Your
October 2021 Issue 23
Matters The community paper to whom your wellness matters. facebook.com/yourwellnessza
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LACK OF BLACK The Golden Bow
Sibongile Jimlongo, a 26-year-old stem cell donor from Stellenbosch
STEM CELL DONORS a symbol for breastfeeding protection, promotion and support.
Refiloe Nomdada
hile most cancer deaths (60%) are among black South Africans, only 10% are registered as stem cell donors. “This has devastating consequences,” says Jane Ward, Deputy Director of the SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR). PARTNERS:
“Each year, an estimated 4 000 new cases of blood disorders, such as leukaemia and lymphoma occur in South Africa. For most patients, the best chance of a cure is a bone marrow transplant, also termed a stem cell transplant. “Only about 2.8% of black leukaemia
patients referred to the SABMR who require a stem cell transplant and haven’t secured a match within their family are lucky enough to find an unrelated donor match. Sadly, the remainder goes with-
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
LOCKDOWN AND SOCIAL MEDIA ARE LEADING CONTRIBUTOR TO RISING TEEN SUICIDE RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA Supplied Content
During one of the most uncertain times in modern history, teens and adolescents face a whole new set of challenges. Fears about the future, extreme loneliness and isolation, and increased social media exposure are issues previous generations never had to deal with. These pressures have resulted in a very depressed and anxious generation and the consequences are significant. According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds globally. In South Africa, 9% of all teenage deaths are due to suicide, with an estimated 23 suicides and 460 attempted suicides occurring every day. As worrying as these statistics are, the reason for the rise in teen suicide ideations and attempts is multifaceted, says Dr. Ade van Heerden. “The lockdown and increased media exposure are definitely two of the biggest contributors, while other factors like bullying, academic pressure, and a history of childhood trauma and abuse are also areas of concern. There isn’t a single reason, but more an amalgamation of a changing society and the many pressures that come with it.” Despite the complexity of depression, suicide ideations, and anxiety disorders, Dr van Heerden offers guidance on the warning signs parents can look for if they suspect their teens are struggling. “When it comes to warning signs, there are some noticeable and more subtle changes parents should keep in mind. Changes in mood with possible excessive crying or anger outbursts are common, as well as self-harm and other risky behaviours, including drug and alcohol
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.
abuse.” “Other signs include low self-esteem, loss of interest in friends or hobbies, social isolation, a drop in grades, weight loss or gain, and a fixation on past failures associated with self-blame. More subtle signs include changes in sleeping patterns and appetite and less attention to personal hygiene.” On a more promising note, Dr van Heerden assures that certain actions can be taken to help teens dealing with stressful situations. “Medications sourced from nature have been proven to help young people suffering from the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Products like Emozac are great over-the-counter alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical medications like Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), one of the most common prescription antidepressant drugs.” Dr van Heerden continues, “In fact, when compared to SSRIs over a six-week period, medication containing saffron extract like Emozac had a similar effect with no noted side effects. This only corroborates our findings that natural medicine can help manage the symptoms of depression and anxiety. This includes increasing sleep quality, which in turn promotes our decision-making abilities and general mood. It also decreases feelings of stress and encourages emotional balance and calmness. What’s more, Emozac is suitable for children from the age of 12, making it a good alternative for adolescents, teens and young adults.” Taking action
Dealing with a child suffering from anxiety or depression can be a daunting, scary, and
emotional experience. However, parents can help ease the process and give loved ones the support they need through understanding and encouragement. Dr van Heerden also adds that the role of therapy cannot be overstated enough. “Therapy plays a vital role in recovery and equipping a teenager with appropriate coping skills. At a young age, family therapy can also be a great way to open up communication lines between parents and kids. A licensed therapist or medical professional will be able to advise on the need for pharmaceutical intervention and the treatment course depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual needs of the child,” Dr van Heerden concludes. If you suspect your teen of having suicidal thoughts, call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. Calls are free, and counselling is available in all 11 official languages. About Releaf Pharmaceuticals
Releaf Pharmaceuticals is a thought-leading, South African-based pharmaceutical company in the Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) category of products. It is focused on creating and sharing scientifically backed, best-in-class products and solutions, which exceed the CAMs/SAHPRA requirements within the CAMs product categories. Their solutions talk to the needs of a conscious, informed, health-focused community: people who proactively cultivate a healthy lifestyle and believe implicitly in preventative health – who also expect their doctor or pharmacist to offer them trusted alternatives.
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Issue 23
October 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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LACK OF BLACK STEM CELL DONORS HAS FATAL CONSEQUENCES out a transplant and eventually succumb to the disease. Some of them are still babies.” Despite the SABMR having access to the World Bone Marrow Donor Registry that has over 39 million registered donors, only a small percentage of them are black. Ward says it’s a worldwide concern causing a serious under-representation of ethnic populations in the global donor pool. “The same attitudes and behaviours persist for organ and blood donations. Much more awareness needs to be created among people of colour to destigmatise organ, blood and stem cell donation as a whole. “In the last four years, our black donor pool has only grown by 1%, which brings the total number of black donors on our database to 7 600. As a result, there remains a major shortage of donors to help black patients who need lifesaving transplants. “The likelihood of people from certain ethnic backgrounds finding a successful match is a mere 37% compared to patients from European descent whose chances are 72%. Finding a match is highest among donors of a patient’s own ethnic group. But, even then, the odds of a match are one in 100 000. Ultimately, the more donors we have, the better the chances of finding a match. It’s a highly specialised process that can take weeks to months depending on the patient’s tissue type,” says Ward. Sibongile Jimlongo, a 26-year-old stem cell donor from Stellenbosch says people in the black community don’t talk enough about stem cell donation and that needs to change. “Sometimes beliefs and culture stand between people and donating. Many people still don’t understand what the donation procedure entails and that it rarely requires surgery. When I came up as a match on the SA Bone Marrow Registy, I needed the approval of my grandmother as it’s just not one of those things that we do. The concept is completely
foreign to most people in black communities. Once I explained what it entailed and that it could save someone’s life, without harming my own, she gave me her blessing. “I believe there is still a lot of stigma, particularly among our elders, that are against Western medicine who seek alternative healing, such as traditional medicine, as a form of treatment, before they’ll go to a hospital. There is a dire need for education and awareness,” says Jimlongo. Ward cites the following as major barriers to stem cell donation:
1. Cultural and religious beliefs – largely due to a misunderstanding of religious views and ignorance of the donation process. 2. Lack of awareness that transplantation can save lives. 3. The myth that donating stem cells is a painful and costly process. 4. Negative family and/or community influences. 5. Medical mistrust. To mitigate these obstacles among black communities, the SABMR will be engaging religious and traditional leaders in the coming months to make more information available about the donation process and its positive outcomes. She says anyone aged between16 and 45 can register. “All it takes is completing an online health history questionnaire, and then a cheek swab, which can be done at one of our depots, like Intercare or Pathcare, or a kit can be couriered to you free of charge. Once registered, your information is entered into the SA donor database and your cheek swab goes to an accredited testing laboratory. Your swab is tested, and then results are sent to us and uploaded to the SABMR database. “If your name does come up during one of our searches, we’ll phone you to see if you’re still interested. If your circumstances have changed, you’re not obliged to say yes. If you agree to proceed, we will ask you to provide a fresh blood sample to confirm that your genetic typing matches the patient’s. Once we’ve confirmed a match, we’ll coordinate your donation from start to
finish, at no cost to you. All you need to do is undergo a medical examination to make sure you are healthy enough to donate stem cells, have a short series of injections to boost the production of extra bone marrow stem cells, and then show up on the day of the donation, which can take place at the closest collection centre to you. If you require transport, we’ll cover the cost as well. “Most donors donate through a process called peripheral blood stem cell collection. The same stem cells found in your bone marrow are also found in your circulating blood, and this process collects those cells instead. It is a nonsurgical, outpatient procedure, during which blood is removed through a needle in one arm, passed through a machine that collects stem cells, and returned through a needle in your other arm. During donation, which takes up to eight hours, most donors watch TV, work remotely, or even nap. An SABMR staff member is with you all day to make sure you’re comfortable and to look after your needs,” reassures Ward. After donating, a trained SABMR courier will transport your cells to the patient’s transplant centre and the patient will receive the transplant. If successful, the patient’s body should start producing its own healthy stem cells. “There’s no greater gift that you can give someone than the gift of life,” says Ward. “The more black people come forward, the more lives can be saved in SA and other parts of the world too. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has joined the registry and encourage those who have joined to talk to their family and friends about their decision to spread the word,” she says. The SAMBR needs 47 880 more people from black and mixed heritage backgrounds to join the registry. At any given time, more than 70 black patients referred to the SABMR are awaiting a match. If you are thinking of becoming a donor you can sign up online at www.sabmr.co.za , contact the SABMR on 021 447 8638 or via email: donors@sabmr.co.za. Financial donations can also be made via www.sabmr.co.za/donate.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
