HEALTH & BEAUTY

8 New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Your Health

2020 is finally coming to an end, and a new year will soon be upon us. What better time to reset your health and wellness goals? With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, health and self-care matter more right now than ever.
When it comes to making resolutions, it’s important to focus on your physical and mental health.
Women’s health experts Dr. Lisa Larkin, the founder of Ms. Medicine and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council, and Dr. Ankita Sagar, an internist in New York, recommend some resolutions that can help you have a healthier 2021.

1. Schedule time to focus on your health
Many women are guilty of putting their health needs on the back burner to focus on caring for others. Learning to prioritize your own health can help with sticking to resolutions. One way to make sure this happens is to schedule time for it.
“What I tell people is that you have to think realistically about how much time you can set aside each day, every day,” Sagar said, adding that figuring out your pockets of free time can help you plan.
“Calendars and reminders are really good, whether it’s on a phone or a physical calendar or a journal that you write your daily plan [in].”
Scheduling everything from a daily meditation break to a yearly mammogram can ensure that you’re putting your health first.

2. Find a partner or join a community that can support your health goals
If making healthier lifestyle choices on your own has been hard, consider enlisting an accountability partner or joining a health-focused community.
Larkin suggests asking a family member, friend or spouse to join you in your efforts and help keep you on track.
“If you’re focusing on lifestyle stuff, I’m a big believer in finding online networks for different things … [such as] sleep hygiene and weight loss,” Larkin said.
This can be challenging during the pandemic, but you can set up virtual check-ins or go for a socially distanced walk with a friend. The important thing is to reach out to others who share your health goals.

3. Find the mental health methods that work for you
Mental health matters. Learning to prioritize and maintain your emotional well-being is critical to living your healthiest life.
“Anxiety, depression and insomnia are on the upswing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sagar said. “It’s important to bring this to your clinician because [they’re] not going to necessarily be able to detect it.”
Larkin recommends a variety of mental health methods.
“I refer a lot of people for counseling, but not everybody needs traditional counseling. Lots of people use religious pastors or priests, family or friends. For some people, exercise is really the best thing or even just meditation and doing guided imagery — or even getting a massage,” she said.

4. Unplug at least 30 minutes a day
“Take 30 minutes a day where you’re not going to look at a laptop or phone or any electronic device, including a TV movie,” Sagar advised. She added that unplugging gives our mind time to rest, which can be particularly important before sleep.
She suggested using that time to read a book, write in a journal, paint or meditate. If you can’t find an uninterrupted 30-minute break, split it. For example, take three 10-minute breaks during your day instead.

5. Learn about your breast density
When it comes to breast cancer risk, many women lack education on important topics such as breast density. Breast density refers to the ratio of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast.
Larkin explained that breast density impacts one’s breast cancer risk, so people with breasts should know what their breast density is and have a conversation about it with their healthcare provider.
Next time you get a mammogram, be sure to ask your doctor about your breast density and other cancer risks.

6. Check on your family medical history
While much of health is based on lifestyle and diet, genetics also play an important role in our risk factors for certain diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychiatric disorders.
“Take a good inventory of your family history and make sure your clinician is aware of your family history because so often it gets missed in the traditional practice setting,” Larkin advised.

7. Eat more fruits and veggies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one in 10 Americans eat the recommended one to two cups of fruit and two to three cups of vegetables a day.
If you have trouble fitting the daily amount into your diet, Larkin suggests taking one day of the week to cut up and prepare fruits and vegetables so you have servings readily accessible during the week.
Resolving to eat more fruits and veggies is critical because, along with helping with weight management, they help stave off certain chronic conditions.
“For risk reduction of breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, lifestyle matters. Exercise, maintaining an ideal body weight (BMI under 25), eating a healthy largely plant-based diet, and limiting alcohol is critical. Don’t overlook the importance of ideal lifestyle habits in disease prevention,” Larkin said.

