Health Advice

Get access to trusted health advice from the experts to live a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle, no matter your age.


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B2S

Are You Ready for the School Year Ahead?

As the school bells ring, it's time to sharpen your pencil of patience and pack your lunchbox full of wisdom. From early morning alarm acrobatics to decoding lunch menus, getting back to basics with your kids isn’t as easy as it sounds. That’s why being prepared and having a routine that works for you is your best bet to conquering the crazy!


Training tips for running a marathon

Training for a marathon is like, well, training for a marathon! There are no shortcuts; you must diligently rack up the kilometres each day, slowly building up your endurance.

Getting to grips with sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a tricky condition where your body is in the middle of falling asleep yet is still awake. This paralysis can last anywhere from a few seconds to what may feel like endless minutes.

Managing ADHD at work

One of the biggest misconceptions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is that it's a condition that only affects children. The truth is that millions of people live with ADHD every day.

Mental health and the idea of being strong

Strength means different things to different people. Does being strong mean covering up your feelings and acting as if nothing bothers you? Or, is it about venting, lashing out at others, shouting your feelings for the world to hear?

How cleanliness boosts your immunity

Good hygiene plays a big role in how well our immune system functions and a stronger immunity means a reduced risk of infections.

Don’t believe these myths about bone health!

Have you heard that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis? Or perhaps you believe that you only need to start taking care of your bones as you get older. These are common myths when it comes to bone and joint health.

Pharmacist Month

Want to know more about your Medirite Pharmacist? In honour of Pharmacist Month, we asked one of our amazing pharmacists, Zine, what they love most about their job and what questions customers usually do not ask.

Pharmacist Month

Want to know more about your Medirite Pharmacist? In honour of Pharmacist Month, we asked one of our amazing Pharmacists, Abu-Bakr, what he loves most about his job and what questions customers usually do not ask.

Pharmacist Month

Want to know more about your Medirite Pharmacist? In honour of Pharmacist Month, we asked one of our amazing Pharmacists, Abu-Bakr, what he loves most about his job and what questions customers usually do not ask.

Pharmacist Month

In honour of Pharmacist Month, we asked one of our amazing pharmacists, David, what he loves most about his job and what questions customers usually do not ask.

Pharmacist Month

In honour of Pharmacist Month, we asked one of our amazing pharmacists, Ansa, what she loves most about her job and what questions customers usually do not ask.

How your gut health affects your brain health

When it comes to relationships between organs in your body, you’re probably not too familiar with the gut and brain connection. One’s all the way at the “head” of the house, so to speak, while the gut… Well, that’s the midsection’s problem, right?

Scared of going to the gynaecologist? Let’s debunk some fears!

If you feel a little shiver of dread when it’s time for that regular gynae visit – you’re not alone. There are many women in that same boat!

Pharmacy Month: Common vaccination myths debunked

Vaccines are often surrounded by confusion and myths, but we need to understand the truth to keep ourselves, our families and our communities healthy.

Food pairing for better health

The power of pairing. Have you ever considered how almost everything works better in twos? What’s a cup of tea without some toast? One sock without the other? A movie without some popcorn…

5 things to know as we hit Allergy Season!

In the simplest of terms, an allergy is the body’s immune system overreacting to a substance or allergen.

Low grade inflammation

Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection. It’s a sign that your body wants to protect itself and heal.

Spring Fair Beauty

This Spring, we're excited to dive deep into the world of serums, spotlighting four superstar ingredients that promise to transform your skin: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol.

The Low FODMAP Diet

Say hello to the Low FODMAP Diet, an interesting approach that promises to calm the chaos in your gut.

How healthy are your feet

Let’s get into the health of your feet and see how you can take better care of your precious footsies!

The sharenting parenting trend

Sharents are many of us - proud parents who love sharing every delightful moment of their children’s lives with their online friends and followers.

Get to know the powers of potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a vital role in various bodily functions. What’s so great about it? Well, we’re here to tell you, but first – do you need it?

Are you making these common weight loss mistakes?

If you’re living on low-fat energy bars and energy drinks and wondering why the weight simply won’t budge, let’s get to grips with the most common weight loss mistakes that many of us make.

