‘Tis the season to be healthy

21 November 2024

As the festive season approaches, City Health reminds residents to continue making healthy choices to ensure they remain in fine fettle.

‘This time of year is when most of us let our hair down and overindulge because we’ve worked hard and deserve a break. This may be true, but to make sure that you start the new year on a positive note, I want to encourage residents not to throw all caution to the wind. By following some basic guidelines, we can remain healthy and enjoy the festive season,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Chronic Medication

Celebrations can disrupt routines and if you are travelling, you could miss appointments or be away from your local clinic. Consistent medication compliance is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications. If you’re going to be away, mention it to your health provider.

Plan Ahead: organise your medication schedule around events.
Set Reminders: use alarms or family to remind you of your doses.
Communicate: reach out if you have questions about your medications.
Medication storage: store medication in a cool, dry place or as advised by a pharmacist, and keep medication out of reach of children.

This year, the Chronic Dispensing Unit (CDU) will distribute patient medicine parcels for a duration of four months to all patients enrolled in Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Clubs within the Metro.

This distribution will occur for collection until the end of November to facilitate access during the festive season, contingent upon valid prescriptions covering this period.

For other clients with chronic medications or TB who are not part of adherence clubs, consult with your pharmacist or nurse regarding potential arrangements if you plan to be away.

City Health will continue operating as usual, except on public holidays.

All routine care will be provided to walk in patients and includes sexual reproductive health services, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, basic antenatal care, well-baby visits, sick children care and testing and treatment for TB, HIV care and non-communicable diseases.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is available to help prevent HIV transmission, while free condoms are dispensed to promote safe practices.

Clients are encouraged to check the arrangements at their local facility, and to use the appointment system to avoid queuing, by going to Healthcare Appointment System.

‘Staying healthy doesn’t have to put a damper on the festivities. By taking the necessary precautions, we can all make it a jolly time of year,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office