Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED REMEDIAL THERAPY

Empowering Your Child’s Learning Journey: Recognising the Need for Academic Learner Support (Remedial Therapy) Every child’s learning journey is unique, and as parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing their academic growth and development. However, some children may face challenges that require specialised support to reach their full potential. In South Africa, academic learner support, commonly known as remedial therapy, is an invaluable resource that can empower children to overcome obstacles and excel in their studies. In this article, we will explore key indicators that can help parents recognise when their child may benefit from academic learner support. Persistent Academic Struggles: If your child consistently faces difficulties in their schoolwork, whether it’s understanding key concepts, completing assignments, or achieving satisfactory grades, it may be time to consider academic learner support. Remedial therapy can provide targeted interventions to address learning gaps and build a strong foundation for future success. Reading and Writing Challenges: Struggling with reading, writing, or spelling can be signs of learning differences like dyslexia. Academic learner support offers specialised techniques and resources to help children with dyslexia and other related challenges to improve their literacy skills and confidence. Mathematics Frustrations: If your child finds math concepts confusing or demonstrates anxiety towards mathematics, it may indicate a need for extra support. Remedial therapists use tailored approaches to help children grasp mathematical concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Attention and Concentration Issues: Children experiencing difficulty focusing, maintaining attention, or completing tasks may have attention-related challenges. Remedial therapy can equip them with strategies to improve focus, executive functioning, and overall academic performance. Low Self-Esteem and Motivation: Academic struggles can take a toll on a child’s self-esteem and motivation. If your child expresses feelings of inadequacy or disinterest in school, seeking academic learner support can foster a positive learning environment, reignite their passion for learning, and boost self-confidence. Uneven Academic Progress: A significant discrepancy between your child’s potential and actual academic performance might indicate the need for additional support. Remedial therapy can identify and address the root causes of these inconsistencies, helping your child achieve a more balanced and fulfilling educational experience. Learning Disabilities or Disorders: If your child has been diagnosed with a specific learning disability or disorder, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, a remedial therapist with expertise in that area can provide targeted interventions. Teacher or Professional Recommendations: If teachers, school psychologists, or other professionals express concerns about your child’s academic or developmental progress, it might be a good time to consider consulting a remedial therapist. As parents, our ultimate goal is to provide the best possible opportunities for our children’s academic and personal growth. Recognising the signs that your child may benefit from academic learner support (remedial therapy) can be a game-changer for their education journey. By seeking early intervention and partnering with a reputable school offering these specialised services, parents can empower their children to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. At Glenoaks School, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based academic learner support to help every child thrive academically and embrace their unique strengths. Together, let’s pave the way for a brighter future for our children. Written by Sonelle Gerneke

September 5, 2023

BIPOLAR IN TEENS: WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS?

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores what bipolar disorder is, highlights the early signs to watch out for in teenagers, and emphasises the importance of seeking professional help and support. What is Bipolar Disorder and How Does it Affect Teens? Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings. During adolescence’s ups and downs, teenagers with bipolar disorder navigate an additional layer of mood swings that can be intense and unpredictable. Their emotional journey becomes a delicate balancing act between moments of exhilarating highs, manic or hypomanic episodes, and deep lows of profound sadness or depression. In general, bipolar disorder affects approximately one in every 200 people globally. It is important to note that bipolar disorder can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, particularly in teenagers, as symptoms may overlap with regular hormonal changes and typical teenage behaviour. The lack of awareness and stigma surrounding mental health issues can also contribute to underreporting and inaccurate statistics. What Causes Bipolar? The exact cause of bipolar disorder in teenagers is not fully understood. However, it is believed to result from a combination of the following factors: Genetics: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition. A family history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorders increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Neurochemical Imbalance: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are believed to play a role in the development of bipolar disorder. These imbalances can affect mood regulation and contribute to the disorder’s extreme mood swings. Brain Structure and Function: Studies have shown that individuals with bipolar disorder may have structural and functional differences in specific brain areas responsible for emotion regulation and impulse control. These differences can impact the brain’s ability to regulate mood effectively. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones during adolescence may contribute to the onset of bipolar disorder in some teenagers. The hormonal changes during puberty can affect mood stability and trigger or exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder. Certain environmental factors can influence the development of bipolar disorder in susceptible individuals. Traumatic events, chronic stress, substance abuse, and significant life changes can contribute to the onset or recurrence of symptoms. Possible Bipolar Indicators Recognising the early signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers is crucial as it allows for timely intervention and appropriate treatment. The following are some common indicators to be mindful of. Extreme Mood Swings: Adolescents with bipolar disorder may experience intense shifts in mood that are more severe than typical teenage mood swings. These shifts can occur rapidly, with periods of elevated mood, irritability, or euphoria followed by profound sadness or hopelessness. Changes in Energy Levels: Teens with bipolar disorder may exhibit significant changes in their energy levels. During manic or hypomanic episodes, they may display increased energy, restlessness, and impulsivity. Conversely, during depressive episodes, they may feel lethargic, fatigued, and lacking motivation. Sleep Disturbances: Bipolar disorder can disrupt a teenager’s sleep patterns. They may experience insomnia during manic episodes, feeling little need for sleep, or hypersomnia during depressive episodes, sleeping excessively. Changes in Appetite and Weight: Fluctuations in appetite and weight are common in bipolar disorder. Some teenagers may experience increased appetite and weight gain during depressive episodes, while others may have decreased appetite and weight loss during manic episodes. Difficulty Concentrating: Bipolar disorder can affect a teenager’s ability to focus and concentrate, causing them to struggle with completing tasks, maintaining attention, and performing academically. Social Withdrawal or Agitation: Teens with bipolar disorder may exhibit changes in their social behaviours, withdrawing from social activities they once enjoyed or displaying increased irritability, agitation, or hostility towards others. Impaired Judgment: Teens with bipolar disorder may engage in risky or impulsive behaviours, such as reckless driving, excessive spending, or unprotected sex. Their impaired judgment during manic episodes can lead to adverse consequences. “It is important to note that these early signs may vary in intensity and duration from person to person”, says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Not all teenagers experiencing these symptoms will have bipolar disorder. However, if these signs persist and significantly impact a teenager’s daily functioning, seeking professional evaluation and support from a qualified mental health provider is crucial. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment, accurately diagnose your teenager, and develop an individualised treatment plan”. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Teens Treatment for bipolar disorder often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms effectively. Parents and caregivers also play a crucial role in supporting teenagers with bipolar disorder. Affinity Health offers the following eight tips to help navigate this challenging journey. Educate Yourself: Learn about bipolar disorder, its symptoms, and available treatment options. Understanding the condition will empower you to provide informed support. Promote Open Communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your teenager feels comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences. Establish a Routine: Help your teenager establish a consistent daily routine that includes regular sleep patterns, healthy meals, and structured activities. Maintaining a stable routine can help stabilise their mood and provide a sense of predictability. Encourage Self-Care: Teach your teenager the importance of self-care practices such as regular exercise, practising relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities they enjoy. Encourage them to prioritise their well-being and manage stress effectively. Foster a Supportive Network: Help your teenager to connect with supportive peers, join support groups, or participate in activities that promote social interaction. A strong support network can provide validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Monitor Medication: If their medication is prescribed, ensure your teenager takes it as directed and schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor its effectiveness and address any concerns. Be Patient and Understanding: Bipolar disorder can be challenging for teenagers and their families. Be patient, understanding, and supportive. Encourage open discussions about their experiences and feelings and be prepared to adapt and adjust as needed. Seek Professional Help: Bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and professional guidance is essential. Consult with mental health professionals specialising in adolescent bipolar disorder to ensure your teenager receives appropriate treatment and support. By being vigilant for the early

September 4, 2023

GRADE 12 SURVIVAL GUIDE: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS

Tension is mounting in households across South Africa as Grade 12 students embark on the critical final phase towards their final exams. This juncture isn’t merely an academic checkpoint and a transformative phase, but is a daunting and often emotional rollercoaster for students and their parents. Students are submerged in study materials while parents grapple with providing adequate support without becoming excessively involved. And, given South Africa’s distinct socio-economic landscape, many households face unique stresses. “Parents strive tirelessly to ensure their children’s success within this challenging panorama,” says Dr Linda Meyer, MD of The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, adding that today’s complex times amplify these challenges. “Virtual parenting platforms abound with stories from parents and guardians of Grade 12 students, with calls for insight and advice revealing parents’ collective uncertainty on how best to be a pillar of strength and guidance for their children.” Dr Meyer says during the next few weeks, parents should adopt the following mantras: Self-Awareness First: Parents should be acutely aware of their emotions and manage them effectively. This stability enables them to be supportive rather than inadvertently adding to their child’s pressures. Adopt a Broader Perspective: While Grade 12 exams are significant, they represent just a chapter in a child’s expansive educational story. Beyond this point, there are myriad avenues for growth and learning, and this understanding can help diffuse undue stress. She says parents can provide meaningful support in two ways: through practical facilitation, and emotional anchoring. Practical Facilitation: Holistic Schedule Design: A comprehensive view of the exam timeline can aid in collaboratively creating a balanced study schedule. This aids in pacing study sessions and reducing last-minute panics. Authentic Test Conditions: Mimicking actual exam conditions at home can offer insights into areas needing further focus and, equally importantly, help students become familiar with the conditions of the physical exam environment. Guided Independence: Being available to address queries is essential, but so is promoting autonomous learning. Encourage students to think critically and find solutions. Digital Discipline: Technology can be a double-edged sword. Setting ground rules is pivotal to ensure digital devices aid, rather than disrupt, study schedules. Emotional Anchoring: Crafting a Serene Sanctuary: A home’s atmosphere can be a game-changer. A serene, clutter-free environment fosters concentration and mental clarity. Holistic Wellness: Beyond rigorous studying, integrating activities like meditation, short walks, or even hobbies can mentally rejuvenate students. Adequate rest, outdoor engagements, a nutritious diet, and avoiding excessive caffeine or sugar are paramount. Empathetic Dialogue: Establish an environment where students can vocalise their fears, aspirations, or academic challenges. Active, non-judgmental listening can be therapeutic. Celebrate Every Milestone: Recognising the results, effort, dedication, and small achievements can tremendously boost a child’s self-esteem and drive. PRACTICAL TIPS FOR STUDENTS Dr Meyer says there are a number of strategies which, if incorporated into the weeks leading up to the final exams, can boost a student’s wellbeing and academic success. Establish a Routine: Plan your study schedule. Breaking down your subjects into manageable sections can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Allocate more time for subjects or topics you find challenging. Incorporate short breaks to avoid burnout and keep your mind fresh. Optimal Study Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions. Ensure good lighting to avoid straining your eyes. Keep all your materials (books, notes, stationery) organised and within reach. Effective Study Techniques: Active Recall: Instead of passively reading, test yourself regularly. Mind Maps: Use these to represent and link concepts visually. Teach Someone: Explaining a topic to someone else can help solidify your understanding. Past Exam Papers: Regularly practice using past Matric papers. They give you an understanding of the exam format and the types of questions you’ll encounter. Time yourself while answering to simulate the actual exam conditions. Limit Distractions: Limit social media and entertainment during study sessions. Consider apps or tools that block distracting sites for specific periods. Group Studies: Studying with peers can provide different perspectives and solutions to problems. However, ensure that the group remains focused and productive. Exam Day Preparedness: Ensure you have all required materials (ID, stationery, calculator, etc.). Arrive with ample time to spare. Rushing can increase anxiety. Before starting, take a moment to calm your nerves. Deep breaths can help. Seek Help When Needed: If there’s a topic you’re struggling with, ask your teacher or a friend, or consider tutoring. Seek counselling or speak to someone if the stress becomes overwhelming. Your mental well-being is crucial. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any changes or updates related to the exams, whether they concern exam dates, venue changes, or safety protocols. Beyond the Books: Remember, while exams are essential, they don’t define your entire worth or future. There are always various pathways to success. Preparing for the Matric exams is as much about persistence and strategy as it is about knowledge. Students can confidently enhance their performance and face exams by being systematic, focused, and proactive, Dr Meyer says. “And most importantly, we need to apply flexibility and understanding in the parenting approach during this time. Young Adults, with their unique personalities and coping mechanisms, require tailored support. But beyond academic challenges and triumphs, we should appreciate the journey and celebrate continuous learning, personal evolution, and the tenacity to bounce back, irrespective of the outcomes.”

