Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

yeah, it's definitely a problem with the systems not talking to each other. There's an error somewhere along the line in the handshake or transposition of details between the 2 platforms. I know that Garmin pushes the data, but the app / systems that have been developed don't seem to recognise the data in certain instances. I can imagine it being HIGHLY frustrating for those who are doing everything right, yet don't get the recognition when it has "synced"

yeah, it does. It's also baffling why it only seems to affect certain individuals, and repeatedly so as well. Mine has been flawless from day 1.

No. Well, yes. But that's cos I had it at 15psi for some stupid reason. Must have been a slightly leaky valve or a small imperfection in the seal. And even then, it wasn't overly rolly. At 25PSI - not a hint. Not as burly as the Super Gravity casings, but hardly anything is.

Going very well. Love it. It rolls well, grips superbly when leaned over and has surprisingly good traction on the climbs - even wet & loose climbs it eats for breakfast. Is obviously a bit loose when things get rowdy, but I like that. You're able to set up for corners very well. Sidewalls are stronger than the Onza FRC, and the rubber is nice and grippy. Would recommend this and the Rock Razor for pretty much all conditions.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/healthcare/2016/06/24/discovery-scheme-defends-its-admin-fees and then this... http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/health/2016/03/04/discovery-scheme-quizzed-on-fees-paid-to-its-administrator and this: "The report, presented to members at the AGM, concludes that for every rand DHMS spent on administration fees, members got between R1.77 and R2.02 in total value. And while the nonhealthcare fees paid by DHMS members were R11.43 higher per average beneficiary per month than the open medical scheme industry average, members paid R158.24 less for their risk contributions, which Deloitte said meant they were about R146.81 better off per average beneficiary per month than the industry." From this article (back in 2013, before they were reduced as a % of contributions) http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/healthcare/2013/06/25/review-supports-discovery-health-administration-fees From 2011 http://www.moneyweb.co.za/archive/discovery-health-questioned-on-its-r266bn-fee-for/ And the most relevant to the problem of rising costs... http://www.financialmail.co.za/coverstory/2016/07/29/discovery-s-adrian-gore-on-why-medical-aid-costs-are-soaring

Yeah, it could probably be reduced, but that would have to be tied to the coats of managing the med aid itself. And I an tell you right now. Out of the med aid management options out there at the moment, I'd FAR rather deal with Disco than any of the others. From a broker perspective it's like trying to deal with Allan Gray vs Sanlam. They really are that much better than the rest. The fact that they're also cheaper than a large portion of the other administrators is an added bonus

Again, one of the smallest in the market. And when you actually have a look at the numbers, it's been contracting in real terms. They covered that today - and some of the trustees of the fund were present - it's the 6th lowest in the open scheme environment, and they're getting an increasing amount of closed schemes on their administration. You don't get that with abnormally high admin rates... Yeah, that's where the profit is derived out of the DH side of things, but it's also hugely competitive. The percentage of contributions hasn't been increasing. It's just that the growth in member numbers has been so large that the net rand value of the administration & marketing fees (incl commissions) have been climbing faster than inflation.

The "freebies" and "discounts" are paid through Vitality only. I think you underestimate the speed at which medical costs increase on a year to year basis.... DH has to essentially fund itself through premiums and premiums only. IE premiums in = claims & admin costs out. That's it. Vitality is a completely separate business, even though there is some cross over with vitality clients costing them less.

Yeah, gold is still 45,000.

Oh - and there's a new Essential Smart Plan health option. Existing one will be called Classic Smart plan. Premiums for new Essential Smart Plan are R 1,100 per person. Makes sense for families of 2. For more than that, the set premiums (ie no difference between primary, adult & child) make it unaffordable when compared to other plans.

Other than that, no real changes to Vitality. A couple of other things relating to Miles and your Vitality points converting to Disco miles at the end of every year, but that's only for Discovery Card holders. You can also use them to boost your discount on travel (excl VAR travel booster stuff) but that's not really relevant and there are some other matters I need to look into. Health - a few changes - 9.9% increase to most plans, 7.9% increase on Coastal Saver, 11.9% on Comprehensive & Executive due to extra utilisation, 15% on Coastal Core cos there are HUGE discrepancies with claims frequency on that plan. Oh - and they launched a gap cover product which is absolute and utter shaite.

