Expert Advice from Bonitas Medical Fund
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Caring for Baby

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Circumcision care Newborn circumcision is a surgery that removes the loose skin (foreskin) that covers the end of a baby boy’s penis. It may be done for various reasons and usually heals with 7-10 days. Follow the care instructions you were given by your baby’s doctor. Often times they will recommend that you use a small amount of petroleum jelly on the site at diaper changes to prevent irritation. Contact your baby’s doctor if you see blood or pus around the circumcision or if you smell an odour coming from the site. Myths about newborns The following are common myths about newborns: Myth: Don’t touch their “soft spots” – Truth: Known as the fontanels, these areas are a thick protective membrane, not your baby’s brain, so if you happen to touch them gently nothing bad will happen; as with all of your baby, handle that area with gentle loving care. Myth: Baby girls don’t have periods – Truth: Baby girls may have a “mini period” within the first few weeks of life which is the result of the stimulation of their uterus by Mom’s high estrogen levels. If you ever have questions about what’s happening with your baby, contact your doctor. Myth: Babies don’t get acne – Truth: Some newborns will develop acne due to circulating hormones from their mother between 2 weeks and 2 months of age; you don’t need acne creams, just cleanse the area gently. Myth: Babies have flat chests – Truth: Some babies may temporarily have swollen breasts due to their mothers circulating hormones; this can happen to boys and girls. Myth: Sneezing must mean my baby has a cold – Truth: Newborns have tiny noses and often have some congestion, so they may sneeze a lot at first; if they have thick, coloured mucus and are sneezing a lot then they may be developing a cold. Never hesitate to contact your doctor if you are worried about what’s going on with your baby. No question is ever “dumb” if you are worried. Bathing your newborn Your baby doesn’t need a full bath every day, only 3-4 times a week. When giving them a full bath make sure the water is warm, but not hot, by testing the temperature with your elbow – if it’s too hot for your elbow, it’s too hot for your baby. Use mild bath soap made specifically for babies – harsh soaps may dry and irritate their skin. Always keep one hand on the baby while they are in the bathwater. There are some parts of your baby that will need to be washed with mild soap every day, especially their face, chin, neck and bottom. Do not use soap on their belly button (navel) or on a circumcision until it’s healed. Make sure the room you are in to bathe your baby is warm and free of drafts. Every baby is different so don’t hesitate to talk with your baby’s doctor if you have any questions about caring for your newborn. Healthy skin for newborns You don’t need to use lotion or powder on your baby unless it’s been recommended by their doctor. Don’t use fabric softener or bleach on their clothes as these can irritate their skin. Use mild detergent to wash their clothes, making sure to wash new clothing before you put it on the baby. Be careful not to overdress your baby – if you are comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, your baby will be fine in a t-shirt or short sleeved onesie and a diaper. Diaper care for your newborn Periodically check your baby’s diaper to see if it’s wet or soiled. Change their diaper whenever one becomes wet or soiled. When changing your baby’s diaper, wash their bottom with mild soap and warm water or use disposable baby wipes. Be sure to wash your hands each time you finish changing a diaper. Additional tips for care of newborn For mouth care, wipe you baby’s gums daily with a clean damp washcloth or an infant toothbrush. To prevent scratches, keep your baby’s finger and toenails cut short. Remember that newborns sleep a lot – usually between 16-18 hours a day. Make sure to schedule your baby’s first check-up as recommended by their doctor – it’s usually recommended between 2-4 weeks of age. Umbilical cord care Do not place the baby in bath water until after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry – if it becomes soiled you can clean it with a cotton ball, mild soap and water. Umbilical cord stumps usually fall off about 2-4 weeks after birth – contact your baby’s doctor if this doesn’t happen. If the umbilical cord stump turns red around the base, bleeds, develops coloured drainage or a bad odour contact your baby’s doctor right away since it could be a sign of an infection. Contact your baby’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s umbilical cord stump. Teething pain relief The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. To help soothe the pain from teething give your baby a teething ring, a wet washcloth cooled down in the refrigerator, or feed him/her cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. You can also talk to your doctor about giving your baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease the pain.

August 20, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Digital Covid Hub drives education and vaccinations

The 3rd wave of Covid-19, which is predominantly the Delta variant, is having a major impact on our healthcare system with reports of hospital admissions being significantly higher than during waves 1 and 2. ‘We can attest to this by the ongoing monitoring and analysis provided by our actuarial teams’, says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund.  ‘In 2020 we had a total of 8 111 members hospitalised due to Covid-19 as opposed to 7 815 over the past six months.’ Covid Hub – education for everyone ‘At the outset of the pandemic, 18 months ago, we created an informative and educational Covid-19 hub to create a reliable source of information and to educate and empower our members,’ explains Callakoppen. ‘The information includes helping identify symptoms, providing guidelines on how and where to be tested and receive treatment.’  Recently, the Fund enhanced and bolstered this centralised, digital Covid-19 information hub and made it accessible to all South Africans – www.bonitas.co.za/covid. ‘As new scientific data became available, we continued to update the hub, highlighting key topics such as safety protocols, the different types of Covid-19 tests, dispelling myths around the vaccine and explaining the difference between Covid-19, the common cold and flu. One of the key elements is the comprehensive guide to recovering from Covid-19 which includes tips for caregivers, the do’s and don’ts of Covid-19 recovery, as well as post-Covid care tips.’ ‘Now, given the increased vaccination drive and it being opened to a wider group, we have further enhanced the site to assist our members with registration and help speed up the process at Bonitas vaccination sites.’ Private vaccination sites for all To support the Department of Health’s ongoing efforts to vaccinate as many South Africans as possible, Bonitas has vaccinated over 100 000 South Africans at its private vaccination sites across the country. A quarter of whom (25 245) were Bonitas members. At present, the 50+ age groups are being vaccinated, with registration and vaccinations for 35+ now open. The 10 sites adhere to all the required safety regulations and are staffed by qualified nurses, additional sites are due to come on-line in the new few weeks.   ‘As of 13 July 2021, there were 2 031 Bonitas members in hospital, compared to 1 893 the week before and 1 598 at the end of June,’ says Callakoppen. ‘We have conducted a total of 338 981 PCR tests, 150 430 of these were between January and July 12th – with 28 097 members testing positive. This is a 44% increase over 6 months. ‘However, studies have shown that once people are vaccinated, they’re far less likely to fall seriously ill and that the vaccine provides protection against hospitalisation for the Delta variant, which is why the vaccine roll out is critical.’ This aligns with the recent statement from Dr Marian van Kerkhove of the World Health Organisation (WHO): ‘The Covid-19 situation globally is dangerous with high levels of transmission driven by four major factors. The first are these variants of concern, including the Delta variant. The second factor is that we have increased social mixing and social mobility, which increases the number of contacts that individuals have. The third factor is the relaxation or the inappropriate use of public health and social measures. Proven public health and social measures that we know prevent infections, reduce the spread of somebody who is infected with the virus to others and save lives. And the fourth factor is the uneven and inequitable distribution of vaccines.’ Herd immunity Vaccinating as many people as soon as possible remains a priority if we are to minimise the impact of Covid-19.  To achieve herdimmunity, the South Africa’s Department of Health is aiming to vaccinate 67% of the country’s population – this equates to around 41 million people.  ‘It’s heartening to learn that vaccine acceptance is growing in South Africa, with the latest Covid-19 study revealing that 76% of the population are willing to be vaccinated.  The daily average number of doses administered over the past week – counting only weekdays between Monday and Friday – amounts to 150 000 – reaching a total of just over 5 million with 1,67 million South Africans having received both doses.  This means 2.9% of the population is fully vaccinated.  Plans are in place to ramp this up over the next few weeks, which will include sites being open over weekends and to widen the groups being vaccinated. Educate and vaccinate In collaboration with service providers and employer groups, the Fund’s private vaccination sites also promote key Covid-19 messages, with take home educational leaflets that can be shared. ‘In addition, we have begun the process of opening vaccination facilities at major scheme employer sites, such as Eskom,’ says Callakoppen. ‘We are continually engaging with corporates to improve the support we provide.’ Identified high-risk beneficiaries are also being supported through various initiatives, including disease management interventions, home-based care and medicine supplies where required.  QR Code replaces forms  ‘Complaints about queues and waiting times at some sites have been taken into consideration,’ says Callakoppen. ‘We have streamlined the process for members by providing access to a QR code, upon registration on the EVDS and our portal. This means that they are scanned upon arrival, eliminating any delay by having to fill in forms – allowing for a smooth and efficient process.’ Registration should still be done via the Government website on https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za and everyone must remember to take along their unique token, ID document or passport to the vaccinations site. If you’re on a medical aid, make sure you have your medical aid card with you.  ‘We need to remain on high alert about the pandemic,’ warns Callakoppen.  ‘It may be day 477 but we cannot afford to be complacent. We must all play our part to stay safe, which means following the protocols and getting vaccinated.   ‘The vaccination process is a key focus area for us, along with education. We will continue to use our Hub (available at www.bonitas.co.za/covid) as a central resource for factual information. A

