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Advice from the experts

Chicco Baby Hug 4-in-1 Accessories

Chicco, one of the world’s most beloved baby products labels, brings you indoor furniture for your baby with the utmost luxury and quality, that is affordable and most importantly, guaranteed for 12 months. The Baby Hug 4-in-1 has been an award-winning, stand-alone piece of baby furniture that has revolutionised parenting around the world. Exclusive to Chicco, this recliner, crib, highchair and lounging chair in one now welcomes two brand new accessories to make it even more versatile and useful. The Baby Hug Changer tray is an easy clip on accessory that attaches to the Baby Hug and offers mom a place to change baby with ease. Easy to clean and store. The Baby Hug Meal Kit is a useful clip on highchair tray that transforms the highchair capability of the Baby Hug to extend far beyond the kitchen. Should baby need to grab a bite to eat, simply clip the Meal Kit in place and transform the Baby Hug into a legitimate highchair. With the Baby Hugs versatile settings, parents can adjust the recline and height at any stage to make it into the furniture item best needed at the time. The most handy and versatile piece of furniture on the baby market! Grab one of these accessories at stores such as Takealot, Loot.co.za, Babies R Us, The Kid Zone, Brand Hubb, Babanino and others.

February 9, 2021

Keep calm and keep going

Did you know that even happy and good changes cause us stress? Think of a new baby, a new house, a new job, a new year … The arrival of the COVID-19 coronavirus is a huge stressor. We have had to make big changes to working conditions, home schooling children, staying in touch with loved ones via phone or digital platforms and managing tough economic challenges among others. Even so, South Africans are doing themselves proud and adopting mask wearing, hand sanitising and social distancing. But isolation and fear of catching or passing on the virus do take their toll on our emotional, mental and relationship wellbeing. Healthy lifestyles can help us to manage this stress. Some are: Eat healthy food. Because carbohydrates raise serotonin levels, they act like a natural tranquilizer so it’s competent to dive into bread or muffins when anxiety rises. No problem there but check that you are also eating proteins in meat, chicken or eggs, as well as vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts, as these are the building blocks of good health. Exercise two or three times a week. Exercise has been found to decrease symptoms of depression. While we do not always feel like it, just start, even if it’s a walk around the block 3 times a week. Enjoyment and motivation tend to follow once we begin. Get a good night’s sleep. Seven to eight hours is recommended as sleep is relaxing to both body and brain and has an important role in supporting our immune system. If you find yourself worrying instead of sleeping, and feeling on edge and overwhelmed during the day, there are two Nativa Complex® formulations which support emotional and mental wellbeing and a good night’s sleep. Nativa Calm Complex® can assist the body to cope with everyday emotional strain, tension and irritability. Its formulation of vitamin B, GABA and herbal actives can help the body with anxiety support, promoting calmness and enhancing focus. Oh for a good night’s restful sleep! Vitamin B, magnesium and herbal actives in Nativa Night Complex® can support the body with restful sleep, undisturbed sleeping patterns, relaxation and reducing mild anxiety. Available from Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot and selected pharmacies. Prices: Nativa Calm Complex® around R120 for 30; Nativa Night Complex® around R124 for 30

February 9, 2021

Opportune time to prioritise online learning as primary method of education in South Africa

Distance Educator, Brainline, says the postponement of the reopening of schools should signify the importance to prioritise online learning as the primary method of learning in the country. This follows an announcement by the Basic Education Department that schools will now only open on 15 February, two weeks later than the initial opening date due to fears over the rising Covid-19 infections in the country. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says thousands of learners may suffer an academic set back due to a loss of precious educational time. ‘Hundreds of thousands of learners were affected by the long school closures last year. The fact that the reopening of schools has been pushed back another two weeks again translates into valuable academic time being lost. It is important that the Department of Basic Education and relevant stakeholders urgently look at ways to minimize the impact of the current status quo, starting with setting up reliable e-learning platforms,’ she says. Cronje has welcomed suggestions that the Department is looking at opening online schools to reduce pressure on school admissions. Earlier this week Gauteng’s Director-General of Education, Mathanzima Mweli, said the department was working with provinces and private education providers to come up with regulations and policies that they can follow to open online public schools. Cronje says now is the opportune time for basic education authorities to look at restructuring the current traditional school system by phasing in e-learning elements. ‘South Africans are familiar with a more traditional classroom set-up but now is the time to evolve. E-learning and also mobile learning should be viewed as an additional learning resource that can assist in accessing learning tools. President Cyril Ramaphosa in a recent State of the Nation Address said that government wanted to provide learners with a tablet to access e-learning platforms. He also indicated that government was working with network operators to reduce the cost of data. This drive should be on government’s radar more than ever before.’ However, Cronje admits that the quality of e-learning will be dependent on the learner’s access. She says it is expected that online learning and even home education will see another growth spike in the year to come. ‘Home education in South Africa has experienced significant growth over the last few years. At the end of 2018, there were an estimated 100,000 home education learners in the country. Several factors have driven the growth of home education as an alternative option, ranging from increasingly sophisticated distance e-learning technology to an ever-growing network of tutors. Because it’s based on individual needs, home education can provide a safe space for children who may have found the traditional schooling environment challenging. Nowadays it is also a safe and secure environment for parents amid fears of Covid-19,’ says Cronje. As a fully functional online school, Brainline has not been affected by the 2020 school closures and virtual classes will resume on 25 January as planned. Cronje says Brainline is also accommodating learners who were affected by reduced curriculums in 2020. ‘Due to the school closures, many schools had decided to reduce their curriculum, therefore resulting in some students not having completed important aspects of the work. We have consequently decided to offer online catch-up classes for our senior learners to ensure they are up to date with the work and that they can join the rest of their peers when classes start on the 25th.’ Brainline is IEB recognised. Learners who are enrolled with us to complete their final examinations and who fulfil the requirements for this qualification will receive their National Senior Certificate (NSC), as issued by Umalusi.

February 9, 2021

Preparation For Valentine’s Day

“Roses are red, violets are blue, your tan is golden and so are you.” The most romantic day of the year is upon us and there’s no doubt that you’ll want to look good and feel good. Whether you’re going for a self-love kind of vibe or going out with your girls or even a romantic date with BAE, we’re here to help you prepare for this romantic-filled evening. And by prepare, we mean getting your tan on! The Night Before V-Day It’s time to prepare your skin for what’s to come. Shave the night before and exfoliate your skin with our Cinnamon & Coconut Skin Smoothing Exfoliathat will get rid of dead skin and leave your skin soft and smooth. Afterwards, apply our Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butterto lock in the moisture and keep your skin hydrated and supple. Your skin will now be the perfect canvas for the next day. The Morning of V-Day It’s time to get ready and bronzy for Valentine’s Day! We recommend using our instant self-tanners because the tint provides immediate colour while the tan develops and darkens over 8 hours. Apply our Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter to dry areas such as elbows, knees and ankles. Choose between our Tanning Spritzer or our Tan In A Can Instant and spray evenly all over and remember to wear loose-fitting, dark clothing after application. While your tan develops, go about your day- whether you’re at work or running errands and getting BAE a special gift, you’re getting darker and darker by the hour, how fabulous? V-Day Pamper Light a few candles and hop into the shower to freshen up. After your first shower, the colour will wash out and you will be left with a longer-lasting, natural-looking tan. Apply a face mask, do your hair and makeup and just show yourself some self-care and self-love this Valentine’s Day. For the finishing touch, apply our Tinted Body Bronzer Shimmer Cream to add a glamorous glow and to extend the life of your tan while moisturising your skin. V-Day Outfit Of The Night #OOTN Now that you have a beautiful bronzed tan that will ensure your skin looks radiant all night long, it’s time to choose your outfit of the night. A beautiful dress with sexy lingerie looks amazing against sun-kissed skin and it gives you a boost of confidence too. Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember. Available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, Zando, Superbalist, & Caribbeantan.online

February 8, 2021

The Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Catrobatkidz

As parents, you have lots of options when it comes to choosing extra-mural activities for your children. At first glance, they all seem to offer the same benefits, such as developing strong, healthy bodies, improving co-ordination and providing children with an outlet for all their energy. Children benefit from physical activity in many ways – a topic we explored in our previous blog, but that doesn’t mean that all extra-murals are equally good. There are a few reasons why the Catrobatkidz programme stands out as it offers some benefits you probably haven’t thought of. Here are just a few of the advantages of enrolling your child in Catrobatkidz: Discipline & Confidence Our trained coaches show the children in their care how to follow the rules and behave properly. This way, they learn patience, discipline and how to get along with their peers. Along with discipline comes confidence. A child who knows how to behave around others will naturally be more confident. This confidence goes hand-in-hand with self-esteem. At Catrobatkidz, we’ve seen shy children blossom into children who are confident, secure and open to trying new things, all thanks to our amazing coaches. Listening & Following Directions As much as Catrobatkidz is about movement and activity, we also teach children how to stop, listen and focus on instructions. The earlier children can learn this skill, the better as it’s one that will serve them both inside and outside of the classroom. Body Awareness & Co-ordination If you’re not sure what body awareness is, it’s often described as having a sense of your own body – understanding where each part is located in space and how it feels. This knowledge helps us know how far to reach for a glass or how close to stand next to another person. At Catrobatkidz, we incorporate exercises and activities that help children develop body awareness and fine-tune their co-ordination. Why is this important? Children with a good body awareness and co-ordination are less likely to hurt themselves when running, climbing or performing other activities. Rhythm & Timing Music makes exercise fun and it helps young children develop two other important skills – rhythm and timing. Children respond to music from an early age. In fact, your probably remember how your little one would sway and clap their hands to a favourite song. Despite their physical response to music, rhythm and timing play an important role in helping children develop emotionally and intellectually. Being ‘in tune’ with the people around you helps you feel connected to them and makes communication easier. We’ve seen the positive effects first hand, which is why music and activities promoting rhythm and timing form part of our programme. Proper Posture & Flexibility Evidence of bad posture is all around us. Everywhere you look, you seepeople hunching over desks, slouching in front of the TV and slumping over their cellphones. As they get older, this can lead to back pain, neck pain and other health issues. That’s why it’s important that children learn to sit, stand and move with the right posture. At Catrobatkidz, we focus on developing the core muscles that children need to be able to maintain an upright posture and relaxed shoulders at all times. Flexibility is just as important when it comes to maintaining a healthy, pain-free body because a flexible body is less prone to injury. Although children are naturally more flexible than adults, without maintaining their muscles and joints, they’ll lose this flexibility as they grow up. By instilling a love of movement and exercise from an early age, Catrobatkidz is the ideal choice for parents who want their children to experience exercise as fun and not a chore. Every type of sport and exercise has its benefits but there are few that manage to combine, physical, mental and emotional advantages the way Catrobatkidz does. If you’re interested in learning more about the programmes we offer, get in touch or ask your child’s school to sign up for a FREE demo class. We love what we do and we’d love to share it with you.

