Table of contents for Longevity How to fix it 2022/2023 in Longevity Magazine

“We want to help people of all ages lead useful, happy and more active lives through better health. The time to start is now. It doesn’t matter if you are 18, 28, 48 or 80. The earlier you start redesigning your lifestyle to increase your lifespan, the better.”– Kathy Keeton, launch publisher Longevity in America and South Africa WOW! We’ve just turned 30 years young. I’m sure you’ll agree this is no mean feat. It all started over three decades ago in the US, when Kathy Keeton decided to launch Longevity in the country of her birth, with the pay-off line “The Art and Science of Staying Young”. We’re proud to uphold her original values and editorial vision. The brand is one of a kind, and not just in South…

I’ve journeyed with a friend that I’ve fought, and eventually learned to accept and embrace, since the age of 14. With time, we’ve become life partners, and are destined to be that way throughout this lifetime. Her formal name is bipolar disorder, but I’ve personified her, along with her defining trademark of mania, by giving her the name “Madam J”. This helps me to make sense of my diagnosis and abnormal behaviour when I’m unwell, because I know that my diagnosis is a part of my life and not the summary or definition of who I am. Contrary to the articulate and poised mental-health advocate and medical doctor that most have come to know, behind me is a tumultuous journey with mental-health struggles, and an unrelenting fight to remain well…

I’ve come to realise that there are primarily two areas of focus for one’s health: first, avoid harm, in both foods and practices, and second, be disciplined and informed in your choices, in both foods and practices. What is critical to understand is that your food choices have enormous repercussions. Every time you eat or shop, you choose your farmer, and there are only two types of farmers: regenerative and destructive. Regenerative farms pull carbon into the soil, which initiates an upward spiral, where the soil holds more water and nutrients. It also attracts more rain, paramagnetism (humus in soil) and diamagnetism (rainclouds), and this, in turn, leads to healthier crops, which means healthier animals, then healthier humans, and ultimately a healthier society. Let’s get the negatives out of the…

Macromastia (enlarged breasts) is a common condition that is greatly misunderstood. Large breasts can cause a multitude of health problems, such as spinal damage, chronic back pain, shoulder and neck pain, bra scars or marks, skin irritation and rashes, breathing problems, numbness, fatigue, and even headaches or migraines. But for women battling with this affliction, the impacts are not just physical, and patients have reported suffering huge psychological impacts from embarrassment, harassment, being unable to participate in sporting activities, unable to find clothing that fits properly, having to spend large sums on custom-made bras, among others. Breast-reduction surgery has been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of women in so many ways, including putting an end to degenerative spine disease, alleviating pain from migraines and headaches, reducing depression, increasing…

As we get older, so too do our skin and the underlying structures. When considering the options available for improving the appearance of the neck, one has to consider the anatomy and structures involved. Skin quality, hydration, texture, elasticity and blemishes; Muscle bands; Fat collections in the submental and submandibular areas; and The cervico-mental angle – the slope from the chin to Adam’s apple. There are a whole host of non-invasive or minimally invasive modalities available for treating the skin of the neck: Skin-tightening creams speed up skin turnover, and encourage new collagen and elastin production. Chemical peels address fine lines and blemishes in the neck skin, and stimulate new collagen production, rejuvenating the skin and tightening at the same time; Biostimulators are injectables that stimulate new collagen production, restoring…

Dr Maureen Allem Aesthetic doctor Medical director and founder of Skin Renewal, Dr Maureen Allem is a passionate, lifelong learner who keeps abreast of the most innovative and cutting-edge trends in the world of aesthetics and health. She emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving skin goals, and developed the Skin Renewal Pillars of Anti-Aging, which comprise injectables such as Botulinum and dermal fillers, biostimulators such as Sculptra, “in clinic” solutions and doctor-prescribed topicals, all underpinned by one’s lifestyle. She maintains it’s the “inside out” approach that is pivotal in every skincare journey, and fundamental to the Skin Renewal ethos. Jacqueline Armitage Spa and cosmetic industry specialist Jackie Armitage has extensive experience in the spa industry, beginning her career as a therapist and later becoming a spa trainer, before moving into…

