Cosmopolitan.com

Is Your Vagina Shy?

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00 +0200

You have to go to work early tomorrow morning, you're beating yourself up for putting those shoes on your credit card, and you missed gym today because your boss scheduled a meeting at lunch. Basically, you feel about as sexy as the sponge you're using to wipe down the kitchen counter. If life has chased your sex drive away, these tips can help:

1. The Athlete's Approach

2. The Happiness Visualisation

3. The Mantra

4. The Musical

5. The Trade-Off

6. The Right Ingredients

Just do it, says sex therapist Bettina Arndt, author of The Sex Diaries (Melbourne University Press), who subscribes to the theory that sexual desire is a decision. 'The female libido tends to be a very fragile, distractible creature, and so it's very easy to come up with a long list of reasons why you don't feel like having sex,' she says. 'Knowing all these things won't help you - in the end you'll have a miserable relationship if you're constantly rejecting your partner.'

Cramp-Fighting Tips

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00 +0200

Take Meds ASAP
Over-the-counter painkillers are most effective when you pop them at the first twinge of discomfort (or, if you know your period is due, you can take them the day before). They stop the production of hormones called prostaglandins which cause the cramps.

Work Up a Sweat
Sustained heart-pumping exercise - a 20-minute jog or brisk walk, for example -increases blood flow and prompts natural pain blockers called endorphins to circulate through your bloodstream.

Soak In a Hot Bath
Heat relaxes all the muscles in your body, including those in your uterus, so they’re less likely to tense up. A heating pad or even a hot shower will do the trick.

Get Frisky
Experts believe that sexual stimulation curbs cramps because it also triggers an endorphin rush.

Pregnancy Lies

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00 +0200

Don't believe these conceiving misconceptions.

You can't get pregnant when you're having your period.

Truth: Although ovulation and menstruation rarely happen simultaneously, sperm can live in your body for up to five days after sex. So if you ovulate soon after your period, the sperm may still be around and you could conceive.

The Physical Fallout To Stress

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:00 +0200

It's common knowledge that stress can trigger a headache or an upset stomach, but here are four lesser-known health repercussions of feeling like you're at the end of your rope.

'Chronic stress causes elevated cortisol levels and alters your metabolism so that fats are produced and stored in the body more easily, especially in the abdominal area,' explains Dr Bruce McEwen. And this is true even if you don't eat more than usual.

Breast Pain Explained

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00 +0200

Does your set feel sore? Rule out something serious.

Breast Pain #1	If You Feel: A general aching across the upper and outer parts of each breast that occurs a couple of days to a week before your period begins… It's Probably: Fibrocystic breast change. This harmless condition happens when hormone fluctuations prompt breast tissue to swell with fluid temporarily, making your twins feel ultra-sensitive. What To Do: Avoid caffeine and nicotine before your period - both increase swelling and sensitivity. Taking a daily vitamin E supplement (consult your doctor first) can also squelch the soreness.
Breast Pain #2
Breast Pain #3

Oral Sex Risks

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:00 +0200

If you think oral action is 'safer sex', you're very mistaken. Here's what the dangers are - and how to protect yourself.

HPV	If you give oral sex to a guy with the HPV virus, you can get the virus in your throat and mouth. Symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and visible growths (HPV is also linked to oral cancer, although it's rare).
Herpes
HIV
Other Infections
How To Stay Safe

What Your Gynae Isn't Telling You

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00 +0200

Going to get your annual gynae exam is, at best, a necessary evil. And the last thing you want to do is prolong your visit by shooting the breeze with the person whose head is between your legs. But shockingly, if you don't take a proactive role and become your own advocate by engaging your doctor, there are crucial health issues he or she may not voluntarily discuss with you. The reason: Doctors aren't perfect. Some are drowning in paperwork brought on by insurance companies, making their notoriously tight schedules even more frenzied. Others are just plain negligent. Some are even reluctant to bring up touchy topics like STDs or their patients' sexual habits unless the patient raises the issue first.

'Lots of my colleagues are happy to talk about it once someone brings it up, but can be uncomfortable initiating the conversation,' says Dr Carolyn Clancy. 'This is why it's absolutely essential for patients to play a very hands-on role in their health care. You can never communicate too clearly. You need to view yourself as a partner with your doctor - and be prepared to discuss what's important to you.' To help you get grip on your gynaecological exam, we've pulled together five things your gynae may not be sharing with you... but should.

You're Not Being Checked For STDs	With all the sexually transmitted diseases running rampant, you'd assume that doctors would be extremely cautious about screening their patients. But a study of more than 4000 physicians published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed that less than one third actually do regularly administer tests for STDs. In addition, the survey found that only 37% of doctors test for chlamydia - despite the fact that it affects millions of people, and is a highly recommended test. Bottom Line: Ask For an STD workup. But you can't just walk in, be tested for antibodies (your body's defence against infections), and get busy without a condom that night. It can take weeks or even months for the antibodies to show up. In addition, you can't be tested for every disease at once. So, to be sure you have a clean bill of health, set up an STD testing timeline for you and your partner. You have to wait at least one week after having unprotected sex to be checked for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and you have to wait at least three months to be tested for HIV.
You Won't Necessarily Be Called About Abnormal Test Results
You Should Have a Breast Lump Tested By Ultrasou
Killer Cramps Aren't Normal

Could You Detect a Lump?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00 +0200

Every year we buy pink products to raise money for breast cancer research, we cry when women lose their brave fights against the disease, and we wear a ribbon during breast cancer awareness month to show that we are all sensitive to the cause. We also know that the chance of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is one in 11. But can you accurately detect potentially dangerous lumps? It seems, as young women, we don't really know that much at all when it comes to our own breasts.

Time To Learn	There's been some confusion about the need for breast self-examination (BSE). While BSE has been promoted to women since the '50s, research does not support its effectiveness as a method of early detection, and there is inadequate evidence to suggest it can directly reduce deaths from breast cancer. Despite these scientific truths, experts say we should not stop checking our breasts, and should practise 'breast awareness' by familiarising ourselves with the normal look and feel of our breasts.
What To Look For, How and Why?
What Should We Be Feeling For?

Is Your Fertility at Risk?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00 +0200

Take note of the things that could hurt your future baby-making abilities.

Smoking	Cigarettes poison your eggs and may cause you to go through menopause early, so you can add diminished pregnancy potential to all the other good reasons you should kick the habit.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
Your Weight

The Healthy Tan Plan

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00 +0200

Sun-worshippers, beware! Skin cancer is a scary reality, and excessive sun exposure and tanning are the leading cause of premature ageing. The truth is, there's no such thing as a 'healthy' tan. Being golden brown might look good, but it's actually your body's response to injury caused by the sun. That said, moderate and safe exposure to the sun provides you with necessary vitamin D. Follow this exclusive Dr Oz-approved three-step plan to getting that sun-kissed (not sun-scorched) glow.

Step #1: Repair and Rework Your Tan	• If you frequent the tanning salon, give it up immediately. Look at the tanning bed as a carcinogenic - a concentrated dose of dangerous UV rays at point-blank range. • Repair damaged skin by using a topical treatment that contains vitamin A. • If you can't give up on that glow, opt for an alternative such as bronzer, which will help you achieve a similar look without posing any of the cancer risks. Bronzers are a safe option because they remain on top of the skin (as opposed to being absorbed). • Do not go spray-tanning, as the microparticles in the spray can be inhaled and may irritate the lungs. Avoid self-tanners too, as some of the active browning ingredients in self-tanners may damage the DNA of skin cells.
Step #2: Limit Unprotected Sunbathing To 20 Minutes a Day
Step #3: Be a Sunscreen Snob

*Catch Dr Oz on SABC 3, weekdays, at 3.45pm*

Are These Things Really Bad For You?

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:00 +0200

These days there seems to be so many myths and contradictory theories about our health, it can be difficult to work out what's fact and what's, well, hysteria. We investigate five concerns.

Do Nail-Salon Pedicures Give You Foot Fungus?	Sometimes. 'The cheaper nail salons often don't sterilise equipment from client to client, so cross-contamination can occur,' says podiatrist Kate McArthur. 'When they buff your nails, fungal bacteria can get lodged in the emery board, which is then transmitted to the next person. Nail polish can also harbour bacteria. Reduce the risk by bringing your own emery board and polish, and by ensuring the pedicurist changes her equipment.'
Can Carrying a Cell Phone In a Handbag Cause Breast Cancer?
Can Resting a Laptop On Your Stomach Give You Ovarian Cancer?
Are Spray Tans a Danger To Your Skin Or Health?
Do Plastic Water Bottles Cause Cancer?

When Your Nipples Act Weird

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00 +0200

We help you get a handle on some bizarre behaviour.

One Or Both Are Inverted	This means that rather than protruding out of the areola, the nipple is tucked inside it, out of view. It won't affect breast health in any way or prevent you from breast-feeding (they pop back out). But be concerned if your nipple suddenly turns inward as this could signal breast cancer.
They Itch Like Crazy
They Point In Different Directions

Smart Sex Habits

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00 +0200

Three steps all COSMO girls need to follow.

Wee Before and After Sex	Having a full bladder during intercourse can increase the odds of developing a urinary-tract infection (UTI). Also, urinate in the hour or so afterwards - it'll help flush out UTI-causing bacteria.
Keep Emergency Contraception On Hand
Make Sure You're Lubricated Prior To Penetration

Body Clues You Shouldn't Ignore

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200

It starts like this: First, you notice a weird physical sign. Slightly concerned, you ponder what it may mean and if it's worth describing to a doctor. Then it happens again, or it never goes away in the first place. Now you start worrying, and you try to diagnose yourself online - but that leaves you even more panicked because you're forced to weed through so much scary, needless information. All you want to know is what's going on, and is it serious?

Relax - we understand how an out-of-the-blue issue can make you a nervous wreck, so we've come up with a way to help you get a grip. Here, a guide to a few mystery symptoms that strike young women. With the help of leading health experts, we've sifted through all the possibilities and found surprising - and more importantly, reassuring - explanations.

1. Your Eyelid Twitches Uncontrollably	An eyelid spasm that comes and goes is a tip-off to eye strain, often due to staring at your computer for hours on end, says Dr Donna E. Sweet, professor of internal medicine. To stop it, hold a cold paper towel to the eye, as cold calms the nerve that triggers twitching. Start taking a two-minute break from your monitor every half an hour. Tell your doctor if the spasm keeps reappearing. Odd are slim, but it may signal a nervous-system disorder like multiple sclerosis.
2. You Wake Up In The Middle Of The Night... and Can't Get Back To Sleep
3. Your Boobs Feel Lumpy All Over
4. Dark Circles Appear Under Your Eyes
5. There's a Lot More Hair Left In Your Brush These Days

Pap-Test Primer

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200

What this screening tool doesn't diagnose or prevent - plus other tests you may need.

It Doesn't Test For Chlamydia Or Gonorrhoea	Remind your gynaecologist to test you annually for these fertility-busting infections.
It Won't Detect HPV
It Won't Prevent HPV…
If The Result Is Abnormal You'll Need Further Testing

The Pill and Your Sex Drive

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200

The birth-control pill has several very attractive qualities. For starters, it's up to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. Beyond that, it allows for sexual spontaneity - you don't have to grope around for packages and tubes in the heat of the moment. That kind of security and simplicity is what Thandiswa*, 25, was looking forward to when she and her boyfriend decided they were officially a couple (i.e. no other playmates) and she went on the Pill. But somehow, after a couple of months, Thandiswa stopped wanting to 'get busy'. 'I seemed to lose my sex drive. And when we did have sex, it was like the Sahara down there,' says Thandiswa.

When Thandiswa complained to her doctor, he told her something he hadn't mentioned before: oral contraceptives can sometimes affect your libido and responsiveness. She tried out four different formulations of the Pill before finally giving up and asking her boyfriend to go back to using condoms again.

