26 May 2008 – Health

This week on our Health slot we spoke to Marius le Roux the Provincial Health Coordinator who spoke to us about World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the 31st of May as World No Tobacco Day and every year WHO provides a theme to guide the commemoration of this Day. The theme for this year is “Tobacco-Free Youth”. Marius explained more about the Awareness Campaigns that the department is running. To smokers: It is never too late to quit smoking, be informed that you take an immediate decision to quit smoking you will increase your life expectancy by 10 to 15 years. QUIT SMOKING AND HAVE CONTROL OVER YOURSELF. To the young people and non-smokers: “STAY SMOKE FREE”, it’s a Good healthy choice and lifestyle that you can pursue. If you want to quit, here is a quitline: (011) 725 1514 or (012) 312 0180. For those non-smokers who come across restaurants that do not comply to the law which says that they should have smoke free zones – you can report them on 021 400 4291. That interview was brought to you by the National Department o f Health and funded by the European Union.

We also spoke to Dr Sharon Kling from the Asthma Clinic at the Tygerberg Hospital about Asthma. According to media reports changing lifestyles lead to rise in Asthma case in South Africa. The Tygerberg hospital gets about 1000 people who suffer from Asthma every year and sadly many still die from it. Dr Kling explained more about the treatment therapies that are available to control Asthma. For more information you can contact the Tygerberg hospital on (021) 938 4911

Our last interview was with Cassey Amore – From the South African Depression and Anxiety Group or SADAG. Together we looked at Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning. This day is of critical importance not only to the many people living with Bipolar Disorder or their family and friends, but for the many people who have not had the courage to speak to their doctor, family or a therapist about the symptoms they are experiencing. Matsepo explained more about those symptoms and the available treatment. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and GSK have a Bipolar Support Helpline that is a vital lifeline for patients and their families. The line is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm and can be reached on 0800 078 377 or 0800 567 567. Patients can also access information on the website at www.sadag.co.za alternatively contact SADAG via sms on 31393.