|
|
DECEMBER HEALTH CALENDAR
|
1 |
World AIDS Day |
3 |
International Day of Disabled Persons |
5 |
International Volunteers' Day |
9 |
World Patient Safety Day |
WHAT TO WRITE? WHAT TO WRITE?
You tell us... |
Got some great topic ideas?
Well, don't be afraid to drop us a mail and tell us what you'd like us to cover in terms of articles and features - email ♦
|
Control at your fingertips
Make use of our online facilities |
Keep track of your membership and get an in-depth view of your claims history at the Medscheme website
Register today with your name and membership number and have more control and peace of mind. To find out more about our benefits and options visit the website ♦ |
|
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Katy Caldis |
 |
Endings and beginnings always go together, and especially so today as my first Principal Officer's message is the final one for 2009.
I would like to thank Jeremy Yatt for his many years of excellent stewardship of the scheme. In addition I would like to acknowledge Peter Jordaan who has ably held the fort in the interim as acting Principal Officer. In particular, I would like to thank Peter for his assistance in my first few weeks during the handover period.
|
I have received a warm welcome from everyone in the Fedhealth family and I look forward to the challenge of my new role. There are constantly challenges in the healthcare arena and I take comfort from the fact that there is a well established and dedicated team at Fedhealth to take care of all our members' service needs. In addition Fedhealth has a very professional, hard-working and experienced Board of Trustees that take their fiduciary responsibility very seriously.
National Health Insurance (NHI) has been top of mind for those of us in the industry and consumers alike. There has almost been a sense of panic in that the debate has taken place in the absence of a white paper, and has been based on a leaked document and political rhetoric. Whilst there is no question that as a country we need a more comprehensive, effective and affordable solution to healthcare, achieving our objectives is a complex challenge that requires extensive planning and debate.
It is therefore with a great sense of relief that we hear the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi's reasonable and rational approach that has been widely quoted in the press of late. NHI is clearly still part of long term planning, but is not going to be pushed through in a rush without careful consideration and consultation. The focus in the short term will be the 10 point plan of the department of health, which includes NHI as a medium to long term objective, but it appears that there will no longer be an attempt to introduce NHI ahead of other improvements and objectives with respect to healthcare delivery. A new 25-member committee consisting of experts from both the private and public sector has been established to advise the Minister of policy, legislation and the implementation of NHI. One of the first responsibilities of this committee will be public consultation on the report produced by the ANC's NHI committee.
Of course we will continue to monitor the political and economic environment in which we operate and will engage constructively in the debate as the opportunity arises.
The end of the year is at hand, and I would like to wish all our members the very best both for the coming festive season and for the always busy run-up to the end of the year. I wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010.♦
|
|
|
|
TEAM MEDSCHEME,
LOOKED AFTER
BY FEDHEALTH,
VICTORIOUS
IN MOMENTUM
94.7 CYCLE
CHALLENGE |
 |
Team Medscheme sprinter Arran Brown rewrote the history books on Sunday, 15 November when he became the first cyclist ever to win the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge and Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour in the same year.
With 25 000 riders participating in the race, Arran Brown made it look easy when he came off the wheel of Malcolm Lange to win the race in front of a huge crowd at the Waterfall Country Estate in Midrand.
Team Medscheme are all Fedhealth Members.
