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  • Upcoming Events

    International Day of Action for Women’s Health

    International Day of Action for Women’s Health is observed every year on 28 May to highlight the importance of protecting and advancing women’s health rights around the world. The day serves as a reminder that women’s health is not only a medical issue, but also a human rights, social justice and development issue.

    Across many communities, women still face barriers when trying to access quality healthcare. These challenges may include high medical costs, lack of nearby health services, limited reproductive health education, stigma, delayed diagnosis, and unequal treatment within healthcare systems. For this reason, International Day of Action for Women’s Health calls for stronger awareness, better healthcare access, and policies that place women’s wellbeing at the centre.

    The day also encourages open conversations about key health matters such as maternal health, reproductive health, menstrual health, mental health, cancer screening, contraception, gender-based violence, and the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. Early detection, regular check-ups and access to accurate health information can make a major difference in improving outcomes for women of all ages.

    In South Africa and across the world, this special day is an opportunity for healthcare professionals, communities, organisations and policymakers to renew their commitment to women’s health. Every woman deserves access to safe, respectful and affordable healthcare.


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    Latest Medical Articles

    Unusual bleeding during and after pregnancy

    When should pregnant women be concerned? Awareness of the dangers associated with abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and after childbirth can be lifesaving for both women and their babies.

    Dr. Mzuvele Archwell Hlabisa, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Netcare Kingsway Hospital, emphasizes that while many people are unaware that over a third of pregnant women may experience bleeding for various reasons, it is crucial to determine the exact cause.

    "Although some bleeding is normal in the postpartum period, excessive bleeding can be life-threatening. It is often difficult for women to discern if their bleeding is normal or not, but a good rule of thumb is to have any bleeding during pregnancy checked by a healthcare professional," says Dr. Hlabisa.

    He notes that around 35% of women experience bleeding in the first trimester. "As the pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of bleeding decreases, so it’s reassuring when women reach the mid-trimester, from 13 to 28 weeks of gestation."

    Bleeding could indicate a miscarriage or a threatened miscarriage, and severe pain with bleeding could be related to placental abruption, a serious condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the womb. These conditions require immediate medical assessment.

    Spotting In early pregnancy, some women may experience spotting, known as implantation bleeding, when the embryo implants in the uterine wall. ...Read full article

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    Global Medical News

    Gauteng’s Next Generation of Doctors Heads to Cuba to Strengthen South Africa’s Health Workforce
    Eighteen young South Africans from historically disadvantaged communities in Gauteng are preparing to begin medical studies in Cuba through the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Training Programme, marking a significant investment in the province’s future healthcare workforce. The Gauteng Department of Health selected the group from approximately 2,480 applicants, with around 740 meeting the basic requirements and 91 progressing to the shortlist before the final 18 were chosen through assessments that considered academic performance, socioeconomic circumstances, home visits, interviews and commitment to community service. Priority was given to applicants from households earning R350,000 or less per year and to learners from Quintile 1 to 3 schools, reflecting the programme’s goal of expanding access to medical education for talented young people who may otherwise face financial or structural barriers. The students will train within Cuba’s healthcare system, where medical education places strong emphasis on primary healthcare, disease prevention, health promotion and community-based medicine, areas that align closely with South Africa’s efforts to strengthen frontline services and improve access in underserved communities. Once they complete their studies and the required reintegration and professional training processes in South Africa, the graduates are expected to join the public healthcare system, with particular value in areas where shortages of doctors remain a persistent challenge. Gauteng authorities say 463 doctors have already graduated through the programme and are serving in provincial public health facilities, demonstrating that the initiative has become a long-term pipeline for developing locally committed medical professionals. The new cohort therefore represents more than an overseas study opportunity: it is part of a wider strategy to build a more equitable health system by creating doctors who are trained to think beyond hospital walls and focus on prevention, community health and early intervention. As South Africa prepares for deeper health-system reform and the gradual implementation of National Health Insurance, programmes that strengthen the supply of doctors while directing skills towards underserved populations could play an increasingly important role in closing long-standing gaps in access to quality healthcare.
    2026-09-14 09:12:49

