Leading Expert Advice from Curro Online
Advice from the experts
Junior Colleges

The importance of learning to tie your shoelaces

In the age of velcro straps and slip-on shoes, the skill of tying shoelaces has been forgotten. As children enter their foundation phase schooling years, they become more independent with self-dressing. Children should begin to learn to tie their shoelaces between the ages of5 and 7 years old. Tying shoelaces requires strong fine motor skills, including; finger isolation, hand-eye coordination, and hand strength. As well as promoting self-confidence and independence. Learning to tie shoelaces for the first time can be rewarding yet frustrating as children become overwhelmed. To avoid tears and foster a positive learning experience, follow these simple tips: Let your children pick their own shoes; this makes it more exciting and attractive. Start practicing with the shoe NOT on their foot. Place it either on a table or on their lap. Choose a time during the day when you won’t be rushed. After school as opposed to during your morning routine and do this daily! Show your child your own shoes while they practice along with their own shoe. To avoid confusion, practice one step at a time. Master the first step before moving into the next. Choose a method and stick to it. Whether it be the traditional method or the ‘bunny ear.’ Method. Avoid using left and right unless your child is aware of and is adept at using these terms. Instead, use stickers or different coloured laces, then use the terms sticker or nonsticker,or red and blue lace. Most importantly, have patience and remain calm. Tying shoes requires many advanced. Skills. Enjoy this learning experience with your child. This is an important milestone in their lives and a life skill they will never forget.

May 17, 2023
Safety 1st

BABY PROOF YOUR HOME LIKE A PRO

Wouldn’t you like one less thing to worry about in your home? Especially now that you have a curious little one meandering around without a care about anything that could be dangerous. In a matter of seconds, your child could get into a potentially hazardous situation in the house. At Safety 1st, we have the babyproofing products you need to keep your child safe, from the kitchen to the bathroom to every other room. Safety Gates Once your little one is on the move – the race is on. And as fast as you think you are, they are somehow faster. Keep your wobbly walker from accessing certain areas of your house by installing baby gates in your home. But how do you know which safety gate to choose? Well, it all depends on where the baby gate is going. Pressure-mounted gates are perfect for the bottom of staircases or doorways. Since they adjust and stay in place by using pressure, you can install the gate without drilling into the wall. If you need a baby gate at the top of the stairs, you’ll want one that securely mounts to the wall. These gates extend to ensure the proper fit, but you’ll need to get your drill handy. At Safety 1st, we have baby gates that are perfect for just about anywhere you need one in your home, including walk-through gates, doorway gates, pressure mounted, hardware mounted flat step, tall and wide, and more. Locks & Latches Curious kids love opening and closing doors, drawers, and cabinets until you find yourself so exhausted from telling them to stop that you need a nap. Since it isn’t safe to play with what’s tucked away inside, Safety 1st designed childproof locks and latches, including magnetic drawer locks, appliance locks, and latches that help protect your child from getting into areas they’re not supposed to be exploring. Keeping your child safe is our top priority, which is why they are very easy for you to install and use, in case you were wondering. It’s ok if your home doesn’t have traditional doorknobs. We have locks that fit lever handles, too. Shop our childproof cabinet locks, latches, and much more! Plug Protectors As much as you tell your little one not to play with something, they don’t always listen. So, you need a stronger line of defense when it comes to electrical outlets. Play it safe by installing plug protectors. The plug protectors are removable (by you) and help stop little ones from sticking who knows what into the unused outlets.  When it comes to in-home safety, there are a few other ways to protect your little one, too. For instance, cord shorteners are a great way to wrap up long cords to help prevent your little one from getting caught in one. One thing parents don’t always think to cover is a power strip, but the exposed outlets that aren’t being used can also pose a danger. Shop our selection of plug protectors, plus much more.

May 17, 2023
Parenting Hub

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

While many people enjoy dark chocolate for its rich flavour, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, says it also offers several health benefits that make it a smart choice for those looking to indulge in a sweet treat without compromising their health. “Dark chocolate contains a high concentration of cocoa solids, which are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “However, when consuming dark chocolate, choosing high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids is essential to maximise its health benefits. Dark chocolate with added sugar, milk, or other ingredients may not offer the same health benefits. And remember, dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat, so limit yourself to a small serving.” The Surprising Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Rich in Antioxidants Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Dark chocolate’s antioxidants can help neutralise free radicals and reduce the risk of these diseases. Heart Health Several studies have shown that eating dark chocolate can benefit heart health. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, compounds that help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, dark chocolate can help reduce LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels, another risk factor for heart disease. Mood Booster Dark chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Additionally, dark chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which can help to boost energy levels and improve mental clarity. Brain Function Eating dark chocolate may also be beneficial for brain function. The flavonoids in dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and memory. Additionally, dark chocolate’s caffeine and theobromine can help improve mental alertness and focus. Vision Health Dark chocolate flavonoids can improve vision and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina and improving blood flow. Skin Health Dark chocolate is also beneficial for skin health. Dark chocolate’s antioxidants can help protect the skin against damage from the sun and other environmental factors, reducing the risk of wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Additionally, the flavonoids in dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the skin, enhancing skin hydration and texture. Weight Management While chocolate is often thought of as a food that should be avoided when trying to lose weight, dark chocolate can be beneficial for weight management. Dark chocolate is rich in fibre, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, the flavonoids in dark chocolate can help reduce cravings for sweet and salty foods, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.     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 healthcare products are 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.

May 16, 2023
Junior Colleges

The importance of Sensory Play

From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them.  It is critical to provide children with opportunities to use all their senses to explore their world through “sensory play” as each new sensory experience helps to build neural pathways in the brain, which assist with brain development and the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks in later years. A variety of sensory activities allow children’s brains to create stronger connections to be able to process and respond to sensory information. Any neural pathways which are not established will eventually die off. Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates a young child’s senses of touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing as well as anything that involves movement and balance. I will explain this now.  We are all familiar with the 5 basic senses of Taste, Touch, Smell, Sight, and Hearing.   But there are two other very important senses people are not always aware of: Proprioception (Body Awareness) – When a baby or child moves, information from the muscles and joints are sent to the brain. The receiving and interpreting of this information is proprioception. This enables us to gain a sense of where our bodies are in space – Body Awareness. Vestibular system – The stimulation of the vestibular system of the inner ear tells the baby where their body is in relation to gravity. It helps to orientate the baby, It is important for the development of balance and postural control, and for the development of spatial orientation and perception.  It strengthens the eye movements necessary for reading. It also promotes emotional stability and encourages pleasure in movement. Babies and children need to be exposed to different kinds of movement to ensure the proper development of the Vestibular (Balance) system. These different movements should include forwards and backward ( Like walking, running, swinging), Sideways  ( rocking side to side, running sideways), Up and down ( lifting up and down, jumping up and down), Rotating head  ( rolling from point A to B along the floor,  somersaulting),  Spinning  ( going round and round, winding up a swing and then letting it unwind). Stimulating the Senses While it is important to stimulate all the senses in early childhood, The Tactile and Vestibular Systems are the most important systems in early development as they are the first systems to develop in Early development. (The baby was exposed to tactile and vestibular stimulation while in the womb). I have covered some ways to stimulate the vestibular system above. Now I would like to discuss more ways to stimulate the Tactile (Touch) system.  Fine nerve endings found throughout the skin enable the sense of touch.  The skin needs to be exposed to a variety of different textures and materials to enable children to discriminate between different sensations like rough, smooth, hard, soft, hot, cold, heavy, light etc. Because the receptors are found throughout the skin it is important to expose as much of the skin to a variety of different textures. But remember all stimulation must be offered in a play and fun environment and we must ensure we do not overstimulate babies and children. Just offer opportunities for them to explore and touch a variety of textures in a fun, playful environment and allow your child to explore at their own pace. Play with your child and describe the different textures – wet, dry, hot, cold, rough, smooth, etc.  Simple things like walking bare feet, rolling across the grass with as little clothing as possible, and playing in a sandpit or in water with as little clothing as possible.  Playing with a variety of textured materials and ideally letting your child feel the textures over their entire body – feathers, beans, polystyrene chips, rice, spaghetti, playdough, leaves, sand, etc. Playing with messy textures is also important. Like mixing cornstarch with water, playing in mud and water, playing with shaving foam, soapy bubbles, dry flour or flour and water, finger paints, etc. As mentioned children learn through ALL their senses – so here are a few points on the other sense too.: Auditory sensory play  – let your child listen to different sounds while sitting in the garden  – birds, airplanes, cars, trees rustling. Imitate animal sounds. Experiment with making different sounds – loud and soft, high and low.  Tap out different rhythms using kitchen utensils.  Read out loud together often. Listen to Nursery rhymes and fun songs. Visual sensory play – use torches in the dark and create interesting shapes, watch shadows on the wall, let them chase their own shadow, watch leaves blowing in the wind, exposing them to a variety of colourful lights, and help them identify objects in pictures, encourage them to track moving objects like balls, etc. Taste and smell – expose your child to a variety of food items to taste and smell – so they learn about sweet and sour, bitter, salty and spicy. Describe the tastes and the smells.  Expose them to flowers, perfumes, fresh bread, etc. Sensory Play has many benefits.  As discussed above children learn about and explore their environments through their senses. In this way, sensory play establishes neural pathways in babies’ and young children’s brains, which are important for all later learning. There are also many opportunities for developing fine motor skills by picking up different textured objects, and squishing and squeezing things – which develops pre-writing skills. There is potential for early maths skills by discussing size, weight, height, shape, counting, etc.  Messy activities are excellent for encouraging vocabulary and language development. Always make the sensory play and the exploration fun and allow your child to explore at their own pace.  You can play alongside them at times to describe the different textures, tastes, sounds, etc – but never bombard your child with information – allow them just to play, explore, figure their world out for themselves and most importantly have fun.

