Indholdsfortegnelse for Sep /Oct 2025 i Women's Health South Africa

Someone once asked me what it takes to be on the cover… And honestly, it’s not what most people expect. It’s never been about the perfect smile, the fittest body in the room or a follower count big enough to fill a stadium. It’s waaay better. It’s about heart. That flicker of something you can’t filter or fake. It’s the story that inspires you to get up and move, to chase the thing that scares you a little, to live bigger, live better, live bolder. The women who land on our covers aren’t just strong in photos – they’re strong in life. They’ve faced setbacks, pushed past limits and built something worth talking about. This year’s Cover Search winner, Tammi Ragebult, is one of those women. She’s proof of our…

In the age of Instagram and Strava, to which running workouts can be uploaded for likes and flame emojis, it’s tempting to focus on harder sessions. While there’s no doubt such sessions play a part in a training schedule, endurance expert Dr Stephen Seiler suggests a change of focus – one that favours the “long game” over the “epic workout”. Here’s why: 01 HIIT workouts should not be viewed in isolation, as they often are. Instead, they only make sense within the context of a broader training plan. 02 With many ways to improve fitness, there are some advantageous physiological changes that only happen at lower training intensities: you can’t “hack” fitness by going hard all the time. 03 Successful athletes balance low and high intensity. Seiler says it takes “effective integration of…

For Tammi, winning the Women’s Health 2025 Cover Search competition is more than just personal recognition. “It’s a celebration of every woman who’s building herself from the inside out. I want young [African] girls to see what’s possible when you prioritise wellness and walk in faith – all while chasing your goals wholeheartedly.” From the lanky teen with “not silky enough” hair who felt more comfortable hanging out with the boys than the girls at school to the young woman who discovered her love of fitness in hotel gyms while working as a flight attendant, Tammi has always done life her way. “Between the long flights and quiet nights away from everything familiar, hotel gyms kept me sane,” she recalls. Then came 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic grounded the world…

In 2022, I was the strongest and fittest I’d ever been. For three years, I’d spent every day carrying heavy equipment on a 15-minute hike to reach an outdoor workout spot for my personal training clients. When I landed my current job as a writer, the commute to the desk wasn’t the same. Then I noticed thousands of women across my social feeds walking with weighted vests. Carrying weight over distance allows you to increase your heart rate without the impact from other forms of cardio, such as running, reducing the risk of injury. One study on women* showed that wearing a weighted vest while walking on a treadmill can increase your VO2 max, the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. A study published in Quality…

“YOU’RE SO YOUNG TO HAVE THAT SCAR.” That’s what Naesha Parks often hears when people see the mark on her chest from the open-heart surgery she had at age 35. On hot summer days, the raised scar peeks out from tank tops. “You had a heart attack?” they ask in disbelief. In 2008, several days after the birth of her son, the former school administrator was hanging out with a friend when she started feeling off. She was exhausted and sweating, and she felt pressure in her chest. Parks told her friend to call the ambulance. Then she blacked out and woke up three days later in hospital. “The way my surgeon describes it, it was like I got run over by a car, hit by a train, and got…

Creates Visit Summaries AI can summarise doctor-patient interactions, helping physicians produce visit notes for records and follow-up care. LLMs can even do this in the doctor’s voice. It’s not flawless, though. Hallucinations can happen here, too, so docs should treat what AI delivers as a draft that they need to review it before it leaves their office. Provides Patient-Education Materials Some physicians use AI to generate easy-to-understand materials for patients, like an explanation of a new diagnosis or procedure or medication instructions in layman’s terms. Answers Routine Patient Questions There’s even a tool built into a common platform called MyChart that people use to communicate with their doctors electronically. It has an AI feature that doctors can employ to help answer patient questions. Streamlines Literature Searches For doctors who want…

MEET THE PANEL Your A.M. Rising Stars Power picks to kick-start your day Best Body Cream Don’t just moisturise, pamper your skin with lotion that delivers intense hydration, leaving even the driest skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s super creamy. WH  E45 Daily Care Rich Lotion, R206, Checkers.co.za Best Moisturising Shampoo Silky texture with dense foam and slip. I was able to detangle knots easily while cleansing my hair. BT Creme of Nature Pure Honey Moisturizing Dry Defense Conditioner, R185, Amazon.co.za Best Face Cleanser A gentle exfoliating cleanser that cleanses without stripping skin of its moisture, this product is perfect for oily skin. AD Yearn Skin 8% Glycolic Cleansing Gel, R299, Yearnskin.co.za Best Vitamin C Serum An oil-free vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid that illuminates and hydrates skin, reducing the…

