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This year World AIDS day is on Wednesday 1 December. It is a day to show support for those with HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, improve education, join the fight and commemorate those who have passed away from it. 

An estimated 38 million people globally have the virus, and more than 35 million people have passed away from HIV or AIDS-related illnesses. It was identified in 1984 and is one of the most devastating pandemics the world has seen. It is important to observe World AIDS day as it reminds all of us that HIV has not gone away, and there is a need to combat it collectively.

Scientific advances have been made in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, we understand so much more about it, and there are laws to protect sufferers. However, every year, more people are diagnosed with HIV, and people don’t know how to protect themselves and others. Another dimension of World AIDS Day is to reduce stigma and discrimination for those living with the condition.

Now you may be wondering what you can do to help the cause. In fact, there is a lot you can do just by changing your own behaviour.

Ten things* you can do for World AIDS Day:

1. Get tested for HIV – Knowing your status is absolutely vital. In that way, you can make the right decisions for yourself—and your partner.
2. Wear a red ribbon—By simply wearing a red ribbon, you are adding to awareness.
3. Get informed—You need to know how to keep yourself safe.
4. Attend an event—Show your support for the cause and also help raise money.
5. Volunteer—Your time is possibly the most critical aspect of the day. Why don’t you volunteer at an orphanage for AIDS orphans and put a smile on a child’s face?
6. Get your own condoms—Your safety is in your hands. Don’t be embarrassed to get your own condoms (even if you are a woman) or go to clinics where you can get them for free.
7. Raise funds or donate to the TAC—The Treatment Action Campaign advocates for access to AIDS treatment. They depend on donors. Visit them at www.tac.org.za 
8. Add a red ribbon to your social media profile—Make your profile pic on Facebook and/or Twitter the AIDS ribbon for December and encourage your friends to do the same. 
9. Make a promise to yourself—Don’t have sex with someone you don’t love and trust. Also, if they refuse to take precautions, know that they are not respecting you. Do not be pressured!
10. Educate others—Share your knowledge! Educate others to help prevent the further spread of the disease.

Myths and facts about HIV

To fully support those with AIDS, you should be able to separate fact from fiction. 

1. You can tell who has HIV and who doesn’t 
2. Nobody can tell just by looking at someone whether they are HIV positive or not.
3. Only homosexuals get HIV/AIDS
4. Anyone can get HIV/AIDS no matter of orientation, race or creed.
5. You can get HIV from using public toilets
6. No matter how unhygienic they may seem, one cannot get HIV from a toilet seat. It is important to remember that HIV is spread through unprotected sex, needle-sharing or mother-to-child transmission.

Globally, Namibia has the sixth-highest rate of HIV, with around 8% of the population having it. That is approximately 176,000 people ages 15-64. It is the leading cause of death in the country and has led to many orphans and vulnerable children. 

In Namibia, Project HOPE is working to mitigate the impact of HIV by ensuring access to quality health care for vulnerable populations. You can find the many ways you can help under the tab “Ways to Help”. 

Wear your ribbon this AIDS day and show you care!

Diabetes and You. What You Should Know.

Q: What is diabetes?

A: Diabetes is a systemic disease that occurs when your blood sugar (blood glucose) is too high. Blood sugar is your primary source of energy and comes from the food you eat. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin which helps glucose from food get into your cells for energy. When you have diabetes, your body does not make enough or any insulin. It can also be that the body simply does not use it very effectively. In these instances, glucose stays in your blood and does not reach your cells.

Q: Why are high blood sugar levels bad?

A: Over a while, too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. These can include:

Q: What are the symptoms of diabetes?

A: Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes are:

·Increased thirst

·Frequent urination

·Extreme hunger

·Unexplained weight loss

·Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there is not enough available insulin)

·Fatigue

·Irritability

·Blurred vision

·Slow-healing sore

·Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections

Q: How are you diagnosed?

A: Diabetes is diagnosed (and managed) by checking your glucose level in a blood test. There are three tests used:

·Fasting plasma glucose test: This is done in the morning after an eight-hour fast (nothing to eat or drink).

·Random plasma glucose test: This test can be done any time without the need to fast.

·A1c test: This test, also called HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin test, provides your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. This test measures the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your red blood cells. You do not need to fast before this test.·Oral glucose tolerance test: In this test, the blood glucose level is first measured after an overnight fast. Then you drink a glucose drink. Your blood glucose level is then checked at hours one, two, and three.