Extinguished Arousal	Though some doctors have suspected that the Pill deadens desire based on anecdotal evidence gathered from patients, a widely reported Boston University Medical Centre study suggests why: the Pill raises the level of a certain protein in a woman's body which, in turn, blocks the production of testosterone, the hormone linked to sex drive. The result, according to researchers is that not only can these lowered testosterone levels impair your ability to get aroused and become lubricated, but even when you stop taking the Pill the effects can linger for several months or longer. While some experts question the methods used in the Boston study, most doctors who deal with sexual issues agree with its troubling conclusion. 'There's plenty of evidence that oral contraception can put a serious damper on some women's sex lives,' says Dr Susan Kellogg, director of sexual medicine at the Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute in Philadelphia in the US. That's a pretty big deal when you consider that the Pill is the leading method of contraception for women and nearly half of all women in their 20s are currently using it. It's easy to see why it's so popular, says Kellogg. 'Although it doesn't protect against STDs or HIV, it's very effective when used properly,' she explains. 'It is also relatively low-risk and has a list of health benefits, including protection against ovarian cysts and cancer of the ovaries and uterus. However, an estimated 50% of all women stop using the Pill within one year of starting it, and 20% of those who stop say they're doing so for 'personal reasons,' according to Dr David F. Archer, professor of gynaecology and obstetrics. It's anyone's guess what those personal reasons may be, but certainly a loss of desire could account for some of them.
The Pill In Action
Mitigating Factors
What You Should Do

*Names have been changed

Have You Got SDD?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00 +0200

Full-on jobs and rammed social lives mean only one in 10 of us clocks up a full eight hours' sleep a night. 'Many of us can't function with less sleep,' says leading sleep expert, Dr Neil Stanley. 'Instead, we fall into sleep-deprived debt.' Add to that keep-you-awake worries about money, work or men, and it's no surprise we can't sleep when we finally hit the sack. 'If you suffer from SDD you'll struggle to string a sentence together,' explains Dr Stanley. 'You'll be clumsy, absent-minded and more likely to raid the fridge. Sound like you? Then get yourself back in the 'black' with these tricks.

Sleep Balance Booster #1	Smell is the most powerful psychological time-travel trick - it can transport you to a scene from years ago. A spritz of your favourite holiday fragrance on your pillow will give an instant sweet dream-inducing fix.
Sleep Balance Booster #2
Sleep Balance Booster #3
Sleep Balance Booster #4

Feel More Pleasure

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00 +0200

Your menstrual cycle can bring you tons of physical and psychological perks. How does burning extra fat, having better sex and sleeping like a baby sound?

Cramps. Bloating. Mood swings. We're not gonna lie to you: These are the typical side effects of that 28-day hormonal rollercoaster known as your cycle. But, here's the flip side: your cycle also has some amazing benefits - things that tend to be obscured when you're laid up on the couch all day nursing a bottle of painkillers. Some of these pleasures - like a super-charged sex drive - are biologically built into the calendar. (One good thing: feeling like you can barely keep your pants on one week makes not being able to zip them up the next easier to handle.) Other upsides are more ambiguous in nature, but the possibility of bliss is there... if you know how to bring it out. To maximise your mojo all month long and enhance the pleasure, you need to understand what's happening to your body from phase to phase. Here's how:

The Perks To Your Period: (Day 1 - 5)	Your cycle kicks off - tada! - the day your flow starts. Reproductive hormones oestrogen and testosterone are beginning to rise each day from their low point the week before your period, and this rise gradually pulls you out of the bad mood you were in when you were pre-menstrual. The pelvic pain accompanying your flow right now also affects your temperament, but it actually has a soothing side-effect. 'A chemical that causes cramps, oxytocin, makes a woman feel connected and lovey-dovey with her man,' explains Dr Scott Haltzman, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and human behaviour. Now's the perfect time to spend a weekend holed up together, basking in your bond. Surprisingly, your period week is prime time for having sex. Not only can climaxing relieve cramps, but the concentration of blood down below can trigger extra-intense orgasms for some women. Grab your guy and get it on during a lull in your flow, or avoid an icky mess by using a menstrual cup (a tiny latex cup you insert in your vagina near your cervix that collects blood). Because your body is soaking up nourishment to prepare for the release of a new egg in two weeks, you're craving being pampered. Treat yourself to a spa day - it's the time of the month when a mani-pedi, facial, or other treatment will feel the most blissful. Also peaking during your period: creativity. 'In the beginning of the cycle, when oestrogen levels are at their lowest, women tend to be most inspired,' explains Dr Christiane Northrup, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (Bantam). 'Your body is focused on nurturing itself, which makes you introspective. When you're in this mindset, great ideas tend to pop into your head.'
Pre-Ovulation: You're On Top Of The World (Day 6 - 13)
Mid-Cycle Sexiness (Day 14 - 17)
Pre-PMS Peace of Mind (Day 18 - 23)
Pre-Menstrual Tension TLC: (Day 24 - 28)

Why Sex Sometimes Hurts

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00 +0200

Getting it on usually feels pretty damn amazing. So when it doesn't, you need to pay attention. Before you freak out, read this. (And by the way, despite what he thinks, his extra-large size is rarely the problem).

Symptom #1: Feels Like Pain and Dryness	Could Be: Inadequate arousal. This is by far the most common cause of painful sex, which nearly two out of three women experience. Your body is not designed to be penetrated until it's ready. Triggers include not enough foreplay, hormonal disorders, alcohol, depression, stress, certain drugs, and not feeling turned on by your partner. Solutions: It depends. A new medication could be responsible; in that case, try a lubricating gel. Consider therapy if you feel depressed. And if you think it's your relationship, ask yourself if there are underlying conflicts or whether you both just need to work on restoring novelty to your lust life.
Symptom #2: Feels Like Painful Sex With Discharge, Itchiness, Painful Urination, Sores Or Warts
Symptom #3: Feels Like Pain During Sex, Accompanied By Itchiness, Redness, Mild Swelling, Burning, Or Stinging
Symptom #4: Feels Like Pain On Entry During Sex, Burning, Stinging, Tightness, and Muscle Spasms In The Vagina And/Or Lower Back
Symptom #5: Feels Like Pain During Sex, Accompanied By Abdominal Pain, Discharge, Fever, Pain While Urinating, Or Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Symptom #6: Feels Like Rawness, Itching, Stinging, And/Or Burning In the Vagina Or Vulva

Need to find a gynaecologist? Click here.

Large-Breast Dilemmas

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:00 +0200

A supersize rack isn't always so enviable. Here, the downside - and how to deal.

Dilemma #1: You're Prone To Rashes Underneath and Between The Breasts	Anytime skin rubs against skin, as often happens when a large-breasted woman goes bra-less or does not have proper support, it creates a humid environment where fungal rashes can begin to grow and thrive. Make sure your bra lifts your breasts away from the underlying skin and separates them so one doesn't rub against the other.
Dilemma #2: Your Spine, Neck and Shoulders Can Get Itchy
Dilemma #3: Working Out and Playing Sport Can Be Painful

Birth-Control Tips

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:00 +0200

The truth behind common conception misconceptions.

Forgetting To Take The Pill On Time…	… boosts your pregnancy odds. Women who take oral contraceptives containing oestrogen should ingest the Pill at the same time daily. Being late by more than about 12 hours may trigger ovulation. And if you're on progestogen-only pills, you need to be more vigilant. Being even two hours off can leave you unprotected.
Having Your Guy Withdraw…
Unprotected Sex During Your Period…

The Big Health Q&A

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00 +0200

Some symptoms and situations are hard to get a handle on.

Here, New York-city based women's health specialist, Dr Holly Phillips tells you everything you need to know. When you have a wicked sore throat or a yeast infection, you head to the doctor, no question. But there are some nagging health issues young women experience that seem too small - or too vague, says Phillips.

Here, she responds to the questions that are at the top of women's minds… but are often tricky to get answers to.

'Why can't I get a good night's sleep?'	Insomnia is one of the most common problems young women deal with. When a patient comes to me with this complaint, I screen her for a medical issue that may be to blame, such as a thyroid problem or restless leg syndrome. But it's rare that I find anything. The culprit is almost always stress and/or a super-busy lifestyle. What happens is, you're so revved up with adrenaline and anxiety during the day that when you finally hit the sheets, you can't decompress. Your mind continues to reel… and it prevents you from nodding off or staying asleep. An hour or two before you plan to go to bed, watch a low-key movie, plug into your iPod, or read, and let yourself relax. Don't work out, eat, or drink; these activates can keep your adrenaline pumping. And you know that smoking causes cancer, but you might be surprised to learn that it can also over-stimulate your system, making it hard to snooze. Changing your sleep environment can help too. Blackout blinds, a sleep mask, or even a clock that doesn't glow will prevent silvers of light from triggering you to wake up too early. Keeping temperature down can also help. If you've tried almost everything yet insomnia persists, ask you doctors about prescription sleep aids (avoid over-the-counter aids, as they tend to be habit-forming).
'Even when I get the right amount of sleep, I'm still dragging all the time. What's going on?'
'Should I worry about breast cancer?'
'Why is it so hard for me to shake those extra two kilograms?'
'Do I need to take a vitamin supplement? Which one?'

Surprising Health Dangers

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00 +0200

Sleep deprivation is just one of several ways you could be hurting your well-being. Here's how to outsmart your bad habits.

You've seen the headlines and you've read the stats - so you slather on the SPF, avoid trans fats and wear a seat belt. You know how to stay healthy. But what about your regular diet of late nights or snacks in the car? There are some serious health risks that rarely make headlines that you might be taking every day without thinking twice. Here's a run-down of five common behaviours that are worse for your well-being than you might believe. Don't freak - we've included simple, stay-healthy strategies to get your body back on track.

RISK #1: Dating a Player	So your new bedmate is a chick magnet (he has a little black book the size of a white pages to prove it). While it's your prerogative to engage in a purely sexual relationship, be aware that you may be putting your physical and emotional well-being at risk, says sociologist licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr Julie Albright. 'Players are usually so egocentric that they often hate using condoms, meaning you'll be at risk of whatever disease his other partners pass on to him,' she says. He's also unlikely to divulge his STI status. Remember, condoms don't protect against everything. You're still vulnerable to contracting HIV and other infections such as herpes, HPV and pubic lice. What To Do: • Lose the fairytale - the idea that you'll be the one finally to get this bad boy to settle down. • If you do 'just wanna have fun' for a while, remind yourself that that's all it is... and never, ever skip using protection.
RISK #2: Dashboard Dining
RISK #3: Skipping Sleep
RISK #4: Playing Pharmacist

Spick and Span

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00 +0200

Smart hygiene helps keep your lady zone fresh.

Wash Your Vulva (Only) At Least Once a Day	Work up a light lather along your outer labia with mild, fragrance-free soap, then rinse thoroughly. Because your vaginal canal cleans itself via daily discharge, you should never cleanse the inner genitals.
Work Out With Kegels
Scissor Your Stray Hairs
Give It Plenty Of Air
Wipe From Front To Back

Your Vagina Questions

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00 +0200

Fanny farts and lengthy labia? We have the answer.

Q) 'I queef during sex. What causes this?'	A) A queef (or 'fanny fart') is the sound you hear when trapped air in your vagina finds its way back out. It often happens during sex because spreading your legs wide makes it easy for air to get inside. Keeping your legs together will cut down the odds of tooting in bed.
Q) 'My labia are so long, they rub against my undies and it feels sore. What can I do?'
Q) 'Ever since I've been having regular sex, I've had recurrent yeast infections. Why is that?'
Q) 'If I go without sex for a long time, does my vagina shrink?'

Why Breasts Change

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00 +0200

Do your boobs look or feel different than usual? One of these could be the culprit.

You've Gained Or Lost Weight	For some women, excess kilos tend to go to the boobs and butt first; and when you drop a few kilos, the weight may disappear from these areas first as well.
They Can Grow Into Adulthood
You Went On Or Off The Pill
You're Pregnant

Gynae On Holiday

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00 +0200

Don't leave home without these sexual health necessities.

Pack a UTI Pain Reliever	A good holiday often involves vigorous sack sessions which can boost your odds of a urinary tract infection. Should you come down with symptoms such as lower-ab pain and a burning sensation when weeing, a specifically designed over-the-counter pain reliever will quell the discomfort fast until your gynae or a local clinic can prescribe medication.
Take Extra Birth Control
Bring a Plan B

What Your Body Is Trying To Tell You

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00 +0200

Turn down your iPod, wear flat shoes... and live a healthier life.

