Beyond Candles and Face Masks: Prioritizing Sexual Health for True Self-Care
Beyond Candles and Face Masks: Prioritizing Sexual Health for True Self-Care @Thuli BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Beauty Tips Haircare Health Self-Care Skincare Self-care extends beyond indulging in scented candles and trendy activities like face masks. It also involves looking after our physical well-being, which includes being aware of our health status, such as knowing our HIV status. Recently, I inquired on Twitter about how often people get tested for HIV/AIDS, and the responses are as follows: Why do some individuals still hesitate to check their HIV/AIDS status? Having knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions. If you are hesitant to discuss protection with your sexual partner, it raises the question of whether you should be engaging in that relationship. On the 12th of April, i attended the #foreverwena campaign at UJ Soweto campus. The events aim was to promote positive sexual health for the students. If you missed the campaign, don’t worry; you still have a chance to win a #foreverwena goodie box. Share in the comments what positive sexual health means to you. High-authority SEO links storeMarch 21, 2025 at 11:55 am | EditReply Your comment is awaiting moderation. Im wondering now if we can talk about your sites statistics search volume, etc, Im trying to sites I can buy adspace through let me know if we can talk about pricing and whatnot. Cheers mate youre doing a great job though. Lungile MthembuMay 16, 2024 at 1:50 pm | EditReply Sexual health means being responsible for my actions as an adult and make sound sexual decisions for both me and my partner and protect myself during the process Onthatile NthoMay 15, 2024 at 9:10 am | EditReply To me Positive SEXUAL health Means being open and comfortable to talk about safe sex and practice it. As females We often find ourselves in relationships where we cannot initiate conversations about using protection because the boyfriend does not want to. PosiTive sexual health is about looking after yourself and knowing what is happening in your body. It is something that needs to be promoted Even more in both men and women. Positive sexual health is about sex education. MoMay 14, 2024 at 5:46 pm | EditReply Positive sexual health means that i am in control of my body and that i remain safe from any unwanted experiences, infections, etc. It means that I don’t have to negotiate what i go through with anyone and that i get to learn about my sexual health, my body and more with so much ease. GraciousMay 8, 2024 at 7:44 am | EditReply Positive sexual health to me means to have RESPONSIBILITY in your sexual life and knowing that control comes from your side so we have to be able to speak about healthy ways of engaging sexually with our partners and express our DESIRES and needs. It is being mindful of how we not only engage with our bodies but how we engage with other people. IpelengMay 2, 2024 at 8:01 pm | EditReply It means knowing your HIV status, testing for other sti’s as well and taking treatment where NECESSARY. nthabiseng neo tshabalalaMay 2, 2024 at 7:37 pm | EditReply For me what Positive sexual health means is feeling good about ones sexual well-being, both physically & emotionally. It involves having respectful & consensual sexual experiences that are enjoyable & satisfying for everyone involved. It also means being informed about sexual health & practicing safe BEHAVIOURS to prevent sTI’s & unwanted pregnancies. In summ , positive sexual health is about feeling comfortable, confident, & empowered in your sexual relationships & decisions. Yanga MhlomiMay 2, 2024 at 3:46 pm | EditReply To me,Positive sexual health Means To HAVE self esteem and knowing my self worth. To have one sexual partner, knowing my status and their status. Elisa mosiaMay 2, 2024 at 3:00 pm | EditReply Positive sexual health to me means open and positive discussions with my partner regarding a healthy sex life. And that is regular hiv and aids tests and using protection like condoms during sexual intercourse. HazelMay 2, 2024 at 2:01 pm | EditReply Positive sexual health To ME means a holistic aproach that prioritizes overall well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in sexual experiences and relationship. SEXUAL health is self-care. Khahliso MohotoMay 2, 2024 at 1:10 pm | EditReply Positive sexual health means being transparent, good communication, respectful interactions and always paying attention to consent. One should always be comfortable with their partner and their partners choices and always be open and honest especially where it can affect the other party. But with this should also come fun. Let’s enjoy each other responsibly Motlalepula MotsaiMay 2, 2024 at 12:51 pm | EditReply An improved self-esteem and help in reducing depression and anxiety. Knowing that am healthy does well to my mental health and self appearance ThembaMay 2, 2024 at 12:43 pm | EditReply Every time we get tested for HIV, we are one step closer to ending the AIDS epidemic. Khanyisile ZondoMay 2, 2024 at 11:37 am | EditReply Positive sexual health means taking care of myself and partner when engaged in any sexual activity. I need to look after my wellbeing and those around me. TshiLidzi MakumuleMay 2, 2024 at 10:56 am | EditReply To me; Positive sexual health encompasses a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It involves having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, respectful relationships, access to accurate information and healthcare services, and the ability to make informed choices about one’s sexual health and behavior. It’s about embracing sexuality as a natural and healthy aspect of life while prioritizing consent, respect, and responsibility. SiyakuthembaMay 2, 2024 at 10:52 am | EditReply It means I use condoms I test every after 6 months Safe sex always Dimpho leeuwMay 2, 2024 at 10:32 am | EditReply Being able to know about the diseases related to your sexuality. Educating yours more and your partner,doing test together. Dimpho leeuwMay 2, 2024 at 10:30 am | EditReply It
