MIND MASTERY FRIENDLY FOODS BODY BOOSTERS

THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

HEALTHIN

OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

FRIENDLY FOODS

Issue 14 | March/April 2017

The spotlight returns to the global effort to control one of the world’s deadliest diseases as World Malaria Day is once again commemorated on April 25.

Last year’s theme of End Malaria for Good resumes as the rallying call for this year’s efforts to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

Despite progress, malaria remains both a major cause and a consequence of global poverty and inequity, says Roll Back Malaria. Its burden is greatest in the least developed areas and among the poorest members of society. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable.

FEBRUARY 4 IS WORLD

1 | Liberty Health | Issue 14

In Health is published on behalf of Liberty Health by Bespoke Media (bespokemedia.co.za) 1 Park Road, Western Province Park, Epping, 7475 | 021 507 3200, info@bespokemedia.co.za.The views and opinions expressed by the independent authors and contributors to this publication are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Liberty Health Holdings or their employees.

Dear readersA warm welcome to the latest edition of our In Health communication.

Your immune system is your body’s best defence against infection and illness. Usually it does a great job of protecting you against germs, but occasionally it fails. On page 3 we look at how you can help your body to defend itself against disease. On page 4 we highlight certain foods that can give your immune system the upper hand.

World Immunization Week is celebrated in April. Immunization saves millions of lives and is widely recognised as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. On page 2 we look at how Liberty is meeting the immunization challenge by providing inoculations against potentially life-threatening conditions.

Through your participation in our 2016 Customer Service Survey we were able to use your feedback to improve our service delivery. On page 6 we share some of the systems and processes we have initiated in order to address your concerns and improve your experience.

At Liberty Health we want to make your life as easy as possible. Please acquaint yourself with our process of submitting a claim for a refund in order to avoid any delay in payment (page 7).

If you have any suggestions or input for our communications, please contact us at inhealth@libertyhealthblue.com. We welcome your feedback.

The Liberty Health Cover team

THE FIGHT CONTINUESWelcome

212 millionnew cases of malaria in 2015

WORLD MALARIA REPORT 2016:

429,000deaths

1 CHILDdies from malaria every two minutes

90% of all malaria cases

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA IS HOME TO:

92% of malaria deaths worldwide

70% of all malaria deaths are children under the age of five

Sub-Saharan Africa will be home to the roll-out of the world’s first malaria vaccine. WHO announced the go-ahead for the pilot projects at the end of last year, having secured funding for the initial phase of the programme.

The vaccinations are due to begin in 2018. Known as RTS,S, it acts against P. falciparum, the most deadly malaria parasite globally, and the most prevalent in Africa. Advanced clinical trials have shown RTS,S to provide partial protection against malaria in young children.

This is the first malaria vaccine to successfully complete pivotal phase 3

testing, which enrolled more than 15,000 infants and young children in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The RTS,S vaccine is proposed as a tool to complement the existing package of WHO-recommended malaria preventive, diagnostic and treatment measures. As such it will be used in combination with the current interventions. Other tools include long-lasting insecticidal bed nets, spraying inside walls of dwellings with insecticides, preventive treatment for infants and during pregnancy, prompt diagnostic testing, and treatment of confirmed cases with effective anti-malarial medicines.

(Sources: rollbackmalaria.org, who.int)

Liberty Health | Issue 14 | 2

MALARIA MILESTONE

Immunization saves millions of lives and is widely recognised as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. Despite this, there are still 19.4 million unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world today.

This year marks the halfway point in the Global Vaccine Action Plan that aims to prevent millions of deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases by 2020 through universal access to immunization.

Despite improvements in individual countries and a strong global rate of new vaccine introduction, all of the targets for disease elimination are behind schedule. It is vital that these efforts are stepped up.

Routine immunization is a building block of strong primary health care and universal health coverage – it provides a point of contact for health care at the beginning of life and offers every child the chance at a healthy life from the start.

The main goal of the 2017 Vaccines Work campaign is to raise awareness about the critical importance of full immunization throughout life.

We are well aware of the critical role vaccines have played in reducing child mortality rates in Africa, particularly in terms of deaths associated with childhood diseases.

Although a lot has improved in terms of child health over the past two decades, the number of children in the developing world who die from preventable diseases and conditions remains high. WHO data shows that globally almost 3 million children who die each year could have been saved with simple interventions like vaccines.

