Karen Alexander Physiotherapist INC

This World Breastfeeding Week, let's show appreciation for breastfeeding mothers and ensure they receive the necessary support.
Different forms of breastfeeding support are essential, whether it's having staff who welcome breastfeeding in local cafes, receiving valuable advice from healthcare professionals, or benefiting from maternity protections provided by the government. These measures play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and rights of women and infants.

Women worldwide have the right to receive respectful breastfeeding guidance from trained healthcare providers, as well as access to laws and policies such as maternity leave and provisions like paid time off upon returning to work.
Together, we can create an environment where women feel empowered to breastfeed anywhere, anytime, while also working towards enhancing the status and well-being of women in various aspects of life.

Key Support for Mothers:
Ensuring women can breastfeed openly without stigma in public settings
Implementing effective maternity benefits that don't force women to choose between work and family
Providing training for healthcare professionals to offer supportive and respectful breastfeeding assistance
Putting an end to exploitative promotions of baby formula in all environments

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This year, The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to actively acknowledge and support breastfeeding mothers, ensuring their visibility and voices are heard. Sharing relatable human stories about breastfeeding and highlighting the significance of comprehensive support are key objectives.

Key components of this support include:

Policies and mindsets that appreciate women and breastfeeding
A healthcare system that is supportive of women and breastfeeding
Upholding women's autonomy and their right to breastfeed at any time and place
Encouraging solidarity and community backing

By taking collective actions, we can empower women to breastfeed for as long as they desire.

This empowerment is not just about the act of breastfeeding itself but also about fostering a nurturing environment that respects and honours the choices of mothers. Businesses, public spaces, and educational institutions can play a pivotal role by providing designated breastfeeding areas, offering flexible schedules, and promoting a culture of acceptance.

Moreover, education is crucial. Informing both mothers and society about the benefits of breastfeeding, for both the baby and the mother, can help dispel myths and build a more supportive community. Workshops, informational campaigns, and peer support groups can serve as valuable resources for new and expecting mothers.

Ultimately, by fostering an inclusive, supportive, and well-informed society, we can create a world where breastfeeding is normalized and celebrated, empowering mothers to make the best choices for themselves and their children.

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This week, we are commemorating World Breastfeeding Week and will be sharing daily updates featuring information from various campaigns and their objectives.

World Breastfeeding Week takes place in the first week of August annually, with support from WHO, UNICEF, WABA, and numerous Ministries of Health and civil society partners. The theme for 2024 is "Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all."

The focus of the campaign will be to honour breastfeeding mothers from diverse backgrounds throughout their breastfeeding journeys. It will also highlight the ways in which families, societies, communities, and healthcare workers can provide unwavering support to every breastfeeding mother.

Join us in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and help us spread the message that every mother deserves the support she needs to provide the best start in life for her child. Together, we can close the gap and make breastfeeding support accessible for all.

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In honor of 𝓝𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓜𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓪 𝓓𝓪𝔂, 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 is thrilled to share a heartwarming moment – a long-awaited wheelchair is finally making its way to a deserving beneficiary! 🦽❤️

This Mandela Day, why not spend your 67 minutes making a difference? Here are a few fun ways you can help:

🧡 Spend 67 minutes sorting 🏷️
🧡 Collect 67 bottle tops or 67 bread tags ♻️
🧡 Tell 67 people about our foundation 🗣️
🧡 Donate R67 to support our cause 💖

Let's celebrate the spirit of giving and community that Nelson Mandela championed. Together, we can make a difference, one tag and top at a time.

𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓳𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝔂. Your contributions are transforming lives!

Corporate wellness week: 1 July - 5 July 2024

Boost corporate wellness with physiotherapy! Reduce work-related musculoskeletal issues, cut sick days, and boost productivity. Plus, promotes stress management and overall well-being for a healthier, motivated team.

Go to https://membership.saphysio.co.za/public to Find a physio in your area!

🌟 Shoutout to Our Amazing Team and Patients at Karen Alexander Physiotherapist Inc🌟

We want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your incredible contributions to our practice. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have been instrumental in our success and growth.

To our talented team: Your commitment to providing top-notch care and creating a welcoming environment for our patients does not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of our practice, and we are grateful for your expertise and passion every day.

To our wonderful patients: Thank you for trusting us with your health and well-being. Your confidence in our care motivates us to strive for excellence. We're honored to be a part of your healing journey.

A special shoutout to Malcolm, our fantastic videographer, for capturing the essence of our practice, and Social Medical for assisting us in growing and reaching new heights.

Check out some behind-the-scenes shots from our recent media campaign ! 📸

Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time. Here's to many more years of success and growth! 💪

From all of us at Karen Alexander Physiotherapist, we extend our warmest wishes to the Muslim community for a joyous and blessed Eid ul-Adha. May this special occasion bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak!

