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Advice from the experts

New delights and a new look for SASKO Bake Mixes

Much loved South African household brand, SASKO, has announced the launch of two new flavour variants in its popular SASKO Bake Mix range, Red Velvet and Sweet Dough. SASKO’s new Red Velvet Bake Mix, a signature cake that should evoke as much excitement as the first slice of cake placed on a plate will now be easy to whip up and bake in the comfort of your home. This delicious and easy to bake mix is versatile and is equally well received as a cupcake or even as a cake pop. The new SASKO Sweet Dough Mix is an equally tasty and versatile offering. It’s a welcome shortcut for busy cooks who are hankering after vetkoek, doughnuts or delicious juicy koeksisters. This indulgent memory trip in a bite tastes just as good as the fresh doughnuts Ouma used to serve over weekends – or when mom wasn’t watching. In addition to the two new flavours, SASKO Bake Mixes packaging has also received a makeover and features clean lines, with SASKO’s signature Seshweshwe-inspired print, which speaks to our South African Heritage. The SASKO Bake Mix range also features Vanilla Flavoured Bake Mix, Chocolate Flavoured Bake Mix, Bran Bake Mix, Scone Bake Mix, and a very handy Pancake, Flapjack and Waffle Mix. There is something for everyone and thanks to SASKO, it’s simply a case of adding a handful of extra ingredients to satisfy that craving. For more information on SASKO, visit the website or follow SASKO on Facebook and Instagram for news and inspiration. ##SASKOBakeMixes #DeliciouslyEasy RECIPES: SWEET DOUGH RING DONUTS Ingredients: 500 g SASKO Sweet Dough Bake Mix 90 g Butter 2 Extra large eggs 125 ml Milk 125 ml Boiling water 5 ml Vanilla essence 10 g Instant dry yeast Vegetable oil for frying Method: Add butter to boiling water in a mixing bowl and cool. Add eggs and vanilla essence to the butter mixture and mix. Add milk and mix. Add bake mix, yeast and make a dough. Close the dough with cling wrap and allow to rise for approximately1 hour. Roll into thick coil and cut, shape into donuts and allow to rise again until preferred height. Once oil has heated, place ring donut in oil and fry until golden brown. SWEET DOUGH VETKOEK Ingredients: 500 g SASKO Sweet Dough Bake Mix 10 g Instant dry yeast 350 ml Lukewarm water Vegetable oil Method Mix bake mix and yeast in a large mixing bowl by hand. Add the lukewarm water and make a dough. Close the dough with cling wrap and allow to rise for approximately 1 hour. Roll into a small round shape or preferred size. Once oil has heated, place vetkoek in oil and fry until golden brown. RED VELVET CAKE POPS Ingredients: 1 x SASKO Red Velvet Baked Cake (see recipe as per above) 200 g White cooking chocolate Cake Pop sticks 75 g Butter / Margarine 1⁄2 tsp Vanilla essence 150 g Icing sugar Method: Add 1 x 18 cm layer cake to a large bowl and crumble until it resembles fine crumbs. For buttercream: Soften butter and add the icing sugar and vanilla essence. Mix well until all is blended. Add in buttercream a little at a time until cake is moist, still slightly crumbly and can hold a ball shape. Roll into balls. Melt at least 3 blocks of white cooking chocolate in the microwave. Dip the tip of the cake pop sticks into white chocolate and insert into cake balls. Freeze for 20 minutes. Melt the remaining chocolate in a microwave-proof bowl. Carefully dip the cake balls into the chocolate until covered. Swirl and tap gently to let the excess chocolate drip o. Decorate with sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. RED VELVET CUPCAKES Ingredients: 500 g SASKO Red Velvet Bake Mix 2 Extra large eggs 90 ml Milk 80 ml Water 160 ml Vegetable oil Method: Preheat oven to 180°C. Beat oil, milk, water and eggs together with a whisk in a mixing bowl. Add the bake mix to the egg mixture. Mix with an electric beater (low speed) or by hand with a whisk for 1 minute. Equally divide cupcake batter into a well-greased mun pan with cupcake holders. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled down, decorate with desired icing and decorations.

May 25, 2021

CHICCO THERMOMETERS

Chicco is a full 360-degree approach to all things baby. Every item that comes from Chicco is vigorously tested through the Chicco Observatory Laboratory in Como, Italy for perfect quality control. Chicco has been a leading name in the baby products industry for over 63 years and continues to stand by its commitment to parents globally to provide the best products so they can #parentmore and enjoy life. Every household needs a reliable thermometer to monitor fevers in children. The Chicco Digi Thermometer is a trusty staple that measures temperatures digitally with a highly sensitive, small and discreet thermometer that is suitable for oral or underarm measurements. Readings are available in approximately 30 seconds with an acoustic alarm that shows the reading digitally on a small screen. The thermometer stores the last ready and will switch off automatically. It comes in a handy travel case and is perfect for holidays – available in four colours. The Distance Thermometer is a less invasive approach to taking children’s temperatures. Take their temperatures from a distance while sleeping, without involving probing or interaction. This high tech, intuitive thermometer also reads room temperature and stores the previous reading. Read their temperatures digitally on a screen immediately. For full peace of mind all year round, ensure you have a Chicco thermometer in your home. Available at Takealot, Baby City, Loot, Clicks Baby Club, AZ Baby, Babanino, The Kid Zone and various other retails now.

May 25, 2021

Why winter is a great time to peel with Lamelle  

They say summer bodies are made in winter and the same can be said about great-looking skin. After all, the chilly months are the ideal ones to invest in a course of peels with Lamelle. Peel and reveal We all know unprotected sun exposure is bad news for our skin. After all, dermatologists will be quick to tell you that more than 80% of premature ageing is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, when you’ve had a peel or any other kind of treatment that removes the uppermost layers of your skin it will always become more sensitive to the sun. Not forever – but certainly while your skin is healing. Alas, being more likely to burn puts you on the fast track to lines and pigmentation. So, ironically, you can undo months’ worth of improvements made via peeling with just a few minutes of unprotected time in the sun. Clearly, the winter months are ideal as a ‘peel season’. While you won’t be hiding away like a hibernating bear, it’s only natural that you’ll spend more time indoors. You also don’t have to worry about having to turn down invitations to sunny events like pool parties or tennis matches during those critical post-peel days when your skin is healing. Lastly, there’s another reason why winter is prime time for peeling and that’s the dryness factor. The cold, dry winter air will always attempt to rehydrate itself by leeching the moisture from your skin. A series of peels is a great way to help you get your glow on while ridding your skin of excess dead skin cells – a by-product of winter dryness. Do post-care like a pro Not everyone’s post-peel journey will be alike and that means the type of products you’ll require to heal will vary. Happily, a highly-skilled Lamelle therapist can prescribe the best post-care regime. As an example, if your main concern was to soften fine lines, shift dull skin and improve mild pigmentation, you’d benefit from a series of our Alpha Peels. You might be a little red and sensitive after each treatment, but you wouldn’t experience any downtime. You could gently cleanse your skin using Lamelle Serra Cleansing Gel (our extra gentle soap-free cleanser) then hydrate and soothe using our Barrier Repair Cream. It speeds up recovery time thanks to medical-grade lanolin that mimics your skin’s natural lipids and creates a moist wound-healing environment. You can then protect your skin from the sun using our most innovative sunscreen to date, Lamelle Helase 50+. Want to address deeper wrinkles or more severe sun damage lines? In this case, you’d have to completely change the structure of your dermis and our retinol-based Retistore Plus Peel can deliver great results in exchange for a little downtime. While your skin might flake for a couple of days, you can apply our ‘bandage in a bottle’, Restorative Balm. It’s ideal to help your skin recover from ‘injuries’ that affect your full dermis as it won’t sting when it’s applied. It’s also semi-occlusive so it can trap moisture within your skin but still allows it to breathe. During the peak ‘healing days’ when you’re using Restorative Balm you won’t want to go anywhere near the sun. But the day you do step aside, again, we recommend investing in Helase 50+. This way, you’ll get full-spectrum protection and can maintain your results and reveal a fresher, more radiant and evenly-toned skin – just in time for the party season!

May 24, 2021

Top universities seek ‘supercurricular’ students

South African students with dreams of studying at top universities abroad are swapping out traditional extracurriculars for ‘supercurriculars’ – activities that explore a student’s main area of interest and show a real-world impact. With steep competition from every corner of the globe, investing time in activities that go beyond normal schoolwork, both in and outside of the traditional classroom, can help local students to stand out among the best when applying internationally. “The ‘super’ in ‘supercurriculars’ talks to both achievement level and choice of activities. It’s important for students targeting top universities to not only have activities in their field of interest, but also high-level achievements on a national and even international level, in order to be competitive enough for spots at top universities, particularly in the United States,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager at global mentorship company Crimson Education. Ivy League and equivalent universities expect more than top grades and standard extracurriculars. “While academics remain a priority, students need to understand that all candidates applying to these universities have top marks. Supercurriculars give students an opportunity to demonstrate aptitude in key subjects, show commitment to their area of interest, and highlight their achievements at every level,” says Pretorius. Taking significant coursework outside of the local curriculum, such as additional A-level subjects or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, can help local students meet the expectations of admissions officers at Ivy League and similar top universities and compete with other international students. Students can also look at conducting independent research in their chosen field. “Overall, students should aim for depth, not just breadth. This means putting their focus into one or two main activities, and three to four secondary ones. South Africa has a strong culture of doing a wide range of extracurriculars. While a well-rounded list of activities is good, local students have room to improve when it comes to picking extracurriculars in their specific field of interest and looking further than traditional school activities,” says Pretorius. Beyond the classroom and the sports field, students can apply for internships or job shadowing opportunities, take online courses that interest them or teach them new skills, read books in their subject field, or implement an innovative leadership project. Putting in many hours of volunteering or participating in community service projects, while valuable, is less important than a focused effort to run an independent initiative that shows measurable change. Crimson Education is a global EdTech company which focuses on building the candidacy of high school students wanting to study at top-ranked universities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia/NZ. Through a team mentorship model, learners connect with admission strategists and tutors to assist them with the complex application process for overseas universities. Crimson, which launched in South Africa in 2018, offers regular information evenings and workshops around the country. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org/za.

