Your
July/August 2020 – Issue 11
Matters The community paper to whom your wellness matters. facebook.com/yourwellnessza
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COVID-19 and its toll on mental health Page 10
The 7764 is Getting Fit For Purpose Page 12
DRIVING CHANGE ON T H E C A P E F L AT S
Taking the guesswork out of choosing healthy foods - Page 14 Refiloe Nomdada
hen someone speaks of golf in South Africa, it more often than not will include names such as Gary Player, Ernie Else, Louis Oosthuizen, Retief Goosen or Branden Grace. With all credit due to these accomplished golfers, the above is a reality that was and to some extent remains so due to the systemic oppression of the Apartheid system that prohibited people of colour to equally participate in sport. While there is a handful of black emerging golfers present on the Sunshine Tour, it’s just that – a handful. And the probability of seeing more golfers of colour emerge on the Sunshine and European Tours is directly linked to the volume of black golfers that’s included at development level. In other words, we need more black youth to be exposed to golf at an early age.
The Golden Bow
a symbol for breastfeeding protection, promotion and support.
The barriers to exposing black youth to golf at an early age are plenty. The cost of equipment, golf membership fees, coaching and even the cost to watch golf on TV are all very high for an average kid or parent on the Cape Flats. This is further compounded by social challenges such as absent parents, truancy, gangsterism, substance abuse and the misleading lure of crime as a lucrative lifestyle. But for a group of avid golfers and active citizens from Mitchells Plain, these challenges have become the source of motivation to invite as many black youth on the Cape Flats to the beautiful game of golf.
Continued on page 2 Daylin Goliath (Left) assists four-year old Malachi Skylar Salie to align his shot.
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“Everytime a Youth Member Shows up For Training, we Win.” In the early part of 2018, Richard Smith and a few like-minded friends thought that they can use golf to discourage youth in the Mitchells Plain area from wasting time and potentially their lives by engaging in crime and other non-beneficial activities. And on that basis, in June 2018 The Mitchells Plain Golf Club (MPGC) was registered as an NPO. Without any golf courses nearby, and even if there were, they wouldn’t have the means to access it, they directed their attention to one of several underutilised sports fields in the area - The one situated along Highlands Drive, adjacent to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (Formerly Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital). Here Richard and his team setup a 9 hole mashie course as well as a driving range where the youth play and practice every Saturday morning between 9am – 12pm.
“For us, the primary objective is two-fold, to draw our kids away from criminal activity and danger, and to invite them to a sport that has the potential to create a long and comfortable lifestyle for themselves and their families” says Smith, who is also a SAPS member stationed at Lentegeur Police Station. Smith is also a certified Level-1 golf coach and serves as MPGC’s resident coach, Founder and Executive Chairman. The club has nearly 30 active youth members from the age of 4 – 18 years old, of which three are girls. While most members show keen interest by showing up weekly, some of them demonstrate great ability too, and with the right resources and mentorshipwill have the opportunity to thrive at the sport.
Your Wellness Matters is a free wellness community newspaper created to empower readers with preventative wellness information in order to make better wellness and lifestyle decisions.
Mitchells Plain Golf Club Members at their 2019 Awards Ceremony | Image supplied by MPGC The vision we have is to grow a large pool of interested youth, identify talent, instill the basic rules and etiquette of the game in them, and then rely on the South African Golf Development Board for professional development and to facilitate their progression into the Sunshine Tour. “As far as we are concerned, every time a youth member shows up for training, we win. It’s one less child doing drugs or crime for the time he/she is with us. And through the mentorship programme we provide, we hope that they make more responsible life choices outside of the club’s structures too”, says MPGC spokesperson Jehad Kasu. Kasu continues by saying, “our medium to long term vision is to align with international
colleges and corporates to offer golf scholarships to our youth members, and send successful members over with a family member and mentor for a period of at least three months to assist with his/her integration into a foreign place and system. This support is deemed a necessary mechanism for the member to excel both academically, socially and at the sport. And hopefully become a household name just like Gary Player is today – this for us will be like winning The Master’s Tournament”. “I too first got to know about golf by hitting balls with a friend’s father’s clubs on a field close to my childhood home in Mitchells Plain. I wish I had the opportunity back then, that these kids have now. Perhaps I could have been a Pro today” Kasu jokingly adds. MPGC also has a senior men’s team of nearly
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20 recreational members. The organization is largely financed by contributions by its board members and some local private donors. The economic impact of COVID-19 has however placed strain on the board’s ability to sustain this. They therefore implore local businesses to support them in anyway possible to maintain an enabling environment for these youth. We recently received a donation of face masks and visors from Build It Belhar, and presented to our members. We thank them for reaching out to us and making a meaningful contribution to preserving the health and wellness of our members. Kasu concludes by saying “A linear approach to deconstructing barriers to entry will not be effective. A vertical and collaborative effort by Government, community organisations as well as private sector stakeholders is necessary to effect meaninful transformation and inclusivity - pivoted on the need for equity.” The MPGC invites all youth from Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas to join them on any Saturday morning between 9am – 12pm for an introduction to golf, or just to have a look at what it’s all about. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, contact MPGC at admin@mitchellsplaingolfclub.org.za
Executive Chairman of the Mitchells Plain Golf Club, Richard Smith.
Betway Leads Safe Resumption of Golf in Newly Launched Betway Championship Supplied Content
Realising the devastating economic impact that the national lockdown restrictions has had on all sports, Betway South Africa is committed to playing its part in ensuring the sport of golf can resume in the safest way possible, from the month of August. In partnership with the Sunshine Tour, Betway is excited to announce its partnership of the newly launched Rise-Up Series, set to take place between August and September. The two-month series, which will bring much-needed economic relief to players, caddies, groundsmen and the entire golf ecosystem, will comprise of five tournaments played between August and September this year. The leading sports betting and entertainment company will officially tee off the first edition at the Killarney Country Club between 19 and 21 August to officially mark the return of golf. With the tournament set to bring together some of the country’s top golfers, which also include three of the brand’s ambassadors, Merrick Bremner, Toto Thimba and Anthony Michael. Betway SA Marketing Manager, David Rachidi said the brand was honoured
to be playing a crucial role in rebuilding the country’s golf ecosystem. “Every part of the sporting value chain has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, including the livelihoods of a number of people and communities. As part of remaining true to our commitment of being a caring brand, we are proud to be at the forefront of the safe resumption of golf through our sponsorship of the Betway Championship. We know that sport can give hope and act as a unifier during a period of despair. We truly believe our involvement could not have come at a better time as a brand that is always looking at finding ways to make a difference across our sporting communities” said Rachidi. As part of its offering to the Betway Championship, the brand will be introducing the Betway Birdie Challenge where the player who finishes with the most Birdies throughout the entire series will win their share of R50,000 from Betway. In addition to their sponsorship of the Rise-Up Series, the brand is excited to be making a donation towards a worthy
cause related to the sport of golf. This is in continuation of the monthly #BetwayCares CSR programme, that has seen Betway making a meaningful impact across various communities through their commitment to the development of community sport. Speaking on behalf of the Betway Golf Ambassadors, Toto Thimba said the return of some live sport would bring much-needed economic relief to players, caddies, groundsmen and a number of behind-the-scenes staff that help make the sport of golf enjoyable for all. “We are excited to be returning to the course after such a long time. The four month wait has been a very challenging period for most people who rely on golf for a living. Thanks to Betway, the wait is finally over and all of us are looking forward in great anticipation to the resumption of professional golf” said Thimba. In accordance to government health and safety lockdown regulations, spectators will not be allowed into the venue but access will be granted to a limited number of media. However, the final round will be available for viewing on the Sunshine Tour streaming platforms as well as on DStv Now.