How do multivitamins work?

You pop a daily multivitamin and it’s supposedly filled to the brim with all your essential nutrients for the day. How does that actually work? How can one tiny capsule contain good-for-us ingredients that are meant to typically be found in a range of foods?

6 Things to know about tonsillitis

When you open your mouth wide and say "ahhh," you might see them on either side of your throat. Tonsils help protect your body by catching and fighting germs (like bacteria and viruses) that come in through your mouth and nose. So, if a germ tries to sneak into your body, the tonsils help stop it and keep you from getting sick.

When your newborn has a cold

Babies can catch a cold through various means. It mainly happens through exposure to the cold virus, which spreads via direct contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.

Let's get clued up on: appendicitis

Interestingly, it’s always been thought that the appendix isn’t really a vital organ in our body, but researchers from Duke University Medical Centre have found that the appendix makes and keeps good bacteria in our stomach.

Don’t ignore your eye health

We use our eyes almost every waking minute yet often neglect these pretty important peepers. Our eyes can be damaged by a variety of factors, ranging from physical trauma to long-term exposure to harmful

Can you get all your nutrition from smoothies and juices?

It’s the ultimate meal in a minute. What could be quicker and simpler than throwing a bunch of healthy goodies into a blender, giving it a whirl and like magic – a healthy snack emerges in a jiffy! Sounds great, but what’s the catch?

Are you taking care of your back?

Fun fact: your spine has four natural curves that help distribute stress and weight evenly along the body. These curves are essential for maintaining balance and supporting the head and upper body.

6 Things to know about psoriasis

Psoriasis can appear in different ways depending on the type and severity, but there are some common features to look out for.

Let's talk about retinol serums!

It’s the word on everyone’s lips – and the serum on their skin. What makes retinol serums so popular?

Cortisol in your body and how it works

You eat healthily enough, but you notice the kilos are still slowly creeping up on the scale. You do your best to get a good amount of sleep each night but you’re constantly tired and prone to insomnia or sleep disturbances. Then, there’s that recurring cold or flu that you can never quite shake off…

Are you heading for burnout?

You take on any new project with enthusiasm but soon feel yourself losing steam. It’s starting to happen more and more frequently… What's going on? Are you just tired or is it more than that?

Keeping up with your baby’s immunisations

Immunisation is essential for protecting young children from serious illnesses like tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis and measles. It’s important for parents to keep up with the necessary vaccinations and make sure your baby is protected against these significant health concerns.

Understanding the National Health Insurance plan

“Healthcare should be fair, accessible and affordable to all”. This is the succinct and basic premise of the National Health Insurance (NHI) plan that may soon be available for all South Africans.

What’s bird flu all about – should we worry?

They’re cute and chirpy, but birds can also be dangerous. You may have heard about bird flu – nothing to panic about now – but bird flu, scientifically known as “avian influenza”, has long been a concern for poultry farmers.

Prep for cold and flu season

Just like tax season… cold and flu season is also inevitable. The season of runny noses, sore and scratchy throats, fevers and the chills is upon us soon, so why not start preparing now?

5 Things to know about Endometriosis

So, let's get into a health issue that affects women that might sound a bit intimidating but is super important to know about: endometriosis.

Food cheat days – good or bad?

Precious cargo indeed – It’s been an excellent week of counting calories, drinking your spinach smoothies, and faithfully turning your nose up at the chocolate cake that tried to tempt you away from your diet.transporting your kids around in a car is fragile work.

5 Steps to kick curb morning stress

It's important to recognise that waking up worried occasionally is normal and can happen to anyone. However, if you consistently wake up feeling anxious, depressed or worried, it may be helpful to identify any underlying causes or triggers.

24 Hour Bugs

There you were living your best life, feeling great and full of energy, and a day later you’re drained, exhausted, and sick to your stomach. Where did tht come from? Was it something you ate? A sudden bout of flu?

Car safety for kids

Precious cargo indeed – transporting your kids around in a car is fragile work.

Dealing with Long Covid

The Coronavirus… It may seem like a faraway bad dream, but recovering from COVID-19 is like finishing a tough race or overcoming a challenging obstacle.

