Far too many babies are born into the world too soon or too small. The University of Pretoria’s Professor Ute Feucht’s research underscores the urgent need for improved maternal and child health interventions to ensure a healthier future for all.

Pretoria, South Africa (11 October 2024) – The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial to its health, growth and development. A lot of what happens from the moment of conception to the child’s second birthday determines just how well he or she will thrive in the future. This is according to Professor Ute Feucht, a leading expert in maternal and child health based at the University of Pretoria (UP).

She shared a wealth of knowledge about how placental function, maternal health and early childhood factors influence lifelong health outcomes.

The impact of placental insufficiency

In her inaugural address, Feucht, who is the Director of UP’s Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategies, shared how foetal growth restriction, caused by complications with placental function, can lead to serious consequences such as stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and long-term health issues like diabetes and hypertension.

Prof Feucht added that data from the South African mortality auditing programmes in the public sector health facilities shows that most stillbirths occur mainly in apparently low-risk pregnancies and are coded as “unexplained stillbirths”.

In addition, most stillbirths are antenatal, not intrapartum, and thus not linked to the quality of care the mother receives during delivery.

The influence of maternal HIV

Feucht also drew data from the Siyakhula study, which examined HIV-exposed uninfected infants in South Africa.

The study found that even when children remain uninfected with HIV, maternal HIV infection can negatively impact their growth and development due to changes inside the uterus.

“The Umbiflow studies, which used Doppler ultrasound technology to assess placental blood flow, showed the potential for this technology to prevent stillbirths and identify at-risk pregnancies,” Prof Feucht said.

“The studies, conducted across South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries, revealed alarming rates of placental insufficiency in seemingly healthy women. The prevalence of abnormal Dopplers – indicating insufficient blood flow to the foetus – was found to be 10 times higher in these low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income settings.”

The first 1,000 days

Prof. Feucht stated that 80% of a baby’s brain growth takes place within the first 1,000 days, which is the period from conception to the child’s second birthday.

“This is a time of tremendous potential and enormous vulnerability, where the foundation for future health, growth and neurodevelopment is laid,” she said.

“Poor foetal growth and development during these early stages, particularly due to conditions like foetal growth restriction, can lead to life-long disadvantages.”

Prof Feucht went on to draw attention to the developmental origins of the health and disease hypothesis, which suggests that a foetus makes genetic adaptations in response to its environment.

These adaptations, while initially protective, may predispose an individual to chronic diseases in adulthood if the predicted environment doesn’t match reality.

When it comes to postnatal care, particularly for vulnerable infants born to mothers living with HIV, or those experiencing placental insufficiency, Professor Feucht shared findings from the UmbiBaby and UmbiGodisa studies.

These studies found that children exposed to both HIV and placental insufficiency were at significantly higher risk for stunted growth and cognitive delays.

Going forward

To identify and address these risks, Prof Feucht called for better integration of care for mothers and infants in South Africa’s healthcare system.

“Streamlined, holistic care for both mother and child at primary healthcare centres would reduce the number of visits needed for family planning, HIV-related care and routine infant check-ups and immunizations, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for both,” she said.

Professor Feucht closed her lecture by quoting a recent Lancet report, which stated:

“The fact that every fourth baby in the world is born too soon or born too small is a concern for human rights, public health, the national economy and development.” Addressing this issue, she added, is vital for ensuring a healthier future for all.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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World Retina Day is on the 24th of September, and Prof Visser is calling for a coordinated effort from government and healthcare providers to raise awareness for the public.

South Africa (23 September 2024) – In South Africa, nearly one in nine adults are affected by diabetes, impacting around 4.4 million people between the ages of 20 and 79. Globally, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of blindness and the most common cause of vision loss among working-age South Africans.

According to the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) approximately one-third of diabetic individuals will develop diabetic retinopathy – a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. Yet, less than 20% of diabetic patients undergo yearly screening that could prevent vision loss.

Prof Linda Visser, board member of OSSA and head of the Ophthalmology department at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, stresses that diabetic retinopathy is a serious yet preventable consequence of diabetes.

“Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a progressive eye disease that damages the blood vessels in the retina – the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through the optic nerve in the back of your eye. This damage can lead to vision impairment or blindness if not detected and treated early,” says Prof Visser.

Preventing diabetes and ensuring access to regular screening is crucial to reducing the risk of blindness in diabetic patients. Prof Visser advocates for routine screenings and early diagnosis to combat the long-term impact of diabetic retinopathy.

“Diabetes is one of the world’s costliest health challenges and places a significant socio-economic burden on South Africa. The costs associated with this disease are not only direct medical expenses but also indirect costs related to inability to work, sickness, vision loss, disability, pre-mature retirement and premature death, as well as intangible costs such as the physical and psychological pain or suffering.”

Prof Visser calls for a coordinated effort from government and healthcare providers to increase public awareness about diabetes and promote healthier lifestyles.

“It’s vital to educate communities—especially children and young adults—about the importance of regular screenings and lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and physical activity.”

Diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes become noticeable, the disease may have progressed to an advanced stage, potentially resulting in irreversible vision loss.

“Research shows that blindness due to diabetes is preventable with early diagnosis, effective management of risk factors and timely treatment. Early detection is both cost-effective and crucial to avoid the high costs of advanced treatment and the burden of disability,” says Prof Visser.

Modern camera imaging capabilities have improved along with the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. Systems are now being developed to allow low-cost camera images taken of the back of the eye in diabetic patients and interpreted via AI software to guide caregivers regarding which patients should be referred to eye specialists for treatment.

In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels in the retina may begin to bleed into the vitreous—the gel-like fluid that fills the eye. This causes dark, floating spots or cobweb-like shapes to appear in one’s vision. Left untreated, scarring may develop further, increasing the risk of significant vision loss.

Treatment options include, depending on the advanced stage of vision loss, laser therapy, intravitreal injections and surgery.

Preventing diabetes is key to reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Prof Visser recommends the following preventive measures:

• Yearly examination to screen for diabetes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Regular exercise of at least 30 minutes a day
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and whole grains
• Avoid sugary beverages and processed foods

For those already diagnosed with diabetes, Prof Visser stresses the importance of annual retinal imaging screenings, which not only detect retinopathy but may also predict the risk of other serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.

“Early intervention is the best way to prevent irreversible damage. Diabetic patients should be screened for retinopathy annually, and these screenings are readily available at various eye care centers across South Africa.”

To screen for diabetes, visit your local clinic or GP and if you have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, screen your eyes yearly at one of the many eye care centres around South Africa.

Sources: Supplied

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In a massive move to support patients stuck on waiting lists in Central Karoo, universities are uniting with healthcare services to provide hundreds of cataract surgeries and dental procedures!

Central Karoo, South Africa (19 September 2024) — Several helping hands are making a massive difference for patients stuck on healthcare waiting lists in Central Karoo.

Dubbed the Central Karoo InReach project, the initiative took off on 16 September in Beaufort West. Here, it has united healthcare professionals, NGOs and healthcare university students alike all toward the goal of providing essential healthcare to the local community.

Many patients stuck on a three-year-long waiting list for cataract surgery and dental care are finally going to get the healthcare assistance they need, with 120 cataract surgeries and 300 dental procedures set to be performed!

The team-up between organisations and universities (Stellenbosch University, University of the Western Cape and Nelson Mandela University) has got 30 health science students on board for the cause, as well as professional ophthalmologists and dentists leading the teams. It will also serve continuous professional development workshops for the regional health professionals, making the good work done more sustainable for the long haul.

A chance for students to learn just how much of an impact their training makes, all while easing stress on healthcare facilities in the Western Cape, the project is tackling many birds with one stone.

“The Central Karoo InReach project is a shining example of the power of partnerships and what can be achieved when the whole-of-society comes together with a shared commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs,” said Mirelle Wenger, Minister for the Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness.

“This collaborative effort will not only make a significant dent in the backlog in cataract surgeries and dental procedures, but also provide invaluable learning opportunities for future healthcare professionals,” the Minister added.