May 16, 2023
My Breastpump

How long should a mother breastfeed for

As a lactation consultant I often get asked how long should a mother breast feed for? The World Health Organisation have had the recommendation of: exclusive breast feeding for 6 months and prolong breast feeding for 2 year or longer for a while now.  This guideline is very helpful for mothers to realise what is considered normal and beneficial to both mom and the baby. Breastfeeding is seen as the normal way of feeding a baby. Study after study has show in increasing clarity how beneficial breast feeding is to baby and mom. Prolonged breast feeding of 2 years or longer is due to the continued benefits. Mothers can now feel assured that they can breast feed their baby for as long as they both desire with positive health benefits due to breastfeeding for the entire time.  Human breast milk has a unique composition that is rich in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory agents and living leukocytes all these components contribute to helping the child’s immune system develop. Breastmilk is dynamic and it changes to meet the needs of a growing or ill infant. Studies of exclusive breast feeding over 6 months have shown lower rates of respiratory tract infections, severe diarrhoea, otitis media and obesity. Let’s unpack that for a child that is living in South Africa. The under 5 stunting rate in South Africa is 27%, which is above the world average. Stunting is an indicator of long-standing undernutrition. With breast feeding for longer we would be able to reduce this statistic. The illnesses mentioned above have major effects on children’s growth and development specifically if they happen often. Breast feeding helps to prevent these illnesses and help to promote better growth and development of children.  For example, a child that has reoccurring ear infections this can affect they way that they hear. Causing them to have delayed speech or to miss hear sounds. This can have a negative affect on the child’s speech and learning.  The health benefits are for all babies that are breast feed and not just those that have lower social economic backgrounds. Mothers who breast feed for longer than 6 months have a reduced risk of developing diabetes by half even if they have had gestational diabetes. Cholesterol levels can also be lowered in mothers that are breast feeding, maternal weight loss and reduced risk of different types of cancers. Baby’s skin also benefits from breast feeding as there is a reduced risk of skin issues, allergies and eczema. The preventative effect from cancer is not just for the mother but also for the child. The mother’s immune system works with the baby’s immune system though exchange of milk and baby’s saliva to share information about health and need for immune responses. This is very important as the baby gets older and is exposed to more bacteria and viruses.  Ways that we can assist mother with prolonged breast feeding is to be accepting. It is as simple as that. We know that there are benefits for both the mom and baby- I would also like to add to the extended family as well. There is no need to comment or ask when the mother will stop breast feeding. Let mom and baby enjoy their breast-feeding time together because it the grater scheme of life it is a very short period. Shops and restaurants need to make it easier for mothers to breast feed in private or public as she feels comfortable.  In the working environment, there are guidelines that HR departments can follow to allow the mother to express at work so that the mother is able to maintain her supply when she returns to work.  For the mom to express efficiently and effectively they need a strong breast pump like the Ameda Mya Joy. This breast pump is a hospital grade breast pump that can effectively drain and empty your breasts. This is important for mothers that are pumping at work because effective draining is key to maintaining your breast milk supply. By having a good milk supply, that you can express easily in the 30 minutes break expressing breaks, helps to keep your breast milk stash fully supplied and helps to reduce stress around pumping. Another breast pumping tip is to have a great pumping bag that can fit all your pumping equipment and a milk cooler bag that keeps your milk the correct temperature while you travel home. See the My Breastpump bag and Cooler bag on our website. 

May 15, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Mental health and pregnancy – Antenatal depression

Your health during and after your pregnancy is important to both you and your baby. Normally when people think health, assume physical, but your mental health is just as important. If you are struggling with anxiety and depression during your pregnancy, this is known as antenatal depression. You’re probably chalking your mood swings and doubts down to pregnancy hormones, but when should you start to be worried about your mental health during pregnancy? What is antenatal depression? Mood swings during pregnancy are fairly normal, as your body is adjusting to changing hormones. Not only are your body’s hormones changing, but the emotional, physical and psychological changes that you are going through during pregnancy can also be overwhelming. Most antenatal care focuses on physical health, meaning depression and anxiety are often overlooked during pregnancy. Postnatal depression is far more commonly addressed than prenatal, and it is important that both are equally acknowledged – your mental health is always important. Antenatal depression is different from mood swings in the way that it is a persistent feeling of sadness or loss. Many of the symptoms of depression are similar to what can normally be experienced during pregnancy, such as fatigue and changes in sleep patterns. However, when you are struggling to function normally day to day, or your symptoms persist for weeks on end, it may be time to find professional help. What can I do if  I think I have antenatal depression? If you are worried that your feelings of frustration or sadness are not just normal pregnancy blues, here is what you can do to help yourself. Talking to a professional is always a good first step as they can guide you in a direction that will work best for you and your baby. You could help yourself feel better by looking after yourself. Eating healthy, exercising and sleeping well are all ways in which you can boost your serotonin levels. Speak to people with similar experiences or open-up to your close friends and family. Building your support network can help you feel less isolated and alone.

May 15, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

Chat apps – the devil you think you know…

Towards the end of 2020, WhatsApp made a big announcement that they would be updating their privacy policy applicable to all the WhatsApp users. At that stage, WhatsApp’s privacy policies already granted the sharing of personal information to Facebook, but limited to the phone numbers and device information. The update to the policy would allow WhatsApp to also share payment and transaction data to better target advertisements and expand the ecommerce capabilities. WhatsApp received significant backlash from users with a lot of users starting to investigate alternatives before the effective date of the new privacy policy. Many people, including groups of families and circles of friends, migrated to Signal and Telegram. Almost a year later, at the end of 2021, we have to ask: “The devil you know, or the devil you don’t?” FYI play it safe received a message from an enlightened parent. As a family, they decided to swap WhatsApp for Telegram. They were not aware of the risks of this new chat app and didn’t know about the security settings that should be set – especially if children use the app. This parent started noticing a change in their teenager’s behaviour and investigated by going through her Telegram messages. The app allows people to discover and chat to people “nearby” and also have “nearby groups”. She started dabbling in drugs, because it was super easy for her to buy what she wanted and to start experimenting. What started off with a bit of weed, progressed to harder drugs, which quickly escalated to heroin addiction.  Fortunately, her father intervened and responded with urgency and together, they found the right support. Well done, Dad! When you are starting to use an app, and more importantly, when your children start to explore new apps, make sure to go into each setting and select the most private and most secure options. It is equally important to discuss this with your children and explain to them why you are putting these security measures in place. Location services on chat-type apps should never be allowed and all the necessary private information should only be visible to your child’s contacts.  FYI play it safe monitors the contents of every single app. Whether your child is doing a Google search, chatting with his online gaming-friends in a chat room, or using social media. As parents, you don’t have to read through thousands of messages to really know what’s going on, because FYI play it safe does that for you and will alert you if your child is exposed to a potentially harmful situation. Monitoring includes signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, when they talk to strangers or predators, or if they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or any form of drugs. Be the cyber-smart parent. FYI play it safe is the one app no parent should be without. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

May 15, 2023
Parenting Hub

TIPS TO HELP YOUR TEETHING BABY

While teething can be uncomfortable for your baby, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, says there are ways to make your baby’s teething experience more bearable. “Teething occurs when your baby’s teeth protrude through the gum line. It’s also known as odontiasis,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Every baby is different when it comes to teething. However, your baby will likely get their first tooth during their first year.” When Do Babies Begin To Teeth? Some babies begin teething before the age of four months, while others start after the age of twelve months. However, most babies begin teething around the age of six months. Symptoms Of Teething Baby teeth can sometimes emerge without any pain or discomfort. At times, however, teething can cause your baby to be irritable and uncomfortable. Signs that your baby is teething include: Sore and red gums where the tooth is coming through A mild temperature (less than 38 degrees Celsius) Flushed cheeks A rash on their face Rubbing their ears Dribbling more than usual Gnawing and chewing on things more than usual Restlessness Irritability   “Teething can be painful, but it rarely causes babies to become ill,” adds Hewlett. “If your baby has diarrhoea, vomiting, body rashes, a higher fever, or cough and congestion, contact your doctor. These are not typical teething symptoms. You should also contact a paediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or if you notice any pus or swelling on their face. What is the order of appearance of baby teeth?” The Order Milk Teeth Appear The following is a rough guide to how babies’ teeth typically emerge: Bottom incisors (bottom front teeth): These teeth are usually the first to appear at around five to seven months. Top incisors (top front teeth): These appear around six to eight months. Lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth): These appear around nine to 11 months. Bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth): These appear around 10 to 12 months. First molars (back teeth): The majority of children will have all of their back molars by the age of two or three. When and how teeth appear varies from baby to baby and may be influenced by family history. Eventually, 20 milk teeth will emerge. 8 Ways To Calm a Teething Baby What soothes one baby might not work for another, so you might need to try different things to make your child feel better. Bananas, apples, and carrots can be frozen and gnawed on by your teething baby for pain relief and a tasty treat. To avoid choking hazards, crush the food and place it in a baby-safe mesh feeder once the teeth have emerged. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes the nerve endings in the gums, which helps to relieve teething pain. Rub a slice of peeled ginger over your baby’s gums for two or three minutes for the best results. Cloves contain oils that are warming and numbing. Combine ground cloves with water, coconut oil, or unsalted butter to make a paste that can be rubbed on the gums. Allow your baby to chew on a damp washcloth for a cool, numbing sensation. To add some interest, tie one end of the cloth in a knot before freezing it, or soak it in chamomile tea instead of water. Because they are nearly bite-proof, firm rubber and unfinished wooden teething rings are ideal for older teethers. Avoid liquid-filled teethers because they can break under pressure. And, of course, make sure that the ones you buy are BPA-free Chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator for a few hours and give it to your baby to suck on.  Use your index finger to rub and massage your infant’s gums gently. Allow them to gnaw on your big knuckle if you’re brave (and they don’t have too many teeth). Rub your baby’s face, jaw, and gums in a circular motion several times daily. This treatment may be ineffective in some babies but may be effective in others. A Word On Teething Necklaces  You may have heard that heated amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever. That has not been proven, and doctors advise against using one. “Teething necklaces, in general, are not recommended by paediatricians,” says Hewlett. “They’re dangerous because they have the potential to strangle your baby. They can also choke if the necklace breaks and the beads are swallowed.” If you do decide to use one, make sure that you: Put it on the baby’s wrist or ankle, not around their neck. Always keep an eye on your child while they are wearing it. Take it away whenever you are not watching your baby, even for a short period.

May 12, 2023
Parenting Hub

10 MYTHS ABOUT DEPRESSION

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, says it is important to understand the facts about depression to dispel myths and misconceptions that can prevent people from seeking help. “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a serious mental health condition that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), affects more than 264 million people globally,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Despite its prevalence, there are many myths and misconceptions about depression that can make it difficult for people to understand and seek help.” Affinity Health explores 10 common myths about depression and provides accurate information to help dispel these misconceptions. Myth: Depression is Just Sadness Fact: While sadness is a common symptom of depression, it is not the only one. Depression can also cause feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and emptiness, as well as physical symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite. Myth: Depression is a Personal Weakness or Character Flaw Fact: Depression is a medical condition caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. It is not a personal weakness or a reflection of character. Myth: Depression is a Choice Fact: People with depression cannot simply choose to be happy or snap out of it. Depression requires treatment and support. Myth: Depression is not a Serious Illness Fact: Depression can have significant impacts on a person’s mental and physical health, as well as their relationships and ability to function in daily life. Myth: Only Weak People Get Depressed Fact: Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their strength or resilience. In fact, many people who experience depression are highly accomplished and successful. Myth: Depression is a Normal Part of Ageing Fact: While depression can occur at any age, it is not a normal part of ageing. Older adults, however, may be at higher risk for depression due to factors like loneliness, financial difficulties, chronic pain, and lack of purpose or meaning. Myth: Talking About Depression Makes it Worse Fact: Talking about depression can help people to feel understood and supported and reduce feelings of social isolation and shame. Myth: Depression is Just Like Sadness, and it Will Pass Fact: Sadness is a normal emotion everyone experiences during stressful or sombre times. Life events such as losing a loved one, financial troubles, or job loss can trigger sadness. However, sadness often passes with time, but depression persists, affecting daily life. Myth: Medication is The Only Treatment for Depression Fact: While medication can be an effective treatment for depression, it is not the only option. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and other types of support can also help manage depression. Myth: Once Someone is Cured of Depression, they will Never Experience it Again Fact: Depression is a chronic mental illness that can recur throughout a person’s life. While treatment can help to manage symptoms, it is important for people to continue to prioritise their mental health and seek support as needed. Need Help? If you believe you are suffering from depression, talk to your healthcare provider, who can assist with a treatment plan. Alternatively, contact The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at (011) 234-4837 during office hours or 0800 456 789 (24-hour helpline).   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 healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to always give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