Should you try cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for better mental health?

“Taking care of your mental health is an act of self-love”…. And yet it is also an act that you have to keep at and practise over and over to reap the rewards of long-term wellbeing. 

Don’t neglect your kidney health!

Just like a superhero cleaning up a city, our humble (yet mighty) kidneys work hard every day to get rid of toxins.

Good nutrition and exercise to fight arthritis

When you hear “arthritis”, it’s easy to conjure up images of creaky joints and poor posture.

7 pregnancy helpers for your journey ahead

Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation and boundless anticipation.

Have you heard of calisthenics? Try it now!

In a world filled with fancy gym equipment and high-tech workout gadgets, it’s often easy to overlook one of the most effective and enjoyable forms of exercise: calisthenics.

Staying fit as you get older

The alarm goes off and you groan and hit the snooze button. Again.

TB testing and staying healthy

Tuberculosis (TB) is incredibly prevalent in South Africa – yet it almost flies under the radar on the news and even our own frames of references when it comes to worrying health problems.

Being alone is sometimes healthy

Taking time out to be alone is healthy for your mind, body and soul. Let’s get into the benefits.

Building confidence through sport

Getting your kids into organised sports at an early age can be a wonderful way to slowly help build their confidence and esteem, especially if your child is already showing signs of being quite timid and meek.

Helping your male child from preteen to puberty

Parenting a boy is a journey filled with challenges and rewards, and one of the most significant phases is guiding him through the preteen and puberty years.

How technology is being used to improve cancer care

Here are some of the more promising ways that technology is being used to improve cancer care.

How to be prepared for medical emergencies

An emergency can pop up at any time and it’s smart to always be prepared, as much as possible.

Postpartum fitness

A pregnant body goes through incredible changes from conception to birth and well beyond. So, it’s important to keep this in mind when it comes to postpartum fitness.

Avoid swollen ankles during pregnancy

Hey there, moms-to-be! Swollen ankles during pregnancy? We get it—it's a common issue and the struggle is real.

Tips to keep your brain healthy

The human brain is an incredible organ, responsible for everything from processing complex thoughts to helping us remember where we left our keys. As we age, health issues can crop up that cause a decline in cognitive function. Still, there’s a lot we can do to keep the brain ticking along.

Six underrated foods and ingredients

There’s a wide and wonderful world of foods and ingredients out there that still fly under the health radar. Let's explore some new options to add zest to your diet.

Does my child need a probiotic?

Wondering if your child needs a probiotic? As kids grow up, they go through loads of changes from being tiny tots to teens, so there are plenty of health factors to consider.

Medication side-effects: When to worry

Medication side-effects are those expected AND unexpected twists in the healing journey. While some are as harmless as fleeting dizziness or a momentary bout of nausea, others can be more alarming.

New year, new you – start with gratitude

As we dive into the fresh pages of a new year, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement, setting resolutions and goals to repaint fresh new canvases of our lives.

Stop following TikTok health trends!

Let’s talk about TikTok health trends and why you absolutely should not be blindly following them.

Are women more prone to work addiction?

For most, work goals are top of mind. As everyone gets into hustle mode, work addiction – especially for women who aim to juggle it all – can become a problematic factor.

Always tired? Try these energy-boosting foods

Another yawning marathon? Nodding off every now and then is normal. But if you’re hitting the snooze button more often than not, there might be a whole other issue that’s causing the problem.

Call a friend, feel a bit better

Are you a man who often struggles to open up and connect with others? You're not alone. In a world that values independence, the importance of social connections, especially amongst men, is often overlooked.

Mindful parenting for the year ahead

Imagine your child gets home from school very upset. Instead of bombarding her with questions, you sit quietly with her, offering a supportive presence. Eventually, your child may open up about the challenging day, and together you can find ways to address the difficulties.

All about compression socks

Do you often experience a heavy, tired or painful feeling in your legs? Compression socks could help. Also called compression stockings or support socks, these special socks are designed to put pressure on your legs, ankles and feet.

Holiday festivities and common injuries

Yay, it’s the holidays! But wait, before we start celebrating a little too vigorously, let’s make sure we know all the potential holiday hazards and safety precautions.

