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IOL News
11-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Winter wellness checklist: 10 proven tips to keep your family healthy this season
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), seasonal influenza can lead to severe complications, especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions. Image: Andrea Piacquadio/pexels As temperatures fall, colds, flu and viruses tend to emerge everywhere - from school halls and offices to taxis and even our living rooms. And nothing disrupts family life quite like endless sniffles, sick days, and sleepless nights. But here's the good news: with a few mindful habits, winter can become less about coughs and more about comfort, connection and even joy. Here's your easy-to-follow winter wellness checklist, inspired by expert advice and real-life tips that work for South African families. 1. Get your flu shot - it really matters: Flu isn't just a stronger version of the common cold. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), seasonal influenza can lead to severe complications, especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions. Annual flu vaccines can lower your chances of getting the flu, and if you do get sick, it's often milder. Make it a family routine – it protects not just you, but those around you. 2. Wash hands like it matters - because it does: Our hands pick up germs from everywhere - shopping trolleys, school bags, door handles. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reminds us that frequent handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stop viruses from spreading. When soap isn't around, keep a hand sanitiser in your bag or car. And yes, remind the kids (again) not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reminds us that frequent handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stop viruses from spreading. Image: Anna Shvets/pexels 3. Power up your immune system from the inside: Colourful plates aren't just pretty - they help keep your immune system strong. Nutrition experts suggest a mix of fruits, veggies and lean proteins every day. Vitamin D, found in eggs, fatty fish and fortified cereals, is especially important in winter when there's less sunshine. And keep those water bottles close, even mild dehydration can make you feel tired. If you're unsure about supplements, check in with a healthcare provider. 4. Keep moving - even if it's chilly: It's tempting to stay curled up under a blanket, but getting outside (even for 20 minutes) can lift your mood and boost your immune system. Studies from Harvard Medical School show that regular exercise helps white blood cells circulate more efficiently, making them better at fighting off illness. Walk around your local park, kick a ball with the kids, or just stretch on the patio. If getting outside isn't possible, crack open a window for some fresh air. 5. Prioritise mental health and togetherness: Winter's darker days can bring on the blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Psychologists suggest small steps like morning light exposure, connecting with friends, and planning family movie nights or board games to keep spirits high. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) also offers support lines if the mood dips more than expected. 6. Cover sneezes (and make it fun): Kids are more likely to remember health habits when they're fun. Teach them to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow, and don't shy away from making it silly with an exaggerated 'achoo!' This helps stop germs from spreading and keeps school days healthier. 7. Clean high-touch spots regularly: Germs love door handles, TV remotes, and light switches. A quick daily wipe-down with disinfectant can make a surprising difference. Get the kids involved, turn it into a five-minute evening routine with music to keep it fun. 8. Eat smarter, not stricter: Forget 'clean your plate' battles. Dietitians say letting kids decide when they're full teaches healthy habits that last. Use healthier oils like olive or canola when cooking, bake instead of frying, and swap sugary snacks for fruit, nuts or yoghurt. For parents, reading nutrition labels can help pick foods with less salt and sugar. For parents, reading nutrition labels can help pick foods with less salt and sugar. Image: Kindel Media 9. Sleep: your secret winter weapon: Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours for adults and even more for kids and teens. Try to keep bedrooms cool, dark and quiet, and build a relaxing routine; think reading instead of late-night scrolling. 10. Find the little joys: Winter doesn't have to be all about medicine and tissues. Embrace what makes the season cosy: warm soup, soft blankets, shared stories and slower evenings together. As family psychologist Dr Sheryl Ziegler says, 'Small moments of connection often matter more than big plans.'
