Medical Matters

Aubrey speaks to Prineil Padayachy, Senior Associate at Webber Wentzel, about why IP protection is crucial within the esports industry.

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Aubrey speaks to Prof Thumbi Ndung’u, a leading HIV/Aids expert and director at the Africa Health Research Institute, about latest progress made in HIV prevention and treatment, and the ongoing research into finding a cure for HIV.

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Aubrey speaks to Thabang Molefi, an iridologist and founder of The Roots Health Centre, about finding ways to treat such acid related diseases using indigenous knowledge about natural remedies.

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Aubrey speaks to Kearabetsoe Makhupane, Marketing Administrator and sample collector for EasyDNA South Africa, about DNA testing and how it works.

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Aubrey speaks to Dr. Gideon Alers, General Practitioner with a special interest in Aesthetic and Anti-aging medicine, abut male baldness and how it an be treated. Male baldness affects men worldwide, with signs like thinning or receding hair starting as early as age 20. Thankfully, technology has brought us some treatment options.

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On tonight’s medical matters we shed light on a common yet overlooked condition that affects the scalp, by causing thick, discoloured plaques and patches. For those who live with it, scalp psoriasis can impact everything from daily routines to self-confidence. Joining me to unpack the ins and outs of this condition—what causes it, how it differs from other skin issues, and the most effective ways to manage it is Dr Gontse Rangwetsi, a specialist in Dermatology.

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This week is known as World Stroke Week and tomorrow is World Stroke Day (29th October), health organisations across South Africa are stepping up their efforts to raise awareness about stroke prevention and education. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in South Africa, and it is critical for people to have greater awareness of the condition and its signs and symptoms, so that a victim of a stroke can be treated promptly and at an appropriate stroke care facility. Professor Veronica Ntsiea, Head of Wits Physiotherapy Department and stroke rehabilitation researcher, joins to talk about the significance of creating awareness about stroke.

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The South African government first proposed a 20% sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in 2016. However, after extensive consultations with the beverage and sugar industries, the levy was reduced to approximately 10%, coming into effect in April 2018. Despite this lower rate, studies up to April 2021 show that the HPL has led to significant reductions in SSB consumption, particularly among low-income groups and populations with high SSB intake. These findings suggest that the levy has been effective in improving health equity. The Healthy Living Alliance’s (HEALA) released its fourth episode of the thought-provoking web series, Chew on This. The episode titled “Is the Sugar Industry Lying to Us?", critically examines the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) on sugary beverages, introduced to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. Joining us to educate us more about this series we’re joined by Prof Sue Goldstein, a public health medicine specialist, and MD of the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA).

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On tonight’s Medical Matters, we are focusing on rare condition that many might not be familiar with, that is Gaucher disease. This genetic disorder affects how the body breaks down certain fatty substances, leading to various health complications. While it’s rare, understanding it is crucial for those affected and their families. We’ll dive into what Gaucher disease is, how it’s diagnosed, and the importance of raising awareness for rare diseases like this. Joining for me this discussion is Prof Barry Jacobson, Head of Rare Disease Unit, CMJH Hospital, department of Haematology and internal medicine, Wits University and NHLS.

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Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women across all racial groups, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 26 in South Africa, as reported by the 2022 National Cancer Registry (NCR). Both breast and cervical cancers are recognised as national priorities due to their rising incidence rates. On tonight’s edition of Medical Matters, we focus our attention on the rise of breast cancer in younger women, the cause of this increase and how we can encourage all women to examine their breast more regularly and not just a particular age range of women. Joining me for this discussion is Dr Eugene Jooste, Member of the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa.   

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