Affinity Health on International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases
Affinity Health, leading medical insurance provider in SA, highlights the importance of early treatment of Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND).
Not only does 12 May coincided with the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the English army nurse who inspired the founding of the International Red Cross, but it is also a day when the world takes note of the thousands of patients across the globe battling with CIND.
What are Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases?
CIND is a term used to refer to diseases affecting both the central nervous system and immune system.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia (FM), Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), and Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) are collectively known as CIND.
- ME is a chronic, inflammatory, physically and neurological and immune-mediated disease that presents with symptoms involving multiple bodily systems. It is frequently triggered by a viral infection or a flu-like illness.
- FM is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localised areas.
- MCS is an acquired, chronic, multi-system illness, in which people experience a range of symptoms in response to exposure to certain everyday chemicals.
- GWS is a term used for unexplained illnesses occurring in veterans of the 1991 Gulf War in Southwest Asia and includes a wide range of acute and chronic symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, insomnia, rashes, and diarrhea.
Other illnesses that fall under the CIND umbrella include Addison’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Celiac, Chronic Myofascial Pain, Crohn’s, Epilepsy, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), Lou Gehrig’s (ALS), Lupus, Lyme Disease, Mold/Biotoxin Illness, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Parkinson’s, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) and Ulcerative Colitis.
“CIND affects people around the world in alarming numbers and causes debilitating symptoms and excruciating pain, impacting on daily living and functioning, as well as relationships and livelihoods,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Despite huge leaps in research into CIND, this group of diseases remains challenging to diagnose, and scientists are still not sure about what causes them. All South Africans must be more aware of the disease. Seek medical help and chat with their healthcare provider should they experience any symptoms that may indicate CIND. Patients ought to explore the various medical treatment options available and lifestyle behavioural changes to reduce symptoms.”
Affinity Health is committed to assisting all its members with immunological and neurological diseases that require chronic medication.
Affinity Health offers an optional chronic medication booster, with cover for over 24 different chronic conditions. Pre-Existing Conditions are subject to a 12 month waiting period from Commencement Date.
Read the Affinity Health Chronic Disease Medications Benefit.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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