Health - Parenting Hub

Expert Advice from Bonitas Medical Fund

What is HELLP?

Pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby is a time of great excitement and joy for expectant parents. However, occasionally there can be complications, which is why pregnant moms should have regular health checks and be aware of any unusual symptoms that may develop. Over the past few years, there has been discussion around a condition known as HELLP Syndrome. It’s a life-threatening complication in pregnancy that can be difficult to diagnose. We reached out to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund and his clinical team, to get some answers and advice about HELLP. What is HELLP Syndrome? HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count) Syndrome usually develops before the 37th week of pregnancy but can occur shortly after delivery. It’s a serious complication that affects the blood and liver. H = Haemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells that carry oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body. EL= Elevated liver enzymes. High levels of these chemicals in the blood can be a sign of liver problems. LP = Low platelet count. Platelets are little fragments of blood cells that help with blood clotting. A low platelet count can lead to serious bleeding. What causes HELLP? ‘We don’t know what causes HELLP syndrome,’ says Dr Mkhatshwa, ‘however, you are at risk if you have pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.’ About 1 to 2 in 10 pregnant women (10 to 20 percent) with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia develop HELLP. Pre-eclampsia is caused by high blood pressure. It usually starts after the 20th week of pregnancy or giving birth. Eclampsia is when pre-eclampsia is uncontrolled and causes seizures. Many women are diagnosed with pre-eclampsia before they have HELLP which is a more severe form of pre-eclampsia. What are the symptoms / signs of HELLP? You may feel tired, have pain in the upper right part of the belly, bad headaches and nausea or vomiting. You may also experience swelling, especially of the face and hands and blurry vision. Some women develop HELLP suddenly, without having any signs or symptoms. If you have any signs of HELLP Syndrome, call your medical practitioner, emergency services or go to a hospital emergency room for medical care right away. How is HELLP diagnosed? To find out if you have HELLP Syndrome, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam to check for: Belly pain or soreness, especially in the upper right side An enlarged liver High blood pressure Swelling in your legs Other tests could include: Blood tests to check your liver enzyme levels, lactate dehydrogenase and full blood and platelet count with a peripheral smear Urinalysis to check for protein in the urine A CT scan to see if there’s bleeding in your liver Non-stress test or ultrasound to check your baby’s health. A non-stress test checks your baby’s heart rate, in the womb, to see how the heart rate changes when your baby moves. This test is to make sure your baby’s getting enough oxygen. Ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer screen to show a picture of your baby inside the womb Is HELLP painful? Symptoms of HELLP include serious pain just below the ribs, or the upper right side of the chest area (where the liver is), shoulder pain or pain when breathing. How is HELLP treated? You may be given medication to control your blood pressure and prevent seizures or you may require a blood transfusion to treat anaemia and low platelet levels. Early birth may be necessary because HELLP complications can get worse and harm both you and your baby – either through an induced labour or by C-Section depending on the health assessment results of the baby. How does it impact the baby? Infants born to mothers with HELLP Syndrome may have a variety of birth injuries: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or severe respiratory distress. Are there long term effects of HELLP? A history of HELLP Syndrome means you are at increased risk for recurrent pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome as well as increased long-term morbidities, particularly depression and chronic hypertension. Can HELLP develop after childbirth? Yes, up to 30% of all patients who develop HELLP Syndrome do so after giving birth, typically within 48 hours. Can I have another baby after HELLP syndrome? If you had HELLP in a previous pregnancy, regardless of the time of onset, you have a greater risk for developing it in future pregnancies. ‘The condition is serious but rare’, stresses Dr Mkhatshwa. ‘Throughout your pregnancy it’s important to understand the changes your body is going through and to discuss any unusual pain or symptoms with your medical practitioner. This will ensure you receive the right help especially if you develop a complication and make the pregnancy and birth the joyous event it should be!’

June 22, 2023

Asthma – avoiding triggers

Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the causes of asthma, preventative steps to reduce the chances of an attack and treatment. What is asthma? Asthma is a long-term condition affecting children and adults. The air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation, production of extra mucus and tightening of the muscles around the small airways. This causes asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be intermittent, are often worse at night and can be triggered by exercise. It affects approximately one in 10 children and one in 20 adults and can occur for the first time at any age, even in adulthood, although asthma usually begins before the age of five. A few children affected will ‘outgrow’ it during their teenage years but it usually persists if contracted in adulthood. Asthma tends to run in families. Signs and symptoms Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated and this can lead to disturbed sleep, tiredness during the day and poor concentration. If you fail to recognise and avoid triggers that lead to your tightened airways, you may have an asthma attack, feel respiratory distress or experience a life-threatening situation. It’s important to avoid the triggers and recognise the signs of this condition to enjoy a better quality of life. What causes asthma? There are various types of asthma including allergy-induced asthma. Research shows that the risk factors include a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental exposure, to inhaled substances and particles that may cause allergic reactions or irritate the airways. These include indoor allergens – such as dust mites, particles of cockroach waste and pet dander and outdoor allergens – such as seasonal pollen, mould as well as tobacco smoke and air pollution. Smoke and strong soaps and perfume can also be triggers. Other triggers for asthma can include cold and dry air, physical activity, stress, certain medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions and migraine) viral infections and occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust. Factors associated with asthma prevalence or disease severity in South African children include the adoption of an urban lifestyle, atopy (a genetic predisposition to having allergies), obesity, respiratory infection or exposure to industrial pollution or tobacco smoke. Treating asthma Asthma can be life threatening when left untreated and cannot be cured but, with the right treatment most asthmatics will lead completely normal, active lives. The aim of treatment should be to make the lungs and breathing tubes as normal as possible so that there are minimal symptoms and as little disruption to ordinary life as possible. People with asthma may need an inhaler. Their treatment will depend on the frequency and severity of symptoms and the different types of inhalers available. There are two main types of inhalers: Bronchodilators that open the air passages and relieve symptoms Steroids that reduce inflammation in the air passages. This improves asthma symptoms and reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks and death It can sometimes be difficult to coordinate breathing using an inhaler, especially for children and during emergency situations. Using a spacer device makes it easier and helps the medicine to reach the lungs more effectively. A spacer is a plastic container with a mouthpiece or mask at one end and a hole for the inhaler in the other. A homemade spacer, made from a 500ml plastic bottle, can be as effective as a commercially manufactured inhaler. Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers The best way to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergy triggers is to avoid them. Avoid activity in the early morning when pollen levels are at their highest Stay indoors on dry, windy days as the pollen counts surge in these conditions The best time to go outside is after a good rain, rain washes pollen away but beware, pollen counts can also soar after rainfall Delegate gardening chores like mowing the lawn to others Wear a pollen-filtering mask if you must do chores outside. When back indoors, shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair and put on clean clothes Keep windows shut or use an air conditioner if you know that pollen counts are going to be high Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner Wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week Don’t hang laundry outside during this time as pollen can stick to sheets and towels Cover your bedding and pillows with allergen-proof covers Remove stuffed toys from your children’s bedrooms Dr Mkhatshwa says, ‘If you are experiencing asthma symptoms or think you might have asthma, it is important for you to talk to your GP. This will help you establish if your symptoms are linked to asthma or whether something else is causing them.’

June 14, 2023

Free hearing screening (online) for all

Hearing loss is an under-diagnosed medical condition that significantly impacts the physical and mental health of those who have any degree of hearing difficulty. Disabling hearing loss is being called the ‘invisible epidemic.’ It affects more than three million South Africans and over 1.5 billion people globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in just two more decades, this number will exceed 2.5 billion. To help create more awareness, Bonitas Medical Fund is offering free online hearing screening for all South Africans. One of the biggest concerns associated with hearing loss when it is not treated properly is the long-term impact it has on the quality of life. Prevention and early detection are important, after all, hearing is the foundation for speech and language development, as well as learning and communication. Which is why Bonitas Medical Fund has introduced an online hearing screener on its website www.bonitas.co.za. ‘We have partnered with hearConnect to make this functionality available to all South Africans,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas. The online, validated speech-in-noise hearing test uses the latest in audiological technology. This is combined with the highest standards of clinical expertise and available on the website. In just two minutes you can test your hearing status. All you need is access to a computer or your mobile, headphones or ear plugs, a quiet area and then you’re all set to take the test. If the screening test indicates you are experiencing hearing loss, hearConnect is available to guide you through the next steps. ‘Our partnership with hearConnect includes a full audiology benefit management programme for our members. This includes a follow up with ongoing treatment steps if hearing loss is detected.’ The introduction of this programme has also improved audiology benefits for Bonitas members – offering full cover all consultations, tests and treatment needs without any unwanted co-payments. This is subject to the use of an audiologist on the hearConnect Audiology Network, hearConnect treatment protocols and clinical pathways. There are many challenges associated with hearing loss. These include language development that impacts our ability to read, write, spell and concentrate. It affects social skills resulting in isolation, depression, loneliness, cognitive impairment, unemployment and an increased risk of dementia. Hearing loss also has a direct impact on healthcare costs. ‘As a medical scheme we know that patients with untreated hearing loss experience more inpatient stays compared to those without hearing loss,’ says Callakoppen. This has a direct impact on healthcare utilisation costs. There is a 17% increased risk of emergency department visits, readmissions and rate of hospitalisation as well as longer hospital stays.’ What causes hearing loss Hearing loss can come about as you age or as a result of loud noises, illnesses and disease, genetics and trauma (contact sport) can also cause hearing loss. Other factors, such as too much earwax, also reduce your ability to hear. Don’t blast your eardrums Overexposure to loud music – or any loud noises – can be harmful. Research indicates that hearing loss results from a combination of sounds being too loud, listening to loud sounds over an extended period and the frequency of exposure. A BMJ Global Health review recently reported that pumping tunes, listened to via ear buds or even live, could be placing up to 1.35 billion young people at risk of hearing loss worldwide. The gift of hearing ‘Our new ABM programme, with hearConnect, supports our initiative with Gift of the Givers and sponsorship to test over 15 000 learners this year. The learners are from Grade R to Grade 12 at schools in in six areas within KZN,’ explains Callakoppen. ‘This project uses a South African manufactured portable audiometer, called the Kuduwave. It’s a state-of-the-art, medically certified device that has revolutionised the testing and diagnosis of auditory related deficiencies. It combines a headset, audiometer and sound booth into a single, lightweight device, which can be used in just about any location. ‘The combination of the online testing through hearConnect and the Kuduwave means we are able to offer a comprehensive hearing testing solution in South Africa,’ says Callakoppen.

June 12, 2023

All about cholesterol

High cholesterol levels go hand in hand with a number of other factors which fall under chronic conditions. It is often as a result of lifestyle factors. According to the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation, one in four adults in South Africa has high total cholesterol, while 30% have a high LDL level and 50% have low HDL Levels. What does this mean? Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund takes a look at cholesterol: What it is and why it is used, together with other factors like lifestyle and medical conditions, to estimate your risk of cardiovascular disease. And why knowing your LDL and HDL numbers is important in managing your health. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol [kuh·leh·stuh·rol] is a waxy fat-like substance, made in the liver and found in the blood and cells of your body. We all have cholesterol, it is made naturally and helps to form cells, hormones, vitamin D and bile acid (that helps us digest food). What is the difference between bad cholesterol LDL and good cholesterol HDL? LDL is low-density lipoprotein: It is called the ‘bad’ cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries which leads to a greater chance of developing a heart disease HDL is high-density lipoprotein: Is the ‘good’ cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body. However, if someone has high levels of bad cholesterol it means they have too much of this fatty substance in their blood and, over time, this could cause arteries to block and result in a heart attack or stroke. Unfortunately, unlike most medical conditions, high cholesterol can go unnoticed and often doesn’t present any symptoms, unless it’s serious enough to cause problems. What test is used to determine the levels of cholesterol in your body? Called a fasting lipogram, it measures the exact amount of different types of cholesterol you have. The SA Heart and Stroke Foundation maintain that healthy cholesterol levels should be: Total cholesterol: Less than 5.0 mmol/l (millimoles per litre) LDL cholesterol: Less than 3.0 mmol/l HDL cholesterol: Greater than 2.0 mmol/1 If your triglycerides (fat stored in the body) are higher than 1.7mmol/l, this is also indicative of a possible cholesterol problem Dr Mkhatshwa cautions that these are variables for the optimal LDL(bad cholesterol) count, according to your risk profile. ‘If you are very high-risk or high-risk the LDL-C goal is 1.8 mmol/l and 2.5 mmol/l respectively. Your doctor will explain these to you, what they mean and the steps you need to take to reduce your LDL count,’ he says. ‘You can then begin to play an active role in managing your own health.’ How often should you be tested? Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. People who have heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol, need to get their cholesterol checked more often. What diseases or conditions result from high cholesterol levels? When you have too much ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood, it can cause narrowing and blockages of the arteries – the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart muscle and to other parts of your body. In time, this narrowing can lead to a heart attack, while blockages in the arteries of your brain can cause a stroke. What kind of illnesses or diseases can cause elevated levels of LDL? People with high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes often have high cholesterol. Some other health conditions that can also cause raised levels of cholesterol include kidney disease and liver disease. What role does genetics play in high cholesterol levels? The medical term for high blood cholesterol is Familial hypercholesterolaemia. It is an inherited condition characterised by higher-than-normal levels of LDL blood cholesterol. It causes up to 10 per cent of early-onset coronary artery disease – heart disease that occurs before the age of 55 years. The cause is a mutation in a gene. Can I lower my genetically high LDL cholesterol? There is no cure for familial hypercholesterolaemia. Treatment aims to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack and may include Dietary changes, including reduced intake of saturated fats and cholesterol-rich foods, and increased intake of fibre. Statins are the most common medicine for high cholesterol. They reduce the amount of cholesterol your body makes and you usually need to take them for life. What lifestyle changes can help to lower cholesterol levels? Losing weight Eating a heart-healthy diet: Focus on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains Exercising regularly Not smoking Did you know? One third of adults have high cholesterol No one can live without cholesterol High cholesterol could be genetic Even children can have high cholesterol Sweating can raise your good cholesterol levels Supplements may work to lower cholesterol — but slowly

