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I’m Pre-Diabetic – What Can I Do To Prevent Diabetes?

Gone for a recent health screening and found out that you are pre-diabetic? The good news is that there are changes that you can start making today to prevent getting diabetes.

Had a health check recently and your sugar levels came back indicating that you are pre-diabetic? We’re here to help! But first let’s start right at the beginning: getting tested.

How do you know if you’re pre-diabetic?

The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetes screenings should begin at age 35 for most adults. If you are overweight, it’s important to test earlier. Why? Because getting type-2 diabetes – which is a lifestyle disease – can be prevented.
If your blood-sugar levels are consistently between 6.7% and 6.4% over a period of two to three months, you are diagnosed as prediabetic.

Each person is different and may need a tailored approach to help make the necessary lifestyle changes needed to prevent or at least delay diabetes.

How to prevent pre-diabetes from turning to diabetes?

Taking these steps could help get your health back on track and prevent or delay getting type-2 diabetes.

  1. Relook your diet with the help of your GP or a dietician. Each person has different needs, but some changes could look like: eating more vegetables and whole grains; monitoring your carbohydrate intake and controlling your portion sizes. It’s also important to limit your intake of processed, sugary foods and snacks as well as cooldrinks. Make your meals from scratch so that you know what you’re putting in your body and be mindful to read labels for hidden sugars. Want mindful eating tips that can help you navigate the festive season? Read this.
  2. Monitoring and managing your weight. If you are overweight – which your doctor can help you establish – it’s important to go on a weight-management programme to lose excess weight. Losing 5-10% of your weight can make a significant impact on your blood-sugar levels. Looking for some motivation to start exercising? Read this.
  3. Manage your stress levels. We know this is not always easy and takes a number of lifestyle changes to reduce stress levels. But it’s important, because chronics stress levels can affect blood-sugar levels. Try speaking to a therapist, introducing a new exercise programme and scheduling regular stress-reducing activities, such as: meditation, journaling, yoga and deep-breathing exercises. Read more about how to do deep belly breathing here. 

Focusing on these three aspects of your life can make a huge difference. Make sure to keep checking in with your medical professional, monitoring your sugar levels and aiming to live a well-balanced healthy lifestyle.

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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.
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Bad Flu or Pneumonia – Here’s What To Look Out For!

After the Covid-19 Pandemic, our perceptions of what a flu “feels like” can vary and range from sniffles, fatigue and fever to terrible coughs and core throats. Most of the time, we don’t even consider that pneumonia could be what we’re experiencing. And it’s crucial to know the difference. Here’s what to look out for.

First off, let’s break down what pneumonia is. It’s an inflammatory condition of the lung and symptoms can vary depending on what caused the infection as well as the individual’s biology: age, overall health etc.

The most common pneumonia symptoms are: a persistent cough that produces phlegm or sometimes even pus; a fever; shortness of breath; chest pains; fatigue; discolouration of lips or nails indicating a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream; or even confusion.

The above may sound a lot like the typical symptoms of Covid-19. But here are some differences you can look out for.

Flu VS pneumonia

  1. Flu is caused by a virus, whereas pneumonia can be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
  2. Flu can develop quite suddenly, whereas pneumonia has a more gradual onset.
  3. Pneumonia is considered more serious than a flu and can be fatal. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if pneumonia is suspected.

It’s important to note that pneumonia can sometimes develop as a complication of the flu, so always monitor your (or your loved one’s) symptoms carefully. A chest x-ray and blood tests may be conducted to diagnose pneumonia. If you are concerned at any point, contact your medical doctor for advice.

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10 Food Hacks For Diabetics

Here are 10 easy health-eating tips to help manage your diabetes and live a healthier life.

These 10 healthy-eating hacks can be used by anyone looking to make lifestyle changes, but are particularly useful for people with diabetes or those who may be pre-diabetic. Managing diabetes involves making mindful food choices to help control blood-sugar levels.We do recommend consulting with your medical doctor or a dietician for a tailor-made sustainable healthy-eating plan that suits your lifestyle best.

10 Food Healthy-Eating Hacks For Diabetics

  1. Choose whole, unprocessed foods – whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins.
  2. Control your portions – be mindful of your portion sizes to help manage your carbohydrate intake. Try using smaller plates and having a large glass of water before meals.
  3. Go for fibre – foods high in fibre (like lentils) can help stabilise blood-sugar levels. They can also help you feel fuller for longer.
  4. Choose lean protein – tofu, fish and legumes are good options.
  5. Limit refined carbs – try to avoid having white bread, sugary cereals and pastries.
  6. Cook healthier – try grilling, steaming, sauteing or using an air fryer instead of frying foods.
  7. Drink more plain water – this will help you manage portions and reduce fatigue.
  8. Snack smart – fill your house with healthy snacks, like hummus and vegetables sticks, nuts and blueberries.
  9. Mind your labels – always read the labels when grocery shopping. You’ll be surprised at the hidden salts and sugars in processed or ready-made meals.
  10. Meal plan – planning well-balanced meals in advance will help you stick to your dietary goals and needs.
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5 Signs Your Child Might Be Diabetic

Worried your little one or teen might be diabetic? Here are five signs to look out for.

While Type-1 Diabetes (which cannot be prevented) is more commonly found in children, numbers of children developing Type-2 diabetes are on the rise. Type-1 occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, leading to high blood-sugar levels. Type-2 which is a lifestyle disease, largely due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles, is becoming more prevalent in children. In Type-2, the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance.

If you suspect that your child may have diabetes, contact your doctor ASAP for a proper evaluation.

Here are five signs to look out for that could potentially indicate diabetes in children.

1. Frequent urination – in children this may include bed wetting.

  1. Excessive thirst – if your child drinks more than usual and complains of being thirsty it may be a cause for concern.
  2. Extreme hunger – despite eating a “normal” or even an increased amount of food, children with diabetes may experience intense hunger.
  3. Unexplained or sudden weight loss – if your child loses weight for no apparent reason, this could also be a cause for concern.
  4. Fatigue and irritability – persistent fatigue and irritability could indicate that the body is not effectively using glucose for energy and thus your child could experience mood swings and tiredness.

Any of these symptoms could be indicative of other underlying health conditions, so it’s important to keep track over a period of time. Always check with your medical doctor and ask for a blood test to confirm.

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Mindful Social Media and Online Interactions

In an era where digital devices and platforms dominate daily routines, the line between our online and offline worlds has become increasingly blurred. With social media serving as a primary channel for communication, news, and entertainment, there’s an emergent need for cultivating mindful online interactions. Just as we set boundaries in our offline lives, our digital world deserves the same consideration. 

Understanding the Need for Mindful Social Media Interactions

It’s undeniable that social media platforms offer a plethora of benefits. They connect us with friends, expose us to diverse perspectives, and even offer avenues for professional growth. However, they can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy, foster unhealthy comparisons, and amplify anxieties. Therefore, recognising the dual-edged nature of these platforms is the first step to using them mindfully.

 

Setting Boundaries for Screen Time: Why it Matters

  • Physical Health Impacts: Prolonged exposure to screens can strain our eyes, disrupt sleep patterns, and encourage a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Mental Health Challenges: Overconsumption can result in information overload, heightened stress, or feelings of social isolation despite being “connected”.
  • Reduced Productivity: Endless scrolling and frequent notification checks can divert attention from critical tasks and erode our capacity to focus.
  • Distorted Reality Perception: Exclusively engaging with highlight reels of others can skew our perception of reality and dent self-esteem.

Not all is lost, though. Here are some practical steps to help you be mindful of your digital consumption:

 

  1. Digital Detox: Dedicate specific days or weekends when you disconnect from all digital devices. This not only refreshes the mind but also offers perspective on how reliant we might have become on these platforms.
  2. Scheduled Screen Time: Allocate specific times of the day for checking social media. This prevents the compulsion to check notifications incessantly.
  3. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications: Constant dings and buzzes can be distracting. Limit notifications to essential communications to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
  4. Use Tools and Apps: Use screen time monitoring apps to keep track of your digital consumption. Some apps even allow users to set limits on usage for specific platforms.
  5. Mindful Scrolling: Ask yourself why you’re accessing a platform. Is it out of habit, boredom, or genuine interest? Being conscious of the ‘why’ can often deter mindless browsing.
  6. Cultivate Offline Hobbies: Engage in activities that don’t involve screens, like reading physical books, gardening, or taking walks. It can be hard to change your habit in the beginning, but pushing through the thoughts of taking the easy route means you’ve won over your digital addiction. This ensures a balance between the online and offline worlds.
  7. Unfollow and Curate: It’s essential to remember that we have control over the content we consume. If a particular account or page doesn’t align with your values or adversely impacts your mental well-being, it’s okay to unfollow. Curate your feed to reflect positivity, authenticity, and content that genuinely resonates with you.