May 21, 2021

Empowering Children Through Stories In Their own Language

A love of reading is sparked when children see themselves in stories and relate it to their lives, even more so when it is shared in their home language. Xolisa Guzula – early literary specialist, author and translator – agrees that when children learn to read in their mother tongues it’s much easier to build on that foundation. However, a survey by the Publishers Association SA (2016) highlighted that only approximately 2% of children books published commercially in South Africa are in local African languages*. The effects are seen in our schools, based on the 2016 Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS)*, which is conducted every 5 years across several countries, 78% of South African Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning. According to Nic Spaull*, Senior Researcher at the Stellenbosch University Economics Department, “Those who do not learn to master the basics of reading remain in catch-up mode for the rest of their lives.” Nal’ibali, a national reading for enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading, is founded on the ethos of giving children access to stories in their home language. The organisation firmly believes that literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects – and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write. Knowing this Cadbury Dairy Milk, through its inherent generosity, has committed to addressing this need through the recently established Read To Succeed initiative. This three-year initiative aims to ignite a love for reading amongst children across the country by making books in their home language more accessible. To achieve this, Cadbury Dairy Milk, in partnership with Nal’ibali, has set a goal to create and translate “a Glass and a Half” (1 500) new stories for children in their home languages, over the next three years. “Cadbury Dairy Milk is rooted in generosity, driven by the genuine desire to act on improving someone else’s situation. We know the ability to read for meaning empowers children to succeed and although there are a myriad of hurdles that may hinder this, a significant one is the sobering lack of storybooks children have access to in their mother tongues. We look forward to working with Nal’ibali, and the public, to create new children’s stories in African languages and making them accessible to all South African children. Ultimately, we want to create an impact by igniting a true love for reading amongst our children,” says Lara Sidersky, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. Reading aids learning Guzula says, “Children are naturally intelligent and just need us to create immersive spaces conducive for learning. If there are no African language books in our libraries or homes, how can we blame children for not being able to read?” She adds, “If children never read about airplanes, mountains, cars, dinosaurs and more, and encounter these words – and concepts – for the first time in tests translated from English into their home language, how can we expect them to do well?” Language as a frame of existence Lebohang Masango, anthropologist, poet and award-winning author of Mpumi’s Magic Beads – a children’s book that has been translated into nine official South African languages – echoes Guzula, “I think it’s important for children to be able to read in their own mother tongues because that is the language that they first use to think, to communicate and to exist in the world. “This is the language that frames their entire existence, so it follows that they should be introduced to reading, mathematical literacy and other kinds of learning concepts in that language as well. I think it’s incredibly jarring to learn one language and then have to master literacy of all kinds in a different language.” She adds, “The written word is the present word. When we use indigenous languages in children’s books, instruction manuals etcetera, that’s how you legitimise them and allow them to grow. You never want a child to feel like their language does not matter. If they can learn in their own language from a young age, that gives them more dignity and pride in their mother tongue and culture.” Cultivating a culture of reading Yandiswa Xhakaza, CEO of Nal’ibali, shares that the organisation aims to make reading material accessible to children in their home languages and to create a demand for reading, “Our primary focus is to bridge the gap between speaking and reading in African languages. We understand that it’s not enough to teach children how to read if there’s no material for them to engage further with text and start to learn to decode and read for meaning. Reading books in one’s home language also enhances self-worth. “We can’t just translate stories from other countries because the context needs to reflect the people of this country. When children read stories by South Africans – or Africans – about areas they know and people they relate to, they feel seen. It changes how they view themselves and gives them the confidence. That’s why I believe this partnership with Cadbury is so powerful.” “We’re excited about working with Nal’ibali to give South African children access to stories they can relate to, understand, enjoy and feel empowered by,” ends Sidersky. Join the conversation and follow how you can participate @CadburyDairyMilkSA (Facebook) or @Cadbury_SA (Twitter and Instagram), and visit https://cadbury.co.za/promotion/our-own-words #GlassAndAHalf *Sources: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-01-11-solving-sas-literacy-crisis https://nicspaull.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/nic-spaull-and-elizabeth-pretorious.pdf https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/want-to-read-to-your-children-in-your-mother-tongue-check-out-these-books-20190221 https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pirls/ https://africasacountry.com/2019/04/why-are-south-african-children-struggling-to-read-properly https://www.publishsa.co.za/file/1519203677awr-2016publishingindustrysurvey.pdf https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2021-04-28-game-pins-hopes-on-selling-african-language-childrens-books-in-turnaround-drive/

May 21, 2021

Supporting your child’s emotional intelligence development

Emotional intelligence (also known as ‘emotional quotient’), briefly summarised, refers to a person’s ability to recognise emotions in themselves and others, differentiate and label emotions appropriately, and adjust emotions based on different environments. Regulating, expressing, and adapting emotions is, in essence, a set of skills and behaviours which – very importantly – can be learned and refined. People who score higher on emotional quotient (EQ) tests tend to be better able to form healthy relationships, succeed at school and the workplace, and control negative impulses. High levels of emotional intelligence are essential for people to thrive in all facets of life, and it is vital to start developing it from a young age. By supporting your child’s emotional development at every phase of their life, you can help set them up for a happy and prosperous future. The stages of emotional development As a child grows, they will learn different emotional skills depending on their age. Although there is no single linear model that perfectly captures human emotional development, there are rough milestones at every age. That said, it is crucial to remember that every child develops at their own rate. If you are concerned that your child is not meeting their markers, consider consulting a medical professional. Read more: How our childhood personality affects us as adults, and why it’s important Toddlers (18 months – 2 years) At this stage, children are just beginning to feel more complex emotions. Because they typically are unable to verbalise their feelings, they are often likely to have fits and temper tantrums. Toddlers tend to be preoccupied with their concerns and needs. Pre-schoolers (3 – 4 years) Children of this age will start to show and communicate a broader range of emotions as their vocabulary grows. They begin engaging in play in earnest, showing affection towards and cooperation with others, and resolving conflict to some degree. Read more: You’ve got a friend in me Young children (5 – 10 years) 5 – 6 years: children become more conversational and independent. They start learning adult social skills like praising others and apologising for mistakes. 7 – 8 years: children’s awareness of others’ perceptions and opinions and the ability to express feelings with words increase. 9 – 10 years: children now show a plethora of emotions and behaviours, and demonstrate increasing independent decision-making. Adolescents (11 – 18) Pre-teens and teens are now starting to think more logically and become more introspective, often needing greater levels of privacy. They increasingly consider and value the opinions of others. As they strive to be more independent and discover themselves (so to speak), they might seem moody or self-centred. Supporting emotional development at every age As children’s emotional intelligence develops, they will need different kinds of support at each stage of development. Parents are encouraged to be a kind of ‘emotion coach’, using their children’s most emotional moments as opportunities to teach children to recognise, analyse, and handle their feelings. Read more: How to foster resilience in children Toddlers The most important thing to do at this age is to stay calm when they are not. Ask children guiding questions to ascertain how they are feeling and give them labels for these feelings. Working through a meltdown is much easier when a child can say, “I am feeling this way because of this thing”. Pre-schoolers At this stage, children will start needing coping strategies for their emotions. The goal now is to help children recognise what they need when they feel distressed, whether it be some alone time to process their feelings or a distraction until they have calmed down. Young children During this phase, children might stop disclosing as much information about their lives, so it is up to you to be aware of their feelings. Ask them what might be going on and how that is making them feel. Listen with empathy and mirror what they are saying so that they know you understand what they have said. Adolescents Adolescence might be the most challenging life stage in terms of emotions. Pre-teens and teenagers need to be given space and independence (to a reasonable degree). It is prudent to help them feel good about themselves by promoting self-confidence, as many children at this age struggle with their self-esteem. Ensure your child feels safe and comfortable enough to discuss their feelings, and be sure not to minimise their feelings when they do. Remind them you are there for them and help them if and when they make mistakes. Read more: Setting boundaries with your teenagers What not to do Equally important as doing the right thing to support your child is making sure you do not do the wrong thing. When discussing your child’s feelings, be careful to avoid mean or sarcastic remarks and excessive criticism. Do not attempt to do any type of coaching when you are upset or tired, as this will likely end in a very unproductive argument. Likewise, if your child is being manipulative, leave the conversation for a later stage. Stay clear of discussing your child’s feelings if you are pressed for time – these conversations tend to be quite lengthy! By Jacqui Smit

May 21, 2021

Should you buy a car?

There is no doubt that there are many benefits to buying your own wheels. For many people, it’s the convenience of being able to travel whenever you want. And for some, a car is a necessity for work, or because public transport is not readily available. But what are the real costs of buying and owning a car? And, given the fact that many of us are now working from home and travelling far less, is ownership worth it? Personal finance website JustMoney spoke to experts to give you a breakdown of the costs that come with car ownership. Costs to consider According to Kriben Reddy, vice president of auto information solutions at TransUnion Africa, the following are the most important costs you need to consider when deciding whether you should buy a car. Fuel: Beyond a deposit and monthly premiums for non-cash purchases, the first major cost of owning a car is fuel. Whether it is diesel or petrol, this is an ongoing cost that will fluctuate in line with inflation. Insurance: If your car is financed, the seller, on behalf of the financier, won’t release it to you unless it is insured. Insurance is imperative to protect you, the owner, and your creditor. Find out more about which car insurance is the cheapest for young drivers here. Motor/service plan: If you are buying a second-hand car that is almost out of a motor plan, or a brand-new car where you opted against a motor plan, to increase your chances of affording the car, then this is a cost you will have to consider. Maintenance costs: These range from renewing your license disc annually, to replacing tyres or any other parts that are not covered by either your motor plan or insurance. Shafeeka Anthony, Marketing Manager of JustMoney, says: “In addition to these variables, keep in mind that the number of kilometres you drive annually, the type of terrain you cover, and even the way you drive, will also affect the cost of running a car. “The cost of insurance can also vary depending on whether the driver is female or male, your credit score, place of residence, occupation, and claims history.” Read why women generally pay less for car insurance worldwide here. What are the alternatives? The cheapest alternative to owning a car, other than walking or cycling, is of course public transportation. E-hailing services, such as Uber and Bolt, cabs or car rentals can work out to be more expensive than a vehicle purchase. “E-hailing is cheaper if you are going into the office once a week with limited in-person meetings,” Reddy says. “However, if you have to go into the office daily, or attend several daily meetings that require travel, this option then becomes expensive.” Dov Stern, director at MotoMatch, says it all boils down to your budget and your ability to finance a vehicle or purchase the vehicle that you want outright. “When your financial position is not stable or if you expect that you will be under financial pressure in the short term, rather consider options like rent to buy,” says Stern. In this way, you have access to a car and can swap, cancel or buy the car at any time. It may be cheaper to buy a car on auction, rather than through a dealership. Find out more about how car auctions work and whether you should consider them here. What about second-hand cars? Used cars definitely are an excellent option, especially for customers looking to get great value for their money. These vehicles have depreciated, so the prices offered are more attractive than the equivalent new car, Stern says. If you do decide to go this route, be sure to check the following: Get the car’s roadworthy certificate, so you can see any issues that need to be addressed. Check that the car has been serviced at each of the required service intervals, and that the dealer/service centre that performed the service has stamped the service book. The average yearly mileage is 25,000 km, so be aware if you are buying a higher mileage vehicle. Check if the car is still under warranty or has a service/maintenance/motor plan and for how long this plan is still applicable. Ask if it’s possible to extend the warranty/maintenance plan as this could save you a lot of money in the long term. Make sure the car hasn’t been in any major accidents and/or it hasn’t been rebuilt. You can check for a rebuild on the NaTIS certificate, under “vehicle status”. This should say “used”. Request an accident damage report and test drive the vehicle. Says Anthony, “With interest rates currently at a record low, many people who have been considering investing in a vehicle will be tempted to make that purchase. As with all major investments, it’s important to do your homework first. What could look like a bargain could turn out to be a major drain on your household budget. Deal through reputable providers, get comparative quotes and be honest with yourself about your financial position and needs.” Read a JustMoney guide on car insurance here.

May 20, 2021

Teaching Your Children About The Fascinating World Of Spiders

It has been estimated that up to 33% of the population is afraid of spiders. Arachnophobia can really affect someone’s everyday life. One of the best ways to ensure that your child doesn’t develop a fear of spiders is to teach them about these beautiful animals when they are young. We shouldn’t be afraid of spiders: they’re fascinating creatures that are a valuable part of the earth’s ecosystem. They weave webs that would make any architect jealous, and live on a protein-rich diet of flying insects, including mosquitoes, which can be extremely harmful to humans – spiders are doing a great job! Spending some time together identifying the different types of spiders can be fun, interesting and educational to your child. Identifying species In South Africa, there are more than 2,230 different species of spider, and the majority of them are harmless. The most common spiders to identify are garden spiders or huntsman spiders – you can find these in your own backyard. Cellar spiders are also common in homes (particularly in damp areas like the bathroom) and they don’t move too fast to study. These are the ideal spiders to look at with your child. You can identify the main part of the spider’s body, including the legs and the thorax. You can talk about some of the most fascinating things about spiders – did you know that along with eight legs, they also have eight eyes? Just imagine what your vision would be like if you had eight eyes – you can even draw some pictures together. Looking at spider webs Spider webs are fascinating – they are shiny in order to reflect UV light and attract their prey. The intricate designs even mimic vegetation gaps, where insects more commonly fly. Some spider webs can be up to a metre in diameter, and structurally, they’re super-strong. What’s more amazing is that many spiders will weave a brand new web every day. Learning about how spider webs are made, and even drawing your own web, is a fun activity for children that will really engage them. You could also have a go at making your own web with coloured string. Spiders to avoid It is important to help children to identify the spiders that they should avoid. In South Africa, these include Black and Brown Button Spiders, the Violin Spider, Sac Spiders, the Six-Eyed Sand Spider, and the Baboon Spider. They are not aggressive spiders, however, and the best advice you can give to young children generally is just to keep away and to let you know if they think they’ve been bitten. It is important to remember that South Africa’s “Big Five” spiders aren’t here to harm humans: they’re just ordinary spiders that eat insects, so spider bites on humans are extremely rare. Learning about their diet and their habitat can help your children to know where to look out for these spiders and stay safe. Spiders are beautiful and fascinating creatures. Teaching your child how to identify the different species can be a fun activity that will educate them about the amazing natural world that we live in – and it will reduce the chances of them developing a fear later in life.

