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Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Metastatic Breast Cancer

 Metastatic breast cancer

also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a type of breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. It is a serious and often life-threatening condition, and it is important for women to be aware of the symptoms and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have metastatic breast cancer.



Here are some of the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer:

Bone pain: Metastatic breast cancer often spreads to the bones, and bone pain is a common symptom. The pain may be in one specific area or may be widespread.

Shortness of breath: Metastatic breast cancer can spread to the lungs, causing shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Fatigue: Metastatic breast cancer can cause fatigue, which may be due to the cancer itself, as well as the treatments used to manage it.

Headaches: Metastatic breast cancer can spread to the brain, causing headaches, seizures, and other neurological symptoms.

Weight loss: Metastatic breast cancer can cause unintentional weight loss, which may be due to a combination of factors, including a decrease in appetite, the cancer itself, and the treatments used to manage it.

Nausea and vomiting: Metastatic breast cancer can cause nausea and vomiting, which may be due to the cancer itself, as well as the treatments used to manage it.

Diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and bone scans, as well as a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue from the affected area for examination under a microscope. The biopsy can confirm the presence of breast cancer cells and determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer often involves a combination of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the location and extent of the spread. While there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, treatment can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.

Women with metastatic breast cancer should also receive supportive care, such as pain management, nutritional support, and emotional support, to help manage the physical and emotional challenges of living with this condition.

It is important for women to be aware of the risk factors for breast cancer, including age, family history, and certain genetic mutations, and to undergo regular breast cancer screening. Early detection of breast cancer can help improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

In conclusion, metastatic breast cancer is a serious and often life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Women should be aware of the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer and seek medical attention if they suspect they may have the condition. While there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, treatment can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life. Women with metastatic breast cancer should also receive supportive care to help manage the physical and emotional challenges of living with this condition. Regular breast cancer screening and early detection can help improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Saturday, 11 February 2023

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

 Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) 

is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. IBC is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms and can spread quickly, making it important to diagnose and treat this type of cancer as soon as possible.

Here are some of the symptoms and signs of inflammatory breast cancer:

Swelling and redness of the breast: Swelling and redness of the breast is a common symptom of IBC. The skin of the breast may also appear thick and warm to the touch. These symptoms are often mistaken for an infection, but they are indicative of the cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.

Pain: Pain in the breast is not a common symptom of IBC, but it can occur. If you experience pain in your breast, it is important to see a doctor.

Rapid onset of symptoms: IBC often develops quickly and symptoms can appear in a matter of weeks or even days. This rapid onset of symptoms distinguishes IBC from other forms of breast cancer, which typically develop slowly over time.

Nipple changes: Changes in the nipple, such as redness, scaling, or turning inward, can be a sign of IBC.

Skin changes: Changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness, can be a sign of IBC. These changes can be a result of the cancer cells affecting the skin of the breast.

Breast size: IBC can cause the breast to enlarge rapidly, which distinguishes it from other forms of breast cancer that typically cause a lump or mass to develop.

Diagnosis of IBC typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as mammograms, ultrasound, and MRI, as well as a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue from the breast for examination under a microscope. In some cases, a biopsy may not be necessary, as the symptoms of IBC are often so characteristic that a diagnosis can be made based on the appearance of the breast alone.

Cancer Health Center

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Cancer In The Blood

Cancer Institute 

Cancer Of The Lip

Cancer Of The Mouth

Treatment for IBC typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor and prevent the cancer cells from spreading, while radiation therapy is used to destroy the remaining cancer cells. Surgery may be used to remove the remaining cancer cells and restore the appearance of the breast.

It is important to diagnose and treat IBC as soon as possible, as this type of cancer can spread quickly and become difficult to treat if not detected early. Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of IBC and take the necessary steps to detect the disease early and receive prompt treatment.

In conclusion, inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that requires prompt treatment. Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of IBC and take the necessary steps to detect the disease early and receive prompt treatment. A combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery is often used to treat IBC, and early detection is crucial to a positive outcome.

Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. Early detection of breast cancer can make a significant difference in the treatment and prognosis of the disease. Here are some signs and symptoms of breast cancer that women should be aware of:
Signs of Breast Cancer

Lumps or masses in the breast:

 A lump or mass in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to perform regular self-breast exams and to have a doctor check any lumps or masses that are found. It is important to note that not all lumps are cancerous and many can be benign (not cancer), but a doctor should still evaluate them to be sure.

