Medical Matters 2024

The landscape of medicine and medical services is diverse, ranging from traditional Western practices to holistic and alternative approaches. Each offers unique benefits and perspectives on health and wellness, addressing the various needs and preferences of the individuals seeking care, from mending a broken leg to biokinetics.

Traditional Western medicine, also known as allopathic or conventional medicine, is the most widely practised form of healthcare in many parts of the world, including the Lowveld area. It relies on scientifically tested methods and treatments, including pharmaceuticals, surgery and other high-tech procedures. Western medicine is particularly effective in acute and emergency situations, where immediate and targeted attention is required.

Western medicine is based on scientific methods, emphasising evidence-based practice. Physicians and healthcare providers undergo extensive training to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Key elements of Western medicine include:

• Pharmaceuticals: Medications are developed and tested through rigorous clinical trials to ensure effectiveness and safety. These drugs can treat a variety of conditions, from infections to chronic diseases.
• Surgery: Surgical interventions can correct structural issues, remove diseased tissues and improve quality of life. Advances in technology have led to minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery times.
• Diagnostic tools: Techniques such as X-rays, MRIs and blood tests help in accurately diagnosing illnesses, enabling targeted treatment plans.

Holistic medicine takes a more comprehensive approach to health, focusing on the integration of body, mind and spirit. It emphasises the interconnectedness of all aspects of an individual’s well-being, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease. Holistic practitioners often combine conventional medical treatments with alternative therapies to promote overall health and balance.

Key principles of holistic medicine include:

• Prevention and wellness: Emphasising lifestyle changes and preventive measures to maintain health and prevent disease. This includes nutrition, exercise, stress management and spiritual practices.
• Patient-centred care: Developing personalised treatment plans that consider the unique needs, preferences and values of the patient.
• Integration of therapies: Combining conventional treatments with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal medicine and energy healing.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide range of practices not typically part of conventional Western medicine. These therapies can be used alongside (complementary) or instead of (alternative) traditional treatments. These approaches often draw from various cultural and historical traditions.

Some popular CAM therapies include:

• Acupuncture: An ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy (qi) and promote healing.
• Chiropractic care: Focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use manual adjustments to improve alignment and alleviate pain.
• Mind-body therapies: Practices such as yoga, meditation and tai chi that promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance mental and emotional well-being.
• Herbal medicine: The use of plants and plant extracts to treat various health conditions. Herbal remedies are often rooted in traditional practices and can be used to support overall wellness or address specific issues.
• Biokinetics: The study of human movement, biokinetics focuses on improving physical health through exercise. It aims to enhance performance, prevent injury and aid in rehabilitation through scientifically designed programmes.
• Homeopathy: A system of medicine based on the principle of ‘like cures like’. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances that aim to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

Integrative medicine combines elements of both conventional and alternative approaches, aiming to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s health. Integrative practitioners work collaboratively with patients to develop treatment plans that incorporate the best of both worlds, offering a holistic approach to healing.

Integrative medicine focuses on:

• Whole-person care: Considering the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of health.
• Evidence-based practice: Utilising therapies and treatments that have been scientifically validated, while also being open to exploring innovative and traditional approaches.
• Collaboration: Encouraging a partnership between the patient and practitioner, fostering open communication and shared decision-making.

The spectrum of medical services and therapies available in the Lowveld today reflects the evolving understanding of health and wellness. From the precision and technology-driven interventions of traditional Western medicine to the holistic and integrative approaches that consider the whole person, each modality offers unique benefits. By understanding and appreciating the diversity in medical practices, individuals can make informed choices about their healthcare, tailoring their approach to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Integrative medicine combines elements of both conventional and alternative approaches, aiming to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s health. Integrative practitioners work collaboratively with patients to develop treatment plans that incorporate the best of both worlds, offering a holistic approach to healing.

Integrative medicine focuses on:

• Whole-person care: Considering the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of health.
• Evidence-based practice: Utilising therapies and treatments that have been scientifically validated, while also being open to exploring innovative and traditional approaches.
• Collaboration: Encouraging a partnership between the patient and practitioner, fostering open communication and shared decision-making.

