Heritage Health News
World Hand Hygiene Day
05 May 2021
World Hand Hygiene Day Clean care can save lives. Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to stay safe. By doing this, we not only protect ourselves, but we play a crucial role in stopping the spread of infections to others. Simple steps to wash your hands Step 1: The first step ...
Read FullTooth Decay - Dental Health Promotion
30 Apr 2021
Tooth Decay - Dental Health Promotion Tooth decay is damage to a tooth caused by dental plaque turning sugars into acid. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to problems, such as holes in the teeth (dental caries) and gum disease. Symptoms of tooth decay Tooth decay may not cause any pain. But if...
Read FullGum Disease - Dental Health Promotion
29 Apr 2021
Gum Disease - Dental Health Promotion Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore, or infected. Most adults have gum disease to some degree, and most people experience it at least once. It is much less common in children. If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you br...
Read FullDentistry Terminology - Dental Health Promotion
28 Apr 2021
Dentistry Terminology - Dental Health Promotion Bridges A bridge is a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. It is made by taking an impression of the surrounding teeth, which will eventually support the bridge. A bridge is usually created from precious metal and porcelain and will be fixed in your ...
Read FullDental Abscess - Dental Health Promotion
27 Apr 2021
Dental Abscess - Dental Health Promotion A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It is caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess at the end of a tooth is called a periapical abscess. An abscess in the gum is called a pe...
Read FullBad Breath - Dental Health Promotion
26 Apr 2021
Bad Breath - Dental Health Promotion Bad breath (sometimes called halitosis) is very common. You can usually treat it yourself. How to treat bad breath yourself. The best way of making sure you do not have bad breath is to keep your teeth, tongue, and mouth clean. DO: gently brush your teeth and gum...
Read FullTop tips to help remember to take your chronic medication
31 Mar 2021
Top tips to help remember to take your chronic medication Adherence is the fancy word for “following doctors’ orders.” What it really means, for most people, is remembering to take your medicine. It may sound simple, but as many as 50% of people do not take their medicine correctly. They forget doses, take m...
Read FullWorld TB Day (24 March)
24 Mar 2021
World TB Day (24 March) What is TB? TB is a shortened abbreviation for Tuberculosis, and it is an airborne infection spread via respiratory droplets, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The most common form is pulmonary tuberculosis, which affects the lungs. However, TB can affect any part of the ...
Read FullWorld Kidney Day (11 March)
11 Mar 2021
Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease You are more likely to develop kidney disease if you have: Diabetes? High blood pressure? Heart disease? A family history of kidney failure? What can you do to keep your kidneys healthy? You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidn...
Read FullWorld Obesity Day (04 March)
04 Mar 2021
Every BODY Needs Everybody Obesity Fact Sheet WHAT IS OBESITY? The World Health Organisation defines obesity as ‘abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health’. It can be measured in a number of ways, but the most common is ‘BMI’ (Body Mass Index), using your height and weight...
Read FullLove your Back
16 Feb 2021
Love your Back You only have one! Back pain is only a symptom of an actual problem. Pain arising from other organs may be felt in the back. This is called referred pain. Many intra-abdominal disorders-such as appendicitis, kidney diseases, bladder infections, ovarian disorders, etc. can cause pain referred to t...
Read FullWhat is International Epilepsy Day?
08 Feb 2021
What is International Epilepsy Day? Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures. Seizures can be a devastating, life-challenging condition, however, there are many misconceptions about epilepsy. Here are 8 things you should know about epilepsy. Seizures are more than jus...
Read FullWorld Cancer Day (4 February)
04 Feb 2021
The world cancer day theme for 2021 is: I Am And I Will Talking about cancer when a loved one has been diagnosed…. Studies show that people do better emotionally in a crisis when they have strong support from family members and friends. However, if one of your friends or loved ones has been diagnosed with can...