June 9, 2023

Dealing with anxiety during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a very happy and exciting time of your life, however, it can also be a time that is very difficult for some expecting moms. This is often made more difficult by the fact that many family and friends expect you to be thrilled, and conflicting emotions are often surrounded by guilt. Your mental health is important, and you shouldn’t expect yourself to snap out of it, or soldier on alone. What is anxiety during pregnancy? It’s natural for an expecting mom to have worries, this is a new and ever-changing part of your life. However, if your anxiety is ever-present, can’t be controlled easily and impact on your daily life it may be time to seek help. Worrying is part of being human, and if you have struggled to conceive or have lost a baby before, it’s very understandable that you may worry about your baby’s health. You may also worry about whether you’ll be a good parent or how your family dynamic will change, and these are all normal worries. But if you find your heart racing, your breathing shallow, obsessively worrying with racing thoughts, feeling restless or struggling to eat or sleep you may have anxiety. Anxiety in pregnancy is fairly normal, and you’re more likely to experience it if you’ve had anxiety in the past, have a high-risk pregnancy or are dealing with huge life stresses. What can I do about it? If you think you may have anxiety during your pregnancy, know that you are not alone or abnormal, as many expecting moms have experienced this. If you’re struggling, the best way forward is not put up with it, but to seek help. Speaking to a psychologist is a good way to start dealing with why you are suffering from anxiety and how you can deal with it. Medication during pregnancy can be tricky but are an option if they’ll benefit you and your babies well being. Staying active, eating healthy and trying to get enough sleep are also ways in which you can help yourself. Talking to others that have gone through pregnancy, or making sure that you rely on your family and partner for support are also ways in which you cope with your feelings and feel less isolated.

June 8, 2023

7 Vital health checks for women

When it comes to healthcare, the focus has moved to preventative managed care and particularly, health checks and screenings. These include tests carried out by a medical doctor to check for diseases and health conditions, even before you may have any symptoms. By detecting diseases early on they are often easier to treat. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the most important check-ups for women. Breast cancer From the age of 18 you should do regular self-examination of your breasts, if you see or feel any changes, consult your doctor immediately. Early detection increases the chance of survival and can save your life. Some doctors recommend having a mammogram every two years from the age of 40 , others believe you only need to start at 50 years of age. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray which radiologists analyse to look for changes in breast tissue. Although the greatest risk for breast cancer is age, women can get breast cancer from a very early age, genetics also play a role in determining if you are at risk for breast cancer. Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer almost doubles a woman’s risk. Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk 3-fold. Breast cancer can affect men too, so women with a father or brother who has had breast cancer have a higher risk of breast cancer. Cervical cancer South Africa has a high rate of cervical cancer which has been attributed to the fact that not enough women are screened regularly. Screening can detect early changes in the cervix which can be treated and save your life. These include: Pap test (pap smear) which looks for cell changes (pre-cancers) in the cervix that may progress to cancer if not treated. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test. Looks for the virus that causes most cervical cancers It is recommended that between the ages of 21 and 65, women should have a pap smear every two years and, from the age of 30 onwards, a pap smear and HPV test can be done every 5 years. A vaccine has been developed to protect women from getting HPV. It is administered free of charge, annually, to girls between Grade 4 and 7 (9 to 12 years of age) in all government schools. The HPV vaccination can be a cost-effective strategy in lowering the cervical cancer risk among women in South Africa. HIV/AIDS It is a misconception that men predominantly become infected with HIV/AIDS. Studies show that women are getting infected at a faster rate, particularly in developing countries and are both infected more and suffer more, than men. It is advisable for women to have an HIV test annually. Bone Density As you age, your bones become thinner and weaker. Over time this can lead to a condition called osteoporosis. If you’re aged 65 or older a bone density test is recommended, which is covered by Bonitas. Called a DEXA scan, the frequency of this screening varies depending on your bone density and other risk factors. Your doctor may suggest you have this test earlier if you: Broke a bone in the past Have taken steroids for a long time Have rheumatoid arthritis Are underweight Have a parent who has broken a hip after a minor injury Treatment for osteoporosis is readily available, ask your doctor. Colorectal cancer screening These tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum by checking for tissue growths, called polyps. If you don’t have an elevated risk for cancer, then you should start having these tests when you turn 45. A colonoscopy, where the doctor looks at your entire colon, should be done every 3-10 years depending on what is found during your exam. A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) should happen annually. The FIT is also a screening test for colon cancer which tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. Skin checks Skin cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of skin cells – usually on the skin that has been exposed to the sun but not always. There are three major types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Examine your skin carefully at least once a month and, if you are prone to getting lots of moles, go to a dermatologist and have the moles ‘mapped.’ If skin cancers are found early and treated, they are almost always curable. If you have a history of skin cancer in your family, have your skin checked regularly by a doctor. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Known as lifestyle diseases, NCDs pose some of the biggest threats to the health of South Africans. They are a result of the way we live, combined with genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The most common are hypertension (or high blood pressure), diabetes, mental health and obesity. It is imperative to have regular or annual checkups as recommended by your doctor. Weight and BMI Almost 70% of women in South Africa are overweight or obese. The Body Mass Indicator (BMI) is used to check if you are a healthy weight. To calculate your BMI: Divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m) Then divide the answer by your height again Underweight is less than 18.5 and over 30 is considered obese Diabetes With over 4.6 million people in South Africa living with diabetes, it’s important to check your blood glucose. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. They are different conditions but are both serious and need to be treated and managed properly. One of the biggest problems with diabetes is when it remains undiagnosed. This can lead to blindness, heart attackstroke, kidney failure, impotence and amputation, so it’s vital to be checked frequently. Blood pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when blood pressure stays elevated over time. It is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ since nearly 33% of people who have it,

June 1, 2023

Advice from the experts

Exploring male menopause

Recently there has been increased discussions around male menopause. However, research shows that not all doctors and psychologists agree that there is a definitive male menopause or andropause. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, says this is because not all men experience it and, for those who do, they often don’t express their feelings as freely as women – as a result only a few men exhibit ‘midlife crisis’ symptoms. What is ‘male menopause’? It is the decline in the levels of the male hormone testosterone in men, just as women’s levels of estrogen begin to decrease, any time from the age of 40+. Some doctors refer to it as low testosterone. It is normal to experience a decline in the production of the male hormone testosterone with ageing but this also occurs with conditions such as diabetes. This gradual decline of testosterone levels is called late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone. It is a more gradual than female menopause where ovulation ends and hormone production plummets during a relatively short time. When does ‘male menopause’ start? Andropause or male menopause can begin at about age 40 (but can start earlier) and continue into the 70s. Why is it not talked about more? There is not much research into the subject, probably because you don’t die from the reduction in gonadal hormones and the withdrawal of hormones is not as dramatic as in women. Together with the reduction in hormones, there are often other factors involved when men experience this. For example, work pressure, marital pressures, life management and lifestyles exacerbate the problem. Many practitioners believe that balanced, youthful levels of human hormones improve the quality of life. What are some of the symptoms? Decreased mental sharpness (poor concentration, depressed mood) Decreased energy and strength Weight gain, decreased muscle and increased fat Depression and/or loss of eagerness and enthusiasm Irritability Sore body syndrome (feeling stiffness) Hot flushes or sweats Cold hands and feet Itching Poor sexual function Height loss Dr Mkhatshwa says some men feel the pressing need to make major changes because they feel ‘life is too short’ or have a feeling of dissatisfaction with their career, marriage and health. This can lead to restlessness about changes in appearance and making out of character choices, such as having an affair or a sudden desire for excitement or thrilling experiences. Getting help Men cope with menopause in different ways, it depends largely on their personality. The reduction in hormones often coincides with children leaving home, friends getting sick, marriages in trouble and job horizons narrowing. Combined with physical, psychological and sexual symptoms it is critical for men to acknowledge the challenges and seek the help of their family doctor, spouse, friends and support groups. How does one test for male menopause/andropause? It’s best to make an appointment with your GP who will: Perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms, order tests to rule out medical problems that may be contributing to the condition and do blood tests, which may include measuring testosterone level. Helping your body and mind cope with andropause Diet: A healthy diet, which includes a balance of vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and dairy products Fitness: Engage in regular exercise, including aerobic, muscular and flexibility exercises Get regular health check-ups including cardiovascular, prostate and testicular cancer Check hormone levels as you get older. Generally, between 40 and 55 several important hormones in a man’s body begin to decline Reduce stress in your life. Exercise and relaxation help to reduce stress, as does talking to your partner, friends and family about your problems Although sex is still important as you go through male menopause, you will start to view sex as a part of a loving relationship which includes friendship, intimacy and sharing Get plenty of sleep What about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), does it work? Medical experts are divided on this. It may improve the sexual function to some extent but there is no evidence that it improves any other symptoms. Are there any dangers or side effects? Men should avoid TRT if they are at high risk of prostate cancer, have severe urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement, have diagnosed heart disease, sleep apnea, a combination of risk factors for a heart attack or are prone to thrombo-embolic events. TRT does have associated risks, including: Worsening sleep apnoea (a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts) Causing acne or other skin reactions Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and growth of existing prostate cancer Enlarged breasts Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink Stimulating too much red blood cell production, which contributes to the increased risk of forming a blood clot Fluid retention, etc. Unlike menopause in women, Dr Mkhatshwa believes more research is needed on andropause or male menopause to completely understand it and determine what can be done to assist men through this phase of their lives.

May 31, 2022

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM EMOTIONAL ABUSE

It’s no great secret that we want to keep our kids safe and raise them in a supportive environment. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Our sons and daughters are growing up in a world that is full of lurking threats that range from anywhere from predators to cyberbullies. These pitfalls make our parenting jobs more arduous, especially when it comes to unseen dangers like emotional abuse. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse leaves no marks or bruises which makes detecting it difficult.Emotional abuse, like other forms of abuse, can cause degradation or take a child’s pride away. This can take the form of threats, rejection, ignoring, isolating, criticism, corrupting, swearing, and lying or any verbal patterns that harms a child’s emotional well-being, development, or self-worth. Unfortunately, emotional abuse often involves an ongoing relationship and occurs over time, and is not just one isolated incident. The Prevalence of Emotional Abuse For years, experts and researchers have been plagued with problems about defining emotional abuse and tracking its prevalence.The precise numbers of children suffering this abuse is hard to know, because many incidents go unreported or fly under the radar of caregivers, parents, or the authorities. Occasionally, there are cultural factors that influence how a parent disciplines or interacts with a child. For example, there is solid evidence from the World Health Organization that found most cultures yell at children, while cursing, calling names, and threatening abandonment vary greatly around the world. Childline receives around 4,827 calls from kids who were emotional abuse victims. This data lets us know that emotional abuse is a very real threat to our kids. In fact, some experts suggest that emotional abuse appears to be the the most prevalent form of maltreatment and abuse of children. There are a variety of reasons suspected of causing kids to experience emotional abuse that include: poverty, unemployment, overcrowding in the home, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and more. But, far too often kids are vulnerable just because they are children and easily become scapegoats for an adult’s anger or frustration. Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse in Kids Like we mentioned earlier, recognising emotional abuse is difficult. That makes it essential that we know what behaviours to look for so we can put a halt to the verbal abuse. Listed below are possible warning signs. of emotional abuse kids: Withdrawal from activities or friends Poor concentration Bed-wetting Difficulty sleeping Changes in eating habits Increased anger or aggression Acting out Sadness Feeling ashamed Obsessed over doing things a certain way or meeting expectations Fear Anxiety Suicidal or self-harming behaviours How to Protect Your Kids From Emotional Abuse Even though this topic is frightening, there are a few simple steps we can take to protect our kids from suffering emotional abuse. To help keep our boys and girls safe, scroll through the list of safety suggestions: Believe children when they tell you they are experiencing emotional abuse.Listen, reassure them, and report the abuse to the right authorities. Good support is vital when it comes to giving kids hope and encouragement while they rebuild their lives, ability to trust, and move forward. Find child caregivers you trust.It’s obvious that we can’t always be with our kids. Reduce the chance of emotional abuse by finding a reliable caregiver you trust. Begin ongoing conversations about the power of words.All children, and even a few adults, need to be reminded how words can hurt. This will open the lines of communication and encourage kids to share when they have experienced emotional abuse. Teach relaxation techniques to combat anxiety. Inevitably, there will be times when a child encounters unkind words or mean people. Whether it’s a bully at school or a narcissistic boss at work, teach kids coping methods, deep breathing, or yoga moves to combat emotional abuse. Model healthy relationships with partners, friends, family, and children.We are our child’s first teachers and we must lead by a good example. If we want our kids to respect themselves and be in healthy relationships, we must pave the way by showing them acceptable ways for talking about our feelings, communicating, disagreeing, saying we are sorry, and making-up after an argument. Avoid name calling, harsh judgments, and create a safe home environment. As parents, we need to be the safe place to fall. This doesn’t mean we can’t discipline or enforce house rules. However, we need to be mindful of how our words and phrases can impact our child’s development, either setting them up for a lifetime of grief or acceptance.