February 8, 2021

Why it’s important to care for your skin during and after pregnancy

The skin is our largest organ and it serves a number of essential functions. During and after pregnancy a woman may experience changes in her skin. In order to protect herself and her baby, certain skincare ingredients need to be avoided during these periods while others need to be introduced to nourish and care for the skin’s new needs. When selecting skincare products for yourself during pregnancy, and for your baby after birth, it’s important to understand that our skin serves a vital function in our relationship with our babies. What role does the skin play when it comes to mom’s relationship with baby? Skin-to-skin contact is usually referred to as the practice where a baby is dried and laid directly on their mother’s bare chest after birth, both of them covered in a warm blanket and left for at least an hour or until after their first feed. Skin-to-skin contact provides an appropriate and affordable, yet high quality alternative to technology. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates skin-to-skin contact after the birth helps babies and their mothers in many ways: It calms and relaxes both mother and baby. It regulates the baby’s heart rate and breathing, helping them to better adapt to life outside the womb. It stimulates digestion and an interest in feeding. It regulates temperature. It enables colonisation of the baby’s skin with the mother’s friendly bacteria, thus providing protection against infection and boosting baby’s immunity. It plays an important role to help prevent postpartum depression. It stimulates the release of hormones to support breastfeeding and mothering. It stimulates the release of the oxytocin hormone (“cuddle” and pleasure hormone) in both mother and baby. What makes human skin so special? Human skin is a complex living material but in biomechanical tests it reveals its homogeneous nature. Our environment can directly influence who we are: the skin reacts immediately and directly to the outside environment. The skin is colonised by a diverse milieu of microorganisms, most of which are harmless and some very beneficial to their host. The primary role of the skin is to serve as a physical barrier, protecting our bodies from potential assault by foreign organisms or toxic substances. The skin is also an interface with the outside environment and as such, is colonised by a diverse collection of microorganisms. Symbiotic microorganisms occupy a wide range of skin functions and protect against invasion by more pathogenic or harmful organisms and may play a role in educating T cells in the skin, priming them to respond to pathogenic counterparts. In utero, foetal skin is sterile, but colonisation occurs immediately after birth. Microbial communities of the skin and other sites are established and stabilised during the first years of life especially with skin-to-skin contact with mommy or daddy as a newborn explores its environment and matures its immune system. During puberty, changes in sebum production parallel the levels of lipophilic bacteria on the skin. Physiological and anatomical differences between male and female cutaneous environments – such as sweat, sebum and hormone production – partially account for the microbial differences seen between the sexes. Environmental factors specific to the individual, including occupation, clothing, skincare regime and antibiotic usage may regulate colonisation by the skin microbiota. The importance of using specific products on both mother and baby to sustain the effect of skin-to-skin contact Mommy and baby care, hygiene and skincare products are potential factors contributing to the variation of skin microbiota. For example, the use of products that are not pH balanced will alter the conditions of the skin barrier and may either encourage healthy skin flora growth rates or cause it to deteriorate. Understanding the ingredients in skincare products that may affect skin health Particular compounds and molecules need to be applied to skin in order to assist and supplement a homeostatic balance at all times, even when the skin is exposed to the atmosphere with social and environmental stressors. A product with measurable quality, safety and efficacy standards should be considered. Bottom line: don’t settle for just anything when choosing a skincare brand and product, as not all products are created equally. Do your research and choose a product that proves its efficacy by using scientific evidence. Do some research on ingredients, and ensure the products you are using contain ingredients that are safe and effective. Look for a product that understands this scientific rationale and will optimise your skin-to-skin contact with your baby Offering a wide range of skincare solutions for the entire human race, with no exception to mommies-to-be and babies, Biomedical Emporium understands that skincare has to work both on a cellular and a molecular level. Their latest skincare range is the Maternology series for pre-conception and pregnancy, and the Biosimilar BioBaby series for baby. During the process of trying to fall pregnant, IVF treatments and pregnancy itself it is important for a woman to change her skincare regime. The Maternology range helps prepare the mother’s skin for the skin-to-skin contact after baby is born. Many biochemical changes take place during pregnancy. Some women get a beautiful glow during pregnancy due to the elevated hydration and skin moisture retention levels along with the amplified exposure to vitamins and minerals via placental fluid transport. Unfortunately, for other expecting mothers, the increased and fluctuating hormonal activity during the first trimester can have the opposite effect, and may result in an increase in sebum production that may lead to acne and the expression of pigmentation. Skincare during pregnancy should be simple and easy due to the skin being much more sensitive and reactive. The following product ingredients should also be avoided during pregnancy: Retinoic acids. Beta Hydroxy Acids. Any peroxide-containing ingredients. Artificial colour-stained products and products containing fragrances. Skin-staining products (refrain from using self-tanning products during pregnancy). Avoid skin lightening or bleaching ingredients such as hydroquinone-containing products. Avoid mechanical exfoliation as this may deteriorate the skin’s barrier function. The Biomedical Emporium Maternology range is simplistic, easy, and safe to use. The ingredients are rich in vitamins and

February 5, 2021

What to do when your teen wants to start dating

The prospect of your child wanting to date is a little unnerving – what if they get hurt, are manipulated, get in over their head, or have their heart broken? Yet as uncomfortable or scary as it may feel, dating is a normal, healthy, and necessary part of any young adult’s emotional development. In fact, romantic relationships are a major developmental milestone. Too young to start dating? While some teens will want to start dating early, others will have no interest in romantic relationships until their late teens. Both scenarios are perfectly normal and healthy. Experts agree that there isn’t a ‘right age’ to start having relationships – every teen is different, and every family will have different views and beliefs about dating. On average, however: Children might start to show more independence from family and more interest in friends between the ages of nine and eleven years. From ten to fourteen years, they might want to spend more time in mixed-gender groups. They might meet up with someone special among friends, and then gradually spend more time with that person alone. Romantic relationships can become central to social life between the ages of fifteen and nineteen. Read more: The history of Valentine’s Day Having the Talk It is important to talk to your teen about various dating topics, including personal values, expectations, and peer pressure. While these conversations may initially revolve around treating other people with kindness and respect, it may also raise issues about sex and intimacy. When it does, be open with your teen about your beliefs around sexual activity and, in turn, listen to theirs. Give your teen permission to express their views, ask questions, define what feels safe and comfortable for them in terms of dating. If your child knows that you are there to listen without judging, they are more likely to come to you with questions and concerns down the road. Rules of engagement Your job is to keep your teen safe while helping them build the skills they need to navigate healthy relationships. Here are some suggested rules you might want to establish for your child once they start dating: Get to know anyone your teen wants to date. Make it clear you need to know the details of who your teen will be with, where they will be going, and who will be there. Set a clear curfew. If your teen is going to a date’s home, find out who will be there. Have a conversation with the date’s parents to talk about their rules and your expectations. Discuss the dangers of technology. Many teens talk online, which can create a false sense of intimacy. Remind them that people they have chatted with but have never met are strangers. Teens are also often tempted to comply with a date’s request to send nude photos. Warn them of the consequences – they can end up hurt, shamed, and embarrassed. Read more: Practical tips on how to keep your kids safe online While it is essential to set clear rules once your teen starts dating, aim to offer your child at least a little bit of privacy. Here you will need to consider your values, your teen’s maturity level and the specific situation (as well as your instincts). Dealing with break-ups Dating helps teens build vital life skills – independence, communication, caring, selflessness, and intimacy – and promotes emotional growth. Just like starting any new phase of life, dating can be both exciting and scary! Teens will need to put themselves out there by expressing romantic interest in someone else, risking rejection, and figuring out what exactly dating means. They often have unrealistic expectations – reality can never match the relationships in movies or books – which means that they can easily become disillusioned. Of course, break-ups and broken hearts are part of teenage relationships. However, this too is essential to their development, particularly in terms of learning how to cope with difficult decisions and disappointments. Whether your teen suffers heartbreak or inflicts it, they might need a shoulder to cry on and a willing ear. Also read: How to help a child manage depression Providing guidance As with any other relationship, romantic relationships can bring many emotional ups and downs for your child. Keep in mind that your input and reaction as parent during this stage can have a lasting impact on their future relationships (romantic and otherwise), their lifestyle choices, and the adult they eventually become. Remember, the more open and supportive you are, the better. After all, if something does go wrong, you will want your child to know that you love them, no matter what. By Danielle Barfoot

February 5, 2021

Home Education is a valid and trusted alternative for your child’s education, through Brainline

Many leaners are being swallowed by the current school system. They are suffering due to the pressures of a full workload and failure to receive sufficient individual attention, resulting in them not being able to reach their full potential. There is also a lot of pressure on learners to take part and excel in extracurricular activities, of which the options may be limited to the offerings by the school. . At the same time, parents are confronted with the constant fear over the safety of their child in a school environment and the possibility of bullying.