May 12, 2023
Parenting Hub

Discover the power of targeted nutrition with JSHealth: Your Guide to optimal health and wellness

JSHealth is not just another supplement brand. JSHealth offers unique, nutritionally formulated products designed for specific health needs such as skin health, mild stress and anxiety, and bloating. The range of products is simple and easy to navigate, with each formula’s name reflecting its purpose. The brand’s philosophy centers on quality, with ingredients in each formula chosen by a team of experts to ensure efficacy and optimal dosages. This Australian-made brand has total control over the quality of ingredients, combination, and dosage. A few hero products from the range includes: JSHealth Mild Anxiety + Stress Tablets 60’s (R699.00) The Mild Anxiety + Stress formula is designed to help reduce the occurrence of symptoms of mild anxiety, and relieve symptoms of stress and nervous tension, based on traditional Western herbal medicine with a special combination of rejuvenating adaptogens, herbs, antioxidants, and vitamins. Passionflower is traditionally used in western herbal medicine to help reduce the occurrence of symptoms of mild anxiety, stress, and nervous tension, relieve irritability, and calm and soothe the nerves. Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating tonic. It is an adaptogen to help the body adapt to stress and relieves feelings of general malaise and debility. Vitamin B5 supports cognitive and mental function. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces free radicals formed in the body. JSHealth Detox + Debloat Tablets 60’s (R699.00) One formula inspired by a double-benefit approach for the digestive system and the liver is designed to support your confidence and nourish your health from the inside out. Fennel is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to decrease, reduce and relieve abdominal bloating and distention. Turmeric is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve digestive discomfort, support liver health and is an antioxidant. Milk thistle is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support natural cleansing and detoxification. JSHealth Hair + Energy Formula 30’s/60’s (from R499.00) Hair + Energy supports hair health and growth (when dietary intake is inadequate), plus maintains energy levels, with Iodine from an exclusive blend of JS Health Kelp™ and Zinc. It also maintains hair thickness and strength in females. Iodine maintains and supports hair health (when dietary intake is inadequate). It maintains and supports energy levels and body metabolism, as well as thyroid gland function and thyroid hormones. Zinc helps maintain normal healthy hair, skin and nails. JSHealth Skin + Digestion Formula 60’s (R699.00) Did you know that the gut and skin are linked? This formula targets both. Think of Skin + Digestion as an inside-out tool for skin health, which works to relieve the symptoms of acne, pimples and more. At the same time, it relieves digestive discomfort, it is based on traditional Western herbal medicine, and supports gastrointestinal health. This comprehensive formula also helps support collagen production. Zinc relieves symptoms of acne, pimples and minor skin eruptions. Burdock is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve minor skin eruptions and symptoms of mild eczema and dermatitis. Vitamins B2 and C maintain and support skin health. Turmeric is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve digestive discomfort and promote bile secretion. JSHealth Vitality X + Collagen (R999.00) Vitality X + Collagen is our signature inner beauty powder. This unique blend harnesses the benefits of sustainably-sourced Marine Collagen enhanced with a unique combination of ingredients for skin health and vitality. The Marine Collagen peptides are activated through the hydrolysation process for high absorption. Marine collagen supports collagen formation, skin integrity and structure, skin hydration and elasticity in females and maintains collagen health. JSHealth Vitamins is available at selected Clicks stores and online at www.clicks.co.za

May 12, 2023
Bill Corbett

MY CHILD IS SCARED AND KEEPS GETTING OUT OF HIS BED

I received the following question in an email from a parent:  “Our son is three years old and for the past three months he has not been sleeping well. Depending on the night, it can take numerous attempts to get him to go to sleep and then when he does, he wakes up every 3 hours or so and it can take a while for him to go back to sleep.  He never had any issues with sleep prior to this. His father and I are married and have a great loving relationship and nothing has changed in our family at all over the past year. What thoughts do you have for us in dealing with his sleep issues?” Here is my reply to this parent: Children go through different phases throughout their childhood and sometimes their behavior doesn’t make sense to us.  They could see something scary quickly, hear adults talking about something alarming or a friend at school might tell them something that bothers them.  The most important thing for you to do is to remain calm around this issue.  When children see their parents acting calm and not appearing anxious, it can actually help them calm down as well.  Here are a few things you can do right away. DO SOMETHING AS A FAMILY IN THE HOUR OR TWO BEFORE HIS BEDTIME.  I know it can be difficult for working parents, but make time for it anyway. Spend time together reading a book, playing a quiet game, or talking. This loving activity will help him to feel loved and know that his family is OK. IDENTIFY THE PRIMARY ACTIVITIES AT BEDTIME AND SEE THAT THEY HAPPEN.  With him, create a visual list of what he needs to do: potty, get PJs on, a story, teeth brushing, and a drink of water. Creating a visual list will help create sameness and routine. Children with more sameness and routine in their lives feel more comforted and calm. I love the product called SCHKIDULES (http://www.schkidules.com) because they allow parents to create visual routines for little and big children. GUIDE HIM BACK SILENTLY EACH TIME HE GETS OUT OF BED.  Tell him in advance that starting tonight, after he gets tucked into bed, one parent will guide him back to his bed and they will not be able to speak to him. Role play this. Make believe to tuck him into bed and then when he gets out, calmly and lovingly (without speaking) guide him back to his bed and leave the room immediately. Remember, no talking to the child when he gets out of bed after being officially tucked in.  But be sure and smile and lovingly return him to his bed immediately and then leave his room. Do this whether he wakes while you’re up or after you go to sleep.  Your job is to create sameness, routine and to draw boundaries and follow through.

May 12, 2023
Bill Corbett

HELP! MY KIDS WON’T STOP FIGHTING!

Parents generally see their children as wonderful gifts from the heavens but children don’t always see each other in that same light.  They first see their primary caregivers, and the love and attention they get from them, as a limited commodity.  They then see their siblings as competition for that love and attention and sometimes feel they have to fight for it. When a new child enters the family, the oldest or older children sometimes feel as if they have been dethroned and now have to share their parents with this new child.  This can bring about feelings of animosity and jealousy between children.   To deal with this problem effectively, parents can find ways that will allow the older child to become a teacher or leader to the younger child(ren).  You can also give the older child special privileges and give them special time with you, such as one-on-one dates to help them feel like they haven’t lost their place in the family. Fighting and other forms of sibling rivalry also occur as a result of these feelings.  Avoid racing into every little argument or disagreement.  If you do, it will teach your children to create problems just to get you involved.  It will also train them that they are NOT accountable for stopping fights and working things out, it teaches them instead that YOU are responsible for doing that.  Because you ARE responsible for keeping everyone safe, sometimes the only solution is to just separate them.  This is especially true for when toddlers and preschoolers hit one another or begin to fight.  It just means they’ve had enough of that other person for a while and they want them out of their space. Avoid using punishments like time out and avoid taking sides.  When a conflict breaks out, just separate both of them.  It doesn’t matter who started it or who did what, just separate them in different spaces to be apart.  And during this moment of behavior management, remain calm and talk very little.  You can easily transfer your own negative feelings into the relationship between the children.  Sometimes the conflict between the children is actually an imitation of what’s going on with the adults.

May 12, 2023
Bill Corbett

3 POWERFUL METHODS FOR HANDLING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR

When I deliver a live parent lecture, I sometimes ask my audience to raise their hand if their parents used punishment when they misbehaved. Most hands go up, revealing that punishment was a common parenting tool back in the day. Since that time, society has determined that punitive treatment of our children is no longer acceptable. Researchers have also determined that children who are punished are more likely to have low self-esteem and experience depression or even suicidal thoughts as adults. Many of today’s parents also understand how important the experience during the early years of childhood contribute to the success of their children in their adult years. This includes how happy they are, how well they seek out healthy living habits, and how well they are able to select other healthy adults into their lives. So if you want to set your child up for success, here are just a few suggestions on how to handle challenging behaviors with your children. This does not serve as a complete list, but simply a few suggestions to get you started. FIND A FUN WAY TO GET YOUR NEEDS MET. Sometimes a parent is on a mission to accomplish some task and his children are making it difficult by demonstrating uncooperative behavior. Ask yourself, “What fun can I add to this moment that will provide some cooperation. One day I was bound and determined to get the leaves raked up in the yard and my kids did not want to help. Instead of getting angry, yelling and punishing them, I issued a challenge to my three kids: WHOEVER COULD RAKE UP THE LARGES PILE OF LEAVES WOULD GET THROWN INTO IT. The kids immediately ran out into the yard to begin raking. My goal was accomplished GIVE YOUR CHILD A SENSE OF VALUE. A woman shared with me that her son would act out and misbehave whenever she was busy in the kitchen preparing for a big meal for a family gathering. Perhaps the boy felt as if he was competing with the kitchen activities for his mom’s attention. I told her to make a list of all the guests who will be coming to dinner, and have the boy create a drawing on a large 8.5″ x 17″ piece of paper, specifically for each of those individuals. Those drawing will be the placemats placed at each place setting. After the dinner is completed and the dishes are cleared, the little boy gets to explain what each drawing means to the person he drew it for. GIVE YOUR CHILD A CHOICE. Demanding a child to do something immediately doesn’t work in this modern age. It did back when we were young because it was a different time with a different style of parenting. Most of us were raised by autocratic parents who issued demands regularly and we were expected to comply. So instead of issuing commands to your child, give them a choice related to completing the task. Instead of saying, “Go brush your teeth!”, say, “Would you like me to brush your teeth or would you like to do it yourself?”

