We are heading towards this year’s flu season – or rather ‘crazy season’. This time of the year is filled with great myths and mystery (or rather misery) caused by flu. Quite a number of people belief in home remedies, a post on Facebook, or something they read on a blog, rather than solid, evidence-based medicine. Let’s clarify a few myths about flu or influenza.
Read moreThe world of medical schemes is a complicated one - and there are many myths and misconceptions doing the rounds. The Medical Schemes Act, 1998, regulates the operation of medical schemes in South Africa and the Council for Medical Schemes is the industry’s regulatory body. So to ease your mind, here is the truth about some myths and misconceptions.
Read moreIt seems that every year medical scheme premiums go up and medical savings accounts (MSA) are used up sooner. This article will help you understand what your rights are with regards to how your medical scheme uses your savings to finance your healthcare needs.
Read moreThe prevalence of HPV-caused cervical cancer in South Africa is almost double the global prevalence, with 27 cancer cases in a population of 100,000 persons (the global average incidence is 15 out of 100,000). From the high prevalence of risk factors associated with HPV related cancers to low quality and lack of affordability for healthcare, dealing with HPV in South Africa remains a challenge, but the chance to reduce the second largest cancer-related killer of women in South Africa is within our reach. With the HPV vaccine roll-out and regular cervical screenings, we can lower the instance of genital and other HPV-related cancers in South Africa for good.
Read moreThere are four main blood groups (types of blood) - A, B, AB and O. Your blood group is determined by the genes you inherit from your parents. Each group can be either RhD positive or RhD negative, which means that in total there are eight blood groups.
Read moreWhile some consultations may take just a few minutes, others will often overrun, thus making it difficult for the average general practitioner to accept more patients at short notice.
Read moreIntercare Medical Centres are helping break the deadlock by extending GP consulting hours and even operating on weekends.
Read moreWhile many people still fear a visit to the dentist, the reality is that new techniques, much-improved instruments, and more effective anaesthetics have been very successful in minimising the pain and discomfort.
Read moreIn any health service, whether it is state-funded or privately run, it is the general practitioner (GP) that makes up the bulk of those required to man the front line.
Read moreFor most children the beginning of a new school year is filled with expectation and excitement, but for some, going back to school is stressful and a humiliating experience as countless children fall victim to bullying, harassment and abuse at schools. Research found that 57% of South African school children claim to have been bullied at school.
Read moreAlthough the general practitioner (GP) is often thought of as a basic physician with no specialised interest, this is far from the truth.
Read moreWhat do you think of when hearing the term “speech-language therapy”? Children who lisp, people who stutter, or children who cannot produce the ‘r’ sound? Yes, Speech-language therapists (SLTs) treat all of these as well as a wide range of other difficulties related to speech, language, hearing and swallowing.
Read moreWithin the medical profession, the title of "Doctor" is one that is shared both by general practitioners and specialists in as many as 60 different fields.
Read moreWe tend only to resort to dentistry when we are actually experiencing a problem which, in many cases, a routine visit to the dentist could have prevented.
Read moreThere are instances in which a visit to an emergency dentist can be avoided simply by observing a few simple precautions.
Read moreOcclusal disease is caused by an imbalance between the teeth, the chewing muscles and the jaw.The consequences, if left untreated, are many, progressive and widespread. The disease is not limited to the older generation.
Read moreRunning will help you to reduce stress, boost your energy levels and instil a sense of overall well-being. Before beginning an exercise program, you should check with your doctor to make sure you don't have any health issues.
Read moreGiven such a vast range of specialisms, it is fortunate that there is also a special kind of doctor whose job it is to ensure that, if you are found to need specialised treatment, you will be referred to someone with the appropriate, specialised medical or surgical skills.
Read moreA beautiful smile is immediately associated with youth, health, and vitality. A smile can thus be an asset or a distraction. Besides appearance, crooked teeth or bad bites can also cause complications and long-term health problems if they are left untreated.
Read moreArrange the chicken breasts, onion and sweet potatoes in a large baking tray and pour over the marinade.
Read moreIntercare, Operation Healing Hands and ophthalmologist Dr Marcel Niemandt, will offer 45 free cataract surgeries at Intercare Hazeldean Day hospital during South Africa’s Eye Care Awareness Week.
Read moreBaby bottle tooth decay happens when sweetened liquids or even those with natural hidden sugars, linger in the mouth; this includes otherwise healthy liquids like fruit juices, milk, formula or tea. These sugars then cling to the teeth and tooth germs (bacteria in the mouth) thrive on this sugar and attack these teeth.
Read moreKids are naturally against regular 'mouth inspections', especially little ones, so early tooth decay can be pretty hard to spot! That's where a dentist is needed.
Read moreTerms and conditions
Read moreCosmetic dentistry or a dental smile makeover is often a big step or commitment for a patient and usually requires extensive rehabilitation and invasive treatment involving, porcelain veneers, crowns, implants and orthodontic treatment (braces).
Read morePatients admitted for relatively minor treatments are almost invariably occupying a bed for too long, often delaying the treatment of more serious cases. As it happens, the day hospital offers an effective and economical means to resolve this long-standing difficulty; a fact that simply needs to be better highlighted.