Wear Flats Now and Then
A study found that stilettos put 25% more pressure on knees and hips with each step, and experts link this to the fact women have twice as much knee arthritis as men. Core strengthening moves help stabilise your spine and take (some) pressure off your joints.

You'll Sleep Better On Your Left Side
Strange, but true. It's a quirk in your body's design that allows you to aid digestion (and, if pregnant, increases the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta). Doctors say this also benefits heartburn sufferers, though you may need to prop pillows under your upper body to prevent stomach acid travelling up your oesophagus.

Inspect Legs For Dodgy Spots and Melanomas
According to cancer research, melanomas are more commonly found on women's legs than anywhere else on the body, so make sure you inform your GP about any new spots you notice, or any freckles or moles that change colour, size or shape.

Look For Signs Of Heart and Liver Disease On Your Legs
If you have short legs, consider laying off the booze and cigarettes - two separate studies have found that women who have legs that are shorter than 75.8cm are at higher risk of developing heart and liver disease. The heart disease research also showed that women's risk decreases by 16% for every extra 4.3cm in leg length.

Oil Your Joints
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) may begin as a burning, aching, tingling or mild pain in your wrists, neck, fingers, arms or shoulders. Once established, RSI is tough to cure, so prevent it by maintaining good posture, support your wrists on your desk as you type, and take regular stretch breaks.

Smell Your Breath
Lick the inside of your wrist, wait for it to dry and take a whiff. A general stink may indicate a build-up of plaque (which can lead to gum disease), and a nail polish-like scent can signal diabetes, says dentist, Dr Tony Burgess. 'Also, ulcers or sore spots on the tongue may be due to a lack of iron, while ulcers in the mouth can occur when people are run-down or fluey,' says Burgess, who recommends brushing twice a day, and flossing at least three times per week to maximise your dental health.

Smoking Causes Chest Wrinkles
Butt out! Smoking can dry out the skin of your upper chest, breaking down the collagen that keeps your dermis hydrated and glowing, says dermatologist, Francesca Fusco. Eventually you may develop wrinkles, as well as red spots triggered by broken blood vessels.

Notice Your Nails
Naturopaths say that white flecks on your nails (fingers and toes) are usually an indication of zinc deficiency; spoon-shaped nails signal a low iron intake, and ridged and brittle talons lack omega-3 fatty acids.

Rest Your Ears
Before you crank the iPod, consider this study: one in five young people have hearing problems caused by MP3 players and loud gigs (which can hit up to 105 decibels - the same level as a plane taking off). Scientists say your ears can't repair unless you get noise breaks every 20 minutes or so.

Make Your Eyes Sparkle
Optometrists suggest stocking up on vitamin A for good vision and general eye health. How do you get it? By eating spinach, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and mangoes (there's no vitamin A in citrus fruits).

STI 911!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00 +0200

Dodgy down-there symptoms ringing alarm bells? Don't panic - there may be an innocent explanation, says consultant gynaecologist Peter Bowen-Simpkins.

Why Am I Itchy?	Could Be: A vulval irritation (pruritus vulvae), which is a common allergy caused by a reaction to perfumed soap, toiletries and washing powders. Because the vulva is a warm, moist area, it may be easier for chemicals to penetrate the skin. Solve It: Stop using perfumed products and buy washing powder that's suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid tights and wear cotton underwear to allow the area to 'breathe.' If it doesn't get better and you have a discharge, visit your GP.
What's This Lump?
My V-Zone Is Red Raw
I Can't Control The Urge To Pee - Particularly During Sex

Be The Boss Of Your Period

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:00 +0200

Feeling fat, crampy, and cranky month after month is no way for a modern girl to live. So we say stop being at the mercy of your menstrual cycle. Here, the tips and tricks you need to do away with that-time hellishness.

You know the drill: A week before your period, the emotional changes rear their ugly heads, making you grumpy and off-kilter. Next comes the physical stuff like your body feeling like a water balloon that desperately needs popping. Then, as your period arrives, so do the cramps. For the next four to five days, the love-hate relationship you have with your period (you love that it comes regularly; you hate everything else about it) turns more into hostile loathing. But here's the thing: You don't have to be a slave to your menstrual cycle. Armed with some information about your body and a little foresight, you can easily turn things around so that your period no longer has the upper hand over your life. We show you how to take charge right here.

Be The Boss Plan #1: Get a Grip On Mood Swings	One minute you're mentally A-okay... then suddenly, you're Ms. Bitch, snipping at co-workers and mouthing off to your man. Experts aren't positive why so many women get testy as their period starts, but the prevailing theory is that fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone affect the mood-enhancing brain chemical serotonin, says obstetrician and gyneacologist, Dr Kelly Shanahan. Your first plan of action to tame your temper: Eat more cheese, yoghurt and ice cream - starting now. Research shows that women who consume 1 200 milligrams of calcium a day (which is about four servings of milk, yoghurt, cheese, other dairy, and some leafy greens) all month have fewer menstruation-related mood swings than do those who skimp on dairy products. 'A calcium deficiency seems to make hormone fluctuations worse, so getting enough of this mineral keeps hormones steady and serotonin high,' explains Dr Diana Taylor, director of the PMS Symptom Management Programme at the University of California in the US. (You can also get your 1 200 milligrams via calcium supplements.) Second, snack often, consuming several small meals each day during your pre-period week. 'A steady intake of foods high in complex carbs helps keep blood sugar high, so you're less affected by the hormone-induced irritability,' says Taylor. It takes just a few adjustments to your usual meal plan. For example, instead of eating an entire sandwich at lunch, save half of it to finish a few hours later. Or break your usual big dinner into one small dinner followed a few hours later by a post-supper snack.
Be The Boss Plan #2: Ban Pimples
Be The Boss Plan #3: Say Bye-Bye To Feeling Like a Beached Whale
Be The Boss Plan #4: Knock Cramps Out Of Your Life
Be The Boss Plan #5: Never Deal With Diarrhoea Again
Be The Boss Plan #6: Don't Let Your Flow Foul Up Your Sex Life
Be The Boss Plan #7: Put Off Your Period So You Get It When You Want It... Or Not At All

Bladder Bummers

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:00 +0200

We have the answers to your pee-related questions.

Can Holding It In Harm My Health?	No, it's a myth that holding it in can stretch your bladder or make it burst. The bladder is a very expandable organ, and if it became truly full and you didn't go, you'd just wet yourself.
I Wake Up at Least Twice In The Middle Of The Night To Pee. Is This Normal?
If I Feel a UTI Coming On, Can I Treat It Before Seeing My Gynaecologist?

Smart Girls Do It

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00 +0200

What would you rather do - go for a smear test, or spend a night tearing up the dancefloor in your most crippling pair of heels? It's the shoes every time. So why is it that we'll endure hours of pain for the sake of looking fabulous on a night out, but avoid a few minutes of discomfort that could save our lives? Over the past decade, the number of women aged between 25 and 29 having a routine smear has dropped by more than 10%. This means that, every year 68 000 fewer of us are taking the test. We're not going to lie - there are more fun ways to spend two-and-a-half minutes, but is a bit of embarrassment and a few moments of discomfort really what's keeping us out of the doctor's room? Or is it because we don't know what we're facing, what the risks are and what questions to ask? We've dug out some smear-test facts that your doctor probably hasn't thought to tell you - so arm yourself with this knowledge and you'll know exactly what to expect at your next appointment.

'A smear test is a cancer test'	For women in their twenties, smear tests are really an early warning system. The aim is to check cervical cells for abnormalities and detect changes to the cervix, which is at the lower part of the womb, so they can be treated before cancer occurs. Going for regular screenings prevents cancer developing in around 75% of cases.
'I'm too young to worry about smears'
'Cervical cancer is caused by an STI - so I must be safe because I don't sleep around'
'If I have HPV I will get cancer - so I'd rather not know!'

Sex and Your Set

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00 +0200

The truth behind four bedroom-related 'facts'.

Rough Breast Play Can Cause Serious Injury	It's true that the skin on your chest is thin and sensitive, so your guy's enthusiastic man-handling may result in slight bruising or superficial scratches. But even the most aggressive squeezes or strokes won't trigger any real harm, like cancer-related lumps.
The Bigger Your Boobs Are, The More Pleasure They Produce
Your Boobs Swell During Sex
Your Nipples Are The Most Sensitive Part To Touch

Quick-Fix Body Tricks

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00 +0200

Feel better with almost no effort? Sign us up, please...

1. Are You Stressed At Work?	Ditch the herbal and decaf tea and have an old-fashioned cup of tea - ingredients in black tea have been proven to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol faster than other hot drinks.
2. Suck Some Peppermints
3. Think Happy Thoughts
4. Is PMS Making You Bad-Tempered?
5. Bloated Tummy?

Back On The Well-Being Track

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:00 +0200

If your willpower has slipped, here's how to feel great again.

You Tell Yourself: 'If I eat "diet" foods, my body will be fine.'	Take Action: Many foods labelled 'diet' or 'low-fat' contain artificial additives and sweeteners to make up for the lack of fat and sugar. These chemicals are difficult to digest, and the body produces fatty tissues to store them. Stick with full-fat foods, but in smaller portions.
You Tell Yourself: 'I take vitamins so I don't have to eat healthily.'
You Tell Yourself: 'If I give my liver a break every so often, binge-drinking is fine.'
You Tell Yourself: 'I'll start exercising when I need to.'

Make Him Condom-Crazy

Thu, 19 May 2011 12:00 +0200

Apparently, three in four men still think wearing condoms inhibits pleasure while having sex. 'It's a feeble excuse,' says sexual health consultant, Dr Patrick French. 'There's no doubt the risk of gonorrhoea, chlamydia or an unwanted pregnancy will inhibit pleasure even more. Here, five of our favourite condom incentives.

Rubber-Up Reason #1	Condoms are your 'final should-I-be-doing-this?' check. Slipping on a condom before having sex with you shows he cares about your health. If he couldn't give a damn about that, then the chances of him caring about your orgasm aren't very good, either.
Rubber-Up Reason #2
Rubber-Up Reason #3
Rubber-Up Reason #4
Rubber-Up Reason #5

Watch What You Pop

Thu, 05 May 2011 12:00 +0200

Non-prescription doesn't mean non-toxic. Here's why you should save your over-the-counter pills until you really need them.

You can buy as many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as you like - but should you? 'No', says Dr Sarah Jarvis from the Royal College of General Practitioners in the UK. 'OTC and pharmacy-only remedies are safe and effective, but you can still use them irresponsibly. Read the packet and see a doctor if you have recurring problems.

Pill-Popper #1: Painkillers	On average we each take 373 painkillers a year, with many adults taking six every time they feel ill. That's too much, say doctors; plus, taken with alcohol they can damage the liver. 'If you take painkillers daily for a few weeks, they can even give you headaches,' says Dr Jarvis. When To Use Them: Take them only when you really need to.
Pill-Popper #2: Antihistamine
Pill-Popper #3: Decongestants
Pill-Popper #4: Laxatives

Below-The-Belt Bumps

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00 +0200

What to do when you discover a strange lump down there…

Bump #1	If the bump is painful, red, and pimple-like, and it appears after shaving or waxing… It's Probably: An ingrown hair How To Deal: Press a hot towel on the bump for 10 minutes several times a day and the hair will eventually work its way out.
Bump #2
Bump #3
Bump #4

Mythosuction

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00 +0200

Here are eight surgery facts every woman should know.

1. There Are No Guarantees That It Will Look Great
It's difficult to predict how a person's body will react to surgery, says Douglas McGeorge, a consultant plastic surgeon. 'An operation may go well, but the surgery may not look the way you expect it to afterwards. For example, with breast enlargements your scars shrink over time, and that can make the implants look rounder and feel harder.'

2. One Op Isn't Necessarily Enough
'Sometimes a procedure such as a facelift, can make the rest of your features look odd in comparison,' says Nick Percival, consultant cosmetic surgeon. 'So I might recommend a patient has more than one thing done. One procedure won't always give you the look you're after.'

3. Breast Implants Can Cause a Loss Of Sensation
Up to 20% of women experience a change in sensation after having implants. 'Surgeons are careful not to damage nerve endings, but the truth is they're just too small to see in the nipple and breast area,' says Percival.