May 11, 2023
My Breastpump

NICU and Milk supply

The first few days after giving birth are very important in setting up your milk supply, particularly if your baby is born early. Starting your milk supply without a baby drinking directly from your breast can be done. It does take commitment and effort but it most certainly can be done. In this blog, I will give you tips to help you and also the reason as to why they will work.  Firstly if your baby is born early you still need to get your milk production up to its maximum by week two. This is to ensure that you are able to meet your baby’s needs as she grows and gets older. The amount of expressed breast milk that you are aiming to express is between 750-1100ml per 24 hours at 2 weeks for a singleton. An interesting fact to note is that your baby will not need more milk than this as they age. The composition of your breast milk will change according to your baby’s needs but not the volume. So once you have reached this goal you are set for the rest of your breastfeeding experience.  So how do you get your milk supply up in such a short time and with everything else that is going on in the NICU?  The first step is to start pumping as soon as possible. The guideline is to start pumping within the first 6 hours after birth. This target is important, as it is, your body is primed to start with breastfeeding. If for any reason you were not able to start within this time, start anyway, often there are reasons for the delayed starting that are out of a mom’s control: surgery, recovery from the birth, ill health, not having a breast pump or knowing how to hand express. The reason that you need to start expressing is you need to let your body know that you have a baby to feed and it will respond. Your body has been primed during pregnancy for breastfeeding but now it needs the nipple stimulation that is associated with breastfeeding and pumping to start up your “milk-making factory”. The nipple stimulation gets your prolactin levels higher which is the milk-making hormone. You need to maintain high levels of prolactin in order to keep your “milk factory” working. The second step which is actually more important than when you started expression, is how often your express in 24 hours. Your goal should be 8 to 12 times, with no longer than a 5-hour break for your evening sleep. This strict regime of pumping is so that you are imitating how a newborn would be feeding. It imitates how your nipples would be stimulated and increases and keeps the prolactin levels high so that your breast milk factory (the breasts) keeps on producing milk. With time you will see your milk change from colostrum to transitional milk and then mature milk.  Don’t forget to pump at night. Night pumping is very important as your prolactin levels are higher at night and as a result, your breasts will then respond to the stimulation better. This can become an issue for a mother that needs sleep and is not able to maintain a 3 hourly schedule of pumping through out the night. In this case, the recommendation is that the mother pump just before she sleeps and as soon as she wakes up with no longer than a 5-hour break between pumping. Sleeping is also important in the process of making breast milk and sleep can be very beneficial in helping you with your milk production.  Make sure that you are pumping efficiently and effectually in the shortest amount of time. This is because it is better to pump 8 times a day for 20 minutes and 4 times a day for 60  minutes. Some mothers find that if they wait longer, they can express more in a session- this is the beginning of weaning as the breast will be stimulated less and less resulting in a decrease in milk production over the 24 hours. It is better to keep to more often pumping with an effective Double electric hospital-grade breast pump that is a closed system like the Ameda Mya Joy. An added bonus is that the Mya Joy is very quiet and portable. There is even an option to make the pump, hands-free as well.  When pumping make sure that all your breast pump parts are clean, sterilised, and in working order. You may need to replace the valves over time as these are the parts that wear the most.  Focus on your happy place- while you re pumping. This can be your baby, looking at a  photograph or a video. However, some mothers might find this stressful to see their baby in NICU with all the tubes and monitors so they may benefit from focusing on a different happy place. It really is an individual focus that will help you to get your milk flowing. You may even try hands-on pumping which in some cases has shown to improve the milk volume at the end of a pump.  Focus on these 5 tips to help you to get your breast milk supply up and flowing while your baby is in NICU. As soon as you are able to take advantage of skin-to-skin and how it can help you to increase your milk supply. It is also a lovely way to spend time with your baby. 

May 11, 2023
Philips Avent

You’re Pregnant! Now what? What to expect when you are expecting and knowing your rights as a new Mom

Every second four babies are born somewhere in the world. Most births are usually preceded by the most popular question: Is it a boy or a girl?  In South Africa, 1 million births took place in 2021 with the most popular choice of birth names being Lethabo and Melokuhle according to Statistics South Africa, both of which represent positive connotations of love and acceptance. And, did you know that statistically, slightly more boys are born than girls with the World Health Organisation stating that around 105 boys are born per 100 girls. Whether you choose to find out the sex of your foetus at your 20-week ultrasound appointment and throw a celebratory baby naming ceremony with friends and family or; you prefer to be surprised on the day of your delivery, it will undoubtedly be a watershed moment. No one forgets the day they turned into a bona fide parent responsible for building and strengthening the mother-father-and-child bond through everyday love and caring.  As a parent, you will want what is best for your baby from day one. With 30 years of clinical experience in baby feeding, Philips Avent has been designing and manufacturing solutions to meet your needs developed through extensive research, clinical trials and, even more importantly by listening to parents like you. While developing innovations based on a deep understanding of mom and baby physiology, we are here to support you every step of the way. Preparing for Birth Not everyone is gifted with the opportunity to fall pregnant and deliver a child into the world. When you do fall pregnant however you also realise that your growing belly doesn’t come with a manual for life. Rather, you are the manual, and it is your responsibility to look after yourself first and then your child in the best conceivable way.  It is your turn now to step up to being the ‘Mom know best’ in your life, while gathering information along your journey, finding support, asking questions and using the best tools for loving, nurturing, nourishing and growing that new life inside of you which carries fifty percent of its DNA from Mom and the other half from Dad.     Self-care When you test positive for a baby, your physical body immediately gets to work and you will notice changes such as weight gain, backache, and fluid retention as the pressure of your growing womb affects the blood flow in your legs.  Gestation is not only a time for your baby to grow and develop but for you to become more conscious and attentive to the needs of you and your body. Self-care means resting when you are tired, cutting out junk foods and food cravings, walking or stretching daily to strengthen your body in preparation for the birth and preparing your home nest to receive a new member who will fit into your everyday routines as seamlessly as possible. Trimester Checklists The first trimester is the most important period of your baby’s development. This is when your baby’s structure and organs develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this uncertain period and your body also undergoes major changes. First Trimester Essentials: Week 1 – 13: Start taking a prenatal vitamin and avoid unsafe foods such as raw eggs, deli meat and raw fish. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and reduce your caffeine intake.  Stay hydrated and try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Settle on a gynaecologist, midwife, or other prenatal care provider  Check your medical aid insurance to see if it covers prenatal care and delivery Schedule your first prenatal appointment usually around the 8-week mark Talk to your doctor or midwife about prenatal testing to check for genetic defects and HIV. Check your finances, the costs of your baby and how maternity leave will impact you. Start a budget and a savings plan. Discuss your parenting ideas with your partner and agree on how you want to raise your child and research parenting and prenatal classes you can sign up for together. You Have a Baby! Now What? Following the birth, the first ten days with your newborn at home will prove to be as big a learning curve as it was on initially hearing you were pregnant. Don’t panic, this is where your instincts get to kick in and perform at their best. If you don’t have a mom, sister, or doula to support you, here are a few practical tips for your baby’s healthy development: Do as much skin to skin contact as possible. Your baby loves feeling, hearing, and smelling your presence which gives them a sense of protection and calm. Hug, touch, talk and stroke your child as much as possible. Within only a few days, your newborn can start smiling back when people smile at them. Breastmilk wins every time.  Mother’s milk is pure elixir to babies helping them to grow properly and develop their immune systems. Breast pumping is an easy and practical method for modern mums to bring in your milk and ensure you supply enough breast milk at every feed and for the two-year mandated breastfeeding period while juggling life and a career.  Embrace every moment and love every challenge with the Philips Avent Electric Breast pump which offers a new era in expressing with a perfect balance of suction and nipple stimulation inspired by the natural way baby’s drink.  Communicate with your new-born. Talk to your child in soft tones and baby talk. You will notice they can hear and will soon start to memorise and copy your words. Understand why they are crying. A newborn baby is unable to look after itself and relies on you to attend to its needs. A baby will cry when hungry, if it has a soiled nappy, is tired, needs a cuddle, has wind, is too hot or cold, or is bored or overstimulated. TIP: Babies suckle to calm themselves. For babies with a strong need to

May 10, 2023
Junior Colleges

How to assist your child in developing their language of learning

Mom is strolling around the supermarket with a six-month-old infant in the baby seat. Not once does she engage in eye contact, talk to the child or even smile. When the baby becomes restive, a dummy is thrust in his mouth without a word spoken. Contrast this with a dad in a fruit and veg store, with an infant of similar age. At every display he picks up a fruit, lets the baby touch and smell it and talks about the name of it, the colour and how good it tastes. Not hard to know which of these babies will develop a good language as he grows. Babies develop language through constant face to face engagement with a trusted care giver. These days many infants are left in the hands of untrained nannies who are too busy listening to music on their earphones or talking on their cell.  The foundations of language are laid in utero and beyond. Two-year old’s who have been deprived of stimulating language are already developmentally behind their peers and the gap grows, requiring expensive therapeutic intervention before formal school entry. Adding to this language gap, we now place the child into a school where the language of learning is different and expect that the new language will be acquired rapidly-because that’s what we pay fees for! What is not understood is that a second language is based on the first. Almost like making a photocopy. If the original is poor, the copy will be too. Home language is important, but make it rich by talking, singing and reading to the baby/toddler. TV and tablets do not teach language, it is a reciprocal process. If someone in the home is fluent in the proposed language of learning, they should be doing all the above in that language, from day one. Babies are pre-programmed to learn as many as 4 languages simultaneously, AS LONG AS EACH LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN BY THE SAME PERSON. Granny can speak Sotho, Mum isiZulu and Dad English, but they must stick to their language until the child is at least 3. Don’t mix languages, this just results in language soup! Besides talking, singing and playing with the child, using a rich vocabulary, you should be reading to the baby from a very early age. Initially use board books with clear pictures that relate directly to the child’s home environment. Talk about the pictures, relate them to real objects if possible and let the baby touch them when you name them. Expand the range of books as the baby grows and by two, join the local library. A weekly visit in search of a new book will become a highlight. You will of course have taught the child how to handle books respectfully! Yes, you can use a tablet, but these are too heavy for young babies to handle and hold. Books in many of our official languages are scares, but you can translate! But what if my child is only speaking one language when he enters school? In this situation, parents will have to work hard to support the school. Here, a tablet can be useful as you can find good apps for simple songs that will help your child acquire the rhythm of the new language. Find books that have a picture with details of familiar rooms at home, animals, toys etc. to help your child learn as many new words as they are capable of, revising them daily. Use full sentences: “Look at the big red car. Let’s count the wheels. Let’s drive your car across the floor Does your car have four wheels? Your car can go fast. Can you make it go slowly?” Young children learn by doing and including plenty of action as you talk will help the learning process. If possible, enrol you child in language enrichment classes, or form groups and engage a good tutor. Find out what theme/inquiry your child is doing at school and link your support to it. Ask the teacher for a list of important vocabulary to practice. In order to cope well in Grade 1, a child needs a cognitive and perceptual vocabulary. Colour/number/shape/size/position in space/sounds in words etc. etc. School curriculums are available on line, which will help you keep pace. Playing with peers is a great help in learning a new language. Children can play without language, and for a couple of months they may just listen but will soon be joining in and may talk more in play than they do in class. If your child has difficulty acquiring the language of learning, talk to a speech and language therapist and get advice. Therapy before the age of six will pay dividends and results will be much faster than if you wait until troubles loom in Grade 1 and negatively affect learning to read. Lastly, make your child’s life as interesting as possible. Visit the zoo, animal parks, farms etc. as often as possible. Be with your child, not in the restaurant taking you ease, and talk, talk, talk. After the visit encourage your child to draw a picture and tell you what he saw. Going to one of our numerous eating venues and handing the child over to the resident nannies is wasting precious language time. Sitting together, talking about the food and having family conversation is making the most of the outing. By Barbara Eaton (Academic Development Co-ordinator for Junior Colleges)

May 10, 2023
Social Kids

My kid is not online

Sure, you might think this, but the reality is, if they’re watching YouTube, playing games on your phone or streaming TV – they are online. Would you rather your child learns how to navigate this world from their peers or through trial and error?  Studies have shown that teenage suicide has increased with the growth of cyberbullying. Cybercriminals do not discriminate on age; they attack anyone who is online and unprotected.  Unexpected purchases happen from more pop-ups and ads that interrupt games than ever before. We live in a digital world; your child was born to a screen and the loving arms of mom and dad. Screens are a part of our lives, there is no getting away from it.  Social Kids was founded out of a concern for what children are being exposed to at a young age with little to no control. The purpose of the course is to equip children with the skills to STOP. Think. Before they click.  The content has been developed to be fun, engaging and memorable, along with an amazing team of professionals and many hours of research coupled with 20 years of digital marketing experience, this program was created to protect their own child and others like him.  Social Kids is a series of pre-recorded videos to be watched over 5 weeks. There are five 20-minute videos. Each adventure tackles essential topics like how to be SMART online, deal with cyberbullies, spot fake new and having good manners online. Codey Crawler with his BFF Miss Nadie, a professional teacher guides the conversation to show children how they can approach these topics and keep talking to their loved ones.  After each adventure, children must complete activities to earn digital badges. Once these adventures have been completed, children will receive a Global Surfer button and a certificate of achievement. Giving you the confidence that your child can face any situation that may find them, either now or later in life.  Join Codey Crawler as he helps to guide our children through the digital world they play and learn in. Codey will give children aged 7 to 11 years old the confidence and guidance to surf the net, know their rights and handle uncomfortable situations before their tweens.  Register today and save!    