Read FullWorld Leprosy Day (31 January)
31 Jan 2021
Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) Leprosy was renamed Hansen’s disease after Norwegian scientist Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who in 1873 discovered the slow-growing bacterium now known as Mycobacterium leprae as the cause of the illness. It is difficult to catch, and it can take many years to develop symptoms of t...
Read FullLifestyle diseases and lifestyle changes
30 Jan 2021
Lifestyle diseases and lifestyle changes Lifestyle diseases are ailments that are primarily based on the day-to-day habits of people. Habits that detract people from activity and push them towards a sedentary routine can cause a number of health issues that can lead to chronic non-communicable diseases that can ha...
Read FullThe importance of a medical check-up
29 Jan 2021
The importance of a medical check-up The reason why you should be getting checked by your doctor even when you are feeling healthy is that the medical exams can help detect health problems early on. Sometimes they can be detected before they have even started. Once the problem has been detected the doctor can h...
Read FullHoliday, Festivities, and Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemi…
21 Dec 2020
Holiday, Festivities, and Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic It is important to know that the new coronavirus, COVID-19, is not airborne. COVID-19 is transmitted through small droplets from the nose or mouth that are spread when a person with the virus coughs, sneezes, or exhales. It is possible to inhale these d...
Read FullWorld Diabetes Day (14 November)
14 Nov 2020
World Diabetes Day (14 November) Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 - What is it? Diabetes is a common health problem in the world. In diabetes, the body does not use the food it digests well. It is hard for the body to use carbohydrates and fats. The main marker of diabetes is high blood sugar (“glucose”). Your bloo...
Read FullWorld Pneumonia Day (12 November)
12 Nov 2020
World Pneumonia Day (12 November) What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infectious respiratory disease affecting the lungs, wherein the lungs (alveoli) are filled with pus and fluid, causing difficulty in breathing due to limited intake of oxygen. Is pneumonia contagious? The germs that cause pneumonia are c...
Read FullWomen’s Health Issues No One Talks About
28 Oct 2020
Women’s Health Issues No One Talks About For many women, some health issues feel too private or too embarrassing to talk about, even with their doctor. Prolapse, faecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence are uncomfortable words and sensitive topics. But that is what eventually happens to one-quarter of women...
Read FullWorld Osteoporosis Day - 20 October
20 Oct 2020
World Osteoporosis Day - 20 October The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia Osteopenia is a warning diagnosis. It indicates that you have low bone mass, and your bone health is not as good as it used to be. If you have received an osteoporosis diagnosis, it is time to take action. Osteoporosis is ...
Read FullJust Me – The Importance of Time Alone
20 Oct 2020
Just Me – The Importance of Time Alone Life is busy. It is full of deadlines and appointments and to-do lists. It is also full of people: work people, family people, friends’ people…people and more people. When was the last time you were alone? All of us need some time alone. Some of us indeed need more t...
Read FullWhat Women Should Know About DVT
20 Oct 2020
What Women Should Know About DVT A DVT is a blood clot that forms deep in your veins, most often in your leg. It can partially or completely block blood flow back to the heart and damage the one-way valves in your veins. It can also break free and travel to major organs, such as your lungs, which can be very dange...
Read FullHand Hygiene for All
16 Oct 2020
Hand Hygiene for All October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. Hand hygiene impacts our health and COVID-19. Here are some ha...
Read FullNutrients for Women's Health
13 Oct 2020
Five Major Nutrients for Women’s Health A balanced eating pattern is a cornerstone of health. Women, like men, should enjoy a variety of healthful foods from all of the food groups, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and lean protein. But women also have special ...
Read FullWoman and Heart Disease
09 Oct 2020
Woman and Heart Disease When it comes to heart health, women are different. Heart disease affects men and women quite differently and it is important for women to know what is unique to their heart health. We encourage women to be their own health champions and be proactive in communicating with their medical c...
Read FullWomen's Health Month - October 2020
06 Oct 2020
Top Women’s Health Issues The first step to keep a healthy body is to know what you are up against. This will allow you to take the needed precautions to help reduce the risk. For women, health risks vary according to age, lifestyle, race, etc. These eight conditions are vital to discuss since these health issue...
