Health - Parenting Hub

Expert Advice from Bonitas Medical Fund

The lowdown on diabetes in children and teenagers

The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning. Suddenly you and your child – depending on your child’s age – must learn how to count carbohydrates and monitor blood sugar levels and give injections. But even though there is no cure, it can be managed. Diabetes is a chronic disease, characterised by high levels of blood glucose. ‘In type 1 diabetes your immune system, the body’s system for fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas,’ explains Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘It can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. However, advances in blood sugar monitoring and the delivery of insulin have improved blood sugar management and quality of life for children with type 1 diabetes.’ Statistics currently show that there are close to 5 000 adolescents that live with Type 1 diabetes in South Africa. Type 1 diabetes can be either: Hyperglycaemia: When your blood sugar levels are too high. It is the hallmark of diabetes onset and it usually continues to occur on and off after you start treatment Hypoglycaemia: Sugar levels are too low. This usually occurs as the result of diabetes treatment, particularly insulin administration which lowers blood sugar How does diabetes in children and adolescents start? It can come on suddenly or gradually in children and teens and parents often aren’t aware of the symptoms or patterns that point to a potential diabetes diagnosis. Symptoms may be similar to those of flu but, if diabetes is the cause, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the better. Symptoms of Hyperglycaemia: High blood sugar Increased hunger The body’s cells are not able to utilise glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance, leading to a craving for more food. Dry mouth: A dry mouth is one of the most common symptoms which can cause trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking, dry cracked lips, sores or infections in the mouth or a furry, dry tongue Frequent urination (especially at night): Excess glucose in the blood spills into the urine, drawing water with it and increasing the frequency of urination. This in turn increases thirst Weight loss: Despite increased food intake, the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy, due to the lack of insulin Fatigue: The body’s cells cannot use glucose for energy efficiently, leading to feelings of tiredness and fatigue Blurry vision: High sugar levels in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing fluid to seep into the lens, potentially causing blurry vision Slow-healing sores or frequent infections: Over time, high blood sugar levels narrow your blood vessels, slowing blood circulation and restricting much needed nutrients and oxygen from getting to the wounds. As a result, even small cuts and wounds may take weeks or months to heal Fruity-smelling breath: The breakdown of fat for energy produces ketones, which can cause a fruity smell in the breath Ketoacidosis: This is when blood sugar levels are very high and the body starts making ketones. It is a very serious condition that needs immediate in hospital treatment, sometimes in the intensive care unit. If not treated right away, there is a risk for diabetic coma. A child with a diabetic coma loses consciousness because of brain swelling due to very high blood sugar levels Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar Trembling: Low blood sugar levels trigger the release of adrenaline, which causes shakiness Sweating: The body’s response to low blood sugar includes releasing adrenaline, which can cause sweating Hunger: The brain detects low blood sugar and signals the body to eat Irritability or moodiness: Low blood sugar levels can affect brain function, leading to mood changes Fatigue: The brain and muscles are deprived of glucose, leading to feelings of tiredness Paleness: The body’s stress response to low blood sugar can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to paleness Headaches: The brain is sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels, low levels can cause headaches How is type 1 diabetes treated? A daily dose of insulin is needed to keep the blood glucose level within normal ranges. Insulin is given either by injection or via an insulin pump. Your child’s healthcare provider will show you how to give your child insulin with either method. Dr Hadebe says, ‘to make it easier for children and adolescents to monitor glucose levels and administer insulin the Scheme offers Insulin Pump Therapy and Continuous Glucose Infusion Monitoring device (CGM) to members under the age of 18.’ Eating the right foods to manage blood glucose levels. This includes timing meals and counting carbohydrates Exercise Regular blood testing Regular urine testing for ketone levels How can I help my child live with type 1 diabetes? The diagnosis affects the entire family emotionally – there are various support groups and organisations for children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. A younger child may not understand all the life changes, such as glucose monitoring and insulin injections, this can lead to anxiety and depression. They may feel different from their peers, try to treat them as a normal child, with managing diabetes as just one aspect of their daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for more information and call them if you need help. Also ensure they are following the treatment plan and are eating the right foods, exercising and testing their blood and urine. Early detection and comprehensive management are key to ensuring children with Type 1 diabetes lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Remember that your GP is your first port of call for all your healthcare needs.

May 1, 2025

Safe cribs and playpens to use when travelling

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Make sure the mesh is less than 1/4 inch in size so it’s smaller than the buttons on your baby’s clothing. Make sure the mesh is in good repair without any tears, holes or loose threads that your baby can get caught on. Make sure the mesh is fully attached to the top rail and bottom of the bed so there are no holes for the baby to get caught in. Make sure there are no bare, missing or loose staples or nails. When in doubt throw it out – don’t use cribs or bedding that might pose a risk to your baby. It’s your job to keep them safe! Fire safety for home with newborn The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they have fresh batteries and are in working order – install them in your home if you don’t have them already. Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they are in working order – purchase them if you don’t have one on each floor of your home already. Make sure clothing and bedding meet fire safety standards – information on their fire safety rating should be on labels and tags. Insist that your home be smoke free to prevent your baby’s exposure to second-hand smoke and also as a fire prevention measure since cigarettes are a common cause of home fires. Review or update your fire escape plan to include your new baby – review the plan with everyone in the household. For more information on fire safety visit websites like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Fire safety prevention in home with newborn The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Do a fire safety walk-through of your entire house, check for burnable substances near heat sources, frayed or damaged electrical cords, matches or lighters within reach of children and other situations that may be a fire hazard. Never leave space heaters of any type unattended and turn them off while you are asleep. Never store flammable liquids like paint thinner, charcoal lighter fluid or gasoline in the house and always keep them a safe distance from heat sources. Check all mattresses, bedding and sleep apparel for your baby to make sure they meet fire safety requirements – this information should be on the product label. Early warning of a fire is key to keeping your family safe, so make sure your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers meet local codes and are in working order. Be prepared and have a fire escape plan that is understood by and has been practiced by the entire household, it could save lives in a fire emergency. For more information on fire safety visit websites like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Newborn safety tips The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Never leave your baby alone for even a minute unless they are in a secure place like a crib or playpen. Make sure you follow safe sleep recommendations when putting your baby to bed. When in the car always use a safety approved rear-facing car seat that is specifically made for newborns. Never ever leave your baby alone in a car – be especially careful during warm or cold weather. Always use safety approved car seats, cribs and toys – if they are hand-me-downs or you are buying them used, choose items that still have a safety tag attached and check to make sure they haven’t been recalled. To prevent burns never carry hot liquids or food while you are holding your baby. Pet safety and newborns The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. If you have a dog, know that certain breeds may require extra caution with a newborn – German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls account for more than 50% of fatal dog bites. Always closely supervise infants when in the presence of dogs even if they are not one of the above breeds – they may experience jealousy and have other unexpected reactions to a new member of the household. Keep in mind that some pet reptiles can carry infections, like Salmonella, so keep turtles, snakes and lizards away from children under 5 years of age to prevent the spread of infections. Small pets like rodents should be kept away from newborns and infants to prevent bites or the spread of Salmonella and other possible infections. Other issues: Make sure your pet is healthy – take them to the veterinarian for a check-up and any needed vaccinations before the baby is born. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed. For cats and dogs especially, you may need to work to prepare them for the new member of the family – for example, invite friends with babies over if your pets aren’t used to children – supervise their interactions as they learn about these new additions to their world. New situations can be stressful to pets so be patient and understanding with them as they adjust to the changes in their life – scolding and punishment will only add to their stress. There are many things you can do to ensure a smooth transition, so contact your local Humane Society or other animal-focused organization for additional suggestions on preparing your pets for the arrival of your new baby. Newborns and sun exposure The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of

April 17, 2025

Don’t let the flu catch you – be informed and prepared

As autumn approaches, so does the flu season. Influenza, also known as ‘flu’, is an acute respiratory illness caused by an infection of the respiratory tract with the flu virus. There are four types of flu viruses: A, B, C and D. Most seasonal outbreaks of flu are as a result of the A and B viruses. Respiratory infections, including flu, can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions. That’s why Bonitas Medical Fund has created the Respiratory Illness Hub – a go-to resource for all South Africans, addressing everything related to your respiratory health, including flu. From prevention and symptoms to treatment and support, you’ll find all the information you need to take control of your respiratory wellbeing. To find out more, visit www.bonitas.co.za/Respiratory-Hub Let’s face it, flu is extremely unpleasant. Symptoms develop anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection and last up to a week. Then there is usually a sudden onset of fever, muscle pains, body aches, a dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and feeling tired or unwell. In severe cases, flu can lead to serious complications requiring hospitalisation, with pneumonia being the most common. Annually in South Africa, around 40 000 people are hospitalised due to flu, and the virus is linked to approximately 11 500 deaths per year. ‘The flu viruses are typically in circulation just before the winter months, so the best time to get a flu shot is in early April,’ says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical and Managed Care Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. How is flu spread? The virus is spread from person to person, through inhaling of infected respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing or talking. You can also be infected by touching objects or surfaces that the flu virus is on and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. Will the flu vaccine prevent flu? Think of the flu shot as preventive care: While the vaccine won’t always prevent you or your family from getting the flu, it can prevent severe and secondary illnesses related to the flu. Why a flu shot every year? All viruses mutate – meaning the genetic material of the cell changes – but not at the same rate. Some mutate very quickly, including the flu virus. The formula for each year’s vaccine is tailored to the specific type of flu that is circulating. Currently, there are subtype A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) influenza viruses. ‘Which is why we recommend an annual flu vaccine’ says Dr Hadebe. 2025 flu symptoms: Will the flu shot give me flu? No! 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. Some side effects may occur like redness, tenderness and swelling where the vaccine was given but this is mild and will only last a few days. These are infinitely preferable to a bad case of flu. Who should get a flu vaccine? Everyone should get a flu vaccine but particularly those at higher risk including: Who should NOT have the flu vaccine? What about children – when should I take my child to see a doctor for their symptoms? Reach out to your paediatrician, doctor or clinic within 24 hours of your child displaying flu symptoms, if your child: In general, it’s a good idea to be seen by a medical professional if your child has a fever that has lasted more than 3 days and/or appears dehydrated. Go to the emergency room immediately if your child: How do I keep my child healthy during flu season? The first and best action you can take to keep you and your family safe and healthy during flu season is annual flu vaccines. Dr Hadebe recommends everyone has a flu shot*. He says children can be vaccinated from 6 months of age but recommends you speak to your healthcare worker about when to start vaccinating against flu. How can I prevent spreading the flu? There are several ways you can reduce the risk of spreading flu if you are ill: Dr Hadebe says, ‘Flu can lead to various complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions like asthma or heart disease. Complications are more common in high-risk groups.’ ‘Flu viruses spread very quickly from person to person’, he says. ‘Even if the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it will reduce your risk of getting flu, and if you do get it, it will be a great deal milder.’ Remember your GP should always be your first port of call *All Bonitas beneficiaries qualify for 1 flu vaccine per year. *Elderly members, aged 65 years and over, qualify for 1 pneumococcal vaccine every 5 years.

