Health - Parenting Hub

Expert Advice from Bonitas Medical Fund

Preterm Labour

Although most moms pregnancies last 40 weeks (your baby will have spent 38 weeks in your uterus) sometimes birth can begin prematurely. If you go into labour anytime between week 20 and 37 is known as preterm labour. A baby delivered before this is known as miscarrige, and anytime after week 37 is considered normal. If you suspect you’re going into labour early it’s critical that you contact your doctor as quickly as possible so that they can assist you. Ideally your baby needs to stay in your uterus until full term, but even if your baby is premature (sometimes called a preemie) they can still go on to lead a healthy life. Here are the signs of preterm labour, how you can try prevent it and what to do if you think that your baby might be coming early. How to decrease your risk of preterm labour There are some things that increase your risk of going into premature labour – however, that being said, just because your risk factors are low, you aren’t guaranteed not to go into preterm labour. Firstly, throughout your pregnancy staying healthy is critical. Smoking, drinking and recreational drug use are all activities that increase your risk of preterm labour (amongst other things). Good nutrition and prenatal care is a key aspect of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Other risk factors include, having more than one baby in your uterus, short intervals between pregnancies and having had another baby preterm. There are certain infections and chronic conditions that can also contribute to preterm labour. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, depression, chronic kidney or heart disease or infections can all lead to preterm labour and birth. Signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing preterm labour Controlling what you can, keeping a healthy pregnancy lifestyle and maintaining good prenatal care are not guarantees for your baby’s timely arrival. However, spotting preterm labour early means that you’ll be able to receive treatment as quickly as possible. Backache and pressure in your lower belly (almost as if your baby is pushing down) as well as bell cramps and contractions are all signs of premature labour. These contractions are different to Braxton Hicks contractions as they are regular. Other signs include a change in your vaginal discharge to watery or bloody, or even experiencing a gush of fluid from your vagina. What happens if I go into preterm labour? If you suspect preterm labour let your doctor know right away. Once you have alerted your doctor they’ll give you medication to stop the birth or slow down your labour. How close you are to your due date will impact on how they decide to treat you. You may be given medication to slow or stop your contractions, as well as medication that will help your babies lungs mature and grow, as if they are born preterm they may not work on their own. If your baby is born preterm it is likely they’ll need special care from the hospital as they are at higher risk of health complications. However, even if your baby is preemie they can still go on to live a healthy life.

May 2, 2023

Roll up your sleeve – it’s time for the flu vaccination

The days are getting shorter and the nights longer which means winter is on its way … and with the change in season comes the start of ‘flu season’. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, provides some important information about flu and why a flu vaccine is highly recommended. He says it’s important to take extra precautions as we head into winter. ‘Understanding how to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season, will make a difference in staying as healthy as possible’. What is Influenza? According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) influenza or ‘flu’ is an acute viral respiratory infection, transmitted by the influenza virus. This virus has three main types A, B and C. The currently circulating seasonal viruses are A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses. The flu viruses are typically in circulation in the winter months in South Africa with an average start of the first week of June. Why vaccinate? Although the flu vaccine will not completely eliminate your risk of developing the flu, it will help reduce your risk of developing a severe infection and recover faster. Annually, seasonal flu kills between 6 000 and 11 000 people in South Africa, which is they having the flu vaccine is a good precautionary measure. Do I need a flu shot every year? The short answer is yes. The flu virus mutates and changes which means last year’s vaccine will not keep you safe this year. The flu vaccines for 2023 are: Vaxigrip Tetra and Influvac Tetra, both available as a single dose 0.5ml shot. The vaccine helps produce antibodies and boost your immune system to fight off the virus. It’s best to vaccinate in April or May, before the start of flu season. Flu vaccinations are available at most pharmacies and the costs are generally covered by medicals schemes. Who should get a flu vaccine? It is recommended that anyone in the high-risk groups should have a flu shot – these include: Healthcare workers Individuals over 65 years of age People with cardiovascular disease, including chronic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic renal disease and chronic lung disease (including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Pregnant women People living with HIV/AIDS Who should NOT have the flu vaccine? Individuals who are allergic to eggs or egg proteins as the manufacturing process 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 Can the flu shot give me a mild flu? According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), no, the flu shot cannot cause 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. However, you might experience some common side-effects from the vaccine such as are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare. Are Covid-19 and flu viruses similar? The World Health Organization (WHO) says that Covid-19 and influenza viruses are similar in disease presentation, mainly because both cause respiratory disease, which presents a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death. In addition, 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 to avoid contracting flu or when you have flu. Am I able to get the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot together? Yes, however, it is recommended that if you decide to have both vaccines at the same time, one should be on the left arm and the other on the right. ‘The flu virus can spread very quickly,’ explains Dr Mkhatshwa. ‘Even if the flu vaccine might not prevent you getting flu, it will reduce your risk 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.’

April 20, 2023

Bonitas Medical Fund / The Gift of the Givers Foundation Audiology Project

Q & A The Bonitas/Gift of the Givers Audiology Project has allowed the audiology team to identify and assist even more learners with possible hearing problems. Number of learners tested to date: 1 225 learners at four schools during term 1 of 2023, many of whom received treatment where necessary. (Since the start of the audiology project in 2019 a total of 13 727 learners have been tested) Number of learners identified with a hearing loss/ear pathology: 19 (180 in total) Number of wax removals done: 334 (1 807 in total) Follow up steps have been taken with both these groups of learners Part of The Gift of the Giver’s audiology intervention includes a follow up with parents and learners to ensure that they have received the necessary treatment. Each learner is given a referral form which they give to their parent/caregiver. The referral form has recommendations that the parent will need to follow through. Based on the learner’s diagnosis the recommendations will require them to either visit a GP/ENT specialist/Audiologist for further assessment and management. In some cases, we will also refer to a Speech Therapist or Occupational Therapist. The families are required to visit the recommended professionals at their nearest hospital or clinic. The Gift of the Givers Audiology team then make telephonic follow ups with the families in the following 2-3 weeks, to see if the recommendations have been followed through with. How prevalent is hearing loss in South African school children? Hearing loss is more common than we think, up to 19% of South African school children suffer from varying degrees of hearing difficulties. Learners are meant to be screened from birth to 3 months with intervention taking place by 6 months of age (JCIH, 2019). However, in the South African context this does not take place due to the lack of resources as well as the lack of awareness regarding hearing loss signs and symptoms, leaving many children undiagnosed, or their hearing loss going unnoticed. Hence the Gift of the Givers audiology programme allows us to bridge this gap by allowing for early detection, identification, referrals and management of children with hearing loss or ear pathologies. The number of primary school children globally who have some form of hearing impairment as a comparison. Over 5% of the world’s population – or 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children). It is estimated that by 2050 over 700 million people – or 1 in every 10 people – will have disabling hearing loss. ‘Disabling’ hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. Nearly 80% of people with disabling hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, among those older than 60 years, over 25% are affected by disabling hearing loss. In South Africa, it is estimated nationally that the prevalence of hearing impairment is four to six in every 1 000 live births in the public health care sector (Swanepoel, Storbeck & Friedland, 2009). (See reference links below) According to the South African National Deaf Association (SANDA), children should have their hearing tested several times throughout their schooling: When they enter school, at ages 6, 8 and 10 and at least once during Grades 8 or 9 and Grades 10 and 12. Why is this necessary, what changes could happen between these tests and what causes it? According to the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Minimum Standards for School Hearing Screening Policy (developed by the Professional Board for Speech, Language and Hearing Professions) : All school aged learners should be afforded access to hearing screening services once during each of the four educational phases (Foundation phase – Gr R-3; Intermediate phase – Gr 4-6; Senior phase – Gr 7-9; and Further Education and Training – Gr 10-12) (ISHP, 2012). Screening should also be offered to learners (HPCSA, 2018) At risk for academic failure or who are repeating a grade Parent/teacher concerns regarding hearing, speech, language or learning ability Previous or ongoing ear pathology WHO request hearing screening (self-referral). The importance of screening learners at these different stages is to account for any unaddressed hearing problems that could have occurred during the child’s schooling career. Some hearing losses may be acquired, for example: A child may have experienced an injury/trauma to their ear which may have affected their hearing. A learner may have developed recurrent ear infections, which if left untreated could result in a hearing loss. A learner may also have a delayed onset of hearing loss. Some illnesses can result in hearing loss e.g TB, meningitis. In some cases, learners are lost to follow ups ie. Learners who are previously identified, the families may not have gone through with the follow up process. The Gift of the Givers Audiology Programme therefore takes this into account and assesses learners at both primary and secondary school level (Grade R till Grade 12). Are there any case studies or short explanation of success stories directly as a result the Gift of the Givers audiology project? Yes, many learners who were identified with hearing loss, whose parents/guardians followed through with the recommendations, were seen for further assessment and management at their hospitals and are now fitted with hearing aids. Learners who also presented with ear infections were seen by the GP/ENT to assist with treatment and management. A recent case from the previous high school, there was a learner who was lost to the follow up process/mismanagement of her case. She was previously diagnosed at a hospital with a hearing loss when she was younger and her family was told that she needed hearing aids. The family was not informed when to come in for the hearing aids and no further follow ups were done over the years. When we assessed the learner, we also found she had a problem with the mobility of her jaw and mouth which was affecting

March 28, 2023

All you need to know about asthma

South Africa is ranked 25th worldwide for asthma prevalence and is ranked fifth for asthma mortality. The lack of appropriate diagnosis, treatment or access to care may be important considerations in tackling asthma morbidity and mortality in South Africa.

