Author: healthtost
Written by Jane Freedman, Tamaryn Crankshaw and Marcia Mutambara Our latest article at SRHM highlighted the vulnerability of women asylum seekers and refugee women in South Africa to gender-based violence and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services. The current COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to significantly worsen the situation of these women and leave them in an even more vulnerable position. Our research noted that despite the largely progressive nature of South Africa’s refugee laws (particularly the Refugee Act 1988), the ways in which the policies are implemented mean that asylum seekers face great difficulty…
This time of year, I love returning to food that feels fresh, flavorful, and truly enjoyable. These three salads are simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect when you want food without a second thought. They’re filling, easy to put together and packed with healthy ingredients, quality protein and delicious dressings. Let me know what you try first! Enjoy, Jess H Smoked salmon cucumber salad Bright, refreshing and ready in just 10 minutes! Crunchy cucumbers, smoked salmon and nutritious herbs come together quickly in this colorful salad. Tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt ranch dressing, every bite is an…
A snack a day keeps a bad day away! This is true because when are you ever bored of snacking? Whether you’re working, watching a movie, relaxing, or going out, a perfect, healthy, low-calorie snack is just the right amount of warmth for the New Year. Smart snacking doesn’t have to be boring and that’s what comes to mind when you think of healthy snacks. We get it, eating greens and fruit while watching a Hallmark movie can be sad. That’s why the art of dazzling your everyday healthy snacks is just what you need this New Year. The New…
As populations age and health care budgets tighten, a new valuation framework shows why the “price” of a healthy life year depends on who earns it and where policy choices may quietly allocate billions. Study: Deriving the monetary value of quality-adjusted life years through life extension from the value of a statistical life. Image credit: THIHA SATAPITANON / Shutterstock.com Effective evidence-based resource allocation using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) is essential, especially as global life expectancy increases. A recent study published in Scientific Reports examines how accounting for age and demographic factors by country in QALY estimates can improve health care…
With the holiday season coming to an end and the new year offering an opportunity for a fresh start, many of us are looking for ways to improve our health. Often the instinct is to start big – with big decisions, dramatic changes and extreme changes in habits and routines. But large scale changes are difficult to sustain, and more often than not, these big plans are abandoned within weeks. “When it comes to creating healthier habits, the smallest, most achievable steps are often the most powerful.” Alexa MarksRD, SheKnows says. This is especially true when it comes to changing…
Everyone knows the relief that comes with a negative test result, and those same people can imagine the fear and dread that comes with a positive one. But some people will have an effect that doesn’t cause fear or relief – it just leaves them scratching their heads. Inconclusive results are unusual, but they do happen. Keep reading to find out what it is, why it happens, and what to do if you get it. It is important to know the state of your sexual health. How do STD tests work? To understand what unclear test results can mean, we…
Last updated: January 2026 Short answer: During weeks 2-4 on a GLP-1 journey, many people do best with a steady pace of protein, mild fiber, and hydration between meals. Appetite is often more predictable than the first week, making it easier to repeat simple meals that support energy and comfort without feeling overly full. The first week is often to overcome the adjustment. Weeks 2-4 are where routines start to stick—especially when meals stay simple, portions stay moderate, and protein stays consistent. This guide focuses on practical food choices and timing that many people find supportive as signs of fullness…
Despite years of clinical guidelines warning against the practice, one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed brain-altering drugs linked to falls, confusion and hospitalizations, according to new research to be published Jan. 12 in the peer-reviewed journal. GLASS. While prescriptions for these drugs dropped from 20% to 16% during the nine-year study period among all Medicare beneficiaries, they continue to be prescribed to people with intellectual disabilities who are particularly prone to these side effects. “Although this reduction was encouraging, over two-thirds of patients receiving these prescriptions did not have a documented clinical indication in 2021, the end…
You’ve probably heard about how good omega-3s are for women’s health because of their ability to prevent diseases and disorders that affect women. But is it true, or just a marketing campaign? It’s true. Numerous scientific studies show that omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in women’s health and contribute to improving our quality of life. In this article, we will see all their properties, the disorders they prevent, the foods that contain them and the recommended daily dose. Omega-3 and female hormones Think of Omega-3s as a specialized support system for your body. They’re not just ‘healthy fats’…
A postpartum massage it may feel like the first deep breath you’ve taken in months. After pregnancy and birth, your body isn’t just “tired.” It adjusts to a completely new baseline. Hormones shift, sleep is disrupted, muscles compensate, posture changes, and even simple things like carrying a baby or feeding can stress your neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back in ways you didn’t expect. The best postpartum massage isn’t about ‘spoil yourself’. It’s about recovery. It can help your body feel more supported, more comfortable and like you again. 1. What is postpartum massage? A postpartum massage is a massage…