Worldwide, measles infects about 20 million people annually and causes almost 200 000 deaths, primarily in young children, of which about one in five will be hospitalised.

There is currently a global resurgence of measles after years of progress in fighting the disease. Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral infection and not the “relatively harmless” childhood disease that some believe it to be. 

It can cause a very high temperature of up to 40 °C, debilitating or fatal complications, including encephalitis (an infection that leads to swelling of the brain), severe diarrhoea and dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent vision loss. Babies and young children suffering from malnutrition and weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to complications and death.

Measles is also highly contagious for several days after the rash has appeared and is mainly spread by coughing and by touching items contaminated by infected droplets.

Yet some people, many influenced by celebrities, campaign against vaccination with fatal results. Some claim that MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations can be linked to autism, even though the research that initially suggested this link has since been widely discredited.

Why measles cases have been spiking globally

Although reports show that over 21 million lives have been saved through measles immunisations since 2000, reported cases of infection have increased worldwide by more than 30% from 2016 because of gaps in vaccination coverage. Complacency about the disease, lack of availability of vaccines in Third World countries and the spreading of false information are contributing factors.

For several years, global coverage with the first dose of the measles vaccine has remained at 85%, while 95% is needed to prevent outbreaks. Second dose coverage is only 67%, leaving many people susceptible to infection.

Availability of measles vaccines in South Africa

According to the Department of Health, great strides have been made to improve primary healthcare despite enormous challenges.

Local clinics and community centres provide free vaccinations for all children, yet many patients complain that vaccinations are not always available in rural or even in urban areas.

Prevention through vaccination

The best way to protect your children against measles is to ensure that they are vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella with the MMR vaccination. Doctors recommend that all children should get two doses of the MMR vaccination – the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at four to five years of age.

Scientists in the United States and other countries have exhaustively studied the effects of the MMR vaccination and have found that it is completely safe and effective at preventing all three diseases mentioned.

Medihelp members

The majority of Medihelp’s benefit options offers benefits for the full schedule of standard child immunisations up to seven years at Dis-Chem/Clicks pharmacy clinics as part of members' additional insured benefits. é

Today’s children are more tech-savvy than ever. By the age of two, some toddlers are already experts at manoeuvring a smartphone or tablet to watch their favourite TV shows, and children as young as four have their own TV or mobile device. Screens are fast replacing face-to-face human interaction and becoming their go-to choice for playing, learning, relaxing and communicating with the outside world.

What the stats say

A recent report by the University of Cape Town found that South African children are spending more than three hours per day looking at screens (not including schoolwork). The 2018 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (Haksa) report further stated that more than nine out of 10 (94%) infants and toddlers in low-income and urban areas reportedly exceeded the recommended screen time.

How much screen time is enough?

The World Health Organization recommends that daily screen time for children in school should be limited to two hours, for preschoolers one hour and none for children under two years of age. Teenagers should try to reduce their screen time to two hours a day if schoolwork allows it.

In the United States, a study of 350 children aged from six months to four years found that 96.6% of the children used mobile devices, and most started to use them before the age of one.

A grim picture

The negative effects associated with too much screen time paint a grim picture. Excessive screen time for children and teenagers has been linked to delayed language skills, memory problems, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Screen time especially has a significant psychological and physical impact on children up to the age of five years. A 2019 Canadian study conducted among more than 2 400 families showed that preschoolers who had two or more hours of screen time per day were five times more likely to develop clinically significant “externalising” behavioural problems, such as inattention, compared to children who had less than 30 minutes per day, and were over seven times more likely to meet the criteria for ADHD. This association was greater than any other risk factors, including sleep, parenting stress and socio-economic factors.

A positive influence

Digital technology does have its advantages for children. Many educational apps and games allow them to learn new information in fun and engaging ways, and encouraging children to explore every aspect of the digital world will help them develop essential technological skills. The key is to strike the right balance between human and screen interaction.