Vulva Vie is South Africa’s firstever intimate spa dedicated to women. Services include vajacials, butt facials, vaginal rejuvenation, vaginascaping, tightening, lightening, pelvic-floor treatments for stress urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. It also offers sophisticated med-tech face and body-tightening and sculpting treatments. I was rather intrigued by the idea that you could rejuvenate your feminine parts in a spa setting, and was especially interested in the medical technology aspect of the spa service, so I opted for the vagina-tightening treatment using the BTL Emsella chair. Owner Monica van Heerden is the passionate and powerful force behind this venture, which offers a complete service, including a day spa, a full e-commerce site and a training academy. Given that nothing like Vulva Vie has existed before, the training academy has been set up…

While this may seem an amusing question, as one of the most-searched health-and-wellness topics on Google in 2019, it’s clearly a very real issue for many people. The precise cause of hiccups isn’t known. However, there are some known triggers, such as spicy foods, hot liquids, or a disease or illness that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm. Other possible causes: eating too quickly, certain medications, breathing noxious fumes, carbonated drinks, eating or drinking too much, and being stressed or emotionally excited. At one time or another, everyone gets hiccups, which is when your diaphragm begins to spasm involuntarily. When the spasms occur, a person inhales suddenly and their vocal cords snap shut, which leads to the distinctive “hiccup” sound. According to Baptist Health in the US, holding one’s…

We start aging as soon we are born, says cataract and refractive surgeon Dr DA Joseph, and the single most significant cause of visual loss that will change the world as we know it, if we don’t act now to halt it, is uncorrected refractive error. By 2050, half the world’s population will be myopic, he adds. Due to genetics, but largely a result of lifestyle, more and more children are becoming sedentary, fixated on screens and reading at close range for hours on end. Current treatment includes spectacles or contact lenses, but myopia control is a new buzzword, where modalities are used to slow down the progression of myopia, and thereby possibly prevent seriously sight-threatening complications, including macular problems and glaucoma (high pressure), retinal detachments and premature cataract development.…

We all like a change once in a while, and one of the easiest things to change is our hair color. Now that life has returned to some semblance of normality, post-COVID-19, we’re starting to have fun with our hair and make-up again. One of the most popular colors of the moment is the gorgeous copper tone we’re seeing on celebs and influencers. But coloring your hair regularly can be damaging, and it’s expensive, so you’ll want to maintain the color for as long as possible. Here are some tips for preventing damage and making your color last longer: • There are some ingredients you should avoid at all costs: According to pro colorist Richy Kandasamy, speaking to Vogue, sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride and petrochemicals are all to be avoided.…

Cakey make-up is make-up of the worst kind: characterized by patchy, over-textured skin that is unmistakable, even from a distance, and very obvious pores and fine lines. While the blame is usually placed on a full-coverage foundation, in fact, the culprit is more likely to be how the products are applied or layered. A cakey appearance to make-up is usually the result of too much product applied (especially when layered) or too many products ultimately clashing with one another. Occasionally, however, it could result from the texture of your skin. Skin that is too dry or too oily, or skin that hasn’t been prepped properly, can result in a look that is less than appealing. First, prep your skin properly: The most important thing you can do for your skin…

In all my time in medicine, and that’s 30 years, I remain in awe of this amazing machinery – the human body. The last two decades in the field of endocrinology (aka “hormones”) have taught me one thing: the playing fields are not equal. Many males would definitely not survive even a few months in estrogen-surging bodies. When it comes to hormones, too much or too little can be pathological. It’s all about balance. This also means that the treatment has to be individualized – it’s not the proverbial “one size fits all” approach. This balance, or “dance” as I call it, between estrogen and progesterone is essential for puberty, the monthly cycle, ovulation, pregnancy, and peace on earth. However, with estrogen dominance or excess, this balance is lost, and…

