---
title: "A collection of our best wellness stories to start 2023"
description: "Here is a short compilation of health and wellness stories you might have missed last year: how a woman’s ability to smell Parkinson's disease could revolutionise the diagnosis of the disease, the signs of a burn-out, why cotton buds are not good for your ears, the benefits of creatine and more."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "FROM THE ARCHIVE"
author: "Maverick Life Editors"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/maverick-life-editors/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-01-03-living-well-according-to-experts/"
published: "2023-01-03T06:00:36"
updated: "2023-01-03T08:20:44"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 1154
---

# A collection of our best wellness stories to start 2023

> Here is a short compilation of health and wellness stories you might have missed last year: how a woman’s ability to smell Parkinson's disease could revolutionise the diagnosis of the disease, the signs of a burn-out, why cotton buds are not good for your ears, the benefits of creatine and more.

By Maverick Life Editors · Published 3 January 2023, 08:00 SAST · Updated 3 January 2023, 10:20 SAST

## Content

*This story was first published as a newsletter; [click here](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/about/newsletter/) if you would like to sign up for our [newsletter](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/about/newsletter/) to get the best of Maverick Life delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.*

At *Maverick Life* we understand that life gets tough. Sure, there are a ton of quick-fix wellness tips out there on the internet, but sometimes it’s difficult to know what’s just another fad and what’s worth your while.

That’s why we’ve made reporting on health and wellness one of our priorities. Whether an article helps you in a small way by cautioning [against using earbuds](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-10-cotton-buds-just-keep-them-out-of-your-ear/) for your ears, or in a large way by equipping you with healthy habits so that you truly can start[‘living your best life’](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-27-living-ones-best-life-can-begin-with-small-changes/), we’re confident that this curated collection of conversations will help you along your physical and mental health journey.

Be it fitness, diet, technology use, mental health, disease, or habits and routines, our journalists always consult expert sources in their reporting so that you can be sure that what you’re reading will add value to your life.

Keep your head up, put the earbuds down, stay hydrated, and get reading!

**\*\*\***

![Image: Tangerine Newt / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/SXJJotE6QPOh9nSgdtmIZ-lbYOY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tangerine-newt-o04xDvWE33U-unsplash.jpeg)

*A composite image of a set of matches. Image: Tangerine Newt / Unsplash*

**[Are you feeling burnt out? Here is how to know the signs](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-07-are-you-feeling-burned-out-here-is-how-to-know-the-signs/)**
Burnout is classified as an occupational phenomenon that results when stress related to one’s work is not managed correctly.[*Maverick Life*](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-07-are-you-feeling-burned-out-here-is-how-to-know-the-signs/) spoke to an expert in employee wellness who gave some tips to prevent it from happening to you. [By Sarah Hoek](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-07-are-you-feeling-burned-out-here-is-how-to-know-the-signs/)

![Image: Sharon Mccutcheon / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/nl136_CB9D9Z0lrF4mvoVOR4iQk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sharon-mccutcheon-yFl5YwfgwKU-unsplash.jpeg)

*Cotton buds. Image: Sharon Mccutcheon / Unsplash*

**[Warning: Step away from the cotton buds to clean your ear canals](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-10-cotton-buds-just-keep-them-out-of-your-ear/)**
Although[cotton buds](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-10-cotton-buds-just-keep-them-out-of-your-ear/) are marketed as make-up application and removal aids, many consumers use them to clean their ears, despite numerous warnings from medical professionals. Here is why you should keep them out of your ears. [By Malibongwe Tyilo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-10-cotton-buds-just-keep-them-out-of-your-ear/)

![Image: Camila Quintero Franco / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/imsknG_9SmdwPPdOUJA8lwGtEJQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/camila-quintero-franco-mC852jACK1g-unsplash.jpeg)

*A person screaming. Image: Camila Quintero Franco / Unsplash*

**[Why you should not ignore pain – ever](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-31-why-you-should-not-ignore-pain-ever/)**
Professor Sean Chetty explains that the sooner chronic pain is identified and treated, the better the chances of success. But what is [chronic pain](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-31-why-you-should-not-ignore-pain-ever/) exactly? [By Iza Trengrove](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-31-why-you-should-not-ignore-pain-ever/)

![Core exercises. Image: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/c0DP3rgAeSYvXJpW58eswRy8Xm8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jonathan-borba-lrQPTQs7nQQ-unsplash.jpeg)

