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We’re about you

Diamond Arrow Award Highest rated medical aid in Namibia: 2010 - 2019

Highest rated institution conducting business in the most ethical way: 2017 – 2019

Disclaimer

E & OE. (errors and omissions excepted). Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information in this document is correct, errors and omissions may occur and the Fund cannot be held accountable for any reliance placed on the information contained herein. The Fund’s Client Services may be contacted to confirm any information contained in this document.

Fraud Hotline: 0800 647 000 or Email: fraud@nhp.com.na

November 2019

10th consecutive PMR Award for NHP 1Fraud, waste and abuse 2NAMAF changes: effective 1 January 2020 3World Diabetes Day: Type 1 Diabetes 4Type 2 Diabetes 5Back and Neck Rehabilitation 64 Tips for students during exam season 7Back to Basics: Self-love 8

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Diamond award

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We’re about you

It is gratifying for NHP to be honoured with the PMR.africa Diamond Arrow Award in three categories, namely;

• For excellence in the Namibia medical aid industry for the 10th consecutive year (2010 to 2019)

• For the institution conducting business in the most ethical way for the 3rd consecutive year (2017 to 2019) and

• For most innovative institution (2019).

NHP - Namibia’s most highly regarded medical aid fund

We thank our members and corporate employer groups for their loyal and continued support throughout the years and look forward to serving our members into the future with the same level of passion and dedication.

Purpose of PMR.africa AwardsThe purpose of the awards is to enhance competitiveness – locally and internationally, to create a global and unique marketing tool for a company, department and/or institution, to create a unique sales tools for sales teams, to enhance excellence in industry and to set a bench mark in industry.

PMR.africa wants a company to use the PMR.africa awards to acknowledge, motivate and thank all personnel and members of staff for their hard work and for contributing to a winning company or institution.

PMR.africa AwardsThrough the awards, PMR.africa wants to acknowledge contributions and initiatives, strategies, effort and hard work.PMR.africa wants to acknowledge a company’s vision, integrity, values, competence and ‘empathy’ that contributes to ethical and sustainable business practices.

It is PMR.africa’s objective to brand the companies and institutions identified in these surveys as entities with huge potentialand to promote a company or institution as a UNIQUE entity for existing and potential business. The purpose of these initiatives is to recognize excellence across all industry sectors.

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Healthcare fraud, waste and abuse

The difference between fraud and abuse is the intent behind the action.

• Fraud is intentional deception or misrepresentation with knowledge that the information is false.

• Abuse involves actions that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business or accepted behavioural healthcare practices and result in an unnecessary cost or in reimbursement for services that are not medically necessary or that fail to meet profession-ally recognised standards for healthcare. Abuse can result in the same process impediments and unnecessary cost of care as fraud.

What is the difference between healthcare fraud and healthcare abuse?

https://www.magellanprovider.com/education/fraud-waste-and-abuse/fraud-waste-abuse-faqs.aspx

The fund will reimburse 80% of the petrol slips / flight ticket at economy rate, thus members can travel by road or air.

With regards to flight tickets, members have two options. Once the necessary authorisation is granted by the Fund, the member may purchase the ticket and submit the claim for reimbursement upon his/her return, alternatively we can arrange for the ticket on his/her behalf.

In finalising the arrangements it is very important to note that the tick-et can only be issued once the member has paid the 20% co-pay-ment of the ticket.

Requirements in order for us to make a booking for a ticket:

• Approval from NHP managed healthcare department for the procedure

• Confirmation of appointment• Referral letter• Copy of the patient’s passport

Requirements to claim back the ticket / petrol slips:

• Approval from NHP managed healthcare department for the procedure

• Confirmation of appointment• Referral • Tax invoice of treating doctor, accommodation slips, petrol slips

In the event of a member being in need of specific medical treatment or a procedure not available within Namibia and on application, the Fund may assist in defraying some of the transportation costs only to and from South Africa, provided that the treatment is not subject to specific exclusions.

If you think you have detected an instance of either healthcare fraud or medical identity theft, please contact the toll-free fraud hotline tel: 0800 647 000

Travelling costs for specialist medical treatment within South Africa

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In terms of the Medical Aid Funds Act 23 of 1995, Regulation section 5 and 6, all healthcare practitioners are expected to obtain a practice number if they wish to have their claims recognised and processed by Medical Aid Funds in Namibia.

In terms of the same regulations, the account presented to Namibian Medical Aid Funds must contain the practice number for the claim to be valid.

Despite the fact that NAMAF contracted the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) in South Africa to issue the Namibian practice num-bers, a practice number issued by BHF to South African Healthcare Practitioners is not valid for services rendered in Namibia.

There is a difference between Nambian patients who receive services and/or treatment in South Africa from a South African Healthcare Provider versus Namibian patients who receive services and/or treatment in Namibia from South African registered Healthcare Providers not registered in Namibia.