September 4, 2023

Junior – Junior Genius

Living an adventurous life in Mikako, Junior is an amazingly resourceful 10-year-old boy who always has 1001 ideas for solving everyday problems. Having brilliant ideas is one thing; putting them into practice is another! And that’s where the problems usually begin … The gang have a run-in with a nest of threatening wasps at HQ, and Mr Basi spoils their half-day school plans when he reminds them that they have to clean the toilets. Junior asks for Arthur’s help to escape taking Mama’s Medicine – and Junior returns the favour when he tries to help Arthur escape a booster injection. Premiere: Monday, 4 September @ 08:15 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays @ 08:15 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

September 4, 2023

Why Business Studies are Important for a Successful Future

In the always changing landscape of the modern world, entrepreneurship has become a driving force of progress and innovation. With the rise of tech startups, digital marketing, and the gig economy, the opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to make their mark are ever expanding. At the heart of all this lies one essential subject: Business Studies. In this article, we will explore some of the key reasons why business studies are crucial for future entrepreneurs and the potential they hold for driving success. We will delve into the foundations that business education provides, how it introduces students to the world of business in a learning environment, and how it prepares them for the challenges they will face in the modern business world. Laying the Foundation Business studies serve as the foundation upon which entrepreneurs can build their careers. It provides students with an understanding of the principles, theories, and practices that underpin successful business operations. From finance and marketing to human resources and supply chain management, business education instils in students the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of running a business. Business studies expose students to real-life examples and case studies, providing valuable information on how businesses have succeeded – or failed – in the past. These insights can prove invaluable when future entrepreneurs set out to establish their own businesses. Learning in a Supportive Environment One of the most significant benefits of business studies lies in the structured, educational environment it offers. Students are afforded the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in crucial concepts while receiving guidance from experienced educators. This allows aspiring entrepreneurs to ask questions, take risks, and experiment in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, being part of a business school or program connects students with a network of fellow students, alumni, and professionals. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaboration on projects, and invaluable networking experience – all of which can be incredibly beneficial for budding entrepreneurs. Preparing for the Future Business studies not only equip students with the knowledge and skills they need in the present, but they also help them prepare for the future. By exploring current trends, technologies, and challenges, business education ensures that entrepreneurs are well-equipped to adapt to the ever-evolving modern business world. As the gig economy and tech startups continue to expand and shape the global market, a well-rounded business education can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving in these competitive industries. “It not only teaches the fundamentals but also encourages innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability – qualities that are vital for entrepreneurs in today’s global economy.” Business studies are an essential stepping stone for future entrepreneurs. They provide the foundation, learning environment, and preparation needed to navigate the multifaceted world of business with confidence and adaptability. If you are looking to enhance your business knowledge and skills – whether it is accounting, or any other subject – consider seeking assistance from educational resources and experts. Visit www.ezlearn.co.za for guidance, tips, and support to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. The pathway to success starts with a solid foundation in business studies.

September 4, 2023

Fabulous fungi-loaded family meals perfect for both kids and busy parents

Our brand new kid-friendly recipes will have everyone leaving the dinner table happy, healthy and satisfied without feeling bloated.. Plus, they are quick and easy to make: exactly what we want to hear when racking our brains to find the best option for a busy weeknight dinner! Beef & Mushroom Stew with Mini Dumplings Serves 6 Ingredients: Stew: ± 1.2 kg stewing beef 50g flour 2 leeks, washed & sliced 2 medium carrots, peeled & sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 sprigs rosemary 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 Tbsp tomato paste 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1L beef stock 4 shallots, peeled & halved 500g white button mushrooms, quartered Dumplings: 100g self raising flour 50g butter, cold and cubed Pinch sea salt 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped ± 60ml cold water Olive oil, for cooking Salt and pepper, to taste Method: For the stew: Preheat oven to 160˚C. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over a medium heat. Place the beef in a bowl, toss with the flour and season well with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned meat to the hot oil and brown all over. Remove and set aside. Heat another drizzle of oil in the same pot. Add the leeks, carrots, celery and herbs. Sauté. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute. Add the balsamic and stock, making sure to scrape any stuck brown bits off the bottom of the pot. Return the browned beef to the pot along with the shallots. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours until the meat is fall apart tender. When the stew is almost done cooking, make the dumplings: Place the flour, butter and salt into a bowl. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the chopped parsley and mix well. Add 2-3 Tbsp water at a time and knead into a soft dough. Shape the dough into small balls. Remove stew from the oven. Turn heat up to 180˚C, with the fan on. Stir the mushrooms into the stew. Cover the surface of the stew with the little dumplings, spacing them evenly all over. Cover with the pot lid and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the lid and bake for a further 15 minutes until the dumplings are golden. Scoop the stew into bowls, dividing up the dumplings and enjoy! Beef, Bean & Mushroom Sliders with Homemade Tomato Sauce Makes ± 12-15 sliders, depending on size Ingredients: Patties: 1 x 400g tin black beans, rinsed, drained and lightly mashed 250g portabellini mushrooms, finely sliced 1 large white onion, diced 500g beef mince 50g panko breadcrumbs 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped Homemade tomato sauce: 1 x 400g tin tomato purée 40g brown sugar 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar ½ tsp onion powder 1 tsp celery salt To serve: 12-15 white slider buns / mini burger buns (Many bakeries also call these cocktail buns) Mayonnaise Lettuce leaves Sliced tomato Sliced red onion Olive oil, for cooking Salt and pepper, to taste Method: To make the tomato sauce: Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until everything comes to a light simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes for the flavours to develop. Taste to adjust seasoning. Cool. For the patties: Preheat a braai to medium high heat. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until tender, golden and lightly caramelised. Place in a large bowl. To the bowl add the black beans, beef, breadcrumbs and parsley. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until very well combined. Shape mixture into patties. It is a good idea to check the size of your slider buns and make your patties are just larger than the buns as they will shrink during cooking. Brush patties all over with olive oil and braai until golden brown on both sides. You can also bake them in the oven or cook them on the stovetop. Allow the patties to rest. Build sliders with your favourite burger toppings. Add a generous dollop of homemade tomato sauce to each slider and enjoy! Cheesy Mushroom Macaroni Serves 8 Ingredients: 500g portabello mushrooms 350g macaroni or similar short pasta 500g medium fat cream cheese 100g cheddar cheese, grated 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder Pinch of nutmeg 1 Tbsp fresh chives, minced 100g cheddar cheese, grated 15g / 3 Tbsp breadcrumbs Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh basil leaves, for serving 28 x 18 cm baking dish Method: Preheat oven to 200˚C, fan on. Place portabellos on a large baking tray, season with salt and pepper. Roast in the middle of the oven for ±7 minutes until tender and juicy. Allow mushrooms to rest, drain off their liquid and slice into large chunks. In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente. Using a jug, scoop out a generous cup of pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the macaroni. While the macaroni is cooking, place cream cheese, cheddar, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder and nutmeg in a large saucepan. Switch heat onto very low and allow everything to melt together. When the cream cheese is almost melted, pour in a little pasta water, mixing well until you achieve a smooth silky sauce. Add the drained macaroni and the fresh chives, stir to combine. Keep adding a little extra pasta water to keep things saucy. Finally fold in the large chunks of roasted mushrooms. Taste to adjust seasoning. Scoop mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10 – 15 min until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Scoop into bowls, top with some fresh basil and enjoy! Veggie Loaded Spaghetti Cake