August 3, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Generics and biosimilars – champion cost savers in the healthcare industry

It is common knowledge that healthcare costs rise exponentially and medical schemes have to find ways to reduce costs both for the medical scheme and its members. Kathy Malherbe spoke to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, about generics and biosimilars and how they contribute towards reducing healthcare costs. One of the cost drivers is medication which is why The Pharmacy Act of 1997 and the Medicines Control Amendment Act, among other things, have made it mandatory for dispensers of medicine, be they doctors or pharmacists, to offer a patient a generic substitute if one is available. However, generics are not the only cost savers.  The patent expiry on many biological medicines is opening the door to more affordable, life-saving ‘biosimilars’ to be produced – another ‘champion’ in the pharmaceutical industry.  Increased consolidation in the healthcare industry is also having a positive impact on medicine prices and availability. Medical aids are trying to create more competition, even among medicines that are still under patent. They are also tightening up their formularies, in part to encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide better pricing.   What is a generic drug?  A generic is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents. It is an exact copy of brand-name drugs that has the same dosage, intended use, effects, risks, safety and strength as the original. In other words, their pharmacological effects are identical to those of their brand-name counterparts. But at a much more affordable price… Generic medicines cost, on average, between 30 and 80% less than the original.  What guarantee is there that generics are true replicas?  In South Africa, the Medicines Control Council (MCC) carries the responsibility of making sure that generic drugs are safe and effective. Generic drug manufacturers have to prove their medicine is bioequivalent to the original brand before a product is approved into the local market.   What is a biosimilar? Biological drugs are large, complex proteins made from living cells through highly complex manufacturing processes. Biosimilars are a close equivalent but not exact copies of biologicals. and are manufactured after the patent for the biological/reference drug ends. To be called a biosimilar drug, it must be shown to be safe, work as well as, and work in the same way as its reference drug – the biological. It must also be used in the same way, at the same dose, and for the same condition as the reference drug. The cost of manufacturing biological medicines is more expensive than conventional chemically produced medicines and, because biosimilars are close copies, they remain expensive but are still more cost effective that the original.  What are they used to treat? The most important biological medicines are used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and cancers. How are they different from generics? The reason biological copies are called biosimilars is that, unlike generic medicines, the active ingredients are not exactly the same as the original but ‘similar.’ It is impossible to make identical copies when ‘translating’ biological molecules from living cells in the laboratory. Very importantly to note though, is that even though biosimilars are not a direct copy, the therapeutic effect is the same as the original biological product. Why are generics and biosimilars less expensive? Generics Pharmaceutical companies are researching and testing new active ingredients and medicines all the time. The patent is valid for about 20 years which means that only the approved company may research, create a new formulation (the ‘recipe’ and process for creating the actual medicine) and register the medicine. This takes years and carries a huge financial burden. After about 8 to 10 years on the market the patent usually expires and other drug companies can make an exact copy of the drug without the initial clinical research costs. Biosimilars While these medicines have revolutionised treatments for many diseases, the research and development expenses, including the costs of highly skilled scientists, clinical trials and the specialised equipment needed, are the main cost drivers. Companies are required to fund these costs, often in excess of 10 years, before registration for use by patients.  Biosimilars save costs because: The molecule and effects have already been discovered and identified by the originator The number of patients required in the clinical trials is reduced The original biological medicine would have been ‘manufactured’ at least 20 years ago. New manufacturing methods are more efficient. The cost-efficiencies, which generic and biosimilar medicines provide, are assuming greater importance for state and private health funders as populations age and the prevalence of cancers and other non-communicable diseases increase.  SA’s already stretched healthcare budget is coming under increasing pressure to fund the high cost of pharmaceuticals, especially biological medicines. While generics and biosimilars may not be a panacea for high healthcare costs, they will go a long way towards offering a cost-effective, quality treatment for a large range of diseases. In addition, these breakthrough treatments can halt progression and sometimes even prevent recurrence by acting on proteins that affect the genome/immune system.

July 5, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Toddler Milestones

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Growing children Children grow and learn at their own pace. It is normal for your child to be ahead in one area, but behind in another.  Learning what is normal for each age group can help you feel comfortable with where your child is at and spot any problems early on. Milestones: age 2 Milestones for age 2 include: Walking by themselves; this usually takes place between 9-17 months with the average being 14 months Running: about 6 months after learning to walk Climbing stairs and onto furniture Kicking a ball Ability to scribble with crayons, pencils or markers Imaginative or make-believe play Communication includes using real words by 15-18 months and simple phrases by 18-24 months Milestones: age 3 Milestones for age 3 include: Improved balance: can stand on one foot for a short time, can petal a tricycle and can walk upstairs without holding the railing All baby teeth have come through Potty trained during the day 20/30 vision Communication includes increased vocabulary (hundreds of words), uses short sentences, uses plurals and pronouns and asks many questions Can dress self with exception of laces, buttons, etc. Knows their name, age and gender Learns to share Milestones: age 4 Milestones for age 4 include: Hops on one foot well Throws a ball overhand well Uses scissors to cut out a picture Communication includes increased vocabulary (thousands of words), uses longer sentences, uses past tense and asks even more questions than ever Learns simple songs Starting to understand time better Milestones: age 5 Milestones for age 5 include: 20/20 vision Increased coordination: skipping, jumping and hopping well Learning to use writing utensils well Communications includes increased vocabulary (over 2000 words), uses sentences with 5 or more words and uses all parts of speech Knows the primary colours Learning to understand math Learning to behave with more responsibility and less aggression

June 14, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Infant Milestones: the first year

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Milestones: 1-3 months Milestones for months 1 to 3 include: Ability to raise head and chest when laying on stomach Stretches arms out and kicks when laying on back Smiles purposefully Enjoys playing with other people Can follow a moving object with eyes Ability to open and shut hands and bring hands to mouth Ability to grasp and shake a toy Communication includes facial expressions and body movement, coo’s and babbles Begins to imitate some sounds and expressions Begins to recognize toys and people from a distance Hand-eye coordination improving Milestones: 4-7 months Milestones for months 4 to 7 include: Uses hands and mouth to explore Can find a partially hidden object Attempts to get objects that are out of their reach Can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back Can sit by self for a short time, with or without hands and sit in a highchair Ability to transfer toys between hands, point and reach for objects Communication includes using more variety of sounds and pitches; uses sound to reflect moods, babbles to get attention and can imitate sounds better Play becomes more intentional Milestones: 8-12 months Milestones for months 8 to 12 include: Can move to a sitting position and crawling position on his/her own Crawling Sitting independently Pull up, stand and walk while holding onto furniture; may even take a few steps independently Grasp objects with thumb and first finger; can finger feed themselves Place toys into containers and take them out; find toys that are hidden Communication includes saying mama and dada, oh-oh, shaking head yes or no and imitating other sounds; may even say their first word Uncomfortable around strangers and cries when mom or dad leaves

June 7, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Boosting your immune system