Lumps or masses in the breast

Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast: Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast can also be a sign of breast cancer. This may include swelling, redness, dimpling of the skin, or a change in the nipple position.

Nipple discharge: 

Nipple discharge can be a sign of breast cancer, especially if it is bloody or clear and comes from only one breast. It is important to see a doctor if you experience this symptom.

Nipple discharge

Skin changes: 

Changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness, can be a sign of breast cancer. These changes can be a result of a tumor growing and affecting the skin of the breast.

Skin changes



Pain: Pain in the breast is not a common symptom of breast cancer, but it can occur in some cases. If you experience pain in your breast that does not go away, it is important to see a doctor.

Swelling in the armpit: 

Swelling in the armpit can be a sign of breast cancer, as this can indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit.

Swelling in the armpit

Nipple changes: 

Changes in the nipple, such as redness, scaling, or turning inward, can be a sign of breast cancer.

Skin thickening:

 Thickening of the skin on the breast can be a sign of breast cancer, as this can indicate that a tumor is growing underneath the skin.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions and do not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Skin thickening

Diagnosis of breast cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as mammograms, ultrasound, and MRI, as well as a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue from the breast for examination under a microscope.

Early detection of breast cancer is crucial to successful treatment and a positive prognosis. Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and perform regular self-breast exams. They should also have a mammogram as recommended by their doctor and be mindful of any changes in their breast that may indicate a problem.

It is also important for women to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, avoiding alcohol, and eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious condition that affects many women, but early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome. Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and take the necessary steps to detect the disease early and receive prompt treatment.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding the Importance and What You Can Do to Help


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection, and treatment of this disease. Every year, millions of people around the world come together to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment programs. But what exactly is breast cancer and why is it so important to be aware of it? In this article, we'll explore the basics of breast cancer and what you can do to help.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It can affect both men and women, although it is much more common in women. There are different types of breast cancer, but the most common type is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the ducts that carry milk from the lobules (glands) to the nipple. Another type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma, which starts in the lobules themselves.




Breast cancer can spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs, in a process known as metastasis. This is why it is so important to detect breast cancer as early as possible, before it has a chance to spread.

Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Important?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important because it helps to raise awareness about this disease and the importance of early detection and treatment. By spreading awareness and educating the public, we can help to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer and improve the quality of life for those who are affected by the disease.

In addition, Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment programs. The money raised during this time is used to support organizations that are working to find a cure for breast cancer, as well as to provide resources and support for those who are dealing with the disease.

What You Can Do to Help

There are many ways that you can get involved and help to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some of the things you can do include:

Wear pink: One of the most recognizable symbols of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the color pink. Wear pink clothing, accessories, or ribbons to show your support for the cause.

Make a donation: You can make a donation to a breast cancer research or treatment organization. There are many reputable organizations that you can choose from, and your donation can make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Participate in a fundraising event: There are many events that are held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for the cause. You can participate in a walk or run, attend a fundraiser, or organize your own event.

Spread awareness: Use social media, your blog, or your website to spread awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment. Share information about breast cancer, including the symptoms and risk factors, and encourage your friends and family to get screened.

Get screened: If you are a woman over the age of 40, it is important to get a mammogram every year. This is a simple, non-invasive test that can detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or if you have other risk factors, you may need to start getting screened at an earlier age.

Taking everything into account, Bosom Malignant growth Mindfulness Month is a significant opportunity to build consideration and backing for the mindfulness, early identification, and treatment of this infection. By meeting up and making a move, we can have an effect in the battle against bosom malignant growth and

Friday, 10 February 2023

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast Cancer Symptoms 

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast tissue and can affect both men and women, although it is much more common in women. It can start in the cells of the milk-producing ducts or the glands that produce milk. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial as it increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast Cancer Symptoms


Here are some of the common symptoms of breast cancer:

Lumps or Thickening in the Breast:
One of the earliest signs of breast cancer is the presence of a lump or thickening in the breast. This lump can be felt and is usually painless. It is important to note that not all lumps in the breast are cancerous, but it is always best to have them checked by a doctor.

Lumps
Lumps

Changes in the Skin of the Breast: The skin of the breast may appear dimpled, puckered, or red, and may have a rash or other unusual changes. This can indicate that the breast tissue is changing and may require further investigation.