Read FullLifestyle Tips for Healthy Teeth
05 Oct 2020
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Teeth You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Taking care of your general health and your mouth is the key to making the most of your smile. Our lifestyle. diet, smoking, and drinking alcohol affect our dental health. Here are simple ways to...
Read FullWorld Suicide Prevention Day (10 September)
10 Sep 2020
World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, there is plenty you can do to help save a life. Understanding suicide The World Health Organization estimates that...
Read Full10 Small Steps to Better Heart Health
01 Sep 2020
10 Small Steps to Better Heart Health Change is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it. A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol earns you a lecture on healthy lifestyle changes. Heart attack and stroke survivors are often told to alter a lifetime of habits. Some people manage to ...
Read FullHeart Attack Warnings Signs
01 Sep 2020
Heart Attack Warnings Signs The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain. But women may experience less obvious warning signs. Have a look at the below warning signs between men versus women. Men Nausea or vomitting Jaw, neck or back pain Squeezing chest pressure or p...
Read FullSpring Clean Your Health and Wellness
01 Sep 2020
Spring Clean Your Health and Wellness Believe it or not, it is already the month of September! Now's the time to get moving as we transition seasons. Here are seven hints to help you "spring into wellness”. Wake early to exercise The mornings are warming up, and spring means the sun rises earlier each day...
Read Full8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease
17 Aug 2020
8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease Although you might know that eating certain foods can increase your heart disease risk, it' is often hard to change your eating habits. Whether you have years of unhealthy eating under your belt or you simply want to fine-tune your diet, here are eight heart-healthy diet tips. Once...
Read FullHeart Health Matters
14 Aug 2020
Ingredients for a Healthy Heart The World Health Organisation’s most recent data on Africa’s leading causes for deaths in 2016 are divided into three groups: Group 1 is caused by infectious diseases; Group 2 is caused by chronic disease. And Group 3 by injuries. Group 2 - Chronic diseases or Non-communicabl...
Read Full15 Fascinating Heart Health Facts
05 Aug 2020
15 Fascinating Heart Health Facts While you are probably familiar with a few heart-healthy tips, there are some fun facts about the heart that you may not know. You can easily check you heart size. Your heart is about the size of two hands clasped together. Your heart weigh between 280 to 340 grams in men ...
Read FullGuidelines to Providers of COVID-19 Admissions
03 Aug 2020
Guidelines to Providers of COVID-19 Admissions Dear Heritage Health Healthcare Service Provider, RE: Funding for the right patient, in the right facility, at the right time - Guidelines of the diagnosis and management of Covid-19 within scheme benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted of a cl...
Read FullWhat to do if you’ve been diagnosed (COVID-19)
03 Aug 2020
What to do if you’ve been diagnosed (COVID-19) If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community. Stay home except to get medical care Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness...
Read FullWorld Hepatitis Day (28 July)
28 Jul 2020
World Hepatitis Day (28 July) Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine. People who get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks to several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. In rare cases...
Read FullInternational Self-Care Day (24 July)
24 Jul 2020
International Self-Care Day (24 July) Most people are reasonably healthy and well as children. As we get older however, we are faced with the challenges and temptations of life such as food, alcohol and tobacco, and the opportunity for sedentary lifestyles. We are faced with choices, and risks. Unfortunately, t...
Read FullSteps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
24 Jul 2020
What to do if you’ve been diagnosed If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community. Stay home except to get medical care Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can re...
Read FullCold & Flu Season
09 Jul 2020
Cold & Flu Season As we move into the middle of winter, we need a sensible approach to ensure that we remain safe and healthy at work and in our homes. Infections, especially respiratory or lung infections tend to be more common in winter, as we close windows and doors to keep the cold out, resulting in poor v...
Read FullWorld Vitilogo Day (26 June)
25 Jun 2020
World Vitilogo Day (26 June) Vitiligo is a genetic and autoimmune skin disorder in which skin loses its natural color due to lack of pigmentation. They are caused when melanocytes within the skin starts to die off, which means the skin essentially loses its colour. Melanocytes are the cells which produce the sk...
