Sister B's Care Circle

04/08/2026

Continuing on from the article I wrote on the obesity crisis and the value of checking your BMI - basal metabolic index. Further research mentions the approach of measuring waist and hips and a formula to calculate a percentage which indicates the amount of visceral fat surrounding our organs. Another measurement used is waist - height ratio for the same visceral fat measurement. Visceral fat in the right proportion does serve to protect the organs but if too high will lead to heart failure , diabetes and other chronic conditions associated with obesity. It affects cholesterol too. In my clinical practice I will use all but do feel BMI is a good place to start and one can set goals from there. I have simple nutrition guidelines that are diabetic friendly and renal friendly in cases of declining renal function. The renal consideration is very important as Diabetes can lead to severe renal impairment if uncontrolled. The latest statistic I read this week is that SA's obesity stat is now sitting at 54% and that is more than diabetes, HIV and many other chronic conditions. We know that if some are not present now , excluding HIV the diabetes , cardiac failure and other co-morbidities will rear their ugly heads. These diseases lead to horrific personal costs as well as to the state.

28/07/2026

A crisis and still rising in South Africa and Globally.

When I began nursing in the mid 1970s, my community was small and close knit. I recall very few notably overweight folk. Fast forward to today the rise in overweight folk leads to many health issues. High blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, mobility issues, cardiac failure and stress.

I believe many overweight folk don’t feel great about themselves. When the kilos creep up, I don't and I'm not obsessive. I'm a Mama and love to cook !! However after chemo and high doses of steroids in my first run in with cancer in 2000 it led to huge weight gain which took ages to shed and ongoing ! It took a while to start and am so glad I did.

Personal experience as a nurse : I have witnessed many tragic outcomes that could have been prevented. After two runs ins with cancer I have been checking my BMI – basal metabolic index and other practices which I will mention in other articles. Mine has crept up so am working on it. If one person is moved to start the process and it does involve a shift in thinking I will be joyful. Do your own research in a discerning way , read more than one article and just be aware of shopping habits and how you utilize purchases.

The statistics of obesity are alarming:
• Nearly half of South African adults are overweight or obese and research has shown that there is a direct link to the rise in diabetes and other health issues.
• Women are most affected — almost 7 out of 10.
• Childhood obesity is rising fast, with over 20% of school aged children already overweight.
• And the cost? More than R33 billion every year to our health system.

Our Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi spoke about this crisis 2 weeks ago quoting same facts. He attributes fast foods, sedentary lifestyle and other factors to the crisis. One of the solutions he mentioned was banning advertising of fast-food outlets.

Personally, I view it as more complex but with simple solutions to good nutrition within the budget constraints of families today. It excites me that there is a way out. This passion for nutrition started at a young age and early in my career. My rural upbringing and early married life allowed me to engage with communities and grow this passion. I focus very much on budget constraints as I believe it is the biggest contributing factor to the problem and needs sensitivity to assist those in dire straits and it is possible.

I love that daily I get to consult folk and get to know the community. Howick and surrounds is full of amazing people who I am so privileged to be able to connect with regarding their health. Most of the conversations go back to nutrition and my rather forceful views on the value of adequate water intake.

I encourage everyone to start and have a " just do it" approach, that first step as we all know can start a happy rewarding journey. I will post ideas and keep encouraging a move to wellness checks and other beneficial practices. Please get in touch with me about Wellness checks and guidance.

At last I've started !!!

28/07/2026

DISCLAIMER : These reflections come from my nursing experience and the research I do on health and lifestyle. They are not meant to judge, criticize, or encourage self diagnosis or self medication.
My views are shaped by many years across rural, semi rural, and urban settings community and clinical, and by seeing how many health crises have been prevented and those that could have been prevented. I lean toward simple, preventative, and integrated approaches because they come from lived experience, not theory.
I’m not an academic, and I believe bedside and community insight matters just as much as data which is valuable and accurate. Im more about the human factor being maintained while we embrace the wonderful advantages of technology. My aim is to share practical insights, not replace professional medical advice.

This is a fore-runner to articles I will be posting. Much thought and courage required. The objective is we learn by sharing our stories and I hope mine can be beneficial and encourage my community.

05/04/2026

Families, Technology, and Care: Working Together :

I was fortunate to spend a fascinating time with a young couple with careers in technology. I learned so much and inspired me keep learning.

This encounter and many questions answered inspired me to write about a how technology has entered into care and challenges I often face in the area of my work and how I have had to learn and grow as a nurse from beginning with absolute zero tech !!

In today’s world, families have instant access to information through Google and now AI tools. This can be both empowering and overwhelming. I’ve often seen anxious relatives arrive with pages of search results or AI-generated advice, hoping to understand their loved one’s condition.

The truth is: these tools can be helpful, but only if the right details are included. Age, height, weight, recent vital signs, the current problem area, comorbidities, general history, medications, and overall clinical condition all make a difference. Without this context, results can be misleading or even alarming.

