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      in health and weelbeing

      Here’s Why There’s More Air Pollution In Winter – And How To Solve It

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      During colder months, you’re probably going to want to light the fire, close the windows and keep cosy. And, when loadshedding hits, flick on the generator and continue to ‘Netflix and chill’. But, if you want to stay healthy this winter, this is exactly what you shouldn’t be doing – unless you’ve invested in an air purifier, says Trevor Brewer, Director of air treatment and lifestyle specialist Solenco. That’s because indoor air pollution in winter can become a problem.

      In winter, the air gets a little dirtier, leading to respiratory illness that can get deadly. Per the WHO, Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, including over 237 000 deaths of children under the age of 5. Cooking with gas because of loadshedding? Watch out: these gases emit kerosene, which generates harmful household air pollution, says the WHO.

      Air pollution in winter – even indoors

      In South Africa, the particulate matter (read: pollution) in our air is regularly higher than the national standards. Around 86% of South Africa’s primary energy supply is from coal, and much of the particulate matter that we breathe in is caused in the process of generating coal-fired electricity, says Brewer.

      And indoor pollution can get bad. “Pollutants are microscopic particles of toxic chemicals that are small enough to enter the bloodstream. Because they’re so small, you can be sure they’re being carried into your home. In fact, the concentration of pollutants and toxins found in the air can actually be two to five times higher indoors than out,” says Brewer.

      Air Pollution Solutions

      Stay ventilated

      Keeping the windows closed may help to keep cold air out but it also keeps polluted air in. Dust, fumes from household chemicals, emissions from appliances, bacteria and germs, pet dander, damp and mould, and the pollutants discussed above, are all at home in your house when there’s no fresh air circulating. And with them come all the winter ailments.

      You could stock up on medicine to deal with the symptoms that come with seasonal changes, says Brewer, but he suggests that you rather prevent these adverse effects by investing in an air purifier for your home or office.

      Solenco Purification Pal

      This gadget keeps the air in your home clean by forcing air through an ultra-fine mesh that traps pollutants. Look for one with HEPA tech, like the Solenco Purification Pal, that removes 99.8% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.

      Humidify your air

      The dryness of the air can constitute a health hazard, especially in cooler months. For people with respiratory or lung issues, cold and dry air narrows airways and makes it harder to breathe. Even if you’re healthy, dry air can cause pain, inflammation and headaches, asthma, allergies and hay fever, itchy, uncomfortable skin, and nose bleeds. What works? A humidifier, which can refresh the air by injecting purified water into your surroundings.

      Xiaomi Humidifier 2 Lite

      Brewer says an evaporative humidifier is a great way to keep your indoor air at optimal moisture levels and remove air impurities, to improve your comfort and your health. A smaller unit will service a bedroom or living area, while a whole-home unit can cover 370 square metres.

      Invest in air-purifying plants

      Some house plants can diffuse toxic chemicals in the air, like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It’s essential to still clean your plants, since the leaves can collect dust, leading to allergies.

      Look for plants like English Ivy, Bamboo Palm and Aloe Vera. Snake plants are extremely pretty indoors and also help purify the air. More

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      in fitness and body

      Introducing the TS-ACTV8 Performance Training Gear by Totalsports

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      The TS-ACTV Performance gear is engineered with one goal in mind: To make sure you’re getting the most out of your training.

      Upgrade your training sessions with the new TS-ACTV8 range of next-level workout and running gear. Each piece taps into cutting-edge innovations to get you moving (and stay moving).

      Dri-Lite™: Revolutionising Moisture Management in Breathable Fabrics

      When it comes to training or engaging in physical activities, staying cool, dry, and comfortable is of utmost importance. Introducing Dri-Lite™, a cutting-edge fabric technology that combines quick-drying properties with breathability to enhance your performance and overall comfort.

      Dri-Lite™ fabric is specially designed with moisture-wicking capabilities, meaning it has the ability to draw moisture away from the body. Unlike traditional fabrics like cotton which can absorb a significant amount of water, Dri-Lite™, is predominantly made of high-tech polyester or nylon and absorbs very little moisture. Polyester only absorbs 0.4% of its weight in water, while cotton absorbs as much as 7%.

      Key Features

      One of the key features of Dri-Lite™ is its remarkable cross-section and large surface area. These attributes enable the fabric to efficiently pick up moisture from your body and transport it away, spreading it across the fabric’s surface. This action allows for rapid evaporation on the outside of the fabric, ensuring that you remain cool and dry throughout your workout or training session.