May 20, 2021

Free Flu Vaccines

Annually, seasonal influenza (flu) kills around 11 500 people in South Africa. Which is why Bonitas Medical Fund offers flu vaccines annually at no cost – to every member and beneficiary. The Fund has announced that the cost of administering the flu vaccine – as well as other vaccines covered from the risk benefit – will also be covered or subsidised for its members. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of contracting flu, becoming seriously ill if you do, being hospitalised and even death. Flu vaccinations are also an important conservation measure for scarce health care resources, which remain a concern during the ongoing the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Principal Officer of Bonitas, Lee Callakoppen, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended that high risk groups consider having the flu vaccination in 2021, particularly because of Covid-19. ‘As part of our preventative care benefit, we offer free flu vaccinations annually to our members to help maintain their health and immunity. ‘Due to the unique circumstances created by the pandemic and our members being financially constrained, we have negotiated with our network of over 60 pharmacy groups – which include Dischem, Clicks and PnP – to cover cost of the flu administration fee, capped at R50. However, should a provider charge more than R50, the shortfall will be for the member’s account.’ He says the Scheme is financially stable and sound and has set aside funds to cover the flu vaccine – estimating around 40 000 doses will be utilised during the 2021 season – along with the administration costs. Although the flu vaccination is free to all members, the Scheme (guided by WHO and the Department of Health) highly recommends that the following groups consider being vaccinated: Healthcare workers Individuals over the age of 65 years People with comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease Pregnant women People living with HIV and AIDS ‘We believe the best and first form of defence against flu is the vaccine,’ says Callakoppen. ‘And we suggest people get vaccinated soon, ahead of the flu season – which traditionally runs from May to August because the protective antibodies take about two weeks to develop. However, we know that protocols in place for Covid-19 such as social distancing, wearing a mask, handwashing and sanitisation will also go a long way in protecting against us against getting flu.’ In addition to the free flu vaccination and as part of the preventative care benefit, Bonitas also covers the costs of a pneumococcal vaccine for beneficiaries over the age of 65 years once every 5 years and childhood immunisation, this includes the vaccine admin fee.

May 20, 2021

Squish Launches New 200ml Bigger Pouch for Toddlers

For Growing Kids with Growing Appetites South Africa’s, well-loved, convenient baby food brand, Squish has launched an SA first, a new larger 200ml pouch size especially for toddlers and their growing appetites. The new, bigger 200ml pouch range sees the popular baby and toddler food brand extending its existing range of ready-to-eat 100% fruit and veg and yoghurt purees and pressed juices, giving parents another reason to love the 100% goodness and convenience of Squish. The range includes three yoghurt flavours and three 100% fruit puree flavours packaged in the convenient new, bigger 200ml pouch. “We have created this larger pouch size with our consumers in mind, providing a new, innovative solution for babies and toddlers with growing appetites,” says Tamara Patel, Brand Manager for Squish at RFG. “The bigger Squish 200ml pouch is perfectly sized for growing kids, in a convenient format that parents want, in a size they want.” Patel explains that the latest extension to the Squish product range came after identifying the opportunity to introduce a larger pack-size, “The 200ml Squish range has been developed for parents who have grown to love Squish during their baby’s weaning journey, but are looking for a larger meal for their babies and toddlers as they grow older.” “Like all our Squish products, the utmost care has been taken to ensure that we offer our consumers the best product possible,” she adds. “We do not compromise on quality ingredients, there are no preservatives, colourants, flavourants or starch, and we fully control our supply chain, meaning we can control the quality of raw materials from the fields, right through to the end product.” She says, “Our Squish puree range is made from 100% fruit and vegetables, and is preservative, colourant and flavourant free with no added starch. Our 100% fruit and veg puree with yoghurt range is made with double cream yoghurt, not yoghurt powder, which offers us a notable point of difference.” “With our new bigger pouches, parents can rest assured they are offering their children the same goodness and great taste they have come to rely on from the Squish 110ml range,” she adds. “We understand that parents want the best for their children, but they are often pressed for time. With the extension of this larger pack size, they can feel confident in the knowledge that they are not compromising on the quality of ingredients for baby through to toddler.” “Over the past few years, we have seen a switch in consumer behaviour from jars to pouches. The pouch format offers a safe, hygienic and convenient offering,” Patel explains. “We saw the need to provide a larger pack to parents of older babies and toddlers. Where they would have previously purchased two pouches per meal for their growing little ones, the 200ml pouch is an all-in-one meal for an older baby, or the perfect lunchbox snack for a toddler”. The Squish range now comprises a wide range of purees in 110ml and 200ml pouches, and a 100% fruit and veg pressed juice range ensuring that parents find a range of convenient, quality products to help them on their weaning journey, from starting solids right through to toddlers and beyond. The products are available nationwide at top-end retail, wholesale and specialist chains – find Squish in the baby food section. For more information visit: www.squish.co.za or follow Squish on Instagram: @rhodes_squish

May 20, 2021

Education interrupted : time to talk about the future of our children

It is easy for middle- and upper-class South Africans with access to schools that can accommodate social distancing and Covid protocols to begin to believe that, on the whole, except for the inconveniences of screening, masks and sanitation, education is returning to normal. However nothing could be further from the truth, an education expert says. “Those of us with means are called to focus on the cost – the long-term cost and impact – to the children in South Africa. It is not dramatic to say that for most of the children ‘regular’ schooling has yet to resume,” says Dr Felicity Coughlan, Director at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. Dr Coughlan says that while schools and educators are doing the best they can, often with limited resources, too many children, including those in reasonable well-resourced public schools, are still attending school on a rotation basis instead of full-time, because of space constraints and the inability to ensure social distancing. “It is understood that children learn less when stressed and that in periods of social and civil unrest they are impacted not only by their lack of access to school, but also by what happens when they are at school and the ongoing and pervasive sense of uncertainty.” This is where all our children are impacted. The learning conditions all children face are not optimal for the confidence and calm needed to learn best. “We have a collective responsibility as society to think about and act upon this situation,” she says. Some of the challenges we face are less obvious than others. On the matter of masks, for instance, science is very clear that they are a major weapon in the fight against infection, but this is not coming without cost. “The experience of smiling and seeing the smiles of others is not just an emotional one – it changes the way our brains work as it releases hormones of pleasure. Smiling and seeing the smiles of others physically protects us against stress and its effects. Just not seeing the smiles of your classmates is a daily cost to children,” says Dr Coughlan. “Learning mathematics is another example. It is a cumulative process and missing a step has long term consequences. If you are only at school three days out of five or every second week, there is no consistency in the learning process. Schools are being innovative and restructuring so much of what they do to cope with this, and they need to be commended for it, but each solution we put in place in these times has a cost and consequence.” Dr Coughlan notes that to address the lack of in-person teaching time, some schools are using the hours children are at school in this disrupted manner to focus intensively on Maths and languages. “This is understandable, but there is a social cost to relegating social subjects to at-home learning,” she says. “Others are sending a great deal of work home which is fine if you understand the work to start with, but if not, that only compounds the problem. Others are making their teachers available for hours each day to respond on WhatsApp to children – depriving exhausted teachers of recuperation time. None of this is negligent and none of this is motivated by anything other than a desire to do the best possible. “The problem is that the best possible is simply not good enough for two reasons. One is that it is contrary to what we currently understand about the way people best learn and interact. This would not be so serious if these were solutions to short-term problems only. Sums and smiling – these seem such trivial issues that we can deal with when things return to normal. And therein lies the problem – these are just indicators of what makes us effective as humans. In our complicated world where what was, is never going to come back, they are anything but simple or trivial.” Dr Coughlan says we are not going back to a pre-COVID world – even if the vaccination programme does work, future pandemics are not the matter of doomsayers only. And even if we are eventually able to smile at each other again at school without masks, the experience of being deprived of the some of the essentials of human engagement is already etched in our bodies and our psyches. “We are already a violent and disconnected society plagued by poverty and despair. When we overlay that with the long-term impact of this current anxiety, the educational disruption of all our young people, a faltering economy and a global world reverting to nationalistic tendencies, the future is truly frightening.” Dr Coughlan notes it is common cause that counselling services and professionals are reporting increased loads. “Are we just going to add these numbers and the increased rate of youth suicide to our statistics of living in the pandemic? Are we just going to lower our literacy and numeracy expectations even further? Or can we work collectively to fill the gaps and fix the fissures? “We have to ask ourselves – as corporates, as parents, as the public broadcaster, as provincial departments and as universities – what role can we play to ameliorate the impact of this pandemic on the sums and smiles of all our children? We have long had an unequal playing field for South Africa’s less privileged children. Not only has the gap widened but the nature of the impact of this pandemic has put pressure on all parts of all systems all the time.” Approaching halfway through our second year of the pandemic, your average ten-year-old, even those who are at school every day, still is not actually at school pursuing their educational journey in the way we know it needs to be, she says. “Humans are ingenious – if we want to, we can figure it out. We need to listen with care and respect to the

May 19, 2021

Interested in a Finance Career? Here are seven great choices to consider!

Even if you’ve never worked in the industry, you might have a general idea of what a finance career looks like. Most people imagine people in suits, screaming numbers at the New York Stock Exchange. While that’s one career area, there are many others to explore, both inside and outside of investing. Before deciding which financial career to pursue, it makes sense to explore some of the alternatives. If you have a financial (or related) degree, consider the classes you enjoyed most and what aspects caused a few premature grey hairs to appear. The truth is that finance careers attract a lot of talent. And to stand out from the crowd of applicants, you’ll have to pick an option that plays to your strengths and interests. Online job aggregator Adzuna rounded up 7 of the widest-known financial job titles to help you understand your options and explore the possibilities! Top Finance Career Options #1 Accountant Average Salary: R445,821 per year Accountants interpret, examine, and maintain financial records to prepare financial and tax statements. They also find ways to reduce costs and increase profits by advising on business decisions. Although most entry-level auditors aim to land roles with big accounting firms, that’s not the end-all and be-all. All industries need accountants. Accountants can work for government, universities, and businesses across all fields. Auditors have a keen eye for detail and excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. They need a deep understanding of general accounting principles, practices, and laws, which they obtain through an accounting or related degree. #2 Credit Analyst Average Salary: R542,308 per year Credit analysts, as the name implies, analyse credit and financial data of companies and individuals to determine their risk factors for extending credit or loans. These professionals complete loan applications and analyse other financial data like income growth to determine a loan’s profitability. Although credit analysts primarily work for banks, they can also be employed by mortgage, investment, and insurance firms. If you have strong decision-making and critical thinking skills along with an analytical mind, this might be the right finance career for you. You’ll also need to be great at researching and have strong communication skills to back up your bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or any other related field to land your dream job. #3 Personal Financial Planner Average Salary: R309,603 per year Personal financial planners help individuals set up and work toward their financial goals. This includes educating them on investments, managing their portfolios and monitoring their finances. These professionals can work for banks and investment firms, and they can also be self-employed. Unlike financial advisors, financial planners form long-term working relationships with their clients. This means they need strong intrapersonal skills and have to be certified as professional financial planners. Along with investment knowledge and analytical skills, financial planners also need an entrepreneurial mindset to build and expand their client database. #4 Risk Specialist Average Salary: R680,000 per year Working for investment banks, mortgage, insurance companies, and corporate lenders, risk specialists use quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyse risks. These risks are related to existing and prospective investments, earning capacities, and the success of companies. These professionals must have the ability to spot problems before they arise. They also need inductive, deductive, and mathematical reasoning skills. In most cases, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in economics, math, or finance to get your foot in the door of this industry. #5 Quantitative Analyst Average Salary: R572,667 per year Quants develop financial products that financial firms rely on to price, trade, and calculate risk for any tradable financial assets. Quantitative analysts can work for a variety of employers, including investment banks, depository banks, fintech companies, and trading firms. It goes without saying that quants need high-level math and reasoning skills. This work field is abstract and requires these professionals to spend more time behind their computer screens instead of interacting with colleagues. Entry requirements include a master’s degree in a quantitative field like finance, math, stats, or economics. #6 Actuary Average Salary: R717,408 per year Ever wondered who is in charge of evaluating probabilities and risks associated with car accidents and property damage? Actuaries! They use math and statistics to calculate costs related to events like these that form the building blocks of models like insurance policies. Although actuaries generally work for insurance companies, they can also work for investment firms and banks. This field of work is predicted to grow 18% by 2029. With relatively low-stress levels (compared to most other finance career options) and high average wages, becoming an actuary can help you build the perfect work-life balance. But to get in, you’ll need strong math and reasoning skills along with a degree in actuarial sciences, finance, accounting, or a related field. #7 Investment Banker Average Salary: R573,257 per year Investment bankers primarily deal with raising money for companies and governments through public offering, stocks, bonds, mergers, and venture capitalism. Average salaries might be high, but so is the level of stress associated with these roles. To land a job as an investment banker, you’ll need a finance or economics degree or another quantitative or business-focused degree. You will also need a master’s degree in finance and an internship. The good news is that if you have all of these qualifications, you could be earning MUCH more than the average salary. Investment bankers can earn salaries upward of R2 million per year if bonuses are included in the picture. Making the Right Choice To pursue jobs with the highest probability of success, you have to consider the role’s demand. Time spent uncovering the most exciting opportunities can be time saved working a job that just doesn’t fit. Different finance careers require different skills and come with vastly different working environments. Pick one that aligns with your interests and abilities. Every company in almost every industry needs the help of a finance professional. You can find a financial job by tapping into your professional network, leveraging the power of social platforms like LinkedIn,