“With operations across the African continent, we are aware of the problem, as are our members,” CEO of Liberty Health, Andrew Schwulst says. “With this in mind, Liberty Health Cover has expanded its childhood vaccination benefit and now offers child beneficiaries who are six years of age and younger, across all options, access to inoculations against 16 potentially life-threatening conditions.” (*See below.)

“Vaccinating is vital in children and adults – it helps build up immunity against diseases, which can be fatal or could result in life-long health problems. Illnesses such as measles and dysentery don’t discriminate and strike across all segments of society.”

Liberty Health has also introduced a package of inoculations for all beneficiaries aged seven years and up, providing protection against yellow fever, meningitis and pneumococcal infections. (**See below.)

In addition, girls between the ages of nine and 18 years have access to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination. HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer accounts for 22% of all female cancers in Africa, and is one of the continent’s leading killers among women despite being preventable through vaccination.

LIBERTY MEETS THE IMMUNIZATION CHALLENGE

*Childhood vaccinations:

**Other vaccinations:

Tetanus | Hepatitis B | Diphtheria | Haemophilus influenza type B | Tuberculosis (BCG) | Measles |Mumps | German measles (Rubella) | Polio | Pneumococcal infections | Typhoid | Hepatitis A | Meningitis | Yellow Fever | Rotavirus | Whooping Cough (Pertussis).

VACCINES WORKWorld Immunization Week is observed in the last week of April.

Influenza | Hepatitis B | Yellow Fever | Meningitis | HPV (subject to pre-authorisation and clinical criteria) | Tetanus | Pneumococcal infections | Typhoid.

(Sources: besthealthmag.ca, parents.com, webmd.com)

A healthy, balanced diet can help your body resist germs and prevent illness.

FOOD FIGHTERS

Liberty Health | Issue 14 | 43 | Liberty Health | Issue 14

(Sources: health.harvard.edu, huffingtonpost.com, rd.com, webmd.com) (Sources: dailymail.co.uk, goodfood.com, healthline.com, prevention.com, thehealthychef.com, webmd.com)

The basics for healthy living• Eatabalanceddiet• Exerciseregularly• Maintainahealthyweight• Don’tsmoke• Ifyoudrinkalcohol,drinkinmoderation• Getenoughsleep• Engageingoodhygienehabitslike

washing your hands frequently • Goforregularmedicalcheckups.

Physical defenceWe all know exercise is one of the most important elements for maintaining our health. It boosts our cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases. And as it contributes to your general good health, so it promotes a healthy immune system.

Research suggests exercise might also contribute even more directly, as it promotes good circulation. This enables the immune system cells to move through the body freely and do their job of attacking invaders more efficiently.

Mental defenceToday it is generally accepted that there is a close relationship between the operation of your body and your mind. A number of physical ailments have been linked to emotional stress, from an upset stomach to heart disease.

Sometimes a certain degree of stress is considered to be beneficial, as it assists your body in preparing for a challenge. However, if it’s too strong or lasts too long, this can weaken your body’s defense system. This means it’s best to avoid stressful situations if possible and try to find ways to relax and enjoy life.

Social defence A number of studies suggest that friends and a strong social network have a beneficial effect on our health. People with healthy relationships tend to live longer than those with poor social connections.

Other research has found that laughter raises the levels of antibodies in the blood and white blood cells, improving your mood and your immune system.

What is your immune system?The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. It recognises the cells that make up your body, and will try to get rid of anything unfamiliar. It destroys germs and parasites, but it can also cause difficulties.

What does it guard against?Invading germs are usually bacteria or viruses. Things like colds, flu, mumps, German measles and chicken pox are all caused by viruses. Most bacteria are harmless and some can even be helpful, but others can cause problems like stomach upsets, tonsillitis, ear infections and meningitis.

Permanent immunityYour immune system works to destroy the germs. If you become infected with the same germ a second time, your body remembers it and usually destroys it before you start to feel unwell. Vaccines are used to produce this immunity without causing illness.

Improving the power of our body’s shield against disease involves balancing a number of different lifestyle factors.

BODY PROTECTOR

Your immune system is your body’s defence against infection and illness. Usually it does a great job of protecting you against germs, but occasionally it fails.

Scientists have long been studying the question of whether there is anything we can do to improve the functioning of our immune system. However, they still have a way to go in their understanding of the workings of the immune response because it is complicated by the fact that it is a system rather than a single entity.

Even though hard scientific evidence is sketchy, it is generally believed that adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to maintain and strengthen your immune system.Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when it is protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies.Factors such as a healthy diet and exercise contribute to your general good health and therefore they contribute to a healthy immune system.

Chicken soup really is one of the best germ-fighting food remedies around. Also known as bone broth, it is full of amino acids and minerals, which all help boost the immune system. You extract all the good stuff like gelatin and chondroitin from the bones through the cooking process, then add chicken, which is high in vitamin B-6, and a host of other healthy goodies.

Making the bone broth Put a whole chicken carcass into a big pot. Add any vegetables and herbs you have lying around. Carrots, onions, leeks, celery, garlic, thyme and bay leaves are particularly good. Cover with water and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for at least two hours. Sieve the stock, keep the chicken meat and discard the rest.

Making the soupThe beauty of soup is that you can add whatever you like. This is a basic recipe using the stock and chicken from the bone broth, and adding a couple of vegetables and three immune-boosting foods – garlic, ginger and turmeric.

• 2litresofchickenstock• 2cupsshreddedchicken• 2cupscarrots,chopped• 1cupcelery,chopped• 3-4garliccloves,minced• 1tbsginger,finelygrated• 1teaspoonturmeric,finelygrated• Optionalherbs:½cupchoppedparsleyand½cupchoppedcoriander

• Seasonwithsaltandpepper

Combine the carrots and celery in a drop of olive oil in a large pot and gently cook for a few minutes to soften. Then add your stock, chicken, garlic, ginger and turmeric and cook for another 10 minutes. Season, and add the herbs just before serving.

A BOOST IN A BOWL

Give your immune system the upper hand by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Try these six foods that are believed to be particularly good at boosting your body’s functioning.

1 Low-fat yoghurtProbiotics, the live and active cultures

found in yoghurt, are healthy bacteria that keep your gut free of disease-causing germs. Yoghurt can also be a great source of vitamin D, which is thought to assist regulation of the immune system.

2 WatermelonThis fruit contains an antioxidant called

glutathione, which is credited with boosting the digestive system. It also contains high levels of lycopene, which is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralise free radicals.

3 CitrusThink oranges,

grapefruit, lemons, limes, clementines and

tangerines. These are high in vitamin C, which is thought to increase the production of white blood cells and is therefore key to fighting infections.

4 ShellfishTry oysters, lobsters, crabs, clams

or mussels. These all contain zinc that helps create and activate white blood cells involved in the immune response. As well as their virus-fighting powers, they also help with tasks such as healing wounds.

5 Sweet potatoThis contains beta-carotene that your

body turns into vitamin A, which mops up damaging free radicals. Your skin, the first line of defence against germs, needs vitamin A to stay strong and healthy.

6 SpinachThis has been labelled as one of the

superfoods. It contains folate that helps your body make new cells and repair DNA, and it is rich in vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Start smallTry just two or three minutes for one week. If that works well for you then you can step it up a bit, but don’t rush the process.

Pick a time that works for you and stick to itOften first thing in the morning is best before the distractions of the day take over.

Don’t stress about the howHow you sit, where you sit and what you sit on is not important initially. You just need to be in a quiet place and comfortable.

Focus on your breathingOnce you have settled, now turn your attention to your breath. Follow its path in through your nose and down to your lungs. Then do the same with the out breath, from the lungs out of your mouth. You can count as you breathe in and out if that helps you focus.

Your mind will wanderDon’t stress about it, just note the fact that your attention has shifted and then bring it back to your breathing.

It’s not about emptying your headThe goal is to focus your attention. If a thought or feeling arises, acknowledge it and then turn your attention back to your breath.

Understand yourselfWhen your mind wanders it gives you clues about how your mind works and in this way you can learn more about yourself.

There’s no perfect wayDo not be concerned that you are doing it wrong; just be happy that you are doing it.

Find a friendIf you are struggling on your own, try hooking up with a friend or a community practice.

Tips to get started

(Sources: chopra.com, eocinstitute.org, medicaldaily.com, nytimes.com, psychologytoday.com, telegraph.co.uk, webmd.com, zenhabits.net)

Immune benefitsAs our immune systems respond to both negative and positive thoughts, meditation can create a positive mental environment in which the immune system can thrive.

