Diabetes Mellitus means "siphon honey" and was so termed by the "Ancient Doctors" around 2000 years ago. The reason being is that one of the most common symptoms of Diabetes is polyuria – lots and lots of urine/ passing frequent urine, usually accompanied by polydipsia – thirst that does not seem to be quenched. The "Ancients "used to have "water tasters" or taste the urine themselves to make the diagnosis – sweet tasting urine. (Up until the 11th Century).

What they lacked 2000 years ago was a cure and certainly type 1 or Insulin Dependant Diabetes (where you have no production of Insulin in the body) was not compatible with life. There was no Type 2 Diabetes in those times for Type 2 Diabetes is a "lifestyle-induced" as well as genetically predisposed disease which in our modern day is sky-rocketing in incidence. Year on year the incidence is multiplying.

Type 2 Diabetes is a "relative" lack of Insulin, a situation where supply of Insulin seems to be outstripped by demand for it (your pancreas is still producing Insulin but not enough to metabolize the glucose molecules in your blood stream). There is new evidence that strongly suggests that the fat we ingest is a huge contributor to the development of type 2 Diabetes. This is contrary to the traditional view that it was caused by too much sugar. The fact is that it is definitely more complex and seems to involve more than just eating too much sugar or refined carbohydrate.

More than a third of people walking around with Diabetes are totally unaware of the fact. Unfortunately this gives the disease a long time where the raised sugar levels in your blood cause damage to your organs and in particular : eyes, kidneys, heart and the blood vessels all over your body but also the ones that supply your limbs. This is called end-organ damage and leads to blindness, kidney failure (needing transplant or dialysis), heart attacks and failure and gangrene and amputation once the damage is at its end point.

So who is at risk of developing type 2 Diabetes? If you have a family member that has Diabetes your risk is much increased. If your mother of father is Diabetic your risk is 1:2. If your sibling has Diabetes your risk is 1:3 and if you have both a parent and a sibling your risk is 3:4. The other risk factors are: sedentary lifestyle (if you exercise – and we are talking about proper exercise where you actually sweat and get your heart rate up you drastically reduce your risk – also once you have developed Diabetes EXCERSISE is part of the treatment and it works and will contribute to bringing down sugar levels and preventing end-organ damage), smoking, Obesity, Diet of fatty foods and the Metabolic Syndrome. The Metabolic Syndrome is a group of conditions: Hyperinsulinaemia, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), High bad fats (LDL) and Triglycerides, decreased good fats (HDL), visceral obesity and Hyperandrogenism. One does not need to have all criteria to have Metabolic Syndrome.

The incidence of Diabetes in South Africa in 2004 was 43 Million people (according to Diabetes Voice article written by Dr Larry Distiller in 2004). The Global Prevalence rate is 246 million people with Diabetes in 2006 (the WHO had predicted a prevalence of 216 million by the year 2010 and the actual no was already 246 million in 2006 ! The point is that type 2 Diabetes is fast on the rise and the 21 sty Century is the most diabetogenic environment in history.

Once diagnosed, the most important thing is that treatment must begin as soon as possible. Traditionally in the past the treatment was a lifestyle change to start and to measure parameters a few months later (if not at target then to start medication). The new approach is that as soon as diagnosis is made the treatment is lifestyle change plus medication to reduce sugar levels in the blood. So early treatment is EXCERSISE, EXCERSISE and exercise, diet – healthy eating plan in consultation with a Dietician, exercise, and medication usually Metformin ( a drug to reduce Insulin resistance, reduce liver output of glucose and improve fasting sugar levels (which lessens the risk for end organ damage).

There are very clear targets that need to be tested more frequently initially (looking at your glucose levels over the preceding time period – HbA 1c (a blood test)) and then 6 monthly to ensure that your glucose remains at target (around 7 %). In the past targets were a lot higher but research has proven that the better the control the less: blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and amputations. Obviously these targets are individualized and each patient is evaluated according to their own set of parameters but the aim these days is for tight control.

Diabetes is a multi-organ, multi-facetted disease that requires an approach involving a team. All Diabetics need to be seen at least yearly by : a Dietician (more frequently initially), a Podiatrist (specialist in foot care), an Ophthalmologist (eyes need to be examined and especially the back of the eye), a Biokineticist (exercise needs to be specifically prescribed according to each individual in terms of what you need to get your heart rate up without causing damage – it gets stepped up as you get fitter), a Diabetic counselor (who provides advise and information about your condition and treatment and how to use your Insulin/treatment) and your GP or CDE Doctor.

