Latest news with #Blaylock
News24
27-04-2025
- Health
- News24
Proactive health: Screenings every 35+ South African should diarise
As you hit your mid-30s, regular health screenings become vital for early detection and prevention of diseases. From checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels to screening for cancers, diabetes, and eye or skin health issues, these tests ensure you stay proactive about your well-being. This comprehensive guide also highlights timelines and risk factors, empowering you to take charge of your health with informed decisions. Once you turn 35, you're no longer classified as a spring chicken, but you're not over the hill, either. However, it might be time to start taking your health a little bit more seriously than you previously may have. Especially if your knees pop when you dance at weddings, or your back hurts when you get up in the morning. Even if you feel fine and dandy, getting regular health checks is still best. Early detection saves lives. "Screening tests are important as they can detect early disease when treatment is most effective and can improve outcomes," says Dr Heather Blaylock, a medical doctor specialising in sexual health. Blood pressure screenings You should visit a clinic or pharmacy to check your blood pressure every year or so. If, however, you have any of the risk factors below, you might want to do so more regularly if: You have conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease, are overweight A first-degree relative has/had high blood pressure You're a person of colour You had high blood pressure during pregnancy Eat lots of salt Drink alcohol excessively According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is generally when your blood pressure reading is 130/80 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) or higher. When untreated, hypertension increases your risk of heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Breast cancer screenings According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races. If, after a self-exam, you find any suspicious lumps or growths, contact your doctor immediately. It might not be a sign of cancer, but if there are other changes in the breast or underarm area, it's best to have it seen. You need clinical breast exams annually. Mammograms should be done yearly for women over 40 and bi-annually for women over 55. READ | 'Think iron, check iron, take iron': A guide to managing deficiency to boost health and renew energy Cervical cancer screenings If you are sexually active and 21 years or older, you should get a pap smear test and pelvic exam done, according to Blaylock. "[The] HPV test done in combination with the pap test is better to identify women at risk for cervical cancer and is known as co-testing," says Blaylock. If the test is negative, you might only need another screening in five years, according to sexual risk. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice specific to you. "After the age of 65, if previously tested negative, these tests can be stopped. Women who have had a total hysterectomy do not need pap smears as the cervix has been removed. Women diagnosed and treated for precancer should continue to have pap smears for 20 years after treatment," adds Blaylock. Cholesterol screenings High cholesterol can affect anyone. Just because someone looks 'healthy' doesn't mean they are. You could be at risk of high cholesterol if you: Are overweight Drink excessively Have an underactive thyroid Have chronic kidney failure Are on medications like beta blockers, specific birth controls or antiretrovirals According to Discovery, a blood test is the only way to test your cholesterol levels properly. Your doctor will then be able to tell you your 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol levels and what your next steps might be. Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes screenings Prediabetes is when your glucose level reading is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. According to Diabetes South Africa, those with increased body weight and women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at higher risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you have any of the following symptoms, you could have prediabetes or diabetes: - blurry vision - frequent urination - fatigue - increased thirst and hunger Overweight adults should be screened regularly. Adults who are healthy but have any risk factors should be screened every three years. Eye exams According to SpecSavers, your eyes should be tested every 12-24 months. Regular eye tests could detect early signs of serious illness and vision problems. Vision Optometrists recommend more frequent tests for adults under 40 with health problems. Over 40, the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration increases with age, so you should have eye tests yearly. Skin cancer screenings Most skin cancers are treatable, mainly if they're found early. Regular skin checks are an important part of your health check-up routine. According to Netcare, the incidence of skin cancer in South Africa is higher due to high levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is important to visit your dermatologist if you answer 'yes' to any of the following: A for asymmetry: is one side of the mole bigger or a different shape from the other? B for border: is the outline of the mole irregular? C for colours: Does the mole have multiple colours or shades? D for diameter: Is the mole larger than six millimetres in diameter, or is it rapidly growing? E for evolution: has the mole changed? Is it bleeding or itchy? Your dermatologist could also help you 'map' your moles and make sure to keep an eye on your skin in case something changes. Dental check-ups According to Dentist On Main, you should have a complete dental exam and cleaning at least yearly or whatever your dentist suggests based on your mouth's health. Colonoscopy A colonoscopy is when a trained doctor uses an endoscope to examine your small and large intestines for polyps, colorectal cancer and digestive issues. Dr Christo van Rensburg, one of the most reputed gastroenterologists in South Africa, recommends having screenings if you're 45 or older, or if you have a family member who was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, or if you have a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. "If the initial colonoscopy is normal, the next should be in 10 years' time. If polyps are found during a colonoscopy, timing of a follow-up colonoscopy will depend on the number, size, position and histology of the polyp(s)," says van Rensburg. Your health is your responsibility. During your health exams, make sure to keep your health optimal by doing various regular screenings.