September 1, 2023

There’s no place like (Optimi) Home

Home is more than just a physical space. It is a sense of belonging, comfort, and security. At Optimi Home, we create an environment where Grade R to 12 learners can feel right at home. Make yourself at home Optimi Home offers two distinct offerings: Impaq Homeschooling and the Impaq Online School. This allows learners to pick a learning pace that works for them. Impaq Homeschooling offers learners a flexible schedule, while the Impaq Online School offers a more structured approach, where qualified teachers present daily online classes according to a fixed schedule. Read more: Take schooling to the next level with the Impaq Online School Find peace of mind Both Impaq Homeschooling and the Impaq Online School provide learners with quality CAPS-aligned lesson material and resources. Our lesson material has been developed by experts in their relevant fields. With more than 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that our content meets the standards as set out by the Department of Basic Education. Get all the support you need If you opt for Impaq Homeschooling, we provide detailed facilitator’s guides to help you facilitate the learning process at home. Our education specialists are always on hand to help with academic queries. Read more: How does Impaq help me homeschool my child in 2023? At the Impaq Online School, our qualified teachers guide learners through the content during live online classes and answer learners’ academic questions in real-time. Take the stress out of assessments Homeschool parents will receive all the CAPS-aligned assessment components, such as tasks, tests and examinations, that your child needs to write to complete the grade. At the Impaq Online School, our teachers ensure learners complete the necessary assessments. All Grade 10 to 12 Impaq learners are registered with the examination board, SACAI, accredited by Umalusi. This means that learners who complete their matric through Optimi Home will receive the National Senior Certificate (NSC), just like they would have if they had attended a public school. Get on like a house on fire When you register with Impaq Homeschooling, you not only join the largest homeschooling curriculum provider in South Africa, but you join a family of over 30 000 learners. We have several Facebook groups that learners and parents can join to connect with other homeschoolers. At the Impaq Online School, learners are sorted into homerooms and enjoy a year-long journey with their teachers and classmates. Learners also have many opportunities to collaborate while working through their daily lessons. Be your true self We encourage our learners to explore the vast array of options available to them. That’s why we offer various elective subjects in Grades 10–12. We also offer isiZulu as a First Additional Language for all grades. At the Impaq Online School, we are committed to preparing learners for the ever-evolving world of tomorrow. Our classes focus on Computer Literacy and effective communication skills. Read more: Homeschooling with Impaq allows me to conquer the waters of Europe Nurture your body and mind Discover the freedom of learning at your own pace with Impaq Homeschooling! Your learner can organise their schedule to suit their needs*. At the Impaq Online School, we prioritise learners’ overall wellbeing. Fitness classes are incorporated into the timetable, learners can access the It’sOK wellness app, and our experienced counsellor is always available for additional support. Join the Optimi Home family and feel at home. Registrations open on 1 September 2023. Visit our website or email sales@impaq.co.za to pick your pace for 2024. *Grade 10 – 12 learners must follow a strict test and examination timetable.

September 1, 2023

Dealing with diabetes

South Africa is the most obese nation in sub-Saharan Africa*. It’s not surprising then that we also have the highest rate of Type 2 diabetes. The danger is that most people are unaware of the risk until they are diagnosed as pre-diabetic or Type 2 diabetics. Diabetes is the third most significant risk factor for disability and early death in South Africa. While 4.5 million South Africans are currently diagnosed with the condition, what’s more alarming is it’s estimated that 61% of diabetics remain undiagnosed. The concern about the number of diabetics is not restricted to our country though. The International Diabetes Foundation predicts that by the year 2040, over 642 million people worldwide will be diagnosed with the disease. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer at Bonitas Medical Fund, together with the Scheme’s clinical team talks about diabetes and why a proactive and holistic approach to management of the disease is essential. What is diabetes? It is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Insulin – a hormone made by the pancreas – helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. An overview Type 1 diabetes. Results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, the hormone that unlocks the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them Type 2 diabetes. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well Pre-diabetes. This means that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. If you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, you may be able to delay or prevent developing it by making some lifestyle changes Gestational diabetes. Is diabetes diagnosed, for the first time, during pregnancy (gestation) 10 early signs of diabetes The symptoms of diabetes are usually so mild that they can easily go unnoticed. This results in many diabetics being unaware of their condition until they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, diabetes is a manageable condition, especially if diagnosed early. Here are 10 early signs you can look out for: #1 Frequent urination When your blood sugar is elevated, the kidneys can’t keep up with the amount of glucose in your system, allowing some of it to go into your urine. This results in you having to urinate more often than usual. #2 Increased hunger and thirst Diabetics usually don’t get enough energy from their food, which leads to a craving for more food. The frequent urination is also likely to cause dehydration and lead to you feeling thirstier than normal. #3 Pain and numbness If you have Type 2 diabetes, you might experience numbness in your hands and feet. This is usually a sign of nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy and is usually after years of living with diabetes. #4 Dry Mouth A dry mouth is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. Symptoms may include: Trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking, dry, cracked lips, sores or infections in the mouth or a furry, dry tongue. #5 Blurred vision High sugar levels in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing fluid to seep into the lens of the eye, potentially causing blurry vision. #6 Yeast infections Yeast feeds on glucose, so having plenty of glucose around makes it thrive. Yeast infections usually grow in warm, moist areas of skin, like between fingers and toes, under breasts and in or around sex organs. #7 Slow healing cuts and wounds Over time, high blood sugar levels narrow your blood vessels, slowing blood circulation and restricting much needed nutrients and oxygen from getting to the wounds. As a result, even small cuts and wounds may take weeks or months to heal. #8 Skin discolouration Insulin resistance can cause patches of darker skin to form on creases of the neck, armpits, groin area or over the knuckles. This condition, known as acanthosis nigricans, can be a result of diabetes. The skin in the affected area also becomes thickened. #9 Fatigue Diabetes-related fatigue is caused by fluctuating blood glucose levels resulting in not enough glucose for the body’s energy supply. #10 Weight loss Losing weight without trying to, can be a warning sign of diabetes. When your body can’t get energy from your food, it will start burning muscle and fat for energy instead, resulting in weight loss even though you haven’t changed your eating habits. Holistic treatment and management of diabetes critical Over the past few years, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) cited an increased prevalence of chronic conditions, diabetes in particular, as one of the key contributors to a rising disease burden and escalating healthcare costs. ’To offset this growing disease burden and proactively empower patients with diabetes to take control of their health, Bonitas has developed an integrated, holistic programme that is based on the specific needs of members with diabetes,’ says Callakoppen. Diabetic co-morbidities – a higher risk Individuals with diabetes often have other chronic conditions (co-morbidities) – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and depression. This fact greatly increases the risk of diabetics developing complications such as nerve damage, eye problems, kidney damage as well as problems in pregnancy. To manage diabetes effectively, all the other conditions and complications must be managed as well. A key feature of the Bonitas diabetes programme is that it manages each individual’s unique mix of disease and lifestyle factors, rather than a standard approach to managing a specific disease. Diabetes Management Complications of diabetes must be prevented by ensuring access to proper treatment such as specialised diabetes’ doctors, paediatricians, podiatrists, diabetic educators to help manage the diabetes. Diabetics need to understand their condition and be empowered to make the right decisions to stay healthy. Containing the risk ‘We believe the way forward is an increased focus on prevention, lifestyle changes, coordination of care by doctors and the utilisation of evidence-based disease management interventions,’ says Callakoppen. ‘The Bonitas clinical team uses an innovative Emerging Risk predictive model and screening algorithms

September 1, 2023

Baby monitor. Do I really need one?

The question I get asked is ‘is it really necessary? After all my parents did without and I turned out just fine!’. Baby Monitors come in all shapes and sizes but it’s all about what fits into your lifestyle and meets your needs as a parent.

August 31, 2023

Women’s Wellness: How to Achieve Optimal Health for Every Stage of Life

As unique as women are, so are their nutritional needs that constantly change throughout their life stages. Women in general may face silent challenges in maintaining their health and wellness and often experience specific health issues that require special attention and care. With a wide range of supplements, beauty products, and health solutions specially designed for women, Now Foods®, a leading natural products manufacturer, provides a range of specialty vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes to benefit a woman’s well-being and wellness every day and month of the year. DAILY SUPPORT NOW Women often have busy schedules juggling the many responsibilities life brings, making it difficult to maintain a balanced diet and eat a wide enough variety of healthy foods necessary to provide them with the essential vitamins and minerals to maintain their daily performance. Boost your vitality and stave off that afternoon lag with a daily habit of adding healthy supplementation to your morning cup of coffee. A powerhouse for your immune system, Liposomal Vitamin C, Immune & Collagen Support (with PureWay-C) (R699), demonstrated enhanced absorption, cellular uptake, and bodily retention in clinical studies as compared to other forms of vitamin C. It simply protects you from the onset of autoimmune disorders, is necessary for collagen synthesis, and maintains capillary and blood vessel integrity, cartilage, and bone health against inflammation. It also relieves endometriosis sufferers while enhancing mood and cognitive brain function. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen supplementation to be absorbed into your system, and PureWay-C is certainly the best combination if you’re looking for rapid absorption. Combine it with Now Food’s Super Omega 3-6-9 1000 mg (R449) for a blend of nutritional flax seed, evening primrose, canola, black currant, and pumpkin seed to maintain healthy skin from the inside, normal immune system balance, and proper nervous system function. IMMUNE SUPPORT NOW Whether you are a soccer mom, entrepreneur or business globe trotter, your metabolism can be tested by the variety of people and universal germs you may encounter along the way. Biotin 5,000 mcg supports your Amino Acid metabolism. It boosts your energy production by improving the synthesis of certain proteins, enhancing your immune system and giving you strong nails, healthy hair and a lively skin tone. If you’re looking for a one-world wonder, look no further. Eve™ Women’s Multivitamin (R649) as created to provide women with a natural alternative to mass-market multiples and formulas with synthetic ingredients and questionable additives. EVE™ is a premier women’s multivitamin specially formulated for the vitamin needs of pre-menopausal adult women, featuring unique natural ingredients like evening primrose, cranberry, green tea, horsetail silica, coq10, and more, and is formulated for better GI tolerability. COLLAGEN SUPPORT NOW Yes, there’s more to collagen to just aiding wrinkles. With aging your body might start complaining of morning aches and pains. UC-II Type II Collagen (R769) provides holistic joint health with a patented undenatured type II collagen, which is active in the primary connective tissues of the body, giving flexibility and support to your joints and cartilage. Derived from chicken sternum cartilage, UC-II® has proven in human clinical studies that just one 40 mg capsule per day can help to promote joint comfort, as well as healthy joint function and flexibility so you can stay agile, strong and pain free. Finally, before you step out for the day, add the final touch to your beauty regime. The new Colllagen Jelly Beauty Complex – Jelly Sticks (R499) features VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which have been optimized to maximize collagen production. Enjoy one jelly stick a day for healthy, radiant skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles within 4 weeks. Available in sweet orange and sweet plum flavours and comes in convenient sachets to enjoy on the go. P.S. Always pair up your collagen supplementation with a high-quality Vitamin C to ensure absorption – our Liposomal Vitamin C, Immune & Collagen Support (with PureWay-C) is ideal. Staying healthy and feminine has never been this easy! DIGESTIVE HEALTH NOW Based on our genetic nature, women are more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders than men. Chronic digestive problems can be a real pain in the gut and interfere with healthy eating habits or worsen quality of life. Food in the stomach tends to empty into the intestines more slowly in women than in men and this sluggish digestion can make women feel nauseas or bloated. Super Enzymes (R599) can offer a comprehensive blend of enzymes to support healthy digestion. It’s formulated with bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin and papain that helps to optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy gut and preventing and treating digestive problems such as diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and lactose intolerance. Not only do probiotics balance the levels of good and bad bacteria in our intestines, but they also help us digest certain foods, absorb nutrients, and produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Probiotic-10™ (R399) provides ten probiotic strains and is dairy, soy and gluten-free, giving you a balanced spectrum of live organisms to naturally colonise your gut and maintain the integrity of your intestinal lining and detoxification process. Pair it with Now Food’s Optimal Digestive System (R499) of full-spectrum enzymes to further aid the digestion of most foods, including beans and cruciferous vegetables. STRESS & MOOD SUPPORT NOW When we lack time and energy to get things done, we add further stress to the equation. If crisis management seems to be the order of the day, your nervous system can do with some added reinforcement. Mood Support (R469) with St. John’s Wort, provides the nutrients and herbal extracts needed by your nervous system, helping you hold it all together and be more effective with a positive, balanced mood state that helps you to keep winning. You can also add the tonic effect of Rhodiola 500 mg (R649), which helps you adapt to the stress and naturally support your body’s capacity to cope. Rhodiola has been

