Elderly man from Odisha reaches hospital on tricycle despite broken leg and poverty

In the hill station town of Nainital, Uttarakhand, a family celebration turned into a problem due to a cake. A family from Ghaziabad came to one of the resorts in the Ramnagar area to celebrate a birthday. The atmosphere was completely festive; the family gathered together, cut, and ate the cake.

However, shortly after this, the health condition of several family members began to deteriorate. Many, including children, started experiencing vomiting, and the joy of the birthday quickly turned into chaos.

The affected family claims that upon careful inspection of the cake, they discovered mold and insects. They attribute the worsening health of all family members specifically to consuming this cake. Furthermore, the family states that they called the 112 service twice to report the incident, but no one arrived at the scene. Subsequently, they filed a written complaint at the police station.

Upon receiving information about the incident, a team from the Food Safety Department arrived at the resort. The team, led by food inspector Aslam Khan, took samples of the cake and other food items to be sent to the laboratory. The police also initiated an investigation based on the complaint from the affected family.

The resort administration stated that the cake was not prepared by them but was ordered from an external vendor. The resort management emphasized that it is cooperating with all investigative bodies in this case. Now, the laboratory report will be the decisive factor. If any defect is found in the cake or other products during the inspection, action may be taken against those responsible. The police and the Food Department continue their investigation.

Health advocate Hutjo Motimele and clinical psychologist Dr. Keitumetse 'Tumi' Mashego urge women during Women's Month to prioritize mental health, self-care, and overall well-being.

Mental health specialists emphasize that women should not wait for a crisis situation to seek help. On International Women's Day, they strongly recommend integrating therapy and emotional well-being into their regular self-care routines.

In observance of Women's Day in the country, women are advised to concentrate on their general state of health, including physical activity, mindfulness, therapy, self-help, and emotional balance.

The Importance of an Objective View

Dr. Keitumetse 'Tumi' Mashego, a clinical and sports psychologist, told IOL that well-being provides women with the opportunity to have a reliable confidant and an objective mirror focused on their best interests. She noted that having such a supportive companion helps develop self-awareness, which is an important life skill.

Mashego, who is also a performance and life coach, explained that the understanding of well-being among women is transforming: it is moving away from traditional notions based on appearance and fitness toward a more comprehensive focus on mental health, community, balance, and sustainable self-care.

She described how the concept of self-help has changed: it now includes mental health interventions, comprehensive physical check-ups, and acknowledging conditions previously considered 'normal,' such as perimenopause, menopause, dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cycles), the cost and accessibility of menstrual hygiene products, fibroids, and endometriosis.

Furthermore, self-help now encompasses inner work, which involves prioritizing self-care, taking breaks, setting boundaries at work and in personal life, developing small daily habits outside of roles performed in personal or professional settings, and establishing clear limits.

Mashego listed the most common mental health issues faced by women: anxiety, depression, burnout from work and personal responsibilities like motherhood, the effects of imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, and poor boundaries. She also warned about stress that can exacerbate physical illnesses.

"Unfortunately, women are at a higher risk of various forms of violence (workplace violence, ranging from sexual assault and bullying to 'downsizing' by colleagues, as well as domestic violence, such as financial, emotional, sexual, etc.) and its consequences," stated Dr. Keitumetse 'Tumi' Mashego.

She stressed that communication and social connections remain a vital part of emotional well-being, as humans are naturally inclined towards some form of connection, and the sense of belonging through community plays a significant role.

Mashego refuted two misconceptions about self-help: first, that it is not a priority or is only intended for certain people; and second, that it concerns only external events, ignoring inner work and emotional state. She also mentioned the stigmatization of seeking mental health help, where people are often judged as 'crazy' or 'weak,' increasing the burden for those already struggling.

The Personal Path to Well-being

For 32-year-old Hutjo Motimele from Mankwenga, Limpopo, deciding to put her well-being first was the result of a deeply personal journey that began in 2025. She shared that years of battling health issues, starting in childhood, continued into adulthood and affected her daily life. This experience became the motivation for a serious approach to her well-being, therapy, and self-care, starting in early 2025.

However, the path to better health was not without difficulties. The hardest moments were cravings and attempts to fit into even others' homes. Nevertheless, self-help taught her to accept her own health journey without comparing herself to others. She noted that the most significant changes came from incorporating natural herbs, food spices, and supplements into her lifestyle.

Motimele urged women to put themselves and their well-being first, advising: "It is important to fill your own cup before pouring it into others'... Otherwise, they will always be knocking on doctors' doors when they could heal from within." She advised beginners to simply start with what they have, turning it into a lifestyle rather than a temporary practice, emphasizing that nutrition, habits, environment, and associations must contribute to becoming a better person.

Hutjo Motimele, founder of Pebetse Health and Wellness Spa, said that her personal experience inspired her to help others embrace self-care without societal pressure. She opened her spa in August 2025, motivated by a desire for people to feel comfortable and love themselves healthily, without conforming to societal standards.