Changes in the Skin of the Breast

Nipple Discharge: Nipple discharge that is not milky and occurs without squeezing the nipple can be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience this symptom.

Nipple Discharge

Swelling or Shrinking of the Breast: If you notice that one breast has become larger or smaller than the other, it may be a sign of breast cancer. This can also be accompanied by a change in the shape of the breast.

Pain in the Breast: Pain in the breast is not a common symptom of breast cancer, but if you experience persistent or worsening pain in the breast, it is important to seek medical attention.

Pain in the Breast

Changes in the Nipple: If the nipple turns inward, becomes red or scaly, or begins to bleed, it may be a sign of breast cancer.

Changes in the Nipple

It is important to perform regular self-exams and to schedule regular mammograms to detect any changes in the breast tissue. In addition to these symptoms, there are also certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Some of these risk factors include:

Age: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases being diagnosed in women over the age of 50.

Breast Cancer Articles

Breast Cancer Cure 

Breast Cancer Facts 

Breast Cancer Health 

Breast Cancer Signs 

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast Cancer Staging 

Breast Cancer Treatment

Family History: Women who have a family history of breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease.

Personal History of Breast Cancer: Women who have had breast cancer in the past are at an increased risk of developing the disease again.

Personal History of Breast Cancer

Reproductive and Menstrual History: Women who started menstruating at a young age, went through menopause late, or never had children are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Reproductive and Menstrual History

Hormonal Therapy: Women who have taken hormonal therapy for an extended period of time are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Hormonal Therapy
Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Obesity

Alcohol Consumption: Women who consume alcohol regularly are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Alcohol Consumption

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and to seek medical attention if you experience any changes in your breast tissue. Regular self-exams, mammograms, and doctor visits can help to detect breast cancer in its early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival.

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but early detection and treatment can greatly increase the chances of survival. Regular self-exams, mammograms, and doctor visits, as well as lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption, can help

Thursday, 9 February 2023

Breast cancer - World Health Organization

 Breast cancer - World Health Organization

Breast cancer is common cancer affecting women worldwide, with over 2 million new cases reported annually. It is the leading cause of cancer death among women, with a higher risk for those over the age of 50. Early detection and proper treatment can increase the chances of survival. The World Health Organization recommends regular self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and mammography for early detection and diagnosis. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and reduced alcohol intake can also help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer - World Health Organization

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for international public health. With a mission to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world, the WHO works to ensure that people have access to essential health services, to promote health and prevent diseases, and provide information and support to health systems.

One of the areas of focus for the WHO is breast cancer. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women worldwide, with over 2 million new cases reported annually. While the exact causes of breast cancer are still unknown, several factors such as age, family history, and lifestyle can increase a person's risk of developing the disease.
World Health Organization


The WHO recommends several measures for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, including regular self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and mammography. The organization also highlights the importance of prompt and appropriate treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

In addition to early detection and treatment, the WHO also emphasizes the role of lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of breast cancer. This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight. The organization also advocates for reducing exposure to environmental and occupational risk factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals and radiation.

The WHO also recognizes the importance of supporting women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and provides information and guidance on psychosocial support and rehabilitation. The organization works closely with governments, health organizations, and community groups to ensure that all women have access to the information and resources they need to prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer.

In conclusion, the World Health Organization plays a critical role in addressing the global burden of breast cancer. Through its efforts to promote early detection, provide access to appropriate treatment, and support women and their families, the WHO is working to build a better, healthier future for all people. The organization continues to raise awareness about breast cancer, provide information and guidance, and advocate for the rights of women and girls around the world.



Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is dedicated to promoting health and well-being globally. Founded in 1948, the WHO has the mandate to build a better, healthier future for all people, regardless of their circumstances.

One of the key areas of focus for the WHO is the prevention, treatment, and control of diseases. The organization works to improve access to essential health services and to promote health and prevent diseases by providing information and support to health systems. This includes supporting the development of effective treatments and vaccines and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The WHO also plays a critical role in responding to outbreaks and epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization provides guidance and support to countries to help them respond effectively to the threat of infectious diseases. This includes providing information and advice on preventing the spread of diseases and supporting the development of effective treatments and vaccines.

Another important aspect of the WHO's work is improving health equity, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the health services and care they need, regardless of their location, social status, or economic circumstances. This includes working to eliminate health disparities and ensure that people living in rural and remote areas have access to quality health services.

