Every year on 17 April, World Haemophilia Day is observed to raise awareness for the rare blood disease. And this year, Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) is calling on all South Africans to use this day for more than a symbolic show of support. According to Kelly du Plessis, founder and CEO of RDSA, “For […]
World Haemophilia Day: Move from awareness to action Read More »
Our country is facing a silent but deadly health crisis. Every hour, around 10 South Africans suffer a stroke or related heart conditions, with an estimated 225 lives lost each day. Globally, the number reaches 15 million cases every year, which highlights a growing public health concern that shows no sign of slowing down. “Strokes
10 adults suffer a stroke every hour – know the symptoms so you can act F.A.S.T Read More »
As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, new data from Bestmed Medical Scheme reveals a concerning rise in cancer diagnoses among South Africans – with breast cancer leading the trend. According to Bestmed’s internal data, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among members, with cases rising from 1 281 in 2023 to 1
Breast cancer cases rise sharply: Data highlights need for early detection and awareness Read More »
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 viruses, some of which are transmitted sexually through skin-to-skin contact as well as through intimate touching including contact with fingers, mouths and other body parts. Most HPV infections present with no symptoms or health problems, but certain strains can increase the risk of cancer in parts
One dose of HPV vaccine, one less worry for cervical cancer Read More »
The African penguin is in crisis, recently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and potentially facing functional extinction by 2035. The role the Two Oceans Aquarium can play in this urgent crisis is to do what it does best: create awareness and opportunities for education. The Two Oceans Aquarium has been working
Two Oceans Aquarium: Saving the African penguin Read More »
With this being World Sugar Awareness Week, experts are sounding the alarm about excessive sugar intake in South Africa, where the average daily consumption far exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. South Africans consume between 12 and 24 teaspoons of sugar per day, well above the WHO’s recommended six teaspoons. Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma
Shining the spotlight on hidden sugars and health risks Read More »
The fourth episode of the Healthy Living Alliance’s (HEALA) thought-provoking web series, Chew on This, is now available. Titled “Is the Sugar Industry Lying to Us?”, this episode critically examines the health promotion levy (HPL) on sugary beverages, introduced to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. The panel of experts explores whether the sugar
Is the sugar industry lying to us? Read More »
Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among South African women, is increasingly being detected in women under 40. This trend mirrors global patterns, where younger women are being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease, underscoring the need for early detection and awareness. A recent study in the United States found that breast cancer
Breast cancer on the rise in younger South African women Read More »
South Africa faces a significant challenge with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), a condition that is 100% preventable, yet alarmingly prevalent in this country. Research estimates that South Africa has a national prevalence rate of 11% of FASD, with rates as high as 31% reported in certain localities – the highest recorded rate globally. FASD
September is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month Read More »
Our kidneys are the often-forgotten heroes of our bodies. Most of us take for granted that they are one of our most vital lifelines to good health. Few of us think about the way they work constantly to filter dangerous toxins from our blood, balance the fluid levels in our bodies and maintain a healthy
Balancing act best for your kidneys Read More »