Page 14 - IFV October Issue 2025
P. 14

Health




            personalised  health  information  Pharma Dynamics, emphasises the
            and recommendations. AI-powered   importance of leveraging digital tools
            chatbots and virtual assistants can offer   for health.  “Men often delay seeking
            immediate responses to health queries,   medical advice due to various reasons,
            helping men make informed decisions   including societal expectations and
            about their health. These tools can guide   time constraints. Embracing digital
            users  on  when  to  seek  professional   health tools can bridge this gap, offering
            medical advice, interpret symptoms and   accessible and immediate health
            even schedule appointments.       information that encourages proactive
              Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for   health management.”



               The importance of regular health screenings
               Regular health screenings are vital for early detection and prevention of
               diseases. Jennings says men between 45 and 50 should undergo physical
               exams and screenings annually for conditions such as high blood pressure,
               cholesterol, diabetes and prostate cancer. Early detection significantly
               increases the chances of successful treatment and can prevent complications.
               “A lack of action can result in late diagnoses of conditions that might have
               been more easily managed or treated if detected earlier,” she adds.
                 Jennings offers the following practical tips to help men make better use of
               online health resources:
               1.  Use credible sources: Rely on reputable websites such as the National   Real-life implications: The case
                 Department of Health and the World Health Organisation. MyDynamics,   of ex-Springbok rugby hero, Rob
                 is another credible website that was developed by Pharma Dynamics   Louw
                 to provide South Africans with quality information relating to various   Former Springbok rugby player, Rob
                 health conditions.                                            Louw’s life took an unexpected turn in
               2.  Leverage AI tools responsibly:  Use  AI-powered  health  apps  and   2009 when, during a routine gallbladder
                 chatbots for preliminary assessments and to understand symptoms.   operation,  doctors  discovered  he had
                 Do keep in mind, however, that AI can make mistakes and should not   aggressive metastatic melanoma.  The
                 be used to replace the advice or diagnosis of a qualified healthcare   early detection allowed for prompt
                 professional.                                                 treatment, which ultimately saved his
               3.  Schedule regular screenings:  Use  online  platforms  to  book   life. Since then, Louw has become a
                 appointments for routine health check-ups and screenings.     vocal advocate for cancer awareness,
               4.  Stay  informed: Subscribe to health newsletters and follow trusted   urging men to prioritise regular health
                 health organisations on social media to stay updated on health tips   check-ups  and  screenings.  His  journey
                 and news.                                                     serves  as  a  powerful  reminder  that
               5.  Engage in online communities: Participate in online forums  and   early diagnosis can make a significant
                 support groups to share experiences and gain insights into managing   difference in treatment outcomes.
                 health conditions.
                                                                                 “By embracing online resources and
                                                                               AI tools, men can overcome barriers
                                                                               to accessing health information and
                                                                               services,” emphasises Jennings. “Regular
                                                                               health screenings, informed by credible
                                                                               online information, can lead to early
                                                                               detection and better health outcomes.
                                                                               It’s time for men to prioritise their
                                                                               health by using the digital tools at their
                                                                               disposal.”
                                                                                 Information  supplied by Meropa
                                                                               Communications on behalf of Pharma
                                                                               Dynamics.


             12  •  October  2025  •  The Villager
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