In addition to its focus on health, the WHO also works to promote healthy environments and communities. This includes working to reduce exposure to environmental and occupational risks, such as air and water pollution, as well as advocating for healthy and safe working conditions. The organization promotes healthy and sustainable communities by promoting active transportation and healthy eating.

In conclusion, the World Health Organization is a critical player in the global health landscape. Through its efforts to prevent and treat diseases, improve health equity, and promote healthy environments and communities, the WHO is working to build a better, healthier future for all people. The organization continues to play a key role in responding to emerging health challenges, and in promoting health and well-being for all.

Monday, 27 January 2014

45 Best Health Tips Ever

45 Best Health Tips Ever Biography

Source(google.com.pk)
45 Best Health Tips Ever
We've done the legwork for you and here they are: the 45 best health tips. Make that 46 - taking the time to read this tops the list.
1. Copy your kitty: Learn to do stretching exercises when you wake up. It boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain.

2. Don’t skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fibre breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yoghurt, wholewheat toast, and a boiled egg.

45 Best Health Tips Ever
3. Brush up on hygiene. Many people don't know how to brush their teeth properly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes. This includes brushing the teeth, the junction of the teeth and gums, the tongue and the roof of the mouth. And you don't need a fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy, soft-bristled one that you replace each month.

45 Best Health Tips Ever
4. Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain fizzing with energy. American researchers coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which activate the brain's own biochemical pathways and to bring new pathways online that can help to strengthen or preserve brain circuits. Brush your teeth with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to work or choose your clothes based on sense of touch rather than sight. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and age-related mental decline.

5. Get what you give! Always giving and never taking? This is the short road to compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to a point where you have nothing left to give. And hey, if you can’t receive from others, how can you expect them to receive from you?

6. Get spiritual. A study conducted by the formidably sober and scientific Harvard University found that patients who were prayed for recovered quicker than those who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of the prayer.

7. Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in Cape Town found that eating raw garlic helped fight serious childhood infections. Heat destroys these properties, so eat yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or, if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.

45 Best Health Tips Ever
8. Knock one back. A glass of red wine a day is good for you. A number of studies have found this, but a recent one found that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in green tea, red wine and olives may also help protect you against breast cancer. It’s thought that the antioxidants help protect you from environmental carcinogens such as passive tobacco smoke.

9. Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong. Remember that your bone density declines after the age of 30. You need at least 200 milligrams daily, which you should combine with magnesium, or it simply won’t be absorbed.

10. Berries for your belly. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain plant nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival grapes in concentrations of resveratrol – the antioxidant compound found in red wine that has assumed near mythological proportions. Resveratrol is believed to help protect against heart disease and cancer.

11. Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods containing chillies or cayenne pepper trigger endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Endorphins have a powerful, almost narcotic, effect and make you feel good after exercising. But go easy on the lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat, creamy dishes served in many Indian restaurants.

12. Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal supplements – from the popular St John's Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger, ginseng and feverfew – can cause increased bleeding during surgery, warn surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all medication, including herbal supplements, at least two weeks before surgery, and inform your surgeon about your herbal use.

13. I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful cancer fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The good news is that cooked tomatoes are also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups and casseroles, as well as in salads. The British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes and apples can reduce your risk of asthma and chronic lung diseases. Both contain the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato every other day.

14. Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and small healthy meals and keep fruit and veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe your frazzled nerves. Eating unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts the formation of serotonin, another feel-good drug. Small amounts of protein containing the amino acid tryptamine can give you a boost when stress tires you out.

15. Load up on vitamin C.We need at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best way to get this is by eating at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. So hit the oranges and guavas!

16. No folly in folic acid. Folic acid should be taken regularly by all pregnant mums and people with a low immunity to disease. Folic acid prevents spina bifida in unborn babies and can play a role in cancer prevention. It is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, fruit and bran.

17. A for Away. This vitamin, and beta carotene, help to boost immunity against disease. It also assists in the healing process of diseases such as measles and is recommended by the WHO. Good natural sources of vitamin A are kidneys, liver, dairy products, green and yellow vegetables, pawpaw, mangoes, chilli pepper, red sorrel and red palm oil.