8. Cut back on alcohol
A nightcap can be a relaxing ritual, but too much alcohol can cause health problems, such as heart disease.
“Alcohol intake has certainly risen across the globe as COVID-19 has catastrophic effects on society. Data shows that alcohol also affects mood and anxiety, especially increasing risk of depression, suicide, and anxiety disorder. Patients who are suffering from loneliness, depressed mood, and anxiety may be less likely to seek medical care,” Sagar said. She suggests you start cutting back by replacing one glass a day with a nonalcoholic beverage.
“Alcohol intake is associated with a social activity … so plan ahead. If you are drinking with food … plan for a different beverage, whether that’s water, sparkling water, or flavored water that you enjoy,” she adds.
If you want more assistance with reducing your alcohol intake, Sagar recommends finding a professional such as a health coach to help you take a more individualized approach.
We can’t predict much about the new year. But one thing we do know is that, if you’re looking to have a healthier 2021, these resolutions can help pave the way. […]

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Team Up With Your Fitness Heroes And Take On The Ultimate Fitness Challenge

Team Up With Your Fitness Heroes And Take On The Ultimate Challenge
Or tag that friend who you think has got what it takes ???
This post is sponsored by Toyota | 4 August 2020

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Love a fitness challenge? Or have a friend who’s pretty hardcore? Well, we’ve got the ultimate challenge for you…
One lucky reader* will team up with a South African sports hero and win a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT. Teams will compete in a series of challenges this October**
Who Are The Heroes?
Giniel de Villiers — Rally Driver
Junior Pokomela — Cheetahs Rugby Player
Hanneke Dannhauser — Obstacle Course Racer
Mapule Ndhlovu — Fitness Personality
What Do I Have To Do?
You’ll compete in cycling, speed and paddling challenges, and should be able to perform mental gymnastics! Your friends will envy your physical prowess and fitness. ?
How Do I Enter?
Take a photo or make a video (optional, but it will make your entry stand out) and fill in the online entry form at toyota.m24lifestyle.co.za. Don’t delay – entries close on 11 September as the clock strikes midnight.
The Four Finalists Each Win…
Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29er bike
Garmin fēnix Multisport Smartwatch
Active gear
Also Up For Grabs…
The semi-finalists will each win a Garmin fēnix Multisport Smartwatch.
*One finalist will be chosen from Weg, go!, Weg Ry & Sleep, go! Drive & Camp, Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Bicycling entrants.** Exact dates and event information to be confirmed in October.

READ MORE ON: Life

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

6 Things You Need To Know If You’re Going On An Off-Road Trip

6 Things You Need To Know If You’re Going On An Epic Off-Road Trip
Because there’s nothing better than heading for the road less travelled.
This post is sponsored by Toyota | 4 August 2020

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Off-road driving can seem daunting, but when done safely, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of conquering a technical and slightly scary obstacle. Of course, you don’t want to get stuck, slip down hills or do anything that may damage the vehicle (or its occupants), so here are some simple steps to follow so you can head for the hills with excitement and confidence.
Know your dirt
Off-roading doesn’t just involve a few gravel roads here and there. It can mean mud, rock, sand or water… And sometimes all four at once. Make sure you understand what is required of you and your vehicle for each of these terrains. It will be the difference between a fun day out and a day spent trying to rescue your vehicle.
Walk the walk
Before attempting any obstacle, get out of your vehicle and walk the entire route. If you’re on an unknown road, you need to know what’s coming up ahead beyond that hill or those rocks. Remember, if you’re unable to navigate the terrain, it’s unlikely that your vehicle will be able to either. Walking the route will allow you to get a good idea of where to place your tyres and all the differentials so you can make a plan of approach. In other words, always be prepared!

Take it slow
Speed is not your friend when off-roading. In fact, the slower the better, and when it comes to being off the beaten track, it’s best to remember, “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary.” So, if you’re descending a hill, do it as slowly as possible, and if you’re ascending a hill, you may need a little bit of speed for momentum. But going through an obstacle too quickly is a sure way to damage your vehicle.
READ MORE: 9 Things You Should Always Do Before Going On A Road Trip
Straight as an arrow
Rolling your vehicle on steep terrain is something you need to be aware of and do everything to avoid. Don’t drive diagonally down a hill, always keep your vehicle as straight as possible. And if you feel like the car is starting to slide sideways, slow down immediately.

