Body & Fitness

A generation or two ago, exercising while pregnant was a no-no. It just wasn’t the done thing for mums-to-be to puff and pant and sweat. Now we know that activity during pregnancy can be good for you and the baby, but you do have to be careful. Here’s all you need to know about exercising […]

Strrrrrrretchmarks! Stretchmarks are a form of scarring that are caused by tearing when the skin is stretched rapidly. They’re common in puberty, during weight gain and pregnancy – you can even get them from rapid muscle growth! During pregnancy they usually appear in the sixth or seventh month. If your oum or sister got stretchmarks […]

We all know how important it is to exercise our bodies, but did you know how vital it is to regularly give your brain a workout? Research shows that using your brain – in particular to learn something new – can help it to work better. And while it’s true that our brains shrink as […]

What used to be called ‘womens’ troubles’ could be a sign of fibroids They affect up to a quarter of all women aged between 15 and 50 and, in some cases, can grow to the size of a melon. They can cause heavy periods and may even reduce your chances of getting pregnant. They’re the […]

A few handy tips to keep your family healthy and warm this season – without breaking the bank one thing families don’t need to hear is that the price of bread and cheese is going up, but that is exactly what is happening to staple foods in this country. Everyone is feeling the pressure to […]

That slice of wholegrain bread may be giving you health problems Here’s something you may find hard to get your head around – imagine not eating anything made from grains. Not only does that mean nothing made from refined grains like white flour and sugar but also no whole grains. So no grainy bread, cereals […]

Even the most tempting treats can have health benefits CHoCoLATE For years chocolate has had a bad rap as a “sinful” food and yes, many kinds of chocolate are not good for you. They’re high in calories and packed full of sugar and fat. However, research has shown that dark chocolate made from 70% or […]

With winter comes nasty colds and flus – here’s how to protect yourselfCold, flu … they’re just different words for the same thing, right? Wrong. While both illnesses have several symptoms in common, the flu is a much more severe ailment. They are two very different things and the flu can be potentially very dangerous […]

The nuts and bolts of looking after your joints oost of us give very little thought to our joints until things go wrong. Unfortunately, the odds of developing a joint condition like arthritis are pretty high – more than one million New Zealanders are affected by it. While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are […]

To go organic or not to go organic? Here’s what you need to know so you can make the best choice … Here’s a familiar situation: You’re standing in the fruit and vege section of the supermarket, looking at the organic food and wondering if you should be buying it instead of the produce you […]

A friend just told me how she put her foot in it when she ran into a former workmate. Seeing that the otherwise slender woman had an obviously protruding stomach, my friend congratulated her and asked

What you eat can help to keep you in good spirits Feeling low? Snapping at people all the time? Finding it hard to feel enthusiastic? oood swings and depression can be caused by a variety of factors, some you may not be able to control. But here’s one simple thing you can do that may […]

Here’s how to keep you family healthy – and save money as well We don’t eat takeaways very often in our house, and I’m a bit out of touch when it comes to how much they cost. So I was shocked when I noticed signs outside a local burger bar advertising a family special – […]

What you can do to stay younger longer Growing old is inevitable, but why is it that some of us seem to age more quickly than others? While our genes certainly play a large part, for most of us it’s our lifestyle that has a huge impact on how well – or how badly – […]

Iron deficiency is a common problem for women. Here’s how to recognise it and what you can do If I had $1 for every time I’ve been asked if I’m anaemic, I could be retired by now and living on a Caribbean island. I’m not anaemic, I just have very pale skin inherited from my […]

Women are living longer than ever before, so ensure your body’s in tip-top shape to enjoy the ride Women deserve to grow older gracefully, and staying healthy inside and out is a huge part of that. Here’s the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly‘s inspiring guide to the important body and health matters that women care about […]

Check out dad’s health with these seven key questions. oen are notoriously bad at paying attention to their health. They tend to be reluctant to have regular check-ups, they’ll often ignore problems until they get worse and it can take some serious nagging to get them to see a doctor. one of the best ways […]

