthy, by encouraging our government to protect them from junk food and drinks, while also engaging with young people about nutritional health through schools, so that they can be more empowered to make the right choices for their health and future As we celebrate the end of 2016 and ring in the new year, show your support for the Healthy Living Alliance by taking their online pledge at www.heala. org to support the sugary drinks tax and make small but important changes in you and your families life.
Healthy Holiday Tip Are visitors coming over to your house for a meal? Don’t serve them dangerous fizzy drinks that are bad for their health. Rather add ice and a handful of cut up fresh fruit to a jug of water for a refreshing, eye catching and healthy thirst-quencher.
HEALA
Healthy Living Alliance
Quiz Answers
With almost 70% of women and 39% of men overweight, South Africa also has the highest obesity rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Healthy Living Quiz 1. Obesity is linked to certain life threatening diseases like: a) Heart disease b) Type 2 diabetes c) Stroke d) All of the above
2. A major cause of obesity is:
a) Drinking water regularly b) Excess sugar consumption c) Eating healthy food and vegetables d) Keeping active
3. Which one of the following is NOT a sugary drink: a) Fizzy drinks b) 100% fruit juice c) Energy Drinks d) None of the above
4. Drinking one can of cool drink a day:
a) Increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by 27% b) Is almost 20kg of sugar a year c) Increases the risk of being overweight and obese by 27% in adults and 55% in children d) All of the above
5. A tax on sugary drinks is recommended by experts and the World Health Organisation as a key way to prevent obesity, because taxes: a) Raise the price of unhealthy drinks and discourages consumption. b) Encourage people to drink healthier, cheaper alternatives. c) Provide government with extra money that can be used for health programmes. d) All the above.
1. d, 2. b, 3. d, 4. d, 5. d
Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
I S R T M H C A X I S S SHOPPING TIPS
Get your kitchen ready for the festive season with these must-have healthy food trolley items to keep you and your family as healthy as can be without losing out on all the fun and feasting that the holidays bring.
Get your greens
Make sure to pair each meal with seasonal vegetables or a big, vibrant salad. Vegetables in season this summer include asparagus, beetroot, butternut, red cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables. Starchy vegetables such as sweet potato, baby potatoes and butternut can also be used as the starch portion in your meals, replacing refined starches which are usually low in fibre.
Keep it lean
When brainstorming what to buy for Christmas lunch or that family braai, opt for lean meats and experiment with fresh or dried herbs and spices to create interesting flavours. Choose turkey, gammon, skinless chicken or roast beef. These meats can quite easily lean towards dismally dry, so try marinating them overnight (particularly chicken), use stuffing or cook using a slow or a pressure cooker.
Drink smart
These long summer days are the perfect time to reach for healthier alternatives to sugary drinks which add empty calories to your day and can quickly add up, especially if you’re snacking and eating more than usual. When dashing through the aisles, opt for some of these thirst-quenchers instead: •Water! Whether still, sparkling or tap; it’s still the best option to hydrate. Spruce it up with fresh lemon, orange, berries, cucumber slices, pomegranate seeds or mint. •Soda water. Make a Virgin Mojito with lime wedges, mint leaves, ice and a small teaspoon of sugar. •Sugar-free soda’s •Tea and coffee. Keep empty-calories low by adding little to no sugar and using low fat milk. •Homemade Iced Tea
Fruit frenzy
Keep the fruit bowl filled with fresh, seasonal summer fruit such as apricots, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, and pineapples. Use them as a dessert with yoghurt or dark chocolate, a homemade cranberry sauce for Christmas lunch, freeze and blitz for yummy smoothies or take to the beach as a snack - the options are endless!
Keep it lean
Keep snackers at bay by stocking your trolley with healthy dips and spreads which can be enjoyed as part of a veggie-filled snack platter instead of the usual chips -and-dip. Alternatively, make your own delicious dip over Christmas and New Year’s. Reach for the key ingredients to make any of these tasty and healthy dips while strolling down the aisles: • Guacamole: avocado, lemon, garlic • Tzatziki: yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon • Chickpea dip: chickpeas, garlic, lemon, olive oil • Low fat cottage cheese: flavour of choice such as garlic and chives
Grab and go
Getting quick snacks on the go is convenient when trying to make the most of our precious time off and not spending a long time in the kitchen preparing things to take out. We suggest getting raw and healthier options like: •Unsweetened yoghurt •Raw, unsalted nuts •Dried fruit and trail mix •Ready-cut veggie sticks with a dip or fruit •Small nut, seed or oat bars
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Your Wellness Matters - DECEMBER 2016
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