As South Africa moves from the cold of winter into the warmth of spring, the season brings more than blossoms and longer days—it offers the perfect chance to revitalise health and create lasting lifestyle changes.
Health expert and Unu Health founder, Tania Joffe, explained that spring’s increased sunlight has powerful benefits. According to her, exposure to more daylight supports vitamin D production, stabilises blood sugar, strengthens the heart, and uplifts mood. She also emphasised that this period is an ideal time to take proactive steps, including health screenings, before silent conditions progress unnoticed.
The World Health Organization reports that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer account for nearly half of South Africa’s deaths. Current figures are sobering: 42.2% of South Africans live with hypertension, 34% have high cholesterol, and more than one in four adults is obese. Diabetes is particularly concerning, affecting over 4.2 million people, with numbers expected to almost double by 2045. Alarmingly, nearly half of those affected remain undiagnosed.
Joffe stressed that small, timely efforts can have a significant long-term impact, noting that good health is a basic right, not a privilege.
Spring health priorities:
• Screening: Regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and blood sugar.
• Mental wellness: Prioritising rest and stress management during seasonal shifts.
• Nutrition: Transitioning to meals with fresh produce, whole grains, and balanced nutrients.
• Physical activity: Using brighter days as motivation to walk, cycle, or enjoy outdoor exercise.
• Goal setting: Establishing realistic health targets, which research shows are more likely to succeed during seasonal changes.
With spring also comes a surge in seasonal allergies, often mistaken for colds. Health practitioners note that while both affect the respiratory system, allergies linger as long as triggers like pollen or dust are present, while colds usually resolve within a week to ten days and can include fever.
Doctors recommend identifying allergens through medical testing, reducing exposure by using purifiers or closing windows on high-pollen days, and maintaining cleanliness after outdoor activities. Natural remedies such as saline rinses, anti-inflammatory foods, and vitamin C-rich fruits can also provide relief. Medication, where necessary, should be started early for stronger defences.
Joffe concluded that the season is less about striving for perfection and more about making consistent, achievable changes. She added that longer days and more sun act as a natural tonic, helping people embrace healthier habits that last.
Health expert and Unu Health founder, Tania Joffe, explained that spring’s increased sunlight has powerful benefits. According to her, exposure to more daylight supports vitamin D production, stabilises blood sugar, strengthens the heart, and uplifts mood. She also emphasised that this period is an ideal time to take proactive steps, including health screenings, before silent conditions progress unnoticed.
The World Health Organization reports that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer account for nearly half of South Africa’s deaths. Current figures are sobering: 42.2% of South Africans live with hypertension, 34% have high cholesterol, and more than one in four adults is obese. Diabetes is particularly concerning, affecting over 4.2 million people, with numbers expected to almost double by 2045. Alarmingly, nearly half of those affected remain undiagnosed.
Joffe stressed that small, timely efforts can have a significant long-term impact, noting that good health is a basic right, not a privilege.
Spring health priorities:
• Screening: Regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and blood sugar.
• Mental wellness: Prioritising rest and stress management during seasonal shifts.
• Nutrition: Transitioning to meals with fresh produce, whole grains, and balanced nutrients.
• Physical activity: Using brighter days as motivation to walk, cycle, or enjoy outdoor exercise.
• Goal setting: Establishing realistic health targets, which research shows are more likely to succeed during seasonal changes.
With spring also comes a surge in seasonal allergies, often mistaken for colds. Health practitioners note that while both affect the respiratory system, allergies linger as long as triggers like pollen or dust are present, while colds usually resolve within a week to ten days and can include fever.
Doctors recommend identifying allergens through medical testing, reducing exposure by using purifiers or closing windows on high-pollen days, and maintaining cleanliness after outdoor activities. Natural remedies such as saline rinses, anti-inflammatory foods, and vitamin C-rich fruits can also provide relief. Medication, where necessary, should be started early for stronger defences.
Joffe concluded that the season is less about striving for perfection and more about making consistent, achievable changes. She added that longer days and more sun act as a natural tonic, helping people embrace healthier habits that last.
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From the Medical Directory library. For advice about your own health, speak to your healthcare professional.
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