Day hospitals a humbling experience

Day hospitals may mean something different to people in other parts of the world but for South Africans the simple definition of a day hospital is a hospital for the poor; mini care facilities low on funds, and big on heart. Day hospitals are run by nurses and are strategically placed to reach more people and vast parts of the country. The qualified doctors and specialists who serve in the big hospitals also serve in townships and outlying districts. Quality care is provided to all. 

Stigma

The stigma attached to those who attend day hospitals is a negative one and implies that if one goes to a day hospital one is poor; this is 99.99% correct. For those individuals seeking medical help, your identification and age is verified, your bank statements looked over, and once approved you do not have to pay for any medical service or medication. Day hospitals are lifesavers and take their work seriously.

A typical day at a day hospital

A day at a day hospital is a nightmare and starts well before 7.00 a.m. for the public. To attend a day hospital requires patience and the sure knowledge that even though your name might be called first, you will not leave the premises until five or seven hours later. People are called in twenties to come up to a certain queue. You then go and sit and wait for an hour or more for your name to be called to sit in a different queue.  When everyone has been logged in which is around noon, you move to the prep area where you give a sample of urine, have your weight and blood pressure taken, and sent to sit in a different line yet once again. 

How long does it take?

You do not really know what is going on as there are at least 50 to 80 patients milling about. Some sit outdoors and wait for their name to be called. It is such a long and tedious day that you wish you had money to pay for health insurance. At three in the afternoon you might be ready to go to the area where one has to wait for payment. It can take hours before your name is called, waiting for medication. Bribing a nurse does not work; they cannot do favors and move your name to the top of the list. You are told the first time you visit the day hospital to prepare yourself and that it is a waiting business. There is no point asking the same thing over and over. You are advised to bring a book. You engage in people watching and meet the most interesting characters. At last you hear your name called. It is five in the afternoon. The following day the doors open again and a new lot of patients rush in and ask the same question: how long does it take?  ‘Lady, it takes as long as it takes.’

Getting rid of tapeworms

Tapeworms in children

Having a tapeworm can be a stressful and embarrassing situation for a child. He has cramps and feels nauseous and has pain in his stomach exhibiting symptoms of tapeworm infestation. According to Livestrong.com there are four types of tapeworms: the beef, fish, pork and dwarf tapeworms. All are flat worms that live in parasites. Tapeworms come about when humans ingest the eggs or larvae from undercooked meat and also when there is contact with fecal matter. Infection can spread in many ways, even through contaminated water and the poop of infected pigs. The dwarf tapeworm is about 7 to 10 inches in length; the beef, fish and pork tapeworms are as long as 30 or more feet. The eggs or larvae attach to the intestines where if they are not medically removed they can survive in your gut for ten or more years.

Dangerous tapeworm for humans

The most dangerous tapeworm for humans is the dwarf tapeworm which affects the liver, brain, and spinal cord and which comes from the direct ingestion of tapeworm eggs. This tapeworm is found in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America and parts of the United States. Person to person transmission is common and young kids are hosts to these creatures as a result of lapses in oral hygiene. The dwarf tapeworm grows inside rodents and insects and humans easily contract the tapeworm by eating grain contaminated by vermin.

Getting rid of tapeworms

If your child is not well and is complaining about nausea and stomach pains, he might have a tapeworm. Tapeworms in kids are common as they are crawlers and put things in their mouth, and also do not wash their hands as often as they should. If you suspect that your four year old child might be affected take him to the doctor immediately. Wash your hands with soap and put on a pair of plastic gloves. Collect a sample of his stool. Some tapeworms can be seen to be moving in the stool and this would make a perfect sample. Deposit the stool in a clean jar with a lid. Do not touch the jar unless you are wearing gloves. Put the jar in a clean plastic bag and take it with to the doctor.  Tapeworm infestation is treated with medication and good hygiene. Some tapeworms are tough to remove and some come crawling through the skin. Stay with the treatment until everything is eradicated and the child is free and clear of worms.

Best hair and beauty deals in New Jersey

Best hair and beauty deals in New Jersey

If you are working too hard, are fatigued and want to treat yourself to a complete beauty treatment take advantage of the $50 gift certificate at Caryn Max and pay only $25 for a luxurious massage and a plethora of other beauty services. You can have your nails polished, your hair twirled and swirled, nails and facials done, have a foot bath or a deep tissue massage or a massage of your choice; all for a very nominal cost and by taking advantage of the gift certificate. The therapists are courteous and trained and will do everything to ensure your comfort and make you feel like a million bucks. If you are preparing for a date have the full monty – all  beauty services – before leaving the premises and feel, look and smell great. 

Best restaurant deal with $25 gift certificate

Visit the atmospheric Mika Japanese Cuisine and Bar on Centre Street for a great-tasting and affordable Japanese or Sushi meal. Dress code is smart casual, there is a full bar and a special menu for kids. If needed, there is also wifi to use the internet, karaoke, a private party room for entertainment and events, and banquet facilities for up to 300 people. You can have a great meal and pay with a $25 gift certificate you have bought for $10. Take note that the minimum purchase is $37.50 with an 18% gratuity added prior to discount. This special can only be used for dinner. 

 

There is also the Okinawa Japanese Restaurant for authentic Japanese food with high quality ingredients perfect for the business crowd at lunch. The fish is fresh, the cost affordable, and the atmosphere great. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. in the morning to 2.00 a.m. seven days a week. For those with cars, there is parking on the street. Check out the menu and make a reservation for your family and friends. If you are not in the mood for the Okinawa, the Tokyo Hibachi Steak House & Sushi is another great place to go. Bon appetite!