♦ |
|
TIPS FOR HEALTHY FLYING
Problems ranging from dry eyes and motion sickness to dangerous blood clots are among the potential health risks faced by airline passengers, says the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). Taking proper precautions before you fly can help make your flight more comfortable and prevent serious or even deadly health problems. The ACOEM offers the following air travel health and safety advice:
| • |
Air cabin pressure in airliners can decrease the body's oxygen saturation percentage by six to eight points, which can be a problem for people with heart and/or lung disorders. If you have a history of cardiac or pulmonary disease or cancer, speak to your doctor before you fly. Alert the airline staff if you have a pacemaker - it may not be a good idea for you to go through the X-ray machine |
| • |
Alert the airline if you are a wheelchair passenger when you book your ticket |
| • |
You should also consult your doctor before flying if you've had surgery (including eye or oral/dental) within the previous month or if you're pregnant |
|
|
| • |
Reduced cabin pressure can cause eye irritation. If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing eyeglasses during the flight or using lubricating eye drops |
| • |
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about what adjustments to make to your medication schedule if you're flying across multiple time zones |
| • |
If you have a cold or infection, cancel your flight. Congestion can lead to pain, bleeding and possibly a ruptured eardrum or sinus damage |
| • |
Place all your prescription and over-the-counter medications and medical supplies in your carry-on bag. This way, you're less likely to lose them and they won't be exposed to the temperature changes that occur in the aircraft's cargo area |
| • |
Don't wear tight shoes, since your feet may swell during the flight |
| • |
Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring a coat or sweater to cover up if you get cool during the flight |
| • |
Drink water before and during your flight to avoid stiffness. ♦ |
|
 |
YOUR HOLIDAY PACKING SURVIVAL GUIDE Pack these 10 things first
|
|
 |
You're off into the blue yonder, and boy, do you deserve it. For a couple of weeks no meetings, no power-dressing, no faulty air con. Get the picture? It's freedom, for a while anyway. For two weeks you can imagine you won the lotto and this is what the rest of your life is going to look like: you're so laid back you're almost horizontal.
Just remember to pack the following things. Leaving them at home could jeopardise more than your nice break. It could turn your holiday into a disaster.
| Prescription medication. |
The place where you're heading may not have a pharmacy or a doctor. Leave your prescriptions at home, and you might wish you'd actually stayed there yourself. Who wants to be out in the wild battling out-of-control sugar levels and skyrocketing blood pressure? Or an unexpected series of asthma attacks? Right. This is beginning to sound like the start of the Blair Witch Project, or something. Just pack those pills. |
| Your documents. |
This includes your license, passport and ID document. Even if you're only travelling within your home country. If you're going overseas, of course, you won't get further than the airport without your passport. But imagine driving into the back of another happy holidaymaker and not having your license or your ID with you. |
| A windbreaker. |
The weather likes to play games with us. You might be going to the coast, but don't rule out a cloudburst. Or some seriously chilly weather. Especially if you're going hiking or deep-sea fishing, you should be prepared for everything. You don't want to be the butt of the office jokes for the year, because you managed to get hypothermia in December. |
| A packet of condoms. |
Even if your sex life has been about as exciting as a speed bump in the last few months, you never know when your luck might turn. Don't be caught unawares - an unwanted pregnancy, or a few blisters round the mouth, are no longer the worst things that you could have as a holiday memento. |
| Your cellphone and charger. |
Get connected and stay connected. Which you can't do if your cellphone charger is lying back home on your bedside table. You never know when you need to be contacted in an emergency - or when you might need to make an emergency call from a deserted stretch of highway. |
| Keys. |
Driven 650km, only to find that the keys to your holiday home are in your other handbag? Or you've left the directions to the holiday farm lying next to your telephone back in the city? Don't start your holiday in crisis mode - that's what you are trying to get away from, remember? |
| Insect repellant. |
There are few things that spoil a night's rest as badly as an army of mosquitoes who have been deprived of nourishment for a few hours. (OK, then there are also your husband's snoring, the neighbours' housewarming party or a serious case of the trots - but insect repellant can't make those go away.) |
| Your toothbrush. |
Right, most places, even the most out-of-the-way, stock toothbrushes, but what if there isn't a shop in sight? Six days on a hike with no toothbrush, or even worse, with a borrowed one, will be no fun. Take my word for it. |
| Sunblock. |
The summer sun is vicious. Don't underestimate it. Every time you get sunburnt, you add to the cumulative damage your skin has already sustained throughout your life. Go for a high-factor sunblock. Few things spoil your holiday quite as badly as pink and peeling skin. Not to speak of wrecking your chances with the cutie in the tent next to yours. |
| Money. |
This does indeed make the world go round. You don't need oodles of the stuff, but enough that you can have the car fixed if it breaks down. Also make sure you can access your money in different ways - credit card, cash, and so forth. Remember all of these can be stolen, so don't keep them together.♦ |
|
 |
| ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL |
|
There is no place like home, but the holidays are great for getting away. Just be certain that you arrive there safely.