“By working together, we can significantly improve dental care accessibility in the Karoo and the province at large, as well as support the wellbeing of residents. This collaborative initiative draws attention to the critical need for ongoing support and funding to maintain and expand these essential services in the region,” shares Dr Khabiso Ramphoma, Community Dentistry Specialist and UWC Faculty of Dentistry Outreach Coordinator.

“We’re thrilled to see that the teaching and training of our students are making a tangible difference, while simultaneously enhancing professional growth,” reflects Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Vice-Dean of Learning and Teaching, Professor Karin Baatjies.

Sources: Stellenbosch University 

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Johannesburg-based fashion designer Thebe Magugu is using his Heirloom Collection (love letters to loved ones in clothing form) to raise life-changing funds!

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 August 2024) — Renowned South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu is nothing if not a storyteller. However, his latest collaboration earmarks not a story to be revisited but one to unfold thanks to a team-up with the RED—an organisation making support for those impacted by AIDS more accessible!

In case you haven’t met Mr. Magugu yet, he is one of South Africa’s most acclaimed names in fashion. From creating garments rocked by the likes of Rihanna to earning accolades like the LVMH Prize for Young Designers and, recently, the first-ever Global Excellence Award from the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, Thebe’s pull is not just that he’s fantastically creative and talented, but also that he is centred on fashion for impact —making South Africa beyond proud.

Largely, the designer’s focus has been on bringing African voices to the world of Westernised fashion. In fact, last year, he won an award at a United Nations event for his dedication to positive impact where he was praised for his “dedication to capturing forgotten histories and cultures through fashion”.

But revitalising histories through fabric is only one aspect of Thebe’s curiosity. Another lends itself to gaze to a better future, which is exactly what the RED Foundation are working toward.

The RED Foundation was founded in 2006 in response to the AIDS crisis as a funnel to raise funds for organisations like the Global Fund. This way, critical programmes are able to be supported; empowering healthcare workers and offering healthcare in areas where it is lacking.

Thebe has teamed up with RED through his Heirloom collection—a special collection that honours the people in our lives. Through custom-made designs, the clothes act as a wearable love letter to those in our lives.

 

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A post shared by Thebe Magugu (@thebemagugu)

Last year, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o famously praised her Heirloom garments that acted as a visual telling of her grandmother.

“Heirloom is a very special project for me, because it gets to immortalise through cloth not only my own memories, but the memories of others as well. Creating an archivable ‘log’ of one’s life. It is extra special that this project also gets to contribute to (RED)’s critical mission of fighting AIDS through the power of fashion. I have seen the effects of HIV/AIDS up close, having lost family members to it, and watching others manage the condition, I am personally invested in this cause. Being in South Africa, we have one of the highest rates in the world”—Thebe Magugu.

Proceeds from the collection will head to RED and in this way, tell the story of a fashion designer and a world that helped those in need simply by honouring the people they love.

Sources: RED

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A new mobile clinic has been launched to cater to the needs of communities so rural, they are known as “last mile communities”

Eastern Cape, South Africa (16 May 2024) – One to One Africa proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking Mobile Clinic, a transformative initiative aimed at bringing essential healthcare services to remote communities in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.

One to One Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving access to healthcare in underserved communities across Africa. Through innovative programmes and strategic partnerships, the organisation works to empower individuals and strengthen healthcare systems, ultimately contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.

Operational in some of the most isolated areas of the Eastern Cape, the Mobile Clinic is already making a significant impact, delivering vital services to between 80 to 120 individuals daily across 20 communities each month. The clinic operates from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays dedicated to thorough cleaning and maintenance, ensuring optimal hygiene standards. Moreover, on weekends, it actively participates in community events, such as local football tournaments, expanding its reach and engaging with unexpected demographics, such as men seeking healthcare services.

What sets the One to One Africa Mobile Clinic apart is its comprehensive suite of HIV care and management services. It is the first of its kind in Africa to provide end-to-end HIV care within a single mobile unit. This includes testing, initiation onto antiretroviral therapy (ART), medication collection, as well as access to counselling and support services. Unlike other mobile clinics that may offer testing but require patients to visit physical clinics for medication, One to One Africa’s Mobile Clinic provides a seamless continuum of care directly to the communities it serves.

