Innholdsfortegnelse for Nov/Dec 2025 i Women's Health South Africa

Here for it What I’ve been up to during the making of this issue… “I have a big announcement to make.” Is what Michelle, our Features Editor, declared in one of our recent editorial meetings. “I have decided this is the first year I have Christmas at my apartment.” The virtual room then erupted in cheers and applause. What she went on to explain was that, after years of trying to please everyone and keep up with the chaos of the festive season, she’s doing things her way this time: fewer opinions, less stress, more joy. We all nodded, “say less”. It struck a chord. Around this time of year, we all start talking about that strange mix of relief and pressure… relief that the year is slowing down, and…

Why you’ll want to RSVP with a yes: in a superset, you pair exercises that work opposing muscle groups, performing them back-to-back before taking a breather. For example, on arms day, you’d do a set of biceps curls, a set of triceps extensions, and then rest. This pro tactic helps you burn more calories, improves your endurance (because you’re pausing less), and makes any resistance sesh more efficient. Use supersets when you’re short on time – hello, everyone – or when you want to sweat and strengthen.…

Eating Kiwis Rating: 6/10 A study of 24 people found that those who ate two kiwis fell asleep 14 minutes quicker and slept 40 minutes longer. Try these instead of your post-dinner choccie. Sleepy Girl Mocktail Rating: 4/10 A drink including magnesium powder (positively associated with sleep) and tart cherry juice (minor changes observed on sleep in studies). Mouth Taping Rating: 3/10 It forces you to breathe through your nose (which filters, humidifies and warms air before it gets to your lungs). It may reduce snoring. But… could be dangerous. Pineal Gland Meditation Rating: 7/10 A type of meditation where you focus your attention on the assumed anatomical position of the pineal gland (located deep in your brain). Limiting Liquids Rating: 8/10 The rule is “no liquids two hours before…

Swap In Honey Although it is still broken down in the body the same way as sugar, it contains antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drizzle lightly. Come To The Dark Side (Of Chocolate) Just make sure it’s 75% or above cocoa solids. It’s far lower in sugar than milk or white varieties, is rich in antioxidants and may help satisfy any pesky sugar cravings. Reach For Berries A handful of these bite-size fruits serves up natural sweetness, as well as providing you with antioxidants and fibre – the latter of which will keep you feeling fuller for longer.…

For training tools that give your workouts a lift The saying “use it or lose it” should be the official slogan for mobility. Beyond your 20s, the ability to move freely and easily through a joint’s full range of motion begins to decline… unless you do something about it. “Our muscles and tendons have less pliability after the age of 30, which means less fluidity in our movements,” says physiotherapist and coach Dr Candace Young. But nowadays, greasing up the joints is about more than rehabilitation and recovery. It’s actually tied to strength gains. You might be thinking that mobility isn’t a brand new concept, and you’re right. But it’s on everyone’s minds lately. In fact, the past few years saw a significant uptick in interest, according to Google Trends.…

You’re mid-workout and your body is doing something. Something weird. You look around – nobody else’s body is doing that. What’s up with yours? You want to know, but there’s no way you’re going to tap that gym-instructor on the shoulder to find out. Instead, you stay silent, persevere, then go home feeling ashamed for not just asking. Well, save your blushes, as we’ve left our pride behind and asked the experts everything you really want to know. Why do I have a wet patch down there? And is it really sweat? Biology lesson time. There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine (produces moisture) and apocrine (makes things smell). Your skin’s covered with around two- to five-million glands – but, due to higher fat levels and hair, your groin…

Period Panties These are good for the environment and have no safety issues or learning curve. Plus, some styles are cute. There’s just the initial investment to consider – and you may want to avoid wearing white pants on heavy days until you figure out which style of period panties gives you the best protection. Menstrual Discs Discs are a more user-friendly alternative to menstrual cups. They work well and can be worn for up to 12 hours; they can stay in place during intercourse so you can avoid a bloody mess. However, not all are reusable, and if you opt for disposable discs, the cost can add up. Reusable Cloth Pads They’re environmentally friendly and less costly than disposable pads. Yes, you have to wash them, but most can…

