Hypertension is far more than just “high blood” — it’s a serious diagnosis linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and even death. With over 1 billion adults worldwide living with hypertension, understanding what it is and how to manage it has become essential. In South Africa, hypertension is often referred to as hoërbloed or high blood. Clinically, it is defined as a persistent systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 mmHg

Survival depends on learning and adapting. Humans have done this for millennia. The introduction of plastic was no different. A quick search into the origins of plastics reveals surprising beginnings. Yet the plastics we know today—those we’ve come to depend on—was first created partially in 1862 and later perfected by Leo Baekeland in 1907. Since then, plastic has quietly infiltrated nearly every corner of our lives. Its appeal lies in its durability, flexibility, and afford

As in many countries worldwide, South Africa enforces limits and restrictions on various food-related aspects. These include microbiological standards, font sizes on labels, permitted preservatives, and maximum levels of heavy metals in foods. Why? To keep us safe—within reason. Mercury is one such heavy metal with permissible limits in certain foods. In South Africa, these limits are outlined in Regulation R358 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54

In January 2026, we explored whether maternal concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence infant cognitive development. This inquiry aligns with a popular notion circulating in media: “Thick thighs in women create smarter children”. Women traditionally have higher body fat percentages than men, and distinct fat distribution patterns, we asked—does this trend always hold true? Why are “thick” thighs considered the norm in female fat distribution? Traditiona

Advancements in medicine and technology have proven to help humans prolong life. But with this, there has been a noticeable rise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This group of diseases are financially one of the most expensive on the healthcare system, costing more than 320 thousand dollars in the US-once diagnosed. And the prevalence is climbing exponentially... Characterised by mental decline or reduction in functionality. Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)

The global prevalence of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is sitting at 6-7% with national stats being 5%. What does this...

When you go to your local grocery store and look around, you are more likely than not to see someone scrutinising the labels of foods....

One hundred and eighty hours a month. This is the average number of hours most people spend at their jobs. This excludes the time spent...

In the world of social media, a year could be the difference between a before and after photo of a backstreet cosmetic surgeon. In the...

When we hear autism, many of us picture Dr Sheldon Cooper in the iconic scene where he states: ‘My mother had me tested, and there is...

‘If God hadn’t meant for us to eat sugar, he wouldn’t have invented dentists’- Ralph Nader, political activist, author, lecturer and...

What do you think of when someone mentions collagen? For most, your mind conjures images of ladies discussing surgical procedures while...

Today, breastfeeding rates remain much lower than in the mid-20th century. This was when the creation and advertising formula milk...

Did you know that a bottle is supposed to be made and finished within about 4-6 hours to ensure microbiological safety? The marketing of...

‘Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to herself, her baby, and the earth.’- Pamela K. Wiggins, lactation consultant and author. Breastmilk...

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome aka FAS is the most common preventable form of mental disability in the world. Even though 100% preventable, FAS...

The first week of September in South Africa, the South African Health Department highlights the importance of our kidneys. Approximately...

‘That initial latch was amazing’ - Robin Paulse (registered dietitian) Breastmilk has been dubbed liquid gold and rightly so. The...

Have you ever woken up, wanting, no, needing to eat something salty. Right there, right that minute, even though it may be 2 am and...

‘Cancer is a part of our life, but it’s not our whole life’- Nick Prochak, athlete and cancer survivor According to the World Health...