May 30, 2022

CHILDHOOD PAIN & FEVER: TURN TO RECENTLY LAUNCHED AND CONVENIENT, PANADO® PAEDIATRIC SYRUP, PEPPERMINT 5 ML SACHETS

It’s true: Babies don’t come with manuals. So, if your baby spikes a fever and appears to be in pain, it’s natural for even the calmest of moms and dads to panic. When your baby or infant has pain and fever, turn to recently launched and conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. What Is Fever and Is It Dangerous to Children? Throughout the ages, certain myths have caused an uproar… kiss a frog and get a prince, goldfish only have a three-second memory, and all fevers are bad for children. Fever is defined as a body temperature of > (more than/equal to) 38 degrees C.1a As strange as it may seem, fevers can be a good thing. A fever is your child’s body’s way of fighting off infections and helping speed up recovery.1b What Causes Pain And Fever In Children? Viral infections are common in infants and children, and most are not serious, including the common cold and a sore throat.2 Teething can be uncomfortable for young children as the tooth cuts through the gums,3a while in older children, cavities may also cause toothache.3b Childhood vaccinations can also cause fever and local reaction (pain, swelling and redness).1c Headaches are common in children, affecting up to 75% of school-aged children,4a and are commonly caused by viral or an upper respiratory tract infection.4b Why choose Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets? Recently launched and conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets have been made with little ones in mind. It contains paracetamol, which boasts more than 150 years of clinical experience5a, and is a trusted choice for many South African families to treat headaches, pain and fever. It’s also gentle on little tummies.5b Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets are great for on-the-go parents and super convenient for when you’re travelling those long distances!

May 27, 2022

Morning sickness – what to expect and how to deal

Being pregnant is an exciting time of your life, but it can be a little daunting. Morning sickness is one of the aspects of pregnancy that can be difficult to deal with. It is estimated that over 70% of women deal with nausea and vomiting to some degree. The name morning sickness is also misleading, as unfortunately you can feel sick anytime of day. Morning sickness is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. Unless vomiting is so frequent that it leads to weight loss and dehydration (this is known as hyperemesis gravidarum), morning sickness is considered a normal (albeit unpleasant) part of pregnancy. What causes morning sickness? There is no one cause of morning sickness, and severity varies amongst women, and between pregnancies. Some women deal with feeling nauseous the entire pregnancy, whereas others will find that symptoms abate within the second trimester. Luckily, even though you may be feeling miserable, morning sickness is often seen as a sign of a healthy pregnancy and doesn’t harm your baby. Morning sickness is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, specifically the pregnancy hormone, known as human chorionic gonadotropin. How to deal with morning sickness? Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do to fully alleviate the nausea and vomiting, however, there are things you can do to help fight feeling sick. Making sure you stay hydrated, eating a bland diet, such as rice, bananas and crackers, as well as eating small amounts frequently are all things that can help quell the queasiness. Try staying away from strong smells and spicy foods, as these can trigger nausea. If your morning sickness is bad, speak to your doctor, and be sure to consult with them before trying any medication or alternative remedies.

May 26, 2022

The Sushi Sandwich, a great lunchbox idea!

No matter their income, many South African families fall short of the recommendations for 2 to 3 servings of dairy a day. However, given the versatility of dairy, it is really easy to include it in meals, snacks, drinks and lunchboxes. The Rediscover Dairy Sushi Sandwich is a great addition to any lunchbox (big and small). We love it because: It is versatile, because different food items can be included. It is a powerhouse lunchbox snack – high fibre, raw veggies and protein all in one. It is easy to eat, because each piece is bite size, so can adjust to different levels of appetite. It includes dairy and counts towards the recommended 3-A-DAY intake – you can used full fat, plain or flavoured cream cheese or cheese spread or even cottage cheese (plain or smooth). It is easy to make, so the kids can help and use their favourite ingredients. It can be made with high fibre, low GI brown or white bread. It caters to many different tastes and ingredients can include sticks of cheese, cream cheese, chicken, julienne vegetables (carrots, peppers, cucumber and baby marrow) and avo. It can include a combo of protein and veg and it a great way to include a daily raw veggie portion. The raw vegetables pair well with hard cheeses like gouda, cheddar or even feta and a protein like chicken, smoked chicken, tinned fish, salmon or beef strips. See here how to make the Sushi Sandwich. INGREDIENTS (1 Serving) 2 slices (2 x 30 g) of white bread, crusts removed 4 Tbsp (24 g) cream cheese or cheddar cheese spread A quarter red pepper (30 g), deseeded, thinly sliced A quarter carrot (20 g), peeled and thinly sliced TO SERVE Sweet chilli sauce to serve Cheese wedges to serve Raisins to serve Fruit to serve INSTRUCTIONS Place the bread on a clean, flat surface. Using a rolling pin, flatten the bread slightly. Spread the cheese spread evenly over the bread slices, leaving a 2 cm border along 1 edge. Top with red pepper and carrot strips (or any other fillings). Roll up to enclose filling and slice each roll into thirds. Serve with sweet chili sauce.

May 20, 2022

Quick and easy toddler meals and snacks you can freeze

As every busy parent knows, there often simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. But one thing you don’t want to compromise on is being able to give your child nutritious meals and snacks. These quick and easy freezer-friendly recipes will help make your life easier – and keep your toddler happy and well fed too! SNEAKY VEGGIE-LOADED MAC AND CHEESE The great thing about Squish 100% Veg Purees is that they allow you to add veggie goodness to your child’s favourite meals, like bolognaise, scrambled eggs, and mac and cheese, without them noticing – a great solve for picky toddlers. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees contain no nasties, which means they’re free from preservatives, colourants and flavourants and have no added sugar or starch. Double this recipe so that you can freeze the extra portions and have a whole batch of quick and easy suppers ready to simply heat and serve when you’re pressed for time. Ingredients 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree 250 ml (1 cup) milk Salt and freshly cracked black pepper 250 ml (1 cup) cooked macaroni pasta, drained 125 ml (½ cup) cheddar cheese 65 ml (¼ cup) cream cheese 1 ml (¼ tsp) ground nutmeg 65 ml (¼ cup) breadcrumbs 15 ml (1 Tbsp) butter Method Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Mix the Squish Puree and milk together, then add the drained pasta. Add the cheddar and cream cheeses and stir well to combine. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spoon into ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and a dot of butter. Bake in an oven pre-heated to 180°C for 20 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving. MINI FRUITY MUFFINS These mini muffins are perfect grab-and-go snacks and are great to add to your little one’s lunch box. Bake a batch (or two!) and freeze so you always have on hand when you need. These muffins are made using Squish 100% Fruit Puree, which adds natural sweetness meaning you can use less cane sugar. You can switch up the flavours by choosing different purees each time you bake a batch – try Summer Berries, Banana + Strawberry, or Pear. To make a variety in one go, divide the batter, and add the leftovers from your Squish pouches (even the Squish 100% Veggie Purees work well). Squish pouches come with a resealable lid, meaning you never need to waste a drop. Just use what you need then put them back in the fridge for later. Ingredients 375 ml (1½ cups) cake flour 7.5 ml (1½ tsp) baking powder 5 ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon 125 ml (½ cup) brown sugar 1 egg 65 ml (¼ cup) sunflower oil 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Banana + Apple Puree 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Apple Puree Method Sift flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the brown sugar. Mix the egg and the oil together and stir in the puree. Add the puree mixture to the dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed. Spoon the muffin batter into a muffin tray that has been lined with paper muffin cups. Bake the muffins in an oven that has been preheated to 180˚C for 15 minutes or until the muffins are golden and firm to the touch. CHEESY VEG BALLS These Cheesy Veg Balls are delicious and packed with natural goodness too. They are great as a meal on their own, a lunchbox filler, or as an on-the-go snack when you’re enjoying a day out with your toddler. This recipe uses a whole sachet of Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree, but you can switch it up and use any of your child’s favourite Squish flavours, including Butternut + Carrot and Apple, Sweet Potato + Sweet Corn. Squish Purees are made using 100% fruit and vegetables with no dilution, which means they provide parents with convenience, without compromising on quality. Ingredients 1 cup cheese 1 x 110ml Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree ¼ small onion, finely grated 2 cups breadcrumbs (simply put several slices of bread into your processor and blitz) ½ cup wholewheat flour 2-3 large courgettes, finely grated 2 large carrots, finely grated ½ clove garlic grated, finely grated 2 Tbsp olive oil/coconut oil 1 tsp dried herbs Method Combine all the ingredients then leave to rest for 20 minutes. Roll into small balls. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 20-25 minutes. (If you have an air-fryer, 10 minutes tops.) For a dipping sauce, simply mix some full-cream plain yoghurt with Squish 100% Veg Puree. FREEZER HACK: Keep a stash of Squish Yogi pouches in your freezer. Pop into your toddler’s lunchbox and by snack time it will have gently melted creating a refreshing slushie (and keeping their lunchbox contents cool!). Looking for more toddler-friendly recipe inspiration? Click here.

May 20, 2022

The Killer Quintet

Two years ago, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Medical Council described the increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as an ‘emerging epidemic’ and the ‘biggest threat to South Africa’s health’. NCDs are associated with the way a person or group of people live, which is why they are called lifestyle diseases. They include atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke, obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as diseases associated with smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. These diseases used to be prevalent mostly in higher income brackets but not anymore, they are wreaking havoc amongst all South Africans. The good news is that the damage resulting from unhealthy lifestyles can be stemmed. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund talks about the top five lifestyle diseases and the effect they have on our bodies. 1. Lack of exercise Not having enough exercise is a major cause of NCDs and chronic disease. Exercise can help reduce or prevent certain NCDs and chronic diseases. Regular aerobic exercise may delay or prevent type 2 diabetes and has benefits for type 1 diabetes as well. Resistance training for type 2 diabetes results in a leaner body mass, blood sugar and blood pressure control Heart disease – reduces cardiovascular risk factors including increasing HDL (good cholesterol) while offsetting LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing blood pressure Cancer – can reduce the risk of several cancers including breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, gastric and oesophageal cancer 2. Stress Your stress response is controlled by your hypothalamus, a tiny control tower in your brain. Stress hormones are sent out which trigger your body’s fight or flight response. Your heart may start beating faster, you breathe more quickly and your muscles tense ready for action. All good in an emergency but if it keeps firing all day it could put your health at serious risk. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. 3. Smoking Thousands of people die every year from cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart attacks and strokes because of cigarette smoking. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s never too late to quit. Within 12 hours after your last cigarette your body will begin to heal itself. The levels of carbon monoxide and nicotine in your system will decline rapidly and your heart and lungs will begin repairing the damage caused by cigarette smoke. Your risk of lung cancer starts to decline a year after you quit and, by the time you’ve been a non-smoker for 10 or 15 years, your risk of cancer is about the same as for people who have never smoked. 4. Alcohol Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver, colon and rectum. Alcohol affects the body is a multitude of ways including: The pancreas causing pancreatitis – alcohol-related liver disease and chronic liver inflammation which result in either low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) too much sugar in the blood (hyperglycaemia) and may end up with complications related to diabetes Your central nervous system – over time it affects your memory, ability to make rational choices and think clearly. Chronic heavy drinking can cause permanent brain damage Your digestive system – over time, the tissues in your digestive tract get damaged and you can’t absorb nutrients properly, this results in malnutrition Circulatory system – chronic drinking can affect your heart and lungs, giving rise to complications like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat leading to heart attack and stroke and heart failure Skeletal and muscle systems –can affect bone density and increase your risk of fractures as well as muscle weakness and atrophy Immune system – drinking heavily reduces your body’s natural immune system which makes you more likely to develop pneumonia and tuberculosis 5. Poor nutrition Poor eating habits include under or over-eating, not having enough of the healthy foods we need each day or consuming too many types of food and drink. Unhealthy eating habits can affect our nutrient intake, including energy (kilojoules) protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals as well as fibre and fluid. This can cause obesity, which the World Health Organization (WHO), says has reached epidemic proportions globally; diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and cancer. All forms of malnutrition have become one of the biggest health problems globally. By modifying your behaviour and adopting a healthier lifestyle damage can be curbed, you can improve both the quality of your life and your longevity.

May 17, 2022

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BABY’S PORTION CONTROL

Managing a baby’s portion control can be tricky, especially if you are a new parent. However, this can be made easy if you have the right equipment in your feeding arsenal! Take a look at why portion control is important for your child, and how to get it right with the perfect plate. Developing Healthy Habits Through Baby Portion Control From an early age, your child is picking up on how to interact with the world. Therefore, instilling a healthy relationship with food is vital for your baby. Portion control can help your child avoid: Diabetes Obesity Anorexia Bulimia All of the above mentioned health problems can be linked to the practice of overeating – which is scary. The Do’s And Don’ts Of Baby Portion Control Below are a number of suggested habits to get yourself into to strengthen your baby’s portion control: Do Allow Self Feeding: This will help your baby develop not only a good relationship with food, but also the ability to determine when he or she is satisfied. Do Try Various Flavours: This will allow you to suss out which are your little one’s favourites, and will allow your baby to widen their pallet. Do Make Use Of A Divide Plate: If you don’t know the first thing about baby portion size, get something to guide you along the way. Don’t Encourage Plate Completion: This is a grave mistake made by many parents. Encouraging your child to finish a whole plate of food may give them a poor relationship with food, as they are being forced to continue eating even once they are full. Rather ask them if they are satisfied and have had enough. If they say yes, trust them on this. Don’t Use Food As A Rewards System: This will also deepen an unhealthy relationship with food. Rather than coaxing them into doing something with the promise of a sweetie, reward them in other ways.