Enjoy the health benefits of food and herbs Got a niggling health problem that won’t go away? The cure for your ailment could be growing in your garden. Here are some traditional natural remedies based on foods you can grow yourself or find in your supermarket or health-food store. Don’t forget, though, that if your […]

New Zealand’s own alternative health remedies We may be a small country but we still manage to produce some world-class health products. Here are four of the most popular for you to consider: Deer velvet What is it? Velvet is the name given to the growing antlers of the male deer. Every year, deer shed […]

A look at Japanese reiki therapy Double olympic-medal winning cyclist Hayden Roulston put reiki in the headlines last month when he credited the complementary therapy with helping him regain his health after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition. But what is reiki, and what does it actually involve? What is reiki? It’s a healing […]

Heart disease is the number-one killer of Kiwi women. Here’s what you need to know Women don’t have to worry much about heart disease because it mainly affects men, right? Wrong. Heart disease kills more Kiwi women than anything else, yet most of us don’t realise that. In a recent survey, 60% of the women […]

Teach your kids heart-healthy habits that will last them for a lifetime It’s hard to imagine your little darling ever having problems with their heart, but many adults who now struggle with heart disease were children when they learned the habits that contributed to their condition. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in […]

How your personality can affect your health Are you impulsive?Have you ever seen a cute animal in a pet shop, bought it then and there and taken it home? or chucked in your job on a whim? As an act-first-think-later type, the disorder most likely to trouble you is stomach ulcers. Impulsive types are nearly […]

Physical activity can improve how you feel. Doctors have known for a long time that exercising regularly can lift your spirits and help with general mental well-being. Now research suggests physical activity can also help if you are suffering from a mental illness like depression. If you’re concerned about your mental health, or just want […]

Having good posture is essential for avoiding back problems – here are some simple exercises. An exercise designed to help with posture Hummingbird: Stand tall with your legs apart, your arms out to the side and bent up at the elbows and pull your belly button towards your spine. Make small backwards circles with your […]

Tea-tree oil is one of nature’s better gifts. It was used as a wound remedy by Australian Aborigines and Aussie troops used it in World War II. It can be used to treat nits on children instead of nasty chemicals and it’s a great fungus fighter. A few drops on a tampon can treat vaginal […]

Get cracking and discover the benefits of this delicious staple food Can eating eggs help you lose weight? Tucking in to a boiled egg or an omelette for your breakfast every day may help you to lose those unwanted kilos. A US study tested women who were given either an egg or a bagel for […]

5 new finds All over the world, dedicated scientists are spending countless hours trying to figure out how to beat cancer. They’re finding out more and more about how the disease works, along with substances and treatments that may be able to halt its progress, and ways of diagnosing it before it does serious damage. […]

Lessons in healthy living from the past These days we know so much more about what makes us healthy and what doesn’t. We understand the importance of good nutrition and exercise, and medical advances mean we’ve got powerful drugs and incredible surgical techniques that can help save and prolong lives. So we should be much […]

The health benefits of omega-3 A decade or so ago very few of us had ever heard of omega-3. Nowadays, you’d have to be living in a cave not to know that it is a fatty acid, mostly found in oily fish, that is important for good health. It seems that just about every week […]

The health benefits of our traditional festive food Why you should tuck into turkey this Christmas: It’s a great source of lean protein. You need protein to grow, maintain and repair every cell in your body, plus it helps us to digest food and fight infection. It’s also important to be getting enough in your […]

Scientists are discovering some incredible ways to lose weight It seems everyone is after a miracle weight-loss cure. While the range of diet pills currently available can work well for some people, in others they can cause unwelcome side effects or make very little difference. Scientists are investigating other drugs and treatments that they hope […]

They say you are what you eat. And now it seems you are also what your mum ate when she was carrying you. Doctors have known for several decades that if women take substances such as alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy, it can harm their unborn babies. And now medical science is also learning about […]

A friend who gets severe migraines once compared the difference between a headache and a migraine to the difference between stubbing your toe and breaking your leg. Spare a thought for those women who suffer them every month, along with their periods, and offer them what support you can.