August 31, 2023

Why do I need to stimulate my baby from a young age

Parents to be, have the unique opportunity to create a better brain for their unborn child from day one. When a baby is born she born with unlimited potential but the experiences she has in her life will determine the outcome of that potential. Experience = learning. No experience = no learning. Lots of experience = optimal learning. Your unborn children will face many different challenges to you. In all likelihood they will be working in fields that have not even been developed yet. You will have very little knowledge of what they are doing, as it will not be part of your frame of reference. We as parents need to equip them with the best tool (a ready brain) to deal with this onslaught. There are very simple things that you as a parent can do to help ensure that your child is equipped to deal with the challenges that may face her. In order for you to understand this we need to go back and look at the brain. The brain is made up of three layers (Triune model) these layers have a window of opportunity to develop to their full potential. A window of opportunity is just this brief period that we have for optimum development of that part of the brain. The first layer is the primal survival brain – the fight or flight centre of the brain. The next layer is our emotional brain – here we learn to love and care and feel. The last layer is the thinking brain or the cortex. The first window of opportunity is during the first 14 months from birth; during this time we need to stimulate the survival brain in order to create strong muscles so that we can send messages to them that they will respond to in the correct way. We do this through encouraging movement. Once we stimulate the senses the message has to travel via neurochemical pathways (roots) to the muscles to react. How do we create these neurochemical pathways in the brain? By allowing our babies freedom to move and explore. Nothing is more detrimental to a child’s development than being cooped up in a chair or stroller for the better part of the day. Simply by stimulating the senses through massage and exposing them to different experiences during these crucial 14 months, you are creating the networks (roots) that she will need to help her learn and help her reach her full potential. By repeating the actions you are creating the insulation (myelin) that makes it permanent. Repetition is good for a child, it is how they learn. The next window of opportunity is from 14 months to 4 years and during this time your child will be working on the emotional brain. This area of the brain processes feelings and emotions. This is the glue that holds the survival brain and the cortex together. We have to keep our emotional bucket full in order for learning to take place. Only between 4 and 11 years will the thought processes be laid down. This is the area of the brain that focuses on language, creativity, thought etc. As parents we can create a whole brain experience with an excellent root system that allows messages to come through easily to the brain just by stimulating our children. It is imperative to enrich a child’s brain with as much experiences as possible during these windows of opportunity.

August 31, 2023

Encouraging Baby’s First Words

When can you expect to hear your baby’s first words and how you can encourage speech development in your baby or toddler? It’s another wonderful moment: The first time your baby looks up and says “Mama!” Perhaps they are just practicing their “m” sounds, but this is another step toward “Mommy, I love you” all the same. Whether it’s “mama,” “dada,” or some other cute combination of sounds, they are starting to vocalise and to imitate the sounds around them. To encourage your child to talk you should talk to them often. Point out cats, balls and apples and so on. Talk about what is happening around you. Follow your child’s lead and describe the things your child points to, they will listen to you and they will learn. As children learn new words, they might not get them quite right at first. Don’t feel like you need to correct them straight away. Help them by repeating the word after they say it, so that they can hear it again. Help build a child’s vocabulary by adding details to the objects and events of the day. For example, if the child says “car”, you could add, “Yes, that’s right, it’s a car. We drive in a red car”. Don’t be afraid to use expressive vocabulary when you talk about things. If you get tired of talking why don’t you try reading to your child? While exposing your baby to language outside your own day-to-day vocabulary doesn’t guarantee your child will learn new words, it might help. And it can be a fun way to be close to your child. Remember that children recognise and understand many more words than they can say. Don’t be afraid to use ‘parentese’ – that singsong, higher-pitched way of talking to young children. Baby Talk Milestones Baby talk at 3 months. Lots happen within the first 3 months of your baby’s development, and by the end of this period you’ll likely be hearing your baby offer up their sing-song coos as they interact with you. Something that you will probably notice is that they listen to your voice, watch your face as you talk, and turn toward other voices, sounds, and music that can be heard around the home. Baby talk at 6 months. By 6 months that cooing has progressed to babbling as your baby combines a few basic consonant and vowel sounds. Strings of ba-ba-ba or da-da-da will bring a smile to your face. However, don’t mistake that “da-da” cry as being a call out for dad. Sounds at this age do not have meaning; they are simply sounds that your baby delights in making and in hearing. Baby talk at 9 months. Your baby will have their language progress to having them recognise a few basic words, such as “no,” “more,” and their name. You’ll hear them using a larger range of consonant sounds, and they’ll have developed a tone of voice. Baby talk at 1 year. Their development around the first birthday will showcase a few basic words, and they’ll use them with meaning and purpose. You’ll likely melt at the first heartfelt call of “mama” or “dada.” Your child will recognise their own name when you call them, but can’t say it. Toddler talk at 12 to 17 months. They are using one or more words and know what these words mean. They will also raise their tone when asking a question, saying “Up-py?” when they want to be carried, for example. They realise the importance of talking and how powerful it is to be able to communicate their needs. Toddler talk at 18 to 24 months. Their vocabulary may include as many as 200 words now, many of which are nouns. They’ll even string two words together, making basic sentences such as “Carry me.” By the time they are two, they’ll use three-word sentences and sing simple tunes. Their sense of self will mature, and they will start talking about themselves — what they like and don’t, what they think and feel. Toddler Talk at 25 to 36 Months. Your child will struggle for a while to find the appropriate volume to use when talking, but they will soon learn. They also start to get the hang of pronouns, such as me and you. Between ages two and three, their vocabulary will increase to up to 300 words. They will string nouns and verbs together to form complete though simple sentences such as “I go now.” Your baby’s first word is an exciting milestone, and one that you’re probably anxiously waiting for. Keep in mind, though, that every child develops at their own rate, and whether your child is an early talker or a late one seldom has an impact on their later communication skills. Talk, sing, read, and play silly games with them. The more you communicate — from birth on up — the more language they will learn.

August 30, 2023

Calming a Child with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Many people are unaware that there is a difference between a tantrum and a meltdown. While both may involve screaming, kicking, shouting, biting and even swearing, there are some fundamental differences. Tantrums involve a child who has been frustrated in their attempt to do or have something, they usually only occur with an audience and they’ll usually abate once the child has what they want. Meltdowns on the other hand are a reaction to feeling overloaded or overwhelmed and there is no end goal or need for an audience. Meltdowns are the most common complaint of parents who have children with sensory processing issues and can result from trips to the supermarket, parties, classrooms or even just a bumpy sock. Most often, these children have trouble transitioning from one activity to another and may meltdown every day when they have to move from playing to school or from bath-time to bedtime. Their brains are continuously receiving jumbled messages from their senses and just getting through the day can be incredibly frustrating and overwhelming. Because they are often not getting enough proprioception, they seek ways to stimulate their muscles and joints (which can be very calming for them) and so may seem to be in perpetual motion. They tend to be both under and over stimulated at the same time! Here are some tips both for avoiding the meltdowns in the first place, and for calming a child who is becoming over stimulated and ready to crack. Firstly, predictability is very important for these children. They need to know what is happening and what will happen next and need lots of warning if there will be changes in their routine and/or if they need to transition to a new activity or environment. Making a picture chart of their daily routine can be helpful with the little ones so that they know what to expect next. Consistency is important too. Being very consistent with rules and consequences and with your own reactions to things. Never ever restrict movement time as a punishment. I’m not a fan of punishment at all, as “bad behaviour” is really just a communication from a child that something is not right, but these children do need predictable and clear boundaries in order to feel safe. It is essential to keep their blood sugar levels stable. Low blood sugar levels can exacerbate the symptoms and meltdowns. High protein, high fat and low carb diets are ideal. Sugar is a no-go area. Having a sensory retreat can be very helpful for recovering from a meltdown. Have a quiet, dark area like a tent with lots of pillows, some soft music, a chew toy and maybe even a weighted blanket. When you’re out and about, make sure you have a bottle with ice cold water and a straw for them to drink from, keep a pack of chewy snacks like biltong, raisins etc, have a stress ball or Prestick or a strip of Velcro for them to play with, get them to carry a heavy backpack, and consider purchasing some soundproof headphones to block out excess noise. At home, useful aids include an indoor or outdoor trampoline, a weighted blanket, a pilates ball, a rocking chair or swing. They need safe ways to jump, kick, run, push, pull and punch. This could involve jungle gyms or pull up bars, or even just pushing a heavy bag around the house or pulling a heavy wagon on a walk (or even pushing the trolley or carrying heavy groceries at the shops). Bath time can be improved by scrubbing them with a rough brush or sponge or giving them a deep massage after the bath, having a massage jet spray in the bath, and buying them an electric toothbrush instead of the ordinary ones. At cooking time, give your sensory child something to do like heavy mixing, rolling of dough, carrying heavy pots or tenderising meat with a mallet. Helping around the house can also be very calming for them – get them to vacuum or move furniture so you can clean or to do the heavy digging in the garden. Playtime on rainy days can be supplemented with indoor obstacle courses or creating an indoor sandpit with beans or popcorn instead of sand and the usual cups, shovels, cars etc. Other calming tips can include using a special video or song to transition between two activities, placing a heating pad on the back of their neck, using lavender or chamomile essential oils dropped behind their ears, drinking chamomile tea, and even sandwiching them between two pillows and squashing them. There is some research now to suggest that kids with sensory processing issues have inflammation in the brain, which can be relieved by supplementing high doses of Omega 3’s and curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric). A regular probiotic can also help. It is also hugely beneficial if you are calm. Doing some deep breathing when your child is losing it will ensure that you can think clearly and come up with solutions to pull them out of their meltdown instead of joining them in it! Remember that your child is not trying to be naughty or difficult, they are genuinely struggling to keep it together in the world and to feel ok in their own skin. A bit of patience, a lot of creativity, and some forethought can go a long way towards helping these kids to get through a day without a meltdown.

