Month: September 2023

Reasons Why Self-awareness Is Important For Mental Wellness

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Self-awareness is all about knowing and understanding yourself. When you are self-aware, you know how to control your emotions and connect your behaviours with your ideals. Here’s why self-awareness is important for your mental well-being:

Personal growth

Self-awareness is essential for personal development since it allows you to make better decisions and tackle challenges while also looking for ways to improve. When we talk about personal growth, we include the changes that a person will go through on a mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual level.

Self-control

Self-awareness leads to emotional awareness, which allows you to control your emotions. For example, if you are aware of a feeling, such as anger you can calm it down with a coping mechanism before acting on it.

Improving mental health

Being self-aware allows you to recognize negative emotions for what they are and take action to improve your mood when they develop due to a mental health issue.

Developing relationships

Because it makes it easier for you to spot detrimental tendencies, self-awareness aids in building lasting relationships with loved ones. If a problem arises in a relationship, you can learn from your mistakes and find ways to go forward with kindness and increased communication.

Happy life

Being internally and externally self-aware of your values, aspirations, emotions, behaviours, abilities, and limitations, as well as how those aspects affect you and others, helps you learn what makes you happy and, as a result, how to live a happier life.

When you have an understanding of who you are as an individual, the easier it becomes to navigate life and most importantly take care of your mental well-being. Being self-aware is a stepping stone to living authentically.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

I’ve Started Birth Control, Now What? – Q&A

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You may be asking if starting a contraceptive means you can start having unprotected sex. The method you use and where you are in your menstrual cycle will influence how quickly your birth control starts protecting you against pregnancy.

Should I start having sex now that I am preventing?

If you have decided to begin preventing for any reason, this does not imply that you should begin having unprotected sex. Many young women start using contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy or for medical reasons such as menstrual regulation.

How long does it take for the contraceptive to start working?

To avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you should usually abstain from sex or use backup contraception (such as condoms) for roughly a week.

Oral contraceptives

To avoid unplanned pregnancy, use condoms for at least seven days after starting hormonal birth control pills. Contraceptive pills can also be started on the first day of the menstrual cycle.

Hormonal IUD, patch, and implant

If you started using the patch, implant, or hormonal IUD (Mirena) within the first five days of your period, there’s no need for back-up contraceptives however, the dual method is highly recommended.

Hormonal injection

You need to use a condom for at least seven days after receiving the hormonal injection (Depo-Provera) if you had the shot within the first week of your period.

When deciding whether or not to have unprotected sex when you start a contraceptive it is always good to stay informed and always use protection. Remember that using a condom with your contraceptive of choice protects you not only from unplanned pregnancy but STIs as well.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Why Is Your Sexual and Reproductive Health Important?

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Young people need to pay close attention to reproductive health issues. The word “reproductive health” generally means the health and well-being of both men and women regarding sexuality, pregnancy, birth, and related problems. In this article, concerns about pregnancy and STIs, particularly HIV, are the main topics.

Let’s talk about the importance of understanding sexual and reproductive health. Talking about sexual and reproductive health is looked down upon in several societies. Two major issues facing young people in many countries are teenage pregnancies and a high percentage of HIV infections. However, nothing is done to address the underlying issue. Therefore, turning the wheel now requires action.

Health issues can result from sexual and reproductive health neglect:

  • For females in the fertile age range, difficulties with reproductive health are a major cause of chronic illness and death.
  • Lack of SRH (Sexual and Reproductive Health) knowledge during puberty for teenagers can cause a variety of problems and prevent healthy emotional, physical, and mental growth.
  • Unsafe abortion during pregnancy can cause permanent damage to a young woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult for them to have children in future.
  • Due to ignorance and lack of information, there is an increase in STI cases among disadvantaged female young people.
  • Unsafe sexual activity is common among youth. As a result, unwanted pregnancies, early births, STIs including HIV/AIDS, and unsafe abortions occur. Young people frequently experience sexual assault or exploitation, especially women. These dangers have the potential to have negative physical, psychological, social, and financial effects.

