Most common kind of cancer for women

Breast cancer accounts for 16% of all female cancers world-wide, making it the most common kind of cancer for women. It is therefore of the utmost importance that every women conducts a monthly breast self-examination to detect any changes that could warn of possible complications.

Source: http://www.insurancesaysno.co.za/conduct-breast-examination/
Image Source: http://healthyheels.wordpress.com

Essential Med investigates Strange Health Myths

From old wives' tales to bizarre folklore, there are a number of strange health myths out there. Health insurance providers, Essential Med, help to debunk some of the most common ones:

Never ever wake up a sleepwalker

This tired myth decrees that individuals caught sleepwalking should never, under no circumstances, be woken from their sleep. If a sleepwalker is awakened, the myth dictates that the shock to their system can cause serious injury in the form of heart failure and other hazards. Unsurprisingly, this is a complete fable. If worst comes to worst, the sleepwalker will appear groggy and may be angry with you, but life-threatening? – Not at all.

Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis

First things first; it helps to understand what happens when you ‘crack' your knuckles. The crack you hear is not the sound of popping joints or grinding bones – rather, the noise originates from the popping of the tiny gas bubbles which can appear in the fluid in the joints of your fingers. Worst case scenario – you annoy the person sitting next to you at work.

Cold weather makes you sick

Chances are, this myth has been drilled into your head since childhood – autumn and winter are flu season, after all. It's time you learnt the truth: studies show that a drop in mercury doesn't directly affect your health. Rather, catching the flu is a result of spending too much time indoors where you breathe the same air and touch the same surfaces as your colleagues or family.

Smoking marijuana lowers your IQ  

This is a tricky one. Studies have shown that regular marijuana smokers between the ages of 13 and 18 – a crucial period in the brain's development – may experience a significant IQ drop of at least eight points. Alternatively, a 25-year study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that habitual marijuana smokers over the age of 18 didn't lose a single IQ point over the course of the study.

Sitting too close to the TV will ruin your vision

Sitting too close to the television won't ruin your eyesight, but sitting less than 1.5 metres from the screen can tire that muscles that focus the lens of the eye. This usually results in eyestrain and tired eyes that may burn and water. Make sure to leave a smart distance between your seating position and the television screen and give your eyes a break by refocusing your gaze during breaks.
Is your health an issue? Protect your health and your wallet with excellent health insurance and hospital plans offered by Essential Med.  

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/66321634405/essential-med-guide-to-five-strange-health-myths

The city of Port Elizabeth

Lorraine is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Port Elizabeth and a popular residential area due in part to its proximity to the bustling CBD. Also known as the ‘Friendly City’ or the ‘Windy City’, the city of Port Elizabeth is renowned for its warm, multicultural atmosphere and selection of world-famous beaches.

Source: http://www.remax.co.za/Property-in-Lorraine-Port-Elizabeth-Eastern-Cape/

What is epilepsy

The ultimate symptom of epilepsy is the epileptic seizure itself. Seizures have a beginning, a middle and an end - the beginning is known as an ‘aura’ or warning, the middle is the convulsive seizure and the end is the transition from seizure to normal state. Individuals who are about to suffer a seizure may experience the following warning signs:

•     A feeling of déjà vu (The illusion of remembering events when actually experienced for the first time)
•     Visual loss or blurring
•     Racing thoughts
•     Tingling feeling throughout body
•     Dizziness or a headache
•     Light-headedness
•     Nausea
•     Numbness

Click here for more information about illnesses that will or won't be covered by health insurance.


Source:  http://www.insurancesaysno.co.za/life-insurance-epilepsy/
Image Source:  http://wsusna.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/epilepsy-is-a-disorder-not-a-disease/

ingredients and nutrients

As a chef, one knows that there are numerous additives, ingredients and nutrients that are found in many foods. Unilever Food Solutions has recognised that, with the advent of our Consumer Protection Act, the South African food industry needs a guide to help it navigate the intricacies of the rules and regulations. That is why Your Menu has been created; a unique online guide that explains food labelling, ingredients and legislation to make your life a whole lot easier. Chefs now have a go-to resource for all their queries and can refer back to it whenever they need. Register on Unilever Food Solutions website now and see for yourself.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/61024020621/chefs-and-those-who-work-in-the-food-industry-have

Southern Right Whales

Every June, Southern Right Whales stop by South African shores for a visit until November. During this period, they gather in the San Sebastian Bay; a safe haven for them to congregate with their young and have their own holiday in our waters. Here the whales breed and calve, providing some of the best whale watching in the world.

In addition to whales, the area provides visitors with a large array of animal life including dolphins, wild cats, birds and buck. Just a few km away is the Mudlark River Lodge located within the Lower Breede River Conservancy on the banks of the Breede River itself The lodge provides the best of the Breede; from comfortable accommodation to guided fishing trips, bird-watching and, of course, whale watching. With scores of satisfied customers, Mudlark River Lodge should be where you stay to explore this wonderfully secluded and tranquil part of South Africa.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58916657234/whales-in-the-water-every-june-southern-right

Robertsons Prawn Soup

A soup is the staple of any winter menu; a delicious combination of ingredients blended together to make a delightfully warm meal on a cold night. One of our favourite recipes is a Thai prawn soup that combines subtle hints of coconut milk, lemon grass and spices into one remarkably flavoursome dish. The preparation involved is quick and easy – unbelievably so, as one would expect something this tasty to require hours of work.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58916589492/tantalising-thai-prawn-soup