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One of Europe's leading holistic practitioners on diabetes and cholesterol will visit South Africa in August to share the latest research into new nutrition- and lifestyle-based approaches to preventing and treating diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and high cholesterol.
Belgium-based Dr Geert Verhelst is in great demand in Europe by patients seeking allopathic and natural treatment and the health industry for his holistic approach to preventing and treating diabetes and high levels of cholesterol.
Dr Verhelst is a trained physician, having qualified as a medical doctor in 1984, a medical homeopath and an author. His most prominent work is the acclaimed and voluminous Dutch "Groot Handboek Geneeskrachtige Planten", which is widely regarded as the "Bible" of medicinal plants in the Netherlands and Belgium.
In addition, Dr Verhelst is a sought-after scientific consultant in the field of development, legislation and registration of food supplements based on medicinal plants and nutrients. He is also a medical journalist for several periodicals and lectures in phytotherapy at the Levensschool in Tongerlo, Belgium.
In South Africa, Dr Verhelst will present seminars to the health industry and the public. His tour and seminars have been endorsed by the Diabetics Association of South Africa and have received the SA Medical Association's CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation.
Diabetes, cholesterol in SA
Although there are no official figures, it's estimated that up to a staggering 6 million South Africans suffer from diabetes. Between 5% and 10% have type 1 diabetes, which is characterised by an almost total lack of insulin.
Between 90% and 95% of South African diabetes sufferers have type 2 diabetes and most are undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by low insulin production, often resulting in weight gain and sometimes leading to heart attack, kidney failure, impotence, blindness and amputation – all due to high glucose levels over a long period of time.
Cholesterol is also a major problem among adult South Africans, contributing to heart disease.
Holistic approach
Dr Verhelst's approach to both the prevention and treatment of high blood sugar and cholesterol is a holistic one, incorporating the latest research into complementary medicine and science with his own medical training and years of experience in treating patients.
His presentations in South Africa will focus on how a nature-based approach can dramatically improve the carbohydrate, protein and fat levels on the health parameters affecting metabolic syndrome, weight, insulin levels, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Dr Verhelst will also outline what steps may be taken to help prevent diabetes and high cholesterol, and how simple changes in lifestyle, diet and the introduction of food supplements can prevent and, in many cases, reverse the early stages of diabetes.
He will be in South Africa from 17 – 26 August, and will present public seminars in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, PE and Cape Town.
See www.otcpharma.co.za for details or contact Chernelle on 011-469-1642.
(OTC Pharma press release, July 2009)