The global pandemic has highlighted more than ever the need to stay healthy and keep our immune systems as strong as possible.  It is well documented that people with  co-morbidities and poorly functioning immune systems are at the highest risk of getting really ill from Covid-19.  Although you cannot suddenly reverse a co-morbidity or instantly boost your immune system, now is a good time to make your health and natural defences a priority.  Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund offers some input as to how to boost our immune system and keep it that way.  What is the immune system? The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection.  It also keeps a record of every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated, so it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. Dr Mkhatshwa stresses the fact that Covid-19 is a novel (new) pathogen which means our bodies don’t have any existing antibodies to mount a defence. For that reason, it remains imperative to continue wearing masks and practising social distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Can over-the-counter vitamins and supplements help?   There is no magic pill that will instantly boost your immune system. However, together with a healthy lifestyle habits, various supplements can boost your immune system and give you a fighting chance.  What are considered useful vitamins and supplements to take? The recommendation for general health is a combination of 5 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy. These include: Vitamin C:  Supplementing with Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. This vitamin can also be found in oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, strawberries, red bell peppers and tomato juice. Vitamin D: Also fights off infections and maintains strong bones. Vitamin D has been highly researched in connection with Covid-19 because of its effect on the immune system. – it is found in salmon, mushrooms, milk, cereals and breads. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system but there has not been robust clinical evidence to prove its use against Covid-19. Vitamin A:Helps regulate the immune system and protects against infections by keeping your tissues and skin healthy – it can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots and spinach. Vitamin E: Is an essential antioxidant that helps fight cell damage. Nuts and peanut butter are filled with Vitamin E. Zinc: Works as an antioxidant and boost the metabolism along with healing wounds.  Meat, shellfish, beans/legumes and nuts/seeds are high zinc foods. Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response. A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease. It has also been highly researched in the fight against Covid-19 but sadly has not shown any proven clinical results. Taking a deep breath – the science behind breathing and the immune function Your mental state influences your physical health. Our immune and lymphatic systems are chemical based so we are essentially a collection of chemicals, from our brains to our bones.  The air we breathe converts into chemicals that we need to fuel our cells. The way we breathe matters and even impacts our body chemistry. The physiological responses to deep, controlled, mindful breathing is so profound that if we could bottle them and sell them as drugs, they’d be worth a fortune.  Learn to exhale, activate your diaphragm, breathe deeply and work on fixing your posture. Simply thinking about better breathing will trigger positive immune responses. Breathing slowly and deeply is one of the most effective things you can do right now for your wellbeing. The immune function and auto-immune disease are complex topics. The state of our health is not black and white, nor can it be affected by one-stop solutions. A holistic approach to health will always win against quick fixes. Once we understand that, improvements in these essential body systems can happen naturally.  Will the flu vaccine help your immunity?  Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of influenza illness, hospitalisation and death. Not only will flu vaccinations reduce the risk of getting flu but are an important conservation measure for scarce health care resources. This remains a concern with the ongoing the Covid-19 pandemic.  A protective antibody response takes about 2 weeks to develop so should be taken early.  The third wave of Covid-19 in South Africa, as predicted by The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), has begun and Dr Mkhatshwa recommends doing everything you can to boost your immune system, according to your personal preference.   In terms of Covid-19, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement, diet or other lifestyle modification, other than social distancing and proper hygiene practices can protect you. 

May 28, 2021
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Parenting Hub

Sun cream for kids with sensitive skin! The lowdown on keeping your little ones safe in the sun

Covering a wriggling child in sun cream is tricky enough, but when your little one has sensitive skin it can be even trickier– you don’t want to use anything that’s going to irritate. That’s why Childs Farm sun protection products don’t containparabens, SLSs, mineral oils, artificial colours or anything that might make sensitive skin flare up. Plus if you have a super-wriggler on your hands, our spray and roll-on sun lotions make everything easier.

October 11, 2019
Parenting Hub

Head lice – they’re not inside they’re on top!

Moms love it when their little ones come home from school buzzing with knowledge. Sometimes though, the activity isn’t inside their heads but on top! Head lice populations rise in summer, and girls with longer hair pick them up easier than boys.

October 1, 2019
Parenting Hub

The Surprising Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages for Moms

With World Breastfeeding Week recently celebrated and the focus placed on the importance of breastfeeding to improve the health of babies, it is an ideal time to consider the risks of alcohol for pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers – and the delicious alternative beverage options that are now available in the market. Today, one of the major risks to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is alcohol consumption. While many women do limit their intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, they may not be doing enough. The health risks associated with consuming alcohol during pregnancy, breastfeeding and even conception mean that there are now an increasing variety of alcohol-free beverages for moms and moms-to-be in order to have safer (and healthier) choices. In fact, it turns out that 0.0% non-alcoholic malt beverages can even boost breastmilk supply by stimulating prolactin levels. It also has some other surprising – and quite remarkable – health benefits… Without going into the technical details, the barley malt contains lactogenic beta-glucan. This not only makes it highly nutritious, but when enjoyed 90 minutes prior to breastfeeding, can see an increase in the mom’s milk production. This makes sense, considering that barley is a starchy food that contains complex carbohydrates. The soluble fibre (essentially slowing glucose absorption) contained in the barley can lower cholesterol and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Malt drinks are well known to be both wholesome and highly nutritious, while providing some protein, sugar, essential minerals and levels of vitamins A and B vitamins. It also provides the all-important folic acid that is beneficial during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The Risks of Alcohol During Pregnancy Here’s how it works, in a nutshell. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. This can result in miscarriages, stillbirth, or a range of disabilities that are classified under the term foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Sadly, South Africa has the highest prevalence of these disorders than anywhere else in the world with 111.1 instances per 1 000 children (the global average is 7.7). The Consumption of Alcohol During Breastfeeding & Alternative Options Conventional wisdom used to state that drinking a beer before nursing could help with the milk ejection reflex. However, more recent studies have shown that infants who are fed milk by mothers who have consumed alcohol tend to take in less milk than those who did not.  Startlingly, consuming alcohol while breastfeeding can lead to a multitude of ill effects: disturbed sleep cycles, extreme drowsiness, weakness, decreased growth in the infant, the possibility of decreased milk-ejection reflex and milk quality in the mother, not to mention the impairment of a mother’s natural reflexes that are needed in taking proper care of her child! On the other hand, consuming a non-alcoholic beverage or two means that you get all the benefits without any of the disadvantages – whether pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, modern 0.0% non-alcoholic beverage now has the same taste, while being devoid of the negative health side-effects associated with alcohol. Additional benefits include the hangover-free lifestyle and reduced calorie consumption. A win for South African mothers, and mothers all around the world! To celebrate women as everyday heroes, Bavaria threw a surprise baby shower for Itumeleng Nyathi, a Zimbabwean woman who left her country to pursue a brighter future in South Africa. In doing so, she had to walk away from her family and existing support systems. While in South Africa, Itumeleng met her husband Larry and they are now expecting their first child together, a baby girl arriving in September. Itumeleng received a bumper supply of gifts at the event, courtesy of Bavaria and a Johannesburg Mom’s Group – who banded together to provide her with a stroller, car seat, cot, feeding chair, baby bath, bouncer, booster seat, and more. An extra special surprise awaited Itumeleng as she was reunited with her mother, whom she hadn’t seen in several years.  This heart-warming story has been turned into a special, shareable video: Please click here to watch By Oliver Wills, Marketing Manager at Bavaria

September 27, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

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 the Department of Health’s proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill as well as the current socioeconomic landscape.  Traditionally in September, private medical aids present their products, plans and pricing for 2020 to existing members, or potential members, so that they can make informed choices. ‘It is imperative that the decision you make regarding you and your family’s health and wellness is balanced against affordability,’ explains Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘For existing medical aid members, it’s the time to analyse the plan they are on, whether it meets their health needs and compare it to the various options available.  If you’re joining a scheme for the first time, you need to consider your specific healthcare needs and spend time investigating which plan will be best suited to deliver on this.’ However, medical aid plans can be confusing which is why it’s important to compare the various options and schemes to ensure you find a medical aid that works for you and your family’s health and that is within your budget. For people who have a broker, that should be the first point of call to help you can make an informed decision. Here are some steps to help simplify the decision.  Analyse your healthcare needs Completing a quick personal healthcare needs’ analysis will help you determine what level of cover you need. If you have dependants, you need to factor in their healthcare needs too.  Consider how much you and your family spent on medical expenses over the past year as a guide and then ask the following: How often did your family visit a doctor Do you require medicine often Did you or the family need to visit a specialist Are any of you in need extra cover for cancer, HIV, renal failure or any other specific conditions How much did you spend on dentistry, optometry and over-the-counter medicine Then consider which of the expenses were once-off and won’t come up again soon (like childbirth) and which are likely to come up again and again (such as flu) as well as chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.  Check how much cover you require If you find you hardly claimed (if you are on a medical aid) or have very a few medical expenses, then you will need a lower level of cover. However, if you have a large number of medical expenses, you will require one of the more comprehensive plans.   Once you’ve established this you can decide whether you require a full medical aid or a hospital plan.  Are you happy to use a network Some plans require you to use a specific GP, hospital network and have a list of preferred providers. This helps to keep costs as low as possible because the Scheme will have negotiated special rates with these services providers. Check whether there is a wide enough network in your area to cover your specific needs. Check your budget Once you have an idea of what you might need for the year ahead in terms of healthcare, then it’s time to look at your budget. Decide what you can afford and remember that the rule of thumb is that contributions should not exceed 10% of your monthly income.  Read the small print  Make sure you read all the details including the benefits. These vary from plan to plan so establish what is covered and look at whether it offers additional risk benefits which can potentially save on the day-to-date expenses. These could include anything from free wellness screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI measurements) through to maternity benefits, flu vaccinations, mammograms, pap smears and HIV tests. All of these are costly if you have to pay for them yourself. What about savings Medical savings are a fixed amount medical scheme gives you at the beginning of the year.  You can use your savings for daily out-of-hospital medical expenses, such as GP and specialist consultations and over the counter medicine. There are ways to maximise your savings but first you need to know what you annual allocation is.  Age can influence the decision If you have young children, ensure that the medical aid option you select provides sufficient child illness benefits. For young couples looking to start a family, ensure the option provides sufficient cover for maternity benefits. However, if you aging then you need an option that covers chronic conditions and provides sufficient in-hospital cover in the event of hospitalisation. Some additional advice Remember to be honest on your application form, disclose all information about you and your dependents’ health. Membership can be suspended or cancelled if you fail to do so Any waiting period or exclusions? Schemes may impose certain waiting periods for new members joining or for a pre-existing medical condition. This is based on the guidelines of the Medical Schemes Act and the specific scheme’s rules. Finally, get expert advice ‘Your health and that of your family is important so it is vital that you are comfortable with the choice you make and are confident your healthcare needs will be taken care of,’ says Callakoppen. ‘My advice is to make sure you are informed. Read the information and fine print and compare what the different plans are offering before you commit. If you are still unsure, phone the scheme and ask questions or check with your broker or financial advisor.’