4. Changing Your Look Can Be Painful
'Your body is a record of where you've been and what you've done,' says counsellor, Philip Hodson. 'Changing it can alter your sense of identity.'

5. What Looks Great Today Might Not In 20 Years Time
'You might feel comfortable going from a C to an F cup in your twenties,' says Percival, 'but by the time you hit 40, large breasts could feel or look wrong.' And removing them could leave you with two empty sacks of skin.

6. Surgery Isn't Always a One-Off
Percival advises his patients to have their implants changed every 15 years. 'Over time, the implant's outer coating can fail and gel can leak out,' he says. 'It's not dangerous but it's best to change them regularly.'

7. Paying Out Can Stress You Out
Finding the money for surgery can lead to huge financial strain. 'Some people get into serious debt,' say Hodson, 'and all that does is replace one problem with another.'

8. There Are Side Effects
Large implants can actually make boobs drop. 'Some silicone implants are as heavy as a bag of five or six apples,' says Percival.

When He Has an STD

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00 +0200

First-time sex in a brand new relationship can be nerve-wracking enough without him announcing, 'Honey, I've got herpes.' OMG. Breathe. 'It's natural to feel shocked,' assures clinical psychologist Dr Jacquie Hetherton. But before you do or say something you could regret later, remember it was a big deal for him to confess all to you in the first place, which means you owe it to him to give it a chance. So take a deep breath and read on...

Deal With The Disgust Factor	The instinctive reaction is to think he's 'dirty' somehow. But anyone can catch an STD from a single condom-less sex session - it doesn't mean he's slept around. And, be honest, when did you last get checked at the clinic? Don't judge.
Find The Silver Lining
Pump Him For Info
Protect Yourself
If In Doubt, Take Time Out

Sort Out Your Stomach

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00 +0200

Chances are you've felt gassy, bloated or constipated in the past few days. And you're not alone – tummy troubles plague all women. 'You have a set of hormones in your gut,' says Professor Terry Bolin from The Gut Foundation. 'And when they interact with your reproduction hormones - like when you've got your period - stomach problems often occur.' Read on for the most common complaints and how to fix them.

Q: 'I always get diarrhoea during my period. What's with that?'	A: Blame it on natural chemicals called prostaglandins - they're primarily responsible for getting rid of the blood from your uterus, but can also trigger contractions in the bowel, bringing on diarrhoea. Or, if your diarrhoea lasts beyond your period, Bolin says it could be linked to irritable bowel syndrome, a common stomach condition in women that can flare up when you get your period. How To Treat It: Pick up an oral rehydration fluid from the chemist to replace any electrolytes you may have lost, and stick to bland foods.
Q: 'What is 'regular' anyway?'
Q: 'Why is my stomach bloated all the time? It's not just when I get my period.'
Q: 'I haven't done a poo in a week. Is that bad?'
Q: 'Why do I always get heartburn when I eat at my desk?'

'Um, Is It OK To...?'

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00 +0200

Got a weird bodily function query? Here we answer the questions you'd never think to ask.

1. Is It OK To Use Cotton Buds To Clean Your Ears?	The ears are self-cleaning, so there's no need to,' says women's health specialist, Dr Ivana Borsky. 'Prodding them can push wax further inside, tear the eardrum and affect hearing.' Use ear drops to soften the wax, then rinse out in the shower.
2. Is It OK To Have a Tampon In Overnight?
3. Is It OK To Exercise When I Have a Cold?
4. Is It OK To Crack Your Knuckles?
5. Is It OK To Have Sex During Your Period?
6. Is It OK To Hold On When I Need To Wee?
7. Is It OK To Use Two Tampons at Once?

Paging Dr Google

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00 +0200

Got a headache? Type this into Google, and you'll be told that it could signal general stress and anxiety, a migraine, caffeine withdrawal, eye fatigue, dehydration… or a brain tumour.

Welcome to the age of easy information. Google can help you find your way home, figure out the answers to the pub trivia quiz or replay the show you missed on TV last night. And, increasingly, it's being used to self-diagnose medical problems. Researchers found that eight in 10 people look for health information online, although few question the validity of the websites they're looking at.

'The problem with self-diagnosis using "Dr Google" is there's no context or background,' says GP, Dr Gillian Deakin, author of 101 Things Your GP Would Tell You if Only There Was Time. 'Your doctor will make a far more complex, informative judgement than Google ever can, because doctors work case-by-case.'

With this in mind, we decided to put Google - and qualified medical professionals - to the test with five health questions.

Q: 'I have a bad headache. Could it be a sign of something more serious?'	Internet Says: 'You absolutely must go to a doctor. lf you have sinus problems or allergies, headaches are normal, but if not, see a doctor. If it were a brain tumour, you would likely see paralysis in part of your body, numbness, weakness and such.' [Source: smartsheep.com.] Expert Says: 'This is a particularly bad one to Google,' warns Deakin. 'Some of the results that come up are quite alarming - and most of the time, a headache is just a headache. But if you're worried, see your doctor. They'll ask about the nature of the headache - how it hurts, where it hurts and how long you've had it - to rule out the more serious stuff. Google can't be that specific, so do yourself a favour and see a doctor instead!'
Q: 'I missed a period and I haven't skipped my Pill. I'm worried I'm pregnant…'
Q: 'I've got a rash down below. Is it herpes?'
Q: 'A mole on my back has changed colour. Could I have skin cancer?'
Q: 'I slept with a guy and didn't use any protection. Could I have HIV now?'

Don't ditch Dr Google just yet. Deakin says using the Internet can be useful - after you've been diagnosed by a qualified doctor. 'If a doctor has diagnosed you with an ear infection and you'd like to know more, by all means go online. Just stick to reputable websites, not user-generated forums and discussion boards. Searching for your symptoms can do more harm than good. Typing in "l have a sore throat" might lead you to believe you have a cold, throat infection or throat cancer. Always go to your doctor first.'

Handbag Health Check

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:00 +0200

It doesn't matter whether it's Gucci or Mr Price - your handbag could be harbouring a whole host of health hazards. It's time to give your favourite arm candy a check-up.

Handbag Hazard #1: SIZE	Thanks to the trend for oversized bags, we're carrying double the weight that our moms did 20 years ago. So how can we stay stylish without risking backache? Chiropractic expert, Tim Hutchful says, 'An overly heavy bag carried on one arm can cause muscle strain in your back, neck and shoulders because the weight isn't evenly distributed across your body. Regularly de-clutter your bag and aim to hold it close to your body, which will minimise the strain on your joints.'
Handbag Hazard #2: MAKEUP
Handbag Hazard #3: CELL PHONE

Your Bits Rock!

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:00 +0200

It can be hard to know what's going on down there, but your bits are amazing. Here's why.

1. You might not feel like getting jiggy when you're suffering from period pains, but orgasms actually relieve menstrual cramps. The vigorous muscle action down below releases tension and soothes pain.

2. The glands of the clitoris are packed with 8,000 nerve fibres - around twice as many as a penis.

3. Your bits have a slightly acidic pH that encourages growth of healthy bacteria called lactobacillus. Overuse of soap, which is alkaline, can disturb the natural pH balance.

4. Males and females begin the same way in the womb. What becomes a penis in a boy and develops into a clitoris for a girl changes in week 11.

5. Sex is a natural antihistamine and can help combat asthma and hay fever. We've always wondered why we never feel the urge to sneeze in the middle of the act...

6. Although most women are capable of ejaculation, only 6% do so regularly.

7. Bacteria, not bodily fluids, are responsible for your scent. Apocrine sweat glands in your bits produce a distinctive type of scent that is broken down by bacteria. This tells your lover what your current sexual state is.

8. The average woman's uterus expands to up to 500 times its normal size (starting from about the size of a pear) when she's pregnant. That's stretchy!

9. Your ovaries are purple and about 3cm long.

10. Your clitoris becomes hard when you're turned on, in the same way a man's penis does, and can become three times bigger.

11. Orgasms help us have babies. After sex, you retain more sperm if you've had an orgasm. As an added extra, it also helps you bond with your man - a pretty good thing if he's the father of your child.

12. Clitorises vary in size and shape, and in some women it's actually divided, like two pearls. Sadly, that doesn't mean twice the fun because no matter what we look like down there, we all have the same capacity for orgasm.

13. Having sex three times a week burns off between 1,500 and 15,000 calories a year - that's the equivalent of up to five large pizzas!

14. Your bits produce a teaspoon of discharge a day - and up to 30 times as much after you've ovulated.

15. Be careful when having sex around the time of your period. You're more susceptible to infections and herpes then.

10 Minutes To Healthy

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:00 +0200

Banish the need for sick-leave with these fastest–ever health boosters.

If You've Got 10 Minutes	Detox Like an A-Lister Cleanse your system like Gwen Stefani. Juice two heads of celery, three cucumbers, two bunches of parsley and two bags of spinach, adding two carrots and one apple or a lemon for taste. Drink a glass with one meal every day for a week.
If You've Got 9 Minutes
If You've Got 8 Minutes
If You've Got 7 Minutes
If You've Got 6 Minutes
If You've Got 5 Minutes
If You've Got 4 Minutes
If You've Got 3 Minutes
If You've Got 2 Minutes
If You've Got 1 Minute

Sag-Fighting Secrets

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00 +0200

Keep age from affecting your breasts with this stay-firm advice.

Ditch The Diets	Gaining and losing the same 10 kilograms over and over can cause skin throughout your body – including on your breasts – to lose elasticity, resulting in looser, droopier boobs.
Always Wear a Supportive Bra When You Work Out
Strengthen The Muscles Under Your Breasts

Improve Every Inch Of Your Body

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:00 +0200

Improving your body requires an all-round approach. Follow our strategy and see instant results!

Breast Enhancers	The Beauty Strategy Realistically, there's no non-surgical method to alter the shape and size of your breasts, but a cool shower tones the skin, and applying firming products afterwards has a tightening action. 'Remember to always apply cream up to the neck, as the décolleté is an extension of the bust, and the most exposed and visible part,' says Decléor representative Fiona Brackenbury. The Workout It's impossible to exercise breasts because they're made of fat, not muscle. But you can strengthen the pectoral muscles underneath to make them perkier with some modified push-ups. Celebrity trainer Matt Roberts says, 'Start on the floor on all fours and push your knees backwards slightly, keeping your weight over your arms. Now lower your body, using the strength in your arms and chest, until your elbows are at right angles. In this position, your back should be flat and your bodyweight still over the hands. Push back up to the starting position, then repeat the exercise. Try to start with at least 20 repetitions and aim to build up to 30 as quickly as possible.' The Quick Fix A well-fitting bra makes a world of difference. Not only does it enhance your shape right away, but it also reduces sagging and prevents stretch marks in the long-term. According to Jill Kenton, marketing manager for a big lingerie company, 75% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. 'Women often wear bras that are too big at the back and too small at the front,' she says. Most department stores and lingerie shops offer a fitting service, so get yourself measured now!
Arm Toners
Stomach Flatteners
Bottom Firmers
Leg Lengtheners
Back Smoothers

The Hangover Effect

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00 +0200

A body survey showed only 9% of women aged 18-34 said they'd stop drinking alcohol to help manage their weight. Not only is alcohol loaded with kilojoules (a White Russian cocktail has the energy equivalent of a bowl of nachos, and a pre-mixed vodka drink is on an energy par with a six-inch roast beef sandwich), it also can lower your inhibitions around food - so you consume a lot more when you're drunk. And, says dietitian Melanie Marino, 'Because alcohol can't be stored as energy, it's burnt off immediately, and the food you eat while drinking is stored as fat.'

Scary? We think so. But have you ever considered that your painful (albeit seemingly harmless) hangovers have been conspiring against you all this time, laying the foundations for a lifetime of sneaky weight gain? Here, how to combat the most common hangover hazards to your health and your weight.