Read FullHealth Benefits of Blood Donation
16 Jun 2020
Health Benefits of Blood Donation Blood donation does not have any major side effects, but there are several benefits. Blood donation improves heart health, reduces cancer risk, and burns calories. Health Benefits of Blood Donation Improves Cardiovascular Health: Studies have shown that an increased level...
Read FullMen's Health - Size does Matter
09 Jun 2020
Men's Health - Size does Matter Who says size does not matter? Being overweight or obese seriously adds to your health risks. Losing just 10% of your weight can improve your health. Men get ‘Weight Wise”! Men watch your waist! A waist measurement over 94cm puts your health at risk. The risk is higher if ...
Read FullMen’s Health Musts
01 Jun 2020
Men’s Health Musts The following 10 tips are a must for all men, regardless of your age: Talk with your healthcare provider about a check-up. Snack pre-cut vegetables and fruit to help fill your daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Find healthy ways to blow off steam – a workout, hobby, whatever h...
Read FullWorld No Tobacco Day (31 May)
31 May 2020
World No Tobacco Day (31 May) According to WHO, tobacco use kills more than 8 million people around the world each year, a number that is predicted to grow unless anti-tobacco actions are increased. In the United States, tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death and disease. It causes many types ...
Read FullLooking after our mental health
15 May 2020
Looking after our mental health As many countries have introduce measures to restrict movement as part of efforts to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19, more and more of us had to make huge changes to our daily routines. The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-school...
Read FullInternational Nurses Day (12 May)
12 May 2020
International Nurses Day (12 May) International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world, on the 12th of May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. 2020 has been designated as the "Year of the Nurse and the Midwife" by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in recognition of the contribution nurses mak...
Read FullArrangements During State of Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pande…
12 May 2020
Arrangements During State of Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic and Stage 2 Dear Member and Healthcare Provider, We refer to our letter that you received at the end of March 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the norm of healthcare services and the implementation of specific measures. The President ...
Read FullSAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands
05 May 2020
SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands Hands are one of the most common ways that viruses spread from one person to the next. During the current global pandemic, one of the cheapest, easiest, and most important ways to prevent the spread of a virus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Here’s everything...
Read FullClean the right surfaces to protect yourself against Covid-19
Clean the right surfaces to protect yourself against Covid-19 Among the things we don’t know about COVID-19 is how long the virus can survive outside of a human host. It certainly…
Covid-19 and High-Risk Individuals
Covid-19 and High-Risk Individuals Though we believe most people will have a mild illness, some older people or people with pre-existing health conditions will experience severe illness and we need to…
World Health Day (7 April)
World Health Day (7 April 2020) 7th April 2020 is the day to celebrate the work of nurses and midwives and remind world leaders of the critical role they play in…
Interim Arrangements During COVID-19 Pandemic
Interim Arrangements During COVID-19 Pandemic Dear Member and Healthcare Provider. During the following few months, the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the norm of healthcare services and it is important that measures are…
Tests and Consultations during Covid-19 Challenge
COVID-19 TESTS AND CONSULTATIONS Dear Members and Practitioners. The COVID-19 pandemic affects each one of us anxiously not knowing how and when it may impact our lives. It is also important that we…
World Kidney Day (12 March)
World Kidney Day (12 March) The term "chronic kidney disease" means lasting damage to the kidneys that can get worse over time. If the damage is very bad, your kidneys may stop…
How worried should we be about the Novel Coronavirus?
How worried should we be about the Novel Coronavirus? The overall profile of the disease, including its mortality and ability to spread, is now better understood. Many healthy, young people who…
Novel on Coronavirus
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) information With the first confirmed Coronavirus case announced by the South African Department of Health, we would like to provide you some information to keep you safe. The Coronaviruses…
World Obesity Day (04 March)
World Obesity Day (04 March) What is obesity and overweight? Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index…
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