      Hyper Stride Bike Shorts

      Extreme Control Black Crop

      Hyper Glide Grey Run Jacket

      Power-Lite™: Unleashing Support and Freedom of Motion

      Comfort and support are essential factors when it comes to performance-enhancing apparel, Power-Lite™ is a fabric known for its exceptional “hold” and compression properties. It offers a combination of comfort and support that takes your activewear to the next level.

      Functional Fabric

      Power-Lite™ fabric is characterised by its tight-fitting and stretchy nature. It moulds to your body, providing a comfortable and supportive fit that allows for freedom of movement. The secret behind Power-Lite™ lies in its composition, primarily consisting of a blend of nylon and spandex.

      Nylon plays a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of the fabric. It improves durability, flexibility, and overall performance, ensuring that the fabric can withstand rigorous activities and maintain its shape over time. Meanwhile, spandex, also known as elastane, provides the fabric with its elasticity, allowing it to stretch and conform to your body without restricting your movements.

      While polyester can be part of the blend in Power-Lite™ fabric, it is a nylon that takes the spotlight due to its superior performance qualities. Nylon’s strength and resilience make it an ideal component in compression fabrics, ensuring that you experience optimal comfort and support during your activities.

      Revolutionising Performance Apparel

      Dri-Lite™ and POWER-LITE fabrics have revolutionised the world of performance apparel. Dri-Lite™’s moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities keep you cool and dry. While Power-Lite™’s compression and stretch properties offer unparalleled comfort and support. With these advanced fabric technologies, you can now train with confidence, knowing that your apparel is working as hard as you are to enhance your performance and overall comfort.

      Podium Black Zip-Thru Run Jacket

      Hyper Stride Black Tights

      Extreme Control White Crop

      Shop the TS-ACTV8 performance gear now at www.bash.com. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      12 Foods That Will Make Your Period Cramps So Much More Bearable, According To RDs

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      You usually have a general idea of when your period is coming. You may have been tracking it with an app to get to know your monthly cycle better and you know what to expect: bloating, cravings, and menstrual cramps. The pain can range from being mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating. One way to soothe the ache: foods that help with period cramps.

      Why do some women get period cramps while others don’t? It all comes down to a type of chemical in your body called prostaglandins. This hormone-like substance can trigger the uterine muscles to contract during your period, according to the Mayo Clinic. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe cramps.

      That said, multiple factors can affect how much pain your period causes, “including how heavily a woman bleeds, how tight her cervix is, how inflamed her system is, and her perception of pain,” says Wendie Trubow, MD, an ob-gyn.

      The good news is that certain foods can help ease cramps. Okay, they won’t make the discomfort go away directly, but they may have an impact on the body processes and hormones that lead to period cramps.

      Some pro tips on a relatively pain-free period: Avoid processed foods, get enough sleep, manage stress, and take supplements such as methylated B vitamins, which support hormonal balance, says Dr Trubow. To get the most out of these practices, do them over the entire course of the month, not just during your period.

      If you get really bad cramps, you may want to put down that bag of chips or pint of ice cream even when the cravings hit. Here are 12 foods that’ll help you feel better throughout your cycle.

      1) Avocados

      Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, both of which may help reduce period cramps, says Alli Magier, the founder of Well by Alli. “Omega-3 fatty acids lower inflammation and help prevent excess prostaglandin production,” she explains. Magnesium, known as “nature’s relaxant,” can also help ease smooth muscle and lower the production of prostaglandins.

      2) Chamomile Tea

      Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and can help reduce pain by inhibiting certain enzymes known to cause pain, says Magier.

      Note that chamomile tea works best when you have it before the pain starts (so a few days before your period), according to a 2019 article published in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture.

      3) Cruciferous Vegetables

      Estrogen dominance and poor estrogen detoxification can contribute to endometriosis and dysmenorrhea (a.k.a. painful period cramps), says Morgan Goodstadt, the founder of Good Nutrition. “Broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants and nutrients that help the liver detoxify excess estrogen. They are also high-fibre foods, which support estrogen clearance and elimination through the bowels,” she adds.

      Staying regular, which these veggies could help with, is super important for moving excess estrogen out of the body and supporting your gut too.

      4) Fermented Foods

      Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, and yoghurt contain probiotics that help keep your gut healthy, says Magier, which is important for estrogen balance and period pain. The good bacteria from fermented foods can balance your gut microbiome and regulate estrogen metabolism and elimination.

      In addition, low calcium intake can increase muscle contractions and cramping, so add fermented dairy to your diet for max relief.

      5) Salmon

      Prostaglandins are primarily made from omega-6 fatty acids, which are naturally inflammatory, says Goodstadt. “For optimal health, we want to consume a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids,” she says. One way to do that? Consuming lots of omega-3-rich foods like salmon and sardines. (Yum!)