HANGOVER HAZARD #1: Dehydration	Drinking alcohol gives us the illusion we're staying well hydrated. 'But those late night toilet trips are actually leeching excess fluid from your body - not just flushing out booze,' says Marino. 'Alcohol is a diuretic, so drinking just 50g of alcohol (in a 250ml mixed drink) can cause your body to expel up to one litre of water.' And the frequent urination also expels electrolytes, such as salts, potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for muscle and cell function. 'Alcohol dehydration causes the brain to shrink away from the skull,' adds Marino. This pulls on the membranes that connect them together, resulting in pain (read: a hangover). Not only does your body crave energy to repair itself (cue the overeating), but your motivation to exercise is pretty low, which means the kilojoules from last night's drinks and fatty snacks, and the grease from the next morning's fry-up, will be stored as fat. FIX IT: 'You can prevent dehydration by drinking one glass of water between each alcoholic drink, having more water when you get home, and then again when you wake up,' says Marino. Some people swear by drinking sports drinks before bed (to replace electrolyte stores), but Marino warns against them. 'Sports drinks contain enough energy (read: kilojoules) to run a marathon, so if you go straight to sleep, that energy will be stored as fat,' she says. And get off the couch! 'It's beneficial to exercise when you're hungover,' says Marino. In fact, 20 minutes of light activity (such as a brisk walk, jog, or swim) will increase circulation, pumping blood to your oxygen-starved brain, making you feel more alert. It will also kick-start your metabolism. Stay in the shade, though - the sun may aggravate your dehydration symptoms.
HANGOVER HAZARD #2: Throwing Up
HANGOVER HAZARD #3: Drinking More Alcohol
HANGOVER HAZARD #4: Craving Fatty, Sugary Foods

Is Your Vagina Normal?

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:00 +0200

Unlike men, women rarely get to check out each other's bits. Read on - you'll discover that the idea of the 'textbook' vagina is a total myth.

'My vagina's black outside and pink inside'
'Race means nothing – we really are all the same inside. My vagina is black on the outside and pink on the inside, and my inner lips stick out a little bit beyond the outer lips, which I think is pretty normal.'
Rita*, 23

'Mine's more than just pink'
'I haven't looked at my inside bits since I was eight years old (with my sisters, in the bath). I think it's more than pink - I'd call it watermelon pink. I don't know that I'd say I like about my vagina, although I like what it can do for me! I don't think it's pretty… actually, I think it's rather gross - all those fleshy flaps and folds...'
Cathy*, 27

'Mine has a greyish tinge'
'My vagina used to freak me out, but I've been working as a nude model for the past few years, and I've come to understand that no two vaginas are the same. Different shapes and shades of hair, different sizes and lengths of lips - they're all natural and normal. The colour mine is doesn't occur anywhere else on my whole body - it's pink with a greyish tinge.'
Zoe*, 22

'My lips are tiny'
'My vagina is the one part of my body I don't obsess about. I've never compared it to anyone else's - but I did once see graphic pictures of others in a boyfriend's porn magazine. Mine's a pinkish colour, with different shades in different areas. The inner lips don't protrude at all - they're rather petite. My clitoris is oyster-like and pink, and
it's fairly shy!'
Eve*, 25

'My vagina is so fleshy, you can grab a handful!'
'My vagina is quite fleshy on the outside - you can grab a handful of it! The inner lips fold in quite neatly, although if l unfold them, they extend a bit. Inside, it's quite a dark
pink, almost reddish. I'm a redhead, so my pubic hair is red, too, which seems to fascinate most men. I'm not into super-manicured pubes - I think natural-but-neat is the way to go.'
Steph*, 26

'I've got an extra-long purple labia'
'I have always felt my vagina was the funny-looking kid in the playground, but time, acceptance and maturity have taught me that it's OK to be different. The inner lips are
quite long - my sister used to tease me about them. I remember before I got the 'extra bits', it was a very sweet pink, like I was always blushing. But since I've taken on the extra labia, they seem to be a bit of a darker, more purplish colour. The only time I can identify that it has a smell is around the time of my period. It's not a bad smell, just very potent.'
Helen*, 27

'It's crinkly and makes noises during sex'
'I like to think I'm a bit unusual - my vagina's small, but my lips and folds are really long. So when I stand with my legs slightly apart, you can see it all hanging out. Because it's so crinkly, [my vagina] sometimes makes noises during sex or when I'm
masturbating.
Kelly*, 22

*Names have been changed.

Boost Your Body-Esteem

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:00 +0200

Cleverly dubbed 'feline confidence' (purr!), it goes beyond making eye contact and serving up a strong handshake – it requires harnessing the power of your sexuality. 'Certain movements, expressions, and gestures send signals that subconsciously pique men's interest,' says Peter Andersen, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Body Language. 'And when you sense that a guy is into you, it gives you a real boost.'

Which is certainly not to say feeling great about yourself relies on gaining a guy's approval. Sex kittens have a high level of self-validation. They refuse to fall prey to body fascism and know transmitting an irresistible vibe to guys has more to do with how comfortable they are with themselves than it does with achieving physical perfection. The bottom line is this: acting confident is a self-fulfilling prophecy. These tricks will make it happen for you:

AT A PARTY	Take Long Strides Sex kittens don't scamper around a room – they glide through it. This puts all eyes on you, which gives you a surge of self-possession. To master a smooth saunter, 'Scan your surroundings for a familiar face so you have someone to walk toward and aren't wandering around aimlessly,' says Eve Marx, author of Read My Hips. 'As you make your way towards your friend, focus on stepping in big paces, which helps your presence resonate and elongates your body.' Make Playful Eye Contact Try this technique: 'Lock eyes with someone you're interested in, hold his gaze for three seconds – max – and then glance down and away,' says Andersen. 'Catch his eye once or twice more to reinforce you want him. That should be enough to encourage him to come over.' The major confidence-boosting effect: you're taking the initiative without actually making a move. Approach From The Side Looking is one thing; approaching is much trickier. Rather than coming up to a guy head-on, slide in next to him. 'A full-frontal introduction might automatically put him on the defensive because it's quite an aggressive, adversarial approach,' explains Audrey Nelson, author of You Don't Say. 'Arriving from the side is less intimidating and makes you seem more mysterious too, since he doesn't see you coming straight at him.' You will feel a lot more relaxed and sure of yourself if you are not making such a direct move. Squeeze His Hand 'When you're shaking hands with a hot guy, make quick eye contact while subtly, briefly squeezing his hand at the same time,' says Marx. 'The pressure subconsciously reads to men as a sexual move because it is an unexpected intimacy.' It conveys you're a bold woman who isn't afraid to use a little force. And you'll get a thrill from it, too! When you throw your head back and let rip with a laugh, it shows confidence and a sense of fun. 'Laughter not only grabs attention, it also showcases that you're happy, vibrant and having fun, which are all inherently sexy, self-assured qualities,' explains Tricia Yeomans, a researcher who studies flirting behaviour.
ON A DATE
IN BED

Abortion By Video

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:00 +0200

Abortions have always been controversial, but nothing could be more controversial than online abortion prescriptions. We've investigated this new development, and strangely enough, it seems the experts are all for it.

PRIVACY PLEASE
The idea behind telemedicine is to give patients more privacy when it comes to sensitive procedures. 'Telemedicine as a whole makes sense for many types of doctor consultations,' says US sex expert, Dr Ian Kerner. 'In many cases, telemedicine can provide timely, professional expertise to patients without access or financial resources.' In this case, he says, it enables a woman to continue to make a responsible choice that impacts her body and her life.

If you want to get an abortion in the US, you can now participate in video telemedicine conferences with a qualified doctor who will make sure you get what you need at the click of a button (literally). However, before you can sign up for this one-on-one online interaction, you will need to be examined by a nurse at one of a handful of participating clinics, who will give you an ultrasound and give you access to the clinic's Internet connection. The doctor on the other side of the screen will have a copy of your medical records and will judge, via Skype, whether or not it is safe to prescribe you an abortion pill, known as mifepristone or RU-486.

'Offering mifepristone to women in a clinic via a video-conceding consultation with a doctor or an in-person attending nurse is a practical and resourceful approach to dealing with the matter of abortion,' says Kerner.

Clinical sexologist Dr Marlene Wasserman disagrees and doesn't believe telemedicine is the way to go when it comes to abortion. 'The purpose of visiting a health care provider is to be able to have a safe, professional space in which your doctor asks you a lot of questions and you ask a lot of questions and in this way a good history is taken of your whole life, context and circumstances,' she says. 'Medicine today is based on "integrative treatment," which means that a doctor treats the whole person, not just the presenting problem. How can the health care provider possibly make such a huge decision based on a woman who, at that moment, is in distress, crisis and may sorely regret her decision [later]?

'South African law dictates that a woman receives pre-termination counselling in order to give her the professional space to work through her decision, choices and consequences of a termination.'

Cape Town-based psychologist and sex and relationship expert, Dr Claire Rockliffe-Fidler, thinks that as long as women are examined and counselled adequately, this programme could be beneficial. 'If all is well and the indications are still to proceed, then it isn't a problem.'

AFTER-CARE
While the key to telemedicine is privacy, it is important that women go for a follow-up appointment at their clinics about a week after taking the abortion pill. 'This process also needs to involve supportive and reflective counselling,' says Rockliffe-Fidler. 'Terminations can be a very traumatic experience for some women and they need to be adequately prepared for the process and for the emotional adjustment thereafter.' While it is possible for some women not be affected at all, she adds, this is not always the case.

Rockliffe-Fidler believes in medicine's new, modern approach to consultations, but thinks it needs to be cautious too… especially when it comes to delicate matters dealing with abortions and a woman's wellbeing.

Ouch

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00 +0200

Whether your upper body is aching after hours of sitting in front of the computer or after a stressful day at work, let the experts give you some relief.

Super-Stressed	Stress is one of the biggest factors contributing to upper body, neck and shoulder pain, says owner of Chelsea Aesthetic Spa, Chrystal Johns. Use a stress relief oil (TRY: Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil, R295) to rub into shoulders or under your feet at night, as this will help you get a good eight hours sleep, she recommends. Alternatively, treat yourself to a neck and shoulder massage to help you (and your muscles) relax, she says. This way, you'll be able to get rid of any built-up lactic acid and tension being stored in the muscles, she adds.
Ergonomics 101
Stay Active
Four-Point Stretch
Sitting Shoulder Stretch

The Right Time For Everything

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:00 +0200

Great timing isn’t limited to bumping into your ex when you’ve had a great blowdry. We’re all hardwired to an internal 24-hour clock that controls our circadian rhythms, which govern our emotions, mental agility, muscle strength and energy levels. ‘Understanding these better enables us to maximise our performance by timing tasks when we are best suited for them,’ says chronobiologist (body clock scientist) Dr Sally Ferguson. Yep, there really is a ‘right time’ for everything…

07.30 BEST TIME TO: WAKE UP
UK studies show people who rise before 7.21am carry higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol for the day than those who rise nine minutes later.

08.00 BEST TIME TO: EAT CARBS
You’ll have a surge of neuropeptide Y, the brain chemical that fires up your taste for carbohydrates. Porridge will fuel you through to lunchtime.

09.00 BEST TIME FOR: LIGHT EXERCISE
Morning exercisers enjoy a mood boost of 50%, while evening goers only get 20%. Stick to low-impact sports like swimming, though, because your muscles won’t be warmed up properly.

10.00 BEST TIME TO: SIT AN EXAM
Your short-term memory, logic and concentration levels reach their peak between now and midday, so it is the best time to slog through a tax return or a work presentation.

12.00 BEST TIME TO: PLAN A DATE OUTFIT
Adrenaline levels are at their peak, priming you for decision-making. So, what to wear: the new dress or your never-fail jeans? Hmm…

13.00 BEST TIME TO: HAVE LUNCH
Around now, your liver enzymes kick into full gear, hence your hunger pangs. Avoid a post-lunch energy slump by eating low-GI foods such as pasta, nuts or a wholegrain roll.

14.00 BEST TIME TO: GET A BRAZILIAN
Your pain tolerance is super-high now, so it’s the best time to get a wax, schedule a dental appointment or watch the fourth Resident Evil movie.

15.00 BEST TIME TO: SHOP FOR MAKEUP
This is usually when your circadian rhythm has a temporary slump, but it’s also when your skin is most ‘normal’ in colour and oiliness, so it’s easier to choose products that suit your skintone.

16.00 BEST TIME TO: CRAM FOR A TEST
As a rule, it’s better to do analytical work earlier in the day and revision, retention-based work towards the end of your day. Use this time to action those red flags in your inbox, skim your work for errors or study for an exam.