What parents can do

It is vital to encourage your children to have a healthy attitude to technology while still having control over their viewing habits. With an app such as Screentime, you can manage their viewing activities remotely. This is an effective way of enforcing guidelines you’ve discussed as a family so that you all agree on when and how long they may access their devices. Think twice about using more screen time as a way to reward good behaviour (or taking it away to punish bad behaviour). A study published in the journal BMC Obesity found that kids whose parents treat screen time as currency end up spending more time with those screens later in life than kids whose parents have found other means of motivation. Family time should be a priority. Balance screen time with "media-free” activities, such as walking the dogs, going on a hike or just relaxing and talking. Vital skills such as learning or even re-learning the art of conversation and socialising are taught in a family environment and equip children for social integration. Finally, practise what you preach: If you don’t want your child to be fixated on that mesmerising glowing screen for hours on end, you will probably have to make some sacrifices yourself. In the end, the ultimate value for children is your attention and the love that comes with it. é

Antibiotic resistance is a fairly new catchphrase that has made its way into medical language during the past few years, and experts say it’s due to misuse and overuse. Are antibiotics still the lifesaver we’ve come to trust when serious illness strikes?

Which illnesses do antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics, of which penicillin is best known and most commonly prescribed, are a group of medicines capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. They should only be prescribed to treat suspected or proven bacterial infections.

They are not effective against viral infections and should not even be taken in all cases of bacterial infections, such as ear infections, strep throat and urinary tract infections, but only where the body’s natural defences need help to overcome the infection.

They are also not effective against viruses, such as the common cold, viral pneumonia or influenza virus.

The dangers of inappropriate antibiotics use

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are germs that have developed resistance to at least three different types of antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection prevention and control. Bacteria evolve constantly and produce different strains or versions of themselves. Each new strain differs slightly in genetic makeup, which enables it to develop resistance to the antibiotics we rely on to treat bacterial infections.

Patients often demand or expect that their doctors prescribe antibiotics for minor bacterial or even viral infections. As a result, antibiotic resistance has risen to dangerously high levels in many parts of the world and has therefore become a global concern.

Common infectious illnesses such as bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis and gonorrhoea are becoming more difficult to treat because the antibiotics used to treat them are becoming less effective.

As a result, certain medical procedures such as organ transplants, hip replacements and caesarean sections and treatments such as chemotherapy will become increasingly risky in terms of controlling post treatment infection.

According to a study by Wits University and the London School of Economics during March 2019, overprescribing of antibiotics is a growing concern in South Africa. The study found that 78% of patients who visited a public clinic and 67% of patients who visited a private general practitioner (GP) in South Africa were prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily.  Antibiotic resistance is a critical concern for South Africa, as we have one of the highest rates of resistance in the world.

Are probiotics really necessary?

When you take antibiotics to kill disease-causing bacteria, the beneficial bacteria that keep your gut healthy also suffer temporary damage or depletion. Probiotics are "good" bacteria that help maintain digestive health and boost the immune system. You can however also take probiotics in a dietary supplement or get them from food sources such as yogurt, vegetables, fruit and wholegrains.

Are generic antibiotics as good as the original medicine?

Most antibiotics have two names – the trade or brand name created by the pharmaceutical company who developed the medicine and a generic name, based on the antibiotic’s chemical structure or drug classification. Legislation requires that an approved generic alternative of any medicine must have the same active ingredients, dosage and strength as the original version, and that the manufacturing process must adhere to strict regulations.

When pharmaceutical companies introduce a new medicine, they have to prove that they have done extensive research and testing and have followed the legally prescribed approval process to register the medicine. This process is costly and the company then registers a patent right to sell the medicine exclusively in order to recover some of the development cost. When this patent right expires, any registered pharmaceutical company may produce the medicine. As they don’t have to recover development costs, they can produce the product at a much lower cost. Generic medicine, including antibiotics, is therefore exactly the same as the original. The only difference is the cost.

Side-effects

Antibiotics may cause side effects such as hypersensitivity to some ingredients, as well as renal and/or liver dysfunction. Allergic reactions to penicillin can be fatal and if you are allergic to penicillin, you should ensure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of your allergy. You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace with your allergy information.

Taking antibiotics with other medicine and/or alcohol can trigger adverse side effects. Ensure that your doctor knows about any other medicine – chronic or acute – that you’ll be taking with the antibiotics and never drink alcohol while you are taking antibiotics.

Side effects most commonly associated with antibiotics are lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, skin rash, discoloration of teeth and colitis.