Insulin has only been around since 1922 (before that Type 1 Diabetese was a death sentence) and our knowledge of Diabetes has increased dramatically and management of Diabetes is continually evolving. This wonder, life-saving substance which initially was only used for type 1 Diabetics is now having a life changing effect on the management of type 2 Diabetics that need it.

The shear numbers involved in this Epidemic (as it is rightly being referred to) speak very loudly for themselves. The scary reality is that the numbers are increasing alarmingly. There are factors that are out of your control: your genetics, your environment with its stressors – mentally and physically and partly the food which we have available to eat (less nutritious than in years gone by). However there are many factors that are very much within your control and need to be prioritized: your state of motion (the presence or absence of exercise), the food you do eat, the early detection of diseases and optimum treatment of them. You are the manager of your own health and in no other disease as much as with Diabetes. Take the challenge to manage it well!

Written by Dr Claudine Lee (26 Hilton avenue) GP with an interest in Diabetes and Ophthalmology.

At the SASMT 25th SASMT 25th Music Eisteddfod, held recently in Pietermaritzburg, the above girls each received a GOLD (A+) in their respective solo categories.

Pictured here back: Chelsea Kisbey-Green (Saxophone Grade 7), Phillippa Manners-Wood (Piano Grade 7), Robyn Barnard (Saxophone Grade 5), Kessia Theron (Piano Grade 5)

Front: Erin Crossman (Saxophone Grade 5), Jemma Aldworth (Saxophone Grade 5) and Tatum Pead (Violin Grade 7)

Absent: Ntombifuthi Shezi (Saxophone Grade 7).

In addition, the following girls have subsequently been invited to perform at the Best of the Eisteddfod Prizewinners' Concert on Wednesday 27 August in Pietermaritzburg: Chelsea Kisbey Green, Robyn Barnard, Erin Crossman, Jemma Aldworth, Tatum Pead and Ntombifuthi Shezi. It is set to be an outstanding evening of performances from our provinces' best young musicians.

News supplied by St Anne's.

The visit from members of the Church of the Ascension on Sunday was a huge success. We had more than sixty people milling around the club, over 40 of who were there to bowl. Church members had arranged for a jumping castle for the youngsters, teas and a braai at lunch time. Thanks to the many club members who pitched in and helped in setting up rinks, putting stickers on bowls, guiding the initiates and generally ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Well done to Chris Purchase who put it all together. Indications are that five or six people from the church are keen to play regularly.

Attendances have been down a bit lately, as some members have been discouraged by the threat of cold and rain. Those who have taken the trouble to come and test conditions have been rewarded with some good bowling.

Our Club President, Thelma Mylne, played in the NIBA Ladies' Senior singles last week end. She won one match and lost one, resulting in her elimination from the competition.

Attention is drawn to the entry list for the Drawn Pairs competition which is on the board. New bowlers are encouraged to enter as the format could see them matched with a club champion.

On Saturday we will be playing for vouchers from Lindsay's Coffee Shop.

Duties: 17 - 23 Aug: OOD: Thelma Mylne. Tabs: Mike Mylne. Duty team: John Arnott. Teas on 30th Aug: Doug & Gill Robertson. Biscuits 26 & 28 Aug: Mike & Thelma Mylne.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

With great reluctance, the Committee decided on Saturday to start scratching players who do not play their matches by the due date. This decision was taken to curtail the knock-on effect that could lead to innocent parties failing to meet their commitments on time. Please play your games in club competitions promptly.

There were only twenty-four players in the Chicken Run on Saturday. Eventual winners by one shot were John Arnott, Peter Bailie and Olga Hutt. Many thanks to the Quarry Spar for the chicken prizes and well done to the victors.

We have a Jaxx Roll lined up for next Wednesday, and will be playing for meal vouchers from Lindsay's on Saturday 23rd August.

This coming Sunday members of the Church of the Ascension will descend upon the club to learn about our game. If you are able to help by coaching, making tea, setting out equipment or lending us your bowls, please contact Chris Purchase on 033 343 2162.

