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.

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#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.

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.

In this powerful Mind Matters episode of Health Matters, we’re joined by Christophe Fauconnier, co-author of The Human Growth Code, to explore what it truly means to unlock human potential in today’s high-pressure world.

From cognitive resilience and emotional regulation to breaking through limiting beliefs, Christophe unpacks the science behind mental performance and sustainable growth. We dive into the role of neuroplasticity in reshaping thought patterns, practical strategies to prevent burnout, and the daily habits that strengthen long-term mental resilience.

This episode also explores how workplaces can better support mental wellbeing, how to cultivate a growth mindset when you feel stuck, and why mindfulness remains a powerful tool for personal and professional performance.

If you’re looking to build mental strength, rewire unhelpful thinking patterns, and future-proof your wellbeing, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in science and real-world experience.

Because growth isn’t just about achievement — it’s about becoming mentally stronger, more adaptable, and more resilient in the face of change.