Focus on Mental Health
Source: 2021 Stress Index, PROFMED
Issue 23
October 2021
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Your Wellness Matters
2021 STRESS INDEX UNVEILS THE MENTAL STATE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROFESSIONAL Supplied Content
The myriad challenges that COVID-19 has forced on our lives have been stressful, none more so than for many working professionals. Based on Profmed’s 2021 Stress Index, fear of loss of income and the fear of losing a family member to COVID-19 went head-to-head as the biggest stress factors of the last year. In August, medical aid Profmed’s Stress Index survey went live once again. Every year, the medical scheme surveys and strives to gauge stress among South African professionals. Over 2400 Profmed members – professionals across a variety of sectors – responded to this year’s survey. True to form, the greater part of respondents (37%) hailed from the medical industry – as was the case in 2019 and 2020. However, the number of respondents almost doubled this year,
Source: 2021 Stress Index, PROFMED
sitting at 2457, compared to last year, where only 1331 participants were recorded, making this the most comprehensive and reliable research on the effects of stress. Despite COVID-19, the Stress Index results for the last three years have remained somewhat consistent. Profmed CEO, Craig Comrie says, “It is not implausible to associate work with both financial and health issues faced by South African professionals. With concepts invading our daily lexicon like the ‘new normal’ and working from home, it’s no wonder 36% of respondents admitted to struggling with balancing working from home and home life.” The 2021 results revealed that 42% of our respondents are affected emotionally, physically and mentally by stress, compared to
43% in 2019 and 46% in 2020. This indicates some improvement since last year where working conditions changed significantly. To deal with it, 49% of respondents consistently exercise, which is a stark contrast to 2019, when 60% used exercise as a tool to deal with stress. We hope that people safely return to gyms and exercise routines as lockdown levels are lowered, like other healthy behaviours this can also save your life. The research continues to indicate that only 3% prefer to see a counsellor to manage their stress and we encourage people to use the amazing counselling skills available in South Africa to cope with both short term and long term effects of stress. Comrie says, “The Stress Index illustrates that work-related
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
2021 STRESS INDEX UNVEILS THE MENTAL STATE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROFESSIONAL stress remains one of the biggest health concerns for South African professionals. With COVID-19 elevating stress and anxiety levels, failure to recognise our stress and find healthy ways of coping can severely affect us and impair our physical and mental wellbeing.” Work usually takes priority over everything else in our lives and our aspiration to prosper professionally can cause us to neglect our own well-being. A well-adjusted work-life balance is paramount, not only for our physical, emotional and mental well-being, but also important for our career. Section 9 of the BCEA stipulates that, South African’s working hours should not exceed 45 hours a week. However, the “new normal” introduced by the pandemic, sees many professionals far exceeding this. When asked if working from home has
Source: 2021 Stress Index, PROFMED
improved the work-life balance, 62% of the professionals felt this question was “not applicable” to them, with 21% saying their work-life balance has improved in 2021. Comrie says that there are many ways to get help if you are struggling to cope. “If stress hinders your daily routine for several days in a row, it’s important to identify the root cause and speak to a professional.” Organisations that provide wellness support for stress for their employees record less sickness, fatigue and mental burnout where employees are concerned. These incentives lead to a more positive company culture. Nonetheless, 2,376 of 2,475 participants disclosed that their organisations do not provide wellness support for stress. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, 39.08% of our members reported their
mental health has suffered the most,” says Comrie. “This is because the pandemic has overwhelmed every aspect of our lives. With the vaccine roll-out plan being the contentious topic that it is, 39.05% of our members have moderate confidence levels in it.” On a scale of extremely high to extremely low, 31% of respondents recorded medium stress levels. However, the results showed thatsome people are able to deal and recover from stress more effectively than others. “It’s also important to know that continuous tension on your body from stress may contribute to severe health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Mental disorders such as depression or anxiety are also caused by ongoing and untreated stress. Knowing your stress triggers and tackling them early is vital in the battle against stress,” says Comrie.
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October 2021
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Your Wellness Matters
MENTAL WELLNESS – IT STARTS WITH YOU Zagreb Kline
Consistent commitment and open communication are key to better mental health for all Up to one-third of South Africans experience a mental health issue during the course of their lives, yet less than 25% of people seek professional help, according to the South African Stress and Health (SASH) study – one of the few nationally representative studies of common mental health issues – indicating that the country may well be facing a mental health crisis. One way in which to help address this is through consistency in mental health awareness, advocated by experts as a simple and practical way to change the status quo. Megan Hosking, psychiatric intake clinician at Netcare Akeso mental health facilities, says that many people tend to think of mental health only in terms of problems that need to be addressed, and not as forming an integral part of one’s overall proactive daily health regime. “Deteriorating mental health over the past 18 months has been called a parallel epidemic – one we will continue to see the
effects of for years to come. COVID-19 has brought to light the many mental health struggles faced by people all over the world. If this is not addressed at an individual level, we are going to end up with a society carrying a legacy of mental health problems into the future,” she cautions. Commit to 21 days
“Mental health is something we should work on continuously, as part of our regular health routine, just as we do physical exercises or make healthy choices. This is not to over-simplify mental health, but the fact is that many people tend to focus on what happens when things aren’t okay and do not consider what can be done proactively to help keep our mental health tanks full.” Hosking notes that there are numerous simple, yet effective daily practices that can assist in maintaining mental wellness and preventing possible issues from occurring in the first place. “This includes habits such as deep breathing, moving your body, being mindful of how you respond to the world around you, and acts of self-care such as keeping a journal or putting time aside for your own needs. Natu-
rally not every type of mental wellness practice will work for everyone, so it is important to find one, or preferably several, that you enjoy and that you can feel the benefit of. “The real take away, however, is that you commit to doing this daily for at least 21 days. Research tells us that it takes a minimum of 21 days to form a new habit, after which time it should become second nature to prioritise your mental health practice or practices alongside all your other daily health habits. The long-term benefit of consistency will show up in better stress management, a more positive outlook on life and greater overall mental health,” she says. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Netcare Akeso has designed a deck of cards with 21 tips and easy-to-do activities, one for each day, to promote self-care and mental wellness. The full 21-day deck can be accessed via the Netcare Akeso website here: https://www.akeso.co.za/21-tips-health-habits-for-positive-mental-health
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
MENTAL WELLNESS – IT STARTS WITH YOU Zagreb Kline Stick to the plan
When mental health issues do arise, Hosking emphasises the importance of consistent behaviour in the ongoing management of such issues when you are undergoing any form of treatment, whether it be therapy, medication or both. “This could mean taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor or attending your regular therapy sessions. Some studies have found that up to 60% of patients with depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder stop taking their prescribed medication within three months, which can increase the risk of relapse and experiencing another mental health episode. This can have a profoundly negative impact on your wellbeing and that of those around you. Sticking to a treatment plan is essential in the proper management of mental health conditions,” she says. Make it a habit to talk about it
“Unfortunately, stigmas persist around mental health issues, which discourage many people from seeking help. However, if each of us engaged in mental healthcare practices – be it in the form of prevention,
treatment, or management – as part of our daily lives, we could also help to reduce this stigma.” Hosking points out that many people experience a sense of shame when talking about their mental health challenges, sometimes feeling guilty for what may be seen as complaining when their lives seem otherwise good, in other cases feeling worried about the potential consequences of speaking up about mental struggles. “The more we talk about mental health, the more we will see it being made a priority in our workplaces, our communities and our own lives. Mental health issues do not discriminate and anyone – regardless of their circumstances – may at some point find that life has taken its toll on their mental wellbeing. “In those moments, it is understandable if you feel alone, especially in a time that has led to increased isolation for so many. However, there are options available to help you improve and manage your mental state – whether it is starting a new daily mental health habit or reaching out for professional help. Whatever the case, it starts with you. By talking about mental health, the victories, and the struggles, you are effectively laying
the foundations for a community that embraces mental wellbeing and supports those who need it,” Hosking concludes. If you need to talk to an experienced counsellor, Netcare Akeso offers a 24-hour crisis helpline. It can also assist in the case of a mental health emergency and getting you to a point of care, as well as provide information and guidance about mental health and mental health services. For information about occupational or mental health services, accessing care, information about mental health issues, or if you are in an emotional crisis, Netcare Akeso is there to help. Contact info@akeso.co.za or visit www.akeso.co.za. In the event of a psychological crisis, emergency support can be reached on 0861 435 787, 24 hours a day. Out-patient psychologist and occupational therapist consultations can be booked via www.copetherapy.co.za and psychiatrist consultations through Netcare appointmed ™, online at www.netcareappointmed.co.za or by calling 0861 555 565. The COPE Therapy website www.copetherapy.co.za also contains many useful blog posts on various issues and tips relating to mental health.