April 4, 2025

Shining the spotlight on TB

Worldwide, TB has returned to being the world’s leading causes of death from a single infectious agent. This followed three years in which it was replaced by Covid-19. It is also the leading killer of people with HIV/AIDS and a major cause of deaths related to antimicrobial (in TB’s case antibiotic resistance.) Each year, we recognise World TB Day on March 24. This annual event commemorates the day, in 1882, when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus (bacteria) that causes tuberculosis (TB). What is TB? It’s a disease that mainly affects the lungs but can also be found in any other body organ. It is caused by an organism (germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which is found in the sputum coughed up by someone with TB of the lungs. It usually destroys the soft tissue of the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing and blood can be coughed up in severe cases. If untreated, TB can cause death. World stats About a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB, 5 -10% display symptoms and develop the disease. Yes, it’s curable ‘It is important to remember that TB is curable, says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical and Managed Care Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘However, we all need to be more aware of how contagious it is, the symptoms, the importance of getting medical attention and sticking to the treatment programme.’ Where is the highest incidence of TB? TB is the leading cause of death, from a single infectious agent, with over 25% of these occurring in the African region. Multi-drug-resistant strains, which do not respond to first-line antibiotics, continue to emerge, putting at risk public health strategies which aim to reduce incidence and mortality. Tackling TB head on The South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) aims to control the spread of TB, with an ambitious goal of zero new TB infections and deaths by 2032. Clinical data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that there are still too many people falling ill and dying. ‘TB also has a big impact on the economy, not only in terms of healthcare expenses but lost productivity due to absenteeism and the direct and indirect costs to business,’ says Dr Hadebe. ‘We know that not everyone has access to private medical care but public healthcare facilities offer free testing and treatment. The most effective testing method is a sputum sample or a chest x-ray. How is TB contracted? The disease is passed on from one person to another as germs spread into the air via microscopic droplets if an infected person sneezes, coughs or releases saliva. The incubation period is 6 weeks. Stop it before it starts TB preventive therapy (TPT) is a course of medication that reduces the risk of developing TB disease. It’s a critical public health measure in South Africa, where TB and HIV are prevalent. How does TPT work? TPT eliminates the TB bacteria before they can damage organs and cause illness but is only effective if given when there is no active TB disease. Can you have TB and not be sick? Yes, TB can be ‘latent’ – it’s in your body but not active. This means you can’t spread it but, if your immune system becomes weak, (for example with HIV/AIDS), TB can become active. What are the symptoms? It is important to note that TB is particularly difficult to diagnose in children but the symptoms can present as a cough for two weeks or more, loss of energy and appetite and quite often a mild fever. Who is most at risk? People living with HIV/AIDS, living in the same house as someone who has had or has TB, anyone who has had active TB in the last two years, pregnant women, children under five, iabetics, people in informal settlements, undernourished people, alcoholics, smokers, mineworkers and prisoners Treating TB Medication must be started as soon as possible and be taken regularly. It takes six months for TB to be cured completely but, within two weeks of starting treatment, you are no longer contagious. If treatment is missed, the risk of a drug-resistant strain of TB is possible, which is difficult to treat and requires a longer treatment period. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis and a health security threat. Only about two in five people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment in 2023. What can you do? TB in the workplace If any employees or co-workers display TB symptoms, they should stay home and limit contact with others until the results from a TB test are known. Once a person has been on TB treatment for 2 weeks, they are no longer infectious and can continue to work. Dr Hadebe says, ‘If you are concerned about your health or have been exposed to TB, you must get tested urgently.’

March 20, 2025

The First Signs of Labour

If you’re expecting your first baby you’ve probably read up a little (or a lot) on pregnancy and birth process. Labour is something you’ve probably wondered about and seeing as every pregnancy is different, many moms experience different labour signs. However, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for that you are about to meet your new baby soon. What to look (or feel) out for You may be worried that you won’t distinguish normal late pregnancy signs from the fact that you’ve started labour. Luckily your due date should give you an indication of when you could expect your baby to arrive, but this won’t always be the case. Here are some indicators that your baby is on the way. One of the more obvious signs of labour beginning is regular contractions. This will be different to the Braxton Hicks contractions you may have been experiencing leading up to this point. Labour contractions are longer, stronger and more frequent – when they come every 5 minutes you should call your doctor or midwife. Another sign your baby is on her way is your cervix dilating or beginning to open. This can start happening in the days or weeks before you deliver. Your baby will also move down into your pelvis during this time – which is known as your baby dropping. When your labour begins, the mucus plug which seals your cervix opening comes away. This jelly-like pink mucus is known as a show, and you may notice it when it passes out your vagina. Lower back pain, diarrhoea and looser feeling joints are all other signs that your labour may be starting. Another sign is your water breaking, this can happen in a gush but a trickle is more likely, most moms-to-be go into labour within 24 hours of their water breaking. Be sure to keep your birth partner in the loop about how you are feeling mentally and physically around the time of your birth. If you are at all worried about your baby or experience anything abnormal be sure to let your doctor know as soon as possible.

March 20, 2025

When it’s not flu’….

While the ‘official’ flu season may still be a month or two away, reports indicate a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), suggesting an early start to the respiratory virus season, with these viruses circulating earlier than usual. Respiratory infections can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions. That’s why Bonitas Medical Fund has created the Respiratory Hub – a go-to resource for members and non-members -talking about all things related to your respiratory health. From prevention and symptoms to treatment and support, you’ll find all the information you need to take control of your respiratory wellbeing. www.bonitas.co.za/Respiratory-Hub. Respiratory illnesses that are NOT flu and for which there is no vaccine What are the most common? Dr Themba Hadebe, the Clinical and Managed Care Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund says, ‘both RSV and HMPV are being detected at increasing rates, potentially indicating a broader respiratory illness surge and are more common in young children and older adults.’ Are these respiratory diseases restricted to the winter months? Studies show that in temperate regions, HMPV mainly spreads in late winter and spring, at the same time as other common respiratory viruses such as seasonal flu and RSV. RSV is highly contagious and the season in South Africa usually runs from February to May. However, it continues to spread at lower levels and can make some people sick all year around. According to The World Health Organization (WHO), it spreads like other common cold viruses do, through infectious respiratory particles that circulate through the air. This means you can catch the virus when you are in contact with a sick person or sharing a closed space with them. You can also get infected by touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or handles and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Why are these viruses a concern? Early increases in respiratory viruses can put added strain on healthcare systems, especially for vulnerable populations like young children and older adults. Symptoms Coughing, wheezing, runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell and breathing difficulties. Who’s at risk? Children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. While anyone can catch HMPV and RSV, infants, older adults and those with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at higher risk for severe illness. Extra care should be taken to protect at-risk groups and health care workers from any respiratory infections. How to prevent getting them How are they treated? Is there medical prevention? At the moment no. Two new RSV prevention strategies are being considered for licensing and use in South Africa, namely nirsevimab and a maternal RSV vaccine. Dr Hadebe says, it is the time of the year to take precautions against all respiratory diseases. ‘Not only do these respiratory diseases make you feel ill and put added strain on the healthcare system but they can compromise your long-term health. Prevention is always best, so we urge you to follow the guidelines to avoid contracting any of these viruses and also to have a flu vaccine. While the vaccine won’t always prevent you or your family from getting the flu, it can prevent severe and secondary illness related to the flu.’ For more health tips and resources on respiratory illnesses, visit the Respiratory Hub on the Bonitas website: www.bonitas.co.za/Respiratory-Hub Remember: Your GP or clinic is your first healthcare port of call.

March 18, 2025

Advice from the experts

Building Healthy Sleep Habits for Kids of All Ages

Quality sleep is essential for children’s growth, development, and emotional well-being. However, getting kids to establish healthy sleep routines can sometimes be challenging, especially with varying needs at different ages. This guide provides practical tips to create age-appropriate sleep habits that help children thrive. Why Sleep is Important for Children Sleep Recommendations by Age The amount of sleep required varies by age: Healthy Sleep Tips for All Ages 1. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine 2. Foster a Comfortable Sleep Environment 3. Age-Specific Strategies 4. Monitor Nutrition and Activity How Parents Can Support Better Sleep When to Seek Help If your child experiences frequent sleep disruptions, insomnia, or signs of sleep disorders (like snoring or night terrors), consider consulting a paediatrician or sleep specialist. Conclusion Healthy sleep habits are essential for children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. By implementing consistent routines and age-appropriate strategies, parents can support their children’s sleep and overall development. Prioritising good sleep practices now will establish lifelong habits that benefit kids well into adulthood.

November 14, 2024

Coping with Parental Burnout: Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms and Dads

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be incredibly demanding. With the pressures of work, household responsibilities, and the never-ending needs of children, many parents find themselves feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This phenomenon, known as parental burnout, can lead to feelings of frustration, fatigue, and even resentment. However, with the right strategies, parents can manage burnout and prioritise their well-being. Here are some self-care tips for busy moms and dads to help navigate the challenges of parenting. 1. Recognise the Signs of Burnout The first step in combating parental burnout is recognising the signs. Common indicators include chronic fatigue, irritability, feelings of inadequacy, and a lack of enthusiasm for activities you once enjoyed. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to acknowledge them and take proactive steps to address your needs. 2. Prioritise Self-Care Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. Here are some self-care practices that can make a difference: 3. Set Boundaries Learning to say “no” is crucial for maintaining balance. It’s okay to decline invitations or limit commitments that add unnecessary stress to your life. Setting boundaries around work and personal time can help you manage your responsibilities more effectively. 4. Create a Support Network Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, or parenting groups. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can provide relief and help you feel less isolated. Consider setting up a regular coffee date or virtual hangout with fellow parents to discuss challenges and share advice. 5. Schedule Quality Family Time While it’s important to take time for yourself, connecting with your children can also be a great stress reliever. Plan activities that everyone enjoys, whether it’s a family movie night, game day, or an outdoor adventure. Quality time together can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, reminding you of the joys of parenting. 6. Seek Professional Help If feelings of burnout persist and interfere with your daily life, consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor. Professional support can provide valuable coping strategies and a safe space to express your feelings. 7. Establish Routines Creating a daily routine can bring structure to your day and make managing responsibilities feel less overwhelming. Involve your children in setting up a family schedule that includes chores, homework, and downtime. This not only lightens your load but also teaches your kids valuable skills. 8. Make Time for Hobbies Don’t forget to nurture your interests outside of parenting. Whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or any other hobby, taking time for yourself can recharge your energy and creativity. 9. Limit Screen Time While technology can be a helpful tool, excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of burnout. Set aside specific times for social media and entertainment, allowing more room for real-life connections and activities. 10. Practice Gratitude Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal or sharing positive experiences with your partner or family can shift your focus from stress to appreciation, fostering a more positive outlook. Conclusion Parenting can be a tough job, and feeling burnt out is not uncommon. By implementing these self-care strategies, busy moms and dads can reclaim their energy, reduce stress, and foster a more positive parenting experience. Remember, taking care of yourself is not just beneficial for you—it also sets a healthy example for your children. Embrace the journey of parenthood with the understanding that prioritising your well-being is key to being the best parent you can be.

November 13, 2024

School and work lunchbox ideas from Krazy Kiwi Kookbox!

School and work lunchbox ideas from Krazy Kiwi Kookbox! 1. Quinoa and Veggie Power Bowls Ingredients: Instructions: 2. Chicken and Avocado Wraps Ingredients: Instructions: 3. Greek Yogurt Parfait Ingredients: Instructions: 4. Veggie and Hummus Pita Pockets Ingredients: Instructions: 5. Brown Rice Sushi Bowls Ingredients: Instructions: 6. Chickpea Salad Ingredients: Instructions:

November 12, 2024

Time to screen men too, for osteoporosis?