March 8, 2023

Ten tricky terms – Know your medical aid speak

Medical aid terms can be as difficult to decipher as your doctor’s handwriting. That’s why knowing medical aid speak is essential if you are going to understand your medical cover says Gerhard Van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. 1. Medical schemes Medical schemes are not-for-profit and owned by the members of the scheme. In turn the scheme appoints a Board of Trustees to manage the affairs of the scheme to ensure that they are in the member’s best interests. This may also be known as medical aids or funds. 2. Medical scheme administrators Medical scheme administrators are separate entities to the actual medical scheme and operate on a for-profit basis. The medical scheme may go out to tender for an administrator but an existing contract with the administrator may also exist for a certain number of years. The administrator is responsible for managed the administration of the scheme such as processing claims. 3. Medical scheme plans There are usually a number of plans from which to choose. In general, more comprehensive plans are usually more expensive. The cover you need will vary according to your age, family size, dependents and income. It is important to look at your benefits holistically to ensure they offer you real value for money. Plans that offer more benefits in addition to your savings or benefits from risk generally offer more value. 4. Waiting periods when joining a medical aid scheme If you have not been on a medical aid scheme or a hospital plan, there may be a waiting period, which means you will continue to pay premiums but are not covered for a period that is outlined by the scheme. The Medical Schemes Act outlines that medical aid schemes are entitled to impose waiting periods: These vary from a 3-month general waiting period or a condition-specific of up to 12 months. 5. What is a late-joiner penalty? In South Africa, schemes can impose late-joiner penalties on individuals who join after the age of 35, who have never been medical aid members, or those who have not belonged to a medical aid for a specified period of time since April 2001. The reasoning for this is to ensure fairness (whereby members who have been part of a scheme for years are not subsidising newer members who have not contributed to the scheme). 6. Generics These are ‘cost effective copycats’ of the original drug. The pharmaceutical company that develops the original drug spends millions on research and development and so take out a patent to protect themselves for a period of time. After the patent has expired other drug companies can make the generic equivalent without the initial clinical research costs. They have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety and strength as the original drug. 7. Gap cover At times there may be a shortfall between what the medical scheme pays and what the hospital or specialist charges. As a member you are responsible for paying the difference. Even if you are on a top range medical aid plan, it doesn’t mean there will not be ‘gaps’ between the tariffs your scheme is prepared to pay and the amount your specialist charges. There is an insurance policy called Gap Cover which you can take out to pay for this shortfall. 8. Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) PMBs are a mandatory set of defined benefits that medical schemes must provide cover for all medical scheme members. These ensure members have access to a certain minimum level of health services, regardless of the benefit option chosen. It currently covers medical emergencies, 25 chronic and 270 medical conditions. PMBs are being reviewed by the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS) with a view to aligning them with the proposed National Health Insurance. 9. Designated Service Providers (DSP) A DSP is a healthcare provider (doctor, pharmacist, hospital etc) that is the medical schemes’ choice for members to use. If you don’t use the DSP you may have to pay a portion of the bill as a co-payment. You can avoid co-payments and get more value for money by using preferred suppliers and DSPs. 10. Tariffs and rates of payment Each Medical Schemes has a Rate of Payment ie the amount the medical scheme will pay for that service. Providers charge different rates known as the Scheme Tariff. Members often misunderstand that 100% of the Scheme tariff/rate doesn’t necessarily mean 100% of the account or what you will be charged. However, as a patient you can negotiate the best possible rate with your healthcare provider. ‘Too often members do not understand what their medical aid option offers and are not familiar with the terminology,’ says Van Emmenis. ‘The best advice I can offer is to be informed. Take the time to read all the information supplied, including the fine print, and compare plans. If you are unsure phone the scheme and ask questions, or check with your broker. Your health and that of your family is important so it is vital that you are comfortable with the choice you make and are confident your healthcare needs will be taken care of.’

March 1, 2023

8 Vital health checks for men

Essential health checks or screenings are tests that are 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 men. Colorectal Cancer Screening These tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum by checking for tissue growths, called polyps. If you have an elevated risk for cancer (such as a family history), then you should start having these tests from the age of 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) which also screens for colon cancer by looking for hidden blood in the stool, should be annual. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It occurs in the small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The growth is normally slow and it is the one type of cancer from which you have the best chances of recovery. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Most men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years and do not die from the disease. If prostate cancer is detected early — when it’s still confined to the prostate gland— there’s an excellent chance of successful treatment. Men, from the age of 50 (40 – 45 for those at high risk, with a family history of prostate cancer) should have an annual prostate examination. How do you get checked for prostate cancer? Your doctor will recommend a blood test to check the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate and can be elevated in men who have prostate cancer. This must be supported by a rectal examination. Weight and BMI 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 Good to know Underweight <than 18.5 Normal weight 18.5 to 24.9 Overweight 25 to 29.9 Obese 30> Blood glucose 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. 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, don’t know it. If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries (and your heart) and if it’s not treated, hypertension can cause kidney failure, eye problems and heart disease. 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 mole ‘mapped.’ If skin cancers are found and treated early, they are almost always curable. If you have a history of skin cancer in your family have your skin checked regularly by a doctor. Cholesterol levels Cholesterol is in every cell in your body. You need cholesterol to help your brain, skin and other organs do their jobs. But eating too much fat and cholesterol is not good for you and it can start to build up in childhood. Cholesterol is produced by your liver, it’s carried in your blood and can get into the walls of the blood vessels. This can cause the blood vessels to get stiffer, narrower or clogged. If the clogging worsens over the years, it can cause a heart attack or stroke in adults. Doctors can find out what your cholesterol level is by taking some of your blood and testing it. The two main types of cholesterol are: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is bad cholesterol – a plaque builder and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is good cholesterol – which removes bad cholesterol from the body. Testicular cancer Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump, hardness, enlargement, pain or any other change in one or both of their testicles. It is a good idea for men between the ages of 15 and 55 to do a self-examination. This is best done after a warm shower and will help find the cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated. If you present with any symptoms, visit your doctor immediate. The first step is usually an ultrasound but a blood test can also be done to detect the proteins which are produced by the testicular cancer cells. Remember early detection of any of diseases or health conditions can save your life. That’s why it’s important to go to your doctor for regular check-ups.

February 3, 2023

Advice from the experts

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

Postpartum recovery – How long does it take and what can you expect?

As a new mom, or a potential new mom, you are probably wondering how long your body will take to recover post birth and pregnancy. The postpartum period is generally regarded as the first six weeks after childbirth. This is an important time for both you and your baby, as you there are lots of emotional and physical adjustments that happen in this period. Recovering from having a baby can be a long process, especially considering that you now have a new baby to look after as well. What can I expect postpartum? Postpartum recovery will differ between moms and pregnancies. If you have opted for a vaginal birth, your vagina will hurt postpartum, and recovery can take 3 to 6 weeks depending on if you had an episiotomy or your perineum tore. C-section incisions can be painful and you can expect a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. Initially you may find moving difficult, but it’s important to move a little bit to avoid blood clots. Some new moms can experience difficulty urinating, perineal discomfort or soreness, vaginal bleeding, contractions, constipation and breast tenderness post birth. During the postpartum period you may also feel irritable, anxious or have sudden mood swings, this is also known as the ‘baby blues’ and is caused by hormonal changes in the first few weeks. However, if this period is extended you could be suffering from postpartum depression, and should speak to your doctor about this. How can I help my postpartum recovery? Be aware of pushing yourself to return to ‘normal’ as soon as possible, even if you have had an easy pregnancy and birth, your body has still been through an ordeal and you will need time to recover. Avoid over exercising (even if it’s tempting to get straight back into it!) and trying to socialise too much with friends and family eager to meet the new baby. Don’t be afraid to ask people for space and to limit your baby’s visitors.

February 10, 2022

Covid – how and when might it all end?

Covid-19 has disrupted the world in so many ways, including the uncertainty of what the future holds. The Bonitas Medical Fund clinical and actuarial teams unpack some of the pandemic versus endemic terminology and offer scenarios for the future. Since the start of Covid-19, the word ‘pandemic’ has been on everyone’s the lips. What is a pandemic and what is the difference between an outbreak, an epidemic and a pandemic? According to Harvard Medical School, ‘An outbreak is a sudden increase of an infectious disease in a particular place, an epidemic is a larger outbreak in a restricted country or community, while a pandemic means a global epidemic.’ Do the governments of various countries decide there is a pandemic? It is the World Health Organization (WHO) which declares a global pandemic as was the case on March 11, 2020, when the virus was present in over 110 countries. WHO will also decide the degree of severity and communicate this to the world? The declaration gives governments time to prepare for the pandemic, legislate laws and restrictions – such as travel and trade – and begin emergency procedures to protect their citizens. What are the criteria for a pandemic? There is no universally agreed definition of when a disease outbreak should be called a pandemic but there are three reasons WHO can declare a pandemic, when: The disease causes death There is persistent transmission between people It spreads in multiple countries The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) explains it as a ‘term most often applied to new influenza strains’ and says it’s used when viruses can infect people easily and spread from person to person in an efficient and sustained way in multiple regions. The declaration refers to the spread of a disease, rather than the severity of the illness it causes. What are examples of other pandemics? Past pandemics, which had a profound effect on the world, were the Plague or Black Death in the 14th Century, the outbreak of flu in 1918 each killing around 50 million people. Both the AIDS pandemic and Covid-19 are more recent. Who keeps a finger on the pulse of the pandemic? During pandemics, epidemiologists work as profilers. They are experts in the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution and possible control of diseases. Epidemiologists are scientists who: Trace, monitor and predict the movement and behaviour of a pathogen to create a detailed portrait. Key epidemiological questions include: What is the spectrum of disease severity? How transmissible is the virus and who is most likely to spread it? What are the risk factors for severe illness and death? How does the behaviour of the infection vary by location and does it change over time? Answers to these questions can determine what public health measures should be implemented and what resources should be allocated. These choices have a profound effect on the outcomes. Who decides that a pandemic is over? The pandemic may be widely considered over when WHO decides the virus is no longer an emergency of international concern. It is generally when the infection is mostly contained and rates of transmission drop significantly throughout the world. The expert committee reassess every three months and the world are waiting for a decision from WHO regarding the end of the pandemic as we know it. However, they are still anticipating a 5th wave. Despite this the organisation is calling for travel bans to be lifted as they have proved to be ineffective in stopping the spread of the Omicron variant. Downgrading from pandemic to endemic There is a consensus that Covid-19 will eventually settle into becoming a more predictable virus, like the flu. This means there will be seasonal outbreaks but not the huge numbers the world is experiencing now. It will transition from a pandemic phase to endemic phase and the world will adapt to living with it. What is the difference between endemic and pandemic? Endemic means the disease is still circulating but at a lower, more predictable rate — and with fewer people being admitted to hospital. Epidemiologists would consider a disease endemic when levels are consistent and predictable – unlike the ‘boom and bust’ waves we have seen so far in the pandemic. That said, just because it’s endemic it 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. What are the hypotheses for the way in which the pandemic will end? It is difficult to predict when the pandemic will end but three scenarios emerge as the most probable. It is important to note that these will be determined by WHO and governments around the world. 1.Getting through it as quickly as possible This means the government allows people and communities to be exposed as quickly as possible so that most people have been infected or developed immunity. At some point herd immunity will be reached – when the virus cannot find new hosts -and the pandemic slowly peters out. The problem with this is that hospitals reach peak capacity very quickly and millions may die. 2.Slow it down or delay it and vaccinate As happened with most countries’, governments used various methods to slow down the spread. This reduces the number of lives lost but the virus still spreads slowly and many of these measures have a devastating effect on the economy. 3.Co-ordinate globally to crush it This is achieved by introducing travel bans, quarantining, social distancing and restricting travel. In this scenario the world should co-ordinate efforts to reduce transmission. In the best-case scenario this could end the pandemic swiftly with low loss of life. The virus will not be eliminated through this means alone but reduced transmission and spread. Each has its pros and cons but it’s generally accepted that vaccination, assisted by as much global coordination as possible, is the best possible scenario. What is

