Latest news with #PamelaNaidoo
IOL News
4 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Join Prof Pamela Naidoo at the Women's Wellness Experience: A Focus on heart health and mental wellbeing
Professor Pamela Naidoo, an expert in clinical psychology. Image: Supplied. South African women are currently facing a silent health crisis as they navigate daily challenges such as caregiving, work pressures, and systemic inequality, they are increasingly at risk of heart disease, burnout, and mental illness. Unfortunately, these conditions are often misdiagnosed, dismissed, or concealed beneath layers of cultural silence and survival. On Saturday, 30 August 2025, the Women's Wellness Experience will bring these critical issues to the forefront at Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa in Cape Town. The headline speaker will be Professor Pamela Naidoo, a globally recognised expert in clinical psychology, behavioural medicine, and public health. 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. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading With over 30 years of research and policy experience, Prof Naidoo notonly brings evidence but also empathy to a conversation that is long overdue. 'Women are taught to keep going - at any cost,' says Prof Naidoo. 'But the cost is evident in their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, anxiety, and exhaustion. We must stop calling this strength; it's sacrifice.' Her keynote address will explore the overlooked connection between mental stress and physical illness, particularly in women over 40. Many women do not realise that menopause, compounded stress, and lifestyle factors significantly increase their risk of stroke and heart disease. Alarmingly, awareness of these risks remains low. 'Heart disease is still framed as a 'man's issue,'' she notes. 'That misconception is dangerous. Women often ignore symptoms or delay seeking care until it's too late.' Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of psychology and public health, Prof Naidoo will unpack how stigma, lack of access, and misinformation hinder women from seeking the support they need. She will also share practical strategies for prevention, covering early detection, lifestyle medicine, and mental wellness tools that are both affordable and accessible. The Women's Wellness Experience is set to be more than just an informational session; it aims to foster a community of support and connection. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with honest conversations, engaging activities, thoughtful self-care opportunities, luxury goodie bags and the chance to win over R20 000 worth of prizes. With tickets priced at R320 for early bird access, attendees are encouraged to book their spots through Quicket to ensure their participation in this transformative experience. The Women's Wellness Experience invites women of all life stages to pause, reflect, and reimagine what wellbeing truly means. This is not just an event; itis a moment of reconnection, led by one of South Africa's most trusted voices in health. Weekend Argus
Mail & Guardian
29-07-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa highlights Rheumatic Fever Prevention
Rheumatic Fever Week (RFW) is an annual campaign held in the first week of August to raise awareness about Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF). Left untreated this condition can progress into Rheumatic Heart Disease and can also result in death. ARF became a notifiable condition in South Africa in 1989—a condition that must be reported to the National Department of Health upon diagnosis—leading to the establishment of National Rheumatic Fever Week. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) aims to highlight the dangers of ARF episodes and the association with RHD. The Foundation's mission is to reduce the burden of cardiac conditions in South Africa, with RHD being one of the main conditions in underserved communities. Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the HSFSA makes the point that RHD is eradicated in richer countries while the burden still remains a problem in low-and-middle-income countries. SA is a middle-income country with high levels of inequality. 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:
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Join the Women's Wellness Experience: a vital gathering for health and wellbeing
As the gentle embrace of spring reminds us of renewal and growth, Weekend Argus is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Women's Wellness Experience. Set for Saturday, 30 August 2025, at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, this event promises to be a vital gathering focused intently on women's health and wellbeing. Following the overwhelming success of last year's sold-out affair, the second annual Women's Wellness Experience aims to elevate the discourse around women's health beyond the fleeting fads of quick-fix solutions. Instead, it will offer credible, science-based tools and insights, empowering women to navigate their wellness journeys with confidence and knowledge. 'More than ever, women are seeking ways to take charge of their health in meaningful ways,' notes Rehana Rutti, marketing officer for Weekend Argus. 'Our readers are deeply invested in their wellbeing — physically, mentally, and emotionally. This event responds directly to that need by curating a space where women feel seen, supported, and equipped with real solutions.' This year's programme features an impressive lineup of South Africa's foremost health professionals and wellness thought leaders. They will tackle pressing issues that resonate deeply with women today, from the struggles of chronic stress and burnout, to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, enhancing sexual wellness, and addressing the rising rates of heart disease among women. Prof Pamela Naidoo: The CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA will discuss the importance of recognising cardiovascular disease as a prevalent yet often overlooked issue among women. The CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA will discuss the importance of recognising cardiovascular disease as a prevalent yet often overlooked issue among women. Dr Layla Fakier: A general practitioner dedicated to mental wellbeing, who will delve into the emotional toll of modern life and ways to build resilience. A general practitioner dedicated to mental wellbeing, who will delve into the emotional toll of modern life and ways to build resilience. Dr Paree Amod: A medical doctor and aesthetics expert who will explore the reality behind today's trending wellness products. A medical doctor and aesthetics expert who will explore the reality behind today's trending wellness products. Amanda Lan: A wellness integration strategist presenting holistic techniques for achieving balance in busy lives. A wellness integration strategist presenting holistic techniques for achieving balance in busy lives. Prof Elmarie Terblanche: A sports scientist and movement coach who encourages attendees to embrace movement as a form of medicine. A sports scientist and movement coach Dr Marlene Wasserman (aka Dr. Eve): A renowned clinical sexologist and relationship therapist who will highlight the significance of emotional and sexual health. The Women's Wellness Experience is set to be more than just an informational session; it aims to foster a community of support and connection. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with honest conversations, engaging activities, thoughtful self-care opportunities, luxury goodie bags, and the chance to win over R20 000 worth of prizes. With tickets priced at R320 for early bird access, attendees are encouraged to book their spots through Quicket to ensure their participation in this transformative experience. Weekend Argus is proud to champion a platform that resonates with the real-life wellness journeys of its readers—grounded in empowerment, education, and empathy. The Women's Wellness Experience is not just an event; it's a movement towards truly understanding and nurturing women's health.
