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OTC Meds And ‘Natural’ Supplements Have Hidden Risks, Warns Pharmacist
Read More: OTC Meds And ‘Natural’ Supplements Have Hidden Risks, Warns PharmacistToo much of a good thing can be bad, sure – but just how much is too much? And what about things we think of as all-natural? “Just because something is labelled ‘natural’ does not mean it is risk-free, and easy access does not guarantee safety,” explains pharmacist Thembeka Gule of Medipost Pharmacy, a South…
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7 Perimenopause Treatments & Lifestyle Changes That Actually Work
Read More: 7 Perimenopause Treatments & Lifestyle Changes That Actually WorkYou’re likely familiar with menopause: the period of time when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen and menstruation stops. But perimenopause, its predecessor, gets much less airtime. That ends here. We’ll unpack what perimenopause is, as well as the perimenopause treatments and lifestyle adaptations you can do to make the transition better. What Is Perimenopause? “Perimenopause…
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Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Pap Smear
Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Pap SmearYeah, yeah, we all know how important a Pap smear is… but how many of us can say we look forward to them? *Crickets*. Here’s everything about getting a Pap smear explained, so you can stop avoiding them and do the best thing to protect yourself. What Is A Pap Smear? A Pap smear, also…
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10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Your Pap Smear
Read More: 10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Your Pap SmearThere are many awkward situations in life, from forgetting someone’s name even though you’ve met them three times, to laughing at a really inappropriate time. But a trip to the gynae is definitely near the top of the list. No matter how many times you go, you can’t help but clam up. And getting a…
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10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Your Pap Smear
Read More: 10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Your Pap SmearThere are many awkward situations in life, from forgetting someone’s name even though you’ve met them three times, to laughing at a really inappropriate time. But a trip to the gynae is definitely near the top of the list. No matter how many times you go, you can’t help but clam up. And getting a…
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11 Important Things You Need To Know About The Morning-After Pill
Read More: 11 Important Things You Need To Know About The Morning-After PillWhether you suffered from a condom mishap or a total lapse in judgment, having a backup plan is key when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancy. That’s where the Morning-After Pill comes in. A safe and effective tool, emergency contraception can be accessed without a prescription or explanation. Knowing a few key facts about your…
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11 Important Things You Need To Know About The Morning-After Pill
Read More: 11 Important Things You Need To Know About The Morning-After PillWhether you suffered from a condom mishap or a total lapse in judgment, having a backup plan is key when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancy. That’s where the Morning-After Pill comes in. A safe and effective tool, emergency contraception can be accessed without a prescription or explanation. Knowing a few key facts about your…
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The 32 Greatest Sleepytime Products That’ll Take You To La-La Land, STAT
Read More: The 32 Greatest Sleepytime Products That’ll Take You To La-La Land, STATIf sleep evades you like your office crush (shame), you’re not alone. Around 30 to 40% of people have insomnia, with experts suspecting the rates of sleep apnoea are similarly high. And getting sub-par ZZZs spell more trouble than you’d think. Aside from affecting your day-to-day and making it harder for you to concentrate and…
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What Actually Happens After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
Read More: What Actually Happens After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis?Breast cancer accounts for a quarter (24.11%) of all cancers in South African women. In 2022 alone, there were over 11 000 new cases. And, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. It’s also increasingly detected in women under 40. This trend mirrors global patterns: younger women are being diagnosed with…
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Did You Know That You CAN Get A Pap Smear Done At A GP?
Read More: Did You Know That You CAN Get A Pap Smear Done At A GP?Okay, so getting a Pap smear is definitely not our definition of fun, but it’s crucial that we get it done. With as many as 10 500-11 000 new cases of cervical cancer recorded annually in South Africa, it’s now the leading cause of female cancer-related deaths in SA (per 2023 data). One of the…
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Did You Know That You CAN Get A Pap Smear Done At A GP?
Read More: Did You Know That You CAN Get A Pap Smear Done At A GP?Okay, so getting a Pap smear is definitely not our definition of fun, but it’s crucial that we get it done. With as many as 10 500-11 000 new cases of cervical cancer recorded annually in South Africa, it’s now the leading cause of female cancer-related deaths in SA (per 2023 data). One of the…
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Early-Onset Dementia Among Women Is Growing. Here’s How To Protect Yourself
Read More: Early-Onset Dementia Among Women Is Growing. Here’s How To Protect YourselfWe’re willing to bet your idea of a nightmare has changed radically since the days of hiding from the boogey man. Grown-up fears include: not being able to make rent, the petrol price doubling and… being affected by dementia. We have the data to back this last one up: several studies indicate that women express…
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What’s The Real Age For Perimenopause – And What Are The Symptoms?