February 7, 2022

Fruity back to school lunch box ideas for a healthy start to 2022

Make the morning rush a little easier with healthy lunch box recipes that all kids will love. Plums, peaches and nectarines, known collectively as stone fruit, pack a nutritious punch offering generous helpings of vitamins and other essential nutrients to keep budding learners sharp throughout the day. Make sure your children get their share of nature’s juicy summer bounty by including stone fruit as a snack in their lunch boxes or turn them into delicious, nourishing meals and treats. We all know how fussy children can be when it comes to balancing their daily food intake, so here are some nifty ideas to get nutritious stone fruit into their lunch boxes. Celebrity chef, Jenny Morris, has created two moreish lunch box salads that tick all the right boxes. Her peach and bulgar wheat salad is a super easy and satisfying meal that can be prepared the night before. It is an absolutely yummy and filling alternative to regular school sandwiches, guaranteed to keep hunger pangs at bay. Jenny’s nectarine and smoked chicken salad is another substantial lunch box meal your children will tuck into with glee. Bursting with colour and flavour, it is quick and easy to whip up. For something sweet when energy stores start running low, Jenny’s plum jelly treats are the perfect lunchbox filler. These homemade treats are great for on the go snacking. Karen Hart’s peachy whole wheat muffins are a super nutritious lunch box filler. They are easy to make ahead of time and are sure to stay fresh and go the distance. Plums, peaches and nectarines are naturally sweet super fruit with a low glycaemic index (GI). They are high in fibre and abound in health-giving potassium and vitamins A, C and E, all-powerful antioxidants that protect against disease and help to build healthy minds and bodies. To keep children’s lunches fresh all day, Addis, the original and trusted food storage container brand, has the perfect solution. Addis Clip ‘n Seal lunch boxes come in various sizes and great colours with a high quality, clip closing design that guarantees an airtight and leakproof seal. They are made in South Africa and are BPA free. Visit www.addis.co.za for more information. Feel inspired by following @juicydelicioussa on Instagram or visit www.juicydelicious.co.za for more tempting stone fruit recipes. Peach and Bulgar Wheat Salad By Jenny Morris Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 2 cups cooked bulgar wheat ½ red onion finely diced 2 spring onions with tops finely chopped ½ cup chopped mint 2 large cling peaches washed, stoned and finely diced ½ medium cucumber finely diced ½ cup finely diced red pepper 2 red chillies chopped (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Method: Toss all the ingredients together and add the dressing 30 minutes before serving. Dressing: ½ cup orange juice ¼ cup lemon juice 1 Tbsp honey ¾ tsp salt Pepper to taste 2 cloves finely grated garlic 1 tsp mustard of your choice ½ cup olive or vegetable oil Method: Stir together all the ingredients except the oil, taste and adjust the seasoning, then whisk in the oil. Nectarine and Smoked Chicken Lunch Box By Jenny Morris Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 cup cooked bulgar wheat Zest of 1 yellow lemon 2 Tbsp chopped mint 1 cup cucumber, chopped or thinly sliced 2 large firm nectarines stone removed and chopped 300g chopped smoked chicken breast 30g toasted almonds chopped Salt and pepper to taste Dressing: ¾ cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp lemon juice Stir together and season to taste. Method: Place all the ingredients together in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and lightly toss together, add the dressing and stir together gently. Divide into 4 portions and pack into lunch boxes. Plum Jelly Treats By Jenny Morris Makes: 24 – 30 (depending on the size of the mould) Ingredients: 15 plums, halved and stoned ½ cup water ½ cup caster sugar 6 Tbsp gelatin powder Silicone mould of your choice Non-stick cooking spray Method: Place the plums in a small saucepan with the water and simmer until soft. Place in a blender and process until smooth. Strain the liquid through a sieve and return to the pot (alternatively, if you have a juicer, simply juice the fruit and place in the saucepan). Add the caster sugar and dissolve over low heat. Sponge the gelatin in a little water, according to the package instructions. Once, sponged, place the gelatin in the warm plum liquid and stir to dissolve. Lightly spray your mould with the non-stick spray and place on a baking tray. Carefully pour the liquid into the mould – using a jug – and place in the fridge for an hour and a half, or until set. Pop out and enjoy! Whole Wheat Peach Muffins By Karen Hart Makes 12 muffins Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour ¼ cup cake flour 1 ½ cup oats ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp cinnamon 11/2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches or nectarines (2 peaches/nectarines) ⅓ cup buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla extract ⅓ cup honey ⅓ cup sunflower or canola oil 1 egg Extra oats to sprinkle on top (optional) Method: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in the peaches. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vanilla, honey, oil and egg. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until it is just mixed. Spoon the batter into a 12-hole muffin tin, lined with paper liners. Sprinkle a little oats over each muffin (optional). Bake in a preheated oven of 180ºC for 18 – 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

February 4, 2022

HAPPY KIDS ARE GOOD KIDS

In the words of Oscar Wilde, “The best way to make children good is to make them happy,” and that’s what the Friends In Your Freezer are intent on achieving through delicious, healthy, fun, and convenient food. Oh, and a chance to win a family holiday worth R50 000 too! Two of the largest brands in the frozen food world are on a mission to create convenient and nutritious mealtime solutions, while bringing fun into the kitchen and onto kids’ plates. Whether their summer holiday was the greatest six weeks of their little lives, or a time spent ranting about having nothing to do, the back-to-school transition is daunting for most children, and more than likely, moms too. Having a stable eating routine with exciting food helps children to look forward to mealtimes, and a nutritious eating routine improves not only their energy levels, but their concentration and mental health too. McCain and Sea Harvest offer the finest quality frozen fish and vegetables, which are incredibly healthy too. Their produce is harvested at its peak, sustainably sourced and snap frozen within hours to maintain freshness and lock in nutrients, meaning that your little ones not only get to enjoy a delicious meal, but one that’s packed with vitamins and minerals too. “Frozen foods are a convenient and affordable way of incorporating protein and vegetables into your children’s diets. The combination of products that McCain and Sea Harvest offer are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of little palates,” says Jared Patel, the Head of Marketing of the Sea Harvest Group. Get the kids involved in the kitchen and create a fun and fresh (or shall we say, frozen) take on sushi: Fish Finger ‘Sushi’ with Smiles Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Difficulty: easy Ingredients Fish & Smiles 8 Sea Harvest Fish Fingers 1 x 415 g bag McCain Smiles Sushi 8 slices of brown bread, crusts cut off 40 ml mayonnaise 8 slices of pre-sliced cheddar cheese 1 small cucumber, peeled into ribbons 1 large carrot, peeled and finely grated Dipping Sauce ¼ C (60 ml) mayonnaise 2 Tbsp (30 ml) chutney Method Fish & Smiles Preheat the oven to 200 ºC. Lay frozen Fish Fingers and Smiles onto a baking tray. Place into the oven for 15-20 minutes and cook until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer for the recommended time. Allow the fish fingers to cool completely. Sushi Roll each slice of bread with a rolling pin to flatten by half. Dollop roughly a teaspoon of mayonnaise on each slice of bread and spread evenly to all corners. Place a slice of cheese right on the edge of the side of the bread closest to you – this will ensure that there is a margin of bread left on the other side that will stick the sushi roll together. Place a cucumber ribbon on the edge of the cheese that is closest to you followed by a cooked Fish Finger. Top the fish finger with grated carrot, then roll the bread roll away from you to form a neat log shape. Press down on the seam to seal the roll. Trim off the ends off, then slice into 4-5 bite-size pieces of sushi. Repeat the rolling process until you have completed and sliced all of the rolls. Dipping Sauce Mix the mayo and the chutney together and set aside. To Serve Serve fish finger sushi rolls with potato smiles and dipping sauce on the side. Having these Friends In Your Freezer ensures that mealtime planning and creativity in the kitchen isn’t higher grade, so to speak. “Our purpose is to make mom’s lives easier, and kid’s lives happier. The first two months of the year are generally chaotic and there’s no doubt that having frozen meals on hand eliminates the added pressure of meal prep on a busy week night,” says Danielle De Villiers, Senior Brand Manager at McCain. Purchase any 1 McCain and 1 Sea Harvest product from participating stores and stand a chance to WIN 1 of 4 family holidays valued at R50K each with McCain and Sea Harvest. Competition ends 28 February 2022, T&C’s apply. For more information, visit www.friendsinyourfreezer.co.za, McCain Facebook, McCain Instagram, Sea Harvest Facebook or Sea Harvest Instagram. You can also download this fun activity book filled with puzzles, games and jokes, to keep the kids busy!

February 4, 2022

All about Boosters

As the COVID-19 pandemic waxes and wanes around the globe, it is universally accepted that as many people in the world as possible need to be vaccinated to develop immunity. Depending on which vaccine you received, you will either have had one or two initial vaccines doses and then, between 2 and 6 months afterwards are eligible for a booster. Kathy Malherbe speaks to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, about COVID-19 immunity, vaccines, boosters and the way forward. What do boosters and vaccines do? They develop immunity against infections. In the case of COVID-19, when we are fully vaccinated, we acquire what is called ‘vaccine-induced immunity’. However, it has been shown that the immunity created by vaccines may wane over time so an additional dose of the vaccine (full or half strength) – in the form of a booster- is then given to provide the strongest and long-lasting protection possible. What exactly is immunity? Simplified, it is your body’s ability to protect you from becoming ill when you encounter a germ (virus, parasite, fungus, bacteria). It is not a simple process but essentially your body produces cells that try to stop the invading germs. This includes cells which ‘memorise’ a particular infection or germ and then recognise it when it returns and try to destroy it. Immunity can be natural or vaccine induced Natural immunity is your body’s natural ‘fighting mechanism’ which creates antibodies to fight an infection. If you get a disease mildly (like COVID) you do not develop a powerful natural immunity and your natural immunity, regardless of how strong it is, weakens over time – faster than immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine. For this reason, it is recommended that even if you have natural immunity, you still need a COVID-19 vaccine. Why is a booster necessary when you are fully vaccinated Fully vaccinated people have proved to be well-protected from becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. So, you may ask why a booster then? Even though vaccines protect you, their efficacy does lessen over time, regardless of which variant of COVID, especially with people 65 years and older. This is not only in the case if a COVID vaccine. If a vaccine does not contain a live, (weakened) virus, a booster is required in most cases. The COVID vaccine does not contain any form of live viruses and, like other inactivated vaccines, will need several doses over time to remain effective. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer. It is important to know that immune responses can differ in people who get COVID-19 and recover from the illness There are many vaccines which require a booster so you’re more than likely going to receive at least one in a lifetime. When should you have a booster shot? For those who received the double-dose Pfizer vaccine, you’re eligible for a booster shot at least 6 months after the final dose of the vaccine was administered If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should get a booster if you’re 18 or older and got vaccinated two or more months ago Can you have different booster shots from the original vaccine? The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHRPA) has not licensed mix and match vaccines. However, there is good evidence that mix and match vaccines are just as effective (and sometimes better) at increasing antibody levels. SAHRPA has requested submission of evidence to support this approach, so watch their website for updates. Do booster shots use the same ingredients as existing vaccines? Yes. COVID-19 booster shots are the same ingredients (formulation) as the current COVID-19 vaccines. Some boosters have the same ingredients but it is not a full dose. J&J and Pfizer boosters are the full dose. Are there side effects from the booster shot? There is a chance you may feel like you have mild flu after your booster shot. This could include a sore and even slightly swollen arm, a temperature, a headache and fatigue for a day or two. These symptoms mean that your immune system is responding to the shots and building up immune protection against the coronavirus. Can I have a booster if I am immune compromised? Yes, but should be referred by your doctor. Persons who are immunocompromised should receive an additional Pfizer or J&J booster at least 28 days after receiving their last vaccination. Presently, persons who are considered immune-compromised should have the same booster as the initial vaccine dose (or doses). Even though there is talk that COVID-19 will move from being a pandemic to endemic, there’s no getting away from the fact that this virus will be part of our lives for a long time and we will need to learn to live with it. Which means that in order for the world to develop immunity against the virus, as many people as possible need to be vaccinated and also receive booster shots.