Read moreWhile you might well prefer that a particular dental problem be treated without delay, this does not automatically mean that your condition is sufficiently serious to justify the attention of an emergency dentist.
Read moreA proactive approach to screenings and limiting risk factors can help you combat breast cancer which is one of the more treatable cancers if caught early.
Read moreAlthough the first reaction of most people is to assume they are talking to a medical professional when engaging with someone bearing the title of doctor, this is not necessarily the case.
Read moreThose regular check-ups at the dentist might not only be good for your appearance, but they could also be saving you from serious health issues such as a heart attack or a stroke.
Read moreAs well as providing basic dentistry and orthodontics, a good dental clinic is likely to have specialists able to perform more complex procedures such as gum and maxillofacial surgery.
Read moreOral health refers to the condition of gums, teeth, and the surrounding bone and soft tissues of the mouth. Good oral health is an important part of general health and wellbeing.
Read moreDr. Shembe graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Medunsa in 2002 and completed her internship and community service thereafter. She received her diploma in HIV/AIDS Management in 2006 and embarked on HIV/AIDS research for more than twelve years. She worked as a Provincial Advanced Clinical Care Program Manager (Drug-resistant HIV and TB) in the Free State for the past three years. She has extensive knowledge of Emergency and Casualty care, as well as Male Medical Circumcision (MMC).
Read moreTonsillectomies, appendectomies, corneal transplants, circumcisions, vasectomies, hernia repairs, and breast augmentations are just a few of almost a hundred procedures available at an Intercare day hospital.
Read moreSpecific conditions that hold the risk of long-term dental or general health complications justify calling an emergency dentist.
Read moreIn the field of medicine it is left to a single player, the general practitioner (GP), to limit the pressure on others in the healthcare team.
Read moreDr Peters earned her medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2010. She received an additional diploma in Emergency Medicine as well as a certificate in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Her current interests include aesthetic medicine, emergency medicine, and surgical procedures.
Read moreWe can all be healthier. Starting today. Good health is about more than just “the absence of illness, disease, disability or injury”. Defining ‘health’ as “a state of complete physical capacities, mental and social wellbeing” seems to be an elusive and unrealistic state to aim for.
Read moreEven GP's will have been required to undergo the same length and intensity of training as certain other healthcare professionals.
Read morePoor oral health can lead to some more serious problems that regular examinations by a dentist could easily prevent.
Read moreConsulting the right doctor is important and so Intercare has done everything possible to speed the process with multidisciplinary clinics and simplified online bookings.
Read moreDr Naidoo graduated from the Witwatersrand University in 2010 where after she practiced in both the private and public healthcare sector. In 2015 she travelled to schools across South Africa to help underprivileged children receive oral health care. Dr Naidoo has a special interest in cosmetic and paediatric dentistry.
Read moreIn light of the many specialities that are features of modern medicine, just how important the role of a general practitioner can be is often overlooked.
Read moreDr. Gideon du Plessis obtained his dental degree in 1978. He has a special interest in endodontics - diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatment - children’s (paedodontics), and aesthetic dentistry. For more than 30 years Dr. Du Plessis has provided exceptional dental care to and perfecting smiles for generations of families. He combines his knowledge and years of hands-on expertise with the latest technology and research to provide a unique and dynamic approach to enhancing and maintaining your oral health.
Read moreAt Intercare, the role of our dentists at our dental clinics can be regarded as consisting of three parts – routine care, more advanced procedures, and oral hygiene. Let’s take a closer look at just what each of these aspects of dentistry might entail.
Read moreToday, the emphasis for Dentists are on preserving and restoring a patient’s teeth wherever possible, rather than resorting to extractions. Patient’s, in turn, have become more conscious about the appearance of their teeth, prompting new and improved methods to assist.
Read moreThe Intercare day hospital can not only help to rectify this problem but, in many cases, those patients who are scheduled to undergo relatively minor procedures can often be discharged on the same day.
Read moreThe first step to becoming a medical doctor in South Africa is to satisfy the entry requirements of one’s preferred school of medicine. Once qualified, if a medical doctor chooses to specialise in any given discipline, further intensive studies within the chosen filed and a board examination will be required to secure the additional specialist qualification.
Read moreIntercare continues to recognise the importance of a General Practitioner as your family doctor and has taken steps to ensure that their services will remain available to those patients who also appreciate the value of easy access to the personal and professional attention provided.
Read moreRecognised in South Africa as a leader in the provision of high-quality healthcare, the extensive medical facilities operated by Intercare include a number of modern dental clinics to provide for most eventualities. Manned by accomplished and caring professionals, they are dedicated to the goal of maintaining the highest possible standards of patient care.
Read moreIn practice, research in a whole range of different roles & fields for Medical Doctrs has served to change the nature of medicine dramatically and is continuing to do so.
Read moreIntercare dental centres embrace advanced technologies to provide an extensive range of services including oral hygiene, implants, porcelain crowns, inlays and veneers, and periodontal screening and treatment. Most importantly, though, we provide a dentist who cares.
Read moreThe general practitioner continues to be among the cornerstones of the healthcare services, both public and private. Often, one's first step is invariably to make an appointment with a GP.
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