Did you know that 1 in 5 men is at risk of a fracture from osteoporosis in South Africa (vs 1 in 3 women)? This alarming statistic – from the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOFSA) -made dietitian, Yolandé Venter, choose to do her masters’ thesis* on diet and lifestyle risks in men with low bone density. Together with Dr Jaco du Plessis, a radiologist at SCP Radiology, they discuss osteoporosis in men, imaging to determine bone mineral density and the treatment for it. Osteoporosis usually progresses without symptoms and sometimes your bones are so fragile that a simple sneeze or small stumble results in a fracture, commonly in hips, spine and wrists. Often unjustly called an ‘old women’s disease’, it actually affects men in a surprisingly large way. Venter says, ‘even though fewer men seem to be at risk of developing osteoporosis, it is still a problematic percentage.’ With 15 years’ experience as a clinical dietitian, she says a healthy body weight plays a pivotal role in the prevention of osteoporosis. ‘If you are underweight, it increases the risk of osteoporosis and if you are overweight, your level of vitamin D is reduced, which can cause or worsen osteoporosis’. What is osteoporosis? A healthy bone viewed under a microscope, looks like honeycomb. Osteoporosis, put simply, is when the ‘holes and spaces’ in the honeycomb increase in size. Your bone mineral density (BMD) can be determined by radiologists through a diagnostic radiology exam used to measure bone mineral content and mass. It is usually performed with an X-ray, called a DEXA scan – commonly found in clinics and hospitals – or with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the bones. A computer tomography (CT) scan produces a 3D image, as opposed to the normal 2D image of a DEXA. The CT scan is more precise and gives detailed information about bone quality and microarchitecture, diagnoses osteoporosis and other conditions. However, the DEXA uses a low radiation exposure making it safe for routine screening and follow-up. ‘The amount of radiation is minimal,’ says Dr du Plessis, ‘it’s equivalent to 1 or 2 days of background radiation at sea level.’ Osteopenia vs Osteoporosis Osteopenia and Osteoporosis are both conditions measured on the scan and characterised by decreased bone density that is less than usual for your age. Osteoporosis is far more severe in terms of implications for bone health. Measuring bone density ‘We measure your BMD by comparing it to that of a healthy, young adult. The result will tell us how much lower (or higher) your bone mass score,’ explains Dr du Plessis. ‘Software is also used to calculate a predicted 10-year fracture risk for a major osteoporotic fracture and a hip fracture. The result is a T-score. The aim is to prevent fractures later in life by maintaining healthy bone mineral density. Fractures in the elderly population are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.’ Dr du Plessis says, ‘Understanding and managing both conditions is crucial for maintaining bone health and preventing fractures in both men and women. SCP Radiology reports a 317% increase in referrals for men over the last five years for a CT scan. That may be indicative of a greater awareness of the dangers of osteoporosis in men.’ What causes low bone density? Risk factors for osteoporosis include those you can’t change – such as age, genetics, ethnicity, medical conditions associated with bone loss and those you can: Tobacco use, alcohol abuse, high caffeine intake, sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, low calcium and vitamin D intake, low body weight, low muscle mass. Men who are on medical treatment for breast or prostate cancer are also at an increased risk of osteoporosis and should discuss regular bone health screening with their medical practitioner. Male ‘menopause’ Men develop the male form of menopause, called andropause, as they age. During andropause, men lose bone density in the spine at a rate four times greater than in the rest of the body. Andropause also lowers testosterone levels, which affects bone health and increases the risk of bone fractures. Stress Said to be the root of most diseases or medical conditions, osteoporosis is no different. Stress can play a significant role in bone loss as an excess of the stress hormone cortisol depletes vitamin D and calcium in the body. Venter says, ‘literature clearly demonstrates that prevention and treatment of osteoporosis significantly reduces fracture risk. An observational study by Kern et al (2005) showed that hip DEXA screening was associated with a 36% lower hip fracture incidence during six years of follow-up, compared with standard medical care.’ Mortality rate after hip fracture The one-year mortality rate after hip fracture is actually high. Research shows that more men than women die after an osteoporotic fracture. Looking at the statistics, it is clear that osteoporosis represents a major public health burden, yet it does not seem that wider screening efforts are being implemented.’ Treating low bone mineral density This can be done through medication such as bisphosphonates, hormone-related therapy and other bone-building medications or through lifestyle changes. This includes an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. Regular screenings and proactive lifestyle changes can significantly mitigate the risks associated with these conditions. ‘There is no need to be harbouring this silent disease,’ says Dr du Plessis, ‘when radiography for screening can put you on a path to wellness.’ *Thesis title: The level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding diet and lifestyle related risk factors in men who have been diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

November 11, 2024

Blushproof® Q & A

As a local manufacturer of period panties, we thought we’d answer some common questions about our business just to explain who we are and what we do. Q: How long has Blushproof® been in operation? Blushproof® started as an idea in September 2020, with our first sales being in August 2021. I have a tween daughter at junior school and so was thinking about her, and her friends’ introduction to puberty and my own experiences. I had also seen some of the alternative menstrual products that were being offered overseas. This coincided with an increased awareness of environmental issues after learning that each person uses approximately 14,000 pads and tampons during their menstrual years, which all end up in landfills and water systems. Q: Who founded Blushproof®? I, Thandi Hartmann, founded the company. I’m married with two children, living in Johannesburg. I obtained a B.Comm in the 1990s and later did a MBA to support me working in a number of corporates in Johannesburg and London. Shortly after having children, I took the decision to step back from my career to focus on raising my family. In 2020 (that COVID time where we all had lots of time on our hands!) I came across period panties and was amazed that such a wonderful alternative existed. I knew this was something I wanted to bring to the girls and women of South Africa. Q: How has Blushproof® expanded over the years? In 2020 I explored the topic of the menstrual product options for young girls and women and thought about what matters to them, as well as the issues that are relevant in South Africa at this time. I started thinking that period panties could be an effective solution – easy to use whilst having a lower impact on the environment. I also wanted to see if I could help (in some small way) to create jobs in our country. Finally, I believed that period panties could play a role in fighting “period poverty” by providing cost effective solutions to girls and women with limited means and limited access to other sanitary products. So the challenge started… Whilst I have a strong IT systems background and passion for the product, I had no experience in setting up a clothing manufacturing business. My team and I have learnt as we go and have had to “course correct” a few times along the way. It’s been an exciting journey so far, made possible by the support of friends and family and enabled by the tech world we live in. This has meant that it has been possible to set up Blushproof® as an E-commerce business that sells and delivers directly to consumers nationwide. Q: What is Blushproof’s® approach to creating the best product in the community? I decided that I wanted my business to try its hand at manufacturing locally, so that I could control the product quality and achieve the aim of providing local employment. It’s been exciting for me to design the product range, import the right materials in the right quantities and then produce the Blushproof® period panties that I believe in. Plus, making locally has ensured that our sizing fits our Rainbow Nation, rather than trying to squash uncomfortably into Chinese imports. The fact that we offer exchanges and give outstanding customer service certainly sets us apart from the large retail chains. Q: What new products can customers expect from Blushproof®? This is a tough one. If it were up to me, I’d be creating new products every month but this isn’t the best way to run a business. Our customers have their absolute favourites so I’ve learnt to focus on making what the customers actually want. We’ll certainly look at designing and making gym shorts, pyjama shorts and expand our swim range over time but right now, we’re focusing on what we do best. Q: How does ordering from Blushproof® work? Since our business is primarily online, customers simply go onto our website, choose the products they want, add them to cart and pay. They can choose between collecting from our Joburg workshop or having us ship their blushproofs nationwide. We might look at getting into shops over time but again, we’re focused on our core business for now. Q: Will/does Blushproof® offer any special programs for its customers? When customers sign up on our website for our newsletters, they always get the inside scoop on what’s new and promotional offers from discounts to free goodies to prizes. We love the support we get from our followers and like to reward them when we can. Q: Do you plan on opening any Blushproof® in person stores, or introducing your product in other stores and if so who? I’d love to get to a point where customers can come into our workshop to choose their items and pay right away. Although this already happens to a limited degree (we have to have the right style, size, absorption and colour in stock for this to happen) I’d love to have everything available all of the time. Once we get to this point, I’ll look at possibly getting into a few stores (we actually already sell our products through TigerLilly). It all comes down to whether or not it makes good business sense. Of course we have lots of small business owners already selling our products, like salons and spas, as well as swim schools. I’m being approached more and more by people wanting to expand their product offering and am honoured that they choose to include Blushproof® products. Oh, and we have an Affiliate programme whereby our customers become an affiliate and when someone uses their referral link to make a purchase, that person gets a discount and the affiliate gets a commission. It’s a win-win for everyone! Q: What brings Blushproof® joy? Gosh, I’d have to say it’s the positive reviews and feedback. Our customers truly find our products to be life-changing. That’s really such a wonderful thing to know as a business owner

November 7, 2024

Important Questions to Ask Your Child’s Audiologist

Empowering Your Child’s Hearing Health Journey As a parent, it is essential to advocate for your child’s hearing health. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, preparing for appointments with an audiologist can make a significant difference in understanding your child’s condition and ensuring that your child receives the best care possible. Here are some of the critical issues to consider, and why they matter. CHOOSING AN AUDIOLOGIST Finding the right audiologist is a key step in caring for your child’s audiological needs. Audiologists who work with children should be caring, supportive of your questions and need for knowledge, and careful to take the time to fully understand your child’s home and school experience. Choices that you make together must be underpinned by an attitude of child- and family-centred care. The assessment and management of hearing loss in children can differ to management of the same issues in an adult, so your chosen audiologist should demonstrate care and knowledge about your child’s ‘whole person’ environment! What Can We Expect from a Hearing Test? Knowing what may be involved in a hearing evaluation can help ease your (and your child’s) apprehension, making it comfortable to ease into the assessment. So read this link to find out more about a common testing process. Then, also ask: What Type of Hearing Loss May My Child Have? Understanding whether your child has normal hearing, or whether a sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss is present, is crucial. This knowledge helps you comprehend the underlying cause/s and the most suitable management options. You can follow this up with: What Are the Management Options for Hearing Loss? If a hearing loss is identified, different management options are available to help your child function more effectively. Hearing aids are often appropriate ways to restore adequate sound when a hearing loss is permanent or semi-permanent because access to sound is essential for language and academic development. You may also be referred to an ENT or GP if the problem is amenable to treatment. Transient problems represent opportunities to return hearing to normal, quickly. Be empowered to make informed decisions about your child’s care! Ask questions like: How Do I Know What Type of Hearing Aid is Best for My Child? If semi-permanent or permanent hearing loss is identified, you may be exploring hearing aid options with your audiologist. Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and technologies, suitable for different acoustic, aesthetic, or contextual needs. These differences can also affect affordability. Knowing which options may suit your child’s lifestyle and hearing needs ensures that the best benefits may be achieved. Also, ensure that your audiologist explains your child’s full management plan, including the frequency of visits, regularity of device adjustments, and maintenance or servicing requirements. Good management is likely to result in a continuously good hearing experience. How Can We Protect My Child’s Remaining Hearing? Good hearing habits are essential to preserve your child’s remaining hearing and prevent further deterioration. Your audiologist should advise you about hearing safety so that you can protect your child’s hearing function. This may include bespoke hearing or ear protection. What Should We Do If My Child’s Hearing Changes? Monitoring your child’s hearing subjectively (through your own observation of their responses) and objectively (with regular hearing assessment) ensures that you can alter your plan if your child’s hearing circumstances change. Problems can be tiny (such as a blocked tube or dead battery) to significant (such as an ear infection). Your audiologist can teach you to troubleshoot problems for self-maintenance or help you to check your devices. A good audiologist will also advise you about what signs and symptoms to look for that may require a consultation. Are There Support Groups or Resources Available? Connecting with other parents and families with similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice. Often, audiologists can provide you with details for local or online support groups and useful parent resources. You can be properly empowered, uplifted, and encouraged by the right professional to support your child’s hearing needs throughout childhood. Our NB Hearing & Balance Team Is Here to Support Your Family Being proactive and informed about your child’s hearing health is vital. By asking these questions and asserting your needs, you can make informed decisions that ensure your child receives the best possible care. If you are ready to take the next step in your child’s hearing health journey, schedule a consultation with one of our NB Hearing & Balance audiologists. We have convenient locations across the Cape Peninsula, including Wynberg, Durbanville, Sea Point, Hout Bay, and Noordhoek.