Read More: What’s The Real Age For Perimenopause – And What Are The Symptoms?Perimenopause is perhaps the most misunderstood part of a woman’s life. We make a big(ish) deal of your first period and especially pregnancy, but when ovaries start winding down, so do helpful discussions about it. “Perimenopause is a tipping point that can shape a woman’s long-term health and quality of life,” says Dr Juanri Jonck,…
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From Concussion To Breast Injuries: How The Women’s Rugby World Cup Is Sparking A Medical Revolution
Read More: From Concussion To Breast Injuries: How The Women’s Rugby World Cup Is Sparking A Medical Revolution“Four years ago, World Rugby made a commitment that any research they do on the men’s game, they will also do on the women’s game,” World Rugby’s medical manager Dr Lindsay Starling tells WH. “Any research funded or conducted by World Rugby is 50/50, male and female, or solely on females.” Considering the widely cited figure…
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Sleepmaxxing Is TikTok’s Latest Obsession – But Do These Sleep Hacks Really Work?
Read More: Sleepmaxxing Is TikTok’s Latest Obsession – But Do These Sleep Hacks Really Work?From “sleepy girl mocktails” to mouth taping, #sleepmaxxing has exploded on TikTok. The trend promises deeper, longer sleep through hacks, supplements and devices – but are these viral tricks worth trying? To find out, we spoke to Dr Rob Henst, a sleep scientist and co-founder of Sleep Science, a sleep consultancy practise in Cape Town. He explained…
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WH Cover Search Finalist Tammy Jonas On Healthy Competitiveness
Read More: WH Cover Search Finalist Tammy Jonas On Healthy CompetitivenessVibrant, tenacious and loving life: that’s how 27-year-old fitness instructor Tammy Jonas describes herself. Having played netball since the age of seven, the East-London-based netball coach says the sport has become a defining aspect of her life. As a netball coach now, Tammy channels her competitive streak into her students, creating winning environments on and…
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Exactly How To Do Supplement Stacking, From A Pharmacist
Read More: Exactly How To Do Supplement Stacking, From A PharmacistQuick: count the number of supplements you take a day. There’s the omegas for brain boosting, the nootropics in your coffee, maybe a sleep supplement or magnesium, too. But now, tailoring your supps for max impact, also known as supplement stacking, is gaining traction. When done right, supplement stacking can bridge nutrient gaps, enhance results…
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10 Scarily Common Diabetes Myths That Can Put Your Health At Risk
Read More: 10 Scarily Common Diabetes Myths That Can Put Your Health At RiskFact: diabetes is the number one cause of death among South African women, according to Statistics South Africa’s latest data. The only thing overshadowing it is Covid-19, which only reflects the year in which the stat was captured – 2021. Diabetes is now responsible for more deaths in S.A. than heart disease, cancer and HIV.…
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6 Tips That Will Help You Spot Fake Health Info
Read More: 6 Tips That Will Help You Spot Fake Health InfoSadly, fake health info is as common in our world as barbells in a CrossFit box. Misinformation is widely documented as a recurring problem in South Africa’s public health environment – researchers and fact-checkers flagged persistent health myths after the COVID-19 peak. And, being able to sport fake health info is essential: the WHO emphasises…
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13 Next-Gen Biohacks Every Wellness Girl Should Know
Read More: 13 Next-Gen Biohacks Every Wellness Girl Should KnowFrom red light facials to AI-powered wearables whispering your next best move, the biohacking boom is having a very feminine glow-up. Once the domain of Silicon Valley tech bros, today’s wellness upgrades are more holistic, body-aware, and designed to work with your hormones, brain and gut – not against them. We rounded up the smartest,…
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7 Best Brain-Boosting Supplements For Improved Memory, Concentration And Mood
Read More: 7 Best Brain-Boosting Supplements For Improved Memory, Concentration And MoodForgetting what you did yesterday and putting a pair of spectacles in different areas of the house so you’re never without them doesn’t have to be your endgame. “Cognitive health refers to maintaining and optimising mental functions – things like memory and concentration, as well as mood,” explains Professor Andrew Scholey, a researcher in human…
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What To Know About An Adult Autism Diagnosis – Esp For Women
Read More: What To Know About An Adult Autism Diagnosis – Esp For WomenAlthough autism can be reliably diagnosed by age two, in practice, Dr Birgit Schlegel, a paediatric neurologist at Mediclinic Constantiaberg in Cape Town, says most children are only diagnosed around the age of five – and some not until adolescence or adulthood. “Later diagnosis often means the individual has lived for years with emotional, behavioural…
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Do You Really Need A Parasite Cleanse?
