Health Noise

Statins, the famous cholesterol lowering drug, continues to fuel controversy. This medication - which is taken to prevent heart attacks and strokes - is among the most widely prescribed medication in the United States. But some experts, writing for the British Medical Journal, say it can do more harm than good. And others believe it causes problems in the bedroom. Associate Professor Dirk Blom, who’s the division head of Lipidology at the University of Cape Town and Head of the Lipid Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital gives the facts. Professor Blom’s personal research interests include genetic disorders of lipoprotein metabolism. He has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals including The Lancet, the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Clinical Lipidology.   What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft fatty molecule made by all animals. It is a member of the sterol family. Although plants also produce sterols, they cannot make cholesterol. Cholester...

Cannabis is set to become a booming industry in South Africa. It is estimated that the global Cannabis market is worth $150bn. Supporters claim it is a healthy alternative to chronic pain medication and is proven to reduce nausea in cancer patients and Parkinson symptoms. But what is real and what is rumour? Earlier this month I asked  Shelley McGee , a pharmacist and full-time researcher with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) for her personal views on the advantages and disadvantages of using Cannabis to treat chronic pain.  I also spoke to  Dr Russel Raath , a specialist anaesthetist who, for the past twelve years, has treated many chronic pain sufferers at his pain management clinic in Pretoria.  In addition, 2019 Comrades winner  Gerda Steyn talks about her phenomenal record breaking win and her plans for the future. Dr Russel Raath:   Specialist anaesthesiologist and pain management specialist: Ja...

Until recently we all “ knew”  that stretching before and after exercise was essential to prevent injury  - now we are told it could cause injury. Another popular perception is that Pilates exercises cater mostly for retirees, or pregnant moms.  Health Noise investigates these beliefs and examines what is real and what is rumour. Dr Estelle Watson biokineticist and senior lecturer at Wits’ Centre for Exercise Science and Sport medicine gives the facts and myths about stretching  and Pilates instructor and endurance athlete Claudia Hazelwood tells us why Pilates is crucial for everyone especially serious athletes. Are sport theories changing? Yes, sport science is always evolving and trends come and go. A few years back swiss balls were the “in” thing then power plates were the rave and after that it was Pilates and kettle bells. Information about sport concepts are not always communicated accurately and this often leads to c...