September 24, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Addiction – a dangerous trend gripping the nation

It is estimated that around 10 million – or 20% – of South Africans are abusing substances. This is according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Whether it is alcohol, codeine, dagga, heroin or other drugs it’s a very worrying statistic that costs the private and public healthcare industry millions annually in rehabilitation and recovery.

September 20, 2019
Parenting Hub

HAPPY FAMILY ORGANICS – CHANGING LIVES AND THE WORLD, ONE MEAL AT A TIME

Happy Family Organics, makers of ready-to-eat, nutritious and delicious organic meals, is not only changing the way babies and children are nourished in South Africa and around the world, but they are also changing the lives of young orphans in Tanzania through their Happy Family Children’s Village (HFCV).

September 9, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Medical aid non-disclosures: What you need to know

Be honest and disclose all information. Don’t forget to read the questionnaire carefully and regardless of whether you think it’s important or not, or whether the medical condition was years previously, include it in your application

August 28, 2019
Paarl Dietitians

How Sugar can Damage our DNA

While we may be familiar with the dangers of a poor diet, in particular eating too much sugar, the actual effects of this may be far more frightening than previously imagined. Certainly, science supports the idea that excess sugar consumption leads to weight gain, increasing our chances of becoming obese as well as developing diabetes and heart disease. But now, new data shows that sugar can harm us in a place we didn’t expect, by actually attacking our DNA. Majority of the world’s population will average around 13-14% of calories a day from pure added sugar. It would seem we’re destined to harm our DNA.

August 15, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Combatting rising healthcare costs

Access to quality healthcare remains a priority for South Africans. However, with healthcare costs consistently outpacing inflation, the challenge for private medical schemes remains finding the right balance between providing a high level of value and care for members, while managing costs effectively.

August 12, 2019
Dr Tamara Jaye

Uncomfortable in your own skin? How to manage eczema

What is eczema? Atopic eczema is a common chronic skin condition that causes dry, red and itchy skin. It may affect up to 20% of infants, and 3% of adults. It is commonly associated with other allergic disease such as asthma and hay fever. Atopic eczema usually begins in infancy, at around 3 months, and it may persist into adulthood. Its’ course may vary over a period of time with bouts of red, angry flares interspersed with relatively normal-looking skin. The good news is that in most cases eczema improves by age 3 to 5 years, and has often completely resolved by teenage-hood. What causes eczema? Importantly, eczema is not a contagious disorder. It is due to the interplay of genetics, environmental factors, and a defective skin barrier in an individual.  Due to this abnormal layer of skin, there may be water loss, and allergens and irritants may enter the skin resulting in itchiness and dryness. The skin may be vulnerable to bacterial infections during the flares. What are the common sites of eczema? In young children, eczema is usually seen on the face and outer legs and arms. It appears wet and oozing. As a child gets older, the rash usually changes to a dry scaly itchy rash, and the position moves to the inner creases of the elbows and knees. Is eczema a serious condition? Though not associated with serious illness, eczema has definitely been proven to affect one’s quality of life. This may be due to the intractable itch, often subconscious, leading to sleep problems for example. Lack of sleep may, in turn, result in both behavioural and learning problems during school. There is often an associated issue of low self-esteem as individuals feel embarrassed by their skin, and absenteeism is common. What causes eczema to flare-up? Heat, woollen or synthetic clothing, fragranced soaps, washing detergents, and bubble baths have all been associated with eczema flare-ups. What are the steps to manage eczema? Reduce trigger factors  prevent over-heating wear cottons rather than wool or synthetic clothing keep nails short to reduce damage to the skin from scratching emollients should replace soaps fabric softeners should be avoided avoid bubble baths bath water should be lukewarm not hot, and once out pat yourself dry, don’t  rub the skin wash hair in the basin to avoid shampoo making contact with the skin before swimming, use a layer of emollient from top to toe after swimming, have a shower to remove the chlorine, followed by using an emollient again Moisturizing emollients These are the cornerstone of eczema treatment. They create an oily layer on top of the skin, which stops water from leaving the skin and therefore becoming dry. They should be applied in large quantities and frequently, as much as 8 times a day. Aqueous cream should not be used as a moisturizer as if it is left on the skin it is likely to irritate it however it may be used as a substitute for soap. Steroid creams These are effective in stopping skin inflammation. They work rapidly to settle down eczema flare- ups, and should be used during flare-ups to prevent skin damage. Steroids come in different strengths, from very mild to very strong. Very strong steroid ointments should be used sparingly as they have side effects such as thinning of the skin. Mild steroids have far fewer side effects, and will not affect a child’s growth and development. In a flare-up, a potent steroid cream can be used, but once controlled a lower strength ointment should replace it. This should be slowly reduced until the steroid cream can be stopped completely, and then only the emollient continued. Emollients should be used during flares too, and applied directly onto the steroid ointment. Cortisone tablets, syrups or injections are not recommended. While they may provide short term improvement, they may also cause worsening of eczema and are associated negative side effects. Antibiotics Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in severe cases where areas of infection are noted around the eczematous lesions. Is eczema due to a food allergy? There is a lot of concern that eczema is a result of a food allergy. In fact, a very small minority of children with atopic dermatitis will have food allergy. This is far more common in severe atopic dermatitis. It is more likely that eczema causes food allergies, than the other way around, as allergens may enter the skin through the defective skin barrier. Food should not be removed from diet for the treatment of atopic dermatitis without the guidance of an allergy doctor. A baby with widespread eczema not responding to the correct eczema treatment may need to be worked-up for a possible food allergy. Can I prevent my baby from developing eczema? Babies at high risk are those whose parents or siblings have any type of allergies. There is a lower risk of eczema if babies are not exposed to cigarette smoking. Breastfeeding is beneficial in the first 4 months, if possible. Probiotics during pregnancy may provide a beneficial role in eczema prevention. And lastly, regular use of emollients in high risk babies, even if no eczema is present, has been shown to be protective against developing eczema.

August 5, 2019
Parenting Hub

Pregnant and too busy to eat healthily?

Life doesn’t stop when you are pregnant. Most of us are still busy with a full day’s work plus the usual cleaning, washing, shopping and cooking chores while sometimes caring for older children as well.

August 1, 2019
OneAid

Does Your Child Need a Tetanus Shot or Not?