Studies have also shown that meditation training can boost antibody levels in just a few weeks.

Brain activity during meditation increases in the regions that also act as a command centre for the immune system (the prefrontal cortex, the right anterior insula, and right hippocampus). This suggests that training in mindfulness meditation stimulates and improves the immune function.

5 | Liberty Health | Issue 14

Through your participation in our 2016 Customer Service Survey we were able to use your feedback to improve our service delivery to you. We are delighted to share some of the systems and processes we have initiated in order to address your concerns and improve your experience.

1 Your feedback: Pre-authorisations take too long Our response: Turnaround times have improved dramatically and pre-authorisations are successfully

finalised within 24 hours. The hospital and radiology pre-authorisation turnaround time has been limited to 48 hours. Any delays are generally associated with incomplete information and/or supporting documentation.

2 Your feedback: Claims are paid later than expected Our response: The turnaround time from the receipt of a claim to its processing was originally on

average 30 days. However, additional monitoring and controls implemented reduced the turnaround time significantly to an average of only 9.5 days from receipt.

3 Your feedback: Poor response to queries Our response: In-depth training has been rolled out to all call centre consultants and refresher training

takes place on a continual basis. Consultants are assessed regularly to evaluate their competency levels to ensure fast and efficient service delivery.

4 Your feedback: A list of Healthcare Network Providers is not easily accessible/Request for more healthcare providers per country

Our response: The Liberty Health/Blue Healthcare Provider network was introduced in August 2016. We have since expanded our network to ensure appropriate access to providers in all locations. Updated provider listings are available on the LH website, libertyhealthblue.com.

5 Your feedback: Limited services/Additional benefits requests Our response: Upon joining and/or renewal, your employer selects the options available to you.

Benefits are directly linked to the options.

Thank you once again to all those who participated in our 2016 Customer Service Survey.

2016 Customer Service SurveyMember feedback (all countries)

The good news is that meditation is not hard to learn. It is a skill and therefore it needs practice. Your aim is to reach a feeling of warmth and calm when you meditate, but it will take some time to get there. In the meantime, even basic training will improve your overall wellbeing.

The next stepOnce you are comfortable with focusing on your breathing, why not try some other techniques?

One common one is a body scan where you systematically focus on one part of your body at a time. Try starting with the tips of your toes, moving up through the soles of your feet and into your ankles. Try to actually feel each body part, and notice any sensations in that area. Continue with this all the way up until you reach the top of your head.

You could also try focusing on things like light or sounds. Or you could move on to mindful walking, where you become consciously aware of your movements in the environment rather than sit with your eyes closed. Or try mindful eating, where you give your full attention to the process of eating – all the tastes, smells, thoughts, and feelings that come from whatever you are putting in your mouth. It may sound strange at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it if you remain committed.

Liberty Health | Issue 14 | 6

LIBERTY HEALTH

Congratulations to another survey winner. (From left) Happiness Sasali, Account Management Representative Strategis Insurance (Tanzania) Limited, with winner Mr Fanuel Elieskia Mziray, from Stanbic Tanzania.

What comes to mind when we mention the word meditation? Do you picture yourself trying to tie your legs in a knot and chanting? Do you fear an unknown spiritual experience?

Meditation does not have to involve either the tricky lotus position or any religious affiliation. In fact there are lots of different types of meditation, and the general purpose is simply to train your mind.

Our minds wander most of the time. We dwell on the past and worry about the future. We

tend to daydream and fantasise, never really living in the moment. Meditation aims to bring us back to the present and gives us the ability to de-stress and relax.

A good starting point is a practice called mindfulness meditation. Being mindful means we are aware of the moment and open to it. We do not judge or criticise it; we are just in it. Through practice, we train ourselves to become more mindful throughout the day, particularly during difficult situations.

BEING MINDFULResearch suggests meditation can provide a number of health benefits, including reduced blood pressure, better brain power and an improved immune function.