ROSEMARY SALT Best for: Lamb, chicken, pork loin, roasted vegetables 150g Flaky or coarse salt2 Tbsp Chopped fresh rosemary Preheat the oven to 100°C. Using a mortar and pestle or mini food processor, blend together the salt and rosemary. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven to dry for 1 hour. Allow the salt blend to cool before sealing in an airtight container. (It’ll keep for up to one month.) Break out when you need flavour on tap. SMOKY CHILLI AND GARLIC SALT Best for: Beef, pork, chicken, fish, garnish for egg-based dishes 1 Clove garlic, peeled150g Smoked flaky salt1 Tbsp Chipotle powder Preheat the oven to 100°C. If using a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, salt and chipotle powder in the mortar…

For routines that promote inner confidence We’re all looking for the kind of glow that whispers, “I just got back from a chic all-day spa escape” without the actual big price tag. We’re talking about skin that looks hydrated, healthy and bronzy. Today’s glow is all about a golden sheen and the dewy, ethereal shimmer that comes with it. 1. Prepping For Perfection First things first: a truly radiant glow starts with a well prepped base. Think of your skin as a canvas; the smoother it is, the more flawlessly your bronzers, oils and self-tanners will lay. EXFOLIATE Sloughing off dead skin cells is important to ensure your products last longer and apply smoothly. Try a gentle physical exfoliant (think sugar scrubs or finely milled salts) or chemical ones (AHAs/BHAs)…

Name a song that represents your typical Christmas mood: a The drama-filled I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. b Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer because you’re gunning for your own unsung hero status. c The always iconic and belt-out-worthy All I want for Christmas Is You! Okay, let’s get into your fave *wholesome* seasonal situation. Pick one: a Jokes flying around during a spirited family board game tournament. b Watching your loved ones open all of the gifts that you thoughtfully selected for them. c The matching PJs and adorable group-photo ops. Which festive film trope really speaks to your vibe? a The euphoric, drunken karaoke scene. Hold my beer. b The corporate bigwig returning to their hometown and becoming likeable again. c A frantic, last-minute airport chase to win back a loved…

The dismantling of Mallory DeMille’s trust in the nebulous world of online wellness didn’t happen in a single moment, but in a series of drip-fed awakenings. Reading the book Anti-Diet by journalist and dietician Christy Harrison, which examines the noxious effects of diet culture and presents intuitive eating as an alternative; discovering an influencer she followed faced backlash for claiming she’d reversed a precancerous condition, cervical dysplasia, via supplements and diet. Each discovery seeded doubt in the detoxes and protocols Mallory followed in her mid-twenties, keen to participate in the world of glossy, aspirational health. Perhaps, she thought, a regime of spirulina and maca powder could fix her smattering of adult acne, too. The influencer in question – whose social accounts boast an audience of more than a million –…

PLAY WATER POLO Water polo bodies are hot AF – and with good reason. “From head to toe, you’re using a huge variety of muscles to swim, tread water, wrestle your opponent, jump for the ball and change direction quickly,” says Kelsey White, former captain of the women’s South African water polo team. You’ll also build killer legs and a tight tush from kicking in the water. Expect to torch around 500 calories per session – check out Water Polo South Africa at southafricawaterpolo.co.za to get involved. BECOME A LIFE GUARD Don’t be intimidated by The Hoff – the training you’ll do in and out of the water is enormous fun. And you’re saving lives! “Lifesaving as a sport is an incredible opportunity not only to get fit, but also…

We’re officially on burn notice. Despite years of public health warnings, melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the top ten cancers in the country among men and women according to the 2023 National Cancer Registry. That’s a damn shame because we’re witnessing a quantum leap forward in all things sunscreen. Modern sunblock is not the goop you smeared on as a kid. Today’s sunscreens, fuelled by new research and tech, are pure wizardry. Not only are these products safe, but they block multiple harmful rays, prevent skin cancer, reduce skin damage, combat signs of ageing, hydrate, control breakouts and decrease redness. We dug into the latest science, talked to top dermatologists and tested next generation products to unblock your sunblock issues – now and way,…