Your summer essentials, sorted!

It’s the silly season, the happy season and the fun season! Still, summer comes with its own set of health concerns and having the essentials on hand can help you and your family stay protected, safe and comfortable.

Let’s understand toxic positivity

On the face of it, there’s nothing “wrong” with thinking happy thoughts and aspiring to be a more positive person. Pretty much everyone on Earth would agree – we all want to be happier and healthier people, mentally and physically.

Explaining diversity to kids

Children are like sponges, they absorb more than you know and have their own unique ways of processing what they absorb.

Are you getting the most from your medical aid?

The cost of living is higher than ever – literally and figuratively – and outside of staying as healthy as possible, what can we do to keep costs down whilst still paying for medical aid?

The upside of social media

Yes, there is one! Many upsides, in fact.

Women’s health: understanding lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease and it’s most prevalent in women. The reasons behind this gender disparity in lupus are not yet fully understood, but hormonal, genetic and immunological factors may all play decisive roles.

7 Underrated vegetables that pack a punch

Let’s take a gander at some lesser-known vegetable health helpers.

5 Things to know about your urological health

Urology is a medical speciality that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases that affect the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive system.

Do you have an addictive personality?

While the concept of an "addictive personality" is a mixed bag amongst experts, certain traits and behaviours can point to a higher risk of developing addictive behaviours.

Can certain foods make your periods worse?

It’s that time of the month or approaching it and your cramps are worse than ever. Oh, and here’s that side order of acne you didn’t ask for and maybe a migraine too.

Tips for managing diabetes

A healthy diabetes diet doesn’t have to be boring! Try roasted veggies with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a delicious and blood sugar-friendly side dish.

Divorce & young children

It’s the last thing any parent wants; telling your child that Mom and Dad aren’t going to be together anymore and the family (as they know it) is changing.

Exercises to boost lung health

Our human lungs are fascinating instruments, as well as being essential for us to live and literally – keep breathing. 

Healthy summer loading

Did it feel like the longest winter yet? You’re in good company! It’s been a crazy winter season for sure, so let’s say goodbye (hopefully) to the extreme weather and torrential winds and rain and enjoy a healthy and happy summer!

Are we prepared for the next pandemic

Experts are calling it “Disease X” – an unknown and enigmatic maybe-virus or disease that could be our next big one...

Diabetes in childhood

In the intricate tapestry of childhood, where giggles are woven with childish imagination and boundless energy, there exists a silent, often misunderstood intruder: diabetes

The 5 worst foods for your teeth

We take care of our body by going to the gym and eating healthy food. We take care of our skin by washing, moisturising and wearing sunblock. But what about our teeth? 

Pharmacy Q&A

A day in the life of pharmacist Lize CorneliusGet to know your friendly MediRite pharmacist!

Pharmacy Q&A

A day in the life of pharmacist Nikita SinghGet to know your friendly MediRite pharmacist!

Pharmacy Q&A

A day in the life of pharmacist Krishen HarinarainGet to know your friendly MediRite pharmacist!

Pharmacy Q&A

A day in the life of pharmacist Lindokuhle MadondoGet to know your friendly MediRite pharmacist!

Pharmacy Q&A

A day in the life of pharmacist JC Potgieter. Get to know your friendly MediRite pharmacist!

5 Common mental health myths

The good news: mental health has never been a more important as a topic in our daily lives.

8 Ways to eat well on a budget

If you feel like the world is out of control and the prices of everything are escalating every day… you’re not alone!

Understanding breast cancer genetic testing

Breast cancer, often referred to as the big C, remains a significant health concern for women worldwide.

Can mind/body practices improve heart health?

Imagine if 30 minutes of mindfulness a day could improve your heart health? If that sounds far-fetched, trust us, it’s actually more realistic than you may think!

What is a colonoscopy and when is it necessary?

It’s not the most appealing topic but a necessary one when it comes to its broader health implications.

Your eyes are the window to your health

Did you know that ophthalmologists can potentially identify early indications of heart disease by examining the retina using an imaging technique?