CONTACT USGHANAApex Health Insurance Ltd# 7 Nii Yemoh Avenue, OIC Road, Shiashie, East LegonPO Box ST 237, Accra, GhanaT (+233) 302 542 554E info@apexhealthghana.comEmergencies(24hrs):+233501562962/50 130 4156 / 50 129 6234 / 23 200 0015

KENYAHeritage Insurance Company LtdLiberty House (formerly CFC House)Mamlaka Road, Nairobi, KenyaT:+254202783000+254 711 039 000 (mobile)+254 734 101 000 (mobile)E:healthcareundertakings@heritage.co.keinfo@heritage.co.keEmergencies:+254733750004+254 728 111 002

LESOTHOLiberty Life LesothoUnit 39, Maseru Mall, Maseru, LesothoT:+26622314590+266 223 14589E:info@libertyhealth.netClaims:claims@libertyhealthblue.comEmergencies(24hrs):+26622314590

MALAWIMASM House, Lower Scalter Road,Blantyre, MalawiT:+2651833393+265 1830 610E:Malawi@libertyhealthblue.comEmergencies:+265993921957

MAURITIUSLiberty Health C/O Health& Travel DepartmentSwan Ltd, 5th Floor, Swan Group Centre,Intendance Street, Port Louis, MauritiusT:+2302122600/2900E:Mauritius@libertyhealthblue.comClaims:claims@libertyhealthblue.comEmergencies(24hrs):+23052535035

MOZAMBIQUEEmose Building, 25 Septembro Avenue 1383, 5th Floor, Office No. 507 & 508,Maputo, MozambiqueT:+25821315522/3+258 843 901 289E:Mozambique@libertyhealthblue.comEmergencies:+258825865665Claims:lhmozclaims@libertyhealthblue.com

NIGERIATotal Health Trust, 2 Marconi Road,Palmgrove Estate, Lagos, NigeriaT:+234014607560+234 01 448 2105+234 70 8068 7600 (mobile)E:info@totalhealthtrust.com

SOUTH AFRICALiberty Health, Liberty BuildingEstuary Precinct, Century BoulevardCentury City, 7441, Western Cape,South AfricaT:+27216577740E:info@libertyhealthblue.comClaims:claims@libertyhealthblue.com

TANZANIAStrategis Insurance (T) LimitedPlot 48 A, House No. 10, Mkadini Street, Oyster Bay Area, P. O. Box 7893Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaT:+255222602570/4/9E:insurance@strategistz.com

UGANDALiberty Life, Mariba House, 3rd Floor, Plot 17, Golf Course Road, Kololo,Kampala, UgandaT:+256312202695/+256414231983/+256 414 233 794E:uganda@libertyhealth.netEmergencies:+256 779 558 733 (members)+256 772 578 323 (providers)

ZAMBIALiberty Health 1st Floor Kwacha Pension House Stand 4604, Tito Road Rhodes Park, Lusaka, Zambia T:+260211255536/40/41E:zambia@libertyhealth.netClaims:claims@libertyhealthblue.comEmergencies(24hrs):+260 950 397 863 / +260 965 205 113 /+260 955 256 871

ZIMBABWELiberty Health, Eagle Insurance Building, Cnr Jason Moyo & 4th Street,Harare, ZimbabweT:+2634707172/3+263 4797 504E:Zimbabwe@libertyhealthblue.comEmergencies:+263777766999+263 773 339 911

LIBERTY HEALTH COVERWe want to make your life as easy as possible, so please take time to acquaint yourself with our process of submitting a claim for a refund in order to avoid any delay in payment.

Claiming a refund

How to submit a claim

7 | Liberty Health | Issue 14

If you pay cash for treatment at the service provider, you have to submit your claims within 120 days following the month in which the services were provided. After that time, a claim becomes a stale claim and will not be paid.

Following services/treatment, claims (including the invoice, proof of payment and your banking details) can be submitted to our administration office through the relevant country office contacts listed opposite.

The claim must be clear, fully detailed, easy to read and signed. Providing us with the correct details of what is being claimed ensures that we process it quickly and correctly. Proof of payment must be submitted with your claim for reimbursement, which will be paid to the principle member.

Please note that the only document accepted as proof of payment is a receipt or proof of electronic (EFT) payment. A written note indicating “paid” or a “paid” stamp will not be accepted. If the correct proof of payment is not attached, the account will be rejected.

Claims received will be processed and settled according to your health plan benefits and policy conditions.

Your bank details Please make sure we have your correct bank account details for electronic payment of your claim refunds. If you add or change your bank account, please send us the following documents (not older than threemonths):Acertifiedcopyoftheaccount holder’s identity document or passport, and a stamped bank statement or a letter from the bank confirming the account number.

When to expect payment There is a weekly payment cycle for members. However, payment into your bank account may only reflect after a few days, depending on which bank you use.