I’ve had parents often come into the emergency room after their child has taken a tumble asking for a Tetanus vaccine, which is why I felt the need to write a post explaining what Tetanus is and why we need to vaccinate our kids. WHAT IS TETANUS? Tetanus is a disease commonly known as lockjaw. It is caused by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani and can be fatal. The toxin from the bacteria affects the nervous system and causes severe painful muscle spasms, which can interfere with the ability to breathe. Currently there is no cure for Tetanus and treatment is mainly symptomatic until the effects of the toxin wear off. Complete recovery can take up to several months. WHERE IS THE BACTERIA FOUND? Clostridial spores can be found everywhere. They are found in soil, dust and animal faeces (including humans). Once the spores enter a wound they grow into mature bacteria, which produce the powerful toxin. Clostridium tetani is found worldwide. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TETANUS? Signs and symptoms of tetanus can appear anytime from a few days to a few weeks from infection: Spasms and stiffness of jaw muscles (hence the name lockjaw); Spasms and stiffness of the neck muscles; Difficulty swallowing; Spasms and stiffness of other body muscles, commonly the abdominal muscles; Other constitutional symptoms such as fever, sweating and palpitations. TETANUS VACCINATION I won’t go into too much detail regarding the various combination vaccines as there are many and every country has its own recommendations. A copy of the latest South African immunisation schedule can be downloaded from my resources page. The WHO recommends an initial 6-dose schedule to achieve tetanus immunity. 1. Primary vaccination Three primary doses of the vaccine are recommended in childhood starting from 6 weeks. 2. Booster vaccination Three booster doses are recommended prior to adolescence. Booster vaccines are then recommended every 10 years thereafter. TETANUS-PRONE WOUND This is any wound that has been contaminated with material that could contain tetanus spores; This is any wound that is deep; This is any wound that is dirty; This is any wound that contains a foreign body. Note: any wound can be tetanus-prone – cuts, scrapes, burns, animal (including human) and insect bites. WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR It is recommended you see a doctor if: Your child has a tetanus-prone wound and has not had a booster vaccine in the last 5 years; Your child has a minor, clean wound and has not had a booster vaccine in the last 10 years; Your child has a wound and you cannot remember when their last booster vaccine was. RESOURCES CDC (2018) Tetanus. [online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/tetanus.html#contraindications [Accessed 30 August 2018]. WHO (2018) Tetanus vaccines: WHO position paper, February 2017 – Recommendations. Vaccine. [online] 36 (25). Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.02.034 [Accessed 30 August 2018]. WHO (2018) Tetanus. [online]. http://www.who.int/ith/vaccines/tetanus/en/ [Accessed 30 August 2018].

July 31, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

The big four – know your numbers

‘South Africa is heading for a disaster if the number of people living with chronic lifestyle diseases does not change.’ That’s what both the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Medical Research Council warned two years ago. The Council described the problem of these non-communicable diseases as an ‘emerging epidemic’.  If you look at the exponential growth of chronic lifestyle diseases then it is not difficult to understand why former Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are putting a huge strain on the country’s health care system. Obesity and being overweight are major risk factors for the development of chronic diseases.  Testing for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart disease is essential in the face of a steadily deteriorating health status in our country.  Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund says, ‘Get tested, know your numbers and take action now!’ The Bonitas Clinical Team explain why you need to keep your finger on the pulse of your ‘big four’ wellness numbers and what they are. Cholesterol What is cholesterol? It is a soft, waxy substance – one of the blood fats made naturally in the body. It helps to form cells, hormones and bile (that helps us digest food). Cholesterol is found mostly in animal products such as meat, cream and butter. What is high cholesterol? This is when you have too much ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood. This, in turn, can cause narrowing and blockages of the arteries – the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart muscle and to other parts of your body. In time, the narrowing of the arteries to your heart can lead to a heart attack, while blockages in the arteries of your brain can cause a stroke. The test Called a fasting lipogram it measures the exact amount of different types of cholesterol you have. Good to know If your total cholesterol is greater than 5mmol/L on your fasting lipogram this indicates raised cholesterol Your low density lipoprotein (LDL) – the ‘bad cholesterol’ – should not be greater than 3mmol/L.  LDL causes the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries which means a greater chance of heart disease High density lipoprotein (HDL), if  less than 1.2mmol/L, means you don’t have enough good cholesterol which prevents build up in the arteries and transports cholesterol to the liver If your triglycerides (fat stored in the body) are higher than 1.5mmol/l, this is also indicative of a possible cholesterol problem.  Weight and BMI Your Body Mass Indicator (BMI) calculator checks if you’re at a healthy weight.   The test You can calculate yours by: Dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m) Then dividing the answer by your height again to get your BMI. Underweight less than 18.5 Normal weight 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight 25 – 29.9 Obese 30 or greater Diabetes What is diabetes? Our bodies produce insulin all day – a hormone that creates energy by converting sugar, starches and other foods.  Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which they need to produce energy. When there isn’t enough of this hormone in your body, or it’s not used as it should be, sugar (or ‘glucose’) can’t be moved to your other body cells to supply them with energy. This means that you have higher than normal blood-glucose levels, resulting in diabetes.There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. They are different conditions but are both serious and need to be treated and managed properly. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. It usually starts very quickly and in younger people. If you have Type 1 diabetes you need insulin injections to survive as well as having a carefully balanced food intake and exercise programme Type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas makes too little insulin or your body can’t use the insulin effectively. It usually develops in adulthood and is often caused by being overweight and not exercising. Approximately 85–90% of all people with diabetes have Type 2 and many people who have this condition are undiagnosed. This can result in serious damage to the delicate parts of the body and lead to blindness, heart attackstroke, kidney failure, impotence and amputation so it’s vital to be checked.  The tests  Test 1: The Fasting blood glucose test – blood glucose is taken before you eat in the morning. Normal 3.9 to 5.5 mmols/l Prediabetic or Impaired Glucose Tolerance 5.6 to 7.0 mmol/l Diabetic More than 7.0 mmol/l Test 2: HbA1c test. The HbA1c levels determine your blood sugar control over time.  Normal Less than 6% Prediabetic  6 – 6.4% Diabetic 6.5% or more Blood pressure What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries – the blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart.  The blood pressures numbers mean the following: The first (or top) number is your systolic blood pressure. It is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats. The bottom figure is your diastolic blood pressure and is the lowest pressure exerted as your heart relaxes between beats. What is high blood pressure? High blood pressure or hypertension is when blood pressure stays elevated over time. Hypertension is often known as the “silent killer”, since nearly 33% of people who have it, don’t know it. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have yours measured.    Range Normal 120/80 to 129/84 Upper end of Normal 130/85 to 139/89 Mild hypertension 140/90 to 159/99  Moderate hypertension 160/100 to 179/109 Severe hypertension More than 180/110 If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries (and your heart) and  if it’s not treated, hypertension can cause kidney failure, eye problems, heart disease and stroke. Callakoppen says, ‘When you consider that 1 in every 3 people in South African has high blood pressure and every 8 minutes 1 South African has

July 19, 2019
OneAid

Emergency Numbers Every Parent Should Know

It occurred to me the day I went back to work after my maternity leave that I didn’t know any other emergency number besides 10111. Thankfully I have never had to use this but I couldn’t risk leaving my daughter at home with her caregiver without leaving a more comprehensive list of important numbers by the phone. The last thing you want to do in an emergency is dial the wrong number. In the US, the UK and Europe there is only one toll-free number to call from any landline or mobile phone. In South Africa, things are not as simple. Unfortunately there isn’t one single number for an emergency. I spent a really long time searching the web and making a couple of phone calls but I finally managed to put together this simple list. It is vital that you as parents and/or caregivers know what number to dial when and it is perhaps even more important that your little ones know this too. USING YOUR CELL PHONE: Any emergency nationwide – 112 (this number will still work even if you have no airtime) USING YOUR LANDLINE OR CELL PHONE: Police/Fire – 10111 Nationwide ambulance (public EMS) – 10177 Netcare 911 (private EMS) – 082 911 ER 24 (private EMS) – 084 124 Poison Information Centre – 0861 555 777 Remember, before making that emergency call, try to stay calm. You also need to have important information ready such as, the type of emergency, details of any injuries and the exact location of the emergency needing attention. A list of Emergency Numbers can be downloaded for free from my resources page. It may be a good idea to stick this on your fridge or somewhere nearby the phone.

July 18, 2019
The Bridge Assisted Learning School

Emotional Decisions

Irrational decisions are made when they are the result of a knee jerk reaction and when you are at your emotional peak. It is a choice you have made and decided to act upon based on your feelings and usually clouded by misinformation. Decisions made on the spur of the moment and under emotional conditions have almost always been the wrong decision, which leads to one feeling embarrassed and the need to apologise followed by the necessary mending of the relationship.

July 16, 2019
Parenting Hub

GOOD NUTRITION FOR TEENS

Garbage in – garbage out? What are we feeding them? Good nutrition is of paramount importance for teenagers. Teens who do not eat correctly are more likely to be overweight, lack energy and enthusiasm and perform poorly at school.

July 12, 2019
OneAid

Is It A Cold Or Is It The Flu?

Winter is here and so are coughs, colds and flu. Common colds and flu are both caused by viruses and share many of the same symptoms however colds are usually milder and do not cause any serious complications. More than 200 viruses can cause a cold whereas the flu is caused by the Influenza virus. This is why there is no vaccine available for the common cold.

