Medical Matters

This evening on Medical Matters we look at the issue of palliative care in South Africa. The sad reality is that most South Africans with advanced illness will spend their last months of life in pain and anguish because they cannot access palliative care. This specialised care that is provided to patients with serious, complex and advanced illnesses is still only offered by a few organisations in the country. To tell us mor about Palliative care we’re joined by Dr Lungi Nyathi, CEO of value-based care provider Aligned offering a palliative care service, and Dr Jesne Kistan palliative care specialist and one of the executives of PALPrAC (The Association of Palliative Care Practitioners of SA).

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As winter sets in, it's essential to keep our immune systems strong and resilient. Tonight, we'll explore practical and effective ways to boost your immune system during the colder months. From nutritional tips and supplements to lifestyle changes and natural remedies, our guest, Vanessa Ascencao, Nutritional consultant and Wellness Expert will explore ways to improve your immune system.

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According to the National Department of Health in South Africa, six cases of Mpox have been confirmed in the country. Health Minister Joe Mphaahla expressed concern about the outbreak last week, noting that the six cases reported this year have been severe. Tonight on Medical Matters, we will be joined by Dr. Richard Lessells, Infectious Disease specialist at UKZN to explore what Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, really is.

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On tonight’s Medical Matters, we delve into an important and often overlooked issue: childhood trauma and its lifelong effects. Childhood trauma can profoundly impact an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, shaping their experiences and relationships well into adulthood. As we observe National Child Protection Week, we will shed light on what childhood trauma is, how it manifests, it’s long terms effects into one’s adulthood and how we can create a safer environment or our children. According to Missing Children South Africa, 77% of children are found, can you imagine the trauma they have experienced and will continue to experience as they reintegrate into society? Joining us to have this discussion is Dr Alicia Porter,  Board Member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists.

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In May, the National Burns Awareness Week is observed from the 13th to the 17th. To mark this occasion, tonight's episode of "Medical Matters" will focus on reconstructive burn surgery. According to a report by the Medical Research Council, around 1.6 million South Africans sustain burn injuries annually, with most victims coming from impoverished communities. Reconstructive burn surgery not only helps burn survivors heal physically but also restores their confidence and quality of life. To help us unpack this further, we are joined by Dr Deon Weyers, An award-winning Plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

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On Medical Mattes this evening we look at World Myopia week which happens from 13th – 19th May. Myopia Awareness week is being observed worldwide, primarily to raise awareness, with emphasis on juvenile-onset myopia. Globally, myopia is a leading cause of avoidable vision loss. By the year 2050, nearly half of the world's population will be myopic. To tell us more about juvenile myopia we’re joined by Dr Steph Lindeque, a specialist ophthalmologist.

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Although plastic surgery is often associated with cosmetic enhancements, it serves a broader purpose. Breast reduction surgery, for instance, addresses the discomfort experienced by women with oversized breasts, alleviating issues ranging from neck and back pain to respiratory difficulties. Have you ever considered getting a breast reduction? And why? Join us on our medical matters this evening as we speak to Dr Bruce Lelala, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeon, as we talk about this subject.

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In today’s Medical Matters, we shed light on Edward's syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18. This rare genetic condition poses significant challenges for those affected and their families. Having recently discovered Edward’s syndrome through The Makhs on YouTube, who disclosed their newborn's diagnosis, I felt it was important to bring in an expert to educate us and provide further insight into this condition. Are you aware of Edward’s syndrome? Maybe you know someone who was diagnosed with it, join me and my guest, Dr Engela Honey, Senior lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria in this discussion.

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How much thought do you give to your baby's diet? Are you aware that the food you give your child during infancy can have long-lasting effects into adulthood? Research states that early exposure to various foods can impact their eating habits and weight later in on life. Tonight's discussion is sparked by a recent report from NGO Public Eye and International Baby Food Action Network which reveals that sugar levels found in Nestle products for infants and toddlers in South Africa and other low-income countries violates  global health regulations that aim to prevent obesity and chronic diseases. To have this discussion with us, we are joined by Dr Chantell Witten, Researcher at the University of the Western Cape centre of excellence for food security.

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Today’s episode of Medical Matters is dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). April is World Autism Month and we will be exploring explore the diverse experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the broader community. Joining us to have this conversation is Nomsa Masoka, Speech Therapist and mother to an autistic son and founder of Mothers of Children with Autism Organisation.

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