May 12, 2022

It’s time to talk – period!

The 28th of May is recognised globally as Menstrual Hygiene Day and encourages people globally to promote good menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls. As a local business that produces a range of women’s reproductive health products, 3Sixty Biomedicine with their naturally based Salome range is committed to playing an active role in educating and promoting a better understanding about common women’s health issues. Menstrual health issues are among the most common reproductive health issues that women deal with on a regular basis; these can impact their quality of life and act as a barrier to schooling and participation in sports and other activities if not identified and managed properly. It is thus important to discuss menstrual health openly; like if PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is real or a myth, how to know if period pains are normal or not, or if the amount of menstrual blood flow experienced is normal, because these conditions can add further complications to women’s reproductive health. Common Menstrual Health Issues unpacked Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is a common condition experienced by many women; this condition is often painful and debilitating for 30% of women who suffer from it on an ongoing basis. Symptoms of menorrhagia include soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours, needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow, needing to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night, bleeding for longer than a 7 days and / or passing large blood clots. Dysmenorrhea, the technical term for period pain, is also a common women’s health issue that affects women of all ages and races. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians; up to 20% of women experience menstrual cramping that is severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. Symptoms that may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain with or without radiation to the back, typically begin in adolescence and may lead to school and work absenteeism, as well as limitations on social, academic, and sports activities. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is another common problem that is characterised by a set of physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms that start the week leading up to a woman’s menstrual cycle. In a published article on the epidemiology of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), it stated that 23 – 31% of women of reproductive age experience PMS to a degree that affects their quality of life. Some of the psychological symptoms associated with PMS are irritability, mood swings, depressed mood and crying, low self-esteem and anxiety to name a few. To add to this, there are also cognitive symptoms such as forgetfulness and physical symptoms such as bloating, fluid retention, constipation and headaches, all of which can feel debilitating. How to tackle Menstrual Health Issues The Salome product range offers over the counter treatment options to help manage common female reproductive health issues. The range is based on herbal extracts and aims to manage conditions such as primary dysmenorrhea (period pain), menorrhagia (heavy menstrual pain) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with minimal to no side effects. Salome PreMens is the newest addition to the Salome range and contains a natural extract known as vitex agnus-castus which is more commonly known as chaste tree or monk’s pepper. Salome PreMenS is used to help manage psychological and emotional well-being during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Vitex agnus-castus is considered a progestogenic herb as it encourages ovulation, increases progesterone and helps rebalance oestrogen/progesterone ratios. Vitex agnus-castus assists in alleviating physical symptoms of PMS such as fluid retention, breast tenderness, and premenstrual weight gain. “Part of building a period positive world is acknowledging that we have a collective responsibility in changing the way society views periods in the 21st century. We have to ensure that young menstruators should be able to talk openly and celebrate their transition into adulthood without having to hide it in secret or manage their period in isolation. After all, menstruating or having a period is NORMAL and occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. At the very least we should be able to talk openly about our menstrual cycles so we can identify when there are abnormalities in order to get the necessary help and treatment when required,” says 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO, Boitumelo Sebambo. Visit www.salome-range.co.za for more information about the full Salome range of products that helps to manage menstrual pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, infertility in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and menopause. Salome Menstrual Pain, Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Salome PreMens are available to the public from pharmacies nationwide or online at Takealot.com and Salome’s website and can be reimbursed from medical aid savings. Connect with Salome on their social media platforms: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

May 12, 2022

NEW PARENTS AND YOUR BABY’S HEALTH

Becoming a parent is a joy but it can also be overwhelming and just a little daunting. There is no degree or diploma, you are simply propelled into it. It’s a steep learning curve. You instantly have a new life depending on you and, combined with sleep deprivation, the challenges of adjusting to being a parent and wanting to do the best for your child, you need all the help you can get.Becoming a parent is a joy but it can also be overwhelming and just a little daunting. There is no degree or diploma, you are simply propelled into it. It’s a steep learning curve. You instantly have a new life depending on you and, combined with sleep deprivation, the challenges of adjusting to being a parent and wanting to do the best for your child, you need all the help you can get.

May 11, 2022

Crèche Syndrome, Breaking the Cycle Naturally

You won’t find it in the medical textbooks, but if you’re a parent boomeranging in and out of your paediatrician’s rooms with an endlessly sniffling baby or toddler, chances are you’ve heard of ‘crèche syndrome’. It’s a colloquial term referring to a cycle of infections, usually upper respiratory, that unfortunately, commonly afflict little ones regularly attending playschool or pre-school. It’s not hard to guess why. Babies and toddlers have developing immune systems, and frequent exposure and close contact with a range of other children results in the quick and easy spread of pathogens, no matter how much cleaning happens in the environment. Infections often get worse in the winter when the children spend more time indoors and the bugs proliferate in the closed environment. Snotty and a bit of a wet cough may not sound like the worst, but the reality is that these ongoing infections take a big toll on parents. There’s the naturally high levels of stress that parents experience when their children are unwell; there’s lost sleep and more often than not, lost working hours too. Most parents can take this in their stride when it happens once or twice, but ‘crèche syndrome’ refers to a spate of rolling infections over an extended time, and it can easily become desperately exhausting and costly. In addition, the symptoms are not always mild, and one seemingly slight sickness can lead to other issues including ear infections, serious chest infections and gastric infections. With rosy health as an important marker of our parental responsibilities, continuous sickness in our child can make us doubt our abilities. The good news is that you’re not alone; you’re not a bad parent and, according to Michele Carelse, Founder and CEO of online natural health and wellness retailer, Feelgood Health, there are ways to break the debilitating cycle of crèche syndrome. She says, “Parents can consider the natural treatment route and they will find that there are various easy strategies to help support their little one’s developing immune systems. Also, for those parents concerned about the efficacy of antibiotics and the impacts of frequent antibiotic use, a holistic approach can be the way to go.” How to prevent and treat creche syndrome naturally There are many things a parent can do to protect and strengthen their kids’ immune systems. With a strong immune system, infections can be fought better and faster, and the risk of secondary infections developing is much lower. Here are some of the best proven ways to build your child’s immune system: 1) Good nutrition Many kids are fussy eaters, so parents often end up feeding them ‘easy’ meals, which are often highly-processed and nutrient-poor. Nutrition directly impacts health and immunity – a lack of daily nutrient-rich foods can result in susceptibility to a host of infections and increase your child’s risk of nutrient deficiencies and related health conditions. It’s important to know and understand children’s dietary requirements and discover some of the many, easy ways to serve up nutrient-dense foods that your child will happily eat. If you find that you are still struggling to turn them on to regular healthy meals, then consider a kid-friendly nutritional supplement such as Solgar’s Kangavites Multivitamins, which contains all the vitamins and minerals a child needs for growth, strong immunity and healthy brain functioning in a yummy chewable form. 2) Probiotics There’s a well-researched link between the healthy gut biome and immune functioning. An increasing number of parents are becoming educated about probiotics and have started giving their kids probiotics on a daily basis, especially before and during flu season. 3) Diffusers and essential oils Essential oils are commonly used for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Take note that babies and toddlers are especially sensitive to essential oils being applied directly onto their skin, so a diffuser is the best way to get the therapeutic properties of the oils into your little one’s respiratory system. Some of the best essential oils for respiratory infections are eucalyptus, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and rosemary. 4) Don’t dry out phlegm Contrary to popular belief, drying out a runny nose or a phlegmy respiratory tract may not be a good thing. Mucous and phlegm are appropriate bodily responses in the efforts to rid the respiratory tract of germs. Rather than drying out the respiratory tract, use a Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray which will help loosen mucous without drying anything out. The added benefit of doing this is that colloidal silver contains powerful antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibiotic properties. 5) Immune-boosting supplements Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies made from plants have been proven effective in boosting immune systems and fighting infection. Here is Michele’s top selection of immune-boosting natural remedies for children: BaniFlu: This homeopathic ‘flu remedy can be used by the whole family, including children and babies. KiddieBoost: Naturally strengthens immune functioning in children and promotes your child’s natural resistance to illness. This antiviral and antibiotic alternative speeds up recovery from illness and is suitable for little ones over the age of 12 months. Sniffly Sprinkles: Sniffly Sprinkles contains a selection of 100% homeopathic ingredients to relieve sneezing quickly, safely and effectively, as well as runny and blocked noses in babies and children. It can be used for new-borns and children up to the age of 12 years.

May 11, 2022

Have milk, maas or yoghurt every day

There are excellent reasons why the whole family should add milk and other dairy products such as milk, amasi, yoghurt or cheese to their daily diet. They taste great and are packed with a unique combination of many important nutrients, which work together as a team to give you GO throughout the day and help keep your body healthy. Dairy – a nutrient power pack All dairy products are nutrient rich, giving you many of the important nutrients your body needs. The good-quality protein in dairy helps children grow and supports bones and muscle building throughout life to keep you strong. The natural sugar in milk (lactose) is a valuable source of energy, which helps to get you through the day. It can also aid recovery after exercise, to enable you to work just as hard next time. A single cup of milk gives you a third of your daily calcium needs for strong bones and teeth; almost half your vitamin B12 needs to keep your brain alert; and a quarter of your potassium needs so that your heart stays healthy and your blood pressure in check. Full-cream milk also delivers vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight and to help protect you against disease. Whether you choose milk, amasi or yoghurt, you will get all these nutrients in a single serving – and some vitamin B2, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc – to keep your body healthy. Get the power of milk on your side The South African food-based dietary guidelines recommend that a healthy diet should include milk and dairy every day. Health authorities all over the world say the same. So, be sure to include MILK and dairy foods such as AMASI, YOGHURT and CHEESE in your daily diet. These foods are tasty, convenient and affordable, and can be used in many different ways so that you can get all the goodness of dairy. Smart ideas to ‘just add dairy’ Cook oats with milk instead of water or mix milk into instant oats. Whip up a no-fuss breakfast by adding raw oats to yoghurt the night before and then mixing in some fruit, nuts or even a pinch of cinnamon in the morning. Make a fruit smoothie by blending milk, yoghurt or amasi and your favourite fruit together. Melt a few blocks of chocolate into a cup of hot milk for a special treat or make a milky coffee to keep you warm on a cold winters evening. Bake scones with milk and cheese, using this easy three-ingredient recipe: Mix 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of grated cheese and 1 cup of self-raising flour together. Spoon the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 15 minutes at 180 °C. Use milk to make a hearty macaroni and cheese, a rich white sauce or a smooth custard. Prepare melkkos, with cinnamon and sugar, as a comfort food on a cold day. Spoon a dollop of plain cottage cheese or sour cream onto a baked potato. Sprinkle grated cheese over vegetables, omelettes, tacos or pasta. Mix cheese into mashed potatoes or meatballs for a creamy richness.

