Rallying behind our Heroes of Hope

Relay For Life is a life-changing experience that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who are fighting cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. The Cancer Association of South Africa's (CANSA) Relay For Life season begins with events taking place all over South Africa. Read more >>

Your SMS feeds 12 hungry people

In marking World Food Day on Sunday 16 October 2011, FoodBank encouraged the public to give up the cost of a meal by donating R20 to help feed hungry people. SMS the word 'FoodBank' to 40421 and the R20 donation will feed 12 hungry people. The line will be active for donations until 31 January 2012. Read more >>

Link between climate change and hayfever

Hayfever may become a problem for nearly half of all South Africans by 2050 as a result of climate change says Dr Michael Levin, an allergy consultant to pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics. Read more >>

TopMed announces 2012 contribution increase

TopMed has announced an average weighted increase of 9.96% for 2012. This is coupled with an improved range of options that have been developed in direct response to requests from the medical scheme's members. Read more >>

Gene testing young prostate cancer patients could help target treatment

Routinely testing for a faulty BRCA2 gene in under-65s with prostate cancer could help identify men who could benefit from new types of targeted treatment, new research published in the British Journal of Cancer* shows. Read more >>

Mental healthcare under the spotlight

Mental healthcare received some important attention with World Mental Health Day commemorated on Monday, 10 October 2011. The theme this year was "Chronic illness and coping with depression", an area where the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA) members play a vital role. Read more >>

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. Read more >>

Scientists discover three new gene faults which could increase melanoma risk by 30%

Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered the first DNA faults linked to melanoma - the deadliest skin cancer - that are not related to hair, skin or eye colour, according to research published in Nature Genetics. Read more >>

Systematic burn trauma management saves lives

Deaths caused by fire injuries claim 300 000 lives worldwide every year. World Trauma Day, commemorated annually on 17 October, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the need to apply essential life-saving measures without delay to deal with burn injuries. Read more >>

Bridges gap between corporates and people with disabilities

As so few graduates with disabilities are currently being employed in South Africa's workplace, a joint event, initiated by Siyakha Consulting and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, will take place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College) on 18 October to motivate students and graduates with disabilities to apply for learnerships and junior positions after their studies. Read more >>

Engen Driver Wellness campaign launched

Last week, Engen launched the Engen Driver Wellness Campaign at the Engen Kempston Truck Stop in East London. The initiative is aimed at raising awareness about health issues and helping truck drivers to manage their wellness proactively. The campaign will be rolled out to the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng throughout October. Read more >>

Wear a bra-celet in support of fighting breast cancer

Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille has pledged her support to the Women's Health and Maidenform Bra-celet Breast Cancer Initiative. The Bra-celet is a hot pink accessory that aims to become a symbol of solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. Read more >>