Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding digital overload and how it affects your mental health
People don’t understand how digital overload affects their mental health. How many hours do you think you spend on your phone every day? From endless notifications and all-day access to your emails, to watching TikToks all night long, we really don’t realise just how much constantly being on our phones impacts our well-being. With May […]
Is excessive sleepiness as we age a warning sign of dementia?
Excessive sleepiness as we grow older may be a warning sign of dementia, new research says. At least 55 million people are living with dementia worldwide, and numbers are increasing rapidly. Studies have suggested links between altered sleep patterns and dementia risk. A new study in women over 80 years of age has linked increased […]
Tips on how to cope with stress in the workplace
Stress in the workplace is a common challenge that can affect productivity, mental health, and overall job satisfaction. Whether it stems from tight deadlines, heavy workloads, or interpersonal conflicts, stress can take a toll on employees. However, there are effective strategies to manage workplace stress and create a healthier work environment. Here are some practical tips […]
A playful approach to life activates ‘lemonading’ to help people cope with adversity, scientists say
Scientists have found that taking a playful approach to life doesn’t mean you don’t take your situation seriously, but it can mean you cope with it better. By surveying people about their experiences during a COVID-19 lockdown, they learned that more playful people were more positive about the future and coped more actively and creatively. […]
Get Your Vitamin P: Why Pleasure Matters When It Comes to What You Eat
Nearly everyone has an answer to the question ‘what’s your favorite food?.’ It’s easy to see why: humans are wired to derive pleasure from food. In fact, for many, eating ranks among the greatest pleasures in life! Besides making mealtimes an enjoyable experience, taking pleasure from food also has significant benefits for health. Savoring food […]
Beyond physical: Mental health and vascular disease in South Africa
Chronic vascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in South Africa. Notably, 1 in 3 South African adults (33.7%) have hypertension, a significant risk factor for heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, or stroke. The prevalence of these conditions has been on the rise, with […]
Processed Red Meat May Raise Risk of Cognitive Decline, Dementia
Processed red meat consumption is linked to a 13% higher risk of dementia, a new study found.The number of new cases of dementia diagnosed in the United States each year is projected to double by 2060, reaching 1 million cases annually. Various factors drive dementia risk, but there is evidence to suggest that diet may play […]
Tips to stay healthy and stress-free this holiday season
Whether it’s overeating, catching an illness or feeling stress or sheer exhaustion, a busy calendar of holiday festivities can take a toll on health, says Safia Debar, MBBS, a general practitioner and stress management expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London. In this expert alert, Dr. Debar answers common questions and offers tips to help […]
Ways to take care of your mental health if alone during the festive season
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has provided coping methods for those who are alone as the holiday season begins, with many people sharing their excitement about spending time with family and friends. Christina Pereira, Clinical Psychologist details how this affects mental health, further detailing ways of coping during this time. “For those of […]
Craving fatty foods when stressed? Cocoa may offset impact
Cocoa drinks may help relieve stress while offsetting the negative impact of fatty foods that many of us turn to when stressed. If you eat fatty comfort foods during stressful times, drinking cocoa may help you bounce back more quickly from the effects of stress, a new study suggests. Stress takes a toll on the […]