Stroke is the fourth highest cause of death from natural causes in South Africa, closely following on the top three: TB, diabetes, and heart disease. This is according to the latest information available from Statistics SA, namely for 2016. In 2015, stroke was the third highest cause of death from
A wide variety of factors can increase the risk of stroke. It is possible to have inherited an increased genetic predisposition to having a stroke, illustrated by family history. Aging is another factor that increases risk. However, there are many risk factors that are treatable. Awareness of these factors allows
Growing old gracefully is not for the faint hearted, the brittle boned or the weak. Brittle bones due to osteoporosis, in combination with muscle loss (sarcopenia), can result in falls and broken bones. Muscle mass and strength, in particular, are very important to the elderly, as they need muscle strength
Like a silent thief in the night, you are unaware of the presence of osteoporosis, until something breaks suddenly – a window in the case of a burglar; or a bone in your body in the case of osteoporosis. What is bone? Although it looks like a rock-solid substance, bone
To many a layperson the word “dementia” may conjure up the image of a person who is seen as stark raving mad and locked up in a mental institution. Dementia, however, is not to be confused with mental illness, as it refers to the more serious conditions associated with cognitive
Very promising results from studies into longevity has found that by periodically tricking the body into thinking that it is fasting, significant health and anti-aging benefits are released. Scientists found evidence that a healthy daily “longevity” diet, combined with a periodic low calorie diet that mimics a fast – to
Drawing concentric blue circles on a map to indicate the cluster of villages in Sardinia, Italy, with the highest concentration of centenarians in the world, and later adding blue circles for other longevity hotspots in the world, have resulted in researching demographers referring to these areas as “Blue Zones”. Residents
What is arthritis? Arthritis is a condition that describes joint pain or joint disease in one or more joints in the body where bones come together, such as the knees, hips, elbows, wrists, fingers and toes. In medical terms, arthritis refers to joint inflammation. Symptoms can include joint pain, stiffness,
Time and tide waits for no man – and unfortunately the face is the first to reveal the passing of time, even when mutton dresses as lamb! The medical term “intrinsic aging” describes the natural aging process and our genes will dictate when the visible lines start to appear and
Menopause is nature’s way of signaling the end of child bearing years. There is a gradual decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone, usually around the age of 50, and this leads to your periods becoming erratic and finally ceasing. Menopause can occur before the age of 50 and