May 10, 2023
Parenting Hub

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF GLAUCOMA IN CHILDREN?

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, investigates the indicators of glaucoma in children so that parents and caregivers can recognise the illness and seek treatment as soon as possible. “Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable and irreversible blindness worldwide,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While the condition is often associated with older adults, it can also affect children, and early detection is key to preventing vision loss.” What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma develops when the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. Increased pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure, is often the source of this damage. As a result, the patient’s vision gradually deteriorates, eventually leading to blindness if left untreated. Sadly, there is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can help slow down or prevent vision loss. Therefore, regular eye exams are crucial, especially for those at a higher risk of developing the condition. What Are the Risk Factors of Glaucoma? Glaucoma risk factors include age, family history, high eye pressure, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. In children, glaucoma often results from an underlying medical condition or genetic disorder. Signs of Glaucoma in Children In infants and young children, glaucoma can be difficult to detect because children may not be able to communicate their symptoms. However, there are some signs that parents and caregivers can look for, including: Cloudy or enlarged eyes: One of the most common signs of glaucoma in infants is an enlargement of one or both eyes. The affected eye may also appear cloudy or hazy. Excessive tearing: Children with glaucoma may experience excessive tearing, even when they are not crying. This can be a sign of increased pressure in the eye. Sensitivity to light: Children with glaucoma may be sensitive to light, which can cause discomfort or pain. They may also squint or close their eyes in bright light. Redness in the eye: Redness in the eye can be a sign of many eye conditions, including glaucoma. If a child’s eye appears red or bloodshot, it’s essential to have it evaluated by an eye doctor. Cloudy cornea: The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye. The cornea may become cloudy or opaque in some cases of childhood glaucoma. Poor vision: As glaucoma progresses, it can cause vision loss. In young children, this may manifest as a lack of interest in visual stimuli, delayed development of visual skills, or difficulty tracking objects. How is Glaucoma Diagnosed and Treated? If you suspect your child may have glaucoma, it’s vital to have them evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam, which may include measuring the pressure in the eye, evaluating the optic nerve, and examining the cornea. If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the damage to the optic nerve. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to lower the pressure in the eye. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to improve fluid flow in the eye. Prevention and Management of Glaucoma While there is no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma, there are some steps that parents and caregivers can take to help reduce the risk of vision loss. These include: Scheduling regular eye exams for children, especially if they have a family history of eye disease or other risk factors for glaucoma. Being vigilant for signs of eye problems, such as excessive tearing, redness, or cloudiness in the eye. Encouraging children to wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or sunglasses, when participating in sports or other activities that could lead to eye injury. Ensuring that children take any medications as prescribed and attend all scheduled medical appointments.     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 are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to always give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

May 9, 2023
Clever Me

WHAT IS SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER?

Adequate awareness, interpretation and use of sensory information is the cornerstone of all learning and behaviour. Some sensory deficits are easy to recognise, such as poor vision or hearing. Other difficulties are less easy to interpret, as they may result from difficulty with processing stimuli through movement, touch, pressure, position and gravity receptors. Some children may have adequate hearing, smell and eyesight but have trouble with using visual, auditory and olfactory information for function. Sensory Integration is the organisation of sensations for use. The brain locates, sorts and orders sensations- somewhat as a traffic officer directs moving cars. This enables interpretation of our surroundings and helps us form adaptive responses that form the foundation for behaviour and learning. When the flow of sensations is disorganised every second of one’s life can be like a rush hour traffic jam! Messages get jumbled and some don’t reach their destination at all.  Improving sensory integrative functioning is like inserting traffic lights that order and control streams of traffic, organising the tangle of cars and roads, and helping the child predict what to do when the traffic gets really bad. School environments can be overwhelming to children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) due to the enormous quantity and variability of incoming sensations. Common difficulties experienced by children with SPD include delayed development of activities of daily living (such as going to the toilet, putting on shoes), delayed milestones, poor fine motor coordination, poor gross motor coordination, poor posture, restlessness, clumsiness, difficulty socialising, anxiety and low self confidence, poor concentration and attention, poor impulse control, avoidance of play ground, very rough play, very active, very labile, slow work speed, difficulty learning letters and numbers, poor handwriting, difficulty with spatial orientation, difficulty following instructions, distractibility. These are only some of the problems that are most frequently experienced by children with minor or major sensory integrative difficulties. Each child’s symptoms, behaviour and academic ability is different. A closer look at how our senses process information: Vision Organ-Eyes Must be able to detect light and movement Must be able to follow moving objects Must be able to focus on one object Must be able to work together or separately (usually 1 eye dominant Visual processing Transmission of visual input to Occipital lobe in brain where information is interpreted. Manipulate visual concepts (figure ground, visual closure, spatial relations, position in space, form constancy) Integrate visual information with movement (Eye hand coordination, visual motor speed, copying) Filter and ignore non-pertinent, non-threatening information. Hearing Organ- Outer ear, middle ear (ear drum, ossicles), inner ear (Cochlear) Must be able to detect sound Must be able to interpret sound into meaningful information Must be able to accommodate according to noise Auditory processing Transmission of sound to Temporal Lobe and formation of adaptive response Discrimination between loud and soft/high and low/far and near Speech and language reception and expression Filter and ignore non-pertinent, non-threatening information Integration with movement impulses (semi-circular canals in inner ear) Connection with arousal and attention levels Position and movement Organ- muscles & joints Proprioceptive processing Transmission of information about position and movement of our bodies to the brain stem and cerebellum Automatic adjustment of posture and appropriate contraction/relaxation of muscles Enables subconscious awareness of the position of our limbs in space, and therefore provides foundation for any coordinated movement for function. Predicts self-orientation, self-awareness and in many cases interest and satisfaction in tasks. Gravity, Head Movement & Balance Organ- Semi-circular canals and otoliths in inner ear Vestibular processing Transmission of information about vibration and gravity (Otoliths), movement, acceleration and position of the head (Semicircular canals) to the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebrum. Interpretation of exactly where we are in relation to gravity, how fast we are going, and in what direction. Enable subconscious adjustments needed for balance, posture and movement Interaction and integration with all other impulses travelling up and down the spinal cord. Major influence on emotional and social responses, self regulation, arousal and concentration, self esteem, anxiety etc Types of sensory responses High threshold- need more sensory information than others to experience the same sensation. Child may present as lethargic, disinterested, weak, and spaced out (low registration). Child may present as very active, have poor motor planning, touches things, moves/spins/jumps etc., likes heavy blankets/tight clothing, inattentive, restless, rough during play. Both types are associated with poor body concept, difficulty with fine and gross motor skills, poor self-confidence. Low threshold- are more easily stimulated by sensory stimuli, need less input than others to experience same sensations. Child may present as anxious, avoidant, difficulty eating, poor motor planning, dislike of being messy, behaviour deteriorates in noisy environments, dislike of change, difficulty with attention and concentration, tantrums Common categories of SPD Dyspraxia Bilateral Integration and Sequencing Visual Praxis Modulation (Over-responsive/Under-responsive) What to do for kids with SI difficulties: Be patient. Kids with SPD take longer to develop thing even though their cognitive function may be normal. Allow more time for individuals with SPD to complete tasks (including going to the toilet, understanding a new concept etc.,) within appropriate classroom boundaries. Help them deal with frustrations and difficulties experienced as a result of SPD. Children with SPD often appear naughty, aggressive, oppositional and disengaged and are often associated with hyperactivity. These behaviours are the outcome of deregulation on an electro-chemical level in the brain. Use positive reinforcement for desired behaviours, and accommodations to make the environment more user-friendly’ to the SPD child. Provide a space that is quiet, dark and uncluttered for SPD kids to utilise as a regulatory tool. Explain that this is not a time-out space which is associated with bad behaviour, but a way to help our brains organise themselves again. Tents work well or you can use a desk with a blanket over it or a quiet room. Provide ample opportunity for movement. Engage SPD kids in taking messages, moving furniture, handing out books etc. Encourage SPD kids to engage in active play during break times. Seat SPD kids in the least distracting place in the classroom.

May 9, 2023
Academic Coaches

7 Gifts to Give Your Children Today that Will Help Them Tomorrow

Just because it’s wrapped in pretty paper doesn’t mean it’s valuable. It’s because sometimes the best gifts aren’t appreciated until a child is older.  Here are 7 gifts that are worthy of your financial or time investment today because they “pay off” (sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively) in the long run.   Responsibility. Have you ever met a child that has no chores? Whose parents do everything for him with little or no appreciation? Or who gets everything she wants AND an expensive gift for her birthday? Teaching your children responsibility is a gift! By coddling a child, you do them a disservice to be prepared for life outside the home. Encourage them to volunteer, help around the house, get a holiday-job, and take responsibility for their actions and their future. Teach them how to do a budget, the importance of paying their bills on time, keep commitments, keep promises made, and be punctual. Responsibility is as much about valuing yourself as it is about valuing others. It builds independence, which is crucial for relationships, tertiary studies, work life, and mental health. A savings account. Consider opening a savings account or purchasing savings bonds for your children. Although savings accounts don’t typically earn a ton of interest, you’ve got time on your side and an opportunity to teach your children the importance and value of saving money. Academic Coaching. Being able to learn independently and successfully applying your knowledge, are just two of a long list of benefits your children will receive from professional academic coaching. Unlike tutoring, which focuses on reteaching academic information, academic coaching focuses on building learning skills, strategies and tactics that enables a child to become an independent learner. Definitely a gift with life-long benefits. A love of reading. Do your children have a library card? Do they have access to paper books or e-books? Head to a used or new bookstore, create a local book exchange with other parents, or find out when the book store is having their next sale. Few loves will take them further in life than a love of reading!  Failure. Watching your child fail is hard, sometimes even heart breaking. But it’s a necessary part of life and knowing how to handle failure, a life skill every child should have. How else do they learn from their mistakes? Part of the beauty of failure is that it encourages us to take risks and learn that we can manage the results, no matter what they may be.  Memberships. Teaching your children what it means to be a member of a group or club, is a gift in itself. What better way to help them experience the joys, responsibilities and value a membership brings, than to encourage them to become a member of a (formal or informal) group or club? Being part of something bigger than themselves, taking ownership of their role within that group or club, and understanding that others are depending on them, are just a few of the gifts your children will receive. Your time. This is probably the most valuable gift of all. Eat dinner as a family. Read to your children at bedtime (or have them read to you). Go cycling, fishing, hiking or camping together, or just picnic and stargaze from your garden. Teach them to bake, have a family movie night at home, or tell each other silly jokes. Let them know, through your words AND your actions, that they are your greatest gifts!