January 31, 2022

Health at School

The school year is in full swing and children are as busy as ever with all their activities and homework. By following a few lifestyle tips you can keep your child healthy and cut down on their sick days says Bonitas Medical Fund.

January 30, 2022

Your pre- hospitalisation check list

Waves of Covid-19 and the emerging variants meant that several elective surgeries were postponed to minimise the use of hospital beds and to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus. As the number of infections decrease, surgeons and hospitals are catching up on the backlog of elective surgeries. So, what exactly is elective surgery? It does not mean, as the name implies, that the surgery is optional but rather that it doesn’t need to be performed immediately. It can be scheduled at the patient’s and surgeon’s convenience. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, says there are pre-hospitalisation requirements for those going in for elective surgeries. Here’s a quick checklist. Hospital networks Medical schemes negotiate preferential rates with Designated Service Provides (DSPs) who have partnered with them to ensure that members get the best quality services, at the most cost-effective rate so that benefits are optimised. If you use a network hospital, doctor or pharmacy you will not be charged more than the agreed rate. This will help you avoid co-payments and make your medical aid last longer. So, to reduce co-payments and even avoid them altogether, find a healthcare professional on your schemes network. Pre-authorisation All procedures that take place in a hospital must be pre-authorised. Essentially, it’s an agreement between the medical aid and the hospital, indicating a willingness to pay for costs associated with the visit. But even if you do have pre-authorisation your medical aid is not promising to cover 100% of the costs. All pre-authorisation requests are evaluated against the different schemes’ rules and clinical funding policies however, you remain responsible for any shortfall, including any co-payments. If you are unsure how to go about the process speak to your broker or your medical aid. Quotes A quote is not the same as a pre-authorisation. Most medical aid plans have varying hospital benefits, according to the level of cover you have chosen and they also have a ‘rate’ and which they reimburse healthcare providers. This means that even if the payment is 100% of the rate, this is not necessarily what the healthcare provider will charge, they may charge 200% of your medical aid rate. Asking for a quote prior to being admitted to hospital means you will know what your medical aid will pay and what payment you might be responsible for. It gives you an opportunity to negotiate and eliminates any additional ‘surprise’ co-payments required after the procedure. Co-payments Medical practitioners, hospitals and pharmacies often charge more than medical aid scheme rates, which could be between 100% – 300% of the medical aid tariffs. A co-payment refers to the outstanding portion of the account, for which the member is responsible. This co-payment varies from one medical scheme to another and is sometimes not required if members use DSPs or network hospitals. Day hospitals Consult with your surgeon to see if your surgery can be done in a day hospital. Globally, day surgery hospitals have changed the experience of patients by offering an alternative to acute/conventional hospital surgery. The advantages include: No overnight stay, ideal for children so they don’t have the trauma of overnight stays; there is a lower risk of infection because patients go home on the same day and there is a decreased waiting list. Step-down facilities Your medical aid will stipulate the number of days you need to stay in hospital and check whether you will need a step-down facility when you are discharged. There are several facilities where patients can be cared for and start rehabilitation in conjunction with other medical professionals, for example physiotherapists. Home-based care Find out if you are eligible for home-based care after your procedure. Many patients prefer to be discharged from hospital as soon as possible and receive Hospital-Level Care at home. This means good, clinical quality care which translates into a great patient experience and is also more affordable With Hospital-Level Care at Home, nurses, other health providers and caregivers are an essential element of the care continuum and play a critical role in recovery. GAP Cover Gap Cover is an additional insurance cover that complements medical schemes. It helps to pay the difference in cost between the amount the specialist or hospital charges and the amount paid by a hospital or medical plan. You will be required to pay any shortfalls (co-payments), after which you may claim from your Gap Cover. Keep all documentation related to the surgery and hospitalisation to submit to the Gap Cover provider. Covid-19 Test For emergency admissions, a Rapid Antigen Test is performed at the hospital but for elective surgery you are required to have a PCR test a maximum of 72 hours before admission. If your test is positive, you will have to delay your surgery by at least 10 days and then re-test. Pre-admission Pre-admission can be done a few days before you are scheduled for surgery and makes the admission process less stressful on the day. Pre-admission involves answering a series of questions and tests to eliminate the possibility of allergic reactions, drug interactions or physical complications before, during and after the surgical process. For administrative purposes the following items are required upon admission: Your identification document or passport Your medical aid card Authorisation number supplied by your medical aid, or the letter of guarantee issued by your insurer X-rays, if applicable Chronic medication, if staying overnight Dr Mkhatshwa says, ‘In addition to these, remember to take any chronic medication you are on to the hospital and make sure the doctor/anaesthetists are aware of what you are taking. By following this checklist and making sure the surgeon and hospital have all the necessary information, you will eliminate unnecessary stress ahead of your procedure and prevent unpleasant surprises when you are supposed to be recovering.’

January 19, 2022

Healthcare tips with NutriPure

With the wide variety of vitamin options available, it’s easy to get frustrated about what your body really needs to perform optimally on a physical and mental level. NutriPure has made it easy for you to understand your body’s essential needs and has broken down the vitamins your body may need the most and why. Read our quick guide about general health concerns and how you could address them by taking NutriPure’s Gummie Vitamins. Boost your overall health Taking a Multivitamin daily can help with the following: Increase energy levels We can become weak and lethargic if our bodies don’t meet nutritional standards. Taking a multivitamin regularly can help restore energy. Taking a multivitamin and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep you energized and healthy. Strengthens the immune system Multivitamins contain vitamins C, E, and D and are known to strengthen the immune system. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help reduce allergy symptoms. Improve brain function Some vitamins and fatty acids slow or prevent memory loss. Vitamins such as vitamin B12 can help restore brain function. Reduce stress and depression B vitamins stimulate the nervous system to produce stress hormones and relieve stress. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals improves the function of the brain, which governs mood. Try NutriPure Multivitamin for kids (From R109.95) and NutriPure Multivitamin for adults (From R134.95) contribute to the function of the immune system and the function of many other systems in the body. Each NutriPure Multivitamin complete contains 11 essential vitamins & minerals: vitamin D, B6, B12, C, biotin, pantothenic acid, and niacin help to increase energy levels and strengthen the immune system. Support your immune system With the recent pandemic and continuous new viruses being discovered, it is vital to keep our immune systems as healthy as possible. A healthy immune system is essential year-round to prevent infections and illnesses. Eating nutritious foods, leading a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, and exercising are the best ways to boost your immune system. Additionally, research has shown that supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals may improve immune responses and protect against disease. Try NutriPure Immune Support + (From R 109.95) and NutriPure Immune Support for adults (From R134.95) have been carefully formulated with six essential vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium which all contribute to the maintenance of good health. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for the health and function of the immune system. Many people are deficient in this vital vitamin, which can adversely affect immune function. Supplementing with vitamin D can improve your immune response. Try NutriPure Vitamin D for kids (From R109.95) and NutriPure Vitamin D3 for adults (From R 134.95) which are excellent for the immune system and are known to aid in the fight against viruses. NutriPure Vitamin D contributes to the following: The normal function of the immune system. The maintenance of normal bones and teeth. The maintenance of normal muscle function. Normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus. Probiotics Your body needs certain bacteria to stay healthy. Bacteria aids digestion, absorbs nutrients, and fights off other disease-causing bacteria. A balanced gut is essential in keeping the body healthy at any age. NutriPure Probiotics for kids (From R 109.95) is formulated with bifidobacterium infantis & lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains. Each Nutripure gummy contains 1 billion live cultures to help your child boost their daily culture intake. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple Cider vinegar has many health benefits, including aiding weight loss, reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving the symptoms of diabetes. NutriPure Apple Cider Vinegar (From R 159.95) is a great natural Immune Booster. At last, taking, apple cider vinegar was made easy and great tasting. Nutritional highlights: With 500mg of Apple Cider Vinegar per serving for immune support and metabolism Vitamin C for immune health Vitamin B6 for energy-yielding metabolism Vitamin C & B6 to reduce tiredness & fatigue Reaching your daily vitamin intake can feel like a chore. The NutriPure range is the perfect way to enhance your daily routine anytime, anywhere. Nutripure has now made it even easier for you with their convenient travel-friendly pouches that contain 14 gummies each (R36.95). The pouches come in five different variants. Three variants for kids: Immune Support+ Vitamin C Multivitamin Two variants for adults: Immune Support Multivitamin Nutripure gummies are tasty for kids and adults and come in an all-natural sweet treat with all the best ingredients for you. NutriPure is vegan-friendly, has no sugar coating, and it is GMO-free. Nutripure can be found at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, and other major retailers. For more information go to http://nutripure.co.za/

January 13, 2022

GLENOAKS SPEARHEADS CHANGES TO DISABILITY TAX LAWS

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School has shown once again that our passion to meet the needs of our children is as strong as ever. Glenoaks School made a stand by challenging the changes to the disability tax laws put in place by SARS. In so doing, we sought to protect the rights of learners with special needs (LSEN) in our community. LSEN, and their parents, experience daily societal stigma that exists towards them. As a school, we could not stand back and allow our community to endure more pressure and have a law impede on their abilities as individuals. This would be the likely impact of the amendment to the list of qualifying medical expenses, as it read before our successful challenge thereof. Section 6B of the Act allows a taxpayer to claim a tax rebate on qualifying medical expenses (expenses incurred in consequence of a disability). The amendment, among other aspects, limited parents in terms of how much they were able to claim back from SARS. The list, as it read in 2012 and until 2020, allowed parents to claim a percentage of school fees on the difference between a private special educational needs (LSEN) school and the closest public school to their home. The 2020 amendment stated, however, that this comparison would now be a percentage of school fees between an LSEN school and the closest fee-paying private school (not specializing in supporting learners with special educational needs). The difference between these two comparisons was, in many instances, profound. What defines an LSEN school? In short, our schools identify each child as an individual, with individual strengths, potentials and areas where they require accommodations and adaptations. This may mean differentiated lessons, adapted work levels, adapted pace, adapted content preparation and presentation, revision, and repetition of tasks in various methods, observing, assessing and reporting – constantly meeting a child at their developmental, emotional, vocational and academic level. This within a small class setting, so that this level of support is possible. Our learners’ developmental ages differ from their chronological ages in certain or all respects. The Learning and Developmental theory of Vygotsky states that as human beings, we learn within a zone of proximal development. Therefore, we need to identify what a learner is currently capable of, and then identify where they need to be. Our role is to find professional strategies to enable a child to reach their potential in a variety of academic and vocational areas. Ultimately, our learners require far more than a basic education. They need to work so much harder than many others do. As many parents reading this article will know, quality schooling opportunities for learners with remedial and special needs are currently limited within the public schooling system. In the majority of cases, the only option for parents is to place their children in a private school environment that can meet their needs. With the 2020 list in place, many parents would not have been able to afford private LSEN schools, and the amendment would have put extra pressure on an already struggling public educational system. The result would have been learners who were not placed or are incorrectly placed at schools. Private special needs and remedial schools, like Glenoaks, exist and have existed for years, largely because parents can receive financial assistance from a fair tax rebate. When we became aware of the 2020 list, Glenoaks hosted a parent meeting where an expert in the field discussed the amendment and the implications to follow. With the support of our parent body and school board, our next step was to seek the legal opinion of constitutional law practitioners. This expert opinion confirmed for us that we had to fight for the rights of the LSEN community. Glenoaks initially collaborated and was involved in many consultative processes; all, over the course of 2 years, proving to be ineffective. We were forced to take our case to the level of litigation. We were so grateful to receive the support of a group of advocates and legal professionals who gave up their valuable time to help Glenoaks stand up for this cause. The Equal Education Law Centre, represented by the Centre for Child Law joined us, and together we forged forward challenging systems that were meant to uphold our children’s rights. Our small group put it all on the line to stand up for the rights of the special needs community. On 29 October 2021, SARS reverted to the previous list. Glenoaks is sincerely grateful for this decision. Interestingly, this journey has taken Glenoaks back to our roots. Glenoaks School was started by Dr Lorna Swartz, a qualified Psychiatrist. In the 1960’s her daughter started to display extreme impulsivity and distractibility. Nobody at this time could provide her with support or advice. She travelled to America where she sought the assistance of a variety of professionals. Dr Swartz then returned home and started her own school, determined to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. Dr Swartz is reported, in an interview (https://myinclusivecourse.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/dr-lorna-swartz/) to have chained herself to a government building, demanding that the government make changes to their education system. Eventually, she was able to establish a formalized and registered school. This, being the time of Apartheid, also included Glenoaks opening their doors to a variety of children, from different racial groups, with special needs. Glenoaks’ hope for the future is to provide further financial support to learners through the help of individuals or businesses who may be able to offer bursaries or donations. In addition, we would like to share our knowledge to empower university students and educators to be able to provide more support to their own learners in all educational streams. Ultimately, Glenoaks wants to enable the potential of as many children as we possibly can. Glenoaks has proven that we are a school with enough heart, courage and commitment to protect and vindicate the rights of both our children and their parents. GO Glenoaks,