November 5, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 40 of your pregnancy

Congratulations, you’ve reached the milestone that you’ve been counting up to from the beginning. It may feel surreal to think that 40 weeks ago you had your last period and now you’re about to welcome your new baby into your life. The third trimester of your pregnancy may have been fairly difficult, as your baby and belly take up more room, and your body adjusts to accommodate your growing little one. Your body at week 40 At week 40 your body is ready to give birth after housing and growing your baby for 9 months. So close to birth you may notice changes in your baby’s fetal movement, however, they will still be moving around, so if you notice a big decrease in movement, contact your doctor. Until birth, you’ll experience typical pregnancy symptoms, including leg cramps, back and pelvic pain, trouble sleeping and diarrhoea, which is normal close to birth. Your baby at week 40 At week 40 your baby is now full-term. When your baby is born you’ll notice that they are covered in a mixture of blood, vernix and amniotic fluid. On average, baby’s at week 40 weigh about 3,5 kg and they’ll be roughly the size of a pumpkin. Even though they are just about to be born, the lungs, liver and brain are still developing. Things to keep in mind at week 40 Labour can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remember that you can do this. While your doctor will have given you a due date, it is possible that your baby won’t arrive on the dot. So make sure that you keep aware of the signs of labour and have your birth plan, hospital bags and any additional plans ready (such as making sure you have someone to look after your other kids if you have).

November 1, 2024

Does your child suffer from low self-esteem?

When a child suffers from low self-esteem, it will almost always carry on into their adulthood if not addressed. Simple things such as meeting new people can be very difficult, as well as taking on challenges, valuing their own opinion and much more. It is so important for parents to understand just how crucial healthy self-esteem in a child can be because they have a crucial role to play in the development of their children’s sense of self-worth. If your child has a low self-esteem, parent intervention can prevent the following being carried through to adulthood. Poor communication skills: A child with low-esteem is likely to grow into an adult that has difficulty in communicating with others; whether it is with their spouse, coworkers or peers, as they often do not feel secure and confident with what they say and may be afraid to express themselves. Negative thoughts and feelings: Since a child with low self-worth will regularly have negative thoughts and feelings about themselves and even others, it will likely carry through into adulthood. Unfortunately, the difference in adulthood will be that they are more likely to keep their feelings internalised rather than expressing them. Hot temper: An adult with low self-esteem may have a hot temper. This is usually because of the frustration and constantly simmering negative thoughts that they experience. These bubble below the surface and spill over fairly readily when provoked. Blaming others: Instead of taking responsibility for things going wrong, they are often quick to blame others. This avoidance of responsibility takes blame from them and puts it onto others. For a while, they are able to feel buoyed up and justified. Difficulty with relationships: Relationship difficulty is common when your child takes their low self-worth into adulthood. It is hard to truly love and dedicated yourself to another when you don’t truly love yourself. What they end up giving to their partners is a less than whole self, often putting strain on the relationship. Keep in mind that while some of these signs may or may not carry through into adulthood, everyone is impacted differently. A child who has a low self-esteem won’t always be an adult with low self-esteem. Self-esteem is not a black-and-white-all-or-nothing matter. There are varying degrees of self-esteem or self-worth. A child can have very low self-esteem or just a little self-doubt which will impact how they transform into adults.

October 31, 2024

Help your toddler survive your divorce

Divorce is unpleasant, emotional and can be a downright hurtful experience. The problem is that we sometimes forget that we aren’t the only ones experiencing this pain. Often our children suffer an unnecessary degree of hurt as a result of our incompatibility with our chosen partner… Some tips: Consistency This is a watchword for the divorcing parent! With toddlers, parents must be mindful of the need for consistency in the child’s life. This is not the time to drag them from house to house. If at all possible, they should stay in familiar surroundings with the noncustodial parent visiting there. Communication At this age, the toddler understands more than they are often given credit for. They can comprehend that one parent has left the home, but not understand why. At this age, their concept of time is also arbitrary. Your child may ask you when they are going to see their daddy, or why their daddy isn’t here anymore. No matter how many times you have to give them the answers, don’t get frustrated with them, as their world is very confusing at this time. This ties back into consistency, as you become their source of understanding and answers. Conflict If you have to argue or “debate passionately”, make sure to do it in a way that doesn’t cause your child undue fear or concern. Remember, you are the adults in this situation and you have a responsibility to your child, to reduce as much harm as this separation is causing, as possible. Behaviour Toddlers often test their boundaries by saying “No” to adults or testing limits, such as hitting or throwing. This behaviour and acting out can increase during the divorce process as a result of confused boundaries and definitions in the family environment. Toddlers need clear, consistent rules (back to consistency!) that are enforced in a loving way. Empathy Toddlers don’t have a very developed sense of empathy and tend to be concerned primarily with how their own needs are to be met. In the event of divorce, their sense of security becomes more self-oriented and their concern is about whether or not they will be secure, if they will be loved and nourished. Emotions As your toddler becomes more aware of their own feelings, they learn to express them through words and play. As tensions increase in the household due to impending divorce, they may become more reactive. Strong feelings are hard for them to manage and moderate. Don’t forget to let them know that its ok to feel them, but remember to help them manage the intensity by proper displays of your own emotional state, as well as appropriate levels of affection and understanding towards your child. Why do divorce rates increase? There are several reasons that have been put forward as to why there could be an increase in the number of divorces being seen. Here are just a few! Time of year There is a commonly recognised trend that causes a spike in divorce numbers around January and February. The assumption here is that partners who are already discontent often reach a decisive point after having to spend prolonged holidays with their partners over the festive season. This seems to galvanise many into initiating divorce proceedings in the New Year. Empowerment With the increase in awareness of rights according to the constitution of South Africa, more women have become more empowered and are less likely to remain in abusive or undesirable relationships. In the past, many women would remain in unhappy relationships as they felt that they did not have another option, but in current times, a better degree of knowledge and understanding of women’s’ rights could be contributing to the rise of divorce. No-fault divorce South African law provides for no-fault divorce based on the “irretrievable breakdown” of the marital relationship. Couples no longer need to prove that one person is at fault. They can simply say that the marriage relationship has broken down. In essence, it has become much easier to secure a divorce on clear and available legal grounds, with less procedure than in the past. Traditional roles In the past, traditional roles played a strong part in maintaining the marital unit. Partners did not question their lot in the marriage as openly and as a result, there was less open conflict. This is not to say that there was more happiness, merely less interpersonal disagreement. With the blurring of the definition of these roles, there is a rise in open disagreement, ending too often in divorce. Greater social acceptance In certain cultural groups in South Africa, divorce has long held an extremely shameful cloud over the divorcee, especially for the former wife. This has resulted in shunning and community abandonment, which served to discourage others from initiating proceedings. The more accepting the societies become of the concept; the more individuals are willing to pursue it as a route out of an undesirable marriage. Less guilt It is not uncommon these days for couples to wait 10 years before having children. As a result, many do not feel the same degree of guilt over “breaking up” the family unit, or over causing children distress. The disclaimer “at least there aren’t kids involved” can be heard echoing through the divorce courts.

October 30, 2024

WHY DO CHILDREN LIE?

The question of why children lie begs the greater question of why any of us lie. If you think back to the last time you lied (and I’ll bet my life you can think of a time), look at what was going on internally and this will give you a good idea of why your children do it and how to avoid it in future. Now before we get to that, let me just say that we all have all traits. We are all liars sometimes and every one of us will be pushed to lie under certain circumstances. So firstly, please never label your child as a liar. Once we apply a label to a child they are more likely (not less) to repeat this behaviour and to incorporate it into their sense of self as they grow up. ALL children lie sometimes (as do ALL adults). Ok, so it’s normal to lie sometimes, but why, and why do some lie more often? Going back to why we all do, lying is a fear-based behaviour. The child believes, for whatever reason, that if they tell the truth it will result in more pain than pleasure. And where do they get this message? From us, of course. We’re constantly giving kids unconscious messages that telling the truth will get you in trouble. “Who ate the sweets?” “I did” “Right, go to your room”. Sound familiar? What we need to get into the habit of doing is praising truth-telling and taking responsibility more than we punish “bad” behaviour. If our children own up and say that they “did it” we should be actively praising this behaviour and pointing out that while the behaviour is not ok with us, we’re really impressed that they told the truth. Children will only lie if they are afraid of our reaction to the truth. I know that many people worry that if they take this approach they will be too soft on the bad behaviour and will end up with unruly kids. One of the fundamental structures for well-behaved, compliant children is being their primary attachment (which implies complete trust, openness and closeness). If your children trust you completely and feel connected to you and loved no matter what they do they will actually be less likely to produce so called “bad” behaviours in the long run. Of course they will make mistakes along the way and present “negative” traits (like we all do) including lying, but this will not develop into any kind of delinquency if that adult-child connection is in place. And part of keeping it in place is keeping the lines of communication open and allowing your children to tell the truth and know they will be safe. I think this is a fundamental skill to work on when your children are little and to instil a sense of open communication and acceptance BEFORE they become teenagers. Once our kids hit the teen years, if we’ve shut off honest communication, we are in for a different level of trouble with our children lying to us about things that can be life threatening, or where they really could use our adult help and guidance. The next time your child lies to you think about why they would be afraid to tell the truth and then instead of punishing them for lying, rather address the rift in your relationship.