Malaysian Reserve
21-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
MARY LEE BLAYLOCK JOINS SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY AS PRESIDENT OF BROKERAGE
Seasoned Real Estate Expert to Lead Company-Owned Brokerage Operations NEW YORK, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sotheby's International Realty today announced that seasoned real estate expert Mary Lee Blaylock has joined the brand as president of brokerage. Responsible for leading its company-owned brokerage operations, she will oversee 48 brokerage offices nationally that support more than 2,300 affiliated agents responsible for $20B in annual sales volume in 2024. Blaylock will focus on the development and execution of strategies to enhance local market positioning and continue to drive long-term growth. Blaylock joins the company with more than 30 years of residential real estate experience. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, where she spearheaded enterprise-wide transformation initiatives across 35 companies and brands. Prior, Blaylock was president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, where she led 56 offices, 350 employees, and 3,000 agents, and was responsible for the firm's National Luxury Division. Blaylock was also instrumental in founding HomeServices Relocation, LLC. 'At every step in my career, I have admired Sotheby's International Realty,' noted Blaylock on her move. 'The brand has set the standard for client representation and marketing luxury homes worldwide. The reputation of the advisors affiliated with Sotheby's International Realty is peerless and I look forward to leveraging my expertise and passion to serve them.' 'Mary Lee's extensive industry knowledge, proven leadership track record in leadership and genuine ability to build strong relationships will undoubtedly drive our company-owned brokerage operations to new heights,' said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty. 'Our agents will benefit from her strategic vision, hands-on approach, and commitment to our extraordinarily high standards that will further equip our advisors to deliver unparalleled service and transact for their clients.' Since beginning her career as a real estate agent and brokerage manager, Blaylock has consistently been recognized for her leadership within the residential real estate industry. The Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200) has recognized her as one of the 100 most powerful leaders in residential real estate and RISMedia inducted her to their Hall of Fame in 2023. Sotheby's International Realty Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans more than 1,100 offices located in 84 countries and territories worldwide, including 48 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Anywhere Real Estate Inc. entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Media Contact:
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Controversial child care deregulation bill heads to Idaho Senate
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee narrowly approved House Bill 243 Wednesday. Among other cuts in state regulations, the bill would allow child care centers to set their own staff-to-child ratios — the most divisive of the legislation's proposed changes. (Getty Images) This story was originally posted on on March 5, 2025. A controversial child care deregulation bill is heading to the Idaho Senate. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee narrowly approved House Bill 243 Wednesday. Among other cuts in state regulations, the bill would allow child care centers to set their own staff-to-child ratios — the most divisive of the legislation's proposed changes. Currently, the state requires one staff member for a certain number of children, determined by a formula based on the age of children under a provider's care. House Bill 243 would eliminate the current statute and allow providers to set their own ratios, which must be 'appropriate to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children in attendance.' Bill sponsor Rep. Rod Furniss said the proposal is aimed at easing Idaho's child care shortage by eliminating 'onerous regulations.' 'We're not leaving the day cares out there to run themselves,' said Furniss, R-Rigby. During an emotional public comment period Wednesday, opponents said flexible ratios could lead to increased rates of neglect and abuse. 'Stripping these key safety standards from law opens the door to operators and bad actors who cut corners to save costs,' said Christine Tiddens, executive director of Idaho Voices for Children. 'In a child care setting, cutting corners results in babies being put into harm's way.' Sen. Camille Blaylock made an unsuccessful motion to send the bill to the Senate's amending order, to reinsert the ratio standard. Blaylock, R-Caldwell, said the state sets minimum safety requirements for private businesses in other contexts, like foster care. 'We're just setting the standard, which is a good thing,' she said. 'I think there's a precedent for it.' After rejecting Blaylock's motion by one vote, the committee approved Sen. Brian Lenney's bid to advance the bill. Lenney, R-Nampa, said fears about the regulatory changes were based on 'false dichotomies' — the bill wouldn't eliminate child-to-staff ratios, he said — and he chided city 'bureaucrats' for their opposition. 'I've heard cities and bureaucrats saying that they know how to run a day care better than a day care owner,' Lenney said. 'It'd be like a bureaucrat telling a farmer the best way to milk a cow.' Kathy Griesmyer, director of government and policy affairs for the city of Boise, touted the city's efforts to incentivize child care providers by offering a property tax rebate to in-home providers, among other strategies. 'There are a number of creative and innovative ways that government can help incentivize business creation without restricting or removing safety,' Griesmyer said. A police chief and chamber of commerce president also opposed the bill, along with a handful of current and retired child care providers. Overall, nearly 40 people signed up to testify, according to Senate Health and Welfare Committee chairwoman Sen. Julie VanOrden, R-Pingree. All but two people — representatives from the Idaho Freedom Foundation and Mountain States Policy Center — opposed the legislation. Kate Haas, a lobbyist for Kestrel West, presented the bill alongside Furniss. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, who opposed the bill, asked Haas who she was representing, but Haas declined to answer. According to lobbyist disclosures filed with the secretary of state, Haas has lobbied on House Bill 243 for Wonderschool, an online platform that connects parents to child care providers and offers startup resources for providers. In an online post Tuesday, Wonderschool CEO Chris Bennett wrote that he's a 'proponent of policies that detail age-specific ratios for different types of programs.' 'Although we never have and never will recommend or advocate for the elimination of child-to-staff ratios, we know that — regardless of our view — states will pursue different approaches grounded in both their unique geographic, demographic and political realities, and the broader set of policies and tools at their disposal.' The House previously approved House Bill 243 by a 54-15 vote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