May 9, 2023
Parenting Hub

HOW TO STOP CHILDREN FROM THROWING OBJECTS

When a young child throws an object, it’s a parent’s reactive response to scold the child and take that object away from him. He may then pick up another object and throw that one, pushing the adult to anger and frustration. And if he doesn’t do it again right away, his fear of the parent may stop his actions for the moment, only to have him do it at some point later on. A parent asked me for help with her child throwing a toy at the ceiling light in his room. Another one asked me how to stop her son from trying to get his sox and underwear hooked on the fins of the ceiling fan in his room. In each of these situations, the parent’s first response was to punish the child by making him pay for damage to the ceiling light fan or even emptying his room of all objects. I’m certainly not going to advise you to allow children to continue this destructive behaviour, nor am I going to suggest punishing the child. We’ve been trained by our own parents to use force or control to stop a behaviour we don’t like. That was the solution back when autocratic parenting was the norm; the all-powerful parent used punishment and fear to control a child’s behaviour. Instead of the authoritarian style of parenting that our parents used with us as children (expecting children to follow very strict rules unconditionally), today’s parents are encouraged to use an authoritative approach to parenting (a more child-centric view that includes more listening and less lecturing, the use of consequences instead of punishment, and encouraging independence and risk taking). Let’s examine the problem of throwing objects. Why do we want to stop it; because it’s a potentially destructive action that could result in damage or injury. But the act of throwing an object at a target is a normal desire for fun, especially for boys. Using punishment to control this is counterproductive to raising children with unconditional love. I say we should take a different approach in managing some behaviours, such as jumping, climbing, shouting, drawing, and throwing. I say we should create the conditions for a child to jump, climb, shout, draw or throw something in a fun, safe, and appropriate manner. In other words, set up a way for the child to throw something safe as a replacement for throwing the objects at the ceiling light fan. Forget about punishment or getting angry. Instead, get creative! Let’s say that you set up a safe way for your child to throw, such as with a bean bag toy and target set (see image of boys with bean bag toss game). If your child should suddenly one day throw something in an unsafe way, such as at his ceiling fan, react quickly and without words. Guide your child to the bean bag toss toy without yelling, reprimanding or getting angry, and say to him, “This is where you can throw things.” And if necessary, have someone help you remove the ceiling fan from his room until he gets much older. I urge you to take a closer look at a challenging behaviour you’d like to change and then ask yourself these questions: What is my child’s goal in this behaviour How can I help him/her get his/her needs met in a more appropriate way. This novel approach can easily eliminate or quell a challenging behaviour and also eliminate the need for punishment and other fear-based parenting tactics.

May 8, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

YOGA AND PILATES FOR PREGNANT MOMS

Staying active during your pregnancy is another important way of staying healthy. Not only is exercise good for you physically, but it helps relieve stress, improve sleep and boost your mood. However, being pregnant, especially later on in your pregnancy, means that you’ll need to consider what exercise you’re doing. Contact and high-risk sports are a no-no, but if you are looking for a way to stay fit, prenatal yoga and pilates could be your answer. Why yoga and pilates? Prenatal yoga and pilates can help you strengthen your body, stop excess weight gain and help prepare your body for childbirth. Both are low impact and can be adjusted to suit you and your growing baby. During your pregnancy, you may experience backache, aching legs and abdominal pain. Providing nothing serious is wrong, yoga and pilates can help alleviate pain through strengthening your body. Prenatal yoga and pilates classes are specifically tailored to expecting moms, so should be completely safe unless you are recommended otherwise. Getting ready for birth  Not only can these practices help reduce stress and anxiety, but they can also help you during childbirth. The combo of stretching and strengthening your body should mean that your body is more equipped to deal with the stress of labour and birth. Strong core and pelvic will help support your spine and help you during birth. Joining prenatal yoga and pilates classes will help you connect with other expecting moms and, a professional can guide you through which poses are best for you throughout your pregnancy.  Not only can yoga help you physically, but the breathing techniques you’ve learnt can help calm and focus you during labour. Is there anything I should be cautious of or avoid?  Although good for you, there are still certain yoga and pilates poses and exercises that you should avoid during your pregnancy. If you are new to yoga and pilates,  most studios offer prenatal classes for beginners, and, if you are practising already you can probably continue with most of your practice, just let your instructor know you’re expecting – they can help you modify your routine. Things to be cautious of are hot yoga, full inversions (poses on your head), deep twists and exercises that cause you to crunch your abdominal cavity. Your body is in constant flux as your baby develops, meaning some days you’ll feel energised whereas otherwise will leave you feeling drained. Because of this, it’s important that you are aware of how your body is feeling while practising. If you notice anything unusual or painful it’s best to chat with your doctor.

May 8, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

Cellphones, social media and your child’s mental wellbeing

Smartphones and tablets are here to stay. In fact, these devices are becoming an integral part of our future and the careers our children will eventually choose. We don’t want to deprive them from participating in the digital world, but as parents, we are concerned about the impact of cell phones, social media, and their online interactions on our children’s mental wellbeing.  Also, parents sometimes get stuck thinking about our children as the innocent toddlers and kids they were. The harder reality that we are faced with is that, even when we think they are ‘innocence impersonated’, they are subjected to an amount of peer-pressure and they participate in an online world that we cannot fully comprehend. Our children are exposed to an environment where they are constantly inundated with new apps, new online friends (who they have or have not met), new information and a new way of balancing their digital activity and reality.  Although we believe we can relate, we still talk about their “digital” and their “real” lives. The fact is that growing up in this age, children don’t have this distinction. To them, digital is part of their real lives. Let’s sit with that for a bit…  Most tweens and teenagers go through a phase of getting stuck in their minds rather than talk about everything. When they encounter events that bother them, whether in person or online, their first port of call may not be their parents. They fear that when they speak up about difficult situations and their parents try to intervene (or interfere), that the situation will get worse.  This could happen when they are being bullied or cyberbullied or when they have seen content that their minds can’t really deal with at that age. They may also encounter content such as pornography or sexting that cause them to feel guilt and shame, but remaining curious to engage even more. A significant number of children who are being cyberbullied or are exposed to inappropriate content online unfortunately turn to self-harm as a coping technique. At their age, we can not expect them to have all the emotional tools to help them open up a conversation about how they are feeling and reaching out to someone who can help them. Especially when they are feeling vulnerable and afraid. Sometimes self-harm could lead to suicidal ideation, which is the most scary thought for us, as their parents.  When our children are exposed to these situations, they need our help more than ever. They need advice from parents or caregivers to guide them on this journey. But for parents, not knowing when or how this happens means that we can’t protect their minds or their thoughts and unless they talk to us about it, we seldom have any way of knowing. Some parents keep a close eye on all the devices in the home, but with all our time constraints, it is so easy to miss something small that could lead to a bigger issue. Now, more than ever, we have to spend time building better and closer relationships with our children, to ensure they know that we are their safe space. We have to create a space to have conversations about the difficult topics like pornography, sexting, self-harm and bullying, to name a few. We also have to ensure that we have the information at hand to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. If you are a parent who would really like to know what’s going on in your child’s online conversations, without invading their privacy, join FYI play it safe today. FYI play it safe will send you an alert when your child is exposed to potentially harmful situations.  Go to www.fyiplayitsafe.com and start your 7-day free trial. 

May 8, 2023
Parenting Hub

How to get a salon quality mani and lashes from the comfort of your home

There is nothing like a fresh set of nails or lashes to make you look and feel fantastic, however, for many women a regular trip to the salon is no longer an option. It’s no secret that salon visits have become pricey, and with the general cost of living going up all the time, many of us have had to cut back on our beauty budgets. Then there’s also the factor of time – in between going to work, fetching the kids, running the household and maintaining a social life, it’s not always possible to fit in a trip to the salon. The solution? DIY manis and lashes at home. Quick, easy (we promise!) and affordable, DIY treatments are the way of the future. Now before you think, “I could never do as good a job myself,” you need to consider that the products available for home beauty have advanced astronomically. Long gone are the bulky false nails and messy glues our mothers had to contend with in the past. And lashes? Forget over-the-top spider leg lashes and difficult application – modern DIY lashes are easy to apply and look professional, provided you choose a good quality brand. KISS, a leader in nail care and lashes, has been empowering consumers with the freedom to “bring the salon home” and express their individual style and beauty, with high quality DIY products at affordable prices since 1989. These are the Kiss products you need to achieve your very best DIY mani and lashes at home. DIY nails KISS Bare But Better TruNude False Nails (from R179.95) The nude nail trend is here to stay! KISS and imPress Bare but Better TruNude false nail shades flatter a range of skin tones. These false nails look professionally done, but it takes only minutes to DIY. Glue-on nails are easy to apply and removal is hassle free. Safe on natural nails, Bare but Better stays perfect for up to 7 days. KISS imPRESS Color Press-On Manicure (from R145.95) Prefer a press-on to a glued-on nail? Kiss imPress Color Press-on Manicure gel nails are super-slim and super-comfortable. They look and feel like your own nails, and no glue is needed – simply press them onto your nails and go. Chip-proof, smudge-proof and no drying time! Each set includes 30 nails, prep pad, file and cuticle stick, and the range features a wide variety of colours and designs to suit every preference. DIY lashes KISS FALSCARA Starter Kit (R499.95) Possibly the easiest false lashes you’ll ever use! Can you mascara? Then you can totally FALSCARA. FALSCARA brings the glam prowess of a posh lash studio home, with a stunning array of subtle-to-glam WISPS that are placed on the underside of your natural lash line. By applying the WISPS to the underside of your lash line, your natural lashes are free to grow strong and healthy. It’s the beautiful lashes you were born with — but with weightless backup that’s basically incognito. Lash extensions minus the time, hassle and expense! Go subtle or super glam – WISPS are buildable and customizable. The starter kit includes: BOND & SEAL, WISPS, and APPLICATOR. KISS Magnetic Eyeliner Lash Starter Kit (R399.95) Kiss Magnetic Eyeliner Lash Starter Kit has everything you need to get started with false lashes. These magnetic lashes feature five magnets placed along the lash line, which ensures a secure hold once applied. Simply apply the eyeliner along your top lash line, wait a minute and then apply the lashes – the magnets will adhere to the liner and stay in place all day. The kit contains one pair of magnetic lashes and a 5g tube of magnetic brush on eyeliner. KISS Lash Couture Naked Drama False Lashes (R240.00) Love a pair of good old fashioned glue-on lashes? Then KISS Couture Naked Drama False Lashes are for you. These 3D mink effect lashes look luxurious but feel light and natural. Each design features elegantly tapered lashes with soft outer ends, while a Cushion Flexi Band hugs your lash line for a seamless contoured fit. Achieving salon-quality lashes and manis at home is not just doable, it’s far easier than you think thanks to the variety of KISS products on offer. KISS products are available from Clicks and Dis-Chem.

