NMG SmartAssist provides professional telephonic support and advice on a wide range of healthcare areas. To help you look after your health, you have access to the following benefits: medical advice, advice on nutrition and eating, fitness and exercise.
Medical Advice: Our team of Registered Nurses provide medical advice for various healthcare issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV and AIDS as well as TB.
Nutrition and Eating: A balanced diet can help to keep your body and mind strong as well as healthy! Dieticians are available to advise you on the management of your energy, weight and general health. Guidelines will be given on aspects such as portion size, meal planning, weight loss and eating a balanced diet.
Fitness and Exercise: After an online assessment, a Biokineticist will provide an exercise prescription to promote fitness and general wellbeing. This also covers injury prevention and recovery.

Cancer is easier to treat when you catch it early
Screening is the most reliable way to catch cancer while it’s still treatable. Most early stage cancers cause no symptoms

Know your heart, know the signs
Most people picture a heart attack as sudden, dramatic chest pain. Sometimes that’s exactly what it looks like. But heart

The cup that connects, and the can that doesn’t
For many of us, coffee is about more than caffeine. It’s the first quiet moment before the day begins, a

Heart attacks don’t always look the same
Most of us know that chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. What many people don’t realise

Drinking: Knowing the line between social habit and escape
Most of us drink now and then. After-work beers, wine at a braai, something to take the edge off after

Weight Loss — What you need to know about GLP-1s
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body mass is one of the most important steps we can take to reduce the

How to take your life back from addiction
Living with an addiction is exhausting. You wake up promising yourself that today will be different, but soon the cycle

Get Spicy Before the Winter
Your spice rack is about to become your best friend. Winter’s on its way, and with it comes the usual

Effective conversations with teens about vaping
The old playbook for parenting—catch them in the act, confiscate the device, and ground them for a month—is failing when

Are you ready for the 7-minute chair yoga challenge?
You don’t need a mat. You don’t need a gym. You don’t even need stretchy pants. What you do need?

Wearable health tech is changing the way we get fit
From step counting to smart coaching There’s a quiet revolution happening on our wrists, in our shoes, and sometimes even

Time to Break Up with Sugar — Feel Better in 14 Days
Give yourself two weeks. Just 14 days with no added sugar to steady your energy, calm cravings and feel back

Your kidneys under everyday pressures
Most days follow a familiar rhythm. Coffee first, maybe another mid-morning. Sitting for long stretches. Grabbing food that fits into

The gut connection you might be missing
When people hear “gut health”, they often think it’s only about digestion. Bloating, cramps or an upset stomach. But your

Why your future body will thank you
Most of us can remember a time when looking good was the main reason we moved our bodies. Feeling attractive,

Powerpack your toolkit for the New Year
A new year is the perfect time to refocus on your wellbeing — to think about what helps you

Helping children switch from holiday mode to learning mode
As a new school year begins, many parents face a familiar challenge — how to help children and teens shift

Why sleep is your January superpower
January often arrives with renewed ambition – goals, resolutions, and a push to reset after the holiday rush. Yet the

Making holiday Mealtimes Fun
The festive season often comes with endless plates of food, rich puddings, and more family gatherings than usual. While the

Sweet but deadly early warning signs of Diabetes
Diabetes is often called a silent condition because its early warning signs are easy to miss. Many people only discover

GBV (and Femicide) Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Violence
Gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF) leaves scars that reach far beyond the individual. Its impact stretches across generations, shaping the

Prostate Cancer – All you Need to Know
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men – but with early detection, it’s also one of

Sitting is the New Smoking
We often think of smoking as the ultimate health risk, but modern lifestyles have introduced another silent danger: sitting.

Food and mood – how what you eat shapes how you feel
You’ve heard the phrase “you are what you eat” – but what if your meals are also shaping how you feel?

How immediate action can help during a stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts. The faster someone gets help, the better their chances of survival

Try stretching to release stress
Stress doesn’t just live in the mind — it settles into the body. Tight shoulders, stiff necks, clenched jaws and

How is your heart health?
When was the last time you thought about your heart – not in the romantic sense, but your actual heart

Shake off Winter and Spring into Action
Winter has a way of slowing everything down. Shorter days, colder nights, comfort food, and curling up indoors — it’s

Self-Care: Non-Negotiable for Mental and Physical Wellbeing
If you’re constantly running on the hamster wheel of responsibilities, juggling work, family, and endless demands, while always putting others