May 6, 2022

Winter-must haves you’ll need for your baby when the temperature drops

Ask any mom, and she’ll tell you that young children and babies have a list of non-negotiable, crucial must-haves all year round. But winter has a way of turning things up a notch. And we’re not just talking about an increase in clothing and warm layers; like adults, a baby’s skin needs may also change during the colder months, as may their nutritional needs. You’ll probably find that your list of must-haves grows a little longer, as baby needs a few more products to stay healthy and happy. Here are our winter must-have recommendations for babies and toddlers: Safety first You have a first aid kit in your car, and in your medicine cabinet, so why wouldn’t you have an equivalent kit for baby? We all know that there is nothing predictable about babies, and they can often start to feel unwell at a difficult time, like late at night or over the weekend, which is why it’s essential to have some basic healthcare products available for use at home. And while babies can get sick any time of the year, we all know that winter is notorious for bringing on the sniffles. Keeping a healthcare kit on-hand means you’ll be able to access a thermometer, nasal aspirator, and other essential items easily and conveniently – no more searching through drawers and cabinets! Try: Safety 1st Healthcare Kit (R269.95) The Safety 1st Healthcare Kit 11 Pieces comes with all the tools you’ll need to properly see to your newborn’s health needs. It includes a digital thermometer, nasal aspirator, soft toothbrush, medicine dropper, 5 alcohol wipes, an emergency contact card, and a travel case. Immune support As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. While it’s impossible to prevent babies and children from ever getting sick, it is possible to boost their immune systems by ensuring that they get all the vitamins and minerals their bodies need to function optimally. A healthy and balanced diet goes a long way, but we all know that young children can be picky eaters, which means that they are likely not consuming all the nutrients they need from their food. This is where good quality supplements like NutriPure, which is free from sugar, artificial flavours, colours, and sweeteners make all the difference. Try: NutriPure Kids Multivitamin Gummies (R109.95). Made with real fruit juice, these delicious gummies help to maintain your child’s immune system and promote overall well-being. It contains vitamins D, B6, B12, & C, as well as Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, and Niacin. NutriPure Kids Probiotics (R164.95) At any age, a balanced intestinal micro-flora is highly important in keeping the body in healthy working order. The healthy bacterial microflora in the gut is a key element for overall well-being. Each Nutripure Probiotics bear contains 1 billion live cultures to help your child boost his daily culture intake. Nutripure Kids Immune Support Gummies (R109.95) These delicious gummies contain a unique blend of 6 essential vitamins and minerals that all contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C, B6, and B12 help to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are factors in the maintenance of good health. Preventing and treating dry skin Babies and young children, like adults, are prone to getting dry skin when the temperature drops. Humidity levels are lower in winter, and the water content of the epidermis (the top layer of skin) typically reflects the humidity around it. If left untreated, dry skin may become itchy and uncomfortable, and may flake or even peel. Make sure that babies and children are bathed in warm (not hot) water, as hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and may lead to dryness. We recommend applying a nourishing oil to the skin after every bath, and throughout the day as needed, to lock in moisture. Multipurpose oils, such as those from Jamaican Mango & Lime, are great for softening and moisturizing dry skin. Try: Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil Tea Tree (R152.00) has anti-inflammation properties and is made with a blend of pure Jamaican black castor oil and tea tree oil, which softens and moisturizes dry, damaged skin. Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil Vitamins A-D-E (R152.00) promotes hair growth, moisturizes and softens dry skin and treats dry nails and cuticles. Soothe dry lips Dry and chapped lips are common during winter, and you may find that your (and your little ones’) lips need a little extra TLC when the temperature drops. Did you know that nipple cream is a common remedy for dry lips? Multi-purpose, moms can use it, not only to soothe their nipples when breastfeeding but also to protect and treat the whole family’s lips. Try: Medela Purelan™ – Lanolin Cream (R119.95) helps to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance and keeps the skin supple. Purelan is so safe for your baby that it doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding. It is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and free from artificial additives and preservatives and also gives you fast relief for sore nipples and dry skin. Nappy cream to the rescue Nappy rash can occur any time of the year, but winter poses some extra challenges as baby’s skin is covered in extra layers of clothing and gets less opportunity to breathe. Apply a soothing nappy rash cream after every nappy change to ensure that baby’s skin is soothed and comfortable. Try: Sudocrem skin and baby care cream, available in 4 tub sizes (400g, 250g, 60g, 125g). The 60g tub (R57.99) is travel-friendly and fits into a handbag with ease. Sudocrem skin and baby care cream heals irritated and sensitive skin so your baby can feel comfortable in their nappy. It is made with a special formulation that contains zinc oxide, is hypo-allergenic, and expertly soothes and restores affected areas. What are some of your baby’s winter essentials?

May 5, 2022

HAPPY TRAVELLING HACKS WITH PANADO® PAEDIATRIC SYRUP, PEPPERMINT 5 ML SACHETS

Even seasoned travellers may find car and plane trips with infants or toddlers daunting. How will you entertain your child while on the road? What if your child experiences earache or a fever during the plane flight? How can you ensure that your entire family arrives safely and in good spirits? Do not fear, fellow parents! These suggestions for travelling with a baby or toddler will ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience. Headaches Regrettably, airplane travel may be a headache generator, especially for pint-sized passengers. Airplane Headache (AH) is exclusively related to airplane travels, and although may occur at any time during a flight; there is a higher incidence during the take-off and landing phase.1 Motion Sickness Headaches arising due to motion sickness from riding in cars can also make your child miserable. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and headache are common to motion sickness.2 Encourage your child to look outside the window of the car rather than putting their head down and focusing on books, games or screens. If your child is prone to motion sickness, don’t forget to pack recently launched and conveniently packaged, Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, for the symptomatic treatment of pain and fever for kids on the move. Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets contain paracetamol, which is included in the List of Essential Medicines for Children of the World Health Organization.3 Avoid Overdoing It Bear in mind that babies and toddlers lack the tolerance that you do for lengthy road trips. If your car trip will take several hours or days, break it up with pauses for playing, eating, and sleeping. Plan Trips Around Your Child’s Sleep Time Your infant or toddler may slumber during your road trip if you’re fortunate! Some experts encourage driving at night when travelling with toddlers or infants. However, arriving in the middle of the night may rouse your children and disrupt their circadian patterns as well. Provide Lots (and Lots) Of Snacks Pack some nutritious travel snacks for children. Consider whole-grain cereals, fruit chunks, and cheese cubes. To ensure food safety, keep refrigerated items in a cooler bag. If your child is prone to choking, serve snacks and meals at a rest stop, park, or restaurant. Ensure That Your Child Is Properly Secured Make sure children are properly buckled in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt – whichever is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.4a The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says that data shows the correct use of a car seat reduces the risk for injuries in crashes by 71% – 82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone, while booster seats reduce the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4-8, when compared to seat belt use alone.4b Other Panado® Products Suitable for Your Child In addition to Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachet, Panado’s range for children include Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),5 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),6 and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.7 Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/and join the conversations on Facebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare 2022040110194118 References: 1. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) (2013) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia 33:629–808. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-016-0628-7 2. Cuomo-Granston A, Drummond PD. Migraine and motion sickness: what is the link? Prog Neurobiol. 2010 Aug;91(4):300-12. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.04.001. Epub 2010 Apr 21. PMID: 20416353. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20416353/ 3. de Martino M, Chiarugi A. Recent Advances in Pediatric Use of Oral Paracetamol in Fever and Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2015;4(2):149-168. doi:10.1007/s40122-015-0040-z. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676765/ 4a,b. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/child-passenger-safety/index.html 5. Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Approved package insert March 2002. 6. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free & Panado® Paediatric Syrup package insert. April 2010. 7. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990.

May 5, 2022

Winter sun safety: Why sunscreen is essential during the colder months

As South Africans we are accustomed to the harsh summer sun, and are used to applying SPF before heading down to the beach, or going for a run. But did you know that the sun’s UV rays are equally dangerous during the colder months? While you’re unlikely to experience a sunburn from UVB rays during winter, UVA rays (the ones that accelerate ageing) have the ability to wreak havoc on our skin, particularly on overcast days. “Even when it’s cold or overcast, UV rays that cause skin ageing and skin cancer are reaching your skin,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “In the right winter weather conditions, you can sustain sun damage just as easily as during the summer.” UVA rays have the ability to penetrate through clouds and fog, meaning your skin is vulnerable even on days when the sun isn’t shining. Did you know that UVA rays can also penetrate glass? That means it’s possible for the sun’s rays to harm your skin on a bright winters’ day, while you’re indoors! UVA rays can accelerate ageing, meaning more fine lines and wrinkles, but they also make the skin vulnerable to skin cancer. Enter Lamelle Helase 50 – a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers full protection from UVA, UVB, blue light and infrared light. More than just a sunscreen, this DNA-correcting photo-protection product is in a class of its own. Most people don’t realise that what we think of as the symptoms of ageing, are actually due to deep-seated damage inside our skin cells caused by years of sun exposure. Sunlight physically damages (breaks apart) or mutates skin DNA over time. To a large degree, preventing this damage is the reason we wear sunscreen. Conventional sunscreens fall short The problem with currently available sunscreens is they have been developed to protect human skin from the most obvious of solar insults: ultraviolet A and B radiation. But our skin is susceptible to all five radiation subtypes, including visible light (radiation) and Infrared-A, B and C. If the only way to slow down the ageing process is to protect our skin against all these solar onslaughts, and conventional sunscreen is capable of protecting us from only two of the five, the case for more effective protection has never been stronger. That and the fact that the incidence of skin cancer still continues to climb! Recognising this unmet need, Lamelle Research Laboratories developed Helase 50. Unlike so many other cosmetic products available, this truly is a first to market one of a kind cosmetic; a breakthrough in ageing treatment and it’s being heralded as potentially the best photo-protection product available. Until now, sunscreen and antioxidants have been our only defence against DNA damage; there’s been no means of reversing already existing damage. But now, with Helase 50, it’s possible to not only prevent, but also physically correct damaged DNA (dangerous DNA breaks and “kinks” such as dimers which left untreated, can produce more ‘abnormal’ cells. Correction is therefore essential to return cell function to normal). Helase 50 – More than just a sunscreen Classified as a photo-protection product, Helase 50 is the only available product that can minimize the harmful effects of the full solar radiation spectrum. It includes several trailblazing technologies that set it apart from conventional sunscreens. The secret weapon in its formulation – that which is responsible for the correction process – is photolyase, a powerful DNA-repairing enzyme that’s missing in humans, but occurs naturally in most animals and plants. While we can’t produce our own photolyase, our body knows what to do with it when it’s introduced topically to the skin and the results are astounding. Another core ingredient often used in Lamelle products is Pycnogenol® (one of the most potent antioxidants available). Very simply, the inclusion of a Pycnogenol blend is what controls the inflammation typical from exposure and sunburn and it plays an important role in protecting the skin from damage. There are several other enzymes, receptor inhibitors and filters that have been researched, tested, formulated and proven to deliver unprecedented protection. Helase 50 – How to use it Helase 50 has sunscreen filters and an SPF of 50+.It’s not waterproof and should be applied 10 – 15 minutes before exposure and re-applied 3 – 4 hourly if possible. There is no need to use a “regular” sunscreen if you use Helase 50. It is fragrance free, and anyone over the age of six months is a candidate for Helase 50, but particularly those with fair skin, multiple sun-spots, or a history of skin cancer. It’s the ideal product to use after you have had a moderate peel (once re-epithelialised), and post-laser therapy and IPL. Quite simply – a revolution in skincare has begun with the introduction of Helase 50! Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

May 4, 2022

Children’s Nightmares and Snoring Can Lead to Headaches

You may want to pay closer attention the next time your child wakes you up after he or she has experienced a nightmare. New research shows children can grind their teeth during a nightmare, or if they snore, and this can lead to them developing headaches. A study published in the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, aimed to investigate the routine, sleep history and orofacial disorders associated with children aged 3-7 years with nocturnal bruxism (grinding their teeth at night). Data about the child’s routine during the day, during sleep and awakening, headache frequency, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and hearing impairments was obtained through interviews with the parents and caregivers. An electromyography examination was used to assess the activity of facial muscles. Multiple logistic regression (MLR), chi-square test and t-test analyses were also performed. The results showed an association of nightmares and snoring with bruxism, says Dr Elliot Shevel, South Africa’s pioneer in the field of migraine surgery and the medical director of The Headache Clinic. According to Shevel, it is well documented that bruxism can lead to headaches. The causes of bruxism are largely unknown, but risk factors are anxiety, stress, caffeine, sleep apnoea, snoring and fatigue. “At The Headache Clinic we have found that muscle tension in the jaws, face head and neck are some of the major underlying causes of migraine. This knowledge has resulted in our unique muscle treatment methods that restore and maintain the correct, relaxed posture of the jaws, head and neck. Clenching the jaws and grinding the teeth at night is common in many of our patients, not only children, and the headaches that result are treatable – without the use of medication.” “This study now confirms that nightmares and snoring may also lead to children grinding their teeth. Variables related to awakening revealed an association with bruxism. Parents of the main group (children with nocturnal bruxism) reported more complaints of orofacial pain, facial appearance and headache occurrence amongst their children. Auditory and muscle disorders however, were not significant variables,” explains Shevel. Dr Shevel advises that parents should consider treating the muscle tension to prevent migraine pain and teeth grinding, while addressing the underlying fear and insecurities causing their child’s nightmares.

April 14, 2022

Dissecting Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a disability that is believed to affect 2 – 10% of the population. This disability can be defined as “a development disability of organisation of movement. It is caused by an immaturity of the brain resulting in messages not being properly transmitted to the body.” [1] In laymen’s terms, dyspraxia affects motor planning. Before looking further at how this happens, let’s first look at what motor planning is. ‘Motor planning is the ability to conceive, plan and carry out a skilled, non-habitual motor act in the correct sequence from beginning to end…. The child with motor planning difficulties may be slow in carrying out verbal instructions and often appears clumsy in new tasks.” [2] For motor planning to be effective, all sensory systems of the body need to be working correctly. With dyspraxia, the messages that are being sent from the brain are not being reliably transmitted to the rest of the body. Dyspraxia does not change intelligence, but it does change how the child learns. Children with dyspraxia are seen to be clumsy, accident prone and extremely messy. They will take time and repetition to master a new skill. Dyspraxia can hinder thought processes and these children will often experience difficulty with planning and personal organisation. Time management concerns arise, as well as difficulties in memory, perception and processing. Some other issues that arise are poor co-ordination, immature speech, poor attention and social and emotional difficulties. Self-belief and confidence are affected, and the child often experiences anxiety and stress. In order to help a child with dyspraxia, it is imperative that the teacher, school and parents work together in order to best facilitate the child to reach his or her full potential. Regular meetings must be held between teacher and parents in order to ensure that the child is receiving all the support needed and achieving the goals that he / she is capable of. As a teacher and in order to obtain optimal performance, it is imperative that the child’s confidence is developed. Always motivate the child and focus on what they can do. Goals must be within the child’s reach. The following steps can be taken in order to further benefit the child: Verbal instructions are to be given slowly and are to be kept short and simple. Ideally, only one instruction should be given at a time. Minimalise distractions for the child. The child should be placed close to the front of the class. When setting work, this child requires work of a shorter length, that he / she will be able to complete in the allocated time, thus feeling the success of completing a task. This can be done by creating worksheets for the child which require minimal handwriting (e.g. fill in the missing word) Work that needs to be written can be printed out for the learner beforehand, giving the child time to focus on the actual work, rather than the pressure of copying it down. In order to help with handwriting, it is suggested that the child is given books with larger lines to accommodate for writing, as well as larger quad paper, to facilitate in mathematics. During examinations, this child will require certain concessions, such as additional time, rest periods, a reader and perhaps amanuensis. Homework can be scribed by parents in order to take pressure off of the child. The optimal learning environment for a child with dyspraxia would be a one on one learning environment, but with the correct support and intervention, will thrive in a small, nurturing environment where he / she can reach his / her potential, as well as helping him / her with social skills and development. By Linda Langefeld, Grade 4 Teacher at The Bridge Assisted Learning School

