Buddies For Life

The lifestyle platform for breast cancer survivors.

Buddies For Life informs and inspires all those who have or are affected by breast cancer or other cancers. Buddies For Life is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions aimed at improving the quality, lifestyle, satisfaction, enjoyment and activities of people affected by breast cancer and other cancers.

Mail us at sandra@buddiesforlife.co.za or visit buddiesforlife.co.za
Monthly English South Africa Health & Fitness
76 Episodes
1 – 20

Reflexology lymph drainage

Isla Blasa helps us understand the complementary therapy of reflexology lymph drainage that helps ease lymphoedema. Isla Blasa is a registered therapeutic reflexologist and an approved reflexology lymph drainage practitioner, based in Midrand, Gauteng. She has a special interest in helping manage chronic conditions. In support of World Cancer Month…
7 Feb 5 min

No heat meals

Dietitian Berna Harmse shares various no-heat meals that are easy and convenient to make, all the while still healthy and nutritious. Berna Harmse is a private practising dietitian. She holds a MSc in Dietetics and has a special interest in oncology nutrition. She is also an external lecturer at Stellenbosch…
7 Feb 5 min

Are you tired of everything being about your cancer?

Nadia Booysen offers three wise words when you are tired of everything being about your cancer: stop, breathe, and rethink. Nadia Booysen is a cancer survivor and an oncology counsellor (BSW Hons Social Work (UP), BA Hons (Psychology) (Unisa), PGDip (PallMed) (UCT)). She consults at the DMO practices: Sandton Oncology…
7 Feb 5 min

Prehabilitation - the ultimate quest

Never mind New Year resolutions; how about a quest to get fitter? Prof Carol-Ann Benn challenges you to the ultimate quest (The Lord of the Rings style): prehabilitation. Prof Carol-Ann Benn heads up an internationally accredited, multi-disciplinary breast cancer centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital. She lectures at Wits University and,…
7 Feb 14 min

Amelia Mbungwana - a survivor of her own journey

Amelia Mbungwana has so much to be proud of in her life, and facing a breast cancer diagnosis at age 30 with such vigour and grace is added to the long list. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of…
7 Feb 6 min

Good night, sweet dreams

Dr Michelle King wishes you sweet dreams while ensuring you get quality sleep by sharing valuable sleep hygiene tips. Dr Michelle King is part of an interdisciplinary pain clinic and palliative care team in Limpopo. She has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Chronic Pain Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in…
7 Feb 4 min

The power of breathwork

Meagan Atcheson explains the basics of breathwork and why it can be beneficial in your cancer journey. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifically on oncology. She is a plant-centric foodie who promotes a nourishing approach to health and wellness using evidence-based research and guidelines only. In support…
7 Feb 6 min

Five ways to live a healthy lifestyle

With the new year here, you may have the goal of living a healthy lifestyle. Dietitian Meagan Atcheson shares five ways to holistically achieve this. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifically on oncology. She is a plant-centric foodie who promotes a nourishing approach to health and wellness…
7 Feb 5 min

A compass for a new year

Sandra Bollen-Hughes shares why having a road map and an accurate compass for the goals you want to achieve in the new year is vital. Sandra Bollen-Hughes is a counselling psychologist. In 2015 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and realised the great burden of stress that cancer places on…
7 Feb 4 min
 trailer  

Welcome to Buddies for Life

The lifestyle platform for breast cancer survivors. Buddies For Life informs and inspires all those who have or are affected by breast cancer or other cancers. Buddies For Life is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions aimed at improving the quality, lifestyle, satisfaction, enjoyment and activities of…
6 Feb 1 min

The perfect fit

Lechar Knezovich, Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess 2023, tells us why assisting the Breast Health Foundation is the perfect fit for her and The Facilities Company.
4 Dec 2023 4 min

Overcoming cancer-related fatigue

Gabriella Kourie elaborates on how to overcome cancer-related fatigue. Gabriella Kourie is a qualified occupational therapist. She further trained and qualified as a PORi oncology and breast cancer rehabilitation therapist and is currently qualifying in Lymphoedema Assessment and Treatment.
4 Dec 2023 5 min

Nutrition questions to ask your care team

Dietitian Meagan Atcheson shares a list of nutrition questions that you can ask your care team and gives her advice respectively. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifically in oncology. She is a plant-centric foodie who promotes a nourishing approach to health and wellness, using evidence-based research and…
4 Dec 2023 5 min

De-escalation of oncology care

Professor Carol-Ann Benn examines the timelines of oncology care and how changes in treatment have resulted in our modern-day approach. Prof Carol-Ann Benn heads up an internationally accredited, multi-disciplinary breast cancer centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital. She lectures at Wits University and, in 2002, established the Breast Health Foundation.
4 Dec 2023 14 min

Swimming in my sixties

Shaunize Lundall has been in remission for almost 15 years and at the age of 62 she is learning how to swim. She shares why she decided to do this and how it has impacted her life.
4 Dec 2023 5 min

Can prior radiation cause breast cancer?

Dr Mia Hugo answers this complex question; ultimately there is a minute chance, however, it's far outweighed by the risk of cancer you are currently facing. Dr Mia Hugo works in private practice as a radiation oncologist. She participates in weekly multi-disciplinary oncology team meetings for breast, urology, gastrointestinal, gynaecological,…
4 Dec 2023 6 min

Hair loss during cancer treatment

Dr Rakesh Newaj educates us on hair loss during cancer treatment and offers ways to prevent it, as well as hair growth options after treatment. Dr Rakesh Newaj is a specialist dermatologist with a special interest in skin surgeries. Since qualifying in 2010, he practices in Waterkloof, Benoni, Kempton Park,…
4 Dec 2023 4 min

Cold caps saved 90% of my hair

Lebré Neetling details the excellent results she got by using cold caps during chemotherapy to prevent hair loss.
4 Dec 2023 3 min

Gut health, a key to wellness

Melody Fourie educates us on how the right foods can improve gut health which, in turn, is a key to wellness. Melody Fourie is an AADP board-certified holistic health practitioner and transformational nutritionist. She holds a BSc in Holistic Nutrition and Botanical Medicine, a Master of Natural Medicine, and a…
4 Dec 2023 4 min

Why should you learn new hobbies?

Nadia Booysen, an oncology counsellor, explains how learning new hobbies can recreate your wheel of life. Nadia Booysen is a cancer survivor and an oncology counsellor with a BSW Hons Social Work UP, BA Hons Psychology Unisa, PGDip PallMed UCT. She consults at the DMO practices: Sandton Oncology and the…
4 Dec 2023 4 min
1 – 20