The Health Wrap Podcast

Mediclinic Southern Africa

Welcome to The Health Wrap podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on a wide range of health topics tailored to every stage of life. Whether you're navigating the journey of parenthood, raising young children, pursuing athletic excellence, or simply aiming for overall health and wellbeing, The Health Wrap podcast provides valuable support and guidance. Brought to you by Mediclinic's extensive network of medical experts, each episode is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive.

  1. How to be more resilient

    08/04/2025

    How to be more resilient

    How quickly do you bounce back from life’s challenges? Do you crumble under pressure or are you able to rise above it and move on? The ability to recover quickly from difficulties is known as “resilience” – and it can be learnt.  In this episode, medical consultant Dr Green speaks to Tammy Dicks, the National Trauma Support Coordinator for ER24, about the quality of resilience, why you should nurture it, and how you can cultivate resilience in your life.  Some notable moments:  [00:03:00] The impact of chronic stress on your health  [00:03:48] Why is resilience important?  [00:04:55] Strategies to build resilience  [00:09:50] Lifestyle adjustments you can make  [00:14:55] Tips for calming interventions  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 a mental healthcare professional in your area:   https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=mental      Visit the Mediclinic Mental Health Service Page:  https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mental-health-services.html  Visit the Doctor Appointment page, complete a short form, and the Mediclinic Engagement Centre will assist you in booking an appointment:  https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html

    18 min
  2. The dangerous rise of suicide

    08/04/2025

    The dangerous rise of suicide

    On average, about 3 000 people die from suicide daily. And South Africa has the third-highest suicide rate out of all African countries. Yet despite these alarming figures, the subject is still taboo in many households.  In this episode, medical consultant Dr Green talks to Pebetse Matabane, a clinical psychologist from Mediclinic Legae Mental Health Services, about the rise of suicide in South Africa, the signs of suicidal behaviour and what to do if you feel suicidal. We also hear from a suicide survivor, who sheds light on her experience and the path she’s taking towards healing.  Some notable moments:  [00:03:20] Gerry Cupido shares her story of survival  [00:08:09] Signs of suicidal behaviour  [00:10:14] Risk factors to be aware of  [00:13:20] Why teenagers are particularly susceptible  [00:17:10] What to do if you think someone you know is suicidal  [00:21:16] How suicidal behaviour is treated  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 a mental healthcare professional in your area:   https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=mental       Visit the Mediclinic Mental Health Service Page:  https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mental-health-services.html   Visit the Doctor Appointment page, complete a short form and the Mediclinic Engagement Centre will assist you in booking an appointment:  https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html

    23 min
  3. Are you a catastrophic thinker?

    08/04/2025

    Are you a catastrophic thinker?

    Everyone has moments where they second-guess something they said or did, but for some, this line of thinking can deeply affect their mental wellbeing. Experts call this “catastrophic thinking”. So, how can you tell if your thoughts are spiralling out of control and when you should seek help?  Medical consultant and sports physician Dr Green talks to Bradley Knight, a clinical psychologist from Mediclinic Crescent Mental Health Services in Cape Town about the different types of cognitive distortion, or the ways in which our thoughts can be biased or twisted, affecting how we perceive reality.  Some notable moments:  [00:02:30] What is cognitive distortion?  [00:02:55] How to recognise signs of anxiety  [00:04:20] A look at catastrophic thinking and its effects  [00:06:30] The role of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)  [00:10:23] The link between personality traits and catastrophic thinking  [00:12:30] What is CBT?  [00:14:12] What is brain work recursive therapy (BWRT)?  [00:18:10] Mindfulness and other self-help strategies  [00:21:00] What to do when you experience catastrophic thinking  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 a mental healthcare professional in your area:   https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor.html?q=mental      Visit the Mediclinic Mental Health Service Page:  https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mental-health-services.html  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

    27 min
  4. What to know about hip and knee replacement surgery

    07/07/2025

    What to know about hip and knee replacement surgery

    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

    27 min
  5. Disordered eating or eating disorder? The experts weigh in

    06/09/2025

    Disordered eating or eating disorder? The experts weigh in

    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

    33 min
  6. Ozempic: The weight-loss wonder drug?

    06/09/2025

    Ozempic: The weight-loss wonder drug?

    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

    20 min
  7. Fad or fab: A look at popular diets

    06/09/2025

    Fad or fab: A look at popular diets

    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

    23 min
  8. What to know about bariatric surgery

    06/09/2025

    What to know about bariatric surgery

    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

    31 min

About

Welcome to The Health Wrap podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on a wide range of health topics tailored to every stage of life. Whether you're navigating the journey of parenthood, raising young children, pursuing athletic excellence, or simply aiming for overall health and wellbeing, The Health Wrap podcast provides valuable support and guidance. Brought to you by Mediclinic's extensive network of medical experts, each episode is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive.