Latest news with #PrudenceButhelezi
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga doctor wins second award for motiviational book
An award-winning author, medical practitioner, co-founder of the National Health Care Professionals Association and the founder of Ezempilo/Dza Mutakalo talk show recently won her second award for her book, Fortitude. Dr Prudence Buthelezi, well known as Dr Pru, was awarded as the best author during the Emerge Africa Awards, held in Midrand on April 5. Buthelezi's story is one of inspiration and determination. As an award-winning author she advocates for people living with disabilities and has made a significant impact with her book. Growing up with a sister living with brain injuries, and later becoming a mother to a son with epilepsy and ADHD, Buthelezi learned the importance of mental health, strength and resilience. These perspectives shaped the women she has become and inspired her writing. ALSO READ: Pienaar author releases her second book to encourage men She quoted one of her favourite Bible verses. 'What I have learned is that, through Christ, I can do all things and nothing is impossible with Him,' Buthelezi said. Her faith and determination have driven her to be a highly successful author and medical practitioner. Fortitude encourages caregivers of people living with disabilities and their families to adopt the principles in the book as a way of thinking. It speaks of mental strength as an ability everyone can develop by seeing the silver lining in stressful circumstances. ALSO READ: Ermelo teen uses her traumatic past to inspire others 'Being a medical doctor played a role, and contributed when I was writing this book. I doubt I would have written it if I was not a doctor,' she also mentioned that her book also moves to eradicate the stigma and the mystery that plagues children living with albinism, cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome. As Buthelezi looks to her future, she remains committed to her passion for writing and helping people. She added that she is still cooking her new upcoming book. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Influenza season comes earlier than expected
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says the public should be aware that the influenza season has come sooner than anticipated. In a statement released on April 15, the NICD said that this season's influenza is marked by several cases of pneumonia reported by hospitals across the country. The NICD said the South African flu season started in March in 2025, which is four weeks earlier than last year and also marks the earliest arrival since 2010. The flu season starting early doesn't mean a more severe illness, but people are urged to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated. Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts, according to the institute it is not too late to get vaccinated. Protection from the vaccine develops two weeks after vaccination, and the annual vaccination is needed, as the flu virus changes over time and protection does not last from one year to the next. For most people, flu symptoms are mild and resolve within a few days, but for some, the flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and even death. ALSO READ: Police allegedly shoot teenage boy in the head A medical practitioner from Mbombela, Dr Prudence Buthelezi, said the community should be alert for symptoms so that they can be safe. 'The NICD has indeed shown a high increase in patients infected with influenza this year, largely due to changes in climate. I have recently encountered a number of patients in Mbombela, both adults and children, who are already infected by this flu. The best way protect yourself and your family is to get a flu shot or influenza vaccine right now. Don't wait until you are infected,' she said. According to the NICD those at risk include: • Pregnant women. • People living with HIV. • Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease, or obesity. • Older adults (65 years and older). • Children younger than two years. ALSO READ: KaBokweni community in dire need for water and roads The NICD also urges healthcare workers to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves and patients facing a high risk of contracting the virus and experiencing severe complications. The vaccines are free and available to high risk individuals, healthcare workers, pregnant women and individuals aged 65 years and older, and also individuals with cardiovascular disease (including chronic heart disease, hypertension, or stroke), diabetes, chronic lung disease (including asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and immunosuppressive conditions (including HIV/Aids, or malignancy). Tips to minimise the transmission of seasonal influenza: • Avoid close contact with sick individuals. • Practice proper hygiene, including frequent hand washing. • Avoid touching the mouth, eyes and nose. • Cover coughs and sneezes (preferably with your elbow or a tissue). • Stay home if you are feeling unwell. The NICD said individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay at home to avoid infecting others and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve in three to seven days or if symptoms worsen during that time. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
