Innehållsförteckning för June - July 2017 från Longevity Magazine

Twenty-five years ago, Longevity was launched in South Africa, three years after a successful launch in the United States. By all accounts, it was ahead of its time. I think it was a rather audacious idea, considering this was a quarter of a century ago, when the concept of longevity was pretty much unheard of. Today – barring any major disasters or wars – we’re getting used to the idea that, for better or worse, we’re going to live much longer lives than our parents. Our children and their children will live even longer than us. How we age will be determined by what kind of health journey we have along the way. And, hopefully, many will be like you – proactive about their health and keeping well informed about…

MICHAEL J FOX CONTINUES HIS FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSON’S by Skye Mallon In the past year, various media reports have suggested that Michael J Fox’s health is declining and he will soon be wheelchair-bound. However, his incredible determination and persistence to stay active is enabling him to keep fighting back. If you’re looking for inspiration, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit, don’t pass this article by. READ MORE ONLINE WHY TAKING ASPIRIN WILL IMPROVE YOUR LONGEVITY by Gisèle Wertheim Aymés An increasing number of medical practitioners, reports and researchers are supporting the use of aspirin by people over the age of 50. They have found that a routine dose of aspirin could improve certain ailments over a 20-year period in people between the ages of 51 and…

DERMALOGICA DAILY SUPERFOLIANT WHAT DOES IT DO? This daily exfoliant detoxes your skin from air pollution particles, which are known to trigger aging-related skin conditions such as brown spots, fine lines and uneven tone. The formula is inspired by one of the company’s all-time best sellers, the daily microfoliant. It is gentle enough for daily use, but still powerful enough to give immediate results. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? The benefits of using this exfoliant are twofold. Not only does it help to preserve your skin’s natural barrier function, preventing environmental pollutants from harming you, but it also boosts your skin with a substantial amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, to prevent signs of skin aging. KEY INGREDIENTS One of the main ingredients is activated Binchotan charcoal powder. Its function is…

1 BOBBI BROWN REMEDIES SKIN FORTIFIER A super blend of essential oils for skin that has lost its vitality and resilience THE INGREDIENTS Your skin’s barrier is composed of three key lipids that protect against moisture loss and external aggressors: ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. As you age, this barrier weakens and develops “gaps” that make skin more susceptible to damage. Remedies Skin Fortifier is rich in natural lipids such as murumuru butter, olive oil and meadowfoam seed oil, which help to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. THE BENEFITS The formula is developed for skin that has lost its vitality and resilience. It rebuilds and strengthens your skin’s structure, making it stronger and better able to fight off further environmental damage. With the ability to repair and replenish your skin,…

WHAT SHIFTS ARE WE SEEING? Here are four of the biggest shifts in fitness: 1 INTIMATE GROUP WORKOUTS The demand for individualised exercise is growing, but so is the demand for group workouts. “It’s still all about enjoyment and engagement with people,” says Prof Ross Tucker, sports scientist at Virgin Active South Africa. “So, there has been a subtle shift in the size of group classes, and the development of smaller specialist studios, as well as niche exercise offerings.” Many non-traditional group exercise formats are also emerging. The options are plenty, giving you the opportunity to find a workout class that fits into your style of living. Small training gatherings also make the use of a personal trainer more affordable, while still allowing for that bit of personal attention. 2…

Bone health is crucial for maintaining body functionality. As we age, our bone mass, or density, decreases. As a result, the bones lose calcium and other minerals and become brittle, resulting in breaks and fractures. Practising healthy lifestyle habits is the best way to maintain your bones. EXERCISE FOR BONE HEALTH Dr Stanley Lipschitz, a geriatric medicine specialist, suggests weight-bearing exercise, moderate running, walking, skipping and similar activities to protect your bones. If you are premenopausal, he recommends weight-bearing exercises for 30 minutes most days of the week, and muscle-strengthening exercises two to three times a week. However, as you get older, a specialist should individualise your exercise plan, with an increased focus on strengthening lower limbs and balance, to reduce the risk of falls. Lipschitz adds that balance, posture…