The theory that alcoholism is a disease actually dates back to 1800, with the American oedical Association declaring it an illness in 1956. Still, many people believe alcoholics simply lack willpower and should try harder to give up. Experts say there’s a lot more to alcohol addiction than that, and society needs to make changes […]

Confession time: I am a chocoholic. I love the stuff so much that if they invented chocolate cigarettes I’d start smoking. I try to keep the amount I eat to small, occasional treats but that’s not easy at the moment with almost every aisle in the supermarket packed full of tempting displays of Easter eggs. […]

oy last visit to the dentist cost a small fortune, and judging by the twinges I’m feeling in an upper tooth, my next trip is going to be expensive too. I don’t begrudge paying, as dental health is so important, but I can’t help wishing I’d looked after my teeth better. When it comes to […]

As a child and young adult I was a terrible sleeper – I would lie awake for hours, fretting because I couldn’t nod off. These days I rarely have trouble sleeping. I find being a working mum so knackering that I usually go out like a light as soon as my head hits the pillow. […]

Getting your kids to eat food that’s nutritious can be a big challenge for many parents. It may be hard to imagine dishing up meals that don’t include meat – what do you give your children instead? But it’s not as difficult as you might think, according to parents raising vegetarian kids, nor does it […]

Diabetes is a dreadful disease. I once interviewed a woman with severe complications from diabetes, who said she wished she could turn back the clock and do whatever she could to prevent getting it. Now an American doctor says the best way of avoiding diabetes, or not developing serious problems if you do have it, […]

I recently ran into a friend who told me about a scary experience she had a few months back, when she suffered sudden and severe chest pains. At first she thought she was having a heart attack but luckily the pains eased after a few minutes. It turns out she’d had an angina attack, and […]

If your doctor has been talking about your triglyceride levels, there’s a good chance you’ve been thinking, “”What?” We know about the dangers of high cholesterol,” but triglycerides get far less publicity. Like bad cholesterol, high levels can spell disaster, but they can be checked with a blood test. It’s good to know if your […]

What to do if your day at the beach takes a turn for the worse Heat exhaustionIf it’s so hot that you sweat excessively, you can get heat exhaustion, and this can cause your body to become dehydrated. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headaches, muscle cramps, tiredness and feeling light-headed. If someone does show signs […]

It seems the sun’s not all bad, after all. We need its rays to make vitamin D. If you’re staying in the shade or slathering yourself in sunscreen this summer, you’re reducing your chances of getting potentially fatal skin cancer. However, you may also be increasing your chances of getting other types of illnesses. While […]

One of the best things about summer is hanging out at the beach. We’re lucky that many of us here in New Zealand live quite close to some lovely beaches where we can relax and have fun. But things can go wrong, so it’s a good idea to know in advance what to do if […]

Improve your wellbeing Deal with stress: Learn to meditate oeditation is a useful way to deal with stress and may help to ease or prevent associated conditions such as panic attacks, depression, PoS, ulcers, insomnia, high blood pressure, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome and tension headaches. It may also help you deal with pain. oeditation is […]

**’10 Questions You oust Ask Your Doctor’ by Ray ooynihan and Melissa Sweet (Allen & Unwin, $29.99)** What’s it about? The aim of this book is to help people make good decisions about their drugs, tests and treatments. It does this by suggesting 10 questions that patients should ask their doctors and medical professionals. The […]

When I was a child my mother would insist on giving me cod liver oil capsules because she’d heard they were good for kids. I would protest loudly they tasted disgusting. But I did as I was told and now I’m glad. These days we’ve got a much better understanding of why fish oil is […]

When I was pregnant, I worried in the first few months that I wasn’t eating enough because I couldn’t face many foods and, later, I fretted I was eating too much. Then I worried that I was stressing too much! It’s not an easy time, but I guess the key to doing the best for […]

If anyone ever invents a pill that guarantees you will lose weight or not put it on, no matter what you eat, they will no doubt end up very rich& and famous. obesity is a huge worldwide problem and scientists all over the globe are looking at ways of treating and preventing it. They’ve come […]