The spectrum of medical services and therapies available in the Lowveld today reflects the evolving understanding of health and wellness. From the precision and technology-driven interventions of traditional Western medicine to the holistic and integrative approaches that consider the whole person, each modality offers unique benefits. By understanding and appreciating the diversity in medical practices, individuals can make informed choices about their healthcare, tailoring their approach to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Once upon a time, the idea of seeking medical help to look as healthy, youthful and full of life as you feel was shrouded in stigma. However, the perception of medical aesthetics has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, medical aesthetics play a pivotal role in our daily lives.

While social media has driven the demand for ‘tweakments’: subtle, natural-looking results, advances in medicine allows these results to be delivered in-room with virtually no downtime and without the cost of more invasive procedures.

Whether you are concerned about fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and age spots, rough skin texture, a loss of skin glow, tired-looking eyes or you simply don’t look the way you feel, aesthetic medicine may provide some assistance.

Despite practising aesthetic medicine for the past 12 years at their exclusive practice, The Aesthetic Doctors in Mbombela, Dr Shahien Dollie and Dr Zeenit Sheikh, are still inspired by this advancing field of medicine. Both doctors regularly upskill themselves by attending and presenting at various local and international medical congresses, and they take pride in offering the latest best practices to their patients.

Marisa de Klerk is a compassionate audiologist with a passion for empowering and improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss. With over 15 years of experience in private practice, she is committed to personalised care.

She is dedicated to bringing high-quality hearing healthcare to her community, because she understands that hearing loss can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life, relationships and overall well-being.

Untreated hearing loss is well documented, and consequences include things like increased risk of dementia, cognitive decline, anxiety, depression and even an increase to your risk of falling!

Whether you are visiting De Klerk for a routine check-up or embarking on a journey to better hearing, she is there to support you every step of the way. She is a mum of three with a deep love of endurance sports. You can find out more by visiting her website on www.deklerkaudiology.co.za.

Sleep disorders, specifically obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (Osas), have been increasingly recognised as significant health problems in the last two decades.

Osas is a condition in which repetitive episodes of airway occlusion occur during sleep, resulting in apneas or hypopneas and related arousals.

These events lead to intermittent hypoxemia, increased sympathetic tone, cytokine production, metabolic abnormalities and abnormal sleep structure. This abnormal physiology results in increased health risks and also leads to neurocognitive abnormalities. The Sleep Clinic Nelspruit offers a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to diagnosing and managing sleep disorders.

Founded by Peet Vermaak, a leading neurophysiologist in SA, the clinic prides itself on efficiency and top-notch patient care. Booking an appointment with the clinic connects you with a specialist who will thoroughly discuss your sleep issues and medical history.

Overnight sleep testing is done to properly diagnose or rule out any disorders.

Appropriate treatment options are then discussed. Vermaak and his team uphold a mission of excellence in patient care by offering friendly, efficient service and leveraging their extensive clinical and technical expertise.

Most medical aids cover the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders at this clinic. However, patients are encouraged to confirm their coverage details. The clinic staff is always on hand to assist with any enquiries.

If you struggle with sleep issues, contact 013 752 8092.

As a distinguished radiation specialist and clinical oncologist, Dr Joseph Mthombeni is dedicated to preserving the quality of life of patients with various forms of cancer.

Based in Mbombela, Mthombeni’s special interest lies in the early diagnosis and meticulous management of prostate cancer, for which he strives to provide state-of-the-art care and compassionate support.

Mthombeni’s journey from Bushbuckridge to becoming a leading oncologist in Mpumalanga represents his unwavering commitment to his community. After completing his basic medical training, he returned to this province to serve its residents, initially through a two-year internship at Themba Hospital and later as a community medical officer at Rob Ferreira Tertiary Hospital.

It was here that he identified the pressing need for advanced oncological care and dedicated himself to filling that gap.

Throughout his career, Mthombeni has showcased exceptional skills in treating not only prostate cancer, but also other malignancies including lung, breast, gastrointestinal, cervical and anal cancer, as well as sarcomas. His comprehensive approach spans advanced cancer therapies such as radiation planning, brachytherapy, chemotherapy and palliative care, ensuring each patient receives personalised and effective treatment.

In addition to his clinical work, Mthombeni is deeply involved in outreach programmes, providing counselling services to cancer patients and their families. This dedication to holistic care underscores his belief in treating the person, not just the disease.