Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

As we mark International Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Month, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, raises awareness and understanding about this debilitating and complex disease. What is MS? MS is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is estimated that over 6,000 people in South Africa are living with MS, and around 2.5 million worldwide. MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) that surrounds nerve fibres in the CNS. This can cause a range of symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected. The cause of MS is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Signs And Symptoms The signs and symptoms of MS can vary greatly from person to person, depending on which part of the CNS is affected. Some of the most common symptoms include: Fatigue: MS-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that does not improve with rest. It can be debilitating and affect daily life. Muscle weakness or spasticity: MS can cause muscle weakness, stiffness, or spasms, which can affect movement and coordination. Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision: MS can damage the nerves that control eye movement, leading to vision problems. Sensory symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in the limbs: MS can affect the way nerves transmit signals, leading to altered sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning. Difficulty with coordination and balance: MS can affect the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance, leading to problems with walking or standing. Problems with speech or swallowing: MS can affect the nerves that control speech and swallowing, leading to slurred speech or difficulty swallowing. Cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems or difficulty with concentration and attention: MS can affect the parts of the brain responsible for cognition, leading to problems with memory, attention, and information processing. Treatment Options While there is currently no cure for MS, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. These include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, “Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing MS. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms associated with MS, as early intervention can help prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life.” MS can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and it is important to provide support and care for those living with the disease. This includes access to healthcare, rehabilitation services, and community support. “By increasing awareness, we can help reduce the stigma associated with MS and improve support for those living with the disease,” concludes Hewlett. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of 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 at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

June 30, 2023

Winter? No problem! Nilotiqa is here to protect your hair all season long

In South Africa, winter arrives in the blink of an eye. We’ve barely worn our in-between-weather clothing and already it’s time to dig out the parkas and puffer jackets. For many of us, winter is a joy: sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire, a lazy lie-in on the weekend and the sound of the rain… But for those of us with brittle, dry or damaged hair, this season can get tricky. When the colder temperature sets in, the humidity drops, which means that there is less moisture in the air. When this happens, the air draws moisture from anything it can – including your hair and skin! That’s why dry hair is one of the most common winter beauty concerns, and why we are more prone to breakage, frizz and split ends during the colder months. We’re always told that we need to adapt our skincare routines when we move from summer to winter. Lighter products get swapped out for richer, more nourishing formulations to combat the effect of the cold on our skin. Our hair is very much the same: when the cold weather sets in, hair needs extra moisture and nutrients to keep it soft, hydrated and healthy. Protect your hair from the elements and give it a moisture boost by following these winter hair care tips courtesy of Nilotiqa. Don’t over-shampoo Washing your hair regularly in summer is essential to rid your hair and scalp of sweat and bacteria. When the weather cools down, try to shampoo a little less frequently and change your regular shampoo for a gentler formula. When we shampoo our hair we also remove the natural oils produced by our scalps, and in winter, these are essential to keep our hair moisturised. Try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Moisturising Conditioner (R119.99). It is the perfect shampoo for winter as it replenishes lost moisture in dry and brittle hair. Active ingredients shea butter and coconut oil deeply nourish hair, while others gently cleanse and purify hair, removing build-up. Look after your scalp It’s not unusual for one’s skin to get dry during winter, and that goes for the scalp too! A dry scalp can become itchy and uncomfortable, and may even flake. Avoid this by moisturising your scalp frequently. Try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Scalp and Hair Oil (R99.99). This lightweight oil easily penetrates hair and skin to seal in the moisture and is packed with high amounts of vitamin E and C, leaving hair and scalp nourished and moisturised. Try leave-in conditioning products If you’ve never tried a leave-in conditioner, now is your time! It helps replenish moisture and combat the effects of hot styling aids and cold winds. Plus, it’ll leave your hair feeling soft, lustrous and moisturised. If you like a lighter texture, try Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Repairing Leave-In Conditioner (R99.99) which rehydrates hair and protects it from breaking. It has a creamy formula that softens the hair while restoring its moisture balance. If you prefer a buttery texture, try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Deep Moisture Butter (R100.00). It replenishes the hair’s moisture and is suitable for daily use. The formula contains shea butter and coconut oil to replenish moisture – it deeply nourishes while locking in moisture. Don’t skip your weekly hair mask Most of us need the extra moisture boost that a hair mask offers, and during winter, a weekly mask can make a big difference in repairing and protecting hair. Hair masks contain more concentrated ingredients than conditioners, which includes stronger moisturisers and hydrators that replenish and lock in moisture. Try: Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Intensive Repair & Strengthen Mask (R129.99). It helps to strengthen and repair hair, while preventing breakage and damage. This intensive treatment deeply penetrates hair follicles to condition strands with a protein-enriched formula. It is perfect for restoring damaged natural hair. Enriched with protein, it penetrates the hair follicles for an intensive hair treatment. Give curls some extra definition Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, so it’ll need plenty of additional moisture during winter. Because of the low humidity, curly girls may also find their hair more prone to frizz, with less definition and less manageability. We recommend applying a curl enhancing product like Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Curl Enhancing Activator (R99.99), which contains coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba and sunflower to enhance and define your curls, adding healthy shine too. Simply apply to damp hair and leave in. Prefer a richer formula? Try Nilotiqa Shea & Coco Moisturising Curling Cream (R130.00) which combines coconut oil, shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil to turn dry, brittle hair into luscious curls, free from frizz. Don’t let winter get the better of your hair this season – with these simple adjustments to your regime, you’ll have soft, healthy and moisturized hair all winter long. Shop Nilotiqa products at selected Clicks, Dis-Chem & Pick n Pay stores. Learn more at https://www.nilotiqa.com/ Facebook: @nilotiqa Instagram: @nilotiqa About Nilotiqa We offer a solution to allow black women to retain moisture that is necessary for healthy hair maintenance and healthy hair growth. Whether your hair is in protective styling, an au natural fro, or whether you’re transitioning, our goal is to help keep your hair as healthy as possible. Created by a Black Woman for Black Women to nurture, protect and care for their kinks and coils. A proudly South African brand where rich, nourishing and moisturizing ingredients are sourced from South Africa and Africa. We pride ourselves in sourcing only the best, natural, qualitative, nutritive ingredients from the African soil Our products are free from chemicals; parabens; sulphates; mineral oil; waxes; formaldehyde & petroleum. We are cruelty free.

June 30, 2023

Top Tips Travelling with Kids: Unlocking Big Adventures with Polly Pocket

It’s holiday season again and traveling with kids can be an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family. However, keeping little ones entertained and engaged during long journeys can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, for we have the perfect solution that will spark their imagination and turn any trip into a grand adventure! Enter Polly Pocket, a small toy with big potential for fun and exploration. Now, here are a few game-changer for your travel adventures Pack Light and Smart: When traveling with kids, packing efficiently is key. Opt for compact and versatile items, and when it comes to toys which can fit into small spaces without compromising on entertainment value Polly will have you sorted. These portable playsets will keep your little ones occupied and allow you to maximize your luggage space. Engage in Imaginative Play: Encourage your child to unleash their creativity by immersing themselves in another world. Watch as they create stories and scenarios with dolls, accessories, and settings, igniting their imagination and providing hours of entertainment. The Pocket World truly allows kids to become the directors of their own travel adventures. Enjoying Screen Time: Sometimes going on adventures is easier when there is a screen, so why not download episodes or clips from the animated series onto your phone or tablet? This way, they can embark on new adventures, adding another layer of excitement to their travel experience. Create a Travel Storybook: Encourage your child to document their travel adventures by creating a travel storybook as they go on real-world adventures with Polly. They can draw pictures, write captions, or even stick photos of the two of them in different real-life travel settings. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also serves as a wonderful keepsake of their journey. Keep Essentials Handy: Remember to pack essential items like wipes, tissues, and snacks alongside the toys. These little things can come in handy during travel, ensuring a smooth journey for both kids and parents. Plus, they can double as props in the imaginative play, adding an extra layer of fun to the adventures.

June 30, 2023

Why teach your children to be a team player?

A team player is constantly reliable day in and day out, not just some of the time. You can count on them to get the job done, meet deadlines, keep their word and provide consistent quality work. Learning to work in a team is undoubtedly one of the most important skills that one can learn and has been identified as a crucial component of 21st century learning. As a result, many schools and curricula have placed a renewed emphasis on group-work and collaboration to equip students with these vital skills. The elements of being a team player are varied and great in number. The trust factor is undeniably at the heart of all things related to teamwork. Having the faith to delegate tasks and allowing individuals the freedom to make decisions requires a great degree of trust. It boils down to putting your fate and that of the team’s in the hands of others. Other vital components include commitment to the team-goal, selflessness and an ability to compromise. Ultimately, it is about putting the group ahead of yourself. Consequently, it remains my firm belief that the sports field remains one of the most effective “classrooms” in terms of learning to be a team player. Having to cope with the teams expectations and being responsible for motivating your teammates while having to cope with your own inner doubts are daunting at the best of times. These demands are often magnified by the fact that the sporting contest often takes place in the public arena thereby increasing the fear of failure. Unsurprisingly many of our strongest and most character building memories revolve around these sporting moments be they making the last-ditch tackle to stop a try, scoring the winning goal or consoling a teammate after their mistake cost the team. These moments often have an impact on our self-confidence and character long after the occasion has passed and often serve to inspire us to even greater things. It is undeniable that being part of a team does leave one vulnerable as it takes the individual out of their comfort zone. This aspect makes teamwork both challenging and rewarding. To celebrate an achievement brought about by a united effort remains one of the greatest sensations and allows us a bonding experience with our fellow people that is irreplaceable. It remains my firm belief that teamwork remains one of humanity’s greatest assets and its unlimited potential will undoubtedly be vital in overcoming our political, economic and social challenges that currently beset our world. By: Farone Eckstein, Principal of Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge

June 30, 2023

Are you struggling with a teething baby?