CHEMICAL • These sunscreens sink into the skin and convert UV light to harmless heat. (Pretty cool, right?) SPF • Stands for “sun protection factor,” which (basically) indicates how much longer you’re shielded from UVB rays than without sunscreen. BROAD-SPECTRUM • The product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. MINERAL • Ingredients like zinc oxide act as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays before they can penetrate the dermis. WATER-RESISTANT • This means the sunscreen will protect you (usually for either 40 or 80 minutes) while you’re in the water.…

Smoked Salmon, Leek & Crème Fraîche with Dill MAKES 1 QUICHE WITH 12 SLICES 1 Shortcrust pastry base, blind-baked (shortcrust pastry recipe p107) For the basic custard: 5 Eggs400ml CreamSalt and black pepper100g Cheddar cheese, grated100g Parmesan cheese, grated For the filling: 2 Leeks, sliced and washed very well2 Tbsp Olive oil160g Smoked salmon, thinly sliced100g Crème fraîche2 Dill sprigs, leaves picked 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. To make the basic custard, crack the eggs into a measuring jug and top up with the cream. This should amount to 600ml in total, so depending on how large your eggs are, you might need slightly more or less than 400ml cream. Whisk together and season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to combine with your choice of…

WHAT: Walking amont the Big Five and stargazing WHERE TO STAY: Plains Camp HOW MUCH: R29 000 per night for 1-4 guests WHO: Chamain Van Zyl, WH Online Editor A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE The mental and physical benefits of walking stack up incredibly fast. Now, pair that with a trek across a landscape boasting five distinct biomes and we promise you, this trip will be on your 2026 bucket list in no time! Beyond the obvious perks, connecting deeply with nature, soaking up Vitamin D under the African sun and going off-grid when the only signal is a guide telling you to crouch lower while spotting a Big Five animal, walking safaris offer something truly special. And nowhere does it quite like the spectacular Samara Karoo Reserve. Tucked…

Hi-Tec Rain Forest Widebrim R349 from Hi-tec.co.za Between a hat and SPF, you cannot skip either. This wide brim gives you proper coverage across your face and neck, plus it doubles up as a handy shield when the rain sets in. Hi-Tec Ladies Lizzy 3-1 Jacket R2 699 from Hi-tec.co.za Trust us on this one – you’ll use every layer. If you’re heading somewhere with all four seasons in one day, this is the piece you’ll be most grateful for. It’s weatherproof, comfy and just makes every hike feel easier. Bend Featherfeel Shorts R699 from B-end.co.za “These. Shorts. Are. Comfy. And somehow they still look effortlessly chic. Whether that’s scrambling over rocks or folding yourself into a pretzel for the perfect photo. Go for a darker colour if you’re walking…

Travel Content Creator Siphelele ‘Popi’ Sibiya To subscribers of her hit social media travel series The Popi Show, Popi embodies the famous Paulo Coelho quote: “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.” Refreshingly real, Popi has built a platform where her adventures are far from luxurious – with trips stitched together using bus rides, hitchhikes, boats, chance encounters with strangers and homestays. Call her a modern-day explorer, if you will. Surprisingly, she credits this bold career move to something most of us dread – boredom! Popi’s convinced that her ability to create magic out of boredom was influenced by her “sheltered and uneventful” childhood in King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape where she, together with her four siblings, were often left alone to create their own…

I’ve been with my partner for 15 years and my sex life has gone stale. Help! Firstly, know that ruts are totally normal. “Have you been having the same predictable sex or have you just not been putting in much effort overall?” asks Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, professor of relational and sexual communication. Either way, you can change it. Taking up a new habit, such as sexting, can increase excitement and anticipation, while buying new sex toys can be a bonding moment, suggests Dr Suwinyattichaiporn. If that’s not for you, sexual mindfulness has been shown to revitalise desire. “It’s like meditation, but focusing on sexual thoughts.” Or turn it up by reading or listening to erotica (including Luvbites by Dr Tara, a podcast). And sometimes, you just need to get a…

