Your Wellness Matters, Issue 4

The community paper to whom your wellness matters.

IN THIS ISSUE

PARTNERS:

October/November 2015 Issue 4

MattersYourEnglish

MEDIAtenPUBLISHING

The Golden Bow a symbol for breastfeeding protection, promotion and support.

WesternCape on Wellness

YOU CAN BE SAFE How to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence

Why do we need to talk about violence against women and children?

You can be safeHow to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence.

South Africa has the highest rate of abuse, rape and physical assault against women in the world. During pregnancy, women have a higher chance of experiencing abuse.

I used to feel sad all the time. I used to feel useless, but now I feel I can do something.

Pauline

Women and girls are most at risk of violence from men they know, particularly in the family.

Violence against women has serious mental, physical and sexual health consequences.

Knowing the facts will help you recognise the signs and symptoms, so you or someone you know can find help.

Violence takes many forms Physical violence: punching, kicking, slapping, pushing or burning.

Emotional violence and abuse: insults, constant humiliation, intimidation, threats of harm, or threats to take away the children.

Sexual violence: forced sexual intercourse and other kinds of sexual coercion.

Continued on page 3

1 You can be safe How to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence

2 Its almost that time of the year again the silly season as it has been coined by someone.

4 Metrorail joins the WoW! healthy lifestyles initiative

6 COMPETITION! Preventing and managing diabetes

7 Simple steps for keeping healthy

8 Keep that ticker ticking

10 RECIPE! Omelette with broccoli and cheese

12 Life and funeral cover

2 Your Wellness Matters Issue 4 October/November 2015 MEDIAtenPUBLISHING

CREDITS

Your Wellness Matters is the first free wellness community newspaper created to assist people in understanding all aspects of wellness.

The Business Centre1 Bridgeways RoadBridgeways PrecinctCentury CityCape Town7441

[email protected]+27 (0)21 830 5490/ +27 (0)21 388 5522 www.44tenmedia.co.za

Managing editorsJehad Kasu Dali Chiwara

Staff writersTasneem Smith Nicole Watson

Shared services divisionMymoena Sedick

DesignerCatherine van Dyk

Proofreading and Afrikaans translations Lois-Mari Swanepoel

Xhosa translationsNobuntu Stengile

[email protected]

PrintingPaarl Coldset

Published by 44Ten MEDIA Publishing

Contributors Western Cape Department of Health Heart and Stroke Foundation CANSA Metropolitan Group Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP)

MEDIAtenPUBLISHING

But lets not be silly about our wellness. The festive season is a joyous period of fun and festivities, often overflowing with lots of food, beverages and an inadequate amount of physical activity.

We remind you that a healthy life is a way of life. And what this means is that we must be consistent with the small efforts we make to improve our health and wellness even during the holidays.

Its almost that time of the year again the silly season as it has been coined by someone

Your Wellness Matters managing editors, Dali Chiwara and Jehad Kasu.

We encourage our readers to value and

respect themselves, as well as all other citizens of our beautiful city, by caring for one another, especially our women,

children and senior citizens.

For example, you usually walk a combined 2km to and from work every day, but now you are on leave for two weeks during December and dont have to walk to work for 14 days. Try to continue walking this distance while on leave; take your family and friends with you, encouraging them to do the same.

November observes Diabetes Awareness Month and 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children. Both of these diseases yes, abuse is a disease are at risk of escalating during the festive season because of unhealthy eating and alcohol abuse.

We encourage our readers to value and respect themselves, as well as all other citizens of our beautiful city, by caring for one another, especially our women, children and senior citizens.

The festive season often puts pressure on people to buy goods/services on credit which they cannot afford. Have a look at the new feature in Your Wellness Matters, where experts at Metropolitan discuss and answer your questions about financial wellness.

We wish you all a safe and joyous festive season.

Until next month

Eat healthy. Keep moving. And keep it up!

We remind you that a healthy life

is a way of life. And what this means

is that we must be consistent with the

small efforts we make to improve our health and wellness even

during the holidays.

3Your Wellness Matters Issue 4 October/November 2015tenPUBLISHING

MEDIAtenPUBLISHING

The Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) is based at the University of Cape Town, located within the Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health.