It’s 3 ‘o clock in the morning and your baby just won’t settle down. She’s been crying non-stop for the last couple of hours and after checking that’s she’s dry, fed and not in any way uncomfortable, you still can’t figure out what’s wrong with her. Surely it can’t be that she’s teething? She’s still so tiny! But yes, it’s possible – teething can begin as early as three months and continue until a child’s third birthday. Between the ages of four and seven months, you’ll notice your baby’s first tooth pushing through the gum line. The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. Four to eight weeks later the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors), appear and about a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear. In some rare cases, babies are born with one or two teeth or have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. Unless these teeth interfere with feeding or are loose enough (as they sometimes are) to pose a choking risk, this should not be cause for concern. As your baby begins teething, she might drool more and you’ll notice that she wants to chew on things. Fortunately for mom, some babies find teething completely painless and their teeth seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere! However, others may experience brief periods of irritability, and some may seem cranky for weeks, with bouts of “unexplained” crying and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. And you guessed it – that’s when you find yourself at 3 o’clock in the morning trying to calm a crying baby! For the most part, teething can be uncomfortable, but if your baby seems very irritable, talk to your doctor. Although tender and swollen gums could cause your baby’s temperature to be a little higher than normal, teething doesn’t usually cause high fever or diarrhoea. If your baby does develop a fever during the teething phase, it’s probably due to something else and you should contact your doctor. It has been said that teething symptoms are signs of physical stress which can lower your baby’s resistance to infectious agents that under normal circumstances would not produce illness. The same germs that live in a baby’s intestines and cause no ill effects, at other times could produce ear-aches, congestion, or other low-grade infections when your baby is teething. As parents look more towards natural healing, we have found Baltic Amber, which is a fossilised resin, can provide relief. There are many gum soothing medications and remedies on the market and you should consult your pharmacist, local clinic or paediatrician to find a solution that best suits your baby’s needs. Stages of teething : 6 to 7 months – Incisors (situated 2 central bottom & 2 central top teeth) 7 to 9 months- Two more incisors (situated top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all) 10 to 14 months – First molars (double teeth for chewing) 15 to 18 months – Canines (pointed teeth or fangs) 2 to 3 years – Second molars (second set of double teeth at the back)

June 29, 2023

WHY YOUR TEEN NEEDS PRIVACY

As parents we feel a certain pride when our teens stake out their rights to more and more autonomy. After all, it’s a natural and necessary evolution from childhood to adulthood, a signifier that our ‘child is alright’ and that we are doing a ‘good enough’ job at parenting. However, as our teens carve out more independence for themselves in a world complicated by a vast digital realm that holds both known and unknown dangers, many parents are feeling compelled to put safety first in ways that can compromise their child’s privacy. Why is privacy so important to teens? Adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood, is marked by developing independence and identity. Lekha Daya, a Counselling Psychologist and Senior Psychologist for the Panda app, a provider of free and low-cost mental healthcare in South Africa, says, “Teens are looking to the future and exploring the possibilities of the adult they will become. Some space from parents and their family, as they take charge of their own narrative for the first time and look outwards to fitting into society at large, is to be expected. The freedom to explore and experiment with different facets of identity goes hand-in-hand with a need for greater privacy as they navigate their unique sense of independence of thought and behaviour.” Many parents innately recognise and understand this important psycho-social development stage and they have no difficulties in respecting their teens’ need for privacy and clearer boundaries. However, the challenge of keeping teens safe online is presenting a conundrum for many parents, especially those who are actively cultivating trust-based relationships with their increasingly independent children. Mother and tech innovator, Rachelle Best, the founder of AI-based app FYI play it safe, says, “As a parent of a 15 year old daughter, it was unacceptable for me to be scrolling through her online chats. This type of device checking is too invasive, and it erodes trust and happiness in the parent-child relationship. That was my inspiration for the development of a non-invasive monitoring tool that balances the need to protect my daughter while still respecting her right to privacy.” Trusting your teen makes an impact on their development Affording your child privacy is an act of both love and trust which promotes their healthy development. Daya says, “Trusting your teen means you trust them to make good decisions, behave appropriately, and decide what information they need or want to share with you and others. Trust goes both ways. Your child needs to trust that you respect their right to have privacy and a say in decisions about their life. When you and your child have mutual trust, you’ll have better communication. Your child will also be more likely to come to you when they need help. Teens’ development can be positively influenced by a trusting relationship with parents and caregivers as it encourages a growth mindset and builds confidence in their own abilities and sense of responsibility.” A question that parents might ask themselves is: How much privacy is appropriate? Daya suggests a ‘need to know’ yardstick. She explains, “There are some things you need to know, such as where your child is going to be on Saturday night, how they’re getting there and back, and whether there’ll be alcohol or adult supervision. But there are other things that can be private between your child and their friends – for example, what they talked about at a party, or who they danced with.” Practical ways to respect your child’s privacy include: Knocking before going into their room Giving them space to talk with their friends Asking before looking in or getting things out of their school bag Daya says, “It can also help to discuss privacy with your child, set some ground rules and work out some boundaries. These can be changed as your child gets older. You might also want to talk about situations where you’d need to cross the agreed boundaries. For example, this could be when you’re really worried that something isn’t right with your child.” Child’s privacy no-no’s include: Listening to their telephone conversations Looking at things in their room or in their drawers Reading their diary or checking their email account ‘Friending’ them or communicating with them on social media if they don’t want you to Calling them to check on them all the time Balancing privacy and online safety Best recommends a high-quality level of communication with your teen around online safety is the best starting point in protecting them. The conversation about online safety needs to be ongoing, as the digital landscape is ever-changing. Parents have to keep up and be well-educated about risks, trends, digital spaces available to their child and content that they could access. A lack of this knowledge will inevitably lead to anxiety and fears of the unknown and acting in unhelpful ways that your teen may resist, which will in turn erode goodwill in your relationship. The FYI play it safe app continuously stays updated with the ongoing changes and risks, so parents don’t have to know everything all the time. To keep your children safer online, FYI play it safe recommends: Understanding age restrictions on the applications your child uses to give an indication of the type of content that they may encounter. Going through the Ts and Cs of the apps – the apps may seem innocent at first, but you also have to ensure you agree with what the apps are allowed to do with your child’s data and pictures. Activating full privacy settings – this include deactivating location settings, making sure that accounts are always set to “private” instead of public accounts and that strangers are not able to sent them direct messages. Setting up agreed screen time parameters for the family – this could be part of a digital contract between parents and their teens. Making use of parental controls and content filtering. This is a good way to filter content to ensure they don’t encounter anything that is not appropriate for their age. Modelling good digital habits Talking about online safety continuously Add a layer of protection through non-invasive device monitoring Drawing

June 29, 2023

WHY ARE TOYS AND PLAY IMPORTANT?

Many parents fear that giving toys to their children is spoiling them but it has been proven many times that play contributes directly to a child’s education and development. The important thing is to give them the right toys that stimulate and prolong play and learning. If children are to discover what they are good at, what they like, and what they are like, then they will need variety in their play, and a broad assortment of toys to make it possible. Fun Fact #1: In one study the availability of toys in infancy was related to the child’s IQ at 3 years of age Fine Motor Skills / Hand Eye Coordination: Lacing Beading Puzzles Arts and crafts Large Motor Skills (fitness & balance) Pool toys Balls/outside games Gardening sets Baking sets Language Skills: Talking toys Sound puzzles Matching words and object games Books, activity books Fun Fact #2: A review of more than 40 studies concludes that play enhances early development by at least 33% Cognitive Skills (thinking through problems): Sorting, sequencing, counting , memory, puzzling games Bead mazes Stacking toys Puzzles Construction sets Imagination Skills (pretend play) Dress up Finger puppets Props (kitchens, trolleys, dolls) Artistic Skills (arts and crafts) Drawing Painting Sand art Art and craft activities Emotional Skills Group play Stickers Dolls Dress up sets Books Auditory Skills: Musical instruments Sound enhanced puzzles Listening games Co-operative games Fun Fact #3: Children play longer and learn more when a wide variety of toys are available