May 5, 2023
Parenting Hub

Introducing MAVALA’s new Bio-Color Nail Polishes and Multi-Moisturizing Snow Mask

MAVALA is proud to introduce you to two exciting new launches: MAVALA Bio-Colors + Silicium (R125.00 – Dis-Chem) New Bio-Colors are the natural nail colour solution you’ve been waiting for. With a more natural formula, these nail colours contain more raw materials of plant and mineral origin, without compromising on hold, shine and respect for nails. These new formulations contain sugar cane, rice, beetroot, wood pulp and corn, replacing the solvents and plasticizers usually derived from petrochemicals. The formulas contain at least 85% natural origin ingredients, and the colours are enriched with clay derivative and fortifying organic silicon, which improves the quality of the nails while protecting them. This new collection is available in 12 timeless shades, easily recognizable with the leaf illustration on the front of the label, and with its white cap. White symbolizes naturalness, while the gold of our traditional MINI’s refers more to the universe of makeup. The names of the 12 new colours highlight 12 legendary rivers from all over the world, in reference to water, the  source of life: 701 – Rio Grande – An aubergine shade, summer storm at the foot of the Arizona pines. 702 – Mississippi – A budding passion over the water. 703 – Nile – A blood red, at the heart of a captivating romantic plot. 704 – Rhône – A bold burgundy like the most powerful of French rivers. 705 – Volta – An optimistic solar energy. 706 – Thames – The charm of a picnic on the banks of a long calm river. 707 – Colorado – A dark red in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 708 – Murray – A journey to the heart of lush flora and fauna. 709 – Amazonas – An expressive fuchsia, like the world jewel of nature. 710 – Mekong – A deep red, daydream embarked on the Mekong. 711 – Shannon – A radiant and majestic fuchsia. 712 – Indus – An adventurous dark purple. Plant-based ingredients in the new formulas include: Ethyl Acetate/Butyl Acetate Solvents of petrochemical origin have been replaced by bio-sourced solvents, meaning they originate from renewable farming resources (sugar cane, rice, beetroot). They are useful to give the desired fluidity to nail polish and act on the drying time, evaporating once the nail polish is applied to the nails. Nitrocellulose Essential resin for nail polishes, nitrocellulose is obtained from wood pulp. It forms a hard protective film when drying and increases the lasting power of nail polish. Nitrocellulose is mainly responsible for the permeability of MAVALA nail polishes to air and water vapour, thus allowing the nail to breathe. MAVALA has been using nitrocellulose in all its nail polishes since 1962. Triethyl Citrate This plasticizer brings texture, shine and flexibility to nail polish. Its origin is purely botanical: it is produced from corn and beetroot. The mineral-based ingredient in the new formula is: Stearalkonium bentonite This substance of mineral origin (crushed clay) guarantees a good spreading of nail polish and a nice homogeneity. All MAVALA Nail Colors are formulated without toluene, phthalates, formaldehyde (prohibited), camphor, xylene, acetone, heptane, rosin resin, ethyl tosylamide, triphenyl phosphate, tosylamide / formaldehyde resin, preservatives (parabens or others, as formulas are not subject to microbiological contamination). No ingredients of animal origin are used; they are therefore suitable for vegans. MAVALA Aqua Plus Multi-Moisturizing Snow Mask (R695.00 – Dis-Chem) The summit’s best-kept secret: This ultra-fresh moisturizing and soothing mask is formulated with 94% natural origin ingredients, including glucidic complex acting on the three key mechanisms of skin hydration: Reinforces the skin’s natural barrier function. Increases the skin’s water reserves. Maximizes the water circulation within the epidermis. This vegan formula contains Pure Alpine Water, Swiss Mallow Flower (rich in moisturizing and soothing qualities) and Gel-Trap Technology for an ultra-fresh effect. It is enriched with glycerine of vegetable origin for an instant moisture boost. Texture: gel-in-oil emulsion that frees its water micro droplets on the skin for unique freshness and sensoriality. Results: the skin is quenched, soft, supple and soothed. Apply: twice a week on clean face, eye contour and neck. Leave it on to act for ten minutes. Remove excess with cotton pad. MAVALA always strives to minimise their carbon footprint and to become more eco-responsible. As such, this tube is made from recycled plastic (36%), the box is printed on cardboard from sustainably managed forests (FSC) and it uses 38% less paper by not including a leaflet in the box.   About MAVALA Over the years, MAVALA has become synonymous with quality thanks to its specific and effective professional standard products. With categories including, nail, hand, feet, face and make-up, all created from rigorous research and manufactured in our Geneva factories to impeccable quality demands. We care about the planet. We source our ingredients and raw materials from the nearest suppliers in Switzerland to reduce our carbon footprint. Whenever possible, we package our products without a box to reduce waste and manufacture under cold conditions to reduce energy consumption. We also increasingly use ingredients that are readily biodegradable. In particular, we do not use plastic microbeads which contribute to ocean pollution. We are 100% cruelty-free, we do not test any of our ingredients or products on animals. In South Africa, MAVALA is available through approved and appointed stockists ranging from small independent salons, pharmacies and large retail stores and chains, such as Clicks, Dis-Chem and Woolworths. MAVALA is also sold at some independent outlets around the country.   Learn more at https://mavala.co.za/   Follow MAVALA on social media:   Facebook: Mavala South Africa Instagram: @mavalasa

May 5, 2023
Abbotts Colleges

THE WHY AND HOW OF REALISTIC GOAL SETTING

The importance of school students setting realistic goals should not be underestimated. If your child has not yet set goals for the year, now is the time to do so without delay! Without clear goals we do not have anything tangible that we are working towards, we are just floating along without any real direction. Few people experience success, or the realisation of their dreams, by accident. I am sure many of us can recall the experience of having to set goals at the start of a school year when we were younger. How many of us just wrote a few goals down to appease teachers and parents, never to look at or think of them again? For most, this was a pointless exercise, often drawn from the realm of fantasy as we did not consider where we had ended academically, culturally or on the sports field the year before, or the amount of effort we put into our academics, sports or cultural activities.  Some may have set a goal to play First Team Soccer, Rugby, Netball or Hockey, but were in the D Team the year before, all while training as hard as we could. Not a very realistic goal and one that is sure to set one up for disappointment and failure. Our first assessment task for Life Orientation at Abbotts College PTA East this year, from Grade 8 to 12, was a reflection and goalsetting task. As I am fully aware of the way many people view goal setting exercises, my second assembly of the year spoke to the importance of goal setting and offered students clear guidelines on how they can set realistic goals. It is my hope that many of our students chose to spend time reflecting on their achievements, or lack thereof, last year and spent time setting meaningful, realistic goals for themselves, which they revisit regularly. Goals are vitally important as they guide our choices and our actions as we move forward through life. A clear career goal, for example pursuing a career where a degree in Computer Science is a prerequisite, will guide a student’s subject choices in Grade 9 and will spur the student on to work hard to achieve the marks and AP Score required for acceptance to the course. Often it is the students who are unsure of what they would like to pursue as a career in (what seems to them) the distant future, who do not set academic goals for themselves when at school and do the bare minimum as their future is unclear.  It is normal for students not to have a clue as to what career they wish to pursue, but they must not let this discourage them from setting clear academic goals for themselves. They need to focus on achieving academic success so that they have as many tertiary educational doors open to them as possible, for when they do decide what career and tertiary studies they wish to pursue.  Here are a few tips for realistic goal setting for those of you who have set goals at the start of the year, but have not considered them again, and those of you who have not set goals for yourselves in a while: Set clear goals. The less ambiguous, the more likely you are to work towards achieving them, e.g. I want to improve my Life Sciences mark by at least 7% next term, from 68% to 75%.  Have a clear plan as to how you will set about achieving your goals, e.g. I will ask questions in class when I do not understand, I will do all my homework and I will make study notes and revise my work once a week. Ensure your goals are realistic, yet challenging. This requires reflection and honesty with yourself, e.g. if I put effort into my Life Sciences last term, doing all my homework, making study notes and revising my work regularly, then I should aim for a 5% improvement in my marks for the following term and I plan to put extra time into the subject. If I wanted to improve by 10% or more, I can attend extra lessons or get a tutor for one-on-one support. If I put very little effort into the subject, I can set a goal of improving by a minimum of 10%, planning to do all my homework, make study notes and revise my work once a week. Don’t make your goals too easy to achieve, it isn’t a real goal then and you are giving yourself permission to coast, going nowhere slowly.  Be committed to attaining your goals. Without commitment, you will lose focus and will not work towards achieving your goal. A goal without commitment is basically a New Year’s resolution, destined to fail. Make yourself accountable by sharing your goals with someone you trust, who is sure to check up on your progress. We tend to keep working towards achieving our goals when we have shared them with someone.  Lastly, you need to keep adjusting your goals lest you stagnate. It is dangerous to think you “have arrived”! This will prevent further growth and achievement. When you have achieved your goal, you need to adjust your goal to achieve even more. It may be shifting the goalposts, e.g. I now want to achieve 82% for Life Sciences, once I have achieved 75%. It may be setting new goals. What would I like to focus on and achieve next? Happy Goal Setting! www.abbotts.co.za Mignonne Gerli, Principal: Abbotts College Pretoria East

May 5, 2023
The Bridge Assisted Learning School

EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION: HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS STRUGGLING & NEEDS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Challenges related to emotional regulation are becoming increasingly common among children in today’s society. Emotional regulation refers to a child’s ability to manage their emotions in a socially acceptable way, including the ability to delay immediate responses or use alternative responses. But many parents and educators aren’t readily able to identify whether a child’s behaviour is in line with expected development milestones, or whether they have specific needs related to emotional regulation which require additional support. “Emotional regulation is the ability to respond to a range of emotions in a socially acceptable or tolerable way. This would include spontaneous reactions and the delay of an immediate response, or the use of an alternative response,” says Dr Greg Pienaar, renowned Educational Psychologist and Principal of The Bridge Assisted Learning School, which supports students facing challenges unrelated to cognitive ability. The Bridge is a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. He says emotional regulation is a critical aspect of a child’s overall development, and that unresolved and unsupported difficulties in this area may have a negative impact on the child’s academic, social, and emotional functioning. “It is therefore important that parents who have concerns are able to identify whether their child needs additional help, so that they can receive the necessary support and interventions to promote healthy development,” he says. Dr Pienaar says some of the signs which may indicate a child is struggling with emotional regulation include: Not wanting to attend school at all, for instance if a child routinely cries when it’s time to go to school. Being generally emotionally unhappy, where the unhappiness can’t be connected to a concrete issue. Losing interest in everyday activities which would have interested the child before. Acting out, by displaying negative behaviour which wasn’t in place before. Extreme anxiety (or possibly generalised anxiety) in other areas of the life of a child where there may not have been anxiety before. Becoming frustrated when a calmer, more reasoned approach would have been in place before. Becoming more sensitive to sensory stimuli. Struggling with separation anxiety.   Dr Pienaar says parents can assist struggling children to cope with emotional dysregulation by providing routine and structure at home, ensuring consistency, providing clear expectations and boundaries, and also by providing safe spaces for regulation. Should these early interventions not have an impact, professional help should be sought, which may include regular therapy where a child learns alternative approaches, and potentially prescribed medication. One of the main sustainable interventions which will help children through their dysregulation journey however is to ensure they are in the right educational environment, where they can enjoy the support of qualified, knowledgeable and experienced professionals who understand their challenges and where they won’t merely be sidelined in the classroom because of challenging behaviour. “A smaller cottage-style school may be more appropriate, but ideally a specialised environment geared specifically to assist neurodiverse children with unique emotional needs should be sought. Educators and staff in these schools have specialised training and experience which enable them to understand and assist students struggling with emotional dysregulation. “Very importantly, these schools are able to provide the kind of structure and routine, and indeed predictability, which help reduce anxiety and enables children to develop positive emotional regulation skills. Therapy, counselling and other professional support services are often included as part of the school’s programme, which means that regular scheduled professional support is provided for the child.” Dr Pienaar says that parents often feel overwhelmed and out of their depth when their child struggles with emotional dysregulation. But he adds that if the matter is identified and support sought for the child as soon as possible, the prognosis for the child’s emotional, personal and academic development is very good. “Early intervention can help children develop the skills they need to manage their emotions effectively and improve their overall functioning. Research has shown that effective interventions, such as behavioural therapy, can significantly improve emotional regulation skills in children. With appropriate interventions, children can learn to recognise and manage their emotions, understand and express their feelings in a socially appropriate way, and develop positive coping skills, while reducing the likelihood of more significant mental health issues developing in future.”

