Category: Lifestyle

  • Six things people with diabetes should do avoid to prevent foot ulcers

    Six things people with diabetes should do avoid to prevent foot ulcers

    One of the dreaded complications of diabetes is nerve damage which may sometimes lead to amputations.

    This problem normally arise because when blood sugar level remain high for a long time blood vessels may begin to damage.

    In order to prevent foot ulcers which may lead to amputation, there are a lot of things diabetes patients should do and other things they should avoid.

    We want to concentrate here on things they should avoid in order to prevent getting foot ulcers.

    1. Never walk barefooted
    According to experts, people battling with diàbetes should not walk barefooted. Walking barefooted may expose them to injuries which may not be able to heal, instead they should always wear protective stockings and shoes.

    2. Should not trim toenails
    According to footcare specialist, People with diàbetes should not trim toenails. This is because diabetes causes poor blood circulation which may cause numbness. This will make it difficult for patients to feel pain when they have cuts, scrapes and blisters.

    To avoid injuries which may not easily heal, don’t trim your toenails. When you deem it necessary to trim, extra care should be taken to ensure safety.

    3. Don’t do exercise without your protective kits
    Exercise is part of a daily routine for people battling with diàbetes, but you must have your protective kits on before engaging in any physical exercise.

    This is because injuries may be sustained during exercise if adequate precautions are not taken to ensure safety during exercise.

    4. Avoid sedentary lifestyle
    Diabetes may cause circulation problems in patients. High blood sugar level normally affect blood circulation. One way of dealing with poor circulation is through active lifestyle.

    To avoid poor blood circulation which may facilitate nerve damage, make sure you remain active as much as possible.

    5. Don’t wear tight socks or elastic stockings
    Tight socks and elastic stockings may hamper blood flow to the feet. When blood doesn’t flow properly to the legs ,the result will be nerve problems.

    6. Stop smoking
    Smoking may stiffen the nerves making it difficult for blood to flow effectively to the all parts of the body. Nicotine may also reduce the rate at which the cells accept insulin from the body.

    Smoking therefore makes worse diabetes symptoms and should be avoided in order to prevent complications.

    Source:fakazanews

  • Five breakup texts that’ll put an end to a relationship

    Five breakup texts that’ll put an end to a relationship

    Breaking up with your partner can be a tough task. Not knowing what to say and how to express yourself while breaking up is a common issue that most people face.

    And so, long before we know it, breaking up over text has taken precedence over everything else.

    Some consider it disrespectful while others think it’s a clean and quick way to break up with someone.

    If you’re one of the people who think the latter, then these breakup texts will help you end your relationship the way you want it.

    1. When the dates didn’t go well
    “I’m sorry but I didn’t really like the dates we went on. I didn’t feel a connection but I wish you the best.” This is a good way to keep it simple, to the point, without being much hurtful.

    2. When you both have been texting for some time now
    If you both have been texting back and forth but if you’re no longer interested in that person, then you can simply tell, “I know we have been texting each other quite a lot and while getting to know each other through texts is a good thing, I don’t feel it’s a good time for me. It was fun talking to you.”

    3. When a kind message does the trick
    A genuine text can always set the tone for your current and future relationships. Having good relations with everybody is a good way to avoid failure. So, something like, “I think we are yet to meet our soulmates. I know there is someone else for you and I’m sure you will be very happy when you meet them. I feel I’m just not the one.”

    4. When you’ve been in a casual relationship
    “It has been fun hanging around with you, but I am not really sure where this is going. It was good while it lasted.” A simple text like this can be quite to the point and do the job quickly. Since casual relationships don’t include intimacy, it’s relatively easier to break off.

    5. When your partner’s behaviour isn’t worth it
    “I am sorry but we cannot continue seeing each other because I tried telling you how your behaviour wasn’t appropriate that day. If you cannot correct your behaviour, then it’s not on me to handle or fix that.” Keeping boundaries and adhering to them, is a safety net that you should have.

    Source:fakazanews

  • Four myths about caffeine you shouldn’t believe

    Four myths about caffeine you shouldn’t believe

    Don’t do drink so much coffee, it’s bad for you. Drink tea instead.