Recognised by the Department of Health, the clinic is authorised to dispense a range of medications, further enhancing its capacity to address various healthcare needs within these underserved communities. Crucially, all health data collected will be integrated into the Department of Health’s information system, facilitating evaluation of the clinic’s impact and fostering future collaborations with governmental health initiatives.

“One to One Africa is committed to empowering communities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare,” said Gqibelo Dandala, Executive Director at One to One Africa. “Our Mobile Clinic represents a pivotal step towards realizing this vision by bridging the gap between healthcare services and the most marginalized communities in the Eastern Cape.”

The Mobile Clinic is part of One to One Africa’s broader mission to complement existing government services and develop effective models for future adoption at the governmental level. By leveraging local partnerships and engaging directly with communities, the organization aims to create sustainable solutions that address the unique healthcare challenges faced by Last Mile Communities.

For more information about One to One Africa’s Mobile Clinic and its services, please contact +27 21 003 8070 or +27 69 217 3777, or email connect@onetooneafrica.org. Additional information is also available at One to One Africa’s website – www.onetooneafrica.org

Sources: One to One Africa – Supplied

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Professor Renata Schoeman looks at our rights to health care and our responsibility to lead healthy lives; these are her thoughts for World Health Day:

South Africa (03 April 2024) – Access to healthcare is a basic human right, but achieving the healthy nation that South Africa needs for productivity and economic growth will take more than universal free healthcare.

Social determinants of health such as lifestyle choices – diet, exercise, and substance use – play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy South Africa.

Although the death rate in South Africa has slightly decreased, the number of deaths due to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer is on the rise.

Diabetes has rapidly increased in South Africa – from 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019 according to the latest statistics and is one of the highest contributing underlying causes to death. Of the 4.58 million South Africans aged 20-79 years who are estimated to have diabetes, more than 52% were underdiagnosed.

Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership programme at Stellenbosch Business School, says on World Health Day (7 April) that the continued focus on health as a human right and on the accessibility of care through universal health insurance disempowers people from taking responsibility for their own health.

“We confuse health care with health – having access to care is not a promise of health.  Everyone has the responsibility for their health and cannot view a health care system as the answer to a healthier society.”

Prof Schoeman says that viewing health as a personal and social value, rather than exclusively as a right, would increase personal responsibility and “investment” by people in their health.

“When people are allowed to be active participants in their own care, instead of passive recipients, and their human rights respected, the outcomes are better and health systems become more efficient.

“It doesn’t help to have free healthcare, such as the proposed NHI, but people make poor lifestyle choices – in terms of healthy eating, exercise and substance abuse, for example – and don’t take responsibility for their own health,” she argues.

Prof Schoeman points out that health goes beyond the absence of disease and is influenced by genetics along with social and economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, housing, education, nutrition, and the surrounding environment, as well as the choices made by individuals

She says that the NHI alone, as a strategy to fund healthcare, is only part of the solution and that focusing on the three interventions that aim to reduce the health risk, is crucial for a healthy society:

• Primary prevention: to prevent disease or injury before it occurs
• Secondary prevention: to reduce the impact of disease that has already occurred
• Tertiary prevention: to limit the impact of ongoing, chronic illness, or impairment

Pointing to the success of disincentives to unhealthy lifestyles, such as “sin taxes”, and incentives such as discounts and loyalty rewards for exercise and healthy food purchases, she says “such measures for promoting health and preventing disease should be extended to the public sector, and would be ‘significantly more affordable’ than the NHI.”

“Ensuring access to healthcare is a social and government responsibility, but this needs to go along with the promotion of health, which goes beyond the health system to entrenching health as a shared social value, and this is the task of all those involved in shaping and influencing values – families, schools, the media and the legal system,” Prof Schoeman said.