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Melomed Gatesville’s Ultramodern Catheterisation Unit is Open Zahreb Kline ince the outbreak of COVID-19, people are doing their best to remain as informed about the best medical services and facilities available to them. So we thought we’d share one of Melomed’s latest offerings. Adding to its already formidable array of medical facilities, the Melomed Gatesville Private Hospital opened its upgraded catheterisation laboratory, or cathlab earlier this year. It offers state-of-the-art, 24-hour diagnostics treatment for a variety of illnesses and includes a cardiac intensive-care unit (ICU) and cardiac theatre. Henry Hendricks, hospital manager at Melomed Gatesville Hospital, says the facility is staffed by an expert team of interventional cardiologists. “It’s an important addition to the range of medical facilities we offer, upgraded to ultramodern standards. It’s also the first of its kind in the community, offering convenience and accessibility to surrounding areas. “These facilities are staffed by some of the province’s top specialists, offering a range of services, including electrophysiology (EPS), diagnostic coronary angiograms, coronary artery stenting and rotablation for coronary artery stenosis.” Mr Hendricks explains: “The unit has the latest Siemens catheterisation machine that enables a variety of complicated cardiac, neurological and vascular medical and surgical procedures. These includes stenting of major peripheral arteries in the arms, legs, kidneys, abdominal aorta and carotid arteries. “Importantly, the equipment provides our highly trained specialists with a better view of blood flow, enables them to locate clots in blood-vessels and choose from of a number of ways to intervene immediately. “We’re proud that Melomed’s hospitals are stroke-ready, a term used to describe facilities with optimal stroke treatment procedures. For example, the internationally accepted time-window for stroke patients – called door-to-needle (DTN) – is under 60 minutes. The Melomed Gatesville medical team has reduced that time to just 17 minutes in one particular case, dramatically improving chances of recovery.” The impact of that efficiency is already evident: since the upgrade of the cathlab, it’s already had more than 14 successful interventions. Melomed Gatesville is a centre of excellence for cardiology and cardiac catheterisation, cardiothoracic surgery, spinal and other orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, neonatology, gastroenterology and general surgery. The hospital’s expanded facilities house the biggest single-floor ICU in the Western Cape and include: • A fully equipped emergency centre • A renal dialysis unit • An oncology unit, which includes a breast clinic • Nuclear medicine • Melomed24, an around-the-clock ambulance service. Mr Hendricks says, “The renovation of the catheterisation unit is a demonstration of our commitment to the highest level of quality private healthcare and world-class facilities. As the largest wholly-owned black private hospital group in the Western Cape we aim to provide our communities with uncompromised access to health and recovery.” Melomed Private Hospitals operates five hospitals in the Cape Town area and has opened its sixth, in Richards Bay on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. In 2017 the Melomed Private Hospital Group and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University established a partnership for the training of medical undergraduates. This provides fourth-year medical students with a four-week rotational internship at Melomed Gatesville, supervised and trained by Melomed specialists.
patient responses and successful discharge. The success of the partnership has led Stellenbosch University to recognise Melomed Gatesville as a centre of excellence and prompted the rollout of the partnership to other Melomed facilities. This partnership is now being extended to other universities.
This empowers the students with access to a transfer of rare clinical skills, accompanying specialist doctors on ward rounds, assisting doctors with patients, participating in direct patient care evaluations, and monitoring
In 2005, Melomed Gatesville was awarded the HASA (Hospital Association of South Africa) Award of Excellence for Establishing World Class Medical Services or Technology.
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Household Favourite Betadine Beats Coronavirus Refiloe Nomdada
hen I think back to my childhood days of playing soccer or cricket in one of the streets in our neighbourhood, I would more often than not end up with a scraped knee or elbow – and sometimes both, depending on how heroic or clumsy I was. And when I got home seeking care from my mom or dad, I knew with absolute certainty that the tried and tested tube of brown ointment better known as Betadine, will be generously applied after the wound was cleaned. Betadine, distributed by Mundipharma South Africa, is a household brand that I grew up with and was applied by my parents to cuts, burns, scrapes and everything else short of an organ transplant – such is the wonder of this BBQ sauce looking miracle ointment. And I innately trusted them to believe that Betadine will fix anything because parents always know best right? Well, this certainly is the case with Betadine because it boasts a broad spectrum ability to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses. † While a different product altogether, Mundipharma also distributes the popular infant teething gel Teejel® as well as an array of Betadine products used both in hospitals and homes globally. It’s evident that Mundipharma has a legacy of tried and tested products that many of us probably grew up with and continue using today. So I was pleasantly surprised to have come across the news that Mundipharma’s lesser known Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle, Antiseptic Solution and Surgical Scrub was recently scientifically proven to also kill 99.99% of the dreaded and destructive SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. 1*
won the Standard Bank Top Women Empowered Company Award in 2018 - A fitting fact during this Women’s Month. Speaking about the rich heritage of the Betadine brand, Shannon shares the impressive story that to eliminate any “alien” germs or bacteria that might have contaminated the spaceship, NASA used Betadine to wash the Apollo-11 upon its 4* return from space in 1963. While Betadine is a staple product in many hospitals, Shannon says they also have a wide range of consumer products with an array of formulations in addition to the ointment and mouthwash, such as shampoo, handwash, bodywash and even a feminine care range. With the threat of the COVID-19 at everyone’s door, the Betadine range offers consumers an affordable, scientifically proven tool to help them limit the spread of this awful virus. “As a mom, when it comes to taking care of the health of my family, I want a product that is factually proven to work, has a longstanding credible history, and one that works fast. Our Betadine mouthwash & gargle is scientifically proven to kill viruses, bacteria and protozoa, has been around for decades, and works within an astonishing thirty seconds”. 1*,2,3 Shannon explains that they are doing their level best to play their part in limiting the contraction and spread of the coronavirus. She is however quick to emphasise that “while Betadine mouthwash & gargle kills 99.99% of bacteria, 1* viruses and fungi, including SARS-CoV-2 , it is not a cure of COVID-19”.
