Podcast – Kids and Covid19

13 July 2020

Listen to me, Dr. F Hansa of Homeopath Durban on Radio Al-Ansaar for Medical Files Monday. My guest Dr. Natasha Louw and I discuss Covid19 and Children. The hot topic being the re-opening of schools during the peak of the current pandemic in South Africa.

Cognitive Decline

Wow, maintaining a blog is much, much harder than I anticipated!

I’ve been meaning to write this post for whole month now but life just got in the way.

At the beginning of last month I attended a seminar on cognitive decline which literally blew my mind! It’s not often that you are inspired by specialists who take the time to share so much of their knowledge.

The main focus was on Alzheimer ’s disease, nutrition, functional medicine, reversal of symptoms and collaborative care.

In the past, the patient-doctor relationship was very much commanding that the patient follow these rules and take this medicine because as a doctor I know what is best for you etc.

Now, there is an awakening that is happening amongst the medical profession.

Empowering versus dictating.

The creating of self-awareness where we are shifting the focus and allowing the patient to be in charge of their own destiny. What is your patient’s purpose in life, what are their health goals? How can you assist in improving their quality of life? Get to know you patient. It’s important to know which type of patient has the disease than what disease the patient has.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

The mono-therapeutic  approach does not work anymore. There are essentially four key elements that need to be in place for ANY type of transformation to occur, diet, lifestyle, sleep and nutrition.

Collaborative care, what does it mean? Ever heard the term, it takes a village? Well yes, in these cases that’s exactly what the plan should be.  Try to get as many people involved in trying to nurse this person back to health. We cannot place the burden on one person alone ( caring for a person with alzheimer’s increases the risk of getting alzheimers). Get the family involved, neighbours, doctors, dietician etc.

Below is a list of advice, vitamins, herbs and supplements that play an important role in mental health:

  • Following a ketogenic diet
  • Methyl B12
  • Curcumin
  • Bacopa
  • Ashwaganda
  • Vitamin D
  • Pre/probiotics
  • Magnesium trianate
  • Omega 3 (DHA)
  • CoQ10
  • Coconut oil
  • 5HTP
  • Resvirotrol
  • And last but not least, Exercise!

 

It is obviously impossible to take every single supplement that could benefit but us, but the objective should be to make small but permanent lifestyle changes that lead to healing.

Wishing you the best of health,

Dr Hansa

 

 

WORN OUT?

B12/B-COMPLEX INJECTIONS

Benefits can include :

  • Boost metabolism

  • Increased energy

  • Reduce fatigue, stress and headaches

  • Help mental clarity

  • Help burn fat

  • Regulate sleep, mood and appetite

Normally, most people run away from the injection option, but recently I attended a wellness day at a school and was so surprised at the request for these jabs! Being a school teacher is hard work! (So is being a parent!)

Let’s be honest, we all could use a little extra help sometimes. These are great if you have been feeling a little run down lately.  We often burn the candle at both ends only to end up neglecting our health. Adrenal support is vital for fatigue and burn-out. My advice would be to see a practitioner near you for a shot and a good adrenal tonic to pull you out of any rut you may have fallen into!

If you are in the Musgrave area do give us a call if you think you could benefit from the above!

Wishing you the best of health for 2017!

Dr F HANSA

031 2202033

Pink Ribbons : Not Just for October

Breast Cancer Awareness month
A month dedicated to raise awareness for breast cancer, it’s treatment and the need for a permanent cure. Raised awareness has led to early detection at a more treatable stage. Let us remember and acknowledge that cancer awareness is not confined to one month . Show your support by buying a pink ribbon to wear all year round.

Mental Health Awareness month
There is a strong need to educate the public about mental health as well as to reduce the stigma involved with those suffering from a condition such as Anxiety, Depression, Substance abuse, stress etc. Many of these conditions have a direct impact on one’s quality of life. Attaining the correct treatment will also improve productivity at the workplace or school with a decrease in absenteeism. Homeopathy is an excellent form of Intergrative Medicine with a gentle, holistic approach with no side effects.october

ADHD Awareness month
Have a look at my first blog post for more information.

Wishing you the best of health

Dr Fatima Hansa

Diabetes Part 1

Diabetes….a life sentence or a life opportunity to treat your body the way it deserves?

Just a quick description before we move on :

Diabetes Type 1 : The body destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin ( daily insulin injections needed)

Diabetes Type 2 : Not enough insulin produced OR less insulin receptors on the body cells. (Glucophage/Metformin is the most common first-line treatment)

Insulin : This hormone Allows GLUCOSE into your cells. Without the correct functioning of this hormone, glucose remains in your blood stream which is called hyperglycaemia.

A normal fasting blood glucose level should be below 6.5.

Those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes :

  • Those with close blood relatives who are already diagnosed as diabetic.
  • Obesity, especially central obesity(abdominal fat).
  • Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS).

Symptoms to watch out for :

  • Urination very frequent
  • Hungry often
  • Thirsty often
  • Fatigue
  • Slow healing
  • Blurred vision

Lifestyle Changes :

  • WEIGHTLOSS : Aim for realistic weight loss goals, motivate yourself to keep up with a regular exercise routine(physical activity lowers blood glucose levels).
  • HEALTHY EATING : Cut down on Fat, salt and sugar.
  • NO SMOKING
  • Look after your feet
  • Regular eye exams

 

The Hyperactive Epidemic

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) with prescription medication is staggering. Over the past decade an alarming number of parents have been faced with the daunting decision of how to address this growing dilemma.
ADHD is a condition that effects a child’s behaviour or learning (development). These children have three main behavioural problems, inattention, impulsively and over-activity.

As an individual inflicted with ADHD or parent of an ADHD child, you may consider using natural herbal remedies before turning to prescription medication

Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy seeks to treat each child as an individual. A thorough case history is fundamental in prescribing the correct remedy. Homeopathy offers a safe gentle healing, that may be combined with other therapies or treatments. ADHD does not present with the same set of symptoms and reactions in everyone with the disorder. This is one reason why homeopathic treatments are sometimes more effective than the one-size-fits-all approach of conventional medicine.

Nutrition also plays a fundamental role in assisting a hyperactive child. Though there are several types of potent ADHD prescription medications available, many parents prefer using the natural treatment options which includes vitamins and minerals. Try to eliminate processed foods, preservatives, fizzy drinks and excessive amounts of sugar.
Supplements to include in your child’s diet would be zinc, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.

So, for those who are dealing with ADHD and for those parents trying to optimize the environment for your children with ADHD, keep in mind that even if medications are relatively safe, the chance that you can achieve optimal results is still better by creating a supportive environment, optimal rest and nutrition, and creating situations that lessen distractions.

Any changes to medication should always be supervised by a doctor.

Dr. Fatima Hansa

Musgrave Medical Centre, M.Tech: Homeopathy (DUT),Physiology lecturer,DUT, 2015