May 3, 2019
Foetal alcohol syndrome 101
You’re pregnant and your doctor has advised you steer clear of alcohol. But it can’t be such a big deal, right? Surely the odd glass of wine won’t do much damage? Wrong.
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November 30, 2018
How to party with no regrets
When you’re about to paint the town red with your mates, safety and preventing a hangover are probably the last things on your mind. But, who wants to wake up feeling terrible and blanking out on last night’s events? Partying sober is the trendiest thing to do, and your health will thank you for it. Sober is still trending Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, is rejecting alcoholic beverages and opting for clean-living alternatives. Rather than hanging out at bars and nightclubs, Generation Z can be found attending juice crawls (a healthy-living social event) and silent discos,…
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July 16, 2018
What is pancreatitis?
Your pancreas is the organ that sits just behind the lower part of your stomach. When it’s inflamed you have what is called pancreatitis. The main function of the pancreas is to produce and discharge hormones and enzymes that help with digestion and regulate your blood sugar (glucose). How does this happen? Digestive enzymes are released through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine where they’re activated to help break down fats and proteins. Digestive hormones produced by the pancreas are released into the blood stream where they help regulate blood sugar levels. What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis can either be…
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October 14, 2017
“Ouch! My toe!” What you need to know about Gout
Gout is a kind of arthritis in which crystals of sodium urate produced by your body forms inside joints. You may suffer attacks of sudden burning pain, swelling and stiffness in a joint, and these attacks can happen over and over unless gout is treated. Left unattended over time, gout attacks can harm your joints, tendons, and other tissues. Gout is most common in men, and the joint usually affected is usually a big toe. Causes Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Having too much uric acid is not generally harmful, but when uric acid…
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August 31, 2017
Uppers and downers – get high the healthy way
You’re struggling to keep up with your assignments, exams and part-time job. You’re in desperate need of a jolt to your system or something to help you unwind, so you turn to your favourite upper or downer. It may help in the moment, but how much do you know about that stuff you're swallowing, sniffing or smoking? First you’re up… Uppers are drugs known for their physically and mentally stimulating effects. They affect most of the basic processes in your body including your temperature, heart rate and breathing. They also stimulate the reward centres in your brain. Uppers flood your…
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August 14, 2017
Could alcohol help you live longer?
“Light to moderate drinking can lower your overall risk of premature death" "Alcohol could decrease your odds of dying from heart disease” “Even moderate drinking is linked to pathological changes in the brain”. Confused much? Headlines like these have been doing rounds in the last couple of weeks. It can be so frustrating, leaving you with a general feeling of “just make up your minds!”. So, what does the science say? Drinking patterns matter What is clear from the research is that light to moderate drinking has a very different impact on the body, and health, than heavy drinking. Despite what…
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June 21, 2017
Does your friend have a secret drinking problem?
Did you know, that the average South African drinks about 20 liters of alcohol each year!? It us equivalent to 196 six packs of beer, 62 bottles of spirits, and 220 bottles of wine! That means that some people drink more than that, and some less. So, we drink a lot of booze as a country - but how much is too much? People with drinking problems often don't realise it: they think they're in control, while their life slowly spins out of control. They need a friend - like you - to help them see the light. According to…
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November 24, 2016
Boozing: how much is too much?
Alcohol can be enjoyable and get a good buzz going, especially when the festive season arrives. When you’re having a great time, it’s difficult to keep track of the amount of booze you’re throwing back, but it’s important to protect your health. And, to do this, you need to know your drinking limits. (more…)
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November 20, 2016
How to get off the booze train
The holidays are upon us, and for many people this means overindulging, but at what cost? Is it possible to have a booze-free festive season? Yes it is! Think not? These delicious non-alcoholic beverages may change your mind. (more…)
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October 19, 2016
10 ways to prep for festival season
Whether you’re into ground-vibrating trance music or soulful jazz, festival season has something for everyone. To enjoy it to its full potential, keep your health in check for the party ahead. 1. Stay hydrated You may think booze in paper cups and the occasional caffeine run will be enough to keep you going on your festival weekend, but water will keep you buzzing more than any beer can. Dehydration causes dizziness, headaches and in some cases, loss of consciousness, so if you want to continue jumping around to your favourite tunes without a hiccough, pack plenty of water and suss…
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