    All the coffee lovers must have heard this line from the overly-caring relatives or friends, who themselves are tea addicts, at least, once in their lives and we can’t help but say yes to whatever they have to utter.

    While most non-coffee lovers have a particular notion about coffee, it won’t be wrong to say that most of it are nothing but myths.

    Here are 4 myths about caffeine that you should never fall for.

    Myth 1: Caffeine is addictive

    Fact: Don’t drink so much coffee, you will get addicted to it. This is one of the most favourite lines of all tea lovers. However, there are no studies that prove that a limited intake of caffeine can make you addicted to it. Having said that, since caffeine does stimulate your nervous system and improve concentration, you might feel a slight dependence on it if you have it on regular basis. If a cup of coffee is all that you have in a day, you need not worry about dependence.

    Myth 2: Caffeine causes cancer

    Fact: There is absolutely no scientific evidence for it. In fact, many experts say that caffeine may help prevent certain cancers.

    Myth 3: Caffeine is only bad

    Fact: On the contrary, caffeine has several health benefits. It helps improve concentration, gives you a boost of energy, may help relieve certain kinds of headaches and can help in clear-headedness.

    Myth 4: Caffeine is a big no for women who are trying to conceive

    Fact: While doctors do suggest that pregnant women should drink caffeine in limited quantities, there’s no evidence that suggests women trying to conceive should avoid it. Fertility and caffeine, as suggested by several experts, have no direct link. Consuming caffeine in limited quantities before or during pregnancy is safe with no proven risks unless you suffer from some complications.

    So, if you are a coffee lover, this might give you a sigh of relief. The other time when sometimes tries to stop you from having your daily cup of coffee, make them read about it a little more.

    Source:fakazanews

  • Four beauty decisions you need to make this year

    Four beauty decisions you need to make this year

    There is no better time than the New Year to break your terrible beauty habits; a new Year, a new set of beauty habits!

    However, 2022 is not just about tossing out old mascaras and promising to visit the hairdresser more often; it is also about making positive changes that overhaul your whole skincare routine.

    Here are four important beauty resolutions you must make in 2022

    1. Wear sunscreen daily

    It is critical to remember to apply sunscreen every day of 2022… and beyond. Otherwise, you could be putting your skin at risk.

    Sun damage and skin cancer are caused by ultraviolet radiation, which are always present. Wearing sunscreen every day can help you avoid years of sun damage, delaying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

    Although the melanin in your skin protects you from sunburns if you have a darker complexion, you must still protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation.

    People with fair skin are more likely to get skin cancer as a result of sun exposure, but those with darker complexion are more likely to develop more dangerous types of skin cancer. As a result, everyone, regardless of skin tone, should use sunscreen every day.

    2. Throw out expired products

    Do you have dirty make-up brushes, empty bottles, and expired foundations in your beauty drawer? Make a resolution to clear it all up in the new year, and make it a regular habit.

    A dirty beauty drawer can be a subtle source of stress. Our surroundings, according to Psychology Today, can have a big impact on our mood and behaviour. In brief, clutter might have negative consequences such as increased anxiety or difficulty concentrating.

    Additionally, dirty make-up and skincare items may harbour harmful microorganisms. If you do not dispose of expired products and empty bottles and clean up your make-up tools, the germs might linger and contaminate other products – and eventually, your skin.

    3. Wash make-up brushes regularly

    Cleaning make-up brushes and beauty blenders can be tedious. But just like going to the gym, you will be glad you did it!

    There is nothing as satisfying as when you sit down with your sparkling clean set of brushes the next day to do your make-up. And just like working out, cleaning your make-up brushes pays off in the long run.

    Dirty brushes can be disastrous on your skin. When your make-up brush touches your skin, it comes off with oil, dust, dead skin cells, and bacteria – and the next time you use the same dirty brush on your face, new breakouts and blemishes appear on your otherwise flawless skin.

    4. Try something new

    How adventurous are you when it comes to your skincare and beauty routines? While having tried and trusted products and routines is admirable, make a resolution to have fun with your beauty care in 2022. Instead of being stuck in a beauty rut, be bold and daring.