Understanding Eczema
Understanding Eczema @NanSishange BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Tips Haircare Self-Care Skincare Eczema, atopic dermatitis, can be a difficult, distressing and emotionally and financially draining condition to have. It is a complex, chronic condition that cannot be completely cured but can be controlled. It is a skin barrier issue and not an allergy issue. The skin barrier which protects us from mechanical injury, UV rays, bacteria, fungus, irritants and allergens is disrupted in eczema. The disruption also leads to increased water loss from our skin, in other words, it’s leaky. It doesn’t keep the outside world out and the inside world in. It causes the skin to be highly sensitive to irritants and environmental allergens. All this triggers inflammation and itch. The exact cause is unknown but it is thought to be largely hereditary with a strong genetic basis related to filaggrin abnormalities. Filaggrin is responsible for a good skin barrier. the environment also plays a large role in the development of eczema. There’s also an abnormality in the immune system. So you see, there’s no easy answer to the exact cause of eczema. Eczema presents as patches of extremely dry, red and itchy skin. The itching is usually so unbearable it leads to poor quality sleep which them impacts on the quality of life. With all that medical language and explanations out the way – now we can talk about what you want to hear – How can you manage eczema! How do we fix this leaky barrier and stop the itch? Avoid triggers Potential triggers are allergens like pollen, dust mites and animal dander. Sweating, harsh soaps, cigarette smoke and emotional stress can also trigger eczema. Avoid wearing rough fabrics like denim and wool directly on skin. Food allergies is not the cause of eczema and eliminating food groups may do more damage than harm. A very small percentage of children may have a co-existing food allergy. Keep a food diary and discuss with your dermatologist if there’s a convincing history of eczema flares associated with food. Testing and dietary changes will be considered when there’s failure to control eczema with appropriate treatment. Bathing Use non-soap cleansers that have a neutral or a low pH, hypoallergenic and fragrance free. Aqueous cream is an example of an affordable non-soap cleanser. No bubble-baths! Ever! Short bath times between 5-10 minutes using lukewarm water. Pat dry and do not rub. Applying moisturiser within 3 minutes of a lukewarm bath/shower increases skin hydration and barrier function. It locks in the moisture. Moisturisers Here you get lotions, creams and ointments. Ointments provide better barrier but are unfortunately messy and difficult to use routinely. The key here is to pick an inexpensive moisturiser that is fragrance free. The greasier, the better but pick something that you are willing to use long-term. Apply the moisturiser twice a day even if you have no eczema at the time. Always apply after swimming or bathing. Pick agents with ceramides and fatty acids as they replace the missing molecules in atopic skin. That’s a mouthful – what does it mean? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Epizone E and Epimax are good affordable moisturisers. If there’s a little more at the bank you can use SBR Repair special cream, Eucerin Ato Control, Bioderma Atoderm Crème, Cetaphil Pro Dry Skin, Avene XeraCalm, La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+m Baume and the new kid on the block Cerave Moisturising Cream. I love the new kid because it comes in big tubs that go a long way without drying up mid-month. There’s probably a lot more on the shelves but these are the ones that I have personal experience with and can vouch for. The mainstay of treatment for eczema is topical corticosteriods as they suppress the inflammation that occurs in eczema. They are prescription medication and best used under the supervision of a dermatologist, paediatrician and health care providers. A lot of people have steroid phobia as they can have side-effects. When used appropriately with the correct strength of potency, for limited periods the risk of the side-effects is low. Other treatments include antihistamines to stop the itching that goes with eczema, they also are helpful at night to reduce sleep disturbances. Depending on the severity and response to treatment, your dermatologists may step it up to oral treatments or injected treatments. Don’t suffer in silence, there’s a lot of ways to control eczema. Contact your dermatologist, soak and smear and you’ll be well on your way to itch-free nights. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as thuli. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ Embrace the Imbalance Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Parenthood Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Hair we go! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inHaircare You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Haircare, Skincare Understanding Eczema Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inSkincare SPF is your BFF! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Skincare
Hair we go!