17.00 BEST TIME TO: FALL PREGNANT
Studies show the average guy’s sperm are more numerous and mobile ow than they are at 7am, so swap an early shag for an after-work romp if you want to get pregnant (or the other way around if you’d prefer not to).

18.00 BEST TIME FOR: A REAL WORKOUT
Your body is at its strongest, fastest and most flexible between 4pm and 7pm, so try a tough yoga position or go for a long run.

19.00 BEST TIME TO: POUR A GLASS OF WINE
Your liver can metabolise alcohol faster – but it won’t make any difference to your blood alcohol levels.

20.00 BEST TIME TO: PAY BILLS
Most people get a little peak of alertness now, so it’s a great time to do Internet banking or household chores.

21.00 BEST TIME TO: RELAAAAX…
Let yourself naturally wind down. Leave any vigorous activity until tomorrow and read a good book instead.

22.00 BEST TIME TO: HAVE FUN SEX
Your libido peaks between now and 1am, making this the most popular time to get it on (and reach orgasm).

23.00 BEST TIME TO: HIT THE PILLOW
You’ll experience a surge of melatonin, putting you in zzz-mode – try to snatch six to eight hours of shut-eye.

Love Your Boobs

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:00 +0200

Celebrate your breasts during Breast-Cancer Awareness month this October by telling us what you love about them. Tweet us, post your comments on our Facebook page or e-mail them to cosmoonlinect@assocmags.co.za.

We're giving away five Clarins hampers to readers, so tell us what your breasts mean to you and you could be a winner!

Morning-After Repair Kit

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00 +0200

OK, what’s done is done… So you accidentally took part in a night of alcohol-fuelled debauchery and now you’re feeling foul and fragile for it. Oopsy. But since you can’t go back in time and wrench that final death-knell bottle of wine out of your hand, you need to quit wallowing in regret and start actively healing yourself.

Lucky then, COSMO’s found these damage-control methods to help you get back to the land of the smug, rested folks.

‘I inhaled vast quantities of pies/burgers/chips last night’	What’s The Damage? 3/5 Repair Time: 48 hours Fast-food joints are like magnets when you’ve had a few. No harm done – a food blowout every so often is totally acceptable. But you can’t help feeling a bit yuck the next day when you OD on grease and processed deliciousness. ‘Don’t fast, as that will create a glucose imbalance in your body, meaning you’ll eat more in the long run,’ says diet and fitness expert Joanna Hall, author of The Exercise Bible. Instead, during your 48 hours repair time, eat healthily and lay off the grease. Also, 40 minutes of light exercise will do wonders for your energy levels. Voila! Problem solved. ‘For hangover-soothing foods, have watermelon and banana for breakfast,’ advises Jane Scrivner, author of The Quick-Fix Hangover Detox. ‘They’ll boost your depleted B and C vitamins. For lunch, have steamed fish and veggies to get your protein stores back up.’
‘Help! I’m stuck in Vomit Town’
‘I’ve quit smoking… but last night l smoked a whole pack’
‘I’m hungover – I can’t deal with public transport, but I have to get to work somehow’
‘I was already exhausted, and then I didn’t get to bed till 3am’
‘I have a date tonight, but I look scary after last night’s effort’
‘I can’t afford to be hungover; I have a super-busy day at work’

Fake Your Weight

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00 +0200

You’ve got a special occasion coming up – just enough time for a three day panic diet and several punishing sessions at the gym. Prefer not? Then grab a latte, kick back, relax and read this instead.

1. Eat up to nine serves of fruit and veggies each day. ‘You’ll eat fewer calories as it should displace the need to consume junk like biscuits, soft drinks and chocolate,’ says Jennie Brand-Millen, co-author of The Low GI Diet (Hachette). ‘Feed the hair, the skin and confidence so you glow!’

2. Sleep on two pillows. ‘Fluid pools around your eyes if your pillow is too flat, resulting in puffiness. Elevate your head to make your face appear magically less bloated in the morning,’ says Australian COSMO’s beauty editor Leigh Campbell.

3. Contour your cheekbones by adding choppy textured layers around your face, or opt for a sexy (and face-slimming) side fringe, says Anthony Nader, Editorial Session Stylist of the Year 2008.

4. Draw people’s eyes away from problem areas with great shoes, sunglasses or cool accessories, says fashion designer Shona Joy.

5. If you have a large bust and hips, choose a V-neck dress with a skinny belt. The belt attracts attention to the waist, as does the V, says fashion designer Wayne Cooper.

6. Avoid large prints. ‘Larger body shapes should wear small, all-over prints with a dark background to disguise any lumps and bumps,’ says Joy.

7. When it comes to dresses, wear the right size. ‘Most labels vary in size. Just because you’re a size 8 in one doesn’t mean you will be in another label. If a size 10 fits better and looks better, go with the bigger size,’ says Cooper.

8. High heels elongate your legs, says Cooper. Jessica Simpson wears five-inch heels to lengthen her look.

9. Cut back (or cut out) salt and salty foods. High salt intake will cause fluid retention, says Brand-Miller.

10. Buy magic underwear. Isla Fisher, Cate Blanchett and Drew Barrymore are all fans. Form-fitting underwear can shave off inches and help you go down a whole size (in appearance)!

11. Leggings look great pulled over the ankle and under the foot to make legs appear longer and leaner, says Joy.

12. When putting hair up in a ponytail, never go flat or pull back too tightly – it will make
the face appear too full. Increase the volume of your hair at the crown a little to slim your face, advises Nader.

13. Get an expert bra fitting. Regular bra fittings mean you’ll always be supported regardless of your boobs’ natural fluctuations. ‘It’s amazing what a difference wearing the right underwear makes to the look of your outerwear,’ says Karen Ashley, national sales manager for Triumph.

14. Use bronzer to contour your face. Sweep the area under the cheekbones up towards the temple and along the side of your nose. ‘This will have a slimming effect,’ says Campbell.

15. Choose outfits that emphasise your favourite features. For example, if you have a great face and décolletage, but you aren’t so happy with your waistline, go for an off-the-shoulder tee. This will draw the eye away from the waist, says Joy.

16. Use objects you’re holding to your advantage, by placing them in front of areas you’d prefer to hide. ‘If you’re big in the hips, carry a clutch. Or, if you want to balance out a large bust, carry a shoulder bag that sits on your waist,’ says Australian COSMO’s fashion director Nicole Adolphe.

17. Short women wanting to appear taller should opt for vertical stripes; this creates an illusion to the eye of elongating the body, says Joy.

18. Make friends with a fake tan. ‘A darker skintone gives a slimmer silhouette. Concentrate on your problem areas – think thigh, tummy and bottom. lf you don’t have time for tanner to develop, mix equal parts liquid bronzer with your body moisturiser, and apply to any exposed skin – arms, legs and décolletage, says Campbell.

19. If you’re bigger on the bottom half, avoid light-coloured pants, skirts, and shorts; stick to black and dark shades. If you have great legs but are bigger around the waist, a shorter A-line dress is flattering, says Cooper.

20. Stay away from short hairstyles if your face is fuller. Shoulder-length is the most flattering, says Nader.

21. As a simple rule, wear skirts and dresses rather than pants – they’re more flattering on a bigger bottom half, says COSMO’s fashion editor Sarah Bonett.

22. In photographs, take Isla Fisher’s example: turn partially side-on to the camera, with one foot front of the other. Hold your arms slightly away from your body (this keeps upper arm flab from flattening out), and lift your head slightly to minimise any appearance of a double chin, says Adolphe.

Tricks To Hide a Hangover

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00 +0200

There are few better ways to out yourself as the office drunk than by coming into work bleary-eyed, clutching a bacon-and-egg sandwich. Yes, prevention is better than cure, but sometimes mid-week drinks are unavoidable. Here, the experts reveal how to conceal the evidence of a Phuza Thursday.

Isabella Schimid - makeup artist for Elizabeth Arden	PRIME DULL, FLAT SKIN Use a moisturising foundation to even out skin tone and create a faux glow, as powdery foundations may make the skin appear dull. INJECT COLOUR Apply a cream blush to the apples of your cheeks, to create a healthy flushed appearance.
Dr Gillian Deakin - author of 101 Things Your GP Would Tell You, If Only There Was Time (Random House)
Karen Fischer - nutritionist and author of The Healthy Skin Diet (Exisle Publishing)
Amy Cato - director of a recruitment and HR agency

Don't Get Hormonal

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00 +0200

Scientists can now prove women are biologically more prone to allowing their hormones to send them into a panic than men. According to recent research done by behavioural neuroscientist, Dr. Rita Valentino, women are more prone to the key stress hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), while men are practically immune to it.

RATATOUILLE
‘We have been interested in understanding how stress leads to mood disorders like depression and anxiety,’ says Valentino. It was found that CRF alters the activity of certain brain cells involved with mood disorders, she says. ‘Because the incidence of depression is nearly twice as high in females compared to males, we decided to compare the effects of CRF on brain cells of female versus male rats.’ Yes, you read that correctly. Rats.

BRAIN POWER
‘Neurons in female rats are more sensitive to CRF,’ explains Valentino. ‘We found that in female rats the protein CRF must interact with to produce its effects is more highly associated with the signalling molecules it needs to do its job. So that is why it takes less to produce an effect in females.’

So what does this mean for a COSMO girl? This could indicate that women have a lower threshold for stress, she explains. ‘Understanding that there is a biological basis that underlies moods and links these to stressors in life is an important step,’ says Valentino. ‘Being knowledgeable about your brain is as important to your health and well being, as being knowledgeable about your body.’

‘CRF is thought to orchestrate many responses to a stressor,’ says Valentino. When you’re faced with a life-threatening situation, stress responses become key to your survival, she says. Whether it means making the necessary energy available to your muscles, increasing your heart rate or arousal, or facilitating other responses to help you combat a given situation, CRF is released in your brain to orchestrate these responses, Valentino explains. In stress-related mood disorders like depression and anxiety, she adds, evidence suggests CRF production is dysfunctional; therefore you may be prone to anxiety-like behaviour or have an inability to concentrate.

UNDER CONTROL
Before you begin stressing (no pun intended), it looks as though we’ll be able to suppress CRF in no time. While scientists are testing to see if drugs related to mood disorders can help reduce the stress-inducing hormone, ‘Drugs are being developed that may allow us to manipulate the effects of CRF,’ says Valentino. ‘Of course, any new drug must undergo substantial testing for safety and effectiveness.’ Let’s just hope it doesn’t take too long…

Get Through Winter

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00 +0200

Follow these cool-weather tips and stay strong when everyone else is wheezing.

Ditch The Dairy	lf you feel a cold coming on, avoid dairy for a few days. A compound in milk triggers the release of histamine, which causes a runny nose and nasal congestion.
Soak In The Bath
Wash Away Germs
Eat Chicken Soup
Stay Active

Twelve Crucial Check-Ups

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00 +0200

It doesn’t matter if you hate going to the doctor or dread your annual trip to the gynaecologist, there are certain check-ups every COSMO girl needs to go for.

AT THE DOCTOR	It’s never too early to have these important check-ups, says Cape Town-based GP, Dr Jaco Nelson. Check-Up #1: Blood Glucose Diabetes is more common than you think, says Nelson. Make sure you go for a blood glucose check-up every six months, especially if there is a history of diabetes in your family. Nelson suggests you watch out for the following symptoms: tiredness, unexplained weight changes, recurring yeast infections, a dry mouth, the need to urinate too often and visual disturbances. Check-Up #2: Blood Pressure Whether or not you have family members with high or low blood pressure, you should ask your doctor for a baseline reading, says Nelson. ‘Monitor persistent, dull headaches, dizziness and visual disturbances.’ Symptoms can be aggravated if you’re overweight, stressed or a smoker, he adds. Check-Up #3: Urine Urinary infections are very common amongst young women, says Nelson. In this case, he advises you to consult with your doctor should you experience tiredness, persistent low-grade nausea, burning and frequent urination and backache. Check-Up #4: Cholesterol While you might not think it’s necessary to have your cholesterol checked at 25, Nelson disagrees. Once again, if your family has a history of high cholesterol, you’ll need to ask your doctor for a baseline reading. Ask your doctor to do a full lipid profile to measure the different cholesterol-related fractions, he says. Check-Up #5: Thyroid Function This is the time to be aware of any drastic changes. If your thyroid is overactive, be on the lookout for excessive tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness and depression, whereas if you have an under active thyroid, the symptoms will include anxiety, weight loss, palpitations, high blood pressure, sweating and tremors. If you experience any of these symptoms simultaneously, consult with your health care provider immediately. Check-Up #6: Full Blood Count Going for a full blood count can allow you to exclude conditions like anaemia and blood diseases such as leukaemia, explains Nelson. If your body fails to absorb iron properly or you find your flow is much heavier than it should be, you should see your doctor, he adds. Having a full blood count could point to other imbalances and malfunctions that might need further investigation, he says. Over and above these check-ups, says Nelson, there are seven symptoms you always need to be on the lookout for: persistent pain; unexplained tiredness; recurring infections; dizziness; persistent cough; depression; and unexplained weight changes.
AT THE GYNAECOLOGIST
AT THE DERMATOLOGIST

Love Your Boobs!