Yep. I'll still do it, but yeah. Naah. Not as attractive.

The "Measures" that need to be in range for the Health Check Bonus points are BMI BP Glucose Cholestorol Smoking Status

Okay. Shoe booster. "up to" 25% discount is applied up front via Healthy Gear card, subject to normal criteria being met (all adults on Vitality having done fitness assessment in previous rolling 12 months; all adults having done screening checks) Additional 75% discount is paid over 12 months following purchase of shoes, in monthly instalments. Each month's portion will be discounted according to the amount of goals you met the month prior to that. IE: You buy shoes for R 2k. R 500 off at till point. 0-1 goals - in month = No additional discount 2 goals - 10% additional discount 3 goals - 25% additional discount 4 goals - 75% additional discount. This "additional discount" is applied in the following way. Purchase Price = R 2,000 Monthly amount = R 2,000/12 = R 166.67 0-1 = R 166.67 * 0% = R 0 2 = R 166.67 * 10% = R 16.67 3 = R 166.67 * 25% = R 41.67 4 = R 166.67 * 100% = R 166.67 That happens every month for the 12 months following purchase. Oh. And there's a R 300 activation fee, and you get a "free" 2017 Team Vitality Running Membership when activating. So essentially it's an apple watch benefit for skoene. And over 12 months instead of 24. And with an up front discount on the purchase price.

Oh - another one I forgot about. They've lowered the threshold for Bronze & Silver levels to 20,000 & 30,000 points respectively. Double that for Husband & wife, add a bit more for each adult dependent.

I think they need to kick some serious 3rd party app coder ass.

There are none, if it's done properly. If it's not done properly, then there's a problem. The primary issue though would be the cost of the value of the item post repair, and whether the repairer is qualified to perform the repairs properly.

Oh - also - on the free shoe thing. 9 times out of 10 the type of person who won't have aclue what to do will also not be using a dedicated running shoe for running, or are only just entering the world of fitness. Offering them an incentive to get on the wagon is infinitely more worthwhile to Vitality & disco as a whole than keeping them off their feet. Just imagine how many more people will want to get a set of running shoes now that they won't have to spend 2k to get in on the game? And yes, I know - there are other options - my current Kanadias cost me R 600 from Footgear. But that's not the point. The point is that this will open up the floodgates to get more people physically active. Which is what they want. Because it drives down mortality and morbidity numbers immensely... you or I will know that we need XYZ and therefore can see which of the SW shoes fit us within those parameters.

Firstly, I agree with you. Go for a fit, at a reputable running shop. But once you're there, and you know whether you're a pronator / enutral etc, you can go elsewhere. secondly. Vitality is NOT - I repeat - NOT - Discovery Health. It is COMPLETELY different. One gives you medical aid benefits, which you use to cover the medical expenses and everything related to hospital admissions, doctors visits etc. The other is the tool through which Discovery is trying to improve every one of their clients' health through increased physical activity and knowledge of their health, so that it costs them and you less overall. Separate them in your mind. Discovery Health does not equal Discovery Vitality. You can have one without the other. Now that that's out the way, there's nothing stopping you from going to Sweat Shop or Athlete's Foot or any of the other running stores that are all over the place. You just won't get any discount there. They're not FORCING you to buy at SW - it's still your choice. One place you will get a discount, and hopefully be able to buy the right shoe for you, the other you will get personal service and a tailored fit.

Apparently ALL running shoes (suspect that includes trail shoes) for the first 3 months, thereafter subject to change based on take up and client recommendations. Suspect it may be narrowed down to a few select brands or something, but for Jan to March, go moggy.

Probably, yeah. But the 25-100% enhancement is purely VAR goal dependent 25% discount is now up front at the till point. For that you need to do your assessments

Oh and free drinks now at M&B as well

Some GREAT enhancements, some not so great Will say more later today. Best so far... Up to 100% off all running shoes up to value of R2k at SW if you meet your goals. That excited me. Anyway. More later

On the website or by sending them a mail with your results / proof of finishing.

CT Central, southern or northern subs? In the south, there's Raymond Dold. Operates out of Bergvliet.