Indholdsfortegnelse for Nov/Dec 2024 i Women's Health South Africa

Happy Reading! Here for it Features that I’m particularly loving in this issue… Travel beauty tips so that you can land looking – and feeling! – totally refreshed. (p78) A total-body workout that will make you feel amazing… Bet! (p66) Not all desire is guaranteed… We got first-hand advice on how to get the flame going again. (p72) Picture this: a Cape Town studio, the Women’s Health Cover Search squad, laughing, dancing and swapping their favourite gym moves. Women who, until moments ago, only knew each other via socials, now chatting like ol’ friends. There are undeniable feel-good vibes when women come together, creating a space filled with shared strength, support and connection. In our first WH annual Cover Search competition, we looked for inner strength, tenacity and a passion for health…

SAVE 50% OFF THE COVER PRICE SCAN HERE to claim your discount for your digital subscription! Spoil yourself or gift a subscription to Women’s Health for 1 year. SAVE 20% OFF THE COVER PRICE WOMEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE Delivered straight to your door Receive Women’s Health magazine – packed with actionable, evidence-based advice to empower you to be your best, healthiest self – in your letterbox. 1 YEAR FOR ONLY (6 ISSUES) R430 Simply email subs@womenshealthsa.co.za WOMEN’S HEALTH DIGITAL MAGAZINE Start reading wherever you are, whenever you want Receive Women’s Health print mag in a made-for-mobile digital format, available to read anytime, anywhere, directly to your mobile device. 1 YEAR FOR ONLY (6 ISSUES) R270 Simply scan the QR code…

FACTORS AT PLAY Six to eight glasses of water is generally recommended for adults. However, this rule is conditional. Various factors influence how much water an adult needs. For e.g., highly active adults should drink roughly 250ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes. HEAT STROKE *REALLY* CAN HAPPEN Our bodies regulate temperature through sweating. When dehydrated, the body is unable to produce sweat effectively, which causes heat to build up within the body. This, in turn, leads to heat exhaustion or a heat stroke! HANGOVER BE GONE! Planning to indulge? Know this: alcohol is a diuretic, causing you to wee excessively, leading to dehydration. Your hack: for every glass of your favourite bev, drink twice the amount of water. You’re welcome! 47m The amount of card transactions by South…

COVER STAR SEARCH 20 24 Friendly Phenom The positive energy. That ‘we’re-already-BFFs’ feeling. Her girl-next-door bubbly personality that permeates our feeds. The deep love of movement that keeps the stoke going. The considered core values driving her purpose: “authenticity, community, and relationships”. That’s just a sprinkling of the things we love about our 2024 Cover Search winner Caitlin Hood. And her origin story is just as inspiring and wholesome as you’d imagine… Our childhood heroes can shape our outlook. If you were a Belle stan, we’re willing to bet you’re a massive bookworm now. Caitlin’s hero? Very on-brand. “My dad was a huge fan of the animated series Popeye The Sailor. He used to mimic Popeye’s muscle-popping moves to get me to eat spinach,” she muses. “The fact that he…

FULL-BODY ACTIVATOR LEVEL WHY WE LOVE IT: Think of it as a one-stop-shop mobility move. “It targets the abs and glutes and involves biceps, triceps, shoulders and calves,” says certified personal trainer Taylor Rae Almonte-Roman. “It also acts as a dynamic stretch for the hamstrings and back.” We can’t forget to shout out the cardio upside too: it elevates your heart rate, without impact. While it may look simple (bend and plank, right?), there are nuances to proper inchworm form. How to nail it… STEP 1 STAND tall with feet hip-width apart and arms by your sides. Maintain good posture, with your core braced. STEP 2 BEND forward at the waist, reaching arms slightly in front of you so you can plant palms on the floor. STEP 3 WALK hands out…