October 29, 2024

10 Essential Tips To Prevent Poisoning In Your Home

I was recently prescribed some analgesics for a small day procedure. That afternoon, when I got home, I placed the packet of meds on my dresser and later found my daughter sitting on the floor inspecting the packet. My heart stopped! This careless mistake could have had devastating consequences. Unfortunately poisoning data in South Africa is lacking. One study dating back to 2012 found that the most common cause of accidental poisoning in SA children is pesticides. However, the list of potential poisons throughout our homes is extensive; here are just a few more obvious ones: Medications Household cleaners and disinfectants Cosmetics and toiletries Insect and rodent repellants Weed killers and other outdoor chemicals Swimming pool chemicals Flea and tick shampoos and other products for pets I have put together a list of some useful tips to prevent accidental poisoning at home. Some of them may seem fairly obvious but as I have recently experienced it is easy to forget. Keep all potential household and other hazards in their original containers. DO NOT transfer into coke bottles or Tupperware’s. Make sure seals of potential hazards are tight and secure before locking away. Please note that child resistant packaging of medications is NOT childproof. Keep potential hazards locked away in the highest cupboard with a childproof lock. The cupboard should even be high for you, as little minds can get quite creative with boxes and stools and climb up onto countertops. Keep potential hazards out of reach of children when in use and never leave bottles or buckets unattended. Never call medicine sweets/candy. This is a common mistake parents make in order to get their kids to take medicine when sick. This could lead to a child one day consuming an entire bottle of ‘sweets’. Never leave your handbag lying around and be extra cautious when you have visitors over as many people keep painkillers in their bags. Alcohol is often overlooked and is very dangerous to your little ones if consumed in excess. Keep alcohol out of reach of children especially when hosting parties. Any kind of battery can be dangerous if leaking or ingested. Keep remote controls and other battery containing devices away from children. If you are unsure about whether or not a household item is hazardous, assume it is and keep it locked away. Things that seem harmless are most often extremely dangerous. Most importantly TEACH your children about the dangers! It may be a good idea to identify what potential hazards you have in your home. Do a check of every room in the house including your garage and make sure your home is safe. RESOURCES Balme, K., Roberts, J.C., Glasstone, M., Curling, L. & Mann, M.D. (2012) The changing trends of childhood poisoning at a tertiarychildren’s hospital in South Africa. South African Medical Journal. [Online] 102 (3), pp. 142-146. Available from: http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0256-95742012000300023&lng=en&tlng=en [Accessed 8 August 2018]. Veale, D.J.H., Wium, C.A. & Müller, G.J. (2012) Toxicovigilance I: A survey of acute poisoning in South Africa based on Tygerberg Poison Information Centre data. South African Medical Journal. [Online] 103 (5), pp. 293-297. Available from: http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/6647/5054 [Accessed 8 August 2018].

October 29, 2024

A Bump To The Head: When Should You Worry?

I have attended to many children in the ER who have taken a tumble. In the US, falls account for around half the injury-related ER visits in children under 5 years of age. Most of these falls involve furniture such as changing mats, high chairs, baby walkers and beds. Parents are almost always concerned about head injuries. Majority of head injuries from a fall are usually minor. Children under one who fall are more likely to sustain head injuries regardless of the height from which they fall. Whereas older children are more prone to extremity fractures. This is because an infant’s head is much larger than the rest of their body. As a child grows, their head mass becomes more proportional and they develop upper body strength, which enables them to brace falls with their arms or legs. WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR If your child is awake, alert and behaving normally after a bump to the head with no other signs and symptoms then he or she will most likely be fine and you don’t have to rush to hospital right away. It’s a good idea to observe your child for 1-2 days afterwards, since symptoms of a brain injury may present late. Seek Medical Attention: For any bump to the head in an infant; If your child has lost consciousness, even if brief; If your child has any signs and symptoms of a concussion (see below); If your child is inconsolable; If your child is vomiting; If your child is difficult to wake; If your child has a seizure; and/or If you suspect a broken bone. If your child has had a bad fall and you suspect a neck injury DO NOT move your child. Call an ambulance right away! Always trust your gut. If you are unsure rather head straight to your nearest emergency room. CONCUSSION A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head. The signs and symptoms may be vague and may even take a few days to develop. It’s important to know that not all concussions cause a loss of consciousness. Concussions can be more difficult to diagnose in children, as they are not as vocal about their symptoms. Children older than 2 years will show more behavioural symptoms. Signs & symptoms will therefore depend on age and include but are not limited to: Irritable and fussy; Unusually sleepy; Crying more than usual; Change in appetite; Nausea and/or vomiting; Lack of interest in play; Headache; Confusion; Child is unsteady on his or her feet; Sensitivity to light and noise; Blurred or double vision; Dizziness; Unusual speech e.g.: slow or slurred; Poor concentration and memory; and/or Problems with co-ordination. DIAGNOSING A CONCUSSION The doctor will do a thorough evaluation. A CT scan and MRI cannot diagnose a concussion. A CT scan will however, most likely be ordered to exclude a brain bleed or skull fracture depending on the mechanism of injury and presenting symptoms. The majority of falls in children are caused by modifiable factors and are therefore preventable. It’s impossible to bubble wrap our kids and we shouldn’t have to. Falls and tumbles can teach our children valuable lessons, but we can spend time baby proofing our homes and being more cautious to prevent serious injury. Remember to always buckle your baby in their high chair and never leave him or her unattended on a changing mat, not even for a second – it takes seconds for an accident to happen. RESOURCES Burrows, P. et al. (2015) Head injury from falls in children younger than 6 years of age. Arch Dis Child, [online] 100 (11), pp. 1032-1037. Available from: https://0-www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.innopac.wits.ac.za/pmc/articles/PMC4680174/ [Accessed 3 October 2018]. CDC (2017) Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion [online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/symptoms.html [Accessed 3 october 2018]. Chaudhary, S. et al. (2018) Pediatric falls ages 0–4: understanding demographics, mechanisms, and injury severities. Inj Epidemiol, [online] 5 (suppl 1). Available from: https://0-www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.innopac.wits.ac.za/pmc/articles/PMC5893510/ [Accessed 3 October 2018]. Kendrick, D. et al. (2015) Risk and Protective Factors for Falls From Furniture in Young Children Multicenter Case-Control Study. JAMA Pediatr, [online] 169 (2), pp. 145-153. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/1939058 [Accessed 3 October 2018]. Samuel, N. et al. (2015) Falls in young children with minor head injury: A prospective analysis of injury mechanisms. Brain Injury, [online] 29 (7-8), pp. 946-950. Available from: https://0-www-tandfonline-com.innopac.wits.ac.za/doi/full/10.3109/02699052.2015.1017005 [Accessed 3 October 2018].

October 25, 2024

Managing Stress As A Teen

How do we define stress? Simply put, it’s an emotion… but it’s one of the most damaging and harmful ones we experience if it’s left unchecked! If it’s not addressed, it can affect not only your mental, but your physical health too. Many adults are of the opinion that teens don’t really know what true stress is. They are wrong! Stress is an emotion that can be experienced by new-born babies, toddlers and human beings of all ages. The things that make us stress may differ, but that doesn’t make it any less real. So, what makes you stress? Some of the most common factors that teens report as influencing their stress levels are: Parental expectation: “Did you do well in the test? Are you trying your hardest? I don’t like what you’re wearing. I don’t like how you’re behaving; did you make 1st team? I thought you were a leader…” Peer pressure: (the old favourite), Ask her out, smoke this, drink that, take one of these, sneak out, study later… From yourself: I’m too fat, I’m too skinny, I don’t dress properly, I don’t get enough respect, I don’t go out enough, I don’t study hard enough… Good stress vs bad stress. It’s important to remember that even though stress is uncomfortable, it’s not always bad. Stress can help us deal with tough situations. A lot of stress changes our bodies quickly and helps us react to an emergency. A little stress keeps us alert and helps us work harder. Unfortunately, a lot of stress is going to make doing these things harder. So, the key is to find a balance between enough and too much. Stress is a survival tool. When we are stressed, our brain triggers a hormone release and sends something called Cortisol running through our system. This helpful little guy prepares our body to react to stressors, such as physical danger. Normally, you’d run from danger or fight it, using up that juice in your system. Unfortunately, when we stress ourselves out so much as a result of perceived challenges, we are filling our body with cortisol and often don’t use it to power our behaviour. So what happens? You have this emotional supercharge running through your veins and brain, with nowhere to go, just hanging around causing harm, premature grey hairs and messing with your other hormones. Manage that stress. Learn to understand your stress, where it comes from and how to relieve it or avoid it. Ask yourself if there are people or situations in your life that are just not worth the stress and see if you can avoid them. If you can’t, learn to manage their impact on you. Speak to your parents about what motivates you and what stresses you to the point of collapse. If that doesn’t work, take the unknown out of the equation and show them how much work you are doing or can do in a given day. Let them know that you’re already trying your best and need their support instead of pressure. Go for a run, lift a weight, eat properly and sleep better! Know that it’s up to you to change the circumstances that cause you to stress, because once you’ve got that figured out, you can chill.

October 24, 2024

Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids…

Did you know that in the languages of Sweden, Norway and Finland, where they experience long snow-filled winters, there are as many as 180 snow and ice related words. That’s a lot of ways to talk about something we just call, well, snow and ice. Imagine how differently snow would appear to you if you had so many ways to describe it rather than just cold, wet and white! Now think about how much richer your child’s emotional life would be if they could describe what they were feeling with more words than just happy, sad and mad. The thing is, the labels that we apply to our emotions do more than just help us to communicate with others what is going on in our internal world. They also help us to understand how to process and cope with what is going on and assist us in directing our behavior appropriately.For example… If you are just “sad”, then you might have only two options… cry and/or wait it out. But if you differentiate sadness into loneliness, boredom, grief, tiredness, melancholy, nostalgia, heartbrokeness or disappointment, then you suddenly have a few more options. You can phone a friend to alleviate loneliness; you can hop onto Pinterest for some craft ideas if you’re bored; you can take a nap if you’re tired; or adjust your expectations if you’re disappointed.Our emotions are the language of the unconscious mind and are there to help us to live more authentic, fulfilled lives by directing our attention to things that need to be addressed, by changing our physiology for survival, and by drawing our attention to the things that bring us joy so that we can do more of them. The more in tune we are with these messages, the more likely we are to live a rich, meaningful existence.Think of this as a relationship between yourself and this other aspect of your mind. The relationship is going to be a fairly shallow one if you only know a few words of the other partner’s language!So the main key to helping children to develop emotional intelligence is to develop their emotional vocabulary. Happy, sad and mad are fine when you’re three, but not when you’re 13 or 23 (or even 53!). Get out that dictionary. Start by making a long list of all the feeling words you can find. Keep adding to this as you discover more. Turn these into a daily emotional tracking chart that the whole family can use. Play emotional charades by placing all your newly learned words into a hat and each family member picking one and acting it out to see if the others can guess the feeling. Load a thesaurus onto your phone and every time you want to describe how you feel find another 5 ways of saying that which would more accurately describe your state. Read to your kids and discuss how the characters are feeling. Engage your children in emotional discussions. Really really listen to what they are saying and see if you can find the perfect word to sum it all up. Consider making up your own words if the perfect word doesn’t exist yet. Adding “hangry” to our vocabularies to describe the irritation that comes when you haven’t eaten enough has helped us to take the right action in the situation (i.e. instead of punishing the child that is lashing out, we give them a snack!). Language helps us to process our world, to interact with others and to express our needs and desires. Emotional language assists us in understanding ourselves, having empathy for others, directing our behavior appropriately, and managing our internal state. Transform snow into a damp, piercing and ghostly environment where you are engulfed by its icy transparency… and transform your child’s emotional world into as colourful a landscape. Emotionally intelligent kids need a vocabulary that is rich enough to express the depth of their internal world.

October 23, 2024

Common First Aid Myths

I am often surprised by how some of my patients manage their injuries before they come to the emergency room. I think my own mother is also guilty of practising some really strange methods whilst I was growing up. Over the years, medical advice and management has evolved. What may have made sense years ago is now out of date and has been replaced with more sound research and often logic. Here are just a few of the first aid practices and myths that I have seen over the years.

