Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is most commonly discussed in relation to menopause, but its role in women’s health is broader and more nuanced than many realise. At its core, HRT

Lymphatic drainage in Malta is finally starting to receive the attention it deserves. To better understand its importance, we spoke with Alessandra Teresi, an Italian physiotherapist who has been practising in Malta for the past 10 years and is specialised in Manual Lymphatic Drainage using the Vodder Method. In this interview, Alessandra shares her experience, insights, and hopes for greater awareness of lymphoedema and lipoedema on the island. Thank you, Ms. Teresi, for taking the time to join us for this interview. Can you tell us a little about your professional background and what led you to specialise in lymphatic drainage? I am a physiotherapist

As winter arrives, many women notice subtle but meaningful shifts in how they feel. Energy levels drop, motivation feels harder to access, and emotions can feel heavier than usual. Even in Malta, where winters are relatively mild, shorter days and changes in routine can quietly affect mental wellbeing. For some women, these changes develop into what is known as seasonal depression. Often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), seasonal depression is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically emerging during autumn and winter and easing as spring approaches. While seasonal depression can affect anyone, research consistently shows that women are more

Deciding to undergo gastric bypass surgery is rarely a single moment; it is usually the result of years of struggle, self-doubt, hope, and quiet resilience. For many, the journey is deeply personal, shaped not only by physical health but also by emotional experiences that are not always easy to share publicly. The woman featured in this interview underwent gastric bypass surgery in Malta and has chosen to remain anonymous. Her reasons for doing so are personal and will become clearer as her story unfolds. What she does share, however, is an honest account of what led her to surgery, what followed, and how life feels

Gastric bypass in Malta has become an increasingly considered option for individuals living with severe obesity and obesity-related health conditions. As one of the most established forms of bariatric surgery, gastric bypass is designed to support long-term weight loss when traditional approaches such as dieting, exercise, and medical supervision have not delivered lasting results. This informative guide explains what gastric bypass surgery in Malta involves, how it works, who may be a suitable candidate, and what benefits and risks should be carefully considered before making a decision. What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery? Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that alters how

They arrive with suitcases full of expectation and the quiet belief that hard work will lead to stability. For many TCNs in Malta, the decision to come here is not taken lightly. It often means leaving children behind, borrowing money, or saying goodbye to a life that no longer offers a future. What draws them in is a promise: decent work, fair pay, and the chance to live without constant uncertainty. Unfortunately, that promise does not always survive first contact with reality. Many third-country nationals describe the same pattern. What was agreed before arrival slowly begins to shift. Working hours stretch far beyond what was

Many girls grow up believing that painful periods are something they just have to live with. But when cramps are so bad that they keep you from school, sports, or social life, they might be a sign of something more serious. We spoke with Dr Mario Refalo, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, to better understand when period pain stops being ‘normal’ and becomes a reason to seek professional advice. Dr. Refalo, thank you for taking the time to collaborate with us on this important topic. Many young girls and their mothers believe that painful periods are just part of growing up. How can one

From 25th November to 10th December 2025, women and allies around the world will unite for the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence, under this year’s powerful theme: UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls Violence against women remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting one in three women worldwide. Today, much of this harm has moved online, where technology is being used as a new weapon of abuse. As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this year’s campaign reminds us that digital safety is women’s safety, and gender equality

Over recent months, more Maltese residents have been sharing experiences of persistent itching, rashes, and other symptoms that resemble scabies. Yet, despite these growing personal reports, there has been little recent mention of scabies in local media or official public-health updates. According to a web search conducted in early November 2025, the last substantial Maltese coverage dates back to early 2024, but since then, no new alerts or national updates appear to have been issued. This absence of recent communication raises important questions about public awareness, particularly as Malta continues to face housing pressures and shared-accommodation challenges that may increase opportunities for such skin infestations