    Every now and then, go out of your way to try something new, even if it is not necessarily ‘you’. How about a new shade of lipstick? Some new nail art? A hair colour that you have never tried before? You won’t know how something looks on you if you do not try.

    source:fakazanews

  • How to stop putting your partner’s feelings above your own

    How to stop putting your partner’s feelings above your own

    In my experience, we all get better at being in relationships over time. It’s a learned skill. We aren’t all born with the perfect ability to balance and maintain a healthy relationship.

    Hindsight is 20/20, though. As soon as you’re out of the relationship, you’ll suddenly see all the issues you had, and for lots of people in first-time relationships, putting your partner’s needs above your own is a big issue.

    Here’s how to avoid doing that in the future.

    1. BEING A PEOPLE-PLEASER ISN’T HELPFUL

    Most people need a person in their life that they can be honest and share their soul with. However, you don’t want a yes-man in a relationship. The honesty you want from a partner is what you should give in return. They need someone to tell them when they have spinach in their teeth, that their shirt is on backward, or that their hat is ugly. People think that the only way to meet your partner’s needs is to be a people-pleaser, but that isn’t the same thing. In order to have a fulfilling relationship, you need to both make mistakes and grow together. If one of you is always protecting the other and defending them from change or influencing their behaviors, then they will stay the same. It’s well-meaning, but it isn’t helpful.

    2. YOU’LL WEAR YOURSELF DOWN

    Trying to anticipate and meet a person’s every need is hard enough as it is. However, when you combine that with an inability to meet your own needs because you’ve elevated those of another person above yours, that’s tough. You can’t sustain that. It’s isn’t a relationship – it starts to become a chore.

    3. YOU START TO RESENT THEM

    It’s not their fault either. They didn’t ask for you to put their needs above their own. Well, if they did, they’re trash, but that’s a different matter altogether. Your body soon begins to realize that the reason it’s tired all the time is your partner. However, your partner should be a source of joy, not tedium. You should want to help and support them, but if you become their servant, then it’s no longer an act of love and a pleasant surprise when you look after them. Small gestures are expected, but servitude changes the dynamic, and then your partner comes to expect that level of support, and neither of you is independent anymore.

    4. YOU FORGET WHAT YOUR VERSION OF SELF-CARE IS

    Sometimes you spend so long with a person that you become like them. We all have a bit of chameleon in us. That’s why we like our partners, after all – we think they’re cool. However, when you adopt all their habits and opinions, you might risk forgetting what you enjoy. The ways that you pass time. Don’t tend to their feelings so much that you neglect your own.

    5. YOU BECOME THEM

    No. I know that we’re all a collage of the people we’ve met – but that’s more subtle. It’s a compliment, and it’s natural. However, when you start dressing the same, cutting your hair together, and aligning your lives so intimately, even though your needs aren’t being met, it’s a gesture of intimacy that doesn’t ring quite true. Part of being in a relationship is valuing your differences and appreciating each other, not just keeping your personality under lock and key because you’re secretly afraid it might not be good enough.

    6. RECLAIM YOUR LIFE

    As a solution, try to reclaim what is yours – you will find that your partner is only too eager to get to know you. It introduces a little spark to the relationship. You won’t find love by obsessing over a person and failing to give them anything to love.

    7. VALUE YOUR OWN TIME

    Don’t drop everything you’re doing just because your partner has a small issue. Know when action is required and when they’re just venting. A lot of the time we just want to complain without being held accountable. Don’t be that person that always wants to fix everything and stops making people feel like they can just meaninglessly vent to you without getting the pitchforks out.

    8. FIND A NEW HOBBY

    Rediscover your old ones. Take up a new course – drag a friend to it, or your partner. They will love seeing this new and old side of you emerge.

    Putting people’s needs above your own isn’t inherently a bad trait. I know it sounds like I’m banging on about it, but don’t worry. It’s just that it conceals lots of other behaviors which actually compromise your quality of life. Value your own needs in a relationship, people!

    source:fakazanews

  • What weight loss diets have in common

    What weight loss diets have in common

    When it comes to losing weight and shedding a few kilos, it takes a lot of practice and effort.

    Consistency becomes extremely crucial and while diet and exercises play an important role, it all ultimately comes down to your determination and control.