Issue 23
October 2021
Source: 2021 Stress Index, PROFMED
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
YWM PARTNERS WITH MISS SA 2021 RUNNER-UP DR MORATWE MASIMA TO ADDRESS FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tsolofelo Mhabe
It’s the second consecutive year that Your Wellness Matters has been invited to celebrate Brand South Africa’s latest ambassadors, namely Miss SA 2021 winner Ms Lalela Mswane and runners-up Doctor Moratwe Masima and Zimi Mabunzi. These bright young minds will over the next year play an important role representing South Africa at various global events. Overnight they will need to pay earnest attention to national and global events of relevance – from sport, economics, civil society and yes, even health and wellness! To our delight, we were pleased to learn that runner-up Dr Moratwe Masima started her own advocacy programme pivoted on the importance of reproductive health amongst young girls and women. Titled #YourHealthYourDignity, it was established by Dr Moratwe as a response to the dire need for equal and safe healthcare in our overstretched healthcare system in South Africa. The programme specifically focuses on the reproductive healthcare of women at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid in an effort to reduce the continuing cycle of pov-
erty that is a direct result of the lack of education and resources on the matter. Speaking to Dr Moratwe who is completing her internship at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg, she said, “Daily I see very young girls, sometimes under ten-years-old – pregnant! Adding to this medical risk, is that they also come from very poor households who because they cannot afford to raise a child, they are at risk of backdoor abortions or self-aborting the pregnancy that poses grave risks to both the mother and the child”. “So I started this programme to ensure that I make an active effort beyond my profession to address this serious issue. The number of children born to teen mothers in South Africa’s most populous province, Gauteng, has jumped 60% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a clear indication that the problem is worsening.” New figures from the Gauteng Department of Health show that more than 23,000 girls aged under 18 gave birth between April 2020 and March 2021 – of which 934 were aged under 14 - compared to 14,577 girls aged 19 and under having babies in the same period a year earlier.
From left: Dr Moratwe Masima, Miss SA 2021 Lalela Mswane, Zimi Mabunzi. Image credit - Brand SA
In an effort to support Dr Masima on her advocacy journey, Your Wellness Matters will publish a monthly feature dedicated to the topic of female reproductive health amongst young girls and women titled “Talk Wellness To Me with Dr Masima” #YourHealthYourDignity. YWM Editor Jehad Kasu explains, “In this monthly feature, readers will be able to email Dr Masima and even send Whattsapp messages to a number dedicated to the feature. Readers may pose any questions about pregnancy, birth, menstruation, ovulation, or other female wellness issues to Dr Masima through these channels. We are very excited and proud of this collaboration and have high hopes of making a positive impact in the lives of young girls.” In closing, Dr Masima said “I look forward to engaging with the young females in South Africa, helping them make informed lifestyle decisions that will benefit them in the future.” Comments or questions may be sent to drmasima@44tenmedia.co.za – the Whatsapp number will be published in due course
Issue 23
October 2021
Your Wellness Matters
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FREYA HATS AWARDED CANSA SEAL OF RECOGNITION
Partner Content
Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO, says, “CANSA welcomes Freya Hats to our ‘lifestyle basket’ in our drive to help reduce the risk of cancer. The CANSA Smart Choice programme is part of an ongoing effort by CANSA to lower exposure to carcinogens and other risk factors associated with cancer development, such as solar radiation. Freya Hats have a UPF 50, which is the highest level of ultraviolet protection factor in UV protective garments which is denoted with a CANSA Smart Choice swing tag. Their hats are 100% cotton which is environmentally friendly and are hypoallergenic and benefit and protect the whole family, by including a baby and kids’ range. The hats should of course be used in conjunction with a CANSA approved sunscreen, and good SunSmart habits to ensure optimal protection from the sun.” Stephanie Brearley, founder of Freya Hats, is delighted with the new partnership with CANSA, “Freya Hats is a small local busi-
ness with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. We believe in creating fashion with a purpose, and a portion of all sales is donated to various charities that support women and children in need. CANSA has a brilliant reputation and by partnering with them it builds trust that our hats offer the best protection from the sun. South Africans love spending time in the sun, especially during summer, and we want to make sure they do it safely.” With a desire to create sustainable fashion pieces with a purpose, Freya Hats was established. Each hat is packaged in custom-made drawstring bags that are reusable and plastic-free. These bags are made from end of roll or discarded fabric. The hats are gender-inclusive, made for the fashion-forward individual. Freya hats further donate a portion of all profits to charities that support women and children in need such as The CORA and Sithanda Upliftment Projects.