Nutrients provide the body with the nourishment that is essential for life. Nutrition expert Linda Drummond elaborates: “Nutrients are classified into two broad groups: those we need to make up the majority of our intake (macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrate and fat) and those we require only small amounts of (micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals).” She explains that when you have a deficiency, one or more body processes are impaired or cannot take place, which negatively affects your health. WHICH DEFICIENCIES OCCUR WITH AGING? “Older adults have different nutrient requirements, as aging affects the absorption, use and excretion of nutrients,” Drummond explains. It is important to look at an individual’s specific diet and circumstances to determine where their risk for deficiency lies.” However, a few of the key nutrients…

Approximately 360 million people have disabling hearing loss worldwide, according to the Gerontological Society of America. In adults, disabling hearing loss is defined by thresholds greater than 40dBHL (decibels hearing level) in the better-hearing ear. Hearing loss is associated with numerous health issues, including accelerated cognitive decline, depression, increased risk of dementia, poor balance, falls, hospitalisations and early mortality. Dr Adrian Davus, of the Journal of International Audiology, shares that there are also social implications, such as reduced communication function, social isolation, loss of autonomy, impaired driving ability and financial decline. He points out that there is no cure; technologies can improve hearing thresholds, but not restore them. He suggests three approaches to improve the quality of life: reducing the stigma through education, adapting communication strategies and reducing environmental noise.…

If you experience persistent sadness and a lack of interest in activities you would normally enjoy, accompanied by the inability to perform your daily tasks, you could be suffering from depression. If these symptoms last longer than two weeks, this should raise a red flag. Despite depression’s prevalence in the world, it is still a taboo topic. The stigma surrounding mental illness is one of the biggest barriers to mental healthcare, preventing depression from being qualified as a health priority. According to health authorities, this stigma results in something known as social distancing: those who suffer from depression feel increasingly isolated from others. As a result, you may be more afraid to open up about it, leaving the illness untreated. WHY DO PEOPLE TREAT INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PAIN DIFFERENTLY? Physical…

Foot pain robs you of a vast chunk of your quality of life,” says podiatrist Chris Delpierre from the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town. “Over time, your foot can move out of shape and bones can become more prominent, which can hurt. Feet can lose muscle tone. And if you gain weight, you are going to have accompanying foot problems. You could make the case that not walking barefoot enough has an influence.” Whether the heel is too high, the shoe is too tight or your running step is not well supported, the wrong shoes can cause many common foot disorders. Delpierre advises: “There is a general rule with shoe design: the better the shoe is for you, the less likely it is you want to wear it.” A…

Chronic low-grade inflammation is the root of all disease. As a result, it is also heavily implicated in aging. By reducing the pro-inflammatory aspects of our lifestyle, we will remain youthful and live better for longer. WHAT IS CHRONIC LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION? Low-grade inflammation can be understood as an immune system response. When the immune system encounters a perceived threat, many pro-inflammatory substances are released, while others are produced at an increased rate. This is supposed to help the body to remove the threat. However, when the perceived threat persists, these levels will remain elevated and the low-grade inflammation will become chronic. It has been described as the root of all disease because it fosters an environment in which lifestyle and autoimmune diseases can occur. It has been implicated in heart…

Maintaining an attractive neckline becomes more difficult with time, as both your skin and the layers beneath it begin to feel the effects of gravity. WHAT ARE NECK JOWLS? Neck jowls are the saggy tissues that gather below the jawline, on the sides of your chin, below the corners of your mouth and on the midline of your neck. They are caused by the skin’s loss of elasticity, an irregular build-up of subdermal fat and loss of muscle tone. HOW DO YOU PREVENT THEM? While how quickly you age is determined, to a certain extent, by genetics, environmental factors such as sun damage, air pollution and exposure to toxins can accelerate the process greatly. Luckily, you can minimise the harmful effects of these variables. Preventing the development of neck jowls…

