5 surprising facts about ADHD
Think attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is shorthand for someone who can’t sit still and focus?
In fact, it’s not an inability to focus, it’s about regulating attention. Many people with ADHD describe becoming intensely focused on some tasks – known as ‘hyperfocus’ – while struggling to start or complete things that don’t grab their attention.
When children get cancer
No one wants to hear that a child has cancer. Fortunately, childhood cancer is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all cancers.
The danger is that many childhood cancers progress very quickly, so it’s important for caregivers to be aware of warning signs – and seek help.
With September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, now is the time to learn more.
When breastfeeding does not work for you
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as one of the most natural parts of motherhood – an instinctive, nurturing interaction between mother and child. But what if that image of effortless nursing doesn’t reflect your reality?
You’re not alone. In fact, 60-80% of new moms say they have difficulty breastfeeding. What’s more, in South Africa, the tally for infants under six months that are exclusively breastfed is less than one in three.
Why you should start building bone today
Over the years, your bones gradually break down – and for women after menopause, it’s a particularly big problem.
Your bones may seem solid, but they’re actually living tissue constantly renewing itself – like a well-maintained building. New parts replace old ones all the time, but if the building loses more bricks at a rate than they can be replaced, the structure becomes weaker.
How to stay healthy all winter long
Want to stop the sniffles in their tracks this season? These five strategies will protect, nurture and support your body.
South Africa’s colder months can bring a mixed bag of winter woes. More time indoors, closer contact with others, indoor heating – the perfect conditions for colds and flu. Shorter days also affect vitamin D levels and mood. It’s not surprising that many of us end up feeling less than sunny.
What is hepatitis?
On 28 July, World Hepatitis Day puts the spotlight on protecting your liver. Here’s what you need to know.
Most of us have heard of hepatitis and know it affects the liver. You may also know that it can cause jaundice, where your skin and the whites of your eyes go yellow. What you may not realise is that it is not a single disease, but a group of conditions that cause liver inflammation – each with different causes and outcomes.
How to read a food label
Grocery shopping has never been easier, with almost endless options online and in store. Choosing what to buy is a different story altogether. That’s where understanding the food label can help you make healthier choices.
Why do teenagers sleep so much?
It’s no coincidence that most teenagers will probably spend Youth Day sleeping in. Understanding their sleeping patterns is key to helping them feel more refreshed.
Ever feel like you’re wrestling a honey badger when it’s time to get your teen out of bed? You’re not alone. While it’s tempting to label dozy teens slackers, there’s real biology behind those drooping eyelids.
Burns: Where home remedies can harm
About 90% of all burn injuries happen in the home, with the kitchen being the hot spot so to speak. Open flames, paraffin stoves and scalding liquids can turn everyday activities into serious risks.
The first few minutes after a burn accident are critical, yet many people turn to old home remedies
Stressed? Your blood pressure feels it too
When your body senses danger that needs quick action, your ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in. Your heart beats faster, your breathing speeds up, muscles contract and your blood pressure spikes.
This is meant to help you deal with the threat, such as avoiding a car crash. Once it’s passed, your system will reset to normal.
Keep yourself in check
You may feel perfectly healthy – but how sure are you that all is well? Many serious health conditions develop slowly and silently, with no warning signs in the early stages. World Health Day on 7 April is a reminder to focus on prevention and early detection.
Don’t let flu disrupt your winter
Winter should be a time to slow down and enjoy moments that matter. But every year, influenza disrupts thousands of South African households, leading to missed workdays, school absences, and in some cases, hospitalisation.
