Innehållsförteckning för August - September 2017 från Longevity Magazine

We recently attended a fascinating workshop led by world-renowned neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart and hosted by the Business Results Group. During the workshop and our subsequent interview, Dr Swart spoke about the impact continual extreme stress can have on our health – which many underestimate. She confirmed that high cortisol levels can result in heart attacks in otherwise healthy people. At the very least, high levels of stress will result in a marked decline in productivity, lower our creativity and give rise to depression and general ill health. Most people are living under some form of stress, some more severe than others. And ultimately it is how we deal with this stress that determines whether we survive or thrive. This is why Dr Swart’s work is so important. Her interview:…

Kate Beckinsale has reportedly started dating a man half her age – and we are behind her all the way! Hollywood TV show Entertainment Tonight recently broadcast pictures depicting the 43-year-old actress in a passionate embrace with 21-year-old Matt Rife, sharing that the pair have been dating for several months. A source shared with Entertainment Tonight that, “Everyone in Kate’s circle loves Matt and are so supportive of this relationship. He is very mature for his age and is a great guy.” The reported relationship comes while Beckinsale plays the part of an older woman seducing a younger man (Callum Turner, 27), in her latest film The Only Living Boy in New York. While Beckinsale has appeared in a number of seductive roles, we can’t necessarily put this latest development…

You’re innocently surfing online when an advertisement for an anti-aging cream pops up. It promises you’ll look 10 years younger in just 30 days. Best of all, it’s free (and “endorsed” by your favourite celebrity). Once you’ve applied to receive your “risk-free trial” or “free product”, you’re prompted to enter your credit card details for the small shipping and handling fee. You’re getting a free jar of “miracle cream”, so that seems reasonable. You then check the box to accept the terms and conditions, and hit the accept button. And the scam begins. THE MUDDY WATERS OF FINE PRINT You may not even receive your “free trial cream”, but later you’re charged the full price of the product. It turns out you needed to return it within 14 days to…

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors that together increase the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, liver disease and even certain types of cancer. Our modern lifestyle puts the entire family at risk of MetS, which is becoming increasingly common in younger people. YOU CAN MANAGE YOUR METABOLIC RISK – WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW The Medical Nutritional Institute invites you to a workshop designed to prevent MetS. We will help you to identify the factors that increase the risk for you and your family and we’ll explore practical, effective ways to manage these risks. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: • What is metabolic syndrome and why should we be concerned? • Understand the consequences, causes and risks of MetS. • Create your personal risk…

THE MYGENERX TEST: MEDICATION WITH NO SIDE-EFFECTS We take the side-effects of medication as a given when, in reality, there are a variety of drugs available and not all of them cause sideeffects in all of us. The missing link to understanding which medication is best suited to an individual’s needs is now a genetic test away. DNAlysis Biotechnology has developed a DNA test called mygeneRx. It allows doctors to prescribe medication that is suited to each patient’s unique genetic make-up – mitigating the risk of side-effects. We spoke to Danny Meyersfield, the CEO of DNAlysis Biotechnology, to understand the groundbreaking implications of this technology. WHERE DID THE VISION FOR MYGENERX COME FROM? “Since its inception, almost 10 years ago, DNAlysis has focused exclusively on the field of nutrigenomics, assisting…

Survival mode is a state that your brain enters into when you’re under continual stress. It is triggered by sustained high cortisol levels. But how serious must the stress be to push us into survival mode? The shocking truth is that we may be taking our stress levels too lightly; many of us may be operating in survival mode every day. According to neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart, these are the signs that your cortisol levels are high: sleep issues, heartburn, reflux, acid indigestion, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and craving caffeine and chocolate. If you tick each one of those boxes, don’t panic. Keep reading to understand how your cortisol levels work, what survival mode is, how it is negatively affecting you, and how – starting today – you…

CAREEN RASCHER IS A SPECIALIST PSYCHIATRIST WITH INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS IN SEXUAL MEDICINE. HER APPROACH TO SEXUAL PROBLEMS IS HOLISTIC, DRAWING FROM HER EXPERIENCE IN BOTH PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL SPHERES. HER PRIMARY INTERESTS ARE EDUCATION OF BOTH HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT SEXUAL HEALTH, AND THE TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES. Q Will a detox improve my sex life? A Low sexual desire can develop for many reasons, including stress, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalances and weight gain. Getting rid of toxins and pollutants in your body is the first step to boosting a lagging libido. Here’s how INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE When you don’t have enough water, you may not have enough natural lubricant to make sex as enjoyable as possible. So drink at least eight glasses of…