The thyroid regulates the speed and function of your body. Every cell has receptors for thyroid hormones. They affect our brain chemistry, digestion, heart, reproductive health, fat metabolism, energy levels and our ability to cope with stress. If your thyroid is under strain, you may experience many possible symptoms, including weight gain, hair loss and exhaustion. Dr Leila Sadien, an integrative medicine GP from Renascent Health in Cape Town, explains: “Stimulated by the pituitary gland, the thyroid makes thyroid hormones. Too much can cause symptoms of increased metabolism, diarrhoea, anxiety, headache and weight loss. Too little can cause the opposite: weight gain, water retention, constipation, etc. “The thyroid is also responsible for how we experience temperature, so [too much activity] causes intolerance to heat, and [too little] an intolerance to…

French dramatist Jean Racine once said: “Wrinkles on the brow are the imprints of exploits.” They are also a natural and inevitable part of the aging process – whether we accept them or not. Every facial expression we show, every physical movement we make, requires a great deal of cooperation from both your skin and the muscles that lie beneath it. Eventually, as a rubber band loses its strength and elasticity with each use, can you expect the same thing to happen to your skin. Wrinkles are simply creases, folds or ridges that develop in your skin as it loses elasticity, hydration and density. WHEN TO START KEEPING AN EYE OUT There is no set age when people begin to develop wrinkles. Your genetics, lifestyle habits and environment are the…

Q With cancer rates on the rise, especially the ones that affect women what can I do to protect myself ? A Cancer rates among women are increasing. Globally, it’s predicted cancer deaths in women will increase by 57% by 2030. But you can reduce your risk, according to a report from the American Cancer Society and Merck KGaA, called The Global Burden of Cancer in Women. Experts think that 33% to more than 50% of cancers that affect women can be prevented. The cancers that have the greatest mortality risk for women are lung, breast, colorectal and, internationally, cervical cancer. But if you don’t smoke and don’t drink more than one glass of wine a day, maintain a healthy weight, exercise consistently and get regular screening tests, you’ll slash…

The drought has finally caught up with me. Last week I had to offload half my cattle herd. This was because my irrigation water has been cut by 95%. My cattle eat only the grass that grows on our farm, and in summer we need to irrigate to keep this grass growing. I am one of thousands of farmers getting water from the Theewaterskloof Dam, and I am not the first farmer to have his water cut. Cape Town’s water engineers specifically, and the municipal management generally, are responsible for this extra pressure on agriculture, the second-largest employer in the Western Cape. Simply, these engineers are not using Cape Town’s greatest asset, which is the millions of litres of water pouring off the mountains on a daily basis. Instead, they…

Dermatologist DR IZOLDA HEYDENRYCH CAPE TOWN COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY CENTRE Central Park on Esplanade Century City Western Cape Tel: 021 552 7220 Fax: 021 552 7229 Email: info@capederm.co.za www.capederm.co.za Dermatologist (Aesthetic, General, Paediatric) DR IMRAAN JHETAM SKINMEDICS: DERMATOLOGY, SKINCARE & LASER CLINIC Suite 3, First Floor 45 Hopelands Rd, Durban KwaZulu-Natal Tel: 031 208 3370 Email: info@skinmedics.co.za www.skinmedics.co.za Dermatologist DR NOORI MOTI-JOOSUB LASERDERM ILLOVO 4th Floor, 35 Ferguson Cnr Melville Rd Illovo, Sandton Gauteng Tel: 011 341 0580 Fax: 086 115 2737 Email: illovo@laserderm.co.za www.laserderm.co.za Dermatologist DR KESIREE NAIDOO Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital Suite 2034 Alexandra Rd Pinelands Western Cape Tel: 021 531 1107 Fax: 086 561 3250 Email: info@kesireenaidoo.co.za www.kesireenaidoo.co.za Dermatologist DR DAVID PRESBURY LASERDERM ILLOVO 4th Floor, 35 Ferguson Cnr Melville Rd Illovo, Sandton Gauteng Tel: 011 783 3117…