The CANSA Seal was introduced to encourage South Africans to read product labels and to assist them in making informed choices – the aim being to promote smart, balanced lifestyles. (See https://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-seal-of-recognition/. The protection category includes UV protective clothing as UV radiation can penetrate fabric. Hats with a broad brim that cover the ears and back of the neck and bear the CANSA Seal of Recognition, should be part of a protection kit keeping you safe from the sun. The CANSA Smart Choice trademark is only awarded to products that have undergone testing at an independent laboratory and which comply with the National Standards (SANS) or similar International Standards (ISO), as well as the stringent evidence-based requirements for each category as set out by CANSA. Hats can be ordered online via https://freyahats.co.za/.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Partner Content
Women wear so many different hats and are often looking after others’ well-being. It’s important for women to look after themselves too. Regular self-care results in a healthier, happier you and increases your resilience to cope with life’s challenges too. There are many forms of self-care, but did you realise that looking after your personal health is also an expression of self-care? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we invite women to take ownership of their personal health by finding out more about it and how to lower their cancer risk, and detect breast cancer early. With 1.7 million women diagnosed each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry (2017), one in 26 women are at risk of developing breast cancer. 16% of cancer deaths in SA are attributed to breast cancer. There is growing concern that most women present with late-stage cancer, which makes for a difficult prognosis. Early-stage diagnosis results in more effective breast cancer treatment and improves chances of survival. In her CANSA funded research study – Pathways to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Care – Professor Jennifer Moodley, Director Cancer Research Initiative at the Faculty of Health Sciences – University of Cape Town (UCT) – says, “Studies have shown that time to a cancer diagnosis may be influenced by several factors including women’s knowledge and awareness of cancer symptoms, whether women see themselves as being at risk for breast cancer, barriers in the health system, knowledge and attitude of health providers, and psychological, and socio-cultural barriers to health care”. Practice Self-Care:
• Get to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer • Be aware of any changes or irregularities to breasts, by doing a monthly breast self-examination • Go for regular breast cancer screening • Report symptoms or irregularities / changes to a health professional immediately How CANSA Can Help:
CANSA offers clinical breast examinations (to detect breast lumps) at CANSA Care Centres with strict safety protocols in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Costs are kept to a minimum. Patients with medical aid benefits
can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening. And we offer a variety of breast prostheses at affordable rates for those who had to undergo a mastectomy / lumpectomy and offer advice to help cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. Further support includes: support groups, online support resources, tele counselling and CANSA also supplies wigs and headwear, bras, and lymphoedema garments (in partnership with The M Store) at CANSA Care Centres. We also have a specialised online support programme called iSurvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is aimed at assisting and helping metastatic breast cancer patients with their experienced challenges. CANSA EVENTS
Virtual CANSA SPAR Tea Cuppa For CANSA Events As part of special celebrations for its 90th Anniversary, CANSA is hosting four CANSA
SPAR Tea Cuppa For CANSA, events in Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Durban, and Paarl on 30 of October 2021 in a virtual format. The events aim to bring awareness to CANSA’s on-going fight against cancer as well as raise funds towards their care and support programmes for those affected by cancer. Despite COVID-19’s continued impact, the annual CANSA tea remains one of the highlights on our calendar. In collaboration with event partner, SPAR, it promises to continue the excitement, with a competition, prizes, goody bags and a special livestreamed broadcast with entertainment. What is special, is that anyone, no matter where you live, can take part by hosting an event in the comfort of your home or venue of choice. The theme for this year is ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and even though the events take place virtually, they will still follow the original approach that they have done in previous years.
Partner Content
Issue 23
October 2021
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Issue 23
October 2021
COMBATING THE ROOT CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Partner Content
Childhood obesity is a growing global epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) obesity report of April 2020, the global prevalence of obesity is 340 million children. In the South African context, there is a combined overweight and obesity prevalence of 13.5% in children aged 6–14 years which is higher than the 10% global prevalence in schoolchildren. Being overweight as an infant increases the risk of being overweight as a child, which in turn increases the risk of being overweight as an adolescent and adult. The results from the largest and longest running longitudinal birth cohort study, the Birth to Twenty study in Soweto, showed that obese girls between the ages of four and six were 42 times more likely to be obese in their teens, compared to their peers of normal weight. The first step is to understand childhood obesity. The most obvious causes are overeating and under exercising. But like all chronic diseases, the root causes of childhood obesity run much deeper. The complex causes of childhood obesity can be genetic, biological, psychological, social, cultural, environmental and economic. We inherit our genes from our parents, and it has been estimated that 40-70% of our chance of having obesity is due to our genes. While our genes influence our risk for obesity; the impact of their contribution can be modified by environmental factors such as our life choices and habits which include healthy eating and physical activity.
Both children of overweight parents and children subjected to malnutrition during pregnancy or infancy are likely to become obese later in life. In fact mounting evidence suggests that the origins of childhood obesity can be found as early as the “first 1000 days” - the period from conception to age 2 years. Several risk factors during the first 1000 days including higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal excess gestational weight gain, high infant birth weight, and accelerated infant weight gain, are consistently associated with later childhood obesity. On the other hand, breastfeeding has been described as a protective factor, and the more exclusively and the longer children are breastfed, the greater their protection from obesity. Studies have also shown that stunting or short stature in children is associated with the increased risk for obesity during adulthood. Children with stunting have lower resting energy expenditure compared to non-stunting children. Stunted children also have higher respiratory quotient and carbohydrate oxidation but lower fat oxidation compared to non-stunting children. These results might explain why stunted children easily become obese, which is due to lower fat oxidation leading to the tendency to store fat. The population group that is most vulnerable to the obesogenic environment we live in is children. What does this obesogenic environment look like? Unhealthy foods at
supermarket tills, on phones or billboards, increased screen time and sedentary behaviour, cultural beliefs such as expectations to be voluptuous, or poor knowledge of healthy foods. Poverty in South Africa has also been associated with a change in food consumption patterns whereby healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables are more expensive than energy-dense junk foods. Energy-dense foods are high in fat and sugar but low in vitamins and minerals and unfortunately this becomes the food of choice for those who are living in poverty. The obesity epidemic mirrors these changes in the food environment. Once associated with Western diets, the increase in processed foods is now seen in many lowand middle-income countries and is undermining local diets. Easily available sugary drinks and junk food at schools contribute to children overindulging in unhealthy food. A child’s sugar intake should be no more than 100 calories from added sugars - 25 grams of sugar or less than six teaspoons a day. It is very easy to get these numbers wrong. A 330ml can of sweetened gas colddrink contains on average seven teaspoons of added sugar and contains 139 calories from added sugar (already more than the daily quota). Parents, as the single biggest influence on their children should introduce healthy
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COMBATING THE ROOT CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN SOUTH AFRICA eating habits from six months onwards and lead by example. Dietary behaviors develop in the early years of life. During the second year of life, children share their food environment with parents and siblings in family. This shared “family food environment” influences children’s dietary intake, and provides a fundamental target setting for improving eating behaviors among children.
create public awareness around childhood obesity. The Heart Mark programme is one such tool used to make it easier for parents to make the healthier choices when faced with a variety of options at the grocery store. It helps them to identify healthier products that contain less added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and more fibre compared to other similar products.
Parents also need to negotiate an activity plan with their children. This is likely to evolve around television viewing time, which can be used as a reward for being active. There are many chores around the house that involve physical activity and these can also be included in a daily activity plan. Obviously, compliance will be best when the child is involved in activities that he enjoys, so efforts should be made to maximise these opportunities.
The food industry is not the sole factor. The Government has shown intent by announcing tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and draft legislation to restrict the advertising of unhealthy foods to children. Swift and effective implementation of these policies are vital.
There is no singular solution for obesity, and involvement of all sectors is needed. The food industry is a vital factor in any potentially successful long-term strategy to prevent obesity. By producing new products low in energy density and improving the nutritional quality (and reducing the energy content) of existing products, as well as through advances in responsible marketing and labelling, the food industry can provide foods that are lower in energy but higher in essential nutrients. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) will continue to advocate at all levels for a healthier environment and
We are also in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic which has layered a crisis on a crisis. Thankfully, children are rarely seriously affected by medical complications of COVID-19 However, there is some indication that young people with obesity are at higher risk of severe outcomes. During this time, it is vital to ensure policies to promote child health are included in government’s agenda. The complexity of the obesity epidemic is often cited to explain the little success in turning the tide and perhaps as an excuse not to make the changes we know are necessary. The 2016 WHO Report on Ending Childhood Obesity clearly outlines a comprehensive action plan. Recommendations include addressing norms, treating children
who are already obese, promoting intake of healthy foods and physical activity, improved preconception and pregnancy care, healthier school environments, and curbing the marketing of unhealthy foods. The South African Department of Health have incorporated these guidelines in their own Strategy for the prevention and control in South Africa of obesity framework. Childhood obesity is singled out within this strategy as a specific area of focus. Clearly early interventions should already be addressed during pregnancy and infancy. Modifiable risk factors in the first 1,000 days can inform future research and policy priorities and intervention efforts to prevent childhood obesity. The President of the World Obesity Federation, Professor Ian Caterson, calls for decisive action “If governments hope to achieve the WHO target of keeping child obesity at 2010 levels, then the time to act is now.” We can end the childhood obesity epidemic if we act together. If we want to have a real impact on childhood obesity in South Africa, we need to work together to address its many root causes and acknowledge that everybody has a part to play. An urgent and comprehensive approach including parents, food industry and governments is needed to reverse this epidemic in the country. Hayley Cimring (BSc)(Med)(Hons) is the Nutrition Team Leader at the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.