February 4, 2021

Nutrition for growing bodies has never been easier

The Harvest Table launches its Kids Range Say goodbye to the mealtime battle zone with The Harvest Table’s new kids range of products which promises to provide the right nutrients for growing bodies. Catherine Clark, Owner and Founder of The Harvest Table, says that she understands first-hand what it’s like to try and get children to eat healthily. “I have two kids, Joshua (12) and Emma (9), and I understand this daily struggle all too well. What’s worse, when I don’t get it right, I’m left feeling guilty that they are not getting the right nutrition for their growing bodies. These products have allowed me to provide them with a meal replacement option that is not only nutritious but tasty and convenient too,” she says. Catherine adds that not unlike most kids, her children are drawn to fun packaging, and so, she and her team made an effort to create a vibrant range that is not only earth-consciously packaged but appealing to children too. The range features a variety of eight shakes for kids aged 3-6 and tweens aged 7-12. “We’re proud to launch a range that features different packaging for girls, boys and different age groups. We did not want to produce one-size-fits-all packaging, but rather, products that were inviting and appealed to the child’s imagination, all while making the parent’s job easier,” she adds. Each shake contains prebiotics, probiotics, protein, magnesium, barley grass juice, and lion’s mane mushrooms. The shakes are flavoured with chocolate or blueberry, so they are guaranteed to be a firm favourite in your home. Catherine explains the benefits of the ingredients below: Collagen: Collagen consists of protein building blocks, otherwise known as amino acids, which are essentially structural components found in the bones. Collagen is surrounded by calcium and phosphate, which help form mineralised (hard) bone. Children need to include it in their diet as they go through peak bone-building years at around age 10. The more collagen they have in their bodies, the more readily available it is for their bones. Bone broth: Bone broth contains gelatine which is essential for restoring the gut. It seals up holes in your stomach, heals the lining, and nourishes the gut with essential nutrients. It contributes to a well-functioning digestive system and thus helps the body absorb nutrients easily. Lion Mane mushroom: Lion Mane mushroom contributes to the production of nerve tissue growth and brain cells, which can suffer damage over time. It works throughout the body, and not just in the brain by repairing damaged nerve tissue, regenerating nerve fibres, and also improving the communication between neurons and axons. It also supports cognitive functioning, boosts mental focus, and improves memory. Probiotic: Probiotics are essentially bacteria that is found naturally in our gut. It coexists with harmful bacteria, which can set off the balance in your gut, leading to irregular bowel movements, constipation and diarrhoea. Probiotics help counter the negative effects of the bad bacteria and thus, improve gut health and function. Prebiotic: Prebiotics stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and balance in the gut. By promoting changes in the gut bacteria, prebiotics directly affect the mucosal immune system, which is the bodies defense mechanism against toxins. This results in decreased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. “Parents no longer have to worry about their children getting enough nutrients. This meal replacement can be prepared with three tablespoons of the shake, 250ml of water and three ice cubes, all blended and ready to be enjoyed in a matter of seconds. This range combines great taste, good nutrition and, of course, convenience,” Catherine concludes.

February 4, 2021

What to eat during pregnancy

A healthy diet is important for everyone, but now you are pregnant, choosing the right food is more important than ever before, as your baby is relying on you to provide all the nutrients they need to grow and develop.

February 4, 2021

Pregnancy and the Immune System

The role of nutrition in strengthening the immune system has been the focus of many studies over the years1. The immune system is your body’s natural defence system. It is an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend your body against invaders, invaders that can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, or even fungus, all with the potential to make us sick2. Your immune system works all year round to ward off all kinds of illnesses2. But what happens to the immune system when you fall pregnant? Are there ways to naturally boost your immune system during pregnancy? The immune system and pregnancy are very much interconnected, with your immune system undergoing some very intense changes when you are pregnant3. So fascinating are the highly orchestrated changes in the immune system throughout pregnancy that the Stanford University School of Medicine conducted the first-ever study into the meticulously timed immune system changes in women that occur during pregnancy. The results, which were published in 2017, revealed that there is an immune clock of pregnancy and that the timing of immune system changes follow a precise and predictable pattern in normal pregnancy. These results may be a step towards understanding why some babies are born prematurely and how this can be prevented, by researching why someone’s immune system is not adapting to pregnancy the way it is expected to4. While these immune system changes can help you to fall pregnant, stay pregnant and deliver your baby, they ironically can also make you more susceptible to illness3. This is because changes in hormone levels and immune system function can make you more vulnerable to infections and complications. During pregnancy, different parts of your immune system are enhanced while others are suppressed5. These changes also help protect your baby from your body’s defences and means that during pregnancy, your immune system has to work harder since it’s supporting two of you. This makes you susceptible to certain infections5. These changes in the immune system during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu which is why many healthcare experts recommend that pregnant women get the flu vaccine6. Consuming the right nutrients is important at every stage of life, but it is especially critical during pregnancy, as pregnant women need to nourish both themselves and their growing babies6. Vitamins and minerals support maternal and foetal growth at every stage of pregnancy and are required to support critical functions such as cell growth7. Hannelise Rademan, a Registered Dietitian currently volunteering at Worcester Provincial Hospital in the Western Cape, reiterates that vitamins and minerals can be seen as building blocks to strengthen your immune system. “These building blocks include vitamins A, C and D, minerals such as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids,” she says8. When you are pregnant, a healthy diet should include the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, as well as micro-nutrients like iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin9. Many health experts globally recommend that all pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplement. This is advised to fill nutritional gaps and also to prevent birth defects like spina bifida7. A prenatal vitamin, such as PregOmega Plus, which is South Africa’s No.1 prenatal choice10, not only contains 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid, but also added Omega 3, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Magnesium and other vitamins and minerals which all have a myriad of benefits for both the mother and her growing foetus, some of which are mentioned below11. Calcium’s key function is to ensure the proper growth and structure of teeth and bones. Low calcium intake throughout life, and particularly in periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, increases the risk of osteoporosis later in life, particularly after menopause11. During pregnancy, women require an additional 15mg of vitamin C per day. Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for ensuring good dental health for the pregnant woman and her foetus, as it plays an important role in the development of healthy gums11. Vitamin D has an important function in assisting the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus. It is also an important nutrient for optimal immune function, maintaining healthy skin and muscle strength. Vitamin D deficiency in a pregnant woman is an important risk factor for the development of osteoporosis later in life11. Magnesium is a micronutrient that plays a role in regulating the function of other minerals including calcium and potassium11. It is associated with a maintenance of overall good health and plays a role in helping to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue12. Zinc plays a role in regulating how genes and genetic traits are replicated in the DNA11. It also importantly plays a role in the maintenance of immune function and contributes to normal cognitive function12. Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the maintenance of overall good health13 and are important components of cell membranes, including the membranes of cells which form the eye, and the central nervous system11. Rademan recommends the we should stock up on a variety of foods according to their nutritional benefits. These include8: Vitamin A: Sweet potato, Kale, Broccoli and Bok Choy, Spinach Vitamin C: Red Peppers, Berries, Citrus Fruits Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty Fish (Salmon, Trout, Sardines, Anchovy) Zinc: Lean Meat, Chicken, Whole Eggs, Fatty Fish, Wholegrains and Pumpkin Seeds Magnesium: Green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach and kale), figs, avocado, banana and raspberries, Nuts and seeds, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, brussels sprouts, salmon, mackerel, tuna) “It is also important to keep in mind which foods not to consume in excess during pregnancy, including too many Vitamin A rich foods”, says Hannelise8. While a healthy diet can certainly boost your immune system, remember too that plenty of sleep, moderate exercise and staying hydrated is also very important9. “Sleep is the time our bodies need to rest and repair, particularly in deep sleep,” she says8. Speak to your doctor or a dietician about your nutritional needs and a suitable supplement

February 4, 2021

How do I safely thaw frozen breast milk?

Don’t lose those precious nutrients you worked so hard for. So you’ve worked hard to build up your supply of breast milk in the freezer but now what? Thawing it correctly will protect the nutrients. The easiest way to thaw frozen breast milk that has been expressed is to just place it in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature. It can also be defrosted by leaving it standing in lukewarm water. DO NOT be tempted to microwave it even if you are in a hurry. Not only will this destroy all the nutrients in your milk, but it can cause ‘hot spots’ which might burn your baby’s mouth. If you have defrosted milk in the refrigerator, it can be stored in there for 24 hours as long as you have not warmed it. If you defrosted it at room temperature, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 4 hours. However, DO NOT be tempted to refreeze it. Finally, if your baby isn’t that hungry and there is breast milk left after a feed then, however much you’ll hate doing it, you should throw away the rest.