It came to NAMAF’s attention that there are a number of South African Healthcare Practitioners delivering a service and/or treatment in Namibia to Namibian patients without a Namibian practice number and whose claims were erroneously processed under their South African practice number.

Members please take note:NAMAF changes regarding Namibian Practice Numbers for services rendered within the borders of Nambia, effective 1 January 2020

This communication serves to notify all South African Healthcare Practitioners who are serving patients within the borders of Namibia to obtain a Namibian practice number from NAMAF as soon as it is convenient for them, but not later than 31 December 2019. Medical Aid Funds will not pay claims directly submitted by South African Healthcare Practitioners without a Namibian practice number as from 01 January 2020.

The following documents are required for the application of a Namibian practice number:

• Certified copy of the passport. • Certified copy of marriage certificate if the surname differs from

the documents submitted. • Certified copy of the work permit. • Certified copy of the registration with the Health Professions

Council of Namibia (HPCNA)• Certified copy of the Ministry of Health and Social Services

(MoHSS) license from which the services are provided. • Bank confirmation letter of the banking details.

Kindly contact the NAMAF Office at +264 61 257 211 or alternatively the following persons should more information berequired:

Ms Ramona Mathupi: ramonam@namaf.org.na Ms Tina Riruako: tina.riruako@namaf.org.na

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Type 1 Diabetes

Follow a healthy diet

Keep your blood sugar levels in check and optimise your health by eating healthily.

Regularly check your blood sugar levels

Administer your insulin as prescribed, even if you are feeling well.

Stay active

Try to do a bit of exercise every day. The more you do the better. Aim for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

How to control type 1 diabetes

Work closely with your doctor

Visit a doctor at least every three months.

Type 1 diabetes means that the specialised beta cells in your pancreas (a large gland that sits behind your stomach) can no longer produce insulin. This hormone helps to control the levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood (especially after meals) by moving it to your cells for energy. Because diabetics lack insulin, they have higher than normal blood sugar levels.

The bad newsIf you don’t take your medicine as prescribed and don’t control your blood sugar levels carefully through your diet and lifestyle, you risk diabetes related health problems. These include:

• Damage to your nerves e.g. numbness and a burning sensation in the hands, feet and legs

• Foot ulcers, which are slow to heal and become infected,

• Increased risk of other infections e.g. bladder infections

• Sexual dysfunction e.g. impotence

• Heart disease and stroke

• Loss of vision

• Damage to your kidneys

Before meals

Your blood sugar level should be between 4 and 6mmol/L.

After meals

You’ll have a blood sugar level of less than 10mmol/L.

How can you tell if your blood sugar is under control?By having a simple blood test done at your doctor, clinic or pharmacy.

Another target to keep in mindYour doctor will mention your “glycosylated haemoglobin” (HbA1c) level. This reflects your average blood sugar control over the last 3 months. Most diabetics should aim for a value of 7 or less, but it’s best to talk to your doctor about your specific target level.

Signs and symptoms

Blurred visionExcessive urination

Weight loss or weight gain

Extreme fatigue or lack of energy

Excessive thirst

Important: If you have type 1 diabetes, you will require insulin by means of regular injections or an insulin pump. In fact, you’ll need insulin for the rest of your life to control your blood sugar levels.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Signs and symptoms

Type 2 diabetes means that the specialised beta cells in your pancreas are able to make insulin, however they either make too little or your body can’t use the insulin effectively. When there isn’t enough of this hormone in your body, or it’s not used as it should be, sugar (glucose) can’t be moved to your other body cells to supply them with energy. This means that you have higher than normal blood glucose levels.

Important: Diabetes can be caused by:• Being aged 35 years or older• Being overweight, especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle• Having a family history of diabetes• Having a baby that weighed over 4kg at birth, or have had gestational diabetes

during pregnancy• Having high cholesterol or other fats in the blood and/or• Having high blood pressure or heart disease.

Itching and skin infections

Constant hunger Visit your doctor if you’re experiencing some or all of the symtoms

Recurring bladder infections

Blurred visionExcessive urinationExcessive thirst Extreme fatigue or lack of energy

The good newsThere is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed successfully with a healthy lifestyle, often with the addition of medication in the form of insulin injections or tablets. You’ll feel better and have more energy!

How to control type 2 diabetes

Following a healthy diet

Get a dietician to work out a healthy eating plan for you.

Maintain a healthy weight

Visit our website. Click on NHP Wellness, go to BMI calculator to see which category you fall under.

Stay active

Try to do a bit of exercise every day. The more you do the better. Aim for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

Kick the habit

Smoking increases your blood sugar levels, creating a greater risk of developing complications such as blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure and heart problems.