      6) Flaxseeds

      Flaxseeds are one of Goodstadt’s all-time favourite foods for hormone health in general. “Not only are they a great source of fibre and healthy omega-3 fats, but they also contain compounds called lignans, which can bind to and detoxify excess estrogen,” she says.

      7) Ginger

      Ginger can lower the intensity of period cramps and pain, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Science found. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps soothe the stomach and reduce nausea, another common PMS symptom. Enjoy it as a spice in a dish or add slices to a steaming mug of tea!

      8) Leafy Green Vegetables

      Spinach and Swiss chard are full of anti-inflammatory compounds, fibre, manganese, and vitamin E, per Magier. “Adequate fibre intake is important for reducing PMS symptoms because it helps keep the gut microbiome healthy and supports normal estrogen metabolism,” she says. Vitamin E can tone down prostaglandin production, and low manganese levels are associated with more severe pain during menstruation.

      9) Almonds, Cashews, And Walnuts

      Nuts are a healthy source of minerals and unsaturated fats, explains Magier. In particular, walnuts are great sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower prostaglandin production and combat period cramps. Almonds and cashews pack a ton of magnesium, which is associated with less period pain.

      10) Peppermint Tea

      Peppermint contains the active ingredient menthol, which has been shown to relieve pain. It can reduce the duration and severity of pain associated with periods, a 2016 study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research showed.

      11) Pumpkin Seeds

      “Pumpkin seeds are one of my favourite high-magnesium foods, making them excellent for reducing period cramps,” says Goodstadt.

      12) Turmeric

      Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is also a hormone modulator and pain reliever. It has been found to address some of the root causes of period pain, including estrogen dominance and endometriosis, per a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      6 Steps That’ll Help You To Quit Smoking – For Good

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      Decided to quit smoking? Good for you! Want to double your odds of never lighting up again? Use this guide to stomp out your habit once and for all.

      Why you should think about quitting smoking

      First, it’s a gateway to disease. Since it puts a strain on your cardiovascular system, you’re more at risk for those types of diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. Think: heart disease and strokes. There are myriad ways smoking negatively impacts the body, from bad breath to gum disease and even infertility.

      This step-by-step guide, backed by science, shows you what to be prepared for when you quit smoking, along with some tips to help.

      Step One: Set A Date

      According to the National Council Against Smoking, it’s important to set a date to quit so you can mentally and emotionally prepare for it. The good news: for women, picking the day is easy.

      Why? US researchers found that women who quit smoking during the first half of their menstrual cycle may have the edge over those who stop during the second half. In the study, tobacco withdrawal symptoms were less severe for the women who quit between days one and 14 of their cycle, compared to those who quit between day 14 and the start of their next period.

      Do it! Track your cycle and mark the date on your calendar. Tell your friends, family and colleagues when the big day is so they can encourage you to stick to it.

      Step Two: Clean House

      As a smoker, you’re never alone. The strong scent of tobacco follows you in clothes, ashtrays, even curtains – but if you’re serious about quitting, you can’t have it hanging around.

      Why? Studies show that when exposed to familiar smoking visuals, parts of the brain like the amygdala activate craving responses. “Addictive behaviours become associated with cues in one’s environment. These cues then act as triggers, which cause cravings,” explains Candice Garrun, a mental health therapist and founder of the website Addictionology.co.za. “Don’t put yourself in situations that trigger you! If you hang out at a barber’s shop often enough, you will eventually get a haircut.”

      Do it! Tidy up. Throw out all smoking paraphernalia like ashtrays and lighters. Clean your clothes, carpets, curtains and bedding. This strategy helped 30-year-old Marilize, who has been smoke-free for two years after reading The Easy Way To Stop Smoking by Allan Carr. “We cleaned out the house! The book guides you through the whole process,” she says. “After a while, smoking began to gross me out – the smell and everything about it.”

      Step Three: Get A Hobby

      Make it something you can do as quickly as lighting up and turn to it when you’re tempted.

      Why? Taking up a new pastime will help channel your thoughts and fill the void that smoking once occupied.“Habits actually change your brain in ways that can bring relief from cravings and get you started on a path to joy and hope,” says Joburg-based clinical psychologist Elizabeth Cambanis, who has worked with patients who struggle with chemical and behavioural addiction. WH reader Chantelle used this method to kick the habit two years ago. “I found a new hobby. I now fill my time with exercise and baking – and yes, I did gain some weight. But it’s worth it.”