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Issue 23
October 2021
EPSON SUPPORTS PINKDRIVE’S MOBILE OPERATION WITH DISCPRODUCER™ DONATION
Supplied Content
Epson, a leading innovator in printing and projector technology, has donated an Epson Discproducer™ PP-50II toPinkDrive, an NGO dedicated to promoting cancer awareness, helping to prevent the disease in South Africa. The Discproducer will enable the PinkDrive team to save and store patients’ X-ray images securely onto Blu-Ray, DVDs or CDs, removing the need for traditional X-ray slides. This solution saves both time and money and means PinkDrive can continue to provide free cancer screening to underprivileged communities in South Africa. “PinkDrive, like any hospital or clinic, relies on
efficient technology to promote cancer awareness and provide patients with the best care,” says Hugh Davies business systems account manager at Epson South Africa. "By equipping PinkDrive’s mobile unit with Epson's Discproducer PP-50II, the NGO can create optical discs that securely store patient information in a dependable format that’s water-resistant, dust-resistant, and can withstand humidity.” PinkDrive has provided over 20,000 mammograms and over 150,000 clinical breast examinations to disadvantaged communities, thanks to corporate partnerships and CSI
funding. These partnerships help the organisation realise its fundamental goal, to prevent as many people as possible from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate, and testicular cancers. “We're so grateful to Epson for donating this device as it will allow us to continue providing an effective service to those who live in remote areas and cannot access reasonable healthcare," says Noelene Kotschan founder, CEO and Director of PinkDrive "We’re confident that having this technology in our mobile unit will allow us to save even more lives."
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October 2021
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SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST BREAKFAST JUST GOT MORE NUTRITIOUS Advertorial
FUTURELIFE® launches naturally wholesome whole wheat porridge Options for breakfast just got a whole lot more nutritious with the launch of NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT. Set to become a favourite for the entire family, the new whole wheat porridge variant is naturally high in fibre, packs in a whopping 19 vitamins and minerals with every bite and has 50% less sugar than South Africa’s leading whole wheat ready to eat cereal (as at May 2021). Angela Leach, the Head Dietitian for FUTURELIFE® says the new porridge has developed an additional offering to meet South Africa’s increasing demand for food that is wholesome and healthy. “Until now, there hasn’t been a FUTURELIFE® whole wheat porridge variant available for Individuals who are looking for the goodness this special grain offers. You see, when grains are refined, the bran and the germ are removed but NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT uses the entire grain with all the components intact,” Angela explains. All the goodness from the whole wheat – the germ, the bran and the endosperm – are
retained which gives the NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT a naturally higher fibre content. Angela says that the bran and germ are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, all of which play a vital role in supporting good health. Quick and easy to mix as either a meal or shake, NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT naturally contains the essential proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carbohydrates that whole wheat delivers. Each 50g serving provides 25% of your daily fibre requirements* and the new porridge variant also contains the functional ingredient MODUCARE®, a daily immune supplement which helps support your family’s well-being from the inside out. “In addition to the natural nutrition in NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT, we’ve also deliberately reduced the amount of sugar in the porridge, making it ideal for moms who are concerned about their family’s sugar intake,” Angela adds. “So, whether it’s eaten alone or boosted with tasty toppings such as yogurt, nuts and fruit, NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT delivers a nutritious and delicious meal that will fuel the whole family.” Listening to their customers has always been one of the hallmarks of
the FUTURELIFE® brand and this has played a key role in their success in developing its versatile range of nutritious cereals and snacks. The company’s ability and agility in keeping up with the changing needs in the marketplace has made FUTURELIFE® one of South Africa’s favourite functional food companies. “At FUTURELIFE®, we’re always looking for ways to innovate our much-loved brand and excite consumers with new, nutritious options and flavours,” says Angela. “With the launch of our NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food ™ WHEAT, we are increasing our range and giving people more opportunities to make informed decisions about what they choose to eat.” NEW FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ WHEAT is available from all leading retail outlets in two packaging options, either a 500g box or as convenient individual 50g servings that can be easily tucked into handbags, schoolbags or briefcases to be enjoyed as a meal or a snack on the go. For more information, please visit www.futurelife.com *As per the European Safety Authority, 2010 scientific opinion on dietary reference values for carbohydrates and dietary fibre
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Issue 23
October 2021
POTENT TURMERIC EXTRACT MAY LESSEN ALZHEIMER’S DAMAGE TO BRAIN AND BODY - STUDY Supplied Content
A potent turmeric extract may help lessen the potentially fatal damage of Alzheimer’s disease on not only the brain, but also on peripheral organs, new research shows. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. At least 55 million people worldwide live with the condition, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Dementia is marked by progressive deficit in memory and cognitive ability, leading to deterioration of mood, motivation, language, immunity, and behavior. The main focus on Alzheimer's disease is on the brain but it’s also linked to damage to peripheral organs including the spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain stem. These co-pathologies contribute to Alzheimer-linked fatalities. A new study shows how the highly bioavailable curcuminoid and turmeric oil formulation, BCM-95, found in Bio-Curcumin in SA, may help prevent abnormalities in peripheral organs in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Results showed that supplementing with BCM-95 helped reduce degeneration of the
spleen, inflammation in the kidney, lung and liver, and inflammation of the central hepatic vein in mice. Results also showed a reduction in cell death and in inflammatory markers in the brain. Joint Managing Director for Arjuna and inventor of BCM-95, Benny Antony, said: "… in the case of Alzheimer's disease, the co-morbid damage to the rest of the body's critical structures raises the stakes of prevention and mitigation quite literally to life-or-death status.” “We believe that maintaining physical brain and body health naturally through safe and effective plant-based ingredients is a game-changer. Our highly bioavailable turmeric extract can be an important weapon…", added Antony. Health expert, Vanessa Ascencao said BCM-95 is backed by 83 clinical studies for its anti-inflammatory properties for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes and heart disease, and had received a US patent for potentially helping fight Alzheimer’s due to its enhanced absorption.
Ascencao suggests a holistic approach to good health, including eating a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, staying mentally active, managing stress, seeking professional help and selecting high quality supplements such as Bio-Curcumin with BCM-95.