*Core exercises. Image: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash*

**[Regaining fitness after Covid-19 infection can be hard. Here are five things to keep in mind before you start exercising again](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-05-11-regaining-fitness-after-covid-19-infection-can-be-hard-here-are-5-things-to-keep-in-mind-before-you-start-exercising-again/)**
Are you finding it difficult to get moving after having Covid-19? You are not alone. Even if you have mild symptoms, you may still experience difficulty in[regaining your fitness](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-05-11-regaining-fitness-after-covid-19-infection-can-be-hard-here-are-5-things-to-keep-in-mind-before-you-start-exercising-again/).[By Clarice Tang](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-05-11-regaining-fitness-after-covid-19-infection-can-be-hard-here-are-5-things-to-keep-in-mind-before-you-start-exercising-again/)

![Social media. Image: Nathana Reboucas / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/7dZZRwgtpKdUY3nTCZmtaQsTcr0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nathana-reboucas-xE5SAT0WeTQ-unsplash.jpeg)

*A person scrolling through social media. Image: Nathana Reboucas / Unsplash*

**[Social media impact on the mental health of young people and practical strategies to mitigate its worst effects](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-02-its-worrying-how-social-media-use-affects-the-mental-health-of-young-people/)**
As social media use has increased, researchers in the US are finding that[mental health](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-02-its-worrying-how-social-media-use-affects-the-mental-health-of-young-people/) among young people has become worse. [By Malibongwe Tyilo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-02-its-worrying-how-social-media-use-affects-the-mental-health-of-young-people/)

![Creatine. Image: How To Gym / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_cpUO1Y46utEvrix4lE-Dwb2pTk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/howtogym-S9NchuPb79I-unsplash.jpeg)

*Creatine. Image: How To Gym / Unsplash*

**[Creatine may have a long list of health benefits – and it’s not just for athletes and bodybuilders](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-14-creatine-to-supplement-or-not-to-supplement/)**
Creatine is among the most well-researched and most popular nutritional[supplements](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-14-creatine-to-supplement-or-not-to-supplement/) for exercise and athletic performance, but recent research suggests there’s so much more to it for the general population. [By Malibongwe Tyilo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-14-creatine-to-supplement-or-not-to-supplement/)

![A group of people with Parkinson's disease take part in an exercise organized by Spain's National Ballet on World Parkinson's Disease Day, in Madrid, Spain, 11 April 2017. EPA/Ballesteros](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/AbnG7DsHpeqMOJm-mjWvOlln8_s=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/h_53452100.jpeg)

*A group of people with Parkinson's disease take part in an exercise organized by Spain's National Ballet on World Parkinson's Disease Day, in Madrid, Spain, 11 April 2017. EPA/Ballesteros*

**[A nose for Parkinson’s – woman’s ability to smell disease could revolutionise disease diagnosis](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-12-a-nose-for-parkinsons-womans-ability-to-smell-disease-could-revolutionise-disease-diagnosis/)**
In 2015,[Scot Joy Milne](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-12-a-nose-for-parkinsons-womans-ability-to-smell-disease-could-revolutionise-disease-diagnosis/) shook researchers and scientists around the world with her ability to smell disease on people long before they are sick. This ‘superpower’ led to recent medical discoveries that could change the reality of Parkinson’s disease patients. [By Anna Southwell](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-12-a-nose-for-parkinsons-womans-ability-to-smell-disease-could-revolutionise-disease-diagnosis/)

![Image: CDD20 / Pixabay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/CNJtr4Pg-kcd5NvSwuiNcXjBcYw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/direction-gf16da382c_1280.jpeg)

*Arrows. Image: CDD20 / Pixabay*

**[Living one’s best life can begin with small changes](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-27-living-ones-best-life-can-begin-with-small-changes/)**
Do you long to[change](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-27-living-ones-best-life-can-begin-with-small-changes/) aspects of yourself but find it difficult to express your innermost aspirations? It’s not always easy and perseverance is key, especially if previous attempts at transformation have failed. If you do persist, the rewards could be life-changing. [By Iza Trengrove](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-27-living-ones-best-life-can-begin-with-small-changes/)

![Runners. Image: Capstone Events / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/0DJbOp2UD4Qh-KbvHpjTj4wXOe8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/capstone-events-s_S06Aj9MZ0-unsplash.jpeg)

*Runners doing a marathon. Image: Capstone Events / Unsplash*

**[Over 50 and training: How to avoid injury and become optimally fit](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-06-over-50-and-training-how-to-avoid-injury-and-become-optimally-fit/)**
The secret to staying optimally fit as we age lies in adapting one’s[training programme](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-06-over-50-and-training-how-to-avoid-injury-and-become-optimally-fit/). With a suitable schedule of strength, aerobic and flexibility exercises one can continue to realise one’s goals and prevent or even turn around signs of muscle loss without harming oneself. [By Iza Trengrove](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-06-over-50-and-training-how-to-avoid-injury-and-become-optimally-fit/)

