Latest news with #IngridSingels
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Diabetes and kidney disease – a silent but serious threat
About 40% of individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes develop diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a serious condition where damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys can lead to abnormal kidney function and, if untreated, kidney failure. This necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is an expensive treatment, which can cost up to R450 000 per patient, per year in South Africa, placing a significant financial burden not only on patients, but the healthcare system as well. Ingrid Singels, Marketing Manager of Pharma Dynamics' Scientific Division, emphasises the importance of regular monitoring and proactive management of kidney health in diabetic patients. 'People living with diabetes face an increased risk of diabetic kidney disease if they have uncontrolled high blood sugar, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, if they're smokers, are obese, or have a family history of the condition,' explains Singels. 'Early detection is key in preventing diabetic kidney disease from progressing. People with diabetes should get checked regularly for any complications. All it takes is two simple tests: a urine test called albumin creatinine ratio ACR) checks if there is a protein called albumin in your urine, and a blood test called glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to check if your kidneys removing waste from your body properly. 'Regular kidney function tests, along with effective diabetes management, such as controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active and using medications as prescribed can help slow down kidney damage and improve long-term outcomes.' Managing diabetes effectively is key to preserving kidney health. Here are some effective ways in which to do so: 1. Blood sugar control: Maintain target blood glucose levels through regular monitoring, medication adherence and a balanced diet. 2. Blood pressure management: Keep blood pressure within recommended ranges to reduce kidney strain. 3. Healthy diet: Adopt a diet low in sodium and saturated fats, focusing on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 4. Regular exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. 5. Medication adherence: Take prescribed medications consistently and consult healthcare providers before making any changes. 6. Regular check-ups: Schedule routine medical appointments to monitor kidney function. 7. Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, speak to your doctor about the best way to lose weight. If you're at a healthy weight, works towards being physically active most days of the week. 8. Stop smoking. Smoking damages your kidneys or makes kidney damage worse. Speak to you doctor about ways to quit. 'Working closely with a doctor or dietitian also ensures a tailored approach to managing both diabetes and CKD effectively, whilst reducing complications and supporting overall health and well-being,' reminds Singels. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
News24
13-05-2025
- Health
- News24
Why experts say women must act now against rising blood pressure
One in three adults live with high blood pressure in South Africa. Because there are rarely any symptoms or visible signs to warn of high blood pressure, this illness is often to as a 'silent killer'. In fact, high blood pressure is one of the most serious risk factors for death from heart diseases and strokes, responsible for 13% of all deaths globally. As the world observes World Hypertension Day on May 17, studies show that South African women face disproportionally high rates of hypertension. Leading experts are calling for more gender-sensitive approaches to heart health, focusing not only on treatment, but also on prevention and holistic care. While men typically experience a gradual rise in blood pressure from their 20s, women face unique risk factors. These include gestational hypertension, high blood pressure during pregnancy and more significantly around menopause, when hormonal changes affect how blood vessel's function. 'Even in women with no family history of high blood pressure, experiencing it during pregnancy significantly increases their risk later in life,' says Ingrid Singels, Marketing Manager of Pharma Dynamics' Scientific Division. Read more | Key factors to know about glaucoma's impact on your eyesight 'After menopause, the drop in estrogen reduces nitric oxide, which normally helps keep blood vessels relaxed and leads to increased blood pressure. This is why postmenopausal women often display higher systolic blood pressure than men of the same age, along with stiffer arteries and increased reninangiotensin system activity contributing to this shift.' This is backed by a review in the Netherlands Heart Journal, which confirms that 30-50% of women develop hypertension before age 60, with the risk increasing due to central fat distribution, diabetes and elevated insulin resistance during the menopausal transition. In South Africa, the challenge is even more acute. Hypertension in women increased from 31% in 1998 to 48% in 2016, according to national health data. This increase has been driven in part by unhealthy dietary habits, such as the high consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods and salt-rich meals, which have contributed to widespread obesity. A 2020 study of South African adults found that women with higher waist-to-hip ratios were 1.75 times more likely to have hypertension and those with diabetes were three times more likely to be hypertensive. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities lead to unequal access to healthcare, nutritious food and consistent follow-up care. Public health experts argue this makes targeted interventions a must. Singels remarks that women not only face an increased risk, but also react differently to hypertension medications. Read more | Here are 5 habits you should consider changing in your lifestyle A 2022 study from the University of Chicago found that women experience nearly twice the number of adverse drug reactions as men, often due to sex differences in drug metabolism and absorption. 'Many antihypertensive drugs were tested predominantly on men and therefore might not be fully optimised for women's physiology. This makes lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and ensuring adequate sleep essential components of hypertension management in women,' says Singels. 'It's also crucial for women to engage in regular screenings, including blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring. Your healthcare practitioner should also check for hormonal fluctuations, which can affect blood pressure.' As awareness grows around the unique ways hypertension affects women, especially during and after menopause, there is a pressing need for more inclusive research, education and care models. By prioritising early detection, gender-sensitive treatment plans and sustainable lifestyle changes, SA healthcare can take meaningful strides in reducing the burden of hypertension among women.