    Laughter Therapy Shows Promise as a Simple New Tool for Easing Breathlessness in COPD
    A clinical trial presented at the 2026 European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona is suggesting that something as simple as deliberate laughter could help people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, manage one of their most disabling symptoms: persistent breathlessness. Researchers studied 63 people with COPD receiving care at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in Türkiye and randomly assigned them to one of three groups: laughter therapy, traditional pursed-lip breathing exercises or no additional breathing exercises. Participants in the laughter group were taught structured activities including rhythmic clapping and vocalisation, playful laughter exercises, spontaneous laughter meditation and calm breathing, while the comparison group practised pursed-lip breathing, an established COPD technique designed to slow exhalation and help trapped air escape from the lungs. Both intervention groups practised for approximately 30 minutes three times a week for eight weeks, with remote support to encourage adherence. At the end of the programme, people using laughter therapy reported significantly less breathlessness and better overall health compared with those who received no breathing intervention, with improvements broadly comparable to those achieved through pursed-lip breathing; importantly, the reduction in breathlessness was still evident one month later. Researchers believe laughter may help by exercising respiratory muscles, encouraging deeper exhalation and triggering physiological responses associated with relaxation and endorphin release, although the precise mechanisms remain uncertain. COPD is a progressive lung disease in which damaged and narrowed airways can trap stale air, making everyday activities such as walking, dressing or climbing stairs exhausting, and while medications, exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation remain central to treatment, simple supportive techniques could make symptom management more accessible. The researchers stress that laughter therapy is not a replacement for inhalers, medical treatment or formal pulmonary rehabilitation, and the study was relatively small, so larger international trials are needed to confirm its benefits. Even so, the findings offer an appealing possibility: a low-cost, equipment-free exercise that patients can practise at home may help them breathe more comfortably while also bringing an element of enjoyment to the difficult daily management of chronic lung disease.
    2026-09-14 09:11:11

    Popcorn: A Surprisingly Healthy Snack — Until the Toppings Take Over
    Popcorn can be a nutritious whole-grain snack because it provides fibre, small amounts of protein and plant antioxidants called polyphenols, which may support digestion, fullness and overall heart and metabolic health. Air-popped popcorn is naturally low in calories and can be a better snack choice than many fried or highly processed foods. However, the health value changes quickly when large amounts of butter, salt, caramel, cheese flavouring or sugary coatings are added, as these can significantly increase saturated fat, sodium, sugar and calories. Packaged microwave popcorn may also contain added oils and flavourings, so checking the nutrition label is important. Overall, plain or lightly seasoned air-popped popcorn can be a healthy snack, while heavily buttered or sweetened versions are best enjoyed occasionally.
    2026-09-14 09:09:34

    Experimental Cancer Drug Could Offer a Two-in-One Strategy Against Post-Menopausal Bone Loss and Weight Gain
    A compound originally developed for cancer treatment is showing unexpected promise as a potential future therapy for two major health problems that often emerge after menopause: osteoporosis and increased body fat. Researchers from the University of East Anglia and collaborating institutions studied CADD522, a small molecule designed to block the RUNX2 transcription factor, in a mouse model of post-menopausal bone loss and found that the treatment improved bone formation, preserved the delicate internal structure of bone and reduced both bone-marrow fat and peripheral body fat. The study, published in npj Drug Discovery on 7 September 2026, used ovariectomised mice to mimic the hormonal changes that occur after menopause and found that animals treated with CADD522 three times a week for eight weeks maintained stronger trabecular bone architecture while also gaining less fat than untreated controls. Researchers also reported that the compound was orally bioavailable and showed encouraging short-term tolerability in animal testing, although it was cleared relatively quickly from the bloodstream and still requires further optimisation before any human use could be considered. The findings are particularly interesting because menopause-related oestrogen loss does not affect bones alone; it can also alter lipid metabolism, increase fat accumulation and contribute to wider metabolic changes, meaning a treatment that targets both skeletal and metabolic health could offer an advantage over therapies focused only on bone density. However, CADD522 remains firmly at the preclinical stage and has not been proven safe or effective in women, so laboratory studies, dose optimisation and human clinical trials will be essential before it could be considered a treatment for osteoporosis or menopause-related weight gain. Even so, the research provides an intriguing example of drug repurposing, suggesting that a molecule designed to interfere with cancer biology may one day help address two common and closely linked health challenges affecting millions of women after menopause.
    2026-09-14 09:08:11