Up to 70% of women, at some point in their life, will attend a medical facility with mastalgia, or breast pain. Mastalgia is most common in women of reproductive age, but it can also be experienced by post-menopausal women. It can range from a sharp, shooting, intermittent pain to a dull, aching heaviness that may affect one or both breasts, and is mostly felt in the upper outer quadrants of the breasts. Occasionally, the pain can radiate to the armpit on the same side. Mastalgia can be classified into three groups: Cyclic breast pain, which is related to the menstrual cycle and is caused by hormonal variation. It usually starts around one to two weeks prior to menses. Non-cyclic breast pain, which isn’t related to the menstrual cycle. From around…

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that serves as a building block for skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It forms a scaff old of support, lending strength and structure to hold the body’s cells together. In addition, collagen (together with elastin and hyaluronic acid) is largely responsible for plump, youthful and healthy-looking skin. While turnover is relatively slow, the skin’s collagen is in a constant cycle of degradation and replenishment. Unfortunately, with time and age, the rate of regeneration slows down, and it’s estimated that, from our mid-20s, collagen content in the skin decreases by 1% per year. As a consequence, fine wrinkles, sagging and a loss of the skin’s vigor become more and more apparent. While…

While testicular cancer is a rare form of cancer, it’s still the most common cancer affecting males between the ages of 15 and 35. Yes! The average age of men diagnosed with testicular cancer is 33. According to international statistics, approximately one in 250 males will develop testicular cancer at some point in their lifetime. The incidence rate of testicular cancer has been increasing in many countries around the world for several decades. The increase is mostly in seminomas, a type of cancer that begins in germ cells in males. Experts haven’t been able to establish reasons for this, although, lately, the rate of increase has slowed. While this rare cancer does have a high cure rate, it can have severe health repercussions. A testicular self-examination (TSE) is the most…

The most common complaint I hear in couples therapy: we don’t know how to communicate! Learning to communicate effectively can prevent many issues in relationships. Often, the bigger problem isn’t WHAT we’re communicating, but HOW we’re communicating it. We all learn communication from somewhere. Most often, our parents are our primary role models, as what we observe while growing up is what we consider to be “normal”. Most couples can understand their different communication styles when they look at what the norm has been in their respective families. Some families communicate openly, while others don’t share emotions. There are three main components in any communication: the speaker, the recipient and the message. Here’s how to fix communication in each of these aspects. The speaker The speaker has a message to…

Feelings of anxiety are part of the human experience, but they’re not pleasant, and most of us will do anything to avoid them, if we can. The body will pick up on a wide variety of signals and triggers throughout the day, and, mostly, we don’t even notice them. But when, over time, they build up, they can have a profound impact on mental health, increasing anxiety substantially, and even causing severe panic attacks. At work, anxiety and depression can manifest as not just stress, but fear, and when it’s constant, anxiety can lead to burnout, depression disorders and panic attacks. But how do you know if the anxiety you’re experiencing is more than just “part of the human experience”? Intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear are signs of…

A blood-glucose test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which helps to screen for diabetes. For accurate results, you need to fast for 8 hours before the test. 70 to 99mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) = within the normal range 100 to 125mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9mmol/L) = you have an impaired fasting glucose level (pre-diabetes) 126 mg/dl (7.0mmol/L) = you have diabetes The condition of “prediabetes” puts you at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and blood lipid disorders. Practise good stress management, and if you’re experiencing poor mental health, speak to your doctor about accessing help. Get regular exercise and follow a healthy diet. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to complications such as vision loss, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction, slow-healing wounds and…

According to registered dietician Ise-Marie Jardim, the Mediterranean diet originated from the eating habits of individuals living close to the Mediterranean sea, and is known for its high fruit and vegetable intake, which includes legumes and whole-grain products. Poultry, seafood, yoghurt and eggs are moderately consumed, and unsaturated fats, typically including olive oil, are used sparingly. Red meat, sugary foods and saturated fats, such as butter, are all limited in this diet. The ketogenic diet causes one’s body to produce ketones, and the brain uses these ketones instead of glucose as its primary energy source. This diet is typically low in carbohydrates, high in fat and moderate in protein. Consuming “unprocessed” foods such as those obtained through hunting is a typical characteristic of the paleo diet. Focus is placed on…