She emphasises that governments need to think beyond simply the accessibility and funding of healthcare, to the quality of the health care as well as “getting the basics right” in terms of addressing poverty and unemployment, health promotion and prevention strategies, and safe and healthy living environments.

“Citizens on the other hand need to take care of themselves, not only physically but mentally too. Undiagnosed mental health can negatively affect your physical health leading to substance abuse, obesity and eating disorders.”

Prof Schoeman suggests that everyone takes responsibility for their own health through:

• Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes a day)
• Following a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed sugars and fats
• Stop smoking and avoid the use of drugs
• Limit alcohol
• Prioritise sleep (at least 7 hours a night)
• Limit screentime
• Seek help for physical and mental health issues as soon as they arise.

Sources: JigSaw PR – Supplied

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What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer? This guide helps one understand the intricacies and breaks down the information from several studies.

South Africa (13 March 2024) – Breast cancer impacts countless women around the globe, manifesting in various types, each distinct in nature and requiring different treatments. Among these, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) stands out. It’s unique because it that does not have any of the receptors that are commonly found in breast cancer, making it a bit of a puzzle in the breast cancer world¹.  Here, we’re breaking down the basics of TNBC, explaining why its lack of receptors matters and how it changes the game for those diagnosed.

What’s the Deal with Receptors?

Normal breast cells and some breast cancer cells have receptors that attach to the hormones² oestrogen and progesterone and need these hormones for the cells to grow. TNBC doesn’t have these receptors, so it requires different strategies of treatment.

TNBC: The Odd One Out:

TNBC cancer cells don’t have oestrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR) and don’t make any or too much of the protein called HER2. (The cells test “negative” on all three tests³.)  These cancers tend to be more common in women younger than 40, who are Black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation. Because the cancer cells don’t have these proteins, hormone therapy and drugs⁴ that target HER2 are not helpful.

Rooting Out the Causes:

The involvement of genes plays a significant role in the development and aggression of TNBC. People with BReast CAncer (BRCA) gene mutations² have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer than the rest of the population.

Genes and Risk:

There are two types of BRCA genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. People who have a genetic mutation² in one of these genes have an increased risk of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. Knowing these risk factors helps women stay alert and proactive about their breast health.

Catching It Early:

Triple-negative breast cancer is a more aggressive tumour⁵ with a faster growth rate. Regular self-checks, doctor’s exams, and mammograms are key players in catching TNBC early.  

Finding Your Tribe and Knowledge Is Power:

A TNBC diagnosis can feel isolating, but there’s a community and a wealth of information. Support groups, survivor networks, and staying updated on the latest research can provide strength and empowerment.

References:

1. Triple-negative breast cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/triple-negative.htm  retrieved 24 November 23  

2. Receptors:  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/triple-negative-breast-cancer-and-brca1-mutation#:~:text=People%20who%20have%20a%20genetic,aggressive%20form%20of%20breast%20cancer  – retrieved 24 November 23

3. TNBC: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/triple-negative.html – retrieved 24 November 23

4. Treatment: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/treatment/treatment-of-triple-negative.html#:~:text=Triple%2Dnegative%20breast%20cancer%20(TNBC,the%20main%20systemic%20treatment%20option – retrieved 24 November 23

5. TNBC: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/triple-negative-breast-cancer-and-brca1-mutation#:~:text=People%20who%20have%20a%20genetic,aggressive%20form%20of%20breast%20cancer – retrieved 24 November 23

Sources: Press Release

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Reach for Recovery makes a massive difference in the lives of women recovering from cancer who cannot afford reconstructive surgery.

South Africa (04 February 2024) – Reach for Recovery (R4R) makes a massive difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors who have undergone state-based treatment. They help the women access silicone breast forms free of charge after undergoing mastectomies.

The annual Power of Pink campaign helps them reach nearly 6000 breast cancer patients each year. In 2023, the campaign raised a total of R438,912.00! The campaign is funded through October when shoppers purchase mushrooms from select stores, each labelled with a pink sticker to indicate their purpose.

