A South African experience

In early July, the School of Chiropractic and Sports Science took students and graduates to Durban, South Africa. As part of this experience, Seven 5th year Chiropractic students, one 3rd year and three of our graduates were taken to an African township at Cato Ridge, to assist both young and old Africans that attend a community center, which was opened and is run by Dawn Leppan.

1,000 people per day would arrive to obtain breakfast, lunch and clothing to help sustain and improve their lives. The students were distributed and allowed to use the medical doctors treatment room, the nurses room and to treat the children in the crèche. The students were supervised and mentored through each treatment by registered Chiropractors, and an interpreter was provided to assist with language barriers.

The experience soon proved rewarding as the outcomes were substantial. The first adults to be treated were a bit skeptical, but were overjoyed with the results of feeling less pain than before the treatment. The students were given a standing ovation by the patients when leaving each day and again when on return the next morning.

There were about twenty 2 year old children which received a full physical examination. This revealed about 90% had upper respiratory and sinus problems. All children were treated 3 days in a row with results of improved health as noted by the care givers. The teachers and parents noted less runny noses, less pulling at their ears and increased general well being. As this township is in a very low socio-economic area, there are no medications available and any assistance in the improvement of health of these people was greatly appreciated. One of Dean Nook’s previous Chiropractic students from Durban, Dr. Tarryn MacDougall, who has a special interest in pediatrics supervised these students. She was a great mentor and has a vast experience in treating children.

On one day a ‘Baby health clinic’ was organized and two of the students assisted the nursing staff with weighing and general health assessment. This initiative by the community center originator, Dawn Leppan, has seen a vast improvement in neonatal survival and increased growth rates among those babies that attend.

Our students were determined to raise funds and to collect donations prior to the trip to South Africa with the intent to donate needed supplies to the township. Clothing and toys were collected by some of the students as well as Tana Nook Carley. She organized a clothing drive through Hollywood Hospital and the School of Chiropractic and Sports Science would like to thank her and her fellow nursing staff for their generosity.

Chocolates were sold by some students to raise funds, others donated as well as some members of their families. This money purchased:
6 bottles of baby powder
6 tubs of aqueous cream
6 tubs of zinc cream
6 tubs of Vaseline
30 baby bottles for milk
10 containers of baby wipes
145kg of mealie meal
30kg of beans
10 tubs of peanut butter
1000 tea bags

Dawn was so pleased with the eagerness, professionalism and commitment of our students, she provided each student with a laminated certificate of appreciation.

During their time in South Africa, the students also treated athletes and staff who participated in the Mr Price Pro. Read more about this experience.

For more information on the School of Chiropractic and Sports Science’s involvement with the Community Centre at Cato Ridge, Durban, please contact Dr Deb Nook.