Health

uses of HRT

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 involves replacing hormones – most commonly oestrogen with or without progesterone, and in some cases testosterone, when the body is no longer producing them in sufficient amounts. This hormonal imbalance can occur at different stages of a woman’s life, not only during menopause. While many women turn to HRT to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes and vaginal dryness, younger women may also require HRT for important medicalRead More…

lymphatic drainage with alessandra teresi

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 physiotherapistRead More…

seasonal depression in women

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 moreRead More…

gastric bypass

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 feelsRead More…

gastric bypass in malta

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 howRead More…

painful periods

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 oneRead More…

scabies malta

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 infestationsRead More…

labiaplasty

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 theRead More…

nutrition tips for a healthy pregnancy

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 VegRead More…

world mental health day baby dies in mater dei carpark

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 inRead More…