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October 2021
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R4.2M RESEARCH GRANT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST BLOOD CANCER Supplied Content
• DKMS supports young scientists with R4.2m each • APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 3, 2021 The DKMS Foundation for Giving Life (Stiftung Leben Spenden) invites young scientists worldwide to apply for the John Hansen Research Grant. The application deadline is December 3, 2021. The research grant is endowed with over R4.2m (€240,000) each, paid over a period of three years. With this sum, the foundation annually supports up to four international young scientists with promising research projects in the field of blood stem cell transplantation and cell therapy. Requirements for participation include a doctorate or comparable qualification dating back no more than eight years. All information on the application modalities as well as further details on the John Hansen Research Grant are available on the DKMS Professionals` Platform - professional.dkms.org/research-grant. If you have any questions, you are also welcome to contact DKMS by email: grant@dkms.org. DKMS is known as an international non-profit organisation in the fight against blood cancer. Over 11 million potential blood stem cell donors are registered there. In its 30-year history, DKMS has already given more than 95,000 blood cancer patients a second chance at life. In addition, the world's leading blood stem cell donor center is also working intensively in the medical and scientific field to further improve the survival and healing chances of blood cancer patients. "As long as there are still patients who suffer relapses or die from life-threatening complications such as graft-versus-host disease, we are far from reaching our goal," says Marcel van den Brink, Chairman of the DKMS Foundation Board. "It is important to us to drive scientific progress in this niche medical field. In this way, we contribute to the further development of existing treatment options and the discovery of new ones." Since 2015, an important pillar has been the funding of outstanding young scientists with the John Hansen Research Grant (until 2019: Mechtild Harf Research Grant). One of them is Dr. Katarina Riesner, postdoctoral researcher at Charité Berlin and winner of the John Hansen Research Grant 2019. With the support of the grant, she is looking for answers to the question of how the life-threatening graft-versus-host disease
can be prevented or successfully treated in the future. To this end, she investigates certain genes of human metabolism in endothelial cells - the cells that line all blood vessels. In the future, these genes could be regulated by drugs to prevent the blood stem cell transplant from attacking the patient’s own cells. Unfortunately, about 30 to 60 percent of all transplanted patients still suffer this dangerous complication. John A. Hansen, after whom the scholarship is named, was an outstanding oncologist and distinguished immunogeneticist at the renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. With his excellent achievements in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, this dedicated and compassionate physician made a significant contribution to increasing the efficacy and safety of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants - and thus gave numerous patients a new chance at life. As a long-standing member of the board of the DKMS Foundation for Giving Life and a member of the DKMS Medical Advisory Board, he was deeply connected to the DKMS family. DKMS Professionals` Platform
Since the end of April, visitors of the DKMS Professionals` Platform professional.dkms.org are able to find further information there on scholarships and on the medical and scientific work of the international DKMS Group. For example, users can find out exciting news from the DKMS Life Science Lab and the Clinical Trials Unit in Dresden, DKMS' own research unit. One scientific focus is the further optimization of donor selection for the perfect match: In order for the blood stem cells of a foreign donor to settle in the patient's body, the tissue characteristics and several other parameters must match as closely as possible. The Clinical Trials Unit systematically searches for additional immunogenetic factors that positively influence the success of blood stem cell transplantation. About the DKMS
DKMS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. Founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf, DKMS and the organization’s 1,000 employees have since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. With over 10.9 million registered donors, DKMS has succeeded in doing this almost 95,000 times to date by providing blood stem cell donations to those in need. This accomplishment has led to DKMS becoming the global leader
Dr. Katarina Riesner, postdoctoral researcher at Charité Berlin
in the facilitation of unrelated blood stem cell transplants. The organization has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile and South Africa. In India, DKMS has founded the joint venture DKMS-BMST together with the Bangalore Medical Services Trust. International expansion and collaboration are key to helping patients worldwide because, like the organization itself, blood cancer knows no borders. DKMS is also heavily involved in the fields of medicine and science, with its own research unit focused on continually improving the survival and recovery rate of patients. In its high-performance laboratory, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the organization sets worldwide standards in the typing of potential blood stem cell donors. About the DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden (Foundation for Giving Life)
The DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden is the parent organization of DKMS and focuses, among other things, on advancing research projects in the field of stem cell collection and transplantation, including the John Hansen Research Grant. In addition, it awards the annual Mechtild Harf Science Award to outstanding physicians who have decisively shaped and advanced the fight against blood cancer.
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Issue 23
October 2021
LEADERS COME FORWARD TO DESTIGMATIZE MENTAL HEALTH Supplied Content
October is global mental health awareness month and this year the spotlight is turned towards the pandemic and how mental health issues have increased in both children and adults, with the enforced isolation exacerbating an already challenging situation. According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) survey conducted in 130 countries, COVID-19 has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide while the demand for mental health has increased. Considering that prior to the pandemic, the organization found that many countries were spending less than 2% of their national health budgets on mental health and struggling to meet their populations’ needs, the situation could become dire if ignored.
same.
In South Africa, prior to the pandemic (2019), mental health was allocated 5% of the national health budget and only 50% of public hospitals offering mental health services had a psychiatrist and around 30% did not have a clinical psychologist.
“It still blows my mind that we are comfortable to talk about cancer, diabetes and cardiac disease and the associated prescribed medication, and yet, despite the horrifying global statistics, we are still so afraid to talk about mental health which should be seen as no different.
A study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council during the first hard lockdown reported that 33% of South Africans were depressed, while 45% were fearful, and 29% were experiencing loneliness during the first lockdown period.
“It’s still very much a taboo subject with only a few celebrities and public figures coming forward with their own stories.”
According to statistics recently released by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), as many as one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance-use problems. Their findings also reveal that adolescent mental health and depression has become of particular concern over the past year due to increased screen time, isolation, extended school closures, limited social interaction with peers, and witnessing how the negative effects of the pandemic on their families.
Yael’s personal mental health journey began at age 22 when she was living in New York and began to feel severely depressed, anxious and even suicidal at times. “I sought help immediately and, with medication, therapy and personal development, I have been able to create a beautiful life filled with a successful career, amazing relationships and family. “Tragically I have lost loved ones who succumbed to their mental illness by taking
their own lives and I can truly understand how they were feeling at the time. My message is that there IS a choice, there ARE resources and there IS help – you must just take that first step. “We are very open about it in my workplace, and we are supportive of mental health days as this not only creates more loyalty but happier, healthier and more productive employees. “Sure, my mental illness can be challenging at times, but it’s also what I consider my brilliant burden: one that allows me to be creative, highly functional and the best version of me - and I no longer carry shame about acknowledging it. “In fact, I would like to inspire other leaders to come forward and share their stories. There is valid research that many entrepreneurs and business leaders suffer from mental illness and the studies actually show that it makes them better leaders.”