Tips for effective antibiotics use

• Follow your doctor’s advice and take your antibiotics exactly as professionally prescribed. Do not skip any doses and complete the course. Do not save or share leftover antibiotics.
• Some experts believe that if you stop taking antibiotics partway through a course, the bacteria you're trying to get rid of can become resistant to the medication. Always complete the full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms improve, as the infection may still be present in your body.
• To prevent bacterial infection, practise good hygiene such as washing hands and keeping vaccinations updated. Prepare food hygienically by keeping raw and cooked food separate, cooking food thoroughly and avoiding food that has been produced with the use of antibiotics. é

A sleeping pill may be effective at ending your sleep problems for the short term, but it could have negative consequences in the long run if not managed responsibly. That’s why it is important to make sure you understand everything you need to know about sleeping pills, including potential side effects and the risk of dependence or addiction.

As adults, we require seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night to maintain good health. For many people this is an achievable goal, but there are others who struggle to accomplish this. One of the common causes is the sleep disorder insomnia: The South African Society of Sleep Medicine (SASSM) states that this affects about 30-40% of adults within any given year, with about 10-15% indicating it as chronic and/or severe. Other causes for disturbed sleep include psychological causes like anxiety, stress and depression, underlying medical conditions, or prescription drugs such as high blood pressure medications, stimulants for ADHD and antidepressants. In these cases, a prescription sleeping pill may help people get through those sleepless nights. But experts agree they’re not the best choice for the long term.

Types of sleeping pills

Most sleeping pills prescribed by doctors are classified as “sedative hypnotics”, a specific class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep. These include benzodiazepines, a specific class of medications used to treat anxiety but also often prescribed to help people sleep because of its sedative effects. Sedative hypnotics may be beneficial in the short term, but they are also potentially addictive, can cause memory and attention problems and have side effects. They are therefore usually not recommended for the long-term treatment of sleeping problems. Doctors usually only prescribe them for disorders such as long-lasting insomnia.

Side effects of sleeping pills

Sleeping pills come with significant risks and side effects, which many people don’t realise. Common side effects of prescription sleeping pills may include changes in appetite, dizziness, dry mouth or throat, diarrhoea and headaches. Some people also experience allergic reactions from sleeping pills that can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea and swelling. They can also interfere with normal breathing and be dangerous in people who have certain chronic lung problems such as asthma, emphysema or forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Abusing sleeping pills

Many people underestimate the powerful grip sleeping pills can have over someone’s life and the dangers of abusing these drugs. Most prescription sedatives and tranquilisers are very effective in treating anxiety, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions, but they are also very powerful and addictive. Misusing sedative hypnotics such as benzodiazepines could lead to memory and concentration problems. It can also have serious and potentially harmful side effects. Some signs of sleeping pill abuse include slurred speech, impaired concentration, uncoordinated movements and unusual euphoria. Other side effects vary from seizures to difficulty breathing, coma and, in some cases, death.

Medical schemes and sleeping pills

Medihelp will cover a maximum of 90 days’ supply of sedative hypnotic per beneficiary per year from members' day-to-day / acute medicine benefits. The majority of sedative hypnotics make special mention in the package insert of such product that treatment should not exceed four weeks, including tapering period.

Natural ways of falling asleep

By practising good sleep habits, exercising and avoiding stimulants like excessive caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, you can often improve your sleep cycle naturally.

These days, there are also a variety of products and apps available which offer a solution for poor sleeping patterns, such as a programmable LED light bulb which promotes sleep. The light bulb communicates with your smartphone via an app and can be programmed in different ways. A reddish light helps you to produce melatonin, while a white light helps to wake you up. You can also see what the temperature and the noise levels were during the night.

If you take a sleeping pill, keep the following in mind:

• Always consult with your doctor to get the correct prescription medication for your needs.
• Be aware of the possible side effects so that you can discontinue the medicine and phone your doctor immediately to avoid a potentially more serious health problem.
• Never use sleeping pills which were prescribed for someone else.
• Follow the instructions on the leaflet exactly.
• When stopping a prescription sleeping pill, do it under a doctor’s supervision. Never go cold turkey, as this increases the risk of psychological side effects such as depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Limit the period of using any hypnotic to the shortest possible period. é

We learn in primary school that most human hearts operate at around 72 beats per minute. It’s a rhythm that we take for granted -  until the heart suddenly stops running like clockwork.

What is a normal heart rhythm and why is it important?

Anything between 60 to 100 beats per minute is considered to be a normal heart rate, depending on your level of fitness. Factors such as age, gender and health may affect these numbers.

Your heartbeat pumps oxygen-rich blood through your arteries to all your cells. Oxygen is the driving force of cellular activity in your body and it keeps you alive.