Twenty-five years ago, at the tender age of 23, Jennifer Aniston stole our hearts with her quirky and relatable portrayal of the spoiled, naïve Rachel Green in the American sitcom Friends. At the same time, her then-hairstyle rose to iconic fame. Nicknamed “The Rachel”, it became the most popular hairstyle for women in the 1990s. Propelled into A-list fame, Aniston quickly became recognised not only as a comedic actress, but as a hair icon too. Now, 29 films on, she is also known for her graceful aging. At the age of 48, the actress still follows a strict healthy eating, beauty and fitness regime – and the results speak for themselves. She told E!News: “It’s pretty clear: eat as many organic fruits and veggies as you can, keep sugar [intake]…

If you have... Premature skin aging IF YOU HAVE… Premature skin aging LOOK FOR THIS INGREDIENT… Sea fennel stem cells TRY: QMS Cellular Marine (Stem Cell Line Eraser), R3 500, http://futurethis.co.za WHY IT WORKS: Using anti-aging products that incorporate stem cells into their formulas helps to maintain youthful skin and prolong your skin’s ability to regenerate itself. Cellular Marine has cultivated its main ingredient from sea fennel stem cells, which not only support the body’s own stem cells, but can also enhance the production of new skin cells and improve your skin’s metabolism. These cells are known for their ability to endure rough climates, as well as intensive UV light exposure and moisture loss. When derived correctly, they provide human stem cells with all of the essential nutrients…

Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3 Why this is a must This multi-corrective moisturiser targets visible concerns associated with the early signs of skin aging, including dullness, discolouration, blotchiness, wrinkles and loss of natural elasticity. Its unique formula is clinically shown to increase cell turnover; boost hydration, volume and skin tone; and increase the penetration of key active ingredients, without compromising the skin barrier. It can be used on all skin types as a safe daily anti-aging moisturiser. Active ingredients The formula contains a high-concentration cocktail of multi-corrective active ingredients. The main ones are niacinamide, an epidermal cell-turnover stimulator that reduces localised discolouration and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier; a tightening tri-peptide concentrate, which aids hyaluronic acid synthesis and enhances skin firmness; and glycerin, which acts as a powerful humectant that delivers…

EXCUSE #1: IT’S TOO COLD TO LEAVE THE HOUSE True, it’s freezing out there – we won’t argue. Even the rush from the front door to the car door is a struggle, and let’s not even mention all the plans we’ve been bailing on just at the thought of braving the cold. Why would you leave your warm, cozy, bed if you didn’t have to? BUSTED: Swap your outdoor runs and park workouts for an athome session that doesn’t involve going outside. “You can work out with your own body weight – no machines or equipment needed,” says Katie Bulmer-Cooke, gymcube.com personal trainer. “Use a dining room chair or your sofa for tricep dips and decline press-ups to work the upper body, or tone your lower half with elevated split…

Every person on Earth will undergo senescence, or biological aging. The question in recent years has become whether we can make use of stem cells to delay this process. Stem cells are cells that have not yet differentiated into particular types of cell; they are capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type. As your body incurs damage throughout your life, it sends these cells to the damaged parts to begin repair. Unfortunately, as you age, your stem cell production diminishes, so you take longer to heal and have less potential for rejuvenation. The proposed solution is to harvest and freeze your stem cells in your youth, so that they can be used to rejuvenate you in old age. We speak to Steven Holder, co-founder of…

The amount of fluid in our body affects the way our cells function – meaning that dehydration can interfere with healthy aging. According to nutrition expert Linda Drummond, we don’t feel thirsty until we’ve lost about 1% of our body weight in water. If dehydration continues, we experience greater thirst, discomfort and loss of appetite. This is followed by nausea, lack of concentration and an inability to regulate excess temperature. “At around 8% loss,” she adds, “dizziness, laboured breathing and weakness ensue. Further dehydration leads to muscle spasms, delirium, decreased blood volume and failing renal function, which can lead to death.” MANY FACTORS CAN INCREASE FLUID LOSS, INCLUDING: • High ambient temperatures; • Low humidity; • High altitude; • High sodium intake; • Exercise; • Consumption of alcohol, caffeine and…

