"Recent Advances in Hypertension". 5 - 7 February 2010. Linder Auditorium, Wits University, Johannesburg. . 

The SAHS applauds the work done by the doctors and nurses working in rural areas. Three directors went to the RudaSA conference at Badplaas to speak on various aspects of hypertension: Prof Neels Potgieter (President), Prof John Milne and Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson all made the trek through mountain and mist! To top it all, our own Advisory Board member, Ms Sarah Gumede, welcomed us to beautiful Mpumalanga in her capacity of head of chronic diseases in the province. Guidelines and algorithms were distributed to the enthusiastic participants. Thanks to Bayer for supplying the algorithms. Advanced Health Care donated 220 Microlife BP self-monitoring devices to delegates as its commitment to SA health care. We know they will be put to good use.. 

We challenge you to just get your own colleagues, friends and family to know their BP numbers. Let us know the results. Perhaps like some Gauteng Health Department staff who got a wake up call when they got to "know their numbers". The event, held at Chris Hani-Baragwanath Recreation Hall in Soweto, caused some to really take a long hard look at the cardiovascular risk factor rating. Basic CV screening (BP, blood glucose and total cholesterol) showed plenty had high BPs. They were advised to go to their clinic or doctor to check for possible hypertension. Those with uncontrolled hypertension who were on medication were counselled about adherence to therapy. Dieticians were on hand to give lifestyle modification counselling. Mrs Dudu Mthombeni, SAHS Advisory Panel, member was driving force behind the information day held to mark World Heart Day. Other SAHS members in action as speakers were Prof Joe Veriava and Prof Karen Sliwa-Hahnle. Both gave stimulating talks to the audience. Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson was on the organising committee and got chance to help members of the audience to work out their cardiovascular risk. Advanced Health Care donated 80 Microlife self-monitoring BP the SAHS hopes that some of the devices in Gauteng’s Bank of Lisbon building to help monitor the important number 120/80. . 

New SAHS members of the ISH who join from August 2007 are eligible for free online access to the Journal of Hypertension for (USD 22). Existing South African members of the ISH are not eligible to free online access of the Journal of Hypertension. New members joining the ISH (if opting for free online access of the Journal) will only be required to only pay the membership fee (currently costs USD 22) and not the subscription to the hardcopy of the Journal (currently USD 119). Rates may increase for 2008 and will be confirmed when the membership renewal process takes place from October/November 2007. The ‘How to Become a Member’ section of the ISH website details the application process - http://www.ish-world.com/default.aspx?HowToBecomeAMember . . 

Bayer Healthcare came to our rescue when we had to print the latest 2009 Version of Algorithm again. Our thanks to Bayer for this sponsorship. We are delighted because it means that hypertensive care is really on the agenda. If you need a batch for training purposed or to go in your clinics let us know at zelda@hypertension.org.za. .