February 3, 2021

Pregnancy and Medical Aid

Motherhood and pregnancy are times of great anticipation and joy. Each experience is unique but what is probably high on the agenda is that you have a trouble free pregnancy, a healthy baby and then know and anticipate the cost involved for pre-natal check-ups and the birth. ‘Choosing the right medical aid is critical in ensuring the healthcare needs of you and your loved ones are taken care of. More so, when you’re looking at expanding your family. For those who are on a medical scheme or wish to join one, here are some important points to consider when you fall pregnant,’ says Lee Callakopen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. When you are already a member of a medical aid scheme When should you advise your medical aid of your pregnancy? If you are already a member, you can access the out-of-hospital maternity benefits without advising your medical aid that you are pregnant. However, please ensure that your doctor uses the correct ICD-10 codes on your claim to ensure that it is processed correctly. Bonitas pays for maternity benefits in addition to savings and day-to-day benefits, which help members get the care they need during pregnancy while limiting out-of-pocket expenses. Remember that pre-authorisation is needed for the delivery of the baby, which can usually, be done from 20 weeks onwards. Pre-authorisation will help you understand the benefits you have available on your plan and ensure that you are aware of what is covered. Bonitas members can also register for the Bonitas baby bag once pre-authorisation is obtained. The baby bag is packed with of useful goodies for the baby to make parenthood a little easier. When do you advise the medical aid that your baby has been born and needs to be added onto your medical aid? For our members, the baby needs to be registered within 30 days from the date of birth to ensure there is no break in cover and that your child will be covered from the first day of life. Are there Designated Service Providers (DSPs) in terms of gynaes and hospitals for childbirth? We strongly advise members to use DSPs to get maximum value and avoid co-payments. We agree special rates with these providers, which are covered within a member’s benefits so that they can focus on taking care of their health and wellbeing during pregnancy. What is normally covered in the maternity benefit? This differs from scheme to scheme and according to the plan you are on. Bonitas pays for up to 12 maternity consultations (paid for from a separate benefit), an amniocentesis, antenatal classes, 2x 2D ultrasounds and the delivery. In addition, there are additional benefit for newborn hearing screening tests and childhood vaccination. Does Bonitas cover the cost of a Caesarian birth? Yes, medically necessary Caesarians are covered on all plans. Some expectant mothers do prefer home births – is this covered? Yes the cost for a home delivery is covered. Are all the childhood vaccinations covered by Bonitas and if so, are there any conditions attached ie where the vaccinations should be done? Vaccines are covered as per the EPI schedule on immunisation. Please note this benefit is available on specific plans. The vaccines can be done at any clinic or pharmacy. If an administration fee is charged by these providers, it will be paid from your savings or day-to-day benefits. The vaccines covered are as follows: The Bonitas Babyline – a dedicated children’s health advice line In 2016, Bonitas introduced Babyline – a 24-hour children’s health advice line manned by paediatric trained registered nurses. They are on the other side of the phone to assist with any parental concerns, vaccination schedules and health related issues, 24/7, 365 days of the year. How does Babyline work? Bonitas parents, or their caregivers, simply call the Babyline number on 0860 999 121 to speak to paediatric trained nurse. Through a series of questions asked regarding the health issue, parents will be provided with professional advice on what to do next. Depending on the symptoms, the advice might be to head straight to the ER or to see a doctor or specialist. The nurse will advise which healthcare provider is the most appropriate, given the health issue. The services offered by the Babyline include: Home care advice Clinic/primary care/GP referral for the same day Clinic/primary care/GP referral for the following day After-hours care within the next six hours Immediate referral to the ER The Babyline service is available to members across all the Bonitas plans, for children under 3 years. Joining a medical scheme when you are already pregnant It is very common for women to apply to join a medical aid scheme when they fall pregnant. But according to the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, medical aid schemes are entitled to impose a 12-month condition specific waiting period for any pre-existing medical condition, such as pregnancy. These waiting periods must be imposed for specific pre-existing conditions to protect the interests of current members of the scheme. When a waiting period is applied to pregnancy, then the pregnancy and birth will not be covered but your baby will be covered from the first day of life – if you register them on your medical aid within 30 days. This will allow you to ensure the needs of your child and the healthcare will be covered. Bonitas has different plans and expectant mothers will be able to select the one most suitable for their needs. Informing the medical aid of your pregnancy Prospective members need to inform their medical aid upon application or within 30 days after you complete the application. What is the policy regarding a member joining Bonitas when they are pregnant? What sort of cover can they expect, if any? The pregnancy would be considered pre-existing and therefore not covered. The baby will be covered if registered within 30 days post-delivery. What happens if someone signs up for medical aid not realising they are already pregnant? At what point is

February 3, 2021

Tips to reduce heartburn during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may have expected swollen ankles and morning sickness, and even having to invest in a bigger bra. But where does this burning indigestion come from?1 The fact is that heartburn affects up to 85% of pregnant women2, with many women experiencing this uncomfortable feeling throughout all three trimesters of their pregnancy3. Heartburn (also called gastroesophageal reflux and acid indigestion) can feel like a burning sensation that starts behind your breastbone and travels up your oesophagus (the tube connecting your throat to your stomach). These acids can even make it all the way up your throat1. During pregnancy, the increase in the hormone progesterone causes the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus to relax3, which accounts for why heartburn is more frequent during pregnancy3. Here are some diet-related tips that might help! Hannelise Rademan, a Registered Dietitian currently volunteering at Worcester Provincial Hospital in the Western Cape, says that following a healthy, nutritious diet which includes adequate fibre such as wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, is very important. Ideally, your diet should be low in fat4. “Limit fried foods, cream sauces, gravies, fatty meats, pastries, nuts, potato chips, butter and margarine,” she says, and adds that moderate portions of protein should be included to stimulate a hormone called gastrin to aid digestion and increase valve (known as LES or lower oesophageal sphincter) pressure4. As your uterus expands with your growing baby, it places pressure on your stomach, which also increases the likelihood of acid reflux, especially if your stomach is full1. Drinking liquids at the same time as eating your food can create a full “sloshy” stomach environment primed for heartburn1. “Fluids may be better taken between meals to avoid distension (or swelling) of the stomach and carbonated beverages should be avoided,” Rademan says4. “Avoid large meals that increase gastric pressure, and rather eat smaller meals throughout the day”4, she says. This helps to avoid overwhelming the stomach and allows it to empty more quickly. Rademan recommends that during acute bouts of heartburn, eat small frequent meals of soft and bland foods4. Fatty meals, coffee (both decaffeinated and regular), chocolate, peppermint and spearmint, garlic and onion are all foods that can exacerbate heartburn and should be avoided4. This includes acidic and spicy foods that create more stomach acid than blander alternatives, and should be avoided by those suffering from heartburn1. Although smoking and drinking alcohol should not be part of pregnancy regardless, these can also negatively affect valve pressure and increase heartburn4. Lifestyle adaptations can also be helpful to alleviate symptoms of heartburn4. These include not eating for within 3 to 4 hours before going to sleep at night, staying upright and avoiding vigorous activity after eating and not wearing tight-fitting clothing4. Some natural and alternative remedies that may help relieve symptoms include ginger and lemon water or chewing gum4. Eating yogurt or drinking a glass of milk or even adding a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk might also help ease symptoms or heartburn5. Gelusil Plus® is an antacid suspension that can be taken to relieve heartburn in pregnancy3,6. This treatment has a dual mode of action that neutralises stomach acid whilst creating a barrier to reduce acid reflux into the oesophagus6. Heartburn is common and uncomfortable during pregnancy, but it should subside once you give birth and your hormone levels return to normal. While you may not be able to prevent heartburn altogether, simple lifestyle changes, such as eating small meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and sleeping with your head and shoulders elevated, might help ease the symtoms1. For more information about Gelusil Plus® which has been proven to be suitable and effective to relieve symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy6, go tohttps://pregomega.co.za/gelusilplus/. This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. This article includes views and opinions of the named Healthcare Provider and not reflect the views of iNova Pharmaceuticals, nor is it intended as medical advice. For more information, speak to your healthcare provider. Scheduling Status: S0 Proprietary name and dosage form: Gelusil Plus® Suspension. Composition: Each 10 ml suspension contains: Sodium alginate 500 mg, Sodium bicarbonate 267 mg, Calcium carbonate 160 mg. Registration number: 43/11.10/1124. The claims made in this material are for medical information and educational purposes only. Marketed by: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07,15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. IN1267/20 References: Healthline – Heartburn in Pregnancy (2019) at https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/heartburn-during-pregnancy#takeaway (website accessed on 8 October 2020) Lindow, SW. An open-label, multicenter study to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel reflux suppressant in the treatment of heartburn during pregnancy. Int J Clin Pract. 2003 Apr;57(3):175-9. Meteerattanapipat, P. and Phupong, V. Efficacy of alginate-based reflux suppressant and magnesium aluminium antacid gel for treatment of heartburn in pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Sci. Rep. 7, 44830; doi: 10.1038/srep44830 (2017). Q&A with Registered Dietitian Hannelise Rademan – 5 October 2020 (unpaid) American Pregnancy Association. Heartburn during pregnancy – Causes and treatment (2015) at https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/heartburn-during-pregnancy/. (Website accessed on 7 September 2019) Gelusil Plus approved package insert, August 2015

February 3, 2021

Chicco Polly Highchairs

Chicco, one of the world’s most beloved baby products labels, brings you indoor furniture for your baby with the utmost luxury and quality, that is affordable and most importantly, guaranteed for 12 months. Highchairs are an important part of your child’s life and will be there as they discover their new senses through food. The Polly Highchair is the perfect solution for your little one to go from bottle feeds to weaning with ease. Designed with an elegant finish, this highchair offers 3 reclining positions as well as 7 height adjustments for parents, making it a stand-alone chair with tray, or come down to meet the level of any table or chair the parent may want to use for feeding. With a clip-off, easy to clean and store tray, the Polly highchair can be folded up into a compact and discreet size that stores easily – not that you would want to hide these beauties away. With Italian quality, the Polly comes in two classy colours including Nottingham (dark beige) and Orion (deep black), both suitable for any household décor. Pick up a Polly highchair from a variety of baby retailers including Baby City, Baby Club at Clicks, Takealot, Loot.co.za, The Kid Zone, Babanino.com, Brand Hubb, Baby Boom, and selected Makro stores.