What’s the fuss about homemade baby food?

When it comes to our kids, it can be very challenging to know exactly what is best for them.

Managing ADHD through art and nature

Nurturing a child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) calls for a unique blend of tenderness and creativity.

Men’s Health Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a formidable adversary, impacting the lives of millions of people around the world on a daily basis.

Childhood Glucose Intolerance

Glucose intolerance is when the body has difficulty handling certain sugars from foods like bread, rice, or ice-cream.

 

Are allergy seasons getting worse each year?

Spring is synonymous with reawakening, a shedding of the old season as we slip into a fresher state of mind… and it’s also hello to allergy season!

Your Mental Health as a Parent

“It’s the hardest job in the world” is an oft-uttered phrase when people speak about being parents.

What to know about Human Rabies

Human rabies? We know – this sounds like an episode from the dystopian series, Black Mirror, but in 2023, nothing is impossible!

Tips for Managing Chronic Inflammation

Imagine your body as a busy construction site, where workers are always building, repairing and maintaining different parts.

Sustainable Periods with Menstrual Cups

Imagine a life where you don't have to pop into the store every month to pick up sanitary products.

Signs of A Unhealthy Gut

It’s certainly not the most glamorous organ in the human body, but don’t underestimate the little yet mighty gut. This often-overlooked player has an impact on our health that goes beyond simple digestive functions.

Setting Appropriate Boundaries with Grandparents

Picture the scene: your parents come to visit, and they’re loaded down with toys and treats for their beloved grandkids.

What you need to know about extended breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be a charged topic of conversation – for some moms, it’s a painful reprimand if they’ve not been able to breastfeed.

What is pumping and dumping breastmilk?

Pumping and dumping breastmilk might not be the most glamorous topic, but it's a common practice in breastfeeding. It refers to the practice of expressing breastmilk but not feeding it to your baby.

Let your child play!

In our modern digital world, “play” might now be synonymous with devices, technology, and social media. And that’s okay, in moderation. But we’re missing an essential trick of childhood development if we move away from simple play, outdoor play, honest-to-goodness traditional play.

Are kids also at risk of mental health issues?

Children are at risk of mental health problems. The worrying part is that when these conditions emerge in childhood – and are not dealt with – they may carry over into adulthood.

Take charge of your health: 5 essential health screenings

As women, it's critical to prioritise our health and wellbeing. One of the most effective ways to do so is by staying proactive and getting regular health screenings. These screenings can help detect potential health issues early on. Timely treatment leads to better outcomes.

Creative ways to encourage good nutrition

Children are notorious for their picky eating habits. It’s the rare child who eats anything you dish up – and when it comes to so-called “nutritious” food – that’s another minefield!

Building emotional resilience

Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties. It’s not a quick fix that glosses over a problem or uses toxic positivity to avoid stressors. Emotional resilience is more like having a superpower for your feelings. It means being able to manage challenging situations and feel strong even when things are tough.

Breast health - what you can do right now

The bad news is that breast cancer is a serious and challenging health issue. The good news is that recent studies have shown that there’s certainly been significant improvement in breast cancer survival rates.

7 key breastfeeding benefits

Hey Moms (and Moms-to-be)! In celebration and honour of Breastfeeding Week, let’s dive into the incredible benefits of breastfeeding.

Why fibre is important in your diet

If you had to imagine food substances as characters come to life, think of fibre as a quirky superhero.

Cracking the sleep code

Would you get into the car and drive while over your alcohol limit? Of course not, that would be an all-round bad idea that could lead to a catastrophe. So, why then do we assume that it’s okay (and safe) to stagger from day to day without proper sleep?

What is body positivity all about?

Hands up if you’re tired of repetitive #fitspo that’s all about salad this and treadmill that! Okay, now hands down because this is not a workout – promise.

Hair today, gone tomorrow!

Ah, smooth silky skin – who doesn’t love that? And with supermarket shelves groaning with every cream, wax and strip you can imagine, it’s never been easier to get that smooth, hair-free skin.

Is remote work as great as we think?

Wake up, grab a quick shower and roll into the living room (a whole 10 steps!), sip a cup of coffee and start your work dayworkday. If that doesn’t sound like a dream job situation – what does?