With the hectic demands of shopping, working, and organising your trip, you might become so run down you're too tired to drive safely. Motoring organisations warn that this could turn your festive season into a tragedy.
Speeding causes most accidents. Driving at high speeds makes it more difficult to avoid pedestrians or situations that require sudden action.
Driver fatigue and reckless overtaking are other major factors resulting in many accidents. A safe following distance can also help prevent accidents.
Research has found that common techniques drivers use to try and stay awake, such as winding down the window, are largely ineffective.
Instead they recommend stopping the car, drinking two cups of coffee, or having a few minutes of sleep.
If you have a cold or the flu, remember many medications have a sedating effect and that this effect is increased when you're tired. Stay away from any alcohol. Studies show that if you've had just four hours of sleep, one beer can have the impact of six.
Long distances, driving at night, or driving solo all put you at risk for dropping off behind the wheel. |
What to do
| • |
Have a good night's rest before a long trip - at least 8 hours for adults and 8.5 to 9.25 hours for teenagers |
| • |
On long trips, take along a passenger who stays awake talking to the driver |
| • |
Schedule regular stops - every two hours |
| • |
Avoid alcohol or medications that may impair you |
| • |
Recognise signs of fatigue - drifting from your lane, hitting strips, repeated yawning, trouble keeping your eyes open, or missing road signs |
| • |
If you are tired, pull into a rest area and sleep for 15 to 45 minutes |
| • |
Drink coffee - but remember it takes about 30 minutes for the caffeine to enter into your bloodstream |
| • |
Make sure your car (tyres and brakes included) is in a sound mechanical condition |
| • |
Minimise your night-time travelling - between 02h00 and 06h00 you are most likely to have an accident |
| • |
Stick to the traffic rules and the speed limits - remember speed kills |
| • |
Be patient in the traffic - better late than never. |
|
|
|
|
 |
AWARENESS AROUND
A VIRUS
|
Since 1981, AIDS has claimed 25 million lives worldwide. An estimated 40 million are living with HIV/AIDS today; 5.5 million live in SA. While HIV-infected people receiving appropriate treatment in developed world contexts now enjoy close-to-normal life expectancy, lack of access to treatment in the developing world remains the greatest challenge posed by the epidemic.
World AIDS Day began in 1988 when health ministers from around the world met and agreed on the concept of the day as an opportunity for all of us to come together to demonstrate the importance of AIDS and show solidarity for the cause. In 2009, this underlining principle of solidarity and awareness remains the same.
In 2006, the Political Declaration on AIDS set the goal of universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010. To achieve this goal, leadership and action is needed now. Governments must deliver on the promises they have made. Communities must encourage leadership of its members.
Individuals must feel empowered to access treatment, to know their rights and take action against stigma and discrimination, and to know and use methods of prevention against receiving and transmitting HIV.
|
|
Now, more than ever is the time to lead - empower - deliver.
Brief history
World AIDS Day was first declared by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution 43/15) in 1988. Since then, it has progressively become one of the most successful "international days" for raising awareness on a global issue.
Past themes:
1988 - Communication
1989 - Youth
1990 - Women and AIDS
1991 - Sharing the Challenge
1992 - Community Commitment
1993 - Act
1994 - AIDS and the Family
1995 - Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1996 - One World, One Hope
1997 - Children Living in a World with AIDS
1998 - Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign with Young People
1999 - Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children and Young People
2000 - AIDS: Men make a difference
2001 - I care. Do you?
