Many people living with disabilities are as healthy, if not more so, than a person without any handicap. However, not all disabled people are able to take care of themselves or function to such a high degree. The medical costs for a person who is physically disabled and/or mentally handicapped can be significantly more as the level of functioning can predispose one to more accidents, infections and other illnesses.
Apart from the medical costs directly related to the disability, a person who is not physically active may be more likely to suffer with high cholesterol, recurrent infections like the colds and flu or have other complications related to the limited movement. In terms of mental disability, the person may be more prone to accidents which could increase the costs of medical care. Medical aid may be the best solution so as to limit the financial impact on parents and caregivers.
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The vuvuzela is a popular South African noise-maker that has gained much attention in the recent months due to the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament. This plastic horn has also been the subject of much debate related to the hearing damage that it may cause, especially in a stadium where thousands of fans are blowing on their horns in unison. Love it or hate, the vuvuzela is here to stay, in South Africa at least, and it is important to learn how to protect your ears should you be in close proximity to the instrument.
Can the vuvuzela sound damage hearing?
Yes, if blown in close proximity to the ear, the vuvuzela may cause temporary noise-induced hearing loss. This, however, should return in a few days to weeks depending on the sound volume and period of exposure. Repeat or prolonged exposure will result in permanent hearing problems although the onset in these instances are usually more gradual – initially there is some loss but the hearing returns partially. The sound volume from a single vuvuzela may clock in at about 125 decibels although the cacophany within a stadium may reach up to 140 decibels (dB).
The seasonal flu (influenza) and the common cold are two viral infections that are contracted many times in a person’s life. These conditions are not life threatening in a healthy person and within 3 to 5 days, the most severe stages of the infection should pass.
It is not unusual to get the flu or cold at least two times in a year. Some people may contract these infections more often if they are stressed, not eating well, living in colder environments or do not live a healthy lifestyle. However, frequent colds and flu should be investigated to identify other underlying disorders that may be impairing the immune functioning, like HIV/AIDS.
Diarrhoea, or “runny tummy”/”running stomach”, is frequent liquid stools or loose bowel movements which is one of the most common illnesses that affects all age groups. In most cases it resolves on its own without leading to any complications. However, in babies, toddlers and children, a parent has to be especially careful and guard against dehydration. This can rapidly set in with dangerous consequences and may even become life-threatening. In babies, sometimes the stool can be so liquid that it can be mistaken for urine.
Snoring is often accepted as a normal part of sleeping, especially as you get older but it can be associated with many diseases and complicate into severe disorders as it progresses. Snoring is not just a loud and irritating sound – it is a sign of a problem within the mouth and throat. It has to be treated at the root cause to prevent it from becoming worse over time.
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Heatstroke is a serious condition that occurs when your body’s core temperature increases significantly. The normal human body temperature is 37 degrees celsius and when your temperature passes 40 degrees celsius, you can suffer with a heatstroke. A heatstroke is caused by high environmental temperatures and when this is due to excessive sun exposure, it is known as a sun stroke.
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Pre-existing conditions covered (excl HIV/Aids)