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To support and encourage those suffering with mental health issues and to turn a spotlight on the importance of acknowledging, talking about and destigmatizing mental health, several leading figures have begun to come forward to share their own experiences. One such leader is Yael Geffen, the CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in South Africa, who suffers from bipolar II and has spoken candidly about her personal journey. She challenges others to do the
Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in South Africa
Mandy Herold: Head of the Junior Prep at The Ridge School
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October 2021
Another advocate for mental health is Mandy Herold, who is the Head of the Junior Prep at The Ridge School, an International Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor and The Connection Coach. As a thought leader in the space of Social Emotional Learning, Mandy has been interviewed on eNCA about anxiety in children and what she is witnessing amongst students, parents and teachers in the school environment, as well as her clients. “All of us experience anxiety. There is no such thing as an ‘anxious child’ and a ‘non-anxious child’ or an ‘anxious adult’ and a ‘non-anxious adult’. “If you have a body, a brain and a nervous system, you will experience anxiety because it’s a physiological sensation; it’s your body’s natural response to stress. We tell children that it’s their body’s natural alarm system that warns them when ‘something is not okay’. “Although it’s impossible to never experience anxiety, it often comes from an inability to name the emotion that you’re feeling.” Having worked in schools for 20 years, 11 of which have been as the headmistress of a junior prep school (ages 5-9), Mandy believes that mental health needs to be on top of the agenda of every Governing body, Board meeting and staff meeting. “Teachers have never worked harder and are under extraordinary pressure to get through
Your Wellness Matters the curriculum for children to be ready for the next grade. This is simply not fair. In the same way as some businesses have needed a period of recovery, schools need a recovery period too.” “The focus in our schools cannot be solely on the academic offering; our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) needs to be explicit and authentic. We need to shift our focus from the traditional 3 R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic to REGULATION, RELATIONSHIPS and BUILDING RESILIENCE. “Some of the behaviours we are seeing in the classroom are: low self-esteem, emotional outbursts, tearfulness, oppositional behaviour, much higher anxiety, lower frustration tolerance, paranoia (if anyone sneezes or coughs, you ‘have covid’) and an internal distractibility. “Our children’s mental and emotional health was a concern before Covid-19, and this has now been heightened. The collective trauma that we have experienced/are experiencing needs to be front and centre in the weeks, months, and years ahead. “Academics will only thrive when our children truly feel safe again. In the pyramid of learning, children must feel safe and connected before they can learn optimally. The ideal state for learning is high challenge, low stress, or relaxed alertness. “At the same time, teachers are quietly suffering from burnout. Even the most experienced teachers are second-guessing themselves. They are putting on a brave face and
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showing up for their students but at what cost? “With the current Level 1 reduced restrictions, schools are again playing catch up with sports fixtures, fund raisers, parent functions, cake sale and dress up days, all while the teachers are still having to police social distancing and correct mask wearing. “Which means that as much as things feel like they’re ‘back to normal’ this is far from the case. “Ultimately, as a society, we have to start having braver conversations about how we normalise our daily struggles with mental health. It’s okay not to be okay!” Yael Geffen and Mandy Herold, who are both passionate mental health advocates, have collaborated to open this discussion with a complimentary live webinar discussing their experiences and sharing information and the tools they use to cope with live with mental health challenges. It will be held on the 27th of October 2021 from 7pm to 8pm and all are welcome to attend (anonymous registration available). If you/your family/your colleagues are interested in attending, please register at https://bit.ly/MyBeautifulMind If you or a loved one is suffering and needs urgent help, please contact SADAG on 0800 456 789.
LIMITEDITION CREATES HIGH-CALIBRE BRAND COLLABORATION HUB FOR LOCAL DESIGNERS Supplied Content
This month LimitEdition is bringing top tier local designs to the South African culture and style avenue. Well-known for its vogue 80’s inspired sneakers, the platform now partners with independent, proudly local manufacturers and brands, to market and sell a collection of urban contemporary pieces online.
impact of ordinary everyday brands, releasing the latest designs and making them more accessible to the consumer,” says LimitEdition Co-Founder, Vincenzo Catania. “We’re enabling small to medium brands to enter and grow in an online supply chain and ecommerce setting, as well as empower
LimitEdition provides a shared space that connects consumers and designers to their interests and desires. Whether it’s contemporary homeware, vogue fashion apparel and accessories as well as beauty products, it all forms part of the variety, quality and style of the authentic buyer and seller experience. “In an age of skilled entrepreneurs and an unlimited amount of high-end authentic crafted products, our country has a lot to offer. Everyone has a market, and everyone should have the opportunity to thrive in what may seem like mass saturated areas. LimitEdition’s offering contributes to the
them to compete with third-party marketplaces,” Catania concludes. The LimitEdition co-founders Mukondeleli Nengwenani, Ntombizethu Mthimkhulu and
Vincenzo Catania have an eye for style with their passions ignited by South African artistry and culture. Not only do they want to provide the ultimate showcase of various talent, they’re also in pursuit of effectively using digital technology to create and amplify a community of talented local creatives in a space that is currently led by bigger, international brands. The LimitEdition platform mobilizes local designers and brands with limitations such as not having a store, struggling to find a readily available market or not having enough time for marketing initiatives. If you’re a vibrant brand ready to reach greater heights in your entrepreneurial venture, you can become an accredited vendor, by registering as a seller on the flowing link Apply - Limitedition or contact info@limitedition.co.za for more information. Your business should be homegrown, and a non-major brand that falls in the categories of fashion, beauty and homeware.
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Issue 23
October 2021
INTRODUCING A MODERN SOLUTION FOR ON-THE-GO EXERCISE AND FAMILY FITNESS Advertorial
For many South Africans, health and fitness is a top priority. Even in the face of a global pandemic, some of us continued to track our steps, raise our heartbeats, and keep up with personal fitness goals. With this in mind, local consumers are being introduced to a first-of-its-kind and proudly South African lifestyle and fitness brand. Striide gives customers the chance to exercise at home, on their own terms, with premium-quality gym equipment rentals. This solution is sure to transform the way we approach exercise and healthy living. Pandemic workouts and personal preference
There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to live a healthy lifestyle, while fundamentally changing the way we work out in South Africa. An international report by McKinsey found that 68% of respondents are prioritising their health more after the onset of COVID-19, and using exercise as a way to deal with stress and take the edge off. As consumers still want to maintain their fitness, but are concerned about returning to the gym, Striide offers a flexible, at-home
fitness solution. Now, you can exercise from the comfort and safety of your own home and reach those summer fitness goals with freedom and peace of mind. With Striide, cutting-edge gym equipment is available to rent – or purchase – on flexible terms. Choose from a curated selection of products, from treadmills and bikes to rowing machines and dumbbells, and kit out your home with the equipment you actually use. Opt to rent on a monthly basis for a 24or 36-month period. And, if your workout routine changes or you want to try something new, simply swap out your equipment from six months into your contract and start afresh. Striide will also take care of any maintenance or repair issues, so it’s a truly hassle-free experience. With prices starting from R599pm, and outright purchase options too, the fitness solutions are personalised and budget friendly. Take life in your Striide
In today’s era of modern multitaskers, we’re all striving to move more, do more and be more. With Striide, everyone in the family can make fitness part of their daily routine and incorporate individual exercise into
busy schedules. There’s no travel time, no set-up time and – importantly – no wasted time. The solutions prioritise versatility, flexibility and functionality so you can make the most of a tailored fitness journey and confidently take life in your Striide. There’s never been a better time to get the family moving and make convenient fitness part of your everyday life. Striide is calling on South Africans to prioritise their health, join the Striide revolution today, and be part of a modern fitness movement. Visit our website to get started on your journey to a healthier you: www.striide.co.za.
LIVING WITH DEPRESSION DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T BE A STRONGER VERSION OF YOURSELF Supplied Content
Depression impacts one in ten people and does not discriminate based on age, gender, or social status. Sadness, feeling down, and losing interest or pleasure in daily activities are familiar feelings for all of us, but when they persist and affect our lives substantially, the issue may be depression. Depression is ongoing and can last for several weeks, months, or years. Some people may try to hide it or may not realise they have depression as some symptoms can be less obvious. What’s more, some people are unable to put their feelings into words fearing negative stigmas. Signs and symptoms of depression
Look out for these symptoms and if you think you may have depression, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. • Reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed • Appetite and weight changes
• Changes in sleep habits • Alcohol or drug use • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions • Loss of sexual desire • Agitation and restlessness • Slowed movement and speech • Fatigue or loss of energy • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide. Breaking depression
New research, published in the Psychiatry Journal, reveals that 39% of people (in the study) were able to enjoy a happy, healthy mindset after receiving ongoing treatment for their depression. The study defined recovery as, • Experiencing happiness or life satisfaction every day for at least a month • A full year without depression, anxiety,
suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse • Positive social and psychological wellbeing. Depression is like Kintsugi
For some who have managed to break their depression, recovery has been compared to the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi. Kintsugi involves repairing broken objects and painting the repaired areas in gold, accentuating rather than hiding the imperfections. Similarly, with the right treatment you can heal and live a fulfilled life. If you or a family member are struggling with feelings of hopelessness and symptoms of depression, speak to your doctor. Learn more about depression symptoms, diagnosis, causes and treatment on Our Mental Health, a website featuring professional insights and lifestyle advise for people living with depression and their caregivers.