Q: How is diabetes treated?

A: Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both

Q: When is World Diabetes Day?

A: 14 November

Q: What is it?

A: World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.

Q: How can I get involved?

A: You can get involved in the following ways:

·Pledge your support for greater access to diabetes care by supporting the online petition. They will make a link available soon.

·Engage local or national policy-makers to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to the care they need.

·Organise a ‘Learn about diabetes’ event in schools.

·Organise or participate in a local diabetes awareness walk.

·Light up a local landmark, your home or workplace in blue.

·Arrange an activity with your work colleagues.·Help people learn their potential risk of type 2 diabetes with their online test.

World Men’s Health Awareness Month/Movember

Men’s health is in crisis, and we need to take action. Every year in November, Movember is celebrated. It is in place to ensure that men (and boys) get the best treatment and prevention they can for the big killers: prostate and testicular cancer and suicide (the world’s mental health picture is very bleak—with over 800 000 people a year dying from suicide. This is especially prevalent in men).

The Movember charity is dedicated to men’s health. They advocate year-long for more awareness on these health issues. They are independent of government funding, so they can “challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works.” In 15 years, they have funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world.

Why prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally. Each year more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed globally. Even when successful, treatment can take a toll on the physical and mental health of those affected.

Why testicular cancer?

In most cases (better than 95%), a diagnosis of testicular cancer means established treatments and a good outcome. However, a small proportion of men and boys do not face this good outcome, and more needs to be done to support them through diagnosis and treatment and into a long and healthy life after cancer.

Why mental health?

Regardless of age group, men often don’t recognise when they’re experiencing a mental health issue and may not be comfortable asking for help.

Why suicide prevention?

The sad truth is that some stereotypical forms of masculinity are killing men. The results of poor mental health can be deadly. Globally, a man dies every minute from suicide.

5 things every man should do.

Why 5 things?

On average, men die five years before women. Follow the below for a healthy life:

1. Spend time with people who make you feel good.

2. Talk more.

3. Know the numbers

4. Know thy nuts. Simple.

5. Move more.

Fundraising for Movember

“We’re the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year-round. We’re addressing some of the biggest health issues men face: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.

We know what works for men and how to find and fund the most innovative research to have both a global and local impact. We’re independent of government funding to challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works. In 15 years, we’ve funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world.”

It is important to note that Movember is not connected to any government entity. That means they “challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works.”

They report on every initiative they fund so you can see the effect your donations are having. They have funded more than 1,200 projects saving and improving the lives of men all around the world. Since 2003, they’ve committed themselves to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives.If you want to become more than just a man with a moustache, go here for more information!

Namibia: November is ‘Movember’ time

In 2020 the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) embarked on a wave of blue hope in support of men’s health. According to Rolf Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Association, the month of November was dedicated to prostate cancer because it is still the most diagnosed form of cancer in Namibian men.

The funds raised during the November campaigns were all earmarked for the men’s health clinic that CAN hosts every first Tuesday of the month in Windhoek, as well as the outreach program that travels across all regions of the country at least once a year to provide education and complimentary screening services for primarily prostate, breast, and cervical cancer, the three most diagnosed cancers in the country.

Breast Cancer Prevention & Detection 

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. In order to understand breast cancer, it is vital to understand how any cancer can develop. Cancer results from mutations (abnormal changes) in the genes responsible for the growth and health of cells. Normally cells reproduce in an orderly manner: old cells die and are replaced by new ones. However, mutations can turn on or turn off specific genes and cause the cells to divide without control or order. This produces a tumour.

Tumours can be benign or malignant. Benign tumours are not considered cancerous, and they are close to normal cells in appearance, do not grow too quickly and do not invade nearby tissues. A malignant tumour, on the other hand, multiplies and invades other tissues. 

How to do a self-exam

The best way to increase your chance of early detection and, therefore, successful treatment is doing a regular breast exam. Breastcancer.org recommends the following method:

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here is what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and colour
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and colour
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you are at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of your nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. 

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Next, cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.

Prevention tips

• Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits. 
• Limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active
• Breast-feed if possible
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy

Found a lump? What are the next steps? 