August 30, 2023

Pre-Sleep Rituals, Sleep Routines For All Baby Stages

Pre-sleep Rituals or bedtime routines are really good to introduce to your baby around three months old. I like to call them rituals because they do become just that – rituals. By incorporating special time with your baby before they go to bed they come to know and love it. But it is the simple and consistent rhythm of what you do before bed that becomes so predictable for your baby and allows them to know what’s coming next. And being relaxed and calm in the minutes before being put into the cot can really help them fall asleep easily. Some babies, especially if they are overtired, can be quite wound up and stimulated before bedtime. A gentle predictable routine around bed can really assist them to get out any pent-up energy and really wind down to a calm and relaxed state. The younger your baby is the shorter the pre-sleep ritual needs to be (3-6 months). Great ideas for pre-sleep rituals for younger babies are: A lovely warm bath or a baby massage. Swaddle your baby dry in the Tommee Tippee Swaddle Dry Towel it is made from hypoallergenic, skin friendly, microfibre material. It is supersoft and is the perfect way to make sure your little one stays warm and cosy after bathtime. Take bub into the bedroom, dim the light, turn on the white noise and change them. The Tommee Tippee Grolight 2-in-1 Night Light is a simple adaptor that fits easily to your normal overhead light or bedside lamp and converts your light into a dimmer light. Wrap them in their snuggle or pop on their sleepbag. Wrapping or swaddling baby with their arms inside super soft fabric helps mimic the closeness of the womb and suppresses the startle reflex which can wake babies up. The Tommee Tippee easy-to-use Snuggle sleep bag combines the comfort of swaddling with the ease-of-use of a baby sleep bag. Cuddle your baby and read them a story Cuddle your baby and talk to them about what they did that day (your voice is so soothing to them) Sing them a song Do a final feed and transition them into their Moses basket or cot Slightly older babies can enjoy a bit more winding down time (6-12 months). Great ideas for pre-sleep rituals for this age group are: A bath and into a snuggle or sleepbag Saying goodnight to everyone (babies love to be carried around to say goodnight to family, pets, or even their favourite toys!) Read them a story or sing to them Cuddle with you while snuggling with a special blanket or toy Final feed for the day and then into the cot Turn on the white noise, turn off the light and say goodnight. The Tommee Tippee Grofriends are a cute night-time companion. With a soft heart shaped light, and 6 great natural soothing sounds which include a comforting heartbeat, rainfall, white noise or any of 3 lullabies, your little one will be reassured as they go to sleep. During the night, the intelligent CrySensor listens out for any crying noises and plays your chosen sound or lullaby to help them drift back to sleep. Having bedtime at roughly the same time every night is important to support your baby’s body clock. And the predictable sequence of events before bed gives your baby clear signals that it’s wind down time and bedtime. It doesn’t really matter what you do, or exactly how you do it but that you consistently do it. In time the lovely wind down routine and the special rituals you incorporate in for your baby will become just as enjoyable and special for you as they are for your little one. Resource : Emma O’Callaghan is a qualified midwife, nurse and infant and child sleep consultant. With over 20 years’ experience in both hospital and community settings, Emma knows about sleep. She has helped thousands of families reclaim sleep and is particularly passionate about supporting new and first-time parents. She is the Founder of Baby Sleep Expert, and with a common sense, compassionate approach is often referred to as the ultimate “baby whisperer”. Emma lives in Melbourne with her three daughters and fur baby.

August 30, 2023

Your toddler’s Bedtime Battles

Getting your toddler to go to bed can be a struggle and in some cases an all out war. Your toddler on the one hand, is learning to assert themselves and their newfound independence and control of the world around them. On the other hand, they do need routine and sleep so as parents its up to us to ensure this happens, sometimes this in no easy feat! Here are some tips to help nip these bedtime battles in the bud! Early bedtime – as your toddler get older we are often tempted to move bedtime later assuming your toddler is just not tired enough for bed, however this can actually exacerbate the problem. If your child is overtired they are more likely to fight going to sleep. Remember up until the age of 5 they still need 11-12 hours of night time sleep! Concept of Time – your child has no concept of time this is why routines are so important as they give the day structure and also help your child feel secure by knowing what is coming next. Give them pre-warning of what is going to happen. For example “we have 10 min of playtime left and then we will be going to bath” help them conceptualise the time by using a timer with an alarm, so they know when it goes off its time to get ready for the bath. Emotions – toddlers are emotional little people not logical little people and we cannot expect them to follow rules or just lay down in bed if their emotional needs are not met during the day! Find out what you little ones love language is to help fill their emotional cup and get that quality one on one time! Make it fun! – often bedtime signals the end of play time which is why your little one might be showing so much resistance. A good idea is to make a sticker chart of the steps in your bedtime routine, hang it beside your child’s bed that outlines each step of the bedtime routine. As you go through the routine, let your toddler put a sticker or a check mark beside the completed steps. All the toddlers I’ve met love this and it helps them develop a sense of independence and control over their bedtime routines and it makes it FUN. Offer choices to add to the sense of fun and independence, for example “do you want bubbles or bath salts?” or “choose two stories we are going to read tonight.” Make sure all bedtime needs are met – make sure that all your little ones bedtime needs have been met before you put her in bed for the night. Ensure that everyone who needs to be kissed goodnight has been kissed, they have had their water or sleep comforter, or whatever it is that makes your toddler feel comfortable, safe, and secure. This way, they won’t be able to use these things as excuses to call you back into the bedroom or to get out of the room! These are just small things you can do, but remember all children are different so sometimes we need to think a bit out of the box or take a different approach. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference in their journey to better sleep. By O’hara Kydd – Good Night Consultant

August 29, 2023

How can creativity benefit your kids?

There are many different reasons why kids (and adults) end up with low self-esteem and a feeling of negativity and hopelessness. One of the big ones is that technology has changed the way kids socialize and interact with each other, and this is impacting on their mental and emotional well being. While there is no one size fits all solution, we can definitely make a difference by encouraging our children to engage in more creative activities from a very early age.

August 29, 2023

Keeping Fit while you’re Pregnant

Sports Science Institute Biokineticist, Zoe Woodman, gives us her advice on the do’s and don’ts of keeping fit during pregnancy.

August 29, 2023

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES- YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR

Caring for an infant can be exhausting, but there’s so much to look forward to. Take a tour of first-year “firsts” with WebMD’s guide to the most anticipated baby milestones. During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed. While caring for an infant can be exhausting during this period, there is so much to look forward to. Here are the development milestones that your baby will reach in their first year: At Birth Head, Hands and Visuals At birth, your baby will: Have no control of head movement. You would notice that baby’s hands are closed and palmar and plantar grasp reflexes are present. Baby is able to close their eyes in response to bright light. 6 Weeks Head, Hands, Visuals, Hearing, Speech, Recognition and expressions Has a moderate amount of control over the head, particularly while lying on stomach, bust still demonstrates head lag when gently pulled up into a sitting position. Places hand in mouth and can make tight fists. Looks at faces or objects placed within the direct field of vision and may follow slow moving objects within 90°. Responds to sounds by calming, startling or crying. May turn head to the source of the sound. Starts making “cooing” sounds. Begins to smile in response to a familiar face or voice. 3 Months Head, Hands, Visuals, Hearing, Speech, Recognition, expressions and Gross Motor Can lift head when lying in a prone position, very little head lag. Spends much time inspecting hands. Hands are held loosely. Grasp objects that are placed in the hands. Follows objects moving up to 180° in the field of vision. Starts to recognise and look at the source of sounds. Smiles spontaneously. Develops facial expressions to show basic emotions. Recognises and responds to parents. Can lift upper body with forearms when lying on stomach. Demonstrates controlled leg movements lick kicking and stretching. Begins to demonstrate standing reflex, (pushing down on a surface with legs when held up). 6 Months Head, Hands, Visuals, Hearing, Speech, Recognition, expressions and Gross Motor Supports head and can move head. Reaches for and grasps objects. Transfers objects from hand to hand. Starts holding a bottle. Places objects in mouth. Can move eyes in all directions. Responds vocally when spoken to. Uses sounds, such as moaning, squealing or laughing, to express emotions. Uses repetitive monosyllabic sounds, like “baba”. Recognises toys. Recognises self in a mirror and responds to own name. Can support upper body with hands when lying on stomach. Sits when supported. Rolls over. Legs can support the body when held in a standing position. 9 Months Head, Hands, Visuals, Speech, Recognition, expressions and Gross Motor Can pick up, shake and drop small objects. Begins to grasp food and place it in the mouth. Holds a bottle. Begins to point. Starts imitating sounds. Recognises their own name. Nervous around strangers. Sits without support. Crawls on stomach and then on hands and knees. Starts to pull body into a standing position. 1 Year Begins to understand and respond to words like “no”and “bye bye”. Walks with support. Speaks up to 4 words. Can perform gestures such as waving goodbye, pointing or shaking the head. Plays with and makes sounds at toys. Begins to throw objects. Searches for hidden or fallen toys. Helps to dress self. Shows social preference. *These milestones are only given as an approximate as to when your baby might start doing certain things, as all babies develop differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult with your healthcare professional.