Why is it important to learn about sexual and reproductive health?

An individual’s total health, particularly their sexual and reproductive health, is important. Sexual and reproductive health education is therefore very important for young people. The following are the key goals of SRH education:

  • Any teenager can learn about their reproductive system during puberty with the use of SRH information.
  • It raises youths’ understanding of safe sexual behaviour.
  • The SRH training provides education in the prevention of STIs like HIV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV infection.
  • It encourages a safe pregnancy and delivery and protects against viral infections for both the mother and baby.
  • A complete understanding of early pregnancy, birth control options, pregnancy care, postpartum care for the mother and child, infertility, and many other topics is provided via SRH education.

Sexually transmitted illnesses like HIV might spread as a result of a lack of sexual and reproductive health care. Therefore Chomas, the total physical, mental, and social well-being of a person’s reproductive system and sexual health at all phases of life is referred to as sexual and reproductive health. It includes things like safe sex, the ability to choose one’s own sexual partners, awareness of various contraception options, and reproductive ability. Take care and always be safe.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Six Self-Care Tips For Fun In The Sun Festivals

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Festivals are occasions of joy, unity, celebration and creating the best memories. They also allow us a chance to connect with both familiar and unfamiliar people while simply enjoying life.

It’s a treat to have wonderful weather conditions, and spring is an excellent season to go outdoors. But the spring heat can cause certain health problems. You can stay comfortable and at ease during the spring by following a few easy tips.

1. DRINK LOTS OF WATER.

The most important point of advice on this list could be to drink plenty of water while spending time outside. Include a lot of water in your fluid intake, especially if you’re drinking alcohol in order to stay hydrated and healthy. When spending a lot of time outdoors in hot weather, you may get dehydrated, which leads to heat discomfort, tiredness, or even heatstroke.

2. EAT THE CORRECT FOODS.

It’s alright to reward yourself with a few of nice snacks but take care when eating too many fried foods and high-sugar sweets. These traditional festival snacks can upset your stomach or make you feel less than your best. Make sure to eat plenty of nutritious meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

When drinking alcohol, it’s especially important to consume the correct meals because doing so speeds up the time at which alcohol enters the bloodstream and increases the likelihood that you’ll experience unpleasant side effects like vomiting and dizziness.

3. WEAR SUNSCREEN

Even if you tan well, applying sunscreen is essential for preventing skin damage from ultraviolet rays.

4. WEAR SUNGLASSES

Your eyes will be protected from harm from the sun, and it will be a lot simpler to see in direct sunlight if you wear sunglasses. Choose a pair that provides 100% UV protection.

5. WEAR A BRIMMED HAT

A hat isn’t just a fashion statement at an outdoor event—it’s also a great accessory for helping keep your face and neck cool and protected from the sun’s rays. Fortunately, hats are a big trend in fashion right now, so select a baseball cap or hat with a wide brim that you like!

6. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Sunglasses and hats aren’t the only things that can protect you as you spend time outdoors. Don’t forget to consider other protective clothing as well.

Breathable, light-coloured clothing that covers your skin is best.

Wearing cosy, comfortable sneakers is also a smart option because you might find yourself standing for most of the day. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweater as well; once the sun sets, it could get rather chilly.

Chomas, it’s spring and the living’s easy! As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to kick back, relax, and enjoy everything that the season has to offer.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Vaginal Discharge: All You Need To Know

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As young ladies, we all know that vaginal discharge is a fact of life, and we may not even think twice about it. But what is discharge actually, and how can you tell what is normal, or what may be a sign of a problem? We will be looking at the role of vaginal discharge and when it’s time to see a healthcare provider.

What is Vaginal Discharge?

The fluid that flows from inside your vagina is known as vaginal discharge. Every day, fluid flows out of the vagina. This is an entirely natural process that your body uses to keep your vagina healthy and clean.