June 28, 2023

4 Ways Meta’s Family Center helps protect children and teens online

The Internet and social media platforms have evolved into spaces everyone can participate in. More and more young people are coming online to connect with their family and friends over things that matter to them. It’s important for parents to have open and honest dialogues with their teens about online safety, empowering themselves to stay safe online using free tools and resources available. Meta works with experts in mental health, child psychology, digital literacy and more, to build features and tools so people can connect online safely and responsibly. In addition to offering a wide range of online safety and privacy tools across its platforms, Meta’s newly launched Family Center in South Africa, is an online portal that gives power to parents and provides them with the means to safeguard their children and teens. Available across Meta technologies such as Instagram, the Family Center offers tools and resources to manage digital experiences across digital ecosystems. Here are four ways Meta’s Family Center and platforms enable parents to support their children online. 1. Supervision tools By linking Meta accounts, parents can unlock a wide range of supervision tools that let them actively participate in their child’s digital activity. And, while teenagers don’t always think it’s cool that parents are on the app too, having an online presence can be very beneficial. Using Family Center on Instagram, parents can monitor who their teens are following and who follows them, as well as how much they spend on the platform every day. They can also set daily time limits to manage the time spent scrolling. 2. Education Hub Not every parent knows how to approach the topic of online safety, or how to enforce it. That’s why Family Center’s Education Hub is an invaluable resource, providing parents with tips, insight, and comprehensive articles that help them and their families navigate online spaces. Education Hub features expert input from leading parental organisations that specialise in media literacy, safety and communication, privacy, and overall digital well-being. 3. Healthy habits South Africans are hooked on social media platforms, spending an average of three hours and 44 minutes online each day – more than the global average. Spending so much time online can result in us developing habits, which is why it’s vital that young people develop healthy ones. For teens on Instagram, the ‘Take a Break’ feature allows them to make informed decisions and take control of how much time they spend on the app. If a user has spent a certain amount of time scrolling, Instagram will ask them if they want to take a break and suggest setting reminders to take more breaks in the future. In January Meta also introduced Quiet Mode on Instagram, a new feature to help people focus and to encourage them to set boundaries with their friends and followers. For example, when you turn on Quiet Mode, you won’t receive any notifications, your profile’s activity status will change to let people know you’re in Quiet Mode, and Meta will automatically send an auto-reply when someone sends you a DM. Meta is making Quiet Mode available to everyone on Instagram globally in the coming weeks. 4. Privacy by default A big part of being in online spaces is the level of privacy those spaces provide. As such, there should always be privacy safeguards in place that determine what information other users can and cannot see. For instance, Facebook users under the age of 16 are defaulted to certain privacy settings. This includes who can see their friends list, the people and Pages they follow, posts that they’re tagged in, and who can comment on their public posts. These are just some of the ways that platforms like Facebook and Instagram work to maintain online safety and privacy. “It’s only by taking a holistic approach, by offering comprehensive resources and effective methods to set and monitor boundaries, that we can make a real difference in young people’s lives. We want to help them connect and foster relationships in a safe and secure environment,” said Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager for Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta.

June 28, 2023

NIGHT TERRORS

Most parents will be woken at least once in their child’s life, to their little one screaming and crying from having a bad dream. Nightmares are especially prevalent in children who are between two and three years of age, as their imagination runs wild. Children want to be comforted during this time and even though it might take them a bit of time to let go of the scary thoughts and fall back asleep they will be comforted by the presence of a parent.

June 28, 2023

COULD THIS BE ADHD?

With home-schooling becoming the new norm, many parents are now faced with seeing their children in a different role as a student, and they have been forced into becoming the, often ill-equipped, teacher. Some parents are finding this incredibly difficult, and especially those whose children are not getting on with the schoolwork with as much ease as they’d expect.

June 28, 2023

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERAMENT

Temperament is defined as an individual’s behavioural style and characteristic way of responding. Therefore, it is how the child, adolescent or adult usually acts and consists of a variety of traits. Parents all over the world will have noticed that, if they have several children, each child is “different”. The differences are usually attributed to the child’s temperament (which some people also refer to as their “personality”). Researchers have paid particular attention to babies where they have noticed that some infants are born with certain characteristics, for instance, some babies are more active and constantly move their little bodies, whilst others are tranquil and yet others explore their environment at great length. In addition, some babies respond warmly to people whilst others fret and fuss. In essence, the suggestion is that individuals are born with a certain temperament which stays relatively the same throughout their lives. Psychiatrists, Stella Thomas and Alexander Chess, believe that there are three basic clusters of temperament namely “easy”, “difficult” and “slow to warm up”. An “easy” baby is generally in a positive mood, establishes regular routines and adapts easily to new experiences. A “difficult” baby has a predisposition to react negatively and cries frequently. Routines that are supposed to be consistent are irregular and the “difficult” baby usually accepts new experiences gradually. A “slow-to-warm up” baby has a low activity level and can be somewhat negative. Low intensity of mood is also common and their ability to adapt is lowered. Various dimensions make up these three basic clusters of temperament namely: Activity level (the degree of energy and/or movement for example, the difference between a child who is constantly on the go, fidgets and squirms in comparison to the child who is able to sit for long periods of time without complaining). Approach or Withdrawal (how new people are approached and situations are managed for example, whether a child is eager to try new things and make new friends or is there a tendency for the child to be cautions and taking their time to warm up to new people). Adaptability to change (the ease to which the child tolerates changes to routines, in other words is the child flexible with the ability to “go with the flow” and is not bothered by changes to his/her routines in comparison to the child who thrives on routine and who would be likely to get distressed when there are changes to his/her routines). Predominant quality of mood (the degree to which the child’s moods and general disposition are either positive or negative, namely are they optimists or pessimists. The child with the positive mood is likely to laugh and smile more readily and easily than the child with the negative mood who is more is likely to cry, whine and complain). Distractibility/Attention Span/Persistence (the degree to which a child can be distracted, for example, is the child easily distracted by many things in his/her environment or is the child able to focus. Persistence implies whether a child perseveres with a task or has a tendency to give up easily). Rhythmicity (the regularity of eating, sleeping etc., therefore does the child have a biological rhythm that is regular and predictable or not). Sensitivity to stimuli (the degree to which a child is sensitive or not. For example is the child sensitive to noise, bright lights, clothing labels and so forth or is he/she able to easily ignore external stimuli). Intensity (the degree to which mood is expressed when happy, unhappy etc. Some children display their emotions without hesitation in other words everybody will know that the child is sad or happy and they will have no difficulty crying in-front of the whole class whilst other children are thoughtful and mild and tend to keep their feelings “inside”). Thomas and Chess further believe that temperament is a stable characteristic of newborns that comes to be shaped and modified by the child’s later experiences in later life. Why is important to take cognisance of children’s temperament? When you take your child to a child psychologist they will probably ask you ‘how your child is like’, in other words what their temperament is. This has a variety of implications for play therapy and parental guidance. The child psychologist will usually work with what suits the individual child and help him or her with the coping resources which will be the most effective for his/her temperament. The child psychologist also works with the parents’ temperament in order to facilitate discipline difficulties etc. Thus, a child who for example falls in the category of expressing their emotions intensely like crying hysterically over something perceived to be relatively small will have different needs to the child who is anxious when meeting new people. How parents and other caregivers react to the aforementioned scenarios will also have implications for the child. In addition, being cognisant of a child’s temperament is also very important when they have to undergo an educational or developmental assessment by a psychologist. Children for example, who are naturally busy (the level of activity) and are very curious (distractibility/attention span) are sometimes diagnosed as having a disorder such as ADD/ADHD when in fact those characteristics are merely part of their temperament. If parents are aware of their child’s temperament they can provide activities that work with their child’s temperament which they will enjoy. A child can also be disciplined in ways that “fit” his/her nature. It is also important for teachers and other caregivers to understand a child’s temperament so that their learning is facilitated by what suits them. Temperament affects all aspects of a child’s life such as how they learn, how they play and how they interact with others and should never be overlooked.

June 27, 2023

Why tummy time is so important for your baby

As a new parent, you have more than likely been told by your doctor that baby needs to always be on his/her back when being put down to sleep or take a nap. However, it is just as important that baby does spend time on his/her tummy during the day whilst awake and during periods of time where mom or dad can supervise. Babies now spend much of their days on their back on relatively hard surfaces – at night, in a crib or bassinet, or in a bed; during the day, in a pack and play, car-seat and stroller. All of this time on their backs can lead to a flattening of the back of the head. It also leads to weaker neck muscles, as the baby never has a chance to exercise their neck lying on their back. Because of this, baby experts and health professionals now call for a prescribed amount of tummy time for baby each day, allowing baby to strengthen their neck and take the pressure off the back of their head for a while. Since your baby will be spending so much time laying on his/her back, tummy time will help to strengthen their little neck muscles which will ultimately assist in achieving other physical milestones. So what is tummy time, we hear you ask? “Tummy time is when your infant lays on his (or) her stomach while supervised,” says Wendy Wallace, DO, a paediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network. Tummy time includes a variety of activities, positions, and routines to keep your infant spending a significant amount of time on his/her tummy. Whether or not they enjoy it, and it seems most don’t at first, your baby needs this time to practice lifting their head, then pushing up from the ground. Experts say that they have found that babies who don’t spend time on their tummy’s can experience certain development difficulties with their motor skills. Facing down is an unfamiliar position for baby and so it’s natural for baby to feel uncomfortable and perhaps even abandoned. And this is where ‘Baby Wearing” is proving to be more beneficial for baby. “Baby wearing” doubles as tummy time, and if you’re wearing baby for an hour, or a number of hours, each day, they receive much more exercise for their little neck and back than they would have during the prescribed amount of tummy time. The added benefit is that because baby is being kept of his/her back, there is less chance of developing a flat head. When a baby is in a sling, especially once they are in an upright position, which is possible from birth and ideal from four or six months and up, their core muscles are constantly engaged as their parent moves and goes about their day. Though baby’s body is well-supported, safe and secure in the carrier, small shifts in their parent’s body position cause them to shift as well, in turn strengthening their muscles. They also lift their heads to see or to turn their head, which strengthens their neck in the same way tummy time would.

June 27, 2023

POTTY TRAINING: WHERE TO START

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, reminds parents potty training requires patience, persistence, and a positive attitude. Establishing a routine is essential, such as offering praise and encouragement and remembering that accidents will happen. Taking a calm and consistent approach can help your child successfully transition out of nappies and onto the potty. “Embarking on potty training is a significant milestone for parents and children. It signals a new stage in a child’s development and can be an enjoyable (although occasionally messy) journey. However, with a plethora of information on the subject, it can be daunting to know where to begin,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Affinity Health explores some fun and informative tips for potty training. Timing Is Key The ideal time to start potty training is between 12 and 18 months. Most children are ready to start learning about the potty at this age, and their bladder and bowel control is developing. “Pay attention to your child’s cues and not force them into potty training before they are ready. By waiting until your child is developmentally ready, you can set them up for a more successful and stress-free potty-training experience,” adds Hewlett. Get The Right Equipment A child-sized potty chair, step stool, flushable wipes, and training pants are all essential for potty training. Let your child pick out their potty chair to make it more fun and exciting. Read Potty Training Books Many great children’s books are available to help prepare your child for potty training. Read books about going to the potty and talk to your child about what they see and hear. Encourage And Praise When your child successfully uses the potty, be sure to give lots of praise and encouragement. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your child feel confident and motivated. Be Patient Potty training can be frustrating and messy, so it’s essential to be patient and understanding with your child. Accidents will happen, and it’s crucial not to get upset or angry when they do. Set A Routine Establishing a routine can help your child get into the habit of using the potty. Try having them sit on the potty regularly, such as after meals or before naps. Use Rewards Rewards can be a great way to motivate your child to use the potty. Try using a sticker chart or offering small rewards, such as a special treat or extra playtime. Overcoming Common Potty-Training Challenges Potty training can be a challenging time for both parents and children alike. Here are some common challenges parents may face during the potty-training process: Resistance: Some children may resist using the potty because they are comfortable with their current routine or are afraid of the potty. Accidents: Accidents are common during potty training and can be frustrating for parents and children alike. It’s important to stay calm and not get upset or angry when accidents happen. Regression: Sometimes, children who have been successfully potty trained may experience regression and start having accidents again. This can be frustrating for parents and may require retraining. Fear: Some children may fear the sound of the toilet flushing or the sensation of falling into the toilet. This fear can make it difficult for them to use the potty. Inconsistency: If parents are not consistent with their approach to potty training, it can confuse the child and make the process longer and more challenging. Night-time training: Night-time training can be more difficult than daytime training, as children may not be able to hold their bladder for extended periods while they sleep. Outside of home: Potty training can be more challenging outside of the home, as children may be hesitant to use unfamiliar bathrooms or public restrooms. In conclusion, potty training can be a fun and exciting adventure for both children and parents. By following these tips and taking a patient and positive approach, you can help your child achieve this important milestone and set them on the path to success. So, grab a potty chair and let’s get started! About Affinity Junior At Affinity Health, we know that the growth and development of your child is of utmost importance. With Affinity Junior, you can get Day-to-Day and Hospital cover for your children. Affinity Junior provides affordable healthcare for your children – keeping the most important people in your life healthy and happy! Affinity Junior will provide your children with unlimited, managed doctor consultations, medication, and hospitalisation, depending on the chosen plan. The unique feature of the Affinity Junior plan is that the policy insures only your children. For more on Affinity Junior, click here. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, 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. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

June 26, 2023

DO CHILDREN STILL NEED STRONG MENTAL AGILITY WHEN THEY CAN RELY ON TECHNOLOGY?

With calculators, spell-checkers and predictive text now being a common feature on computers and mobile phones, will today’s children still need strong mental skills to get by? Using technological software may be quick and easy, but there are real disadvantages that come when a child is so dependent on online assistance; namely, they will lack mental agility, fluency and accuracy, and they probably won’t be using their brain to its full capacity. Everyday tasks as simple as checking they’ve received the right change, or working out ratios of ingredients when preparing meals, require mental calculations which a child reliant on technology could struggle with. A student who looks to spell-checker to ensure the accuracy of their work will struggle when completing it offline; they’ll be marked down for inaccuracy during handwritten exams, or perhaps they know an answer but their poor spelling lets them down because the examiner is unable to understand their intention. Looking to the future, strong mental arithmetic and literacy skills are important in whatever career a child chooses to pursue, and are still noticed and sought after by most employers. A child who has these abilities will feel more confident and at ease in the workplace. In addition to all of the above, reading and writing, and solving mathematical calculations exercises the brain and keeps it healthy. The brain is a muscle, and like the other muscles in the body, it needs to be exercised and stimulated regularly to stay healthy and keep functioning at its optimum. Dr Ryuta Kawashima is a professor at Tohoku University in Japan and he is a leader in the field of Brain Imaging in Japan. He has conducted numerous experiments and research to discover what activities activate and stimulate the brain and what activities don’t. One activity that Dr Kawashima discovered that is excellent for stimulating the brain is performing mathematical calculations regularly, even simple ones. He conducted research to find out which activity exercised the brain more: playing very complex video games, or solving mathematical calculations of adding one digit numbers to each other e.g. 1 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 6 etc. Although at the outset he was sure that the video games would activate the brain more, when he measured activity using MRI scans, he saw that video games actually stimulated the brain very little, but that the arithmetical calculations had the brain firing on all cylinders. This surprising finding urged Dr Kawashima into further research and he has shown that mathematical calculations stimulate the brain, help to lay down neural pathways and keep the brain from degenerating. Dr Kawashima has this to say, “The prefrontal cortex, the area for thinking and learning, of both hemispheres [of the brain] is active during simple calculation. Dealing with numbers is an important and sophisticated activity for human beings. … From primary school to college, simple calculation triggers brain activity. … Calculation is extremely helpful in training and developing your brain.” (p.34). Another activity that is vital for the brain is reading, especially reading out loud. Through his research, Dr Kawashima has found that when reading, many parts of both sides of the brain, as well as the prefrontal cortex (the most important place in the brain for thinking and learning) are activated. (p.26). Reading out loud activates the brain even more than reading silently. This can be a useful tip when it comes to studying. Reading work out loud can help a learner to remember it better. Mental agility skills do take time to develop and improve but through practice they will make all the difference! How can you encourage the development of these skills in your child? Turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities – when shopping, ask your child to work out how much your bill will cost before you get to the checkout, and have them look at the receipt afterwards to check it’s correct. Have a weekly spelling bee at home or a times tables challenge – competitions and rewards are good incentives to encourage children to learn and make learning fun. When reading with your child, ensure they are familiar with all the words on the page and get them to write and spell out new words. Encourage your child to write regularly as this offers opportunities to spell. Through this, you’ll be able to see spellings they struggle with, and employ tracing, mnemonics and/or other strategies to help them improve. At Kumon, we aim to foster independent learners through our maths and English programmes. Our students do not rely on calculators, dictionaries or coping strategies to advance through their study; instead they are encouraged to become self-learners who develop in academic ability and skill with each worksheet they complete. Through daily practice our students develop in understanding, fluency and pace, allowing them to advance to more complexed work. If you’re interested in enrolling your child to Kumon, visit our website www.kumon.co.za to find your nearest study centre and contact your local Instructor for more information. Sources for this article: https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/do-children-still-need-strong-mental-agility-when-then-can-rely-on-technology/ Kawashima, R. 2003. Train Your Brain. Kumon Publishing Co, Ltd. Tokyo, Japan Kawashima, R. and Koizumi, H. ed. 2003. Learning Therapy. Tohoku University Press. Sendai, Japan