    CPD Requirements by Healthcare Profession
    While the principle of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the same across the healthcare sector, the specific requirements can vary significantly depending on the profession, regulatory body, and country of practice. In all cases, the goal remains the same: to ensure that healthcare professionals maintain up-to-date skills, knowledge, and ethical standards so they can deliver the highest quality of care. In South Africa, for example, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) outlines specific CPD obligations for doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Most practitioners are required to accumulate a set number of CPD points over a defined period, with a certain proportion of those points coming from ethics and professional practice-related activities. This ensures that professional development goes beyond clinical skills and includes areas such as patient rights, legal compliance, and ethical decision-making. Nurses and midwives, regulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), have their own CPD framework, which often emphasises patient care, clinical competence, and community health initiatives. The requirements for these professionals are tailored to their daily responsibilities, with activities ranging from advanced clinical training to public health education programs. Pharmacists follow the guidelines set by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), which place importance on staying updated with new medications, dispensing regulations, and pharmaceutical technology. Their CPD activities often focus on ensuring safe, effective, and compliant medication management, both in community and hospital settings. Therapists such as occupational, speech, and physiotherapists are expected to complete CPD activities that reflect the evolving nature of rehabilitation and patient support. This could include new therapeutic techniques, research in recovery methods, and the integration of assistive technologies into patient care. Although the exact number of points, required activity types, and reporting intervals vary between professions, the underlying expectation remains constant: CPD should be relevant, measurable, and directly applicable to the professional’s scope of practice. Understanding these specific requirements is essential for effective planning, as failing to meet them can result in penalties or even the suspension of professional registration. Ultimately, while the details may differ, CPD across all healthcare professions serves a common purpose—to protect patients, maintain public trust, and ensure that every practitioner remains competent, confident, and ready to meet the challenges of a constantly changing medical landscape.
    July 1, 2026

    Common Mistakes in Earning CPD Points
    Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a vital part of a healthcare professional’s career, but many practitioners unintentionally make mistakes that can reduce the value of their efforts or even lead to the loss of earned points. Understanding these pitfalls is essential to ensure that every hour spent on CPD counts towards professional requirements and genuinely contributes to career growth. One common mistake is failing to confirm whether a learning activity is accredited before participating. Not all workshops, seminars, or online courses qualify for CPD points, and attending non-accredited events can mean valuable time and money are invested without contributing to the required tally. Checking accreditation status beforehand ensures that activities will be recognised by the relevant professional body. Another frequent error is leaving CPD activities until the last minute. Many healthcare professionals find themselves rushing to meet annual requirements, which often leads to choosing activities based on convenience rather than relevance or quality. This reactive approach not only increases stress but also limits the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning that enhances day-to-day practice. Poor record-keeping is also a significant issue. Completing activities but failing to document them properly, or misplacing certificates and proof of attendance, can result in lost points during audits. Relying solely on memory to recall dates, providers, or activity details can be risky, especially when compliance is at stake. A consistent, organised method of recording CPD is crucial for avoiding this problem. Some professionals also overlook the importance of balancing different types of CPD activities. Relying too heavily on one type, such as only attending conferences or only completing online modules, can result in an imbalanced portfolio that fails to meet formal and informal learning requirements. Diversifying activities not only satisfies regulations but also enriches professional growth. Finally, many practitioners make the mistake of treating CPD as a mere obligation rather than an opportunity. Viewing it as a box-ticking exercise can lead to minimal engagement and limited benefits in practical work. CPD is most valuable when approached with a mindset of curiosity and a genuine desire to improve patient care and professional skills. Avoiding these mistakes ensures that CPD remains a purposeful, well-managed, and rewarding aspect of a healthcare professional’s career. By staying proactive, organised, and engaged, practitioners can turn CPD from a compliance task into a powerful tool for growth and excellence.
    July 1, 2026
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