ASK THE
DOCT R
Have a question for the doctor? Email us at magazine @ afrocentricds. com and your question could feature in the next issue of B-Living.
Good day Hi Doc
I am a 34-year old plagued with nightmares and therefore I do not rest well. I am also overweight and even though I watch what I eat, I cannot seem to lose weight. My GP kept on changing my pill because I do not menstruate regularly. I then consulted a herbalist who diagnosed that my cortisol levels are dangerously low. How can I get my cortisol levels back to normal as I am sure this is the cause of all my problems?
Hope to hear from you soon. Chantal
Hi Chantal
Your body’ s endocrine system includes the adrenal gland which makes several important hormones. One of these is cortisol which helps the body respond to stress. Cortisol also regulates your heart rate and blood pressure, keeps your blood glucose high enough to provide energy and modifies your immune system to prevent inflammation and other immune responses. Low cortisol can be caused by a problem in the adrenals themselves or in another part of the body.
I suggest you first establish if low cortisol levels are the cause of your concerns. Your GP will be able to assist you with a blood test to determine what your cortisol levels are and if there is any reason for concern.
Because the endocrine system is so complex, your symptoms may be as a result of changing your pill or a number of other concerns. You may also benefit from regular exercise, a balanced diet and relaxing activities such as yoga or spending time with friends as this will assist with stress management and help improve your sleep.
I am 25 years old and I am new to this medical aid. I joined BonFit and read that I have a free wellness check every year, but I don’ t understand what that is. Please help explain this to me.
Regards Zandile
Dear Zandile
Welcome to the Bonitas family. You’ re definitely right! We offer a free wellness screening for each member once a year on all our plans.
The wellness screening is made up of carefully selected tests to help you get a clear picture of your health. These tests are the first step in detecting serious chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. It includes the following tests:
• A blood pressure test
• A blood glucose test
• A cholesterol test
• A BMI test, and
• A waist-to-hip ratio measurement
You can complete your wellness screening at a corporate wellness day or a Dis-Chem, Clicks or Pick n Pay pharmacy. All tests must be done at the same time.
The Wellness Extender can be used to pay for extra consultations with a GP, biokineticist, dietician or physiotherapist or a programme to stop smoking. These consultations will all be paid at the Bonitas Rate.
Disclaimer: The advice included above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or medical practitioner. We strongly urge you to consult with your family practitioner before embarking on a health treatment or programme. All information has been checked by a Bonitas Clinical advisor.
Page 7 B-Living Issue 3, 2017