June 26, 2023

Solving SA’s literacy crisis with a unique approach to teaching and learning

Literacy rates in South Africa are going backwards. That is the finding of the 2023 Reading Panel background report, written by education economist Nic Spaull on behalf of a panel of specialists convened by former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. The report, published earlier this month, reveals that a shocking 82% of grade 4 children cannot read for meaning. This is a deeply troubling statistic. Without the ability to decipher the meaning behind the words they read on a page, learners battle to answer questions related to what they have read and, in time, this affects their ability to follow instructions, solve problems and think critically. “The root cause of this crisis,” says Sizwe Nxasana, founder of Future Nation Schools “lies in the problem with South Africa’s language policy, particularly the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in schools. This, like so many things in our culturally rich country, is a complex issue.” According to South Africa’s CAPS curriculum, the purpose of ‘English Home Language’ as a subject is to “acquire the language skills required for academic learning across the curriculum”, with the parallel purpose for English First Additional Language to “use their Additional Language for academic learning across the curriculum.” Yet take a closer look at our country’s demographics and you will quickly see where the problem lies. Demographically, 80% of teachers and learners do not use English as their home or native language yet we expect teachers to teach our children English – not just for pronunciation, but for meaning. This, the first key contributing factor to the low levels of English proficiency amongst learners, has a significant impact on the quality of learning and teaching in our country. The second, and equally important, factor is dictated by our country’s Language in Education Policy, which requires that learners’ mother tongue is maintained, developed and used as the LoLT for the first three years of primary school (known as the Foundation Phase). Thereafter, the policy recommends that the LoLT be English. This sudden change presents enormous challenges especially in Grade 4 as teachers and learners must now negotiate the transition from an indigenous language like isiZulu as their first language to English. “Research shows that children who are introduced to learning and teaching in their mother tongue develop a firmer grasp of the concepts they are being taught than those who do not. Thus,” explains Nxasana, “the premature and inconsistent change to English as a LoLT from Grade 4, at a stage when learners are not proficient in English, results in many schools with predominantly native language speakers code-switching between English and the predominant indigenous language in that school. This results in low levels of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English and any other indigenous language which is used as LoLT.” So how do we overcome this barrier? One way, says Nxasana, is to teach differently. And not just language, but all subjects. While this might sound like a lofty idea, at Future Nation Schools, Nxasana and his teachers are putting this into action by use Project-Based Learning (PBL) as the schools’ tool for teaching the CAPS curriculum. Put simply, “PBL is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. By bringing prior knowledge and the indigenous context, working on a project over an extended period of time and across multiple disciplines and subjects, learners actively engage with the topic in a very real, very tangible way to develop deep content knowledge about the topic of their project as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills,” Nxasana discloses. “From a language literacy development perspective, there are a myriad of skills that learners improve when they connect with concepts through PBL. Each project starts with a driving question – right now grade 3s at Future Nation Schools, for example, are working on the question: ‘Why are dinosaurs extinct?’ – learners are tasked with solving this driving question through research, interviews and a variety of other forms of investigation – all of which involves critical reading and careful listening. This approach turns them from passive participants in the curriculum to active inquirers.” PBL ‘works out’ learners’ literacy skills. Because PBL encourages learners to self-discover, self-explore and investigate concepts independently, their interaction with these concepts is not restricted to one language of instruction. Instead learners are able to use the languages they are most comfortable with. What this means is that a learner’s home language acts as a support to English. And thus, as learners switch codes throughout their interaction with the driving question, it deepens concepts’ meaning and enables better understanding of language. Towards the end of a project’s duration, learners must also take their new-found knowledge and use it to support their claims via a public presentation that answers the driving question. These presentations expose learners to the opposing views of their peers, thus enabling them to critique and evaluate different lines of thinking to the same question. In so doing, PBL enhances learners’ vocabulary, increases their reading fluency, develops their comprehension skills and also helps them to think critically and learn to make deductions. All of which are extremely key to the learning of a language and the understanding of the meaning of written text. Reading is the cornerstone of education. Developing literacy at an early age is key to ensuring learners’ success in life. “PBL turns learners into active participants in their own education. These leaners are able to retain the content longer and have a deeper understanding of it – regardless of the content, whether math, language, or indeed a subject like history, biology or geography – thus taking the benefits of PBL far beyond the classroom walls,” concludes Nxasana.

June 26, 2023

What to expect from your skin during pregnancy

It’s no secret that a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. These changes also affect the skin. The hormonal changes a woman goes through during the various stages of pregnancy may disrupt the skin’s delicate balance, resulting in anything from dehydration, to breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Your pre-pregnancy skincare routine will likely not suffice for the new challenges brought on by pregnancy, plus, if you use products containing active ingredients, you may need to reconsider your regime as the ingredients may not be safe for baby. For most women, pregnancy brings on a radiant glow, especially during the first trimester. This is due to an increase in blood flow, fluctuating hormone levels and increased oil production. However, this glow sadly doesn’t always last, and as a woman’s pregnancy journey evolves, she may begin to experience less desirable skincare changes. Some of the most common skin concerns women experience during pregnancy are: Acne Acne is extremely common among pregnant women, especially among those who have a history of acne or those who experience hormonal acne linked to their menstrual cycle. The change in hormones and increased oil production that is responsible for that pregnancy glow may lead to clogged pores and an increase in breakouts. This may range from occasional breakouts, to severe acne. Hyperpigmentation Have you ever heard of the “pregnancy mask”? Also known as melasma, it refers to a condition in which women develop dark marks on their skin during pregnancy. For some women it may be small freckle-like spots, and for others it may be larger, blotchy patches. Melasma is often symmetrical and occurs most commonly on the nose and cheeks (thus where the term “mask of pregnancy” comes from) but may also appear on the upper lip and forehead. Anyone can develop melasma, but it is particularly common among women with darker skins. Melasma occurs when a steep rise in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone stimulates excess melanin production in the body. It usually develops during the second and third trimesters when these hormones are found in higher levels in the body. Melasma may be intensified by sun exposure and one of the most important things you can do to avoid this is to protect your skin against the sun’s rays by applying a broad spectrum SPF product every day. The good news is that melasma is usually temporary and will fade after pregnancy. Skin sensitivity Skin sensitivity is extremely common during pregnancy, largely due to increased hormone levels. Some women may also experience flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It’s important to avoid skincare ingredients that are harsh or drying, and to opt for soothing products free from fragrances and colourants. Dryness and dehydration Hormone changes may cause skin to lose elasticity and moisture, which is why dry skin is a common concern during pregnancy. Replenish moisture by drinking plenty of water and by applying moisturising products containing hydrating and moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Ingredients to avoid: Some ingredients used in certain skincare products may be harmful to your baby, so it’s important to reconsider your skincare regime as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (or if you’re trying to conceive). Avoid products with high caffeine content, retinol (vitamin A) and salicylic acid, especially during the first trimester. It’s important to avoid any prescription skincare products during pregnancy as these may be harmful to your baby. Professional treatments like Botulinum Toxin injections, filler, laser and certain chemical peels are also not recommended during pregnancy, however, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe facials available. Speak to your doctor or healthcare professional if you’re uncertain as to which products are safe. Ingredients you may use: Hyaluronic acid is considered the best ingredient for dry and dehydrated skins and it is safe to apply during pregnancy. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, coconut oil etc are also safe. UVB ray blockers like zinc and titanium are safe and are a must to help prevent darkening of hyperpigmentation. Pregnancy-safe skincare Biomedical Emporium’s trusted Maternology range is a scientifically formulated skincare range suitable from pre-conception to Mom-to-be. This range is simplistic, easy and safe to use. The ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals and covers a wide array of gentle and effective ingredients to treat your skin optimally when trying to conceive as well as during pregnancy. The Maternology range will assist to control skin concerns associated with pregnancy such as pigmentation, acne and severe sensitivity. Try this trusted 3-step daily skincare regime and enjoy healthy skin throughout your pregnancy: Biomedical Emporium Maternology Cleanse (R274.00) Offering deep cleansing and mild exfoliation, this cleanser gently unclogs pores while soothing and calming skin. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Skin Stabilising Serum (R1060) This skin-calming serum helps smoothe fine lines and wrinkles while preventing and diminishing hormonal pigmentation. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Nutri-Hydro Day SPF30 (R1233.00) This is a sunscreen moisturiser suitable for moms-to-be, that prevents photo-ageing, controls the skin’s oil production and reduces redness caused by UV radiation. Biomedical Emporium Maternology Nutri-Hydro Night Therapy (R1200.00) This night cream provides cellular hydration to help combat dryness, rebalances the biodiversity of the skin and restores to skin barrier. Whether you’re loving your pregnancy skin or facing skincare challenges, it’s important to stick to all the skincare basics you knew before you were expecting: maintain a suitable skincare regime twice a day, never go to bed with makeup on, change your pillowcase regularly, disinfect your cellphone regularly, drink lots of water, eat fresh and unprocessed foods, try not to touch your face and remember to apply SPF every day. If in doubt about your skincare, or if you’re struggling to combat any of the concerns you’re faced with, make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner. About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed

June 23, 2023

WHY CRASH COURSES ON BABY SLEEP DON’T WORK

I have been assisting families with implementing sleep plans for many years and as it so happens that I am assisting the same families again with their second or third children. Often, the question comes up: “Why does the same plan of my first child not work with the other children? There is truth when I say: “Every child is different!”

June 23, 2023

All You Need to Know About Speech Therapists

Speech therapists, speech and language therapists and speech pathologists all refer to the same scope of practice. In South Africa, we study a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree at university followed by 1 year of community service at a government hospital or health care facility. It is a requirement that we register with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Thereafter, we can work in the public or private sector.

June 23, 2023

Playful ways to express emotions

“Emotions are important and can determine the kind of behaviour your child displays,” advises play therapist and Clamber Club Expert Anna Rodrigues. “A young child does not have the language to tell what he is feeling so his feelings come out in his behavior,” she adds. A child who feels angry for example could be defiant; a child who feels sad may cry continuously and a happy, content child may smile often and be compliant. A child who knows that there are many different emotions can name them and has a greater ability to be in control of those emotions. How can you help your child show his emotions? Start by looking at ways to help your child recognize his different emotions. “The first four emotions your child should recognise as a toddler is the happy face, the sad face, the angry face and the scared face,” says Anna. As you page through a magazine with your child or read him a story at night, point out the emotions the characters may be experiencing. As your child becomes familiar with those emotions highlight other emotions such as the excited teddy, the frustrated little boy or the nervous horse. Secondly, allow your child to experience these emotions through play. Children love to pretend and to fantasize. So, let your child pretend to be a mad dinosaur or a scared bird. Notice the expression on your child’s face as he plays out these emotions. There are also many negative emotions that your child may feel, he may feel annoyed, upset, confused, scared, angry or disillusioned. “These are all normal to experience, but when he starts to act out and misbehave or internalise these hard feelings it is important to help him to release these emotions in a playful manner,” advises Rodrigues. How high is your PQ when it comes to your child? There is so much importance placed on the child’s IQ and EQ, however we should add PQ – playful quotation, to this group. Here are our top playful activities to do with your child to help him release negative energy or negative feelings:

June 22, 2023

The power of music to fuel imagination

“Logic will get you from A to Z … Imagination will get you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein We all know from experience that music touches our emotions. Listening to a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” can leave us feeling nostalgic or melancholic; whereas listening to the “Imperial Stormtroopers March” from the Star Wars movies can suddenly make us want to enrol as a Jedi, and head into space! This emotional response can also affect our energy levels. For example, if you’re wanting to jog faster, you might listen to a more up-beat song. Wanting to boost your mood? You might pop on a dance song that reminds you of a fun experience in your past. Wanting to calm an unsettled baby? You might pop on some soothing instrumental music while you cuddle and reassure him / her. Emotions and imagination If music has such a profound effect on our moods and emotions, perhaps that is why it can be so effective in stimulating our imaginations. Author and Editor, Amy Fries thinks so! She’s written a book called “Daydreams at Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers” where she talks about the power of music to activate our imaginations and spark creativity. She says, “Some people have auditory daydreams. In other words, instead of primarily visualizing a scene or creation, they hear the “sounds of music.” Apparently, both Mozart and Tchaikovsky wrote about how they would “hear” compositions as they took long walks or rides in the countryside. This is absolutely fascinating … but also makes a lot of sense. Imagine if we could harness the power of music to help children to stimulate their imaginations and ultimately their creativity! Imagine … Wriggle and Rhyme! Working with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, we harness the power of the imagination in our music programmes. In fact, our programmes have been intentionally designed to use music as a catalyst for imagination. For example, in our RHYMERS (18 months – 3 years) programme this term, the children are enjoying a musical adventure in a garden. They’re enjoying the sights, sounds and textures of a garden. They’re also meeting a bunch of little creatures that they’ll find in the grass, trees and flowers. While on this adventure, they’re building their own imaginary world, which they can then access during their own free play time. Parents often tell us that after class, the children do just that! Wriggle and Rhyme prompts free, imaginary play at home! Our 3-4 year old pre-schoolers are enjoying a musical adventure to the Kruger National Park to meet the Big Five. Once again, we create an imaginary world for them to explore, always using music as the catalyst. With children increasingly in front of screens, never before has the power of imagination been more important. We believe that as children grow and develop, we need to create: More spaces for them to grow their imaginations. More spaces for them to express themselves emotionally and creatively. More spaces for them to ultimately expand their horizons … into worlds that they can only imagine! Musical resources Wriggle and Rhyme has a range of musical stories which you can access on your favourite streaming service (Apple music, Spotify, iTunes, etc.) or take a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music . We also have fun, musical episodes on our YOUTUBE channel “Wriggle & Rhyme SA”. Our baby and toddler music classes are available in Cape Town – RONDEBOSCH, CLAREMONT, MELKBOSSTRAND and MEADOWRIDGE. Our pre-school music classes take place at partner pre-schools across the Mother City. Find us at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za or on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme #wrigglerhyme

June 22, 2023

Glenoaks Paired Reading Program helps children struggling to read

Reading is a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency and motivation. Reading in its fullest sense involves weaving together each of these aspects and each is important. Our brains were not wired for reading – therefore it needs to be taught. Dr Seuss put it quite simply – Reading opens the door to the world. It is essential to just about every aspect of life from cooking to driving and everything in between. One of the areas of reading that we incorporate into our teaching programme at Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School is Paired Reading. What is paired reading? It is a simple technique that parents can use to improve their child’s oral reading and comprehension ability. It only takes ten minutes a day and it is a non-stressful way of supporting your child. The benefits include improved self-esteem and teachers often comment on an improvement in fluency and enjoyment in reading. We promote this method as it creates a bond between the reader (child) and the reading partner (adult). This bond enables the reader to develop a love for reading and books and encourages them to read with confidence and understanding. Paired Reading is like a child learning to ride a bicycle. In the early stages you give the child encouragement, confidence and control, by holding the bicycle. Your own instinct will tell you when to let go. So you can gradually disengage for longer periods until your child is able to ride without help. The same applies with Paired Reading. It is an ideal way of helping your child become an independent reader. It works on building up the positives and successes rather than concentrating on mistakes. In 2017, Glenoaks School partnered with Wits University to run a pilot project into the value of the Paired Reading method. A group of Wits students and a group of school staff underwent a training programme and then committed to a nine week commitment of reading three times a week with a class of Grade 2 children. In addition the children read the same books with their parents. Prior to the start of the project, the children underwent testing and they were also tested at the end of the nine week period. They were assessed in two aspects of reading; word recognition and comprehension. The results were very positive and on average the learners’ word recognition reading age improved by 5 months and their comprehension age by 2 years and 5 months. The positive results of this project have encouraged us to continue to promote this method of reading. The method for Paired Reading is so simple and you only need 10 minutes a day. Step 1 – Reading Together Read aloud with the child, both of you reading at the same pace The child can point to each word with their finger, and this helps to control the pace If a mistake is made allow 4 seconds for the child to correct If the word is not corrected, say the word and the child must repeat it correctly Use lots of praise! Ask questions and discuss what you are reading Step 2 – Reading Alone Start reading together. Child gives agreed signal when ready to read alone (can be a knock or tap, it shouldn’t be verbal) Child reads alone Give praise for reading alone If or when the child makes an error, give 4 seconds to self-correct If not self-corrected, say the word correctly which the child repeats Read again together until the child signals to read alone Reading together at home is one of the easiest but most important ways in which you can help your child. As you share books you are helping to improve your child’s reading skills and showing them how enjoyable reading can be. It is also the perfect way to spend quality time together! Glenoaks School offers Paired Reading training workshops to parents and schools. Please contact us for more information. Written by Margie Turner (Remedial Specialist at Glenoaks School)

June 21, 2023

IS MY CHILD IGNORING ME, OR IS IT “SELECTIVE” HEARING?

Does this sound familiar? “Joshua, it’s time for dinner…” No answer. Is he ignoring me? Or maybe he didn’t hear me…? Maybe I should get those ears checked… When is it worthwhile taking your child for a hearing test? Perhaps you recall your child had a hearing test at birth. Or perhaps there was so much going on that it seems like a distant memory. Most children do have their hearing screened at birth by an audiologist, but it depends on the hospital protocol. The test that is done at birth is a screening test to exclude significant hearing loss, but it is certainly worthwhile to repeat the hearing test several times as your child ages. Ideally, your child should have their hearing tested at birth, at one year, at three years and at five years of age. This should be done by an audiologist, as doctors cannot test your child’s hearing. Why is it so important to test my child’s hearing so frequently? At Birth –This is normally a screening done in the hospital at birth, within the first few days of life. Hearing is tested using a small probe which measures echo responses from the cochlea (inner ear). It is recommended that every child has a hearing screening test at birth. At 1 year – At this age your child should start producing one word utterances. Hearing is tested using the same test as at birth, but this time a diagnostic version is used, which tests a broader range of tones, and two different types of echoes can be measured. Your child can sit quietly and does not need to respond. We also look at their behavioural responses to soft speech in a sound proof booth, with rewarding stimuli like a Barney DVD which is played when they respond appropriately. Lastly, their middle ear health is tested using tympanometry, as many children have middle ear fluid which parents are not aware of. At 3 years – Your child should now be stringing short sentences together, which should be largely intelligible to both family and strangers. By age 3 and a half, your child can start responding more accurately to behavioural hearing tests. A combination of the testing described above, as well as play audiometry is generally used at this age to test your child’s hearing. Middle ear pressure tests and objective testing may be repeated if behavioural responses do not give enough information. At 5 years – By five years of age your child can attend for longer and give responses that are accurate. A full diagnostic hearing test is normally carried out. Results tend to be more specific to the pitch and intensities of your child’s hearing threshold. It is important that your child’s hearing is tested before they start school to ensure they can hear normally, which will allow your child the optimum learning capacity. Warning signs for potential hearing loss to look out for: Requests for the TV to be a little louder Ignoring or not responding when spoken to, especially from a distance (this can be inconsistent) Asking for repetition (saying ‘what?’ ‘huh?’) Difficulty learning new words Delayed speech or language development You feel concerned as a parent Teachers raise concerns Academic difficulties Attention or behaviour problems Complaints about sore ears, or frequent tugging of the ears Difficulty hearing on the phone with one or both ears If in doubt, rather have your child’s hearing tested routinely. Hearing loss can occur within the first few years of life, and children are at risk for middle ear infections, which are not always detectable by parents. To find an audiologist in your area, visit Audiology SA