May 19, 2021

Daddy Squared Around The World: South Africa

“In a country with high levels of unemployment and large levels of poverty it’s so easy to exploit these situations and the law is there to protect that.” Daddy Squared: The Gay Dads Podcast looks at fatherhood options for gay men in South Africa. We talked with South African Power Couple Andrew and Brent (who are responsible for the first ever Primetime gay kiss on South African TV) about parenting options and rights for gay men in South Africa. “Daddy Squared Around the World: South Africa” is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. Notes and resources now available at daddysqr.com/southafrica “Daddy Squared: The Gay Dads Podcast” returns for Season 4 to capture gay dad options and rights in a post-pandemic world. In each episode, Alex and Yan, a married couple and fathers of five-year-old twins, talk with gay dads from a different country, discussing equal rights and options for gay men. “Gay men look at this podcast as either a resource for family building or an intimate look at the lives of gay dads,” Yan explains, “that inspired us to come up with country-specific resources, that we hope will be expanded and updated by the community.” South Africa was pretty much at the forefront of human rights for the LGBTQI+ community. During the apartheid era, homosexuality was a crime and that was written into the law until 1994. Thanks to groups like the African National Congress (ANC) and the freedom fighters, fighting for democracy, equality, and human rights, they have passed laws that legalized homosexuality, including same-sex marriage being written into the South African constitution in 1996. While many of the more metropolitan areas of South Africa sit on the more progressive side of the issue, Brent says much of South Africa is rural and holds on tightly to their more conservative views. “I think it’s important to note that we can’t whitewash South Africa with this brush, [as well]. Our rural areas are very rural. We have massive levels of poverty in this country, so it would be remiss to look at our experience as the norm. Our experience is one side of the coin, where at one level of society it’s accepted and understood. There is a large part of South African society which is inherently driven by it’s “African-ness.” I’m going to use the word “tribal”, and I mean that very deliberately. Africa and South Africa are still spread into regional tribal loyalties, etc; and in those rural communities it’s a lot more difficult to be accepted.” By 2002 the Constitutional Court gave the right for same sex couples to adopt, and that was written into the Children’s Act in 2005, making adoption legal for gay men in South Africa. This has evolved to no longer differentiating between whether you are two dads or a mom and a dad during the application process. Surrogacy is also legal, albeit altruistic. There are many rules and regulations put in place to ensure that every step along the way is above boards and unquestionably ethical, although it seems that even under the guidelines, there tends to be some sort of remuneration, not necessarily with cash. “It’s all written straight into our high courts. So you can enter into a contractual relationship with a surrogate, but it can’t be superseded by the law that’s already there. It’s a remarkably protected environment for a largely minority population.” Andrew and Brent are co-parents, with the children coming from Andrew’s previous marriage to a woman. While Andrew knew from a young age that he was different, he had a hard time envisioning his life in the corporate world as a gay man. “I’d subconsciously decided that there was no place for a gay man in the corporate world, so I literally met, fell in love with, married, white picket fenced, two dogs one of the first girls I met, and I have zero regrets about that.” Although Brent hadn’t necessarily pictured his life with children, he had a feeling that Andrew was the one and he was determined to remain open, and explore what his intuition was telling him. “I don’t believe that I would ever have imagined that I’d meet someone with children already,” Brent says. “I didn’t think that it’d be part of my life’s journey, but when I met Andrew the first night we went on a date, I knew he was the one, I knew that this was the guy for me and yes, we spoke about the fact that he had kids on that first date. He was very upfront about the fact that he had kids, and I didn’t let it disturb me, because I thought, I like this guy, I think that this relationship can go somewhere, maybe kids can be a bonus. Maybe having kids around can actually add value to my life.” Power Couple Andrew and Brent have been together for 13 years, and are best known in South Africa from the TV reality show My Kitchen Rules. Brent is a journalist, best known for his GoodThingsGuy.com website, reaching over two million visitors a month, and his Cliffcentral show. He first made a splash in 2014 when he created the RAK initiative, aimed at giving back and helping those in need, which became a global phenomenon. Andrew is an entrepreneur, thought leader, and MD for two agencies, as well as a former musical theatre actor. He works around the world in the fields of sponsorship, brand activation, experiential marketing and social media.

May 18, 2021

CHICCO BREAST PUMPS

Chicco is a full 360-degree approach to all things baby. Every item that comes from Chicco is vigorously tested through the Chicco Observatory Laboratory in Como, Italy for perfect quality control. Chicco has been a leading name in the baby products industry for over 63 years and continues to stand by its commitment to parents globally to provide the best products so they can #parentmore and enjoy life. Chicco has two best-loved breast pumps – namely the electric and manual. The Electric Breast Pump is a one-pump gentle solution to help women express freely without pain or discomfort. With ten settings and a gradual build up, this intuitive pump works with your flow and encourages expression. Has an LED light for night time pumping, enabling you to set timer and pace at a glance. Excellent to avoid engorgement and comes with a 12 month guarantee. The manual breast pump is an ergonomically designed pump with a soft silicone head that gently adheres to the breast. The handle is large and designed to reduce fatigue and the pump is connected to a bottle that can go duirect from pump to teat for instant feeding. Available at Takealot, Baby City, Loot, Clicks Baby Club, AZ Baby, Babanino, The Kid Zone and various other retails now.

May 18, 2021

Dairy: your bone-building partner throughout life

Most people only think about their bones once they get a fracture or reach older age. Just think about the tears and pain when your child breaks a bone. When he or she breaks a bone for a second time, you might ask yourself “is there anything I can do to help prevent this?” Bones are the body’s foundation. All muscles anchor itself to our bone structure, providing support and structure, and at the same time it also helps protect our organs. Being proactive and building healthy, strong bones is therefore critical to leading a long, healthy, active and independent life. Bones are living tissue, constantly in a state of renewal, so building and maintaining bones is a lifelong affair. The key to achieving strong bones involves a mix of weight bearing exercise, calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt and vitamin D from safe sun exposure, foods or a supplement. Not looking after bones can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a disease which sees bones become brittle and at high risk of fracture. In South Africa, osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 60 years. Worldwide osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures each year; resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every three seconds! Hip fractures are invariably associated with chronic pain, reduced mobility, disability and an increase degree of dependence. This becomes a real worry if we consider the statistics that in white women (having a higher risk for osteoporosis), the lifetime risk for a hip fracture, is 1 in 6, compared with a 1 in 9 risk of a diagnosis of breast cancer. Bone health is determined by both genetics and lifestyle factors, and adopting a bone-friendly lifestyle at any age can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. As part of a bone-friendly lifestyle, research confirms that milk and other dairy product remain the number one food source of calcium to support bone health. Childhood presents the best opportunity to build bone strength and ultimately reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later years. Along with the rest of their body, children’s bones are growing rapidly throughout this period, so it’s critical that children receive enough daily calcium to ensure their bones achieve their maximum strength. Teenage years are another massive growth period. Over a period of two years (12-14 for girls and 13-15 for boys) teens’ bodies build one-quarter (25%) of their adult bone mass. Therefore, it’s a critical time for teenagers to exercise and stockpile their bones with calcium from the diet. Between the ages of 12-18 years calcium requirements increase and teens in general need even more milk and dairy products (3 to 4 serves from the dairy each day), where a serving of dairy is typically a cup (250ml) of milk or amasi, 2 tubs (200 ml)of yoghurt, two slices or 2 tablespoons of grated (40g) of cheese, or half a cup (120g) of cottage or ricotta cheese. Building strong bones also requires exercise. Like muscles, bones respond to weight-bearing exercise like running or brisk walking, lifting weights or sports involving jumping. When bones are made to bear more weight than they are used to, they develop increased strength or bone density. After the age of 30 it is important to maintain your bone density by consuming 2 – 3 servings of dairy a day. This is called the maintenance phase. The bone loss phase starts at 52 years for women, and 65 years for men. During the bone loss phase, calcium needs increases again and older people need to consume more calcium rich foods. Registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, Maretha Vermaak, says: “Dairy is a valuable source of calcium in the diet. Calcium from milk and other dairy products are easily absorbed, meaning that your body can use most of the calcium effectively to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium obtained from food also enhances the positive effect of physical activity on bone mass during growth.”