Their recent in-depth laboratory testing completed at the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, has confirmed the effectiveness of Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle, Antiseptic Solution and Surgical Scrub against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which causes COVID-19 disease. The tested products have proven to kill 99.99% of the 1* SARS-CoV-2 virus in just thirty seconds.
She goes further to say that Betadine has been a focal agent of almost every viral outbreak since the sixties “whether it’s the influenza outbreak, the first SARS outbreak circa 2002 (bird flu), the MERS outbreak in 2012, the Ebola outbreak… the Betadine formulation showed very effective in killing these viruses.” Andscience proves that it is no different in the face of the destructive SARS-CoV-2, which 1*,2,3 causes the COVID-19 disease.
With the pharmaceutical industry historically being a male dominated one, I was delighted to learn that Mundipharma is masterfully led by none other than Ms Shannon te Roller, Mundipharma South Africa’s GM. Shannon says the business promotes a diverse management team representing both men and woman and that they recently
I for one take great comfort in knowing that Betadine, a brand I grew up with and has helped heal many wounds, also has a product that can effectively assist me and my loved ones limit the spread of the indiscriminate and lethal SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
Shannon te Roller, GM, Mundipharma SA Betadine products can be purchased at leading pharmacies countrywide. References: 1. Anderson DE, Sivalingam V, Kang AEZ, et al. Povidone-Iodine Demonstrates Rapid In Vitro Virucidal Activity Against SARS-CoV-2, The Virus Causing COVID-19 Disease. Infect Dis Ther. 2020. https://doi. org/10.1007/s40121-020-00316-3. 2. Eggers M, Eickamnn M, Zorn J. Rapid and Effective Virucidal Activity of Povidone-Iodine Products Against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara (MVA). Infect Dis Ther 3. Eggers M, Eickman M, Zorn J. Can oral disinfection with povidone-iodine prevent viral respiratory infections? Poster ASN226 IMRP Singapore 2015. 4. Data on file, www.mundipharma.com. https://www.mundipharma.com.sg/2019/07/19/betadine-celebrates-golden-jubilee-first-moon-landing/
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Cape Town Surgeon Negotiates Lockdown Travel Challenges For Namibian Patients Supplied Content
Dr Justus Apffelstaedt is a specialist surgeon with an interest in breast, thyroid and parathyroid health as well as soft tissue surgical oncology. He practices in both Cape Town and Namibia and has been at the frontline of a recent project to bring Namibian cancer patients to Cape Town for essential breast cancer-related surgery. Aged between 29 and 64 years of age, the women are all in the midst of breast cancer treatment. Most have had locally advanced breast cancer or particularly aggressive breast cancers that require chemotherapy as initial treatment before surgery. For these tumours, it is very important to do surgery when the tumour burden is as small as possible. Once the chemotherapy regimen has been administered, there is a window of opportunity for the surgery of about one to three months before the tumours start growing again. Timeous surgery is vitally important. As Dr Apffelstaedt was unable to travel to Windhoek during the lock down restrictions, the women have been working with him in an effort to travel to his Cape Town practice. He employs advanced immediate reconstruction techniques after mastectomy, which are not available in Namibia. Negotiating the complexities of their travel has resulted in the successful surgeries on three women on Sunday, 31 May and Monday, 1 June. Says Apffelstaedt: “Cancer does not stop in the face of Covid-19. In our practice, we have seen a massive decline of women coming for screening and a significant number of cancer patients delaying their consultations or treatments. This will in due course translate into more advanced cancers being diagnosed and needing more intensive and
Francina vd Merwe after a recent chemo session. expensive treatment. For these women, it has taken weeks to surmount the administrative obstacles to travel to Cape Town. There has been a dearth of clear communication, there did not appear to be any established “mercy pathway” for urgent, but not emergency cases and the regulations were requiring two-week quarantines on either side of the border in spite of potentially chartering flights and arranging for safe transport. It has been very challenging simply to give women the best possible chance in their cancer fight.” There were originally nine patients attempting to travel to Cape Town. One has forsaken reconstruction and has had a mastectomy locally. Two are waiting until corona lifts without regard to the cancer situation. Out of six that are trying to travel, one has had no specific therapy for three months (not even induction treatment), the others are at the one to two months’ stage after chemotherapy. There are also other patients who are about to finish chemotherapy. Says Francina van der Merwe (55), from Windhoek, Namibia, who underwent a reconstruc-
tion at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt on Sunday, 31 May: “My general practitioner in Windhoek discovered the cancer when I was diagnosed in October 2019, and recommended that I make contact with Dr Apffelstaedt for treatment. We were happy with the way he treated us from day one, especially considering the dark thoughts and fear that the word ‘cancer’ can evoke in one’s minds’ eye. There are surgical options available in Windhoek but my doctor recommended we speak to Dr Apffelstaedt as this is a complex reconstruction, which we could thankfully have done at the same time as the tumour removal. “It really is not an easy process to travel internationally under current lockdown conditions, but Dr Apffelstaedt and his team took care of everything – they arranged all the permits we needed to be able to travel. He really made it much easier.” Concludes Apffelstaedt: “We owe it to cancer patients to ensure that their lives are not put at risk due to this pandemic.”