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October 2021
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RED LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL Supplied Content Could Near-Infrared & Red Light Therapy be the answer to muscle fatigue & pain relief?
It might be a trend we’re still in the dark on, but light therapy has been used in various forms since the 1800s, mostly for its therapeutic effects on fungal infections, eczema, sleep disorders, psoriasis and emotional well-being. Fast forward to the present day, light therapy and its benefits have become an accepted science. In fact in the 90’s NASA popularised the use of Red Light Therapy for increasing bone density, wound healing and a variety of other benefits for its astronauts. Red Light Therapy is fast becoming the holy grail in health and wellness communities with even celebrities like the Kardashians jumping on board to treat everything from acne to muscle fatigue. The best part is that no chemicals are used, there is no downtime and it’s completely non-invasive. According to statistics, 1 in 5 South African adults suffer from chronic pain while many of us still battle various skin issues well past puberty, both of which significantly impacts self-confidence and our quality of life. And then there’s muscle fatigue, which no doubt affects hard-working athletes competing in gruelling events like the recent Cycle Tour and the upcoming Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, the Absa Cape Epic and Discovery’s Ride Joburg. But now, there’s a red light at the end of the tunnel for South Africans wanting to harness the benefits of Red Light Therapy. Red Lab, the first Red Light Studio
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in South Africa, is making this groundbreaking technology available to the masses with a studio based in Claremont, Cape Town for on-site treatments, as well as retailing a range of portable devices for at-home use. Both the in-studio devices and the at-home devices combine Red and Near Infrared Light. The Red Light targets the outer layer of the dermis, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing scarring, and managing skin conditions, among others. The Near-Infrared Light penetrates deeper into the body, healing and recharging the body’s cells at a muscular and bone level, which aids chronic pain, muscle tears, bone breaks and the likes. Combining the two components makes for a dynamic duo in combating deep-rooted illness and superficial issues alike. Red Light Therapy from home
Red Lab Co-founder Steven McEwen is excited to bring this unique therapy to South Africa. In addition to bringing Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy to the country, Red Lab is offering families and athletes the chance to own and apply these therapies from the comfort of their homes, on their own terms. “We have recently launched three home-based devices, which can be ordered from our website,” he says. “The first is the Handheld Device, which is best for spot treatment and can be used daily. It’s also easy to charge, so you can take it anywhere with you. It has the added benefit
of a blue light setting, which is great for acne treatment.” The Neoprene Pads are equally portable and easy to use. “The pads target a larger surface area and are perfect for addressing muscle groups instead of individual areas. With various sporting events and races coming up, this is the perfect way to relieve any post-race muscle fatigue and pain,” adds McEwen. Finally, the Big Bank targets the whole body, providing the full benefits of the Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy. He adds, “While less portable than the other devices, less treatment time is needed due to the surface coverage and power of the lights.” Thanks to Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy, we can now enhance our health regime from the comfort of our own homes. “Whether for chronic pain, skin conditions, chronic illnesses, muscle pain and fatigue, or just part of your wellness routine, Red Light Therapy is the answer we’ve all been looking for,” he concludes.
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Your Wellness Matters
Issue 23
October 2021
BREAKING FREE FROM PAINFUL OR UNHELPFUL THOUGHT HABITS Supplied Content
Traumatic memories can shape our responses to stress triggers in everyday life and influence our decisions and behaviours, whether we are conscious of it or not. A neuroscience-informed approach to therapy that has gained attention internationally and is now available in South Africa offers hope for changing patterns of thought connected to past trauma and the opportunity to break free from the habitual responses underlying anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias or addiction. Ahead of World Trauma Day on Sunday, 17 October, a psychologist explains why the psychological effects of trauma should not be underestimated. “Whether directly or indirectly, many of us have been affected by traumatic events. When faced with danger – whether real, perceived or imagined – our brain and body go into ‘survival mode’, which is activated in the most instinctual and primitive part of the brain,” explains Jonelle du Plessis, a clinical psychologist practising at Netcare Akeso Umhlanga who has undergone special training in Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT). “This leads to the stress response of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ being triggered, and at the same time forms strong memories that the brain will use to create a response for dealing with similar scenarios of real or perceived danger in future. As there is no awareness of time, the response to the danger remains active.” Ongoing cycle of trauma
“This may result in the traumatic memory being re-triggered by anything that has some association to the initial traumatic event. Sounds, places or smells linked to the original trauma can trigger flashbacks and hypervigilance. The primitive brain signals increased danger, essentially creating an ongoing trauma cycle, leading to unwanted behaviours and thoughts, which can manifest in a number of mental health disorders,” she explains. BWRT is an evidence-based technique that has gained attention internationally in recent years and is used by specially trained psychologists and psychiatrists to assist patients to develop new responses when faced with traumatic triggers. The approach seeks to empower the person to break out of their default thought patterns through working with them to create new connections, or neural pathways, in the brain. “What makes BWRT especially helpful in working with people who have suffered psychological trauma is that it aims to work
directly with the traumatic memory in the primitive part of the brain, eliminating or neutralising the urge to activate the fight, flight or freeze response of the traumatic incident. This is useful in diffusing the control that the traumatic memory has had on the person’s life,” says Du Plessis. The question of ʻfree willʼ
A pioneering scientist in the field of human consciousness, Benjamin Libet, suggested that we do not have free will in the way we think we do. Instead, he proposed the existence of a ‘cognitive gap’ based on a fraction of a second’s delay between when a thought enters our awareness, giving us the ability to make a decision; and when the neurological pathway is activated, before we can make a ‘conscious’ decision. “Developed by Terence Watts, a UK-based therapist, in 2011, BWRT focuses on disrupting, reorganising or neutralising the specific problematic neural pathways. The aim is to prevent our brains from making decisions and acting on these deeply engrained mental processes before we become consciously aware of them. This allows us to regain ‘free will’, in the sense that our responses are no longer based on the reflex response to trauma built up in our minds over time.” Who can BWRT?
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People with a wide range of mental health conditions – from mild depression to more complex, pervasive conditions such as PTSD, alcohol or drug addictions – may benefit from this form of treatment for breaking out of the habits of thoughts that have been ‘hard-wired’ into the brain. In addition, it can be useful in overcoming exam stress, fear of failure and performance anxiety; anxiety related conditions such as panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. “People struggling with grief and loss may re-live their trauma every day for many
years, but this technique can offer a way to redirect one’s thoughts – not to forget their loss, but to help make it a little easier to move forward,” she says. Du Plessis explains that notions of low self-worth or poor self-confidence often have their roots in traumatic memories, which may continue to negatively affect a person’s ability to function effectively in their relationships or work life. Working with the patient to help them retrain their brain can open up a whole new approach to life by escaping the fight, flight or freeze stress response, allowing the person to start thinking outside of this automatic thought ‘loop’. “The average length of BWRT treatment depends on the individual and the intensity and complexity of the difficulties or condition with which they are dealing. The therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, either in an inpatient or outpatient setting. For some people, improvement can even be noted after only one or two BWRT sessions, while others require more sessions to unseat the established neural pathways. “BWRT has been termed a ‘quick fix’ as it can yield improvement in just a few sessions, but there is a good foundation of clinical evidence to show that BWRT produces lasting effects that have been helpful for many people.” For information about mental health problems and services, and accessing care, or for help in an emotional crisis, Netcare Akeso is here to help. In the event of a psychological crisis, individuals can phone the Netcare Akeso crisis helpline on 0861 435 787, 24 hours a day, to talk to an experienced counsellor. Practitioners at the following Netcare Akeso mental health facilities are accredited to practise BWRT: • Netcare Akeso Umhlanga • Netcare Akeso Alberton • Netcare Akeso Randburg • Netcare Akeso Parktown • Netcare Akeso Arcadia