Today we know that hormone health is the foundation of vitality. Whether you need to balance weight, blood pressure, sleep, moods, reproductive issues, libido or your ability to deal with stress, hormones are at the core. “Many people believe that hormone dysfunction is experienced purely as menopause or erectile dysfunction; the truth is that sex hormones affect almost every function of the body,” says Dr Leila Sadien, an integrative medicine GP from Renascent Health in Cape Town. “Correcting hormone imbalances can be required at almost any age. Functional medicine allows doctors to use natural medicines to either increase or decrease hormones appropriately to restore balance.” Suggests Dr Daphne Lyell, an integrative medicine GP based in Woodstock, Cape Town: “One of the key drivers for hormonal disruption is inflammation. And between…

Most of us don’t think about our kidneys unless they signal distress through a dull backache. We know they are good liquid filters, but why should we pay attention to them? “The kidneys are crucial to overall health,” explains Kalsey Visser, registered dietician from Alex Royal Dietetics in Cape Town. “These organs are responsible for removing waste products and drugs from the body, balancing the body’s fluids, releasing blood pressureregulating hormones, producing vitamin D for healthy bones, and controlling the production of red blood cells.” The kidneys also help to balance the alkalinity of the blood. They conserve water and balance electrolytes by reabsorbing the exact amounts required, minute by minute and sending the excess out through the urinary tract. This is done through a complex network of electrochemical responses…

Because teeth are composed of enamel and dentin, caring for them is different from caring for the rest of your body. Although signs of tooth aging and decay can present themselves at almost any time, these concerns do increase with age. Some of the most common ones include: DISCOLOURATION Concerns: When tooth enamel erodes, the natural yellow underneath is revealed. Discolouration may be due to genetics; smoking; poor dental hygiene; incorrect tooth brushing; excessive intake of coffee, tea or red wine; the use of certain medications; or traumatic injury to your teeth. Treatment: The most popular whitening treatment available today is bleaching. With proper selection, bleaching is safe, easy and inexpensive; it can be used to treat many types of tooth discolouration. WEAR AND TEAR Concerns: As you age, your…

There are two main areas of pelvic health we need to be aware of: pelvic floor health and infections. Pelvic floor (PF) problems are indicated by vaginal pain, abdominal pain or lower-back pain. Briony Devonald is a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. “There are many women who are incontinent, have sexual problems or a prolapse. Most issues can be resolved in a few PF physiotherapy sessions, preventing unnecessary invasive procedures,” she says. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia present with discharge, spotting or burning, and can be symptomless. If left untreated, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Abdominal and vaginal pain are the main signs of PID. “If you seek help early, you can prevent scarring from PID, which puts you at risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancies…

Sexuality is no exception to the march of time; as we age, it too is affected. Dr Careen Rascher, a psychiatrist and sexual medicine expert, shares how age affects the sexual health of both men and women. “Both genders experience a decrease in sex hormones as they age. In men, testosterone decreases gradually. In women, oestrogen and progesterone decrease rapidly as a result of menopause.” This change in men can result in erectile dysfunction. (See Erectile Dysfunction on page 78.) In women it results in changes in the vagina, lower libido and menopausal symptoms. (See Menopause on page 102 for more.) FAST FACT 50% of women over 50 remain sexually active. CHANGES IN THE VAGINA As a woman’s oestrogen levels decrease, her vagina changes. “The vaginal wall will become pale…