      Do it! Keep your hands busy with knitting, painting or playing a musical instrument. Not your pace? Engage in activities where you can’t smoke, like riding a bike or swimming. Moderate and vigorous exercise will help reduce cigarette cravings and stave them off for longer.

      Step Four: Control Your Triggers

      To avoid a relapse, it’s vital to keep your smoke triggers in check – specific people, places or emotions that make you want to smoke.

      Why? The longer you’ve smoked, the stronger the connections are between these triggers and your urges. For on-off smoker Thokozile (29), it’s a TV show. “I still sigh with longing when I watch old episodes of Sex and the City,” she says. “I quit for months – even up to a year – but when I watch SJP I often think, ‘It’s been long enough, I’ve done well’.” Triggers may include being around other smokers, feeling stressed or excited, drinking coffee or tea, or enjoying a meal. You can’t always avoid trigger situations, but it’s important to recognise the thoughts you have around smoking because acknowledging them can help you change your behaviour, explains Cambanis.

      Do it! Change your routine. Take note of how you feel just before you smoke and identify what made you light up. Being conscious of these things will help you remove your trigger. Coffee time? Have a glass of water instead.

      Step Five: Prepare For Withdrawal

      The physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are rough, but not life-threatening. Still, if you’re not prepared, they may be just awful enough to weaken your resolve.

      Why? Because smoking’s addictive. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, addiction to nicotine occurs quickly and is difficult to shake. Nicotine stimulates the reward pathways of your brain, prompting pleasant, happy feelings – and making quitting tough. “The first few weeks are the hardest,” says Cambanis. “If you’re feeling nauseated, any carbonated beverage should help and nausea only lasts a week or two.” A third of ex-smokers report headaches – often due to changing brain oxygen levels, according to Cambanis. Hang in there – they do pass in time.

      Do it! “Ensure you get more sleep, stretch, or practise deep breathing and relaxation techniques,” suggests Cambanis. Quitting smoking happens one minute, one hour and one day at a time. Don’t think about the long-term.

      Step Six: Gather Your Support Group

      Rally support from a close friend or family member.Why? Friends can talk you through difficult situations. The first seven to 10 days are the toughest and smokers who relapse typically do so within the first three months. Counsellors can help you identify your triggers and determine what strategy is most likely to work for you. “Sadly, few people seek professional help and more frequently try to quit on their own. It’s very hard to do it alone and you don’t have to,” says Garrun. Plus, a meta-analysis found that counselling resulted in higher rates of smoking cessation.Do it! Get help. WH reader Joanne did – and succeeded: “I stopped after 10 years using a programme called Smoke Enders. It’s been five years and I’m still smoke-free.” Also, reinforce your success with rewards. This is another strategy that helped Marilize. “I made myself a deal that I could use the money I used to spend on cigarettes on magazines. What a joy!” More

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      in health and weelbeing

      My Experience With Breast Cancer, At Age 27

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      Model Amber Denae Wright tells about her experience with breast cancer, having been diagnosed at the age of 27.

      Discovering a lump

      In March of 2020, literally two weeks before we went into hard lockdown, I got out of the shower one evening and I felt this really large lump on the right side of my breast. I hadn’t noticed it before. I was shocked by how big it was. It was on the right-hand side and thankfully close to the surface.

      As a teenager, I had been diagnosed with fibroadenomas, which are non-cancerous lumps that are quite common in young women. When I felt the lump, I thought that’s what it was. I had been told that they can grow and change. Sometimes, they need to be removed. But knowing that I didn’t want foreign things in my body, I immediately phoned my gynae and booked an appointment.

      That appointment got cancelled because we then went into a hard lockdown. Throughout that time, I had this thing constantly bothering me. I was very aware of it the whole time. It was causing a lot of pain. It was right where your bra wire catches. I fully believed that it was a fibroadenoma. I never even for one second imagined the big C word.

      The diagnosis

      When I was referred to a breast surgeon, he examined me and said that the way it felt and moved felt just like a fibroadenoma. He however recommended not going in for the surgery immediately, given the risks of contracting COVID in the hospital. I took that recommendation and another two months went by. Eventually, it caused me a lot of pain. I was struggling to sleep at night and struggling to complete workouts with my sports bra catching it. I eventually elected to do the surgery in August, five months after finding the lump.

      They removed the lump and sent it away for testing. A week later, I went back for a follow-up appointment. Everything felt very normal but then he called me into his office and started by asking me when I had found this lump. He said I’d shocked them all because, as it turned out, the lump was cancerous.