The first thing is not to panic. You do, however, need to call your doctor to get it checked. Most breast lumps are benign. There are several common causes for lumps, including normal changes in breast tissues, breast infection or injury. It is important to note that breast tissue changes during a woman’s entire life. For example, it is sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Stats in Namibia

There was a study conducted on cancer statistics in Namibia between 2010 and 2014, and it found the following:

Breast cancer was the most common cancer among Namibian women between 2010 and 2014. A total of 1 579 cases were reported, comprising 27.4% of all female cancers. The annual incidence increased with increasing age, peaking at 189.1 per 100 000 in women 70-74 years of age. 

Breast cancer was the most common cancer in most ethnic groups and most regions

This year Mental Health Day 2021 falls on Sunday 10th October. The WFMH (World Federation for Mental Health) President Dr Ingrid Daniels has announced the theme for World Mental Health Day 2021, ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. This stems from the fact that the world is becoming increasingly polarised, between the haves and the have nots. The very wealthy are becoming wealthier, and the impoverished are becoming even more so. The theme in 2020 highlighted inequalities regarding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and the lack of respect for human rights in many countries. This includes the rights of those with mental illness. 

75% to 95%

People in low and middle-income countries who have no access to mental health services.The outlook in high-income countries is not much better. Lack of investment in mental health disproportionate to the overall health budget contributes to the mental health treatment gap.

What is mental health?

Good mental health is not simply the absence of diagnosable mental health problems. Mental health is related to several key functions and abilities:

• The ability to learn
• The ability to feel, express, and manage a range of positive and negative emotions
• The ability to form and maintain good relationships with others
• The ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty

Signs of mental illness

• Possible signs vary from the more subtle to very severe:
• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia, or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility, or violence
• Suicidal thinking

When to see a doctor

Mental illnesses mostly do not resolve on their own. If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your primary care provider or mental health professional.

Where you can get help

It is crucial to get help if you are feeling suicidal. Suicidal thoughts do not get better on their own. You can take the following steps:

• Call your local emergency number immediately.
• Call your mental health specialist.
• Use webchat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
• Seek help from your primary care provider.
• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

Namibia

Unfortunately, there is a powerful stigma linked to mental health in Namibia. “Although Namibia on the official level appears to subscribe to the popular mantra that ‘there can be no health without mental health’, a tilt in favour of physical health is still observable in various levels.” (APA, 2017)

Namibia still has a challenge with data on mental illness because of a lack of scientific data collection systems. There is also no formal registry on the prevalence and incidence of mental illnesses in the country. However, the MoHSS reports that in 2014–2015, 6,436 people with a mental health condition were attended to, of which 613 were new cases (Namibian Sun, 2015). 

These figures are expected to represent a gross underestimation of the burden of mental health problems in the country because there is a general lack of awareness of mental health, and many people use alternate sources of help such as traditional healers and religious prophets instead of the formal health system.

Download the Prosperity Connect App Today!

In everything we do, we strive to make your life easier. Introducing Prosperity Connect! As a health insurance provider, we are client-centered; therefore, this was a natural avenue for us to go down. The app is packed with functionality and allows you to do so much more, all from the palm of your hand.

Prosperity Connect is a more straightforward way of managing your benefits. You can manage your benefits on the go – right from your phone. So stay on top of your membership – it’s never been easier!

How to download the Prosperity Connect App

1. To get the app, simply go to either Google Play or the App Store. Then, tap on ‘Download’, and your journey begins!

2. Enter your membership number and dependent code using your date of birth and (+264) mobile number

3. Wait for the one-time PIN (OTP) to be sent to you via SMS, and then enter the code on your app.

4. Create your personal 4-digit PIN to complete your registration.

Elements of the app:

My Profile

Here you can easily change your details—no need for phone calls or emails.

Membership Card

Simply select it to display your card. If you have forgotten or misplaced your card, this can be a lifesaver!

My Dependents

View your dependents.

My Benefits

Under the benefits tab, you will get detailed information on where you stand. It includes day-to-day, hospital, wellness, and under “additional options”, there is an exceptionally detailed layout of any possible plans you belong to. Here you can check your balances as well.

My Claims

This is one of the strongest features of the app! You can check how much has been paid out in claims and also check individual claims. You will be able to see a claim number, amount and date. If you want any more details, just click on the drop-down, and all your details will be specified.

Join the Prosperity community in using the convenient, free app!