February 2, 2021

Back to school fun with Play-Doh

The past year has challenged parents in many ways including finding endless at-home activities to keep kids entertained while ensuring they continue to learn and develop outside of a traditional classroom environment. Fostering creativity, being able to think out of the box, brainstorming, generating new ideas and improving on existing ones are important tools for young minds. Which is why Play-Doh continues to captivate the imaginations of children around the globe, providing them with the best in colourful, creatable, makeable adventures! High quality Play-Doh compound is non-toxic and is made up predominantly of simple ingredients including water, salt and flour. As children’s safety is always Hasbro’s top priority, Play-Doh compound undergoes vigorous testing to ensure it meets (and exceeds) all applicable global safety standards and regulations. This is why, after more than 64 years, Play-Doh remains a loved and trusted brand for parents, caregivers and teachers worldwide! A classroom favourite, Play-Doh combines the fun with essential development and learning benefits (listed below). Providing ideal opportunities to practice and nurture kids critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity skills while exploring a range of topics and skills including language, math, science, social studies, and the arts. Additionally engaging toddlers and young children (ages 2-6 years) with sensory, open-ended play activities can help them prepare for the big, elaborate world. Combine the fun with essential development and learning benefits: Play-Doh encourages creativity and imagination by providingyour child with unlimited moulding possibilities and the freedom to explore. Creating different shapes or mixing different Play-Doh colours together to discover a new colour, can assist children in growing their curiosity, develop cognitive exploration and enhance their mathematical thinking. All the squishing, rolling, flattening and shaping helps to enhance fine motor skills by developing and strengthening hand muscles, which encourages pre-writing and other motor skills such as cutting with scissors, using tweezers, holding a pencil etc. The tactile, hands-on nature of Play-Doh compound can also help encourage development of hand-eye coordination. Play-Doh offers kids a multi-sensory experience allowing them to learn about their world through touch, sight and smell. Sitting and squishing Play-Doh is also a very calming and soothing activity, which eases tension, releases extra energy as well as improves focus and concentration. Playing with Play-Doh in a small group and/or with adults presents opportunities for children to develop social skills such as collaborative problem solving, planning and playing as well as learning to effectively communicate ideas or discuss what they are making. Children can also learn to effectively engage in individual play sharpening their focus, patience and concentration skills. Nominate a teacher for the #CansOfKindnessAward! For many the past year has also renewed our appreciation for the incredible job that teachers do to keep kids inspired, motivated and encouraged while learning! This is why Play-Doh is calling on the kids to nominate their favourite Grade 0 or Grade 1 teacher for the #CansOfKindnessAward! Stand the chance to win an exciting Play-Doh hamper, while the winning teacher will receive a year’s supply of Play-Doh for the classroom. All you have to do is post a video to FB @PlayDohSouthAfrica of your kid telling us about their incredible teacher and use #CansOfKindnessAward. Entries close 26 February 2021. For more inspiration visit @PlayDohSouthAfrica on Facebook Play-Doh is available from Toy Kingdom, Toys R Us, ToyZone, Takealot.com and other major retailers. PARENT GUIDE Some fun activities designed to ensure kids have fun while learning At its core, Play-Doh is creativity – providing endless interactive play options. Guide your child to explore different shapes, forms and colours, which increases curiosity and knowledge while developing their fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination. Play-Doh allows children the flexibility to experiment and develop their own stories and leads to innovative, imaginative thinking and increased confidence down the line. Engaging in child-adult conversation, assists with communication and vocabulary growth – ask questions and allow your child to practice critical thinking and decision-making skills. Repetition can be a great way to reinforce the skills you’ve explored. Have fun doing the activities multiple times and in different ways! All Set for some Play-Doh fun! Get creative with Sticky the Octopus! Gather the materials you’ll need: 4 Play-Doh colours Red or pink A light colour i.e. white or yellow A darker colour i.e. blue Your favourite colour Toothpick/ fork/ beads Using your favourite colour roll out a round-shaped ball for the head Roll two small balls (in your lightest Play-Doh colour) for the eyes and place two smaller circles in a darker colour on top for the pupils. Add the eyes to head Curl eight ‘snake shapes’ in the same colour as your head for the tentacles Attach the tentacles to the bottom of the head Use your toothpick or fork to ‘scratch’ lines, circles or any pattern onto the tentacles as decoration Make 30 small balls in a contrasting colour and add them onto the tentacles and head If you’d like add beads as decoration – press these into the tentacles for added colour and texture (please note if adding beads to Octopus creation – the Play-Doh will not be able to be reused). Roll a short thin red/ pink piece of Play-Doh and complete your Octopus by adding a bright smile. If you are feeling extra creative shape a top hat or a bow tie for your Octopus to wear or create a beach ball for your Octopus to ‘play’ with. Skills match: fine motor skills, creativity, collaboration, sensory play (Task source Una van Staden, Pikanini) Play-Doh Faces Fun Making Play-Doh faces is so much fun and a great way for kids to learn about their bodies more specifically the face while developing fine motor skills. Before starting the activity discuss the different parts of the face and the shapes and size each aspect has in relation to each other i.e. eyes, ears, hair, nose, and mouth. Create a Face Mat – on a blank sheet of A4 paper draw a round circle for ahead with shoulders

February 2, 2021

Let your child Fly… through stories

Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been bringing a special story to children to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) for the past eight years. In the first year (2013), the campaign reached 13 000 children and in 2021, the goal is to read aloud to 3 million children in a single day. Nal’ibali celebrates WRAD on Wednesday 3 February in 2021, to draw attention to the importance of reading aloud to children in their mother tongue. The NGO commissions a brand-new story – best suited for reading aloud to primary school children – and translates it into all 11 official SA languages. This is an ongoing campaign to urge parents, teachers and caregivers to read aloud to the children in their lives. The announcement that schools will be opening two weeks later than anticipated means that learners will lose more schooling days in 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic meant learners lost valuable schooling time in 2020, and the importance of reading has become even more relevant, especially for primary school children. The 2021 story and author This year’s story is Fly, everyone fly! by Sihle Nontshokweni, the best-selling children’s author of Wanda (published in 2019). She says sharing stories with children can help them become resilient and brave in real-world situations. ‘The beauty of stories is their immersive nature, they allow children to enter a world in which they believe. In that sacred world, they can find the language and tools they need to deal with the pressures of the external world.’ Nontshokweni will be giving a special reading of the story, live on Nal’ibali’s Facebook page (@nalibaliSA) at 1.00 pm on the day. Caregivers and their children are invited to join the digital read-aloud not only to hear the story, but to engage with the author and each other too. Another champion of reading, Christina Nomdo, the Western Cape Children’s Commissioner, will also be giving a virtual reading of the story on the campaign’s page. The commissioner will be specifically highlighting the power of stories to set children up for success in school and life. The power of stories, at home, at school and in the community Reading underpins all school learning and children who read regularly perform better in the classroom, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. Stories can be shared anytime, anywhere so, wherever children and caregivers find themselves on Wednesday, 3 February, Nal’ibali is encouraging them to start or maintain a reading routine. This simple habit can be an invaluable investment in their futures. Reading to babies and 3-6-year olds Many caregivers do not realise the benefit of reading and sharing stories with children this young, but it is the children who were read to when they were very little who perform better in school, as they will have better developed their memories, vocabularies and comprehension skills. Typically, Nal’ibali’s WRAD drive focuses on primary school children but this year, following the recent crisis in the early childhood development (ECD) sector, the Centre for Early Childhood Development and PRAESA (the Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa) have come on board to help open up the day to preschool children and their caregivers as well. “2020 saw the extended closure of ECDs during the national lockdown. The result of this is that many of these facilities have had to permanently shut their doors, leaving scores of young children bereft of early learning opportunities, meals and safety,” explains Eric Atmore, Director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Extraordinary Associate Professor in the Education Policy Studies Department at Stellenbosch University. To help ensure these children are also able to benefit from the simple power of stories and join in the nationwide celebration, PRAESA has developed a short guide for caregivers on how to share Nal’ibali’s official WRAD story with children aged 3-6. The guide is available to download from the campaign’s website in seven official languages. Nal’ibali is therefore inviting caregivers everywhere to read its story aloud to children of all ages, whether they find themselves at home, in the classroom or in the community. Members of the public wishing to get involved can visit www.nalibali.org or WhatsApp ‘WRAD’ to 060 044 2254 to make their pledge and gain free access the official story and PRAESA’s guide to sharing the story with preschool children. They are also encouraged to share pictures of their read-aloud sessions online using the hashtag #MyWRAD2021.

February 2, 2021

Back to school: Time to boost your child’s immune system?

