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IOL News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
How to subtly announce your new relationship: The art of the soft launch
Couples want to share that they are in a relationship without revealing too much. Image: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels So, you're officially off the market, but you're not quite ready to blast your new relationship all over social media for everyone to see. However, you still want to give your friends and followers a little wink and a nod, a few subtle hints that you're no longer single. Enter the soft launch, the chill, low-key way people are letting the world know that they are dating someone but not sharing who the lucky person is. What's a relationship soft launch? Think of it like a trailer instead of the whole movie. Instead of a full-blown "Instagram official" post with cheesy captions and perfectly posed pics, a soft launch is all about dropping subtle hints. It's letting people slowly piece together the puzzle that you're no longer flying solo. We're talking about sneaky stuff like a photo of two coffee cups, but only one hand showing or a dinner picture with two plates when you usually only eat alone. It's playful, a little mysterious, and totally on purpose. The idea is to suggest there's someone special without slapping their face all over your feed. Sharing pictures but not showing faces. Image: Yaroslava Borz / Pexels Why are couples doing this? Turns out, there are a bunch of good reasons why couples are opting for the soft launch over the grand reveal. Keeping things private: In a world where everyone knows everything, some folks just want to keep their budding romance under wraps for a bit. A soft launch lets them share their happy vibes without inviting instant judgment or a million questions. It's like, "We're happy, but let's keep it just us for now." Ditching the pressure: Going "Instagram official" can feel like a huge deal. Suddenly, there's pressure to be the perfect couple online, and if things don't work out, it's super awkward to delete all those posts. The soft launch takes that pressure right off, letting you just focus on actually being in a relationship without performing for an audience. Testing the waters: A new relationship is delicate, right? A soft launch is a no-pressure way to see how it feels to subtly introduce your new person to your online world. If it feels good, great! If not, no biggie, and there's no grand announcement to retract. Adding a little mystery: A little intrigue can be fun! The soft launch keeps friends and followers guessing, sparking curious DMs and conversations. It adds a bit of playful excitement to those early stages. Moving on gracefully: If you're coming out of a long or very public relationship, a soft launch is a gentle way to signal you're dating again without making a huge splash that might bring up old drama. Respecting each other's vibes: Not everyone's comfortable being plastered all over social media. A soft launch is a cool compromise, letting one person subtly acknowledge the relationship while respecting the other's preference for a lower profile. There's an air of mystery around soft launching a relationship. Image: Sam J / Pexels How to pull it off The cool thing about soft launches is how creative people get with them. Here are some of the popular ways couples are dropping hints: Partial pics: This is a classic. Think hands holding, two sets of feet on the beach, a shadow of two people, or just a tiny, blurry figure in the background of your selfie. It's all about showing someone is there, just not who. "We" shots: Pictures of two coffee cups, two plates of food, or even two movie tickets hint at shared experiences without showing faces. Vague captions: Using phrases like "great company," "amazing day," or "we had a blast" without naming names is a pro soft-launch move. Instagram and Facebook stories are perfect for this because they disappear later. Subtle background clues: A new, unfamiliar item in your place (like an extra toothbrush) or a photo from a spot you clearly visited with someone else can be a quiet nod to a new person in your life. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Live better daily: WHO's easy health hacks to outsmart non-communicable diseases
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are the four main culprits driving these illnesses, and most of us can do something about them. Image: KoolShooters /pexels When we talk about health risks, most of us imagine sudden infections or accidents. But what if I told you that the real danger for most South Africans comes from the way we live every day? Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, chronic lung conditions and mental health disorders, are quietly behind more than 80% of all deaths in the WHO European Region, and the pattern is worryingly similar here in South Africa. It sounds distant until you realise that these are not just numbers. They're the heart attacks in our families, the cancers in our neighbourhoods, the diabetes diagnoses changing daily life for our friends. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are the four main culprits driving these illnesses, and most of us can do something about them. Smoking Tobacco is deadly in every form. Globally, it kills over 8 million people every year. Here in South Africa, research published in the "South African Medical Journal" shows smoking remains a major driver of heart disease, cancers and respiratory conditions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Smoking remains a major driver of heart disease, cancers and respiratory conditions. Image: Maksim Goncharenok /pexels Even 'lighter' alternatives like hookah (water pipes) are far from harmless; every puff brings over 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic or cancer-causing. And lifelong smokers lose at least 10 years of life on average, according to the CDC. The healthiest choice is not to start or to stop as soon as possible. Simply put: the more you drink, the higher the risk. For your health, less is always better; none is best. Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels Alcohol: less really is better We often see alcohol as part of celebrations or weekend plans, but the reality is sobering. The WHO reports that alcohol causes more than 200 diseases and injuries, including liver disease, cancers and mental health conditions. Globally, 2.6 million people die from alcohol use every year; nearly one in every 11 deaths in the European region is linked to alcohol. South Africa is among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita, and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has warned of rising alcohol-related harm. Simply put: the more you drink, the higher the risk. For your health, less is always better; none is best. Healthy eating isn't about strict rules. It's about variety and balance: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, while cutting down on salt, added sugar and processed foods. Image: Doğu Tuncer/pexels Food as medicine: why diet matters every day Unhealthy diets are now one of the biggest drivers of NCDs. Most people eat too much salt (WHO recommends max 5g per day), leading to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, which cause over 40% of all deaths in some regions. Obesity is also rising fast: about 1 in 4 school-aged children in South Africa are overweight or obese, and more than a quarter of adults don't meet the recommended physical activity levels. Healthy eating isn't about strict rules. It's about variety and balance: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, while cutting down on salt, added sugar and processed foods. For babies, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months lays the foundation for lifelong health, as recommended by the WHO. For everyone else, aiming for a balanced, colourful plate is a simple but powerful step. Move more: it matters at every age. It's not just about hitting the gym. Physical activity can be as simple as walking, dancing, gardening, or even doing housework. It's not just about hitting the gym. Physical activity can be as simple as walking, dancing, gardening, or even doing housework. Image: Yan Krukau /pexels The WHO recommends: Adults (18–64): At least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week Children (5–17): Average 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity Older adults: Same as adults, with added balance and strength training to prevent falls Pregnant women: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, unless advised otherwise Regular movement can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression and even some cancers, and it can boost your mood and quality of life, too. In South Africa, where NCDs already strain our health system, the real tragedy is that many of these diseases are preventable. Change doesn't mean perfection; it means small, daily choices: Skipping the smoke Saying 'no' to that extra drink. Choosing fresh food over processed snacks. Adding a daily walk to your routine. By doing so, you're not just adding years to your life; you're adding life to your years. We often underestimate how much power we have over our own health. But the science is clear: even small steps towards a smoke-free, alcohol-light, balanced and active lifestyle can dramatically reduce your risk of NCDs.
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
The silent struggle of panic attacks: how South Africans cope daily
Panic attacks are a mental health condition characterised by unexpected, intense episodes of fear and physical discomfort, which can feel utterly disabling. Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels July marks Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa, and on 10 July, we pause to spotlight something many people live with but few talk about openly: panic attacks. But here's the thing, panic doesn't always look the way you might imagine. Sometimes it's loud and visible; other times, it hides behind a composed face, a polite smile or an empty chair at the dinner table. This year, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has chosen a theme that couldn't be more real: 'The Panic You Don't See.' It reminds us that panic disorder and anxiety are not always about gasping for air or clutching your chest in public. It's a mental health condition marked by unexpected, intense episodes of fear and physical discomfort that can feel utterly disabling. Often, it's the silent dread, the racing heartbeat in the middle of a meeting, or the countless invitations quietly declined. 'Panic doesn't always look like gasping for air, it can be the quiet no‑shows, the life slowly shrinking behind closed doors, says Dr Colinda Linde, SADAG board chairperson and clinical psychologist. "On Panic Day, let's speak up about the panic you don't see, because naming it is the first step to overcoming it.' Panic attacks can manifest loudly and visibly, or they can be concealed behind a composed expression, a polite smile, or even an empty seat at the dinner table. Image: MART PRODUCTION What does panic really feel like? If you've never had a panic attack, it can feel almost impossible to picture. Imagine suddenly feeling an overwhelming wave of fear or dread, even when nothing around you seems obviously wrong. You might feel your heart race, your chest tighten, or your breath catch. Some people feel dizzy, shaky, or disconnected from reality, like watching life through frosted glass. And while these feelings are intensely real and terrifying, the outside world might see someone who looks completely fine. That gap between what's happening inside and what's visible outside can make living with panic disorder deeply isolating. Why can panic stay hidden? Linde explains that people with panic disorder often become experts at masking their distress, especially in public or professional spaces. Every day, moments can feel overwhelming. But from the outside, it just looks like someone who is composed. And for many South Africans, especially men, the pressure to 'hold it together' can be even greater. This silent struggle can lead to self-isolation, as individuals avoid situations that might trigger an attack. Over time, their world shrinks, impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being. SADAG founder Zane Wilson, who battled panic attacks for over a decade, shares: 'Panic Disorder can be a terrifying illness that causes great distress, isolation, and limits your life. For years, I suffered in silence. "But with the right treatment and support, I was able to recover fully and take back control of my life.'
