Latest news with #BestmedMedicalScheme
The Star
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
SA men are dying too young men are dying too young – and it's time to talk about it
One silent crisis continues to claim lives: men's health. Across South Africa, men are suffering – and dying – in silence. The reasons? Fear, stigma and a deeply ingrained culture of avoidance when it comes to medical check-ups and health screenings. This Men's Health Month, we are calling on men of all ages to take charge of their well-being by prioritising regular health screenings, embracing healthier habits, and speaking openly about both physical and mental health challenges. Too many men only visit a doctor when it's already too late. We need to normalise proactive care because prevention is far more powerful than a cure. The stats speak for themselves South African men are living, on average, seven years less than women, with an average life expectancy of just around 62 years for men, compared to 69 years for women. This stark difference is largely due to avoidable health risks, late diagnoses and a lack of health-seeking behaviour such as preventative care. A concerning trend is the high rate of late-stage prostate and testicular cancer diagnoses among South African men. Prostate cancer – the most common cancer among men – is highly manageable when caught in its early stages. Yet stigma and fear, especially around how screenings are conducted, discourage men from seeking help. Many men dread the rectal exam. But times have changed. A simple PSA blood test is now an initial screening option for men over 40 years old. More invasive tests are only needed if red flags are raised. Men are encouraged to perform frequent testicular self-exams and to undergo annual prostate screenings to catch problems early, before they become life-threatening. The hidden threats Beyond cancer, men face higher risks of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and mental health disorders – often diagnosed too late due to delayed healthcare consultations. Lifestyle-related risks, including poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and tobacco consumption, further worsen outcomes. What about mental health? Still taboo. Men are far less likely than women to seek help for depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, leading to rising substance addiction and suicide rates. Men also lag in HIV and TB testing, treatment and adherence, with only a few going for testing and treatment, and taking precautionary measures. It's time to flip the script. Going for regular check-ups isn't a weakness – it's being responsible. It's a strength, and it's how we stay alive for the people who count on us.' Men are encouraged to take small but consistent steps: Schedule annual health screenings Adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly Manage stress and mental well-being Stay informed and proactive about their health When detected early, most health problems are manageable or even reversible. Men, your health matters. Speak up. Show up. Live longer. Dr Lee Moses, Medical Advisor: Advisory Risk and Quality Management at Bestmed Medical Scheme
IOL News
4 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Silent crisis: Why South African men are dying seven years sooner than women
One silent crisis continues to claim lives: men's health. Across South Africa, men are suffering – and dying – in silence. Image: Nappy/Pexels In a world where health discussions dominate conversations, one silent crisis stands out: men's health across South Africa. Glaring statistics reveal a grim reality, as South African men are living an average of seven years less than women, with a life expectancy of just around 62 years compared to 69 years for their female counterparts. This disparity is largely attributed to avoidable health risks, late diagnoses, and an alarming reluctance to seek preventative care. This Men's Health Month, Bestmed Medical Scheme is urging men of all ages to take action towards their well-being. The persistent issues of fear, stigma, and a deeply ingrained culture of avoidance surrounding medical check-ups and health screenings continue to claim lives. 'Too many men only visit a doctor when it's already too late,' warns Dr Lee Moses, Medical Advisor: Advisory Risk and Quality Management at Bestmed Medical Scheme. 'We need to normalise proactive care because prevention is far more powerful than cure.' The stark statistics The statistics paint a sobering picture of men's health in the country. Aside from the considerable life expectancy gap, there is a concerning trend regarding late-stage diagnoses of prostate and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, is highly manageable if caught in its early stages. However, stigma related to screenings, particularly fears surrounding rectal exams, discourages many from seeking this crucial health service. 