The kids have been at home for almost two months, but in just a few short weeks, they will be back to school. Most of us headed the president’s plea to keep safe, sanitise and stay home, which means that our children have been around fewer people, have been exposed to less germs, and may require a little immunity boost. Catherine Clark, Owner and Founder of the Harvest Table says that even if you’ve already started giving them vitamins, there are other ways to help boost immunity, “A strong immune system does not necessarily mean your child will not get sick, but their body will be in a better position to fight against bacteria and viruses,” she adds. Catherine offers these four ways to boost your child’s immunity: Encourage adequate sleep time: Sleep is one of the most important components of the immune system. Many studies show that sleep deprivation increases susceptibility to infection in children. The Sleep Foundation recommends that children aged 3-5 years get 10-14 hours of sleep, and those aged 6-13 get 9-11 hours of sleep. In order to help give your child a longer, better rest at night, it is essential to get them back into a well-defined sleep time routine. Have set bed- and wake-up-times, limit noise in the home by switching off devices and wind down by reading them a book. Keep up the hygiene: According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing hands prevents illnesses and the spread of infections to others. They also recommend regular hand washing because it helps prevent 30% of diarrhoea-related illnesses, and 20% respiratory infections. Encourage your children to not only sanitise regularly, but also wash their hands often (and not only when they are visibly dirty!). Furthermore, clean their toys and high-touch surfaces often to limit the transfer of germs. Make movement a part of play: Research shows that prolonged hours of sitting can increase the risk of upper respiratory infections by two or three times a year, but, moderate exercise can reduce this by stimulating an immune response in the body. Children don’t spend as much time outside as they used to due to distractions like television and other devices. It can be challenging to encourage them to do something outside, so it’s important to make outdoor play fun. And, it’s not enough to tell your children to play in the yard, you need to get involved too! They will be more motivated if mom or dad doing it as well. Up the probiotics and prebiotics: About 70% of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut. There are good and bad bacteria found in the gut. Probiotics increase the good bacteria and thus reduce the potential damage caused by the harmful bacteria. Prebiotics, on the other hand, stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and directly impact the body’s defense system by decreasing susceptibility to inflammatory disease. You can increase your child’s probiotic and prebiotic intake with The Harvest Table’s new Kid’s range. It contains prebiotics, probiotics, collagen, bone broth, magnesium, barley grass juice, and lion’s mane mushrooms — all vital ingredients for growing bodies. Plus, it tastes like a milk shake so it’s easy enough to get them to take it! “Illness is a part of life. Your child is likely to still get sick, no matter how many vitamins and supplements they take, but boosting their immunity builds up their ability fight off illnesses quicker and gives them a fighting chance,” Catherine concludes.

February 1, 2021

Waiting for matric results: focus on what you CAN control

As South Africa entered the new year, it quickly became clear that 2021 would not represent a return to the normal we knew before the pandemic, and that the country, like the rest of the world, would continue living with ongoing uncertainties for at least the near future. Following arguably the most tumultuous year a Matric class had to face in recent history, the Matric Class of 2020 now await their results, with many still not having a clear idea about what their future in general, or this year in particular will hold. “The one thing that these Matrics can do now, is to focus on those things that are within their control, rather than take a wait and see approach,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. He says there are still many unknowns about the coming year, and the only constant one can bargain on during these times is change. “However, waiting things out until normal returns one day is not an option. The world continues despite the challenges we continue to face, and there are things you can do to continue on your personal and professional journey to ensure you are not left behind,” he says. Kriel says one of the most important things 2020’s Matrics can do in the coming weeks, until results are released on February 23 (as currently scheduled) is to review their plans for the year and ensure that they will be able to continue on their chosen path regardless of any new and unforeseen circumstances that may arise to throw a spanner in the works. “So, if you have signed up to study somewhere, you can use these coming weeks to make sure that your institution will be able to continue seamlessly in the event of, for instance, another hard lockdown. The way to determine this is to ask an institution about their readiness and ability to quickly adapt their offering to a hybrid or online model,” he says. “Additionally, you should not just take an institution’s word for it, but also speak to students who experienced last year’s response. You need to ask questions to determine whether students last year were able to continue their learning journey seamlessly, whether they got the support they needed to do so effectively, and whether the learning was adapted in such a way that they continued to be engaged,” says Kriel. Kriel says that on-campus education is the preferred and most effective way to learn for many young people and it has strong advantages in terms of outcomes. So, if you want the campus experience don’t give up on that aim now – look for an in-contact institution that can move between online and face-to-face as circumstances change. For some students, distance education is a great alternative, but it is not right for everyone – it is a mistake to think that in current times it is a direct swop for contact. If contact is what you want, make sure your institution can move between the two so you can have the benefit of contact with lecturers and classmates in person when the pandemic allows. Kriel adds that those Matrics from the Class of 2020 who have not yet decided on their plans for the year, and are waiting for results before making a move, should seriously consider approaching an institution to talk through their options rather than leaving it too late. “Our world has changed forever and is becoming more and more competitive all the time, with technology constantly developing and giving rise to new and exciting career paths. Instead of waiting for your results and attempting to get clarity thereafter, use this time to contact respected registered and accredited institutions that have shown themselves to be up to the task during 2020, and speak to a student advisor about your options.” It also makes sense to ensure that your computer skills – including old-fashioned typing skills – are up to the task ahead of you. Anything you can do to make the transition easier will be very worth it in the long run, he says. “There is much that is outside all of our control right now. But there is still much that is within our control, and by focusing on what they can make happen instead of the many uncertainties that prevail, the Class of 2020 can continue to build on the resilience they displayed last year, and ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves in the face of any new or existing challenges we will face in the future.”

February 1, 2021

Here’s what to do if you’ve been retrenched

COVID-19 created unprecedented chaos for the global workforce, not just South Africa’s job market. If you have been retrenched due to the impact the pandemic had on your company, we have some practical suggestions that can help you tackle this problem. What should I do if I’ve been retrenched? The first step to take is to get all your paperwork in order so you can claim benefits like UIF. You might be upset with your boss about the whole situation, but it’s essential to keep a professional relationship with the company that retrenched you. You might need references from your managers and maintaining your network is important for searching for new employment opportunities. How soon can I search for a new job? Before you apply for a new job, make sure your CV is up to date. It needs to look professional while highlighting your skills and experience. If you apply for more than one job, tailor your cover letter for each application. Be open to roles that might not be a perfect fit but can help you stay afloat in the meantime. This is also an excellent time to consider what your passion is and which companies you’d ideally like to work for Is there something I can do while I search for work? Part-time jobs can be great sources of income while you’re searching for permanent employment. Adding this experience to your CV is also a great way to show potential employers that self-improvement and productivity are some of your strong points. You can also take an online course (or two) to learn valuable new skills while you’re not employed on a full-time basis yet. How can I stay positive if I’ve been retrenched? Right now, you need to focus on controlling what’s in your hands. Set achievable goals for every day so you’ll feel a sense of achievement at the end of the day. One of the best ways of staying mentally strong is exercise. It works your brain and body at the same time! When you exercise regularly, your body releases endorphins, which helps regulate stress. Fitness plays a crucial role in mental health, especially if you’re stressed and anxious. Need more help? Adzuna is here to help you during these challenging times by giving you access to the information you need most. Take a look at their blog to find the latest news on the SA job market. They also list all the jobs advertised online on one platform, making it easy for you to find the job of your dreams!

January 29, 2021

Multigrade teaching made easy

In most mainstream schools, teachers tend to teach one subject to one grade – which generally consists of learners of around the same age – at a time. In smaller private or rural schools, however, there is a gradual shift to multigrade teaching, which essentially means teaching two or more grades in one class. Multigrade teaching is also the reality of many homeschool parents. Homeschool families vary in size and often have children across various grades, ranging from Grade R to 12. While the prospect of teaching children in multiple grades seems daunting, it is certainly doable. If you are about to embark on your homeschooling journey, or if you are adding another learner to the mix in 2021, don’t fret. Multigrade teaching is not as difficult as you might think. Tips for multigrade teaching Know your children: Every child is different. Some do best with every minute accounted for while others prefer a general list of daily activities; some need constant monitoring while others can be left to their own devices; some are energised in the early morning, while others do their best work after dinner. As a parent, you know your children better than anyone. When homeschooling more than one child, create a system that works based on each child’s ability to concentrate, preferences and learning abilities. You know what works best for you and your family. Schedule one-on-one time: With a multi-child and multi-grade setup, it is impossible to spend hours every day with each child. Instead, spend short blocks of one-on-one time with each child every day. Just 10 to 15 minutes of direct, focused instruction can be valuable, especially when you have a solid curriculum as guidance. Once you have taught one child a new concept or covered specific content, let him/her work on the rest independently while you spend time with the next child. However, be sure to cover everything your child can’t do independently during your one-on-one session. While waiting their turn, other children can do independent work, read quietly or aloud to one another, or practise other skills. Encourage independence: Independent learning can help instil a sense of self-motivation, and responsibility in your children, so allow them to work independently as often as possible. While this may be easier with older children, there are plenty of learning activities younger ones can manage on their own, especially once they are able to read independently. It is vital, to check in when your children work on their own to ensure that any questions they might have or challenges they might face, are addressed to ensure that they stay on task. Use all available resources: When you homeschool, you should take advantage of the wealth of quality resources out there, many of which are available for free. Consider educational games, apps, online classes, documentaries, YouTube – the list is endless. In fact, there are a number of ways you can use screen time to your benefit. Also, keep in mind that there are learning opportunities everywhere and in everything, even in what may seem ordinary. Think cooking, gardening, and even shopping. Be organised but not rigid:A well-planned and easy-to-follow schedule will ensure that your children know what is happening at different times of the day. This will make life easier for everyone. Remember though that in homeschooling, as in life, things don’t always go as planned. So, be sure to leave room in your schedule for the unexpected. Remember, structure gives children a sense of security. Advantages of multigrade teaching Research suggests that teaching children of different ages and abilities together offers a number of benefits. It fosters independence, encourages cooperation and collaboration, allows children to work at their own pace, promotes responsibility, and teaches organisational and time management skills. In addition, it enforces re-teaching, meaning that older children benefit as they listen in on lessons being given to younger ones. A review of basics concepts can reinforce and clarify a child’s understanding, even when they may be working at a more advanced level. It also exposes younger children to pre-teaching. By ‘eavesdropping’ on lessons and discussions, generates new knowledge and younger children can get a glimpse of what to expect when moving to higher grades. Whether you have one child or many, one of the greatest benefits of home education is being able to do what works best for your family. So, consider these tips, then adjust accordingly. By Danielle Barfoot

January 29, 2021

Chicco Next2ME Air

The Next2Me co-sleeper has long been one of the most popular nursery items on any new moms list. The reasons are simple – easy access to baby at night, better bonding, easy breast-feeding and better sleep for both mother and child, knowing the little one is close at hand. Invented by Chicco, the co-sleeper has grown exponentially in popularity and has been copied by many companies – yet few have the original quality and features of the original Next2Me. Now Chicco have released a brand new variant of the Next2Me – the Next2Me Air. With side panels of mesh fabric, the co-sleeper now offers much better ventilation for the child at night, ensuring breathing is not stifled and over-heating never occurs. In a gorgeous new Stone colour, the Next2Me Air allows mom to see baby when lying down, can be tilted to give baby a reclining nap, and adjusted to any height bed. With telescopic legs to fit any bed base, it is the closest you can get to your little one whilst still giving them the independence of their own cot, and preserving the sanctuary of the marital bed. The Next2Me Air is available now at leading retailers including Baby City, Baby Club by Clicks, Takealot, Loot, Babanino, Baby Boom and The Kid Zone. Prices vary per retailer.

