Conditions & Care

By Dr Eathon Pekeur — Sports Medicine How nicotine subtly impairs cardiovascular efficiency and limits performance—even in well-conditioned athletes Performance in sport is measured in seconds—but lost in systems most athletes never see. At the centre of it all sits the cardiovascular system, quietly determining how much work the body can sustain. It is often

By Dr Andile Pieterson & Dr Ayanda Mthembu (TwinsOnEyes) — Optometrists Learning disabilities are neurobiological disorders that affect the brain’s ability to process, store, and communicate information, resulting in challenges with reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or math (dyscalculia). While not linked to low intelligence, they are lifelong conditions often diagnosed in school. Common signs include

By Dr Jacques Conradie — Neurosurgeon When people imagine a pediatric neurosurgical ward, they often picture rare and dramatic conditions—complex brain tumours, unusual congenital deformities, or extremely rare syndromes. While these conditions do exist, the reality in many African hospitals is quite different. Walk into most pediatric neurosurgical units across the continent and you will

By Dr Khutso N. Sebetseba — Paediatrician | Pocket Paediatrics with Dr K -Why Behaviour Often Reflects Overload, Not Defiance When autism is discussed in everyday conversation, the focus often falls on behaviour. -Why does the child avoid eye contact? -Why do they repeat movements? -Why do they have meltdowns , or struggle in busy

By Dr Jasmine Ramiah — Clinical Haematology A reduced neutrophil count is a laboratory finding most clinicians encounter occasionally which in certain instances is transient and clinically insignificant owing to a reactive process. In others, however, neutropenia can pose a significant and material risk factor for sepsis termed ‘neutropenic sepsis’ which is a haematological emergency

By Dr Andile Pieterson & Dr Ayanda Mthembu (TwinsOnEyes) — Optometrists Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” it develops slowly and usually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes are detected permanent damage may already have occurred. Understanding

By Dr Jason Bennett — Gynaecologist For decades, the fight against cervical cancer in South Africa has been a battle of logistics as much as biology. We have possessed the weapon—a highly effective vaccine—since the mid-2000s. Yet, in 2020, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death among our women . The hurdle has

By Dr Wicus Grové — Emergency Medicine “In striving long against the failing breath, We learn how thin the border stands with death.” There is a moment in every resuscitation that arrives without ceremony. It does not announce itself with alarms or rhythm changes. No monitor signals its approach. It emerges quietly, somewhere between cycles

By Dr Jasmine Ramiah — Clinical Haematology The blood count that counts. Introduction: The South African Reality Anaemia is one of the most common presentations encountered in South African clinical practice. National statistics postulate that approximately one-third of women of reproductive age and up to 40% of young children experience anaemia. South Africa has an

By Dr Jacques Conradie — Neurosurgeon In everyday life, most people experience occasional neurological symptoms such as mild headaches, moments of “brain fog,” forgetfulness, or dizziness. In most cases, these symptoms are harmless and temporary. The brain functions best under optimal conditions and is highly sensitive to lack of sleep, dehydration, low blood sugar, and