Health Matters SA

What starts as curiosity can quickly become a habit. A borrowed vape from a friend, a sweet flavour, or a social media trend—and before long, vaping can become part of everyday life. But behind the colourful devices and flavoured clouds lies a growing health concern that many teens and parents don't fully understand. In this episode of Health Matters, we speak to a leading university researcher about the science behind vaping, the reality of nicotine addiction, and the impact vaping can have on the lungs, heart and developing brain. We also unpack common myths, explore why vaping has become so popular among young people, and discuss the growing concern around youth vaping in South Africa. Whether you're a parent looking for answers, a teen trying to separate fact from fiction, or someone who vapes and wants to understand the risks, this episode delivers expert insights, practical advice and the facts you need to know.One puff may seem harmless—but the long-term consequences can last far longer than you think.

Are you sleeping enough — or just surviving on too little sleep?
In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol explores why sleep is far more than rest. Discover what happens to your brain, metabolism, immune system and emotional health when you consistently sacrifice sleep.
You'll learn:
✔️ Why 6 hours of sleep isn't enough for most people
✔️ How your brain literally cleans itself while you sleep
✔️ The connection between sleep and weight gain
✔️ Why you can't "catch up" on sleep over weekends
✔️ Simple science-backed habits to improve your sleep tonight
Sleep isn't laziness. It's the foundation of your health.
Subscribe for more evidence-based health conversations that help you live better.
#Sleep #HealthMatters #DrMichaelMol #SleepScience #HealthyLiving #Wellness #BrainHealth

How much does your gut health really affect your overall well-being?In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Michael Mol and dietitian Abigail da Cruz explore the vital role of the gut microbiome and why it's central to your health. The gut influences far more than most people realize.They discuss how modern lifestyles—including processed foods, chronic stress, poor sleep, and other everyday habits—can disrupt gut health, often without obvious symptoms. You'll also learn practical, science-backed strategies to support a healthier microbiome and improve your overall wellness.Tune in to discover why your gut health matters more than you think.

If you’re constantly tired — even after a full night’s sleep — this episode will change how you understand your energy.

In this solo episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol breaks down the real biology behind fatigue, unpacking the hidden drivers of chronic exhaustion — something many people experience, but few truly understand.

This isn’t about needing more sleep or just “being stressed.”
It’s about how your body produces energy at a cellular level.

From mitochondria and metabolism, to blood sugar, iron levels, circadian rhythm, and inflammation — this episode connects the key systems that determine how energised you feel every day.

No quick fixes. Just real science and practical insight.

Because feeling tired all the time isn’t normal — it’s a signal.
And once you understand it, you can start to fix it.

Gerda Steyn didn’t start running until she was 24. Today, she’s one of the greatest ultra‑distance runners in South Africa .
In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol speaks with Gerda about what truly drives elite performance — and why the most important gains don’t come from pushing harder, but from recovering better.
They explore:
• Why recovery is where adaptation actually happens
• How sleep, consistency and restraint prevent burnout
• The science behind smiling under pressure — and how it changes pain and performance
• Practical mental tools for getting through life’s toughest stretches
• What elite sport can teach us about work, health and longevity
Whether you’re an athlete, a professional running on empty, or someone trying to live healthier and last longer — this conversation offers practical, science‑backed lessons you can apply immediately.
Because you don’t have to run 90 kilometres to learn how to run your own race.
🎧 Listen, reflect, and choose your next lamp post.