    Having said that, there are a few tips and tricks that can speed up your weight loss process.

    Most successful diet plans have certain factors in common and if you really want to achieve your dream body, then you must adhere to them too! Let us take a look.

    Steer clear of refined carbs
    Not all carbs are the same or healthy. While a lot of whole foods are essentially good for your health, refined carbs are processed carbs that give rise to many diseases, including obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

    If you’re someone looking to lose weight, then refined carbs can hinder the process. Given that it is low in micronutrients and fibre, it can lead to overeating and unhealthy food cravings. This in turn increases the risk of obesity.

    Cutting down on the same and choosing the right, complex carbs can not only work wonders for your weight loss, but can eliminate the risk of many chronic ailments.

    Eat lots of greens and fibre-rich foods
    Green vegetables are highly nutritious. Besides maintaining a healthy gut, veggies like spinach, broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts boosts your immunity. Being low in calories, these foods are also great for weight loss. Since they are packed with fibre, you’re most likely to feel fuller for longer periods of time, keeping high-calorie unhealthy foods at bay.

    Say ‘No’ to added sugar
    Regular intake of foods high in added sugar may lead to weight gain. Given that sugar provides empty calories and has nothing to offer in terms of nutrition, not only does it add to your weight gain woes, but it also increases your risk of chronic illnesses.

    Portion control is key
    Portion size is the amount of food served on a plate for a single sitting or a meal. Portion control means to keep your food intake in check. Often, we tend to overeat, leading to excess calorie-intake and unnecessary weight gain. Controlling our portion size not only helps us lose some kilos, but also keeps excess calories at bay. This in turn assists us in maintaining a healthy weight in the long run.

    Using a small serving plate, measuring your portions with the help of your palm, practicing slow and mindful eating are some of the ways you can indulge in portion control.

    source:fakazanews

  • Body pains you should not ignore

    Body pains you should not ignore

    Most of us experience some form of fatigue or soreness either from being too sedentary by overusing one part of our body in our day to day lives.

    But, some types of pain are usually an indicator of other illnesses or health conditions.

    While any pain is bad for us, here are some specific types of body pain that you should never ignore, as it may save you from a big hospital bill in the future:

    1. Intimate parts

    Pain in your intimate areas is uncommon and should never be ignored. For women, vaginal soreness may occur after intercourse, but constant pain or burning pain can mean bad news. It may be a yeast infection or a simple skin issue such as dermatitis caused by irritation from cheap quality clothing and friction which cause chafing. However, pain in the inside of your vaginal walls may point towards an infection especially if the pain is noticeable after sexual intercourse which could mean it is due to a sexually transmitted infection or disease (STIs or STDs). STIs and STDs can be transmitted through unhygienic or unprotected sex and the usage of harmful chemical-based lubricants and stimulants. Always use high quality and organic products to ensure minimal exposure to harm.

    2. Head

    Headaches can be caused by a lot of things, but do not ignore them as they are often the indicator of some other underlying issue. A change in your prescription power for your eyes may be identifiable by a headache that occurs from too much stress on your eyes. A sinus issue can also manifest as a headache. Some people are inclined to get migraines, which are headaches that are mainly towards one side of the face and cause severe sharp and throbbing pains. Migraines can be controlled by taking proper medication and practising lifestyle changes such as better sleep habits and lowered stress. However, one should be especially aware of headaches that feel like the worst headache of your life, since they can be caused by a brain haemorrhage or tumour. If you find that’s the case with you, consult your doctor immediately as quick action and early detection can save your life.

    3. Joint pain

    Joint pains and or pain caused by Arthritis can be common among older people, but it is important to find out the cause of the pain at the earliest instance. Joint injuries are notoriously hard to heal since the body part is in constant usage and motion, which causes the injury or pain to worsen further. If you are middle-aged or younger, early cognizance of possible Arthritis can help in managing the condition and keeping it in check. Arthritis can be caused by both being too sedentary or overusing one part of the body too much. Once you get a diagnosis, regular light exercise and resting and massaging of the afflicted part with pain relief oils can help greatly.