UPI
02-07-2025
- Health
- UPI
Anger management improves with age In women, study says
Researchers also found that as women got older, they were more prone to anger and their anger became more intense, results show. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/ Pexels July 2 (UPI) -- Remember your sweet-hearted grandmother, who never seemed out of sorts no matter what nonsense landed in her lap? That's a skill, and it improves during a person's lifespan, a new study says. Women get better at managing their anger as they age, starting in middle-age, researchers reported Wednesday in the journal Menopause. That doesn't mean they're less angry. Researchers found that as women got older, they were more prone to anger and their anger became more intense, results show. But women also became less likely to express their anger or act with hostility, researchers found. "These findings are consistent with research on emotion regulation efforts during aging, such that efforts to control anger increase along with experiences of anger," concluded the research team led by Nancy Fugate Woods of the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle. For the study, researchers analyzed data from 271 women taking part in the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study, a long-term research project that started in the early 1990s. As part of the project, participants filled out a questionnaire related to their anger and hostility levels up to four or five times over the years. Results showed that as women aged, they became more adept at managing anger even though they felt it more acutely. Researchers said this might be because women feel more generativity - a sense of positively impacting the world by caring for others, particularly future generations - as they go through middle age and menopause. "Implying greater emotional complexity among older adults, some of these changes may be seen in midlife and contribute to a sense of integration and maturity, supporting the development of generativity with aging," researchers wrote. Women also might become more tactical with their anger, expressing it in ways that are more positive and constructive to improve relationships, researchers said. Women who use anger in a positive way tend to feel better empowerment and self-regard. More research is needed on women's anger in the context of everyday life, to provide more information on emotion regulation and anger management strategies, researchers said. "The mental health side of the menopause transition can have a significant effect on a woman's personal and professional life," Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a news release. "It is well recognized that fluctuations in serum hormone concentrations during the postpartum period, as well as monthly fluctuations in reproductive-aged women corresponding with their menstrual cycles and during perimenopause, can result in severe mood swings associated with anger and hostility," continued Christmas, who was not involved in the study. "Educating women about the possibility of mood changes during these vulnerable windows and actively managing symptoms can have a profound effect on overall quality of life and health," she said. More information The American Psychological Association has more on anger management. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
UPI
19-06-2025
- Health
- UPI
Coffee may help you live longer, but skip the extra sugar
Drinking at least one cup of caffeinated coffee per day was linked to a 16% lower risk of premature death from any cause, researchers found. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/ Pexels June 18 (UPI) -- Drinking a cup or two of coffee every day may help you live longer -- but only if you skip the heavy cream and sugar, new research suggests. The research, published in The Journal of Nutrition, found that black coffee or coffee with just a little sugar and saturated fat was tied to a lower risk of premature death. But when people drank coffee with lots of sweeteners or cream, the health benefits disappeared. "Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it's important for us to know what it might mean for health," senior author Fang Fang Zhang of Tufts University said in a news release. Researchers looked at data from more than 46,000 U.S. adults who took part in national health surveys between 1999 and 2018. They analyzed what kind of coffee people drank -- caffeinated or decaf -- and how much sugar and saturated fat they added. They compared that data to deaths from any cause, as well as heart disease and cancer. The results? Drinking at least one cup of caffeinated coffee per day was linked to a 16% lower risk of premature death from any cause. Drinking two to three cups a day was linked to a 17% lower risk. No clear association was found between coffee and cancer deaths. Researchers said people who drank black coffee or added coffee with low amounts of added sugar and saturated fat seemed to benefit the most. In the study, low sugar was defined as about one-half teaspoon per 8-ounce cup. Low fat, meanwhile, was defined as about 1 gram per cup - equal to 5 tablespoons of 2% milk or 1 tablespoon of light cream. "Few studies have examined how coffee additives could impact the link between coffee consumption and mortality risk, and our study is among the first to quantify how much sweetener and saturated fat are being added," added lead author Bingjie Zhou, a recent doctoral graduate at Tufts. The study was based on self-reported food data, which may not be fully accurate. It also found fewer people drank decaf, which may explain why no strong link was found between decaf coffee and early death. Still, the findings support the idea that coffee can be part of a healthy diet -- just be mindful of how much sugar and cream you add! More information Johns Hopkins Medicine has more on why coffee is good for you. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Norovirus: What you need to know about GII.4 strain as cases rise
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Some hospitals have decided to restrict visitors amid the outbreak 🤢 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of norovirus are more than double the five-season average for the same four week period. Some hospitals across the UK are deciding to restrict visitors in a bid to curb the outbreak. The UK Health and Security Agency have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. The two dominant strains of norovirus in the UK are GII.17 and GII.4. Hospitals are warning anyone who has norovirus symptoms to stay at home. Norovirus cases have continued to increase across the UK, with the number of outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) during weeks 14 to 17 nearly double (43.3%) the five-season average. This has lead to some hospitals, including Southport Hospital and Bedford Hospital in Fort William bringing in visitor restrictions and urging that those with symptoms 'do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency', in a bid to curb the outbreak. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. As the dominant strain of norovirus infections has changed from GII.17 to GII.4. Hospitals in some areas of the UK have been restricting visitors over a rise in the cases of norovirus. | Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes.' What is norovirus? Norovirus, is a stomach bug which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also known as the winter vomiting bug, however despite this name you can get norovirus at any time of the year. What is norovirus Gll.4? The two most common strains that are causing norovirus infections in the UK are Gll.4 and Gll.17. During the 2024/2025 season to date, Gll.17 was the most frequently identified strain, making up 51.1% of cases, whilst GII.4 is now made up 29.8% of cases, rising sharply from just 10%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This means that people who have previously had norovirus may be susceptible to catching it again as having one strain of norovirus does not fully protect you against the other. What are the symptoms of norovirus? Despite the different strains, the symptoms of norovirus remain the same, common symptoms include: nausea and vomiting diarrhoea high temperature abdominal pain aching limbs Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms, which can cause dehydration. Anyone with these symptoms should drink plenty of fluids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How long is the norovirus incubation period? Norovirus has a quick incubation period, with those who have been exposed to the virus typically becoming unwell within 12 to 48 hours. Is norovirus contagious? Norovirus is highly contagious and can easily spread between people. You can catch norovirus from close contact with someone who has it, touching surfaces or objects that have norovirus on them and then touching your mouth or eating food that has been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus. How can you prevent norovirus? To help prevent catching norovirus wash your hands with soap and warm water, alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus and cannot offer you protection. If someone in your home has norovirus wash any contaminated clothing and bed linen at 60°C, remember to wear disposable gloves to prevent catching the virus and use bleach-based household cleaners to help disinfect surfaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When can you return to work after norovirus? If you have norovirus you should stay off school or work until you have not vomited or had diarrhoea for at least two days to prevent spreading the virus. You also should not visit others in hospitals or care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days, as this will help prevent you from spreading the virus to those who are more vulnerable. You can find out more about norovirus signs and how to ease symptoms at
Edinburgh Reporter
14-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Acas finds what makes Scots workers angry
Colleagues not doing their jobs properly, staff taking credit for other peoples' work and over-demanding bosses are the things most likely to make Scots employees angry according to figures just released. The poll, commissioned by workplace relations experts Acas, asked employees to consider what three things made them the most angry in the workplace. Half (50%) of Scots who took part cited people perceived not to be doing their job properly, while 43% pointed at others claiming credit for their work. An over-demanding boss (41%), having too much work to do (38%) and rude customers or staff (34%) made up the top five things that made employees' blood boil. Over a quarter of Scots (26%) cited 'feeling excluded by others at work' and around one in six (16%) pointed to a lack of training or an induction. The YouGov poll, conducted between March 27 and April 1, also found that 1% included being angered by fellow staff voicing opinions opposite to their own. Stewart Gee, Acas' Head of Individual Dispute Resolution, said: 'It's clear from our poll that there's a range of issues that make people angry at work. 'Anger over a lack of recognition, rudeness, their boss or a colleague seen as not pulling their weight can impact productivity and escalate to conflict if left unresolved. 'It is important for workplace conflict to be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.' According to Acas, conflict at work is estimated to cost UK organisations £30 billion each year. They say dealing with conflict positively and quickly can build trust and improve relationships. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Like this: Like Related
