People first
This edition of Healthy Times explores the many dimensions of corporate wellness—mental, physical, financial, and beyond—and how organisations are embedding wellbeing into the heart of their culture. Today's forward-thinking leaders are shifting from managing employees to supporting the whole human being. Whether through mental health interventions, financial literacy support or innovative tools like wearables and wellness apps, companies are reimagining how they care for their people. And it's not just the big corporates. We also shine a light on smaller businesses, proving that impact doesn't always require big budgets—just commitment and creativity. The conversation is shifting from burnout to balance, from stigma to support, from reactive to proactive. It's encouraging to see South African businesses embracing this change, not just for productivity, but also because it's the right thing to do.
We hope this issue inspires your own wellness journey—both personal and organisational.
Because when we prioritise people, everybody wins
Raina Julies
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Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Mail & Guardian
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Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Mail & Guardian
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa highlights Rheumatic Fever Prevention
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rheumatic fever is an illness where the body's immune system overreacts to a throat or skin infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A strep). This autoimmune inflammatory response can affect multiple organs including the heart, joints, and sometimes the skin and brain. This presentation is often seen between 10 to 21 days after the initial throat infection. RHD develops when multiple episodes of ARF occur, causing damage and scarring to heart valves and heart muscle. According to the WHO (2023) technical brief on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, RHD affected an estimated 55 million people globally and caused 360,000 deaths in 2021. The WHO noted that the first episode of ARF is most commonly observed in children aged 5 to 14 years, followed by recurring infections within one year of the initial episode. These recurrences can persist throughout a person's life. The WHO also states that RHD typically begins in childhood, with the highest prevalence found in young adults aged 20 to 39 years. The report further highlighted that, internationally, women have a higher prevalence of RHD. In the most recent National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) GERMS-SA quarterly surveillance report (2025), an average of 824 cases of Group A Streptococcus infections were identified per year from 2021 to 2024 in South Africa. This figure may not accurately reflect the current situation in South Africa, as numerous cases remain undetected, undiagnosed, and uninvestigated. The RFW campaign aims to teach people about the dangers of ignoring or not treating throat infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. A study by Machipisa et al. (2021), published in JAMA Cardiology and focused on African countries, found that Black African people may be more likely to develop rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) after being exposed to Group A Streptococcus—especially if there is a family history of the disease. This implies that extra care should be taken for individuals with a family history of RF and RHD. It's important to take steps to prevent disease, and even a simple sore throat should be treated right away. When rheumatic fever is diagnosed early, treatment can stop it from worsening. Doctors can give antibiotics to treat the infection and medicine to reduce pain and swelling. Regular check-ups and penicillin injections help prevent more attacks and protect the heart. Recent research published in the Egyptian Heart Journal by Rifaie et al. (2020) on RF and RHD has shown promising results in identifying and treating these conditions. The inflammatory response, triggered by the Group A Streptococcus infection, may be chronic, meaning that the inflammation caused by the initial infection could persist for months after the infection is believed to have cleared. This suggests that the damage may continue if not treated appropriately. The authors emphasize that treating the inflammation is just as important as treating the bacteria causing the infection. This highlights why early check-ups and proper treatment are important, instead of trying to treat a sore throat on your own. Prevention strategies are essential to reduce the return and spread of the infection. These include better hygiene, staying isolated when sick, improving living conditions, and increasing access to primary healthcare. Because RF can cause RHD through repeated episodes, ongoing community prevention is strongly advised. RHD is a serious heart condition that can lead to death or lifelong disability. It requires lifelong medication, regular medical check-ups, and often heart valve surgery. RHD often damages the heart valves and surgical intervention is the primary treatment for replacing or repairing the damaged valve(s). Evidence from tertiary centers in South Africa, such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, suggests that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for patients with RHD. However, in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), heart surgery facilities are often scarce, and long waiting periods can limit access to life-saving interventions, such as heart valve surgery. Necessary steps to improve specialized services at healthcare facilities to improve health outcomes for individuals living with RHD who require heart surgery. If the disease has become severe, the individual may also need to be treated for heart failure or an irregular heart rhythm. RHD can be prevented if ARF is treated promptly with the correct antibiotics, regular check-ups and prevention strategies are in place. RHD remains a disease of poverty, disproportionately affecting LMICs and marginalized populations in high-income countries. Effective prevention and management of RHD require addressing the root causes of poverty, such as overcrowding, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and healthcare disparities. Ensuring adequate living conditions, equitable access to quality healthcare services, and implementing comprehensive prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment programs are essential to reducing the burden of RHD in vulnerable populations. HSFSA leads the campaign annually, disseminating information and raising awareness about the relationship between RF and RHD. The Foundation encourages parents and caregivers to be more vigilant and actively work toward reducing the burden of RHD. The Foundation, along with our continental colleagues in Africa, strive to see a world without RF and RHD. Let us work together to make this a more information visit the Foundation's website:
The Herald
2 days ago
- The Herald
Here's how you can tally up the sugar in your favourite food and drinks
Whether you are pursuing better dietary choices for weight loss or struggling with serious conditions like diabetes, sugar intake can become a dominant concern regarding what you have in your fridge and pantry. A recent study by Wits University found that South Africans consume more than the required amount of sugar, which is estimated at 12 to 24 teaspoons daily, though the World Health Organization suggests a daily limit of six teaspoons. Laager Rooibos partner dietitian Mbali Mapholi says hidden sugars are often 'sneaky' and can add up quickly throughout the day. She adds that certain snacks and drinks 'aren't noticeably sweet' but still contain worrying amounts of sugar, which can significantly impact one's health over time. According to Mapholi, natural sugars come in the form of lactose, fructose and sucrose, which originate in fruit, vegetables, dairy and grain foods.