Advancing Heart Rhythm Health:
Contribute to research and support for individuals with heart rhythm disorders by organizing or participating in local events.
These events not only offer financial aid but also foster a sense of community, providing a supportive atmosphere for those affected by these conditions.
Maintain a strong and balanced heart rhythm by embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Engage in regular physical activity, follow a nutritious diet, manage stress, and prioritize adequate rest and sleep.
Let World Heart Rhythm Week 2024 inspire positive change in heart rhythm health.
Raise awareness, advocate for better care, and empower individuals to prioritize their heart health.
Every small action can make a significant difference in someone's life.
Work together to ensure that every heart beats in harmony, promoting a healthier and brighter future for all.

Advancing Heart Rhythm Health:
During World Heart Rhythm Week, let's unite to champion better prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart rhythm disorders. Your involvement in this important initiative helps enhance heart rhythm health globally and enhances the lives of those impacted by these conditions. Together, we can raise awareness, foster early detection, and offer support to individuals in need.

During World Heart Rhythm Week 2024, let's work together to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. By sharing accurate information, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and backing patient advocacy groups, we can improve the timely diagnosis and proper treatment of heart rhythm disorders for more individuals.

Heart rhythm disorders can impact individuals of any age or background. It is essential to proactively recognize the signs, seek medical help when needed, and take preventive actions to safeguard heart health. Encourage your loved ones to stay aware of their heart rhythm and undergo routine check-ups to detect any issues at an early stage.

How to Take Part in World Heart Rhythm Week 2024
World Heart Rhythm Week presents various ways to engage and show your support for this significant event. Here are some impactful ways to join in:

Connect with Healthcare Providers: Get in touch with healthcare providers and organizations to discover their activities during World Heart Rhythm Week. Engage in webinars, workshops, or public talks to enhance your knowledge about heart rhythm disorders and available treatments. Encourage healthcare professionals to actively participate in raising awareness and providing educational materials.

Support Patient Advocacy: Reach out to patient advocacy groups and organizations dedicated to assisting individuals with heart rhythm disorders. Offer your time, resources, or donations to aid in funding research, supporting patients, and promoting educational programs.

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Use World Heart Rhythm Week as a reminder to prioritize your heart health in your daily routine. Embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding to***co and excessive alcohol intake.

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ To all the incredible runners participating in the Comrades Marathon, we are so proud of each and every one of you! Your dedication, perseverance, and sheer willpower inspire us all. Best of luck as you take on this monumental challenge. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. You've got this! 💪🎉

How to Engage in World Heart Rhythm Week 2024
World Heart Rhythm Week provides various avenues for involvement and backing this significant cause. Here are some impactful ways to take part:

Raise Awareness: Utilize social media to spread the word about World Heart Rhythm Week, using relevant hashtags like . Help increase awareness about heart rhythm disorders, their effects on individuals, and the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Educate Yourself and Others: Seize the chance to learn about heart rhythm disorders and their associated risk factors. Understand the signs, symptoms, available treatments, and preventive measures. Share this knowledge with your social circle to equip them with valuable information.

Host Local Activities: Explore the option of arranging or joining local events such as informative sessions, heart health screenings, or charity runs/walks to raise funds for heart rhythm disorder research and support groups. Collaborate with healthcare providers, community hubs, or patient advocacy organizations to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Heart Arrhythmia

Heart rhythm issues, known as heart arrhythmias, arise when the electrical impulses regulating heartbeats malfunction, leading to fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats.
Symptoms of heart arrhythmias can include a racing or fluttering heart, which may be harmless, but some cases can present troubling or life-threatening signs.

Treatment for heart arrhythmias can often manage or eliminate abnormal heartbeats. Additionally, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of arrhythmias, especially when linked to a weakened or damaged heart.

"Crazy Socks for Docs" or is a yearly event that sheds light on the mental health struggles faced by doctors, encouraging open conversations about these challenges. Similar to anyone else, doctors can encounter various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, burnout, fear, and anger.

The demanding nature of their profession, coupled with the situations they encounter, long working hours, and challenging conditions, can leave doctors feeling exposed and susceptible. It is alarming to note that doctors have a higher rate of su***de compared to many other professions.

The Movement's Background
In 2017, Victorian doctor Geoff Toogood, who has personal experience with depression and anxiety, founded Crazy Socks for Docs.

Dr Toogood's inspiration came when he noticed colleagues gossiping about his mental health after wearing mismatched socks to work. In reality, his new puppy had been chewing his socks. This incident highlighted the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health.
The movement, now a global phenomenon, encourages individuals worldwide to wear colourful socks on the first Friday of June. This initiative aims to raise awareness and destigmatize discussions about mental health. For more information, visit https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au.