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SPAR Calls for Action Amidst the GBV Pandemic Supplied Content
Without women, our history would not be as rich, nor our culture as remarkable. Gender-Based Violence is officially a national crisis in South Africa and this year, SPAR is challenging everybody to walk alongside the women of South Africa and take a firm stand against gender-based violence. As we celebrate the phenomenal women in our lives this Women’s month, we can no longer ignore the issue of violent crimes committed against women and children every single day. We are simply not doing enough to raise awareness and end these acts of violence that have become detrimentally ingrained in our society. Gender-based violence is systemic and rooted in our history and culture. In order to break the cycle of abuse, we need to be more conscious of how we contribute to gender-based violence in our own households and in our broader communities. Do you stay silent when a voice is needed? You need to be louder. Do you look away when abuse is being committed? You need to step in. Acts of gender-based violence are not normal, nor acceptable in any situation. SPAR is calling for awareness on this massive crisis and stepping up to contribute to its end. This year, the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge of 2020 is not only celebrating the powerful women in our society, but also virtually walking alongside the survivors of gender-based violence. Participants are expected to run their own planned routes in
Philicity Reeken. Image by Willem Botha and around their communities. Special brand ambassadors, Philicity Reeken and Leilani Kuter, will be sharing their stories and leading the important conversation on gender-based violence and its overarching consequences in our society. For every challenge entry of R50, SPAR will be creating food parcels that will be distributed to the survivors of gender-based violence and their families. Event partner, Jacaranda Good Morning Angels, will also be helping to distribute these food parcels. Even if it feels as if we are being overshadowed by darkness, we must continue to walk towards the light. We are fighting this pandemic together. If you or somebody close to you has been subjected to acts of gender-based violence and needs help, please
contact the following organisations: POWA (People Opposing Woman Abuse): 011 591 6803 ForWomen (Gender Based Violence Command Centre): 0800 428 428 Lifeline South Africa: 0800 150 150 For more information on the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge, please visit www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za EVENT DIARY DETAILS: Date: 26 September 2020 Time: 06h00 – 18h00 (subject to current lockdown restrictions) Location: Virtual Event (participants can select own route and distance) Entries: https://itickets.co.za/events/448106 Website: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/
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The Toxic Relationship Between Alcohol and Trauma Tsolofelo Mhabe
any, if not all people visit a doctor with the expectation that he/she has to fix the problem that you arrived with. But how many of us consider how our own actions and behaviour impacts or complicates, if, or how, doctors are able to treat or manage the problem? Not many I would imagine. This is one of the reasons why Your Wellness Matters strives to empower its readers with information that inspires positive behaviour change. And to help us achieve this we spoke to Dr Candice Van Koningsbruggen about some lifestyle behaviour we should be more aware of. Candice hails from Durban and studied medicine at UKZN, later specializing in Emergency Medicine. Candice says that Emergency Medicine is her calling and she is truly blessed to be doing what she loves. When probed about why she chose this specialization she says that she loves the variety of patients she gets to attend to and the adrenaline caused by the seriousness of their injuries. Now when considering what better lifestyle choices we can make in an effort to not end up in the emergency room, or not to complicate an injury caused by an accident or an act of violence, Dr Van Koningsbruggen says that we simply won’t be able to appreciate the positive impact that the alcohol ban has had on the Emergency Centers she works at. Candice goes on saying “End-of-the-month
and middle-of-the-month weekends are dreaded by doctors who work in the Emergency Center because of the number and acuity of alcohol related patients we get”. “We have seen a dramatic decrease in alcohol related trauma during the period of the first alcohol ban. But 9 o’ clock on the Monday after the alcohol ban was lifted – Trauma everywhere!” According to Candice, this influx of alcohol related patients has a knock-on effect throughout the week because of the amount of additional resources it requires, and places strain on resources that could otherwise be used, for example, a seriously ill COVID-19 patient. So while she is aware that the alcohol ban is not going to be imposed in perpetuity, Candice feels that an earnest intervention must be developed to educate people about the responsible consumption of alcohol that will benefit consumers but also reduce pressure on state healthcare resources. Another factor Candice says complicates the injuries of trauma patients, is non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Understanding that it is much easier said than done, she encourages people to be more mindful about incorporating some form physical exercise into their daily activities, as well as making healthier food choices, and once diagnosed with an NCD, to manage it according to their doctor’s advice. Candice
Dr Candice Van Koningsbruggen says that during the time of COVID-19, both patients and doctors need to pay particular attention to their mental wellness. For her own physical and mental wellness, she enjoys a yoga session. Candice is also a qualified yoga instructor and started a yoga group for colleagues to join, in and effort refresh their mind and body during a long or challenging shift. Dr Candice Van Koningsbruggen, is one of five Emergency Medicine Consultants servicing the Mitchells Plain District Hospital and Heideveld Emergency Centre.
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Covid-19 And Its Toll On Mental Health
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Fear and anxiety have gripped the globe as COVID-19 continues to take its toll on human life, economies and society at large.Experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the psychological effects of the epidemic particularly on the poor, elderly, children and teens, and frontline healthcare workers. Abdurahmaan Kenny, Mental Health Portfolio Manager at Pharma Dynamics says levels of distress are bound to increase as more South Africans become infected, lose their income and social isolation becomes a way of life beyond the lockdown as a consequence of the outbreak. “Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, those with mental health conditions and pre-existing health concerns are likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress due to the major threat that the outbreak poses to their own personal health. “Another high distress category is likely to include the poor who rely on odd jobs to make a living. Staying at home means they cannot provide for themselves or their families. “Doctors and nurses, particularly those at the frontline of the crisis may experience secondary traumatic stress (STS) reactions – a by-product of working in a traumatic environment. “Equally, parents who are dealing with childcare responsibilities during school closures and work-from-home obligations, may experience greater levels of anxiety as they try to juggle it all while taking care of elderly parents during the lockdown and reassuring their children.” He says that stress during the outbreak can include fear and concern about one’s own health and the health of loved ones, which is completely normal. More detrimental changes to watch out for include sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and worsening of chronic health problems. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions are also encouraged to continue with their treatment. Should their symptoms worsen, they should contact their healthcare provider (remotely if possible).
