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10 ways to boost your metabolism
We have all wished for a faster metabolism to burn kilojoules more efficiently at some point in our lives. Here are a few clever ways to get that much-desired boost.
Although cricket is not a contact sport, the level to which it is played nowadays does take its toll on the players, especially professional cricketers. Find out where and why most injuries occur and learn to prevent them.

Perfect the plank for perfect abs
Want rock-hard abdominals? The plank position is the best way to target and strengthen these muscles.
Many items that are thrown in the recycling bin, may cause more harm than good. Take a look at some of the items that should rather be left out of the recycling boxes.
Here's what a select few pathogenic bacteria look like under the microscope.
This past weekend some of the most determined athletes competed in a number of different workouts and events to be crowned the Fittest in Cape Town. Here are the results.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is here. You've done all your training and now it's time to start carbo-loading for the big day.
Don't know what to eat on the day of the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour? Here's a round-up from some of the Sport4Good team members and DietDoc's suggestions for better results.
For Japan tsunamis are a way of life, but nothing could have adequately prepared them for the massive waves that swept over their Pacific coast in March 2011.

Bizarre uses for bodily fluids
From human breast milk to cow's sperm, check out some of the weird things bodily fluids are now being used for.
Wormlike parasites usually live in the gastrointestinal tract, but can also infect the bloodstream or tissues. Click here for more info on some of the most common worm infestations in that occur in humans.
Cutting your daily salt intake can add years to your life. Take a good look at what you're eating and be aware of the foods with hidden salt. Here are the top 10 culprits.

World's Most Famous TB Patients
Do you know what Nelson Mandela, Ringo Starr and Carlos Santana have in common? They all suffered from tuberculosis at some point in their lives.
Check out these basic steps to get you standing on your surf board in no time.
Recycling is one of the greatest gifts you can give the planet. Here’s what can be recycled.
In an effort to curb the scourge of TB, the Department of Health recently announced the implementation of three new "tools" in the fight against TB.
It's Polio awareness week from the 4th till the 10th of April. Take a look a this slideshow dedicated to polio awareness.
Just like with being a parent, there is skill involved in being a successful pet owner. There's more to it than just going to the pet shop and getting a puppy or a kitten.
If you're in your teens, you may feel as if you don't know your body anymore, not knowing what to expect from one day to the next.

Famous breast cancer survivors
Breast Cancer is one of the biggest killer's of women in South Africa and is becoming more common in younger and younger patients. The good news however is that if if it's caught early enough, it can be successfully treated and overcome. Take inspiration from these famous women who are all breast cancer survivors and now spread the word on the importance of early detection.
We all know that chocolates, cakes and cookies are loaded with kilojoules. But what about your other favourite foods? Could hidden fats be lurking in them too?
It can be a bit confusing and weird when your body starts changing, but everyone goes through this, not just you. Between the ages of 10 and 18, all girls change into women and you will too. So what is happening to you?
It's that time of the year again when we'll all succumb to the sweet indulgence of chocolate, only to realise days later the damage done to our waistlines.
Take a look at some of the myths and misconceptions many people believe about allergies.

Does your pooch have doggy breath?
You don't expect your dog's breath to smell of mint and vanilla, but a smooch from your pooch is not supposed to send you running for the hills either. Luckily there is a lot you can do to remedy Fido's death breath, but first you have to figure out what is causing it.

Medicines that changed history
It is very difficult to imagine a world without medication for diseases. Or for that matter a world without any painkillers. The research and development of medication have come a long way. Here are some medicines that have changed human history.
Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, you might still be eating far more sugar than you think. Sugar comes in many different guises and much of it is hidden in your favourite foods.
These pictures tell a horrible story, graphically displaying the damage meth (crystal, tik), heroin and cocaine can do to the face.
Planking: a new form of boredom busting... which can lead to accidents and injury... and in some cases death.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands in the skin and along hair shafts become clogged and inflamed, and infected by bacteria.
An allergy is an abnormal sensitivity or reaction of your immune system to a substance (an allergen) that you eat, inhale or touch.
Many people have vague idea that microwaves are a little bit dangerous. We do some myth-busting.
Have a look at these seven medical mysteries that have doctors baffled.

How healthy is the SA workforce?
How healthy is the South African workforce? This is the topic of a new report, the "Healthy Company Index 2011" put together by Discovery Vitality and partners Wits University, UCT and Professor Ron Goetzel from Emory University in the US.
Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer in South Africa? Take care of your heart health by adding these heart-smart foods to your diet.

