VN August 2023

Vetnuus | August 2023 4 In line with the month dedicated to women, I decided to approach the women veterinarians who play leading roles within SAVA for something about themselves as well as something inspirational. Soon to realise that women, and veterinarians in particular, find it very difficult to speak about themselves. At first, the request seems simple, until I got responses like: “What do I say about myself?” This question is very valid. What do you say about yourself? What do you proclaim to the world? Most women veterinarians, I began to understand, prefer working in the background; they get on with the daily task at hand and are very reluctant to splay open their personal lives. This edition of Vetnews is Pink, but not a Barbie girl pink, but all shades of commitment and dedication. Every lady-vets’ story reads a little different but there are simply too many similarities to ignore. For many of them, it has been a lifelong dream to become a veterinarian. They almost all had a deciding moment that paved the road ahead. Many of them had obstacles to overcome. Many of them must find a fine balance between work and home. There are also many differences, some work for different sectors in the state and others work in private. Some large animals some small. But one thing that underlines all of their stories, is their unwavering dedication to make life better for animals. August is also not only about women, but it is very much about women’s health. If you do not go for your regular checkups like a pap smear and mammogram in your birth month, you should do it in August. Please, ladies, look after yourself. If you do not sit down today and book that appointment, we will have this same conversation in 12 months. Both breast cancer and cervical cancer have good outcomes if it is caught early. With so many contributing environmental factors that can hasten the onset of one of these dreaded diseases, there is no excuse. The other thing that you should have checked out is your skin. Many of you spend a lot of time working outdoors and it is good to have your skin mapped to determine any changes in future. It is almost like a mammogram for your skin. WEAR THAT SUNSCREEN The higher factor the better. Apply it regularly and preach the same to your loved ones. Go to that spa for the treatment you so desperately need. See a good friend and laugh about life. Have that glass of wine and celebrate womanhood. Travel if you can. Take that holiday or at least plan one. Hug your loved ones. Be good to yourself. Enjoy the month of August! Andriette v From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas Andriette van der Merwe “Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance in the world to pursue your dreams.” Hillary Clinton 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 21 21 21