In South Africa, employees are entitled to a certain number of working days they can use, including days for mental health recovery. However, some people abuse this opportunity, and private detectives have discovered that 30% of the submitted sick notes are fake, causing significant damage to the country's economy.
According to labor experts, absences related to false medical certificates cost the South African economy billions annually. The online healthcare platform Unu Health estimates these losses at approximately R18 billion. Fake sick notes are submitted when employees want to take a day off for which they are not entitled, and it is businesses that suffer the losses.
Labor expert Andrew Levy emphasized that submitting a knowingly false sick note is a criminal offense. He noted that the problem is serious because the abuse of sick leave costs the economy billions, and no business in the country remains unaffected. Levy added that if a person visits a doctor while not being ill, and the doctor is interested in getting paid, they will issue a certificate, and the employer is often powerless because the document appears genuine and comes from a doctor.
The schemes involve not only real doctors but also fraudsters who issue illegal certificates without examining patients, which is linked to the shortage of medical professionals. Levy recounted a case where an employer hired a private detective after it was discovered that most employees were receiving certificates from the same doctor. The detective visited the doctor's clinic and found two women sitting at a desk with plastic chairs, without any medical equipment. They did not examine the person but simply asked how many days they needed, then requested R120 and issued a medical certificate.
Levy also pointed out that this problem is not limited to South Africa. He mentioned his research conducted several years ago, according to which about 5% of every 100 workers fabricated illnesses daily. He concluded that this phenomenon is global in nature.
Another labor law lawyer, Michael Bagraim, who represents the DA party on employment and labor issues, reported that he encounters invalid sick notes daily, many of which are written on stolen forms. Bagraim stated that sometimes employees pay real doctors to obtain unlawful sick notes. He has been through at least a dozen arbitration hearings, in which it was revealed that the certificates came from qualified medics who were pressured by patients to give them time for other purposes.
He also acknowledged the damage this causes to businesses across the country. Bagraim noted that the economy loses much more than can be imagined, as thousands of people take time off daily without being sick. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to verify the authenticity of sick notes because doctors are unavailable by phone, and many refuse to answer.
During the monsoon season, humidity and stuffiness contribute to the worsening of hair problems such as dandruff, scalp itching, and hair loss. Because of this, people are trying various methods to maintain hair health. Recently, hair expert Javed Habib shared a simple home remedy in a video posted on his Instagram.
Habib claims that mixing one teaspoon of white vinegar with regular shampoo and using this mixture to wash hair can eliminate dandruff, itching, and hair loss. He recommends using this remedy only once a week. However, readers are advised to research what studies say about this claim.
Although the method suggested by Javed Habib seems simple, health specialists and skin care researchers advise caution when using it. According to several studies, vinegar has acidic properties that can help balance the scalp's pH level. However, according to Healthline, despite some people claiming that vinegar reduces dandruff and prevents fungal growth, there is no strong scientific evidence for this. Moreover, improper or excessive use of vinegar can harm the scalp. The medical journal Medical News Today notes that the acidifying effect of vinegar lasts only a short time.
If you decide to try this recipe, it is crucial to follow several rules to avoid negative consequences instead of gaining benefits. Firstly, vinegar should not be used directly; experts strongly recommend diluting it well with water or shampoo to prevent scalp irritation. Secondly, before applying anything new to your head, you should perform a small sensitivity test behind the ear. It is also important to avoid overuse, as too frequent application of vinegar can completely strip the scalp's natural oils, making hair dry and brittle. Furthermore, if you have sores on your scalp or your skin is very sensitive, you should not use vinegar, as it can cause redness and irritation.
It is important to understand that hair loss can be caused by many factors, including diet, stress, and hormonal changes. Any home remedy can only serve as a supplement, but for solving serious problems, consulting a professional dermatologist is the most appropriate solution.
Constant sitting for many hours while working can lead to kidney damage. If this issue is not addressed in a timely manner, there is a risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is dangerous for kidney health. The highest risk is associated with people who perform office work.