June 21, 2023

DO LAXATIVES HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, warns that using laxatives for weight loss is ineffective and can also be dangerous. What Are Laxatives? Laxatives are substances that are designed to promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. While they are often used for medical purposes, such as treating digestive disorders or preparing for medical procedures, some people may also use laxatives to lose weight. However, the use of laxatives for weight loss is not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous. Busting Laxative Myths The idea that laxatives can aid in weight loss is based on a common misconception about the role of bowel movements in the body. Some people may believe that if they can have more bowel movements, they will eliminate more waste and therefore lose weight. However, the amount of waste in the body is not directly correlated with body weight. In fact, most waste material comprises water, bacteria, and undigested food, which do not contribute to overall body mass. Furthermore, using laxatives for weight loss can have serious health consequences. 10 Dangers of Abusing Laxatives Laxative abuse is a growing problem, especially among those who struggle with eating disorders or body image issues. The dangers of laxative abuse include the following. Dehydration: Laxatives can cause the body to lose water, leading to dehydration if not enough fluids are consumed. Electrolyte imbalances: Laxative abuse can also cause electrolyte imbalances in the body, leading to serious health problems such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and seizures. Intestinal damage: Overusing laxatives can damage the intestinal lining, causing chronic inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. Nutrient deficiencies: Chronic laxative abuse can lead to nutrient deficiencies, as the body may not be able to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. Gastrointestinal disorders: Laxative abuse can contribute to developing gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, and even colon cancer. Dependence: Regular use of laxatives can lead to physical dependence on them, making it difficult for the body to have a bowel movement without their use. Weight gain: Laxatives do not help with long-term weight loss and can lead to weight gain as the body becomes dependent on them to have regular bowel movements. Kidney damage: Laxative abuse can damage the kidneys over time as they filter waste products from the body. Psychological effects: Laxative abuse can also have psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and a distorted body image. Death: In extreme cases, laxative abuse can lead to serious health complications that can be fatal, such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and kidney failure. The Importance of Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss Instead of relying on laxatives for weight loss, focusing on healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes is essential. This includes a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, regular exercise, and adequate hydration. “In some cases, constipation and digestive issues can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “If you are experiencing chronic constipation or other digestive issues, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and develop an appropriate treatment plan.” About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, 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. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

June 20, 2023

The Great Eye-Hand Link; The Importance of Eye-Hand Coordination for Children

Eye-hand coordination, also known as hand-eye coordination, refers to the smooth, controlled and coordinated movements of the hand and eye together in order to reach a specific goal. While this may appear to be a fairly simple process to an observer, it is in fact an immensely complicated process that is dependent on your eyes ability to see, your brains ability to process, interpret and understand what is being seen by the eye and then based on that information plan and execute a smooth, coordinated, appropriate motor response. In the case of eye-hand coordination, the motor response relates to the use of the hands in order to achieve a particular objective. Fine motor control refers to the ability of small groups of muscles found in the hands, fingers and eyes working together in a coordinated manner. Good fine motor skills develop from good gross motor skills in children. This means that providing a young child with opportunities to move the large muscle groups in their bodies through engaging in activities such as climbing, jumping, running and crawling develops body awareness. This in turn enables the child to better understand where their bodies are in relation to their environment and other objects. This understanding of their bodies in terms of large movements will then also translate in to an understanding of their bodies in terms of small movements or fine motor skills should the child be provided with sufficient gross motor input. Kelly Westerman, Clamber Club franchisee and Occupational Therapist says, “It is very important to understand that our child’s eye-hand coordination is intimately linked to their fine motor control and both the importance of the eyes and the hands must be understood and acknowledged as being key role players in eye-hand coordination.” The role of the eyes is to see, follow moving objects, focus near and far, judge distances, observe details of objects and importantly, navigate the movement of the hands. The role of the hands is to feel textures, shapes, temperatures and weight. The hand will hold and manipulate objects, push and pull, catch and throw, clap, rub, grip, squeeze and point. All of which might be meaningless without the guidance of the eyes; thereby creating the eye-hand coordination. “If we consider how many of the things we do on a daily basis require the use of our eyes and hands, we realise how important it is that this process works effectively and efficiently,” adds Westerman. Fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination begin to develop from the time a child is born. An infant tracking a moving object with their eyes and then attempting to swipe at it, reaching for objects and moving those objects to their mouths as well as grasping and releasing objects are all the early activities that develop these skills. As the child gets older good eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills contributes to a child’s ability to learn essential self-care skills such as dressing and undressing, brushing their teeth and feeding themselves. In the school-going child, proficiency in these skills results in improved classroom performance as these skills are involved with a learner’s ability to write, cut, copy work from a board and read. “In light of the importance of eye-hand coordination, parents should ensure that they create opportunities for their children to learn and master these skills form as early as possible,” comments Occupational Therapist and founder of Clamber Club, Liz Senior. “We aim to provide children with comprehensive eye-hand coordination experiences in our classes, using equipment that is beneficial, and at the same time fun, while promoting the skills required to get their hands, fingers and eyes working together in a coordinated manner.” Clamber Club has put together these top activities and games that can help your baby develop their eye-hand coordination: Encourage your baby to follow moving objects or person with their eyes Provide opportunities for your little one to reach and grasp at objects Give your baby a variety of objects to hold so that they can practice difference grips and grasps. Watch as your little one transfers objects from one hand to another. This is a very important skill that they learn, so parents should watch out for it! Your baby will also play with their hands. This is a wonderful way for them to learn more about their hands, so make sure that there are times when their hands are free of objects and they can explore with their hands at their midlines Do not discourage your little one from bringing objects to their mouths; this is an important skill and by mouthing objects your little one learns about certain features of that object Provide opportunities for your little one to explore objects with their eyes. This can be done through suspending objects from frames that your baby lies under

June 20, 2023

Dads make a Difference When It is Time to Feed Baby

Sometimes when Mom cannot be there, Dad’s need to step in and make a difference when it comes to caring, feeding, and soothing your newly born baby or young infant. Breast feeding your baby does not need to be scary, just organised, and we have a dad DIY baby plan for you and your tiny tyke to support you each step of the way. Aron, dad to nine-month-old twins Ihla and Summer says: “Have confidence and get involved with your children from day one. There is a tendency to sit back as a new dad and rely on other people. But I think the quicker you get involved, the quicker you build confidence and bond with your baby.” Dad Ways to be Helpful: Dads, you can step in and offer support to your partner by soothing, bathing, changing, dressing, cuddling, and burping your baby. You can also keep your partner company during breastfeeding time and make sure that she has plenty to eat and drink. Once your partner and baby have the hang of breastfeeding, help by feeding your baby expressed milk from a natural baby feeding bottle. Expertly designed to mimic mum’s breast, Vital Baby’s Nurture range gift set has teat flexes like mum’s nipple, providing easy latch on for your baby. With advanced triple anti-colic valves to reduce air intake, the silicone is soft and smooth against baby’s delicate face and its wide neck bottle is easy to clean and fill again with stored breastmilk. Give your partner rest and sleep breaks and take the time to discover ways to bond with your baby. Pick your child up and talk to them when they are awake and alert. At bedtime or naptime, you can rock your baby gently until they drift off to sleep. When sleeping, you can sit quietly and hold baby in your arms. If you are a dad bringing up a child on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. You may find that other single parents are a reliable source of support. Starting Solids Once your infant is ready to start solids, which is usually around the 6-month mark, you can bring your food pairing inspirations to nourish baby and support Mom in saving time. Steaming cooking vegetable and fruits and blending homemade meals is made quick and easy for you with the NOURISH prep & wean™ Steam Cooker. With three modes – sterilise, steam cook and blend – it is perfect for batch cooking and feeding later. With five blending modes, it allows you to tailor the consistency of food to your child’s stage of weaning from smooth purees to chunkier textures. Its 2-tier steaming system allows you to cook multiple foods with different cooking times all at once making it suitable for use with fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Be sure to include the NOURISH Store and Wean Pots 120ml 4-pack set to store and freeze and take with you when you need to feed baby when out and about. After each feed, make sure all bottles, nipples and other utensils are clean and sterilized and ready for the next feed. Steps for steam sterilizing baby utensils: Wash all utensils thoroughly with soap and water before sterilizing them. The energy efficient HYGIENE Advanced pro UV sterilizer and dryer from Vital Baby safely destroys 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and mould in just 7 minutes using UV LED’s super-fast sterile and dry action in just 29 minutes. It is versatile to use too, from bottles, soothers and toys to cosmetic brushes, mobile phones, and keys. Using no water, chemicals or heat, its HEPA filter effortlessly removes dust, pollen other airborne pollutants. It is important to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment as it helps to protect your child’s developing immune system from potentially harmful bugs and bacteria. You can leave the sterilised contents inside the steriliser for 24 hours, but make sure the lid is kept closed for the duration. Ensure you re-assemble items with clean hands or sterilised tongs if you can and always on a clean surface too. Children are stimulated by bright colours, and they grow up fast. Soon enough they will want to mimic Dad at the dining table or when at a sports event or picnic outing. Toddlers can now enjoy their own version of adult cutlery with Vital Baby’s big kid cutlery. Hydration is just as essential as hungry tummies for the growth and development of your child, and you will want to ensure they stay always hydrated when at home or on the go for family car trips and day outings. Pack a favourite Sippy cup so they can hydrate themselves, and include NOURISH™ snack on the go™ travel snack bowls for treats such as fruit pieces or biscuits if they can manage finger foods on their own, or store porridge or formula in the travel milk formula dispenser designed so that the revolving lid can click accurately into position above each compartment, and the wide, easy pour spout makes it simple to dispense contents into the bottle, avoiding spillages. Dads! By feeding and helping your partners with your new-born infant you can make the transition to parenthood a joyful and rewarding experience for everyone. Consider these early chores as an opportunity to create lasting memories and connections with your little one that will last a lifetime. At the same time, by nurturing your baby’s growth and development you will be developing your own confidence and skills as a parent. Not only that, but you are also helping to set a positive example for your children and your community by showing that parenting is a shared responsibility and a source of joy, and that dads can be just as involved and loving as mums. At Vital Baby, we believe in real moms and dads parenting as best they can. Join other parents for articles & snippets from the vital baby® family https://vitalbabyshop.co.za/

