For many people, conservative treatments for hip and knee pain can work wonders. But when pain becomes debilitating, it might be time to consider other options. In these situations, hip and knee replacement surgery can be life-altering. But what exactly do these surgeries involve? 

In this episode of The Health Wrap, medical consultant and sports physician Dr Darren Green speaks to Dr Johan Charilaou, an orthopaedic surgeon from Mediclinic Cape Gate. They discuss how to determine if you need hip or knee replacement surgery, what you can expect if you undergo these procedures, and the newest advancements in the field. 

Some notable moments: 

[00:02:40] Signs of arthritis in the hip 

[00:03:34] Signs of arthritis in the knee 

[00:05:07] Other conditions that affect hips and knees 

[00:06:40] Non-surgical options to consider 

[00:07:55] Other surgical options to consider before hip or joint replacement therapy 

[00:09:32] The importance of X-rays and MRIs 

[00:11:13] What is total joint replacement surgery? 

[00:13:05] The role of robotics in surgery 

[00:16:45] How to prepare for surgery 

[00:21:42] What is Mediclinic’s Care Expert Package and how can it help you afford surgery? 

Links you should know about: 

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6 

Sign up to the Mediclinic Prime newsletter: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicprime/Online_Newsletters.html 

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to find an orthopaedic specialist in your area:  

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=orthopaedics 

Visit the Doctor Appointment page, complete a short form and the Mediclinic Engagement Centre would assist you in booking an appointment? 

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html 

Visit the Mediclinic site for more information on the Care Expert Product.  

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/care-expert.html 

In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, multimedia medical consultant and sports physician Dr Darren Green discusses how we interact with food. When do we have a disordered relationship with food and when is it classified as an eating disorder? Dietitian Ingrid Schloss from Mediclinic Cape Town helps explain the difference between these conditions and Marcus Viljoen shares his personal story of dealing with disordered eating during his teenage years.

Some notable moments:

[00:03:28] The signs of an unhealthy relationship with food

[00:04:52] Marcus’s experience with disordered eating

[00:07:55] The spectrum of eating disorders and disordered eating

[00:09:58] What is anorexia nervosa?

[00:11:32] What is bulimia nervosa?

[00:13:39] What is binge eating disorder?

[00:15:17] Causes of eating disorders

[00:17:34] The link between personality types and eating disorders

[00:19:14] Are certain population groups at greater risk?

[00:21:50] Looking at orthorexia

[00:26:22] How to help someone who has an unhealthy relationship with food

[00:29:47] Tools that have helped Marcus to heal

Links you should know about:

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6

Sign up to the Mediclinic Prime newsletter: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicprime/Online_Newsletters.html

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to locate a registered dietitian in your area:

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=dietitian

 Would you like assistance in booking an appointment?

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html

Do you know what celebrities such as Boy George, Oprah Winfrey, and Kelly Osbourne have in common? In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, multimedia medical consultant and sports physician Dr Darren Green takes a close look at semaglutide – the wonder drug they all claim to have used for weight loss.

Semaglutide is a miracle medication for people suffering from diabetes, but doctors and patients have noticed the remarkable benefits it offers for weight loss too. This has opened conversations about the use of medications in weight loss in the media, around the dining table, and beyond – but what is the truth about drugs like Ozempic? Dr Elmo Pretorius, an endocrinologist at Mediclinic Vergelegen, joins Dr Green in-studio to provide insight.

Note that this episode was recorded in July 2024. As of 2025, semaglutide medication, such as Ozempic, is still only registered in SA as a diabetes drug, although it is used off-label for weight loss. Rules around the ethical and legal use of semaglutide medication for weight loss may have changed by the time you’re listening to this podcast.

Some notable moments:

[00:03:20] The rise of obesity in South Africa and its implications

[00:05:47] How semaglutide affects your body

[00:09:09] Legal and ethical concerns about using a diabetes-approved drug for weight loss

[00:12:37] How to lose weight sustainably and recommended lifestyle changes

[00:15:18] Side-effects of semaglutide usage

[00:16:43] Drugs that might interact with semaglutide

Links you should know about:

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6

Sign up to the Mediclinic Prime newsletter: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicprime/Online_Newsletters.html

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to locate a registered dietitian in your area:

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=dietitian

Would you like assistance in booking an appointment?

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html

In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, multimedia medical consultant and sports physician Dr Darren Green explores some popular dieting fads. Are they truly the answer we’ve been looking for when it comes to weight loss or are they more fiction than fact? Brittany Johnson and Bianca Hamilton from Imagine Dietitians at Mediclinic Stellenbosch join him in-studio to discuss intermittent fasting, the microbiome diet and the juice detox diet.

Some notable moments:

[00:03:25] The role social media plays in weight management

[00:05:06] What is intermittent fasting?

