The war on drugs has been a term in common use for several decades now having begun as an American campaign in the 1970s. This war includes special police agencies, the military, and legislation making drugs, drug use, and drug-dealing illegal. Billions and billions have been spent (some estimates suggest trillions). Tens of thousands [...]
HIV has been with us for more than 3 decades. Millions have died worldwide. South Africa has been “ground zero” in some ways, being the country with the highest number of people living with HIV. The game-changer was, and is, ant-retroviral treatment (ART). ART does not cure or eradicate HIV but it does control [...]
Smoking nicotine-containing cigarettes is similar to a slow form of suicide. The consequences, the impact on your body systems and organs, may not be immediately obvious but will, in time, become deadly clear. Silent killer The biggest and most deadly consequences of smoking are those taking place silently in your body. Every time you [...]
Drug addiction and substance abuse affect not only the addicted person themselves, but also their loved ones. Children, spouses, life-partners and parents all feel the impact of substance abuse. While drug addicts need professional medical care and compassion to help them overcome their addictions, family members also need support and counselling to help them [...]
The way we talk about HIV has a significant impact on how it is perceived, and how those living with HIV are treated by society. While understanding and communication around HIV have grown and improved in recent years, there are still many misconceptions about the illness, and it’s important to use HIV communication and [...]
The calendar throws up several opportunities that are worth grabbing. Mondays are usually good days to start things. Sundays often feel like the best time to rest. The new year, and birthdays, are often times for starting new goals or projects… and as we approach year-end it may be an excellent opportunity for reflection [...]
Many of us are tired of hearing messages about HIV and Aids, and yet new infections are still happening every day. Perhaps the statistics will help us take note of the seriousness of the matter again. The World Health Organisation (WHO) makes the following information known: General population: South Africa has the largest number [...]
As the holiday season approaches with its many social activities, safe and moderate consumption of alcohol or any other potentially harmful substance is highly recommended. Do not spoil your or your family’s enjoyment by irresponsible substance abuse. Studies have shown that as many as 90% adults in the RSA have had experience with alcoholic [...]
Goal setting. We all do it. We all succeed sometimes. And we fail sometimes don’t we? Mainly we’re somewhere in the middle (successes mixed with setbacks), most of the time. It’s a conundrum many of struggle with. As much as the modern world, especially popular culture and social media, tells us to “dream big” [...]
There is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in your career, life, relationships and so on. But if you feel that less than 100 per cent is not good enough, you may be setting yourself up for a lifetime of disappointments. Most people strive for success, which means they enjoy the process of getting [...]