Advice to parents: “Arming yourself with the real facts about COVID-19 and the risk that it poses to yourself and your family can make the outbreak less stressful. If you remain calm and provide reassurance, children will follow your lead. However, teens are likely to be exposed to more communication from friends and social media, which may lead to excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits or acting out. “Keep the lines of communication open between you and your children. Answer questions they may have around COVID-19 based on facts provided by credible organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the SA government: sacoronavirus.co.za. Share advice on how to cope with stress and try stick to a routine with educational, fun and relaxing activities to make the days meaningful. “Be a role model to your children. Limit your news coverage of the outbreak to once a day, including social media. Stick to a wholesome routine of your own by getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising and connecting with friends and family. Your children will take their cue from you.” Supporting frontline responders: “Many of our doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel will be directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with COVID-19, which places an extraordinary burden on them both physically and mentally. “It is vital that they remain focused by taking care of their own health in order to continue to respond to the outbreak. “Take regular breaks, eat right, practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques, get enough sleep and work in teams to help ease the burden. Also ensure that childcare, household and pet care responsibilities are in hand while you’re on duty and communicate with loved ones, even if it’s just once during a
shift. Helping those in quarantine: Being in quarantine can trigger a range of emotions. “These could include feelings of relief, stress from constant monitoring for signs and symptoms, sadness, frustration and even anger. Guilt about not being at home and caring for children or other emotional or mental health challenges may surface. Families should be extra supportive and allow those returning from quarantine time to adjust.” “It can also be traumatic being separated from loved ones after testing positive for COVID-19. Remain in contact as much as you can via phone or video calling to provide patients with the love and support they need.” Kenny says knowing how to respond to these challenges when they arise will help you to stay mentally focused while caring for those closest to you. “For now, we need to embrace the new rhythm of life and the chance it gives us to connect with others in different ways.” As a leading provider of central nervous system (CNS) medication for the treatment of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders, amongst others, Pharma Dynamics is committed to the mental well-being of all South Africans. The company advocates for prevention services, early identification and intervention for those at risk. Those who feel mentally overwhelmed by COVID-19 or experience signs of depression can contact Pharma Dynamics’ toll-free helpline on 0800 205 026, which is manned by trained counsellors who are on call from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The call centre is a critical service to the public and is therefore operational during the lockdown. Also visit www.letstalkmh.co.za for additional tips and videos to ensure mental well-being during the lockdown. The public is also being encouraged to share photos and ideas of their own on the platform to help others get through this challenging time.
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Infographic obtained from SADAG
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Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Early Help Can Make All The Difference To People Living With Schizophrenia Supplied Content
chizophrenia is a misunderstood condition, with many stigmatising the condition and assuming people living with schizophrenia are crazy. In fact, schizophrenia is a severe chronic illness, and is treatable. This condition affects the brain, making it difficult for a person to separate 1 what is real from what is not. In some cases, the disease can appear with1 out warning. Most often though, schizophrenia presents with symptoms that can significantly affect daily life. Three types of schizophrenia symptoms Symptoms associated with schizophrenia are characterised according to three types: 2 positive, negative or cognitive. The positive and negative symptoms are easier to detect than the cognitive symptoms.2 Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and movement disorders. Negative symptoms are linked to the emotions and behaviours. Negative symptoms can include a person’s inability to enjoy every2 day life. Cognitive symptoms can include trouble focusing, memory problems, and the inabil2 ity to use information to make decisions. Healthcare professionals can only detect cognitive symptoms after performing medi2 cal tests. Schizophrenia in women There's no difference between the diagno3 sis rates in men and women , however, the disease often exhibits in women in their late 4 20s to early 30s. This is also when women are most likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. 4 Although, it is not uncommon for women older than 45 years to be diagnosed with 2 schizophrenia. The late onset of the disease is unclear, but hormonal changes are thought to be a contributing factor. 2 Men are usually diagnosed with schizophre-
nia early in their lives, most likely during their late teens to early 20s.4 Seek professional medical help early on for a better life Often people showing symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t fully aware of their well-being, and it is up to their family and friends to encourage them to seek professional medical help. And the earlier, the better. 1. Early treatment leads to better outcomes Schizophrenia diagnosis can only be determined by a healthcare professional, who will prescribe a suitable treatment plan. This treatment can include daily oral or monthly injection, plus therapy, or a monthly injectable, plus lifestyle changes or a combination of treatment.1 The sooner treatment starts, the better the outcomes and the sooner a symptom-free life can resume. By delaying seeking professional medical help and treatment, the symptoms can cause more damage to the.5 2. Schizophrenia symptoms can 5 happen in cycles A person with schizophrenia can experience positive and negative symptoms, not 5 always at the same time. This can lead to 5 people assuming they're getting better. Although it's easier to treat positive symptoms, the effects of negative symptoms can drastically affect a person's involvement in society and the chance of living a fulfilling life.5 3. Untreated diagnosis can cause severe problems Research from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) indicates that 10% of people living with schizophre3 nia die by suicide. This research further indicates that people living with schizophrenia and who abuse substances are also at risk of committing
acts of violence. This behaviour can be intensified by the most common schizophrenia symptoms including hallucinations and delusions.5 Although schizophrenia is a long term condition, it’s important to remember that with the right treatment, symptoms can be managed, and, a person with schizophrenia can live a fulfilled life with minimal disruption. It is necessary for family and friends of people living with schizophrenia to stay informed on the latest findings and resources. Schizophrenia24x7 and Our Mental Health Facebook page are credible sources of information that can advise on how best to help.
References 1. HelpGuide. Schizophrenia symptoms and coping tips. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-signs-and-symptoms.htm. Accessed on 3 July 2020. 2. Psychology Today. Schizophrenia. https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/conditions/schizophrenia. Accessed on 3 July 2020. 3. SADAG. Schizophrenia Facts and Statistics. http://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1442:schizophrenia-facts-and-statistics&catid=38&Itemid=181. Accessed on 3 July 2020. 4. WebMD. Schizophrenia: When Do Symptoms Usually Start? https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/qa/when-do-schizophrenia-symptoms-usually-start. Accessed on 3 July 2020. 5. Health Grades. 11 things doctors want you to know about schizophrenia. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/schizophrenia/11-things-doctors-want-you-to-know-about-schizophrenia. Accessed on 3 July 2020.