April 12, 2022

Talking about TB

Ten people die in South Africa every hour from Tuberculosis (TB). It is and has always been, a serious public health issue that needs to be brought under control. Even though effective treatments are available and there has been considerable progress in fighting the disease – about 450 000 people develop TB every year. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the state of our nation in terms of TB, the leading cause of death in our country. Of the 450 000 people who develop TB every year, just over half are living with HIV. Although most cases are drug-sensitive and respond well to standard treatment, failure to complete the full course encourages the development of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR TB), which is difficult to treat and has poor outcomes. Is TB a pandemic like Covid-19? TB is considered an endemic but arguably has the criteria to be given pandemic status. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) a pandemic is when: The disease causes death There is persistent transmission between people It spreads in multiple countries An endemic is when the disease is still circulating but at a lower, more predictable rate. The only plausible reason is that the levels of TB are consistent and predictable, rather than the ‘boom and bust’ waves of Covid-19. That said, just because it’s endemic doesn’t mean to say it’s not serious. Smallpox, for example, was endemic for thousands of years and a third of the people who were infected, died. Malaria is also endemic and causes around 600 000 deaths a year. Dr Thandi Dlamini-Miti, senior technical advisor: TB at health NGO Right to Care says, ‘Undiagnosed TB is driving transmission of the disease. Many people with TB don’t know they have it because they don’t have symptoms but they are infecting those around them with this potentially deadly disease.’ Is there enough research and development for TB drugs? The short answer is no. Countries with resources, funds and technical capacity (developed countries) have not invested in the field of TB because the disease has not affected them. It is a disease that flourishes in developing countries, where living conditions are often poorly ventilated and over-crowded. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries. Another factor to consider is that, although the poor bear the brunt of the burden of ill-health (up to 13X greater incidence of TB), they also have access to far fewer services compared to the rich. Some good news recently came from Right to Care though. Dlamini-Miti says, ‘Since July 2020, a TB prevention treatment called 3HP has been piloted. It is considered a game changer because treatment is shorter, less toxic, promotes better adherence, has a higher barrier to resistance and is safe with first-line antiretroviral therapy.’ Latent TB, HIV/AIDS and immunity TB can be ‘latent’, in other words you have TB in your body but it is not active. You aren’t ill and you can’t spread it. However, if your immune system becomes weak for some reason, the TB becomes active and will make you ill. Having HIV/AIDS is a key factor in the TB epidemic which is why it’s imperative that the almost six million people living with HIV are screened and treated. Latent TB treatment is fairly low cost and can be taken together with anti-retroviral drugs. Despite this, the number of people on medication is only a fraction of those who are eligible. Diagnosing TB Diagnosis is quite complex (particularly for those living with HIV) since many symptoms are similar to those for other common diseases. South Africa has moved towards more intensive and active methods of identifying cases, for example by screening all those attending primary health clinics. The aim is to move from identifying fewer than 70% to 90% of all cases. Currently the process of testing most of the population is a protracted one. The TST (skin test) and blood tests do not differentiate between latent and active TB which means a sputum sample needs to be taken or a chest X-ray. This is both costly and time consuming. A quicker, cheaper method of testing would certainly assist to diagnose TB. Treating TB Current treatment for TB still includes many of the original antibiotics that were developed in the 1950s and 1960s. While newer antibiotics have been introduced, they are still used in combination with the originals whose side effects cannot be ignored. Similarly, BCG is still the only known TB vaccine administered to children in developing countries. Is there a vaccine that can protect adults? Unfortunately not, there is only the BCG for babies, which has become the most widely used vaccine and provides protection to children against miliary and meningeal TB. It provides limited protection against pulmonary TB, which is the most common form of TB. Has TB been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown? Yes, it has reversed years of global progress in tackling TB and, for the first time in over a decade, TB deaths have increased, according to the WHOs 2021 Global TB Report. How is TB contracted? It is transmitted through the air, not by surface contact. Transmission occurs when a person inhales droplets with TB nuclei and it travels though the mouth or nasal passages via the respiratory tract into the lungs to reach the alveoli of the lungs. Each person with TB can spread the disease to another 15 individuals over a year. Who is most at risk of contracting TB? People living with HIV (especially those newly diagnosed or not virally suppressed), living in the same house as someone who has had or has TB, anyone who has had active TB in the last two years, those with diabetes, residents of informal settlements, children under five, the undernourished, alcoholics, smokers, mineworkers, prisoners and pregnant women. How prevalent is TB amongst medical aid members? Protocols required by the National Department of Health dictate that all TB positive patients must be referred to the state for treatment. This means

April 8, 2022

Four Tips to Support Kids Hygiene in Post-Covid School Life

With the country finally opening up, businesses, entertainment venues and schools will see more people than ever coming into contact with each other since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. While grown-ups should have the presence of mind to adhere to healthy hygiene protocols, children may need a bit of extra help in staying safe from viruses and bacteria at school, especially when using high-traffic areas like toilets. Nobuhle Ngubane, Senior Brand Manager at Domestos South Africa, offers parents the four following tips on protecting their children from germs during this crucial time of transition. 1. Educate Them Knowledge is power, and you might be surprised at how much informationchildren, even those as young as two years old, can retain. Make sure to talk to them, repeating terms like germs, cleanliness, washing hands, water, soap, sanitising and so on. Make it fun – use songs and pictures – to each them about social distancing and how to clean up thoroughly. 2. Ask Teachers Do not be shy about engaging with teachers on the hygiene protocolsinside the school, particularly where toilets are concerned. It’s important to be aware of how frequently cleaning takes place – especially considering that the facilities are used by hundreds of learners throughout the day. Aim to be helpful rather than confrontational – share information and resources and express understanding for the load educators have to bear. 3. Equip Them While your child’s school may already have thorough cleaning protocols you can always help your child further by packing a safe and mild sanitiser spray bottle and a small pack of wipes that they can use to wipe their hands after coming into contact with surfaces that may have germs. 4. Keep them Healthy As much as you can keep external surfaces clean, your child’s bestdefence is a healthy diet and even supplements, where necessary. As always, reinforce the need to wash hands before and after eating, using soap or sanitiser, and wiping with clean paper towels. The reality is that millions of learners around the country attend schools without adequate ablution facilities. This not only affects their health but their ability to learn due to the proven negative psychological impact of poor sanitation. Over the past 10 years, Domestos has led the charge on addressing unsafe sanitation and poor hygiene in schools, impacting over 5 million children through school refurbishments, school toilet maintenance programs, as well as participating in an educational program that educates learners on good hygiene and sanitation habits in over 15 000 public schools around the country. You can also get involved in this fight against the sanitation crisis.Purchase a 750ml Domestos bleach bottle, and R1 will be donated towards helping over 1 million learners gain access to clean and safe toilets.

April 4, 2022

Ten tips for flu and Covid-19 vaccines

The seasons are changing and with winter on its way, which heralds the start of the ‘flu season’. We chat to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund on why a flu vaccine is recommended, not just by the Scheme but also the World Health Organization (WHO). 1.Why should I get a flu vaccine? Although the flu vaccine will not eliminate your risk of developing flu, it helps reduce your chances of severe infection. Annually, seasonal influenza (flu) kills around 11 500 people in South Africa which is why it is a good precautionary measure to take. 2.How are Covid-19 and flu viruses similar? WHO says that Covid-19 and influenza viruses are similar in disease presentation. ‘Firstly, they both cause respiratory disease, which presents a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death. ‘Secondly, both viruses are transmitted by contact, droplets and any material that can carry infection. As a result, the same public health measures such as hand hygiene and social distancing is recommended.’ 3.What are the essential differences between Covid-19 and flu? Flu is an acute viral respiratory infection, transmitted by the influenza virus. There are three types of influenza, namely Influenza A, B and C. Covid-19 and influenza are essentially different viruses with SARS-CoV-2 being a newly discovered coronavirus that causes Covid-19. 4.Why do I need a flu shot every year? The flu virus changes every year, this means last year’s vaccine will not keep you safe this year. The vaccine helps your immune system fight off the virus by producing antibodies – the soldiers in your body that battle the flu virus. 5.What vaccines have been developed for 2022? The flu vaccines available for this year are: The Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac and Influvac Tetra. 6.Can I get the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine together? As per the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Circular 3 of 2022, the answer is yes. However, it is recommended that if you decide to have both vaccines at the same time, then one should be on the left arm and one on the right. 7.Who should get a flu vaccine? It is recommended that anyone in the High-risk groups including: Healthcare workers Individuals over 65 years of age Individuals with chronic diseases – or comorbidities – for example: Cardiac disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney diseases, etc. Pregnant women People living with HIV/AIDS 8.Who should NOT have the flu vaccine? Individuals who are allergic to eggs or egg proteins as the manufacturing process for the vaccine involves the use of chicken eggs Infants under 6 months of age – the vaccines are not licensed for use in such young children Individuals who may have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past – if you are unsure discuss with your healthcare provider Individuals who may be suffering from flu symptoms already 9.Will the flu shot give me a mild flu? According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), ‘A flu shot cannot cause flu. Flu vaccines are currently made either with flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are not infectious or with no flu vaccine viruses at all. The most common side-effects from the vaccine are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare.’ 10.Still not convinced? Flu viruses spread very quickly from person to person. Even if the flu vaccine is not 100% effective against the current flu strain, it will reduce your risk of getting flu and, if you do get it, it will be a great deal milder. More importantly, by having the flu vaccine you protect others, who may be vulnerable family members, small babies, the elderly or those who are immune compromised. As with Covid-19, the more people vaccinated the closer we can get to ’herd immunity’.

March 25, 2022

SYMPHYSIS PUBIS DYSFUNCTION (SPD) AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

Symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD is pain in your pelvis, which is caused by the relaxing of ligaments in the pelvic bones too early before birth. Many aspects of pregnancy can cause discomfort, and SPD is one of them. Here are the signs of SPD and what you can do if you think you to alleviate your discomfort if you are suffering from it. What is SPD and what causes it? Not all moms-to-be will experience SPD but it is thought to be fairly common in pregnancy. SPD is a pain in the symphysis pubis (which can range from moderate to serve) caused by the relaxing and stretching of the ligaments around the pelvic bone. Pain can be brought on by opening your legs, walking up stairs or even turning over in bed, and this may be accompanied by a clicking/grinding sensation in the pubic area. The cause of SPD in pregnancy is the hormone relaxin, aptly named as it relaxes your joints and ligaments to make it easier for your baby to come out at birth. SPD happens when these hormones come into play too early. Not only that but you’re shifting centre of as your baby grows, which can cause main in your lower back and pelvis as your body shifts to accommodate your little one. What can I do to relieve SPD Living with SPD can be uncomfortable at best, so you may be wondering what you can do to help alleviate some pain. Being fit before pregnancy can help, as stronger glute and abdominal muscles can help support your pelvis. Physiotherapy can help manage SPD pain, as a physio will be able to work with you as your pregnancy and pain levels change. Speak to your doctor first, as they may have recommendations for you. Your pelvis should return to normal between 4 and 12 weeks after birth

March 23, 2022

The Basic Guide to Meal Prep for Busy Moms

Every busy mom has had this moment at some point in their lives – the fantasy that plays out in their head where the picture perfect world exists and all they have to do on a busy weekday night is to open the freezer, pull out a pre-packed meal, heat and eat. This isn’t the perfect world, though and reality tends to be a LOT different. For the majority of us, the real world looks like unwashed dishes, hangry kids and half the ingredients for tonight’s dinner still sitting on shelves at the nearest supermarket. The stress truly is enough to warrant popping open a bottle before Wine O’Clock (which according to a recent survey is 6:59pm, by the way). But there are options! You could: Hire a full-time live-in chef Order takeout every night. Learn how to Meal Prep. Now before you throw in the proverbial towel and start looking through your options on UberEats, take a minute to read through this guide to make dinner time a whole lot easier for next time. Let’s start with the basics… What is meal prep? Meal prep is the process of preparing food ahead of time so that it’s readily available at mealtime and can be easily assembled to create full meals. Meal prep differs from meal planning in that one requires making a decision about what meals will be served versus the other, that requires the actual preparation of ingredients for the meal. Either way, both processes are required steps in this guide. What are the benefits? For busy moms, it can be a real juggling act to get good, healthy food on the table. By planning your meals out and prepping them beforehand, you can help ease your ‘mental load’ while preparing more nourishing meals, freeing up more time and saving money in the process. How to begin meal prepping Let’s face it – efficient meal prepping can be overwhelming and won’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes a lot of work but this is what I’ve found works for me: 1.Meal Plan Use an app, a piece of paper or a printable template to outline what meals you want to prepare for the week. Top tip: Don’t feel the need to have a different meal at every interval. Oats three times a week for breakfast is perfectly okay. In fact, it’s encouraged, seeing as oatmeal can be prepared and covered with a dish cover overnight until it is ready for serving the next day. 2.Go through your pantry / cupboards Once you’ve laid out your meals, you may be tempted to hit the grocery store right away. PAUSE. First take a look at what you have in your kitchen. You might find that you already have all the items needed for a full meal. In that case, simply adjust your meal plan accordingly. This also presents a perfect time to clean out your fridge 😉 3.Head to the grocery store I highly recommend making use of a list here! Ensure that you’ve listed down everything needed to create the meals on your meal plan and get to shopping. Top tip: If possible, try to shop during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and hoards of humans. 4.Prep your storage containers If you plan on meal prepping consistently, you’ll want to invest in reliable containers that are durable and easy to clean. I prefer glass to plastic. You’ll also want to invest in some reusable homeware, such as cotton dish covers, in order to keep food protected as it cools and also keep condensation at bay. These dish covers come highly recommended. Top tip: Pull these out shortly after grocery shopping to remind you to begin your meal prep as soon as possible. Chop veggies, prepare grains and prep your food for the week Now it’s time to get into the real work! This can look different each week but the basic premise is to make sure that all the chopping, dicing and boiling is done. Top tip: Don’t be reluctant to use frozen fruits and veggies as these can go a long way. Soak grains overnight and cover with a dish cover to allow for easy cooking the following day. Avoid preparing grains more than four days from the time you plan on serving them as they tend to degrade pretty quickly. If you are preparing potatoes ahead of time, plan to eat them within the first few days of cooking. 5.Bake, cool, store If you are baking and roasting food, make sure that these items have cooled completely before putting them in the fridge. This is where dish covers really come in handy, as they allow food to cool without condensation and eliminate harmful toxins that may be absorbed into your food from plastic wrap. 6.Place your meal plan on the fridge and enjoy your week Having a meal plan and food prepped can truly be life changing. And guess what? You won’t have to answer the question of what’s for dinner? anytime soon, because it’s posted on the fridge! Everyone wins! Being a mom can mean a lot of things but being a magician when it comes to food doesn’t have to be one of them. By putting in the necessary effort and planning ahead, you can save time, money and be a lot less overwhelmed.