'Many men dread the rectal exam,' Dr Moses acknowledges, 'but times have changed. A simple PSA blood test is now an initial screening option for men over 40.' More invasive tests are only recommended if initial assessments raise concerns. To combat this silent crisis, men are encouraged to perform regular testicular self-exams and attend annual prostate screenings to detect potential problems early, before they escalate into life-threatening conditions. Hidden threats to health Prostate cancer is not the only concern on the horizon. Men face higher risks of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health disorders. These conditions are often diagnosed too late due to delayed healthcare consultations. Lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, insufficient exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use exacerbate these risks, leading to dire health outcomes. Mental health remains a particularly challenging aspect of men's overall health. Many men are less likely than women to seek help for issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. As a result, addiction and suicide rates continue to rise. Furthermore, men fall behind in HIV and TB testing, with a significant number neglecting treatment and precautionary measures, risking their health and the well-being of those around them. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Bestmed Medical Scheme encourages men to take small but consistent steps towards better health: Schedule annual health screenings Adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly Manage stress and mental well-being Stay informed and proactive about health 'When detected early, most health problems are manageable or even reversible. Men, your health matters. Speak up. Show up. Live longer.' Dr Moses concludes, urging men to take charge of their health for themselves and their loved ones. IOL
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How solar energy is improving healthcare in rural areas
Sister Poppy Vilakazi with Solar power unit. Image: Supplied. Bestmed Medical Scheme has solidified its partnership with the non-profit organisation Unjani Clinic, making significant strides in healthcare delivery across the Eastern Cape and Free State regions. Through generous donations, including an ultrasound machine and a solar power unit, Bestmed is addressing two pressing challenges: maternal health and power instability that have crippled healthcare services in rural areas. This latest initiative follows Bestmed's earlier contributions of two innovative Health Pods, launched in 2022 and 2023, which have collectively served over 3,600 patients in George and surrounding areas in the Western Cape, as well as the community between Dewetsdorp and Wepener in the Free State. These efforts reflect Bestmed's commitment to enhancing primary healthcare accessibility and affordability in rural settings. Advancing maternal health in Sterkspruit According to a recent report from the Commission for Gender Equality, the Eastern Cape faces significant challenges in delivering quality healthcare services to women, particularly concerning maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Sister Nandipha Nyelimane with Ultrasound unit. Image: Supplied. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure and healthcare worker shortages contribute to this dilemma, especially in remote areas. However, the donation of an ultrasound machine at the Unjani Clinic in Sterkspruit has brought transformative changes to maternal healthcare in the region. "The ultrasound machine has enabled us to detect abnormalities early in pregnancies, leading to safer births and healthier babies," Sister Nandipha Nyelimane, a dedicated nurse at the clinic, said. Keeping clinics running amid power cuts Frequent power outages have emerged as a formidable obstacle to healthcare delivery across South Africa. Communities reliant on consistent electricity supply have witnessed essential services compromised, exacerbating the challenges faced by healthcare facilities—particularly in remote locations like Kopanong. Bestmed's provision of a solar power unit has proven vital in ensuring uninterrupted patient care at the local Unjani Clinic. "It's not just about keeping the lights on. We've reduced operational stress and can now focus more on patient care without worrying about electricity bills or outages," Sister Poppy Vilakazi said. Health Pods: A lifeline for underserved communities The Health Pods established in George and Dewetsdorp are proving to be essential lifelines for local populations. In 2024 alone, the George Health Pod has treated over 2,860 patients from Thembalethu, a township housing more than 44,000 residents with only two public clinics available. Simultaneously, the Dewetsdorp Health Pod has successfully catered to over 760 patients, significantly reducing travel times and healthcare costs for many families. "While the numbers are impressive, the true impact lies in the stories of lives improved," Madelein O'Connell, Executive for Marketing, Sales and Corporate Relations at Bestmed Medical Scheme said. "In overcrowded or remote areas, Health Pods are more than facilities—they are lifelines." Residents in both regions have reported substantial improvements in several health services, particularly reproductive healthcare including pap smears and family planning. Additionally, the Health Pods have elevated health awareness in the community by organising TB screenings and Mom and Baby expos, leading to nominations for the 'Best Healthcare Facility' award—testament to the partnership's tangible results. In Dewetsdorp, the local Health Pod has not only reduced clinic operational costs but has also significantly improved healthcare access for residents who previously faced long journeys for basic services. "Health Pods are transforming how and where we deliver care—one township, one rural area, and one clinic at a time," Lynda Toussaint, CEO of Unjani Clinic said. "Through local empowerment and early intervention, we're not just improving health outcomes; we are impacting lives." BUSINESS REPORT
