Health Matters SA

UTIs are common — but if you keep getting them, you may be wondering: Why does this keep happening, and what can I do about it?
In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol sits down with women’s health specialist Dr Zenda to unpack everything you need to know about urinary tract infections.
From recognising the symptoms to understanding why UTIs can come back, they discuss:
• Why women are more likely to get UTIs
• Why some UTIs keep coming back
• What you can actually do to help prevent them
• The truth about water, cranberry, D-mannose and probiotics
• Can sex trigger a UTI?
• What to know about UTIs after sex
• When antibiotics are needed — and the concern around antibiotic resistance
• When recurrent UTIs should be discussed with your healthcare professional
Whether you've had one UTI or find yourself dealing with them repeatedly, this conversation gives you practical, evidence-based information to help you better understand your symptoms and know when to seek medical advice.
Health Matters — health science made practical and personal.
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#UTI #UTIs #WomensHealth #HealthMatters

Is it a cold or the flu? And what should you actually do when you get sick?
In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol breaks down the science behind colds and flu — from understanding the difference between the two to supporting your immune system and knowing when your symptoms require medical attention.
We look at practical ways to help prevent illness, including sleep, managing stress, nutrition, handwashing, ventilation and flu vaccination. Dr Michael also explains how to manage symptoms when you're already sick, the role of common cold and flu medicines, and why antibiotics don't work against viral infections.
Most importantly, you'll learn the red flags to watch for and when it's time to stop self-managing your symptoms and speak to a healthcare professional.
In this episode:
• Cold vs flu: How can you tell the difference?
• How your immune system responds to infection
• Sleep, stress and nutrition for immune health
• Practical ways to prevent colds and flu
• What to do when you're sick
• Managing cold and flu symptoms
• Why antibiotics don't treat viral infections
• When to seek medical attention
Health Matters — real health science, made practical for everyday life.
Subscribe to Health Matters for more conversations and insights that help you understand your health and make informed choices.
#HealthMatters #ColdsAndFlu #Flu #HealthTips #DrMichaelMol

What does ADHD really look like — and why are so many children and adults going undiagnosed?In this episode of Health Matters, Dr Michael Mol speaks to psychiatrist Professor Renata Schoeman about what ADHD really is, the signs that are often overlooked, and why girls and women are frequently missed. They explore how ADHD can affect children and adults, from attention and organisation to emotional regulation, school and work.The conversation also covers diagnosis, treatment and medication, the role of sleep and screen time, and what parents and adults can do if they recognise the signs in themselves or someone they care about.Health Matters — real health science, made practical and personal.This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.#ADHD #ADHDAwareness #ADHDInAdults #ADHDInChildren #MentalHealth #HealthMatters

Vaccines have transformed global health, preventing millions of deaths and protecting communities from some of the world's most dangerous diseases. Yet vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and declining immunisation rates are creating new challenges for public health. In this episode of Health Matters, Michael sits down with Professor Hannelie to explore the science behind vaccines, the myths that continue to fuel fear, and the facts every South African should know. From childhood immunisations and herd immunity to HPV vaccination, COVID-19 lessons, and vaccine safety, this is a timely and evidence-based conversation that addresses the questions many people are asking.Topics covered in this episode:How vaccines work and train the immune systemThe truth about vaccines and autismWhy herd immunity mattersSouth Africa's childhood immunisation programmeHPV vaccines and cancer preventionWhat we learned from COVID-19The impact of health misinformation and social mediaAdult vaccination recommendationsPractical advice for parents and families Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply looking for reliable health information, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights into one of the most important public health topics of our time.Subscribe to Health Matters for expert conversations that help you make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.#HealthMatters #Vaccines #Immunisation #PublicHealth #Healthcare #SouthAfrica #HealthPodcast #MedicalScience #HealthEducation #Wellness #DiseasePrevention #COVID19

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.