Many people are asymptomatic or only experience light symptoms when infected by COVID-19. George Louw investigates how to deal with all things COVID-light At the time of writing this article, we find ourselves in a season of runaway COVID-19 infections. In real terms, the numbers are frightening and threaten to...
Ida’s Corner
Hope
George Louw explains why hope in a time of panic and fear is so important and where he puts his hope We live in times of doubt. COVID-19 has moved the whole world out of its comfort zone, and we do not know what the future holds. We are concerned....
Where have all the rollers gone?
It seems wheelchair users over the age of 60 have disappeared! George Louw sets out to find them and make sure they have the care they need In 1955, Pete Seeger wrote the first three verses of what would become a well-known song: “Where have all the flowers gone?”. In...
Attributes of a good caregiver
When we asked readers to list the most important attributes of a good caregiver, the results provided incredible insights and raised concerns about some significant but under-appreciated characteristics In a recent survey by QASA on the attributes of a good caregiver that attracted 48 responses, we listed six attributes with...
The silver roller’s toolkit: Part 2
Ageing often results in a loss of ability or reduced capacity. However, with a little effort, your golden years can be a fulfilling and rewarding time. Here’s how to achieve this As we grow older, we diminish in capacity. We may not believe or accept it, but it is a...
Silver Roller’s Toolkit: part 1
A topic often overlooked but inherent to growing old is a reduced income as a result of pension or the inability to work. With a few lifestyle changes, it is still possible to live off this smaller budget As we move beyond the age where our hair turns silver, most...
Integration starts with me
Rather than fighting for government, policies or society to fast-track integration, people with disabilities should work towards integration themselves We live in a country where government tries to correct the wrongs and inequities of society through legislation, while people with disabilities protest their exclusion by advocating for better accessibility and...
The silver rollers brigade
Everyone has to face growing old and grey, but with the right preparations it can be a satisfying, productive phase of life. Whether the colour of our skin is vanilla, caramel, toffee or chocolate, we all have something in common: as we grow older our hair turns silver. Spiky silver, […]
Neurogenic bowel – The ultimate hidden demon of paralysis
Aside from the loss of mobility, the loss of bowel control following a spinal cord injury is often the biggest concern, but with the correct bowel management programme there is no need to worry Many people with an SCI say that after loss of mobility, the loss of bowel control […]
Autonomic dysreflexia: Another hidden demon of paralysis
Caregivers usually have time to consult someone if they are unsure how to perform some of their duties. With autonomic dysreflexia, time is very limited and immediate action is needed to prevent serious consequences. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) can cause strokes, heart attacks and even death. Probably the most troubling fact […]