January 27, 2021

How to register your child for home schooling 

Home Education Provider, Brainline, has reassured parents who are considering home schooling as an option not to be deterred by the process of registering for home education. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says the process is not as daunting as it might seem. ‘Many parents who would like to opt for home education or e-learning are deterred by the notion of having to apply for exemption to have their children home schooled. This is, however, not such a complicated process. Parents who would like to home school their children only need to apply to the head of the Provincial Education Department,’ she says. The application can be made electronically, and parents need to submit the following documentation: Parent/s certified ID copy In case of foreign nationals certified copies of passport /study permit/work permit/Asylum document is required Last copy of school report (if the child was in school before, but if the child is only starting school now you must attach an immunisation card) Weekly timetable which includes contact time per day Breakdown of terms per year (196 days per year) Learning programme Certified copy of child’s birth certificate ‘The application process might take up to 30 days to be processed but learners are allowed to continue home schooling during this period. There is also no cost involved in registering your child,’ Cronje explains. Cronje says to home school learners parents need to ensure that they adhere to a number of requirements including that the lessons offered to the learners fall within the scope of the compulsory phases of education. (https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/HomeEducation.aspx) ‘This is the foundation phase for Grade 1-3, the intermediate phase for Gr4-6 or the senior phase for Gr7-9. There is also a list of records that the parents need to keep as portfolio of evidence which include amongst others, record of attendance, portfolio of work, portfolio of the educational support given to the child, evidence of the continuous assessment of the child’s work, evidence of the assessment and or examination at the end of each year, and evidence at the end of Grade 3,6 and 9, that shows whether your child has achieved the outcomes for these grades.’ Cronje says when learners enrol with home education providers such as Brainline, these requirements are already adhered to within the annual curriculum. Brainline is IEB recognised, which means that learners follow the South African National Curriculum (similar to the curriculum offered in South African schools) resulting in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) upon successful completion of their matric exams.

January 27, 2021

Junior IT career options for tech graduates

We live in a world that seems to thrive on technological advancements. Because the emphasis on IT jobs is greater than it has ever been, isn’t it time to rethink the future of your career? Adzuna did some research and uncovered some of the best junior IT career choices for tech pros of the future. From support to programming, these opportunities can equip you with all the right skills you’ll need to excel in our rapidly growing digital world. Read on to find out just how far you can leap! Top junior IT career picks for 2021 Desktop Support Technician Opportunities from here: Systems Administrator Network Management Specialist Business Analyst Data Centre Operator How to get started: A good foundation to have for becoming a desktop support technician is a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. You can also get in with a minimum of 5 C-grade GCSEs and a deep passion for solving problems within a fast-paced environment. After that, it’s good to equip yourself with certifications like a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and CompTIA A+ so you’ll gain insights to the different facets of the business and take the leap to a role like a business analyst. Average salary: R190,000 per year Junior Systems Administrator Opportunities from here: Senior Systems Administrator Technical Lead IT Management How to get started: A good start for a systems administrator is a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. You also need to show a keen interest in network technology and have a passion for keeping up to date with new tech trends. Moreover, a drive to figure things out will ensure that you keep learning from your mistakes to help you prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Keep equipping yourself with skills like Cisco’s CCNA and administrative languages like Python, Ruby, Windows PowerShell and Perl, and you’ll be able to take the leap to Technical Lead Roles within IT management. Average salary: R210,000 per year Junior Software Engineer Opportunities from here: Java Developer Information Technology Consultant Information Technology Architect How to get started: Firstly, you’ll need a Computer Science or Mathematics bachelor degree to get started as a software engineer. Secondly, a great understanding of computer languages like, for instance, Java, C++, Oracle, .NET and a passion for creating new technologies are great to have. The opportunities for growth here are endless as long as you’re able to master a multitude of programming languages and get certified for it. Once you’re into the swing of things and have a few years of experience, you can take the leap to bigger roles like that of an IT Architect or Java Developer. Average salary: R300,000 per year Junior Business Analyst Opportunities from here: Business Architect Business Analyst Consultant How to get started: A bachelor’s degree in Business Analysis, Business Management or Computer Science can help you get one foot in the door to become a business analyst. Also, you need a varied set of skills like communication, problem-solving, negotiating skills and a hunger for accepting new challenges. With some experience and in-job training, you can take the leap and become a Business Architect or Business Analyst Consultant. Average salary: R310,000 per year Final Thoughts It is essential to arm yourself with a few basic skills if you want to kick off a junior IT career. The four options we’ve listed here today are just a few picks that can pave the way to a long and successful IT career. But it is important to always keep upskilling yourself so you’ll stay relevant in your field of work! If you’re ready to show the world of IT what you’re made of, head over to Adzuna’s listings right now and start browsing vacancies that match your skills and experience!

January 26, 2021

Helping your child set goals for the new year

It’s a new year and, for many, that means New Year’s resolutions. Children don’t necessarily need resolutions – after all, they are unlikely to have many of the same vices and bad habits adults need to break – but it is a good idea to help children set goals for the year, both academic and personal. The ability to set goals – and create a game plan for achieving them – is a lifelong skill that is vital for success, whether that be at the office, on the sporting field, or even within the home. And like all lifelong skills, it is imperative to begin practising setting and working towards goals from a young age. Here are some notes on goal setting, and some tips on how to go about it. Read more: A successful start to your (home) school year! Why do children need goals? Regardless of their age, children are autonomous beings and, as such, they need to be able to make some decisions for themselves and take responsibility for their actions. Having goals and figuring out how to stick to them is a great way to teach children self-discipline and self-motivation. By having something to work towards, children are more inclined to focus and make productive decisions. Having a clear set of goals will also give children a sense of autonomy, which is important as they get older and want to feel less like babies and more like the adults into which they are growing. For these reasons, having goals (and attempting to achieve them) can also help build children’s confidence and self-esteem as they watch their own progress, which is very important for a child’s holistic development. Determine realistic goals for your child Before you and your child can set goals, it is essential to ascertain what can be realistically thought of as a goal. Do not take it in yourself to decide what a realistic goal is – this is a conversation you must have with your child. Help them think about what goals they might set by asking the following questions: What would you like to accomplish? What would you want to try this year? What would make you feel proud? Perhaps they want to increase their grade in a subject by a letter or wish to be in a higher-up team in their sport. Use this input as a springboard for making those goals concrete. Read more: Homeschooling in 2021? Here’s how to prepare Help your child understand the concept of goals To make the notion of goals make sense to kids, ask them what the purpose of their newfound goal is. Ask questions like “How do you think that will help you?” or “What are the benefits of doing this?” By helping them to dig a little deeper into what they want to achieve, your child will start to understand goals, not as merely something to accomplish, but something that has personal value and meaning for them. This is what will help drive their self-discipline and self-motivation. Make the goal(s) actionable It’s all well and good to have a specific goal, without a plan to achieve it, it’s pretty useless. Break down the ‘big goal’ into a series of smaller goals through which your child will work. Sit down with your child and decide together how your child is going to work towards that goal. It’s useful to decide on a (realistic!) timeframe, whether that be a month or a year. For example, if your child wants to increase their grade from a C to a B, that’s a 10% increase, so you could focus on increasing the grade by a couple of percentage points with every test or assignment. It’s also a good idea to set up a monitoring system to help ascertain your child’s progress. Charts are usually a useful way of doing this: have one column for the date, and one column for the progress update. That way, at a glance, you can see whether the goal is being achieved. Read more: Teaching kids how to plan Plan for failure or setbacks While no one likes to think about it, it is simply a fact of life that none of us will ever achieve every single goal without encountering an obstacle or challenge. Children are very sensitive and, as such, you need to sit with your child and discuss what both of you will do in the case of the goal not going to plan. Read more: How to foster resilience in children It’s important to try to predict possible hurdles in advance because they can knock the wind out of a child’s sails, especially a younger child. Plan in advance how you and your child will work together to overcome an obstacle, should it appear. For example, if your child wants to improve their grades but performs worse on a particular assessment, decide ahead of time that the two of you will sit together and go through the work to see where they went wrong and focus on that area in the future. Setbacks like these can be very demotivating, but it’s essential to help your child focus on the bigger picture and help them understand that failure is a normal part of life. The important thing is overcoming it and working even harder to achieve those goals. by Jacqui Smit