Let’s face it, navigating the medical aid landscape in South Africa can feel overwhelming and at times even confusing. The result is that many people choose the wrong plans for their budgets, circumstances and needs, leaving them frustrated with the cover they receive and viewing medical aid as nothing more than a grudge purchase. But in a country where the public health system is often under strain, medical aid isn’t just a luxury – it’s a critical tool for protecting your wellbeing. And as the cost of living continues to climb, getting real value from your cover has never been more important. “Medical aid should feel like a safety net, not a financial burden,” says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer at Bonitas Medical Fund. “The key is choosing a plan that works…

Serum sticks are a convenient, mess-free alternative to traditional bottled serums. Perfect for travel, on-the-go touch-ups or simply tossing in your bag. Skin Republic has launched its new range of serum sticks, bringing targeted skincare to you wherever you are. These solid, portable serums are designed for effortless, mess-free application. Tackle specific concerns with the Salicylic Acid 2% Stick for blemishes, the Retinol 0.3% Stick to smooth texture and fight ageing, or the Ceramide 10% Stick to soothe dry patches. It’s never been easier to keep your skin healthy and glowing, even on the move! Go to Theskinrepublic.co.za for more. 2 to 6 CUPS OF ANTIOXIDANTRICH GREEN TEA DAILY MAY HELP REVERSE SUN DAMAGE. FOR A SUMMER ICED-TEA RECIPE, GO TO WomensHealthSA.co.za Good Hair Day, No Bottle Required These shampoo bars…

Ankles These joints can move in multiple planes, but often we don’t allow them to. “Keeping our ankles mobile is a huge factor that often gets overlooked,” says Young. “If we lose that mobility, it changes our walking pattern drastically.” It can also lead to painful issues such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, or difficulty with direction changes on the fly, like in tennis. Hips Prolonged sitting, lying down, or even standing tightens your lower back and hips, says Dr Young. “You need to be able to extend the hips appropriately for walking to reduce strain,” says Hutson. Running, too, can limit lateral motion in the hips because you’re always moving in a straight(ish) line, says Young. Tight hips also act as an obstacle to strength gains. Lower Back…

01 Sound Advice It’s not all music to your ears. “When the noise is loud, sound waves enter your outer ear and travel through the canal – via the eardrum and tiny bones vibrating – and into your inner ear,” says audiologist Paul Harrison. “Hair cells detect these vibrations, which then signal to your brain,” he adds – urging caution. Even short exposure to high decibels can cause damage. Take earplugs or breaks between sets. 02 Feeling Wiped Camping isn’t exactly conducive to a 10-step skincare routine. “But the temptation to leave make-up on can trap dirt, oil and pollutants against the skin, which can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London. “It’s essential to cleanse skin thoroughly to remove impurities.”…

It’s a genius concept: everything you want to eat, in one bowl. “Grain bowls offer a creative way to add a variety of nutrients to your meals. With the right combo, you’ll get a mixture of protein, carbs, heart-healthy fats and fibre,” says registered dietician and nutritionist Yasi Ansari. Plus, the throw-it-all-together format allows for endless possibilities, so you can eat one every day without getting bored (in theory). Think of your base – grains, or a mix of grains and greens – as the blank canvas for flavourful foods. But not all bowls are created equal and some of these edible ensembles tend to lack a little…nutritional oomph. The WH Test Kitchen experts teamed up with Ansari on a revamp so you can make your next bowl your best…

Unwrap, spritz, sniff… and nope. We’ve all been on the awkward side of a scent surprise. One person’s dreamy floral is another person’s headache-in-a-bottle. But don’t stress – fragrance roulette doesn’t have to be your future. We’ve decoded the mystery of scents so you don’t roll the dice again. THE GIFTEE: Your bestie THE CLUE: Her lunch order Picking a perfume for your bestie is basically like bottling up her vibe: playful, chic or bold. Studies show that taste and smell are closely linked, so your friend’s food preferences can be a helpful guide. Just don’t take them too literally… after all, loving spicy chilli doesn’t mean she wants to wear it! Think of it this way: what you enjoy in a glass often hints at what you’ll love in…