Alcohol is metabolized at a standard rate, but not everyone feels the same effects from alcohol, and the amount of time alcohol stays in the system can vary according to body type, age, gender, and other factors. According to the Priory Group, a provider of healthcare facilities in the UK, “depending on how much you’ve consumed, the type of test used and some biological factors about the person drinking the alcohol, the amount of time the substance can be detected in your system can vary widely”. That’s mostly because blood-alcohol concentrations can vary among people and situations. Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) refers to the amount of alcohol in relation to the amount of water in your blood. Several factors can affect BAC and how you react to alcohol, including your age…

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of people around the world. While it’s unfortunately thus far incurable, it’s still treatable by a dermatologist, with products that help to calm the skin and reduce redness. There are different types of rosacea, and they present slightly differently. • Subtype 1: This is what most of us would recognize as rosacea. Scientifically, it’s known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, often abbreviated to ETR. It’s characterized by facial flushing and redness of the skin, as well as visible blood vessels. • Subtype 2: Also known as acne or papulopustular rosacea, it’s characterized by breakouts that resemble those of acne. It most commonly affects middle-aged women with pale skin. • Subtype 3: Scientifically known as rhinophyma, this type of rosacea is much rarer and…

Chicken wings, bingo arms, nan flaps, granny-wobble – all phrases that describe the little pouch of fat on the underside of the arm. Typically caused by an excess of fat and/or lack of muscle, this is an area of concern for many women, and, as we age, gravity pulls it down a little further – along with our self-esteem. For top tips for tightening your triceps, keep reading. • Work those weights. From overhead extensions to bent-over rows, there are many exercises for sculpting your arms. Weights will help to build the triceps muscle and tighten the skin. • Make it plain and simple. There are many exercises that don’t require any equipment, but, boy, do they burn! Triceps dips, wall push-ups, and even simple arm raises are effective and…

It’s best to consult a vascular surgeon, who can correctly assess and manage varicose veins, says dermatologist Dr Sian Hartshorne. Vascular surgeons don’t strip veins anymore; they now perform a better, less invasive surgical procedure, ablating the veins from the inside, she says. Dermatologist Dr Noori Moti-Joosub adds that the deeper varicose veins can be effectively treated with sclerotherapy. It’s important to note, however, that vein treatment is ongoing and may need to be repeated. In addition, pregnancy can exacerbate varicose veins.…

The World Health Organization describes obesity as “abnormal excessive fat accumulation” that presents a risk to human health. Carrying that extra bulge, be it around the waistline, arms or legs, could put one at risk for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or even stroke. It could also trigger cancers, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer and others. However, there is a surprisingly big disconnect between the views of obesity researchers and those of the general public on the causes of and treatments for obesity. Researchers believe some people have genetic and hormonal traits that make them more susceptible to obesity. They view obesity as a complex chronic disease such as cancer, with many causes and subtypes. They’re also losing faith in dieting and exercise,…

Research has shown that atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in South Africa, with a prevalence of around 6% among those aged 65, increasing by up to 10% in the over-80s. As such, it’s likely that eating certain foods may have contributed to the development of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in some patients. You probably hear this often, but a healthy diet is crucial to managing and reducing such conditions. A nutritious diet may also prevent heart complications associated with AFib. Keeping track of what may trigger AFib is essential. I encourage individuals to follow a diet that reduces the risk factors that contribute to this condition. Eliminating specific foods that can trigger it is a good place to start. Processed and salty food Atrial fibrillation, which is a…

No one really understands how deep the emotional impact can be of losing one’s hair. It hits your confidence hard, making you extremely self-conscious and depressed. The biggest problem is that most people who suffer from this condition, which is medically referred to as alopecia, find it difficult to ask for help. In fact, many have lost hope of finding a solution, and, after spending a fortune on different treatments and therapies, cover their head with wigs or scarves, living in silent shame. I can’t tell you how many patients burst into tears when they’re asked to reveal their balding head. All the frustrations and disappointments of their journey are released when they realise that we can, in fact, help to fix the problem. Thorough analysis is key Education is…