Duties: 17 - 23 Aug: OOD: Ron Buchel. Tabs: Derick Hull. Duty team: Dave Stevenson & Dave Trickett. Teas on 23rd Aug: Dave Trickett & Vernon Hickinbotham. Biscuits 19 & 21 Aug: Tom Hartley & Bill McQuade.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

Eisshh!! It sure has been a blerrie cold Winter!! We had such a cold snap in July with really mean frost. According to our records, that was the heaviest frost since the black frost of 21st August 2003. So you don't need to worry every Winter, because these heavy frosts only occur every ten to eleven years or so!

So what to do after a heavy frost, when you wake up in the morning and find your beautiful plants frazzled to within a few millimetres of their lives. First thing you do it get out a bottle of brandewyn or "OBs" and pour yourself a stiff tot. After you've knocked that back and you still don't feel better, then the more emotional ones among you are welcome to shed a tear or two. Okay then, lets get over it, this is Mother Nature doing what she does, cleaning up the neighbourhood.

There are numerous opinions on what to do after frost damage. For plants that naturally occur in cold areas, these cool temperatures will invigorate them to spring into life in the Spring. Our peach tree has, over the last few days, burst into blossom. I had better prune it! Early peaches do very well in Hilton and no spraying is needed.

For perennials, such as agapanthus, clivias and ajugas, trim or pull off the frost burnt leaves to make them look better and allow for the new growth to come through. If your perennial is completely burnt, then trim off all the leaves at the base. Doing this before the new growth starts, makes it easier to do without damaging the new leaves.

Shrubs, such as fuchsias, will lose most, if not all of their leaves. You can let those leaves dry out completely and fall off the plant. There will soon be signs of life and tiny shoots will appear. The next step is to prune back to just above those new shoots. You will find that thin and weaker stems may be dead. The good this is that only the most robust stems will survive. I find that feeding with a gentle, slow release organic fertiliser, such as mature chicken manure, plus a liquid feed (worm wee or Seagro), will give the plants a good boost.

If you haven't mulched around your plants, there is still time to do it. Water well first, spread a good layer of compost and then about 20% chicken manure in proportion to the compost and lastly cover with pine bark mulch (or other suitable medium). This mulch gives the plants a constant feed, keeps the roots warm in the cold and cool in the heat, promotes good earthworm and other beneficial soil microbes, plus reduces weed growth. So it's a good thing to do!

When you compost/mulch your roses, it is best to loosen the soil around the plants first. This is particularly important in the Hilton area where drainage for roses can be problematic. I hope you have pruned your roses by now.

If you are planning to plant up some new beds or need to replace some plants that didn't make the cold winter, then you need to get to our annual Spring Sale. This will be held from Friday, 29th August, to Sunday, 7th September 2014 (9am to 4pm daily) and we will be offering a 10% discount on all purchases.

Due to increasing petrol costs etc, we have to increase the price of our compost, chicken manure, potting mix and bark mulch, with effect from 29th August 2014. So if you would like to benefit from the old price, there is still time to do so.

From Tanglewood Nursery in Hilton.

Herewith is a letter Debbie Preston of Knight Security Solutions received from Frans Labuschagne, the Operations Assistant at Knight Security Solutions (KSS). Debbie says, 'I would like to share his experience of SA CAN and KSS with the community as it optimizes what we at KSS are aiming to achieve in the Midlands community – that being unrivalled security and emergency support for any eventuality.'

"On the afternoon of the 28th July 2014 I started getting some pains on my chest, but I thought that maybe it was my stomach or indigestion, so I took some medication that I have at home. By the morning of the 29th July 2014 I still had this constant pain but only every now and again it got worse - like a crushing pain or like something pushing hard on my chest. By the evening of the 29th July 2014 I was really concerned and got a slight cramp in my jaw and neck. Being a heart patient for a few years, I was now really concerned. I started shivering a lot; maybe from shock, I'm not sure. I wanted to drive to Northdale Hospital but was concerned that I might not reach the Hospital safely. I didn't know what to do. Fortunately I had joined SA CAN two months ago, so I pressed my AAA emergency speed dial # 5 on my phone for the SA CAN emergency controller.