Urinary incontinence (UI), the involuntary passage of urine, is not only something that happens as we age; it can also be an indication of more serious health concerns. UI can be permanent or temporary. Dr Kgomotso Mathabe, a urologist at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, outlines the following four types: 1 Stress UI: “The loss of urine with increase in pressure in the abdomen, such as with coughing, laughing or sneezing.” Risk factors include obesity, childbirth, prolonged second stage of labour, chronic cough and chronic constipation. 2 Urgency UI: “The loss of urine associated with a sense of urgency which cannot be deferred. This condition is also referred to as an overactive bladder.” Risk factors include age and neurogenic dysfunction. 3 Total UI: “The loss of urine unrelated to any…

Weight loss is never a dull topic. But today there are hundreds of diet options available, so which do you choose? Dr Leila Sadien, an integrative medicine GP from Renascent Health in Cape Town, says: “So many patients nowadays are on some or other fad diet to lose weight, without any knowledge of whether the diet is right or even safe for them.” “Looking at weight loss [means] we need to broach inflammation, hormones and self-love,” suggests Dr Daphne Lyell, an integrative medicine GP based in Woodstock, Cape Town. “But it’s time to dump the diets. Weight loss is actually about finding a nourishing lifestyle.” The more we learn about the body, the more restrictive diets are losing favour. The effectiveness of low-fat diets has been under debate for some…

Anti-aging has been the hottest topic for decades. It’s clear that wrinkles are “bad” and eternal youth is “good”. But lately there has been a shift in thinking towards aging gracefully, and away from expensive “quick-fix” products. Millennials want dermatological, solution-focused lifestyle habits. Fillers and injections are becoming obsolete as they embrace natural techniques that make you healthy from the inside out. They want to look good as they age, rather than trying to stop aging after the fact. HOW DO MILLENNIALS AGE? According to Skin Incorporated, an online survey conducted in 2016 discovered that 59% of adult women read beauty product ingredient labels before purchasing. Furthermore, almost 40% will pay extra for all-natural beauty products. Millennials are choosing natural solutions recommended by experts. The next celebrity endorsement is not…

To celebrate Mother’s Day and womanhood, Longevity joined forces with OPI and Elemis for a special breakfast experience at the Saxon Hotel for all mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. From sexual and hormonal health to cyber vulnerability, we had the opportunity to chat about a range of sensitive issues women face every day with a leading panel of female specialists. The day wouldn’t have been complete without some expert beauty advice. So, the OPI and Elemis team gave us their best tips on how to achieve the gorgeous nails and flawless skin we’ve always wanted. Whilst OPI is renowned for its non-toxic nail lacquer ranges, Elemis strives to use naturally sourced ingredients and creates skincare formulas led by science. They not only keep your best beauty interests at heart, but…

Paul Atkinson was born in York, England. While there, he studied acupuncture and Chinese medicine and met his wife-to-be. They then had the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of Europe. A chance meeting, over a loaf of bread at a local European café, saw Atkinson take on his first cooking role under the guidance of highly accomplished chef, Steve Holding. The learning curve was steep, but it prepared him for a promising future in cooking. Gently Spiced Quinoa Porridge “Quinoa is full of amino acids and is a complete protein. It is excellent if your digestion is feeling a little sluggish, as it’s such a light grain,” says Atkinson. SERVES 2 90gquinoa 400ml milk (rice, almond, soya or cow’s) 300ml water 1½ tbsp dried blueberries, cherries, cranberries…

It was Valentine’s Day. So I cooked dinner, we ate together, then Jazz suggested we watch a film. A romantic film. The movie she chose was one she had seen several times, and I had managed to avoid. It was called P.S. I Love You. Now, I should have been forewarned about our evening when Jazz brought a box of tissues to the lounge in anticipation. Don’t get me wrong here; I can do romantic films. In fact, I consider Warm Bodies to be in my top five films of all time. (It is, however, categorised as romzom, so romantic … but with zombies. Don’t let that put you off, though. You’ll love it, I promise!) Anyway, the film (which I hated – Butler’s Irish accent killed me) started off…

“Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” - Franz Kafka It seems we’re all searching for the “silver bullet” of anti-aging. In fact, according to the NPD Group’s 2015 sales report, the cosmetic industry is one of the few multibillion-dollar industries that continues to grow steadily around the world. Now, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t invest in what the beauty industry has to offer; we encourage you to practise regular self-care. But it’s important to educate yourself on how your body works, investigate cosmetic products and treatments before trying them, and apply the fundamentals of a clean and healthy beauty routine to your daily life. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Aging is a biological process that…

The immune system does more than fight invaders; it supports all of the major systems of the body. When things go horribly wrong, it can be pushed into autoimmunity. Over the last few decades, autoimmune diseases have increased rapidly, totalling over 80 different kinds. They are in the top 10 leading causes of death in women under the age of 65. Immunology professor Patrick Bouic, of Stellenbosch University and Synexa Life Sciences, tells us: “The job of the immune system is to flare up when foreign invaders come into your internal environment, but it also needs to lay down its arms as soon as the invader has been wiped out.” It relies heavily on the bacteria in our gut to do its job. The good gut flora maintain the integrity…

The thought of cancer strikes fear into anyone’s heart – but, equipped with the correct information, you can work towards effective prevention or treatment. YOUR RISK INCREASES WITH AGE Dr Georgia Demetriou, an oncologist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, explains that the risk of many – but not all – cancers increases with age. The risk of breast cancer (the most common cancer in women) does increase with age, although younger women may still develop it. Yet the risk of cervical cancer has nothing to do with age. Prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men) is rarely found in patients under the age of 40. But colon cancer, which is traditionally associated with aging, is occurring more often in younger people due to the increase in lifestyle…

According to the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE), 7% of adults (or 3.85 million) in South Africa are dealing with diabetes. It’s a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation. Type-1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that begins during childhood; the adult version is known as Type-1.5 diabetes or LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). Although there must be a genetic predisposition, specialists agree that the likely trigger is a virus. Once triggered, the body begins producing destructive antibodies that attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (and sometimes insulin itself), leading to insulin deficiency. Insulin is vital for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; we need it to survive. Type-2 diabetes (T2D) occurs after the body has spent a long time producing…

The function of the gut is far more diverse than we previously thought. “Recent research has discovered a profound link between a healthy gut and a healthy immune system,” shares Dr Leah Murray, a Cape Town-based integrative GP. This explains why integrative GP Dr David Nye, owner of Greenhouse Health in Pinelands, Cape Town, finds: “Gut health is at the core of nearly every chronic disease.” Bloating, digestive discomfort, cramps, heartburn, loose stools and constipation are all signs of gut problems. “This is often an indication that particular foods are not agreeing with your body and you could have a food intolerance,” says Nye. “If you ignore the signals and continue eating those foods, inflammation occurs.” This leads to leaky gut syndrome, a state where toxins and other substances leak…

Although hyperpigmentation has many causes, the key element to consider is skin inflammation (for more on skin inflammation, go to Skin on page ….). When your skin is exposed to some kind of threat, your body defends itself by inducing a histamine reaction, which can trigger excessive pigment formation and accelerate your skin’s aging process. Some people are genetically predisposed to it, while others are not. Skin inflammation and hyperpigmentation have three main causes: 1.Hormonal changes Hormonal hyperpigmentation is far more common in women during their 20s and 30s. This is because the greatest hormonal fluctuations usually occur during pregnancy or while using female contraceptives such as “the pill”. 2.Sun damage After sun damage, skin often forms small patches of pigmentation in the areas affected, leaving dark blotches known as…

Neurological disorders are any disorders of the nervous system. A staggering 600+ neurological disorders exist and sadly, for many of them, there are limited treatment options. As we age, our central nervous system undergoes changes. Research has shown that this is one reason why you are more likely to suffer from a neurological disorder after the age of 65. The most common age-related neurological disorders include: 1 Neuropathy: This results in numbness and weakness, usually in the hands and feet. It can be the result of systemic diseases or medications. 2 Alzheimer’s disease: A form of dementia, this is a progressive disease that destroys cells in the brain, and ultimately interferes with a person’s most basic mental and physical functions. 3 Parkinson’s disease: Also a form of dementia, this is…