Just like all of the ingredients we consume in our food, we spend very little time thinking about the one we use the most: salt. Salt has a very interesting history. Until Roman times it was a rare commodity, traded like precious metals. Then its use became ubiquitous, and it lost its value as a source of wealth. Interestingly, it was at this time that we lost our connection to the non-earthly realm. Prior to the Romans, the belief in gods, ancestors, spirits and deities was unquestioned. Salt plays a central role in Christian baptism. It is given as a symbol of wisdom and immortality, as salt preserves. It is also common in the English language. “Salt of the earth” is a common phrase – it means the person described…

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. Enlightened Beans “This is a simple side dish that is bursting with flavour and colour,” says Atkinson. SERVES 6 500gFrenchbeanstopped and tailed 200ml olive oil 1 cup olives, rinsed 100g sundried tomatoes, soaked until soft 4 cloves garlic, crushed 4 sprigs rosemary, bashed up a little 1 lemon, sliced into wedges Sea…

Sometimes you might want to venture west… as exotic and far west as Malibu, California. In my ongoing quest to experience meditation, health and wellness, my travels have taken me mostly to the East: Bali, Japan, India, Indonesia, China and Mongolia. But, let’s be honest, another day of sun in California is already a good start to almost anything. This part of America, with the peaceful canyons and dramatic mountains as a backdrop – and an icy Atlantic Ocean as a scene-stealer – offers a quiet lull of something I’d like to call happiness. You sense it, even before you get there – a little tingle in your mind’s eye. As you leave the huff-puff of spread-out Los Angeles and drive out on the Pacific Highway, the chimera appears. Lucky…

Hi Gisele, My wife received a copy of your June/July edition of Longevity as part of a birthday gift, which we both enjoy. Regarding your editorial on Kathy Keaton, I would like to point out that Kathy and I are/were cousins, her father Keith and my father Vaughan were brothers. Kathy’s surname is Keeton not Keaton. The Keetons were 1820 settlers and the family farm Hope Farm at Port Alfred is still in the Keeton family. Kathy started Longevity while she lived in New York and we received a copy from the beginning. In time this petered out as she battled with cancer and finally passed away after a valiant fight. Kind regards, Hilary Keeton DANIEL SCHEFFLER Daniel is a writer who spends his time between the soothing Cape Town…

VITA LIBERATA BODY BLUR WHAT DOES IT DO? Body Blur is a wash-off body make-up that gives your skin a natural-looking tint. It uses certified organic extracts to hydrate your skin, and can also be used as a make-up primer for your face, as it is water-resistant. Unlike self-tans, it works best when you use a light shade that complements your skin tone. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? The intention of this body make-up is not to make your skin darker, or tan it, but rather to enhance your natural colour by bronzing and illuminating it. The overall effect is to mask your blemishes, while still achieving a natural look. It also reflects well against light, making it perfect for a photo-ready finish. KEY INGREDIENTS The main ingredient in this formula…

Olgani Detoxifying Charcoal Toothpaste Why this is a must This toothpaste uses a non-abrasive, bleach-free formula to promote gentle cleaning and prevent damage to the tooth enamel. For cosmetic use, activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb toxins in a natural way, without exposing yourself to any other chemicals. Given that the product uses all-natural ingredients, it’s suitable for the whole family too. Active ingredients The formula uses coconut shell, activated charcoal and bentonite clay to both keep your teeth white and regulate the pH in your mouth, preventing cavities, bad breath and gum disease. A blend of essential oils – including peppermint, spearmint and tea tree – keep your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Did you know? All Olgani oral-care products are built from its signature NutrireB…

Your skin plays an important role in your health. Almost any particles that have direct contact with it can be absorbed through the dermal layers and move into the bloodstream. And we’re exposed to hazardous chemicals daily – whether it’s through air pollution, the food and water we ingest, or the cosmetics we use. WHAT ARE THE RISKS? Some of the main health risks associated with high exposure to common hazardous chemicals and toxins include: • Skin sensitivities, intolerances and allergies; • Malignant cell formation; • Endocrine and hormonal disruption; • Reproductive, immune and nervoussystem toxicity; and • Neurological damage. WHY ARE THESE CHEMICALS USED IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS? In cosmetics, synthetic ingredients and chemicals are used to extend the shelf life of a product and preserve its integrity in a…