      I’ll never forget that moment for as long as I live. They were words I never ever, even for one second, imagined hearing, having breast cancer at age 27. The doctor immediately started to go through my treatment plan, the type of diagnosis it was, and the rest. I felt like I was watching this whole scene play out like I was outside of my body because it was too much. And then he started to talk about all of the treatments and he said the words ‘chemotherapy’. Once he said those words I was like, ‘This is actually real’. And I immediately just started to cry. I was completely overwhelmed.

      The treatment

      From that point on I was catapulted into 1001 different appointments, from scans to blood tests. I went straight from there for an ultrasound and the next day, I met with my oncologist.

      Given that my husband Nick and I don’t have kids yet, our first port of call was to preserve my fertility (which can be affected by chemotherapy). We did fertility treatment and froze embryos. This involved hormone injections, regular scans at a fertility facility and the harvesting of my eggs. It was the craziest few weeks of my life. Once the embryos were frozen, it was time to start chemotherapy. 

      My chemotherapy treatment was 16 rounds, over five months. Two weeks after my first chemo session, my hair started to fall out. It was one of my biggest fears. Every day I’d wake up, there was more hair on my pillow and more hair on my floor and every coat that I wore. It was all over me and it became very overwhelming.

      Eventually, it got to the point where my husband had to help me shave it off. It was a moment I never pictured going through in my life.

      Amber in treatment

      My life with breast cancer

      Initially, I was determined to keep up with everything I had been doing: working full-time, doing workouts and staying healthy. I had started doing Raise the Barre, an online barre class, during the lockdown. Before I’d gone in for surgery I was literally feeling my strongest, fittest, healthiest self. One of the toughest things was watching that slowly slip away as I got weaker and wasn’t able to train as much.

      During chemotherapy, for the first couple of weeks, when I still had energy, I was trying to train as much as I could. But chemo weakens you over time. I had debilitating headaches and couldn’t take too many painkillers because my organs were already under so much strain from the chemo. At about two or three o’clock, on some days, I would just crash and I literally felt like I couldn’t keep my head up. Because of all this, I decided to leave my job and focus on fighting the cancer.

      I also sought out therapy to help me maintain a positive mental state throughout. That helped me a lot because there are a lot of dark, hard thoughts that you don’t want to burden other people with.

      Amber ringing the bell after the last chemo treatment

      My surgery

      After chemo was done it was time for surgery. Because I didn’t test positive for any of the cancer gene mutations, I elected for a lumpectomy, where the lump and surrounding tissue were removed. When they operated on me the first time to remove the lump, they were operating as if it wasn’t cancer, so they didn’t do what they would normally do, which is cut around it and take all the tissue and the tumour out.

      They ended up taking out a lot of tissue and had to reduce the left breast to match the right. It ended up being a massive surgery. I also underwent 5 weeks of daily radiation and I am currently on 5 years of hormone treatment (Tamoxifen and Zolodex).

      Finding remission

      In October 2021, after all my active treatment was completed, I had an MRI which was all clear and confirmed that I was in remission. During my cancer journey, I felt like I was in survival mode, trying to get through every single day, and so when all of my treatment was done, I had a lot of emotions to work through and mental healing to do.

      Although my life looks very different now and although I will need to go for regular check-ups and scans for the rest of my life, and although I have needed to make changes and sacrifices to my lifestyle, there has been so much good that has come from this difficult journey. It made me a better person and helped me to become more confident in who I am and it made me realise how much I have to be grateful for.  

      I have been given a fresh start and I now know that I can do and be whatever I want to be because I proved to myself and everyone around me how strong I am. I am so grateful for my life and the people I have been blessed with  

      I’ve really tried to embrace this new version of myself and navigate all that comes with the cancer aftermath. My life is different, but it’s beautiful and I’m so blessed to be here.

      Amber now, cancer-free More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Can You Trust AI For Your Health? Here’s What An Expert Thinks

      by

      Sure, we don’t have a robot to make our beds (yet), but AI is alive and well in the world. Use it to proofread your writing, enhance your productivity and now, you can consult Dr Chatbot for health advice.

      ChatGPT, but make it for health

      Per a PWC report, “One of AI’s biggest potential benefits is to help people stay healthy so they don’t need a doctor, or at least not as often.” Already, AI can detect diseases such as cancer. And, the medical devices that appear to us as wearable health-enhancing tech uses AI to maximise our outlook. Here’s looking at you, Fitbit.

      Plus, using tech for your health concerns is nothing new. For decades, we’ve been consulting Dr Google for anything from a niggle to a full-on flare-up. But can AI be a panacea for our health needs?

      How does ChatGPT work?