Heart arrhythmia happens when the electrical impulses that control your heartbeat don’t work properly. This causes the heart to beat irregularly, too slowly or too fast. 

Symptoms of heart arrhythmia might include a racing heartbeat (tachycardia) slow heartbeat (bradycardia), chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and light-headedness. Some patients report a fluttering in their chest. Many people don’t experience any symptoms and only find out about their arrhythmia during a routine medical check-up.

When is it serious?

Arrhythmias may occur temporarily or as isolated incidents due to a temporary health issue or a traumatic event. Arrhythmia doesn’t always cause lasting damage and usually disappears when the underlying health issue is addressed.

One type of arrhythmia that can be deadly is ventricular fibrillation. This happens when your heart beats too rapidly and the subsequent erratic electrical impulses cause the pumping chambers in your heart to stop pumping blood. Your blood pressure then plummets and it cuts off the blood supply to your vital organs. You will collapse, stop breathing and have no pulse and you will need resuscitation to recover.

Certain arrhythmias can also cause a stroke or heart failure if they go untreated. Only a doctor can diagnose the various types of arrhythmia and prescribe suitable treatment and lifestyle changes to manage it. It is therefore crucial to consult your doctor if you frequently experience the symptoms.

What causes arrhythmia?

Many health factors can cause arrhythmia, including:

• High blood pressure
• An over- or underactive thyroid gland
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Too much caffeine
• Drug abuse
• Stress
• Scarred heart tissue from a previous heart attack
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnoea
• Certain medications such as cold and flu medicines and some nutritional supplements
• Blocked heart arteries (coronary heart disease)
• Changes to your heart’s structure due to cardiovascular disease
• A heart attack

Heart disease and high blood pressure puts you at a higher risk of contracting arrhythmia, which in turn can cause greater damage to your heart and overall health, creating a vicious circle.  

Make healthy choices

With the exception of genetic factors, most heart disease conditions are preventable with a healthy lifestyle. Make consistent healthy choices such as:

• A heart healthy diet rich in nutrients from whole food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, grains and pulses and limited amounts of animal and unsaturated fat.
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
• Finding healthy ways to deal with stress such as exercise and meditation
• Using over-the-counter medications wisely and always asking for your pharmacist’s advice

Interesting facts

• Your heartbeat is determined by your sinus node and a normal heart rhythm is often referred to as a “sinus rhythm”. The sinus node responds to your body’s needs for oxygen-rich blood based on your level of activity and sends impulses to the heart accordingly.
• Your lifestyle is crucial. Research released by Unilever in 2011 shows that 82% of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks can be prevented if you maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.
• The same research cites that blood pressure control can prevent heart disease and stroke in 37% of men and 56% of women.

Nobody can control their genetic heritage, but all of us have control over our lifestyle choices. Consistent healthy choices will help you limit your risk of suffering from preventable diseases. Your heartbeat is in your own hands. é

Follow a few simple, healthy steps to take care of your health during pregnancy.

All expectant moms want the best for their baby – including giving their little bundle a healthy start.  As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, you should consult a doctor, who will help you to compile a healthy plan for your pregnancy. Ensure that you keep the appointments as prescribed by your doctor, as this will help you track your baby’s growth and enable the doctor to identify any risks at an early stage.

Prenatal supplements

Following a healthy diet should be one of your priorities, as your baby is entirely dependent on you for its nutrition. Ask your doctor or a registered dietician to help you compile a healthy diet for your specific needs.

When you consider prenatal supplements, always ask your doctor for advice before adding it to your diet. 

Ask your doctor about:

Folic acid 

This vitamin is an essential building block of red blood cells and the neural tube, which develops into the baby’s spinal cord and brain. Doctors recommend that you take a folic acid supplement during pregnancy to assist with these vital developments. The best food sources of folic acid are fortified cereals, dark green vegetables and citrus fruits.

Calcium 

Calcium is essential for optimal bone density. During pregnancy, the foetus uses calcium from your body for its own bone growth. You will therefore need a calcium supplement to replenish your own supply.

Vitamin D and iron

Additionally, take a good prenatal vitamin to promote your own and your baby’s health, and prevent potential complications.  Prenatal vitamins will help you meet the daily recommended amounts of vitamins A, B and C, including 600 international units of vitamin D (essential for absorbing calcium, and for your baby’s brain and bone development and movement skills) and at least 27 mg of iron (required for the production of additional blood to move oxygen to vital organs), according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Dental health

As your baby uses some of your calcium supply for his/her development, you should take special care of your teeth during pregnancy.  Increased hormone production can also influence your body’s response to plaque. Visit your dentist for advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant.

