J&J announces data to support boosting its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine
“New data shows that a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine generated a rapid and robust increase in spike-binding antibodies, nine-fold higher than 28 days after the primary single-dose vaccination, among clinical trial participants.”
What you need to do to drop your High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
“Due to the adverse consequence Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) can have on your life, Specialist Physician Dr Mohamed Khan shares valuable insight into dropping your blood pressure.”
Congenital disabilities, what you need to know about
Probing into congenital disorders, Newcastle-based gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Peter Chukwu elaborates that birth defects can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life. He says, “These conditions develop prenatally and may be identified before or at birth or later in life.”
Brush up on your Haemophilia knowledge
“Haemophilia is classically inherited and can’t be transmitted like the common cold or flu. Both haemophilia A and B are more prevalent in males than in females, resulting from a genetic defect in the X chromosome.”
The destructive power of processed and fast food and its main ingredient salt
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) of South Africa declares that the average South African eats roughly 6 to 11 grams of salt per day, exceeding the recommended daily limit.”
Tuberculosis, the bacterial disease, what you should know
“At a local level, the global health organisation notes TB incidence and case-fatality rates have increased threefold in South Africa over the ensuing decade, with more than 400 000 cases requiring treatment annually. Therefore, it is essential to understand what TB is, thereby minimising your chances of infection.”
Hypertension, when your blood pressure wreaks havoc on your health
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a medical condition affecting thousands of South Africans, showing no discrimination against gender. Dr Braham Barnard, a cardiologist, based at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, claims while there is no perfect value, a person with a blood pressure reading above 130/80 is suffering from hypertension. Moreover, he adds that this condition’s prevalence puts […]
Epilepsy, what you need to know
“When looking at the causes of the disorder, Epilepsy SA highlights numerous possible causes, all of which one’s doctor will consider when making their diagnoses.”
HPV, the sexually transmitted cancer-causing virus
“Although sexually transmitted, penetrative sex is not required to contract HPV. The virus can also be spread through skin-to-skin genital contact.”
Want to improve your fertility, these exercises can help you
“While stopping smoking and alcohol is a given, people often overlook the significance of exercise when pregnant.”
Falling pregnant, obvious dos and don’ts
“While exercise and a healthy diet are always beneficial, it becomes imperative to prepare yourself for nine months of pregnancy.”
First aid kits for home, this is what you need
“As a professional in the medical sector, Willem Rossouw of ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd, highlights various items that a person requires to ensure a functional first aid kit.”
Optometrist on causes and treatments of conjunctivitis
“Optometrist Rubeen Jadwat points out that there are three forms of conjunctivitis, which are viral, bacterial, and allergic.”
Contraceptives, brush up on your knowledge
“With contraceptives playing an instrumental role in minimising unwanted pregnancies, we now look at some of the most common types of contraceptives and their respective pros and cons.”
Bipolar Disorder in simple terms
“Bipolar Disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, continuing throughout life.”
Learning to live with a physical disability
“Anel Potgieter, a medical orthotist and prosthetist of Anel Orthotics and Prosthetics in Newcastle, stresses that life does not need to end after being confined to a wheelchair or limb loss. “
What happens to your body when you give up drinking alcohol?
Whether it is an ice-cold beer or a well-aged whiskey, many enjoy the timeless tradition of relaxing with a drink after a long day. However, when one or two drinks transforms into a daily custom, many problems arise, leaving only one choice—booting the habit. According to a Los Angeles-based physician, Damon Raskin, MD, who is […]
Arthritis unravelled and broken down
One of the most consequential misconceptions surrounding arthritis is that only one type exists. According to Dr Ingrid Louw, a rheumatologist at Mediclinic Panorama, there are at least 100 types of arthritis; with osteoarthritis (OA) being a more common form of the disease. While there are several various variants of arthritis, Dr Louw points out two […]
Cycling versus running, Dr Bianca Cooper gives the rundown
The positive influence which fitness holds over both our mental and physical health is undeniable. Moreover, as we learned during the lockdown’s restriction, we do not always require sporting equipment or a gym membership to achieve our goals. In actual fact, a good serving of effort coupled with some sound guidance will yield extraordinary results. […]
Dr Cooper on the life-threatening topic of strokes. This is what you need to know
As a fast-striking neurological condition, according to Dr Bianca Cooper, Principal Clinical Manager Mediclinic Newcastle, strokes are more common in our community than one would imagine. “We see at least one a week in the emergency centre, at its quietest. On average, we get one stroke patient every two to three days through the emergency […]