January 12, 2022

Give your body a leg up – immune boosting

Now more than ever we need to find ways to boost our immune systems as much as possible. And, while there are no medications or immunity-boosting supplements that can cure or prevent the coronavirus, there are some simple lifestyle changes we can make and steps we can take to strengthen our defences. Good nutrition can also reduce developing other health problems including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund says, ‘Eating a healthy diet, high in immune-boosting nutrients, is just as important during this pandemic. What we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to prevent and fight disease and recover from it. This is one of the ways in which we can improve our health proactively.’ What is the immune system? The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defends the body against infection. It also keeps a record of every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated, so it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. There is no magic pill that will instantly boost your immune system. However, together with a healthy lifestyle, various supplements can boost your immune system and give you a fighting chance. Together with those people who have not been vaccinated, it is well documented that people with co-morbidities and poorly functioning immune systems are at the highest risk of getting really ill from Covid-19. Although you cannot suddenly reverse a co-morbidity or instantly boost your immune system, now is a good time to make your health and natural defences a priority. Tips for maintaining a healthy diet: Eat a variety of food, including wholegrains (like maize, oats, rice, and legumes) as well as plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet Limit salt intake to 5 grams (a teaspoon) a day Eat moderate amounts of fats and oils. Avoid saturated fat (animal fat). Try steaming instead of frying when cooking Limit sugar intake. This includes sweets, fizzy and sugary drinks. Choose fresh fruit over biscuits, cake, and chocolate Drink water. Good hydration is crucial for good health so make sure you drink enough water. There are many foods with high water content – such as cucumbers and celery – add these or lemon and mint, to a glass of water. ‘Ideally we should try and get all our vitamins from the food we eat. However, that’s not always possible which is why taking vitamin supplements can help bridge the gap,’ says Dr Mkhatshwa. ‘The recommendation for general health is a combination of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy.’ Vitamin C: Key to fighting infection is to increase white blood cell production, eating foods high in vitamin C – such as grapefruit, oranges, sweet red pepper, broccoli, strawberries, kale, and tomato juice – are thought to help plus Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Beta-Carotene: Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is an anti-inflammatory vitamin that can help your antibodies respond to toxins, such as a virus. Beta-carotene is found in carrots, spinach, kale, apricots, sweet potato, apricots, and squash. Vitamin E: Is an essential antioxidant that helps fight cell damage and supporting immune system function. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, peanut butter, seeds, avocado and spinach. Antioxidants: Green tea is packed with antioxidants that have been shown to enhance immune system function. It also contains amino acids that may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells, which reduces inflammation in the body and helps fight infection. Vitamin D: This vitamin also fights off infections and maintains strong bones. It is found in salmon, canned tuna, egg yolks, milk, cereals, breads, and mushrooms. Alternatively, make sure you expose your body to 13-15 minutes of sunshine three times a week for a natural Vitamin D fix. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system but there has not been robust clinical evidence to prove its use against Covid-19. Probiotics: Live cultures, known as probiotics, are said to help stimulate the immune system to fight off disease. Yogurt, Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, pickles as well certain types of cheese contain live cultures. Vitamin B-6: Is essential in the formation of new and healthy red blood cells and helps maintain the lymphatic system. Chicken, turkey, cold-water fish (salmon and tuna), chickpeas (traditional hummus), bananas, fortified breakfast cereal and nutritional yeast are great options for consuming vitamin B-6. Zinc: Is a mineral that our body doesn’t store or produce, however our Immune system cells need zinc to function as they are intended, it boosts the metabolism along with healing wounds. Red meat, shellfish, poultry, beans/legumes, and nuts/seeds are high zinc foods. ‘During this global pandemic we need to understand that our actions are not just to protect ourselves but also those around us,’ says Dr Mkhatshwa. ‘The risk of contracting Covid-19 is higher in crowded spaces so, reiterating what the President said, we need to heed the call to make sure you socialise outdoors or have plenty of fresh air flowing through your homes and workplaces. The World Health Organization talks about avoiding the 3Cs: Spaces that are closed, crowded, or involve close contact. ‘We need to work together to contain the spread of Covid-19 especially during the various mutations of the virus. With the 4th wave upon us, we need to vaccinate, wear masks, keep our distance, follow good hygiene protocols, boost our immune systems and get plenty of exercise and fresh air.’

December 10, 2021

SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR CHANGING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

As our kids enter their school-going years their growth is steady, but slower and somewhat less dramatic when compared to the rapid baby-toddler-to-little-person transformation. It’s an interesting time nutritionally as school-going children tend to be more open to trying different foods and are developing their foodie likes and dislikes. They are more able and adept at learning about different foods and their nutritional impact, so you can really start communicating with them about the importance of food and healthy eating. Many of our lifelong dietary habits are rooted in this young life-stage. According to Zelda Ackerman, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa) the primary school-going age is an ideal time for parents to help set our children up for a lifetime of healthy eating. She says, “What happens around food in both the home and school is really important not just to ensure optimal nutrition for growing bodies, but to educate our children about how important daily food choices are to our overall health and our abilities to perform well in life. For instance, balanced nutrition is vital for developing strong bones, teeth and muscles, as well as supporting our immune system to prevent disease. However, it impacts too on our abilities to focus and learn in the classroom, and to achieve in sports and other physical activities.” Physical growth demands energy, and children’s energy needs are high. According to another ADSA spokesperson, Vanessa Clarke, also a Registered Dietitian, “These energy needs increase as children get older and are influenced greatly by a child’s level of exercise. As children move through the various school levels, their energy demands will increase which means they need more carbohydrates, protein and fat to support necessary bodily functions and their growth. Children may also require increasing amounts of certain vitamins and minerals as they get older. Some children going through adolescence who are physically active each day may require more energy in the form of calories than even an adult female or male. It’s also important to remember that children continue to grow and develop well beyond their tweens and during their teenage years into young adulthood.” During your child’s school-going years, it’s essential to get a good start to the day in the form of a sufficient balanced breakfast, even if it is a breakfast on the go. A balanced breakfast means that the meal includes high-fibre carbohydrates (wholewheat toast, oats, granola), protein (eggs, cheese, yoghurt) and fat (avocado, nut butters, olive oil), as well as vitamins and minerals (fruit and/or veg). This sets them off to school with a powered up brain and energy to spend. It’s typical for school-going children to need to eat four to five times a day – their snacks are really important, so don’t skip or skimp on their lunchboxes. What is an optimal school lunchbox? Depending on their school age and their after-school activities, your child’s lunchbox may be their snack or their midday meal. For older children participating in late afternoon after school activities, their lunchbox may need to contain their morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. You need to adjust the quantities based on the day’s schedule and your child’s level of physical activity. In order to ensure the lunchbox is optimal nutritionally, always strive for a balanced snack or a balanced meal containing all the essential nutrients. Focus on home-prepared wholefoods rather highly processed snack foods. Vanessa offers this suggestion: Include high-fibre carbohydrates such as wholewheat bread, wholewheat wrap or high fibre crackers such as Provitas. Choosing a high fibre option ensures they stay fuller for longer, and have a more sustained level of energy Add a fruit like an apple, naartjie, banana or nectarine Pop in a portion of vegetables such as sweet pepper strips, cucumber wedges or carrot sticks Include a protein portion by making a chicken mayo sandwich with the high-fibre bread, or add chicken drumsticks, meatballs, biltong or cheese Make sure they have their freshly filled up water bottle to meet their fluid needs. You can add a sprig of mint, a lemon slice or a few blueberries if they prefer flavoured water. Avoid any sugar-sweetened beverages that contribute towards obesity and tooth decay If your child will be having a longer school day, add extra portions of fruit and veg and raw nuts, and consider including a yoghurt or smoothie. Older children participating in sports may also need an extra wholewheat sandwich and additional lean protein portions to help preserve lean muscle mass. Dealing with the challenges of food at school School tuck shops can be a source of food for your children, but parents need to be aware of what kinds of foods and drinks are on offer. There are many convenience and snack foods that, although marketed to children, are nutrient-poor and contribute to rising childhood obesity. School tuck shops that do not have well-informed, dietitian-led healthy eating policies often offer these types of foods because they are popular with children and drive profits. Zelda says, “Parents need to stand together and approach school governing bodies to raise their concerns about unhealthy food being offered at school. Of course, children like sweets, chocolates, crisps and sugary drinks – and if they are on offer, that’s what they will choose. School tuck shops need to be committed to only offering healthy food, snack and drink options. A registered dietitian can help parents with a list of healthy tuck shop food and drink options.” Under-resourced South African schools also face school food challenges with many parents concerned about the nutritional quality of the school’s nutrition programme. Zelda says, “Sometimes, there are problems around the inadequate supply of food to address child hunger, but a persistent issue is the lack of fresh vegetables and fruit. Here, parents can help to motivate or get involved in the establishment of school food gardens to supplement school meals. Many nutritious vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, tomatoes, beans and butternuts are easily grown by beginner gardeners. Schools