Food allergies in children

You’ve whipped up a fancy new meal and everyone is oohing and ahhing over your kitchen ingenuity when your child breaks out in a rash.

Let’s talk positive discipline techniques

Parenting can sometimes feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, with unexpected twists and (scary!) turns at every corner. As comedian Phyllis Diller once said, "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shovelling the walk before it stops snowing."

Foods to boost cold and flu immunity

The flu is a troublesome virus that can make you feel really unwell. It can very quickly spread from person to person. A cold is also super easy to catch but is usually less intense than the flu.

5 things to know about cholera

If you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that cholera has become the latest buzzword locally. In May, it was reported that there were a number of cholera-related deaths in Gauteng with sporadic cases bubbling up in other regions.

Do I need a liver detox?

You may often hear about detoxing and cleanses – especially if you’re on social media and tend to follow health and lifestyle influencers and bloggers.

Men’s health: sex drive changes to expect as you age

It’s Men’s Health Month, so let’s get comfortable and dive into a pretty hot topic…

Let’s talk about toxic hustle culture

In our super-fast, super-evolved modern world, it’s never been easier (and paradoxically, harder) to be a success at work.

Good stress versus bad stress

We know what you’re thinking… a big old “huh”? Good stress – what is that and how is that even possible? It’s true though. There is a concept known as good or “positive” stress, and when harnessed correctly, it can be incredibly powerful.

What’s the carnivore diet all about?

Vegetarians, look away! We’re talking about meat-lovers in this article. The carnivore diet is as simple as its name implies – all meat, all the time.

Cycle syncing for your menstrual cycle

Wouldn’t it be great if your menstrual cycle slotted perfectly into your life, no mess, no fuss, no surprises?

Could you be a free-range parent?

As far as parenting style goes, this one's a bit of an acquired taste...

5 things to know about HIIT exercises

HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training. Everything about these workouts are short, intense bursts of energy and activity, brief periods of rest mixed with some lower-intensity exercises.

5 physical symptoms never to ignore in children

We need to talk about the rare cases where you should never ignore physical symptoms that could lead to harmful circumstances.

Are hair straightening products safe?

Ah, the allure of straight hair! When your hair is curly, frizzy or wavy, it’s hard not to think the grass is greener (and certainly sleeker) over there on the straight side. Straightening products are a booming industry, with salons and stores offering countless options to help us tame our tresses. 

The connection between fitness and care for chronic illness

Chronic illnesses are like the annoying houseguests that just won't leave. They stick around, causing discomfort, pain and distress, and the worst part? They don't have a definitive "end date."

Food as medicine: which foods can actually help?

Get ready to supercharge your health! In our fast-paced world, it can be a little tricky to prioritise hitting the gym or going for a run.

Dealing with loneliness from a mental health disorder

It can be difficult to cope with overwhelming loneliness and isolation that stems from a mental health condition, and every day might feel like an uphill slog.

How medication helps for hypertension

Each year, World Hypertension Day is recognised on 17 May. And it's the perfect time to talk about the silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide: hypertension.

Burns in children: risks and treatment options

As kids go about their day-to-day activities, they encounter many potential burn hazards. From curious toddlers exploring through their sense of touch, to adventurous preteens embracing newfound independence, the potential for burns is a constant reality.

Should we be worried about contaminated cough syrups and toxic eye drops?

If you're feeling under the weather, it's easy to assume that you've just caught a run-of-the-mill cold. But what if your symptoms are a little more intense than usual? 

Is thinner better as you age?

As we get older, the ever-present concern of maintaining our health and staying well inevitably creeps up. We start to wonder if shedding a few (or many) kilograms is the answer to warding off chronic illnesses.

Can sex really boost your immunity?

You're sniffling and sneezing, feeling miserable and ready to curl up under the covers. But what if we told you that the cure for your illness might be some company under those covers? 

Should you wear new clothes without washing them?

We all love that feeling of slipping into a brand-new outfit; the crispness of the fabric, the bold colours or patterns, and that unbeatable feeling of freshness.