May 18, 2021

Skincare shouldn’t have to sting: Understanding sensitive skin

Struggling with very dry skin? There’s a good chance you’re also the sensitive type. And no, it’s not because The Notebook makes you cry. Both conditions – sensitive skin and dry skin – share an underlying cause and that’s a disrupted barrier function. But first, what is that exactly? And if yours isn’t working properly, how do you go about fixing it? Happily, Lamelle’s researches have been studying dry and sensitive skin for decades so we can answer both questions with expert advice. The great barrier Imagine the surface of your skin as a tiled roof. There are many things that can damage these tiles – from using products that are too exfoliating or too much unprotected sun exposure. Either way, once they’re damaged, they lift up and allow your skin’s natural moisture to escape and irritants to get in. The result is skin that’s not only unquenchably dry, but over sensitive due to all those gaps in its “armour”. While you’d think solving the problem would be as easy as applying a heavy, thick moisturiser, it’s not quite that simple. Those missing tiles mean that any hydration you put in will just as easily slip out due to evaporation. However, if you use the right type of hydrator, you’ll be back in business. To explain, your skin’s outermost cells (or tiles!) exist in a waxy layer of lipids. If you’re to repair a damaged barrier, you’re going to need to apply a product that contains a mix of lipids naturally found in healthy skin. These will essentially “seal” it, helping it retain its moisture and protect it from the irritants that can cause stinging, redness and inflammation. At last! Real relief! Once you know what to look for in a barrier repair cream, it’s easy to find a brilliant one, such as Lamelle Serra Restore Cream. It contains patented Ceramide-P to help create a multi-layered lipid structure that mimics healthy human skin. It’s a fantastic long-term solution for anyone with typically dry or sensitive skin. If, however, you’re experiencing an acute bout of sensitivity, having an allergic reaction or have exceptionally dry skin, you’ll want to know about Lamelle Serra Soothing Cream. It contains a double dose of ceramides as well as patented anti-redness and anti-itch technology. Another star product you’ll want in a dry and sensitive skin home care artillery is Serra Cleansing Gel. The former is a deliciously creamy-feeling soap-free cleanser specially formulated to carefully cleanse in a way that doesn’t strip away your skin’s newfound hydration. But what if it’s seriously sensitive… Okay. So that’s the low down on sensitive skin. In short, it’s typically a symptom of an impaired barrier function. But what about sensitive skin syndrome (SSS)? In this case, you’re dealing with a medically diagnoseable condition characterised by skin that often experiences sensations like burning, itchiness, tightness and even pain despite no obvious trigger. In fact, a sufferer’s skin might not even show any visible symptoms, such as redness or dryness. Much like migraines, doctor’s still don’t fully understand SSS but research suggests it’s a neurosensory condition caused by having too many overstimulated TRVP1 receptors in the deeper layers of your skin. In light of this new knowledge, Lamelle have created Serra NSB. (The NSB stands for “Neuro-Sensory Barrier”.) Its star ingredients inhibits the expression of TRVP1 in the skin while “putting out the fire” via a potent amino acid anti-inflammatory. It can also help repair any barrier issues, should the sufferer have one, thanks to Ceramide-P. Ultimately, if you have dry skin, sensitive skin or even SSS, Lamelle’s Serra collection includes a solution. Make an appointment to chat with one of our skincare therapists today who’ll be able to suggest the correct products that’ll help you get real relief. www.lamelle.co.za

May 17, 2021

5 Reasons 2021 Matrics should consider a career in hospitality

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation estimates that by 2030, there will be 1.8 billion new international travellers. Choosing a career in hospitality, therefore, could be the best decision that the Matrics of 2021 will ever make! Shaun Lamont, Managing Director, First Group Hotel and Resorts said, “With university and college applications now open for 2022, Matrics will be looking to make a decision about what to study next year. If your child is still sitting on the fence, why not get them to consider a career in hospitality?” Shaun offer 5 reasons why Matrics should consider studying hospitality: 1. In demand: According to Study International, one in every five jobs created in the last decade globally has been within travel and tourism, and pre-COVID, the industry was expected to support an additional 100 million jobs worldwide by 2028. The World Travel and Tourism Council also reports that 1 in 10 jobs on the planet is supported by travel and tourism. Whilst the pandemic has slowed the industry down, it is the one industry that is predicted to bounce back with a bang! Why? Well, travel is in our DNA and it’s going to take more than a global shutdown to change that. 2. See the world: If you’ve always dreamt of visiting exotic destinations, but your travel fund smacks more of ‘beer and biltong’ than ‘champagne and caviar’, then a career in hospitality could be the ticket to the travel you’ve been dreaming of. Whether local or international, you’re bound to traverse the globe by working in a variety of positions and places. You’ll only be limited by your imagination – from cruise ships and hotels to game lodges and beach resorts. 3. Options, options, options: At the core of hospitality, are customer experiences, which opens up a myriad of opportunities for graduates. Armed with a wide range of skills and knowledge, working in hotels, restaurants, events, catering, hospitals or airlines, or even branching out into business development, marketing, or entrepreneurship, are all within the realm of possibility. 4. Learn while you earn: Most reputable hotel groups and resorts partner with hotel management schools in order to offer students the opportunity to learn the relevant theory whilst getting practical, on-the-job training. First Group for example, embraces unskilled trainees every year, who share our passion for guests and place them at our various resorts around the country. Furthermore, some Groups even offer trainees a stipend whilst working, which means that you can learn while you earn. 5. Move up the ranks: A career in hospitality offers you the chance to grow. While everyone starting out their career by nature starts on the bottom rung of the ladder and moves their way up the ranks, there are so many rungs on the hospitality ladder! Moving from bellhop to the front desk to the manager, or from waiter to food and beverage manager doesn’t have to remain a pipe dream. As leaders in the South African hospitality industry, First Group prides itself on offering incredible career opportunities for both entry-level and experienced candidates who are either looking to step into the industry or those looking to move up the ladder. “If doing the same thing day after day after day excites you, then a career in hospitality is best avoided. If you’re looking for an ever-changing, exciting job in a vibrant industry that demands commitment to making strangers smile and helping them to make lasting, magical memories – then this industry is for you!” Shaun concludes.

May 14, 2021

The art of destressing: Ways to help your child unwind

Like adults, children struggle with stress. And, like adults, children respond differently to stress depending on their age, personalities, and coping skills. Signs of stress Signs of stress in children often show up as physical or behavioural changes. Physically, stress can manifest as: bedwetting, a change in appetite, sleep problems or nightmares, and complaints of stomach or headaches. Common behavioural signs of stress include moodiness, aggression, or clinginess. It could also result in the development of nervous habits, such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting. In addition, stress can cause children to have difficulty concentrating, withdraw from family and friends, and even hoard items. Causes of stress Common causes of stress in children include: significant changes in the family (divorce, moving, losing a loved one), academic pressure, being overscheduled, bullying, and catastrophic events on the news. Our ‘new normal’ – fear and uncertainty because of a global pandemic – is another major stressor for children of all ages. Also read: How to help a child struggling with (coronavirus) anxiety Ten quick ways to destress Finding ways to relieve stress is essential for children (and parents). Here are some quick and easy activities to try when your child appears stressed and overwhelmed: Blow bubbles: Blowing bubbles can help children gain control of their breathing, which will help calm them. A bonus is that running around popping bubbles is just as fun (and beneficial) as blowing them. Belt it out: Music has a profound effect on mood and listening to music has been proven to help children relax. In addition, the physical act of singing out loud, no matter how off-key, has been shown to release feel-good chemicals in the brain. So let your child belt out their favourite song! Pop bubble wrap: When you receive a package, cut the bubble wrap into smaller pieces and save it for when your child needs some stress relief – it’s difficult the resist popping row after row of bubble wrap. Hydrate: It may sound silly, but if your child seems overwhelmed, pour them a glass of cold water and have them sip it slowly. Dehydration has been linked to a reduction in mental performance, and sipping cold water will have a calming effect on the nervous system. Push against a wall: Let your child try to push the wall over for 10 seconds, three times. This trick allows the muscles to contract in an effort to ‘bring the wall down’, then relax, releasing feel-good hormones, which helps the body to get rid of stress. Jump rope: Put on some music and challenge your child to jump to the beat of the song. If your child is unable to jump rope, you can play hopscotch instead. Also read: Benefits of playing games with kids Make and shake a glitter jar: Glitter jars are easy to make – simply fill a plastic bottle or jar with coloured water and glitter. Letting your child shake the jar and watch it for a few minutes will give them a relaxing focal point, allowing their brain and body to ‘reset’. Play with clay: Squishing and pounding clay – either store-bought or homemade – can help ease tension, release excess energy, and improve focus. You can even add a few drops of calming aromatherapy oil. Bust some moves: Physical activityoffers excellent stress relief, and having a dance party can get your child active in a fun way. When your child is stressed, crank up the music and let them show you their moves. Bring out the colouring book: Colouring is a great mindfulness activity that reduces anxiety as it gives children something else to focus on. If your children are older, let them try journaling or creating a vision board. Writing things down can have a profound effect on their mood, especially if they can do so without the fear of someone else reading it. At the same time, the act of cutting words and pictures from magazines that links to their interests and dreams is not only relaxing but will also allow them to think about what they want from life. By Danielle Barfoot

May 14, 2021

5 Healthy Rules to Live by (no matter your age!)

Good health does not happen by accident; it’s a result of proactive, preventive, healthy choices that have an impact on your health today, tomorrow, and beyond, and according to Bianca Tromp, FUTURELIFE® dietitian, it is never too early (or too late!) to develop healthy habits. She says, “A healthy lifestyle is not only important during infancy and old age, but is crucial during all stages of life, including childhood, adolescence and adult years. Regardless of whether you are 12 or 75 years old, the impact of a healthy lifestyle should never be underestimated.” She adds that by following a few simple, healthy rules, we are all likely to share a common outcome – ongoing physical and emotional health as we age, “However, it all starts by reforming the simple choices we make each day.” Bianca offers five healthy rules that she believes we should all be living by (regardless of our age!): Rule 1: Watch your portions Why is it that even though you eat perceived healthy foods, you can still be at an unhealthy weight? The problem often lies with portion control. Even too big a portion of healthy foods can cause unwanted weight gain. And, although you might see your portion sizes as “normal”, it might be time to reassess. So, what is a healthy portion size? For starches, choose low-GI starches, no more than the size of your fist. For lean meat, chicken and fish, have a portion the size and thickness of your palm. Vegetables should fill the rest of your plate, so include about two handfuls while limiting fats to the size of the tip of your thumb. Rule 2: Keep moving The one thing that those who live healthy, long lives have in common is physical activity. And, physical activity is not just good for your physical wellbeing, it also keeps you mentally and emotionally healthy too. Plus, you don’t need to be a gym ‘bunny’ either. You can walk around the block in the evenings or spend time gardening… whatever you choose – just include at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Rule 3: Take care of your gut We often associate gut health with the absence of symptoms like bloatedness, constipation and diarrhoea, but did you know that 80% of your immune cells are in your gut? To support our immune system and keep our gut healthy we need a balance of probiotics (the “good” microorganisms) in our digestive tract. Including a probiotic supplement can assist in maintaining this balance. FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules is the perfect solution as it combines fibre and probiotics to support the functioning of the gut. Rule 4: Include protein in every meal Not only does protein provide the building block for muscle maintenance and synthesis, protein will also make you feel fuller for longer. This means less cravings and snacking on unhealthy foods. Aim to include a protein source in each meal and snack. Low saturated fat protein options include nuts, nut butters, eggs, soy, lean meat and chicken cuts, fish, beans and legumes. FUTURELIFE® also offers a range of High Protein products – from High Protein breads and bars to a High Protein shake and cereal. Rule 5: A good night’s rest Like breathing, sleep is a fundamental human requirement. And yet, so many of us do not get the required amount of sleep to function properly. Lack of sleep can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Other potential problems include obesity, depression, impairment in immunity and can even affect your appearance! Making sure you get a good night’s rest (every night!) should be a top priority. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to eight hours of sleep for people over age 64 and seven to nine hours for ages 18 to 64. Kids need more sleep. “It takes more than five healthy rules to get from one to 85, but this is a great starting point!” Bianca concludes.

May 13, 2021

Could you have PCOS and not even know it?

