HVD is predominantly caused by congenital defects, ischaemic heart disease

HVD is predominantly caused by congenital defects, ischaemic heart disease (caused by reduced blood to the heart) and infection. In order to really understand HVD, it is necessary to have some basic comprehension of how the heart valves function.

According to Health24, the heart consists of four valves: two inlet valves and two outlet valves. The valves serve as a type of ‘one-way door’, comprised of special ring-shaped tissue and found between the heart chambers. Essentially, they direct the blood flow in one direction through the left and right ventricles of the heart. The right-hand side of the heart receives deoxygenated, used blood from the body which it pumps to the lungs, while the left-hand side receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs which it pumps to the rest of the body.

Source: http://www.insurancesaysno.co.za/heart-valve-disorders/
Image Source: http://www.brighamandwomens.org/

Receiving the right nutrients in your diet

Receiving the right nutrients in your diet is important, but some foods are better than others when it comes to increasing overall brain functionality. Take a look at a couple of foods that are bound to boost your brain power:

Holy wholegrains

The ability to concentrate and achieve focus comes from a steady supply of energy – this comes in the glucose in our blood which is supplied to our brain. By eating wholegrains with a low-GI, you can remain mentally alert throughout a busy day. Fill your belly with ‘brown' cereals, wheatbran, low-GI bread and brown pasta to supply adequate energy to your brain.

Insist on oily fish

As essential fatty acids are not produced by the body, they must be obtained through your diet. Effective omega-3 fats occur in oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers – supplying the body with EPA and DHA. Low DHA levels have been linked to memory loss and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. If you are a vegetarian, EPA and DHA can be sourced from linseed oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans.

Binge on blueberries

A university in the United States accumulated evidence that suggests that consuming blueberries may be effective in both improving and delaying the onset of short term memory loss. Blueberries are highly nutritious and widely available, so be sure to include them in your diet wherever you can.

Trust tomatoes

There is evidence to suggest that an antioxidant found in tomatoes – lycopene – can help protect against the free radical damage that occurs in cells during the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Make sure to include tomatoes in your diet – an easy feat as they are widely available and decidedly delicious.

Say yes to sage

Studies suggest that adding sage to your diet can have a significant effect on your memory. While most studies have focused on sage in essential oil form, adding fresh sage to your meals is bound to improve memory and leave you feeling clear-headed and fresh.

Positive pumpkin seeds

Zinc is vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills, but did you know that eating just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day will get you your recommended daily amount of zinc? It's that easy, and pumpkin seeds are delicious!
Are you spending too much on doctor's visits? Protect your health, your family and your wallet with excellent health insurance and hospital plans offered by Essential Med.  

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/66321452147/essential-med-guide-to-brain-food

The town of Langebaan

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/

Insurance for 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.

Diabetes Type 2 Patient

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

Continuing Professional Development

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

The beauty of the Cape

The beauty of the Cape has been immortalised by many a photography coffee table book worldwide. If you cannot make it to this event, there are many truly beautiful places you can visit and stay at along the Breede River with many attractions to keep you busy and entertained. Mudlark River Lodge is situated along the Breede River at the point where it merges with the Indian Ocean. Complement your stay by visiting The De Hoop Marine and Nature Reserve, an oasis of wildlife and vegetation, is a World Heritage Site and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Walk through the reserve and encounter eland and zebra or bird watch some of the 260 species that live there.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58916091614/visit-the-astounding-cape-floral-kingdom-expo-the