A few seconds later I received a call from Brian Jones at SA CAN asking me if everything was alright as he had received my emergency call. I told him about my problem and he said he would send the emergency services right away. Brian phoned me a few times just to keep me relaxed and to see if I was doing ok. About 5 minutes later a Knight Security Solutions vehicle stopped at my house and the response officer, Jaco Ronquest came in to see me. He assured me everything would be fine and that I must try to relax. Soon after that Gary Preston and the ER24 ambulance and Advanced Life Support (ALS) arrived at my house. The paramedics quickly took charge of the situation and I must say that I felt very safe and comfortable in their hands. It wasn't long before they had me stabilized, on the stretcher and into the ambulance to transfer me to Northdale. Gary and Jaco assisted by keeping my fiancé calm and that was a huge reassurance for me knowing that she would be looked after even when I was not there.

On my way down to the hospital the ER24 paramedics kept on checking my vital signs and assuring me that everything would be fine. All the hospital staff at Northdale were so helpful and immediately got to task by sorting me out getting all the blood tests done and doing an ECG. The service I received from the Northdale Hospital staff, ER24 staff and Knight Security Solutions staff was phenomenal.

I can only say a big THANK YOU to all involved. I believe that SA CAN is the greatest organization out there and I would advise everyone to join them. You never know when it could happen to you.

With Regards

Frans Labuschagne"

The last Hilton Garden Club outing was to "The Gates" - just outside the gates of Hilton College - where Gordon Stuart gave us a talk on the garden he is currently landscaping at one of the houses. Although the garden is obviously very new and dry and brown, it was interesting to have Gordon talk us through the design of the garden and his choice of plants.

The next Hilton Garden Club meeting will be on Tuesday, 19 August when we will visit gardens in Ashburton. The final choice has still to be arranged, but people interested in joining us should meet at the Hilton Town Board offices at 8.30 a.m. to share lifts and receive directions to the venue. Jenny Hoepfl is the convenor and can be contacted on (033) 343-4119.

Cowan House Grade 7 boys and girls recently enjoyed an adventure in Botswana during the July holidays.

Photo supplied by Cowan House.

St Anne's were invited to participate at the ATKV Applous Finals in Pretoria on 31 July and were entered in the Non-Afrikaans Mother Tongue Category. They exceeded all expectations when they were announced Best Choir Overall at the end of the evening. First time entrants to the competition, this young choir is set to do great things for St Anne's Music. They performed with spirit and passion at the prestigious ZK Matthews Auditorium and received a host of awards including Gold, the Best Girls' Choir, Best Prescribed Work and the coveted Best Choir Overall on the night.

Pictured here the Choir celebrates their win on their return to St Anne's.

Grace College pupils, Celani Mchunu (left) and Ki-An Kambaran, have been selected for the KZN U16 Girls' Soccer Team. Celani and Ki-An are very gifted sportswomen and have been great ambassadors for the school on the sports field. Grace College congratulates them on this well-deserved achievement.

News from Grace College.

Subsequent to the St Anne's College Choir receiving a GOLD, as well as the awards for the Best Prescribed Work, Best Girls' Choir and the Best Choir Overall in the Non-Afrikaans Mother Tongue Category, at the ATKV Applous National Choir Competition, held recently in the ZK Matthews Auditorium at UNISA in Pretoria, the St Anne's College Vocal Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Band and Marimba Band each went on to receive GOLD (A+) in their respective categories at the SASMT 25th Music Eisteddfod, held recently in Pietermaritzburg.

News supplied by St Anne's.

On Monday 18 August, Pat McKrill, the snake expert visited Hilton Pre-Primary School. The children and staff learnt much from a most informative talk.

Click here to find out more about Hilton Pre-Primary School.

Carla Geyser from Project Rhino was the guest speaker in assembly at Laddsworth Primary School on the 11th August 2014. She reminded everyone that Africa is facing a wildlife crisis with poaching completely out of control and shared the positive news of a new rhino orphanage being developed. Her presentation included details of the 'One in a million' campaign which aims to get one million people worldwide to show they care by donating R10 towards conservation and thereby becoming 'One in a Million'.

Gavin Lambooy, Headmaster at Laddsworth Primary School announced that the next Laddsworth civvies day will be held in aid of the 'One in a million' campaign and encouraged all pupils to contribute R10 to help this very worthy cause.

Pictured below L-R Gavin Lambooy (Headmaster at Laddsworth Primary School), Sally Kelly (Junior Primary HOD), Carla Geyser and Jenny Raubenheimer (Grade 5 teacher and Head of Enviro Club).

