1-Minute DIY Tests
Drum English|21 May 2020
Spare a minute to learn a surprising amount about your wellbeing with these at-home assessments that are perfect for lockdown
1-Minute DIY Tests

TEST YOUR BREATHING

Poorly controlled asthma, age-related respiratory troubles or repeated exposure to harmful irritants, such as cigarette smoke, can all result in poor lung health, which can cause breathlessness during everyday activities.

Dr. Magdalena Simonis of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says going for a walk is an easy way to gauge your breathing ability.

HOW TO It couldn’t be simpler. Briskly walk up two flights of stairs or around the block while talking to a friend. “The aim is to do it without having to stop to catch your breath,” she explains.

WHAT IT MEANS This test indicates the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. If you are breathless or wheezing, or your breathing becomes uncomfortable, see your GP for a check-up.

“While difficulty breathing is often due to a decline in lung function, it can also be related to an underlying heart condition,” Dr. Simonis says.

TEST YOUR BRAIN

A simple sketch, such as the clock-drawing test, can be a useful predictor of mild cognitive impairment in people who are at risk of dementia, according to research published in Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra.

HOW TO Draw a clock face on a piece of paper and mark in the hours. Then add the hands to indicate a particular time, for example, quarter to two or 10 past 11.

Denne historien er fra 21 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra 21 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DRUM ENGLISHSe alt
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020