Read More: Do You Really Need A Parasite Cleanse?A woman sits over a sink that is filled with water. Her feet are submerged. Excitedly, she brings the phone camera to focus on the water and zooms in. There, squirrelling and squirming, are long, dark strands. They’re worms, she says, the evidence of a successful parasite cleanse. Videos like these on TikTok abound –…
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“How A Health Wake-Up Call Led Me To Wellness – And Got Me Through My PhD”
Read More: “How A Health Wake-Up Call Led Me To Wellness – And Got Me Through My PhD”Whether it’s a new workout habit or a resolve to be tech-free before bed, any change is usually spurred by a trigger. For the then PhD candidate Mamosa Ngcala, a health wake-up call was the push she needed to overhaul her wellness. The trade-off was better than she could have imagined. Here, she tells her…
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Here’s How Contraception Can Impact Your Oral Health
Read More: Here’s How Contraception Can Impact Your Oral HealthWhen women think about birth control, they usually focus on the usual suspects – their periods, skin, mood, maybe even weight. But have you ever stopped to think about how your contraception might impact your oral health? Yup, your birth control can affect your oral health. Whether you’re on the pill, patch, injection or an…
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Is It Ever OK To Hold In Your Pee? Here’s What Experts Say
Read More: Is It Ever OK To Hold In Your Pee? Here’s What Experts SayThere are times when you have no choice but to hold in your pee – but is it actually safe? And is it true that if you hold it in, you’re creating UTIs for yourself? Whether it’s because you’re powering through work e-mails at your desk or you’d rather avoid the horrors of a public…
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5 Tips To Prevent Stained Teeth & Brighten Your Smile
Read More: 5 Tips To Prevent Stained Teeth & Brighten Your SmileLet’s be honest: our efforts to prevent stained teeth and brighten our smile are thwarted by other priorities. Mornings without coffee feel incomplete, and a good weekend just isn’t the same without a glass of wine (or two). Whether you’re sipping your frothy cappuccino during a quick Zoom meeting or clinking glasses of Merlot at…
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15 Things Your Period Could Be Telling You About Your Health
Read More: 15 Things Your Period Could Be Telling You About Your HealthYou may think the only thing your period can tell you is whether or not you’re pregnant – or if need to pop a painkiller because your cramps hurt like hell. But get this: your period health signals important things about how you’re doing overall. According to research from the American Heart Association, women whose…
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6 Easy Kitchen Decluttering Tips For A Clear, Healthy Cooking Space
Read More: 6 Easy Kitchen Decluttering Tips For A Clear, Healthy Cooking SpaceThere’s nothing like the stress of a messy kitchen to ruin the serenity of making a healthy meal. Whether it’s cupboards that spill out when you open them, a stacked fridge that makes it impossible to find your ingredients, or surfaces that are littered with gadgets, a cluttered kitchen makes for a harder time cooking. So, to declutter your kitchen is…
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Is Sunscreen Toxic? Experts – And Science – Weigh In On Viral Claims
Read More: Is Sunscreen Toxic? Experts – And Science – Weigh In On Viral ClaimsSunscreen, sunblock, SPF: the sun protection skincare has been hailed by derms as the holy grail in skincare for ages. The reason? The sun is a potent skin ager, creates wrinkles, damages skin, and increases hyperpigmentation. By rigorously applying sunscreen every day, experts teach, we prevent or mitigate these effects. Recently, though, social media has…
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6 Things Neurologists Would Never Do If They Wanted To Protect Their Brain Health
Read More: 6 Things Neurologists Would Never Do If They Wanted To Protect Their Brain HealthAll of your organs are crucial to your well-being, with the exception of a select few (looking at you, appendix). But if you had to rank the ones you really, really want to protect, your brain should definitely be one of the top contenders. After all, your brain is your body’s command centre, overseeing basic life…
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Important Info To Familiarise Yourself With This Flu Season
Read More: Important Info To Familiarise Yourself With This Flu Season‘Tis the season for sniffles, groggy throats and itchy inner ears, and we don’t mean to sound like your GP here but… have you gotten your flu shot yet? The best time to get it is before the flu/cold strikes, advises Dr Gulam Karim, Medical Director at TruMD, an innovative healthcare platform that offers instant…