Regular blood sugar checks

Ask your doctor how often this should be done.

Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Ask your doctor for advice.

RememberOptimise your health by eating:

• A variety of fresh food

• High fibre starchy foods such as seed bread instead of white bread

• Healthy proteins such as chicken, fish, lean meat and eggs

• Low fat dairy foods

• Dried beans, split peas, lentils and soya

• Five portions of different fruits and vegetables every day

• More vegetable oils such as olive and canola oil and less hard fat, such as butter and margarine

• Less sugar, sugary foods and drinks and avoid fruit juice altogether.

• Less salt and salty foods such as stock cubes, soup powders, cured meat, sauces and potato crisps

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The programme does not cover the costs of x-rays, scans and prescribed medicines.

For more details on the Back and Neck Rehabilitation Programme call

061 447 100

Back and Neck Rehabilitation Programme

The NHP back and neck programme helps members living with chronic back and neck pain treat the cause of their pain and improve their quality of life. Run by Documentation Based Care (DBC), the programme incorporates the best protocols to improve functional ability and work capabilitysuccessfully and effectively, with minimum pain.

What is covered in the NHP back and neck programme?

The programme

takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to chronic

pain and offers individualised treatment. NHP covers the full cost of the programme for its members. This multidisciplinary programme includes

treatment from doctors, physiotherapists and biokineticists to treat severe neck and back pain. The treatment consists

of active exercise with appropriate weights

and motion.

You will be assessed by a biokineticist and a doctor. This includes a physical examination and tests to check range of movement, nerve health and more.

The doctor will take your medical history and explain the possible cause of the chronic pain and the DBC protocol to you.

A treatment plan will be put together for you. A patient contract is then signed committing you for up to six weeks of treatment, twice a week. Sessions are an hour long. (30 minutes with a biokineticist and 30 minutes with a physiotherapist).

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4After six sessions, the doctor will re-examine you to determine progress. The protocol is repeated if needed.If all is well, you are discharged with a home exercise programme.

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We’re about you

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It's that time of the year when both students and parents feel "exam pressure". Students are under pressure to perform their best, but doing so re-quires a balanced approach to health, in addition to consistent studying.This balanced approach helps students boost their memory and remember what they have studied. Dr. Hariprasad, Ayurveda Expert, The Himalaya Drug Company, recommends the following tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the upcoming exams:

1. Exercise regularly:Physical activity is an effective tool to improve academic performance. Studies conducted at the University of British Columbia have shown that regular aerobic exercise boosts the size of the part of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning. Exercise also helps in improving memory and thinking ability for students by increasing oxygen flow to the brain. It's easy to forget to exercise your body in the midst of all the mental exertion, but this is important as physical exercise boosts brain function in a variety of ways.

2. Maintain a healthy diet:Eating healthy is a good practice to maintain at all times, but it assumes greater significance in the exam season. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, fish and poultry is particularly good to adopt at this time. It will enable students to fulfil all their nutritional needs, so their bodies can perform at an optimum level. They require adequate nour-ishment to fuel brain activity and aid in memory retention. Eating healthy also helps prevents illnesses which can be detrimental while focussing on studies.

3. Appropriate herbs in daily diet:According to Ayurvedic texts and modern research, Brahmi helps pro-mote memory, intelligence and enhances alertness. It is a potent mental tonic that calms the mind, provides clarity in thinking and boosts memory retention. Taking this herb regularly improves certain brain chemicals that will improve mental agility, helping students to achieve their goals.

4. Get adequate sleep:While preparing for exams, one of the body's most important needs is sometimes foregone -- sleep. Students preparing for their exams should get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night to maintain good mental and physical health. Studies conducted by Harvard University have shown that there is a strong relationship between sleep and memory: Students who get adequate sleep usually get better grades than those who do not. Sleep solidifies and boosts short-term memory into long-term mem-ory. Adequate sleep helps students be more receptive to information and, consequently, enables better performance in exams.

Following these simple tips in addition to regular and effective studying will help students retain information more efficiently and provide the much-needed boost for their upcoming examinations.

https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/health/story/4-health-tips-that-students-absolutely-need-during-exam-season-1178427-2018-02-27

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Stand a chance to be one of 3 lucky winners this month to win a hamper to the value of N$ 1000.00. Take part in 6 or more challenges during the year and stand a chance to win a laptop!

Self-love

Back to Basics final challenge is “Self-Love”Challenge starts 11 November 2019

Self-love is a journey. It takes dedication, devotion and practice. Resolve to love yourself each and every day and watch your best self blossom and your greatest life unfold! Self-love is an exponential force.

Imagine how you treat yourself on a daily basis as if you were another person, in a relationship with you. Are you good to yourself? Is your mind kind to your body and soul?

"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." -- Buddha

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/selflove-must-come-first-_b_9237282