2002 - Stigma and Discrimination
2003 - Stigma and Discrimination
2004 - Women, Girls, and HIV and AIDS
2005 - Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2006 - Accountability - Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2007 - Leadership - Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2008 - Leadership - Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2009 - I AM
About the World AIDS Campaign
The first year-long World AIDS Campaign was launched by UNAIDS in 1997. The objective of the 'Campaign' was to substantially extend the impact of World AIDS Day by involving more partners and translate increased global awareness of AIDS into a more sustainable programmatic response.
The World AIDS Campaign became an independent organisation in 2004 in order to strengthen and enhance collaboration amongst various national and constituency efforts. "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise" is the World AIDS Campaign's overarching theme from 2005 to 2010. The World AIDS Campaign supports, strengthens and connects campaigns that hold leaders accountable for their promises on HIV and AIDS. |
The World AIDS Campaign Support Team is based in Amsterdam and Cape Town.
World AIDS Day 2009
Universal Access and Human Rights
The - I AM theme
Background: The World AIDS Campaign arrived at the selection of the theme Universal Access and Human Rights after close consultation with representatives of various constituencies, communications and media representatives of partner organizations, and friends of the World AIDS Campaign.
Why I AM?
Understanding HIV and AIDS from a human rights perspective can be difficult. Human rights are often misunderstood and can sometimes be seen as abstract ideals with not much practical relevance for real people.
The slogans for the World AIDS Day materials were designed to bridge that gap and underscore the importance of awareness of Human Rights.
Among the key slogans adopted:
I am accepted
I am safe
I am getting treatment
I am well
I am living my rights
Everyone deserves to live their rights
Right to Live
Right to Health
Access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is a critical part of human rights.♦ |
|
MALARIA
What this disease is, it's symptoms, and how you can avoid it
Malaria has been recognised as a disease for thousands of years. Here, we take a closer look at this serious disease that can be avoided. Descriptions of the disease date from as far back as 1700 BC in China, and 1570 BC in Egypt. The association between malaria and marshes (where mosquitos breed) has also been long recognised. In fact, the name "malaria" (from "bad air" in the marshes) is based on this association.
Malaria is an infection of red blood cells caused by a single-celled parasite. Malaria is almost always spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, but also potentially by a transfusion with contaminated blood, or an injection with a needle that was previously used by a person with the infection.
Malaria occurs most commonly in tropical areas of the world, in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It was endemic in the United States and Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, but due to extensive programmes to eradicate it, is now usually only seen in the US in travellers from other parts of the world. Malaria occurs in the north-eastern parts of South Africa, particularly during rainy periods of the year. |
 |
What to watch out for
The first symptoms are usually very similar to flu - aches and pains, fever, headache and so on. After a few days, the typical paroxysms may occur - chills, followed firstly by a high fever for a few hours, and then by profuse sweating. Between these paroxysms, the patient may feel well, depending on the type of malaria that has been contracted. Some forms of malaria are more severe than others, and the time between the paroxysms differs, depending on the type of malaria. Malaria should be suspected in anybody with these sorts of symptoms who has been to a malaria area.
There are four species of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium, each causing symptoms that vary in intensity and duration. Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest of the four human malaria parasites.
When you need to see the doctor
If you have been to a malarial area - even if you have taken prophylaxis - you must see a doctor immediately if you develop any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Prevention is always better than cure
Most malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite at night, and if properly used and maintained, mosquito nets can provide a physical barrier to hungry mosquitoes. If treated with insecticide, the effectiveness of nets is greatly improved, generating a chemical "halo" that extends beyond the net itself.
Travellers to tropical and sub-tropical regions are regularly infected with malaria, and often only show symptoms once they have returned back home.