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Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Your Wellness Matters
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Taking The Guesswork Out of Choosing Healthy Foods! Walking into the grocery store, you are faced with many options. So how do you choose? Are you a health-conscious person? Do you want to make the best food choices for you and your family? Do you struggle to understand food labels? Partner Content
he Heart Mark logo takes the guesswork out of choosing food products so that consumers do not need to read complicated food labels. Although price, quality and taste will always be factors influencing what you buy, so too is making sure you choose the healthier option among all the products on the shelf. Heart Mark works with food manufacturers to make foods healthier. This means you don’t have to be a nutrition expert or spend hours reading labels – just look out for the Heart Mark and keep making healthier choices part of your life. The Heart Mark is not a diet. It’s a standard – a guaranteed way to buy food lower in salt, lower in sugar, lower in saturated fats, and higher in fibre. This makes it the best choice for you and your family and the smartest way to keep a healthy and balanced diet. Remember, choosing healthy foods goes hand in hand with exercise and also the way in which we cook our food. The Heart Mark endorsement programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Heart and Stroke Foundation to reduce the number of deaths in South Africa from preventable heart disease and stroke. The endorsement programme forms part of a health-enabling environment offering you a tool which makes choosing healthier foods easier. With over 450 different products endorsements by the Heart Mark programme, you will find Heart Mark choices for most of the foods you usually buy. Our Guarantee Foods have to earn the Heart Mark, which may only appear on products after they have gone through a strict process which includes laboratory tests. If the product does not meet certain criteria (e.g. the sodium level is too high), this will be discussed with the manufacturer and prod-
ucts may be reformulated or otherwise declined for endorsement. The Heart Mark can be used alongside healthy eating guidelines. Always discuss what’s right for you with your doctor or health practitioner, especially if you have a medical condition. Keep in mind that while products may have the Heart Mark logo, no product should be eaten in excessive amounts or too frequently. Food choices should be part of an overall healthy diet that includes appropriate portion sizes and a variety of different healthy foods. Do food companies buy the Heart Mark? The endorsement is earned, never bought. Foods are independently tested and if a product fails to meet the standards, it will not enter the programme. Food companies do pay a licence fee
once they are approved to enter the programme. The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA are registered Non-Profit Organisation, the licence fees received from the from the endorsement of is used to ensure the quality and sustainability of the various programmes offered at the foundation. List of Products On your next visit to your local supermarket and carry your very own downloadable customised shopping list from our website: www.heartfoundation.co.za More Information on product endorsement Nako Ngqonga Email: nako.ngqonga@heartfoundation.co.za Contact: 021 422 1586 Professor Pamela Naidoo Email: pamela.naidoo@heartfoundation.co.za Contact: 021 422 1586
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Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Your Wellness Matters
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
The 7764 is Getting Fit For Purpose Tsolofelo Mhabe
here’s no mistaking that the past few months have been exhausting and traumatic. And we still have many more months of uncertainty ahead. But local entrepreneur and former Athlone resident Ismail Kaskar has taken this unprecedented time to reposition and pivot a better way forward for the residents of Athlone and surrounding areas. Ish, as he is more commonly known, has a vision to redevelop the Athlone CBD area into a world-class technology and innovation hub that will include lifestyle, leisure and work facilities and amenities. “Many of the people who work in Town, Century City and Bellville for example, live in Athlone and surrounding areas. I find it unacceptable that our people have to travel far from home to work or to access leisure activities of a good standard” says Kaskar. Asking about why he decided to invest into an area that others have chosen not to, Ismail says that he has a vision to rejuvenate the Athlone CBD into a place that its residents can be proud of and have access to high quality work and leisure facilities that is typically only found in more affluent suburbs.
Ismail Kaskar another 1500 in the next six to twelve months. With a substantial amount of BPO support staff living in the Cape Flats areas, it makes sense for BPO centres to position themselves here, making it easier and more affordable for their staff to travel to work.
“With its easy access to bus, rail and taxi services, this redevelopment is pivoted on positioning the Athlone CBD as the Cape Flat’s technology and innovation hub, and will be geared toward the BPO, education and technology sectors.
Ismail has already invested in Phase-1 of his redevelopment plan by opening a multi-million-Rand functional fitness gym called FuturFit in George Street Athlone – close to the Athlone Police Station. The gym boasts world-class equipment, experienced personal trainers and exciting group/class workouts for the entire family.
“With widespread loss of jobs due to the impact of the coronavirus, we need to be innovative now more than ever before and create an enabling environment for job creation. And the BPO sector has the potential to create meaningful momentum in this regard” says Ish.
With the growing interest in UFC, one of FuturFit’s prized offerings is the Western Cape’s only permanent UFC octagon. Naturally, boxing, MMA and even self-defense classes for women are offered at the facility.
According to Kaskar, he already has interest from an international BPO operator with 4000+ seats filled and is expected to grow by
It also has a ladies-only studio for the exclusive provision of ladies classes including Zumba, Aerobics, and personal training sessions. Owing to its trendy look and feel,
the gym venue has become a popular location for stills and video productions and can be rented out as such. While the gym is currently closed, it recently hosted many private training sessions for popular personalities such as former Proteas paceman Vernon Philander, award winning actor Siv Ngesi, Stormers rugby player Skara Ntubeni, as well as fashion and makeup influencer Rushana Isaacs, and Entrepreneur Qaanita Orrie, where they each had exclusive use of the entire facility. According to Ish, this gym is an example of what is to come in the medium to long-term. Soon other premium quality lifestyle amenities such as wellness spas, trendy apartments and exciting co-working spaces will redefine the 7764. This is truly a refreshing development for the residents of the Cape Flats and we look forward to seeing the development unfold. For more information about FuturFit Gym visit their Instagram profile @FuturFitct or email info@futurfit.com
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Your Wellness Matters
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Put Your Money Where Your Health Is Zahreb Kline
ne of the biggest contributing factors to compromised physical and mental wellness, is nutrition. More specifically, unhealthy food choices. One has to then consider the factors influencing, or sometimes even dictating our unhealthy food choices. Factors such as culture, convenience, lifestyle, geographic and economic factors all play a role in the food choices we make. And sometimes, we consume food that is unhealthy for our bodies and minds despite knowing the harm it may cause us over the long-term. Perhaps this is because the risk or threat of dying or contracting a dread disease as a result of poor food choices seems like a long-term one, and not one where a poor food choice today could result in you dying or tomorrow. But now, due to the unwelcome arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating loss of life it caused, one could argue that living a healthier lifestyle has gained some popularity within communities. The problem however, is that good nutritional food options are either inconvenient, expensive or hard to find – especially in lower income communities. FUTURELIFE®, a brand leader in the South African functional food market, has launched a High Protein Shake, an innovative ready-to-drink nutritious shake that offers a new dimension of convenience for consumers, but may have found an unexpected place in the market in the throes of COVID-19. YWM’s Zagreb Kline speaks to FUTURELIFE® Managing Manager Justine Agnew for insights into how their new product offering could help consumers make better food choices and stay healthy to mitigate the risks of contracting common viruses and diseases. In the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, food security has become a point of grave concern for people of poor socio-economic standing - has this factor been a consideration when developing the product? FUTURELIFE® offers a wide range of prod-