December 9, 2021

The best defence is a multi-defence

Shew, the disruption, stress, fear, and grief that Covid-19 has brought into our lives! We have no choice but to keep on doing the best we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Nearly two years into the pandemic there is much scientific evidence about how individuals can ward off the virus, prevent hospitalisation or support recovery. Fortunately, we live in a country with a well-respected medical body which has informed South Africa’s vaccination rollout, and a professional and compassionate healthcare fraternity that goes the extra mile for their patients. Still, as individuals, we have a huge part to play in our own defence, and as always, the best defence is to adopt a multi defence strategy. “Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help to slow the spread of the virus” As many of us return to the office and congregate indoors over meals and drinks, we also need to think about ventilation to minimise the indoor spread of Covid-19. And we can power up our body’s natural immune defences to fight against the onslaught of contagious infections, germs which are everywhere, poor diet, stress and pollution. Things we can control: Eat healthily, which means more vegetables and fruit and cutting back on deep fried and stodgy fast foods. Move regularly. This can add up to big health and fitness benefits, for example, 20 minutes of brisk walking five or more days a week has been shown to boost immunity. Plan fun active get-togethers with family, friends, or colleagues. Think bike rides or walks to collect coffee, start up a backyard cricket or footy game, take a ball or frisbee for play dates. Supplement healthily. Well-respected nutritional supplier, Nativa, has a range of immune boosting nutritional supplements. Check them out on https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/immune-health/#nativa-complex-multi-defence Look out for new Nativa Complex® Multi-Defence tablets, a health supplement formulated to deliver the benefits of two immune and antioxidant boosting vitamins (Vitamins C and D) and minerals (zinc and selenium) to promote antioxidants and good health. All products are available from Takealot, Dis-Chem, Clicks and selected pharmacies nationwide. WIN! A Philips Air Fryer valued at R1600 from Nativa Complex® Immune Boosting Supplements when you click here

December 9, 2021

Vaccinations proving to be the best defence

As the fourth wave of Covid spreads, South Africa is seeing a considerable increase in positive cases. Just as the Delta variant became part of our daily vocabulary, the Omicron or BI.I.529 strain has too. Omicron has more than 30 mutations (double those carried by Delta) that may have an impact on how it behaves. This includes how easily it spreads and the severity of the illness it causes. The Omicron variant was found in 74% of the 249 Covid-19 samples that were gene-sequenced in November in SA. It appears with more than double the mutations carried by Delta, Omicron is virulent enough to take over from Delta. Current international data shows that there are far more positive cases, meaning that Omicron appears to be highly transmissible. However, although more people are testing positive, they are presenting with mild symptoms with fewer hospital admissions. Medical professionals believe this is a direct result of the immunity acquired through vaccinations. The first wave of Covid-19 took the world by surprise but globally everyone is better prepared for this new wave. This includes a sustained effort to vaccinate as many people as possible. What the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and most people involved in the healthcare sector agree on unanimously, is that the best form of protection from serious disease is vaccination. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer, Bonitas Medical Fund says, “We have been proactive in urging our members and the public to be vaccinated. Our statistics show that, of our members over 60, there are 90% fewer admissions to hospital after full vaccination and 56% fewer after one vaccination. Research across the public healthcare environment has shown the same results. With this information freely available it is disturbing that only 16 944 413 people living in SA have been vaccinated. This is only 35.5% of adults and 23.7% of the total population. ‘The cost of hospital admissions too, especially ICU, are very high. Our figures show that up to November 22, the Bonitas Covid-19 costs totalled R1.75 billion. 80% of this (R1 399 181 922) was hospital costs, while only 4.9% (R85 669 068) was for vaccinations. ‘The average cost of admission to ICU, per patient, was R533 969. There is no doubt that vaccinations not only save lives but also reduce the burden on the public healthcare system, as well as save the country billions in costs related to treating Covid. Vaccinations are a fraction of the cost of treating Covid.’ Both in the public and private sector, the unvaccinated are filling our hospitals. Dr Waasila Jassat, from NICD, announced at the end of November that ‘unvaccinated patients suffered more severe symptoms than vaccinated ones and were most likely to face hospitalisation if infected by the new Covid-19 variant.’ She said that 90% of patients admitted to hospital in Pretoria (one of the current hotspots) are unvaccinated. ‘Not only is there a higher incidence of hospital admissions but also that the chances of death amongst unvaccinated are considerably higher.’ Callakoppen says there is enough clinical evidence to show that the vaccination reduces the severity of Covid and he encourages everyone to be vaccinated. He urges those who have been vaccinated to encourage others to do the same. However, this doesn’t mean you can forgo following the Covid protocols: Wearing a mask; sanitising your hands, maintaining social distancing; staying in well ventilated spaces; coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue. Bonitas has reported the following Covid related figures for 2021 as of 22 November. Total lives older than 18 estimated to have received at least 1 jab 66.4% Total tests performed: 441 929 Total Covid-19 hospital admissions: 20 376. (12 264 during 2021) Bonitas lives currently in hospital: 0.3% Admission rate: 25% ICU Admission Rate: 22% Total Covid deaths: 3 515 (2 292 in 2021) Total Bonitas membership vaccinated: 70% Highest number of people vaccinated is in the 35-49 age group followed by the over 60s ‘I must reiterate that our best defence against Covid-19 is to be vaccinated,’ says Callakoppen. ‘It won’t necessarily stop you from getting the coronavirus but it will reduce the severity of the disease. I contracted Covid in September but thankfully because I was fully vaccinated, my symptoms were mild which meant I was able to heal and recover at home. My experience is not unique.’ Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund answers some common questions around Omicron What is it? It’s a new, heavily mutated Covid variant known as BI.I.529. When was Omicron first detected? The earliest sample was detected on 11 November in Botswana. Is it more transmissible? Circumstantial evidence indicates it is. Within two weeks of its detection, it has outpaced Delta to become the main strain in Gauteng. Will vaccines work against it? Yes, most likely. A crucial objective remains to increase vaccination rates. Current vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease, hospitalisation and death. Should updated vaccines be developed, they will be rolled out globally and used as guided by WHO. Will prior infection provide me with immunity? Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron but information is limited. More information on this will become available in the coming days and weeks. What about treatment? Currently Oxygen and Dexamethasone have been saving lives. There is however very exciting data coming from two antivirals. What about the current tests? The widely used PCR tests continue to be the global standard to detect infection including Omicron. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests including rapid antigen tests.

December 7, 2021

Juicy Summer Salads for all Occasions

Summer is here which means more family time spent outdoors braaiing. Eating good food is high on everyone’s agenda, so why not make sure you have a juicy repertoire of salads on the menu to wow the whole family. Whether it’s as a side, a main, or accompanied by a juicy salad dressing, savour the goodness of summer days with these six delicious salad recipes using convenient Rhodes Quality beans, corn, chickpeas, gherkins, beetroot and more. Perfect at home, at work or just kicking back in the sun with your loved ones. Go with Goodness this summer, go with the right food choices for your family, go with Rhodes Quality. Add this grape juice salad dressing to any leafy salad for a sweet and juicy twist. Ingredients: 250 ml (1 cup) Rhodes Quality 100% Red Grape Juice 65 ml red wine vinegar 65 ml honey 65 ml olive oil salt and freshly cracked black pepper Method: In a small bowl, whisk together Rhodes Quality 100% Red Grape Juice, vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Whisk well. Season to taste. Stir before serving. Broccoli and bacon salad with curried mango dressing: a crunchy summer salad with a flavourful dressing. Ingredients: Serves 4 250 ml (1 cup) Rhodes Quality Mango & Orange 100% Fruit Juice 5 ml (1 tsp) Pakco Medium Curry Powder 10 ml (2tsp) Rhodes Quality Apricot Jam 15 ml (1 Tbsp) Dijon Mustard 30 ml (2 Tbsp) apple cider vinegar 15 ml (1 Tbsp) olive oil 15 ml (1 Tbsp) water 1 garlic clove, crushed salt and freshly cracked black pepper Salad 300 g broccoli, washed and chopped 125 ml (½ cup) red onion, finely chopped 125 g (1 packet) streaky bacon, crispy fried and chopped 1 x avocado, seeded and peeled and chopped Method: Place the Rhodes Quality Mango & Orange juice, Pakco Medium Curry Powder and Rhodes Quality Apricot Jam into a blender along with the remaining dressing ingredients. Process until smooth and well blended. Season to taste. Mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over the desired amount of dressing. Toss lightly to mix. Chill until serving. Mixed bean salad with tangy dressing: you can prepare this simple mixed bean salad in just a few minutes. Enjoy as a great braai side or as a nutritious protein-rich lunch. Ingredients: 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Three Bean Mix 1 x 410 g Rhodes Quality Green Beans 30 ml (2 T) lemon juice 5 ml (1 t) Dijon Mustard 80 ml olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely crushed 5 ml (1 t) sugar salt and freshly ground pepper Method: Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until well blended. Season the dressing to taste with the salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside. Pour the Rhodes Quality Three Bean Mix and the Rhodes Quality Green Beans into a large bowl. Add the red onion, red pepper and chopped coriander, and toss to mix. Pour the dressing over the bean salad and stir gently to coat. Crumble the feta cheese into the salad and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve well chilled. Mexican salad with black beans and pepper: A colourful and crunchy Mexican-style braai salad. Give the dressing a chilli kick or leave it plain – it’s completely up to you. Ingredients: 2 x 400 g cans of Rhodes Quality Black Beans 1 red pepper, cut into small dice 1 yellow pepper, cut into small dice red onion, cut into small dice Method: Pour the Rhodes Quality Black Beans out into a colander. Rinse well with cold water until the water runs clear. Leave to stand until the beans are well drained. In a large bowl, gently combine the beans, chopped peppers and onion. To make the dressing, measure out all the ingredients into a medium bowl. Whisk until well blended. Season the dressing to taste. Add enough of the dressing to coat the beans. Season to taste. Stir in the chopped coriander leaves and refrigerate until serving. Beetroot salad with yoghurt dressing: Simple to prepare yoghurt dressing over Rhodes Quality Beetroot slices, a tangy braai salad. Ingredients: 1 x 780 g jar Rhodes Quality Sliced Beetroot 125 ml (½ cup) plain thick yogurt 1 garlic clove, crushed 65 ml (¼ cup) flat-leaf parsley, chopped 65 ml (¼ cup) fresh dill, chopped salt and freshly cracked black pepper Method: Drain the Rhodes Quality Sliced Beetroot, rinse and drain well in a colander. Place the yoghurt, garlic and herbs into a bowl and stir to mix. Season to taste. Place the Beetroot into a bowl, add the dressing and toss to mix. Serve chilled. Black bean and corn Buddha bowl: Packed full of colour and fresh flavour, Buddha Bowls are filling, nutritious and quick to prepare. Ingredients: 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Whole Kernel Corn, drained 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Black Beans, drained and rinsed 1 red onion 2 whole tomatoes Salt and freshly cracked black pepper 30 ml (2 Tbsp.) chopped coriander leaves 500 ml (2 cups) cooked brown rice 1 avocado, peeled and chopped 375 ml (1 cups) grated cheddar cheese 3 spring onions, chopped To serve: Fresh coriander leaves, croutons and herb salad dressing Method: Finely chop the red onion and the tomatoes and mix. Season with salt and pepper and stir in 30 ml (2 Tbsp.) coriander and set aside. Create 4 Buddha Bowls by dividing the rice between four bowls. Add equal amounts of the Rhodes Quality Kernel Corn and Rhodes Quality Black Beans to each bowl. Divide the tomato salsa, chopped avocado between the bowls. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the bowls with the spring onions, coriander leaves and croutons. Serve with the herb salad dressing. For more inspiration packed with wholesome goodness and to find out how to win visit: www.rhodesquality.co.za or on Instagram and Facebook #GoWithG