How to “healthify” packaged foods

In our world of packaged foods, convenience and nutrition are not mutually exclusive. It is true that convenience foods often get a (deservedly) bad reputation for not being super-healthy.

How does IVF work?

Starting a family can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life. However, for some people, getting to the first milestone − that is, actually getting pregnant − can be a most challenging journey.

Dry skin, begone!

Are you constantly battling with flaky, itchy and dull skin? If so, you're not alone. Dry skin affects millions of people worldwide and can be a persistent and frustrating problem.

Toxic work culture: 5 ways to cope

Let's face it; your workplace can be a total make or break. Spending most of your waking hours in a place that doesn't have your back can be draining.

Does my child need the measles vaccination?

The recent upsurge in measles cases across South Africa has raised concerns about the spread of this highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus.

Men’s health: common workout mistakes

Hey there, fitness enthusiasts! It's great that you're keeping your body in tip-top shape with regular workouts, but it's easy to make common mistakes and undo all that good work.

Healthy diets that aren’t so healthy

If there’s one thing that will never go out of style, it’s trendy fad diets. One day it’s the Five Bites diet, the next week it’s all the rage to live on celery sticks and foods that start with the letter C.

Periods 101: What's “normal” and what's not?

We know it’s not the most glamorous topic, but it’s an integral part of life for most women. So, it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to our menstrual cycles.

What you need to know about the Norovirus

If your tummy has been feeling a little iffy recently, it could be the Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug. 

What You Need to Know About Your Ovaries

How much do you think about your ovaries daily? If you said, very seldom, you’re in good company!

Boosting Skin Health with Collagen

You may have heard about the “miracle” benefits of collagen and how it can turn back the clock, firm up your skin and work wonders in the anti-ageing process. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? 

5 essential first aid tips

How would you respond to a burn from a stove, a dog bite, or your child who has fallen and scraped their knee?

5 Things to Know About Glaucoma

Your eyes are fragile organs, yet it’s easy to take them for granted until there’s a problem. 

Childhood Development: 5 Tantrum Red Flags

Welcome to the dreaded tantrum phase which most parents have experienced.

Dealing with a Family Member Who Has Depression

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed and helpless? Helping someone who is depressed can leave you feeling just as depleted and worried. 

Common body changes to expect during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings about many bodily changes.

The dangers of letting sports injuries fester

Maybe you have a weight-loss goal and you’ve been jogging every day, even with that odd ache and cramp.

The lowdown on cooking oil

We use oil in almost every cooking dish, almost every day. But do we really know what’s in these oils and how they may be affecting our health? 

Common signs of postpartum depression

The big day was exciting, and your baby arrived in the world after all those months of waiting with breathless joy. But now, you feel… 

Signs of high cholesterol and tips to stay healthy

Do you constantly feel tired, maybe have a nagging cough or feeling of being sick more recently, some dizziness now and then? 

Managing diabetes in children

No parent wants to hear the news that their child has a health problem, least of all diabetes. Unfortunately, as global statistics show, childhood diabetes is on the rise.

Essentials for your hospital labour bag

Congratulations! The big day is almost here, which means getting ready for the final step – bringing your baby home. But before that, you need to be ready for labour and delivery, with a little help from us.

5 myths about birth control

The fundamental purpose of any birth control is to stop the sperm and egg from fusing to create a foetus (baby).

Home safety during loadshedding

We all loathe the “L” word and strive daily to not let it get the better of us. 

Women's healthspan vs lifespan

Ageing – and how to age well – is a universal conundrum. There are countless anti-ageing products, turn-back-the-clock remedies, beauty procedures and surgeries and millions of bits of advice, tips and information on how to age like a champ. 

Six health resolutions to keep

It doesn’t have to be a New Year’s resolution – think of these as little health investments that will benefit your health now and in the long term. Evergreen health resolutions never go out of style.

Can herbs and spices boost your immunity?

Imagine a little dispensary right there on your kitchen windowsill, little pots of herby goodness that can give your health a boost…

Exercising with a chronic condition

It’s challenging enough just managing a chronic condition like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or high blood pressure on its own. Throw in exercise and it starts to become a literal mountain to climb.