August 28, 2023

5 clever ways to make toddler mealtimes less stressful

Toddlers can be strong-willed, especially when it comes to sitting down and eating, which can turn mealtimes into a battle of wills. These tips will help make things a little calmer. 1. Understand your limits To minimise mealtime stress, it is important to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for deciding what – and some things, unfortunately, are beyond your control! As the parent of a toddler, you get to decide what food is prepared, when it is served, and where it is served. Your child gets to decide whether they will eat it and how much they will eat, and no amount of fighting and arguing is going to change that. There are, however, some things you can do to encourage them along the way… 2. Watch how you react The methods you use to encourage a reluctant toddler to eat their food plays an important role in their mealtime behaviour. If your child decides they don’t want to eat, do not tickle them, make them laugh, sing or dance to get them to take a bite. If you do this, it might stop them from eating next time, so that they get a little ‘entertainment’ from you. Save your praise for when they do eat – that’s when you can do a happy dance! 3. Stick to their favourites If your toddler is going through a tricky eating phase, hold off on introducing new foods. Instead, save your energy – and minimise waste – by rather serving some of their tried and tested favourites. Our Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees come in a variety of naturally delicious flavours, including Apple + Guava, Pear + Prune, Mango + Banana, Butternut + Carrot and Sweet Potato, Apple + Cinnamon. And our Squish Yogi range contains a mix of fruit, veg and double cream yoghurt. All Squish pouches have a convenient resealable lid, so you can just use what you need and save the rest for tomorrow. 4. Step back and see the big picture As parents it is our natural instinct to want our child to enjoy a nutritious, balanced diet, so it is natural that we feel concerned – and frustrated – when they don’t. Force yourself to stop and look at the big picture. Does it really matter if your child skips one meal? If your child is really hungry, they will eat the food that is offered to them. If your child won’t eat breakfast or lunch, make sure you have healthy snacks on hand to offer them later if they decide they are hungry. You’ll find a whole host of naturally delicious snack ideas under the Quick + Easy Recipe tab on the Squish website, all containing Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree as a key ingredient. Try these Mini Banana Muffins or Chocolate Popsicles, which are packed full of fruit and yoghurt. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees contain no added colourants, flavouring, and preservatives, and have no added starch or cane sugar. They’re made using quality fresh fruit and veg, which means they’re as good as homemade, but without you having to lift a finger! 5. Ask for their help By getting your little one involved in mealtime prep they might feel more invested in the meal and be keen to taste their culinary creations. Prepare this Cream Cheese Dip and Crudites recipe and get them to mix the dip together, or help them cut cute shapes from their toast with a cookie cutter for this Cheesy Mixed Vegetable Egg Scramble. Even if your child still shuns the meal they helped you prepare, be sure to give plenty of praise for being such awesome kitchen helpers.

August 28, 2023

Welcome all Cottage Schools and Learning Centres!

We welcome all Cottage Schools, Learning Centres, Tutoring Centres, and Private Schools to partner with us. If you’re a teacher looking for a new educational adventure, why not join our team and start your own learning centre? Listed below are some of the great features we have to offer you: The following components are also included in our package: Digital Literacy, Core Subjects, and Career Studies. Our Fees: Once off Centre Registration Fee: R1500 Marketing Material & Training included. Preschool – Grade 8: R400/student package. American High School Diploma, Grade 9 – 12: R1600 GED: R500/student package (Includes digital course, PDF Study Guide, 1 for each subject, lots of bonus material, Mock Exams) You are most welcome to sign up all your students for our FREE Trial Period (Placement Test included) You may do so here: https://www.educ8sa.net/sign-up/ Our program is offered in English. We offer a full curriculum solution based on the USA curriculum. Students may log in 24/7/365. Parents are able to log in at any time to view their child’s progress from the parent portal. Our students work at their own proficiency level and at their own pace. This makes our program the ideal solution for special needs and exceptional students who need to be challenged. Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance. These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer. Teacher Support: We make a teacher’s life easier. Simple to use and learn, We immediately start saving time for teachers. For example, students automatically begin fixing missing skills from the automatic placement test. In other words, teachers see progress reports without even having to assign a lesson. Even better, the built-in motivation tools and rewards keep students eager to learn more without teacher intervention. We are proud to announce our 2022 EdTech Breakthrough Awards: Classroom Management Solution Provider Of The Year. Our program automatically allows you to monitor student progress in real-time; this makes it possible to know exactly how each student is progressing. Analyze data for all standards in the common core by student, class, school, and district. Our program simplifies the IEP process by allowing you to set student goals that are automatically updated as students progress, saving you hundreds of hours of reporting. Parent Support: Parents can log in anytime to view their child’s progress from the parent portal. Our students work on their proficiency level and at their own pace. This feature makes our program ideal for special needs students and exceptional students who need a challenge. Student Support: Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance. These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer! Assessments & Exams: We prefer the continuous assessment approach; therefore, our students in grades K – 8 do not write exams. For our high school students, exams will depend on their chosen matric option. Registration Process: 1. Complete our online form https://www.educ8sa.net/sign-up/. Your 14-day FREE trial period starts here! 2. Login, then complete the Placement Test. 3. Notify us once all Placement Tests have been completed. 4. You will receive the results of the Placement Test by email. 5. You will be requested to schedule a zoom meeting with us to discuss the Placement Test results. 6. We set up your child’s personalized learning plan. 7. Students may start with lessons. 8. We invoice you should you wish to sign up! Term Dates & Holidays: Centre Students will follow their own term dates. Virtual Students may decide when they take breaks. Accreditation: All our courses are accredited and listed on the SAQA website, and accepted by our universities and Colleges. Admission Requirements apply. Our accreditation bodies: WASC and the US Council on Education. Technical requirements: Internet connection, device with a minimum of 1.6 1.60GHz processor. (laptop/pc/tablet/iPad), headphones or earphones.

August 28, 2023

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO INTRODUCE SOLIDS TO YOUR BABY?

Over many years the theory on when the right age to introduce solids is, has been debated. The advice has varied over the last 60 years from 2 weeks old to 6 months and even older. There are two ways to approach this question: Understanding science and research Knowing your own baby The current evidence in research points to the following: Do not introduce any solids into your baby’s diet before 17 weeks unless advised to by a medical doctor. Preferably breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months. Do not delay the introduction of solids too long after 6 months as allergy risk as well as fussy eating can result from very late introduction of solids. It is safe from an allergy perspective to introduce solids between 17 weeks and 6 months of age. Your Baby With the facts in mind, turn your attention to your baby. Introduce solids between the window of 17 weeks and 6 months, once your baby shows he needs and is ready for solids: No longer displays a tongue thrust reflex that pushes food from his mouth. Can hold up his head and sits supported in a chair Is no longer stretching between feeds and is demanding another feed in the day. Interest in your eating and reaching for your food or utensils when you are eating. Not sleeping as well at night as he was previously. Once you have weighed this up, discuss it further with your clinic sister who knows your baby best from a health perspective.

August 25, 2023

WHAT IS A “LAZY” EYE?

Amblyopia better known as “lazy eye” occurs when the vision in a child’s one eye doesn’t develop like it should. If it is not treated promptly the brain will only process the picture from the normal eye and learn to ignore the picture from the lazy eye. It is in fact the leading cause of visual impairment in children and affects approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 children. What are the possible causes? Amblyopia commonly starts when one eye has a much better focus than the other. This can be caused by a number of conditions * such as: Strabismus (squint) –This is the most common cause of amblyopia. It occurs when the eyes don’t line up properly, for example, one-eye turns in towards the nose or it turns out towards the ears. The eyes cannot focus together on an image so the brain compensates by switching off whichever eye produces the fuzziest image. Unequal Refractive Errors or focus – Refractive amblyopia occurs when the brain favours one eye over the other due to extreme near-sightedness, far-sightedness or even astigmatism *. The brain gets a blurry image from the eye with the refractive error and a clear image from the normal eye, so to stop the confusion; it starts to ignore the eye with the blurry image. Vision Obstruction – This is also known as deprivation amblyopia. This occurs when something blocks light from entering a baby’s eye. Common causes include cataracts, scars and blood at the back of the eye. How is it Diagnosed? Amblyopia can be difficult to spot because it doesn’t have any external signs or symptoms and it begins in infancy or early childhood. Because of this some experts recommend that children have their eyes tested at six months, then at three years and again before they start school. Some clues that amblyopia may be present include: Observing a baby’s behaviour when one eye is blocked; if the baby continuously and constantly fusses or cries, it might indicate a vision problem. Squinting eyes can also be another clue that amblyopia may be present. Because amblyopia often affects one eye only, the parents may notice that the child constantly bumps into objects on the affected side.* If amblyopia runs in the family, the child is more likely to get it. Remember, you can’t tell by just looking at a child that they have it, and although these clues might give a suggestion of amblyopia, a full examination is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. This is essential so that prompt treatment can be started to try and prevent irreversible vision loss. How is it treated? The most common form of treatment for amblyopia is to retrain the brain to start using the weaker eye. This is done by firstly correcting any focusing problems with glasses or surgery (when needed) and then wearing a patch over the stronger eye. Sometimes eye drops are also prescribed to blur the image in the stronger eye, forcing the brain to use the weaker eye. What’s the long-term outlook? Amblyopia can lead to problems* if left untreated, such as loss of depth perception or blindness in one eye. If the stronger eye gets injured somehow, then serious problems with visual acuity can follow. With early diagnosis and treatment, most children’s vision will improve. It becomes increasingly difficult to treat after the age of 10 and therefore it is so Important to catch it early!