Healthy weight gain

Yes, you are eating for two, but the saying refers to nutritional value and not quantity. You should therefore eat healthier and not necessarily more.

An unhealthy weight during pregnancy increases the risk of various pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), preeclampsia and even miscarriage and stillbirth.

It can also cause various health problems for a baby, including foetal macrosomia (being significantly larger than average) and having more body fat than normal.  This increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and childhood obesity.

You will get the best advice from your healthcare provider to help you avoid excessive weight gain, manage any medical conditions, and monitor your baby's development.

Stay active

Staying fit during pregnancy will help you build stamina for the delivery process and help your body recover and lose any extra weight faster afterwards. Always discuss your fitness programme with your doctor before starting out. Even if you’ve always been active, you might need some tweaks in your programme to keep it healthy and safe for you and your growing baby.

Maintaining a regular and safe exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches, fatigue and constipation. It can also assist with managing depression and anxiety disorders.

Cigarettes and e-cigarettes

Quitting all forms of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is not only best for you and your baby, but also your family and friends. Although the aerosol of e-cigarettes generally has fewer harmful substances and less nicotine than cigarette smoke, e-cigarettes are also not safe to use during pregnancy, and some of the flavourings used in e-cigarettes may be especially harmful to a developing baby. é

Healthy lifestyle choices and a deliberate focus on brain health can help you to decrease your risk of contracting dementia in old age.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills, severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.

People with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or travelling out of the neighbourhood.

Symptoms and causes of dementia

Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain, with different types of dementia being associated with particular types of brain cell damage in particular regions of the brain.

Depending on the area of the brain that's affected by the damage, dementia can affect people differently. Dementia symptoms can therefore vary greatly from patient to patient. The Alzheimer’s Association explains that at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be indicative of dementia:

• Memory
• Communication and language
• Ability to focus and pay attention
• Reasoning and judgment
• Visual perception

Prevalence of dementia

The World Health Organization estimates that a projected 50 million people around the globe are suffering from dementia. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases. As of 2013, there were an estimated 44,4 million people with dementia worldwide. This number will increase to a projected 75,6 million in 2030, and 135,5 million in 2050. According to South Africa’s 2011 census , there are approximately 2,2 million people in South Africa with some form of dementia.

The onset of dementia

Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it does not exclusively affect older people – early onset dementia (defined as the onset of symptoms before the age of 65 years) accounts for up to 9% of cases.

Preclinical dementia is a newly defined stage of the disease showing that changes in the brain may occur years before symptoms start to surface. More and more studies are suggesting that dementia is associated with individual risk factors, as opposed to merely with ageing.

Controllable risk factors

Some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be changed, but we can manage significant risk factors within our control.

Studies show that people can reduce their risk of dementia by getting exercise regularly, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol use, controlling their weight and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Although not yet well-understood, late-life depression might have an influence on the development of dementia. Having diabetes may increase your risk of dementia, especially if it's poorly controlled.  Low levels of particularly vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 (which protects the myelin sheath housing your neurons) and folate may also increase your risk of dementia – also Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium.

What you eat may have the greatest impact on brain health through its effect on heart health, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.  The best current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet may also help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively small amounts of red meat and emphasises wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.

Cognitive inactivity is a significant additional risk factor.  When people keep their minds active, they:

• Reduce the extent of brain cell damage that happens with Alzheimer's.
• Support the growth of new nerve cells.
• Prompt nerve cells to send messages to each other.

It is important to keep your brain active and do challenging brain exercises. This prompts the brain to form new neural connections and preserve existing ones.

WebMD suggests trying these from any age – the earlier you start, the better:

• Learn something new, such as a second language or a musical instrument.
• Play board games. The bonus of activities like these is that social connections also stimulate your brain.
• Do puzzles such as crosswords or Sudoku.
• Download a brain exercise app on your smartphone.
• Read stimulating, non-fiction books.
• Sign up for local adult education classes.
• Participate in any exercise you enjoy. Remember to clear it with your doctor first.
• Meditate, pray or do yoga. Meditation or prayer can decrease stress, blood pressure, pain and inflammation – and may increase healing. Yoga has all the same benefits of exercise but is often much gentler on the body.

