Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 viruses, some of which are transmitted sexually through skin-to-skin contact as well as through intimate touching including contact with fingers, mouths and other body parts. Most HPV infections present with no symptoms or health problems, but certain strains can increase the risk of cancer in parts […]
One dose of HPV vaccine, one less worry for cervical cancer Read More »
The African penguin is in crisis, recently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and potentially facing functional extinction by 2035. The role the Two Oceans Aquarium can play in this urgent crisis is to do what it does best: create awareness and opportunities for education. The Two Oceans Aquarium has been working
Two Oceans Aquarium: Saving the African penguin Read More »
With this being World Sugar Awareness Week, experts are sounding the alarm about excessive sugar intake in South Africa, where the average daily consumption far exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. South Africans consume between 12 and 24 teaspoons of sugar per day, well above the WHO’s recommended six teaspoons. Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma
Shining the spotlight on hidden sugars and health risks Read More »
The fourth episode of the Healthy Living Alliance’s (HEALA) thought-provoking web series, Chew on This, is now available. Titled “Is the Sugar Industry Lying to Us?”, this episode critically examines the health promotion levy (HPL) on sugary beverages, introduced to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. The panel of experts explores whether the sugar
Is the sugar industry lying to us? Read More »
Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among South African women, is increasingly being detected in women under 40. This trend mirrors global patterns, where younger women are being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease, underscoring the need for early detection and awareness. A recent study in the United States found that breast cancer
Breast cancer on the rise in younger South African women Read More »
South Africa faces a significant challenge with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), a condition that is 100% preventable, yet alarmingly prevalent in this country. Research estimates that South Africa has a national prevalence rate of 11% of FASD, with rates as high as 31% reported in certain localities – the highest recorded rate globally. FASD
September is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month Read More »
Our kidneys are the often-forgotten heroes of our bodies. Most of us take for granted that they are one of our most vital lifelines to good health. Few of us think about the way they work constantly to filter dangerous toxins from our blood, balance the fluid levels in our bodies and maintain a healthy
Balancing act best for your kidneys Read More »
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, dispels the common myths around blood donation and encourages more people to partake in this vital act of kindness. Every year on 14 June, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness of the importance of blood and blood product donations. “Worldwide, the need
Busting myths about blood donation Read More »
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a complex neurological disease, affects 2.9 million people worldwide, with an average of 300 people diagnosed globally every day. In South Africa, its true extent remains unknown; the disease may be more prevalent than previously thought. This is according to local neurologist Dr Natanya Fourie, who notes that a lack of comprehensive
South Africa’s silent struggle with multiple sclerosis Read More »
International Thyroid Awareness Week is observed annually from 25 to 31 May and is a time dedicated to educating the public about the significant effects that undiagnosed or inadequately treated thyroid disease can have on a person’s quality of life. Worldwide, 1.6 billion people are thought to be at risk of thyroid disorders, and 1
How your thyroid could be key to unresolved health issues Read More »