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:00 +0200

You asked we answered. Here's everything you want to know about your breasts.

How can I tell if my bra’s a good fit?	‘The bra cups should lie smooth against your skin,’ says Karen Ashley, bra stylist with Triumph. ‘The cup should encircle the breast tissue, with no spillage over the top or under the arm, and the band along the bottom should be firm, with the centre-front panel lying against the chest wall.’ If you’re a B-cup or bigger, wear an underwire bra with firm, stretchy fabric. Loose fits can lead to premature sagging.
Can coffee make my boobs hurt?
What causes the sharp pains in my boob area?
Is it harmful to sleep in my bra?
Will I get a bigger rack if I put on weight?
How much boob hair is OK?
What if one boob is bigger than the other?
Should I worry if one nipple is inverted?

Are You Healthy 'Down There'?

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:00 +0200

We know talking about discharge colouration and vaginal health is not the sexiest of topics, but there are certain important facts you have to take note of. We asked the experts what you should look out for 'down there' and what you shouldn't be seeing… or feeling.

DISCHARGE DETAILS
'When you have no symptoms, are comfortable and not even aware of your vagina until sexual responses remind you of how amazing this part of your anatomy is, you are normal,' says Cape Town-based gynaecologist and director of The Woman Space, Dr Carol Thomas.

But every woman does have discharge, even if it's just a little bit, says Johannesburg-based gynaecologist, Dr Sumayya Ebrahim. 'The vagina has lots of mucous-secreting glands tuned for sexual response.' Regardless of whether or not you you're having sex, she says, discharge will still be secreted. 'Normal discharge is see-through or white and the amount you secrete varies depending on where you are in your cycle.'

Mid-cycle, says Thomas, discharge becomes watery, increases in amount and is generally clear. 'A gooey, sticky, dark, jelly-like blob in the second half of the cycle is a good sign of ovulation and, therefore, fertility,' she says. 'Should the egg have been fertilised, this kind of secretion plugs the cervix and protects the developing embryo from organisms and other noxious substances during pregnancy.'

VAGINAL ECOSYSTEMS
The vagina is made up of many organisms, says Ebrahim. 'When these organisms are disturbed, they create abnormal discharge.' So, what do you need to look out for?

Clinical sexologist Dr Eve suggests looking out for unusual discharge: anything that smells bad, non-menstrual bleeding and vaginal pain, which includes pain with penetration and pain when you urinate. 'These are all signs of infections.'

If your discharge (or nether region) is itchy, burning, has an odour or sores, cuts or pain of any kind, you have a problem, agrees Ebrahim. If your discharge is more profuse, green, thick and white, yellow-green or bloody (especially after sex), go for a check-up.

'Green vaginal discharge is always abnormal,' agrees Thomas, 'and if you have a smelly discharge, you should see a health professional.'

Make sure you know what is normal for you, suggests Ebrahim, so you can detect any change as and when it happens. Dr Eve agrees. 'The main reason so many women don't know that these are bad signs is because they don't know what their own "normal" is.' You need to visit your vulva regularly, she says, so you know what your normal discharge looks like and how it smells at different times of the month.

UNUSUAL GROWTHS
It's important to recognise the difference between a skin condition and a sexually transmitted growth, says Ebrahim. Skin tags, for example, are not sexually transmitted, usually appear as a singular growth and have a smooth outline, she explains, where as genital warts are sexually transmitted, have serrated edges and form in clusters. 'These growths are often confused.'

There is a difference between acute and chronic growths, says Ebrahim. Acute growths include infected hair follicles or abscesses, pimples and hard pea-sized bumps due to blocked glands. The above will heal without medical attention, she says. However, a Bartholin's abscess, which occurs when the Bartholin's gland near the entrance of your vagina becomes blocked and infected, needs emergency attention, she warns. 'It will need to be drained on the same day you discover it.' The bigger the abscess or cyst, the more likely you'll need to get it checked out.

Painful or not, if you get an ulcer down there, it means you have a STI. Syphilis is a non-painful ulcer that can heal on its own, says Ebrahim. However, due to the fact that the infection stays in the body, it will still need treatment, she adds. Herpes, on the other hand, is a cluster of ulcers, says Ebrahim. 'You'll know if you have contracted it, as herpes is very painful. While it may heal on its own, it'll keep recurring if it's not treated.' You should also be on the lookout for cuts, she advises. 'You can get cuts from thrush infections, G-strings which are too tight, spinning and rough sex.'

TAKE CARE
Except for sex toys, you should never place anything into your vagina, says Dr Eve. Always wash daily with soap and water, she adds. 'Keep your pubic hair clean or trimmed to ensure great genital hygiene too.' By knowing what is normal and what isn't, she says, you are the first to know if and when there is a problem before you make an appointment with your health care provider. 'This way, you'll be able to treat infections immediately, prevent transmission to your partner and have a constant, positive and confident sense of your genitals.'

DIY Check-Up

Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00 +0200

Do these five simple tests to see if you're really as healthy as you think you are…

1. BREATHING	Your lungs need exercise to stay healthy – especially if you smoke. Test: Light a candle and place it 15 centimetres from your face (at face level). Now try and blow it out. If you can do this easily, your lung capacity is good. If not, you may need to exercise more/quit smoking/change your diet. And you should inhale through your nose as often as possible, especially during exercise.
2. BREASTS
3. HEART
4. HEARING
5. CHOLESTEROL

Are You Making Your PMS Worse?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00 +0200

The things you crave to relieve pre-menstrual cramps can actually make you feel worse. ‘During your period, your body releases the hormone prostaglandin, which causes pain,’ says Abubaker Elmardi, a consultant* at Staffordshire General Hospital. ‘But there are ways to cope with cramps without compromising the rest of your life.’

CRAMP CRAVE	DOCTOR’S DIAGNOSIS	PERFECT PRESCRIPTION
1. Chilling out with a bottle of wine. And six mojitos.	Alcohol might relax you, but it’s dehydrating and contains toxins. Also, mixing alcohol with painkillers can damage your liver.	One draught of Guinness has enough alcohol to dull pain and it also helps replace any lost iron.
2. Tucking into a whole tub of Gino Ginelli.	Eating the equivalent of 1¼ cups of sugar floods acid into your stomach, causing indigestion, which makes PMS more painful.	Custard is filling, not too sweet and its heat distracts your pain receptors from the cramps.
3. Ditching your gym session to slouch on the sofa.	Lying around thinking about the pain you’re in is guaranteed to make you feel worse.	Light exercise, like power walking, will trigger anaesthetising endorphins.
4. Sex. Well, it usually perks you up.	The hormonal high you normally get will only happen if you stop worrying about getting your period during sex.	Doctor’s orders: foot rubs and massages help you forget PMS. Share the good news with your boyfriend.

* Consultant Abubaker Elmardi runs a clinic for women with heavy periods at Staffordshire General Hospital.

Tune Out

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00 +0200

It's January, and yes, the gyms are packed with everyone trying to work out and work off the holiday binges. Whether you're a New Year's resolution runner or a long-term lunger, make sure you're listening to these tracks to keep you motivated.

THE WARM UP
‘Warming up should get you pumped for the rest of your workout,’ says Kristen Parris, manager at Zone Fitness For Women in Cape Town. Kick your playlist off with catchy tracks:
Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream
Lil’ Wayne Feat. Kevin Rudolf – Let It Rock
Sam Sparro – Black and Gold
Kings of Leon – Sex On Fire
Muse – Uprising

ADD A FEW WEIGHTS & A BIT OF CARDIO
‘For cardio and weight training you need something fast-paced,’ says Parris. ‘Most gyms play high-intensity dance mixes, including house, techno and electronic music.’ For those that enjoy edgier tracks, Parris suggests listening to alternative rock to get you breaking a sweat. When you hit the tarmac, stick to the same fast-paced music that'll keep your heart pumping with your breathing:
David Guetta – Sound of Letting Go
Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Epic Last Song
Basement Jaxx – Oh My Gosh
Gang of Instrumentals – Woza December
Pixie Lott – Boys and Girls
Ke$ha – Tick Tock

STRETCH IT OUT
‘When you’re stretching and cooling down, you are lowering your heart rate and stretching your muscles, so it’s good to listen to low-intensity music,’ says Parris. Switch to these more chilled-out sounds:
Zebra & Giraffe – A Long Way Down
Kanye West – Love Lockdown
Rihanna – Wait Your Turn
The xx – Crystalised
Bon Iver – Skinny Love

GET LOW
When doing low-intensity exercises, like pilates or yoga, it’s best to listen to instrumental music, says Parris. ‘Its purpose is to be background music and it must not be distracting,’ she advises:
Explosions in the Sky – So Long, Lonesome
Mogwai – I Know You Are, But What Am I?
Kidofdoom - For Morgan
Ashtray Electric – Too Young
Claude Debussy – Clair De Lune

Now that we've got the basics covered, let's hope you don't listen to your entire playlist waiting for a treadmill to free up...

More Alcohol = More Exercise?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:00 +0200

A study conducted in the US has discovered that drinkers exercise more than non-drinkers. A team of researchers, lead by Dr Michael T French, a professor of health economics at the University of Miami, have found that alcohol is a motivator for exercise.

The findings from a telephone survey of 230 000 Americans found that women who drink exercise on average 7.2 minutes more per week than those who don't. Light drinkers (women who have about 15 drinks a month) increased their exercise time by 5.7 minutes per week. Moderate drinkers (women who have between 15-46 drinks a month) increased their exercise time by 10 minutes a week. And heavy drinkers (women who have 46 drinks or more a month), increase their exercise time by 20 minutes a week.

French says with this new information, women shouldn't be ignorant to the harms of binge drinking. Health problems with heavy drinking may still outweigh the benefits of more exercise and people should not use alcohol to boost their workouts.

Researchers reason that drinkers may be more active because they don't want to put on weight, and feel exercising counteracts the calories from alcohol. The researchers also say drinkers may be more adventurous and social in nature, so they take part in team sports or outdoor activities and after sweating it out with their teammates, pop down to their local bar for a few drinks.

Warren McCann, a personal trainer from Johannesburg, says there are two sides to the results and reasoning from the research.

'On a social training basis, the excuse to drink more can be rationalised by training harder the next session,' says McCann. 'This means five to 10 extra minutes per session, gives them the sense of more calories burnt and maintenance of their "healthier" lifestyle.'

But McCann says the research might be irrelevant for those who are more goal-orientated in their training. If they want to complete the Comrades Marathon or Cape Argus Cycle Tour for example, they will be more focused on their eating habits. They may be training hard but won't necessarily drink because it could jeopardise their efforts.

Janine Coetsee, a Cape Town-based personal trainer with nine years' experience, says most of her clients have a plan to live a healthier lifestyle. And although they do drink, they control it better because they have a disciplined goal to achieve and have committed themselves to a healthier lifestyle. In her opinion some people who drink and then exercise hard are still disciplined enough to work it off, and may also feel that they can do it with ease, thus the guilt factor decreases in regards to having an unhealthy life style.

Do you feel the need to exercise extra hard after a weekend of heavy drinking and partying? Share your comments with us below...

Body Love

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00 +0200

These four women each keep in shape doing what they love. But whose body do you want? Find out how a personal trainer, dancer, surfer and yoga teacher maintain their shape.

