Our lifestyles are killing us

Make healthy changes now or we will regret it, GEMS PO warns

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

"The impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the country's economy, society and health system has been significant, as is evident from statistics drawn from GEMS's membership," says Dr Gunvant Goolab, Principal Officer of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS).

"One-in-four of our beneficiaries has one or more chronic or non-communicable diseases - that is over 300 000 of our beneficiaries. Our claims database indicates that patients with these conditions are more likely to experience a range of health complications, which can then result in hospitalisation. When members are ill and in hospital - it not only reflects the fact that they are not enjoying good health, it also impacts on their productivity and, as a consequence, on the economy," he adds.

NCDs are responsible for more deaths globally than infectious diseases, with a recent Statistics SA report finding that diabetes is now the second leading cause of death in South Africa. According to Stats SA, in 2015, non-communicable diseases were the cause of death for 62,5% of women aged 65 and above, and constituted 48% for men.

"We have rightly prioritised the focus on HIV and communicable diseases such as tuberculosis [TB], given the high incidence of these conditions in South Africa, which are amongst the highest in the world. It has been the right focus, but the issue of non-communicable diseases is a global phenomenon related to urbanisation, poor diet and lack of exercise contributing to lifestyle diseases."

"A nutritional survey conducted in South Africa showed that 40% of men are overweight or obese and 70% of our women are overweight or obese," Dr Goolab notes. "This is one of the underlying drivers of the increase in non-communicable diseases, and what we all need to work towards addressing.
 
"While it is essential that we continue to work on health interventions focusing on HIV and TB, we must start addressing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases more strongly."

Dr Goolab says there are a number of measures that are within reach of individuals to improve their overall health. "Changing the types of food that we eat, such as fast foods, which contain high levels of sugar, salt, carbohydrates and saturated fats - that is the first component. While NCDs cannot always be prevented, taking individual responsibility for our health gives us each the best possible chance of limiting our risk of developing these types of conditions," he observes.

"Secondly, abstaining from tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption has proven health benefits." Dr Goolab adds.

"Thirdly, we need to address the modern tendency towards increasingly sedentary or inactive lifestyles. This is so bad for our health that some experts draw a parallel between sitting and smoking. In an attempt to address this problem, GEMS has introduced a workplace Fitness Programme to encourage departments to embrace the importance of keeping active as a priority. The employer also benefits through improved productivity of the workforce," he says. 

GEMS offers its members specific disease management programmes (DMPs) to help manage various chronic diseases and conditions with healthcare advice from a support team and qualified nurses to help patients. This includes a Chronic Medicine Programme, a HIV/Aids Disease Management Programme, an Oncology (Cancer) Management Programme, an Optometry and Dental Management Programme, as well as a Maternity Programme.

Dr Goolab says that fewer than half of the World Health Organization Africa region countries have an operational, multi-sectoral, integrated NCD policy, strategy or action plan - but the good news is that South Africa is among the countries that do.

"In terms of our country's development, tackling the causes of NCDs is crucial to our future. Let us not forget that NCDs account for over half of the overall burden of disease in lower-middle income countries, and close to one-third in low-income countries. The evidence shows that this burden increased by nearly 30% between 2000 and 2015.

"Where incidence of NCDs can be reduced through prevention measures, this can make a profound difference not only to our healthcare systems, but in individuals' lives and to the country's economy. The benefits will not necessarily be felt immediately, but our collective future will be brighter if we work together to combat NCDs," Dr Goolab concludes.