Hair we go! @AnelileGibixego BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Tips Haircare Self-Care Skincare We shed up to a hundred hairs a day – this is normal. Every time we shower or brush our hair, there will be a few hairs that are shed. So, what happens when its more than a hundred, a thousand and a whole patch? Do we panic? YES! We panic and ring our dermatologist because time is hair follicles. Alopecia is a broad blanket term that means hair loss. It’s largely divided into non-reversible (scarring) and reversible (non-scarring) hair loss. It’s always worth getting assessed by a health care provider so that this distinction can be made as it impacts on your treatment options. Reversible hair loss is commonly due to: Traction – High tension pulling hairstyles like braids, sleek tight bun updo, extensions, ponytails, tightly styled dreadlocks and head wraps like doeks, inhloko and hijabs. This causes reversible hair loss from the hairline and if repeatedly done can cause permanent hair loss Sudden illness or stressors: this can result in the shedding of hair in its resting phase. Post-pregnancy, hair dye and fever can also result in hair loss. Drugs like chemotherapy can cause loss of hair in its active growth phase. Systemic illness like nutritional deficiency, iron deficiency and thyroid disease could manifest as hair loss and the hair usually grows back when these conditions are treated. Female pattern hair loss occurs when hair follicles are genetically more sensitive to male hormones causing the growth phase to be shorter causing the hair to be shorter, thinner and easily shed. The hair starts thinning and the central hair line path starts widening. Alopecia areata: the one Chris Rock made a fool of himself over, yes that’s the one! One gets sudden smooth patches of hair loss that may involve the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and any body hair. hair is lost because it is affected by inflammation, the cause of the inflammation is unknown but it is thought that the immune system may attack the growing hairs. There’s a genetic predisposition to alopecia areata, 20% of people with it have a family history. It’s usually treated with corticosteroids, minoxidil or immunotherapy. Before you start with that gel, hair food, placenta or magic lotion determine what the underlying cause is and address it. For the most part the cause of your hair loss can be determined by simple examination of your scalp, trichoscopy and a simple hair pull test where they gently run fingers through your hair and evaluate those removed. Occasionally it will also be a few blood tests and if there’s still no luck, a biopsy will be done. This is rarely needed with the use of small devices called dermatoscopes that your dermatologist can examine your hair with. It’s similar to a magnifying glass but fancier. Another distressing but common menace is dandruff. This is the shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin cells at a faster rate than normal. These ingredients may be helpful in managing it – Salicylic acid: it loosens the attachment between the dead skin cells and allows them to get washed off. Selenium sulfide: controls dandruff by attacking the yeast related to it. Zinc pyrithione: it heals the scalp by controlling sebum production. My top picks for medicated shampoos to deal with dandruff are Selsun 2,5% shampoo, Bioderma Node DS+ Intense shampoo, Vichy Dercos anti-dandruff shampoo. If the symptoms continue after using a dandruff shampoo, then consult a dermatologist because it could be another medical condition such as fungal infections, psoriasis, seborrheic eczema or allergic eczema. Remember – time is hair follicles. Getting a diagnosis and treating the cause early could prevent permanent hair loss. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as thuli. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ Embrace the Imbalance Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Parenthood Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Hair we go! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inHaircare You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Haircare, Skincare Understanding Eczema Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inSkincare SPF is your BFF! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Skincare
You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare
You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare @AnelileGibixego BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Tips Haircare Self-Care Skincare One thing about the modern-day woman? She is busy, whether chasing the money or the streets or her kids, she is busy. Often we are someone for someone, we are the “carer” for our kids or sibling, we are the “organiser” for our colleagues, and we are the “someone” for someone. Self-care is being someone for yourself. Women are also taking the time to do more research on themselves and their interests. They are also fighting the “imbokodo” fate, where women are the all-mighty strength of a rock. No! no! no! We are as fragile as cotton ball flowers in the wind. What is self-care? For me, self-care is taking some time off to nurture myself. Deliberately leaving the busy and active part of my life and setting the time to literally care for myself. I like unplugging, drinking wine, putting on a sheet mask and cleaning (yes cleaning can be part of self-care). Doing