An integrative approach to health means combining the benefits of conventional medicine and natural therapies. It also includes using natural therapies to prevent lifestyle diseases and maintain our overall wellness. Experts believe this combination fights cancer on multiple levels. We spoke with Dr Binu Kuruvilla, an expert in clinical research and new drug development. The assistant general manager of R&D at Curegarden Bioactive Botanics in India, he works internationally with oncological, cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Kuruvilla is researching BCM-95, a curcumin extract, and its natural anti-inflammatory qualities. We also chatted to Prof Dan Burke, head of research for Nature’s Defence (UK) in Leicester, England. Burke is devoted to working with cancer, anti-cancer drugs and integrative therapies. This led him to the co-discovery of salvestrols, which are a significant…

While the psychological influence of colour has not undergone much scientific research, there have been some practical studies. They’ve found that colour seems to have a remarkable self-reported impact on our mood, behaviour and levels of stress. According to clinical psychologist Dr Sandrina Haeck, artists and interior designers have long believed that colour can dramatically affect moods, feelings and emotions. “Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions,” Pablo Picasso once remarked. “Colour is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood and even influence physiological reactions,” Haeck explains. She elaborates: “While there are some colour effects that have universal meaning, colours are also somewhat subjective. Traditionally, colours in the red area of the colour spectrum are known as warm colours, and include red,…

More than 126 million US adults reported experiencing pain in the previous three months, according to a 2015 study in the Journal of Pain – 25.3 million contend with it every day, and 23.4 million say it’s severe. If you’re one of those folks, you know that takes a huge toll, because persistent pain sets up a cycle of stress, frustration, limited mobility and decreasing overall healthfulness. The price tag for all of this suffering? From $560 billion to $635 billion in 2010 dollars. THE INSOMNIA-PAIN-STRESS CYCLE A new study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine looked at the close relationship of insomnia and stress (as the result of pain) to the anticipation and perception of pain and the role that this played in the overall disruption of daily…

What is it? INGREDIENT NAME: TABLE SALT MADE OF: SODIUM CHLORIDE FOUND IN: CONDIMENT FORM, READYMADE MEALS, FAST FOOD AND JUNK FOOD The common “salt equation”, which has been taught to doctors for over 200 years, has recently been called into question as new studies have come to light. This equation was simple and intuitive: if you eat a lot of salt (sodium chloride), you will become thirsty and drink more water. This will dilute your blood and maintain the correct sodium concentration. Essentially, you should expect to excrete much of the excess salt and water in your urine. However, new studies involving Russian cosmonauts have found that this theory may be wrong, potentially turning everything we thought we knew about salt on its head. STUDIES SHOW THAT SALT INCREASES…

FOOD FREEDOM FOREVER by Melissa Hartwig What is food freedom?” you may ask. Food freedom means giving up your obsession with calorie counting, food restriction and the scales. It means understanding the impact that different food types have on your health. It means eating in a way that is truly healthy – for both your body and your mind. No stress, no shame – just health. Hartwig started the Whole30 programme, which has taken the Internet by storm. It’s a 30-day challenge that asks you to focus on making good food choices and eliminating food types which may be negatively impacting on your energy levels, causing you aches and pains, and preventing you from losing weight. However, this programme is not meant to last for more than 30 days. Its…

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 DR EAN SMIT 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 Medical Aesthetic Practitioner DR ANIALI AUCAMP-NEL TRANSFORM MEDICAL AESTHETIC INSTITUTE 93 Lyttelton Rd Clubview Centurion Gauteng Tel: 079 963 0887 Tel: 012 654 0520 Email: info@transformmedical.co.za www.transformmedical.co.za Dermatologist DR NOORI MOTI-JOOSUB LASERDERM ILLOVO 4th Floor, 35 Ferguson Cnr Melville Rd Illovo, Sandton Gauteng Tel: 011…