Ease that grip
Most new off-roaders are so nervous that they grip the steering wheel like a vice, which can be dangerous for a few reasons. If your thumbs are folded around the inside of the steering wheel and one of your tyres hits something, the wheel may turn sharply, causing you to break, dislocate or strain your thumbs. Therefore, always keep them up along the face of the steering wheel. Also, never ever turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside. Another reason to loosen your grip is to allow the wheels to work with the vehicle. Best practice is to keep both your hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel in a firm yet gentle grip.
READ MORE: Team Up With Your Fitness Heroes And Take On The Ultimate Challenge
Know your limits
As much as off-roading can be relatively easy when you know how, it can also be quite tricky. It’s good to know your limits so that you don’t end up damaging your car or, even worse, injuring yourself and others. You also don’t want to spend a night out in the rough because your car is stuck in a ditch. Know your limits on different terrain – sand is very different to rock which is very different to mud. Take it slow no matter what. But most importantly, enjoy yourself! And always buddy-up, like any extreme sport, never go it alone.
Looking for the perfect family off-roader?

Look no further than the Toyota Fortuner Epic. Not only is it South Africa’s top-selling SUV, it’s also built on the more-than-capable Hilux bakkie, so you know it’s going to be able to take you anywhere. You can choose between two variants of the Epic, both based on the 2.8-litre GD-6 derivatives: the “standard” Fortuner Epic and Fortuner Epic Black (which features more black styling cues). Inside you have leather seats (no need to worry if the road gets bumpy while your kids are sipping their juices, you can just wipe it off) and a soft-touch dashboard trim. If you need it to be a practical seven-seater, never fear because the layout remains as per the current model with an elevated second row and a fold-up third row of seats. All Fortuner models are equipped with ABS, TRC, VSC, BAS, EBD and hill start assist (HAC). The four-wheel drive models additionally feature Toyota’s A-TRAC off-road traction control logic and downhill assist control (DAC), to make navigating obstacles a breeze. “On-the- fly” selectable 2WD/4WD/4WD Lo modes further add to overlanding convenience. The standard safety features are endless and for peace of mind, especially if you’re going to be driving this across mountains, the Epic comes standard with a nine services/90 000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty.
Want to stand a chance of winning a Toyota Fortuner?
Become a challenger to represent Media24 in this year’s epic Fortuner Challenge 2020. Visit toyota.m24lifestyle.co.za to enter.

READ MORE ON: Driving Life

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

This App Will Track Your Habits and Grow Your Life Insurance

Been struggling to stick to a routine? Has watching just ‘one more episode’ of your favourite TV series kept you out of sleep and in turn hindered your exercise habits? It’s time to change that. And, thanks to the new partnership between Samsung South Africa, 1Life, LifeQ and VeoSens, it’s super easy to get back on track.
The partnership has given birth to a world-first life insurance eco-system — 1Life Pulse, designed to help you improve your life habits for good.
1Life Pulse
1Life Pulse is a sophisticated lifestyle monitor and management system that tracks and guides heart, activity, and sleep — monitoring your overall wellbeing.
This is an absolute game-changer for South Africans as it checks two very important boxes: health and finance. Every time qualifying policyholders choose to get a little extra sleep or go for a walk, for example, they could grow their life cover by up to R216 per day, or up to R6 560 per month, starting from day one. Over two years, they can grow their additional life cover by up to R200 000, as they grow their wellbeing. This product is an innovative approach that taps into the latest trends in life insurance while making a lasting difference where it matters most.
Smart partnerships with killer benefits
Clearly, when imaginative companies work together, they can create evolutionary change in an unexpected way. Samsung choose wisely when it collaborated with LifeQ for the first commercial launch of VeoSens — a wearable-based, fully integrated insurance and health management solution developed in partnership with Samsung and Hannover Re.  The aim is to bring life insurance, technology, and science together in a simple way, providing consumers with attainable, dynamic, long-term value for making better choices regarding their wellbeing.
Samsung is always evaluating strategic partnerships that not only bolster the Galaxy ecosystem but, more importantly, deliver an unrivalled user experience coupled with exceptional consumer benefits. The electronics giant, therefore, saw an opportunity to provide both an intelligent healthcare solution and greater value to consumers seeking to enhance their lives. The aim is to use technology with the potential to transform lives — from both healthcare technology and long-term life insurance perspective.
The fact is health tech is an exciting and rapidly growing market, as wearables and sensors become more advanced, more affordable, and more prevalent in our everyday lives. The partners in this ground-breaking collaboration can now use the power of technology to reshape the life insurance landscape by launching state-of-the-art technology that is set to usher in a new age in long-term insurance technology.
Get a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
All qualifying new 1Life policyholders that take out cover for R1 million or more, can choose to receive a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, chipped against their 1Life policy number. The Galaxy Watch Active2 now comes with a bigger customisable screen and fresh new look. It gives you precise health insights when you need it while keeping you fully connected. Whether you are out for a run or pushing through your next deadline the Galaxy Watch Active2 will keep you at your optimal performance inside and out.