November 27, 2021

BIG NEWS FOR LITTLE ONES

UCOOK has teamed up with Kath Megaw, one of South Africa’s leading Paediatric Dieticians, to create a range of frozen kids’ meals. The new UCOOK Frozen Kids range launches with six meals and two pizza options with more to come, each boasting the promise of No-Nonsense Goodness to ensure that children get the required quantities of essential vitamins and minerals from a large quantity of hidden vegetables in every dish. The meals are suitable for children from the toddler to pre-teen years. South Africa’s favourite meal-kit delivery company moved into the frozen meals category in October 2020 with a range of UCOOK Craft Meals, aimed at offering convenience to time-pressed customers. With this new expansion into the frozen kids category, UCOOK plans to make their customers’ lives easier than ever before. Kath Megaw says that as the mother of an ex-fussy eater, she inherently understands the concerns that parents of picky or fussy eaters face. “Making sure that your child eats a balanced diet and consumes the required amount of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals can be difficult and lead to stressful mealtimes,” says Megaw. “Now you can rest assured that your child is eating a healthy balanced meal, which means saving time on dinner-time battles and having to prepare a number of different options.” No-Nonsense Goodness is UCOOK’s promise to parents that their kids will get the benefits of nutritious ingredients crucial for development without compromising on the flavour they love. The UCOOK range has no added preservatives, sugars, sweeteners, artificial colourants or flavours and no added MSG. Each meal has a specially crafted blend of hidden vegetables, with some meals consisting of up to 74% fruits and vegetables. Each meal has an added bespoke Vitamin B pre-mix (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and Folic Acid) to boost the vitamin content. Sarah Hewitt, head of new product development at UCOOK, says that nutrition and immunity are directly related, and in a climate where both topics are particularly high on the consumer agenda, healthy eating is an imperative for all family members. “Following the launch of our range of baby foods, and then the UCOOK Frozen Craft Meals range, it occurred to us that to best serve the needs of our primary consumer, we needed to provide a solution for family members of all ages.” “We’re thrilled to work alongside Kath once again and bring these delicious meals to life as part of the UCOOK range of products,” says Hewitt. Megaw says that she’s often asked about the freezing process and how it affects meals. “Blast freezing preserves all the nutrients in the meal until such time as you choose to heat it up. Following the correct reheating instructions on the pack will ensure that there is no mineral loss or diminishing of the delicious flavours.” The new UCOOK Kids Frozen range launches with the following meals: UCOOK Kids Mac & Cheese UCOOK Kids Beef Lasagne UCOOK Kids Beef Rump Bites & Root Veg Mash UCOOK Kids Chicken & Broccoli Bake UCOOK Kids Mushroom Bites & Root Veggie Mash UCOOK Kids Spaghetti Bolognese UCOOK Kids Double Cheese Mini Pizzas UCOOK Kids Bacon and Cheese Mini Pizzas To explore the range and order your first taste, visit www.ucook.co.za.

November 22, 2021

Medical aids can’t bear the brunt of hospital increases

Hospital admissions are one of the biggest cost drivers for any private medical scheme which is why the tariffs are under review and negotiated annually by Bonitas Medical Fund. If no agreement is reached, medical aid members will bear the brunt of high co-payments. According to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, hospital admissions account for half of the Scheme’s annual claims cost. ‘Last year due to the pandemic, hospital admissions and the utilisation of other medical aid benefits fell to record lows. However, the 2021 claims’ experience has shown that a lot of services, particularly the day-to-day benefits and several hospital admission categories, are already close to 2019 levels. Since the start of the pandemic Bonitas has spent more than R2,7bn on COVID-19 related costs, of which R1,73bn pertain to 2021 year-to-date. More than 80% of these COVID-19 costs relate to hospitalisation. Non-COVID utilisation patterns are almost back to typical levels and, since June this year, overall claim ratios have returned to pre-COVID levels. Schemes are therefore not generating the same level of short-term surpluses in 2021 as was seen in 2020. ‘We anticipate that during 2022, utilisation is going to go back to where it was in 2019 or even higher. Which is why it is critical that schemes, such as Bonitas and hospital groups, through an annual negotiation process agree fair and equitable tariff charges, to ensure the lowest possible increases in the interest of members. This will not only help keep costs down but also ensure quality and affordable healthcare for current and future members, while maintaining the sustainability of schemes. We must acknowledge that over the last three years concerted efforts have been made by hospital groups to support and keep tariffs low. However, there are still significant opportunities to drive healthcare cost down. ‘We know that all sectors had been hard hit by the pandemic and the poor economic outlook in this country. Healthcare and medical schemes are no exception. However, we need to remain mindful that key to the survival of the private medical aid industry is its members. If hospital costs balloon above CPI, so will membership premiums, which will result in medical aid becoming unaffordable. We are appealing to all our service providers, including hospital groups, not to pass their costs on to schemes and, by extension, to members. The pandemic saw healthcare facilities and healthcare providers intensify their efforts to ensure that South Africans received the appropriate care for Covid-19 as far as possible. And while their efforts have been lauded, consumers have had to contend with tough conditions as well. Moving into 2022 There are major concerns about 2022 utilisation levels, notably due to the risk of an increased burden of disease due to gaps in care that may have arisen during the pandemic, which is no fault of any party. We anticipate an elective procedure claims catch-up after so many were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 during national lockdowns. Other areas of concern include the unknown impact of long-haul COVID as well as new or more expensive COVID-19 treatment costs, including booster vaccines, which may emerge, All stakeholders in the healthcare value chain need to be prudent in managing their costs of doing business. The intention of negotiated hospital tariffs is to reach an agreement that supports sustainability of the healthcare ecosystem and, ultimately, members. The issue comes when there is no agreement reached and members may have to pay in the difference between what the hospitals charge versus what the scheme is able to pay. We try to avoid such a situation so as not to have a negative member impact, but if parties are unreasonable in their demands, this situation may arise.’ To assist our members and reduce the effect of significant contribution increases for 2022, Bonitas used R600m of its reserves to keep increases as low as possible. Contribution increases were kept below 5% for both 2021 and 2022 despite underlying claims expenditure increasing by a significantly higher margin. Bonitas’ medium-term objective is to sustain solvency levels above the statutory minimum of 25% and to make strategic decisions about current reserves in the interests of its members. This while facing significant uncertainty, especially in terms of the cost and prolonged impact of COVID-19, non-COVID-19 utilisation and roll-out of vaccines. All non-healthcare costs are capped below CPI for 2022. However, if healthcare providers and hospital groups do not negotiate favourable tariffs for the year ahead, it results in higher increases in the long run, for all patients and unnecessary out of pocket costs. The benefits of negotiations Negotiations resulted in a 3.1% saving in 2021 terms – these savings could exceed R200 million in 2021 – while in 2020 strategic purchasing yielded hospital negotiation savings of R346 million. These savings contribute to a lower contribution increase. The impact of failed negotiations However, when the costs of doing business is passed on to schemes and, by extension, customers – or medical aid members – things become complicated, especially where tariff increases agreements cannot be reached. In these instances, there are two possible scenarios: A scheme pays what it deems to be a reasonable rate and the hospital bills its rate. This means the member would be required to pay in the shortfall on the account unless the hospital decides to override the difference A scheme excludes the hospital from on its network and actively discourages a member from using this hospital. The member may need to pay a deductible or co-payment if they choose to be admitted at this facility unless the hospital decides to override the difference. ‘Neither of these situations is a favourable outcome,’ says Callakoppen. ‘Which is why reaching a workable middle ground on hospital cost/tariffs is imperative.’

November 17, 2021

Sixty SA schools to get sustainable food gardens from Rhodes Quality

Rhodes Quality has launched a new initiative in partnership with social enterprise, Reel Gardening called Grow with Goodness, with the aim of growing sustainable food gardens for sixty South African schools. Each time you buy a Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice over the summer period, you will be helping Rhodes Quality feed local vulnerable communities and most specifically hungry children. “We are very excited to kick-off the summer with such a meaningful initiative and that’s why we’ve partnered with Reel Gardening to help us grow school gardens filled with goodness this summer,” says Tamara Patel, Brand Manager for Rhodes Quality at RFG. “ The future of South Africa depends on the seeds we sow and the kindness we show today.” “A portion of this summer’s juice sales will be funding the growth of community gardens at sixty schools around the country,” she explains. “We’re working hard to assist vulnerable communities and feed hungry children and we’re asking all South Africans to join us as we plant gardens around South Africa.” “South Africa’s deteriorating food security issues have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, roughly 11% of our population are suffering from hunger,” Patel says. “With this initiative we are hoping to grow South Africa with goodness.” “Our new summer brand campaign is centred around ‘go with goodness’ which effectively means that we want to provide fresh, wholesome nutrition to as many schools as possible,” she explains. “Our 100% fruit juices make it easier for you and your family to go with goodness everyday while helping our local communities grow with goodness too.” Patel explains that it’s really easy to get involved, “Add any one litre Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice to your shopping cart in stores around South Africa and our team will do the rest.” “Good food is imperative for children’s growth, nourishing their tummies and minds is so important to make sure the children of South Africa grow up strong by eating good, wholesome food,” she says. “What’s more with our partnership with Reel gardens the children will also learn about planting and growing produce in an accessible, sustainable and fun way.” “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help us bring this initiative to life, a business started by Claire Reid at age of 16 has grown into an innovative, award-winning social enterprise that delivers a real planting revolution with a focus on getting people grounded,” Patel says. “Since their inception they have reached almost 3,000 schools and communities, and we look forward to our journey with them.” “Growing food not only impacts a person’s ability to take control of their food security,” says Reel Gardening founder, Claire Reid. “It has a myriad of other benefits, including instilling a connection to nature, responsibility, patience, relaxation and problem solving. Whether a few pots on your windowsill or a whole veggie patch in the garden, the process of growing food will improve your quality of life.” “Our delicious range of 100% fruit juices aren’t the only source of goodness,” she adds. “Goodness is also found in the hearts of communities that work together to keep tummies full, join us to help communities continue to grow.” How it works: It all starts with you buying any 1L Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice. Reel Gardens then visit 60 schools around the country and deliver everything needed to start a wholesome vegetable garden. Volunteers and teachers are trained to care for the garden. From planting to harvest, school children can get involved in and excited about the process Schools are now ready to tend their gardens, watch goodness grow and reap the nutritious rewards! For more information visit the website: https://rhodesquality.com/growwithgoodness/ or Facebook and Instagram #GROWWITHGOODNESS