July 5, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Five tips to stretch your medical benefits

Lifestyles or Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – such as diabetes – have become an epidemic in South Africa which is why preventative and managed healthcare has become all important. Whether you rely on the public or private healthcare system it is critical that you manage your health and lead a healthy lifestyle, to prevent long term illness.  Cardiovascular (heart attacks and stroke), cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes are on the increase and responsible for the high cost burden of healthcare. For the around 20% (just under 8.9 million) South Africans who are on private medical aid schemes, managing their medical expenses correctly is important if they want to avoid unnecessary out of pocket expenses and make their medical benefits last longer. It also helps them understand the cost associated with the healthcare services they receive and the benefits associated with the plan they have elected. Here are the five tips from Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund on how you can stretch your medical benefits. 1. Use Designated Service Providers or networks Medical schemes negotiate preferential rates with providers – known as Dedicated Service Providers (DSPs) – who have partnered with them. This allows schemes to ensure that members get the best quality services at the most cost-effective rate so that the benefits are optimised and the scheme at large is sustainable.  So if you use a network hospital, doctor or pharmacy you will not be charged more than the agreed rate. This will help you avoid co-payments and make your medical aid last longer. So, to reduce co-payments and even avoid them altogether, find a healthcare professional on your schemes network.  2. Go generic Use generic medicines which have the same active ingredient, strength and dosage as the original brands and are as effective. Most pharmacists offer a generic option, especially for chronic medication. Medical schemes are more likely to pay in full for generic medicine. Pharmacists are also able to provide sound medical advice on problems such as rashes, colds or illnesses that are not severe, simply ask and buy the recommended over-the-country medicine to save on a visit to the doctor. 3. Managed Care benefits Some schemes offer programmes to help you manage severe chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. These programmes are usually covered from the risk portion of your medical contribution and are not funded from your savings account. They help you use your benefits to maximum advantage while ensuring you receive quality care by using specific providers. Other benefits – such as maternity consultations, wellness benefits, preventative care and dentistry – are also paid from risk by some schemes. Again giving you more value for money and are in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits.  Carefully read through what your plan offers and choose wisely to make sure you find the right plan to suit your specific healthcare needs 4. Know the facts  If you do need to be hospitalised and it’s not an emergency ensure that it’s on your medical aid’s DSP list. Talk to your doctor or specialist to find out all the facts in terms of what they will be charging and compare this to what your scheme will cover. If the difference is substantial, negotiate.  Approach your doctor and ask if they are prepared to adjust their fee. Alternatively, you can also check if there are other healthcare providers on your scheme’s network that will charge you a better rate. You can also avoid the unwelcome surprise of a co-payment or sub-limits by: Making  sure you obtain pre-authorisation Making sure the medical practitioner uses the correct ICD-10 codes Checking what additional costs will apply (if any), what costs will be covered and how you can avoid these. 5. Keep moving One of the best ways to manage your health and the associated costs, is to live a healthy lifestyle and this includes getting enough exercise. Try different exercise routines and find one that works for you. Whether it is a regular short power walk, playing tennis or soccer, riding a bike or attending a yoga or pilates class, it will be beneficial to your mental and physical wellbeing. ‘Be informed and make good and less costly healthcare decisions,’ says Callakoppen. ‘Your health is important, so take time to research and understand the medical aid plan you are on. Read the information sent to you by the scheme or your broker, including the fine print and, if you don’t understand some of the terms, speak to your broker or phone the customer care line. Understand and know your rights in terms of healthcare cover, this will go a long way in helping you make the most of your benefits.’

July 3, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Splitting up with your medical aid

Going through a divorce can be extremely harrowing and stressful, not just for the couple themselves but also for their children. And, given the divorce statistics released recently by StatsSA, divorce is on the increase.  More than 25 390 divorce papers were filed in 2017, four in 10 divorces came from marriages that lasted less than 10 years and 55,6% involved children. Part of the anxiety is financial which can be exacerbated, depending on whether you are married in community of property have an ante nuptial agreement with or without an accrual clause. It can be very difficult going through the nitty-gritty details, especially when emotions are high. There are a lot of factors to consider, including how to divide up property and other assets, child care and support and, just as important, healthcare.   Divorce can seriously impact the healthcare cover you might have previously enjoyed, especially if you are your children were on a joint medical aid, with one partner being the main member and the rest of the family listed as dependants.   We put a few questions to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund to help you make sure have the right information and follow the correct procedures to ensure your healthcare is not compromised during divorce proceedings. What is the correct process to follow when getting divorced and taking a dependant off your medical aid?  All changes in dependency must be sent through to the medical aid. You are usually required to fill in a form regarding this and provide supporting documents. In instances of a divorce, you will need to provide the divorce settlement to your medical aid together with your form. Is there a notice period required? Usually changes are effected within 30 days, which means you do need to allow time for the change to take place. What are the rights of the dependent being removed in terms of coverage while moving to a new medical aid? The main member is effectively the policyholder when it comes to medical aid and his/her dependants are beneficiaries. Unfortunately, this means the dependant has no rights once they are removed from the membership which is why it is important to obtain cover for you after a divorce with immediately effect. Does moving from one medical aid to another impact continuity of cover and/or will waiting periods apply? The usual underwriting rules apply so check with your new medical aid in terms of waiting periods and/or any exclusions.  What happens if the medical aid cover was always in the ‘husbands’ name and now the ex-wife wants to apply – will she been penalised for not having a medical aid and be charged  late joiner fee (if over 35)? No, however you will be required to prove that you have previously belonged to a medical aid. We advise that you request a certificate of membership showing the period that you belonged to the medical scheme as a dependant on your ex-spouse’s medical aid. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a dependent on a partner/spouse’s medical aid?  Advantages Reduced contributions, the monthly contributions for an adult dependant is cheaper than that of a main member Disadvantages The main member has to provide access and approval in order for a dependant to access online portals etc Can a divorced couple still share a medical aid scheme or does this only apply to children?  Yes, if one spouse is financially dependent on the spouse. You will need to provide proof of dependency for this. If you are able to remain or your ex’s plan would this be  a recommendation in terms of medical cover and continuity of healthcare? No. You will still have continuity of cover if you join a medical aid as the main member. The bottom line: Although divorce means heartbreak and emotional turmoil you do need to keep your wits about you.  Seek the help of a financial adviser or broker to ensure you don’t compromise on your health or that of your children. Keep copies of your divorce papers, get any additional paperwork required, notify the existing medical aid of the changes and sign up for you own medical aid or hospital plan that kicks in immediately.  

June 20, 2019
Parenting Hub

Five ways to prevent a red, chapped nose this winter

A red, chapped nose is one of the more visible side-effects of colds and flu, for children and adults. Here’s five practical ways to prevent a sore or raw nose this winter, from mom of three, Dirna Grobbelaar, Oral Hygiene Advisor at Ivohealth.  A runny nose can cause dryness and chafing as frequent blowing and wiping, strips natural moisture from the skin and causes irritation.  Apply some type of barrier cream, balm or ointment such as petroleum jelly or coconut oil to form a protective layer over the skin. Or ideally, use Letibalm, the only product available in South Africa specifically designed to protect and repair the delicate skin around the nose and lips. It’s made with natural and active ingredients including ancient healing herb centella asiatica with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties; nourishing cocoa butter and antioxidant vitamin E.  Whichever balm you use, it’s vital to apply it several times a day, especially before and after blowing the nose. Keep a tub or tube of Letibalm handy in your bag, child’s school bag and the car, so there is one available whenever needed.  Wiping with the correct tissues will minimise irritation. Wet wipes aren’t suitable as they may contain cleansers, chemicals or other irritants; rather use a soft tissue, ideally ones infused with aloe vera or calendula. Instead of wiping the nose, gently pat or dab the skin.  Blowing the nose less often will help prevent ‘tissue burn’. Rinsing the nostrils with a saline spray or homemade saline solution can help clear stuffiness. Buy a nasal spray at the pharmacy or make your own saline solution with a cup of cool, boiled water and half a teaspoon of salt. Steam helps relieve congestion and moistens the nasal passages, another good reason to enjoy hot soups and herbal teas when you’re feeling under the weather. Steaming your face over a bowl of hot water under a towel may be helpful, or sit in a sauna or steamy bathroom, probably a safer steaming method for children.  Keeping the body and skin hydrated is important in preventing dry skin. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water or herbal tea, is always recommended and especially when you have the sniffles. A clean washcloth soaked in warm water can be used to gently moisturise the face. Avoid harsh soaps, facial scrubs or anti-ageing products but do use plenty of moisturiser to keep the skin soft, in addition to a balm around the nose and lips.  The best advice is to do all you can to stay well this winter. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet; get lots of fresh air and exercise; regularly wash your hands to avoid germs. But should the sniffles strike, these few simple steps can make it nicer and less nasty for your nose .  Five tips to prevent a chapped nose this winter: Regularly apply a barrier cream, such as Letibalm nose and lip repair Use soft tissues, ideally infused with aloe vera or calendula. Gently pat rather than wipe Blow the nose as little as possible. Use a saline spray or solution to help clear stuffiness Use steam to moisturise the skin and help relieve congestion  Keep the skin hydrated and mucous thin – use a humidifier and drink plenty of fluids For further practical advice from Dirna Grobbelaar read the Ivohealth blog on www.ivohealth.co.za.