Despite being incredibly common, affecting around 1 in 10 women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is still one of the most underdiagnosed conditions around. So much so that, of those who have it, only 1 in 3 will be diagnosed. In short, there’s a fair chance you might have it – and a good chance you don’t realise it! PCOS tends to fly under the radar because signs can be easy to miss or attributed to something else. This is why it’s important to be aware of the condition and its symptoms, especially since getting the right treatment can be life-changing. But first – what is PCOS? PCOS is a hormonal disorder that also affects your metabolism in a way that causes insulin resistance. Ultimately, your body stops listening to insulin’s “instruction” – to convert the sugar in your bloodstream to energy. Instead, after lingering in your blood for too long – essentially raising your blood sugar – the sugar ends up being stored away as fat. This is why those suffering from diabetes as well as PCOS tend to experience weight gain. Another side effect of insulin resistance is that it triggers your ovaries to produce higher-than-normal amounts of androgen, the male hormone. The results manifest invisibly as cysts on your ovaries. The visible signs, however, include acne, excessive hair growth in unwanted places such as your face and irregular or missed periods. If left untreated PCOS can lead to infertility, type 2 diabetes and even cardiovascular disease. In short, if you’ve got it, you really want to diagnose it and treat it. Know the signs The frustrating thing about PCOS is that it’s not always so easy to recognise the symptoms. Life gets busy so we don’t keep track of our periods. Weight gain can be attributed to getting older or skipping out on gym. That recent spate of chin pimples? Perhaps that’s just “maskne” or a stress breakout. To make things even trickier, not every woman will develop all the signs. After all, it’s not unusual to develop PCOS and never spot as much as a single chin hair, let alone develop a mustache. Other less obvious symptoms include insomnia, fatigue and a craving for carbohydrates as well as anxiety or depression. When you consider that list, it’s easy to see how they could all be overlooked as just the side-effect of a stressful life mid-pandemic and not an extremely common syndrome. So here’s the good news If you suspect you have PCOS you’ll be glad to know there’s a lot you can do about it but your first step is to visit your doctor or gynaecologist. They’ll be able to ask the right questions and run a simple series of tests to help you get a diagnosis. As far as treatment is concerned, this could include medication as well as making certain lifestyle changes. For example, eating a low glycaemic index (GI) diet and getting regular exercise will help you manage your blood sugar levels. You can also manage your condition with our brand new ovarian health nutritional supplement – Ovaria by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. It contains 4000mg of Myo-Inositol, the required dose clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of PCOS of women in their fertile era. A naturally occurring sugar associated with the vitamin B family, Myo-Inositol helps reduce your androgen levels by normalising your blood’s insulin levels. The result is an improvement in many PCOS symptoms including weight gain, acne and hair growth. In fact, Ovaria is proven to reduce unwanted hair growth by 29% in just 6 months. It can also increase your ovulation rate – improving your chance of getting pregnant – in as little as 16 weeks and help normalise your menstrual cycle. You’re not alone Ultimately, if you suspect you might be suffering from PCOS, don’t hesitate to chat with your doctor today. An early diagnosis means the sooner you’ll enjoy a better quality of your life while reducing your risk of PCOS-related conditions like diabetes. As far as treatment options go, you’ll have several to choose from and all of them can be enhanced by Ovaria. You’re not alone. Together, we can help put you back on the path to wellness. Learn more: https://lamelle.co.za/ovaria

May 13, 2021

5 Great reasons to shop & sell preloved children’s clothes

It’s a challenge to keep your children in style when they outgrow their trendy clothes so fast! With more people selling and shopping preloved clothing online, you can now keep your little ones in style, while spending less money; saving time; doing good for the planet and even making a bit of extra money! Being a mom of two children and passionate entrepreneur, Aune Aunapuu, CEO and Founder of Yaga.co.za – the fastest-growing online marketplace for buying and selling preloved items – decided to create the solution when she was unable to find a safe and hassle-free platform online to sell a preloved baby stroller. Aune shares her five reasons why shopping and selling preloved children’s clothes is a great idea. 1. Keep Your Kids in Style:Shopping preloved clothing online means you can explore a variety of items, a diverse range of styles and many different brands that are always in fashion. Through preloved platforms like Yaga, parents can buy classic, vintage and stylish branded children’s items including Zara, Cotton On, Keedo, Naartjie and Truworths. 2. Save Money: Buying new children’s clothes is expensive and they outgrow their new clothes so quickly! You can get a lot more for your money by opting for preloved clothes, which are available at bargain prices and often at a fraction of the retail prices. You can replace an entire wardrobe of outgrown clothes without overspending. 3. Save Time: Because children grow so fast, it’s back to the shops every so often for a new wardrobe. Shopping preloved items online, on the other hand, saves you so much time usually wasted visiting shop after shop with a stroller and toddler in tow. Shopping preloved clothes online affords you the opportunity to shop an entire new wardrobe of trendy and branded items without ever leaving the house. 4. Do Good for the Planet: Buying and selling preloved can reduce your impact on the planet because it keeps fashion items in circulation, instead of it ending up in dumps or landfill. As most clothing items are processed with chemicals, the fact that preloved items are already pre-washed multiple times means that they are also less harmful for little ones wearing them close to their sensitive skin. 5. Make money!: All parents welcome a bit of extra money, so why not turn a wardrobe of outgrown fashion items into an extra income! Declutter your children’s wardrobes, organise the clothes your children have outgrown by size and season, and then sell these preloved fashion items online. Selling preloved baby and maternity wear is also super popular! Check out some of these trendy mummy Yaga Shops that sell cool items for children: https://www.yaga.co.za/whatreignwore and https://www.yaga.co.za/makeitrayne For more information visit yaga.co.za.

May 12, 2021

FROM ZERO TO HERO!!!

There has never been a better time in history to pay special attention and show appreciation to the Exceptional Nurses of our nation. They have been the life boat with ventilators, oxygen and essential medical care to thousands of patients drowning in the rough seas of the Covid Pandemic. In years past, nurses have often felt overlooked and often undervalued. But when the World Health Organization declared 2020 as “The Year of the Nurse” a Global Pandemic was not anticipated. Since then everything has at last changed! TODAY, AND EVERY DAY, WE HONOUR AND VALUE OUR NURSES! THANK YOU!!! People have realized that nurses are not only the beating heart of the medical profession but the backbone of every healthcare facility in every country of the world! Making up 70% of the healthcare workersserving on the Covid Frontline, nurses have continuously risked their lives to save others. They deserve to be honored and valued for the selfless work that they do. On this very special day, Florence Nightingale’s Birthday, we express our heartfelt THANKS to all Exceptional Nurses of our nation! WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF SOUTH AFRICA ‘RAN OUT’ OF NURSES? The Covid Pandemic has shone the spotlight on the critical shortage of professional nurses, not only in South Africa, but all over the world. The national Department of Health now faces the massive challenge of raising more funding, not only to open many more professional nursing posts, but to train more nurses! Patient/ staff ratios are currently high in public healthcare facilities, sometimes reaching 25<1. The South African Nursing Council (SANC) statistics report a decrease of + 9,000 nurses each year (emigration, retirement or death) with only +3,400 newly qualified nurses being added to the SANC Registration and subsequently, the countries Nursing Workforce annually. The GOOD NEWS is that the Department of Health has appointed Dr. Kobie Marais, an exceptional nurse and Director of Nurse Education and Training, to lead a team of experts to address this urgent issue. The Strategic Plan will be announced soon and we are excited to see Nurse Education, Training and Practice rise to an outstanding level of excellence in South Africa, within the next few years. THE WORST IS OVER BUT THE BATTLE NOT IS STILL TO BE WON! We are sending a message out to the beautiful people of South Africa: Let’s keep cheering our nurses on as they bravely endure this Covid Marathon. The journey has been long but we believe the battle is almost done! Let’s keep encouraging them to not to give up until they have crossed the Covid Finishing Line! FOR THE MONTH OF MAY…… If you or a loved one have been on the receiving end of compassion and kindness from an exceptional nurse, how about expressing gratitude to the all staff at your nearest public hospital or community clinic? A meaningful thank you card, flowers or home-baked treats all go a long way in showing gratitude in a tangible way. Round up your family and friends, mobilize colleagues and your company to help. We need to shout out a huge THANK YOU to our Exceptional Nurses, on behalf of our BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW nation! THE NIGHT RUN SERIES to honour NURSES/HEALTHCARE WORKERS: Hosted by The Exceptional Nurse Campaign, the exciting 7km Night Runs will take place all over our nation, on every Saturday night of September, 2021. Open to all, not only healthcare workers, the entry fee will be R100 per person. Profits from the Night Run Series will be used towards bursaries for deserving student nurses. For more information please check out our website: www.theexceptionalnurse.co.za Contact The Exceptional Nurse Campaign on: [email protected] We also have a Facebook page. By Sister Tere Basson, Founder of the Exceptional Nurse Campaign

May 12, 2021

Working Women Charting New Ways Forward

Join the conversation, Play Sense Women @ Work webinar There’s nothing quite like a global crisis to shift priorities, change focus and provoke some earnest soul-searching about who we are and what we want from life. Study after study is revealing that women across the world have experienced tougher impacts from COVID-19, with amongst others, a disproportionate number of women leaving the workplace. Women still shoulder a greater proportion of the household and family burdens, and are not surprisingly, more vulnerable to burnout and other mental health challenges. All of this is sparking a multitude of global conversations around better ways for women to engage in the workforce, organise family life and focus more on their self-care. If you are like most working women and mothers, you’re probably in the midst of processing all the ways that the pandemic has changed how you are currently perceiving and experiencing life. You may be having recurring thoughts and going through a lot of self-talk about what you’ve learnt and what you can or should be doing to bring about a reset that suits you better. There aren’t many of us who have a clear way forward yet. That’s why it can help to join a conversation, find out how other women in similar situations are feeling and thinking, broaden your view of the potential prospects and gain insights into the kinds of goals and strategies that can bring clarity. Play Sense co-founder and best-selling author, Meg Faure will be bringing together a panel of women leaders for the Play Sense Women @ Work webinar on Tuesday, 18 May from 8pm to 9pm. Women from all walks of life are invited to tune in. Registration is R50, and you can sign up here. Coach, Author and Influencer, Caitlyn de Beer will be tackling how to reach and maintain the balance of work and family. Sharing five lessons from her own journey as a working mom, Caitlyn highlights the importance of boundaries that not only provide structure for being more organised but the space for self-care. She says, “Our current reality is a big challenge to our old thinking paradigms, and that’s a good thing. It’s a fantastic opportunity to become clear on our expectations of ourselves, prioritising our happiness and cultivating self-talk that is positive and empowering.” Tech entrepreneur, Aisha Pandor, the co-founder and CEO of Sweep South has been at the frontlines managing family and nurturing her personal relationships, while starting up and scaling an innovative business across Africa. “Women already have so many responsibilities to juggle, especially at home,” she says. “I am excited by the new and innovative services, especially through tech, that are now on offer and make life easier and save time. We have to break free from the mindset that we have to somehow go it alone and do it all ourselves.” Meg Faure, an occupational therapist and the best-selling author of the Baby Sense book series, co-founded Play Sense, an innovative micro-school programme for toddlers to provide better options for women needing child-care services. “Reliable, affordable, quality child-care is one the greatest stumbling blocks to working women achieving the balance of work and life,” she says. “Anxiety, stress and guilt around child-care affects most working women, compromising our quality of life and work. We have to explore and be open to more effective, and new and different ways to get the help we need, guilt-free!” Often the solutions to getting more of what we need and want from life are simple and available. What it takes is changing our minds. As we search for more flexible working structures, better organisation of day-to-day life and more fulfilment in our connection to ourselves and others, women are looking for smart ways to lighten their loads. Join the Women @ Work discussion to get more insights and inspiration: Play Sense Women @ Work webinarTuesday, 18 May 20218pm to 9pm Register for R50, now Play Sense Business in a Box Give-away In support of helping female entrepreneurs who want to own their own business while maintaining a work life balance, Play Sense is giving away a ‘Business in a Box’. This complete franchise is valued at R36 800 and includes teacher training, use of Play Sense’s accredited play-based curriculum, all the equipment necessary to start a play school, from art supplies to an indoor/outdoor play gym, and ongoing marketing and business administration support from start-up to success. Any qualified teacher, therapist or childcare professional with 3 years’ experience can enter to win. Join the webinar for more information, applications open 19 May 2021.

May 11, 2021

Back to basics with DAIRY!

