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Sexology in South Africa is an emerging, multidisciplinary field focusing on sexual health, education, and therapy, often addressing gaps in conventional medical care. Qualified practitioners - often with backgrounds in psychology or medicine, are trained to treat issues like sexual dysfunction, pain, and relationship challenges. Did You Know? Women with mental disorders show even higher rates of dysfunction, with a reported prevalence of 95.7% in some tertiary care settings.

Researchers: Nosipho Fakudze ,  Paromita Sarbadhikary ,  Heidi Abrahamse  &  Blassan P. George  University of Johannesburg. July 2025. What Is The Study About? Combination therapy refers to the simultaneous administration of several therapeutic medications and treatment procedures with diverse biochemical and molecular targets and mechanisms of action. This is now used to treat a range of cancers. The search for less toxic natural alternatives has gained importance, which has

Your fertility is affected by everything from age, your partner’s age and sperm health, daily diet, BMI, stress and even pollution. Lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking and drugs might seem like obvious things to avoid, but did you know that excessive exercise, is also not a good idea when trying to fall pregnant? Let’s separate the facts from the fallacies. Key Fertility Statistics for South African Women: - Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.21 in 2025, falling from 2.78 in

Mental health, including depression and anxiety disorders, have continued to increase steadily in the last few years in South Africa. Key Stats… - Research indicates that 52.6% of women in SA experience psychological distress. - Black women represent the largest proportion (62.21%). - Women aged 25–49 show the highest levels of psychological distress (53.8%), linked to the pressure of being primary breadwinners and caregivers in an unstable economy. - Mental disorders affect

Researchers:   Janine Blignaut  (PhD candidate),  Dr Gabre Kemp  from the  Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry ,  Prof Elizabeth Erasmus ,  Prof Deon Visser , and  Prof Marietjie Schutte-Smith  from the  Department of Chemistry . March 2026 Synopsis…   A recent study by the University of the Free State tested popular menstrual products sold in South Africa, and found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every product tested, even those marketed as “free from harmful chemic

C oncept Note By Kat Simon November 2025 A little bit of context…   ·      Historically speaking, the cervical cancer burden has remained a challenge that has roots in traditionally inadequate systematic screening programmes, as well as compounded challenges with late diagnosis, and socio-economic inequalities. Previously, screenings were not easily accessible and there was even less awareness around the concept of regular and ongoing screening. Although the policy of South A

Consciously Coupled Recent statistics and studies indicate that South Africans place a high value on romantic relationships and find significant personal joy in them, despite high levels of economic and financial stress. Key Relationship Statistics - 81% of surveyed South Africans are satisfied with the love in their lives, ranking the country among the top 10 globally, higher than the 77% global average. - 51% of South Africans state that feeling appreciated and loved is a t

Statistics… • Women generally possess greater overall mobility (65% vs 60%). • Better flexibility (71% vs 65%) than men. • Stretching is most commonly performed 1–5 times a week. Did You Know? - Research indicates that women often show significantly higher gains in joint range of motion (ROM) after long-term, consistent stretching. - During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which naturally increases joint and ligament laxity. This aids in childbirth. - Sp

History… Long before “art therapy” was a clinical term, creative expression was central to healing in many cultures: Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Native Americans used art, music, and drama in ceremonies to restore emotional and spiritual balance. In South Africa and across the continent, indigenous artistic traditions such as sculpture, beadwork, and storytelling have historically been used for community connection and spiritual healing. In the US, Margaret Naumburg develo

A comprehensive exercise programme for women should be balanced, incorporating cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training, but the focus should address changing hormonal, metabolic, and musculoskeletal needs across different life stages. Did You Know? Exercise is the number one form of preventive care. Key Statistics on Women’s Fitness in SA: - 68% of women are overweight or obese. - 10% of women aged 15–24 are classified as obese. - 67% of women reported being physic

Women generally live longer than men, a pattern supported by extensive scientific evidence across global populations. This longevity advantage for women is observed worldwide and has deep evolutionary roots. Global 2023–2025 data: • Average global life expectancy for females 76–76.4 years. • In many high-income countries, the gap is about 5–6 years, with the gap widening in places due to preventable causes. Key Scientific Reasons for Women’s Longevity Advantage: 1. Women have

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens). Allergies can significantly affect quality of life. They are among the most common chronic childhood diseases. Common Symptoms: Respiratory - Sneezing, coughing, runny/stuffy nose, wheezing, chest tightness, throat closing. Skin - Itching, redness, hives, swelling (including lips, mouth, or throat). Eyes - Redness, tearing, itching. Digestive - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps. S

The pelvic floor is a critical, hammock-like structure of muscles at the base of the pelvis. SA Stats: - About 1/3 women suffers from UI. A study in KwaZulu-Natal found a 35% prevalence of UI among women, with 63% of those cases being stress urinary incontinence. - In a study of 100 women in a primary healthcare setting, 86% had Stage III POP. - Among women with POP, 57% reported overactive bladder (50% constipation, 30% anal incontinence, and 32% incomplete bladder emptying)

Did You Know? Substances all strongly activate the reward centre of your brain and produce feelings of pleasure. Use of these substances can lead to substance use disorders (SUDs) — but not always. SUDs can be mild, moderate or severe. Addiction is the most severe form of a substance abuse disorder. What Is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic condition that can affect many aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health, relationships and career. It involves com

Why does nutrition matter? Food provides your body and mind with what they need to thrive, influencing your vitality, productivity, and quality of life at every stage. It also contributes towards: Disease Prevention Energy & Performance Stronger Immunity Mental Health Growth & Development Weight Management Recovery Statistics - 69%of South African women (aged 15+) are overweight or obese. - 20% of women are severely obese. - Obesity is particularly high among black African wo

Female runners are a growing demographic, showing strong performance in ultra-distances, better pacing consistency (fewer ‘burnouts’), and a significant presence in recreational running, with stats showing increased female involvement in marathons globally. Benefits - Physical Health Heart Health: Strengthens heart muscles, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Bone Strength: Weight-bearing exercise that helps build and maintain strong b

Mechanisms… When you inhale a scent, the odor molecules travel directly to the limbic system of the brain, which includes the amygdala (emotion center) and hippocampus (memory center), bypassing the usual sensory processing pathways. This direct link explains why smells can trigger immediate and intense emotional responses and vivid autobiographical memories (the “Proust effect”). Olfactory receptors also exist in skin cells and can respond to scents. Did You Know? Scents can

Quantum Energy Coaching (QEC) and Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) are unique approaches that differ from traditional or mainstream talk therapies. QEC A unique therapeutic method that combines principles from neuroscience, quantum physics, and kinesiology to rewire the subconscious mind. Developed by Dr. Melanie Salmon, it focuses on unearthing and replacing self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns with positive, affirming ones at a subconscious level to help heal

What We Know… Being screen-free is crucial for better mental/physical health, deeper relationships, and cognitive health by reducing anxiety, improving sleep/focus, fostering creativity, and encouraging real-world skills like empathy, problem-solving, and physical activity, which screens often hinder. It balances the brain’s dopamine system, combating addiction, and helps develop emotional regulation and stronger bonds through face-to-face interactions. In fact, Dr. Sahib Kha

1. Yoga is a 5, 000 year old tradition, and is classified as a form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). 2. 300 million people practice yoga globally (72% are female). 3. The practice produces a physiological state (an interruption in the stress response); a sense of balance and union between the mind and body is achieved. 4. It has 4 basic principles. 5. The most form of yoga practiced is Hatha yoga. 6. Yoga shifts the balance from the sympathetic nervous system