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Artificial blood breakthrough: Japanese scientists develop universal solution for all blood types
Artificial blood isn't just theoretical anymore, it's real, and its potential is astonishing. Image: Imagine a world where blood shortages no longer cost lives. A world where emergencies in rural South African clinics or busy city hospitals aren't derailed by the lack of compatible blood for transfusions. Thanks to revolutionary research by Japanese scientists, this future may be closer than we think. A critical breakthrough in healthcare is unfolding: the development of artificial blood. This innovation, led by Hiromi Sakai and his team at Japan's Nara Medical University, has the potential to save millions of lives globally by addressing one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, blood shortages. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The blood supply crisis Blood transfusions are essential in healthcare, saving lives during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, and the treatment of severe illnesses. Yet, maintaining an adequate blood supply is a constant challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa. The demand for O-negative blood, the universal donor type, is particularly high. This blood type can be used in emergencies for patients of any blood group, but its supply is often insufficient. The short shelf life of donated red blood cells makes the situation even more difficult, as they can only be kept for 42 days under refrigeration. The introduction of artificial blood could be a game-changer in ensuring that no patient is turned away due to a lack of compatible blood. A team of scientists in Japan have created artificial blood Image: Pavel Danilyuk/pexels The science behind artificial blood Artificial blood isn't just theoretical anymore; it's real, and its potential is astonishing. According to "Tokyo Weekender", Sakai's team has developed artificial red blood cells by extracting haemoglobin (the iron-rich protein that transports oxygen in the bloodstream) from expired donor blood. Here's how it works: Haemoglobin extraction: Haemoglobin is isolated from expired blood donations, ensuring no waste. Encapsulation: The haemoglobin is encased in a protective shell, creating stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells. Universal compatibility: Because these synthetic cells lack blood type markers, they're compatible with all blood groups; no cross-matching is required. The benefits don't stop there. Unlike donated blood, which requires refrigeration and has a short lifespan, artificial blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature and five years when refrigerated. This could transform emergency response systems in remote areas where accessing fresh blood supplies is a logistical nightmare. Early trials have already demonstrated the potential of artificial blood. In 2022, Sakai's team conducted small-scale studies with 12 healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 50. The participants received intravenous injections of haemoglobin vesicles, which mimic the oxygen-carrying function of natural red blood cells. Mild side effects: A few participants reported mild symptoms, but no serious adverse effects were observed. Stable vital signs: There were no significant changes in blood pressure or other vital signs, indicating promising safety levels. Building on this success, the trials have entered a second phase as of March this year, with larger doses (100 to 400 millilitres) being administered to volunteers. If no significant side effects are observed, the research will shift to evaluating the efficacy and safety of artificial blood for practical use. The goal is to make this life-saving innovation widely available by 2030. Early trials have already demonstrated the potential of artificial blood. Image: Ivan Samkov/pexels
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's online sellers record RM8 mln gross sales in Q1 2025
Photo for illustration purposes only. — Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels KUCHING (May 28): Online sellers in Sarawak generated RM8 million in gross sales in the first quarter of 2025, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said in March 2025, Miri's top online seller Cosfume by Cosmo Online Cosmetics (M) Sdn Bhd recorded over RM540,000 in monthly sales. 'Leading product categories included lifestyle, electronic gadgets, fashion, and collectibles,' he said in his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today. Awang Tengah also told the august House his ministry facilitates promotions through national and international expos. 'Our programme assisted over 1,200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generated more than RM34 million in revenue. 'These programmes are Showcase Usahawan Sarawak, Sabah International Food Expo, Satu Daerah Satu Industri, and FHA Food & Beverage 2025,' he said. The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (Statos) had finalised six trade distribution agreements between Singapore and Sarawak, securing RM63.5 million in sales across services, food, and beverages, as well as RM7.5 million in agricultural investments. 'In October 2025, my ministry, in collaboration with Statos, will host the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 in Singapore to support SMEs in expanding globally, leveraging Singapore strategic position as a regional trade hub. 'This event aims to promote international trade, investment and tourism between Sarawak, Singapore and beyond,' he said. In addition, he said the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei (Statob), which began operations in October 2024, has been actively collaborating with Brunei counterparts and beyond. Other programmes organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment include investment, trade grants and export compliance seminars in Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu in collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), SME Corp Malaysia, and Shopee. 'These seminars tailored to each city's business sector, enhanced business networks, awareness of funding opportunities and strategic growth, which benefited over 260 participants in compliance and international expansion,' Awang Tengah added. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead online sellers