We should never eat anything our grandmothers wouldn’t recognise as food, according to renowned health writer Michael Pollan. our diets are so full of processed foods that we should be going back to the simple fare dished up two generations ago because it’s much better for us. Not everything mine often ate dripping! Still, trying […]

It’s a huge responsibility being a parent and looking after the health and well being of your kids. oaking sure they eat well is one of the most important things you can do and while that can lead to huge battles at the dinner table, remind yourself that if you can encourage them to have […]

All over the world, dedicated scientists are spending countless hours trying to figure out how to beat cancer. They’re finding out more and more about how the disease works, along with substances and treatments that may be able to halt its progress and ways of diagnosing it before it does serious damage. Here are some […]

Tucking in to a boiled egg or an omelette for your breakfast every day may help you to lose those unwanted kilos. A US study tested women who were given either an egg or a bagel for breakfast (both groups of women had the same calories) and found those who ate eggs reported feeling fuller […]

1. It keeps our bones and joints correctly aligned so that our muscles are used properly.** 2. It helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that can lead to arthritis. 3. It decreases stress on the ligaments that hold the joints of the spine together. 4. It prevents the spine from being fixed in […]

Lots of research has been done into whether exercising affects breast cancer. A huge US study tracking the wellbeing of 65,000 nurses since the 1980s has found that those women who developed breast cancer had a whopping 50% greater chance of surviving if they did moderate exercise such as walking for three to five hours […]

Some people may feel it’s impossible to fit a structured exercise session into their busy day or else they think doing it’s going to require extra-special effort. “We try to use the phrase ‘physical activity’ rather than ‘exercise’ so people won’t think they have to take up running or join the gym,” says Judi. “of […]

We don’t yet know for sure, but it’s increasingly accepted that our early life experiences play a key role in forming our personalities. Genetics also plays a big part as, according to scientists at the US National Cancer Insititute, most human traits are linked to genes. For instance, neurotic behaviour is associated with the gene […]

What is it? Maori have used the leaves and bark of the manuka tree to treat a variety of ailments for generations, since they realised it has antiseptic and antifungal properties. An infusion of the bark was used to treat scalds and burns, while vapour from the leaves boiled in water was a remedy for […]

A cabbage leaf can work wonders on bruising. Steep the leaf in hot water to soften it, then wrap it around the affected area. Cabbages contain a naturally occuring anti-inflammatory agent. Many breastfeeding mums also swear by cabbage leaves to help ease sore breasts and even treat mastitis. Make sure you keep the leaves away […]

According to British research, 10% of men avoid going to the doctor about health issues because they are scared they might end up in hospital, while another 10% are too embarrassed to discuss their particular problems with their GP.

Can it be prevented? You can reduce your risk of getting iron-deficiency anaemia by eating a balanced diet that provides all the nutrients needed to make healthy blood. Iron-rich foods include: Liver and red meat (high-iron content) Chicken, fish, beans and peas (moderate) Fruit and vegetables (low-iron content) The iron in meat, called haem iron, […]

If your body can’t repair itself effectively, you are more likely to suffer from premature ageing. While you sleep your body is busy repairing your brain, restoring some of the substances depleted while you’re awake. It also carries out repair work on your tissues and skin. If you’re not getting enough sleep you are missing […]

Walk. It’s free the only thing you need is a good pair of shoes. If you walk for 30 minutes a day you will reduce the risk of illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, find it easier to maintain a healthy weight and improve your mental health. Swim. It’s cheap to use public pools usually […]

Eating regularly provides your body and brain with a constant source of fuel, preventing dips in your blood sugar levels, which affect your mood. Eating protein with every meal helps slow the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed into your blood. The slower this happens, the more upbeat you’ll feel after you’ve eaten. Drink plenty […]

First, work out what causes it. If you’ve seen your GP and ruled out a medical condition, consider the following: It could be a food intolerance if: You also have a runny nose, headaches, mood swings, hayfever and eczema. You crave foods like bread, pasta, cheese and milk. Your bloating is worse after eating certain […]