Recognizing Normal and Abnormal Discharge

Discharge is different from one girl to the next. Some girls have discharge every day, while others have it just sometimes. Normal vaginal discharge is normally transparent or milky, with a faint odour that is neither unpleasant nor foul smelling. It’s also important to understand that vaginal discharge changes throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle.

However, outside of the natural changes related to your cycle, some changes may be abnormal. Your discharge may indicate an imbalance of good bacteria in your vagina, which can be a sign that something is wrong.

An increase in the amount of discharge, as well as a change in colour, odour, or texture, could mean a problem. Other symptoms may include discomfort, itching, or burning in or around your vagina.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

Because every girl is different, it’s important to pay attention to your vaginal discharge. You will learn to recognise what is normal for you and what may be a sign that something is wrong, especially if you have other symptoms as well.

Only you understand your body. If you have vaginal discharge that doesn’t seem normal for you (with or without other symptoms), consult your healthcare provider.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Tips: How To Deal With Postpartum Challenges

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The postpartum period can be a joyous time for many mothers but it’s also a period of adjustments and healing. Being a new mom comes with a variety of experiences which include fluctuating emotions, adaptation to changes, bonding with your baby and many other challenges. Some of them include:

Mental health issues after the birth a.k.a postpartum blues.

Some women find their mood doesn’t lift after the birth and they become anxious or depressed. This is what is called postpartum depression where the mother experiences emotional highs and lows, frequently cries, is fatigued, has guilt, and anxiety and may have trouble caring for their baby. This is a time when she needs all the support she can get.

Trouble with feeding the baby.

Most women complain that they do not produce enough milk to feed the baby and thus feel that the baby is not getting enough nutrients and not getting full. This can lead to a lot of frustration and feelings of inadequacy as a mother since most mothers want to be able to breastfeed their babies.

Sleep deprivation

During this time, new moms may not get enough sleep, the baby may stay up at night, affecting the new mom.

The pressure to snap back to the previous body.

Some women feel insecure in their new post-birth body. This can be due to birthing injuries or scars, or weight that didn’t quickly disappear after having their baby. This leaves the mother feeling down and depressed.

Relationship adaptations

Other women feeling anxious over not meeting their partner’s sexual needs after giving birth. They may not yet feel ready to have sex again. This is a time where they are regularly prioritizing their baby and their partner may feel neglected.

What you can do as a new mom

You don’t have to pressure yourself into getting back to shape immediately after having a baby as this is a time to focus on you and your baby. Applying a healthy diet can help you feel healthy and strong. Make sure to sleep when your baby sleeps, even during the day, this will help you be well rested.

Remember that everyone needs help from time to time and it’s okay to not feel okay. If you find it hard to manage and take care of your baby, reach out to friends and family who can lend a hand in helping you take care of you and your baby. Also consider joining online groups for new moms to share with other moms going through similar experiences.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

What Does It Really Mean To Be South African?

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You may have asked yourself over the years, “What makes me a proud South African?” and the answer will be different for everyone. Some may see it as political, while others may see it as our lifestyle being one of the most relaxed and rewarding in the world.

Let’s take a quick look at these and celebrate the awesomeness of our country and roots as a whole.

Braai time

Everyone enjoys braaiing, even those who are experiencing it for the first time. Invite your new coworkers and friends over for a South African braai. It’ll be a smash hit.

The Big Five

Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos can all be found in South Africa. Where else in the world can you witness the Big Five roaming freely in our national parks? Only in SA! There are many national parks where you may see these wonders.

Home-Grown Inventions

Most people are unaware that South Africa was the birthplace of many inventions. Take, for example, the CAT scan, as well as the Kreepy Krauly, the heart transplant, Pratly’s Putty, and Q20 lubricating oil. Looking at South African inventions will undoubtedly amaze you!

Rainbow Nation

Who wouldn’t fall in love with South Africa’s diversity, with its many cultures, people, and traditions? Regardless of our difficulties, our people’s perseverance always comes to the fore in the end. That’s something to be proud of. 😄

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Tips: How To Have A Healthy Friendship In School

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Let’s discuss wholesome friendships! We want to have the resources we need to succeed as we mature and advance from one grade to the next, including a supportive social environment. Creating healthy friendships is as important as taking care of a plant because of the drama at school, changing hormones, and conflicting expectations. Here are a few tips for creating a strong friendship:

Find fertile soil.