As nurses, we need to welcome these queries rather than feel defensive. Families are trying to understand and support — their questions show care. By listening, clarifying, and guiding them back to accurate sources, we build trust and strengthen the circle of care.
I began nursing in 1975, when patients and families were rarely encouraged to engage in care decisions. Today, inclusivity and informed consent are central. Technology has changed the landscape, but the heart of nursing remains the same: compassion, patience, and partnership.

Let’s embrace families’ access to information, help them use it wisely, and continue to provide the reassurance that only human connection can bring.

It has been a glorious and blessed Easter weekend in KZN . Wishing all those on the roads tomorrow safe travels.

Send a message to learn more

25/03/2026

Appreciation to this wonderful family, a beautiful brave lady who took charge and displayed such courage.I acknowledge as always the this work is never done alone and that's why working in a multi disciplinary team enhances healing and care. The team contributed enormously to training. Thank ypu the family for this appreciation message below.

We were asked to sign a DNR which was very hard to come to terms with. For almost a week we pondered on that piece of paper which would change our lives drastically,that was when an angel in the form of Sister Bronwyn comforted me,her kind, humble words gave me the courage on the decision going forward.A good heart these days is hard to find but i found a strong, independent woman who walked the same gravel road as me , encouraging and reassuring that all will be well "u want to take Mr Dubru home go ahead".Her words still echo keep going on no matter how hard it gets, believe in yourself,u can do this.When Mr Dubru was discharged,the kindness, love and support didn't stop,even a minor problem with equipment would be sorted out via a video call.The love , care, kindness and unwavering support.The constant messages and kind words of encouragement portrays the strength and resilience of a warrior ,her determination and perseverance towards a career so loved ,may u Sister Bronwyn succeed in all your endeavours. With much love and appreciation. Regards The Dubru family

24/03/2026

Mornè first came into contact with Sr Bronwyn Rutherfoord when he was admitted to Nuture Aurora Hospital on the 31st December 2024.
Mornè had been in the ICU at a Netcare Hospital for 75 days.
Mornè was warmly welcomed by Sr Bronwyn,and under her specialised care he soon started to show signs of improvement.
When he took his first steps(baby steps) with the walker,Sr was elated and even took a pic to capture the moment.
Even under very difficult circumstances,Sr continue to encourage him,with everything,motivating him when he was depressed.
When Mornè arrived at Aurora,Sr took great care of treating pressure sores to his heals,elbow,lower back especialy to a scalp wound.
This wound was a major challenge for Sr,who never gave up.
Even arranging for Mornè to see Dr Linda Whitlock-Jones who did a skin graft.
This wound took months to heal and even when Mornè was discharged from Aurora,Sr often send whattsapp messages to find out how he was,giving advice on treating the scalp wound.
To date Sr Bronwyn still enquires as to Mornè well being and continues to encourage him with care and love.
Sr Bronwyn is truly a dedicated health care worker,and whoever she treats for a long or short period will truly benefit greatly,she shows compassion and love and this all helps with healing.

21/03/2026

Testimonial gratefully received, from recent client.

I cannot thank Bronwyn Rutherfoord enough for the incredible support she provided to my mother following her stroke. While there were other carers available in the region, Bronwyn was willing to move in with Mum and provide a tailored level of care to suit her remote living environment and immediate needs. With most of our family living abroad it was an incredibly stressful time for us all and Bronwyn's rapid adaptation to the situation allowed us to provide the most incredible level of care in my mothers familiar home environment which made a huge impact on her recovery. Bronwyn was kind and caring throughout, carefully following the doctors guidance and also able to make wise decisions based on her years of experience working in hospitals. She worked with mum on cognitive development and physical recouperation and it really felt like they were tackling the recovery as a team. Bronwyn developed systems for developing independence, encouraging cooking meals and normal day to day activities, including learning to prepare medication, all under her watchful and reassuring eye. It has been remarkable how quickly mum recovered from such a severe medical upset and I truly believe that is down to Bronwyn's careful and professional approach. We will be forever in her debt! - James J

21/03/2026

Dear Family & Friends,

I am so excited to broadcast & launch a service in my newly adopted town of Howick in the Midlands. My journey started on the 25th of January 1975 in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. I have been privileged to have over 50 years in a profession witnessing on a very personal level the courage and resilience of the human spirit.

That transition can feel lonely and overwhelming—for patients, families, and caregivers alike. I’ve walked alongside many on this journey, being present at discharge and helping make move to home smoother and less daunting.

My recent clinical experience was based in high care in a physical rehabilitation setting and I focus on enabling people to work towards leading an improved quality of life and independence.

I’m offering home-based healing and care support with simple individualised care plans and assist with carer training utilising the plans.

My purpose is to compassionately aspire to and inspire brilliance in healing and care.

✨ Please reach out if you or someone you know needs guidance or support.

✨ I’d be grateful if you could share this with others in our community.

Take great care,
Bronwyn

Disclaimer ;Friendly Note: I’m here to offer guidance, care, and support at home—especially after hospital discharge. This is not a substitute for medical treatment, so please continue to follow the advice of your healthcare pro. I will at all times adhere professional and ethical practice. Confidentiality ensured. Maintain open contact with existing healthcare providers.