ucts, each with their own unique benefits and suitable for different budgets. FUTURELIFE® High Protein Shake certainly offers value for money as one serving would provide the food nutritional equivalent of 50g cooked chicken breast, 1/3 cup rice, 1 teaspoon of mayo plus 19 vitamins and minerals which would come from eating a variety of fruits and vegetables all for just R12.99. The product is also a convenient on-the-go option that has been formulated with SmartProtein3D, a scientific blend of 3 protein sources, Whey, Casein and Soy. International scientific research shows that providing a blend of protein sources provides a more balanced, longer lasting amino acid profile than a single protein source, thereby optimising the muscle repair process. We understand that nutritional goals for individuals may change as a result of the pandemic therefore if on the other hand one is looking for complete and balanced nutrition on the go without the focus on muscle repair, FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ may be an alternative budget friendly option. A 50g serving of FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ would offer the food equivalent of 1½ slices of wholewheat bread, 1½ eggs, 1 tsp margarine, a capsule of MODUCARE® (which is a daily immune supplement) as well as half of all the vitamins and most minerals you need for the entire day from only R3.00! Can the FUTURELIFE® High Protein Shake be substituted as a meal replacement and not only as a protein supplement for active people? Depending on an individual’s energy requirements, the product could certainly be used as a meal replacement as it would provide the food nutritional equivalent of 50g cooked chicken breast, 1/3 cup rice, 1 teaspoon of mayo plus 19 vitamins and minerals which would come from eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Since protein is a key component in developing a strong immune system, how relevant and useful is the FUTURELIFE®
High Protein Shake during the COVID-19 pandemic? FUTURELIFE® High Protein Shake provides 16g of protein per serving thus offering a delicious and convenient option to meet your daily protein requirements. A true innovation with first to retail technology, our dual pouch technology keeps the purified water and nutrient dense powder separate. By squeezing and popping the internal seal, the powder and water mix to create an instant high protein shake that can be consumed on-the-go with minimal effort and hygiene risk. While this might be an unintended consumer, at an RRP of R12.99, FUTURELIFE® High Protein Shake can be viewed as a beneficial snack in place of a cheap, unhealthy fast-food township staple such as a vetkoek is there any effort by FUTURELIFE® to educate less active, health-conscious consumers about the need to make healthier food choices? Certainly, the product serves as a hygienic and convenient source of a great quality protein (containing all 19 amino acids which makes it a complete protein of the same quality as an animal protein.) which would be of benefit all consumers, our communication is targeted both to people needing protein for an active lifestyle as well as those needing a protein rich meal or snack as part of their everyday lives to meet their protein requirements.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
BREAKING: Domestos Kills Coronavirus Lingering On Surfaces – US Study Proves Unilever has received test results from a leading US laboratory that prove Domestos thick bleach kills the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus in one minute. Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the South African Department of Health have suggested that disinfecting high-touch surfaces in the home with bleach could be key in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19. While these health bodies were mainly relying on past use of bleach solutions to clear bacterial and viral colonies when making these recommendations, Unilever can now say definitively that Domestos thick bleach has been proven to kill the Coronavirus in 60 seconds. Research and Development Homecare Manager at Unilever South Africa, Lynn Cowie, explained: “The global team at Unilever was keen to reassure people that Domestos thick bleach is effective against SARS-COV-2 and sent samples to a leading United States laboratory for immediate testing”. The results, she said, were greatly reassuring.
Using Domestos at a ratio of 1:8 (1-part bleach, 8-parts water) and applying it to an infected surface showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus - better known as COVID-19 - would be destroyed in one minute. Lethepu Matshaba, Vice President Home Care at Unilever, said she is proud that South Africans can use such an easily accessible product to help in the fight against the pandemic. “Not only are bleach products proven to be effective against the Coronavirus, they are easily accessible and affordable, ready to protect households across the country,” said Matshaba.
indirect contact as more people venture out of their homes to return to work. So, as recommended by the WHO, it has become equally important to clean high-touch surfaces in the home with bleach containing sodium hypochlorite, such as Domestos thick bleach. Surfaces which could be considered viral hotspots in the home include light switches, door, cupboard and appliance handles, the toilet and its flusher, general bathroom surfaces and kitchen counters – particularly before and after preparing food.
When the pandemic first began, the key focus of most public education programmes was on social distancing, self-isolation and regular handwashing. However, in recent weeks, particularly with the easing of the South African lockdown, viruses are more likely to be spread through
“The number of homes with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 increases every day, so it is paramount to break the chain of infection in homes by disinfecting these frequently touched surfaces with bleach,” Matshaba said. To arrange interviews with our experts, contact Zandile Kgame: Zandile.Kgame@edelman.com.
About Domestos: Domestos has helped protect families from germs for more than 80 years. Today, Domestos is sold in 65 countries around the world. It is sold across Western, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and much of Asia. It is the market leader for toilet cleaners in countries including South
Africa, UK, Poland, Russia, and Turkey. Domestos is Unilever’s leading toilet hygiene brand and has been committed to helping protect families from germs for more than 80 years. As such, the brand is uniquely positioned to address the sanitation crisis. Domestos’ commitment to deliver more social value is just one action Unilever is
taking to meet its goal of helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, and in turn, create a sustainable future. Domestos now has a new, improved formula, with extended germ- and stain-fighting power, making it unstoppable in its fight for clean, safe toilets for all.
About Unilever: Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home, Personal Care and Refreshment products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. It has 169,000 employees and generated sales of €53.3 billion in 2015. Over half (58%)
of the company’s footprint is in developing and emerging markets. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Persil, Dove, Knorr, Domestos, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Wall’s, PG Tips, Ben & Jerry’s, Marmite, Magnum and Lynx. Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan commits
to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being by 2020. Halving the environmental impact of our products by 2030. Enhancing the livelihoods of millions of people by 2020.
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Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Your Wellness Matters
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Can Your Car Battery Weather The Winter Cold? It’s that time of the year again when the winter mornings are icy, we’re more sluggish and we find ourselves reaching for the snooze button for what feels like the hundredth time before getting out of bed in the morning. Did you know your car’s battery feels the cold too, and a chilly winter morning is the most likely, albeit the most inconvenient time, you could be left stranded with a flat battery. As the weather gets colder, your vehicle's battery’s ability to provide enough power to start and run the
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1.
Keep your car sheltered
engine is reduced. Your engine also needs more power to start than under normal weather conditions which can cause battery failure. “Batteries, just like us, like to keep warm, dry, and well-fueled during winter. Remember to take good care of your battery, test it regularly, especially going into the winter season to make sure that it’s in good condition. The process takes only a few minutes. Identifying a problem and then fitting a new battery could prevent you from finding 2.
Warm it up
Ambient temperatures can kill your battery if they drop too low. The weaker your battery, the warmer it has to be to make sure you can start your car. Park your car in a garage if possible, invest in a car cover, park next to warm buildings, or at least try to park your car in a sheltered area facing east so that as the sun rises it will ever so slightly start warming up your car.
It’s important to give your battery enough time to warm up in the early morning so make sure to turn on the ignition and let the alternator charge the battery before you turn on the radio, lights, air-con, or start driving the car.
4.
5.