August 24, 2023

Accounting myths unmasked

Mention the word ‘Accounting’ to a high school student and many will turn a paler shade of grey and want to run a mile. Of course, there are the few lucky ones, like me, who get excited because numbers are their best friend and they’ve managed to manoeuvre their way through the accounting ‘mysteries’ with skill and mastery. I find it incredibly sad that Accounting is so misunderstood, as it actually is an incredibly wonderful and useful language to learn. I hope to debunk some of those myths here. Myth #1: Accounting is hard It really isn’t. Although it can often be experienced as difficult by many, this is usually because it hasn’t been introduced correctly. In fact, most teachers probably don’t even realise how simple the underlying principle of double-entry is – it took me about fifteen years to figure out the fact that debits and credits arise from the two sides of the accounting equation, then another fifteen for the penny to really drop when I finally realised that ‘debit’ and ‘credit’ are simply derivations of the Italian and / or Latin for ‘own / owed to me’ (debere / debitum) and ‘owed to others’ (credere / creditum). If only someone had shown this to me years ago, as I’ve just done in a short video for Accounting students. Together with a good understanding that the purpose of Accounting is reporting to stakeholders by preparing financial statements based on the principles of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), all Accounting problems are easily solvable. Myth #2: Accounting is boring Yes, recording endless transactions in journals is boring, BUT this is bookkeeping, not Accounting. Bookkeeping in practice is usually computerised and relatively simple using Quickbooks, Xero or similar. Accounting involves the preparation of financial statements according to IFRS principles. Determining the underlying reasons for treating transactions in different ways requires analytical and logical thought. Analysing financial statements can be likened to colouring a ‘paint-by-number’ picture – as different ratios and calculations are applied to the numbers, a hidden picture of the actual workings of the business emerges. Zombie companies are uncovered and financial mismanagement and shenanigans are exposed. Edcon’s demise could easily be predicted by looking at its equity in the financial statements as early as 2012. Steinhoff’s disreputable financials with negative equity figures for the past few years are a large sign, ‘beware!’ Likewise, clever strategies for business success can be identified and learnt from, and companies ripe for profitable investments discovered. Myth #3: There is only one correct way to record transactions Not at all. In fact, as long as you have the correct end destination as your goal i.e. fair presentation of performance and financial position according to IFRS, how you get there is completely up to you. This myth is probably the reason many universities sometimes prefer students with no Accounting background, so that they don’t come in with only one method in mind and are unable to deviate and adapt to alternative approaches that are used. Much like meeting a friend on holiday does not require you both to travel the same path to get there, every syllabus or curriculum uses a different approach for the processing of transactions. CAPS and IEB use the perpetual inventory system with Debtors’ and Creditors’ control accounts as part of double-entry and subsidiary ledgers as extra. Cambridge school accounting uses the periodic inventory system with a cash book as part of the general ledger and individual supplier and customer accounts as part of double-entry, with control accounts introduced as extra. Every single university in South Africa uses a slightly different approach and terminology, and business practice uses computerised packages that are each different in how transactions are recorded and processed. Students who are unaware of the variety of options can become ridiculously confused, but if they are exposed to different options, they are able to hone in on the important Accounting concepts based on IFRS principles without being distracted by the variety of approaches. Myth #4: You don’t need Accounting at school to study a BCom / BAccSci / BBusSci Technically, you don’t. Students are accepted for these courses at most South African universities with just Maths and English as requirements. However, students who have not been exposed to Accounting at school are severely disadvantaged. Yes, school Accounting may be covered in the first few weeks of a business degree. Enough said. The concepts at university are more complex, and if the basics are not understood in the excitement of a new student life with all its distractions, most students who did not take the subject at school struggle and often have to repeat. Most of my first year extra lessons are to students who did not take Accounting at school – in all my years of teaching I have only had one first-year student who did Accounting at school and still needed help in first year. Research into the correlation between taking Accounting at school and success in first year Financial Accounting is varied and conclusions differ, but seem to support my personal hypothesis that if students are made aware of the flexibility of possible approaches, prior exposure is definitely beneficial. Moral of the story? Encourage any child interested in studying a business degree to take Accounting at school … with a varied approach, logical explanations and the end goal of financial statements prepared according to IFRS principles in mind, of course! Those parties with an interest in the continued success of the business, and who can affect / be affected by the actions of the business. Yes, this is an actual term relating to businesses that are surviving on borrowed money, paying interest but unable to make the repayments. This research shows that statistical data indicated that Accounting taken at school contributed significantly more to success in the Accounting module at Stellenbosch University. This research showed top performers were those who took Accounting at school, had Afrikaans as a home language and worked hard. This

August 24, 2023

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR CHILD CAN’T SOUND OUT A WORD?

“Help Mom, I am stuck on this word?” What is your first reaction, “just sound it out”. Good advice? Actually, not that good. Sounding it out is not always the best strategy for figuring out a word. Learning to read individual words is hard work and not always as easy as parents may think. There are words that a child can memorise: these are called sight words. But there are a whole lot more words that children have to decode or figure out. So what should a parent do when their child comes across a word he doesn’t know or may have seen it once or twice but has not committed to memory yet? Tell them to sound it out, NOT ALWAYS. I am not saying phonics is not useful. It is imperative that children know their letters and the sounds they make, but as a strategy or way to figure out unfamiliar words it doesn’t always work. I suggest you read on and see how many more strategies you can try use to help your child attack those tricky words. Here are some more useful word attack strategies: Picture clues – ‘look at the picture; it will help you figure out this tricky word.’ Beginning Sounds – look at the first letter together, ‘do you know that letter, do you know a word that starts with that letter, what sound does it make’? Chunking – ‘can you find a small word in this big word?’ Let’s read that small word. Cover the first part of the word, read, cover the last part of the word and read. Now put the words together and read’ Context – Use the meaning of the sentence to try figure out the unfamiliar word, e.g. “Peter is reading the ……. Answer: book”. Let your child predict or ‘guess’ the word ‘book’ based on the context of the sentence. Helpful Hint: build vocabulary to maximise this strategy. Stretching the word – ‘use your finger as you try read the word. Look at it slowly’ Rhyming – ‘this word is tricky but it does rhyme with another word on this page. Can you read this word (parent points to other rhyming word), well done, now swop the first letter and read the other word. They rhyme, well done, can you hear the rhyme.’ Go over the rhyming set together to practice. Use the squiggles around the words as clues (Literacy conventions = question mark and capital letters) e.g. if there is a question mark at the end of the sentence, the unfamiliar word could be ‘what’ ‘where’ ‘how’ ‘when’ or ‘why’; if there is a capital letter in the middle of the sentence the unfamiliar word could be a name of a person/place ) Miss it out and come back – ‘this word is tricky, leave it out for now and keep on reading. Come back to this tricky word once you have finished reading the sentence.’ Ask someone – do not let your child struggle too much, encourage him to ask for HELP if he can’t figure it out. Helpful Hint: It takes practice to use these strategies, so give help as it is required, however, instead of just giving the answer straight away model a strategy your child can use and read it together using this strategy. As children gain confidence they will use a strategy on their own next time. Keep a balance of you helping your child and your child helping himself! It needs to sense – ‘Did that sentence make sense?’ Repeat the sentence to your child using his mistake let him tell you which word doesn’t sound right. ‘As you read this time listen to your words and make sure they make sense’. Helpful Hint: this is a fairly advanced strategy, comes with lots of practice. Keep modelling it as the fluent reader. Try these out; you will be surprised as to how well they work. I call it giving your kid a READING TOOLBOX. Best thing you can do for your beginner reader. Actually it’s the second best thing, the BEST THING you can do for your beginner reader is read to/with or him every day.

August 23, 2023

Five Things You Haven’t Thought About Before Your Baby Comes

Here’s a list of five less thought about items before your baby arrives: 1. Gap Cover For many, it may come as a shock to realise that even if you have medical aid, you could be faced with additional medical costs that having a baby can bring to the table. Gap cover provides extra financial protection and closes the gap between what specialists charge and what your medical aid is prepared to pay, ensuring that you can afford the care that you and your family deserve and need. Top Tip: Gap cover providers appoint a 10-month exclusionary waiting period on pregnancy and childbirth, so be sure this is something you include into the planning stages of starting a family. 2. Where there’s a will… Like Life Insurance, it’s one of those things we don’t like to think about, but if you’re going to become a parent, getting a will should be right up there with deciding on baby’s name or which pram to buy. Without one, you would have no say over who should care for your little bundle in the event of your death or what they will inherit from you and who should look after this inheritance until they’re old enough to look after it for themselves. Top Tip: Unless you have multiple assets and numerous issues that require a lawyer, you can draw up a will yourself online within minutes. 3. Save, save, and save some more Welcoming a baby into the world will have a significant impact on your finances. Being proactive when planning will help you to direct, save, and protect your wealth and is essential in preparation for raising and sustaining a child – not to mention the optional luxuries like a night nurse or whether your Mother-in-Law is up for babysitting. Consider borrowing items that the baby will use for short periods of time and look out for car seats and cots that are convertible, meaning you will save on large purchases in the future. Top Tip: Consider opening a tax-free savings account and setting up a monthly debit order to assist you with the discipline and frequency of saving. 4. Baby proof your life As you are heading to the final stretch, the nesting phase will start to kick in. While you will be inspired (again) to clean, organise and rearrange the nursery and house in preparation, don’t overlook the safety around the house. You may think you have time, but in the blink of an eye, that tiny baby is going to be digging under things or doing weird things like chewing on furniture legs so now is the time to cover those sharp corners, clear out/raise any indoor plants, and cover up plug points across the house. Top Tip: Go down to tummy time level to make sure that there are no heavy objects on high cabinets or counters that can topple over once baby starts moving around. 5. Insure your life It can be easy to put off big tasks until tomorrow (which never comes), so if “sign up for life insurance” is toward the bottom of your pre-baby to-do list, now is the time to push that right to the top. Even though the last thing you want to be thinking about is the possibility of your family needing to use your life insurance policy, not being able to provide for your child or leaving your partner with the financial burden of having to do so alone, is a far less pleasant thought. Top Tip: There are many factors to consider when getting life insurance so it’s best to see what kind of cover you need (and don’t need) with an insurer like Sanlam Indie – With Sanlam Indie you can get covered in 10 minutes, so there’s no time like the present. Bonus Tip: Stock up on groceries “Why?” you ask. Short answer… to save your sanity! Stock up on essentials such as coffee (the only thing you will really need), easy oven/frozen dishes, crackers, butter, and milk so you have them on hand, as well as some fresh foods such as fruits and veggies to snack on that will help you power through the chaos of those first whirlwind weeks (don’t forget the chocolate Mom). Top Tip: Bottled water is another important thing to buy in bulk so make sure to buy enough for the first few weeks. “Providing for your child isn’t just about taking care of their current needs; it’s about preparing for their future needs too.” – Edwin Theron, CEO at Sanlam Indie

August 23, 2023

GETTING THE STIMULATION BALANCE RIGHT WITH YOUR BABY

Stimulation is important for brain development – of that we are sure. The connections (synapses) that are made between brain cells are vital for development. For example a connection in the language part of the brain will result in understanding of speech or in speech itself. Connections are mainly made between brain cells in the presence of stimulation.