June 20, 2023

Baked Mushroom Bowls with Swiss Chard Mash

Serves 4 Ingredients: For the mash: 6 large baking potatoes 6 Tbsp butter 125ml / ½ cup full cream milk, kept warm 1 medium white onion, diced 1 bunch / 200g swiss chard, roughly chopped For the mushrooms: 500g mixed cultivated mushrooms 2 Tbsp butter, melted 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, grated ± 6 sprigs of fresh thyme ½ tsp chilli flakes Olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Micro herbs or baby greens, for serving Method: For the mash: Peel potatoes and cut into large cubes. Transfer to a pot of cold water and rinse until the water runs clear. Cover potatoes with clean cold water and season generously with salt. Bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are completely tender. Drain in a colander and let steam dry for a minute. Use a potato ricer, food mill or hand held masher to mash the potatoes in their pot. Add the butter and fold in using a spatula. Pour in the hot milk and fold it into the potatoes. Season to taste. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the swiss chard. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the onion until soft. Add the swiss chard and sauté until barely wilted. Season. Fold the swiss chard through the mashed potatoes and keep warm. For the mushrooms: Preheat oven to 200˚C, fan on. Place the mushrooms in a large bowl. It is great to use a mix of mushrooms but keep the sizes similar for cooking. Keep small portabellinis whole and slice large browns into quarters etc… Drizzle the mushrooms with the melted butter. Add the lemon juice, garlic, thyme and chilli. Toss to coat well. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Roast for 10-15 minutes or until mushrooms release liquid and are golden brown. Carefully pour off the excess mushroom liquid to keep them from going soggy. (You can keep this for a delicious broth or stock or drizzle over the dish as a sauce) Serve the roasted mushrooms on a bed of the swiss chard mash. Top with some fresh herbs or baby greens and serve!

June 19, 2023

Tips on raising a bilingual child

Knowing how to speak more than one language is a wonderful gift – particularly when living in such a diverse country like South Africa! But how should you go about doing this? Well here are some tips on raising a bilingual child from Clamber Club Expert and Speech and Language Therapist, Savannah Senior: Start early. Children can pick up and absorb languages astonishingly fast. Before the ages of 3-4 years old is the best time to teach your child a new language. The earlier, the better!! Research shows that if we are not exposed to certain sounds early on, it becomes much harder to hear and pronounce them. Don’t mix languages i.e. use only one language at a time. Languages all have their own special characteristics – their own grammar, sounds, pronunciations and structure. When we mix languages, we mix all these characteristics and it will make it more difficult for your child to distinguish between them and learn them. Natural environments are best. You don’t need to use classroom-style teaching to learn a new language. The best way to teach your child a second, third or even fourth language is to use it in your everyday activities and play. Research has shown that children pick up languages faster in this way. Fluency is key. Your child will only really master a language when they are exposed to someone who speaks fluently, on a regular basis. Sometimes they will mess up! It is expected to sometimes confuse vocabulary or word order when learning multiple languages. Remember to not make this into a deal and to remind them it is okay to make mistakes. You can also repeat the phrase or sentence back to your child so they learn the correct vocabulary and word order. So, let’s get chatting! Bye bye; Totsiens; Uhambe Kahle; Sala hantle; Famba Kahle; Au Revoir; Auf Wiedersehen; Tchau Tchau; Ciao Ciao………

June 19, 2023

IS EXERCISE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN MEDICATION FOR DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY?

While medication and therapy are often used to treat anxiety and depression, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, highlights growing evidence to suggest that exercise may also be an effective treatment option. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people. Anxiety disorders are also common, affecting an estimated 284 million people globally. “While depression and anxiety are distinct conditions with unique symptoms, they often occurB together and share many common underlying factors,” says Murray Hewlett. “Research has shown that genetics, life experiences, and brain chemistry can all contribute to the development of these disorders.” Signs And Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Symptoms of depression may include: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness Loss of interest in activities Changes in appetite or weight Changes in sleep patterns Fatigue or lack of energy Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Thoughts of death or suicide Anxiety is a condition characterised by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. Symptoms of anxiety may include: Excessive worry or fear Restlessness or irritability Difficulty concentrating or sleeping Muscle tension or headaches Fatigue or lack of energy Panic attacks Avoidance of certain situations or activities The Evidence for Exercise as a Treatment for Depression and Anxiety Research has consistently shown that exercise can positively impact mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that exercise may be as effective as medication for treating depression and anxiety. “One meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that exercise was as effective as medication for treating depression in adults. The study analysed the results of 11 clinical trials involving 455 patients with major depressive disorder. The researchers found that exercise was just as effective as medication in reducing symptoms of depression,” adds Hewlett. “Another study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that exercise was an effective treatment for anxiety in college students. The study involved 60 college students randomly assigned to either a control or exercise group. The group participated thrice weekly in a 30-minute aerobic exercise session for eight weeks. The researchers found that the exercise group experienced significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to the control group.” Hewlett continues to say a review of 25 studies published in the journal Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice found that exercise was an effective treatment for depression in older adults. The review included studies of various types of exercise, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and tai chi. The researchers found that exercise was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in older adults, regardless of the type of exercise. Why Exercise May Be Effective There are several reasons why exercise may be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. First, exercise has been shown to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood regulation. Exercise has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which is thought to contribute to depression. In addition to these physiological effects, exercise can also have psychological benefits. Exercise has increased self-esteem, improved mood, and reduced stress and anxiety. Is Exercise More Effective Than Medication? While exercise is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, it is not necessarily more effective than medication. The effectiveness of exercise versus medication may depend on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. For some people, medication may be a necessary component of treatment for depression or anxiety. For others, exercise may be an effective alternative or complementary treatment for depression and anxiety. “While exercise may not be the best option for everyone, it can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms and improving mental health. Suppose you are struggling with depression or anxiety. In that case, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to determine the best treatment for your needs, ” says Hewlett. 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.

June 19, 2023

Did you know that Monster Trucks are empowering and therapeutic? They are! Here’s why

Have you ever considered that playing with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks is not only fun, but also a beneficial activity for your kids? Monster Trucks can be an excellent stress reliever for your child. The feeling of control they have over the truck and the power it possesses can be empowering and therapeutic. It can help them blow off steam and ease any pent-up frustrations they may be feeling. Monster trucks can also be a great way for your child to get some exercise and fresh air. Running around, pushing, and pulling the truck, and playing in the dirt can help them burn off some calories and improve their cardiovascular health. Plus, getting outside and soaking up some Vitamin D from the sun can boost their mood and immune system. The physical benefits of playing with monster trucks can also help your child develop problem-solving skills. As they navigate obstacles and create their own jumps and ramps, they’ll start to develop critical thinking and spatial reasoning abilities. They’ll also learn how to adjust and adapt their strategy as they encounter new challenges. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks can help improve your child’s hand-eye coordination. Manoeuvring the monster truck around obstacles and slamming it into things takes a lot of precision and control. Over time, they’ll develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can transfer to other areas of their life, like sports or playing musical instruments. Also, they can be a great way for your child to bond with friends and family. Whether they’re competing in races, creating obstacle courses, or just smashing things together, the stress relief, shared experience, and light mood around playing with monster trucks, in general, create connections that benefit everyone as they create lasting memories. So, why not consider adding monster trucks to your child’s playtime activities? Let their imaginations come alive and conquer any obstacles in their way while they get some exercise, improving problem-solving and hand-eye coordination skills. Sounds like the ultimate birthday gift.

June 19, 2023

How to Stimulate your child’s Creativity & Fine Motor Skills

The Build and Tumble Table is an exciting new toy from MEGA that offers a unique and innovative way for children to engage in block-building fun. Little builders can get creative when they build on the table. Then, they can press the buttons to activate the tumble features, knocking down their creations. Designed for kids aged 1 to 5, this table is perfect for parents who want to share in the joys of building with their little ones. The MEGA Build and Tumble Table is Ideal for little hands, these blocks are easy to grip and easy to stack, helping to develop fine motor skills, creativity and imagination. Made with high-quality materials that are built to last, ensuring that it can withstand even the most energetic and enthusiastic builders, the Build and Tumble Table has a bright and colourful design, sure to capture the attention of young children, encouraging them to engage with the toy and explore their imaginations. Developing Fine Motor Skills The MEGA Build and Tumble Table is an excellent tool for developing fine motor skills in young children. By manipulating and placing the blocks on the table, children are able to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, which are essential skills for their overall growth and development. Exploration of Critical Thinking In addition to developing fine motor skills, the Build and Tumble Table also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving in young children. By providing them with a variety of different shapes and sizes of blocks, children are able to explore different ways of combining and arranging them, developing their spatial awareness and critical thinking skills. Boosting Imagination and Stimulating Creativity Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of the MEGA Build and Tumble Table is its ability to stimulate creativity and imagination in young children. With its endless possibilities for building and exploring, children are able to let their imaginations run wild and create a wide range of different structures and designs. By allowing children to experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes of blocks, the MEGA Build and Tumble Table encourages them to think outside the box and explore new and exciting ways of building and creating. This then helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem, allowing them to feel proud of their creations and eager to continue exploring and building. The Build and Tumble Table from MEGA is an excellent tool for parents who want to engage in block-building fun with their children while helping them to develop critical skills and is available at leading retailers nation-wide.

June 15, 2023

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