Keep charged at all times!
Safety first, always!
When charging your vehicle’s battery, make sure that your car is in a well ventilated area and follow proper recharging schedules to prevent your vehicles battery from overcharging. If you are attempting to jump start your vehicle make sure to read your vehicles manual, specifically the sections related to jump starts of your car battery.
Make sure your battery is always in good condition so you don’t get stranded in the dark on a quiet road, one of the easiest ways of doing this is to avoid leaving your car parked with accessories like the radio or lights switched on for extended periods. Remember not to lean over a battery when charging or testing and NEVER put metal objects on top of a battery.
Athlone Midas
Belhar Midas
Address: Corner 4th Avenue & Klipfontein Road, Belgravia, Athlone, 7764 Tel: 021 637 2071 Whatsapp: 076 157 0760 Email: athlone@midas.co.za Insta: midas_athlone
Address: 93 Belhar Drive, Belhar, 7490 Tel: 021 952 1600
yourself stranded and left in a potentially dangerous position,” says Shannon Drake of Midas. With the recent lockdown regulations, many South Africans have left their cars unused for long periods, or have only been using our them for short trips to the shops for essentials, with quick starts and stops that prevent the battery from fully recharging. These are some of the primary reasons contributing to batteries being depleted and causing battery failure. 3.
Good maintenance is key!
Batteries need good and thorough maintenance to keep running. They should be maintained in a fully charged state by the vehicle’s charging system. Should you suspect that your battery us not functioning properly you should have it checked by the a proffessional. Should you need to have your battery replaced, a company like Midas can assist you to select a battery that suits your lifestyle.
A battery is the heart of a vehicle, if it doesn’t start, your car won’t start either. Taking the time to check your battery often is worth the effort. Ideally, a battery should last between three and five years. However, climate, the demands you place on the battery, and your driving habits can impact your car's battery life. Keeping an eye on the age of the battery and remebering to have it tested regularly as it gets older will keep you charged and on the road. For more information visit www.midas.co.za
Eerste River Midas
Address: Corner Forest Drive & Gordon Street, Tainan Centre, Eerste River Tel: 021 904 1193
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Your Wellness Matters
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“Raisin” The Bar in MMA Training Zagreb Kline
Claude Raisin Kulenfuka hails from the DRC and has established himself in Cape Town over recent years. Raisin, as he is commonly known, is an accomplished combat sports professional with more than 10 years’ experience. He holds black belts in Judo, Kickboxing and Japanese Jujitsu. Raisin putting client Imtiaaz Smith through his paces.
So sought-after is his expertise that he was called upon to train both the Angolan and the DRC’s National Kickboxing teams in 2019.
abroad at the One Championship International. Through Raisin Holdings, he also managers EFC Fighters. Raisin is currently the resident Head MMA Coach at FuturFit Gym in Athlone.
While in Cape Town he conducted self-defense classes for girls at Groenvlei High School to empower themselves against Gender-Based-Violence. Additionally, he also trained the Western Cape Women’s Indoor Hockey Team. Raisin is also the CEO of Raisin Holdings and represents several fighters such as Gunther Kalunda and Danie van Heerden locally and
For group and individual classes, he can be contacted on +658220 5814 | 084 630 1924 | 081 575 5754, email: rkfighter2@gmail.com
Claude Raisin Kulenfuka
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 11 - July/August 2020
Farhaaz Has a Fighting Chance Refiloe Nomdada
n 1998 South Africa was home to no less than 8 World Boxing Title Holders. I doubt however that many of us will be able to name half of them. Dingaan Thobela, Brian Mitchell and the pint-size powerhouse Jacob Baby Jake Matlala are the only names that come to my mind. On the Cape Flats, sport is more often than not an accidental, happened-upon experience that became a gateway to the prospect of a better future. This is exactly the case for 27-year-old Farhaaz Sayed of Rylands. Born in Cape Town but drifting between parts of the Boland as a child, Farhaaz navigated a challenging childhood being raised by parents who divorced at the age he was about six years old. From a young age he was confronted with emotions of guilt and uncertainty as he tried to please both parents by not making the other feel less loved because he wasn’t mostly living there. It wasn’t until one day at the age of 19 years old that a devastating domestic incident drove him to take decisive action to change the course of his life through sport. Farhaaz says that he was always athletically inclined, and sport was a way for him to free his mind and express himself. He played in the Santos football academy for three years, but a lack of confidence meant that he didn’t excel at the level he potentially could have. One day a friend approached him wanting to sell a punching bag - that he ended up buying. Without the intent to box on his mind, he started hitting the bag - An experience he instantly enjoyed. Farhaaz was hitting a punching bag at gym one day when boxing trainer Riyaaz Orrie noticed and approached him with an invita-
tion to swing by his home-based gym for a training session with him. Riyaaz identified potential in Farhaaz and has since taken him under his wing. To establish his level of ability and to determine how far he could go with boxing, Farhaaz entered his first amateur fight against an experienced boxer – and won. He went on to win a few more amateur fights and with this newfound confidence, set his sights on becoming the Western Cape Champion – which he did. Making it all the way to the SA Championship. This Farhaaz astonishingly achieved in the space of five months! It was at this point that both he and trainer Riyaaz took the decision for him to go Pro. While this sounds glamourous, its more challenging than we imagine says Farhaaz. “Being a professional boxer is like having a fulltime job - without pay. Well, you get paid per fight, of which I was to have four of for 2020. But the Corona virus has unhinged that plan. Farhaaz relies on a day job to enable him to pay the bills while he pursues his dream. This is why endorsements and sponsorships are so important from development level because it allows the athlete to focus solely on training to be in the best mental, emotional and physical condition to become and be the best. But sadly, endorsements and sponsorships generally only become available once the athlete has made a name for him/herself. Sponsors need to view these grassroots sponsorships as necessary investments in youth who have already survived unbelievable odds to get to where they are. And for an economic barrier to impede further prospects of success is a travesty of social justice. Farhaaz becomes emotional when I probe
Farhaaz Sayed about how his family feels about his pursuit to become an accomplished Pro boxer. “I get emotional when I speak about my family. Boxing has brought my family together. In the beginning it was either one could make it to a fight while the other couldn’t. Now, my whole family supports me – even relatives whom I wasn’t that close with before are now much closer and support me at my fights”. We hope that Farhaaz’s story inspires youth to turn to sport as an outlet of expression, and possibly discover something new and wonderful about themselves. Equally so, we hope it reaches the eyes or ears of a socially active corporate citizen who takes the leap of investing in our youth – giving them all a fighting chance.