What is a Normal Heartbeat?

The heart consists of four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles).
Typically, the heart rhythm is regulated by a natural pacemaker (sinus node) located in the right atrium.
The sinus node generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat, causing the atria muscles to contract and pump blood into the ventricles.
Subsequently, the electrical impulses travel to a group of cells known as the atrioventricular (AV) node, which slows down the signal before transmitting it to the ventricles, allowing them to fill with blood.
When the electrical impulses reach the ventricle muscles, they contract, facilitating the pumping of blood to either the lungs or the body.
In a healthy heart, this sequence operates smoothly, resulting in a typical resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.

On June 5th each year, people worldwide unite to observe World Environment Day. This international occasion is not just a moment of celebration but also a significant call to action. Initiated by the United Nations, World Environment Day acts as a stage to highlight the critical environmental issues we encounter and motivate us to discover resolutions.

Every year is dedicated to a particular theme, with previous themes addressing issues such as pollution, wildlife trade, and sustainable consumption.

This year's theme emphasizes the essential theme of "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience" with the rallying cry "Our Land. Our Future. We are ," underscoring the urgent requirement to restore our planet's ecosystems.

Land degradation, desertification, and drought are significant challenges to the health of our planet. These interconnected problems affect food security, biodiversity, and play a role in climate change. Desertification, the transformation of fertile land into desert, affects billions globally. With droughts, prolonged dry spells, becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, ecosystems face added strain.

Contribution to World Environment Day involves a collective effort from individuals, governments, and businesses. Here are ways to get involved:

1. Back organizations engaged in land restoration endeavors.
2. Minimize the consumption of resources that lead to land degradation, such as meat and single-use plastics.
3. Plant trees and indigenous plants on your land or participate in community tree-planting projects.
4. Raise awareness about the significance of land restoration on social media and in discussions.

What is World Heart Rhythm Week 2024?
World Heart Rhythm Week is an annual week-long initiative that sheds light on heart rhythm disorders, also called arrhythmias. Its goal is to inform the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the impact of these conditions on individuals and society. This week serves as a platform to increase awareness, provide support to those affected by heart rhythm disorders, and advocate for improved prevention and treatment measures.

When is World Heart Rhythm Week 2024?
Mark your calendars for World Heart Rhythm Week 2024, scheduled from the 5th to the 11th of June. This event offers a chance for individuals, groups, and healthcare professionals to unite, exchange insights, and work together to enhance heart health and rhythm awareness.

The International Day of Action for Women's Health falls on May 28th every year. It aims to increase awareness and support for women's health and rights, focusing on prioritizing women's health concerns on the global health agenda.

The theme for 2024 highlights the significance of enhancing women's voices in healthcare and policy development. Titled "Our Voices, Our Actions, Our Demand: Uphold Women's Health and Rights Now," it focuses on bridging the existing gaps in women's healthcare services and rights. The goal is to promote a more inclusive and fair healthcare system that meets the distinct needs of women worldwide.

Raising Awareness:
Drawing attention to significant health concerns impacting women worldwide, especially those that are frequently ignored or stigmatized. By shining a light on these matters, this day promotes discussions and knowledge sharing in the public sphere.

Advocacy for Health Rights:
This occasion serves as a platform to advocate for women's health rights, highlighting the importance of policies and initiatives that cater to women's unique health requirements and foster gender equality in healthcare.

Empowering Women
The event centers around women's health, empowering them to proactively manage their well-being. It motivates women to seek knowledge, utilize services, and engage in health-related decision-making.

Global Solidarity:
By uniting women's health advocates, organizations, and communities worldwide, this event promotes a feeling of global solidarity. This collaborative effort bolsters the campaign for women's health rights.

Policy Influence:
This day serves as a chance to impact policy on both national and international scales. Advocates seize the moment to push for changes and funding in women's health services, striving to establish a fairer healthcare system.

Call to Action
On this day, individuals, organisations, and governments are called to:

Support women's health initiatives, raise awareness, empower women to take charge of their health, and foster collaboration among stakeholders for comprehensive women's health care.

World Hypertension Day falls on 17 May each year, and aims to increase awareness, advocate for the prevention, detection, and management of hypertension.

With over one billion individuals globally affected by hypertension (high blood pressure), it stands as a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality worldwide. This prevalent and deadly condition poses a critical public health challenge, resulting in conditions like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and various other health complications.

World Hypertension Day aims to highlight the significance of improved hypertension management. Its goal is to raise awareness among the public about the critical health risks associated with hypertension, as well as to offer guidance on its prevention, early detection, and treatment. The theme for this year is "Accurately measure your blood pressure, take control, and extend your life".