45 Best Health Tips Ever

18. Pure water. Don’t have soft drinks or energy drinks while you're exercising. Stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water during your workout (just don't overdo things, as drinking too much water can also be dangerous). While you might need energy drinks for long-distance running, in shorter exercise sessions in the gym, your body will burn the glucose from the soft drink first, before starting to burn body fat. Same goes for eating sweets.



45 Best Health Tips Ever
19. GI, Jane. Carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index, such as bread, sugar, honey and grain-based food will give instant energy and accelerate your metabolism. If you’re trying to burn fat, stick to beans, rice, pasta, lentils, peas, soya beans and oat bran, all of which have a low GI count.

20. Mindful living. You've probably heard the old adage that life's too short to stuff a mushroom. But perhaps you should consider the opposite: that life's simply too short NOT to focus on the simple tasks. By slowing down and concentrating on basic things, you'll clear your mind of everything that worries you. Really concentrate on sensations and experiences again: observe the rough texture of a strawberry's skin as you touch it, and taste the sweet-sour juice as you bite into the fruit; when your partner strokes your hand, pay careful attention to the sensation on your skin; and learn to really focus on simple tasks while doing them, whether it's flowering plants or ironing your clothes.

21. The secret of stretching. When you stretch, ease your body into position until you feel the stretch and hold it for about 25 seconds. Breathe deeply to help your body move oxygen-rich blood to those sore muscles. Don't bounce or force yourself into an uncomfortable position.

22. Do your weights workout first. Experts say weight training should be done first, because it's a higher intensity exercise compared to cardio. Your body is better able to handle weight training early in the workout because you're fresh and you have the energy you need to work it. Conversely, cardiovascular exercise should be the last thing you do at the gym, because it helps your body recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles, and flushing out lactic acid, which builds up in the muscles while you're weight training. It’s the lactic acid that makes your muscles feel stiff and sore.

23. Burn fat during intervals. To improve your fitness quickly and lose weight, harness the joys of interval training. Set the treadmill or step machine on the interval programme, where your speed and workload varies from minute to minute. Build up gradually, every minute and return to the starting speed. Repeat this routine. Not only will it be less monotonous, but you can train for a shorter time and achieve greater results.

24. Your dirtiest foot forward. If your ankles, knees, and hips ache from running on pavement, head for the dirt. Soft trails or graded roads are a lot easier on your joints than the hard stuff. Also, dirt surfaces tend to be uneven, forcing you to slow down a bit and focus on where to put your feet – great for agility and concentration.

25. Burn the boredom, blast the lard. Rev up your metabolism by alternating your speed and intensity during aerobic workouts. Not only should you alternate your routine to prevent burnout or boredom, but to give your body a jolt. If you normally walk at 6.5km/h on the treadmill or take 15 minutes to walk a km, up the pace by going at 8km/h for a minute or so during your workout. Do this every five minutes or so. Each time you work out, increase your bouts of speed in small increments.

26. Cool off without a beer. Don’t eat carbohydrates for at least an hour after exercise. This will force your body to break down body fat, rather than using the food you ingest. Stick to fruit and fluids during that hour, but avoid beer.

27. ‘Okay, now do 100 of those’. Instead of flailing away at gym, enlist the help – even temporarily – of a personal trainer. Make sure you learn to breathe properly and to do the exercises the right way. You’ll get more of a workout while spending less time at the gym.

28. Stop fuming. Don’t smoke and if you smoke already, do everything in your power to quit. Don’t buy into that my-granny-smoked-and-lived-to-be-90 crud – not even the tobacco giants believe it. Apart from the well-known risks of heart disease and cancer, orthopaedic surgeons have found that smoking accelerates bone density loss and constricts blood flow. So you could live to be a 90-year-old amputee who smells of stale tobacco smoke. Unsexy.

29. Ask about Mad Aunt Edith. Find out your family history. You need to know if there are any inherited diseases prowling your gene pool. According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, finding out what your grandparents died of can provide useful – even lifesaving – information about what’s in store for you. And be candid, not coy: 25 percent of the children of alcoholics become alcoholics themselves.

30. Do self-checks. Do regular self-examinations of your breasts. Most partners are more than happy to help, not just because breast cancer is the most common cancer among SA women. The best time to examine your breasts is in the week after your period.

31. My smear campaign. Have a pap smear once a year. Not on our list of favourite things, but it’s vital. Cervical cancer kills 200 000 women a year and it’s the most prevalent form of cancer among black women, affecting more than 30 percent. But the chances of survival are nearly 100 percent if it’s detected early. Be particularly careful if you became sexually active at an early age, have had multiple sex partners or smoke.