CrossFit Games Africa Regional
This past weekend saw athletes from CrossFit affiliate gyms across the country converge on Cape Town to take part in the Africa Regionals for a place in next month's 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games Africa Regional in California. Here's some of the athletes in action.

Portion sizes: getting it right
The first step to healthier eating and successful weight loss is to learn what healthy food portions really look like. Have a look at our slideshow to help you on your way.
Feel ashamed to pull off the shirt at the pool because you look more like John Goodman than Brad Pitt? Just realised you can't get into that old bikini anymore? You're in good company.
A toaster sits on your kitchen counter and you generally don't give it a second thought. It's a bit like the kettle. You only really notice it when it stops working. Maybe it's time to give the trusty toaster a second thought. Check out these toaster facts.
You may be surprised to learn that oranges are not the top food source of vitamin C.
Science has no lack of harsh facts about smoking, but sometimes it takes Art to make us pay attention.

New warning labels for cigarettes
Dead bodies, diseased lungs and a man on a ventilator were among the graphic images for revamped tobacco labels unveiled by US health officials.
These hard-hitting graphics from around the world strike a blow against domestic violence. (Please note some of these images are disturbing.)
Here’s your list of germy hot spots at home and in public places and how to stay healthy in spite of them:
Much of our medical 'knowledge' is based on hearsay. Somewhere we pick up what we think are facts and it settles somewhere in our brains as acquired knowledge. But are these things true?
Over the years there have been a whole bunch of smart, creative and shocking safe sex adverts and here are just a few of them.
You can fix most common aches and pains with ingredients from your kitchen. Take a look at our list of pain relief tricks that lie hidden in your pantry shelves.
Inspired by the great comics we've all dreamed about having a super power. Believe it or not there are real life super humans who walk amongst us. Have a look at these 6 incredible abilities.
The Bristol Stool Scale classifies the form of human faeces into seven categories and may provide important clues to the health of your digestive tract.
Here are some things your body can do that you may not know about.

10 foods that increase longevity
If you want to live longer, take a look at the foods in your weekly shopping basket. It may sound like trite advice, but a healthy diet really is key to longevity.

Health benefits of owning a pet
From boosting our activity levels to elevating our moods and staving off loneliness, the benefits of having a pet for our health have been well documented.
Cats sometimes do the weirdest things: from sleeping all day and roaming all night, to incessant meowing, kneading and rubbing - the list goes on and on. We dispel a few myths and clarify some misconceptions about that mysterious creature: the cat.
Healthy teeth and gums are good for more than just a great smile. New research has linked oral health to other health factors such as heart disease and diabetes.
Snoring is not just an irritation for your partner - it could be a serious health warning.

Eyecare myths you probably believed
Your eyes are windows to the world, but many of us aren't blessed with 20/20 vision. Even so, you can take your blinkers off when it comes to eye care.
Malaria in Africa. Can it be eradicated?
Ears are fascinating things. Check how many of these facts you knew.
Check out our list of 10 tasty low-kilojoule foods that are sure to help melt those extra kilos away.

Celeb pancreatic cancer deaths
The disease Steve Jobs died of this morning was also the cause of a number of other famous people's deaths.

10 steps to summer foot health
Footcare tips to get your feet in shape for summer
Here's what happens to the body while you are orbiting earth.
There is nothing glamorous about menopause, but these celebrities don't allow hot flushes and hormone dips to interfere with them being fabulous.
Urban environmentalists see the wasted grey space our cities - the vertical as well as the horizontal - as canvases for greening and food production.
We all know that we need to get our minimum of 5-a-day for good health. However, when it comes to fruits, which are "safe" for diabetics?
Eight out of 10 people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Adapt your lifestyle and prevent early deterioration. Here's how.
Are you sharing your bed with these unwelcome little guests?
Take a look at six foods that will you in the fight against migraines.
Poignant images of children in iron lungs and leg braces have all but disappeared from the first world, but polio still maims in parts of Africa and Asia.
Terrifying and destructive as they are, wildfires have an undeniable, compelling beauty.
Modern medicine isn't perfect, but it's come a long way. You wouldn't have wanted to take your chances at any other time in history. NOTE: SOME OF THESE IMAGES ARE DISTURBING. NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS.
We have experimented on animals for hundreds of years, now in numbers greater than ever. Are the benefits worth the suffering?
It's easy to chuckle at the absurd medical claims in these old ads, but present-day insecurities about health and beauty aren't too dissimilar. Are we really less vulnerable to advertising now?
These ad campaigns, by turns beautiful and shocking, take a hard look at our inhuman acts against other species, and remind us how the survival of all is interdependent.
Whether you are superstitious or not, have a look at our fun list of 13 food superstitions; and see if you recognise any of them.