International Nurses Day (IND) is observed globally on May 12, marking the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. The ICN honors this significant day annually by creating and sharing resources and evidence for International Nurses' Day (IND).

Being the largest healthcare profession globally, nurses play a crucial role in accomplishing the Millennium Development Goals. Frequently, nurses are the primary healthcare providers available to a significant number of individuals throughout their lives. This positions nurses uniquely and makes them especially innovative in reaching out to underserved and marginalized communities.

Nurses undergo training to understand the complex elements of maintaining health and well-being. This includes recognizing the impact of psychosocial and socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and ethnicity.

National nurses associations play a crucial role in informing, advising, encouraging, and supporting nurses in their profession. It is vital for NNAs to collaborate with governments and other entities to enhance health systems and establish an environment that enables nurses to make their utmost contribution.

Happy Move for Health Day! Let's celebrate the joy of movement and its countless benefits for our bodies and minds. Keep active, stay healthy! 💪🚶‍♀️

Here is our 2024 version of the Advanced Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.

This will be available on our website soon.

South Africa has dedicated May as National Burn Awareness Month and focuses specifically between 6 – 12 May.

Promoting Awareness and Safety at Home:

Make sure your home has functioning smoke alarms
Create a fire escape plan
Fit quick release devices on security-barred windows
Know at least two escape routes or emergency exits from every room.

Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Make sure you have essential tools like fire extinguishers in the kitchen.
Keep Burnshield products on hand for treating burns.
If there's a fire emergency, dial 10177 for help or 112 from a cell phone.

Hot water or liquids can result in burns. Here are some safety tips:

Set the geyser temperature to 55°C.
While cooking with oil, keep a lid within reach to cover any ignited oil quickly. Alternatively, use a wet cloth or baking powder to extinguish flames.
Avoid pouring water on burning oil as it can spread the fire and lead to an explosion.
Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket handy in the kitchen to be prepared for emergencies.

Electricity has the potential to cause fires or burns.

Avoid overloading electrical circuits, especially with extension cords.
Providing electricity to other properties or buildings using long extensions, particularly if they cross streets, can result in electrocution and fires.
Never operate electrical appliances with wet hands, in wet areas like bathrooms or pools, as water conducts electricity.
Remember to unplug heat-producing appliances when not in use, especially irons and heaters.
Keep heaters at least 1 meter away from flammable items like clothing, furniture, or curtains. Avoid drying clothes on a heater.

For more information visit the National Burn Awareness South Africa website.

World Lupus Day aims to unite lupus organizations and individuals impacted by the disease worldwide, with a shared goal of raising awareness and support to combat the challenges posed by this disabling and sometimes life-threatening autoimmune condition.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks, it occurs in many but not all cases of lupus. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.

Symptoms
Lupus cases vary widely in presentation. Symptoms can appear suddenly or progress gradually, ranging from mild to severe, and may be transient or persistent. Many individuals with lupus experience mild symptoms in the form of flares, where signs worsen temporarily before improving or disappearing entirely for a period.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you may experience will vary depending on the affected body systems. The most typical signs and symptoms comprise:

Fatigue, Fever, Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, Butterfly-shaped rash on the face covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body, Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure, Fingers and toes turning white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods, Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

For further details, contact Lupus Awareness SA at 061 450 3513 or e-mail [email protected]

Move for Health Day plays a crucial role in shaping global and national strategies concerning diet, physical activity, and health. The primary goals are to:

Support the establishment of ongoing national and community-based physical activity projects, policies, and schemes
Enhance the involvement of the general population in physical activities
Encourage participation in physical activities through sports organizations, events, and other socio-cultural platforms
Advocate for healthy habits and lifestyles and tackle health-related concerns through sports and physical activities like promoting no to***co use, healthy eating, reducing violence, stress, and social isolation.

On Movement for Health Day, we, as physiotherapists, recommend improving your health by incorporating more movement into your daily routine. Here are some advantages of reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity:

Engaging in physical activity helps prevent muscle and bone density loss.
Being physically inactive increases the likelihood of developing lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes.
Physical activity enhances mood and serves as an effective method for preventing and managing mild depression.
Taking breaks from prolonged sitting lowers blood pressure.
Consistent light-intensity physical activity contributes to heart health.

It’s Palliative Care Week 💜💚 and we just wanted to say a big thank you to all the palliative care centres for the amazing work they do.

For all the centres that lack funding for wheelchairs - please contact us and we will be happy to help 🦽💜💚

Sweethearts, please comment and tag any palliative care / hospice centres that we might be able to help

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💪 It's the week of Global Move for Health Day! 🌍 Let's celebrate the power of movement in improving health and well-being worldwide. Keep moving, stay active, and inspire others to join the journey to a healthier future!