Keep the four principles of malaria protection in mind when travelling:
| • |
Be aware of the risk, the incubation period, the possibility of delayed onset, and the main symptoms |
| • |
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially between dusk and dawn |
| • |
Take anti-malarial drugs (Chemoprophylaxis) when appropriate, to prevent infection from developing into clinical disease |
| • |
Immediately seek diagnosis and treatment if a fever develops one week or more after entering an area where there is a malaria risk, and up to
3 months (or, rarely, later) after departure from a risk area. |
The following anti-malarial medication is available in South Africa:
| • |
MEFLOQUINE
Brand names: Lariam or Mefliam |
| • |
ATOVAQUONE/PROGUANIL
Brand name: Malanil |
| • |
DOXYCYCLINE
Brand names: Doximal and Doxitab♦ |
|
|
 |
SUNBURN
Summer time is extra protection time |
Did you know that two blistering burns before the age of 18 can dramatically increase your risk of getting skin cancer later in life? This is according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), which runs annual SunSmart campaigns from November to February.
CANSA is also calling for sunbeds and sunlamps to be banned, as they increase by 50% the risk of melanoma - the most dangerous and often a deadly form of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with almost 20 000 new cases every year and over 700 deaths annually. But the good news is that skin cancer can be prevented by respecting the sun and being SunSmart.
| • |
Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm and seek shade where possible |
| • |
Cover up by wearing thickly woven hats with wide brims and loose-fitting clothes made of tightly woven fabric that are cool, but will block out harmful UV rays. Look out for UV protective swimsuits and beach wear |
| • |
Always apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to all exposed skin areas. Re-apply regularly and after towel-drying or swimming |
| • |
Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with UV protection of UV400 |
| • |
Use lip balm with a minimum of SPF 20 and apply regularly |
| • |
Take special care to protect children. Babies younger than one year should never be exposed to direct sunlight. |
Look out for sunscreen and apparel products with the CANSA Seal of Recognition (CSOR). South Africa is fortunate to have two sunscreen testing laboratories responsible for testing and validating all sunscreens with the CSOR. Their testing methods and criteria are aligned to the most widely recognized international standards and protocols. Members of the public can use products bearing this emblem with confidence. An international working committee that includes South African representation, is developing a universal (ISO) standard to rate all UV protection levels.
All CSOR sunscreens must have broad spectrum protection abilities, meaning they must protect against Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) and Ultraviolet B rays (UVB). UVA mainly causes ageing of the skin and UVB causes burning. Both of these are responsible for skin damage, skin spots, premature ageing and ultimately skin cancer. For more information, the public can contact CANSA toll free on 0800 22 66 22 during office hours. |
|
|
 |
HEALTHY MADE EASY
|
|
Unbelievably, the year is almost done, but here's some end-of-year positive thinking; why not aim to make this festive season a healthy one? Get your head around doing things differently and consider exciting options like beach braais or picnics in the garden.
Here are some tasty meal ideas to make your festive season a healthier one.
Starters
• Watermelon wedges and feta cubes on skewers
• Breadsticks wrapped in parma ham and rocket.
Lunch
• Cold turkey shavings with sweet chilli sauce
• Feta and strawberry couscous salad*
• Asparagus quiche on a wholewheat base
• Prawn and avo mini wraps, or fillet, rocket and tomato mini wraps
• Oven roasted sweet potato chips*
• Chicken breast filled with dried apricots and pine nuts
• Greek salad on a stick (feta, olives, cucumber and tomato)
• Wraps filled with fillet, avo and caramelised onion marmalade
• Sushi platters
• Tomato, mozzarella and basil stacks sprinkled with crushed black pepper.
Cheese platters
• Low fat cheese platter with pear chips, including Ricotta, Edam and smoked Mozzarella with loads of fresh fruits and nuts.
Dessert
• Mixed fresh berry pavlova
• Fruit sorbets with crushed pistachios
• Mini pancakes filled with apple & cinnamon
• Frozen yoghurt (low fat) with a sprinkling of black sesame seeds.
