Given the turmoil of the past two years, a gentle approach may be advisable in 2022. Instead of making sweeping life changes, take small steps by doing a few things differently this year.
1. Go for preventive care tests
Prevention remains the best cure, which is why all Medihelp plans cover a basket of screening tests basket of screening tests, including combo tests for blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. The tests are aimed at the early detection of health risks and will help members manage their medical aid option’s benefits by staying healthy. There are also other age-specific tests available on Medihelp’s plans.
With Medihelp’s care extender benefit (available on the majority of plans) members can activate additional benefits of up to R900 as a reward for taking care of their health:
- Once the first claim for a combo health screening (blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI & blood pressure measurement) is paid from their added insured benefits, an additional one-off R450 will be activated for the family to use for self-medication; and
- Once the first claim for a Pap smear, mammogram, prostate test (prostate-specific antigen or PSA), faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or bone mineral density test is paid from their added insured benefits, one-off GP consultation will be activated for use by the family.
Members can have their screening tests and assessments done at any of our wellness partners, including Clicks and Dis-Chem. Members of HealthPrint Medihelp’s free online wellness programme, can view their combo test screening results on their health profile.
2. COVID-19 and the booster shot
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine can lower your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, and can help prevent serious illness and death.
You can visit your nearest vaccination site to get your vaccine. They will also register you if you haven’t done so yet. Anyone aged 12 years and older qualifies to be vaccinated.
Getting your booster shot
From January 2022, all South Africans aged 18 years and older should receive COVID-19 boosters as soon as they become eligible, to enhance immune protection. Boosters are defined as a second dose of the J&J vaccine or a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Immunocompromised individuals should get their booster shots once 28 days have passed after the first (J&J) or second (Pfizer) dose of the vaccine. The Department of Health considers the following individuals to be immunocompromised:
- Persons with the following conditions:
Haematological or immune malignancy
Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency disorder
HIV infection with a CD4 count <200 cells/µL within the last 6 months
Asplenia (where the spleen is removed) - Persons receiving the following treatments:
High-dose steroids or systemic biological treatment (e.g. for autoimmune conditions)
Long-term renal dialysis
Solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients
All other persons can receive the booster 60 days (two months) after the first J&J dose and 180 days (6 months) after the second Pfizer dose.
3. Listen to your body
Stress is a major contributor to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and heart disease. Having to cope with the many stressful situations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as changing how we work and live, puts us at greater risk of developing these serious medical conditions.
You should therefore make time to listen to your body and focus on the basics – nourish your body by eating nutritious food, get enough sleep, and stay active (aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, five days a week). If you feel stressed during the day, take a break and go outside to get some fresh air. This can boost levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain than can affect mood.
Medihelp members can join HealthPrint – we have another new partner!HealthPrint is Medihelp’s free online wellness programme and can help members stay on track with their exercise regimen in 2022 through discounts at our partners HIIT Studio, Planet Fitness and our new partner, Pilates Lounge.
Medihelp members and non-members can also join Medihelp’s MultiSport club for runners in the Gauteng North area and cyclists nationwide for a one-off annual fee of R320, and enjoy exclusive member benefits.
Let’s cultivate a renewed passion for our well-being this year, and enjoy a healthy and prosperous 2022.
Interested in becoming a Medihelp member? Speak to an accredited adviser about which medical aid plan would best suit your and your family’s healthcare needs.