      ChatGPT is arguably the most well-known and powerful AI in the space. Five days after it launched, the language bot became the fastest consumer application to reach a million users in history. And since then, that number has reached 100 million. That makes ChatGPT a popular alternative to Google for seeking out information and advice.

      Using an AI model, ChatGPT has been ‘trained’ to recognise patterns in language that allows it to make ‘predictions’ based on that learning. This is a tool that draws on available information to produce well-articulated answers to almost any question entered into its chat bar, no matter how broad or narrow the question or how detailed the expected response is.

      Plus, AI like ChatGPT could lessen the burden on healthcare providers and can provide empathetic, high-quality responses, a study has found.

      AI for your health: the problem

      But how reliable is the information? What happens when it comes to subject matter that may contain conflicting opinions or biased sources of information? Here it becomes hard to discern the chatbot’s reliability or potential prejudices.

      The answers ChatGPT spat out for medical concerns were deemed as good or better than Google’s, per a new study conducted by a UCT professor. But some answers were vague, misleading or just plain made-up.

      Study author Dr Philip Moons, Honorary Professor at UCT’s Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, cautions about using ChatGPT. “It is important to know that ChatGPT is a language model. It’s built to make good texts. It is not made to look things up,” he says.

      A thorny issue

      On its homepage, ChatGPT includes disclaimers that it may generate incorrect or biased information. Yet, we don’t know when a response is correct or not, how it may have been influenced by the manner in which a question was phrased and when and how it may be influenced by vested interests. And when it comes to health advice, this could amplify certain falsehoods or points of view, or overlook potential blind spots of information. Unlike a Google search that leads you to specific websites, with ChatGPT there is no single source of information which makes it hard to ascertain its credibility.

      Already, healthcare services in the US are struggling to adapt to the glitches and failures of AI while dealing with patients in real-time.

      “Legislators are currently concerned about the lack of legislation,” says Dr Moons about the questions the use of ChatGPT raises. “I’m sure that governments are dealing with this issue. To the best of my knowledge, there is no uniform framework for it.”

      This raises the larger question of accountability. Let’s say a healthcare institution begins using an AI-registered platform, incorporating it into the diagnostic process, and a claim arises. Who answers to any potential liability – the AI itself, the company that developed the programme, the programmers who developed and maintain the algorithm or the healthcare institution that adopted the platform and failed to manage associated risks? Only time will tell.

      So… should you use ChatGPT for your health issue?

      For now, use caution when consulting ChatGPT for healthcare issues. As always, a real-life doctor’s advice is always the gold standard, rather than what you find on the Internet. Doctors can get a proper look at all the factors that create an issue, instead of what you exclusively input into an AI chat. “I think that healthcare providers need to warn their patients and the lay public that ChatGPT is not made for looking up things,” says Dr Moons.

      If you’re desperate, Dr Moons suggests New Bing, an AI-powered search engine made by Microsoft. “It has the functionality of a search engine (like Google), but the technology of ChatGPT is built in. New Bing is meant to look things up. Therefore, it is a safer place to go to than ChatGPT,” he explains. More

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      in fitness and body

      The 8 Greatest Smartwatches And Trackers To Elevate Your Health and Fitness

      by

      Smartwatches are possibly essential to any healthy woman’s life. They track your steps (gotta hit that 10K a day), measure your sleep and feed you detailed info about your workouts.

      The science backs up smartwatches, too. They’re viable tools that can give healthcare providers robust data about a person’s health. And with tracking abilities that sync your data to your menstrual cycle, you can tailor your workouts to whichever phase you’re in.

      The benefits of smartwatches, according to science

      According to John Hopkins Medicine, trackers encourage more movement and are also clutch at helping you take more steps. And more movement is vital for various health markers, from keeping weight at a healthy range to warding off cardiovascular disease. Studies show that smartwatches can even help in the self-management of epilepsy, diabetes, speech therapy monitoring and even CPR training. Yep!

      Then there’s the extensive review published in The Lancet. It found that “activity trackers improved physical activity, body composition, and fitness, equating to approximately 1800 extra steps per day, 40 min per day more walking, and reductions of approximately 1 kg in body weight.” That’s huge.

      Your smartwatch doesn’t even have to be the most expensive on the market for you to get the benefits. At its most basic form, reminders to move more are effective and can help move the needle towards healthier habits. And heart rate monitors offer tons of insights, like when you’re in a heart rate zone that’s too high or low. We’ve rounded up some of the best fitness trackers, each with their own set of unique skills. Here, the fitness watches that elevate your health and fitness.