The PMHP actively addresses the challenges associated with gender-based violence, teen pregnancy, HIV, substance abuse, refugee statusand early childhood development through its clinical engagement with vulnerable women and their families, training of staff that interact with these women, research projects and advocacy work.

www.pmhp.za.org

@PMHPatUCT

PerinatalMentalHealthProject

Controlling behaviours: isolating ones partner from friends and family, monitoring their movements or restricting access to financial resources, employment, education and healthcare.

He was always so sorry afterwards, I used to believe each time that he would stop it. It was like a story I was telling myself. When my lung got punctured, I realised I needed to make a plan to get out for good.

Sarah

Continued from page 1 You have choicesAny and all forms of abuse are a violation of a persons human rights the right to dignity, freedom, equality and security. The truth is there is no need for you or anyone else to tolerate this behaviour and you do not need to face this alone. There is help.

You can live a life without fear. Here are some steps you can take to be safe: Ask someone for help. Speak to a health

worker, social worker, friend or family member about options to stay safe.

Contact any of the organisations listed at the end of this article. These organisations are dedicated to the safety and well-being of women, and their staff are trained to help you.

Taking a stand against violence The 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children is an international awareness-raising campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November to 10 December. This period includes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, International Human Rights Day, Universal Childrens Day and World AIDS Day.

South Africa adopted the campaign in 1998 as one of the intervention strategies towards creating a society free of violence. The campaign continues to raise awareness among South Africans about the negative impact of violence against women and children on all members of the community.

What can you do? Say something prevent and respond Encourage victims to talk about abuse and

ensure that they get help. Report child abuse to the police. Talk to friends, relatives and colleagues to

take a stand against the abuse of women and children.

Try and understand how your own attitudes and actions might perpetuate sexism and violence.

Spread the message on social media using #16Days2015

The truth about abuse is: help is out there!Contact professional help: Mosaic Centre for Women and Children (021 761 7585) Rape Crisis (021 447 1467) Saartjie Baartman Centre (021 633 5287)

Your Wellness Matters managing editors, Dali Chiwara and Jehad Kasu.


Metrorail joins the WoW! healthy lifestyles initiative

35 Metrorail staff members have recently signed up to become workplace participants of the WoW! (WesternCape on Wellness) initiative. This programme, which is aimed at promoting health and well-being of individuals and groups within the workplace, will run for a period of six months. In addition to conducting regular discussions and participating in workplace-related physical activities, participants are also assessed on a monthly basis to evaluate progress towards achieving their personal healthy lifestyle goals.

The purpose of the WoW! programme as defined by the Western Cape Government Department of Health (WCDoH) is to promote healthy lifestyles by using a settings-based approach within the workplace. The programme is furthermore focused on providing support within the work

environment for the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight and managing ones health.

The WoW! initiative, which includes regular dialogue among participants, exchange of eating plans and workplace as well as outdoor exercises, has over a short period significantly contributed to informed employees making small, health-conscious lifestyle changes with the spin-off of such changes evident in the

weight loss and improved blood pressure among participants. I am delighted at the 2 kg I have lost since joining the programme. Moreover, I am confident that I will reach my goal of shedding 15 kg by the end of the year, says Patricia Edson.

The daily flight of stairs walk often referred to as a stair break (with reference to employees indulging in a smoke break) has become a sought-after workplace activity.

When I heard about the WoW! programme, I was very eager to join. At first I thought that it was a type of diet with strict instructions, however I soon discovered that it is not about being on a diet, but a guide to healthier living. Each participant was issued a welcome pack which included two Heart Healthy recipe books, a WoW! participant guide and a buff, which we could wear when we participate in the activities.

Before commencing the programme, all participants had to sign indemnity forms and be declared medically fit to continue before being assessed by the Sports Science Institute team and a biokeneticist. The assessment included blood pressure reading, height and weight measurements, BMI assessments as well as a 12-minute fitness test. The team from the Sport Science Institute will be visiting the WoW! team again in three, six, nine and 12-month intervals of the programme to measure progress made.

The WoW! team regularly meets up for movement activities that take place during the week, for example the Paul Sauer building participants climb stairs daily at 10:00.

WoW! testimonial by Merencia Hendricks of Metrorail

Continued on page 10

At first I thought that it was a type of diet with strict instructions, however I soon discovered

that it is not about being on a diet, but a guide to healthier living.

