It's important to 3 your heart
Drickus Maartens • December 2, 2019
In South Africa, 225 people are killed by heart diseases every single day. A sobering number indeed. On the positive side though, up to 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented.
While these conditions are often attributed to lifestyle choices, Dr Pamela Naidoo
of the South African Heart Foundation
says it’s a little more complicated than that. “I prefer to associate these conditions with ‘behaviorial choices’ rather than just ‘lifestyle’. Smoking or vaping, drinking too much, diets high in salt and sugar and high cholestrol all contribute to declining heart health, among other influences. We cannot overlook the fact that people are also genetically predisposed to some of the linked diseases depending on their family history, and these people especially should heed the advice to take heart health more seriously,” she cautions.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in Lucky Star
pilchards and sardines, are particularly important in maintaining heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids assist in decreasing blood pressure, can reduce blood clotting, decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure and may also reduce irregular heartbeats. Lucky Star products are also approved by The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, against stringent measures and through continuous testing.
'Lucky Star have been really good by following the regulatory framework as set out by our board, and the nutritional value of its products – overall – is high. The brand is serious about adhering to our guidelines in the interest of consumers.
Lucky Star products are accessible and affordable for most consumers and a brilliant way to add more Omega-3 fatty acids into the diet,” Naidoo explains.
Lucky Star products are also GMO free, high in protein, and contain no additional oil. The proudly South African brand is committed to sustainability, and, with over 800 000 cans consumed daily, confirms it is a flavourful favourite of the nation.
“Eating real food is always better than taking supplements. Nothing can substitute it. Lucky Star pilchards and sardines are an ideal way to incoporate more Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, and to assist in taking care of your heart health,” concludes Naidoo.
Source: MyPressportal
From treating trauma injuries caused by wildlife, road accidents and sports, to heart attacks, stroke, or the sudden onset of other concerning medical symptoms – the emergency department at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital never sleeps.
As many as one in ten teenagers may self-harm, often in secret, concealing the scars or evidence of their injuries. As Teen Suicide Prevention Week approaches, Netcare Akeso is highlighting the often-hidden struggle of self-harm among young people.
With one in four South Africans affected by cancer, either directly or through a loved one’s diagnosis, the importance of regular screenings cannot be overstated.
This SunSmart Skin Cancer Awareness Month, oncologists Dr Sylvia Rodrigues and Dr Karen Motilall stress the importance of sun protection and regular screening for melanoma in South Africa's sunny climate.
Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system. Dr Jay Narainsamy, an endocrinologist and specialist physician, explains why too much can negatively impact your health.
As the holiday season kicks off, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the festive spirit and overlook potential medical emergencies. Dr Neville Vlok, a specialist emergency medicine physician practising in the emergency department at Netcare Unitas Hospital, highlights four health issues that could disrupt even the most carefully planned holiday celebrations.
Clinical oncologists Dr Sylvia Rodrigues and Dr Karen Motilall have been prescribing radiation treatments for their cancer patients requiring this treatment modality, with the Varian TrueBeam™ 4.0 linear accelerator (linac), for the past year and have seen the equipment’s versatility and advantages for patients.
Internationally renowned South African laparoscopic surgeon Professor Heine van der Walt was recently selected to demonstrate his minimally invasive surgical techniques for two highly complex procedures at the Global Digestive System Congress held in Rome, Italy.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. In South Africa, it accounts for 13% of male deaths, with over 4,000 diagnoses annually.
A dedicated cardiac ward equipped with state of the art technology is contributing to the expansion of private specialised cardiac care services in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital.