In conclusion, Mashego recommended practical steps for maintaining good mental health, including finding a registered mental health professional for regular consultations. She insisted that such support should be part of continuous emotional well-being, not just a reaction to a crisis. Regular self-reflection helps prevent the deterioration of mental state and understand one's blind spots, promoting the development of emotional intelligence and self-control, which is critically important in both personal and professional life. She also advised focusing on holistic well-being, developing hobbies outside of obligations, and shaping a personality that extends beyond work and family roles.

Aadilah Maker Diderrick demonstrates resilience and an active stance, helping communities in South Africa make informed decisions about their health, having come from the difficulties of District Six to combating alcohol harm in the region.

When Diderrick discusses what shaped her professional path, she begins not with education or career, but with childhood, when inequality was not an abstract concept but a daily reality for her family. Born in District Six, her family was forcibly relocated to Mitchells Plain, where she witnessed how inequality affected people's lives. These experiences ultimately led her to work in public health and human rights advocacy.

Currently, 58-year-old Diderrick serves as the Secretary General of the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA). She works in countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, promoting evidence-based alcohol policies aimed at reducing harm and protecting vulnerable families.

Diderrick recalls how her life changed: 'I had a disabled brother who lacked access to facilities. This was compounded by the fact that I grew up in Mitchells Plain, where the girls I went to school with started pregnant early,' she shared. Furthermore, meeting people living with HIV during university studies, when Sean Mellors, who lives with HIV and AIDS, spoke before their psychology class, strengthened her resolve to address the social and environmental factors influencing people's health and choices.

Life Experience

For over three decades, Diderrick has dedicated herself to working in sexual and reproductive health, HIV and AIDS, child and youth development, gender equality, and violence prevention. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of New South Wales in Australia.

One of her most significant achievements is participating in the development of the multimedia program Soul Buddyz. When children across South Africa adopted the pilot project, it led to the creation of Soul Buddyz clubs that continue to have an impact today. Diderrick notes: 'When we tested the pilot project, children across South Africa asked to join. We never planned to create a club, but this reaction led to the establishment of Soul Buddyz clubs nationwide.' She emphasizes that even now adults tell her about the significance of Soul Buddyz in their lives, reminding them of the possibilities these programs offer children.

Despite her successes, Diderrick believes that becoming a leader first required learning to believe in her own voice. She acknowledges that one of the main challenges for a Black female leader was developing self-confidence. Apartheid affected the self-esteem of many people, and since English was her second language, she had to work hard to gain the confidence to speak in academic and professional circles.

More than three decades later, this belief continues to guide her work in public health human rights advocacy. She asserts that 'change is a long-term project. The life of every person you touch creates a domino effect. When people tell me our work changed their lives, it reminds me why this work is important.'

Fighting Alcohol Harm Through Policy

These life experiences now define the issue that takes up most of her time—reducing the harm associated with alcohol consumption in South Africa. As Secretary General of SAAPA, Diderrick advocates for stricter alcohol policies, considering it one of the most preventable public health issues in the region.

She points out that throughout South Africa, alcohol is widely available in residential areas, and this availability is too often poorly regulated. Children are exposed to alcohol on their way to school, neighbors sell it from their homes, and many grow up seeing harmful consumption as the norm. Over time, this shapes their own choices. The consequences go far beyond simple alcohol consumption: 'Alcohol diverts money from household needs, contributes to gender-based violence, and exposes children to violence, creating long-term consequences for families.'

Her work is research-based. Diderrick is a co-principal investigator of a cross-sectional study examining the link between alcohol availability and gender-based violence. She also co-authored a paper published in 2025 concerning the alcohol industry's role in delaying the adoption of amendments to South Africa's liquor laws. She is convinced that scientific data, not commercial interests, should dictate alcohol policy.

Diderrick insists that South Africa must adopt evidence-based alcohol policy, as legislation and public health programs must be guided by science. She criticizes advertising, stating that 'the alcohol industry should not regulate its own advertising. Advertising six-packs and 'two-for-one' promotions promotes a culture of consumption that is unhealthy and fuels the culture of binge drinking that we particularly observe in South Africa. No advertising campaign informs women that every drink they consume increases their risk of breast cancer.'

Diderrick emphasized that independent regulation would better protect consumers.

Putting People First

One of the outcomes of her recent research left a deep impression after the interview concluded. She was surprised that people spoke about constant noise and lack of sleep due to the operation of alcohol establishments in residential areas. She noted that prolonged sleep deprivation in children and adults negatively affects both physical and mental health.

Diderrick admits that balancing a demanding career in human rights advocacy with family life has not always been easy. She says, 'At night, you need to set a quitting time. Understanding your partner helps. I also made sure my children understood what the next two weeks would look like and what my work required, and I still do this, even though they are older.'

On the occasion of South African Women's Month, Diderrick sees it as an opportunity to acknowledge progress made while reflecting on the work ahead. She concludes: 'It is an opportunity to affirm oneself and others, to celebrate positive changes, and to reflect.'

From a childhood shaped by forced removals and inequality to influencing public health policy across South Africa, Diderrick has built a career on the conviction that sustainable change begins when people are given the opportunity to make conscious choices about their own lives. Her goal is to help create conditions where people and communities can independently make informed decisions about their lives, and the role of professionals is to support communities so they can lead the change themselves.