 

Mindful social media usage is not about demonising technology or advocating for complete disengagement. It’s about harnessing the benefits of these platforms while ensuring that they don’t overshadow other crucial facets of our lives. By implementing boundaries and being introspective about our online habits, we can enjoy a more balanced, enriched, and mentally nourishing digital experience.



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What You Can Do To Prevent A Stroke?

With World Stroke Day on 29 October we draw attention to preventative measures that any human can take to reduce their risk of having a stroke. Here are 10 steps you can take today.

1/ Eat a Healthy Diet

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium (salt). Consults your GP or nutritionist for a sustainable meal plan that suits your individual needs.

2/ Exercise Regularly

Engage in at least 150 minutes, ideally 300 minutes, of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Physical activity helps improve circulation, maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure.

3/ Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a risk factor for stroke. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a well-balanced diet (1) and exercise (2) can reduce your risk.

4/ If you’re a smoker – quit!

Smoking damages blood vessels and contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries. Quitting smoking significantly reduces stroke risk.

5/ Limit Alcohol Consumption

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to stroke risk.

6/ Manage Stress

Chronic stress may contribute to stroke risk. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.

7/ Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke.

8/ Get Regular Check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor and manage your risk factors. They can provide guidance on medications and lifestyle changes when necessary.

What if I have underlying conditions that could cause a stroke?

There may be some hereditary or health-related issues that individuals have that make the risk of stroke more likely. There are still steps that you can take, in addition to the above, that can help prevent a stroke.

  1. Know Your Family History. Be aware of your family’s medical history, including any instances of stroke or cardiovascular diseases. This information can help your healthcare provider assess your risk.
  2. If you have diabetes, work closely with your healthcare team to control your blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can increase stroke risk.
  3. If you have high cholesterol, manage your cholesterol through diet, exercise and, if necessary, medication.
  4. If you have high blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow your doctor’s advice to keep it within a healthy range.

Remember that stroke prevention is a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Consult with your medical doctor for personalised guidance and recommendations based on your specific risk factors and medical history.

 

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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.
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Tips For Better Posture

Posture is not only about how you carry yourself and body language, but having good posture is also better for your back, health and sports performance. Good posture can have a significant impact on your physical health and mental well-being as well as overall quality of life.

World Spine Day is celebrated on 16 October and we’re drawing attention to posture. But we know it doesn’t just magically happen. Posture gets better with exercise too – core and back strength. Here are ways to get better posture and reasons why it’s important.

Why Is Good Posture Important?

Maintaining proper alignment of your spine is crucial for preventing structural issues. Good posture helps distribute the force of gravity more evenly through your body, reducing the risk of conditions like spinal misalignment, disc compression, and back pain. Good posture can prevent or alleviate various types of pain, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. When you sit or stand with proper alignment, you reduce the stress on your muscles, ligaments, and joints. Proper posture allows your lungs to expand fully, enabling efficient breathing. Slouched or hunched posture can restrict lung capacity, leading to shallow breathing and decreased oxygen intake. Maintaining an upright posture during and after meals aids in proper digestion. Slouching or lying down immediately after eating can contribute to issues like acid reflux and indigestion.

How To Improve Your Posture

The first step in improving posture is being aware of your current posture habits. Pay attention to how you sit, stand, and walk throughout the day.

– Invest in an ergonomic chair, desk, and computer setup to support good posture, especially if you have a desk job. Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to reduce strain on your wrists and arms.
– If you sit for extended periods, take short breaks every 30 minutes to stand up, stretch, and walk around.
– A strong core helps support your spine and maintain good posture. Incorporate exercises like planks, bridges, and abdominal crunches into your routine.
– Stretch regularly to release tension and improve flexibility. Focus on stretching the chest, shoulders, hip flexors, and hamstrings. Incorporate this “Back Care” routine into your daily exercise. 
– Do little exercises during the day such as chin tucks and back stretches: Squeeze your shoulder blades together, hold for a few seconds, and then release.
– Wear supportive shoes that provide proper arch support. Avoid shoes with high heels for extended periods.
– Massage therapy and physical therapy can help release muscle tension and correct imbalances contributing to poor posture.