    4. Abdominal pain

    From an inflamed appendix to menstrual cramps, most pains tend to materialize in the abdomen. Severe and constant abdominal pain can mean anything from appendicitis to stomach infections. Period cramps and pain are normal during menstruation but beware of period cramps that are painful enough to immobilize you. Uterine disorders such as Endometriosis and PolyCystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) are some conditions that cause extreme menstrual pain. Abdomen pain can also be caused by kidney stones or cysts in the ovaries. Women should be extremely vigilant about abdominal pain and visit a doctor at the earliest to seek treatment for any of these disorders.

    5. Chest pain (breathing or laughing)

    Chest pain can be a cause of worry since there are various vital organs that are placed in that region. Sometimes, chest pains can be caused by harmless heartburn or indigestion, but it can also point to many other things. Health conditions related to the heart such as angina, heart attacks can expose themselves as minor aches in the chest or even pressure in the chest, where the feeling can be similar to ‘an elephant sitting on the chest.

    Our chest or thoracic region not only houses the heart, but also the lungs. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body can attack its own body tissues and organs. Inflammation in the lungs caused by Lupus is often symptomized by ‘a sharp stabbing pain’ in the chest while breathing or laughing. For women, pain in the breast can point to a tumour or cancerous tissues in the breast. Unfortunately, breast pain felt during menstruation is similar to the pain caused by breast cancer, so it is difficult to determine the same. If you find yourself having breast pains in addition to any lumps, thick skin or hardness in the breast, visit a gynaecologist immediately.

    6. Earache

    An earache can be caused by a simple cold or sinus inflammation, but it can also mean there’s an underlying condition. Tinnitus is characterised by a ringing in the ears that doesn’t seem to cease. Both constant earaches and tinnitus can point to an acoustic neuroma or a non-cancerous tumour in the brain. Any symptom that manifests in the form of earaches or pains are often connected to the brain, so it is prudent to get any such pain checked out by a General physician or a neurologist at the earliest.

    These are some of the body parts and related pains which should be shown maximum care and be treated at the earliest. Early detection of an illness can be a godsend in treatment and can even help in facilitating a full recovery. Do consult your doctor if you experience any pain and discomfort and practice good hygiene and lifestyle changes to take care of your body.

    Source:fakazanews

  • Seven safe destinations to travel in 2022

    Seven safe destinations to travel in 2022

    Just as some of the premier tourist destinations across the world started to reopen for tourism after a long gap due to the COVID pandemic, things again turned bleak after the emergence of Omicron, the new COVID variant.

    Its emergence in late November led to tightened entry requirements and heightened travel advisories. The current situation leaves us thinking if in 2022, travellers will be able to venture out without any second thoughts.

    If safety is your priority, along with travel, you can check out these places, based on the latest US State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance as well as data from the 2021 Global Peace Index (GPI), which ranked more than 160 countries across the world on many categories.

    1. United Arab Emirates
    Dotted with some of the best tourist destinations, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East is one of the countries that received a Level 1 travel advisory heading into 2022. The CDC also stated that the country might witness a low level of COVID-19 infections in the UAE, which ranks a solid 26th worldwide on the GPI.

    2. British Virgin Islands
    The British Virgin Islands, just like the United Arab Emirates, rang in the New Year by receiving Level 1 travel advisory from both the CDC and the State Department. As per the latest news reports, the islands are open to international travel, whereas respective officials also recently eased entry protocols for fully-vaccinated individuals.

    3. Jamaica
    Jamaica received the Level 2 grouping, which means this destination can also be given a thought if someone is desperate to explore a new spot. However, officials in the know-how urged visitors to exercise increased caution due to COVID-19, while the CDC indicated that the island’s borders might witness a moderate rise in Coronavirus cases.

    4. The Bahamas
    Those who have always wanted sun, sand, and sea in their vacations, can travel to this beautiful destination, and witness the magic of this combination. The islands also received Level 2 travel advisories from both CDC and the State Department in December. Tourism officials here stated that such an advisory indicated that their protocols and protective measures to combat COVID-19 in the Bahamas are working.

    5. Fiji
    Dotted with numerous beautiful islands, Fiji has been a bucket-list destination for many travellers! Reports have it that the country has reopened with COVID-19 testing requirements in place, and it’s interesting to note that it received Level 1 on the State Department’s travel advisory scale. Further, the CDC has kept it at a Level 1 travel advisory, indicating a low level of the virus here.

