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Daily Archives: 28/12/2017
Myanmar Rohingya crisis: UK medics to help tackle diphtheria
British medical staff are travelling to Bangladesh where diphtheria is affecting refugee camps.
Health24.com | 5 ways to take care of an Alzheimer’s sufferer during the holidays
The holiday season can be stressful, especially for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Not only is there the possibility of strange surroundings for a visiting family member suffering from Alzheimer’s, but the change in routine can also be challenging.
According to Health24, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia. It results in progressive deterioration of brain tissue, which leads to memory loss, personality changes, forgetfulness and the inability to carry out ordinary tasks and functions.
How to help
The onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be frustrating for both the sufferer and family. But this doesn’t mean that the holidays should be a heartbreaking experience.
The US National Institute on Aging suggests some simple ways you can help a family member suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
1. Use photos
If you have a relative living with you, a constant influx of visitors can be upsetting if they have difficulty recognising people. Show them a photo of a guest a week before their arrival. Each day show them the photo while explaining who the visitor is.
2. Call ahead
Before visitors arrive, set up a phone call between your loved one and the guest. This will help everyone feel a bit more prepared. Explain to guests that they need to call ahead and check with you before arriving as this will give you more time to put the Alzheimer’s patient at ease.
3. Map out a routine
Stick to daily routines as much as possible. Respect their routines and make it clear that they are not inconveniencing you.
4. Make time for rest
Give the person with Alzheimer’s disease plenty of time to rest. Don’t force them to stay up and join in the activities.
5. A home away from home
When an elderly relative suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is visiting you, a strange room and surroundings might upset them. Make their guest room as comfortable as possible and encourage them to bring familiar bedding along.
Image credits: iStock
NHS parking charges: Hospitals made £174m in a year
Record sum comes as more hospitals charge disabled people and issue fines for non-payers.
Health24.com | ‘Our children are dying in the mountains and this is no joke’
Traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape’s Alfred Nzo District have committed themselves to ensuring that a zero death rate of initiates is maintained this coming traditional initiation season.
The pledge was made during a recent safe initiation awareness campaign that took place at schools and traditional councils across the district.
Zero casualties
The main purpose of the campaign was to ensure that there are no casualties during upcoming summer season, to revive initiation working committees and ensure that all those involved were aware of the new Customary Male Initiation Practise Act of 2016.
The campaign was led by the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and was a collaborative exercise between the house, traditional leaders, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the Department of Health and the South African Police Service.
The target audience of the campaign was learners, traditional nurses, surgeons and the community at large, and carried a request to stop the commercialisation of tradition, which could put lives at risk.
Leaders must take responsibility
Every year young people embark on a summer initiation process in the mountains of the Eastern Cape.
One of the traditional council leaders, Chief Zelu Nompokhwe, said, “Our children are dying in the mountains and this is no joke. We need traditional leaders to take full responsibility and stop pretending that this tradition is the responsibility of government.”
The new initiation act seeks to provide for the protection of life, the prevention of injuries and the prevention of physical and mental abuse of initiates; provide for traditional leadership to take primary responsibility for the practice of initiation, in partnership with government and other stakeholders; and to protect the customary practice of initiates and ensure constitutional and other legal prescripts are adhered to.
In the coming days, initiation schools across the Eastern Cape province will open to welcome young women and men initiates as they embark a path towards adulthood.
During the last winter season, the Eastern Cape reported 11 deaths of initiates. – Health-e News
Image credit: iStock
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Health24.com | 5 best alcohols to drink if you’re trying to lose weight and stay healthy
Between year-end functions, Christmas parties, family gatherings and the impending New Year, our social calendars are jam-packed! The other thing that gets jam-packed? Our liver. Our kidneys. Our bellies.
Read more: This is the best alcohol to drink if you want to lose weight
But not all alcohol is equal. If you’re going to be indulging, try sticking to choices that will give you some benefits too (and like with anything, keep it in moderation):
1. Bubbly
Call it Champagne, MCC, bubbly… it’s all the same thing with a whack of nutrients. The phenolic acid in bubbly has been proven to help improve memory in the long run and the polyphenols can help reduce blood clots! MCCs also contain far less sugar than wine, but if you’re looking for a super-low sugar alternative, look out for brands that say Brut Zero. We recommend Graham Beck’s Brut Zero.
2. Red wine
Our most-fave tipsy tidbit: red wine is actually good for you. Yes, thanks to its antioxidant resveratrol. Try drink lighter styles, such as Pinot Noir, and keep it slightly chilled for summery refreshment.
Read more: Everything you need to know about alcohol and weight gain
3. Vodka
Vodka is lower in kilojoules than other spirits – sorry gin! To stay away from excess sugar, mix your vodka with sparkling water and fresh lime or orange juice. This way you stay hydrated and the fruit takes away some of the sharp alcoholic flavour.
4. Light beer
Our go-to favourite is Windhoek Light because it’s light in alcohol and kilojoules at only 300kJ per bottle and 2.4% alcohol. Castle Lite is the next best bet at 4% alcohol and 413kJ.
5. Tequila
While we’re not suggesting you down a bucket load, if you’re going to be doing shots, choose tequila over those sugar-packed coffee-chocolatey flavoured spirits. And we mean real 100% agave, like El Jimador. The agavins lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Just remember to drink enough water in between and don’t drink on an empty stomach.
This article was originally featured on www.womenshealthsa.co.za
Image credit: iStock
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