This article serves as a guideline only. It’s important to note that if you have chronic posture-related issues or pain, you should consult a physical therapist, chiropractor or healthcare professional for guidance and personalised exercises.

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Top 10 Foods To Eat For Bone Health

World Bone and Joint Week takes place between 12-20 October and to promote awareness about this important initiative, we bring you a list of 10 foods to include in your diet for bone health!

According to the South African government, bone and joint conditions are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people. Bone and Joint National Action Week is held 12-20 October with activities focused on disorders including arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and the effects of childhood obesity on the musculoskeletal system. To read more, click here.

Food for healthy bones:

Some of the key nutrients we need for bone health include calcium, Vitamin D and vitamin K. Here we look at a comprehensive list of ingredients to include in your daily diet to ensure good bone health.

  1. Leafy greens
    Spinach and kale are your top contenders for a healthy diet packet with nutrients that support bone health. Leafy greens contain calcium and vitamin C which stimulates the production of bone-forming cells. A high intake of green and yellow vegetables has been linked to increased bone mineralization during childhood and the maintenance of bone mass in young adults.
  2. Onions
    A study in women over 50 found those who consumed onions most frequently had a 20% lower risk of osteoporosis, compared to women who rarely ate them.
  3. Lean protein
    Think chicken breasts and tofu. Researchers have reported that low protein intake decreases calcium absorption and may also affect rates of bone formation and breakdown
  4. Dairy
    Milk and cheese contain high amounts of calcium.
  5. Eggs
    Packed with protein and high in Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays several roles in bone health, including helping your body absorb calcium. (For the best quality eggs and nutrients, choose free-range organic eggs.)
  6. Broccoli
    This vegetable should be touted as a super-food for its health benefits. Including being a plant-based source of protein and calcium, broccoli also contains Vitamin K, which helps to make various proteins that are needed for the building of bones.
  7. Fatty Fish
    Trout, salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are also natural sources of vitamin D.
  8. Calcium Fortified Foods
    This is particularly important for those following a plant-based diet. Opt for plant milks, breads and cereals that are fortified with calcium.
  9. Collagen
    While there isn’t a lot of research on the topic yet, early evidence suggests that collagen supplements may help protect bone health. Collagen is naturally found in bone broth, but can also be consumed as a supplement.
  10. Eat enough good food

Consuming enough food in a well-balanced diet is so important. Studies have shown that diets providing fewer than 1 000 calories per day can lead to lower bone density in normal-weight, overweight or obese individuals. This article serves as a guideline only. Eating a well-balanced diet from an early age and following a healthy lifestyle, including physical exercise (strength training is particularly good for bone health), can aid in preventing and reducing the risk of many bone disorders.

We recommend speaking to your medical doctor or nutritionist to help create a tailor-made sustainable nutrition plan that meets your individual needs.

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What are boundaries and why are they important in our daily lives?

What are boundaries?

If you often find yourself stressed, overwhelmed, taken advantage of or angry and resentful, chances are there is a boundary issue, we often find ourselves trapped and overwhelmed not realizing it’s actually a small tweak of having a boundary in place. 

So what are boundaries and why is it important to have them? 

Boundaries are limits that we place in our lives of what we will and will not accept from others. It is rules or guidelines that tell others how we want and should  be treated. It’s a request for people to change their behavior. Boundaries protects one from being taken advantage of, overcommitting, overworking, feeling overwhelmed, and physical and emotional abuse or harm.

Having healthy boundaries in place can improve one’s confidence and self esteem, it can also reduce anxiety and leads you to developing good fulfilling relationships. Not having clear boundaries in ones life often holds one back. 

So why are boundaries important?

Having healthy boundaries in place is a form of self care, below are some benefits for having healthy boundaries:

  • Improves the quality of ones relationships 
  • It reduces anxiety and stress
  • Helps with the negative feelings like feeling overwhelmed 
  • Reduces burnout 
  • Prevents financial and emotional burdens
  • Builds self esteem and provides confidence 
  • Provides respect from others as well as self respect 
  • Provides assertiveness where needs are met 
  • Reduces anger and resentment 
  • Provides More personal time

Before we get into setting boundaries let look at the 5 different boundary types:

  1. Emotional boundaries are all about respecting, honoring feelings and energy. It is protecting your own emotional wellbeing (Example: “I really can’t talk  right now, It isn’t the right time can we chat later?”)
  2. Time boundaries refers to how a person uses their time. A person must set aside adequate time for each aspect of their life. Time boundaries are breached when someone demands too much of another’s time,  when a person is often late or making plans and not showing up  (Example: “I am extremely busy right now could I possibly set a time where we can sit down and chat about this matter”)
  3. Physical boundaries include personal space, comfort with touch, and physical needs like needing to rest or eat (Example: “please don’t touch me in that way or I am really tired I am going to rest”
  4. Mental boundaries when ones thoughts, values, opinions and beliefs are different (Example: “I can respect that we have different opinions on this.”
  5. Material boundaries refer to items and possessions like ones home, car, clothing, jewelry, furniture, money, etc. It is what you can and cannot share and how you expect your items and materials to be treated by the people you share them with. (Example: “Sure! I am happy to share my shoes with you. Just a heads up, I do need it back by Monday.”

5 tips that make setting boundaries easier

1. Be clear about your wants 

Be fair to yourself and fair to the other person of what is needed and wanted and why it’s important. A helpful exercise is to write down where you feel you utilize your energy the most. Begin by splitting up your page into five quadrants: Time, emotional, physical, financial, mental and material . Once you’ve done that, go through each quadrant which will allow you to see where your boundaries need work

2. Be direct and to the point

When communicating your boundaries, it’s most effective to be direct and to the point. If you explain , justify , or apologize your message gets lost.

3. Apologize not

Don’t apologize for your needs. keep it simple and remember that you have the right to ask for what you want/need you don’t have to justify it with a reason. When you apologize it reinforces the notion that it’s wrong for you to say no

4. Expect resistance 

Setting boundaries can be difficult.  not only is it new for you but it might be new for the other person receiving it. This often makes them resistant or not receptive which could result in conflict. This is common, they’re usually the people who have been benefiting from your lack of boundaries, so they don’t want you to change, remember that when people resist your boundaries, it’s confirmation that the boundaries are needed. It will take time for others to adjust to your new behavior

5. Practice makes it easier 

The first time you set the boundaries it will be difficult and uncomfortable but the more you do it the easier it gets 

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5 Great Self Check-Ins For World Mental Health Day

10 October is World Mental Health Day – an important reminder to check in with yourself and your loved ones. But how do we do a “self check-in”? What are the right kinds of questions we should be asking ourselves or actions we should be taking?

At this time of the year, many of us start to experience burnout-like symptoms – stress, fatigue, anxiousness, irritability and even depressive thoughts. Regular self check-ins help you assess the state of your mental health and allow you an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that you may need.

For example: prioritising quality of sleep over late nights with alcohol, reducing caffeine and sugar intake to lessen symptoms of anxiety, exercising more and spending more time in nature, to reduce stress and depressive thoughts. But this is just a small part of it. Taking the time to do these check-ins is already an act of self care and is invaluable for the maintenance of our well-being.

 5 Self-Check-In Prompts
Grab a journal or note pad and consider asking yourself these questions, writing down the answers to help you process your thoughts. It’s important to be as honest as possible.

  • Emotional Inventory:
    • How am I feeling today?
    • What emotions am I currently experiencing?
    • Are there any particular situations or triggers influencing my emotions?
    • Have I been practising self-compassion and addressing any negative emotions in a healthy way?
  • Stress Assessment:
    • Am I feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed?
    • What are the main sources of my stress?
    • How have I been managing stress lately?
    • Are there stress-reduction techniques I can incorporate into my daily routine?
  • Self-Care Evaluation:
    • Have I been prioritising self-care and self-compassion?
    • What activities or habits have been nurturing my mental and emotional well-being?
    • Is there room for improvement in my self-care routine?
    • How can I commit to taking better care of myself?
  • Social Connection Check:
    • Have I been maintaining healthy social connections?
    • Do I feel connected to friends and loved ones, or have I been isolating myself?
    • Have I reached out for support or shared my feelings with someone I trust?
    • How can I strengthen my social support network?
  • Goal Setting and Reflection: Consider your goals and aspirations:
    • What are my current life goals and priorities?
    • Am I taking steps toward achieving them?
    • Have I celebrated my achievements and milestones, no matter how small?
    • Are there any adjustments or new goals I’d like to set for myself to enhance my mental well-being?

If you find that you’re struggling with your mental health or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals, counsellors, or support networks in your community. Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength and resilience.

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