TALK TO US
Letters should be no longer than 200 words. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of YOU’s editorial team. We can’t undertake to reply to all letters. The sender of the winning letter receives R300.
MY WAKE-UP CALL
Kim Abrahams, I can so identify with your terrifying ordeal relating to your diabulimia (YOU, 7 December). Your will to survive is astounding.
A year ago I had a hysterectomy and afterwards I was diagnosed with candida only to find out later that wasn’t actually the case.
I launched myself into a cold-turkey anti-candida diet, cutting out all sugar, carbohydrates, starches, yellow vegetables and fruit. Yes, I was stupid, but as I carried on I realised weight was falling off me. Being obsessed with weight, I was extremely happy.
That’s until my endocrinologist told me after routine blood tests that my potassium levels had dropped below normal. It was frightening to realise that low potassium can lead to heart failure.
I was lucky enough to get a huge wakeup call in time and saved myself from grave danger.
Take good care of yourself, Kim. God has blessed you with a wonderful life and you’ve survived to share your story, which is no doubt helping others. CUSHING’S SURVIVOR, EMAIL
THINK BEFORE YOU SPRAY
Too many people recklessly use poisons such as sprays and bait in the garden without realising the effect on bees, other beneficial insects and birds.
Few seem to think twice before doing this, but they should rather use natural remedies.
I’ve seen bees dying in my garden and assume this is the result of poisonous sprays being used.
I hope this letter will wake people up so they’d reconsider the use of poisons in the garden. Ultimately we’re detrimentally affecting the balance of nature. RACHEL, EMAIL
FACE IT, HE’S GUILTY!
I had to resist an overwhelming wave of nausea and disgust after reading about the conviction of Christopher Panayiotou for the murder of his wife and his family’s subsequent denial of any blame (YOU, 7 December).
The shameless and desperate demeanour of his family who refuse to acknowledge his guilt made me physically ill.
There’s no loss whatsoever suffered by his family. They’ll enjoy seeing their son and brother alive for decades to come. The only loss here is that of Jayde and the years her family have been robbed of, the memories and the love they’ve been denied.
Rest in peace, innocent Jayde. BRAD, EMAIL Christopher Panayiotou might not have pulled the trigger but that video doesn’t lie. He arranged it. A life sentence is justice for Jayde. J KRIEL, GAUTENG
WATER WASTE
I’ve long felt that the use of garden sprinkler systems is problematic and I’m sure they’ve contributed in a big way to our
water shortage. So much wastage takes place when people are complacent and set them to irrigate without checking up on them.
Often when driving past homes, complexes and estates I observe water shooting upwards into the road or dripping and not reaching the plants for which it’s intended. At times this goes on for hours on end. What a terrible waste.
I trust that when we once more have the great privilege of being able to water our gardens we’d use hoses and sprinklers sensibly.
Water is precious. Hopefully this terrible drought will make us all handle it with appreciation and TLC. TRUDY STEGMANN, EMAIL
SO HAPPY FOR HARRY
It was thrilling to read about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement (YOU, 7 December). Somehow a royal engagement is twice as exciting as any other. And they both look so delighted with each other.
Harry might have been a bit of a tearaway once but he’ll most likely assume his royal duties with a new maturity now he’s engaged to such a beautiful and obviously devoted lady.
It’s also a pleasure to witness Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, take on their duties with such sincerity and dedication. I’m sure Harry will follow in William’s royal footsteps. JUSTINE, JOHANNESBURG