March 18, 2022

DEALING WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION – PLUS WAYS TO DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH AFTER PREGNANCY

As a new mom, the birth of your baby is a beautiful and exciting time, but there is a darker side to childbirth. Postpartum depression affects about 15% of moms after delivery, and while it is a serious disorder it can be overcome through treatment. What is Postpartum depression? Feelings of anxiety, sadness and fatigue are common after birth and are often referred to as the ‘baby blues’ and should subside within the first two weeks. However, if these feelings stick around for longer, you could be experiencing postpartum depression. Restlessness, mood swings, insomnia, irritability, disconnection from your baby and feeling of worthlessness are all red flags for postpartum depression. Some moms feel guilty or ashamed to be feeling this way, however PPD can affect any woman. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, as PDD is treatable through both medicated and unmedicated options. What should I do if I have the symptoms of Postpartum Depression? The good news is that PPD is treatable. There are a variety of common types of treatment, which depend on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment can include counselling, therapy groups, antidepressants and hormone therapy. Self-help groups can be helpful, as it allows you to connect with others who have experienced similar problems and stop feelings of isolation. Recovery time will also vary from mother to mother, but untreated the disorder will last much longer and can interrupt mother-child bonding. Getting help does not mean you are a bad mother, it is important to reach out if you are feeling depressed. Postpartum Psychosis In rare cases moms can develop postpartum psychosis. This should be treated as a medical emergency, and it is essential that you receive help right away. Symptoms include paranoia, delusion and erratic/disorganised behaviour. How to deal with mental health after pregnancy Your mental health is critical to you and your child’s well-being. If you are worried about PPD it is important to get professional help. However, you can help your mood by slowly getting back into exercise, setting aside time for yourself and leaning on those around you for support. It is important to stay connected to family and friends so that you don’t feel alone.

March 15, 2022

Medical aid contribution increases: The deferred increase debate

Traditionally, medical aid schemes implement fee increases from 1 January every year. However, the last two years have seen new trends emerge because of the Covid-19 pandemic. These include deferral of increases, dipping into reserves to reduce increases and announcing delayed increases above CPI. What does this mean for consumers? Globally people are feeling the financial pinch and South Africa is no different. High inflation has increased the cost of food, fuel and utilities. Salary increases, if any, are below CPI and many South Africans have lost their jobs. More so than ever, everyone is looking for value for money and better benefits, especially when it comes to healthcare. The balancing act Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund says, ‘the delicate balancing act between maintaining the sustainability of the Scheme, while ensuring our members have access to affordable, quality healthcare is a core focus. Last year, we were the only Scheme to announce a 0% increase on one of our plans – the BonFit option. This was followed by the industry’s first ever reduction in a premium of 7,9% on our BonStart Plan in 2022.’ What using reserves meant for members ‘We opted to utilise around 3.2% – or R600 million – of the Scheme’s reserves to help limit contribution increases to below CPI for around 82% of our members for 2022. Contribution increases would have been closer to pre-pandemic levels of CPI + 4% if we had opted not to use some of our reserves. Deferred increases vs using reserves This move was in line with the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS) Circular 42 of 2021 which suggested the utilisation of reserves to cushion members against increasing costs. However, despite the guidelines, several schemes opted to defer increases from January to later in the year. These deferred increases range from 5.5 to 7.9%. In general, medical schemes need to keep their contribution increases as close to the rate at which the cost of providing healthcare escalates. The challenge is that most healthcare costs in South Africa are not regulated, which means providers are free to charge as they see fit. And the consumer bears the brunt. An example is the cost of Covid-19 PCR tests, which was finally standardised earlier this year. Consumers in for a rough ride Statistics SA cited CPI at 5,9% in December 2021, 0,4% higher than the month before. This trend is expected to continue with National Treasury projecting headline inflation (the change in CPI) at 4.8% in 2022 and 4.4% in 2023. So, consumers are in for tougher times. Is there freedom to change schemes with deferment? Callakoppen explains that the deferment of increases creates an anomaly for companies, medical scheme members and consumers. ‘Traditionally, members are free to change their options once a year during an open period. However, when a deferred increase arises, this open period does not always come with it. This complicates matters for companies which allow their staff to choose between various medical schemes. If an employee chooses to stay with a scheme offering a deferred increase, it is difficult and sometimes impossible, to switch to another plan. This is compounded by the fact that when these deferred increases take place – they are often above CPI and do not always include an increase in benefits – so members effectively pay more for less. Know what you are getting ‘By announcing our contribution increases in January, our members know what they will be paying for their medical aid from the outset of the year. This means they can plan and, if necessary, adjust their options accordingly to suit both their healthcare needs and their budgets. With the scenario of deferred increases, our advice is for companies to consider a mid-year open period to allow employees to change schemes or options to benefit already cash-strapped employees,” he added. The downside of deferred increases The past year has shown that the actual contribution increases experienced by members, after the deferment period, is typically higher than the industry average. An example is a Scheme that offered a contribution deferment for the first 6 months of 2021 but then applied a 5.9% contribution increase, when the industry average was 4.6%. Contribution increase percentages cannot be looked at in isolation without looking at the Rand value of the contribution. “Based on our analysis, we feel that a deferment strategy is not ideal. It merely utilises scheme reserves to provide a short-term contribution relief to members who subsequently experience an above market related contribution increase. This results in members being worse off compared to the scheme that applied a lower, market related contribution increase from the beginning of the year. Schemes implementing a contribution deferment are already applying above market average contribution increases. Callakoppen says that no matter whether a scheme has chosen to increase contributions or defer them, South Africans need to make sure they get the healthcare cover they need. “No two people or families are alike, medical needs differ, as do finances which is why you need to get cover that suits your health needs and budget. It’s important to interrogate what is being offered, to understand what is covered and any added benefits being offered which won’t impact your savings, before finalising your decision.”

March 10, 2022

GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION, WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN I AVOID IT?

Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure (the pressure of your blood on the walls of your blood vessels) during the later part of pregnancy, as opposed to chronic hypertension which is high blood pressure outside of pregnancy. Hypertension affects about 6 – 8 % of pregnant women, and unfortunately can negatively affect you and your baby. How will I know if I have gestational hypertension? You are more at risk if you’re carrying twins, are overweight, had high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes before becoming pregnant or are older than 40 or younger than 20.Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure in the second half of pregnancy and some moms may not even realise that they have it – which is why regular check ups are important. Unfortunately, high blood pressure during pregnancy can develop into preeclampsia. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications and even death. The most effective treatment of this is delivery of your baby (if possible). Symptoms of preeclampsia include headaches, nausea and excessive protein in your urine, with the most common first sign being a rise in blood pressure. How can I avoid or treat hypertension? Although there isn’t anything you can do to prevent hypertension(some variables such as age and number of babies you’re carrying is uncontrollable), you can try to keep yourself (and your baby) as healthy as possible during your pregnancy to help you control your blood pressure. Knowing your blood pressure level before getting pregnant, reducing your salt intake and regular exercise are all things you can do to help stay healthy and aware of your body’s condition. Going for regular checkups during your pregnancy will also help let you catch any problems early.

March 8, 2022

HELPING FUSSY LIL’ EATERS BUILD STRONG BONES

Kids need more calcium as they get older to support their growing bones* and milk is one of the best and most widely available sources of calcium**. However, if your child is a picky eater who doesn’t love a glass of milk, it can be tough to ensure they are getting all the calcium they need. Whilst there are many foods that are great sources of calcium – sardines and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale – neither sound particularly tempting, especially if you are already struggling to cater for your child’s picky palette. Paul Mindry, SPAR Brand Group House Brand Manager, comes to the rescue with 3 easy, fast recipes that your children will love: Milkshake Melody Milkshakes appeal to all ages. Try a different flavour each time, for a calcium-infused dessert the whole family can enjoy on a warm summer’s day. Prep Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4 Recipe Ingredients: 500ml SPAR Classic Vanilla flavoured ice cream Recipe Method: Combine both ingredients in a food blender or processor, or use a suitable jug and a stick hand-held blender if this suits you better. Whizz until foamy, creamy and thick. Beat in the flavouring ingredients of choice thoroughly. Pour into tumblers and serve immediately. Delicious flavour-combos: 1 well mashed banana 125 ml SPAR vanilla custard and 50 ml Squillos strawberry flavoured milk powder If you want more of a Fruit Whip type drink, introduce fresh chopped fruits that puree easily (berries, paw-paw, mango) Homemade Custard Good, wholesome creaminess that can be whipped up with the kids’ help. Prep Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 15 mins | Servings: 8 Recipe Ingredients: 200ml double cream 700ml SPAR UHT full cream milk 4 large egg yolks 3 tbsp cornflour 100g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Recipe Method: Put the cream and milk into a large pan and gently bring to just below boiling point. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the yolks, cornflour, sugar and vanilla. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture onto the sugar mixture, whisking constantly. Wipe out the saucepan and pour the mixture back into it. Heat gently, stirring with a wooden spoon until the custard is thickened, but before any lumps form. Eat hot or cold. Hints & Tips For a healthier alternative, you can substitute the caster sugar for honey. Pro-Nutro Puffs Besides the health and nutrient benefits of milk, these also offer wholewheat goodness and the supplemented vitamins of breakfast cereal. Prep Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 25 mins | Servings: 8 Recipe Ingredients: 480 g SPAR cake flour (4 Cups) 20 ml baking powder 500 ml ProNutro whole-wheat cereal 5 ml salt 100 ml SPAR canola oil 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 500 ml SPAR UHT full cream milk 250 ml water Recipe Method Preheat oven to 180ºC and grease 2 SPAR Good Living giant muffin pans. Measure all the ingredients into a 3 litre SPAR Good Living porcelain mixing bowl. Blend together using a wooden spoon. Do not over-mix. Spoon mixture into prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes. Hints & Tips Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds before baking if you like The apple-bake ProNutro may be substituted for the whole-wheat, but keep in mind it will give a slightly sweeter result For more recipes go to https://www.spar.co.za/Recipes Spar UHT milk comes in Full-cream, Low-fat and Fat-free and is available from Spar Retailers, nationwide.