June 19, 2019
Parenting Hub

Restore, Revitalize, Revive: Vit-C Shower is here to reawaken your senses!

The provision of a constant, clean supply of municipal water is a necessity that underlies modern infrastructure – ensuring that convenience and hygiene are easily attainable, with water freely available at the turn of the tap. What is often overlooked; however, is that in order to achieve this, a cocktail of chemicals are added to the water supply. These include free chloride and chloromines, along with other heavy metal elements and VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) such as pesticides, fertilizers, petro-chemicals, dioxins, radioactive materials and micro-organisms.  Ideally, these substances should be filtered out of all consumable water as evidenced by the widespread popularity of household water filters and purification systems. Less known, but as important, is that impurities such as these can also be absorbed through the respiratory systems and eyes, whilst the highly absorptive nature of the skin means that up to 60% of the chlorine that most people absorb daily is due to showering or bathing in chlorinated water.   When it comes to incorporating filtered water into your showering routine though, things can get tricky as the efficiency of a carbon filter is severely compromised by high temperatures, pressure and the volume that a showerhead handles. That’s where, the latest in innovative technology ─ Vit-C Shower comes in! Delivering the benefits of Vitamin C directly to you, the Vit-C Shower combines intelligent design and the powerful effects of Vitamin C to provide users with a water supply that is dechlorinated and packed with natural benefits. As opposed to conventional filters that only remove around 20 – 50% of the chlorine in water, the Vit-C shower dechlorinates and neutralizes up to 99.8% of free chlorine and chloromines in the water.  What makes this possible is the pioneering use of Vitamin C within a filter that is independent from the shower head. Exposure to Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid enclosed ceramic balls, not only allows for far greater dechlorination but also provides users with an array of supplementary benefits; helping in the growth and repair of all body tissues, formation of collagen, absorption of iron, wound healing, maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth and immune system defences. This is then bolstered by a rigorous 12 stage filtration process that includes sediment filters in the form of micro-porous cotton and stainless steel mesh, along with a variety of additional elements that include calcium sulphite, malfan stone and tourmaline to ensure that the highest water quality is maintained.  The negative consequences of chlorine and chloromines in our water are manifold. Amongst others, skin and hair are stripped of their natural oils thus possibly resulting in over 20% of infants and children, and 3% of adults suffering from eczema type skin conditions. What Vit-C shower offers is a chance to dramatically reduce this possibility, whilst providing gentle care for your skin in the form of water that is softer, gentler and which leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized!

June 18, 2019
Speech and Audio Inc

Dangerous Decibels, Noise induced hearing loss in children

It has become increasingly more common to see children using tablets, portable gaming devices and smartphones with headphones. Certainly these days our children are wired for sound, but does this increased use of headphones and the potential damage inflicted by them mean that they will be more wired for hearing aids in the near future?  Loud noise and sounds can be very damaging to a child’s hearing. Both the level of noise and the length of time exposed to it can put your child at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB); the higher the decibel number, the louder the sound/noise. Research has shown that sounds louder than 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss. However, it’s not a linear relationship. Eighty decibels is twice as loud as 70 decibels, and 90 decibels is four times louder. Exposure to 100 decibels, about the volume of noise caused by a power lawn mower, is safe for just 15 minutes. Noise at 108 decibels, however, is safe for less than three minutes. Most of the hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sounds can happen very slowly and take years to be detected by the person who has it. Sound Level Length of exposure, before damage to your hearing 50 – 70 dB No damage 85 dB 8 hours 90 dB 2 hours 100 dB 15 minutes 110 dB  1 minute 120 dB and upwards Instant damage One of the most common ways young children are exposed to excessive noise is via noisy toys. Many toys are designed to be played at a distance from the body, but a young child will bring the toy close to his/her face and ears. By bringing the toy closer to his/her ears, the resulting sound is louder and therefore more damaging. Some toys can reach 100dB  or more if placed close to the ear. Research has shown that there has been an increase in hearing loss in adolescents during the past three decades. What is even more frightening is that a loss of hearing may go undetected for many years after chronic exposure to high levels of noise. This means that the hearing loss caused by the noise teenagers are exposing themselves to today might not surface for many years. A recent study suggests that children who listen to headphones may be at greater risk for a noise-induced hearing loss. The study further claimed regardless of how long they wore headphones or how high they set the volume, kids who used headphones just one or two days a week were more than twice as likely to have hearing loss as children who didn’t use headphones at all.  A noise-related hearing loss is classified as a hearing loss in the high frequencies (high pitched sounds). A child with a noise related hearing loss may struggle to hear soft or faint sounds, speech may sound unclear or muffled and it may be accompanied by ringing in their ears.  Noise-induced hearing loss generally comes about gradually and is not painful. However, the damage caused to the inner ear is irreversible.  A loss can be temporary after a loud event but it can become permanent with repeated exposure to noise. How can I tell if I’m listening to dangerous noise levels? You or your child is listening to dangerously loud sounds/noise if: You must raise your voice to be heard even when you’re 1 meter from the person. If you can clearly hear what your child is listening to through their headphones, then it is too loud If a parent is arm’s length away, then the child should be able to hear if the parent asks a question.  You are listening to music or a game at more than 50 percent (half) of the maximum volume. Speech around you sounds muffled or dull after you leave the noisy area. You have pain or ringing in your ears (“tinnitus”) after exposure to noise. What can be done? You cannot limit every sound that a child hears, you can take some preventive steps to minimize potential damage The best option is to avoid the loud sounds or noise whenever possible. If that is not possible, use hearing protection like earplugs and/or earmuffs. Cotton will not protect your hearing. If you don’t have any hearing protection available, try to limit the amount of time you or your child is exposed to the loud sound. When purchasing toys for infants, look for ones with a volume control or an off/on button. Limit the amount of time that children are exposed to sound or remove the batteries from young children’s toys. Another option is to cover the loudspeaker with tape to lower the volume. Keep personal-listening devices set to no more than half volume. Don’t be afraid to ask others to turn down the sounds from speakers. Encourage children to take breaks from their headphones in order to give their inner ear hair cells time to rest  Instead of the in the ear headphones, let your child use headphones that fit over their ears.  Purchase sound limiting and noise cancelling headphones for your child but continue to monitor the level that they listen at Look for noise ratings on appliances, sporting equipment, power tools, and hair dryers. Purchase quieter products Life is loud so lead by example! YOU can also lose your hearing with noise exposure, so use hearing protection when needed and listen to music, the T.V., and other sounds at a softer level. Remember to test your child’s hearing on an annual basis to monitor their hearing abilities.

June 14, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

What you need to know about Pneumonia

Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund talks about pneumonia: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a child dies from pneumonia every 30 seconds. Which means that around 1.1 million children, under the age of five, die each year. This is more than malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis combined. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection, it’s when the air sacs in the lung fill up with pus and can affect or one or both lungs. The flu shot and pneumonia  Having a flu vaccine is the first line of defence when it comes to protecting yourself, with studies showing it reduces the risk by about 50 to 60%.  The vaccine trains your body to recognise flu and fight it. Pneumonia is a relatively common and serious complication of flu.Supporting evidence from randomised clinical trials indicates that fluvaccines are effective in preventing influenza-associated pneumonia. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: Chest pain when you breathe or cough Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults aged 65 and older) A cough, which may produce phlegm Fatigue Fever, sweating and shaking chills Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems) Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea Shortness of breath How are flu and pneumonia different? Bonitas explains that pneumonia symptoms are similar to flu but last longer. The severity of the pneumonia depends on your age and overall health.  In the case of newborns and infants, sometimes they show little or no infection and other times they may vomit, have a fever and cough, have difficulty breathing and eating.  Pneumococcal vaccine  There are a total of 80% Community Acquired Pneumonias (CPAs). These streptococcal bacteria can spread from the nose, throat and ears to cause pneumonia – a severe infection of the lungs.  The vaccine protects you against: Infection that can result in Pneumonia, infection of the blood (bacteremia/sepsis), middle-ear infection (otitis media), or bacterial meningitis. Pneumonia is by the most common of these infections.  Is it an annual vaccination? The pneumococcal vaccination is suitable for those over 65 years of age or immune compromised members a pneumococcal vaccination once every five years.  Who should have the pneumonia vaccination? It is recommended for all individuals aged 65 years or older plus individuals aged 2-64 years with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition. In fact for anyone with an  increased risk, from a  chronic disease, immune-suppressed people particularly those who are HIV positive, cancer sufferers and smokers who are more prone to respiratory illnesses.   The cost of pneumonia In severe cases of Pneumonia, the estimated cost of spending a night in intensive care is R15 000 whereas a Pneumococcal vaccine costs around R1000. Most medical aids do cover the cost. Bonitas offers a free flu vaccine annually to members as well as a once off pneumococcal vaccine for people over 65 years of age. According to the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), ‘In addition to reducing the risk of hospitalisation for an influenza infection itself, the flu vaccinations appear to reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation for influenza-associated complications such as pneumonia.  When to see a doctor? See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of (39 C) or higher or a persistent cough, especially if you’re coughing up phlegm. 