November 17, 2021

Eating Disorders – Food for thought

Eating disorders is one subject that is very important to address, especially since it usually has its onset during the teenage years but can even develop at a younger age and continue well into the adolescent years. Eating disorders can cause a lot of conflict, stress and even death in families and thus it’s important to understand the types, causes and treatment. Types There are various types of eating disorders. The most common ones according to the South African College of Applied Psychology include binge eating disorder, where the sufferer overeats; anorexia nervosa, where the sufferer eats too little; bulimia nervosa, where the sufferer attempts to rid themselves of food they’ve consumed; and even rumination disorders where the sufferer regurgitates food. “The most common factors that come into play are that the person is anxious about their physical appearance, and how it appears to others around them. This also includes that the image that they have of their own bodies, are distorted. Subsequently, they also have eating behaviours that are maladaptive. Research has further shown that eating disorders affect both genders, although they occur more frequently among females,” says Dr Serahni Symington, Child and Adolescent Play Therapist. Causes Dr Symington says that the causes of eating disorders must be understood from an integrative model, because there is not a single causal factor that leads to the development of it. Multiple factors could lead to the development of an eating disorder and is often also accompanied by other diseases like manic depression, anxiety, possessive compulsiveness disorder and substance abuse. According to reports by psychologytoday.com, researchers have long been probing the underlying causes and nature of eating disorders. Unlike a neurological disorder, which generally can be pinpointed to a specific lesion on the brain, an eating disorder likely involves abnormal activity distributed across multiple neural systems. Eating disorders appear to run in families, and there is ongoing research on genetic contributions to the conditions. Other factors—psychological, interpersonal, and social—can play a role in eating disorders. Among identified psychological factors are low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy and lack of control in life, depression, anxiety, anger, and loneliness. Interpersonal factors include troubled family and personal relationships, difficulty expressing emotions and feelings, a history of being teased or ridiculed based on size and weight, or a history of physical or sexual abuse. Social factors that can contribute include cultural pressures that glorify thinness and place value on obtaining the “perfect” body, narrow societal definitions of beauty that include only those people of specific body weights and shapes, or cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths. People with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight even though they may be dangerously thin. In bulimia nervosa, despite usually weighing within the normal range for their age and height, sufferers, like individuals with anorexia, may fear gaining weight, desire to lose weight, and feel intensely dissatisfied with their bodies. Many with binge-eating disorders are overweight for their age and height. Feelings of self-disgust and shame associated can lead to bingeing again, creating a cycle of binge-eating. Treatment Because of their complexity, eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan involving medical care and monitoring, professional interventions, nutritional counselling, psychotherapy, and, when appropriate, medication management. Treatment for eating disorders lies in recognizing and overcoming underlying triggers. Depending on the type of eating disorder and its associated underlying triggers; medications can be used to ease symptoms of co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are known to help reduce binging and purging and is specifically used in some cases of bulimia nervosa. The first-line treatment for all eating disorders is psychotherapy, which encompasses a broad range of therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectal behavioural therapy (DBT) which aim to recognize and reduce the harmful thoughts and emotions associated with the eating disorder and works to develop productive coping mechanisms and tools to help the individual engage in positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in order to overcome their past traumas and low self-esteem. Other skills and tools learned in therapy include mindfulness, relapse prevention skills, meditation, nutrition counselling, art therapy, and relationship building. The good news Eating disorders can be treated, and a healthy weight can be restored. The sooner an eating disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be. Wingu Wellness Hub Parents who have any concerns about eating disorders and wellbeing of their children can contact the Wingu Wellness Hub to assist with guidance to get the help they need. Sources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/conditions/eating-disorders, https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201703/eating-disorders-it-s-not-all-about-food

November 11, 2021

Walking the road to wellness

Being healthy and living a full life is what we all want, for ourselves and our family. An important part of life’s wellness journey is about having the right people to support you – physically, emotionally, mentally and even financially – when it matters most. The latest television ad by Bonitas Medical Fund underpins this ‘holistic’ healthcare message in a simple, real and compelling way. It addresses the fact that medical aid is a necessity but expands on the message to show how the Scheme acts in the best interests of its members and ‘has a plan’ for everyone. The story is one of perseverance and tenacity as a father tackles his tough wellness journey with the support of his family, friends – and medical aid – in order to walk his daughter down the aisle. ‘The story is about protecting our loved ones and making sure they have the best care possible,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas. Produced by Joe Public and shot over three days in various locations, the advert reinforces the Bonitas’ brand strategy of being the ‘Medical Aid for South Africa’ while it introduces a campaign takeout referencing affordable and accessible quality healthcare and better benefits that don’t impact your savings. ‘We are a unique medical scheme,’ explains Callakoppen. ‘In that we offer medical aid solutions for all sectors of the market and the South African population. Our advertising needs to be slightly disruptive and set us apart, which is why we chose to portray a real life family dealing with a healthcare situation that was impacting their lives and future. ‘We’re always taking strides to see how we can provide our members with more value – and connect with them more strongly. Be it through competitive plan design, the introduction of new benefits that add meaning to their lives or innovation in the way we communicate and engage with them.’ There are several versions of the ad including a 60s, 30s and three 10s which will be flighted across a range of DStv channels as well as Business Day TV, ENCA, eTV and SABC. Supporting the campaign will be radio, print and digital adverts. ‘We are passionate about ensuring South Africans make informed decisions about their healthcare and that they have the cover they need, when they need it. Our hope is that this TV advert will resonate well with viewers and get them thinking about the future of their health. We believe ‘when I becomes we, illness becomes wellness’ and would like to be the medical aid that takes the wellness journey with them.’ Click here to view the latest Bonitas Medical Fund TV advert

November 10, 2021

Keeping kids healthy throughout the year

Parents are often very good about getting their children off to a healthy start at the beginning of the year with medical check-ups and healthier schools lunches but it’s equally important to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the year. So, here are some tips on what you should be doing to maintain your child’s health.

November 8, 2021

Herbal extracts and how they can help overcome common women’s health issues

These days supplements, which include vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts, are easily available and more accessible. Fortunately, science and technology has also come a long way in recent years and we have made impressive strides with vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts in particular when it comes to studying and knowing the mechanism of action and how it relates to the body’s physiology and thereby, how it helps keep you healthy or how it can help treat ailments. The Salome range, launched by South African pharmaceutical company 3Sixty Biomedicine, addresses common women’s health issues using herbal extracts as a key ingredient. The current product range offers over the counter treatment options to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility linked to PCOS. 3Sixty Biomedicine locally manufactures their products and because they are based on herbal extracts the added benefit for consumers is that they are safe to use and have limited side effects. Being a biotechnology company, the efficacy of these ingredients included in their products is backed by science and medical studies, which is why their products are recognized and reimbursed by certain medical aids. Common women’s health conditions that moms can do without – period! Primary dysmenorrhea, the technical term for period pain without the presence of other conditions such as endometriosis, is the most common gynaecologic problem in women of all ages and races with the menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Salome Menstrual Pain is based on herbal extracts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects, which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods known as dysmenorrhoea. What is great about Salome Menstrual Pain is because it contains natural ingredients, females from as young as 13 years old who suffer from menstrual pain can use it to manage painful menstrual cramping without worrying about unwanted side-effects. Another common problem experienced by women is menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow and prolonged bleeding). 3Sixty Biomedicine created their Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding product to help alleviate this problem. The product also draws on herbal extracts from Capsella Bursa-Pastoris, a medicinal plant also known as Shepherd’s purse, as an active ingredient to assist with the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles. The medicinal benefits of this plant have been scientifically proven to have smooth muscle stimulant effects. As an added bonus Capsella has antioxidant features that improve uterine tone, meaning that it will facilitate the regulation of menstrual blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can have a positive impact on the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Understanding the basics of PCOS Salome Polycos assists with the management of symptoms commonly associated with PCOS by helping to decrease testosterone levels, increasing progesterone levels in women with irregular or absent periods and thus regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as reducing blood pressure levels. It also plays a role in increasing insulin activity in women diagnosed with PCOS, as many suffer from insulin resistance. Due to these hormonal imbalances women living with PCOS often battle with acne, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss or experience excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). Salome Polycos’s main active ingredient is D-chiro-inositol (DCI) which is a natural extract obtained from the carob tree. In cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid. The efficacy of the product lies in it containing the correct ratio of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol that have been extracted from the pod of the Carob bean tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. There is a solution! The full Salome range that contains natural herbal extracts is available online at Takealot.com and www.3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za, as well as over the counter at most pharmacies nationwide. The products are recognised and can also be reimbursed by medical aids. We believe #YourJourneyMatters so follow the Salome range on their social media pages to hear from Salome experts who are committed to educating and normalizing conversations about common women’s health conditions. Facebook: SalomeRange Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

November 1, 2021

Keep your kids moving

Winter is here and with it comes colder weather, making getting outside to play and exercise more of a challenge. But it’s still important. Bonitas Medical Fund suggests you try and keep your child active throughout the year and provides some suggestions to get them moving, exercising and having fun.

November 1, 2021

Survey shows parents more worried about child consent than Covid-19 vaccine itself

The announcement by the South African government that children aged 12-18 are now eligible for Covid-19 vaccination has brought with it intense discussion around consent and the rights of minors. While this is so far a theoretical concern, given that most children in that age group will need their parents’ help to register for and receive a vaccination shot, a recent survey shows that the efficacy of the jab itself is no longer a sticking point. When gig technology company, M4Jam ran a survey asking adults if they were willing to be vaccinated in late 2020, 32% of the 3000 respondents said they would. 17% believed their community medical facilities could cope with the patient load, and 58% of respondents wanted to wait and see what happened to others who took the jab before deciding for themselves. In August 2021, a follow-up survey found that 56% of South Africans believed medical facilities would cope and 69% said they would happily be vaccinated. In both surveys, leading causes of mistrust and hesitancy were a lack of confidence in both possible side effects and the government’s ability to ensure that the vaccine’s contents were safe and effective. By the end of October 2021, a new dynamic has emerged in the vaccination drive, with parents now able to decide whether their kids should receive a single dose. In a new M4Jam survey, 2498 South Africans answered questions about children and the vaccine, revealing some positive trend shifts from previous surveys. A total of 1886 (76%) of the respondents are parents, which 80% of them said they would get their children vaccinated.. 47% strongly agreed with the statement. 52% of respondents said they had no concerns about children receiving the vaccine, but 74% were concerned that children do not require parental consent to get vaccinated. 64% of the parents said all that mattered to them was how effective the vaccine was in children, although 56% were still worried about possible short and long-term side effects from the vaccine. “The results show an evolution of opinions in line with widening vaccination rollout and proven effectiveness,” says M4Jam CEO Georgie Midgley. “The more people who are vaccinated or know people who are, and the more those vaccinated people that have steered clear of Covid-19, the more positivity around the use of the vaccine will grow. However, people are still sceptical of the long-term safety of the vaccine as only time can resolve.” 83% of respondents felt children aged 12-18 are too young to make such a decision for themselves. “Again, because this is new ground for the vaccination programme, parents are understandably cautious about any potential differences in effects on children versus what adults experience,” says Midgley. When asked which sources of information parents trusted in deciding to get their children vaccinated: “What was very interesting and encouraging was that only 5% of respondents said they trusted what they read on social media completely. Co-workers and classmates received a similarly low complete trust rating at 9%. The vaccination messaging campaign seems to have made significant headway so that any residual concerns and fears are mostly legitimate by this stage. Parents are more worried about the ability of their children to make important decisions than they are about the vaccine itself,” says Midgley.

October 29, 2021

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