The daily flight of stairs walk often referred to as a stair break (with reference to employees

indulging in a smoke break) has become a sought-after workplace activity.

Merencia Hendricks

Members of Metrorails WoW! team

tenPUBLISHING

The daily flight of stairs walk often referred to as a stair break (with reference to employees

indulging in a smoke break) has become a sought-after workplace activity.

Your Wellness M

atters Issue 4 October/N

ovember 2015 pg 5


Measure your waist todayMen: Do you havea waist size ofmore than 94 cm?

Women: Do youhave a waist sizeof more than 80 cm?

PREVENTING AND MANAGING DIABETESCompetition! Win airtime by finding out how much you know about diabetes!

Go through the list and decide which of the statements are true or false, and send the answer to only Question 1. The right answers for all the questions will be in the next issue of Your Wellness Matters. Enter by sending the answer, your name, address and telephone number to [email protected] or SMS it to 082 350 2882. Closing date is Friday, 27 November 2015.

1 True or FalseDiabetes runs in families and you cant do much to avoid it.

2 True or FalseI will have diabetes for the rest of my life.

3 Being overweight is harmful to my health.

12 A healthy lifestyle (healthy eating, physical activity, healthy body weight, etc.) can reduce my risk of developing diabetes.



WIN R200 airtime

Do 30 min

.

of physica

l

activity pe

r day

it does n

ot

mean going

to the

gym.

(Send the answer to this question to us)

True or False

4 True or FalseHerbal products can cure me of diabetes.

5 To control my diabetes, I only need to take my medication. True or False

6 True or FalseStress causes diabetes.

7 If I dont manage my diabetes, there is a chance of developing complications. True or False

8 True or FalsePeople with diabetes cant eat fruit.

9 It is better to drink fruit juice than to drink soft drinks if you have diabetes. True or False

10 True or FalseUsing brown sugar instead of white sugar is better for diabetics.

11 Changes in my eating habits can have a big effect on diabetes. True or False

True or False

13 If you have type 2 diabetes you will never need to take insulin. True or False

14 Exercise means going to the gym or playing a sport. True or False

15 Low fat on the label doesnt mean that food is healthy. True or False

Carrying extra body fat, especially around the stomach area, means you have a greater chance of

getting diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, back and knee pain, gout ...

Ask your local clinic if you need help to lose weight

Normal SMS rates apply.

7Your Wellness Matters Issue 4 October/November 2015tenPUBLISHING

MEDIAtenPUBLISHING

True or False

The Western Cape Government Health and its partners* are testing a different approach to promote and activate healthy lifestyles together with citizens of the Western Cape. The aim is to prevent and successfully reduce chronic health conditions which are on the increase among children and adults of all ages. These conditions include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and other health conditions related to the heart and lungs. Lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, being overweight, smoking and drinking too much alcohol are major risk factors for developing chronic conditions.

WoW! (WesternCape on Wellness) wants to increase the wellness of people by supporting them to make gradual changes to their behaviour in order to develop healthy habits such as increased physical activity, healthier eating and by having a healthy weight. The idea is to encourage Small Changes for BIG Benefits! Below are steps you can take towards a healthier lifestyle start today! Please share this information with your family, friends and community. And let us know your tips for being more physically active and for healthier eating (and cooking). We would like to share your ideas with other readers in the next edition of Your Wellness Matters together creating a culture of wellness in the Western Cape!

For more information about WoW!, please contact us with your full name and telephone number on [email protected] or [email protected] or SMS 082 350 2882.

SIMPLE STEPS FOR KEEPING HEALTHY

Walk more. Walk faster.

Walk up escalators stand left, pass on the

right.

Dance

and move

to music.

Exercise in groups to stay motivated.

Do gardening.

Sit less, stand more. And stand

up when your phone rings.

Play games with your kids.

Choose exercise that you

enjoy have fun!

Do 30 min

.

of physica

l

activity pe

r day

it does n

ot

mean going

to the

gym.

Take the stairs instead of the lift.

KEY MESSAGES: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Taste f

ood

before a

dding

salt and

remove

the

salt pot

from

the tabl

e.

Use alternatives for salt, such as lemon juice, garlic or ginger.

Drink at

least six/

eight

glasses of

water per

day.

Limit fast foods and fizzy drinks to special occasions.

