The post Men with dry, itchy scalp are a turn-off — poll appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>And, men with the condition – which affects one in four males – say it’s embarrassing and agree it’s unattractive.
The survey, by market researchers, Beauty Bulletin, on behalf of Alpecin Hybrid Caffeine Liquid, polled 712 women, 81% of whom said men with a dry, itchy scalp were a turn off.
In a separate poll of 268 men with dry, itchy scalp, 88% were embarrassed or self-conscious about the condition, while 96% believed it was unattractive. Only a third were using a product for a dry scalp with most achieving mediocre (41%), low (34%) or no (19%) success.
The findings follow surveys in South Africa, Germany, Hong Kong and Singapore which found about 25% of men polled had a dry scalp and most were using an anti-dandruff rather than a moisturising product for the problem.
Global hair expert Dr Adolf Klenk says dry scalp causes fine, dry, itchy flakes and trying to counter this with an anti-dandruff application may be exacerbating the problem.
“A dry scalp needs a mild, moisturising intervention such as Alpecin Hybrid Caffeine Liquid applied directly to the scalp or applied after washing hair with Alpecin Hybrid Caffeine Shampoo,” said Klenk, from the German-based Dr Wolff Group which discovered that a caffeine-based formula helps counter hair loss* in men and women.
(* without a result of a medical condition)
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]]>The post Winelands village voted tops, up for property “Oscar” award appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>Nooitgedacht Village, which has attracted investment of over R1billion since it’s 2013 launch, was voted the country’s best by the African Property Awards, and will now vie for the title of Best Mixed-Use Development in Africa at the International Property Awards, known as the “Oscars” of the property industry.
The village is part of the historic Nooitgedacht Estate, surrounded by rolling vineyards and spectacular mountain vistas. It combines traditional community lifestyle — drawing on Old Cape and Bo-Kaap architecture — with modern commercial and retail components.
Property expert Toni Enderli describes the village as “a community model of the future where you can safely live, work and play without getting into a car.”
“It’s authentic, sustainable and affordable. Apartments start from R1.4-million, making estate living accessible to students, starter families and retiring couples. Amenities include a hotel, restaurant, medical centre and gym, all located around a two-hectare eco wetland park. Residents also have access to the 200ha Nooitgedacht farm for cycling, running, picnicking and much more.”
The village is up against developments from the rest of Africa, Dubai and Arabia, judged by a panel of 80 property experts and chaired by members of the UK’s House of Lords. Winners will be announced at a gala event in London in June, attended by developer, Werner Wirth. “The awards have been running for 26 years and recognize the world’s best in design and architecture. It’s a huge accolade for Nooitgedacht Village,” said Wirth.
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]]>The post Circumcision lowers STI risk in women – study appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>There is already compelling evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually-acquired HIV infection by 60%, according to the World Health Organisation. And, while it is well known that male circumcision helps prevent STIs in men, it was previously thought that it may not reduce STIs in women.
However, a recent systematic review of 81 published articles found that the reduction of STIs in circumcised men, “will translate into lower risk of STI exposure in women,” adding that circumcision was a health-promoting and life-saving public health measure.
The review added that circumcision should be part of a package of measures to reduce STI risk such as using condoms, reducing sexual partners and taking HIV-prevention medication.
The findings come ahead of South Africa’s annual initiation season when circumcision is part of a rite of passage to manhood in some communities, but where botched procedures at rural initiation schools result in dozens of deaths annually. Last season, 34 initiate deaths were reported.
Dr Kabo Ijane from The Urology Hospital, Pretoria, says there’s a growing awareness of the health benefits of medical circumcision in a hospital or clinical environment.
“The Urology Hospital offers the best expertise, the latest techniques, a safe, sterile and comfortable environment for circumcision and protection against infection and injury.”
Visit www.urology.co.za for more.
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]]>The post SA doctors over-prescribing antibiotics, posing health risk — study appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>The research, by Wits University and the London School of Economics, found that 78% of patients sent to a public clinic and 67% sent to a private general practitioner received antibiotics even though they were not necessary.
“…unnecessary antibiotic prescribing is known to be related to…antibiotic resistance (ABR)…This poses a threat to public health as some common infections are now much more difficult to treat.” The study noted that South Africa has among the highest rates of ABR in the world.
“Respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and acute bronchitis, are amongst the main problem areas because primary care providers prescribe antibiotics for these infections even though they are caused by viruses rather than bacteria,” noted a statement from Wits University.
