Chill out folks

I’m writing in response to the article Players & Warriors (YOU Pulse, Autumn 2008). For the past nine years I’ve been involved in coaching both under-13 and under-seven teams. In my experience it’s not in the interest of the child or the game to put pressure on young players – especially six-year olds.

Kids that should just enjoy playing the game are being pushed by their parents to win. I don’t think rugby players should take part in official league games before the age of 11. YOU Pulse is an excellent magazine with informative articles. I truly hope many parents and trainers read the rugby article.
Gerrit Bal, e-mail

YOU Pulse is worth every cent!

YOU Pulse is an excellent magazine with enlightening and educational articles. In my opinion every organisation, be it a school, health authority, retirement village, doctor’s surgery or hospital, should subscribe to ensure it gets the magazine regularly. YOU Pulse is worth every cent – it’s as if you’re bringing your doctor home! Keep up the high quality.
Catherine Pietersen, Cape Town

At last a magazine I can recommend to patients!

Thank you for a superb quarterly packed with insightful reads. I’d also like to thank you for the article on juvenile arthritis (YOU Pulse, Autumn 2008) and for publishing the news on the excellent results achieved with biological drugs. The dramatic improvement this treatment has brought about in the lives of children as well as adults is astonishing.

The Arthritis Foundation has started a fundraising campaign to provide biological treatment to children who don’t have access to this expensive medication. The campaign is called Children Have Arthritis Too (CHAT) and all contributions are welcome.

Please call the Arthritis Foundation on 0861-30-30-30 for more information. Even the smallest contribution could help change the life of a child in pain.
Dr Ingrid Louw, rheumatologist, Panorama Medi-Clinic

Schalk's back

After a neck injury a few months ago I’m once again in the starting line-up for the Stormers rugby team. I was off for some time to allow my neck to mend and had the opportunity to read YOU Pulse from cover to cover.

There’s still a lot I’d sacrifice for rugby but the article Players & Warriors (Autumn 2008) gave me much to think about. Thank you for the support and prayers of readers following the article in which my injury was mentioned.
Schalk Ferreira, Cape Town

Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation reach out

The 25 young golfers of the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation arranged a special day for residents of the Emmaüs Centre for Disabled Adults in George on 23 April.

The foundation prepares talented youngsters to play against the world’s top golfers one day. ‘‘We also teach the kids to use their skills to give something back to the community,’’ says Hannes van Niekerk, managing director of the foundation.