May 5, 2023
Medela South Africa

Medela Nursing Wear: Comfortable and Convenient for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural experience. It is a special time to feel close to your baby. Medela nursing bras are designed and tailored to your needs. These nursing bras don’t just look good, they fit perfectly to the body and provide gentle support. 3-In-1 Nursing and Pumping Bra (From R 1999.99) Pump and breastfeed in complete comfort with the Medela nursing and pumping bra. With a 3-in-1 versatile design, it’s lightweight, ultra-breathable, and features Adaptive Stretch™ for a perfect fit and ultimate comfort. This 1-step, hands-free pumping bra makes pumping easy.  Its convenient design fits most breast shields and in-bra breastpumps. This 3-In-1 nursing and pumping bra is perfect for all-day wear and designed for In-Bra Pumping, Electric Pumping, and Nursing with comfort and ease even while pumping.   Features:  Hands-Free Pumping:  Pair with a Medela Electric Breast Pump for a 1-Step hands-free pumping journey or use with an in-bra pump for a discreet, comfortable pumping experience. Full Drop-Down Cups: When nursing, enjoy maximum skin-to-skin contact to encourage bonding with your baby. Soft Touch Adaptive Stretch: Made with Adaptive Stretch material to grow with your changing body. Perfect For All-Day Comfort: With its strap-style top, the bra is designed for a snug and tight feel, providing medium to high support to comfortably carry out daily tasks. Compatibility: Medela 3-In-1 is designed to work with Medela Electric Breast Pumps, wearable pumps, in-bra, and other electric pump brands.   Hands-Free Pumping Bustier (From R 1299.99) The Medela Hands-free™ Pumping Bustier makes pumping easy and convenient. It has a strapless design with an easy-fit front zip and hook, so it is quick and easy to put on. Bottles can be slid in from the front in one easy step. With the Medela Hands-free Pumping Bustier, you can express breast milk with all Medela double electric breast pumps. Features: Hands-Free Pumping: Made for easy expression, Medela Pumping Bustier gives the freedom and flexibility to allow for a completely hands-free experience, leaving you free to simply relax or multitask comfortably. Adaptive Stretch: With a strapless tube top design, the Hands-Free Pumping Bustier is designed to have a snug and tight feel which will adapt to the unique body shape over time. Soft Touch Material: For comfort through the pumping journey while reducing breast compression allowing for maximum milk flow. Pump More Discreetly: Works perfectly with Medela breast shields and provides full nipple coverage, so you can.  Compatibility: Medela’s Hands-Free Pumping Bra is designed to work perfectly with Medela Electric Breast Pumps: Pump in Style with Maxflow, Swing Maxi, Freestyle Flex, Sonata, and Symphony.  But is also compatible with most other breast pumps on the market. Medela Family App The Medela Family app is your personal helper. With the app, you can easily track important stats for pregnancy, baby, and breastfeeding and it gives you tips and support to help you meet your goals. Features of the Medela Family App: Knowledge Centre – A library of expert-written educational articles to help you prepare and learn along your journey. Personal helper – Our smart assistant helps you troubleshoot technical problems and get answers to frequently asked questions. Easy to use – The Medela Family app was designed from scratch with high usability standards including a night mode for easier reading in dim lighting. Virtual milk storage – With this smart milk inventory system you will always know how much milk you have in your stash. Hands-free voice control – Use your voice to track a session! Especially handy when changing a dirty diaper. Baby tracking – The following sessions can be tracked for one or more babies: breastfeeding, pumping, sleep, bottle feeding, diaper changes, weight, and length. Pregnancy tracking – With Medela Family you can track the duration, frequency, and pain intensity of contractions. The Medela Family is available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery. All Medela products are available from Dis-Chem, Baby City, and other major retailers.  Follow Medela on Instagram @Medela_sa and Facebook @MedelaSA.

May 5, 2023
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

Assistive technology in the classroom for neurodiverse learners

At Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational school in Johannesburg, we have seen the real benefits of using technology in our classrooms. The use of technology boosts and extends students but is also incredibly useful for removing many of the barriers to learning that our students face.  There are endless apps, extensions, add-ins, and widgets, but rather than trying to use every tool available, mastering just a few equips our students to cope with schoolwork, and removes many of the barriers to learning they face. #1 Voice-to-Text (on any iPad, tablet, or smartphone). Instead of writing by hand or typing, this tool allows students to express their thoughts verbally without being hindered by the physical mechanics of writing. Suitable for learners with physical disabilities, dyslexia, and slow pace. #2 Text-to-speech enables students to highlight what they have written or what they are reading, and the device reads the content back to them. The speed of the speech and the voice used can be changed to suit the student’s individual pace or processing speed.  #3 The C-Pen / Exam Reader is a tool that enables students to scan over a sentence, and have it read back to them. This is useful when content is in printed format and not digitised.  #4 Digitising is a way for students to scan in a printed worksheet or piece of writing and turn it into an electronic version. When content is electronic, students can use other tools like text-to-speech or answering questions on the electronic version.  #5 Predictive spelling, the correction of grammar and asking Siri reduces the amount of teacher input required, which is particularly useful for students with dyslexia.  #6 Fonts and colours can be adjusted, especially for students in younger grades. For dyslexic students, the Dyslexia font is an option – the font is more heavily weighted towards the bottom of each letter, and shaped slightly differently, which makes it easier for dyslexic learners to read. #7 Google Classroom provides a diverse range of tools. Multiple tools which interact with each other – Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Drive. Real-time editing and teaching with multiple students at the same time. Work can be extended and differentiated easily and in real-time.   Collaborative documents – teachers and students can work on 1 document simultaneously. Preset Google Documents can often be edited and used offline, helpful during load shedding. Everything in life is a balance, and the balance of technology with book learning is one we all need to manage carefully. At the end of the day, we are all driven to help our students achieve all that they absolutely can.  Written by Brad Johnson (HOD at Glenoaks School) and Heather Francis (Academic & Learning Support Therapist)

May 4, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

What parents need to know about cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is one of the online threats that parents dread the most.  It’s covert and insidious, sometimes tricky to put your finger on, and hard to stop.  It’s also frighteningly common and widespread, affecting children from around 10 to 18 years. Unchecked, cyberbullying can have serious consequences.  Apart from the garden variety pain and distress it can cause, cyberbullying can lead vulnerable children to self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. It’s a bona fide worst nightmare for parents, often provoking an intense emotional response. Unlike bullying that your child can walk away from in the schoolyard, an online bully can effortlessly violate the safe space of home to harass and hurt your child 24/7.  All types of bullying can evoke a strong sense of shame, as well as anxiety about retribution if a child reveals what is happening to them to adults.  Many bullied children and teens suffer in silence and secrecy which only compounds the negative impacts on them. Why your parental reaction to cyberbullying is so important When it comes to cyberbullying, children do think about how their parents might respond; and if they fear their parents may over-react or intervene in a way that worsens the situation, they may choose to rather not speak to their parents about what is happening to them. They may also fear that parents will take away their devices, impose new limits on their internet access or invade their privacy in some way. According to Registered Counsellor, Gurshwen Thöle who is the Counselling Centre Manager at the SACAP Foundation: The Youth Hub, parents need to know that cyberbullying is prevalent across a range of online platforms, and that the perpetrator may well be unknown in person to their child.  He says, “Cyberbullying is often anonymous, making it very difficult to address.  It happens frequently via instant messaging apps, in game chat rooms, via email and across social media platforms.  It’s vital not only to be monitoring your child’s activities online but to also have a functional relationship so that you can quickly identify signs of change in your child’s behaviour.  Frequent, open communications about cyberbullying – what it is, how to identify it and what to do if it happens; creates a high-level of awareness in your family and shows your children that you are ready and able to calmly and effectively support and act to stop cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying impacts on mental health Techpreneur and FYI play it safe app Founder, Rachelle Best, who conducts illuminating one-on-one interviews with South African teens for the podcast, Sip the Tea says, “So far, every teen I have chatted to has a story about cyberbullying to share. If it hasn’t happened to them directly, then they still know someone in their immediate circle of friends who has been bullied online.  I have spoken to a girl who turned to self-harm due to being bullied, which is heart-breaking.  Another surprise may be the prevalence of cyberbullying when it comes to boys.  We tend to think of bullying amongst boys being much more about them pushing each other around physically, but cyberbullying amongst boys is common.  A number of boys participating in Sip the Tea so far have had stories to tell of being bullied online because of their weight, or their physical appearance.” Gurshwen says, “The most concerning mental health impacts as a result of cyberbullying are depression and anxiety. These states can lead to suicidal ideation, self-harm activities, and plans to commit suicide, which is commonly seen in the news today. The signs that a child might be experiencing cyberbullying could include becoming withdrawn, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, changes in social behaviour, irritability, becoming angry or aggressive, talking about suicide and how meaningless life can be, self-isolation, distancing from activities they once enjoyed. Cyberbullying can cause long-term mental health complications that children can experience well into their adulthood.” What should you do if your child is being bullied online? Firstly, it’s important to stay calm, and respond rationally.  Don’t blame your child or point fingers at the time they spend online or playing a game you don’t like.    Resist any urge you have to take away devices or impose new limits on their connectivity.  None of this is your child’s fault, and they should not feel punished because it has happened to them. Gurshwen says, “Be supportive of your child and acknowledge how this experience has made them feel.   Parents should not judge, criticize, or make their child feel guilty for what has happened to them. It’s important to determine whether you need to seek professional help for your child so that they can manage the effects of the cyberbullying. You need to consider ways to protect your child from further cyberbullying and this may include reporting the matter to the police, school, or a cyberbullying helpline.  There are various ways to take action, and you should involve your child in finding a solution.” Rachelle of FYI play it safe recommends: Tell the bully to stop – you can support your child to stand up to the bully by calling out their behaviour and insisting that it stops. Block the bully – this can be highly effective when you do not know the bully.  Blocking them and reporting them to the platform can get the bully out of your child’s life.  However, if the cyberbullying has crossed the line into a cybercrime, you may want to keep the connection so that you can rather report them to the police, ask for a criminal case to be opened against them and hand over the proof you have on your child’s device.  Blocking and reporting on most platforms means that the history is deleted. Take it up with the bully’s parents or a supporter at school – if the bully is in your child’s friend or school circles, then you can explore whether opening up conversations can help to remedy the situation.  Make sure your child is comfortable with this approach. Disengage, but otherwise do

May 4, 2023
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