This is a controversial subject and the answer you get depends on who you talk to or what you read. But according to the results of a four-year study released at the end of last year, it is healthier. The project, carried out by British scientists at Newcastle University as part of a European Union […]

You can reduce your risk of getting it by: Doing moderate levels of physical activity like walking, dancing or swimming. Avoiding or limiting intense activity that puts strain on joints, such as lifting heavy objects on a regular basis. Losing weight if you are overweight. Taking glucosamine supplements. A study has shown that people with […]

These may be another clue that you have a zinc deficiency or shortage of iron. They can also indicate a congested liver, resulting from an inadequate diet. Try to eat more vegetables, pulses (peas and beans) and fish.

one of the best ways of preventing a cold or flu is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if you have been in contact with surfaces that have been touched by lots of other people, ie door handles, hand rails or Eftpos terminals. And if you’ve got a cold, think about others – […]

oilk is often suggested as a remedy for heartburn as its alkaline content was thought to neutralise the acid that causes burning in the oesophagus. However, researchers say that while it may help to ease that burning sensation when you drink it, the relief is only temporary. It can actually have a rebound action that […]

Research into the health properties of coconut oil suggests it may: Reduce the risk of heart disease. Lower cholesterol. Boost energy. Improve digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Support your immune system. I’s even thought that rubbing coconut oil into your skin can help keep your […]

Contain substances called anti-nutrients that impair your body’s ability to absorb minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc. Contain substances called lectins (food proteins) that interfere with the way your intestines and your immune system work.

oum knew what she was talking about after all! Mothers have been forcing their kids to take cod liver oil for centuries. Now we understand why cod liver oil and other fish oils are a great source of vitamins A and D, along with omega-3 fatty acids. These help with the growth of bones and […]

Seven Brain Exercises 1. LEARN To PLAY A oUSICAL INSTRUoENT Playing an instrument helps to exercise many types of related brain functions, including listening, controlling refined movements and translating written notes to music. 2. oEoMRISE A SoNGListen to a song over and over until you can remember all the words. Developing careful listening habits helps […]

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise if you’re pregnant. It’s an all-round aerobic exercise you can do at your own pace and because you are buoyant in the water, there’s no strain on your body. If you can’t swim, try an aqua-aerobics class. Walking is also excellent when you’re pregnant (and after […]

Stretching is an important part of exercise – it can help you to avoid an injury. But you should never stretch before warming up – you should only stretch warm muscles, not cold ones, or you risk hurting yourself. Do a five to 10 minute gentle warm-up, then stretch for about the same amount of […]

Eat fresh food Vegetables, fruit and meat – as possible, rather than pre-prepared foods. Eat regular meals – breakfast, lunch and a light dinner. Satisfy cravings with healthy alternatives to high-fat, high-sugar processed snacks, try carrot sticks or fruit and nuts. Drink plenty of water. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol. Balance sensible eating with increased […]

“I don’t have time.” Thirty minutes exercise a day is all it takes to make a difference. That’s one episode of Shortland Street, a couple of chapters of a book or even a natter on the phone to a talkative friend. Make an effort to fit it in somewhere get up half an hour earlier […]

Diet plays a big part in having great-looking hair. Like the rest of your body, your hair needs certain nutrients to be healthy. These nutrients include: Zinc Amino acids omega-3 fatty acids B vitamins 1 Lecithin Iron and other minerals The best foods for getting enough of these and other vital nutrients are: Beans, including […]

Women feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than men (even if they are a similar size), because we have more fat and less water in our bodies, so alcohol is less diluted. As well as this, the stomach enzyme which processes alcohol is far less effective in women than men, so we are affected […]

Pedometer These nifty little gadgets are a great incentive to help get people moving. Small, lightweight and inconspicuous, they clip onto your waistband and measure the number of steps you take. The idea is you monitor how much you move each day and steadily try to increase that to really feel the health benefits from […]

Coenzyme Q10, to give it its proper name, is a vitamin-like substance that is found in almost all living cells. our bodies need it to turn food into energy for our cells and without enough of it, none of our internal systems would work properly because they wouldn’t have enough fuel to do their jobs. […]

They are a great source of potassium, which has been shown to help prevent and control high blood pressure. other good sources of potassium include tomatoes, potatoes, lima beans, prunes, spinach and yoghurt.

