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Researchers: Solarin, Ijeoma, Fiona Scorgie, Rose Refilwe Lamola, Celeste Madondo, Isabelle L. Lange, Pascalia Munyewende, Shobna Sawry, Matthew Francis Chersich, and Gloria Maimela. January 2026 What Is The Study About? Rising global temperatures and heatwaves pose major health risks, particularly for pregnant women, infants and other vulnerable groups. Using Photovoice, we aimed to foreground how pregnant and postpartum women in an urban township in Tshwane, South Afric

Key Breastfeeding Metrics Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) Rates According to data released by the National Department of Health and the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, SA’s exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under 6 months old has experienced a troubling downward trend: • (2024–2026): 22% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. • This is a notable decline from the 32% reported in the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS).

We’re all about health and wellness empowerment and that’s why we feel it’s so important to be able to differentiate what is evidence-based truth and what is marketing fiction. Did You Know? - Experts estimate that about 90% of skincare marketing is nonsense, with only about 10% being completely legitimate, evidence-based science. - A study found that 86% of ‘scientific’ claims on beauty products were vague or false. - Only 4% of dermatology-related IG accounts are managed by

Habit stacking merges new health goals with existing daily routines to make behavioural change effortless. By anchoring a new behaviour directly after an established one, you build neural connections without requiring immense motivation. Data suggests that women frequently leverage it within broader self-care and multitasking frameworks. In SA, high wellness awareness often struggles to translate into consistent daily action. Key Habit Stacking Examples: - After pouring your

Researchers: Dorothy A Machalek, PhD; Dorothy C Nyemba, PhD; Danielle Travill; Prof Kathy Petoumenos, PhD; Zizipho Z A Mbulawa, PhD; Ishana Naidoo, BTech MSc; et al. April 2026 What Is The Study About? A school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme providing protection against types 16 and 18 of HPV was introduced in South Africa in 2014 for Grade 4 girls (aged ≥9 years), achieving 87% coverage among learners with at least one of the two recommended do

Research into cold plunging for women focuses heavily on hormonal interplay, metabolic health, and cycle-specific protocols. While much historical data is male-centric, newer studies emphasise that women’s unique physiology—specifically fat distribution and fluctuating hormone levels—requires a more nuanced approach to Cold Therapy. Key Findings on Women & Cold Plunging: - Women often see better results with “smarter, not colder” approaches, such as 14∘C- 16∘C (57∘F-60∘F) for

Paediatricians are vital because they specialise in the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of developing bodies (children). In SA, there are 279 registered paediatrician locations as of April 2026, marking a 3.7% increase since 2023. Why Are Paediatricians Important Unlike general practitioners, paediatricians are trained specifically to manage children from birth through young adulthood (typically up to age 16 or 18). Their importance lies in several key areas: - T

Researcher: Roxanne Ramlucken obtained a Master’s degree with distinction in Research Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her work focuses on gender-based violence (GBV), with interest in the experiences of both survivors and women working in the GBV field. Her interest in this area is informed by both personal experiences and her volunteer work at a registered non-governmental organisation, The Advice Desk for the Abused, in Durban. June, 2023 What Is The St

Scientific studies show that natural skincare products can be effective in improving hydration, increasing skin elasticity, and reducing pigmentation through plant-based extracts. Did You Know? Natural products don’t share the same strict regulatory standards that other skincare brands have and may cause allergic reactions. General Statistics: - The natural cosmetics market is valued at approximately R4.2 billion and is growing at an annual rate of 6.8% in SA. - Roughly 70% o

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