      The best smartwatches for health and fitness

      For the serious adventurers

      Suunto 9 Peak Pro

      Specifications

      Size: 43 x 43 x 10,8 mm, 64g

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: 100m waterproof

      Swim tracking: Yes  

      Mobile payments: No

      Phone call: No

      Don’t be intimidated by the size of the watch face. This tracker is lightweight and packs a punch. Choose from over 95 sports modes, including trail running, mountain biking and even snorkelling. There’s a built-in GPS with navigation capabilities when you’re off on a run or trekking the wilderness. Plus, they’re made using renewable energy, with a low carbon footprint and a long lifespan that compensates for their very existence.

      Garmin Enduro 2

      Specifications: 

      Size: 51 x 51 x 15.6mm, 70g

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: Yes, 10 ATM rating

      Swim tracking: Yes

      Mobile payments: Yes  

      Phone calls: Yes

      Rough and ready for anything, this watch does it all. Run to the ends of the earth and still have enough power, since this watch also has solar charging capabilities. Built-in navigation helps you figure out which way you need to be. It even works out your metrics to help you with training – and suggests a pace that’ll get you over the finish line in style. That’s not all. Trend data shows how your training is having an impact over time.

      For the wellness queen

      Fitbit Sense 2

      Specifications: 

      Size: 38 x 38 x 11.43mm

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: 50m

      Swim tracking: Yes

      Mobile payments: Yes

      Phone calls: Yes

      Wellness girlies love this watch. Get all-day stress management (and reminders to do some meditation and breathing exercises) and a stress score. Menstrual tracking is part of the package, as is a personalised sleep profile, with daily sleep feedback. A health metrics dashboard gives detailed data about your heart rate, skin temp and SpO2. It’ll even give you a Daily Readiness Score, something that takes all metrics available and lets you know what kind of workout you should hit that day, depending on what your body is ready for.

      Garmin Lily

      Specifications:

      Size: 34.50 x 34.50 x 10.15 mm, 24g

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: Yes, 5 ATM rating

      Swim tracking: Yes  

      Mobile payments: No

      Phone calls: Yes

      See your bod’s energy levels throughout the day so you know the best times for workouts, and when’s best to rest. Stress monitoring also lets you know how you’re doing and of course, a period tracker measures your flow, symptoms and more. Respiration tracking lets you know how your breathing is doing, with reminders for breathwork and yoga. Truly, a wellness watch.

      For iPhone users

      Apple Series 8

      Specifications: 

      Size: 41 x 35 x10.7mm, 31.9g

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: Yes, WR50 rating

      Swim tracking: Yes  

      Mobile payments: Apple Pay

      Phone calls: Yes

      Temperature sensing makes this watch a cut above the rest, which offers detailed insights into women’s health tracking, so you know for sure when you’re ovulating. It’ll also stay on for longer. The Blood Oxygen app lets you in on your blood oxygen levels, clueing you in if you’re at risk for something like pneumonia. Heart rate notifications ping when you’re in a zone too high or too low. In low battery mode, get a whopping 36 hours extra battery life, so you’re always connected.

      For Android users

      Samsung Galaxy Watch5

      Specifications: 

      Size: 43.3 x 44.4 x 9.8 mm, 33.5g

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: Yes, 5ATM+IP68 rating

      Swim tracking: Yes

      Mobile payments: Yes, Samsung Pay

      Phone calls: Yes

      For Samsung users, this watch is a worthy companion. From advanced sleep tracking that lets you plan a better snooze for your sleep type, to the over 90 trackable exercises it hosts, this watch can do pretty much whatever. A heart rate monitor and ECG is incorporated into the device, along with something called the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor (BIA). That tracks your body fat percentage and skeletal muscle weight, so you’re in the know about your health – especially if you’re on a fat loss journey. It even guides your selfies. Real talk.

      For the budget

      Huawei Band 7

      Specifications:

      Size: 44.35 × 26 × 9.99 mm, 16g (without the strap)

      GPS: No

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: Yes, 5 ATM rating

      Swim tracking: Yes

      Mobile payments: Only with Android

      Phone calls: No, only call notifications and the option to decline

      This watch does a lot with a low price point. Pick from over 90 workout modes and an app connects you to menstrual health data, steps, SpO2 tracking and more. A five-minute charge powers the device for two whole weeks (huge score!). A vibration lets you know if your blood oxygen level or heart rate strays from the healthy range, too. And it’s water resistant, a big feature at this price point.

