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Happy group of women As Women’s Month comes to an end, I’m reminded of how much South African women do. From taking care of their families, making big changes in business, to keeping their communities strong—it’s amazing. But there’s something we don’t talk about very often: women need to take care of their own health, too. That’s where Vascafem comes in. It’s not just about bones (though bone health and getting enough calcium are really important, especially as we get older)

South African women are losing more calcium than they're absorbing — and this is slowly weakening their bones.

Women taking a break after exercise Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, heart failure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. These conditions often result from plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to complications such as restricted blood flow and increased heart strain. The Role of Cholesterol in Cardiovascular Disease Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for cell membranes, horm

A woman drinking water Hydration is Essential for Women’s Circulation and Bone Health As a woman, staying hydrated is about more than just quenching your thirst—it’s essential for your circulation and bone health. Here’s why: Boosts Circulation – Water helps your blood flow smoothly, ensuring vital nutrients and oxygen reach your bones and muscles. This is key for maintaining energy and reducing fatigue. Supports Strong Bones – Proper hydration aids in the absorption of calci

Rebounding (using a mini-trampoline) can be a beneficial low-impact exercise for many people, including those with osteoporosis. Still, if your osteoporosis is diagnosed in your hips, extra caution is required. Here are key considerations and safer alternatives: Is Rebounding Safe for Osteoporosis in the Hips? Impact on the hips: While rebounding offers low-impact cardio, there are moments when your feet leave and land on the trampoline. This repetitive movement could str

Height isn’t just a marker of how tall you stand—it plays a critical role in understanding your overall health, especially bone health. One of the lesser-known signs of osteoporosis is a noticeable loss in height. This “silent disease” often goes undetected until it manifests in fractures or back pain, but subtle changes in height could provide an early warning that your bones are losing density. So, let’s explore why your height is more than just a number when it involves os

There’s no need to dive into extreme workouts to build strong bones. Walking, one of the simplest forms of exercise can do wonders for your bone health. Whether you stroll through the park or power walk in your neighbourhood, every step strengthens your body and builds stronger bones. How Walking Strengthens Bones - Weight-Bearing Benefits: Walking puts healthy pressure on bones, stimulating growth. - Improves Balance: It reduces the risk of falls by improving coordinatio

Deficiency in vitamin K has been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults. This is because, without enough vitamin K, the proteins needed to bind calcium to bones are not activated, leading to lower bone density and weaker bones. In South Africa, where osteoporosis is a growing concern, vitamin K deficiency could be contributing to the problem. Although many people get some vitamin K through their diet, those who eat fewer leafy greens or ferm

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease" because it slowly weakens bones without showing symptoms until a fracture occurs. This often-overlooked vitamin plays a crucial role in bone health by facilitating calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and keeps them healthy. Why is Vitamin D Important for Bone Health? Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, a mineral essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Without enough Vitamin D, our bodies c

Can Calcium Help Support Bone Health?

Receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis can feel overwhelming but remember life doesn’t stop after the diagnosis. Osteoporosis, often referred to as the “silent disease,” affects the strength and density of bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis can be managed in various ways. Yes, there is life after osteoporosis, and here’s how to live it to the fullest. Understanding Osteoporosis Osteoporosis occurs when the bones lose minerals like calcium faster

Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis? Here’s What You Require to Know Who’s at Chance for Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis doesn’t influence everybody similarly. A few components can increase your chance of creating this bone-weakening disease. Understanding these risk factors can assist you in taking steps to secure better bone health. Non-Modifiable Chance Factors • Age: As you age, your bones become more slender and weaker. Osteoporosis is most common in more seasoned grown-ups, but

July is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental well-being and its profound connections to our overall health. One of the critical areas where mental health intersects with physical health is the impact of loneliness on the immune system. Loneliness is not just a state of mind; it's a condition that can have tangible effects on your physical health. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can lead to increased stress levels, which in tur

Broken heart syndrome is not just a myth, or a fairy tale concocted by a creative writer for some niche film, but a reality lesser known to us all. The first instance of broken heart syndrome was characterized by a Japanese cardiologist Dr. Hikaru NATO in the 1990s and by another Japanese Doctor known as Dr. Kenji Sato. Their initial studies concluded that broken heart syndrome can resemble a heart attack except for how it is seen pathologically as well as the treatment there

Boost your immune system on a busy day at work.

Did you know that maximum absorption can occur when selected vitamins and supplements are taken at the right time?

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, but its significance extends far beyond that.