Gift of Life: Why Organ Donation Matters So Much
“In 1997, my 52-year-old father, Nicholaas Thirion, suffered a massive heart attack, leaving him with only 15-20% heart function. We

For Every Mum: Making the Best of Your Breastfeeding Journey
August 1st to 7th is World Breastfeeding Week. This is a special time every year to remember how important breastfeeding

Vaccination: Balancing Protection and Perception
Vaccines represent one of humanity’s most significant public health achievements, preventing millions of deaths and debilitating illnesses worldwide. While their

Hepatitis: End the Ignorance, Get Tested
Do you know what hepatitis is? Do you truly understand its devastating impact, or are you among the millions who

Don’t be fooled: All forms of smoking can kill
Smoking is a gamble with your life, regardless of the device you use. There are no safe alternatives, whether it

The Silent Pandemic: Men’s Mental Health in Crisis
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, which puts the spotlight on the silent struggles many men face in South Africa.

Rethinking Obesity: From Stigma To Understanding
For years, obesity was often seen as a simple matter of overeating and a lack of self-control. But our

World Hypertension Day
Do you pay attention to the readings when your blood pressure (BP) is measured at a doctor’s office or

Celebrating neurodiversity this World Autism Week
Have you ever stopped to think about how differently people see and experience the world? The celebration of World

Regular medical checkups: Your key to a healthy life
We are consistently inundated with messages about the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, and rightfully so. These

Invest in Your Vision: The Importance of Eye Care for a Healthy Life
World Glaucoma Week, held annually from March 9th to 15th, is a crucial global initiative to raise awareness about

TB in the Workplace: Let’s Talk About It
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24th, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eliminate tuberculosis

Cannabis Use in the Workplace: A Growing Concern
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, or dagga, has gained widespread acceptance in recent years, with legalisation or decriminalisation in

Improving Your Sleep: A Guide to Better Health and Wellbeing
Sleep is as essential to our wellbeing as food and water. Yet, in our fast-paced world, many of us skimp

Meal Prep Made Easy
Your Recipe for Health, Time, and Savings Balanced meals provide the necessary nutrients for maintaining energy, concentration, and overall health.

Supporting Mental Health for People Living with HIV
Living with HIV affects more than just physical health. Whether it’s for you or someone you care about, managing the

Summer sun warning
AT LAST!!!!! Summer is here, bringing with it long, lazy outdoor days in the open and under the African sun.

Debunking Diabetes: Myths, Facts, and what you really need to Know
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges of our time, yet it remains covered in myths and misconceptions. As

Are you Avoiding getting your Prostate Checked?
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to address the discomfort many men feel about prostate screening. While some may

Eat the Rainbow for Better Health
Did you know that the colours of the fruits and vegetables you eat can have a profound impact on your

10 Tips to Refresh Your Heart Health
A proactive approach to heart health is essential. Embrace the ‘Spring-fresh’ season by making small but significant changes to your

Women’s Cancer Checks
Women’s Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to spotlight health issues affecting women globally. Female cancers are a critical concern

Get physical, together!
Our lives are intertwined with technology – computers, gaming consoles, and social media have become integral parts of our daily

The Truth about Alcohol Abuse
Whilst the clinking of glasses often signifies celebration, there is a darker side of alcohol that often goes unnoticed until

Men’s Health Check-in
Men’s health encompasses a broad range of issues, each requiring attention and proactive management. By raising awareness and encouraging regular

‘High’ly Functional
Many individuals struggling with substance abuse manage to maintain a façade of normalcy. These people can hold down jobs, maintain

Health-conscious twist to chocolate
We should be able to enjoy the finer things in life whilst maintaining a balanced approach to your health. Chocolate,

Set up an optimal eating plan
Staying at optimum productivity during an 8-10 hour commute and workday is a challenge for almost everybody. Whether you are

Let’s Talk: Are you sitting comfortably at work?
Looking after your wellbeing at work involves a combination of healthy eating, regular movement, and mindful lifestyle choices – especially

ERGONOMICS
WATCH THE VIDEO: Carlos teaches us about Ergonomics and the NEW principle. (4 mins) You can download and print more

‘DESK’ERCISING
WATCH THE VIDEO: Carlo shows us 5 ‘Desk’ercises. (4 mins) You can download and print more exercises here. DOWNLOAD THE

Catch your breath – kicking the habit of smoking and vaping
As World No Tobacco Day approaches, a pressing issue captures our attention – the dramatic rise in e-cigarette usage among

How Physical and Mental Health Intersect
Physical and mental health are closely interconnected, influencing each other in ways that significantly affect our overall wellbeing. Understanding this

