28 July - Health

Today we spoke to Ruth Nugent – a Social Worker from Epilepsy South Africa. We were talking about Epilepsy. It is reported that approximately 65% of people newly diagnosed with epilepsy have no obvious cause. Of the remaining 35%, the more common reasons include stroke, conditions we are born with, brain tumors, trauma and infection but Ruth explained more. That interview was brought to you by the National Department of Health and funded by the European Union. For more information contact Epilepsy South Africa on (021) 703 9420 or visit www.epilepsy.org.za

We also spoke to Michael. Michael was diagnosed with Schizophrenia few years ago and has been coping very well with this condition. We were talking about Living with Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a serious disorder of the brain that usually appears at a young age (that’s according to experts) and can cause severe disability and loss of function if not treated correctly. Michael shared with us how life has been like for him since being diagnosed with Schizophrenia. If you are diagnosed with schizophrenia and need support in coping with it then contact the Cape Support for Mental Health. They give support to families of people affected by schizophrenia and other prolonged mental illnesses. They can be contacted at (021) 671 1573 or www.capesupport.org.za alternatively contact the Fountain House on (021) 447 7409.

Lastly we spoke with Vuyelwa Mehlomakulu – from the Human Sciences Research Council. We were talking about HIV Prevalence Study. It is reported that South Africa is currently the country with the highest infection and transmission rate of HIV/AIDS in the World. In order to gain a better understanding of the perceptions, problems and implications of this epidemic, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will be leading the 3rd South African National HIV, Behaviour and Health Survey. The study will reach about 28 000 people in 15 000 randomly selected households from all parts of the country, over a period of about 5-6 months. The study aims to provide information which will inform policy makers about the HIV/AIDS situation in our country, improving and expanding HIV/AIDS programmes and services. Vuyelwa explained more about the study and how you can participate. For more information visit www.hsrc.ac.za

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rudy van Dieman to summit Table Mountain 365 times in 2022, to raise funds for building a community orphanage

Image
Rudy van Dieman, who has partnered with Angels South Africa, an organisation based in Colorado Park, Mitchells Plain, will summit Table Mountain 365 times in 2022, to raise funds for building a community orphanage. Angels SA wants to purchase a house that will become a safe house for children. ‘’Farieda Moses, [Founder of AngelsSA] has been a role model to me since I knew her. She took us on a camp and we stayed in contact after that ,and we done various charity work together. Just her will, and her strength that I see in her - she wants to make such a big change, but don’t have the necessary tools, so it will take years to fund her dream, and I came up with the crazy idea to give it a year and do my part to raise those funds and build that house,’’ said van Dieman. He aims to raise R1 Million through backabuddy https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/angels-sa-project-365 PICTURED: Rudy van Dieman Sakhi Sizwe · Rudy Van Dieman summits Table Mountain to raise funds to
Read more

FAST Prep - An Innovative method to help stop the spread of HIV and enhance the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Image
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit company established in association with the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, an accredited research centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT). Through their dedication to innovation, quality, and humanity, they hope to mitigate the effects of the HIV epidemic on people, families, and communities. Their mission is to achieve the highest standards in HIV research, treatment, and prevention in South Africa.                  Educating us a little bit more about the work that is done at Desmond Tutu Health foundation in educating and providing health services of FASTPrEP in terms of HIV Prevention as well as HIV Treatment and other related infections is Mbali Jonas as well as Ntando FAST Prep:  Is an acronym for Foreskin and Mucosal Tissue Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is specifically designed to target areas where HIV can spread, particularly in high-risk populations. By using this method, the a
Read more

Winter having an effect on Bloodstocks

Image
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is appealing to all donors to donate blood as blood stocks are critically low. “The winter is having a severe effect on our bloodstocks and we are amidst a severe blood stock shortage”, says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS. There is a critical shortage in the O and B blood groups, with only a 2-day supply left. The A-positive blood stocks are also under severe pressure as only a 3-day supply is left. WCBS always aim to have a blood stock level of 5 days. The winter weather is not conducive to going out, and with the continuing storms in Cape Town, they are seeing the effects on their blood stocks. Blood donors suffer from colds and flu during this time and can subsequently not donate blood – up until the resolution of their symptoms . Click on the video below to here more: Presenter: Jasnine Roberts Producer: Lydia M
Read more