October 22, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 39 of your pregnancy

You’re now one week away from week 40 – the final week of your pregnancy. Strange to think back 39 weeks, where you wouldn’t even have known you were pregnant. Lots has changed since then, and a lot will continue to change before and after birth. Your body at week 39 At this point, you’ll definitely be feeling your pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions, leaking colostrum from your nipples and the frequent urge to urinate may all be part of your daily life. You may be having trouble sleeping, struggling with pelvic and back pain, and your vaginal discharge may be tinged with pink or brown as the blood vessels n your cervix rupture. It is possible to be diagnosed with preeclampsia in your last weeks of pregnancy. This is high blood pressure in pregnancy and is accompanied by protein in your urine and swelling of the hands and feet. Vomiting, nausea and dizziness are also symptoms you may have preeclampsia, and if you suspect you have it you’ll need to contact your doctor right away. Your baby at week 39 Your baby is now roughly the size of a honeydew melon and is considered full term if they’re born this week. At this point, their lungs are producing surfactant so that when they take their first breath, the air sacs won’t stick together. Things you should keep in mind at week 39 You may be wondering if you can still keep doing light exercise, or what you can do to keep active during this time. Exercise in late pregnancy is still doable and is a good idea if you’re feeling up to it. Although you may be worried about damaging your growing baby, exercise during this time is beneficial as it can help strengthen your body for delivery and birth. That being said, it’s important to clarify what you plan on doing with your doctor, and focus on short, low-intensity exercises such as certain yoga and water aerobics.

October 21, 2024

HOW TO ENCOURAGE A GROWTH MINDSET IN CHILDREN

Have you heard of a growth mindset? It’s become somewhat of a buzzword lately and that’s because it really does make a difference to a child’s ability to learn something and their confidence in trying new things. A fixed mindset is one in which we say things like: “I can’t do that” or “I am not good at something”. It’s the belief that our abilities are fixed – that we are either clever or not, either sporty or not. The growth mindset is the opposite. With a growth mindset we acknowledge that we can always improve with a bit of effort. We understand that our brains are not fixed, but constantly changing; that our abilities are not just genetic but influenced by what we do. We see that it is possible for all people to learn new things, even though it may be more of a challenge for some. Why does this matter? Well, with a fixed mindset a child is less likely to try new things, and more likely to give up when something gets difficult – which can seriously limit their options in life. It also leads to misidentification and self-handicapping – protecting themselves from failure by either not investing their self-esteem or identity into something difficult, or having a good excuse ready for falling short. So here are ten tips for maintaining and encouraging a growth mindset: Expose your children to information on how the brain changes and learns. Teach them that intelligence grows like a muscle and it needs challenge in order to get the right exercise. Don’t praise cleverness – praise effort. Focus on a child’s hard work rather than on the outcome of that work or on fixed measurements like IQ. Encourage failure. Praise children for giving something a go and for having the courage to face challenges. Let them celebrate their failures as a sign of being brave enough to try. Show them how failure leads to growth. Avoid superhero worship. Focus on everyday people who do amazing things through hard work and struggle. Tell them stories of your own doubts and challenges and how you made it through. Teach them to say, “How can I?” instead of “I can’t”. Using a question opens up creative thinking and stops the brain from giving up on the problem. Teach them to add “…yet” to the end of things they can’t do. For example, “I can’t do maths… yet”. This helps them to focus on what they still need to do to master something rather than on their current inability. Give them examples of others who have failed and succeeded e.g. basketball players missing more goals than they hit. Give them examples of where they have failed and succeeded e.g. struggling with a new computer game that they now play effortlessly. 10. Acknowledge their frustration when they are doing something difficult without jumping in and doing things for them. Everything is difficult at first. Our kids often don’t get good role models of this because they see us doing things that we’ve done for years and years and of course these things look easy. Then they try to do these same things and struggle. We need to remind them that we also struggled once. In fact, everyone struggles to some degree with a new task. But with practice and a dedication to continue, everything gets easier. We were all born with the ability to learn and grow – not just some people.

October 18, 2024

How To Be Angry Without Destroying Your Kids’ Self-Confidence

All too often I hear parents trying to repress their anger around their kids. Now this is not only unhealthy for you (repressed emotions actually create illness within the body) but it is also not great for your kids to grow up believing that some emotions are simply not ok to have. All emotions are a part of our human journey, and are messages from our unconscious mind regarding things we need to pay attention to or change in our lives. Having said that, it is also worth noting that telling your child that THEY are making YOU angry, sad, irritated (or even happy) is simply too much responsibility to place on another human being, particularly a little one! No one can MAKE you anything. Think about squeezing an orange. What comes out? I’m hoping that you’re saying “orange juice”! Not guava juice or pear juice or cherry flavoured Coca-Cola! Why? Because you only get out what is already within. So if your kids are pushing your buttons and there’s anger coming out, well then that’s what is within. Take responsibility for your own emotions. Own them – they’re yours. However, this does not mean that you are not allowed to experience these emotions, and even experience them very strongly in the presence of your children. So how do we express strong negative emotions without damaging our kids and making them feel responsible for us and our emotional state? How do we teach them to take responsibility for THEIR own emotions and not blame you or their siblings or teachers or life for how it is that THEY are feeling? It all starts with the little one-letter word “I”. “I am feeling soooo angry right now”, “I am feeling more and more and more irritated, so irritated that I could just scream”, “I am feeling ridiculously happy, like the luckiest person in the world”. As opposed to: “You are making me very angry”, “You are irritating me”, “You make your mom sooo happy”. Can you see the difference? And these can be said with as much emotion or volume as you feel is appropriate. You can even step it up in ways that they can relate to and that gives them some warning about where you’re at… “I am about as angry as a pea right now… Now I’m as angry as a small cat… AND NOW I’M AS ANGRY AS A LARGE ELEPHANT!!!” They will get the message. They will learn when to step away. They will learn how to experience strong emotional states themselves without lashing out at others. What they won’t learn is to take responsibility for you. What they won’t learn is to blame. What they won’t learn is to beat themselves up for your inner state. This builds emotional maturity, responsibility and self-confidence. All emotions are ok, but how we choose to express them is what makes the biggest difference.

October 17, 2024

How Safe Are Teething Gels?

Every baby is different but common symptoms associated with teething include, mild irritability, drooling, low-grade fever and loss of appetite. If your baby is inconsolable or has a high fever chances are this is not due to teething. Teething should not make your baby very sick but rather very unhappy.

October 17, 2024

HEALTHY MEAL IDEAS FOR CHILDREN

Healthy eating is an important lesson you can teach your children. The example you set is the best way to help your kids make smart food choices and to develop a positive relationship with food. A healthy, balanced diet is not just good for kid’s bodies, it’s good for their brains, too. The right foods can improve brain function, memory, and concentration. Like the body, the brain absorbs nutrients from the foods we eat, and these 10 “superfoods” can help children boost their brainpower. Fatty fish, such as salmon, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that are needed for brain growth and function. Getting enough of these fatty acids can help kids improve their mental skills. TRY: Make salmon sandwiches (on whole wheat bread) instead of tuna for a healthy alternative. Eggs are a great source of protein, and their yolks have choline, an important nutrient for memory development. TRY: A homemade breakfast wrap, loaded with veggies for a quick and healthy breakfast before school. Kids love peanut butter, and that’s a good thing since this healthy snack is packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects nerve membranes. It also has thiamin, which is good for the brain, and glucose which gives energy. TRY: Peanut butter makes a great dip for fruits such as bananas, and for veggies such as celery. Whole grains such as breads and cereals provide glucose, an energy source the brain needs. Whole grains also contain B vitamins, which are good for the nervous system. TRY: Add whole grains to most meals by switching to whole grain breads, wraps, and crackers. Oats and oatmeal are excellent sources of energy and brain “fuel.” Oats are packed with fiber to help keep kids feeling full so they don’t snack on junk food. They are also an excellent source of vitamins E, B complex, and zinc to help kids’ brains work their best. TRY: Oatmeal can be a base for almost any topping such as apples, bananas, blueberries or even almonds. Berries can help improve memory and are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Seeds from berries also contain omega-3 fats that help with brain function. Look for strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries – the more intense the colour of the berry, the more nutrition it has. TRY: Berries can be used in smoothies or just as they are for healthy snacks or desserts. Bean, beans, good for the heart… so the saying goes. They are also good for kid’s brains since they have energy from protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. They can keep energy levels high. Kidney and pinto beans are good choices as they contain more omega-3 fatty acids that other bean varieties, which are important for brain growth and function. TRY: Add beans as a salad topper, as filler for lettuce wraps, or even add them to spaghetti for a more nutritious meal. Vegetables with rich, deep colour are an excellent source of antioxidants to keep the brain cells healthy. Some veggies to include in your child’s diet are tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or spinach. It’s easy to sneak veggies into spaghetti sauces or soups. TRY: Replace potato or corn chips in your child’s lunch with baked sweet potato wedges or easy-to-snack-on veggies such as sugar snap peas or baby carrots. B vitamins are necessary for growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes, and dairy products are a good source for these nutrients. Low fat milk or yogurt is great sources of protein and carbohydrates foe the brain. Dairy is also an excellent source of vitamin D, which children and teens need in greater amounts than adults. TRY: Low-fat cheese sticks make a great to-go snack and are a good source of calcium. Lean beef or meat alternatives are excellent sources of iron, which helps kids maintain energy and focus in school. Beef is also a good source of zinc, which aids memory. Vegetarian kids can get their iron from black bean and soy burgers. Beans have what is called nonheme iron, which needs vitamin C to be absorbed so have them eat their veggie burgers or beans with good sources of vitamin C such as peppers or orange juice. TRY: Grilled lean-meat kabobs or grilled black bean burgers make a tasty and healthy alternative to regular hamburgers and hotdogs for your next braai!

