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Joining the fight against TB

On 24 March the World will celebrate World TB Day, an important health awareness day in South Africa, where we have the seventh highest TB incidence globally. In recent years our rate of TB has increased with the increase of HIV in the adult population.

But while TB is a serious disease, it's also a curable one. Once you know you have it, all it takes is a six-month course of antibiotics to get you healthy again.

World TB Day will focus on transforming the fight against TB so it can be eliminated. One of the first steps individuals can take in joining this fight is to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of TB. Early detection leads to a better prognosis and less risk of infecting others.

These symptoms include coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. TB is highly contagious, being transmitted via droplets from the infected person's throat and lungs. But getting infected with TB doesn't necessarily mean you will develop the active disease. One third of the world's population is infected with the TB bacillus bacteria but only five to 10% of those have active TB. In a healthy person, the immune system prevents the bacteria from making one ill, but in a person whose immune system is compromised, active TB can develop. This is why people with HIV are at a higher risk.

A TB skin and blood test will indicate whether a person has been infected with the TB bacteria, but only a chest X-ray and sputum sample can determine whether they have active TB disease. If you experience the symptoms or have been around someone who has TB, contact your doctor to get tested.

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Protect yourself against this winter woe

With winter fast approaching it's time to protect yourself against the flu virus by getting a flu shot. Doing so will provide your body with the best defense against both 'normal' flu and H1N1 or 'swine flu'.

In 2010, there was shortage of flu vaccinations with many pharmacies running out and members of the public not able to gain access to the vaccine. However, the government has promised more flu vaccinations for 2011 so the situation should not repeat itself.

However, as flu vaccinations are in high demand, we advise members to get one as soon as possible. This is particularly important for the elderly, pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised or have a history of respiratory disease.

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Be informed, empowered and entertained

Every month you can now look forward to a fix of interesting and exciting information on a variety of health and lifestyle topics.

The monthly Liberty Health e-Wellness Letter is designed to inform and empower you on health and wellness matters. It features up-to-date and scientifically researched articles specially selected from some of the best health and wellness sites available on the Internet. Popular topics include Family Health, Staying Healthy, Self Care, Medical Conditions, Lifestyle and Ageing Well.

So watch out for the next edition of your e-Wellness Letter and be in line to win a prize!

Also available to you...
Your Guide to Health on the Net

The e-Wellness Letter is linked to Your Guide to Health on the Net, powered by Health Cybrarian* and is available to you 24/7. This dynamic library of selected links to world-class Internet Health sites puts you in touch with some of the best available health information enabling members to access scientifically credible medical information quickly and easily.

*Health Cybrarian complies with the international Health On the Net (HON) code for trustworthy health information.

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There are various reasons why members on the Titan and Platinum Complete options may need to pay claims from their own pockets before Liberty Medical Scheme starts paying from the Threshold Benefit

The self-payment gap refers to a period during which you may need to pay for your own claims before Liberty Medical Scheme once again starts covering them. Once you have paid claims to the value of of a predetermined threshold amount, you will be through your self-payment gap and reach what is known as your threshold level. When you have done so, the Scheme will start covering your claims from your Threshold Benefit.

Here's what you need to know:

You will need to pay claims from your own pocket if the value of your Medical Savings Facility (MSF) is less than the pre-determined Threshold Level.
If you use healthcare providers who charge more than the LMS Rate, only the value of the LMS Rate will accumulate towards your Threshold Level. The balance is paid from your positive balance in the Medical Savings Facility.
If a dependant leaves the Scheme during the year, your Threshold Level stays unchanged, but your monthly contributions to your MSF will be lower.
If you submit claims at the beginning of 2011 with service dates from late 2010, the expense accumulates towards your 2010 benefit limits.
If you submit claims for a benefit category that you've already exceeded, then these claims will not accumulate toward your Threshold Level.
If you submit claims for items only payable from Positive Savings, these claims do not accumulate towards your Threshold Level.

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Liberty Medical Scheme turns trash into grass

At Liberty Medical Scheme we're invested in helping to make communities healthier and more active – which is why we recently channelled a portion of our corporate social investment spend to establish a park in the community of Meadowlands, Soweto.

Previously used as a dumping site, the area posed significant health risks. By transforming it into a green zone complete with swings and a mini-basketball court, we provided local children with an area for safe, healthy, outdoor activity.

Executive Principal Officer at Liberty Medical Scheme, Andrew Edwards says, "Partnering with the community to drive upliftment is central to LMS' Corporate Social Investment function. What was most rewarding about this particular project was the commitment and excitement shown by the community. They saw to employing a gardener for the park, they helped paint the walls and they have committed to helping us with maintaining the park. This is the kind of spirit that inspires us to do more, so hopefully we will be able to open another one in the future".

Click here www.libmed.co.za/csi/2011/default.aspx to see more pictures of community members enjoying their new park.

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Disclaimer

Liberty Health and the Liberty Medical Scheme cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content of this electronic communication, which is provided for general information purposes only – no part of it constitutes medical advice. You should discuss matters with your doctor before making any decision. Liberty Health and the Liberty Medical Scheme will not accept responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage you may suffer as a result of using or relying on any information in this newsletter.