Antibiotics vs probiotics: how to protect your gut flora
The specific bacterial species found in your gut, skin, and mouth (collectively termed your microbiome) are as unique as your fingerprint, says Ilsabé Spoelstra, a dietician at Mediclinic Bloemfontein. Every human is teeming with billions of microorganisms, and most are very good for your health.
Maintaining a Listeria-free kitchen [infographic]
Listeriosis is a serious disease caused by the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes and is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food products. While anyone can get listeriosis, those at high risk of severe disease include pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly, persons with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease, and persons with weakened immune systems due to HIV, cancer or chemotherapy.
What is a faecal occult blood test?
Has your doctor recommended you have a faecal occult blood test to see if there’s blood in your stools? This test is used to diagnose bleeding disorders in your gut, including screening for early colon cancer. Get the lowdown here.
Lactose intolerance in children
We speak to a dietician and paediatrician to find out more about lactose intolerance in children and whether it is advisable to cut their dairy intake.
Appendicitis, the most common abdominal emergency
Appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency, accounting for thousands of hospital admissions across South Africa annually. Every individual has a 7% to 8% lifetime chance of developing the condition, the management and treatment of which remains surgery.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
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Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
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Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
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A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
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We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
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An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, providing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot-inhibiting effects.
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To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
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We found a practical solution to a shortage of theatre nurses by becoming a registered teaching institution.
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Scrub areas in theatre are a minimum of 2.1m wide to accommodate at least two people at a time.
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We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
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Could you have a stomach ulcer?
We look at the causes and treatments of stomach ulcers.
GORD: More than indigestion
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease isn’t just heartburn or bad indigestion. We asked a Mediclinic gastroenterologist to explain exactly what this disease is.
DID YOU KNOW?
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To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
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Nurses can observe patients at all times as critical care units are designed like a beehive with the nurses’ station in the middle.
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Trauma patients with a critically low temperature will often be wrapped in a space blanket to reduce heat loss.
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A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
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A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
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We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
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We use the internationally recognised Oxford Vermont Network to keep our neonatal critical care units at the forefront of paediatric medicine.
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Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
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Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
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A baby has a 70% better chance of surviving a motor vehicle accident if in a secure car seat and properly restrained.
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Dealing with irritable bowel syndrome
IBS affects 10-15% of the global population, and while about two in three sufferers are women, it occurs in people of all ages, even children. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating and excessive gas, affecting family, work life and general wellbeing.
Your digestive system [infographic]
We take a look at the many processes that happen to the food you eat as it moves through your digestive system.
Myth-busting the common stomach bug
When it comes to home cures for gastro, there are quite a number that do the rounds. We investigated the validity of three common ones.
Food poisoning vs tummy bug
Dr Brauer gives his advice on telling the difference between holiday food poisoning and getting a tummy bug… and what to do about it
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