Squat And Clean Why It Rocks: “This full-body exercise is a powerhouse,” says Sariya. It targets hamstrings, glutes, core, calves, shoulders, back and biceps to build strength and it also improves explosive power. Plus: “You’ll feel like a badass when you complete a set of these!” How To: Holding dumbbells by your sides, squat down until thighs are parallel to the floor (A). Drive through heels to stand, zipping dumbbells up along your sides (B) and catching them at your shoulders (C); finish by lowering into a squat (D). That’s 1 rep. Lower the DBs to stand and repeat. Level Up: To complete a snatch, pull a single dumbbell up along your midline with the elbow leading, then complete the pull with your arm shooting straight toward the ceiling in…

Should I worry about my sugar intake from fruit? In a word, no – the sugar from fruit doesn’t affect you in the same way as added refined sugar found in foods such as cake, chocolate and breakfast cereals does. That’s because the fructose, glucose and sucrose within whole fruit are surrounded by fibre, which the body must break down first, explains registered dietician LeeAnn Weintraub. Fibre therefore slows down sugar’s digestion into the bloodstream and is a key reason why having fruit salad for dessert doesn’t spike your blood sugar in the same way ice cream would. Plus, fibre protects your heart, boosts digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, while the other vitamins and minerals in your five-a-day mean that fruit comes enriched with the kind of…

Pain on the brain? Put yourself in good hands. A specialised breast radiologist will give you “the highest chance of getting a quality mammogram on all fronts,” says Dr Elisa Port, chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Health System and director of the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai Hospital. If comfort is your concern, go the extra mile (perhaps literally) and use a radiology centre that specialises in mammography. There, you’ll find experts adept at positioning patients in the machine and conducting the mammogram. Accessibility the main factor? Bring your A game. Fact: Any mammogram is better than none. So even if your local radiation facility isn’t a dedicated mammography centre, when you make the appointment, ask, “Do you have specialised breast imagers or radiologists reading my films?”…

Take two people and call us at the end of the week. People who have sex once or twice weekly have stronger immune systems than people who have sex less than once a week, according to a study at Wilkes University, by psychologists Dr Francis Brennan Jr and Dr Carl Charnetski. In their book Feeling Good is Good For You: How Pleasure Can Boost Your Immune System and Lengthen Your Life, the researchers described a study in which they took saliva samples from 111 college students and surveyed them on their frequency of partner sex over the course of a month. Analysis showed that the saliva of the students who had sex once or twice a week had 30 percent more of the antigen immunoglobulin A (IgA) than students who…

01 They Build Muscle And Strengthen Bone Menopause specialist Dr Mary Claire Haver suggests midlife women wear one to help reverse the muscle and bone loss we’re so prone to in our 40s and beyond. In a Journals Of Gerontology study, menopausal women who wore a weighted vest for five years and did jumping exercises maintained their bone mineral density. 02 They Boost Your Cardiovascular Fitness And Stamina If you’re carrying more weight, it means your heart and lungs are having to work harder. Research published in Physical Activity And Health found that wearing a vest to walk for 30 minutes and do bodyweight exercises three times a week for 12 weeks improved aerobic capacity on top of muscle strength. 03 They Help You Lose Weight In a study published in The Lancet,…

Selecting the right weight can be confusing, especially for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by identifying the muscle group you want to build. Larger muscles like the glutes, quads and hamstrings can typically handle heavier weights, while smaller muscles such as the biceps or shoulders require lighter ones. The most important factor is to focus on your form first. Proper form ensures you target the right muscles, stay safe, and get the best results. If your form is compromised, you risk injury or miss out on the full benefits of your workout. True progress comes from moving well – not simply lifting heavy. Once your form is solid, test a weight you can lift for 10–12 repetitions. The last few reps should feel challenging, but not so…

1 Know the signs of a heart attack You won’t be able to tell if your heart attack is from SCAD or another health problem, but knowing the signs (chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, exhaustion, pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder) can help you take action. 2 Never downplay pain Speak up for yourself and for your pain. “If the reason you’re showing up at the emergency room is because you think you’re having a heart attack, say that aloud,” says Dr Hayes. “If you say it’s indigestion, they’re going to check the wrong thing.” 3 Call 112 and get to the hospital If you think you’re having a heart attack, don’t drive to the ER yourself, as you may be at risk of passing out behind…