Drinks
| • |
Homemade ginger-beer and lemonade |
| • |
Water infused with fresh strawberries and mint
|
| *Helpful tips for successful preparation of the dishes above: |
| • |
Cut a firm pear into paper-thin slices, dip into a sugar water mix made from equal amounts of water and sugar, and then bake in heated oven till crisp |
|
| • |
Oven roasted sweet potato chips: cut sweet potatoes into paper-thin slices, cover lightly with olive oil and salt flakes and bake on baking sheet until evenly browned |
| • |
Couscous salad: add fresh strawberries (halved), pine nuts, dried apricots, rocket or parsley and crumbled feta to cooked couscous. |
Get-With-The-Programme gifts
Surprise your loved one this year with some out-of-the-box thinking on gift ideas!
| • |
10 sessions with a personal trainer |
| • |
Mountain bike |
| • |
Pilates or yoga classes |
| • |
New running shoes or BOSU ball |
| • |
Sports massage |
| • |
Sports magazine subscription |
| • |
Smoothie maker |
| • |
Healthy cooking classes |
| • |
Book on how to start your own organic vegetable garden |
| • |
Sushi making course. |
Never forget that making healthy choices around the festive season guarantees you a better start to the new year, so get festive and eat better to live better! ♦
Contributed by Amanda Weber of Dietetic Consultancy cell: 083 302 5976 e-mail: dietaw@iburst.co.za |
|
|
|
|
Medical assistance without borders
|
 |
If you are travelling to neighbouring countries during the upcoming holidays, you can rest assured that you are covered for emergency assistance in exactly the same way as you would be within the borders of South Africa. The scheme has extended the emergency transport benefit to include neighbouring countries up to the 22nd parallel (see map). Parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are therefore included. Members can contact +27 11 991 8600 for assistance and will be evacuated to the closest facility within South Africa.
However, just a quick reminder that if you are travelling to any other country in the world beyond the 22nd parallel this holiday season, you must declare your travel dates to Europ Assistance before your departure in order to be covered by the International Travel Medical Assistance benefit provided to all Fedhealth members by Europ Assistance. Please call 011 991 8600 or e-mail assist@europassistance.co.za to declare your travel dates.
|
|
REAL RESPONSE
Here's your very own 'write in and be heard' section in HouseCall! |
We feature this month's best letter in this column, whether it relates to a compliment, suggestion or complaint. We believe in listening to everyone, because this is how we improve our service to you, and we invite members to use this channel for general comments about the scheme, its products and services.
Send your letters to
Red Metrowich at
REAL RESPONSE, HouseCall!,
P O Box 3065,
Saxonwold
2132,
or
Fax 086 590 2876.
or E-mail
I have joined Fedhealth, knowing very well that I will be in capable hands at the most convenient price. As a low income earner I feel that through Fedhealth I can have both sides of my health covered, namely day-to-day and hospital. Thank you for the excellent service and constant feedback from the consultant I dealt with. Much appreciated.
Candice Sanderson |
Welcome to the Fedhealth family, Candice. We wish you a long and happy association with our Scheme.
- Editor. ♦ |
OUR EDITOR
|
If you want to make direct contact with your Board of Trustees, you are welcome to contact Red Metrowich who is a member of the Board at: HouseCall!
Postal address: P O Box 3065, Saxonwold, 2132 Fax: 086 590 2876, E-mail |
|
BRINGING IT BACK TO BABY
|
 |
FEDHEALTH BABY MATERNITY PROGRAMME
Janique has been selected from our three winners as the Face of Fedhealth Baby for 2010. Janique will appear on all promotional material throughout the year. Her prize consisted of a professional photo shoot as well as a Pigeon hamper loaded with items for her to be spoilt with.
|
|
We would also like to thank our sponsors, Chelino for the stroller that Justin Williamson won, as well as Huggies for the supply of nappies won by Shankari Jayakody. Justin and Shankari also won the Pigeon hamper.
If you are expecting a baby don' t miss out, register on the Fedhealth Baby maternity programme today for amazing give-aways, discounts, education and just plain fun!
The Fedhealth Baby programme has been created to make your pregnancy experience all the more well informed and special. Call 0861 116 016 to join at no additional cost. |
|
| DISCLAIMER: The opinions, advice and products contained in articles supplied by contributors other than employees of Fedhealth do not necessarily reflect the policy, rules or opinions of Fedhealth Medical Scheme. |
 |
TR1685 |
Created by |
|
|
|
