The danger years where kids are likely to try new things – without realising the risks – are starting earlier and earlier. By now, between their parents, school and information they’ve picked up in magazines and television, they probably have a pretty good idea of what AIDS is and how you can get it, as [...]

Simple Christmas décor that is easy to make can be great over Christmas, especially if you’re having a lot of people over. Here are some creative ideas to help you decorate your home: 1. Edible Name TagsSurprise dinner guests with seating tags they can eat. A simple cookie with a name written on in icing [...]

With so many people coming to work with coughs and colds, we decided to ask registered pharmacist, Liza-Jean Jacobsen and registered pharmacy assistant, Dave Starke for their sound, professional advice. Read what they have to say on the on the subject of taking your medicines and supplements and enjoying the best preventative measures possible.

Having a braai is a favourite summer activity and a great way to spend time with your family and friends. If you’re challenged in the fire-making department, here are seven easy steps to make you a pro in 15 minutes. Shred up some old newspapers or magazines (except, of course, Club Magazine, which you’re storing [...]

Buzisizwe is an organization in Johannesburg that donates time, expertise and money to community development. Their main focus is on education, youth development and assisting HIV/Aids causes. This year, Buzisizwe held a career info day for over 400 Grade 12 students from the Nqutu, Msinga and Nyonyana areas. Lewis Stores was a proud partner in [...]

Q: I’m a 26-year-old guy, and I’m involved with a girl the same age as me. We’ve been together for almost four years now. She has cheated on me, and I found out. She ended it, claiming that I’m the reason for her cheating. I’ve also cheated on her many times; not because I don’t love or care about her, but the problem is, there are times when I just “switch off” and resort to external company.

Now my problem is that I am no longer happy with her, not because I’m seeing someone else, but because I just want to be free – be my own person without having to worry about someone else. I know it sounds selfish, but that’s how I feel at the moment. I don’t want to end the relationship, but a little break will help in finding out exactly what I want from life and love. How do I tell her that I need a break without breaking her heart? Please help!

A: Your relationship with your girlfriend makes no sense. If you guys can’t be true to each other, and you’re both dating other people anyway then what are you doing together? You obviously feel something for each other, but not enough to really want to put all of your energy into your relationship.

You’ll both feel sad, but I recommend that you end it, and perhaps still see each other at times, if it works for both of you. Don’t waste each other’s time and energy on a relationship that isn’t working for either of you. If you want to date other women, do so openly and honestly.

Q: My boyfriend and I have been together for nine years. I’m 25 and he is 32. Our sex life was super until recently. When we have sex, it only lasts for two minutes and that’s it. I kept quiet until I couldn’t take it any more. When I talked to him about it, he laughed and said, “I have sex with you in my mind before doing it for real”. Honestly, I am bored, I even think of getting it somewhere else. Please help a sister out, before I do something stupid.

A: On one level, it sounds as if he has lost interest and doesn’t care enough to hold back to make this an enjoyable experience for both of you. On the other hand, he may be experiencing some sexual dysfunction which causes premature ejaculation. There are organisations which can assist with this, not to mention getting advice from your doctor, if this is indeed the case.

Try to get to the bottom of it by being open and honest in discussing how you feel about what is happening in your sex life. He may not realize that he can get help.

If he has lost interest, there doesn’t seem to be much point in wasting time. Speak openly and honestly without blaming, and try to find out what is really going on.

Q: I am 18 years old and my boyfriend is 21. We are so in love, but the problem is that after we make love, I always think that I am pregnant even though we use protection. I am relieved every time I have my period. This concern is really stressing me out and I am losing weight.

A: You may feel that you are being silly carrying these concerns. The fact is that you are not. Just as only abstinence (not having sex) can truly protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, it’s also the only way to completely protect yourself from pregnancy. It may not be the answer you are looking for, but if you really don’t want a baby right now, and to be stuck with the responsibilities motherhood brings, it might be better to hold off on sex, until you are ready for the responsibilities that having sex may bring. You are young to be saddled with a child, and you are wise to realise the possible implications of what you are doing.