TROPICAL PROTEIN SMOOTHIE Think beyond fruit for your a.m. smoothie – a sprinkle of frozen peas and pinch of lime zest add unexpected, delish flavour. INGREDIENTS 3 cups frozen mango1 cup frozen peas1 cup baby spinach1 scoop vanilla protein powder1 Tbsp lightly salted cashews Pinch of lime zest¾ cup coconut water DIRECTIONS Step 1: Gather all ingredients except coconut water in a jar and store in the freezer. Step 2: When ready to drink, add coconut water to blender, followed by the contents of the jar, then blend until smooth and creamy. Pour back into the same jar and serve right away. EDITOR’S PICK TO MAKE THIS SMOOTHIE EIGER 2 000W JUG BLENDER With 2 000W of power, this blender is the ultimate powerhouse. It’ll elevate every mix. But it’s…

1. How Can Cancer Affect Couples? Cancer brings unknowns and intense feelingsand disrupts the status quo. Practical, financial and familial difficulties all potentially need to be navigated as one person becomes the carer and the other is cared for. While this can bring people together, it can also cause caution and distance, which can affect romantic feelings. 2. How Important Is Intimacy? Intimacy is the capacity to be vulnerable – physically and emotionally – and the needs in every relationship are different. It’s important for a couple to have open conversations about what intimacy means to them, including sex specifically, and to find common ground. What’s desired and possible may change over time, but staying connected is crucial. 3. How Can Couples Reconnect After A Diagnosis? Talking will help you…

THE CLASSICS This category features deeper, notes like cedar, sandalwood, patchouli and oud. They usually go hand in hand with spicy, ambery and musky notes for a scent that’s deep and inviting THE FRESH TAKES This group contains fragrances that are lighter, brighter and more energetic. These scents are defined by fresh floral bouquets, zesty citrus top notes and playful fruity accords. NOTES ABOUT NOTES Ever wondered why your fave perfume smells so great in the store, but a little different an hour later? You’re not imagining things… it’s all about the passage of time. Here’s the scoop on how it all works: The First Impression (Top Notes) These are the scents you smell when you spritz. Top notes are designed to make an immediate impact. You'll notice them immediately,…

Soon after graduating from varsity in 2012, Molly Moran started losing her hair. It fell out in clumps every time she showered. “I googled it and read that it’s normal, apparently, to lose some hair in your 20s, but it was alarming how much was coming out,” says Molly, now 35. “It was really upsetting to me, and it was kind of scary. I was like, ‘What is happening?’” At the time, she didn’t make the connection between her hair loss and the fact that she had recently gone off birth control for the first time in five years. Instead, she went searching for answers. After bouncing around from a primary care doc to a dermatologist to a gynaecologist – none of whom ordered any blood work or tests –…

Cabbage And Pork Rolls Baked In Tomato Sauce SERVES 4 8 large Green cabbage leaves1 large handful Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, coarsely chopped TOMATO SAUCE 3 cups Tomato passata (puréed tomatoes)1 cup Chicken bone broth1 Tbsp Maple syrupHimalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper FILLING 2 Tbsp Olive oil1 small Onion, finely chopped2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped750g Pork mince (ground pork)1 cup Cooked quinoa⅔ cup Finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve1 large handful Sage leaves, finely chopped1 tsp Himalayan salt½ tsp Freshly ground black pepper 1 / Preheat oven to 180°C. 2 / To prepare the filling, heat the oil in a large frying pan over low heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool slightly. 3 / Add…

If you charged into 2025 with more goals than a football tournament, yet now have only burnout and self-pity to show for the past nine months, then September is here to help you redeem yourself (read: get you summer-ready!). The cavalry has arrived in the form of researchers at the University of Waterloo. In seven experiments, 2 820 participants were presented with both complex and straightforward ways to explain a specific outcome or achieve a specific goal. The results showed that participants consistently favoured the simpler option. Researchers concluded that people care about efficiency when it comes to both explanations and achieving goals. What this means for you? Considering ways you can do more with less may be an effective goal-smashing strategy. Still haven’t signed up to the gym you…

FIRST-TIMERS Deep. Breaths. If the radiologist sees something potentially suspect, don’t panic – often, all’s well. “Remember, they have nothing to compare to,” says Dr Port. In fact, it’s pretty common (and not a cause for concern!) if a six-month check-in is called for after a baseline mammogram. REGULARS If your reason for returning is a lump or some other worrisome development, “don’t delay further,” says Dr Port. Recent move or medical aid change? Help fill the gaps in your medical history by ensuring your new radiologist has copies of prior mammograms. That additional context will make it easier for your doc to diagnose. EVERYONE Lay off the lotion and ditch the deodorant before your appointment. No need to make the mammogram machine feel like a Slip ’N Slide, and…