activities that allow your natural self to come to the surface is self-care. One may think of cleaning as a chore, for me, but I find it soothing and relaxing, and being in a clean space inspires me. It makes me feel like I am taking care of self. You ask how? Self-care is not the same for everyone and we should never prescribe it to be so. This would take away the essence of the concept, then we have too many rules and one would end up enjoying it. Self-care is meant to be that “me” time you with off from the world and do what matters to you. Whether it is binge-watching your favourite series or taking a walk outside. It is about, pause, reflect and doing you. Medical experts say “Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day”. On Twitter search the hashtag #selfcaresundayza and check what other ladies have been sharing on the tag. What does #selfcare mean to you? Share your self-care interests and routines and use the hashtag #GirlTalkZA Happy Self Care Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as thuli. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ Embrace the Imbalance Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Parenthood Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Hair we go! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inHaircare You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Haircare, Skincare Understanding Eczema Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inSkincare SPF is your BFF! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Skincare
SPF is your BFF!
SPF is your BFF! @NanSishange BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Tips Haircare Self-Care Skincare If there’s one thing that unites all skin care practitioners it is sunscreen. . .an aesthetician, skin care influencer and dermatologist will all tell you “Sunscreen! Everyday! All day!” SUNSCREEN! Why? The short answer: to prevent skin cancers and ageing. The long answer- get comfy and let me tell you all about sunscreen. Sunscreen is used to protect the skin against UV radiation. UV radiation comes from the sun and can be UVA or UVB. UV radiation causes damage to the skin. It does this by ageing it resulting in the dreaded wrinkles and saggy. It can also burn the skin leading to redness and delayed hyperpigmentation that is hard to treat. UV radiation can lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer by preventing the damaging sunburn. It also prevents the worsening of dark spots and premature ageing. Yes, we’ll all eventually age but we want to do so gracefully and without saggy skin. There are two groups of sunscreens available: Physical blockers and chemical blockers. They all contain UV filters. The physical blockers scatter, reflect and absorb UV rays. They contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Their advantage is that they work immediately and are less likely to cause allergies. Chemical blockers absorb UV rays. They need time to be absorbed and have a higher allergy potential. I personally like physical barriers. With all that science out the way – let’s go into what you check for on the shelf before grabbing one. The SPF! This should be SPF 30 or higher. Broad spectrum UVA and UVB. It has to be both, A and B. Lastly, check if it’s water resistant. No use applying something that will get washed away by the first wave at the beach. How much is enough? A simple guide is that 30 ml, a shot glass, is the amount needed to cover the sun exposed areas. Some use the teaspoon rule to simplify it. 1 teaspoon for the face and neck. 2 for the back, one for each arm and two again for the legs. Another quick way is the two-finger rule. Two strips of sunscreen are applied to the index and middle finger, you then apply that amount to all areas. each area is two strips. Sunscreen is a year-round necessity. Summer, winter, autumn and spring – you just keep reapplying. Everybody has to use it and not just the fair skinned. Yes, melanin does provide some sun protection but not completely to prevent UV damage. The risks mentioned above, although less, are still there. When you are going to spend a lot of time outside remember to always seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and pants where possible. Apply sunscreen SPF 30 plus or higher that is broad-spectrum and water resistant and use the correct amount. Reapply every 2 hours or as often as possible. Select water resistant SPF’s that will wear longer. Carry sunscreen in your bag. Compact SPF, stick SPF and brush on SPF are great for reapplying over make-up. My top picks for sunscreen are the Cetaphil Sun Face Fluid SPF 50+, Heliocare 360 Gel Oil free SPF 50+, Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50+, Dermopal Moisturising Sunscreen SPF30+ . Remember it’s easier, and most probably cheaper, to prevent now what might be difficult to correct later. Sunscreen! Everyday! Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as thuli. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ Embrace the Imbalance Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Parenthood Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Hair we go! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inHaircare You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Haircare, Skincare Understanding Eczema Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inSkincare SPF is your BFF! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Skincare