HOW CARRIE UNDERWOOD STAYS BIKINI-READY ALL YEAR ROUND Carrie Underwood deserves a high-five for her fitness regime. Although she has days when she feels sluggish, she never lets it get in her way. The singer says: “I love being in the gym, so it’s kinda rare when I do have a day that I’m just like, ‘Ugh! Not today.’ But afterwards, I just feel so much better. It might not be the greatest workout ever, but if I can just get 30 minutes on the elliptical … I did something.” She believes it is more important to feel good than to check your weight daily. However, she still pushes herself with high-intensity training six days a week, with her personal trainer Eve Overland. She loves running, weight-lifting and squat-focused workouts.…

ALL ABOUT SERUMS The objective of a serum is to deliver concentrated amounts of an ingredient directly into the skin. The smaller molecules used in the formula allow for a high concentration of active ingredients to penetrate far deeper into the skin than a moisturiser. This doesn’t take away the importance of a moisturiser; it simply makes serums a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns. IF YOU HAVE… Dry skin LOOK FOR THIS INGREDIENT… Broccoli TRY: Elemis Superfood Facial Oil, R1 050, www.elemis-sa.co.za WHY IT WORKS: This facial oil uses a blend of highly concentrated superfoods to promote hydration and an overall supple and smooth complexion. One of the main ingredients is broccoli. It’s rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin C, which both nourish…

“Since testing of complementary medicines requires sufficient expertise and leads to additional expenditure, this does not always happen.” – RUDI MARTINS, REGULATORY PHARMACIST The vitamin and supplement industry has been in flux for the past four years. Some of your favourite vitamins are no longer on the market, some have changed formulation and some disappeared from shelves, only to reappear again. Confused? Don’t worry – the industry players are too. THE CURRENT STATUS According to Norman Fels, chairman of the Health Products Association of South Africa (HPA), while the “problematic regulations of November 2013 are still law, there have been further drafts in 2014 and 2015”. He adds that the final General Regulations were due to be published in late June, and the amended Medicines Act has now been promulgated.…

An interesting video has gone viral on social media platforms: Larry, an elderly man who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, is seen shaking uncontrollably at the start of the clip. Later he’s given cannabis oil by another Parkinson’s sufferer and, within a matter of minutes, Larry’s uncontrollable shaking ceases. The relief is clearly visible on his face.* This begs the question: does the cannabis plant hold the key to treating disease? The answer is complex, and there are conflicting views. While some remain critical of its use in the medical field, others believe firmly that marijuana could be a medical miracle capable of helping those with severe illnesses such as cancer and epilepsy. Dr Sarel Botha, a maxillofacial and oral surgeon with a special interest in head and neck cancer, has…

“Aloneness is one of our first sensory experiences with antecedents in a cosy, comfortable womb state” The world has never been a busier place. Our informationper-minute and activity-per-day rates have tripled over the past ten years, despite modern conveniences designed to save us time and busyness. We spend a good deal of money on washing machines, fast food, car washes and housekeepers, and yet we still complain of being too busy to have time to ourselves. “Time to ourselves” — that’s the real conundrum. We’ve been saying all along how important “alone time” is for every human being, and the existentialists generally agree with us. But not everyone thinks so, and these are the women who say they are too busy to have time to themselves. These are the women…

WE CANNOT SEE OUR MIND, FEELINGS OR SPIRIT, YET WE KNOW THEY ARE THERE. Our material, physical, Earth experience acts as a mirror to the invisible aspects of ourselves. The body is an extraordinary tool; it acts as a powerful barometer of what we are unable to see, yet are able to feel. It is all energy: our emotions, our thoughts, even matter itself. I am learning and experiencing how powerful it is to listen, acknowledge and respond to what my body and my emotions are telling me. There is a correlation between our emotional, spiritual, mental Self and any physical discomfort, pain or disease. We cannot look at any symptom in isolation. Not dealing with my “stuff ” results in an accumulation of blocked energy that, over time, causes…

Iwas chatting to a mate a while back. He was complaining about a mutual friend whom he kept arguing with online – the two of them have opposing views on a particularly polarising topic. At one point he turned to me and said: “I just don’t need that toxic thinking in my life.” I agreed. Fast-forward a few weeks. While procrastinating one morning, eyes deep in Facebook, I noticed the two of them at it again. So this time I tried to step away and look at the argument with a critical eye. In truth, friend B wasn’t the cause; they both were. The irony was that the issue, one that many people have strong opinions on, really wasn’t that big a deal for either of them. Being correct was.…