October 16, 2024

Healthy Eating Habits for Children

Healthy eating is an important lesson you can teach your children. The example you set is the best way to help your kids make smart food choices and to develop a positive relationship with food. A healthy, balanced diet is not just good for kid’s bodies, it’s good for their brains, too. The right foods can improve brain function, memory, and concentration. Like the body, the brain absorbs nutrients from the foods we eat, and these 10 “superfoods” can help children boost their brainpower. Fatty fish, such as salmon, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that are needed for brain growth and function. Getting enough of these fatty acids can help kids improve their mental skills. Make salmon sandwiches (on whole wheat bread) instead of tuna for a healthy alternative. Eggs are a great source of protein, and their yolks have choline, an important nutrient for memory development. Try a homemade breakfast wrap, loaded with veggies for a quick and healthy breakfast before school. Kids love peanut butter, and that’s a good thing since this healthy snack is packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects nerve membranes. It also has thiamin, which is good for the brain, and glucose which gives energy. Peanut butter makes a great dip for fruits such as bananas, and for veggies such as celery. Whole grains such as breads and cereals provide glucose, an energy source the brain needs. Whole grains also contain B vitamins, which are good for the nervous system. Add whole grains to most meals by switching to whole grain breads, wraps, and crackers. Oats and oatmeal are excellent sources of energy and brain “fuel.” Oats are packed with fiber to help keep kids feeling full so they don’t snack on junk food. They are also an excellent source of vitamins E, B complex, and zinc to help kids’ brains work their best. Oatmeal can be a base for almost any topping such as apples, bananas, blueberries or even almonds. Berries can help improve memory and are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Seeds from berries also contain omega-3 fats that help with brain function. Look for strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries – the more intense the color of the berry, the more nutrition it has. Berries can be used in smoothies or just as they are for healthy snacks or desserts. Bean, beans, good for the heart… so the saying goes. They are also good for kid’s brains since they have energy from protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. They can keep energy levels high. Kidney and pinto beans are good choices as they contain more omega-3 fatty acids that other bean varieties, which are important for brain growth and function. Add beans as a salad topper, as filler for lettuce wraps, or even add them to spaghetti for a more nutritious meal. Vegetables with rich, deep color are an excellent source of antioxidants to keep the brain cells healthy. Some veggies to include in your child’s diet are tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or spinach. It’s easy to sneak veggies into spaghetti sauces or soups. Replace potato or corn chips in your child’s lunch with baked sweet potato wedges or easy-to-snack-on veggies such as sugar snap peas or baby carrots. B vitamins are necessary for growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes, and dairy products are a good source for these nutrients. Low fat milk or yogurt is great sources of protein and carbohydrates foe the brain. Dairy is also an excellent source of vitamin D, which children and teens need in greater amounts than adults. Low-fat cheese sticks make a great to-go snack and are a good source of calcium. Lean beef or meat alternatives are excellent sources of iron, which helps kids maintain energy and focus in school. Beef is also a good source of zinc, which aids memory. Vegetarian kids can get their iron from black bean and soy burgers. Beans have what is called nonheme iron, which needs vitamin C to be absorbed so have them eat their veggie burgers or beans with good sources of vitamin C such as peppers or orange juice. Grilled lean-meat kabobs or grilled black bean burgers make a tasty and healthy alternative to regular hamburgers and hotdogs for your next braai!

October 15, 2024

Grapes PLUS 8 other things your toddler can choke on

Baby notices object, baby grabs object, baby fumbles with object, baby pops object into mouth.

October 15, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 38 of your pregnancy

There are now two weeks left of your official pregnancy span, however, there is even a chance that you may get to meet your little one sooner, as about 5% babies are born before or after their due dates. Your breathing may be feeling easier, as your baby moves lower down into your pelvis. But this can leave you with an increasingly shrinking bladder and smaller tasks that used to feel easy are now more difficult. Your body at week 38 Don’t be surprised if your nipples start leaking colostrum around this time. You may also be experiencing frequent Braxton Hicks contractions (which will be helping to prepare you for the real deal) and your nesting instincts may have kicked in, leaving you with a strong urge to clean and organise your house. Other common pregnancy symptoms at this time are frequent urination and pressure on your pelvis and hips as your baby has dropped lower into your abdomen. You may also be struggling to sleep, have swollen feet and ankles and your vaginal discharge may be tinged pink or brown. Your baby at week 38 Your little one is almost ready to meet the world! Your baby has probably shed the soft hair, lanugo, which covered their body (although some are born with patches). Although they are mostly fully developed, if born now, they will be considered early term. They are still continuing to add fat on their body, and the brain and nervous system are continually developing. Things to keep in mind at week 38 One of the questions you may have going through your mind, is how will you be sure that labour has started? Birthing classes are a good way to get to know what to expect, but if you haven’t been able to attend any of those, there are other ways to know that your baby is on its way. Your cervix will start dilating, which your doctor will be able to track in weekly check-ups. You may experience diarrhoea and during labour you’ll have frequent contractions which will grow stronger over time.

October 14, 2024

Yes, men can get breast cancer

Dr Salomine Theron, a radiologist at the SCP Radiology and Dr Lizanne Langenhoven, who specialises in the treatment of breast cancer, talk about breast cancer in men, how prevalent it is as well as the radiology behind the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance for recurrence. ‘It may come as a surprise that men can develop breast cancer,’ says Dr Langenhoven. ‘In fact, about 1% of all breast cancer cases are diagnosed in men. Unfortunately, men often present with more advanced disease, because they are not aware that they can develop breast cancer in the first place.’ Dr Theron says radiology plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in both men and women. However, there is a difference in terms of radiology’s initial role in screening for breast cancer. ‘In women over 40, we recommend an annual mammography,’ she says. ‘In other words, looking for cancers which are asymptomatic. So even if there are no changes to your breast visibly or a lump, we still screen for anything that may develop into breast cancer or has already. ‘In men, that is not standard practice’ Here radiology is diagnostic and the referral is as a result of a lump in the breast, under the arm, there’s puckering or nipple pain. The mammogram differs too. It is a single mammogram image of each breast so that a comparison can be made. In men, it will also include breast ultrasound and evaluation of the lymph nodes under the armpit. Dr Theron says, ‘the imaging of a lump may also be incidental. For example, when we do any form of CT imaging on the chest in a male, even when creating images of the lungs, we always look at the soft tissue in the breast area. If we see an asymmetric nodule with an irregular shape (almost like a star) we alert the patient’s healthcare provider, even though that wasn’t the reason for the CT scan’. Is a breast lump always in men always cancer? ‘No,’ says Dr Langenhoven, ‘About 50% of males develop small lumps in each of their breasts during puberty, usually behind the nipples which can be tender. This is called gynecomastia – colloquially a ‘stony’ and it’s perfectly normal. It usually goes away as they finish puberty. ‘Breast cancer, on the other hand, usually presents as a firm nodule in one breast that is not tender. There are some men who present with inflammatory breast cancer, where the breast is red, swollen and tender. This is however, a rare but aggressive type of invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin.’ She says, ‘the first message is one of awareness. Men can develop breast cancer. And that they should see their GP if they become aware of a lump in their breasts which feels firm and asymmetrical or if the breast becomes red, swollen and tender.’ The second message is one of precaution Women and men can inherit the harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation that belong to a class of genes, known as tumour suppressors and have an increased risk of breast cancer. Dr Langenhoven says, ‘I have a patient in my practice who presented with a hard lump on his left breast. Because he was aware of his family’s history of breast cancer, he went to his GP for an examination. A mammogram and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of breast cancer. She says men with these genes should always be assessed by a genetic counsellor. In addition, should you have a family member diagnosed with male breast cancer, prostate cancer below the age of fifty or ovarian cancer (women), you should seek the opinion of a genetic counsellor to discuss the possible genetic risk and the option of genetic testing. Prevention is better than cure.’ The role of radiology in diagnosis ‘A suspicious lump or mass can only be definitively diagnosed by a biopsy,’ says Dr Theron. She explains that there are three biopsy options: Ultrasound guided core biopsies, where a sample of tissue or blood is taken for testing by a pathologist and a marker is left in the lesion or lump where the sample was taken A fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure to obtain a sample of cells from your body for testing by a cytologist for cancer cells usually of a lymph node or occasionally of a breast mass A vacuum-assisted biopsy can produce slightly larger samples of tissues which is sent to the pathology lab If there is no lump visible on ultrasound, only suspicious calcification on the mammogram, stereotactic guided vacuum biopsy will be done. Put simply, a mammogram will help us find the abnormality to biopsy If the lump is very small or has a cystic component, an ultrasound guided vacuum assisted biopsy will be performed Radiology at every stage of cancer care ‘Radiology is integral to breast cancer management beyond diagnosis, providing critical information that guides clinical decisions at every stage of care,’ says Dr Theron. ‘This includes staging of the disease, it allows for precise treatment planning, guiding surgical procedures, effective monitoring of treatment responses, early detection of recurrence, all of which are essential for improving patient outcomes.’ Male breast cancer treatment Men with breast cancer are treated exactly as their female counterparts. Based on the type of breast cancer and the extent (stage), treatment options include chemotherapy, hormone withdrawal therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. ‘Even though only one in a hundred diagnosed cases of breast cancer is men,’ says Dr Theron, ‘we still urge men and of course women to check themselves regularly and to see a doctor if they feel or see any changes in their breasts.’ Early detection can save your life.

October 9, 2024

Help to remove barriers this October for breast cancer survivors

There’s something so gratifying, almost magical, about the way mushrooms fruit from mycelium to food heroes in mere weeks. And it’s true too for the immense love and support expressed by South Africans to breast cancer survivors through the Power of Pink campaign, which annually affirms that we are all stronger together! Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pick n Pay stores collaborate with the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA) – and the public, of course – to offer hope and dignity to underprivileged breast cancer survivors in need of reconstructive breast prostheses by raising funds for Reach for Recovery’s (R4R) Ditto Project. This non-profit uses the proceeds from the yearly Power of Pink campaign – R1 from each pink punnet of mushrooms sold during October at PnP stores – to buy individually fitted and colour co-ordinated silicone breast moulds for women who have undergone a life-saving mastectomy but cannot afford breast reconstruction. This is just one of the services offered by R4R, which is run entirely by volunteers who themselves are breast cancer survivors. “It’s important for breast cancer survivors to share their journey to remind each other that there is hope, that breast cancer is not a death sentence,” explains Nirri Moethilalh, Chairperson of R4R’s Durban branch. In 2024, this lively band of survivors supported and visited over 6300 breast cancer patients in state hospitals, handing out more than 2882 care bags filled with information and support items, all funded by the Power of Pink campaign. But most notably, 868 state patients who had mastectomies and no medical aid, have been fitted with prostheses at no cost to them through the Ditto Project. These silicone forms sell for more than R3500 per mould on the open market but are procured by R4R at an average price of R881 per unit. “We have done more than we thought we could, but we can see how much we still have to do because there are thousands of women in dire circumstances and in desperate need of our support,” notes Stephné Jacobs, R4R National Chairperson. “The experience of witnessing the impact of the Ditto Project, which has been making waves in South Africa since 2011, has been incredible,” she adds. “We are elated at the ongoing support of the Power of Pink campaign so that many more under-served South African breast cancer survivors can be reached.” This is a sentiment mirrored by SAMFA Chairperson, Ross Richardson. “We are once again encouraged by the work of R4R and the willingness of ordinary South Africans to uplift those among us who don’t have many resources. We thank, in advance, each individual who picks up a pink punnet of mushrooms in October and adds it to their shopping cart. We thank you for your participation and solidarity, for standing alongside breast cancer survivors, and for being stronger together.” Fresh mushrooms have been linked to lower breast cancer risk for some time. The Beckman Institute at the City of Hope Cancer Center, California, in 2010 indicated that eating 10g of mushrooms per day – that’s just one button mushroom – more than halved the risk of developing breast cancer. More recently, a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published in the peer-reviewed ScienceDirect, stated that, “Higher mushroom consumption was associated with lower risk of total cancer. Higher mushroom consumption was also associated with lower risk of breast cancer.” This October we ask you to be inspired by the work of R4R, who are in turn inspired by the words of author Emily Maroutian: “If you want to know where to find your contribution to the world, look at your wounds. When you learn how to heal them, teach others.” Pink punnets of fresh mushrooms will be on shelf all Pick n Pay stores throughout the month of October. Please buy generously, for your health and for the Power of Pink.