Watch your weight

know what your healthy

weight should be.

Eat fiv

e

fruits a

nd

veg per

day.

Enjoy a

variety of good-

quality nutritious

foods, including

plenty of

vegetables and

fruit every day.

KEY MESSAGES:

HEALTHY EATING

Try to cut out adding sugar to your tea and coffee.



Balance the amount of food you eat (energy in) with physical activity (energy out).

KEY MESSAGES: MOTIVATION

Start w

here

you are.

Use

what yo

u

have. Do

what yo

u can.

Make small changes for BIG benefits!Im doing it for me.

* WoW! partners:Western Cape Government: Health, Cultural Affairs and Sport, Education, Agriculture, Community Safety, Transport and Public Works, the Premier/eG4C; City of Cape Town: Urban Agriculture; Eskom Western Cape; Metrorail Western Cape; University of Cape Town; University of the Western Cape; University of Stellenbosch; 44ten Media, The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, BASA (Biokinetics Association of South Africa); Pharma Dynamics; CapeMedia; Ubuntu Touch Project; Mamelani Projects; CPOA (Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged); HealthInsite; Capitec Bank.

Additional sponsors: Discovery Vitality; Virgin Active; FNB.

Adopting an inclusive approach, additional organisations and individuals with related expertise and a keen interest are encouraged to join the partnership to co-create a culture of wellness!


Keep that ticker tickingAs we get older, wrinkles and grey hairs may be inevitable, but heart disease doesnt have to be. Its never too early to start looking after your heart or too late! A healthy lifestyle eating better, moving more and not smoking can help protect you. Lets look at some ways that seniors should be caring for their heart health.

1 Read before you eat Get out those specs because reading food packaging can help you make the healthy choice. Use the ingredient list to help choose foods that are lower in salt. Look out for words that will inform you if salt has been added: salt, any ingredient with sodium, MSG, baking powder or baking soda. If any of these appear in the first three ingredients, the food is likely to be high in salt. Look out for the Heart Mark logo these foods are lower in unhealthy fats, sugar and salt, and higher in fibre (where applicable), making these healthier choices for your heart.

2 Ban the salt shaker South Africans eat almost twice the amount of salt that is recommended. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, and South Africa has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure worldwide, with almost eight out of 10 people over the age of 50 living with high blood pressure. Take the salt grinder or shaker off the table the easiest way to reduce your salt intake is to stop adding salt at the table. Continue doing this for a few weeks and your taste buds will start to adjust.

3 Up your fibre Fibre slows down absorption of food, making you feel fuller for longer and controlling energy levels. Upping your fibre intake can also improve your cholesterol levels and help to ward off diabetes. Aim for five portions of fruits and vegetables, and exchange refined grains for wholegrains, as these are good sources of fibre.

4 Action satisfaction Being active does not necessarily equal sweating on the treadmill in the gym. Activity should be something that is practical, sustainable and enjoyable for you. It could be dancing in the living room with your grandchildren, weekly gardening or a walk around the neighbourhood. Aim for 150 minutes a week: you decide how you fit this into your lifestyle from 10 minutes at a time to a couple of longer sessions throughout the week.

5 Check you out! Older age places more importance on frequent check-ups or at least an annual visit to your physician, GP or nearest clinic. Check-ups may be required more regularly if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also have your blood sugar (glucose) checked at least every three years. Have you been checked this year?

Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

tenPUBLISHING

As we get older, wrinkles and grey hairs may be inevitable, but heart disease doesnt have to be. Its never too early to start looking after your heart or too late! A healthy lifestyle eating better, moving more and not smoking can help protect you. Lets look at some ways that seniors should be caring for their heart health.

Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

MOBILE HEALTH CLINICMOBILE HEALTH CLINIC

Volunteer Snapshot

Fund Development

R21 351 163*

129

282

892

36

675

98

28

R4 775 445

R866 141

R1 126 419

R1 009 073

R269 746

R610 310

R180 173

R282 955

R991 403

R6 133 165

Liaison Committees

Health Programme volunteers

Care and Support volunteers

Administration volunteers

Fund Development volunteers

Phakamisa Navigators to assist with cancer support and

care to breast cancer patients

Movember Navigators to assist with cancer support and

care to prostate and testicular cancer patients

The following main events were successfully championed

with the help of our dedicated volunteers:

CANSA Relay For Life -

CANSA Shavathon -

Sanlam Cancer Challenge -

Cuppa For CANSA -

Teledonations -

Toktokkie (Tap-Tap) -

Breast Health Walks -

Jail n Bail-

Special regional events-

Other (Grants, Donations & Bequests) -

Health Awareness by Numbers

Screening by Numbers

Support by Numbers

164 379 2 913

24 762 248

17 568 250

4 376 120

21 992 66

49 478

1 932 2 706

4 244 1 630

2 680

69 267

72

153

105

39 810

9 680

1 004

13 063

50

3 755

1 498

24 814

294

people were reached with talks on cancer

awareness

people were reached through cancer

awareness exhibitions, health days and health camps

people were reached with talks on screening

and early detection

people were reached through screening and

early detection exhibitions

A total of youth were educated at schools and

educational facilities

cancer awareness leaflets were distributed

We conducted screening some in partnership with the

Department of Health (DoH) at Care Centres, as well as in

remote areas using our Mobile Health Clinics

Pap smears for cervical cancer plus with DoH

Clinical Breast Examinations and with DoH

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to detect

prostate abnormalities

Skin cancer examinations and FotoFinder

examinations

Assessed people to determine their healthy lifestyle risk

Conducted HIV rapid tests - finger prick blood tests

Performed blood glucose tests for diabetes

Patient care provided to cancer survivors and their

loved ones

survivors were cared for at home (home-based care)

patients were accommodated at the four CANSA

Care Homes ( bed-days)

support groups established and maintained - attended

by survivors

Medical equipment and other assistive devices were made

available to people

patients were supported at oncology clinics whilst

receiving cancer treatment

beneficiaries received care and support as part of the

CANSA TLC programme

On average abnormalities were detected in

the total number of screenings done

8%

DID IN2014/2015

MOBILE HEALTH CLINICMOBILE HEALTH CLINIC

LOOK WHATCANSA SBU

*Unaudited income figures at the time of print

76 65Toll-free 0800 22 66 22 www.cansa.org.za

Health awareness by numbers 164 379 people were reached with 2 913 talks on cancer

awareness 24 762 people were reached through 248 cancer

awareness exhibitions, health days and health camps 17 568 people were reached with 250 talks on screening

and early detection 4 376 people were reached through 120 screening and

early detection exhibitions A total of 21 992 youths were educated at 66 schools and

educational facilities 49 478 cancer awareness leaflets were distributed

Screening by numbersWeve conducted screenings some in partnership with the Department of Health (DoH) at care centres, as well as in remote areas using our mobile health clinics. 1 932 pap smears for cervical cancer plus 2 706 with DoH 4 244 clinical breast examinations and 1 630 with DoH 2 680 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to detect

prostate abnormalities Skin cancer examinations and 267 FotoFinder

examinations Assessed 72 people in determining their healthy lifestyle

risk Conducted 153 HIV rapid tests (finger prick blood tests) Performed 105 blood glucose tests for diabetes

On average 8% of abnormalities were detected in the total number of screenings done.

Support by numbers Patient care provided to 39 810 cancer survivors and

their loved ones 9 680 survivors were cared for at home (home-based

care) 1 004 patients were accommodated at the four CANSA

care homes (13 063 bed days) 50 support groups established and maintained

attended by 3 755 survivors Medical equipment and other assistive devices were

made available to 1 498 people 24 814 patients were supported at oncology clinics while

receiving cancer treatment 294 beneficiaries received care and support as part of

the CANSA TLC programme

Volunteer snapshot fund development R21 351 163* 129 liaison committees 282 health programme volunteers 892 care and support volunteers 36 administration volunteers 675 fund development volunteers 98 Phakamisa navigators to assist with cancer support and

care to breast cancer patients 28 Movember navigators to assist with cancer support

and care to prostate and testicular cancer patients

Fund development R21 351 163*The following main events were successfully championed with the help of our dedicated volunteers:CANSA Relay For Life R4 775 445CANSA Shavathon R866 141Sanlam Cancer Challenge R1 126 419Cuppa For CANSA R1 009 073Teledonations R269 746Toktokkie (Tap-Tap) R610 310Breast Health Walks R180 173Jail n Bail R282 955Special regional events R991 403Other (grants, donations and bequests) R6 133 165

* Unaudited income figures at the time of print.