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle from loss of tissue. This occurs as a result of a decrease in hormones or essential minerals as we age. Dr Stanley Lipschitz, a specialist in geriatric medicine, says menopause and osteoporosis are strongly connected. “Bones are very dependent on oestrogen. When a woman goes through menopause and her levels of oestrogen lessen, the density and quality of bones may rapidly deteriorate.” HOW FRACTURE RISK IS MEASURED According to Lipschitz, while bone density is important, it is not the only risk factor. “When we test for a patient’s fracture risk, there are many other factors that have to be taken into account,” he says. These include age, previous fractures, low body weight, premature menopause, eating disorders, overactive thyroid, smoking and…

1 What is the best thing I can do for my aging face? Botulinum toxin injectables – most commonly referred to by their trade names Botox and Dysport – are one of the most versatile and effective anti-aging treatments available. Non-invasive treatments that can help with healthy cellular turnover include chemical peels, non-ablative fractional laser therapy (Fraxel) and radiofrequency therapy (Ulthera and Thermage). 2 What is the one thing that accelerates aging the most? One of the most important factors has proven to be stress. Others that shouldn’t be ignored include sun exposure, air pollutants, diet, alcohol consumption and cigarette use. 3 What is the one skincare product that will save my skin? The most essential product is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as it will protect you against both ultraviolent and…

From the moment we are born, we begin to age. Ultimately, genetics and environmental influences will play the largest role in deciding how well our skin holds its youth over time. Our skin’s barrier function is quite similar to that of a brick wall; it needs to maintain its integrity in order to protect or conceal whatever lies behind it. Imagine your skin cells as the bricks and the lipid barrier responsible for keeping your skin strong, healthy and hydrated as the cement. Unfortunately, much like the brick wall, our skin’s barrier function starts to weaken and break down as we get older. This makes us more vulnerable to external harms that cause damage, accelerate aging and put us at risk of various skin conditions. SKIN CONDITIONS YOU NEED TO…

With the ability to work at any time and in any place, many of us are cutting corners on sleep. But sleep is needed for more than just energy. It balances our weight, hormones and brain activity, and improves our cellular regeneration and heart health, among other benefits. With the increase of fatigue-induced road, mining and surgical accidents, quality of sleep is now under the research spotlight. HOW SLEEP TRUMPS EXERCISE AND NUTRITION For the last 50 years, food and exercise have been the focus of wellbeing. Yet many people who eat perfectly and gym daily still struggle to maintain their health. Notes psychologist and professional sleep researcher Hannes Kruger: “Physical activity, nutrition and sleep make up the golden triangle of health. You will only be able to eat well…

What is it? INGREDIENT NAME: MALTITOL MADE OF: GLUCOSE AND SORBITOL FOUND IN: SELECT SUGAR-FREE PRODUCTS If we have learnt anything over the past few years, it’s this: any product that declares its contents to be sugar-free should raise a sceptical eyebrow. While it could be the delicious sugar substitute you have been looking for, it may also be a health trap as damaging as sugar. The best way forward is to empower yourself with knowledge about the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to sugar substitutes. Generally speaking, there are four categories of sugar substitutes: artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, novel sweeteners and natural sweeteners. • Your artificial sweeteners are a health no-go; they have been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type two diabetes,…

You are amazing – did you know that? My humanWaking is a journey to Self, and by this I mean learning about the multidimensional aspect of who I am and what it means to inhabit a body. To be alive is such a precious gift, one that most of us take for granted – not only from one day to the next, but moment by moment. When I slow down and consciously breathe, I become more aware. This awareness opens me to my connection to all of life around me. How I care for myself is directly related to my outer world. I am a microcosm of the macrocosm (a mini version, if you like, of what I experience outside of myself ). It is becoming clearer to me that…