MYTH Sunscreen is toxic TikTok videos “reporting” that sunscreen causes worse issues than the skin cancer it’s designed to prevent have blown up, with personalities shunning sun protection over its “toxicity”. But sun damage remains a risk factor for melanoma, which sunscreen slashes your chances of developing. Don’t want to wear chemical sunscreen? Give a mineral version a try instead. MYTH The MMR vaccine causes autism In the late 90s, a scientific paper claimed that the measles, mumps and rubella jab that is given to small children was linked to autism. This claim has been repeatedly and thoroughly debunked, yet it remains a corrosive idea that’s often repeated by anti-vaccine voices. MYTH Raw milk is healthier than pasteurised One of RFK Jr’s core pet theories is that raw cow’s milk…

THE HAT Asics Bucket Hat Carry the shade with you in style. This adjustable bucket hat with a wide brim shields and supports without budging in rough waves. Includes mesh panelling and moisture management. R1 000, Asics.com THE WATCH Garmin Fēnix 8 AMOLED Good news, runners: this watch doubles as a waterproof tracker so you can run to the sea, swim in it and run back. Or, you know, do an obstacle race. R26 999, Garmin.com THE POUCH Ocean And Earth Watersport Bum Bag Holds your keys, phone and anything else safe and dry as the rest of you get soaked. R440, Pollywog.co.za THE CAMERA GoPro Hero13 Ultra Wide Edition Capture those epic moments in their fullest POV form with this maxi lens. Plus, it sheds water to keep shots…

FOR SKIN TONE Swiitchbeauty Winter #SilkStick Dewy SPF50 Stick We’re still loving the winter edition of this stick for its transparent, natural finish. Works just as well on its own as it does under make-up. R270, Swiitchbeauty.com FOR DRYNESS CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 Contains ceramides and niacinamide – great for those who don’t like multi-step routines. R285, Clicks.co.za FOR REDNESS Heliocare 360° Color Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 Don’t be afraid of tint – this gel is sheer, neutral and provides uniform coverage for an even complexion, perfect for calming post-gym flush. R555, Skinmiles.co.za FOR WORKOUTS ISDIN Fusion Gel Sport SPF50+ Sweat-proof, invisible, nonsticky and formulated for intense movement, this gel SPF keeps up when you’re going full tilt. R525, Dermastore.co.za FOR ZERO SHINE Nivea Sun SPF 50 Shine Control…

FOR PIGMENTATION SVR Sun Secure Blur Tinted SPF 50+ Photoshop in a bottle with a unique, peach-like scent and mousse texture that blends and leaves no traces. Also has enhanced resistance to water (80 mins), sweat and rubbing. R399, Skinmiles.com FOR ANTI-AGEING Avène Anti Age SPF50 Fluid This fluid formula is designed specifically for the sensitive skin of the face. Also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and visibly enhances skin firmness. R495, Dermastore.co.za FOR SKIN REPAIR Bioderma Photoderm XDefense Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ A high-protection detox formula that helps the skin neutralise pollutants and stimulates the production of antioxidant enzymes naturally present in the skin. R365, Dermastore.co.za FOR A COVER UP Lamelle Helase Photo-Repair Tint 50 It offers light to medium coverage while providing superior protection against an ultra-wide…

WHAT: Breathtaking views and adventure WHERE TO STAY: Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles Resort HOW MUCH: Rooms from R7 510 WHO: Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, WH Editor MINDFULNESS MEETS THE SEA In the middle of the Indian Ocean there’s a country, Seychelles, that instantly disarms you as you land. Welcoming, and utterly beautiful. The descent alone was instant honeymoon vibes. And if The White Lotus taught me anything, it’s how to recognise when you’ve arrived somewhere truly exquisite. Comprising a chain of 115 islands scattered around gorgeous blue waters, Seychelles is known for its soft-sand beaches, reefs and jungle-like landscapes (just do a simple TikTok search). The main island, Mahé, is home to the capital city, Victoria, where you’ll find a blend of island culture, vibrant markets and natural beauty. The islands enjoy a…