    6. New Zealand
    Since the COVID pandemic hit the world in 2020, New Zealand has remained off-limits to most travellers across the world. However, with the arrival of 2022, industry experts are hopeful that international tourists will likely be able to visit the country soon.

    7. Grenada
    Grenada received Level 2 travel advisory, whereas the State Department urged travellers to exercise increased caution when in Grenada due to COVID-19. The CDC has also issued a similar Level 2 Travel Health Notice for the Caribbean island, indicating that this destination will likely witness a moderate level of Coronavirus infections. Note, the Spice Isle is open to travellers with COVID-19 vaccination, quarantine and testing requirements in place.

    source:fakanews

  • four types of farts you did not  know about

    four types of farts you did not know about

    There is nothing more embarrassing than farting, especially in a public place. Farting is a natural act. According to health experts, it is gas that you swallow while eating and the gases formed in the gut when the food is being broken down.

    Certain carbohydrates are incompletely digested by the enzymes in the stomach and intestines.

    The gut bacteria then digest these carbohydrates, releasing intestinal gas in the process.

    This, according to experts, leaves a trace amount of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia, which is formed by gut bacteria and gives farts their smell.

    According to Medicine-Net magazine, there are different types of farts humans experience.

    According to the publication, these are the different types of farts and their various characteristics:

    1. Flatus with bloating and cramp-like abdominal pain

    The pain is felt in the areas where the gas gets trapped. The most common area includes: Upper to mid-right part of the abdomen and the upper to the mid-left part of the abdomen.

    2. Flatus in an excessive amount

    You may feel that you are passing an excessive amount of gas. However, you do not have excess gas but have an increased sensitivity to the normal amount of gas in the intestine. Some of the conditions causing increased sensitivity include:

    Irritable bowel syndrome, Dyspepsia (persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen) and an irritation of @nus or rectum.

    3. Smelly flatus

    You may have abnormally smelly farts. This may be due to a particular food allergy or due to bacterial overgrowth in the gut.

    4. Flatus incontinence

    In this type of fart, you feel the rectum is filling, but the body’s nerves cannot recognize whether it is a gas or stool.

    source:news365

  • Judges of MasterChef SA announced as viewers embrace local shows kicking off the 2022 slate

    Judges of MasterChef SA announced as viewers embrace local shows kicking off the 2022 slate

    That “coming now now” tagline in M-Net’s promo for the fourth season of “MasterChef SA” has been pretty hard to miss.

    As far as generating hype around the cooking reality show goes, the channel is certainly working it and then some.

    And finally, viewers can put their curiosity to bed as the new judges have been announced. Zola Nene, Gregory Czarnecki and Justine Drake take over the baton from Pete Goffe-Wood, Benny Masekwameng and Reuben Riffel.

    To date, there have been three seasons as well as a celebrity edition, which aired in 2015 and was won by comedian Chris Forrest.

    While the judging panel is new, the celebrity chefs are well known.

    Also an award-winning author, Nene is no stranger to judging on a cooking show. She was a hit when she joined the panel of BBC Lifestyle’s “The Great South African Bake Off” in 2017.

    Her effervescent personality is complemented by her adventurous palate and defiant exploration of the classics.

    Drake is a doyenne in the food world since 1988. Aside from being the launch editor of “Fresh Living” magazine, she has five cookbooks under her belt.

    During the pandemic, when the nation took to cooking like a duck to water, she hosted “Just Cook at Home SA with Justine Drake” on YouTube.

    Not to be outshone by his fellow co-judges, Czarnecki, who was born in France, is the head chef at The Restaurant at Waterkloof.

    Aside from winning the coveted Chef of the Year award from Eat Out in 2016, he was also a mentor of the prestigious S. Pellegrino Young Chef competition in Africa and the Middle East.

    While the new batch of contestants has yet to be revealed, the prize money of R1 million, as well as the title of MasterChef SA, will see everyone bringing their culinary A-game to the kitchen.

    The knives will be out and heads will be on the chopping block from Monday, February 28, 2022, at 6pm.

    source:iol