LOOK WHAT CANSA SBU DID IN 2014/2015

Your Wellness M


ovember 2015 pg 9

10 Your Wellness Matters Issue 4 October/November 2015 MEDIA

Omelette with broccoli and cheese (Serves 4) Ready in 30 minutesThis makes a delicious breakfast or quick and light dinner, and is a great way to use up leftover veggies.

Youll need:2 tbsp (30 ml) sunflower or canola oil1 onion; finely sliced100 g broccoli; cut in florets1 tbsp (15 ml) dried mixed herbs Lemon juice to tasteBlack pepper to taste6 eggs; beaten tsp (2,5 ml) salt1/3 cup (80 ml) Cheddar or mozzarella cheese; grated

Method1. Heat half of the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry onion

until soft.2. Add broccoli and herbs and fry for a few more minutes until

broccoli is just cooked, but still crunchy.3. Season broccoli with a few drops of lemon juice and pepper.4. Beat eggs and salt together. 5. Add remaining oil to the veggies in the pan and stir through.6. Pour egg evenly over veggies, but dont stir, then reduce heat

slightly. 7. Allow egg to set and lift cooked egg around the edges with an

egg lifter to allow raw egg to run in underneath. Continue this process until most of the egg has set, but dont stir the eggs.

8. Sprinkle with cheese and allow to melt slightly.9. Cover with a lid for a few minutes or until the egg is just set on top.10. Serve with salad, slices of tomato or a slice of wholewheat toast.

A dollop of chutney or sweet chilli sauce will also be delicious.

Tips:1. Any veggies of your choice can be used for this omelette. If the

veggies have lots of liquid like mushrooms or tomatoes, first saut them for a few minutes (like the broccoli in step 2), otherwise it could draw water once the egg is added.

2. Rocket leaves and spinach are also delicious with this omelette.3. Substitute Cheddar or mozzarella cheese with a slice of feta (if

preferred).

This recipe can be found in Cooking from the Heart 2, a joint initiative between the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa and Pharma Dynamics.

Recipe

The entire WoW! team also enjoys regular movement activities which include skipping rope, running/walking, ball skills (netball) as well as a walk to the Companys Gardens. The WoW! team will also be participating at the Zumba classes during the EAP wellness campaign in October. However, the participation and motivation does not stop there; our WoW! champions keep us motivated and inspired with tips and ideas on how to become more active and healthy with regular emails.

Since I joined I have made the personal decision to cut out all forms of sugar as far as possible, switched from white flour and grains to wholewheat and made a conscious effort to move more. As I am unable to climb stairs due to two knee operations, I downloaded a pedometer application to my cell phone. I set my initial goal for 2 000 steps a day and I have since increased it to

The WoW! programme serves as a big motivation for me to change my lifestyle, particularly relating to exercise. Before joining the programme, I could barely walk up two flights of stairs. I am delighted with the progress Ive made in

WoW! testimonial by Patricia Edson

Continued from page 4 4 500 steps a day, with my aim eventually being able to walk 10 000 steps a day. I am happy to state that by making a few minor changes Ive dropped 2 kg in one week, which is amazing, since the first time I set foot on the dreaded scale I felt quite depressed.

WoW! is an amazing project that will guide us to healthier living. We often take our health for granted and forget that conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks and strokes can all be prevented by making small changes now, rather than later.

Patricia Edson

under one month resulting in me now easily walking up six flights of stairs. For me it was a personal achievement and I am proud of my commitment to achieve my goal of being able to walk up 13 flights of stairs. Furthermore, I am also encouraged by the fact that since joining the WoW! programme, I have shed 2 kg, and am confident that I will reach the targeted goal of losing 15 kg before our next WoW! screening date.

MS PETERSEN, YOUVE COME A LONG WAY.NOW LETS GO EVEN FURTHER.

METAD_201508

At Metropolitan, we know that starting your own business can be very challenging, especially when youre from a modest background like Ms Petersen. Thankfully, with the help of a hard-working Metropolitan savings plan, she managed to turn her lifes passion into a stable income.

With expert advice and a range of life, health, funeral cover and investment plans, youll nd the perfect way to create a nancially secure future and make your dreams a reality.