A friend should be someone you actively seek out in order to enhance your life. In this area, you and your friend will be supporting one another.

Add sunlight.

Prioritise your friendship in life. You may get together to study or go on a quick ice cream date even if your calendars are busy. Stay connected by texting or calling to check in.

Plant seeds.

Build a solid foundation by demonstrating in both word and deed that you will be there for your friend through thick and thin. Most essential, make it safe for your friend to confide in you by always keeping their secrets private.

Fertilize.

Don’t take your friendship lightly. Friendship is something that must be earned every day; it is not a given. Don’t test the boundaries of friendship by requesting unwarranted favours or taking advantage of the person’s goodwill

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How To Know If You’re In A Healthy Relationship

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Relationships are an important part of our everyday lives and as humans, it’s normal to want to have a sense of belonging. Positive and healthy relationships help us feel good about ourselves and it’s important to be surrounded by people who make us feel like this. These are some ways to tell that you are in a healthy relationship.

The relationship:

  • Makes you feel happy most of the time, not sad or stressed.
  • Makes you feel safe and confident to be yourself.
  • Both of you are equal. One person doesn’t have more power than the other.
  • Is based on respect. You can talk about how you feel and have different views without leading to physical or verbal abuse.
  • You are given the freedom to be yourself. You can decide what you want to do, who to see, where to go, and make your own decisions in life without being made to feel bad about it.

Some of the warning signs that indicate you are in an unhealthy relationship:

  • The person tries to control you by telling you what you can and can’t do.
  • They try to stop you from seeing your family and friends.
  • They don’t respect your privacy, for example, checking your phone.
  • They make you feel bad about yourself, for example, putting you down and blaming you for everything.
  • They make you doubt yourself and your knowledge, beliefs, and values.
  • They try to persuade you to do things you don’t want to do.

The Importance of Consent:

Consent is an ongoing mutual agreement between partners about what they want to do or not. Asking for and obtaining consent shows respect for yourself as well as your partner. It eliminates the entitlement that one partner may feel they have over the other. Neither your body nor your sexuality belongs to someone else. You have the right to say no to anything you do not want to do.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Tips: How To Deal With Grief And Loss

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The loss of a loved one is never simple. The emotions of sadness and loss can be incredibly challenging to handle, whether it is due to a death, divorce, or even a separation. Although experiencing these emotions is a normal part of life, it’s important to learn helpful methods of coping. Let’s look at methods to support your healthy grieving and losses.

Understanding Grief

The way an individual handles loss is through grief. You could experience a number of feelings after the death of a loved one, including grief and sadness, anger, emptiness, confusion, and a lot more. It’s possible that you’ll behave differently than usual. You could experience many emotions as the grieving process continues. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

Here are five (5) Healthy Tips for Coping with Grief and Loss:

Give Yourself Time to Grieve:

It’s important that you allow yourself time to experience all your feelings of grief. Do not try to push them away or avoid them. Rather, give yourself permission to embrace them completely.

Speak to Someone:

Speaking with a trusted friend or family member might help you sort through your feelings and understand your loss. The individual could be a friend, relative, or even a counsellor.

Take Care of Yourself:

Grieving can be mentally, physically, and emotionally stressful. Therefore, it’s important to look after yourself early. This involves maintaining a healthy diet, obtaining enough sleep, and exercising frequently.

Find a Personal Outlet:

Using your creativity to express yourself in healthy ways through writing, drawing, or music can be helpful.

Get Support:

People living with grief and loss have access to a wide number of support organizations/groups. These kinds of organizations/groups can provide a safe environment where you are able to communicate with individuals who are experiencing similar circumstances and share what you have gone through.

Choma, it’s okay not to be okay and always know that Choma is always here as a best friend whenever you need to talk. Take care!

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).