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The Surprising Way Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Smile
Read More: The Surprising Way Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your SmileThere’s a lot of talk about the ups and downs of women’s menstrual cycle – cramps, mood swings, skin breakouts – but have you ever considered how your period might be affecting your smile? That’s right – those monthly hormonal fluctuations don’t just mess with your mood or skin; they can have a surprisingly big impact…
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These Are The 7 Best Tips To Stay Super Healthy During Flu Season
Read More: These Are The 7 Best Tips To Stay Super Healthy During Flu SeasonFlu season typically peaks during the colder months when people spend more time indoors, making it easier for viruses to spread. To reduce your risk of getting sick, it’s important to strengthen your immune system and adopt protective habits. In response, vaccines are produced that enable us to fight off the prevalent viral strains. Aside…
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The Exact Supplements Women Need To Be Taking, According To Studies
Read More: The Exact Supplements Women Need To Be Taking, According To StudiesSuperfood powders, protein shakes and functional mushrooms are on the menu, but what about your iron supp? Omegas? These simple supps are overlooked despite tons of evidence showing women lack these. Here, experts lay out the right supplements for women. Why Women Need Specific Supplements “For decades, the supplement industry has largely catered to a…
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Vicks VapoRub: 15 Clever Ways To Use The Cold And Flu Staple
Read More: Vicks VapoRub: 15 Clever Ways To Use The Cold And Flu StapleCold and flu season is upon us, and while you may have escaped a bout of sniffles thus far, know that if you do end up with a stuffy nose or congested chest there is one staple product you can you rely on. Enter Vicks VapoRub, the gel-based formula that has been curing many a germ-based…
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Heads Up – Flu Season Has Already Begun. Here’s How To Prepare
Read More: Heads Up – Flu Season Has Already Begun. Here’s How To PrepareNothing marks the end of summer quite like the onset of flu season. This year, it’s arrived a full four weeks earlier than last year – the earliest start since 2010. Typically, flu season in South Africa starts in April and peaks in early June. In case you weren’t sure, the flu is a virus,…
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10 Cold And Flu Remedies That Actually Work
Read More: 10 Cold And Flu Remedies That Actually WorkWhen you’re sick, you’ll try just about anything to feel better – even that thing you heard about from your best friend’s sister’s neighbour (who’s very much not a doctor, BTW). But uh, some cold and flu remedies aren’t as legit as they seem (yeah, I’m looking at you, echinacea). Here’s how to know which…
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Endometriosis, Health, Health Advice, Health Conditions, Menstruation, Painful Sex, Painful Sex Conditions, Periods, Sexual health
“I Ignored My Symptoms For 10 Years. It Turned Out To Be This Life-Altering Condition.”
Read More: “I Ignored My Symptoms For 10 Years. It Turned Out To Be This Life-Altering Condition.”For over a decade, 29-year-old Lizé Coetzer from Cape Town ignored the things that were happening in her body. Then she found out they were severe endometriosis symptoms. This is her story. What Is Endometriosis? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus…
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The Best Fibre For Weight Loss – And How To Use It
Read More: The Best Fibre For Weight Loss – And How To Use ItFibre for weight loss is the buzziest hack since all-protein everything. The rough stuff not only keeps your system regular but is increasingly linked to other critical body functions. Here’s how to get the best fibre for weight loss and what to know as you pile your plate. Fibre Is Key For Good Gut Function …
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Your Burning UTI Treatment Questions, Answered
Read More: Your Burning UTI Treatment Questions, AnsweredFirst up: a bladder infection is not the only form of UTI. “Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of any part of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, ureters and kidneys,” explains urologist Dr Julius Jacobs. “However, an infection below the bladder (urethritis) is generally not classified as a UTI.” Here, what to…