32. Understand hormones. Recent research suggests that short-term (less than five years) use of HRT is not associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer, but that using it for more than ten years might be. Breast cancer is detected earlier in women using HRT, as they are more alert to the disease than other women.

32. Beat the sneezes. There are more than 240 allergens, some rare and others very common. If you’re a sneezer due to pollen: close your car’s windows while driving, rather switch on the internal fan (drawing in air from the outside), and avoid being outdoors between 5am and 10 am when pollen counts are at their highest; stick to holidays in areas with low pollen counts, such as the seaside and stay away from freshly cut grass.

33. Doggone. If you’re allergic to your cat, dog, budgie or pet piglet, stop suffering the ravages of animal dander: Install an air filter in your home. Keep your pet outside as much as possible and brush him outside of the home to remove loose hair and other allergens. Better yet, ask someone else to do so.

34. Asthma-friendly sports. Swimming is the most asthma-friendly sport of all, but cycling, canoeing, fishing, sailing and walking are also good, according to the experts. Asthma need not hinder peak performance in sport. 11 percent of the US Olympic team were asthmatics – and between them they won 41 medals.

35. Deep heat. Sun rays can burn even through thick glass, and under water. Up to 35 percent of UVB rays and 85 percent of UVA rays penetrate thick glass, while 50 percent of UVB rays and 77 percent of UVA rays penetrate a meter of water and wet cotton clothing. Which means you’ll need sunscreen while driving your car on holiday, and water resistant block if you’re swimming.

36. Fragrant ageing. Stay away from perfumed or flavoured suntan lotions which smell of coconut oil or orange if you want your skin to stay young. These lotions contain psoralen, which speeds up the ageing process. Rather use a fake-tan lotion. Avoid sun beds, which are as bad as the sun itself.

37. Sunscreen can be a smokescreen. Sunscreen is unlikely to stop you from being sunburned, or to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. That’s because most people don’t apply it properly, and stay in the sun too long. The solution? Slather on sunscreen daily and reapply it often, especially if you’ve been in the water. How much? At least enough to fill a shot glass.

45 Best Health Tips Ever
38. Laugh and cry. Having a good sob is reputed to be good for you. So is laughter, which has been shown to help heal bodies, as well as broken hearts. Studies in Japan indicate that laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body shake off allergic reactions.

39. It ain’t over till it’s over. End relationships that no longer work for you, as you could be spending time in a dead end. Rather head for more meaningful things. You could be missing opportunities while you’re stuck in a meaningless rut, trying to breathe life into something that is long gone.

40. Strong people go for help. Ask for assistance. Gnashing your teeth in the dark will not get you extra brownie points. It is a sign of strength to ask for assistance and people will respect you for it. If there is a relationship problem, the one who refuses to go for help is usually the one with whom the problem lies to begin with.

41. Save steamy scenes for the bedroom. Showering or bathing in water that’s too hot will dry out your skin and cause it to age prematurely. Warm water is much better. Apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp – it’ll be absorbed more easily. Adding a little olive oil to your bath with help keep your skin moisturised too.

42. Here’s the rub. Improve your circulation and help your lymph glands to drain by the way you towel off. Helping your lymph glands function can help prevent them becoming infected. When drying off your limbs and torso, brush towards the groin on your legs and towards the armpits on your upper body. You can do the same during gentle massage with your partner.

45 Best Health Tips Ever
43. Sugar-coated. More than three million South Africans suffer from type 2 diabetes, and the incidence is increasing – with new patients getting younger. New studies show this type of diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome (X Syndrome), which includes high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. More than 80 percent of type 2 diabetics die of heart disease, so make sure you control your glucose levels, and watch your blood pressure and cholesterol counts.

44. Relax, it’s only sex. Stress and sex make bad bedfellows, it seems. A US survey showed that stress, kids and work are main factors to dampen libido. With the advent of technology that allows us to work from home, the lines between our jobs and our personal lives have become blurred. People work longer hours, commutes are longer and work pervades all aspects of our lives, including our sexual relationships. Put nooky and intimacy on the agenda, just like everything else.

45. Good night, sweetheart. Rest heals the body and has been shown to lessen the risk of heart trouble and psychological problems.