Balance and variety are key to a healthy diet. In recent years, the types of food choices available have steadily increased. As a result, consumers may be confused as to which foods are the best. Getting back to basics may just be the answer to help consumers to make informed choices. A key message to ensure that your family sticks to the basics of healthy eating is to eat a variety of fresh whole foods daily. Maretha Vermaak, registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy says: “Whole foods are foods that are unprocessed and unrefined, or processed and refined as little as possible. Examples of whole foods are whole grains, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and milk.” Milk as a whole food is convenient and versatile Milk has long been a staple food in a healthy diet, and with good reason. Milk is delicious and an important source of many important nutrients, conveniently packed into one product. Use milk as a refreshing drink as is, make a milky coffee (hot or cold), enjoy it in smoothies, pour it over breakfast cereal or use it in a wide range of cooked and baked dishes. Get the power of milk on your side The South African Department of Health’s food-based dietary guidelines recommend two to three servings of milk, amasi or yoghurt every day. Examples of one serving of dairy are: 250 ml of milk, 200 ml of amasi/yoghurt and 40 g of hard cheese. The wide range of fat-free, low-fat and full-cream milk options remain an important source of nutritional goodness, providing plenty of variety and choice. How the nutrients in dairy work for you: Milk is an excellent source of calcium, good quality protein, and vitamin B12. The nutrients in dairy act as a team and it is this team work that is responsible for its many health benefits. Good quality protein Provides all the essential amino acids (building blocks) you need Assists in bone health and muscle maintenance Calcium Essential for bone and dental health Vitamin B12 Good for brain health and sharpness Supports a healthy immune system and energy metabolism Vitamin A Supports a healthy immune system Promotes good eyesight, especially in low light Potassium Assists in heart health Helps keep blood pressure in check Phosphorous Important for growth, maintenance, and repair of body cells and tissue Vitamin B2 and magnesium Help in the production of energy Zinc Supports a healthy immune system Promotes skin health

May 11, 2021

How to beat winter dryness with Lamelle

A nice glass of red by the fire. Snuggling in bed with a book. There’s lots to love about winter. Alas, as the temperatures drop, so does the humidity level. Then, the dry, winter air tries to even the status quo by drawing moisture from whatever it can, including you! This why your skin feels so much drier in winter. It’s definitely not all in your head. It’s just science. To make things worse, many of us tend to take longer, much hotter showers or baths during the chillier months. Again, this isn’t good news for your skin because these can cause the type of inflammation that disrupts your skin’s barrier function, the upper most layers that essentially help you trap hydration. Happily, Lamelle has everything you need to help you beat winter dryness. Prep and prime To start, let’s make a clever swap regarding your cleanser. If you’re using something that contains a high concentration of foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) it can be too “strippy” and only serve to dry you out further. Instead, switch to a no or very low SLS formula. Good examples of the latter would be our Serra Cleansing Gel, Nourish Daily Cleanse or Dermaheal Foaming Cleanser. Better yet, they’re all enriched with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Next up, you’ll want to know about our Skin Essence Rejuvenate fluid, to be worn under your moisturiser. It’s packed with probiotic lysates that improve the health of your cells to help your skin hold onto more moisture and have a better response to any other active ingredients you apply. Another way to bump up your hydration levels – even before you’ve applied your daily moisturiser – is via our bestselling Corrective HA+ Serum. It’s made with four types of mega-plumping hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule that occurs naturally in your skin with the ability to attract up to 1000 times its weight in water. It also contains HAFi fragments that stimulates your skin’s own hyaluronic acid production. Moisturise cleverly So, that’s your pre-game sorted. But what about the main event? While your current moisturiser may or may not be up to the task of helping you beat winter dryness, our Serra Restore Cream is! It contains cutting-edge ingredients that mimic that lipids in your skin’s bilayer, including our one-of-a-kind ceramide, Ceramide-P. Ultimately, it’s the best way to repair a busted barrier function situation because you’re not just adding hydration – it’s helping you seal it in. This way, you won’t lose your newfound moisture soon after you apply it. Another way to winter-proof your skin is by using our indulgent, creamy-textured Serra Lipid Recovery Mask. Again, it contains Ceramide-P, but also has extra water-binding ingredients to help you beat winter dryness in the most pampering way possible. Use it for just 15 minutes up to three times a week or slather it on and go to bed with it when you’re feeling extra dry. Either way, it’s the more indulgent ways to nourish your skin. This way, you can enjoy all the best bits about winter, without having to worry about the cold air drying out your skin. So pour that big glass of red and let the chilly season fun begin!

May 10, 2021

Career tests and quizzes to help you find your calling

Regardless of whether you’re just starting to figure out what career to pursue or if you’re looking to make a complete career change, answering the “what career suits me best?” question can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are many career tests and quizzes that can help you narrow down your options. We don’t want you to drift along in the sea of choices, which is why Adzuna, an online job aggregator, researched the best tests to help you determine the kind of job that’ll suit you best. While no single test can guarantee your “dream” job will be the career you pursue for the rest of your life, they can help you better understand your working style and the type of environment you’ll thrive in. What are career tests, and how do they work? Career aptitude tests cover a series of questions that, when answered truthfully, can help you uncover which jobs best suit your personality, needs, and goals. The kind of work environment that resonates with your personality will ultimately offer the most long- and short-term satisfaction. These tests help job seekers consider factors beyond just the obvious paycheck, commute time, and the like. Career quizzes are practical tools that offer insights into what makes you tick. They typically cover factors including: Skills Strengths Interests Emotional intelligence Values Personality traits Motivations Ready to discover the best kind of job for you? Here’s a list of perceptive quizzes that may lead you to the most rewarding career opportunities! Countdown of the best career tests #7 My Next Move: O*Net Interest Profiler The O*Net Interest Profiler is one of the many free career tests and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. It can help you identify where your career interests lie and what the future might hold. With the “Current Job Zone” section, you can explore opportunities related to your experience. The test’s “Future Job Zone” section lets you explore the education and experience you’ll have to gain to get to where you want to be in the future. #6 Truity: The Big Five Personality Test Truity’s Big Five Personality Test lets you discover how well you relate to others, and it takes just 10 minutes from start to finish. The results will help you understand whether you’re open to new experiences and how much self-discipline you have. It also details your personality type (introvert or extrovert) and how well you handle stress. Although this might not exactly fall under the category of career tests, it can help you understand the importance of your work style in the office environment. #5 123Test.com: Career Aptitude Test The free Career Aptitude Test sponsored by 123Test.com lets you pick your favourite (and least favourite) images which ultimately sum up your Holland Code result. This “code” is based on John Holland’s theory of personality types and careers. It also details suggested occupations that match your specific personality type. #4 MyPlan.com: Career Tests The range of career tests offered by MyPlan.com cover personality, career interest, skills, and career values that can all help measure your career personality. The career values test, for example, gives you an indication of what factors will make a career seem meaningful to you. The careers personality test, on the other hand, rank more than 700 professions based on how well they align with your personality. #3 Self-Directed Search SDS is a career assessment test that matches you with the best job opportunities based on your interests, activities, and aspirations. Results are personalised in a report that details how artistic, social, realistic, investigative, enterprising, or conventional you are. It’s also based on John Holland’s theory of personalities and focuses on his RIASEC theory. Along with a personalised summary, you’ll also be shown a list of potential careers and educational opportunities that best resonate with your results. #2 MAPP Career Assessment The second most prominent personality test next to MBTI is the MAPP Career Assessment. With results covering everything from your reasoning skills to the way you complete tasks, this bumper test is well worth taking. Like most tests on this list, MAPP gives you a list of job categories you’d be great in. #1 Myers-Briggs: MBTI Instrument MBTI is so much more than just a career test and is applicable across all areas of an individual’s life. It’s one of the most widely used assessments by hiring managers and recruitment firms alike. The results from this test detail where you get your energy from and how you like to learn new skills. It explains your decision-making patterns and the kind of structure you want in your life. Although your preferences can help you find your dream job, they’re also great for discovering your ideal workplace and your work preferences. The official test is quite pricey, but you can still take a free and pretty decent test here. Final Thoughts The better you understand yourself and your working style, the easier it’ll be to spot a satisfying career. Career tests help you focus on professional development and how you can keep your career moving forward. Need a little more guidance? With expert career advice and job search tips, plus industry insights and workplace trends, Adzuna is the perfect resource, here for you every step of the way!

May 7, 2021

Happy Kids; Healthy meals!

Happy Kids; Healthy meals! (and they’re also super delicious!) Before you say, “My kids will never eat them”, read on because, although mushrooms often seem to be the “not on my plate” vegetable right up there with Brussels sprouts, we’ve got good reasons and great ways to get kids to eat them. Firstly, the great way to add mushrooms: A selection of studies have found that the meaty taste of mushrooms make them easy to blend unobtrusively into any minced protein (beef, chicken, lamb, turkey and even fish work equally well) by chopping them into the same consistency. Mushrooms then immediately increase the nutritional value of your child’s meal without compromising on the flavour kids would expect from their favourite burger, lasagna or cottage pie. Secondly, the good reason to add mushrooms: By blending mushrooms into their favourite meat or fish options, you are able to decrease their total calorie, fat and saturated fat intake without losing any of the flavour. In fact, mushrooms have a rich umami flavour profile that actually enhances and deepens the flavour of the meat naturally whilst adding healthful nutrients such as potassium, fibre, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants to every bite. You will also be reducing their sodium intake by 25%! Now that’s good news coming from our favourite Superfood! But as we know with kids, who can be picky eaters, the proof is in the pudding (in this case in the blend!) So, we’ve developed a range of recipes, blending mushrooms into kid friendly favourites for an easier and much healthier way to dish up delicious options even they will love! SAMFA Chicken, Mushroom & Corn Meatloaf Makes 1 standard sized loaf tin (± 20cm x 10cm) Ingredients: 400g white button mushrooms 2 shallots, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 XL free-range egg, lightly beaten ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated 1 large marrow, grated, salted, degorged & squeezed dry 1 corn on the cob, steamed and cut off the cob ¼ cup parsley, chopped Zest of 1 lemon 1 Tbsp lemon juice ¼ cup spring onions, sliced 2 tsp dried oregano 400g chicken mince Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Pink sauce: 4 Tbsp mayonnaise 4 Tbsp tomato sauce Fresh lemon juice, to taste Method: To make the pink sauce: Mix mayonnaise and tomato sauce together in a bowl. Add a little squeeze of lemon juice and salt, to taste. Set aside in the fridge for serving. Preheat oven to 180˚C. Lightly spray a ± 20cm x 10cm loaf tin with non-stick olive oil spray. Using a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until they are finely chopped. In a large pan sauté the mushrooms with a little drizzle of olive oil until they have sweated off most of their water, about 10 to 15 min. Set mushrooms aside. Add a fresh drizzle of olive oil to the pan and add the shallots. Cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Season well and set aside. In a large bowl combine the cooled mushrooms and shallots and the rest of the ingredients except the chicken, mix very well. Add the chicken mince and season with salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Spoon mixture into loaf tin. Bake for 30 minutes until browned on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and remove from the loaf tin. Return to the oven on a baking tray for another 10 minutes to brown the sides. Slice and serve with pink sauce and a side salad. SAMFA Mushroomy Chicken Burgers Makes 6 burgers Ingredients: 500g white button mushrooms 500g free-range chicken mince ½ onion, grated ½ cup breadcrumbs 1 XL free-range egg, lightly beaten 1 ½ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper To build the burgers: 6 burger buns, lightly toasted Tomato slices, for serving Lettuce, for serving Sliced mild cheddar cheese, for serving Mayonnaise, for serving Tomato sauce, for serving Method: Using a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until they are very finely chopped. In a large saucepan sauté the mushrooms in a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté until the mushrooms are fully cooked and have lost most of their liquid, 10-12 min. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl combine the remaining ingredients and the cooled, cooked mushrooms. Form into 6 equally sized patties. In a hot cast iron pan or on the braai, cook the patties until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. 10-12 minutes. Assemble burgers with all your favourite fixings and serve warm. SAMFA Mighty Mushroom Bolognese with Hidden Veg Serves 6 Ingredients: 500g portabellini or white button mushrooms 1 onion, finely diced 2 stalks celery, finely diced 1 large carrot, finely grated 1 large zucchini, finely grated 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp dried oregano 2 Tbsp tomato paste 2 x 400g tinned crushed tomatoes 1 cup mushroom or vegetable stock Salt and pepper, to taste Extra virgin olive oil 350g dried spaghetti Parmesan cheese, for serving Fresh parsley, for serving Method: Using a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until they are very finely chopped. In a large saucepan add a drizzle of olive oil and the mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms give off all their water and begin to brown. Remove from the heat and set aside in a bowl. In the same saucepan sauté the onion in a little olive oil. Cook until soft. Add the celery, carrot, zucchini, garlic and dried oregano. Cook until the vegetables are very soft. Use your spoon or spatula to mash them in the pan so they break down. Add the tomato paste and cook stirring constantly for 2-3 min. Add the tinned tomatoes and stock, bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to simmer for 30 min until reduced and thickened. Taste for seasoning. In a large pot of boiling salted water, boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta. Divide the spaghetti between bowls and top with the mushroom bolognese. Sprinkle bowls with

