High blood pressure (BP) (the medical term is ‘hypertension) is the abnormal high force of blood as it pushes against the walls of the arteries that becomes stiffer than normal.1 In more than 90% of patients the causes are unknown, although many hereditary and lifestyle factors play a role in its development.1, 2 The latter include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and physical inactivity.3 It is the most prevalent cardiovascular (affecting the heart and blood vessels) disease worldwide and is a major risk factor for both illness and death.3 Globally, it is estimated to affect 30% of adults and to account for 30% of... Continue Reading
The Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust (ECCT) which was founded in Zimbabwe in May 2011, recently launched its first worldwide fundraising campaign, “Sponsor a Zimbabwean Cancer Patient”. Cancer is now the leading cause of death globally, with 70% of deaths occurring in developing countries. According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, it is the leading cause of death in Zimbabwe, above HIV/AIDS. The ECCT’s missions are to raise awareness of cancer amongst Zimbabweans, raise awareness of Natural Health & Fitness for a healthier population and fundraise for marginalised Zimbabwean cancer sufferers. The Sponsor a Zimbabwean Cancer Patient campaign aims to sponsor... Continue Reading
……….Cancer Alliance Representing South Africa’s Leading Cancer Advocacy NGOs – Johannesburg – Following initial meetings in June 2011, South Africa’s Cancer NGOs have unified with one voice, calling on all stakeholders to join together to address vital issues regarding quality of and access to cancer care in South Africa. The Cancer Alliance is an umbrella group of 19 cancer advocacy non-governmental organisations and advocates, representing approximately 80% per cent of NGOs engaged in advocacy and support for South Africa’s cancer patients. The Cancer Alliance is calling for all key stakeholders, including government, industry, patients and health professionals, to work together... Continue Reading
…Thalassaemia – proper diagnosis, treatment and support can ensure good quality of life – 8 May 2012 is World Thalassaemia Day when worldwide the spotlight falls on a disorder that adversely affects the lives of thousands. The good news is that the medical management of thalassaemia is improving all the time. In addition, organisations like the South African Thalassaemia Association (SATA) are helping to empower patients and their families by providing support and information about the condition. Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder resulting from a genetic defect. It causes anaemia (a condition characterised by an insufficiency of red blood... Continue Reading
25 April 2012 – The Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA) has noted the public address by the Minister of Health in Sandton on 23 April. The Association is particularly supportive of the call by the Health Minister for South Africans to start viewing the health sector as one of diverse resources that must be used collectively to address service delivery challenges, using both the public and private sector resources. HASA maintains that the huge unmet need for healthcare services in this country can best be addressed through innovative and new ways of solving these service delivery challenges. For HASA... Continue Reading