How is dementia diagnosed?

There is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. Doctors often diagnose it based on a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behaviour associated with each type.

Digital technology, apps and virtual reality simulators are transforming the development of early diagnosis and prevention. Wearable devices and unobtrusive sensors now help researchers collect multidimensional data as people go about their day. These devices capture subtle changes related to dementia long before the onset of the illness. At the forefront of technology, virtual reality is offering researchers the opportunity to glimpse into patients’ brains in a complex – but safe – environment.

A blood test for a protein could identify people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease a decade or more before symptoms emerge.

Many dementias are progressive, meaning symptoms start slowly and gradually get worse. However, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments or studies. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them.

All the encouraging research results make it clear that you can do a lot to protect your brain from decline. What you do today, influences your long-term health. Decide today to make healthy choices regarding your nutrition, exercise and challenging your brain so that you can reap the benefits in future. é

Your courage wanes as you step onto the scale. Don’t despair! The answer to your waistline worries might well lie in your refrigerator.

Ah, to cuddle up in front of a roaring fireplace with hearty soups, buttered bread, maybe another helping of chocolate lava pudding. You might as well enjoy another instant cappuccino, too. 

Unfortunately, the many pleasures of winter often turn into perils as the weather starts turning for the better. Your love affair with hot chocolate turns cold and those pesky extra kilogrammes really get under your skin.

You had better come up with a plan fast! But who has time or money for specialised diets and gyms? Don’t despair yet! The answer to your waistline worries might lie in your pantry after all.

Ginger, Garlic and Lemon:  the powerpack trio

The best way to lose weight, and keep it off, is to eliminate toxins from your body and to keep your liver and digestive system healthy.

In particular, poor digestion hinders weight loss by preventing the body from getting the nutrients it needs to burn fat. This causes a build-up of toxins in the bloodstream that slows down metabolism.

Adding a mixture of garlic, lemon, and ginger* to your daily diet improves your digestive system, speeds up your metabolism and encourages your liver to function optimally. This simple home remedy is practical, healthy, affordable and effective. Best of all, the long-term result is weight loss!

There are also other advantages to this powerhouse mix:

• There is a wide body of scientific evidence to show that lemon, garlic and ginger each offers great potential in the treatment of many microbial diseases, boosting your immune system.
• Lemon is a digestive aid and helps the body to eliminate toxins.
• Ginger brims with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can lower the risk of infections.
• Garlic has anti-cancer, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.
• Lemon helps to eliminate uric acid, thereby reducing inflammation and pain in joints.
• In clinical trials, it has been shown that garlic lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol levels.
• Studies suggest that eating at least 10 g of garlic per day may reduce the risk of colon, prostate and stomach cancer.
• Ginger eases indigestion, vomiting and nausea.

Mix it up!

Here’s how to put the magic ingredients to use and cook up your powerful potion.

Ingredients:

3-4 fresh garlic cloves – chopped, grated or minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger – peel, then grate or mince

3 pieces of dried astragalus* root (optional)

2 teaspoons cinnamon chips or 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

4 cups boiling filtered water

1 organic lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

Prepare garlic and ginger – peel, chop/grate.

Boil water in a saucepan or tea kettle.

In a heat-proof glass container, add chopped garlic, grated ginger, astragalus root and optional cinnamon chips.

Carefully pour boiling water into the heat-proof glass container.

Cover with lid and steep for 30 minutes.

Strain with a fine mesh strainer into a mason jar or glass container.

Add the juice of 1 lemon and sweetener of choice to the garlic-ginger mixture.

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

Drink 1-4 cups daily.

Of course – and you already know this – no magic mix will replace an active lifestyle. Combine your powerhouse mix with a healthy dose of exercise.  As a Medihelp member, you are halfway there, because HealthPrint members enjoy FREE participation in all Medihelp-sponsored running and cycling events. By participating in HealthPrint’s 12-week BMI support programme, members with a BMI of more than 30 also qualify for a dietician consultation as part of their additional insured benefits.

*As with any herb or supplement, ginger may interact negatively with medication. Side effects from consuming ginger may occur if you consume vast quantities of ginger. (Side effects tend to be more prevalent if you consume more than 4 g of ginger per day.)  If you are on medication or pregnant, please talk to your doctor before consuming ginger. Both ginger and astragalus root should not be taken if you are using blood-thinning medicine such as warfarin. é