For more information call 0860 724 724 or visit www.metropolitan.co.za

8. Sprinkle with cheese and allow to melt slightly.9. Cover with a lid for a few minutes or until the egg is just set on top.10. Serve with salad, slices of tomato or a slice of wholewheat toast.

A dollop of chutney or sweet chilli sauce will also be delicious.

Tips:1. Any veggies of your choice can be used for this omelette. If the

veggies have lots of liquid like mushrooms or tomatoes, first saut them for a few minutes (like the broccoli in step 2), otherwise it could draw water once the egg is added.

2. Rocket leaves and spinach are also delicious with this omelette.3. Substitute Cheddar or mozzarella cheese with a slice of feta (if

preferred).

MS PETERSEN, YOUVE COME A LONG WAY.NOW LETS GO EVEN FURTHER.

METAD_201508

At Metropolitan, we know that starting your own business can be very challenging, especially when youre from a modest background like Ms Petersen. Thankfully, with the help of a hard-working Metropolitan savings plan, she managed to turn her lifes passion into a stable income.

With expert advice and a range of life, health, funeral cover and investment plans, youll nd the perfect way to create a nancially secure future and make your dreams a reality.

For more information call 0860 724 724 or visit www.metropolitan.co.za

Your Wellness M


ovember 2015 pg 11


LIFE AND FUNERAL COVERQ&A with Cebisa Mfenyana, Advertising and PR manager, Client Solutions, Metropolitan.

What is the difference between life and funeral cover?

Life cover ensures that your loved ones can continue with the lifestyle they are accustomed to, even when you are no longer there to support them. It is there to pay off your outstanding debt on your home, or any other debt that you may have, after you pass away.

Funeral cover is insurance that you take to bury yourself or a loved one with dignity. The payout amount for funeral cover is much smaller than the life cover payout.

What must be done to ensure a successful claim for cover?

Read the fine print! When you receive your policy documents, always make sure that you read them or get someone you trust to read them with you. If there are things in those documents that you do not understand, contact your financial advisor for clarity.

Make sure that if you have a debit or stop order, that the money is deducted on the date that you requested or agreed upon. Ensure that all your premiums are paid on the agreed date.

Inform your insurer of your change of address, contact number or marital status.

If you are unable to pay your premiums, contact your insurer immediately and make the necessary arrangements with them.

What is the normal waiting period to receive funeral benefits?

This differs per company and per funeral cover. Always find out from the outset what the waiting period will be. A waiting period is the amount of time in which you do not have cover, even though you are paying premiums. The waiting period is not related to the number of premiums paid it depends on the number of months that have passed since the cover began.

The waiting period starts from the day that your first premium is received. In the case where the funeral benefit is increased, a separate waiting period will apply on the increased portion from the date that the increased premium is received.

Waiting periods can apply when you:

first start your policy; change your cover level; and add a person to your policy.

Do I get any cover while in my waiting period?

Some funeral and life cover policies offer accidental death cover from when you sign up and some from when the first premium is received.

Can one add or change beneficiaries in the future?

Yes. You must ensure that you have at least one beneficiary for all your insurance policies. A beneficiary is someone who will receive the payout when you die. Beneficiaries must be 18 years or older minors cannot be beneficiaries. A beneficiary should be someone you trust to take care of your loved ones on your behalf after you are gone.

Are there any medical tests required?

This depends on the policy you take out. There are a variety of life and funeral policies available and each have their individual rules. There are some funeral and life policies that do not require medical tests and some that do.

Why is it important to take out funeral cover?

Funeral cover ensures that you are able to afford a dignified funeral for yourself or a loved one when you/they pass away.

How much funeral cover is sufficient?

This depends on each individual, their needs and the premium they are able to afford.

Is it possible to cover extended family with funeral cover?

Many funeral policies offer cover for extended families, but some do not.

Your Financial Wellness brought you by Metropolitan.

For more information call 0860 724 724 or visit www.metropolitan.co.za Cebisa Mfenyana, METROPOLITAN.

Life cover ensures that your loved ones can continue with the lifestyle they are accustomed to, even when you are no

longer there to support them. It is there to pay off your outstanding debt on your

home, or any other debt that you may have, after you pass away.

Documents

Your Wellness Matters, Issue 4