‘Beating’ Heart Disease
Tips for controlling Hypertension and Cholesterol Looking after your heart is a priority for maintaining overall health and wellbeing, particularly

Affordable Health and Fitness
Who doesn’t need to save money these days? Supporting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t necessarily require expensive gym memberships, equipment, or

Confronting Tuberculosis
Myth: Only poor people get TB!Fact: Tb can affect anyone Myth: TB is not curableFact: TB is treatable and curable

Mindfulness for Bedtime
Getting good quality sleep can literally change your life! Everyone should prioritise getting the best rest possible to ensure both

The Skinny on Fat: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions about Obesity
Many individuals face weight management challenges that could affect them mentally, emotionally, and physically, whether they are overweight or underweight.

A parent’s guide to child-friendly digital life
Let’s be honest: the internet and social media have become integral parts of all our lives. While these platforms offer

Adjust your lifestyle to lower cancer risk
Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, but there’s good news – certain commitments and lifestyle changes can

Get rid of those festive kgs
We’ve all had our fair share of festive season treats, right? Now, with the new year rolling in, it’s that

Make happiness a habit
Happy New Year! As we step into 2024, we want to share some insights and tips to make this year

Uniting for freedom from HIV stigma
As we mark World AIDS Day on the 1st of December, the challenge of HIV stigma persists. The good news

Changing the Face of Men’s Health
The Movember Movement In recent years, a distinctive sight has emerged during the month of November – men of all

Don’t take a chance with Diabetes
Preventing diabetes means recognising the signs of potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them. Pre-diabetes, a precursor to diabetes,

Promoting Kindness and Respect on Social Media
Social media platforms have become a significant part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the wider world.

Flavourful and Affordable Family Meals
Finding the time and resources to prepare affordable yet delicious meals for your family can be a challenge. However, with

The Sobering Truth: Why Taking a Break from Alcohol Matters
In our busy lives, sometimes we all need a break. Let’s explore the benefits of taking a break from alcohol,

The Science of Happiness at Work: Unveiling the 4 Happy Hormones
In the pursuit of a harmonious and productive work environment, it’s easy to overlook the significant role that our bodies’

A Breath of Fresh Air: Embracing a Smoke-Free Life for a Healthier Heart
We completely understand that giving up smoking can be an incredibly challenging journey, and LifeAssist is here to offer you

Got the Winter blues?
Feeling a bit down this winter? We’ve got some helpful tips to brighten your mood and make the most of

Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Inflammation is the body’s defence mechanism to eliminate harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process. When the immune system identifies

Managing work pressure while living with Hypertension
Living with hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be challenging when it comes to managing stress and pressure. These can

Debunking weight-loss myths
Dieting is a common practice that many people engage in to achieve weight loss, better health, or both. However, there

Exercise with a buddy
It’s hard to motivate yourself to get the exercise you need for your overall wellbeing. Maybe the answer is to

What is Sleep Hygiene?
Sleep hygiene is the term used to describe good sleep habits or behaviours you can practise to get a good

TB QUIZ
Are you concerned that you, or a family member may have TB? These are the questions that need to be

Practise Mindfulness
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment through a gentle, nurturing lens.

A different approach to detoxing in 2023
In need of a reboot this year? Forget trendy detoxes and cleanses that can be difficult to maintain. Instead, consider

Prevention of cancer
Cancer is any malignant growth or tumour caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; if not stopped, it can spread

Surviving the festive season
With all its sparkle and excitement, the festive season can also be stressful for many people. If you’re anxious about upcoming

Managing your alcohol intake over the festive season
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but with it comes the prospect of binge drinking, which might be harmful to

Facts about prostate cancer and prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) tests
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, with an estimated 1 in 8 men

Be kind to your Spine
World Spine Day is commemorated in October and highlights the need for us to take care of our spines. Did

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
Every October, people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Know the facts Check

Spot the Signs of a Stroke and Know What to Do
Did you know about 90% of all strokes can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as an unhealthy diet,

3 Questions About Organ Donation Answered
August is organ donor awareness month. Here are some facts about organ donation so that you can make an informed decision

Tips for exercising in winter
A night in front of the fire or an extra hour of sleep before work naturally feels more appealing than

How Addiction Affects The Family
Alcohol or drug abusers can cause their families severe trauma. Families may witness the user go into drunken rages, experience

Why Sleep Is So Important For Your Brain
You may think that your brain shuts down when you’re sleeping, however, it’s actually very active doing important things and