Gut Goals Noa & Co Vanilla Replenishing Protein gives your gut the love it deserves. This creamy, plant-based blend combines brown rice, pea and hemp proteins for a complete amino acid profile that supports strength and recovery. With probiotics and gut-nourishing nutrients, it’s your smooth, daily dose of wellness. Available at Noaandco.com Hydration Hero Beat the heat, the workout or travel fatigue with Biogen Revitalyte Electrolyte Replenishment Powder. Each sachet delivers fast-acting hydration with electrolytes, minerals and vitamins to restore balance and energy. Sip, recover, repeat – wherever life takes you. Available at Biogen.co.za Power Powder Get stronger skin and stronger lifts with Biogen Creatine Collagen Powder. This two-in-one formula pairs hydrolysed collagen for joint and tissue support with creatine to enhance performance, power and recovery. It’s designed for active…

Eating two kiwis, drinking a “sleepy girl mocktail”, mouth taping, pineal gland meditation and shunning liquids at least two hours before bedtime are just a few elements of TikTok’s latest trend, sleepmaxxing. But although many of these acts are based on research, they might not actually be worth losing sleep over. Sleep is as important to health as exercise, healthy eating and stress reduction, and it’s great that sleep health receives so much attention on social media. With sleep researchers getting better at communicating their findings to a wider non-academic audience, findings end up on TikTok and Instagram more easily. Some sleepmaxxing tips are helpful, some are a waste of time, while some are even harmful. Sleepmaxxing may become dangerous if it keeps a person from seeking medical attention for…

South Africans have a serious sweet tooth, consuming 12-24 teaspoons of sugar a day*. However, research shows that overindulgence affects weight management and dental health and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. To curb cravings, many turn to low- or nocalorie sweeteners. But these substitutes come with their own consequences. “Sweetener” is a catch-all term for lab-made substitutes like aspartame and sucralose, as well as natural alternatives such as xylitol and stevia. They mimic sweetness by binding to sugar-detecting taste receptors, tricking the brain into sensing sweetness without triggering the same metabolic responses. In theory, this reduces chronic disease risk by lowering glucose levels and calorie intake, with some studies linking them to modest weight loss. Yet debate over long-term effects continues. Since the 1970s,…

For a well-rounded diet that’s rich in variety Grill Talk Looking for lean protein? Picanha steak packs around 22g of the macro in your average serving. It’s also stacked with vitamin B12, which helps keep your nerves and blood healthy. In other words, it’s the definition of fitness fuel. Miso Salmon With Charred Baby Cabbage Miso cures the salmon before the fatty fish goes on the fire, then caramelises beautifully as it cooks, says South African chef and restaurateur Reuben Riffel, who likes serving it with charred veggies, warm sushi rice and pickled ginger. SERVES 4 4 Salmon fillets (150-200g each), skin on Sushi rice, for serving (optional)Pickled ginger, for serving (optional) Miso Marinade ¼ cup Miso paste2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)2 Tbsp Sake2 Tbsp Soy sauce2 Tbsp Sugar2 Tbsp…

While many ofus tend to turn to erotica – whether visual, written or audio – to get off, there’s something to be said for digging into the archives of your own sexual experiences. We often spend very little time reflecting on our sexual histories, so it’s easy to forget that the best sex we’ll ever see is the sex we have ourselves. And you, dear readers, have some of the best sex out there. We know this from crowdsourcing your hottest, sexiest stories. This time, with a steamy summer twist… Who needs raunchy videos or romantasy when you can access memories like these, eh? 70% OF SINGLE MILLENNIALS HAVE SEX WITH AN EX AFTER BREAKING UP WITH THEM, ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY EHARMONY. Alfresco Sex Season “A summer of…