How to promote good cholesterol (and lower the bad) [infographic]
‘Cholesterol is a difficult subject,’ says Dr Karlien Bezuidenhout, a GP at Mediclinic Hoogland. ‘For instance, while high total cholesterol is often associated with obesity, some overweight people have low
Don’t ignore these unusual signs of potentially serious conditions
Fatty deposits around your eyes? Skin discolouration? Pale nails? Here are a few symptoms you should get checked out – even if they seem insignificant.
Essential health screenings for women
Health screenings for women become more important as you age, not less. Here’s how to pre-empt potential medical problems with a proactive approach PAP SMEAR ▶ To test for human
HPV vaccination: Your second best defence
HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer – the second most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer. Over 99% of all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection of high-risk types of HPV. We chat to two Mediclinic experts about who should be vaccinated, when and why.
The HPV vaccination process
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a viral infection that can cause cervical cancer. Although sexually transmitted, penetrative sex is not required – the virus can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin genital contact.
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To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
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Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
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We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
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We use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
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Most nursing units have windows overlooking gardens to promote healing.
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You get 20% of the water your body needs from eating fruit and vegetables.
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We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
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The triage admission system in our emergency centres has been able to reduce mortality by up to 50%.
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Our corridors are 2.3m wide allowing two beds to pass one another without any interference.
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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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When a cough becomes a medical emergency
A lingering cough is perhaps one of the most common human ailments. There seems to be no escaping some form of “hack”, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
This is how your hearing changes as you age
Ever noticed how older people don’t hear so well, while some children hear perfectly well, but never listen? Science shows how our hearing develops – and then slowly degenerates – as we age.
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To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
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The only one in Africa and one of only 13 in the world, the P-I BrÅnemark Institute of Excellence at Mediclinic Morningside, specialises in facial reconstruction.
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Our hospitals did the first minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implant procedure in Africa.
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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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To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
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Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
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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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You get 20% of the water your body needs from eating fruit and vegetables.
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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 monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
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Foetal assessment scans, explained
Seeing your baby for the first time on an ultrasound scan is such a special moment. Plus, you get to take baby’s first pictures home. Dr Lou Pistorius, Ob-Gyn and perinatologist at Mediclinic Panorama, explains the purpose of foetal assessment scans, the ideal time to have them and why they’re important.
The easiest New Year’s health resolution, ever
Yes, you should lose weight, give up smoking and hit the gym, but committing to annual check-ups should be top of the list. A Mediclinic expert explains more.
A new kind of ray: The history of radiography
In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the X-ray and presented his manuscript, On a New Kind of Ray, to the Würzburg Physical Medical Institute. We look at how technology has advanced since then.
Is a mastectomy required or are there other options for breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a treatable disease and early diagnosis significantly improves the survival rate. Many women now have the option of preserving their breasts. Dr Mariza Tunmer, a specialist radiation oncologist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, explains non-surgical treatment options.
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