Researchers: Jagidesa Moodley, Yogan Pillay, Olive P. Khaliq November 2025 What Is The Study About? South Africa, like many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is now facing a double burden of disease, rising rates of non-communicable diseases alongside ongoing infectious disease challenges. Increasing numbers of women of reproductive age are entering pregnancy with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and HIV – conditions that significantly raise the risk of maternal and

Adequate hydration is essential for South African women to support key physiological functions and maintain energy levels. Key Benefits of Hydration… - Water helps the body sweat and cool down efficiently during hot summer days. - Proper fluid intake aids lymph circulation and toxin removal, helping prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infections. - Staying hydrated prevents fatigue, headaches, and poor concentration. - Water keeps joints lubricated and maintains

Researchers: Discovery Health's Josie Grubb (Actuarial Analyst), Anesu Williams (Actuary), Dr Noluthando Nematswerani (Chief Clinical Officer), Amalia Theologides (Content Lead), Shirley Collie (Chief Health Research Actuary), Lara Wayburne (Chief Health Intelligence Actuary) April 2025 What Is The Study About? This study highlights the success of the infertility treatment funded by the Assisted Reproductive Therapy Benefit introduced by Discovery Health Medical Scheme (D

Vaginal tightening in South Africa is a rapidly growing field, encompassing both specialised surgical procedures and non-surgical energy therapies. Statistics… - Private urogynecologists report that women seeking these treatments are aged between 30 and 55. - SA healthcare networks like Netcare, non-surgical energy-based therapies have gained massive ground due to zero downtime. - Studies on regional vaginal practices highlight that a small statistical baseline of women in SA

Researchers: P Barron, N Lince-Deroche, L Bamford, H Subedar, T Mbatha and Y Pillay. March 2026 What Is The Study About? In South Africa (SA), adolescent pregnancy, particularly in very young girls, is an issue of keen public and political concern given its social and health implications. This study provides a quantitative baseline that SA can use for targeting its efforts to address adolescent pregnancy and for measuring progress over time. Why Is This Important? Bar

Authored by: Zuha Ajlan – Lead Data Collection and Research Specialist at Femmflo. Introduction Historically, women have been excluded from scientific research due to the cyclic variation in their hormones. It had been assumed that results obtained from men applied to women as well (Dresser, 1992; Wainer et al., 2020). This has led to a gross underrepresentation of women in research, delayed symptom recognition, diagnostics and even treatment. In fact, it was decades before w

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.

Research in South Africa consistently indicates that women experience a higher prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and blindness than men. Globally, women make up two out of every three people with vision issues. Stats: - One 2024 study in Limpopo found that 56.1% of participants were women and the overall prevalence of VI was 61.5%. - A November 2024 study in the Eastern Cape observed that 76.4% of participants were female, and of those, 44.58% were affected by VI and blind

Proper Oral Hygiene Habits: Brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, using a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste. Holding the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line and gently use short strokes to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Flossing to remove plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Gently brushing or using a tongue scraper to clean your tongue, as bacteria can build up there, leading to bad breath. Changing y

Plant-based diets have shown beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body weight because of high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and photochemicals. Additional Benefits Include Lowered Risks Of: - Heart disease - Type 2 diabetes - Cancers like colorectal & prostrate - Inflammation This is dependent on the diet’s quality and lack of highly processed foods. The importance of a “healthy” plant-based diet is better than unhealthy, processed vers

Every day, we consume around 2.25 billion cups of coffee globally! Coffee contains a number of nutrients, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium, and various phenolic compounds, or antioxidants. It also contains 1,5 grams (per cup) of soluble dietary fibre. Benefits include protection against: *Type 2 diabetes *Parkinson’s disease *Liver disease *Liver cancer *Cardiovascular problems (like a stroke) *Cognitive decline due to ageing “Women