SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY LETTINGS

From beachfront villas in upmarket Camps Bay, to luxury apartments at Fresnaye and Bantry Bay, Cape Town holidays have never felt so effortless or luxurious. Whether you're looking to soak up Cape Town's cosmopolitan culture in an opulent Clifton villa, or enjoy the exclusivity and unmatched tranquillity in Llandudno, Knight Frank holiday rental specialists will help you find your paradise.


Source: http://www.knightfrank-holiday-rentals.co.za/

Statistics Of Osteoarthritis In South Africa

It’s difficult to get statistics on the occurrence of osteoarthritis in South Africa, but global studies show that nearly one in two people could develop symptomatic knee OA by the age of 85. If you are obese, you greatly increase your chances of developing symptomatic knee OA, while one in four people are likely to develop hip arthritis. The commonality of OA makes it prevalent around the world - if you want to learn more about arthritis specifically in South Africa and your treatment options, contact the Arthritis Foundation of South Africa for assistance.


Source: http://www.insurancesaysno.co.za/osteoarthritis/
Image Source: http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2006/03/16/1831451.htm

Health Insurance and Medical Aid

More often than not, health insurance and medical aid are considered the same thing. In actuality, health insurance is not a medical aid scheme, rather it’s a pre-paid preventive healthcare service for families, couples, individuals and companies.
Here are a few key differences between medical aid an health insurance:

• Medical Aid is governed by the Council for Medical Schemes
• Health Insurance is governed by the Long Term Insurance Act
• Medical Aid pays directly to registered providers
• Health Insurance pays to the insured
• Medical Aid pays day-to-day benefits limited to those stipulated in the National Recommended Price list (NRPL)
• Health insurance provides pre-paid day-to-day benefits and gives patients access to a network of registered healthcare practitioners and prescribed acute and chronic medication
• Medical Aid pays in-hospital benefits stipulated in the National Recommended Price List
• Health Insurance pays a limited stated benefit that covers in-hospital expenses for procedures, consultations and other services required by the insured

While a health insurance policy doesn’t offer the same level of cover that medical aid does, it’s still a popular choice for families and individuals who can’t afford to pay exorbitant medical aid premiums. Essential Med offers a standard health insurance policy that ensures you have access to private healthcare when it is needed most. With day-to-day benefits for out-of-hospital treatment and access to over 3000 network-registered health professionals, it’s the cover you need without the hefty price tag.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/66321180201/essential-med-guide-to-health-insurance-vs-medical-aid

Langebaan Properties

Langebaan is an idyllic small seaside town situated along the west coast of South Africa, in the Western Cape Province.  It is nestled on the edge of the tranquil Langebaan Lagoon, a mere 120km from the Mother City (Cape Town).  Langebaan is affectionately known as the jewel among west coast towns, and it will leave you with memories of a stunningly blue Atlantic Ocean, acre upon acre of breathtakingly beautiful spring flowers, and the ever enticing aromas of fish braais (barbecues) for which Langebaan is widely renowned.

Source: http://www.remax.co.za/Property-in-Langebaan-Langebaan-Western-Cape/

Why insurance companies won’t cover asthma

 

The high percentage of individuals suffering from asthma has placed a large burden on governments and healthcare systems as an increasing number of South Africans seek medical treatment and in more serious cases, hospitalisation. When assessing the risk profile of an individual with asthma, life insurance companies are likely to base their decision to provide cover on the severity of the condition and the measures being taken to treat it. The severity of the condition can be categorised into four grades; the first being mild intermittent asthma and the fourth classified as severe chronic or persistent. An individual suffering from severe chronic asthma will most likely face higher premiums than someone who has mild intermittent asthma. Insurance providers are cautious when providing life cover to asthma sufferers, and in serious cases they may decline life cover.

Source:  http://www.insurancesaysno.co.za/insurance-for-asthma/

Image Source:  http://www.asthma.ca/adults/about/whatIsAsthma.php

Click here for more information about illnesses that will or won't be covered by health insurance.

Doctors and patients: tips for effective communication

Whether you’re doing a routine check-up or providing very particular nutritional advice for your diabetes type 2 patient, consider these four points when advising: 

• Content – Try to be as clear and concise in your instructions. You need to factor in the possibility of your patient having limited literacy or the inability to speak English. Be precise about what you say so that your patient doesn't feel uncertain about their instructions.
• Delivery – Similarly, you need to remain mindful of your patient’s literacy levels. It’s inappropriate to provide written instructions at a high reading level. The same applies to verbal instructions. Also, ask questions if you feel your delivery is not clear enough. 
• Comprehension – Be cognisant of what you say and how your patient may comprehend it. Keeping your instructions simple to avoid confusion is paramount.
• Implementation – To ensure that your patient understands their home-care regime, you can make use of other approaches, like using visual aids to explain a tricky concept or demonstrating how medicines should be consumed and at what dosage level.

For more useful information visit the Unilever Health website.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/61021618551/doctors-and-patients-tips-for-effective-communication

How to secure your Continuing Professional Development: CPD

As a medical practitioner, one is inundated with a constant flurry of tasks that come with a demanding work schedule. One of these responsibilities is to provide the best quality medical care for your patients.

For medical practitioners, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential as well as mandatory. Not only is it vital in expanding one’s medical knowledge and professional competence, but it ensures that patients receive correct, quality medical treatment and care. Without CPD, health care professionals would find themselves stagnant in their positions without educating themselves in medical advancements and services thereby failing in their duty to the public.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/61021275833/as-a-medical-practitioner-one-is-inundated-with-a