Thank you both for joining us! So firstly we’d like to turn to you Mrs. Rodrigues. What exactly is labiaplasty, and what are the most common reasons women seek it? Mrs. Rodrigues: Labiaplasty is an intimate procedure that many women are curious about but may feel uncomfortable discussing openly. It involves surgically reducing the size of the labia minora – the inner folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening. While often assumed to be purely cosmetic, labiaplasty can address a range of physical and emotional concerns. Most women seek advice about this procedure because of physical discomfort in the area. If the

Malta’s birth rate is now the lowest in Europe, and that’s worrying not just for policymakers, but for all of us thinking about our families’ futures. Fewer babies mean fewer young people to sustain the country’s economy and care systems in the years ahead. During his Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced a significant tax cut for families with two or more children, hoping to make family life a little easier, and perhaps, encourage couples to grow their families. But let’s be honest: when it comes to taxes, many of us find the numbers confusing or hard to follow. To make sense of

Women today are standing tall: independent, confident, and self-sufficient. We work hard, make our own choices, and build lives that reflect our strength and resilience. We don’t need a man to complete us, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want one. Because even the strongest women still desire genuine connection. Not lust, not power games, not empty promises, but love that feels safe, honest, and steady. A love built on mutual respect. That kind of love comes from an evolved masculine – a man who leads with integrity, maturity, and heart. 1. The Evolved Masculine Is Emotionally Mature and Grounded The evolved masculine isn’t afraid

Malta currently has the lowest total fertility rate in the European Union…a figure that raises important questions about our country’s future. But fertility isn’t just about numbers; it’s about women’s lives, choices, and the support systems around them. Across the world, countries are searching for ways to encourage family growth without compromising women’s independence or wellbeing. From financial incentives to workplace reforms, these global examples show that the path forward lies not in pressure, but in empowerment: creating environments where women and families can thrive. 1. Policy Approaches: Beyond Cash Incentives and Childbirth Grants Many governments have experimented with financial support to encourage parenthood. In

In 2023, the lowest total fertility rate in Europe was recorded in Malta, at 1.06 live births per woman. This alarmingly low Malta birth rate has become a growing concern for both government and opposition. The Nationalist Party has proposed introducing a new “Parent 2” tax band for families with more than one child, which would leave each family around €8,500 better off per year. The measure aims to ease the financial pressures of raising children and encourage couples to have larger families. PN leader Alex Borg has also called for paid parental leave to be extended to a full year across all sectors, echoing

Pregnant? Or planning to get pregnant? While it’s always important to maintain a healthy diet, it becomes even more crucial for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to be mindful of their food choices. Nutrition plays a direct role in the development and growth of the fetus. Here are some nutrition tips for a healthy pregnancy: #1: Vary Your Nutrients Eating a variety of foods ensures that your body receives the necessary nutrients for both you and your baby. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, which can help provide sustained energy levels throughout the day. #2: Eat Your Legumes, Fruit and Veg

Yesterday, Malta was shaken by unimaginable tragedy: a one-year-old baby lost his life after being forgotten in a car parked at Mater Dei Hospital. As news spread, so did an avalanche of online comments. Some expressed sorrow, but far too many turned to anger and blame. Words like “how could she?” and “I’d never do that” flooded the internet as though outrage could somehow ease the pain of a mother who will live with this heartbreak for the rest of her life. But on this World Mental Health Day, perhaps we should pause. Not to defend, not to justify, but to understand. We live in

When tragedy strikes and someone takes their own life, a wave of uncertainty washes over society. But why? She was always laughing and joking! She was so lucky – why did she do that? She had such a good husband! And those poor kids – how could she abandon them like that? How could she be so self-centered? There’s so much help out there – why didn’t she get it if she needed it? Endless questions. The truth is, most probably she did ask for help. Most probably she even begged for it. Yet no one’s eyes were open enough to see the silent tears

For many women, pregnancy and the postpartum period are filled with joy and anticipation. But for some, a hidden condition can turn those months into a painful and isolating experience. Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare disorder where bones become dangerously weak during or after pregnancy, leading to fractures and chronic pain. My Story I had what felt like an easy pregnancy. I worked right up until my due date and never even needed a sick day. My son was born in October, the delivery went smoothly, and life seemed perfect—until, within days, I developed searing hip pain. By two weeks postpartum, I

At its heart, my work is about helping women discover their own strength and direction. Life can feel overwhelming. Between work, family, and personal challenges, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of stress or uncertainty. Solution-Focused Coaching offers a gentle but practical way forward, giving women the chance to be heard, supported, and encouraged to find their next steps. Unlike traditional approaches that dwell on the past, Solution-Focused Coaching looks ahead to the future. Together, we focus on what’s already working in your life and build on it. By setting clear, achievable goals, you can make progress that feels empowering and sustainable. What

We need to talk about something most of us would rather avoid: money. You know that moment in a meeting when people start throwing around words like budget forecast or interest rates, and you’re just sitting there thinking, “Did I miss a whole class on this?” Yeah. Same. Money talk can feel intimidating, but it really doesn’t have to be. So… Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Money? Women face some pretty specific challenges when it comes to money, and we’re not doing ourselves any favours by pretending otherwise. Let’s start with the obvious one: the wage gap is still very much a

Fast fashion dominates the high street, but tucked into Malta’s growing secondhand scene is something far more refreshing: Thrifty Lady. Inside, you’ll find colour, character, and clothes with stories to tell. Every rack is thoughtfully curated, with pieces that are ready to be loved all over again. No overwhelm or trend-chasing; just a space where fashion feels more personal and a little more fun. A Treasure Trove Without the Chaos New pieces arrive regularly, so there’s always something worth exploring. Some items come nearly brand new (or even with tags!), others carry that perfectly worn-in charm. There’s a mix of vintage, modern, bold, minimal, everyday,

There’s something about summer that makes us want to hit pause. Maybe it’s the longer days or the way the sun makes everything feel a little slower. But if we’re being honest, slowing down doesn’t always come easy. We’ve been wired to go, go, go – tick the boxes, be productive, keep it together. Even in 35°C heat! But this summer, maybe we can try something different: we don’t fill every moment, and we let ourselves just be. You Don’t Need to Earn Your Rest Let’s get one thing straight, rest is not a reward. It’s not something you have to earn by being exhausted

In today’s fast-paced world, where comfort and quality of life are more important than ever, Healthmark is leading the charge in reshaping how we think about healthcare. As Malta’s leading private healthcare provider, Healthmark is on a mission to bring compassionate, high-quality care directly to people’s doorsteps while offering patients dignity, independence, and personalised support where they feel most at ease: at home. A Mission Rooted in Dignity and Care At its core, Healthmark is committed to improving lives through personalised care solutions that meet patients where they are. Whether in hospitals, care homes, or in their own homes, Healthmark’s mission is simple but powerful:

You know that feeling when you’ve got 74 tabs open on your browser and about 112 more in your brain? Welcome to the invisible load. Or, as many women know it, just a normal Tuesday. Despite all the progress we’ve made, women continue to bear the mental weight of everything. The to-dos, the birthdays, the meal planning, the emotional support, the dentist appointments, the “we’re out of toothpaste” reminders, and oh, the tiny matter of showing up at work, being present for our kids, and maybe even finding 10 minutes to breathe. It’s a full-time job on top of all the other full-time jobs. What

Let’s be real, there’s something incredibly powerful about a woman who decides to invest in herself. Whether it’s finally understanding that techy thing you’ve been avoiding or gaining the confidence to speak up in a meeting, education has this way of lighting a fire in us. And for women, that fire can be life-changing. Because when women learn, something shifts. Confidence grows, opportunities open up, and suddenly we’re not just doing life, we’re owning it. Education Builds Confidence (And Not Just the Academic Kind) It’s easy to think of education as books, lectures, and exams, but it’s also that feeling of walking into a room