March 7, 2022

Obesity considered a global epidemic by WHO

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world today, affecting around 800 million people, with millions more at risk. The prevalence of obesity has tripled over the past four decades, imposing an enormous burden on people’s health as well as the healthcare system. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, more than a quarter of South Africans live with obesity, making the country among the top 20% of the most obese nations in the world! Studies by the SA Medical Research Council indicate that nearly half of all South Africans are overweight. Even more shocking, is the fact that 22% of children between 1 and 9 are overweight or obese. The pandemic, lockdown and increased sedentary lifestyle has made the situation worse Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa,Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund says, for overweight or obese people it’s not just an issue of vanity or fitting into a pair of jeans. ‘Risks associated with obesity include: Significantly contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer (particularly colon, prostate and breast), sleep apnoea, degenerative joint disease, digestive tract diseases (gallstones), mental health and dermatological disorders. What determines if you are obese or not? Your Body Mass Indicator (BMI) calculator checks if you’re at a healthy weight. Here’s how to calculate yours: Divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m²) If your BMI is over 25 you are considered overweight, at 30+ you’re classified as obese. There are detractors of BMI on its own The BMI screening may not be the best option for bulky, body-builder or stocky men for example. This is because it does not distinguish between lean muscle mass and body fat. Best practice is to measure body fat percentage along with the BMI calculation. This provides a better indication of one’s body composition. ‘Obesity is a chronic and progressive disease,’ says Dr Mkhatshwa,‘Urbanisation and the lifestyle associated with it, is one of the main contributing factors.’ There are two reasons for this: Lack of exercise: Cities are often over-populated, there are too few public spaces for physical activity and many residents use transport to commute Poor nutrition. Changes in diet include more processed and refined food, an increase in high-fat and high-sugar diets, less fruit and vegetables, less complex carbohydrates and fibre Although obesity is often associated with poor lifestyle choices, lack of motivation or unhealthy habits – it isn’t always the case. In America, where 40% of adults are obese, obesity has been recognised as a disease by the American Medical Association for nearly a decade. Despite this, they are still seeing most treatment approaches for obesity focus solely on behavioural therapy. The stigma and assumptions like this continue to create barriers that have limited better obesity care. The origin of obesity is complex and poorly understood, but includes nutritional, physiological, psychological and genetic factors. Environmental factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and excess calorie consumption can cause obesity Genetic studies with adopted children have demonstrated that they have similar BMIs to their biologic parents but not their adoptive parents. Twin studies also demonstrate a genetic influence on BMI Secondary causes of obesity can result from medications (eg. antipsychotics, steroids and anti-viral drugs) and endocrine disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism According to the International Journal of Obesity, adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) incur 42% higher medical costs per capita and are nearly two times more likely to die before age 70 than adults with a healthy weight. They also say that health care providers play a vital role in the prevention, treatment and control of obesity. They recommend that multicomponent behavioural interventions, pharmacotherapy and bariatric (stomach shrinking) surgery are all effective strategies that support clinically significant weight loss. Obesity as with other co-morbidities, was also a poor prognostic factor for Covid-19 hospitalisations The general consensus regarding self-monitoring though is through: Calorie restriction: Reducing your intake by 500-1000 kcal per day will reduce total body weight by an average of 8% over a year Exercise: 30 minutes a day will yield health benefits, but 60 – 80 minutes will assist in weight loss and additional benefits Behaviour modification: Goal setting, self-monitoring and modification of one’s environment to enhance behaviours that will support weight management ‘The reality’, says Dr Mkhatshwa, ‘is that obesity and concomitant lifestyle diseases have become a pandemic in South Africa. Diabetes 2 is amongst these and has significant health implications. Managing this disease is imperative. We offer a diabetes management programme to help people understand this long-term condition and empower them to make the right decisions to stay healthy. This includes access to specialised diabetes doctors, dieticians, podiatrists and diabetic educators to effectively manage of diabetes. However, if you are not on a medical aid, there are several diabetic support groups.’ ‘Everybody needs to act’. It’s time to increase awareness of the root causes of obesity and encourage advocacy for change.

March 4, 2022

Vitamins to support kids in school

Boost your child’s immunity for the new school year with NutriPure Kids range of gummy vitamins The new school year usually brings about a mix of emotions for parents and children. Excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and relief are just some of the feelings that come into play this time of the year. And while it’s normal for a new school year to be met with a little bit of anxiety, the experiences of the past two years have resulted in heightened anxiety among a lot of families. The pandemic has put the schooling system, teachers, and families under immense pressure, with fewer school days each year, virtual learning, and more work to cover in a shorter amount of time. Children haven’t been able to spend time with their friends, their sports and recreation clubs were cancelled and they have had to spend more time cooped up at home than ever before. That’s a lot for any adult to deal with, so imagine how big of an effect it has on a child! With the new school year in full swing, it’s important to ensure that children are getting all the nutrients they need to function optimally while navigating the demands of the school year. Good nutrition, exercise, and naturally sourced supplements can help support focus, brain function, attention span, energy levels, and mental wellbeing. There’s an important factor to consider now that the kids are back in the classroom, and that is their immunity. Due to their young immune systems and their proximity to one another, children are prone to picking up colds and flu. With the added threat of Covid-19, it’s important to ensure that their immune systems are geared up to fight off whatever viruses they may be exposed to. Some of the most important nutrients they will need, include: Vitamin C Vitamin C is a nutritional multi-tasker, responsible for everything from the development of healthy bones and teeth, wound healing, collagen production, and supporting the nervous system. It’s also one of the most important nutrients for one’s overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that can boost a child’s immunity and help the body fight off viruses. Vitamin D Vitamin D is an important nutrient for bone and muscle health, as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, which are both essential for strong bones. Recent studies have also shown that this vitamin plays a major role in building and maintaining a child’s immune system and protecting them against colds and flu. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the health of blood cells and nerves and also promotes healthy growth. It also supports the normal functioning of the immune system. Probiotics Probiotics promote healthy gut bacteria, which aids absorption of nutrients and support the body’s digestive functions. They also help fight off “bad bacteria” in the stomach, which can lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet, and should only be used to top up any nutrient shortfalls in people’s diets. Help boost your child’s immunity with a good quality supplement that is free from preservatives and artificial additives. NutriPure’s range of gummies makes it easy and fun for kids to get their vitamins and minerals: NutriPure Kids Vitamin C (R110.00) Each of these yummy gummies gives your child 80 mg of vitamin C, which is equivalent to the recommended daily amount. NutriPure Kids Multi-Vitamin Complete (R110.00) These multivitamin gummies offer a complete health supplement that contributes to the normal function of children’s immune systems and the normal function of many other systems in the body contributing to general wellbeing. NutriPure Kids Immune Support+ (R110.00) NutriPure Kids Immune Support+ gummies contain a unique blend of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C, B6, and B12 help to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and are essential in the maintenance of good health. NutriPure Kids Vitamin D (R109.00) NutriPure Kids Vitamin D gummies contribute to normal bones, teeth, and the immune system. This supplement supports the normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of bones and teeth, normal muscle function, and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. NutriPure Kids Probiotic (R153.95) NutriPure Probiotics are formulated with Bifidobacterium infantis & Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains that promote healthy gut bacteria. While nutrition is important all year round, the start of a new school year calls for some extra attention to our children’s health. Trust NutriPure to provide your children with all the immune-boosting nutrients they require. What sets NutriPure Kids products apart from other supplements? NutriPure gummies are made using real fruit juice, making them extra soft and juicy. Gluten-Free No Artificial Flavours No Artificial Colours No Milk, Wheat, Eggs, Nuts No Artificial Sweeteners No GMA ingredients No Preservatives NutriPure products are available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Takealot.com, Faithful to Nature, Spar and Pick n Pay. Website: www.nutripure.co.za

March 3, 2022

Help your kids avoid eye strain

Are carrots a lunchtime snack you’ve thought about packing into your child’s lunchbox in-between all the back-to-school craziness? If not, it’s a healthy snack to consider! You’ve probably heard that carrots promote healthy eyes and good vision, and it’s true. Carrots are high in the antioxidant’s beta-carotene—and that’s a start, but it takes a whole lot more to protect your growing child’s irreplaceable vision. Now more than ever, eye strain is becoming increasingly common among children, particularly as many young people spend more time in front of screens for everything from learning to entertainment purposes. While children experiencing ‘digital eye strain’ is becoming more prevalent, it’s important to remember that there are other causes of eye strain. Pre-existing vision problems such as myopia or astigmatism could be the reason why a child struggles visually, as can lighting conditions (too bright or too dim), stress, fatigue, dry air, and even extended periods of reading. It is important for parents to help children set boundaries so they can balance time spent on their screens, reading, learning, and play time. Eye strain can be an uncomfortable and sometimes even debilitating experience for children, affecting their mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their ability to learn and focus in the classroom. However, children don’t have to suffer from eye strain, and there are ways that you as a parent or guardian can help. Start by looking out for these symptoms: your child complains of their eyes feeling tired, dry and sore burning or itchy, watery eyes blurred or double vision sensitivity to light headaches difficulty concentrating or keeping their eyes open a sore neck, shoulders and/or back You can also try the following exercises to help relieve some of their symptoms: Encourage them to blink It may sound strange, but we tend to blink less while we’re staring at a screen or focusing intently on a task. Observe your child’s behaviour while they engage in screen time or any other task and remind them to blink more to encourage moisture in the eyes. Do this with them every day: close the eyes tightly for three seconds. Then, open the eyes wide and blink normally a few times. Repeat this process for one minute. Shift their focus Hold your finger about 15cm away from your child’s face and get them to focus on it. Slowly move your finger away, but your child must still focus on it. Now, ask them to look away from your finger at an object that is a few metres behind you for a few seconds and then back at your finger. Slowly bring your finger towards their face again. Repeat this exercise at least three times. Figure eight This simple exercise should help to keep eye muscles flexible. Get your child to sit down in a chair or on the couch. While seated, ask them to pick a point on the floor or on a blank wall about 3m away. Tell them to ‘draw’ an imaginary sideways figure ‘8’ with their eyes without moving their head. Do this for 30 seconds and then repeat for another 30 seconds in the opposite direction. Step away Take screen breaks or limit the amount of time your child spends engaged in an all-encompassing task, opting for playtime outdoors or any other activity that allows them to rest their eyes. It’s also very important for children to get enough sleep every night to give their eyes a good, long rest. Regular eye care can now ensure your child has healthy vision for life. It’s important to schedule routine eye examinations for your children to ensure that their eyes are healthy and developing as they should. Check with your medical aid to confirm optometry benefits offered. Bestmed Medical Scheme was voted #1 by its members for customer satisfaction in the SA-csi survey 2021. With value for money and preventative care on all of its medical aid plans, it is a Personally Yours choice designed to suit various needs and budgets.

March 2, 2022

NHI – more questions than answers

In July 2019, the Minister of Health published a draft ‘National Health Insurance Bill’, which attracted a great deal of attention and the scrutiny hasn’t stopped. Despite several engagements, the Department of Health (DoH) has failed to provide clarity or explanations on several key issues within the ‘Bill’, which are of major concern to all stakeholders. ‘That fact that universal healthcare is desperately needed in South Africa is not being debated. Having only around 16% of the population on private medical aid, with the rest relying on public health, is unsustainable,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘What is worrying is the lack of detail around the implementation of this national health blueprint. Before discussing concerns about the implementation of NHI, we should discuss the ramifications of curtailing the role of medical aids. Medical aids and associated services make an enormous contribution to the annual fiscus. The industry also contributes significantly to employment and, in turn, to the economy of the country. Healthcare administration is a massive undertaking that requires, skills, experience and expertise. State of the art technology is needed to comply with international best practices. South Africa’s medical administrators are world class, it is simply not feasible to consider having one administrator in charge of the healthcare of millions of South Africans. Private healthcare is also a source of excellence in terms of innovation and development, which benefits the public sector. This essential role of private healthcare will be strangled if it is not able to continue in a private setting. A few additional concerning NHI issues include: Funding of the NHI There is a proposed health financing system – designed to pool funds – but nowhere has detail been provided on this funding model. When first presented, the estimated cost of NHI was R256 billion, with it due to be rolled out in 2026. It is not known how this figure was reached. The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) recently stated that NHI is likely to cost around R700 billion a year when fully operational in 2026, as the government now envisages. According to the IRR, ‘The increased tax burden will fall particularly heavily on the 700 000-odd individual taxpayers who currently pay about two thirds of all personal income tax and a hefty chunk of VAT’. What will NHI offer? The Bill defines ‘comprehensive health care services’ as: Healthcare services that are managed to ensure a continuum of health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management, rehabilitation and palliative care services across the different levels and sites of care within the health system in accordance with the needs of users. However, no further indication of the details of these services / benefits is provided except to indicate that medical schemes will offer what is referred to as ‘complementary cover’. This is defined as third party payment for personal healthcare service benefits, not reimbursed by the Fund, including any top up cover offered by medical schemes or any other private health insurance fund. Single purchaser, single payer? The Bill states that the NHI will serve as the single purchaser and single payer of healthcare services, ie., that there can be no other legal entity that can purchase and pay for healthcare services. This doesn’t distinguish between complementary and duplicative services. Which means it would be illegal for medical schemes (or health insurance firms) to exist, even in a complementary form which contradicts other sections of the Bill. Constitutional rights Bonitas does not agree or support the proposed amendments to the Medical Schemes Act (MSA) as set out in the Bill, we believe allowing medical schemes to provide only complementary cover is unconstitutional. Bonitas does, however, support the healthcare reforms as recommended by the Health Market Inquiry. The Constitution requires the State to protect, respect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights. The State must protect the rights to access that people already have. The right of access to healthcare is much wider than the right to obtain healthcare through the public sector. It includes the right to purchase healthcare from the private sector, if one can afford it. The purchasing power of the consumer is a legitimate means of access to healthcare. Consumers must have the right to apply their purchasing power as they deem fit. The Bill, in its current form, makes it unlawful for people to purchase healthcare services not covered by NHI. The proposed Bill is fraught with illegalities and is in direct conflict with the Medical Schemes Act 31 of 1998 (MSA) and prevailing regulations. The administration of the proposed central system of healthcare will need strict governance as existing medical aids are strictly regulated. Sound corporate governance is of critical importance in preventing mismanagement of assets, corruption, inefficiency, illegality, unethical conduct, abuse of the Fund’s resources and the collapse of the Fund. The way forward The notion of NHI is commendable, but it’s a case of the ‘devil is in the detail’. Detail which is yet to be unpacked and specified. The only way for the healthcare system to evolve is through inter-dependent relationships. Medical schemes should be allowed to assist the NHI administratively and take over some of the risk and burden which would lie with the NHI in respect of members of medical schemes. This would ensure that the funds deployed in the procurement of healthcare services are not unnecessarily exploited through duplication of services and functions. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer, Bonitas Medical Fund

February 25, 2022

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.