October 8, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 37 of your pregnancy

You are now in the final stretch of pregnancy, and at the end of this week you’ll only have 3 weeks left until your due date. 37 weeks ago you had your last period – a lot has changed since then! Although 40 weeks is the official length of time for pregnancy, many women give birth before or after this time. If your baby is born between week 37 and 38, they are known as early term babies. Your body at week 37 At this point in your pregnancy you may often feel tired, and this is usually made worse by the fact that you are generally getting a poor night’s sleep. Normal pregnancy symptoms are abdominal pressure, the frequent urge to urinate, a sore back and pelvis, Braxton Hicks contractions and stretch marks. Your baby at week 37 At this point almost all babies will have moved downwards into your pelvis, most commonly they will be in the cephalic presentation, which is head down, facing your spine. There are other positions that you baby can be in, such as cephalic posterior position, which is when they face outwards, or a breech position, which is feet first. If your baby is in an awkward position such as a breech, your baby may be delivered by c-section so as to minimise the risk to you and them. Things for your to keep in mind at week 37 Around week 37 of pregnancy you may start to experience the urge to organise and clean your house in preparation for your new baby. This is known as nesting and is an instinct shared with many other animals. Nesting may have you rearranging your household to make it more baby friendly and you may feel the need to limit social interactions. While this most commonly occurs when your delivery date is close, it can happen at any time during your pregnancy – or sometimes not at all.

October 7, 2024

Reimagine play – how a plush toy can help your child with anxiety

Globally anxiety among children is increasing and is a common concern among parents. With today’s fast-paced world and exposure to new challenges, one surprisingly effective simple tool proven to help alleviate a child’s anxiety is the use of plush toys. This is according to Glenn Ambrose, Country Manager for ZURU who says that these soft, comforting companions offer more than just a cuddly presence—they can serve as powerful tools to help children manage their emotions. The World Health Organisation reports that globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. The rates of stress, fear and loneliness are much higher and they keep growing. Comforting science Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that 40% of children use transitional objects, like plush toys, as a coping mechanism during stressful situations providing a tangible source of comfort that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve emotional regulation. A study conducted from 2016 to 2019 at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 6 million children aged 3-17 had ADHD, 5.8 million had anxiety, 5.5 million had behaviour problems and 2.7 million had depression. According to experts, weighted plush toys can help ease these stresses and anxieties. It comes as no surprise then that 70% of young children develop connections to toys or blankets. “Weighted plush toys can help with anxiety as the gentle pressure provided by the heaviness of these toys offers a calming effect, similar to the sensation of being hugged or swaddled,” says Ambrose. “This pressure has been reported to promote relaxation and feelings of anxiety or stress.” He continues: “These weighted toys can assist in regulating sensory experiences, providing a calming effect that soothes the nervous system. In addition, these ‘toys’ have the added benefit to aid in better sleep by triggering deep touch pressure.’ The benefits of plushies Plush toys can serve as more than just temporary distractions. It has been reported that plush toys can form part of a child’s routing, which provides them with a sense of predictability. This is particularly helpful if a child is facing life changes like dealing with family transitions like divorce or starting a new school. When a child hugs their plush toy, they experience the same sensation as hugging a parent, these hugs release dopamine and serotonin which in turn releases oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and stress relief. These self-soothing techniques provide a physiological response that aids in a child feeling calmer and more secure. Encouraging the use of a plush toy as a comforting tool is a simple yet effective strategy. While parents should seek the advice of a professional in cases of severe anxiety, these plush toys can be an invaluable part of a broader approach. Try the New Hug-a-Lumps ZURU has launched Hug-a-Lumps with eight adorable characters weighing 1.5 kilograms each with a super soft velour plush. These giant plushies give kids and adults alike, an emotional connection of a plush with the calming effect of a big hug. “The Hug-a-Lumps weighted plush stimulates stress and anxiety while stimulating relaxation, provides emotional support, reduces cortisol with an increase in dopamine and aids in focus and concentration,” says Ambrose. “Hug-a-Lumps can be a powerful ally in helping children navigate the complexities of their emotions.” “By providing comfort, a sense of security, and a safe outlet for expressing worries, the Hug-a-Lumps companions can play a crucial role in reducing anxiety and fostering emotional resilience,” he explains. “As parents, recognising the value of such simple tools in our children’s emotional toolkit is key to helping them grow into well-adjusted, confident individuals.” Hug-a-Lumps are available at leading toy retailers at a RSP of R649 for more information visit: www.zuru.com.

October 2, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 36 of your pregnancy

Congratulations, you’ve almost made it to the last month of pregnancy. This last month you’ll likely feel both excitement and nervousness, and your belly may feel cumbersome as you go about your daily life. Your body at week 36 of pregnancy As your uterus takes up more space in your abdomen you’ll find it increasingly difficult to move with ease. This is also likely to be accompanied by an achy back and lower abdomen, leg cramps, Braxton Hicks contractions, constipation and difficulty sleeping. Your baby at week 36 of pregnancy Your baby is roughly the size of a large cabbage and is almost the weight they’ll be born at. Not only that, but they are gaining weight, looking more like the chubby baby you’ll meet at birth. Your little one’s kidney and liver are beginning to function normally, and they’ll also almost be ready to start breathing on their own. At this point your baby should have dropped lower into your pelvis, getting ready for the big day. Although this may allow you to breathe easier, it’ll put more pressure on your bladder. Things to keep in mind at week 36 Although your belly may be feeling cumbersome it’s still important that you remain active during this time (if you’re feeling up to it) – as little as 20 mins a day is likely to boost your energy levels and help ease some of your pregnancy symptoms. Exercise in the third trimester will have to be more carefully considered than before but it is possible. It’s a good idea to clear what you plan on doing with your doctor first, so that they can chat to you about any potential issues or give advice on what would be best. Walking, swim aerobics, yoga and pilates are all low impact ways to stay fit and healthy.

October 1, 2024

FOUR THINGS TO DO WITH AN EXPLOSIVE AND ANGRY CHILD OR TEEN

Before I go any further on this topic, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help with a child or teen who frequently becomes explosive and angry when told no. Keep in mind that this column is not a substitute for psychotherapy or family counselling. The advice that I offer is supplemental parent coaching that can help in many situations. The subject of today’s article is a common issue that many parents bring to me in my parent coaching practice. Generally, the child is usually anywhere from 7 to 14 years of age and often explodes at the smallest of problems, especially when they are told they can’t have or do something. The child is also likely to take out their anger on the parent or a sibling. So while you’re waiting for the appointment with your therapist regarding this problem, here are four things you can do immediately. Help them find their place in the family. A large majority of these children tend to be first born. For many years, they enjoyed being in the family ‘spotlight’ and getting all of their parents’ love and attention. But as other children joined the family, they lost their place and don’t like it. By getting angry with limits and boundaries, they found a new and inappropriate way to fit in by becoming vocal and angry. Help them regain their position as the oldest child by seeking their help, their advice, and their assistance. Find purposeful ways for them to be in charge of activities that helps with the other children, such as reading to them, teaching, or mentoring. Allow them to have a few more privileges than the others so they will feel special and valuable to you. Stop doing too much for your child. The triggers that cause the explosive episodes are sometimes over the parent trying to get the child to wake up in the morning, dressing them, controlling laundry, or getting them out of the house in the morning. If you’re trying to control the outcome of everything, stop. Some parents struggle with turning some responsibilities over to their children and many children or teens don’t like being controlled. Acknowledge good behaviour more often. It’s unfortunate that it’s normal for many parents to point out when their children aren’t doing what they should, more often than pointing out when they ARE doing something good. Make it your mission to make a bigger deal of when your children are behaving or doing as you’d like them to do. Spend more time with the explosive child. His behaviour may be his way of telling you that he doesn’t feel loved by, or important enough to, you. Schedule a date with each of your children (especially the explosive child) every week, even if it means for just a few minutes. Avoid taking him or her out to buy them something. The date should be about the experience of being together, not showering them with material things. Finally, when the anger comes out, don’t give it value by trying to stop it or by fighting back. Remain calm, stay quiet, and be ready to listen.

September 27, 2024

Nipping allergies in the bud

Spring has sprung and while most of us welcome the warmer weather and seeing blossoms on trees, carpets of wild flowers and new buds, millions of people dread this time of the year because of seasonal allergies. In fact, around 27% of the world’s population suffer with seasonal allergies twice a year – during spring and autumn. Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, gives us the low-down on seasonal allergies: What they are, how they can impact your life, avoiding triggers, how to alleviate the symptoms and when to seek help. What are seasonal allergies? Often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, these are triggered by airborne allergens, which are tiny particles that enter the body through the respiratory system. These particles include pollen released by trees, grass and weeds, mould spores and dust mites. When these allergens enter the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful and releases chemicals, such as histamine, to fight them off. The symptoms Symptoms can last for a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of your allergies and the length of the pollen season. Most common are: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy or watery eyes Coughing or throat irritation Sinus pressure and headaches Fatigue Postnasal drip Ear congestion Less common symptoms include: Headaches Shortness Of Breath Wheezing Coughing If you suffer from asthma as well as hay fever, it is very likely that the seasonal allergy may trigger an asthma attack. Dr Hadebe advises asthma sufferers to take extra precautions and to carry an asthma pump. Impacting your life ‘Whatever the cause of your seasonal allergy, it can make you feel miserable,’ says Dr Hadebe. ‘Allergies can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. ‘This is usually because of disrupted sleep due to congestion and sinus issues, decreased productivity at work or school from fatigue and poor concentration, curtailed socialising by avoiding outdoor activities and compromised quality of life for those with asthma, as allergies can worsen respiratory symptoms. ‘They can cause significant discomfort, disrupt daily activities and your quality of life.’ Try over-the-counter remedies (OTC) Your pharmacist can recommend several types of non-prescription medications to help ease your allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are the first line of defence in treating seasonal allergy symptoms. They work by blocking the action of histamine Decongestants help to relieve a stuffy nose by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages. However, decongestants may raise blood pressure and should be used cautiously by people with cardiovascular conditions Nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and relieve congestion Eye Drops can relieve itching, redness and watery eyes Saline Nasal Irrigation. Using a saline rinse can help flush out mucus and allergens from your nose providing relief from congestion and a postnasal drip When to see a doctor While most seasonal allergies can be managed with OTC treatments, there are times when professional medical advice is needed. You should consider consulting a doctor if: Symptoms persist despite using OTC medications regularly You have breathing difficulties, particularly if you have asthma. Sinus infections or other complications develop You experience severe reactions such as hives or swelling after exposure to allergens ‘Your doctor may prescribe stronger or more personalised treatment,’ explains Dr Hadebe. ‘Immunotherapy, in particular, can provide long-term relief by gradually desensitising the immune system to allergens.’ Managing season allergies Beyond medications, there are lifestyle changes you can make to minimise your exposure to allergens and reduce symptoms: Stay indoors during high pollen counts, especially in the morning when levels tend to peak Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove allergens from indoor air Shower and change clothes after spending time outside to remove pollen from your body and clothes Close windows in your home and car to keep pollen from entering Monitor allergy forecasts and take preventative measures when pollen levels are high If all else fails If your seasonal allergies are really bad and nothing else seems to work, your doctor may recommend that you have skin or blood tests to find out exactly what triggers your symptoms. This can help determine what steps you need to take to identify which treatments are likely to work best for you. ‘Seasonal allergies are a common but manageable condition,’ says Dr Hadebe. ‘With the right combination of OTC medications, lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, professional medical advice, you can reduce the impact allergies have on your life. Always pay attention to your body’s response and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen or persist, despite treatment.’

September 27, 2024

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

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

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