May 7, 2021

Tech in our schools – goIT Challenge announces 2021 winners

After a successful launch last year of the goIT Challenge in South Africa, Tata Consultancy Services and STEAM education specialist, Sakhikamva Foundation have brought together 455 learners from nine high schools to participate in the worldwide school’s technology programme. Students were tasked with coming up with app ideas to solve real-world problems in their own communities, and six finalist teams had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the judges on 5 May. The six 2021 SA goIT Challenge finalists were: WO-MEN created by Sinenjongo High School team – an app promoting gender equality and the acceptance of gender diversity which includes a conversation platform to highlight the impacts of gender inequality ‘Hope Away from Home’ created by Get Ahead College team – an app aligned to the #zerohungerworld Sustainable Development Goal that enables small food donations in one’s own neighbourhood EVOLVE created by Goodwood College team – an app offering physical workouts, healthy eating regimes and positive mindset texts to enable people in under-resourced communities to benefit from healthy body and mind education and support W.A.S.H. created by another Goodwood College team – an app to connect people in rural and homeless communities with nearby sources of clean drinking water and sanitation facilities ‘Building Confidence Lifestyle’ created by Modderdam High team – an app to help users improve self-image, self-esteem and self-motivation so that people in under-resourced communities are more empowered to live healthy and successful lives ‘Study Room’ created by Valhalla High team – an app that provides educational video resources to help boost learning among young people who are struggling to access classroom learning Founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, Fatima Jakoet says, “What we have seen in this second SA goIT Challenge is young people expressing their abilities to be problem-solvers who can contribute to a better world. Participants had no trouble identifying real challenges that they experience and see in their communities, and then align these to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They got the opportunity to grapple with how technology offers the world opportunities to solve these problems in innovative ways that can also be brought to scale through tech platforms. The goIT Challenge gave them a rare opportunity to build their 21st Century skills, and it was wonderful to see how much they relished this and rose to the occasion.” The SA winners of the 2021 goIT Challenge are: First Place: WO-MEN app created by the Sinenjongo High School team (each team member received a tablet) Second Place: W.A.S.H. app team from Goodwood College (each team member received a drone) Third Place: EVOLVE app team from Goodwood College (each team member received a robotics kit) Over more than a decade, the TCS goIT Challenge has been rolled out in North and South America, Asia, Australia, the UK and Europe. In 2020, TCS expanded this footprint by bringing the innovative 21st Century learning programme to South Africa. Nikhil Dabhole, HR Head of TCS South Africa says, “We congratulate this year’s winners of the goIT Challenge and commend the finalists and all other participants. As an IT service provider, we are committed to providing opportunities for schools to bring their learners, educators, and school communities together in an exciting and relevant tech education programme. The goIT Challenge is a way to strengthen communities today, by empowering their own digital innovators of tomorrow. These participants are building their skills to contribute to the workforce of the future, and engaging with tech is vital to their education.” South Africa lags significantly in bringing a coding and robotics curriculum to schools, which means that a generation of our children is falling behind in developing the skills most needed by the changing 4IR world. The goIT Challenge brings tech to the forefront in schools and gives SA children a hands-on experience of how innovation can solve real-world problems.

May 7, 2021

Setting boundaries with your teenagers

It’s a well-known cliché that the teenage years are some of the hardest for both parent and child, and there is a kernel of truth in this. These are the years in which children are learning more about themselves and their place in the world. Part of this journey of self-discovery often entails testing their limits and the limits of those around them. It is, therefore, important to put boundaries in place, not only to protect your teen but also to maintain harmony in the household. Apart from safety and a pleasant home environment, establishing boundaries is important for teens to learn self-control and to help them regulate their emotions. Setting boundaries can be an emotionally charged and unpleasant experience for everyone involved – tears and raised voices are not uncommon – but this does not need to be the case! We explore some tips on setting boundaries, how to ensure they are observed, and what to in the case of boundaries being overstepped. Ten things to consider when setting boundaries: Make sure the rules you establish are relevant and important to the family Sometimes, parents tend to try to make and implement rules for the sake of it – this generally does not end well. Consider the purpose of the rules you want to enforce and whether these are, in fact, necessary. Be reasonable and realistic When implementing rules, ensure you don’t have too many and that they don’t intrude excessively on a child’s privacy. When rules seem unreasonable and unrealistic, children are more likely to lie to their parents about their whereabouts and activities. Know what kind of boundaries you want to set ahead of time Don’t enter a discussion about boundaries unprepared – consider the nature of the rules you want to establish before you open dialogue with your child. Preparation will help structure the conversation and make it a productive one. Focus on your child’s health and safety Explain to your child that setting boundaries is not just about their physical safety but also their emotional and mental wellbeing. Many rules regulating activities such as bedtime, chores, and screen time are important for a child beyond their physical health. Read more: Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour Maintain empathy Try to stay friendly and amicable. Many parents may find this strange – after all, they are their child’s parent, not their friend. But by being kind, you are more likely to have a productive conversation when discussing boundaries. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar! Emphasise your concern for them Often, teenagers tend to perceive rules and boundaries merely as a way for their parents to control them. It is prudent to clarify to your child that the need for boundaries comes from a place of love and wanting to support them. Negotiate, don’t dictate Again, negotiating with their children may seem odd to some parents. However, letting children respond, raise concerns, and make suggestions when discussing boundaries makes them feel empowered. When children feel they have a say, they are more likely to follow them. Allow boundaries to evolve What might be appropriate for a 13-year-old may not be suitable for an 18-year-old. Allow the nature of some rules to change to be more age-appropriate, like where your child is allowed to go, their curfew, and dating. Read more: What to do when your teen wants to start dating Discuss consequences You must establish the consequences of overstepping boundaries at the same time the boundaries are set. Deciding on appropriate punishment should be done in the same manner as determining appropriate rules. Keep the dialogue open, honest, and fair. Don’t take things personally It’s easy to take a child’s disagreement or rule-breaking as a personal affront. Remember that this is most often not the case – if teenagers disagree with you or overstep boundaries, it’s most likely not to upset you purposefully. Read more: How to handle angry feelings Punishment and rewards Naturally, when a boundary is overstepped or a rule is broken, you must carry out the consequence you and your child discussed. Remind your child that they agreed or conceded to the rule they broke, discuss how they overstepped the boundary, then follow through with the agreed-upon punishment. Explain to them that punishing them isn’t for your pleasure, but rather that learning there are consequences for their actions is an essential part of life and a lesson they must learn. Conversely, it is worth providing positive reinforcement/rewarding good behaviour now and then. While many parents believe it is just expected that their children follow the rules, there is no harm in recognising a child’s observance of the rules and treating them accordingly. When children feel that their efforts are acknowledged and appreciated, they are much more likely to continue adhering to the rules you have set. Read more: How to reward your kid the right way By Jacqui Smit

May 7, 2021

Glenoaks School – Our remedial stream under the microscope

Glenoaks School in Kensington, Johannesburg, in its 52nd year of operation, runs a remedial stream up to Grade 7, an Assisted Learning Stream for special needs learners aged 6 – 14, and a Vocational Stream (Oak House Vocational Academy) for special needs learners between the ages of 13 and 18 . We strive to ensure an intimate learning environment, with no more than 12 students per class, and therapy programs tailored for individual students. What is Remedial Education? Remedial Education is designed to assist learners to achieve expected competencies in core academic skills. By closing the gaps between what a student knows and can do and what they are expected to know by a certain grade, we can help learners who have fallen behind academically. Every effort is made to remove barriers that could prevent learners from achieving future success. The Glenoaks Remedial Stream Glenoaks welcomes a wide variety of learners into our remedial stream. We do not close our doors to learners with an IQ below the average rating but assess every child to ensure that they will be a fit for our school, and that our school will be a fit for them. Remedial learners may face any number or variety of learning difficulties, including, but not limited to dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ADD, ODD, autism and anxiety. Our aim within the remedial stream is to support a learner’s emotional well-being, supporting their learning difficulties, and providing a safe and nurturing environment in which they can flourish academically and socially. We are committed to providing a learning environment in which all children can meet and exceed their potential. We surround our learners with love, support, and encouragement. Glenoaks follows the CAPS curriculum up until Grade 7, with learners moving on from the school into mainstream, remedial or supportive high schools. This curriculum is offered as an Accommodated Curriculum, in which grade appropriate assessment standards and skills are being worked on within a small class setting and with therapeutic intervention. We also offer an Adapted Curriculum in which learners are offered additional individual assistance and support. The school offers therapy as part of our school fees, with sessions taking place within the school day. These include Occupational, Speech & Language, Remedial and Psycho-therapy. Therapeutic support is targeted to the needs of individual learners. Some students require support in group settings, such as our social therapy groups, whereas others may require targeted individual therapeutic input in a key academic or emotional area. Our Academic Support programme supports students as well as class teachers. Teachers and therapists are able to look at teaching methodologies, classroom environments, content of lessons, as well as different learning styles. In our Intermediate and Senior Phase, we offer in-house accommodations to learners as they may require. These academic concessions are put in place during formal assessments (cycle tests and exams). The accommodations include separate venues, a scribe, a reader, a prompt, spelling concessions, maths exemptions, rest breaks, and rephrasing of questions, amongst others. The school is guided on what accommodations are required for a learner by psycho-educational assessments, as well as other therapeutic assessments. By providing learners with these concessions, they are more able to show their true academic potential without being held back by specific learning disabilities. In our foundation phase, we offer a tailored reading programme to our younger learners, allowing them to develop their reading abilities. Our learners engage in individual reading, as well as guided reading which takes place in smaller groups. We use methods that help students to read, talk and think to ensure a deeper understanding. We are especially proud of our paired-reading programme which includes learners, teachers and parents, and has shown incredible success with so many of our students. Furthermore, our curriculum includes a perceptual component which aims at developing the visual and auditory, as well as both the fine and gross motor skills of every student. These perceptual and motor skills are the underlying skills required for academic success. Classroom facilitators form an integral part of our remedial classrooms. In certain instances, facilitators are placed in a classroom in order to provide support to learners and the classroom teacher. In some instances, individual students require their own facilitator to sit and work with them, and these can be contracted by the parents, or by the school. All Grade 6 and 7 learners may use their own technology device, such as a laptop, Tablet or iPad. They are taught and encouraged to make use of these devices to enhance their learning. Students with specific learning difficulties who find it challenging to put pen to paper, are able to use tools such as voice-to-text, which greatly aid and enhance their learning ability. How Does Remediation Happen? When a learner shows signs of an academic lag, individual remedial goals are established. Remedial therapy goals are derived from the learner’s latest assessments together with input from the class teacher. Remedial education often focuses on using a learner’s strengths and learning style to achieve the individual goals set. It aims to build self-confidence, opportunities for success, and to improve self-esteem and quality of class work. Therapy uses a multi-sensory approach, practical hands-on methods where possible, kinaesthetic, tactile, auditory and visual stimuli. During remedial therapy it is sometimes necessary to revert to the basics of a particular skill, to ensure understanding of the fundamentals. The aim is to build on and move from some concrete to more abstract concepts. An All-Inclusive Education Programme There is far more to a well-rounded remedial education programme than only academics learnt at a desk. In our Intermediate and Senior primary we run a programme known as Terrific Tuesdays, in which learners are exposed to and participate in a wide range of learning activities. These include the creative and dramatic arts, a variety of sports and ball skills, outreach programmes, as well as English extension activities. Glenoaks is proud of each student that walks through our doors. We are excited to discover the potential in our students, working

May 7, 2021

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