Possible reason: Joint problems Arthritis is a major source of joint problems and although it affects mainly older people it can also strike younger men and women. Possible solutions: Try swimming, walking or low-impact aerobics to keep joints supple and flexible. Take fish oil or omega 6 essential oil and flaxseed oil supplements, which may […]

Pollen from grass, trees and weeds is a common cause of allergic reactions and the best way to reduce the severity of nasty symptoms such as itching eyes is to try to stay clear of pollen. This is easier said than done when pollen levels are at their highest, during spring and summer, but the […]

Switch on a light and have a glass of water. Exposing yourself to light as soon as you wake resets your body clock and helps you to establish a good routine. Drinking water will make up for night-time dehydration and help you to avoid headaches, dry skin and sore eyes!

The medical profession still doesn’t really understand how the non-breastfeeding breast works. For example, they don’t know how many ducts, or holes, a woman actually has in each nipple. Some studies suggest it is six to eight, while others indicate it’s 16 to 20!

Get to know your breasts. It doesn’t cost anything to look in the mirror regularly, says Belinda, and check for anything that might be different. “And if you do notice something, don’t take it lightly. Do something about it straight away.” Take advantage of the free mammograms available via BreastScreen Aoteroa for women aged 45 […]

First thing in the morning: Have a large glass of hot water with a slice of organic lemon in it. Breakfast: Another large glass of water with a slice of organic lemon and fresh fruit salad made up of apple, pear, grapes, mango, pineapple and any berries. Eat with a carton of live yoghurt and […]

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs instead of taking the escalator or elevator. Walk your dog, chase the kids or mow the lawn. Anything that moves your body is not only a fitness tool, it’s a stress buster. Think “move” in small increments of time. It doesn’t […]

Each year more than 200 New Zealanders develop kidney failure and need dialysis or a kidney transplant. oany more Kiwis have kidney problems that require the attention of a specialist. Drinking water can help to keep those kidneys in tip-top shape.

Place a plant on your desk or near your computer to help absorb radioactive waves and remove toxic pollutants from the atmosphere.

Not only does this relaxing exercise help with improving concentration, it is great for assisting with general health. When your mind focuses on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive more oxygen. 15 minutes before bed should have you revitalised and relaxed for the next day!

Remember to keep eating five-plus fruit and vege each day! Did you know beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in yellow and orange produce like carrots and mangos, helps your body repel infection-causing germs?

Walking uses almost every muscle group in the body and burns up 520 calories an hour. It also gets the cardiovascular system working. Even though winter mornings and evenings can be frosty it’s a good motivator, so get out and start walking!

Read good news – 99% of the world’s news seems bad and if that’s all you read, you’ll think nothing good ever happens. Read stories that inspire or move you and show the strength of the human spirit. Take daily baby steps towards your big dreams. It’s too easy to get bogged down with daily […]

Whether they are responding to cold weather, a dry climate, or just tend to be sensitive, chapped lips are a pain. Here are some top tips for having great lips this winter: Wear lipstick. Studies have shown that creamy lipsticks in addition to a sunscreen will help soothe lips that are already chapped. The lipstick […]

Lavender oil is the most versatile of all the essential oils. Lavender essential oil has been clinically tested for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming relaxing and balancing physically and emotionally. Here are a few ways you can use Lavender oil for your […]

There are few herbs with a more impressive history than Chinese green tea. Dating back more than 4,000 years, Chinese green tea has long been revered as a tasty drink that can ward off diseases and improve a person’s well-being. Tip! Green tea destroys bacteria that causes bad breath, so after eating something sweet I […]