August 23, 2023

How to use a breast pump: 12 top tips

Learning how to use a breast pump can take time and dedication, but is well worth the effort. Read our expert breast pumping tips to help set you on the path to successful expressing. Like any skill worth having, it might take you a bit of time to get the hang of using a breast pump. The key is to be patient, even if you’re not able to express as much as you’d like right away. After all, a breast pump won’t stimulate the same feelings in you as your baby does. But, with time, your body will usually learn to trigger your let-down reflex when you pump, and the quantity of milk you express should increase. 1: There’s no need to rush to start pumping… In the first four weeks, you and your baby work together to initiate and build your milk supply. If your baby is healthy and breastfeeding is going well, you won’t need a pump to help with this. Pumping is, however, really helpful if you need to be apart from your baby any time (see tip below). If not, enjoy this time with your baby and be reassured that even if you plan to pump regularly in future, there’s no need to ‘train’ your body to express milk in the first few weeks. 2: …unless your baby is unable to breastfeed If your baby can’t feed directly from the breast, perhaps because she’s premature or has special needs, or you are separated for any reason, start double pumping breast milk as soon as you can after the birth. Research shows that starting to express within the first few hours (when a healthy newborn would usually have her first breastfeed) helps mums produce a higher volume of milk in the early days and weeks,1,2 giving their babies the best chance of being fed exclusively on mother’s milk. If you’re expecting your baby (or babies) to be born pre-term, in need of intensive care, or to have a condition that might make breastfeeding difficult, prepare yourself. Contact Lorraine at medelasa@sunpac.co.za or 011 445 3300 for advice about breastfeeding or book a full consultation with her online at www.medela.co.za to help you choose the right equipment to prepare yourself for special feeding conditions. There will probably be a hospital-grade double breast pump at your hospital or birth facility, so ask staff to show you how to use it. It’s important to remove milk from your breasts whenever your baby would normally drink – this means your breasts will still get the message to make milk. Aim for eight to 10 pumping sessions every 24 hours at first, and continue this frequency once your milk comes in. 3: Time it right For your first breast-pumping session, express for at least 15 minutes. Don’t worry if you don’t collect much milk at first – regular extra suction should soon stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Some mums find pumping one hour after a feed gives the greatest milk yield, others prefer to pump straight after every second feed – try expressing at different times to see when best fits your lifestyle. When you find times that work for you, stick with them so your body gets used to your breast pump use and the extra demand on your milk supply. You may be tempted to extend the time between expressions in a bid to collect larger volumes of milk. However, if you wait until your breasts are full one pumping session won’t drain them very well, so the key is to pump frequently and regularly. 4: Be hygienic Always wash your hands before and after breast pumping, and clean any pump parts that have been in contact with your milk or your baby’s mouth. You will also need to sanitise them after cleaning at least once a day. Be sure to allow all the pieces to completely dry and you can then store the pump set in a clear bag or container until next use. 5: Be prepared To avoid interrupting your breast-pumping session, have everything you need close by before you start. You might want a drink and snack, your phone or TV remote, bottles or milk storage bags for your expressed milk, and a muslin cloth to soak up any drips. Try the Medela Milk Storage Bags for a convenient way to store, carry and warm expressed breast milk. They have a double zip protection and double walls to ensure no leaks, and the heat-sealed seams guarantee no tearing, splitting or cracking. A specially designed breast pumping bra allows you to keep your hands free, making it much easier to operate the controls and do other things while you express. 6: Make yourself comfortable The best position for pumping is one in which you feel at ease. Being relaxed is essential for the release of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates your let-down reflex. Discomfort and distractions can hamper this process, so choose somewhere private and comfortable, and make sure your arms and back are well supported as you pump. If you’re not using a pumping bra, hold your breast shield between your thumb and index finger, and use your palm and other fingers to support your breast. Hold the breast shield gently against the breast – pressing too hard could compress your breast tissue and obstruct milk flow. Medela’s PersonalFit™ Breast shields play a key role in pumping comfort and efficiency. Shields are available in different sizes and is shaped around you so you can easily adjust the way your breast shield fits to find the most comfortable pumping position. Some mums find deep breathing, soothing music, visualisation techniques, or having their partner massage their back and shoulders, can help them express more milk. 7: Kick-start your let down Most Medela electric and battery-operated breast pumps have 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics the way your baby feeds (with fast, light sucking followed by slower and stronger sucks), to help trigger your let down. Massaging your breasts before

August 23, 2023

WARM UP YOUR WINTER WITH 10 NUTRITIOUS FOODS FOR A HEALTHY SEASON

As the winter chill settles in, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, highlights ten healthy winter foods that can help fortify our immune system, boost energy levels, and promote a healthy lifestyle. “During the winter months, it’s essential to focus on nutrient-rich foods that support our immune system and overall health,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “By including winter fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in our meals, we can fuel our bodies with the necessary nutrients to thrive during the colder months.” Here are the top 10 food recommendations from Affinity Health to help you stay healthy during winter. Citrus Fruits: Bursting with vitamin C, citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are winter powerhouses. They boost our immune system and fight off colds and flu. Enjoy them as a snack, or add them to salads, smoothies, or warm herbal teas. Winter Squash: Winter squash varieties like butternut, acorn, and kabocha are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins. They offer a lovely and hearty addition to winter meals. Roast, mash, or turn them into soups and stews for a dose of nourishing goodness. Dark Leafy Greens: Greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K. Incorporate them into soups, stir-fries, or salads for a vibrant and nutritious boost to your winter meals. Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes are earthy and nutritious staples in winter. They are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, providing sustained energy and supporting digestive health. Roast, steam, or use them in hearty winter casseroles and stews. Oats: A comforting and versatile grain, oats are rich in fibre, protein, and essential nutrients. Start your winter mornings with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits, nuts, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Oats provide long-lasting energy and promote healthy digestion. Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage belong to the cruciferous vegetable family. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting compounds. Roast or sauté them to enhance their flavours and reap many health benefits. Soups and Stews: Warm, hearty soups and stews made with nutrient-dense ingredients are perfect for winter. Opt for homemade varieties using seasonal vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins. They provide hydration, nourishment, and comfort during the colder months. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients. Sprinkle them on salads or yoghurts, or enjoy them as a snack to boost energy levels and support heart health. Herbal Teas: Warm up from the inside out with herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint. They not only provide comforting flavours but also offer various health benefits. Sip on these teas to promote relaxation, aid digestion, and boost overall well-being. Fish and Seafood: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. Include them in your diet to promote a healthy heart and provide essential nutrients. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products is designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

August 22, 2023

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM – EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY

Autism, commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is not merely a disorder but a celebration of neurodiversity. Affecting nearly 2% of the global population, Autism manifests uniquely in each individual, presenting a spectrum of experiences from mild to profound. Through collaborative efforts from a team of professionals at Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School, we strive to support and uplift individuals with Autism and their families, recognising their diverse strengths and challenges. In this article we briefly explore ASD in terms of sensory processing, communication, academic support, social interactions, and the need to embrace neurodiversity, creating a world that cherishes and values every unique individual. Definition: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodiversity, not a disorder, affecting almost 2% of the global population. Diagnosis: ASD presents differently in each individual, requiring professional assessments to identify strengths and challenges. Causes: The causes of Autism are still being researched, but there is no link to vaccines. Genetic factors play a role, but genes may not be inherited. Medical vs. Social Perspective: Autism can be viewed medically as a condition with manageable symptoms or socially as an alternate way of experiencing the world. Early Detection: Paediatricians are often the first to identify neurodiversity in children, leading to referrals to a team of professionals for support. Treatment: While there is no cure for Autism, medication may help manage anxiety and other difficulties associated with ASD. Sensory Processing: People with Autism process sensory information differently, leading to specific behaviors and needs. Occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting sensory processing. Communication: Speech therapists assist in developing communication skills and understanding social cues, as people with Autism may struggle with subtle aspects of communication. Academic Support: Learners with Autism benefit from academic accommodations and support in school to maximize their learning potential and happiness. Social Challenges: People with Autism may have difficulty understanding social norms and reciprocal conversations. Speech therapists, Occupational therapists and psychologists can help improve social interaction skills. Advocacy: Individuals with Autism and their families are strong advocates for neurodiversity and should be recognized as important voices in destigmatizing Autism. Embracing Neurodiversity: Each person with Autism has unique skills and challenges, requiring individualized support for a happy and fulfilling life. Every person on the spectrum contributes an essential piece to the beautiful tapestry of humanity. By fostering understanding, empathy, and inclusive support, we can ensure that individuals with Autism thrive and flourish in a world that appreciates their unique abilities. Let us stand together as advocates for Autism, breaking down barriers, and embracing neurodiversity with open hearts and minds. Written by Julia Wood – Head of Oak House Vocational Academy – Glenoaks School

August 22, 2023

What Causes nappy rash and how to know when to spot it

What causes nappy rash? The most common cause of nappy rash is when your baby’s skin becomes inflamed after contact with the chemicals in urine or faeces. Nappy rash is likely to occur if nappies are not changed often enough or if your baby has diarrhoea. However, if your baby has particularly sensitive skin, it can occur even when the nappy area is frequently cleaned. Sometimes friction caused by the nappy rubbing against your baby’s delicate skin or washing detergents that have not been thoroughly rinsed out of terry nappies (reusable nappies) can also cause nappy rash to the develop. When is nappy rash more likely to occur? Nappy rash can affect your baby’s bottom at any time and the reasons can be unclear. Particularly as some babies naturally have more sensitive skin and may be more prone to the condition. However, there are certain times when babies are especially susceptible to nappy rash, such as: During teething. Changing from breast to bottle feeding. When your baby feels unwell. (If your baby has a cold, their stools may be soft; meaning that nappy rash may be more likely to occur.) After antibiotics (Which can upset a baby’s digestive system causing diarrhoea.) Starting on solid foods. Sleeping a full night for the first time (Meaning that their nappy may be changed less often.) Drinking cow’s milk for the first time. How to spot nappy rash You can often quickly detect nappy rash by looking for these effects: A slight redness in the nappy area(This tends not to affect the skin folds.) Your baby’s bottom and upper thighs can become red and moist Skin can also become sore, spotty and hot to touch Patches of dry, flaky skin may also develop In more severe cases, blisters and pus-filled spots may appear. Nappy rash can be soothed, protected from coming back by using the Sudocrem at every nappy change. Types of nappy rash Normal nappy rash The most common occurrence of nappy rash is when the skin looks red and sore, and can almost appear shiny. This is usually caused by your baby’s bottom being in contact with a dirty nappy for a prolonged period or if the baby has a bout of diarrhoea. It is often the combination of urine and faeces which causes the most irritation. Mild nappy rash should disappear after a few days of following the steps above — sometimes it can go over night. Fungal nappy rash Different types of nappy rash require different treatments. A fungal nappy rash is a form of thrush and treatment is often an anti-fungal cream which your GP will need to prescribe. This should be applied thinly to the affected area. The fungal rash shows as tiny red spots and the genitals can appear swollen and can sometimes occur if your baby is on antibiotics. It is important that, if the nappy rash is fungal, you avoid your usual barrier cream as this can make the condition worse. If you are unsure, ask your GP or Health Visitor for advice. Bacterial nappy rash A bacterial nappy rash shows as infected spots or pimples and your baby is likely to have a fever. It can develop from a normal nappy rash when the skin has broken and an infection has developed because of bacteria entering the broken skin. This type of nappy rash may well need antibiotics so you should see your GP for treatment advice and monitoring as soon as possible. Use Sudocrem Skin and Baba Care Cream at every nappy change to soothe irritated skin and to prevent nappy rash from occurring. Sudocrem is available in 60g, 125g, 250g and 400g tubs and can be purchased at Baby City, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Clicks, other major retailer outlet near you and online.

August 22, 2023

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