Category: Health

In an era dominated by screens, our posture often falls victim to modern technology. This phenomenon, widely known as ‘Tech Neck’, emerges from prolonged usage of devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers, leading to a host of health issues. Medshield Movement, dedicated to enhancing your health and well-being, brings you valuable insights and practical tips to combat the effects of Tech Neck and maintain good posture.

Understanding the Impact of Poor Posture

Even though our daily lives often demand it, the human body is not designed for hours of sedentary screen time. Poor posture while using tech devices can lead to a range of health problems including neck and shoulder pain, back problems, and even long-term musculoskeletal issues. It’s not just about discomfort; poor posture can affect your overall health, from circulation to digestion.

Identifying the Signs of Tech Neck

Tech Neck typically presents itself through symptoms like stiffness in the neck, sore shoulders, and sometimes headaches. If you find yourself constantly leaning forward or looking down at your devices, it’s time to be mindful of your posture.

Strategies for Better Posture

1. Ergonomic Workspace Setup: Create a workspace that promotes good posture. Ensure your screen is at eye level and your chair supports your lower back. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and your wrists should not be strained while typing.
2. Regular Movement and Stretching: Incorporate stretching into your daily routine. Simple neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and arm stretches can significantly alleviate tension. Medshield Movement offers a range of exercise videos and live workouts that can be easily integrated into your daily schedule.
3. Posture Awareness: Be conscious of your posture throughout the day. Practice aligning your ears with your shoulders and keeping your screen at eye level, even when using handheld devices.
4. Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening your core and back muscles is crucial in maintaining good posture. Explore workout programmes on Medshield Movement that focus on these areas. Here are a few:

• https://medshieldmovement.co.za/video/mobility-workout-2/ 
• https://medshieldmovement.co.za/video/15-minute-abs/ 

5. Balanced Lifestyle: A balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient rest plays a key role in overall posture and health. Medshield Movement’s meal plans can guide you towards a diet that supports strong bones and muscles.
6. Professional Advice and Assistance: Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience persistent pain or discomfort. Remember, as a Medshield member, you have access to quality healthcare services.

By acknowledging the risks associated with our digital lifestyle and taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks, we can maintain better health and well-being. Medshield Movement is here to support you on this journey with resources tailored to improve your posture, fitness, and overall health in the digital age. Remember, taking care of your posture today is an investment in your health for tomorrow.

February is Reproductive Health Month in South Africa, raising awareness about many crucially important issues surrounding reproductive health. If you’ve struggled to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, here are some next possible steps to consider.

Every human being has a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and infertility can negate the realisation of these essential human rights. Addressing infertility is therefore an important part of realising the right of individuals and couples to found a family.

What most people don’t realise is that there are options outside of IVF. It’s important to work with your medical doctor to ascertain what the best next steps and approach should be. If you’re older than 35, your doctor may want to start conducting tests sooner than later and after six months of no conception.

If you’d like to read more about the definition of infertility and its most common causes in men and women, click here.

We can’t fall pregnant, now what?

Typically, the next steps would include fertility tests for both partners. Your doctor may want to conduct a pelvic ultrasound, blood tests and semen analysis, then, depending on the data and results, there will be a variety of approaches. Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes, depending on your individual health statuses.

Depending on your test results, these are typically the three next steps or options.

1. Ovulation Medication
This (oral or injectable) medication is administered to improve ovulation patterns and may encourage more than one egg to be released each month, increasing the likelihood of conceiving.

2. IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
This procedure can be performed on its own or in combination with the above treatment. How this works: a small catheter places good-quality semen directly into a woman’s uterus (especially effective if there are issues with ejaculation).

3. IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
How it works: one or more eggs is removed from the ovaries and fertilised with the sperm in a controlled laboratory setting. The resulting embryo is then implanted into the uterus (this helps to bypass fertilisation challenges within the body).

Every couple and their family journey is unique. Speak to your medical doctor about options that suit your needs as well as your budget.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article may contain information related to exercise, fitness, diet, and nutrition, which is intended solely for your personal use and informational purposes. Before commencing any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition regimen, especially if you are pregnant or have pre-existing health conditions, you should consult with a physician. Nothing on this site should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. For any symptoms or health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Making new year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming! But if you’re going to make some commitments to yourself to live a healthier life, here are the top five to focus on.

1. Regular Exercise

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise with an ideal of 300 minutes. Ideally you want a mix of strength / weight training as well as cardio exercise and a mix of low and high-intensity workouts.
What does this look like practically at a minimum?
– a 30-minute jog / run 5 days a week
– a 30-minute run 3 days a week + 1 hour of strength training
– a 30-minute swim 2 days a week + 2 x 45-minute strength sessions 

If this seems daunting, do more moderate movement for longer, ie: go for an hour walk five days a week.

2. Eat Well 

This means having a balanced diet and mindful eating habits. Include a variety of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins and whole grains into your eating plan. Limit your sugars and salts and for healthy eating habits that include meal-planning. When you approach your meal, be present while you eat and eat mindfully.
Does this seem overwhelming? We have a list of great tips to help you kick-start a healthy eating plan. Read this. 

3. Sleep Better

Having good-quality sleep will mean better overall health, physically, emotionally and mentally. Aim for between 7 and 9 hours a night. Some people naturally need more sleep than others. To help set you up for sleep success, establish a good sleep routine and create a healthy sleep environment: dark, quiet and cool. 

4. Manage Stress

Commit to a stress-management programme to promote living a life with a greater sense of well-being. All of us are responsible for how we manage our mental health and there are steps that all of us can take to live a more stress-free, content and happier life.
Include mindfulness exercises into your daily life: meditation, deep breathing, yoga or any other activity that you can identify that helps you to unwind and relax. Managing stress is crucial for maintaining good mental and physical health. Our mental health is also naturally in a better state when we also stick to the above goals: eating well, sleeping better and regular exercise. 

5. Hydration Health

Promoting hydration health might seem insignificant to the previous five points, but relooking at your hydration habits can make a huge impact on your daily life. If you want to know the signs and symptoms of being dehydrated as well as what you can do to ensure healthy hydration habits, read this here.

Remember that the key to successful resolutions is to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Consider starting with small, manageable changes and gradually building upon them over time. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, always speak to your medical doctor before making major lifestyle changes. 

Other than the bathroom test (we know you know), here are ways to know that you might be dehydrated and how to easily up your water intake so that you can spend your festive season feeling great!

There are some obvious signs that you’re dehydrated, including feeling “thirsty” and having dark urine. But, really, we should be nipping those in the bud!

Here are more subtle signs that you’re not drinking enough water:

– Your urination is infrequent. Ask yourself “when last did you urinate”?
– Your mouth feels dry.
– Your skin is dry.
– You feel a sense of fatigue or general tiredness / lack of energy.
– You may feel dizzy or light-headed.
– Your heartbeat may be more rapid.
– You may experience muscle cramps, especially when exercising.
– You have a headache.
– You’re moody or feel irritable.

All of these could be signs that you’re dehydrated! The good news is that you – most of the time – you can remedy the situation fairly quickly.

Immediately have a big glass of water and include electrolytes if possible. Sip plain water at regular intervals throughout the day and front load your water, so that you don’t wake up in the night too often.

If you’re drinking alcohol, we alternate alcoholic beverages with glasses of water to help maintain adequate hydration levels and lessen the effects of a hangover.

If the symptoms above persist or worsen, you may need medical attention. Pay special attention to small children and any older family members who may not be drinking adequate amounts of water.