Parents often struggle with balancing their toddlers’ active and inquisitive personalities with daily life, chores and responsibilities. It’s tempting to entertain them with the TV or an iPad, while you rush around catching up with life and admin. It’s an understandable fix. After all, it’s difficult juggling everything with only so many hours in the day. You want what’s best for that crazy ball of energy, but you also have to pay the bills, join meetings, sort out meals, and so much more. The problem is that this isn’t healthy for a child’s spiritual and physical wellbeing. According to the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, children between the ages of 18 months and three years need to take part in age-appropriate, play-based and structured physical activities to keep them…

1 Eat for the planet One of the healthiest ways of helping the planet is to eat more plants. If you eat more vegetables and fruits, buy smart and don’t waste, you’ll find it easy on the pocket – let alone the medical expenses you’ll save down the line. Eating too much red meat will kill you sooner than you’d like to believe. A large body of scientific evidence has shown that reducing overconsumption of animal-source foods, by increasing the relative consumption of plant-based foods, offers both environmental and health benefits. Studies in Okinawa and other Blue Zones (areas of the world where the populations exhibit the highest levels of longevity) have shown that populations with high vegetable (plant) quotients are healthiest and have longevity. You may have heard about…

Based on US dietary guidelines, and generally speaking, an adult woman needs 1 600 to 2 400 calories per day, and an adult man about 2 000 to 3 000. However, the figure will depend on a number of factors, including the individual’s age, gender, height, weight and level of physical activity. If you’re overweight, you should consult with a physician to determine a course of action, which would likely include modifications to daily nutritional habits and a regular exercise program. However, underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar, may need additional treatment. Within each age and gender, the low end of the range is for sedentary individuals, while the high end of the range applies to active individuals.…

Vaginal dryness can be caused by a number of factors, including menopause, breastfeeding and childbirth, birth control, medications, diabetes and surgery. According to Cleveland Clinic in the US, it can be treated by avoiding soaps or lotions that are scented or perfumed, and using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, while the vagina can also be directly treated with local estrogen for longer-term effects. A high-tech solution in the form of a laser procedure is available. Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson of Aurora Medical Aesthetics notes that a full examination, pap smear and urinary test are done before a decision is made for the treatment. The procedure involves a scanner inserted into the vaginal canal to deliver laser energy to the vaginal mucosa. This stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, and improves the…

A lopecia (scientifically known as Alopecia areata) is a condition characterized by the loss of hair in patches. As more hair falls out and the patches grow in size, the condition becomes more noticeable. Alopecia is more common than you may think. According to Healthline, it affects around 7 million people in the US alone, and can affect people of any age, gender or ethnicity. Although it may begin in childhood, it often presents only later in life. Hair loss isn’t limited to the scalp. In some cases, your eyebrows, eyelashes, face or other parts of the body may be affected. Because hair follicles are alive, it is possible that the hair can grow back. However, if it does, it isn’t guaranteed that you won’t experience hair loss again. Currently,…

There are many reasons for hair loss, ranging from age, genetics and hormonal changes to stress, nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions. Whatever the cause, losing your hair can be very distressing. There are treatments available, but it’s important always to consult with your doctor before starting any topical or oral supplements, whether they seem dangerous or not. Topical treatments: The most popular of these is minoxidil, which can be purchased over the counter and has a relatively high success rate. It works to stimulate growth and increase the hair’s growth cycle. Should you experience success, its usually recommended that you keep using it, as any hair that was relying on the drug to grow will likely fall out again. Side-effects appear to be rare and mild, but you should consult…

Humans can recognize a smile from up to 100m away, so make sure yours counts! Here are some tips to brighten your smile – and your day. • Cut down on coffee. Just rip off the Band-Aid. Coffee can stain your teeth. But so, too, can tea, red wine, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and even fizzy drinks. Your diet has a major effect on the whiteness of your teeth, so reduce consumption of these items, and rinse your mouth with water immediately after you’ve consumed them. • Brush with baking soda. In addition to fighting bacteria, this kitchen staple contains natural whitening properties. So, add a sprinkle to your toothpaste the next time you brush your teeth, and rinse to reveal a brighter smile. • Try oil-pulling. A more recent…