      Amazfit Bip 3

      Specifications:

      Size: 44.12×36.49×9.65mm, 33.2g

      GPS: Yes

      Heart rate monitor: Yes

      Water resistance: Yes, 5 ATM

      Swim tracking: Yes

      Mobile payments: No

      Phone calls: Notifications only

      Get two weeks’ use out of this watch with one charge. While the watch face is wide enough for different displays (even a customisable face of your choosing, like your own photo), it’s slim and lightweight. It’ll track your swims, workouts and runs – along with everything else in between, including sleep quality. Plus, the watch’s Target Pace function lets you set and crush your pace goals. There’s also a built-in GPS and even a blood oxygen saturation feature.

      Michelle is a freelance writer at WH, passionate about all things health, fitness and mental wellness. She’s also an avid surfer and recently discovered skateboarding as a viable means of transport. Skate dates, anyone? More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Why You Should Check For High Blood Pressure, Even If You Think You’re Fine

      by

      In 2015, high blood pressure, or hypertension, caused an estimated 10.7 million deaths worldwide. Since then, its prevalence has grown from 25% to greater than 40%. Approximately 8.22 million South African adults with no private health insurance have hypertension, according to a recent study. That’s too high. Your sneaky coffee addiction and having a tipple too many could contribute to higher numbers. Here’s what to know about the risk factors, and when to worry.  

      Hypertension: our silent problem  

      Hypertension is known as ‘the silent killer’, because of the lack of apparent symptoms. Often, patients have no idea their blood pressure is dangerously high. That’s not all. High blood pressure can also be a precursor for dementia and cognitive decline later in life, according to the CDC. Also, hypertensive people are at a higher risk for developing kidney disease.

      While the rates for men in South Africa are lower, the rates for women are worryingly high, with about 40.99% of adult women in South Africa battling high blood pressure, per the World Obesity Federation, pushing our ranking up to 23rd in the world.  

      “Research suggests that cardiovascular disease causes more deaths in South Africa than all the cancers combined – a sobering statistic,” says Dr Adrian Rotunno, a Virgin Active panel expert and Sport and Exercise Medicine physician. “Many reports show that diseases of the circulatory system account for nearly a fifth of all deaths in the country, followed by what is termed “diseases of lifestyle” including diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolaemia (high blood cholesterol), and obesity.”

      When to check your blood pressure

      With rates this high, it’s important to keep tabs on your own number. Smartwatches can help, but they don’t always give accurate readings, so get to a clinic or a nurse and have yours checked regularly – at least once a year, if you’re over 40, and once every two years if you’re not at risk or younger than 40.

      Are you at risk for high blood pressure?

      There are several risk factors for high blood pressure that many of us may harbour, and be unaware of. That includes smoking (or that sneaky vaping habit), being sedentary and too much caffeine and alcohol use. Being overweight is also a risk factor.

      Smoking

      Smoking – and even vaping – spikes your blood pressure and increases your heart rate. Whether you smoke regularly or not doesn’t matter, either. The American Heart Association found in a report that “people who used e-cigarettes and people who smoked combustible cigarettes had greater increases in blood pressure, heart rate and blood vessel constriction, immediately after vaping or smoking, compared to people who did not use any nicotine.” Smoking constricts the blood vessels, leading to higher blood pressure readings. If you vape or smoke, try find a way to quit.

      Being sedentary

      Per research in the journal Hypertension, people the world over are moving less and less, despite clear guidelines saying that more movement is the key to mitigating chronic diseases like high blood pressure and more. What you should do? Move more and sit less, says the American Heart Association. 150 minutes of moderate activity (walks, gardening) can lower high blood pressure.   

      Drinking

      Even drinking just a little raises your heart rate, per a study in Cochrane Library. It found that drinking a high dose of alcohol (the equivalent of 30g or more), raised blood pressure more than 13 hours after consumption, even when it temporarily lowered the blood pressure immediately after drinking. For women, guidelines suggest no more than one drink in one sitting – any more and your BP is at risk. Moderate drinking is defined as two drinks, while more than three glasses in means you’re on a binge – and placing yourself at risk.

      Caffeine

      Go low and slow on the coffee and energy drinks. Per one study, caffeine spiked BP and this can be prolonged, over several hours. “Typically, blood pressure changes occur within 30 minutes, peak in 1-2 hours, and may persist for more than 4 hours,” the authors note. Per the NHS, try to limit yourself to less than four cups a day.

      How to prevent high blood pressure

      Exercise and a healthy diet are essential to preventing the onset of high blood pressure, but in some cases, seemingly healthy people can have frighteningly high numbers. That’s likely because sneaky habits could get in the way. Steer clear of any that could lead you to the ER, and adopt healthy eating habits (like going steady on salt and booze). And if you’re at risk (with any one of these habits taking over), check your blood pressure – it could save your life.   More