Financial stress and anxiety

The last few years have been unprecedented challenging times the world over, thanks to the COVID pandemic and its knock-on domino effect around the globe.

Foods that worsen hot flashes and night sweats

Menopause is a natural condition, but it can certainly cause discomfort. Hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and mood changes are common side-effects

5 things to know about vitiligo

Have you noticed strange patches of white skin on your child’s body? These may often appear around the mouth, nose and eyes, arms and legs. This condition is called vitiligo which is an autoimmune disease.

Let’s talk about hearing loss (more common than you think!)

Remember that old cellphone advertisement with the infamous, “Can you hear me now” phrase? Turns out, we’re probably saying that a lot more (and a lot less unironically) now.

Prenatal classes for first-time moms

Would you buy a car without first reading up about it? Would you buy that car without test-driving it?

Is air pollution actually harmful?

There’s hardly a week that goes by without news of the latest worrying climate change statistic or global warming data. It’s easy to tune out, especially when it seems to be a problem that is way beyond our pay grade. 

5 things about IBS

Hold onto your lunch, we’re talking irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS isn’t very pleasant to think about, but millions of people the world over suffer from this common condition.

Does breastfeeding impact breast cancer?

As a new mom who’s grappling with the decision of whether to breastfeed (and if you’ll be able to manage it), there’s a lot of misinformation to sift through. Let’s sort fact from fiction.

Family and the festive season

The tree looks great, the presents are perfect, and the food is as delicious as it’s going to get. In the thick of family and festivities, it may be difficult to understand feelings of stress and anxiety.

Medical aid vs. hospital plan

With costs and expenses rising every day, it’s tempting to want to forgo a big-ticket item like medical aid. For some lucky people, they actually never need to use this option, but life and health conditions can be unpredictable.

Essential safety tips for kids

As a parent, it’s an eternal minefield of how best to protect your child. The first step in protecting your child starts with information.

Tips to help prevent a stroke

Few of us stop to think about the importance of blood flow in the body and how this seemingly simple process works. Yet one of the devastating consequences of blood flow stoppage is a stroke. 

Take care of your skin this summer!

Sun’s out, and it’s time for some much-needed Vitamin D, beach days and poolside drinks. Fun fact: Just two years ago the little village of Vioolsdrif in the Northern Cape broke the record for the highest temperature in SA – over 50 degrees Celsius!

The lowdown on low-calorie diets

Have you heard the phrase, “Not all calories are equal”? This oft-repeated expression is deceptively complicated. 

Get moving and stay moving!

We all have those days when going out for a 30-minute walk or hitting the gym seems like the most insurmountable task in the world. 

What’s causing your bad breath?

Bad breath can be super embarrassing and no-one wants to be that person. First, let’s understand that there’s chronic bad breath and strong breath simply caused by consuming certain foods or drinks.

Staying sane with loadshedding

Can you remember a time without loadshedding? Much like COVID-19, it seems like “loadshedding” is ubiquitous, it’s always been around and it’s just as frustrating now as it was when it first debuted.

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s an exciting time and a fun indulgent one too as you look forward to all the delectable treats you can enjoy...

The health benefits of veganism

Veganism is a popular lifestyle choice, and with good reason. Being a vegan means that you stay away from all animal protein as well as products that are made from animals. 

Great foods for amazing skin

Superfoods aren’t new to us, we’ve long been hearing about the amazing benefits of chia this, kale that. Even better news is that some of these foods can up your skin’s health factor. 

Common walking mistakes

So, you’ve laced up the sneakers, and you’re ready to hit the road. Walking off the weight or walking to stay fit is pretty much a tried-and-trusted method as old as the hills. (By the way, hills are great for working out the glutes). 

6 healthy fruits you should be eating

Craving some chips? In the mood for a beer? Reach for fruit instead. Okay, we know it’s not as indulgent as a can of Pringles but fruit isn’t just for your kids’ lunch boxes.

5 modern challenges kids are facing

In many ways, kids today have it all. Entertainment at their fingertips, social interaction in seconds, easy access to a global playground with peers as they learn and grow… the digital age offers an endless array of benefits to today’s kids.