Deconditioning describes functional decline, progressive weakness and physiological changes that result from prolonged bed rest and inactivity. Frailty is a syndrome in which age-related physiological changes
are accelerated or exacerbated in multiple systems. Multisystem changes can occur within 24 hours of bed rest; these changes worsen with prolonged inactivity, potentially requiring more time to reverse (where possible). Deconditioning is more likely in patients who experience frailty. Due to the complexities
of these conditions, optimal management involves a multidisciplinary team comprised of GPs, specialists and allied health professionals.
Migraine in 2026 | An Update on Management
Migraine in 2026 | An Update on Management
Migraine is a common and disabling neurological condition that affects quality of life. The ID-Migraine questionnaire can be used to identify patients with migraine in primary care, and screening for red flags for secondary headaches should be carried out using the SNNOOP10 list. The three key treatment strategies for migraine are a personalised management approach addressing lifestyle factors, acute medications and preventive medications. With modern treatments, most patients can expect substantial improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
2026 Medical Congress Calendar
2026 Medical Congress Calendar
View a list of all fo the upcoming local medical-related congresses for 2026 – an invaluable tool for the doctor on the go!
Supercharge Your Medical Practice for Efficiency and Profitability
Supercharge Your Medical Practice for Efficiency and Profitability
Healthcare systems around the world face significant challenges in achieving the ‘quadruple aim’ for healthcare: improve population health, improve the patient’s experience of care, enhance caregiver experience and reduce the rising cost of care.
In today’s complex environment, running a successful practice is a balancing act between financial outcomes and healthcare results. A well-managed practice frees up professionals and staff to spend their
time and resources on improving healthcare results.
Keeping abreast of ever-changing administrators and scheme agreements is complex and time-consuming. A well designed technology solution should take care of all the mundane tasks that are a necessary part of ‘good practice’ management, from billing and claim submissions to calendars and
recordkeeping.
When Work Consumes Your Identity
When Work Consumes Your Identity
It is not uncommon in the fast-paced, competitive world that we live in for individuals to dedicate their entire lives to their career. It takes years of striving to reach the top of one’s field, often requiring a sacrifice of energy, time and personal relationships to get there. But what happens when one loses oneself in one’s work and one’s career becomes one’s whole identity? Psychologists call this phenomenon
enmeshment, which may lead to a painful identity crises when the career one has dedicated one’s life to, no longer exists.
Issue 5, 2025
Modern Medicine is now available for you to read. We have some great articles featured in this edition:
- Ethics (CPD) – Negotiating the Slippery Slope of Work Stress and Burnout
- Pulmonology (CPD)– Allergic Rhinitis
- Rheumatology (CPD)– Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Unmasking the Masquerader
- Psychiatry (CPD) – The First Psychotic Episode: Navigating Early-Stage Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses
- A RoundUp Section & many more….
Also, a reminder that, not only do we have CPD questions available within the magazine itself, we also have an online CPD portal that allows you to score even more points by simply completing your test online.
The First Psychotic Episode: Navigating Early-Stage Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses
The First Psychotic Episode Navigating Early-Stage Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses
Psychosis is a clinical syndrome which may signal the onset of a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, and impact a young person over their lifetime. Early recognition, compassionate engagement and timely referral are critical in shaping long-term outcomes and supporting recovery. Engagement of the young person presenting with psychosis may be difficult; however, a therapeutic alliance focusing on collaborative care can yield many long-term benefits. Early and consistent treatment with antipsychotic medication remains the cornerstone of recovery in psychotic disorders. The Mental Health Care Act may need to be applied in enforcing treatment if there are acute concerns for safety and a likelihood or actuality of disengagement from treatment. The patient’s regular GP can play a vital role in monitoring adverse effects, especially in the setting of cardiometabolic risk. Despite the stigma associated with schizophrenia, functional recovery is possible.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Unmasking the Masquerader
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Unmasking the Masquerader
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune disease that is challenging to diagnose because of its heterogeneous clinical manifestations, often relies on clinical expertise and appropriate laboratory testing. SLE is rare, affecting less than 0.1% of the global population, but its prevalence has been underestimated in Africa. Treatment for SLE aims to control disease activity, reduce flares and prevent organ damage. It includes a combination of anti-inflammatory agents, immunosuppressants, immunomodulatory agents and nonpharmacological measures. Long-term follow-up and monitoring are essential to assess disease activity, manage symptoms and prevent damage accrual in patients with SLE, with awareness of cardiovascular risk management and addressing complications during pregnancy.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
Dry Skin and the Benefits of Oats
Dry Skin and the Benefits of Oats
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and forms an immense interface between the host and its environment. Alterations in skin integrity can compromise its barrier function leading to dry, sensitive or inflamed skin with a significant impact on quality of life. Colloidal oatmeal has been shown to act as a buffer system that helps restore the normal pH of the skin, maintain the skin’s barrier integrity, prevent water loss and alleviate itch.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
Niacinamide: A Cosmeceutical with Many Benefits
Niacinamide: A Cosmeceutical with Many Benefits
In the dynamic world of skincare, ingredients are often elevated to celebrity status based on their effectiveness in promoting healthy skin. Among these ingredients, niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3,1,2 has garnered attention for its multifaceted cosmeceutical benefits and robust scientific endorsement.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