Embrace the Imbalance
Embrace the Imbalance @AnelileGibixego BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Tips Haircare Self-Care Skincare Am I the only one who is constantly writing lists and ticking off things in my head? It can be a random shopping list. After all, you have to quickly run to the shop cause you are hosting family over the weekend or you are hosting girl’s night on Friday. It could be a list about a work function, where you volunteered to get the décor. Whatever the case might be, one is always in a state of planning, showing up, pulling up and mostly failing. Yes, failure is a constant result when you are doing life the correct way. And we know this… One can easily forget to get the salad dressing, attach the correct document in an e-mail or send the kid to school even if they have not quite recovered from that flu. It is human nature to be in an imbalance, to be in a constant state of discomfort and wondering ‘what’s next on my list’ or to feel like prioritising self is not a real priority. Which it should be. Women are constantly asked this question, “hawema how do you cope?”, Haibo, I do not cope… I survive. I live every day doing the best I can with what is possible for me at the time. And if you got the wrong e-mail attachment or have to have a dry salad (cause I forgot the dressing) that is just the consequence. Life is such a clunky process and getting 80% of things done is a blessing most days. You are a management-level woman in corporate South Africa (a jungle really), mother of 3 (two kids and a partner), avid reader, wine drinker, socialite and Netflix binger. Or you are a single lady responsible for herself, her work (which people will add since you have no family), plant mom and hustler. Imbalance is definite because there are silent matters that always need to be addressed like exercise and gym, preparing meals, commuting, smoothie making, counselling friends and family, and doing you. In the same 24 hours, you also want to study more or turn your hobby into a business side hustle. Aybo the hair, nails and grooming also require appointments and time. My thing is, let us rather not focus on keeping the balance and instead embrace the imbalance. It is only natural. Please be kind to yourself (especially those perfectionists) and do what you can, with what is available to you at the time. Another thing, do not mourn a failure forever. Do not be disproportionate. Yours in imbalance Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as thuli. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ Embrace the Imbalance Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Parenthood Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Hair we go! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inHaircare You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Haircare, Skincare Understanding Eczema Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inSkincare SPF is your BFF! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Skincare
Parenthood
Parenthood @AnelileGibixego BLOG CATEGORIES Beauty Tips Haircare Self-Care Skincare Parenthood in the South African context means different things to different families. It is not simply giving birth to a child or nurturing a child that is biologically yours. We have many different kinds of families in Mzansi, step-parents, co-parents, culturally your sister’s children are your own children and the same with your brothers. We are mamncane, mamas, aunts, rakgadis, mme’s, nanas and many many more to many children in our lives. Whatever your family cocktail may be, children will challenge you. Challenge your habits, your norms and the walls that you have put them in. Often my son will ask the question, “why?” and I may try to feed him some simple answer, he will interrogate me until he is satisfied with the reasoning. So, through our kids, we can learn ourselves in a different way. We can learn about our shortcomings, our faults and more so, our strengths. We can see our own behaviours in the children who are always around us. One funny thing is that If I have one doughnut, he must also get one doughnut, not half a doughnut because he is a little person. The fundamental rules of sharing. He is not half a person even though he is little. In South Africa where the majority of women have children young, teens and young adults who are still in transition themselves need a village to assist. However, there are things that no one else can do for your children but yourself. You are the mother and no one else can be. So trust your instincts, trust the nurturing process inside of you and raise the child. Yeah sure, you learn along the way and make mistakes but as long as it comes from love and a spirit of learning, you will be fine. What are some of the lessons your kids have taught you? Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as thuli. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ Embrace the Imbalance Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Parenthood Posted bythuli22/07/20220 Posted inSelf-Care Hair we go! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inHaircare You cannot pour from an empty cup #SelfCare Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Haircare, Skincare Understanding Eczema Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inSkincare SPF is your BFF! Posted bythuli30/05/20220 Posted inBeauty Tips, Skincare