In the wearables space, low-frequency measurements based on annual and episodic data such as nurse and fitness instructor visits, combined with basic continuous activity data, is used. With 1Life Pulse, however, VeoSens provides a real-time snapshot of one’s overall wellbeing which allows users to see the impact of simple lifestyle changes.
LifeQ’s solutions are based on industry-leading computational systems biology, and by modelling the body’s physiological systems and how they interact with each other. LifeQ provides four custom Health Scores for Heart, Activity, Sleep and Fitness. These scores provide users with a real understanding of their current state of health and wellbeing and the influence of changes in lifestyle and behaviour — beyond merely counting steps and gym visits.
And now, by simply downloading and activating the VeoSens App by Samsung and LifeQ, you can start growing your life insurance. In fact, as soon as you take up cover, you earn an immediate R50 000 towards your life cover! From there, each time the Galaxy Watch Active2 is strapped on, you can grow your additional life cover in two ways; 50% by simply monitoring your activities and another 50% by making positive changes.
The 1Life Pulse product powered by your Galaxy Watch Active2 helps you realise that even the smallest lifestyle changes can make a difference to your wellbeing and simultaneously grow your life insurance cover. This is a great example of companies partnering to reshape an entire industry and make a meaningful difference in our lives.
For more information, follow Samsung South Africa on Facebook  or SamsungSA on Twitter.

READ MORE ON: gear Life Sponsored […]

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Win a Smeg Toaster and Kettle worth R6,000!