As you bop around from work to Pilates class, or every time you soak in the bath or change a tampon, there’s a unique community of microorganisms keeping you healthy below the belt. You probably didn’t even realise it, as this environment humbly operates on autopilot and does its own thing. Even so, new technology and emerging research are shedding light on how the fascinating ecosystem known as the vaginal microbiome might be the key to unlocking exciting health discoveries. The V microbiome is a topic that’s “never gotten enough attention,” despite being a complex and incredibly important system, says Professor Johanna B. Holm, an assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For starters, the microbiome helps ward off unwanted…

THE ENERGISER citrus Did you know that citrus scents can instantly vitalise? You can thank its uplifting lively scent and ability to stimulate senses. The bright, zesty aromas of lemon, orange and grapefruit can cut through feelings of lethargy or moodiness, injecting your mind with a sense of freshness and energy. NOTES: Italian lemon, Italian bergamot and grapefruit NOTES: Orange blossom, petitgrain and bergamot NOTES: Bergamot, bitter orange, grapefruit, verbena and neroli THE COMFORTER vanilla Think about freshly baked biscuits and cakes. What sensations do they bring? If your answer is warm, happy feels – you’re correct! Vanilla is a key ingredient for sweeter gourmand fragrances. The scent itself is round, sweet, helps you relax and feels like a warm hug. NOTES: Mandarin orange, bergamot and tiramisu NOTES: Vanilla, cofee and mahogany wood…

01 NATURE VS NURTURE If you frequently lose your cool in conflict, it might not be entirely your fault. Certain genetic or biological traits can make us more prone to anger, says clinical psychologist Dr Daniel Glazer. Some studies suggest variations in our serotonin systems might have an effect. But in Dr Glazer’s experience, it tends to be our life experiences that dictate how quickly we get mad. If you had poor role models for emotional regulation growing up, that can have a lasting impact. Thankfully, it doesn’t mean you can’t make positive changes. 02 HEAR HER ROAR You know the feeling: your heart beats faster, your muscles tense, your breaths become quicker. This can happen in seconds, as your levels of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol rise. This response evolved to…

Our Complete Festive Menu THE MAINS Side Of Salmon with Anchovy and Caper Butter Crispy Pistou-Stuffed Rack Of Pork Nut and Lentil Roast Tandoori Roast Lamb with Couscous Pilaf Herby Turkey Crown THE STUFFING Pork, Parsnip and Apple Stuffing THE SAUCES Cranberry and Ginger Sauce Easy Get-Ahead Gravy THE SIDES Honey Mustard Chantenay Carrots, Buttered Brussels, Garlic and Sage Roast Potatoes, Dressed Green Beans, Roast Cabbage with Blue Cheese Dressing, Crispy Topped Sprouts and Stacked Potato Dauphinoise THE SALADS Pear, Candied Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad Roasted Veg Salad Chickpea Salad With Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette THE DRINKS Spiced Blackberry Kir Royale Clementine Rosemary Gin and Tonic Wines To Pair With Your Meal THE DESSERTS Christmas Pudding with Ginger Caramel Sauce Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Mulled Figs YOUR KEY TO…

GROW ON “I’m always learning that there are new ways to write, to edit, to create, to perform – even while on stage. You have to stay open to the process and to the people in front of you. Their reception is changing as is my delivery, so I need to analyse why a line works one day but not the next: was it me? them? time of day? It’s an obstacle course and I love it.” 29 THE NUMBER OF ‘BITS’ – SECTIONS OF JOKES – IN HER FIRST STAND-UP SPECIAL, PIZZA MIND, IN WHICH NOTHING WAS OFF-LIMITS. Tell Your Truth Which is exactly what Sasheer, 38, does every time a mic’s in hand – that is, only after years of working on her craft. But once she started…

SUN SERVICE Spending long, lush summer days outdoors is exactly what you need. But sunburn? Not so much. Since a tan ages your skin, look to repairing ingredients post-sun. Skin Functional UV Derm Post UV Exposure Repair Body Lotion is your go-to: made with retinaldehyde, a retinol-derived chemical that repairs skin, this lotion also deeply hydrates. Get it for R350, Skinfunctional.com HOT DOG! The perfect sunscreen for your fur baby, this sunscreen protects your pet’s skin from UVA and UVB sun rays, which are usually the causes of sunburn (and illness later on). It’s free from harmful filters. Posh Pets SPF 30+, R200, Woolworths.co.za SCRUB AWAY SUMMER Standard Beauty’s Watermelon Mojito Body Scrub has summer written all over it! Packed with ingredients like watermelon extract, glycerin, olive oil and shea…