PERSONAL TRAINER
Lara Schwegler, 29
HEIGHT: 166cm
WEIGHT: 60kg
After suffering a debilitating back injury while working in the police force, Lara was discharged from active duty and told she'd never run again. Depressed, she gained 30kg. Then, five years ago – while sitting in bed eating chocolate biscuits – she decided she'd had enough. She studied fitness and nutrition, and enjoyed it so much she became a personal trainer.
MY BODY: 'I have a very athletic body – muscular, but not too chunky, and I still have curves. I've had to do a lot of core-strengthening exercises to build my strength back up, and now I feel taller, stronger and healthier than ever. I'm careful not to load up the bar too much during Body Pump classes because I don't want to bulk up, but my back and shoulder muscles are quite defined. I used to need help getting dressed – now I can run again. Each week, I teach 10 to 15 exercise classes and instruct 25 PT sessions. Sometimes, I take other trainers' classes to pick up tips on how to improve my teaching methods, and I like to train with my clients during PT session to keep them motivated.'
MY DIET: 'I start with muesli and fruit, stock up on protein at lunchtime and eat a "normal" dinner (meat and three vegetables, Thai takeaway, etc). During class, I have nutrient shakes – they're quick and easy, and keep me going till dinner time. I'm a healthy eater, but I don't believe in depriving myself.'

COMMERCIAL DANCER
Courtney Walter, 23
HEIGHT: 166cm
WEIGHT: 55kg
The former So You Think You Can Dance contestant started dancing at four, and specialises in jazz and hip-hop. As a commercial dancer, Courtney might perform and charity balls, on television ads, at corporate events and as a backup for singers.
MY BODY: 'As a dancer you need to keep evenly balanced – so I've had to build up every muscle in my body. I'm toned all over, but my legs are particularly muscly, as I use them the most. I've battled weight issues in the past, and my stomach is the area I put on weight, so I do a lot of core-strengthening exercises. I've also learnt to balance my mind and body via yoga and breathing exercises.'
MY DIET: I eat fruit and porridge for breakfast, and usually tuna salad for lunch – I add beans and nuts to pad it out if I'm hungry. I don't eat red meat or processed foods, so I eat fish or vegetable stir-fry with brown rice for dinner.'

BILLABONG FREE SURFER
Ashley Cheadle, 20
HEIGHT: 196cm
WEIGHT: 57kg
Ashley began surfing as a kid (following in the footsteps of her dad and brother, pro surfer Luke Cheadle), picked up a sponsor at 13, and was later discovered by Billabong as the 'ultimate Billabong girl'. Ashley now juggles free surfing with modelling and acting – you may have seen her as the girl who 'rescued' Matthew McConaughey from drowning in Fool's Gold.
MY BODY: 'When I was competing more as a teen, I had ripped abs. These days, I still have a strong inner core, but I'm not very muscly. Surfers use their arms for paddling and legs for the actual surfing, so the typical surfer's body is quite lean. I surf five times a week, so I have good upper body strength from pushing myself up all the time, but I'm quite balanced overall. Sometimes I get a sore back and neck from arching my back while paddling, but I do yoga and stretching before and after each surf to help me recover. Surfing is a low-impact sport, so I don't get many injuries, but it is risky (once the wind caught my board and knocked my teeth out – I still wear a plate to hold them in place). It's taught me to live life in the 'now' – once you've pulled onto a wave, there's no turning back.'
MY DIET: 'I'm a vegetarian, and I have an allergy to wheat and dairy, so I eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, fish, tofu and eggs – often in frittatas, soups and salads. I snack on almonds and drink green tea throughout the day. I don't drink soft drinks, but I go through phases with alcohol and coffee. I'm having a coffee 'break' right now.'

YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Cecilie Farrar, 32
HEIGHT: 180cm
WEIGHT: 72kg
Cecilie has a background in contemporary dance but became hooked on yoga three years ago. Now an instructor, she teaches vinyasa yoga, a dynamic, flowing style in which the poses run together to become more like dance.
MY BODY: 'Yoga has a dramatic effect on my posture; I feel taller and my spine has lengthened. My muscles are very strong and lean. When I danced, I was stockier because there was more weight-baring involved. I've learnt to listen to my body, so I don't push it past my limitations and set myself up for injury. I teach 15 or so classes each week, and I always included sarvagasana – a rest period at the end; although yoga is calming, it helps the body to settle and switch off.
MY DIET: 'I've definitely subscribed to the yoga lifestyle. I only have the occasional glass of wine and my diet consists mainly of brown rice, vegetables and fish. I do, however, like a sweet treat from time to time. My vice is gelato.'

Borrow From the Boys

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00 +0200

GO BALL CRAZY
Whether it’s rugby or soccer, men generally view their ball games as sacred. And with good reason: ball games provide one of the best work-outs you can get in the least amount of time. So pull on some shorts and get kicking.

STEP AWAY FROM THE SCALES
Your man uses the fit of his Levi’s, not the bathroom scales, to tell whether he’s in shape – and you should too. Your apparently healthy weight may hide high levels of body fat, which can cause heart problems and disease. Have your body-fat level checked by your GP or at the gym, then eat more healthily and up your exercise routine if it’s too high.

DON’T FIGHT THE FLU
Men famously lay it on thick at the first sign of a sneeze. But they may have a point: curling up with a cup of hot lemon and honey, and the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy, will probably do your more good than stifling your sniffles. By not taking it easy, you can double the length of time you’re ill, spread germs and further suppress your immune system, making flu even harder to conquer.

Beat Adrenal Fatigue

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00 +0200

Leading a demanding lifestyle is something we’ve all become accustomed to. Overloaded schedules and putting in long hours at work can leave you feeling drained and worn out at the end of a day. According to Dr. James Wilson, author of Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome (Smart Publications), 'Adrenal fatigue affects an estimated 80% of people living in industrialised countries at one time or another in their lives.'

Whether you’re suffering from physical or emotional stress, too much stress can affect your cortisol production. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that helps us to manage our stress, and a lack of it can result in your body not being able to maintain your blood sugar levels or protect your immune system effectively. This won’t only leave you feeling fatigued and unenergetic; symptoms range from unexplained cravings and weight gain to an increase in PMS and a decreased libido.

With the burden of a modern world leaning heavily upon our shoulders, adrenal fatigue can affect anybody. The more stressed you are, the likelier your chances are of developing this condition. We know that taking stress out of lives completely is impossibility, but minor changes to the way you run your daily life can certainly make a difference and help to push up your much-needed cortisol production.

Resident Wellness Warehouse homeopath, Reena Sukdev, believes that a simple lifestyle change can help adrenal function. 'Eat more consciously by increasing your consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It’s vital that you get all the essential nutrients in place to set a foundation to recovery. Eliminate stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and sugar and increase your intake of essential fatty acids to reduce adrenal fatigue.' Besides an alteration to your daily diet, Sukdev says exercise can be a helpful tool too. 'Practicing yoga allows for both a balanced release of hormones from the endocrine system as well as helping to treat some of the other symptoms of adrenal fatigue.'

If you’re worried and have been experiencing tell-tale symptoms, adrenal fatigue can be diagnosed via three methods: namely through blood, saliva or urine tests.

'Adrenal fatigue has been ignored and largely untreated by the medical community,' says Dr Wilson. Brent Murphy, of The Journal of Natural Medicine, agrees: 'Many doctors are unfamiliar with adrenal fatigue because it is difficult to diagnose the condition using traditional blood tests.'

In order to diagnose the condition more easily, the ACTH (Adrenal Corticotrophic Hormone) blood test has been developed, measuring whether your adrenals are responsive to the cortisol hormone-stimulating ACTH. Saliva hormone tests are considered to be the easiest and most reliable option, examining and informing you of whether your cortisol levels are either too high or too low. Sukdev says over-the-counter medication can assist in the treatment of adrenal fatigue, but you need to first see your doctor before taking any of them.

Whether you choose the medication route or simply decide to alter your lifestyle, don’t feel defeated by this condition. Adrenal fatigue can be beaten.

Hangover Cures From Party Animals

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00 +0200

Last night you were wicked, wild and generally wonderful. This morning you don't feel so ravishing. Just remorseful. Even remembering the colours of those cocktails you drank makes your head hurt. Before you cancel the day ahead, consider these tried-and-tested remedies:

'The only hangover cure that really works for me is a swim in the sea, regardless of the weather – in fact, the colder the better. After that, everything seems okay, if only because you've survived the chill. Following the swim, down a cold Coke – this is no time to worry about carcinogens.' – Diane Awerbuck, author.

'I recommend a large pot of camomile tea while listening to Felix Laband's Thin Shoes In June before ducking under the covers. On waking, try some very gentle yoga postures to revitalise your aching body, followed by a lukewarm shower. Breathing fresh mountain air while walking your dogs is the final step in chasing away the hangover blues... and then food, food, food!' – DJ Honeybee, DJ

'During a work trip to Malaysia, I was invited – after a night of cocktails, red wine and very little sleep – to a traditional breakfast in a nearby village. As a guest, I couldn't refuse the meal placed in front of me: curry broth (curry without the meat) and oily nan bread. Weirdly, this spicy, greasy concoction was the most fantastic cure for my nausea. I would love to be able to make it for myself at home, but I can't see myself cooking curry after a night out with the girls!' – Cathy Lund, COSMO assistant editor

'1. Sex with a gorgeous man.
2. A giant slab of Lindt dark chocolate.
3. Waffles, wild berries and crème fraîche or 'double-fat' Greek yoghurt with honey.
4. Watching a David Lynch video. (I suggest Blue Velvet or Mulholland Drive.)
5. Another round of sex with the same gorgeous man.' – Suzy Bell, columnist and art aficionado

'You've already downed what feels like 100 litres of water, you've eaten and you've taken headache pills, yet your head still feels like the drum of a marching band? Get the ice pack out of the freezer, slap it on your forehead, turn the lights off and lie in the dark for about 20 minutes. No ice pack? Get a bag of frozen peas and wrap it in a dishcloth. It works just as well.' – adapted from www.virginradio.co.uk.

'Mix five drops of peppermint oil with your shower gel and down a Red Bull on your way to work. It's a fantastic alternative to the old-fashioned Bloody Mary cure.' – Loren Festers, accountant

'Although a fatty, greasy, lardy breakfast is often the first thing your body thinks of, this tends to be a little heavy on your liver. Instead, concentrate on high-GI carbs to raise your sugar levels. The ideal breakfast would be a slice of toast with honey or jam, then a shot of low-GI carbs in the form of All-Bran Flakes with skim milk. This will restore energy, reduce shakiness and keep you relatively normal-looking.' – Tabitha Hume, dietician

HOW TO PREVENT A HANGOVER

* Don't party on an empty stomach. Before you down your first shooter, eat a combination of complex carbohydrates, protein and fat, which will be digested slowly. A whole-grain pita filled with grilled chicken and vegetables makes for a perfect pre-party snack.
* Skip anything with bubbles. The alcohol in sparkling wine, beer, fizzy coolers and carbonated cocktails is absorbed into your system faster than that in non-carbonated drinks.
* Pace yourself. For every glass of wine, say, drink a glass of water. That way you'll reduce your intake and your dehydration levels.
* Flavoured drinks (like coolers and cocktails) mask the taste of alcohol, meaning you can down a few too many without even realising it. Stick to grown-up drinks.

Self-Health Checks

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:00 +0200

Look out for these telltale signs:

TONGUE WAGGING
According to US surgeon Dr Mehmet Oz, you can check on the health of your digestive system by looking at your tongue. If it has little white dots on it, your liver may be sluggish, while a visible line or crack down the middle of the tongue shows poor digestive function.

EYE SPY
According to the Boots Health Club, an online pharmacy and health-care advisory service in the UK, seeing floating objects in your line of vision could indicate a detached retina. Itchy, red eyes that won’t clear up may be caused by conjunctivitis (or pinkeye), so see your doctor if the irritation persists.

WEIGHT A MINUTE
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared, like this: 65kg ÷ 1,63m x 1,63m = 24. If it’s below 19, you’re considered underweight and must eat more! A BMI between 19 and 24 is healthy, while 30 or more means it’s time to hit the gym.