Are you spending a lot more time in the kitchen these days, trying new recipes and becoming your very own master chef? Lockdown has brought the best of cooks out of even the most amateur in the kitchen.
To spruce up your space and help you level up on your financial education, Old Mutual is bringing you a super cool prize and a wealth of knowledge in the field of finance – who doesn’t need to become financially savvy these days?!
#LevelUp your financial education and Win!
Old Mutual recently launched their new Personal Cover offering. The financial service provider said, “We know no two people are the same, that’s why we believe you should be able to choose cover that’s right for you and not someone else. Introducing personal cover from Old Mutual that’s built around your life and whatever your future brings. You only pay for the cover you need and what you can afford with the option to change it when your life changes.”
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In line with their personal cover offering, Old Mutual is challenging you to brush up your knowledge and answer three questions for the chance to win the SMEG kettle and toaster combo of your dreams.
Need help answering the questions? Read up on Old Mutual’s Personal Cover to guide you through the process.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS1. In order to be eligible to win the prize, entrants to the competition must: a. be 18 years or older, b. be South African and in possession of a valid South African identity document, c. not be a: I. permanent employee of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Ltd, and / or any subsidiary company of the Old Mutual group of companies (“Old Mutual”) participating in the competition; ii. permanent employee of True Love, Women’s Health and Bizcommunity; III. immediate family member of any employee referred to in (i) and (ii) d. Meet all of the qualifying criteria listed under the heading “How to enter”.2. By entering the competition, all entrants and prize winners agree to be bound by these competition rules as interpreted by the sponsor.3. The sponsor reserves the right to amend, modify or change these terms and conditions in its sole and absolute discretion without notice. By participating or continuing to participate in the competition, the entrants agree and understand that they will be bound by the amended terms and conditions4. All entrants consent to their personal information being: a. used by the sponsor, and b. shared with a Financial Adviser, to contact the entrants to advise the entrants on financial planning pertaining to the entrants current financial planning needs.5. The competition will run from 17 August until 31 August 2020.6. All entrants may only enter the competition once.7. The prize winners will be selected via a random draw and will be notified by no later than 2 September 2020.8. The sponsor’s decision will be final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into.9. The prize consists of both a: i. Smeg Toaster, and ii. Smeg Kettle.10. The sponsor will use its reasonable efforts to contact the prize winner via email. If the sponsor cannot contact the prize winners within 24 hours, that person will forfeit the respective prize, after which the sponsor reserves the right to select a new prize winner(s).11. The sponsor is not responsible for any costs the prize winner may have when claiming or using the prize.12. The prize cannot be exchanged for any other service or item from the sponsor and is not transferable for cash.13. The sponsor is responsible for delivery of prize within a reasonable time of 4 weeks after the prize winner has been contacted.14. The prize winner is responsible for providing a physical address for delivery via Courier and to be present to receive the prize. The sponsor, True Love, Women’s Health and Bizcommunity take no responsibility for the loss of the prize should the prize winners not be present to receive the prize.15. By entering into the competition, the entrant indemnifies and holds the sponsor, its directors, affiliates, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, contractors and sponsors harmless against any loss or damages, either direct, indirect, consequential or otherwise, arising from its participation in this competition.16. If the sponsors are required by any legislation or the Minister of Trade and Industry, to alter any aspect of the competition or to terminate the competition as a result of changes in legislation, the sponsors will have the right to terminate this competition with immediate effect and without notice of such. In such event, all entrants shall have no recourse or claim of any nature whatsoever against the sponsors, its agents, contractors and/or sponsors.17. The sponsor reserves the right to carry out reasonable due diligence to confirm eligibility and help ensure that the use of any such person in advertising or publicity for the competition will not bring the sponsor or any of the sponsor’s brands into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule or reflect unfavorably on the competition as determined by the sponsor in its sole discretion.18. The sponsor assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any entry that has been left out from participation for any reason.19. By entering into the competition, the entrants and prize winners agree and grant permission to have their names, opinions and / or submissions published by Old Mutual on any website or any other similar medium in electronic or printed format. All entrants consent to their names so published by Old Mutual, and agree that they will not hold Old Mutual liable in any way for publishing their names and opinions in any format whatsoever. Entrants are aware that they may access the personal information that Old Mutual holds and request Old Mutual to correct any errors or to delete this information. Entrants may also request Old Mutual at any time to remove their names from any website on which personal information is published by Old Mutual. Old Mutual will never publish any email addresses or any contact telephone numbers of any entrants or prize winners. To view Old Mutual’s full privacy notice, visit www.oldmutual.co.za

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FAMILY & MONEY

根本の体質を知り、将来を見据えて徐々に改善を──漢方連載、最終回。【実録! 私のカラダ改革〜エディターK編 Vol.6】

初めての漢方相談で自分の体質についてより詳しく知ることができ、新しい発見がいくつもあったというエディターK。最終回は、常に不調だった彼女が、今後実践しようとしている養生計画についてを聞いた。※不調の予測・予防も。漢方との向き合い方とは。前回のVol.5はこちら。 […]

FAMILY & MONEY

激変へのダイレクトな反動!? 2021年を世界の占星術師らが予測。

私たちのこれまでの生活や考えを覆す変化が訪れた2020年に続き、2021年も同様にさまざまな出来事が起きるとされている。でもご安心を。これらは2020年と比べてずっとポジティブな意味合いを持つ、と世界の名だたる占星術師たちは口をそろえる。新しい年に期待できること、注意すべきこととその対策、重要な日付など、2021年について知っておきたい全てをお届けしよう。 […]

FASHION

Plump Buttocks & Hip Lift

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Rechargeable Ion Cleaning Skin

It cleans, clears aging horny, clean and dispel the dead skin, and remove the scum of the skin. Remove dead skin and dirt on the face by ultrasonic vibration. Through micro-electric current, it stimulates muscle […]