Corength Adjustable Weight Training Vest R1 299, Decathlon The core weight of this vest is 6kg, but if you want to take it up a notch, you can add weight plates up to 10kg. Its shape means it works well if you’re doing body-weight exercises or going for a walk. Aduro Sport Weighted Vest R702, Amazon.co.za Weighing 1.8kg, this lightweight vest is best suited for cardio. The ultra-sculpted design moulds to your upper body and has breathable mesh – with pockets for extra weight or essentials. Elements Weight Vest R1 495, Takealot.com Maintain an aura of bad-assery as you trot around looking like the FBI: this vest goes up to 20kg and comes with 1kg iron blocks to adjust as needed. Padded straps make the extra weight easier to shoulder.…

We take thousands of pictures every year. Of friends, family, outfits, holidays, sunsets, meals and memories. But what if your phone didn’t just take pictures? What if it made them look exactly as you remember them? That’s the promise of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. And that’s only the start. Make no mistake, this device is not just a phone, it’s also a style statement, a professional camera and a luxury accessory. At first glance, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series turns heads, but in addition to its sleek good looks, it’s how it makes you feel that sets this device apart. Every curve, every reflection, every colourway has been chosen to evoke a sense of elegance and individuality and is inspired by fine jewellery and the flowing textures of traditional…

Burt Rosen, 59, is a mountaineer and innovative marketing guy who, as he puts it, “happens to have two cancers.” Each cancer is its own complex case – one is in a kidney, the other involves metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours – and together they require a whole network of specialists. As you can imagine, his patient profiles are something – so much so that he recently asked ChatGPT, “If I upload CT scan results, can you translate it into English so I understand it?” In seconds, the doctor-speak came back with bold subtitles, simpler wording, and a nice summary. “AI is my helper now,” says Burt. While many people haven’t touched artificial intelligence yet, it’s already widely used in healthcare. Doctors are using AI to help diagnose and document cases…

THE BASE-ICS Choose your dream combo, then puree in a blender until smooth. Triple Berry Bliss Bowl ACTIVE 10 MINS TOTAL 10 MINS SERVES 1 1 cup Frozen raspberries½ Cooked beetroot, cooled6 Tbsp Unsweetened almond milk Fresh blueberries and raspberries, for serving Cinnamon Oat and Almond Clusters (recipe below), for serving In blender, purée frozen raspberries, beet and almond milk until smooth. Transfer to serving bowl and top with fresh berries and clusters. Cinnamon Oat And Almond Clusters ACTIVE 5 MINS TOTAL 20 MINS SERVES 1 ¾ cup Old-fashioned oats¼ cup Almond flakes1 tsp Ground cinnamon Pinch of kosher salt1 large Egg white 1 Heat oven to 180°C. 2 In medium bowl, toss together oats, almonds, cinnamon and salt. Add egg white and stir to coat. Scatter in clumps on…

Use your imagination Dr Mauss recommends closing your eyes and picturing your emotions passing by like clouds. You can’t control either in real life – they simply occur and move through your day. Similarly, “emotions just happen and you don’t need to react to them [right away]”, she adds. The more you try it, the easier it will feel. Take five deep breaths That’s it – it’s that easy. Studies show that doing so helps you to be more present when a negative emotion bubbles up. When you start to feel an emotion, pause, sit down and breathe. There are many techniques you can try, but for an easy place to start, extend your exhale so that it’s longer than your inhale. Distract yourself Sometimes, the only thing that will…

Whether you're battling breakouts, hirsutism (those rogue facial hairs), irregular or absent cycles, fatigue, mood swings or the dreaded “just lose weight” advice, we see you and we’ve got your back! At Jooce, we believe women deserve real solutions, not quick fixes or cookie-cutter advice. That’s why we created a no-nonsense supplement line-up designed to tackle the real root causes of PCOS: insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, inflammation and sluggish detox pathways. Say hello to your new hormone bestie! The Jooce PCOS Bundle Crafted by women for women, this powerhouse formulation is packed with clinically-studied ingredients that work together to balance hormones, reduce insulin resistance, calm inflammation, clear up skin, regulate cycles – and yes, even support fertility. Thousands of South African women are already glowing up with Jooce. Whether you’re just…