LUG IT Holidaying in the great outdoors? Grab a *proper* pair of trail shoes. Wearing leisure shoes might look good with your ‘fit – but will jeopardise your foot health and could lead to injury. “Lifestyle shoes have no grip, so in wet terrain, you’ll be especially prone to slipping,” explains Erin Dayaram, President of the Podiatry Association of South Africa. “They have no lugs (deep grooves in the sole that grip uneven surfaces) and provide no flexion point (flexibility in the shoe that moves and supports foot movement).” Even your running shoes, while made for distance, won’t cut it on the rocks. “The bouncy nature of running shoes can increase the risk of ankle sprains on a hike, especially when navigating rocky or sloped trails,” explains Dayaram. Try these trainers,…

OFFICIAL CLOTHING PARTNER COVER STAR SEARCH 20 24 fitnessfusionlifestyle.co.za…

Experts like Prof Holm are excited and encouraged that the focus on the vaginal microbiome will continue to increase. Prof Holm also hopes for more research. Menopause and conditions like BV, fibroids, and endometriosis – which affect hundreds of millions of women every year – currently have received less than 0.1 percent of federal dollars for research in the U.S., with no mention of women’s health research in the South African health budget. In the meantime, Prof Holm is working with her colleagues at the University of Maryland to develop new treatments to ultimately improve women’s genital and reproductive health, which could include therapies and drugs that can alter the mechanisms of the vaginal microbiome. The team is currently developing and testing a next-generation live biotherapeutic product (LBP) – what…

01 Cue Up A Comedy Laughing produces gamma waves, the same high-frequency brain waves generated during a solid meditation session, according to research from Loma Linda University in California. And the anticipation of a laugh can reduce stress hormones. Start with the four seasons of Netflix’s How To Ruin Christmas and work your way up to Schitt’s Creek. 02 Make Fitness Fun You may not miss the booze, but you’ll probably miss social gatherings – ‘tis the season, after all. Round up some fit friends and/or colleagues and schedule a weekly run, a game of padel or a hike. These activities don’t require a ton of people to be enjoyable (unlike fielding a full netball team) and allow time for what makes hangouts so great: conversation. 03 Go It Alone…

What To Pack To Prevent (Or Fix) A Skin Freak-Out 1 Novexpert Trio-Zinc Mist It’s basically the holy grail for your face while you travel. This must-use spray can be used as a tonic after cleansing, as an instant mattifier, a skin freshener and make-up fixative and reduces excess sebum. Can be used in public transit. R220, Novexpert.co.za 2 E45 Lips & Dry Skin Balm Lips, cuticles, eyelids, knees – anything that’s cracked and dry can be soothed with this multipurpose balm. If you have super dry skin or you’re travelling to a cold, dry climate, you can use a thin layer on top of your face lotion to lock in moisture. R225, Dischem.co.za 3 Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Moisture Booster This is filled with hyaluronic acid to draw moisture to the skin and…

I ALWAYS EAT RUBBISH WHEN I DRINK ALCOHOL. HOW CAN I PUT A STOP TO IT? While the obvious solution – drink less – has probably already occurred to you, it’s easier said than done. Prof Dr Denis Burdakov, a neuroscientist at the university ETH Zürich, calls the drunken increase in appetite the ‘apéritif effect’ – a phenomenon whereby alcohol sends feedback to the brain that heightens your desire to eat, triggering ‘evolutionary hunger mode’: a state in which you crave excessive amounts of caloriedense foods. To help, professor Burdakov advises fitting in a sweaty workout ahead of your big night out: the temporary increase in metabolism can help you process alcohol faster. He then suggests lining your stomach with high-fibre foods like crudités, hummus, crackers and popcorn – they’ll…