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
‘Earliest flu season in a decade underscores importance of hand hygiene'
Following an early surge in flu cases across the country, health officials are highlighting the role of good hand hygiene in protecting against infection this winter. • Also read: Five tips to keep babies and kids safe from flu Observed annually on May 5, World Hand Hygiene Day underscores the critical role of handwashing in curbing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during the colder months when illnesses like influenza and respiratory infections rise. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the 2025 flu season began exceptionally early, starting in the week of 24 March (week 13), making it the earliest onset in more than a decade, since 2010. This marks a significant shift, as the 2024 season only began four weeks later, in late April. Data from the NICD's pneumonia surveillance programme also confirms that the most prevalent influenza strain currently in circulation is influenza A(H3N2), which accounts for 68% of lab-confirmed cases to date. Respiratory illnesses, like colds and flu, are transmitted through droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, making hand hygiene an essential barrier against infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings and the community. The marketing manager for Pharma Dynamics' Scientific Division, Ingrid Singels, highlights the importance of hand hygiene in public health. 'Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice that significantly reduces the burden of infectious diseases. As we enter the winter season, reinforcing the habit of regular handwashing can lead to substantial public health benefits. 'Use clean running water and soap and scrub all parts of your hands – including the backs, between your fingers and under the nails – for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying thoroughly,' Ingrid said. Key times to wash hands include: • before and after eating and preparing food • when caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting/diarrhoea • before and after treating wounds • after using the toilet, changing nappies or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet • after coughing or sneezing • after touching animals or their waste • after touching dirt and when coming home from public places The WHO's 2025 campaign theme emphasises that while gloves are used in healthcare settings, they are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Proper hand hygiene practices, including using the correct techniques and handwashing at the right times, are crucial for protecting both patients and healthcare workers. Singels says public awareness campaigns and education are vital in promoting hand hygiene practices. 'Community engagement initiatives can lead to increased compliance and a reduction in the spread of infections. By fostering a culture of hand hygiene, communities can protect vulnerable populations and reduce the overall incidence of winter illnesses.' Given the early arrival of the flu season and the dominance of circulating strains like A(H3N2), health authorities are urging the public – especially high-risk individuals, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions – to prioritise flu vaccination and seek medical care early if flu-like symptoms develop. As the country prepares for the winter season, emphasising the importance of hand hygiene is more crucial than ever. 'Through concerted efforts in education, community engagement and adherence to proven hand hygiene practices, the nation can mitigate the impact of winter illnesses and safeguard public health.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Earliest flu season underscores importance of hand hygiene
Following an early surge in flu cases across the country, health officials are highlighting the role of good hand hygiene in protecting against infection this winter. Observed annually on May 5, World Hand Hygiene Day underscores the critical role of handwashing in curbing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during the colder months when illnesses like influenza and respiratory infections rise. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the 2025 flu season began exceptionally early – starting in the week of 24 March (week 13) – making it the earliest onset in more than a decade, since 2010. This marks a significant shift, as the 2024 season only began four weeks later, in late April. Data from the NICD's pneumonia surveillance programme also confirms that the most prevalent influenza strain currently in circulation is influenza A(H3N2), which accounts for 68% of lab-confirmed cases to date. Respiratory illnesses, like colds and flu, are transmitted through droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, making hand hygiene an essential barrier against infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings and in the community. Ingrid Singels, Marketing Manager for Pharma Dynamics' Scientific Division, highlights the importance of hand hygiene in public health. 'Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice that significantly reduces the burden of infectious diseases. As we enter the winter season, reinforcing the habit of regular handwashing can lead to substantial public health benefits.' 'Use clean running water and soap and scrub all parts of your hands – including the backs, between our fingers and under the nails – for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying thoroughly. Key times to wash hands include: before and after eating and preparing food; when caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting/diarrhea; before and after treating wounds; after using the toilet, changing nappies or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet; after coughing or sneezing; after touching animals or their waste; after touching dirt and when coming home from public places.' The WHO's 2025 campaign theme emphasises that while gloves are used in healthcare settings, they are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Proper hand hygiene practices, including using the correct techniques and handwashing at the right times, are crucial for protecting both patients and healthcare workers. Singels says public awareness campaigns and education are vital in promoting hand hygiene practices. 'Community engagement initiatives can lead to increased compliance and a reduction in the spread of infections. By fostering a culture of hand hygiene, communities can protect vulnerable populations and reduce the overall incidence of winter illnesses.' Given the early arrival of the flu season and the dominance of circulating strains like A(H3N2), health authorities are urging the public – especially high-risk individuals, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions – to prioritise flu vaccination and seek medical care early if flu-like symptoms develop. As the country prepares for the winter season, emphasising the importance of hand hygiene is more crucial than ever. Through concerted efforts in education, community engagement and adherence to proven hand hygiene practices, the nation can mitigate the impact of winter illnesses and safeguard public health. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