When a person remains in a seated position for a long time, blood flow can slow down. This leads to problems such as fluid retention in the body, increased insulin resistance, and slowed metabolism. All these conditions force the kidneys to work more intensely to maintain balance in the body, creating additional strain on them. Since office workers spend hours sitting and often postpone drinking water, this negatively affects kidney function.
Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director of the Department of Nephrology and Transplant Medicine at Yashoda Medicity Hospital, told Aajtak.in that prolonged sitting increases the likelihood of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. These three diseases are considered the main causes of CKD worldwide. If they are not controlled in time, it affects kidney health.
Dr. Amit noted that he has encountered cases where people who work in offices for extended periods have experienced kidney problems. This issue is more common among those who sit continuously for 3-4 hours without a break. According to Dr. Kumar, kidney health can be maintained through small but regular changes. If you work while sitting, you need to stand up and walk or do light stretching for at least 2-3 minutes every 30-40 minutes. It is also recommended to always keep a water bottle on the desk and train yourself to drink enough water throughout the day.
Furthermore, you should follow these rules: reduce salt intake, decrease consumption of packaged foods, ensure quality sleep, and undergo regular check-ups, including kidney function tests every six months.
Breastfeeding Week, held annually from August 1st to 7th, draws attention to the critically important role of breastfeeding in ensuring infants have the healthiest possible start in life. While this annual campaign raises awareness, it also provides an opportunity for more open discussions about a process that can be both incredibly beneficial and unexpectedly challenging.
Breastfeeding is often presented as a natural process; however, many mothers actually require time to find an approach that suits them and their baby. Like any new skill, it may require a learning period, and there is no single experience applicable to all families.
Mother's milk contains all the necessary nutrients for an infant in the early months of life and adapts to changing needs as the child grows. Furthermore, it includes antibodies that protect infants from common infections while their immune system is developing.
One of the most remarkable aspects of breastfeeding is that it begins even before mature milk production. In the first days after birth, mothers produce colostrum—a thick, yellowish milk often called the baby's first natural defense. Although the quantity is small, colostrum is highly concentrated with nutrients, antibodies, and immune cells that help protect newborns from infections and support digestive system development.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines colostrum as the ideal first food for newborns and recommends that babies be breastfed within the first hour after birth if possible. Early initiation of breastfeeding is linked to improved newborn health outcomes and helps stimulate milk production as the process establishes itself.
WHO also advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued feeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond. Although these recommendations are the global gold standard, the organization acknowledges that each mother's circumstances are different. Families need access to reliable information and appropriate medical care to make informed health decisions.
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond infancy. Studies link it to a reduced risk of certain childhood illnesses, while mothers may gain health benefits, including a lower risk of certain cancers and improved postpartum recovery. Although these benefits are well-documented, healthcare professionals emphasize that successful breastfeeding should never be measured by how closely a family adheres to an ideal.
Breastfeeding is a journey that goes beyond simple nourishment for mothers and babies.
There are many reasons why breastfeeding may not go according to plan. Some babies have difficulty latching, others are born prematurely or require specialized medical care. Mothers may face physical difficulties, need medications that affect nursing, or return to work sooner than expected.
For some families, expressing breast milk becomes part of the routine, while others rely partially or entirely on infant formula. These decisions are often shaped by medical advice and individual circumstances rather than personal preference. The main focus must always be on ensuring infants receive adequate nutrition and that parents have access to accurate information to make balanced decisions without unnecessary pressure or guilt.
Although breastfeeding is a personal choice, mothers rarely do it in isolation. Support from partners, family members, employers, and healthcare professionals can make the initial weeks less burdensome and help mothers overcome common difficulties. Simple measures, such as flexible work schedules, private pumping spaces, and access to qualified lactation support, can significantly change the situation for women wishing to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.
Breastfeeding Week is not intended to assert that every family's experience must be the same. Rather, it serves as a reminder that parents deserve practical guidance, evidence-based advice, and understanding while navigating the first months of newborn care. Regardless of whether a mother nurses for weeks, months, or longer, the goal should not be perfection. The goal is to ensure every child has the best start and every family feels supported in making decisions that are right for them.