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases Aloe, Is It Me You’re Looking For? The succulent’s got your back in an SPF fail, but the plant is *so* much more than a skin soother. You can now find it in shampoos, creams, soaps, juices and supplements. The same healing properties that come in handy after a – oops! – way-too-long beach day could potentially strengthen your hair, gently cleanse your skin, boost your immune system and fend off bacteria. Try using frozen AV juice instead of ice cubes in your next smoothie for extra health benefits. Or, find the green goo in these: DRINK Aloe 24/7 Juice This drink, with added ginger and lemon, tastes as good as it is healthy. It’s said to soothe IBS symptoms as well as heartburn. Did…

Source: World Health Organisation Avoid The ‘Tex Mess Latex-free ‘doms, in case you’re among the percentage of peeps who get the itch… Let’s Talk… Latex Allergies Latex condoms leave you feeling uncomfy down under? Dr Palesa Kennedy, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, gives us the 411 on this sensitive issue. Latex, a common ingredient in health care, is a liquid material derived from the rubber tree – and is found in many products such as condoms, gloves and balloons. Uncertain that you have a latex allergy? Dr Kennedy suggests getting a blood allergy test to confirm. THE CAUSE: Latex can cause an allergic reaction in the form of an itchy rash when direct contact takes place. Latex allergy occurs in about five percent of the general population, with the most common prevalence in…

In the immortal words of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” She was right. Anyone who’s ever broken a sweat knows the power of that feel-better energy after a head-clearing run or a sweaty group fitness class. And scientific research backs this up. In a recent survey, 78 percent of respondents said that their mental and emotional well-being was their number one reason for exercising. And in another survey, 44 percent of people rated mental health as their top health concern in 2023. Yet experts agree: the conversation around utilising physical activity as a solution of sorts remains complicated. Exercise is often more accessible and affordable than traditional treatment methods, so it’s no wonder that hashtags like #running​ismytherapy (which has been used nearly…

Reporting on wellness in 2024 treads a fine line between curiosity and cynicism – and never more so than during a TikTok scroll. While some trends generate an instant scoff, most people are open to discovering pearls of wisdom. But when, on a morning scroll, I noticed TikTokers extolling the benefits of asking AI to generate a personalised meal plan for them, my antennae started to twitch. Maybe it was the warnings from artificial intelligence architects that the global impact of their creations could be as devastating as the Covid pandemic. But deep down, I think I know what really prompted the cynical eyebrow raise. As I watch a woman gushing to her followers about the “endometriosis-friendly”, “hormone-balancing” plan that ChatGPT generated for her, it dawns on me that nutrition…

If you, too, have felt the pull of beige that has defined make-up trends of late (hey #CleanGirlMakeup!), you’ll relish this vibe shift. Can putting on your make-up, a ritual you probably do on autopilot most of the time, really trigger a neurological response to rival that of well-known drivers of dopamine such as cuddles and carbs? To find out, we spoke to brand founders, psychologists and a neuroscientist to ask if there’s more to the joy of mastering the art of a bright graphic liner. CAN MAKE-UP MAKE YOU MERRY? Get this: anecdotal evidence suggests that make-up can deliver a mood boost. During the first lockdown back in 2020, a survey by health and beauty retailer, Boots, found that 80 percent of the 1 800 people who participated said…

FOR THE HEALTHY HEAD Ideal for any loved one who prioritises health and fitness (or wants to start). FOR THE BEAUTY BADDIE Glow up loading for everyone on your gift list – especially those loved ones who high-key know every beauty trend. Beauty Gift Sets Who doesn’t love a gift set? They offer the opportunity to sample a range of items. Wins for eeerrrbody. FOR THE COSY HOMEBODY Take their love for all things homely and comfy to the next level with these selections. FOR THE PARTY PRINCESS For the hostesses who love to entertain, these gifts will earn you a seat at their next shindig. Cookbooks Worth Buying Here are some books you can gift them (no matter their skill level in the kitchen). FOR YOU There’s no need…