By Professor Cheryl Cohen, Head of the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), and Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health
The flu season is officially here. The best way to protect yourself from a nasty bout of flu is by getting your flu vaccine ahead of time.
The first influenza outbreak happ
“This World Hypertension Day and May Measure Month, Discovery Health encourages everyone to make regular blood pressure checks a priority,” says Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical officer at Discovery Health. “Blood pressure checks are a very quick and easy way to know one’s risk of chronic high blood pressure - also called hypertension.”
‘May Measure Month’ is a global blood pressur
Regular cancer screening is lifesaving - the earlier you catch cancer, the better your outcomes
With World Cancer Day commemorated every year on 4 February, latest claims data from Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) shows an improvement in cancer screening rates following the dip noted during the pandemic period from 2020 to 2022. For the most part they have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Vitality Health International launched its inaugural V-Talk panel discussion last week with the aim of addressing critical health, wellness and economic challenges facing the African continent.
In the V-Talk series, leading experts are invited to identify and implement innovative healthcare solutions that protect, enhance and save lives across the African continent.
The inaugural V-Talk fo
Issued on behalf of Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS)
Here’s a potentially life-saving equation: Regular health checks plus innovative predictive analysis equal a good chance of identifying (and subsequently, treating) serious diseases early on. This approach ensures investment into one’s lifespan and health span. How is this being applied to tackling common noncommunicable diseases like d
When a Vitality Health Check done in early 2021 showed blood pressure readings that were higher than they should have been, 38-year-old Nikash Bagirathi got proactive and went to see his GP.
After more investigation, Nikash was shocked to be diagnosed with hypertension (persistent, elevated blood pressure). "I took comfort in knowing I was with the right doctor and on the right medicine. Many
There is concern that Easter-break related social events - from religious to family gatherings and travel to busy holiday destinations - will fuel COVID-19 super-spreader events and catalyse a third wave of COVID-19 infection. Discovery Health CEO Ryan Noach explains how our personal behaviour, and that of the people around us, will be a large determinant of which scenario our country experiences.
With many South Africans preparing for a December break, daily new reported COVID-19 cases are at their highest levels since July and rapidly increasing. South Africa’s infection rates are following a strikingly similar trajectory to Europe’s second wave, peaking six to seven months after the initial outbreak.
Discovery Vitality today announced the release of its Care Gap Report which highlights the extent to which members engaged in health behaviours and accessed health promotion and preventative services during COVID-19 lockdown.
In 2020 the COVID-19 global healthcare crisis has put the spotlight on people who live with diabetes. They are considered at risk of severe illness should they contract COVID-19 – particularly where the condition is poorly managed.
The Vitality Running World Cup and UNICEF are partnering to ensure more children are vaccinated against deadly diseases. By getting more active and completing runs, runners can unlock one million vaccines, donated by Vitality.
Depression will be the world’s leading contributor to the global burden of disease by 2030, based on mental health risk statistics. This is reflected in the latest Discovery Health Healthcare Claims Tracker, which reveals key trends in mental health related claims by members of the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS), and confirms that depression is the most prevalent mental health condition.
The flu season is almost here and Discovery Health has once again partnered with Uber, Clicks and Dis-Chem to make it more convenient for South Africans to get vaccinated. On 2 May 2019, from 10:00 to 15:00, Uber will not only be taking people across cities but nurses with flu vaccinations will be available to administer flu shots.
June is full of excuses to start running your way to youthfulness and great health. With World Running Day on the 6th, it is also Youth Month and five years that Discovery Vitality has been a headline sponsor of parkrun SA.
It is estimated that nearly half (48.7%) of South Africans with hypertension have never been screened and therefore remain undiagnosed and unaware of their increased risk for heart disease and strokes.
More than a quarter of the world’s population is under the age of 15. Their health is our future. Based on the current exercise and eating habits of South Africa’s children, it’s clear that urgent action is required.
Manufacturers have made progress in efforts to improve the health of South Africans with salt levels in two-thirds of foods covered by legislation now at equal to or even below the permitted requirements.
Discovery Vitality launches intervention to intensify efforts to combat the alarming rise in obesity and associated healthcare costs
Stats SA report indicates lifestyle diseases as the fastest-growing cause of death among South Africans
Discovery says targeted and coordinated strategy needed among all stakeholders to change population behaviour and stem global tsunami of lifestyle diseases
Interventions include lifestyle and behaviour modification, workplace wellness programmes and public policy shifts
A new report release
Discovery Vitality encouraged by the revised sugar tax design announced by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in his 2017 Budget Speech.