Silicone Breast Forms

This national non-profit organisation is focused on bringing awareness of breast cancer to all South African women, no matter their location or financial situation. One of their most life-affirming initiatives is the Ditto Project, which provides silicone breast forms free of charge to state hospital breast cancer survivors who have undergone a mastectomy.

“These are expertly manufactured, as well as colour and size-matched to each recipient,” notes Stephné Jacobs, the National Chairperson of Reach for Recovery.

Of the over 6000 breast cancer patients supported each year by R4R through pre-op calls, help at clinic visits, information distribution and hospital care packages, more than 600 were fitted with a comfortable breast prosthesis between January and November 2023.

At over R3000 per breast form, purchasing one of these is completely out of reach for most state hospital patients without medical aid. The R4R team works to help these patients get access to safe alternatives to reconstructive surgery, which often isn’t an option.

The recipients themselves find receiving Ditto Project silicone breast forms transformative!

Beatrice Mopp, an 80-year-old retired teacher from the Eastern Cape, was fitted for her breast form in November 2023. After two years of arduous treatment, she had been placed on a waitlist for a prosthesis at a state hospital. She shared her experience.

“I waited for more than a year to no avail,” she laments. That’s when a family friend put her in touch with R4R. “The volunteer called me and arranged an appointment to meet me at home. The fitting of the prosthetic breast was such an exciting experience. My initial anxiety and apprehension were allayed by the calm and relaxed manner in which I was treated.

“Words are inadequate when trying to express the elated feeling I experienced on receiving my prosthetic breast. To say I felt like a young woman again is putting it lightly. It gives me so much joy to be able to hug my grandchildren fully without flinching that they will feel my flat side. Gone was the hunched left shoulder as I am now balanced and confidently walk with my chest out. I remember smiling, in fact laughing, when I saw my image in the mirror. Truthfully, my confidence and dignity as a woman has been restored by getting the prosthesis.”

Elated is the emotion shared by many breast cancer survivors following their fitting.

“After breast cancer treatment I was asking, ‘why me?’, not knowing the sun was going to shine again,” shares Gail Coombs from the Cape peninsula.

“I was looking for help with a prosthesis. I searched Facebook and came across Reach for Recovery who immediately assisted and provided! After the fitting, my sister and I went dress shopping with the prosthesis in its box. Oh my, it was the best day of my life. Later that month I looked absolutely stunning at my niece’s wedding, with so much confidence and two perfect boobs just like God made us. Everyone who knew my story was stunned. So much confidence; smiles and compliments. The prosthesis changed my life for sure. It fits perfectly, is soft and comfortable. I am wearing it with pride, being whole as a woman.”

The Ditto project makes a massive difference and one may never be able to understand unless it affects them. We are so happy there is an organisation like Reach for Recovery, helping South African women feel whole again.

Sources: R4R – Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Reach for Recovery Celebrate Raising Over R400k in 2023 appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Sweet Life South Africa, the largest local online Diabetes community, has created a series of stock images for people to use globally!

South Africa (29 January 2024) – Sweet Life is an organisation that works to raise awareness for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in South Africa. As part of a fun campaign, they created a global resource using Proudly South African humans who are living with diabetes; that resource is free diabetes-themed stock images!

Working in the realm of media, we can vouch for how useful free stock images are. The Sweet Life team have created a series of stock images highlighting healthy lifestyles linked with diabetes.

“The images are of people with diabetes doing all the things we do – taking medication, cooking and eating healthy food, working, exercising and spending time with friends.”

Stock images are used for all kinds of projects, from news and media to school projects, presentations, and so much more. Having images that can be used freely while still being attributed to a source is massive! Especially if the images are promoting healthcare and lifestyle for people living with diabetes.

The Sweet Life Diabetes Community is South Africa’s largest online diabetes community. It was founded to create a space where people could access support, advice and more.

The team have created free cookbooks, diet guides, and podcasts discussing all manner of diabetes topics, and of course, they have the online community element.

Find out more about how to live a healthy, happy life with diabetes at www.sweetlife.org.za. You can access the stock images via Unsplash here.