![Photo: Unsplash.com](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_UhYoikRThZrfrHTFgD-Up93xSI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/michael-schaffler-E2jSG9J-f6k-unsplash.jpg)

*A child is asleep in her stroller. Photo: Unsplash.com*

**[The Art of The Nap](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-20-the-art-of-the-nap/)**
It doesn’t take much Googling to establish that daytime[naps](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-20-the-art-of-the-nap/) are beneficial. The web is littered with articles preaching the nap gospel, focusing on said benefits, from relaxation to mood improvements and better concentration. But how does it all work? And does it work for all? [By Malibongwe Tyilo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-20-the-art-of-the-nap/)

![Steak. Image: Pixy](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/w6LzNuMIPCyzLtdN6pRhkhrla9s=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/flesh-g8301c1a2e_1920.jpeg)

*Steak. Image: Pixy*

**[Eating less red meat while getting all the nutrients you need](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-30-eating-less-red-meat-doesnt-mean-you-cant-get-all-the-nutrients-you-need/)**
For South Africans,[meat](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-30-eating-less-red-meat-doesnt-mean-you-cant-get-all-the-nutrients-you-need/) is a firm favourite: whether it is braaied, in a potjie, served alongside Umngqusho or in a bobotie, meat can be found in the diets of 84% of South Africans, according to a recent report. [By Sarah Hoek](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-30-eating-less-red-meat-doesnt-mean-you-cant-get-all-the-nutrients-you-need/)

![Image: Egor Vikhrev / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jB4ptS95xmPNCr0z1mZP9c5C2Zw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/egor-vikhrev-olyI4zK0WFk-unsplash.jpeg)

*A composite image of someone sleeping. Image: Egor Vikhrev / Unsplash*

**[How dreams might help us solve problems and strengthen memory](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-17-how-dreams-might-help-us-solve-problems-and-strengthen-memory/)**
While much remains unknown about why we dream, research suggests that our[dreams](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-17-how-dreams-might-help-us-solve-problems-and-strengthen-memory/) can play a crucial role in helping solve problems, strengthen memories and prepare us for the future. [By Malibongwe Tyilo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-17-how-dreams-might-help-us-solve-problems-and-strengthen-memory/)

![Image: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_ivRalXbyVddUOZXqu9TjwVqQ2o=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/raimond-klavins-n-7HTOiJPso-unsplash.jpeg)

*Sets of pills in different colours. Image: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash*

**[Do vitamins and supplements boost our immunity?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-25-do-vitamins-and-supplements-boost-our-immunity/)**
Friends and sometimes complete strangers often like to give free and unsolicited advice on how to[boost one’s immune system](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-25-do-vitamins-and-supplements-boost-our-immunity/). Most of us could probably recite a list of what has been thrust at us, or shared on social media, from homoeopathic concoctions to supplements. *Maverick Life*asks experts about the facts vs fads of boosting immunity. [By Iza Trengrove](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-25-do-vitamins-and-supplements-boost-our-immunity/)

![Psilocybe mushrooms at the Numinus Bioscience lab in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. Numinus Wellness Inc, a mental health care company specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapies was the first public company in Canada to harvest the first legal batch of mushrooms from the Psilocybe genus last year. Photographer: James MacDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/L1s6mko5RRi50HlYVaXeii8AafY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1235102079.jpg)

*Psilocybe mushrooms at the Numinus Bioscience lab in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. Numinus Wellness Inc, a mental health care company specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapies was the first public company in Canada to harvest the first legal batch of mushrooms from the Psilocybe genus last year. Photographer: James MacDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images*

**[Entheogen journeys, next step: Decriminalisation of magic mushrooms](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-06-the-facilitation-of-healing-journeys-to-inner-space-by-decriminalising-psilocybin/)**
‘Drugs is drugs,’ according to a Facebooker in response to a[psilocybin](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-06-the-facilitation-of-healing-journeys-to-inner-space-by-decriminalising-psilocybin/) post on my page. But are all drugs equal, and should some or all be legalised and/or decriminalised, and to what end? [By Lucinda Jolly](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-06-the-facilitation-of-healing-journeys-to-inner-space-by-decriminalising-psilocybin/)

![Image: Sven Mieke / Unsplash](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KMB2lxFpp2L4tw2z-OBvEj_Yz7g=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sven-mieke-Lx_GDv7VA9M-unsplash.jpg)

*Someone lifting weights. Image: Sven Mieke / Unsplash*

**[Lift heavy or smaller weights with high reps? It all depends on your fitness goal](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-30-lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal/)**
If you can’t lift heavy or it’s not your thing, please don’t think lifting[lighter weights](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-30-lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal/) is a waste of time. [By Mandy Hagstrom](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-30-lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal/)**DM/ML**