The research comes ahead of the annual colds and flu season in SA with the World Health Organisation reporting that up to 600 000 thousand people die globally each year from influenza.
Health expert, Vanessa Ascencao, suggests the public boost immunity to try protect against infection. This includes regular exercise and getting enough sleep. She says a healthy, balanced diet is essential to fuel the body and feed the immune system.
“We eat too much refined and ‘junk’ food, red meat and sugar when we should be nourishing the body with whole, natural, fibrous foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice and raw oats, and limited, quality, organic protein such as ethically farmed lean meat, poultry and fish, or seeds, nuts, beans and legumes.”
Ascencao says research indicates that vitamin D supplementation may cut flu risk significantly, while supplementing with vitamin C may shorten the duration of colds and may be helpful in supporting immunity, protecting cells from free radical damage and cardiovascular and chronic disease, and promoting muscle repair.
“A great source of vitamin D is BetterYou DLux oral spray because it has 40% proven absorption due to the rich vein system in the mouth. Also, try the new liposomal encapsulation technology in Biomax Liposomal Vitamin C which is proven to increase the bioavailability of vitamin C in the body.” Ascencao suggests the following additional tips to stay healthy this winter:
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]]>The post Cape township school gets 400 bikes from Epic fundraisers appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>About R700 000 of the R1-million was raised by six Belgian businessmen behind the Devonbosch Lifestyle Estate, near Stellenbosch, who raced in the Epic last month.
Devonbosch partners with global charity, Qhubeka, to donate bikes to communities as “tools of change”.
The estate’s spokesperson, Toni Enderli, said the Belgian developers were passionate about South Africa and had raised the funds to give back to the country. Qhubeka said the 400 bicycles would be delivered to children at Kayamandi Secondary School in Stellenbosch and would benefit about 2 000 people as “a household of five derives benefit from having just one bicycle, as families share bicycles to help access schools, clinics and jobs.”
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]]>The post Insomnia may be in the genes – study appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>A US study of the genes of over 450 000 people found 57 gene regions that could be linked insomnia, indicating the sleep disorder is inherited. The genetic regions also shared connections with various conditions, particularly coronary artery disease and depression.
“Our findings confirm a role for genetics in insomnia symptoms and expand upon the four previously found [genetic regions] for this condition,” said researcher Dr Jacqueline M. Lane.
The study found that insomnia may result in a 78% risk of coronary artery disease, a 22% risk of depression, 18% risk of type 2 diabetes and 50% risk of developing colorectal cancer.
“…our findings suggest that depression and heart disease are actually a result of persistent insomnia,” said another researcher, Dr Samuel Jones, from the University of Exeter.
Insomnia affects about one in three South Africans and previous research indicates that insomnia increases the risk of anxiety disorders, alcoholism, major depression and heart disease.
Nutritional expert, Vanessa Ascencao, says lack of sleep also affects the body’s ability to defend against infections and disease, adding that research shows sleep deprivation is costing South Africa billions of rand in lost productivity.
To counter insomnia, Ascencao advocates a balanced diet, limited caffeine, exercising daily and taking quality sleep-supporting supplements such as Felix, a highly effective saffron extract proven to help enhance mood and counter unhealthy food cravings, and BetterYou Magnesium Oil transdermal spray which helps relax the body and aids natural sleep.
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]]>The post Excessive urination at night (nocturia) affects one in three appeared first on Leap Communications.
]]>A US study showed that almost 30% of 7 620 women surveyed reported two or more urination episodes a night with the incidence of nocturia steadily increasing with age and affecting 46% of women 80 or older.
During sleep the body produces less but more concentrated urine, and most people don’t need to wake up to urinate. Nocturia may be diagnosed for those who have to wake up twice or more at night to urinate.
Although more common in the elderly, nocturia may occur at any age due to lifestyle choices or a medical condition. It is sometimes mistaken for an over active bladder (OAB) caused by bladder spasms which cannot be controlled, prompting urination throughout the day and night when the bladder is not full. People with nocturia only experience frequent or increased urination at night but may also suffer from OAB.
The causes of nocturia include excessive fluid consumption, certain medication, urinary tract or bladder infections, infection or enlargement of prostate, diabetes, anxiety, kidney infections or neurological disorders. High blood pressure may also indicate nocturia.
Dr Laurie Blake from the Urology Hospital, Pretoria, advises people who urinate excessively to consult a urologist as it’s vital to sleep through the night without waking up. “It’s important to reach Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or restorative sleep for brain development. Waking up periodically disrupts this.”