[00:06:34] The effects of intermittent fasting

[00:08:16] Who could benefit from intermittent fasting

[00:10:18] What is the microbiome diet?

[00:13:17] What are prebiotics and probiotics?

[00:14:21] The pitfalls of the microbiome diet

[00:15:48] What is the juice detox diet?

[00:17:39] The benefits of fruit and vegetable juices

[00:18:46] How the body naturally gets rid of toxins

Links you should know about:

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6

Sign up to the Mediclinic Prime newsletter: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicprime/Online_Newsletters.html

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to locate a registered dietitian in your area:

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=dietitian

Would you like assistance in booking an appointment?

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html

Bariatric surgery is life-transforming in every way. In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, Dr Darren Green, a multimedia medical consultant and sports physician, explores this controversial medical procedure in two parts.

First, Entachio Kleinhans, a bariatric surgery patient, shares her experience with Dr Green. Later, Dr Green is joined by general surgeon Dr Etienne Swanepoel and dietitian Judy Kotze, both from Mediclinic Durbanville. They discuss bariatric surgery and what patients should know about it, both practically and emotionally.

Some notable moments:

[00:01:44] Entachio talks about her struggles with weight management

[00:05:11] Lifestyle changes Entachio has made since surgery

[00:05:49] The positive impact on Entachio’s life post-surgery

[00:09:45] The health implications associated with obesity

[00:11:09] History of bariatric surgery

[00:12:22] What makes a good candidate for bariatric surgery

[00:13:28] Different types of bariatric surgery

[00:18:12] What you need to know ahead of surgery

[00:20:38] How to find a reputable bariatric surgeon

[00:21:13] A dietitian’s role in bariatric surgery

[00:21:56] Nutritional concerns to be aware of post-surgery

[00:22:50] What to expect from a pre-op consultation with your dietitian

[00:24:16] How your eating habits will change post-surgery

[00:27:03] The importance of support

Links you should know about:

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6

Sign up to the Mediclinic Prime newsletter: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicprime/Online_Newsletters.html

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to locate a registered dietitian in your area:

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=dietitian

In this special episode of The Health Wrap pregnancy series, award-winning broadcaster and mom-of-six Lebang Kgosana is joined in studio by Jeske Wellmann, a dietitian at Mediclinic Sandton. 

They’ll be discussing the importance of nutrition now that you’re eating for two, covering topics like what should you be eating for your baby’s development, what nutrients does a growing fetus need, and is anything off-limits? Heads-up: you’ll be saying goodbye to biltong and soft cheeses for a while! 

Plus: do you prefer to watch your podcasts? Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZI5VxRgCEI to join Jeske and Lebang in studio as they share visual representations of what you should be eating during pregnancy. 

Some notable moments: 

[00:03:25] The immediate changes you need to make to your diet 

[00:04:50] Supplements to consider taking while pregnant 

[00:06:47] The importance of hydration – and what not to drink 

[00:08:35] How much weight you should gain during pregnancy 

[00:10:46] What nutrients pregnant women need 

[00:13:03] Foods to eat and foods to avoid 

[00:16:49] Nutrients to keep in mind if you follow a plant-based diet 

[00:18:48] How to manage pregnancy symptoms through your diet 

[00:23:55] When to worry about cravings 

[00:26:28] Food safety rules to follow 

Links you should know about: 

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6 

Find out more about Mediclinic Baby here: https://mediclinic.link/wp1 and sign up for the Mediclinic Baby programme here: https://mediclinic.link/ait 

Download the Mediclinic Baby app on the App Store or Google Play store: https://onelink.to/mediclinicbaby 

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to find a gynaecologist or fertility specialist in your area:  

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html 

My Rainbow Baby: Hope after a miscarriage

Warning: this episode covers sensitive information that some listeners may find upsetting.

Pregnancy loss is a heartbreaking experience that happens more often than many people realise. In South Africa, between 10% and 25% of women have had a miscarriage. However, many of these women have gone on to carry a full-term pregnancy after their loss.

In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, one such mom, who is now expecting her second child, calls in to share her story with Lebang Kgosana, an award-winning broadcaster and mother of six. Joining the conversation are Dr van Rooyen, a gynaecologist from Mediclinic Cape Town, and psychologist Alexis Haupt-Pullen from Mediclinic Durbanville, who offer advice to parents on how to heal after experiencing pregnancy loss.

Some notable moments:

[00:03:52] What does the term ‘pregnancy loss’ mean? 