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

What an adventure and memorable journey it has been for only Mrs SA finalist from KZN who competed in the Mrs SA Grand Finale on the 8th of August. Although she didn't bring home the crown she did come home with the title of Mrs Photogenic with a prize of a professional photo shoot with Brendon Croft, the official Mrs South Africa photographer. Melissa Vurovecz competed against twenty-one other finalists.

Melissa said that she has no regrets from participating in the pageant and would like to encourage other women to enter next year because the process is priceless and you grow so much as an individual. Entries open in November, for more information see the Mrs South Africa website mrssouthafrica.co.za.

Melissa would like to thank her gold sponsors Hereford Group and The Ballitto House. Thank you to Senses Day Spa, Yonique Hair Studio, and Jane Lait at Angelico Designs for making sure Melissa always looked her best as a finalist. Many thanks go to Caroline Soar owner of Caroline Soar Photography who did a finalist photo shoot with Melissa.

Carene Breytenbach, former Mrs South Africa, was instrumental in making all of this possible as she was Melissa's coach and mentor. Melissa believes without Carene's help she wouldn't have got so far in the pageant.

Melissa would like to express her gratitude to all her family, friends and supporters for believing in her and helping her on her journey. Last but not least Melissa would like to thank the lover of her soul, Jesus Christ for providing her the opportunity and people to help her grow and develop into a more confident woman.

Three Laddsworth Primary School old girls were selected to play in the Midlands U14 district soccer team. They participated in a festival this weekend and their team won all three of the matches they competed in. We wish them luck in the upcoming selections for the KZN provincial team.

Pictured L-R Bianca Santoro, Erin Ambler and Kirsten Fuller.

Photo by Pippa Fuller.

The theme at Hilton Pre-Primary at present is 'People Who Help Us' and they have had the ambulance service and fire department visit their school recently.

Imagine the middle of a bitter Midlands winter... freezing mornings melting into sunny days. Imagine sixteen learners, bravely facing the icy cold early every day while their holidaying peers sleep in. Imagine eighteen dedicated teachers, all highly specialised in their subjects, making the trip every morning to St Anne's College to groom eager young minds for their trial and final year examinations. Imagine hard work, laughter, and light bulbs turning on – all in the name of Education and its trusty side kick, Preparation. Can you imagine all these things? Well if you can, then you're imagining the successful Winter Revision School which ASP Tutoring recently held over the July holidays.

With learner feedback of new tricks learnt, one-on-one assistance from encouraging and engaging tutors, as well as a feeling of ease and comfort within the classroom, we can safely proclaim the Winter Revision School a must for all learners who may be struggling with a particular subject or concept in the curriculum. Science, Maths, History, Geography, English, Afrikaans, Life Science and isiZulu were some of the subjects on offer, with Maths and Science being the highest attended. As you can see, classes were kept small and learners were given individual attention by the tutors, which as grade eleven learner, Siphesihle explains, made "it is easier to concentrate fully and absorb lessons a lot faster." All in all, the week was thoroughly enjoyed by both tutors and learners alike, with the end result being learners confident in their ability to tackle the forthcoming exams in the second half of this year.

More about ASP Tutoring.

I love words. I use them constantly. I'm in awe of their power and influence. I also love gleaning and collecting all sorts of interesting facts, ideas and opinions from all sorts of sources. I file them knowing there'll be an opportunity to use or share them, either in conversations, lectures, workshops or in writing. As I sat in Cape Town this week waiting to pitch a proposal, wondering whether I'd be successful, I suddenly remembered I had "Stumbled Upon" a list of the108 Most persuasive words in the English Language back in 2013! I was pleased to see I regularly use a good number of them across all my activities and work. So I'll give you my word list. And I'll tell you later if my words managed to persuade my audience!

Achieve Act Adopt Align Analyse Apply Ask Assess Bridge Build Change Choose Clarify Collaborate Communicate Connect Contribute Create Decide Define Deliver Design Develop Diagnose Engage Ensure Ethical Explore Evaluate Establish Find Focus Foresee Gather Generate Goals Identify Implement Improve Inspire Lead Learn Leverage Manage Measure Motivate Performance Prepare Position Plan Research Respond Scan Share Solve Simplify Skills Sustain Train Transform Understand Use Values Win.

Written by Desiray Viney of REAL Communication Consulting.