Sources: Sweet Life – Supplied

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Sweet Life Creates Proudly South Africa Stock Images for Diabetes Community appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Leanne Lorrance-Brown has helped care for Birdie since she arrived at HOLAH; Birdie’s rare disease is almost one of a kind and Leanne hopes to share her story at an upcoming conference.

South Africa (29 January 2024) – Birdie arrived at HOLAH (House of Love and Hope), a safe haven for abandoned and orphaned babies, in 2020 and has been the light of the haven. Birdie was recently diagnosed with a rare disease, so rare she is one of only 3 people in the world who suffer from the variant.

After years of suffering skin ailments, Birdie’s diagnosis has been the answer they have searched high and low for. She has been diagnosed with Penttinen Syndrome, a rare disorder that means she looks prematurely aged due to her skin, which is also prone to lesions that resemble scars and thinning hair. As far as the medical world can determine, only eight people have been diagnosed with Penttinen Syndrome, and further, only three of those (including Birdie) have her specific variant. Over the years, her skin will scar, and she will become less mobile and lose her independence.

“Birdie has very fragile skin, and a slight knock tears her skin. She is very aware of her limitations and is very cautious but that doesn’t stop her from having fun.

Due to her fragile skin, she often has several plasters on, and we have found that the best plaster for her is the op-site plaster. These come at a huge cost as the smallest one is around R15 each. She can sometimes have up to 4 plasters on which need to be changed daily or every other day depending on the severity of the wound.

Her medical costs are going to cost a small fortune..with Birdie being the only one In Africa with Penttinen Syndrome, it’s taking a lot of research and possibly trips to professors in other countries. OT and physio costs, making her home adaptable to her needs.”

“We reached out to a professor in Norway who has studied Penttinen Syndrome. And they have found that a drug used for Leukemia has shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of this syndrome. Penttinen is a sub-type of Progeria, which is premature ageing.

With Penttinen Syndrome, you have fibrous scar-like tissue that forms. This will eventually lead to Birdie not being the independent girl that she is.” – Leanne Lorrance-Brown

While treatment plans are underway, Birdie’s doctors are set to attend the Rare Diseases South Africa 2024 Conference. Leanne Lorrance-Brown, the co-founder of HOLAH, hopes to attend where she will then be able to share Birdie’s story along with her medical history and diagnosis to hopefully help doctors in identifying her rare disease, should another child ever be seeking medical help.

Leanne is now gearing up to attend the Rare Diseases South Africa 2024 Conference where she will be able to share Birdie’s story and meet up with rare disease experts to create more awareness and hopefully make life-changing connections.

Since taking Birdie in at HOLAH, the team have been blown away by the support from her medical team. They are spread across several different hospitals but have worked as a united team to get Birdie a diagnosis and treatment plan. Leanne personally thanked each of them for their continued support of Birdie’s needs. Many of her doctors have been in Birdie’s life longer than Leanne and her team, so they have been instrumental in bringing everyone up to speed on the case.

The hero team is:

• Dr Antoinette Chateau – a Paediatric Dermatologist
• Dr Thirona Naiker – Paediatric Genetics
• Dr Ashmika Gokhul – Paediatrician

“They all work at different hospitals but have been working alongside each other to finally get a diagnosis and have gone above and beyond to research.”

As Leanne gets ready to share Birdie’s story at the conference, she has some advice for parents raising curious children. Raising Birdie, she has seen just how unkind children can be when they do not understand differences.

“Teach your children that everyone looks different, Birdie is now at an age where she knows she looks different. There has been times where she has been having fun, dancing or swimming, and kids have called her an alien or walked up to her and just stood and stared. Birdie loves making friends, teach your kids to say hi and ask her to play.”

If you would like to support Birdie’s treatment or Leanne’s journey to the conference, you can find all the possible donation options via the website here. Just be sure to reference “Birdie – Rare” so they know how to allocate the funding or send proof of payment to kim@likhonithemba.co.za.

Sources: HOLAH

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Charity Raise Funds so Founder Can Share Birdie’s Rare Disease Story at Conference appeared first on Good Things Guy.