05 November – Health
Today we spoke to Dr Benny Steyn – Psychiatrist at the University of Stellenbosch. And the topic we were focusing on was suicide prevention. According to reports in the past 25 years, while the general incidence of suicide has decreased, the rate for those between 15 and 24 has tripled. It is generally considered to be the second or third most common cause of death among adolescents, even though it is seriously underreported. Dr Steyn told us more about the causes and how it can be prevented. Remember half of all children who have made one suicide attempt will make another, sometimes as many as two a year until they succeed. The majority of suicide attempts are expressions of extreme distress and not just harmless bids for attention. For more information contact the Mental Health Resources Center on (021) 938 9121 alternative contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group National Toll Free Suicide Crisis Line at (011) 783 1474/6 or visit their website at www.sadag.co.za or the Lifeline National Counseling Line on 0861 322 322 .
We also spoke to Dr Dagmar Whitaker – a dermatologist. We were talking about Skin Cancer. November is Sun Smart Awareness Month. It is reported that skin cancer is very common in white populations worldwide, but is also the highest rated type of cancer in South Africa. Overexposure to UV radiation during childhood and adolescence, is said to be the major cause. Black or brown skinned people have a negligible incidence of skin cancer because of the melanin pigment in their skin, but they are still prone to sun-related damage. Dr Whitaker explained more on how we can protect our skin from dangerous UV rays. For more information you can contact the Cancer Association of South Africa at (021) 689 5347 or visit www.cansa.co.za
Our last interview was with Dr E V Rapiti – a Family Physician. We were talking about conduct Disorder in children. Conduct disorder is the most serious psychiatric disorder in childhood and adolescence. Those who have this disorder may exhibit aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitful, lying, stealing, and serious violation of rules but Dr Rapiti explained more about this condition and whether there is any available treatment. For more information you can contact him at (021) 397 6029 or a social worker.
We also spoke to Dr Dagmar Whitaker – a dermatologist. We were talking about Skin Cancer. November is Sun Smart Awareness Month. It is reported that skin cancer is very common in white populations worldwide, but is also the highest rated type of cancer in South Africa. Overexposure to UV radiation during childhood and adolescence, is said to be the major cause. Black or brown skinned people have a negligible incidence of skin cancer because of the melanin pigment in their skin, but they are still prone to sun-related damage. Dr Whitaker explained more on how we can protect our skin from dangerous UV rays. For more information you can contact the Cancer Association of South Africa at (021) 689 5347 or visit www.cansa.co.za
Our last interview was with Dr E V Rapiti – a Family Physician. We were talking about conduct Disorder in children. Conduct disorder is the most serious psychiatric disorder in childhood and adolescence. Those who have this disorder may exhibit aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitful, lying, stealing, and serious violation of rules but Dr Rapiti explained more about this condition and whether there is any available treatment. For more information you can contact him at (021) 397 6029 or a social worker.
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