A guide to poisonous garden plants
Looking forward to spending time in the wilderness with the kids this summer? Well do look out for these very poisonous plants. Some of them are fatal if ingested.
A jaw-dropping collection of faces and bodies. We're talking more than a couple of extra piercings here. Much, much more.
Here are 10 extraordinary species we will lose if we don't put the brakes on climate change.
If you're a man, you are going to shave for the rest of your life, whether you like it or not. By following this step by step guide, you will learn how to shave correctly and comfortably.
Paraphilia (sexual deviation) is when people feel sexually aroused by objects or situations outside the social norm. Treatment is seldom effective. Some are potentially criminal but many professionals prefer not to pathologise paraphilias which involve two consenting adults.
Take a look at our slideshow of famous diabetic celebrities who are proof that life with diabetes can still be sweet.

7 diseases humans get from animals
Zoonoses are diseases that can travel from animals to humans.
These public service ads skillfully shock us into awareness of pressing health issues.

A headache-free festive season
With December and the warm weather well and truly upon us, how many of you are feeling prepared for the festive season?

6 ways sexy shoes damage your feet
While sexy shoes might give you a 'shoegasm', you might be committing foot 'shoecide'. Here are 6 ways sexy shoes damage your feet.
Dr Ingrid van Heerden, Health24's DietDoc has put together a list of eight easy-to-make snacks that are both healthy and filling for people on the go.
Researchers are finding more unique facts about animals that explain how they survive in the wild.
Since the dawn of footwear, people have been fighting smelly feet. Here are some home remedies that may help halt the spread of stinky feet.
Here are 10 celebs among the many who have battled alcohol and drug addiction.
Amy Froneman Preggi Bellies review

8 hard-hitting anti-obesity ads
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. Check out these controversial anti-obesity ads that aim to address the problem in the US.
The cancer that killed singer Etta James has also directly or indirectly affected a number of other celebs.
OCD affects about 3% of people. Here are 7 celebrities who have spoken out about living with OCD.
Think your love life is weird? These animals offer a wonderful array of mating habits and rituals. Hey, whatever turns them on!
Cardiovascular disease causes over 17.5 million deaths a year. Seven South African celebrities share how they have been affected by heart disease.
Every year during breeding season, penguins from the famous Boulders colony venture across the roads of Simonstown to find nesting spots. Penguin monitors do 'sweeps' of the area to find and bring awol birds back to safety.

8 strange things your body does
Sometimes it feels like your body has a life of its own, and it can even embarrass you at times. Here are eight strange things the body does and why.
Celebrities ageing with grace
Bust fat fast and get fit quick with these three cardio machines at the gym. Each with a 20 minute workout guaranteed to get you in shape.
There are many other symptoms of stress that are less well known. Here are a few, as well as tips on how to deal with them.

5 bad habits we teach our kids
Kids easily pick up on their parents' attitudes towards food, exercise and lifestyle choices – are you guilty of teaching your child bad habits?
Winter gives us too many excuses to cheat on our daily health routines, but cold weather compromises can affect our health in the long run. Here are a few things people are likely to do during this season.
Check out these five exercises to tone your booty.
Heart disease is one of the most common and fatal disease in the world and has claimed millions of lives. We look at the former state presidents who have succumbed to the disease.
Being a star is hard work - looks are everything and staying in shape is non-negotiable! Whereas most celebs go to gym or have a personal trainer, others have also embraced a sport to stay fit. Let these 10 stars inspire you.
Loosen up with these seven stretches for different parts of your body where you carry the most tension.
If you are prone to stress eating, check out our 10 tips to a calmer and more balanced life.

Keep your feet happy in winter
Check out these tips to keep winter blues away from your feet
Asthma is one of those diseases that are incurable. In America alone it is estimated that about 20 million of its citizens have asthma, and that it causes 5 000 deaths a year. A few celebrated people both young and old have asthma and are living well with the disease.
A new, ten-year, multi-billion dollar action plan for global vaccination may fail to deliver if it does not directly address the weaknesses in routine immunisation programmes.

10 celebrity fans of homeopathy
What do David Beckham, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Usain Bolt and Pamela Anderson have in common? They are all fans of homeopathy.
The rowing machine is one of the best cardio-machines you'll find in a gym. We speak to a former Olympic rower for some tips on how to row properly to get the most out of your workout.
With more than 1.4 billion adults overweight and more than half a billion obese, obesity has become one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.
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