#AskLwanda

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability  that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.

Children or adults with ASD might:

We look at the definition of the neuro-developmental disorder called ADD & ADHD focusing on the top 3 symptom groups of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

We note the importance of the holistic approach prior to getting to a diagnosis. This looks at the patient's

ADHD impairs the patient's social, academic, personal and occupational function. It is not to be taken lightly or ignored. There's treatment for it and we look at the treatment options and prices. 

Also, we had a patient that called in to share her touching experience

In this episode we look at the general link between diseases and medicines. 

Who comes up with different disease conditions for humans because it seems like our pets and animals don't suffer a similar fate? Is it just nature?

When we have given the disease a name, does nature equally provide a treatment/ cure? 

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing companies research new medicines but governments impose strict laws and regulations for them to be able to market a quality product that will cause no harm to the patients that take them. Is this really possible though? Is there such a think as a medicine without a side effect? 

Do you agree with the regulations or do you think that they are put in place to prevent indigenous medicines from being on the shelves of big retail companies? Should communities trust medicines that are manufactured and packaged under sub standard conditions? Have a listen at this podcast for answers.  

In this episode we look at the definition of medical aid and highlight that it is medical insurance. This means all submitted claims are according to the scheme rules. The hospitals, doctors and pharmacists aren't simply claiming items against a budget like with a credit card. All items claimed on medical aid must comply with the scheme rules. 

Medical Aids are regulated by the Medical Schemes Council (MSC) and they stipulate all the rights of members and all the responsibilities of medical schemes. We celebrate the recent win by the ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacists Association) to allow members to choose which service provider they want to use to collect their chronic treatment from. 

Did you know that medical schemes have to pay for all conditions listed as Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)? These include chronic conditions like hypertension, asthma & epilepsy but also includes medical emergencies that the medical aid simply can't refuse to pay regardless of how low your option is. We explain concepts like medical saving accounts (MSA), threshold benefits, above threshold, acute funds, chronic fund & OTC fund. 

Listen to find out more, 

In this episode, we look at why the government chose to go with the more expensive and invasive COVID19 lab test instead of using the cheaper & less invasive rapid finger prick tests. 

Also, what is the role of multivitamins? 

When should I self isolate when identified as positive? 

#Dexamethasone IS NOT a vitamin.

In this episode we try to answer some of the basic questions. We also analyze the numbers from China and Wuhan city. 

What is corona virus?

What are the signs and symptoms of infection? 

Should the citizens starts panic buying and locking themselves in their houses? 

What is COVID19? 

Should we be scared that a KZN patient has been confirmed as positive and that there are up to 10 close contacts for this single patient? 

Do we have enough protective clothing (PPE) and will we have to wear masks everywhere we go? 

Do you think the president should implement a lockdown?