June 12, 2019
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Five facts about ‘flu

Gerhard Van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund gives five facts about flu: Flu strains, like fashion, change every year The latest flu strain South Africa can expect is nick-named ‘Aussie Flu’. This particular strain – H3N2 – is a subtype of influenza A. The virus has, in fact, been around for a whilebut unfortunately the flu strains have a built in survival mechanism, they mutate or change so they outwit the body’s immune response. Which is why each year flu vaccinations are updated, meaning last year’s won’t necessarily protect you this year.  The symptoms of flu? These include high temperatures, body pain, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite and are the same year in and year out. However, some flu strains may cause the symptoms to last for a longer time and be more severe. The flu can also bring on headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. In people with weaker immune systems, the flu is even more serious.  The flu shot doesn’t gives you flu According to the Centre for Disease Control, ‘A flu shot cannot cause flu and serious allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare. However, if you are allergic to eggs you need to notify your doctor. Flu vaccines are currently made either with flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are not infectious or with no flu viruses at all. The most common side-effects from the shot are small amounts of soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling around the injection site.  Protecting yourself and your family The flu vaccine reduces your chances of getting flu and, if you do get it, it will be milder.The vaccine trains your body to recognise flu and fight it. More importantly, if you are vaccinated you will protect others, via what is called ’herd immunity’. This includes vulnerable members of the family such as such as small babies and the elderly as well as those who are immune-compromised. Some of the reasons people don’t vaccinate Every year there is a debate about flu injections yet up to 11 000 people die from flu in South Africa every year, despite the flu vaccination being readily available and paid for by most medical aid schemes.  There are a number of reasons, including the notion that:  ‘I don’t get flu’, ‘the vaccine doesn’t work’, ‘it will hurt my arm’ or ‘the vaccine will give me flu’.  However, according to Bonitas, there are very good clinical reasons why you should. Bonitas covers one flu vaccine for all members. Members can go Clicks, Dischem or Pick n Pay pharmacies for the vaccine at no cost, or attend a Bonitas Wellness Day.

June 5, 2019
OneAid

How To Make The Medicine Go Down

It’s stressful when your kids are sick and even more stressful when they refuse to take their medicines. Not to mention the icky stickiness that is almost impossible to wash off your skin. In this blog I will share with you some tips I have learnt over the years to help make the medicine go down. 1. Disguise the taste Many over the counter liquid medications available for kids are flavoured. Look on the bottle to see which flavour you are buying. Some brands have different options for the same drug such as Panado’s strawberry and peppermint flavours. Some brands may have the same flavours but taste different. My daughter prefers the strawberry flavour of Calpol than that of Panado. If the medication needs to be made up by a pharmacist, ask them to flavour the medication if possible.  Unfortunately, some meds just taste awful and not all pharmacies stock flavourings. You’ll need to get creative here. You can mix the liquid with fresh fruit or vegetable juice and even honey (if your child is over one year). You can also try mixing meds with milk or yoghurt but the calcium may interfere with the effects of some medications, particularly with certain antibiotics. Acidic foods may also inactivate some antibiotics. It’s important to ask your pharmacist and read the patient information leaflet before you decide to try this method. If you are hiding the medication in a food or drink, keep the volume small so that the entire dose can be taken. Don’t mix with a full bottle or cup of juice if your child will not finish this. 2. Equipment I always use a syringe and squirt the medicine along the inside of the cheeks and not onto the tongue. This way you can bypass the taste buds a little. You can also use a medicine dropper the same way. Slide the syringe or dropper along the cheek towards the back of the mouth and squirt the medicine slowly. Do not aim for the throat as your child will gag and cough and if you aim too far in front of the mouth the medicine will simply be spat out. Using a syringe also allows you to give correct dosages. In kids it’s vital you give the correct dosage of medication. You can wash and reuse the syringes but after a while you should replace them.  3. Keep it chilled You can also numb the taste buds beforehand. Your child can suck on a block of ice if he or she is older or you could try an ice-lolly for a younger child. Some medications can also be stored in the fridge, which can make them taste better. 4. Wash it down Whilst Mary Poppins recommended a spoonful of sugar, I’m not sure many of us moms will be too happy with the after effects of this sugar rush before bedtime.  Have a glass of water or your child’s favourite drink on standby to drink as soon as they swallow just so they can wash their taste buds.  5. Coat the taste buds You can try giving your child a spoonful of something thick and sweet such as maple syrup or honey to coat the tongue before giving the medicine.  6. Try a tablet instead Some liquid medicines are available as chewables. If your child is old enough you can try these. Whilst there are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you do this.  You may also find dissolvable tablets. Dissolve the tablet in a small glass of water and add some fruit juice to hide the taste as these can be extremely bitter.  7. Give your child some control You will find that your kids will be more willing to take their medicine if they are in control or at least think they are. Allow them to choose when to take their medicine, for example, before or after the bath. They can also choose what flavour medicine they would like when you are buying it for them.  IF IT WORKS, STICK TO IT You might find that more than one trick is necessary. If you have found a technique that works, stick to it. A while back I tried using one of those fancy medicine syringes I got at my baby shower instead of a simple syringe (I had actually forgotten to replace the ones I had thrown out). These syringe type medicine feeders are quite big and I couldn’t get it far enough to the back of the mouth to bypass the taste buds. My daughter did not like this at all and I ended up wearing most of the medicine!  Do you have any other tricks or tips to get your kids to take medicine? Please share in the comments section below! If your little one requires medicine on a regular basis, here is a medicine chart to help you organise the days and quantities: https://www.oneaid.co.za/resources/

May 23, 2019
Impaq

Parenting tips for ADHD

At least one in 20 children in South Africa suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is according to research by Cape Town-based psychiatrist Dr Renata Schoeman. ADHD is characterised by three main sets of symptoms – poor concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity – and, when left untreated, can be among the most debilitating disorders to live with. The risks include academic, social, and emotional problems in childhood, which may impact on job performance, relationships and mental health in adulthood. It is understandable why parents dread an ADHD diagnosis; not because the disorder is untreatable, but because they are unsure of how to help their child. Fortunately, all is not lost. There are many ways to help your ADHD child. Take a look at five parenting tips for ADHD below, but keep in mind that what works for one child may not work for another. Five parenting tips for ADHD Limit distractions In the 21st century, it is easy for anyone (especially children with ADHD) to get distracted if there is a smartphone, a television, video game or computer close by. Access to electronics should be monitored and limited.  Establish a routine Having a set routine in place can provide essential structure for children with ADHD. Have meals at the same time every day and have rituals in place before bedtime like taking a bath, brushing their teeth, and reading a bedtime story. Encourage exercise Exercise is the perfect outlet for built-up energy. According to an article in Healthline, exercise may help to improve concentration and stimulate the brain in healthy ways. Try to find an exercise that your child enjoys and make sure to join them, as you will benefit too. Understand your child’s thought process Children with ADHD often speak and act before thinking. Encourage your child to verbalise their thoughts and reasoning, as this can help you understand their thought process and hopefully help curb impulsive behaviours. Ask for help You don’t always have to have all the answers. It is okay to ask for help. Consult a psychologist who specialises in ADHD or consider attending an ADHD Parenting Course. And, remember that it is not only your child that can benefit from professional help – A therapist can help you manage stress and anxiety. Finding a support group in your area can also be beneficial. Home education can provide a nurturing learning environment for children with individual needs. Impaq Educationprovides all the necessary products, services and tools to enable your child to complete Grade R to 12 at home.

May 16, 2019
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