Blake says nocturia and OAB, like most other urological conditions, can be treated at The Urology Hospital. He said treatment may range from lifestyle changes to treating underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection.
Visit www.urology.co.za for more.
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]]>The post SA joins global investor swoop on top Swiss resort appeared first on Leap Communications.
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The Andermatt ski resort in the Swiss Alps has been transformed from a traditional alpine village into a sought-after property investment destination due to world-class facilities, low tax rates, significant tax incentives, attractive returns and the lifting of laws prohibiting foreign ownership of Swiss property.
The result has been a surge in global sales over the last year by 87%, the resort said in a statement.
Cape-based property expert, Toni Enderli, says pricing in Andermatt is on par with Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard and the V&A Waterfront. The resort offers full turn-key investments in one-bedroom apartments, managed and serviced by the Radisson Blu group with a 3% guaranteed net annual return.
Enderli says Andermatt was introduced to South Africans only months ago but had already resulted in sales and a host of interested buyers. “This is one of the safest and most attractive global investments and those wanting to diversify their portfolios are seizing this opportunity.”
Andermatt boasts one of Europe’s best ski and hiking facilities, an 18-hole golf course, a fitness and wellness centre, mountain biking, top restaurants, luxury hotels, apartments, chalets and shopping facilities. The village centre is a car-free zone, contributing to a harmonious community environment.
Contact Toni Enderli on 082-497-4302, e-mail [email protected] or for more info, visit http://andermattlaunch.pagedemo.co.
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]]>The post Heart disease a major cause of female deaths – but many don’t care appeared first on Leap Communications.
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“Although it is the leading cause of death in women (in the US), more than 75 percent of young women worry little or not at all about getting heart disease,” notes the American Heath Association in response to recent heart health research by Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital.
The research showed that while most young adult women had taken some action to preserve their health, such as seeing a doctor, exercising or trying to reduce stress, there was a general lack of awareness of the severity of heart disease.
This follows a study by the University of North Carolina which shows that heart attacks are no longer a disease of “old men” but are increasingly occurring in younger people, especially women.
The latest research found that only 10 percent of 331 women surveyed between 15 and 24-years-old identified heart disease as a leading cause of death in women. Almost 40 percent worried a little and 37.2 percent did not worry at all about heart disease. Just over 42 percent worried most about depression or anxiety.
Researcher Courtney Brown said: “…While (women’s) short-term risk of heart disease is very low, their lifetime risk is often quite high, and taking care of their health now is important for reducing their lifetime risk of heart disease”.
Nutritional expert Vanessa Ascencao said up to 80 percent of heart disease deaths may be preventable. In South Africa, studies show that 68 percent of women and 31 percent of men are overweight or obese, contributing to heart disease, strokes and diabetes which among the country’s biggest killers.
“Women should prioritise their own health by pursuing a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and taking the right supplements such as Bio-Berberine which helps control blood sugar levels which in turn helps avoid diabetes and plays a major role in heart disease.”
Ascencao suggests the following additional steps for improved heart health:
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]]>The post Act early to counter the agony of kidney stones — urologist appeared first on Leap Communications.
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Kidney stones are common, affecting about 10 – 15% of the population with a study showing that this is on the rise.
Stones develop when chemicals in the urine such as calcium or uric acid form crystals. When these crystals enter the ureter they are known as ureteral stones while the hard deposits that form in parts of the renal pelvis are called kidney stones, according to Dr Craig Mamitele from The Urology Hospital, Pretoria.
Some stones are as small as a grain of sand and pass through urine without detection; others may be as big as a golf ball and although seldom fatal, the agony experienced when they get stuck in the urinary system has sometimes been compared to the pain of childbirth.
Mamitele says causes of kidney stones include genetics, a diet too rich in animal protein, oxalate, sodium and sugar, not enough liquid intake (particularly water), health conditions such as gout, diabetes or obesity, and certain medication such as calcium supplements.
“Kidney stones may lead to kidney damage and urinary infections. Symptoms include excruciating pain in the lower back or side of the abdomen, pain when urinating or blood in the urine. If you experience any of these, consult a urologist immediately,” added Mamitele.
He explained that there were various forms of treatment, including shockwave therapy to break down the stone or surgery to remove bigger stones – all offered by The Urology Hospital which comprises over 20 urologists and the latest technology to treat all major urological conditions.
Visit www.urology.co.za for more.
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