Banning alcohol advertising misses the point - and the objectives

[Justin McCarthy] There is no doubt that South Africa has an alcohol-abuse problem. Alcohol-related problems such as foetal alcohol syndrome, physical and emotional abuse, drunk driving, severe medical conditions and a raft of social side effects are significant health and social concerns. 18 May 2012 08:21

CANSA condemns tobacco's marketing tactics

As World No Tobacco Day comes on 31 May 2012, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) condemns the tobacco industry's aggressive marketing, despite advertising restriction requirements in legislation, as smoking continues to be a challenge to public health. Help the association fight for a smoke-free environment by buying a sticker for R5 and wearing it on World No Tobacco Day. 25 May 2012 10:08

Research shows, SA's youth battle obesity and poor nutrition

Obesity and poor nutrition in South Africa is a real concern, especially amongst the youth. These are the findings of youth specialist agency YDx through its BratTrax and YouthTrax research reports. 25 May 2012 13:53

Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital introduces Saturday Surgery Initiative

The Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and the Children's Hospital Trust have partnered with Mediclinic Southern Africa to fund the first ever 'Saturday Surgeries' initiative at the Hospital to alleviate extensive waiting lists for life changing surgical procedures. The Saturday Surgeries project will take place from 22 October to 10 December 2011 and Mediclinic Southern Africa will fund this R265 000 project. 20 Oct 2011 09:01

GPs can help identify female domestic violence victims

A Lancet study shows how general practice can substantially improve care for women experiencing domestic violence. 19 Oct 2011 08:36

From policy to implementation: what next for NHI?

When the Government released its Green Paper on National Health Insurance (NHI), it provided the industry with a broad roadmap to reach the destination of quality healthcare for all South Africans. 19 Oct 2011 08:23

Profmed interacts with young professionals using social media

A website upgrade and an active and interactive presence on Facebook and LinkedIn has Profmed, the medical scheme for graduate professionals, talking to young, internet-savvy professionals. 19 Oct 2011 08:17

Positively pink this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to recent health statistics for South Africa*, 1 in every 29 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; the good news is that if it's detected early, there is an excellent chance of recovery. 19 Oct 2011 08:10

New therapies offer real hope in fight against cancer

September was Leukaemia Awareness Month and, with clinical haematology units around the country struggling to handle the growing number of people affected by the disease, raising public awareness seems more important than ever. Hence, even though Leukaemia Awareness Month has now passed, here are some facts and information on this form of cancer. 19 Oct 2011 08:02

Orbis, KZN health department to open Paediatric Eye Care Centre

All eyes are on Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban for the official opening of the new Paediatric Eye Care Centre thanks to a three-year partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health and international sight-saving organisation Orbis. 18 Oct 2011 16:36

College of Applied Psychology opens Gauteng campus

The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) has opened a new Gauteng campus for the first time operating from October this year in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Through the launch of this new campus, SACAP aims to boost counselling, coaching and facilitation skills within Gauteng and as such begin to play an instrumental role in positively impacting society in the region. 18 Oct 2011 16:32

Change in healthcare leads to change in HASA's strategy

With healthcare at a critical juncture in South Africa, the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA) - which represents over 90% of private hospitals in South Africa - has restructured and realigned its strategy and brand. 18 Oct 2011 16:28

South Africans are overweight - survey

South Africans weigh in as the third fattest nation on earth. A survey done in 2010 by Glaxo SmithKline has found that 61% of the South African population are overweight or morbidly obese. In addition to this survey, a study done by the Medical Research Council in 2007 found that 56% of adult women and 29% of adult men in South Africa were overweight or obese. 17 Oct 2011 09:54