The low down on Covid-19 test protocols
As South Africa finds itself starting to move out of the second wave of a Covid-19 outbreak, over 8 million […]
Pregnancy and Medical Aid
Motherhood and pregnancy are times of great anticipation and joy. Each experience is unique but what is probably high on
What vitamins and minerals are needed during pregnancy
As an expecting mom you’ll want to do your best to make sure that your baby is as healthy as
Working and pregnancy – when to stop and how much is enough
As an expecting mom with a career you may be wondering when the best time would be to stop working
Travel tips during Covid-19
With the increasing number of local Covid-19 cases – over 10 000 in the past 24 hours – we need to
Birth injuries
You only want the best for your baby, but sometimes harm comes to them unintentionally. During the birthing process, your
Sunburn in babies, how to prevent and treat it
Living in sunny South Africa, worrying about your baby being exposed to the sun’s rays is a valid concern. Too
Ten tips for choosing the right medical aid
The medical aid landscape can be tricky to navigate so it’s best to compare all the available options and schemes
Bonitas takes the edge off contribution increases
Financially solid, younger new members, two new plans, virtual healthcare and a renewed focus on Managed Care for chronic diseases
Elective surgeries – the disruption, the trends and back to business unusual
On 9 September, South Africa recorded 1990 new cases of the pandemic in 24 hours. The country has now slipped
Physical touch & newborns – why is this so important
The birth of your baby is a beautiful and special moment in both of your lives. You may be wondering
How does my diet affect my pregnancy?
A healthy diet is always important, but during pregnancy you are eating for both you and your baby so it’s
Stimulating your baby’s senses
The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should
Cancelling your medical aid should be a last resort
When your income is threatened, reduced or, in the worst-case scenario has dried up, deciding where to spend and where
Collaboration addresses the challenges of COVID-19
‘Collaboration between all the stakeholders is the cornerstone of tackling the coronavirus pandemic,’ this according to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer
C-section questions, answered
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make about your baby’s birth is whether to have a vaginal birth or a
Virtual medical consultations now available 24/7
Staying healthy remains a priority for South Africans especially during the COVID-19 lockdown. However it can be a challenge to seek medical help when the Government is asking us to stay home, wear masks, wash our hands frequently and practice social distancing. The solution lies in virtual care.
Vaccine against Streptococcus Pneumoniae
The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that although pneumonia vaccines are not effective against COVID -19, vaccinations against respiratory illnesses
Coronavirus – should you still have a flu vaccine?
The flu season is officially underway and, while Coronavirus is bringing the world to a standstill, it is important to remember that flu can be deadly too. Which is why it is important to have a flu vaccine.
Making sense of the numbers – cases, co-morbidities and costs
As the number of COVID-19 infections creeps closer to 20 000, both public and private healthcare is going to be under constant pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) says its COVID-19 data to date suggests that 80% of infections are mild or asymptomatic, 15% are severe infections, requiring oxygen and 5% are critical infections, requiring ventilation.
Supporting you through your pregnancy
Bonitas Medical Fund believes that as an expecting mom your pregnancy should be a unique and joyful experience. Through targeted support during each trimester, pregnancy education and specific related engagements – via telephone and digital channels – we aim to help you achieve this. With the new Maternity Programme we hope to improve the health of moms-to-be and, as a result, reduce possible complications.
Back pain during pregnancy and how to deal with it
Back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy and can be frustrating to deal with. Unfortunately, if you have any
Lifestyle diseases and Coronavirus
As the number of Covid-19 infections moves over 10 000, the health minister Zweli Mkhize has expressed concern about the huge risk group of South Africans suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. In other words Comorbidities.
Free virtual medical consultations for all South Africans
Bonitas Medical Fund announced that it has extended its free virtual medical consultations to all South Africans. This facility includes medical advice about COVID-19, other medical problems, the writing of prescription, where necessary and free delivery of chronic medication.
Don’t dread the dentist
Most of us are scared of the dentist which means dental care can easily be overlooked but, taking good care of your teeth will not only leave you with a brilliant smile, it will also keep your mouth healthy. By following a good at-home care regime and regular dental visits, you can decrease the likelihood of health problems in the future.
Ambulances are for emergencies only
Too often we read about emergency services and the police force spending hundreds of thousands of Rands on wasted resources due to prank or non-emergency calls. Some emergency services report receiving up to 50 abusive or hoax calls every day. Not only does this waste valuable time for the highly trained personnel but it also causes disruptions to responses to real emergencies and puts people’s lives in danger.
When you have a pain in the neck or back
Back pain is a common problem – 80% of us will experience an episode at some point in our lives. It is associated with many factors that vary from person to person but can be caused by an injury, a disc or joint problem, an irritated nerve root or poor posture. The pain might be acute or chronic but living with either can be debilitating.
Enhanced maternity benefits in 2020 from Bonitas
Around 9 000 babies are born to Bonitas Medical Fund members annually and while most of these little members are welcomed into the world without any hitches, about 20% of pregnant moms experience complications during childbirth. Many experience challenges of some kind during their pregnancy, or immediately after the birth of their child. For this reason, the Fund is making maternity education and support a focus for 2020. The aim is to offer pregnant members all the support and guidance they need to improve their health and that of their baby. It is about making the pre- and post- birth period as stress-free and healthy as possible.
Membership growth and a weighted increase below double digits for Bonitas
A growth in membership, an increased emphasis on Managed Care, a range of enhancements for members and added value, are just some of the highlights from the Bonitas 2020 Product Launch.
Medical Aid – making the right choice
Private and public healthcare has been in the news lately and will continue to be a topic of discussion around