[00:07:49] Common emotional reactions you may experience

[00:13:05] What Janke experienced during her pregnancy loss

[00:15:21] The chance of having a full-term pregnancy after losing a baby

[00:18:39] How to emotionally heal and how to support couples

[00:22:50] How Janke and her husband moved on from their pregnancy loss

[00:27:27] Janke shares advice for other parents

Links you should know about:

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6

Find out more about Mediclinic Baby here: https://mediclinic.link/wp1 and sign up for the Mediclinic Baby programme here: https://mediclinic.link/ait

Download the Mediclinic Baby app on the App Store or Google Play store: https://onelink.to/mediclinicbaby

Visit the Mediclinic Find a Doctor page here to locate a gynaecologist or fertility specialist in your area: 

https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html

While many people believe pregnancy should be an uncomplicated, joyful time in the life of a parent-to-be, for 1 in 10 women, this may not be the case. Perinatal depression (PND) is depression that occurs during pregnancy, and it can negatively impact not only the expectant mom’s life, but also that of her partner, family and friends.

In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, award-winning broadcaster of mom-of-six Lebang Kgosana delves into the topic of mental health during pregnancy. Joining her are Dr Okeyo from Mediclinic Morningside and Lauren Shapiro, a mom of three who experienced PND during her last pregnancy.

Some notable moments:

[00:01:10] Meet Dr Okeyo

[00:02:16] How to take care of yourself during pregnancy

[00:07:49] How to manage stress during pregnancy

[00:10:41] Mental health concerns during pregnancy

[00:13:38] How men experience depression

[00:15:34] The difference between perinatal depression and postnatal depression

[00:17:16] Risk factors for PND

[00:18:28] Symptoms of PND

[00:19:23] When to seek help for mental health concerns

[00:20:47] The impact of PND on mom and baby

[00:22:14] Treatment for depression during pregnancy

[00:23:51] How to manage the risk of depression during pregnancy

[00:25:17] Mental health resources for parents-to-be

[00:27:59] Lauren Shapiro describes the first signs of PND

[00:29:51] When Lauren knew she needed help

[00:31:53] The impact of PND on Lauren’s husband and kids

[00:37:59] The treatment Lauren received for PND

[00:40:18] Lauren’s advice for other moms-to-be struggling with mental health concerns

Finally, the end is in sight! In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, Dr Zenda from Mediclinic Morningside joins us once again to discuss the ins and outs of what to expect during the third, and final, trimester of pregnancy. 

Together with award-winning broadcaster and mom-of-six Lebang Kgosana, they share how to recognise the signs of labour and what to expect during those first days and nights after your baby is born. 

Some notable moments: 

[00:01:33] How long is the third trimester?  

[00:04:05] Common scans and tests to expect during your third trimester 

[00:05:45] Common physical symptoms to look out for 

[00:09:38] The differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labour 

[00:13:38] Common emotional changes you may experience 

[00:15:40] Warning signs to be aware of 

[00:19:01] Preparing for baby’s arrival, from antenatal classes to packing the hospital bag 

[00:21:58] The great debate: C-section vs vaginal delivery 

[00:26:30] How to take care of yourself during the fourth trimester 

[00:30:05] What to expect when breastfeeding 

Links you should know about: 

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6 

Find out more about Mediclinic Baby here: https://mediclinic.link/wp1 

and sign up for the Mediclinic Baby programme here: https://mediclinic.link/ait 

Download the Mediclinic Baby app on the App Store or Google Play store: https://onelink.to/mediclinicbaby 

To contact the Mediclinic call centre, send an email to [email protected], WhatsApp ‘engage’ to 087 240 6367, SMS ‘engage’ to 30945, or phone 0860 24 00 24.

Congratulations – if you’ve made it to 13 weeks, you are now in the second trimester of your pregnancy! And in this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, Dr Zenda from Mediclinic Morningside joins us once again to discuss the ins and outs of what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. 

So, listen in as she sits down with award-winning broadcaster and mom of six Lebang Kgosana to delve into everything you can expect during trimester two. 

Some notable moments: 

[00:02:22] How long is the second trimester?  

[00:03:10] Common scans and tests to expect during your second trimester 

[00:07:42] Common symptoms to look out for 

[00:09:14] Skin changes you might experience and how to take care of your skin during pregnancy 

[00:12:23] Conditions and high-risk factors to be aware of 

[00:16:16] Safe exercising during pregnancy 

[00:18:10] When will you feel your baby move? 

[00:19:53] Your birth plan 

[00:22:07] Pregnancy and your work environment 

[00:23:29] How to travel safely while pregnant 

Links you should know about: 

Subscribe to The Health Wrap podcast: https://mediclinic.link/fbbff6 

Find out more about Mediclinic Baby here: https://mediclinic.link/wp1 

and sign up for the Mediclinic Baby programme here: https://mediclinic.link/ait 

Download the Mediclinic Baby app on the App Store or Google Play store: https://onelink.to/mediclinicbaby 

To contact the Mediclinic call centre, send an email to [email protected], WhatsApp ‘engage’ to 087 240 6367, SMS ‘engage’ to 30945, or phone 0860 24 00 24.