Life, for Joy Davids, changed forever at the age of 34 when her only child was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth. “I remember holding my breath as the doctor confirmed the diagnosis,” Joy recalls. “I felt shocked, worried and uncertain about the future. I walked back to where my baby girl was sleeping…
There is nothing as powerful and beautiful as the heart of a mother. She understands and accepts that each of her children is unique and deserving of a special kind of love. Keisha Williams, granddaughter of the late Willie Martin, who served as editor of Weskus Nuus, a local community publication, had her strength and…
When a person is diagnosed with cancer, life changes in an instant. Decisions, treatments, appointments and emotions all collide at once. But there is one area where patients still have agency every single day, their plate. While food cannot cure cancer, science consistently shows that eating more plant-based foods and reducing harmful dietary patterns can…
A 48-year-old woman residing in Atlantis shares how she faced daily misery because of her weight and feelings of inadequacy. However, everything changed for her after two significant events: undergoing bariatric and breast reduction surgeries. Tania Dudley grew up in Grassy Park in the southern Cape. From a young age, she dealt with low self-esteem,…
Parenting is one of the most incredible experiences but at the same time, it is a task not to be taken lightly as parents shape the lives of their kids. Children might not always pay attention to what you say – they watch your actions instead. Some kids learn from their parents’ errors, while others…
In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, children are not exempt from stress, anxiety, and overstimulation. Between academic pressure, social dynamics, and a constant influx of information, many children are silently carrying heavy emotional loads. But there’s good news: mindfulness—a practice rooted in being present, aware, and kind—can be a powerful tool to help children thrive emotionally,…
Profile: Shayen Capaima Shayen Capaima is a dynamic 27-year-old who is making waves in her community as a certified fitness trainer and registered wellness counselor. Through her venture, Mindful-fit-ness Club, she is passionately committed to fostering holistic wellness and helping others lead healthier lives. Hailing from Rondeberg, a rural area near Atlantis, fitness has been…
In the midst of life’s many demands and the overwhelming nature of daily responsibilities, finding time for fitness can be a challenge for many. This is why individuals like Shirmel Azure Petersen deserve admiration; she shows commitment to maintaining her health while balancing the duties of managing a household and working a full-time job. Shirmel…
Meditation while in common use these days, its meaning can be quite abstract for a beginner. Meditation is simply a training of the mind; training the mind to be present in the here and now instead of running after mental chit chat, emotions and desires. It is a training to shape or transform the…
Samantha Cloete, a 38-year-old qualified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor from Atlantis, finds joy in changing lives through fitness. With more than 17 years in the industry, including experience with one of South Africa’s top health and fitness brands, she is passionate about promoting health, movement, and community. “I have a vibrant love for…