January 22, 2021

SACAP’S HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS HELPS BRIDGE PANDEMIC DISRUPTION

As we move into the second year of life upended by the global pandemic, SA’s school leavers are weighing their limited options. While some will forge onto their chosen tertiary education path, others may be set back by not achieving a bachelor’s pass or be uncertain about what they want to study. Travelling and gaining world experience before you make up your mind is off the cards for the time being, and probably for most of 2021. The challenge for these school leavers is how to make the best of these tough circumstances. There’s currently an increasing focus on short programmes offered by tertiary institutions. The best of these are typically one-year programmes offering an accredited Higher Certificate qualification that can improve a student’s readiness for tertiary education, make up for a Matric without a bachelor’s pass and enhance critical skills for success not only in their studies to come, but in their future work lives. Dr Jaclyn Lotter, SACAP’s (The South African College of Applied Psychology) Academic Dean, points out that parents and young people are anxious that 2021 ‘doesn’t go to waste’ as the education sector continues to grapple with how to master continuity during the pandemic. “After the disruptions of last year, which certainly did result in some SA school leavers underperforming, through no fault of their own, there’s a strong urge to move forward this year and overcome the disadvantage of the pandemic,” she says. “There will be close scrutiny of options such as Higher Certificate programmes to not just keep students busy, but to ensure that they have a meaningful education experience that helps them leapfrog over the pandemic years.” In line with its focus on Social Sciences education, SACAP offers a popular Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills. The one-year, nine-module programme, which is available online or on-campus (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), offers practical, work-related skills training set in an Applied Psychology framework that is relevant to students anticipating careers across all sectors. While it’s a notable gateway into the Social Sciences field, the application of interpersonal skills is equally critical in business, academia, education, medical, tech, science, government and non-government fields. As Dr Lotter puts it: “There isn’t an industry in which having a better understanding of human behaviour or the ability to communicate more effectively with others isn’t useful.” Is the Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills right for you? If you passed matric without exemption in 2021 You may have set your heart on studying for a degree but matric didn’t turn out how you hoped it would. You’re not alone. The pandemic wreaked havoc on the education system last year, and the Matrics faced the toughest challenges of any generation since World War 2. “Graduating from SACAP’s Higher Certificate this year can not only help you get back on track, but set you off with some important advantages,” says Dr Lotter. “You will not only meet the minimum entrance requirements for degree studies around the country, but you will lay the foundations for good academic literacy, setting you up for success in your further studies. You will also gain critical skills if you rather decide to enter the workforce in 2022. If you don’t feel sure you will be able to succeed at university Many school leavers might not feel confident with their ability to cope at a university level given the very disruptive matric year they experienced. Engaging in the Higher Certificate will give you this year to build confidence and empower you to continue your journey into higher education. If you wanted a gap year and really don’t want to start long-term tertiary studies instead Dreams of a gap year, especially for those who planned on travelling for self-exploration, are very compelling and hard to let go. It’s not easy to just set this aside and dive into tertiary education when you believe you need time and experience before committing to a study/career path. “The Higher Certificate is a one-year programme that introduces students to psychology and the Social Sciences,” says Dr Lotter. “It gives students a taste for the field of study without a long-term commitment and provides them with a registered qualification and practical skills at the end. Along with SACAP’s student-centred approach, it is also a voyage of self-discovery enabling greater awareness and understanding in relation to others as well as a deeper relationship with self”. If you’re interested in Social Sciences but not ready for degree studies The Higher Certificate is a gateway to further studies in Social Sciences, and some credits can even be carried over to SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences degrees when majoring in Psychology and Counselling, Business Management or Human Resource Management. If you need to improve your communications and interactions with others “The Higher Certificate is a great qualification for anyone who wants to develop their communication skills and improve their ability to interact and work with others,” says Dr Lotter. “There are key features of this qualification that offer invaluable knowledge and insight to graduates, including communication skills, counselling skills, academic literacy , as well as insight into human behaviour and better understanding of human diversity. Together these areas of focus lay the foundation for better understanding and insight into how people think and behave on an individual level as well as within society at large. The Higher Certificate develops relevant, useful and practical skills that are both transferrable and invaluable for a graduate’s personal and working life, as well as future studies they may choose to pursue.” Webinar: What you can do with a Higher Certificate Pass Not getting a matric exemption may be disappointing, but it is definitely not the end of the road. Join Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Claire Chester and Praneetha Jugdeo in a live webinar where they will discuss the many advantages that SACAP’s Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills has to offer matrics. This vocational programme is an excellent bridge to wherever students want to go next. It

January 22, 2021

Second Interview: How to make the most of it

Congrats! After making it through the job hunt and nailing your first interview, you got invited back for the elusive second interview! Now, how do you prepare yourself for Round 2? Adzuna headquarters has a few tips and pointers to help you make the most of the next stage of interviewing! What to expect during the second interview Round 2 focuses on ore in-depth discussions about how you’ll operate in the role. By now, you’ve already passed the initial screening and probably met the employer. This time around, you’ll need to solidify your stance as a strong candidate by giving them proof of your experience, skills, and knowledge about the business and the problems they might be facing. To do this, take the following steps before your second interview: Be Assertive In the second interview, you are likely to be grilled a little bit harder which is your perfect opportunity to be more assertive. Show conviction in your capabilities and that your experience is exactly what they are looking for. A good second interviewer will question the suitability of some of your experience for the role in question. Here’s a question that might come up: “In this position, you will be responsible for managing a large team. But you only have experience managing up to 6 people. How will you rise to this challenge?” Whether or not you have the necessary experience, the second interview is your chance to illustrate how you plan to approach this task. Ask Your Own Questions This is the perfect time to ask the kind of questions you’d like the HR manager to answer. Topics that you are unlikely to cover in your first interview, such as compensation and benefits, are important to bring up to make sure they meet your expectations. Also, another good idea is to ask for a tour of the company so you can get an idea for the working conditions and the type of people you will end up working with. Ask for more information on the available training and development schemes or possible growth opportunities within the company. Be confident use your body language and voice to illustrate that you’re confident and excited about the second interview. Answer the interviewer’s questions loud and clear and look them in the eye when responding to their questions. Make it clear that you really want the job and that you’d be an excellent fit for the role. At the end of the day, it’s often the most confident and motivated candidates that have the edge and land the jobs! Remember you have made it past the first interview! So you have already impressed them enough to secure a second. Therefore, this is just as much you interviewing them as it is them interviewing you. You have to be sure that this role is everything you hoped it would be. But as always, practice makes perfect!

January 21, 2021

Midline Crossing

Crossing the midline is very important to a child’s learning development. It’s a key element to helping children flourish and learn in the classroom as they get older. Our ability to reach over our midline with our arms and legs to perform tasks on the opposite side of our body plays a huge role in our day-to-day functioning. Brain Development Helping your child cross the midline as they grow is very important for their brain’s development. Midline crossing activities are often tied to higher learning skills such as speech, language, handwriting, reading, tracking objects, math sequencing, sensory integration, body awareness and other important skills for critical thinking. It’s also important for helping children retain information, improves attention and focus and allows them to listen to the teacher as they give directions (auditory processing). Crossing the midline helps the right and left sides of the brain work together. If we only work one side of the brain, the other side may become weaker, which could cause gaps in learning. Learning tools that come naturally for some children (organizing thoughts on paper, executive functioning, writing, comprehension and sitting still in a chair) may not come so easily to others who can’t cross their midline. When a child crosses their midline, new connections are made between the right side and the left side of the brain, and both sides are then working together, rather than independently of each other. It integrates the two sides of the brain, and organizes the brain for better concentration and problem solving. This is needed for reading and writing, as well as sports activities and other daily skills. What is Midline Crossing? Crossing midline simply means that a child reaches across their body with either hand or foot. Think of it as if there is an imaginary vertical line down the center of the body. Crossing the midline would mean having the ability to reach over this imaginary line with an arm or leg, and perform a task on the opposite side of the body. The ability to cross midline develops as bilateral coordination skills develop. The child learns to coordinate their stronger hand (used for specialized skill) with their helper hand (the hand that they use to assist the dominant hand). Crossing the midline is a developmental ability that is important for so many gross motor tasks. When a child has difficulty with crossing their midline, they will demonstrate difficulty with fine motor skills, too. Signs a Child can’t Cross their Midline 1. Appears ambidextrous. Children who have difficulty crossing the midline may use their right hand to perform tasks on the right side of their body, and their left hand to perform tasks on the left side of their body. They may seem ambidextrous, but what’s actually happening is that they aren’t properly developing the fine motor skills in their dominant hand. Instead, they are essentially developing average skills in both hands which can have significant implications in the long-run. 2. Has poor handwriting and often changes hands repeatedly while writing, drawing, colouring, etc. Handwriting may be more challenging, and their school work may be sloppy and messy. 3. Has difficulty performing basic life skills, like brushing teeth and hair, doing up buttons, zipping up zippers, putting on socks and shoes, etc. 4. Demonstrates poor gross motor skills. A child who can’t cross the midline will likely struggle with gross motor activities. For example, they may struggle to kick a ball with two feet instead of fine-tuning this skill with only their dominant foot. 5. Appears uncoordinated and struggles with more complex gross motor activities that require greater coordination, like jumping with a skip rope or doing jumping jacks. 6. Has difficulty with reading. Kids who can’t cross the midline may find it more difficult to visually track something from left to right, which can result in delayed reading skills. For more information, and videos for activities to do at home with your child to improve midline crossing, check out Catrobatkidz ON TV

January 19, 2021

Going back to work, tips on how to keep you milk supply up

The thought of going back to work when you have a little baby can be very stressful for a mom. There are so many things to consider the main two are: who will look after your baby while you are at work and how can I keep breastfeeding when I am away? We chatted to Carey Haupt a lactation consultant about ways to balance work and breast feeding. Here are some tips she shared with us. Tip 1: Talk to the HR department of your employer before you go on maternity leave. Ask them for the breastfeeding or expressing policy for mothers. The policy should be inline with The South African Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child which forms part of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (NO. 75 of 1997). Give them time to be able to find a safe, hygienic space for you to express your milk in. You can also give them some information around the benefits of assisting you to continue to breast feed once you are back in the office. Explain to them that by having an expressing room and encouraging your breastfeeding mothers to express for 30 minutes, twice a day it can help to improve your productivity in the following ways Healthier for baby When a baby is healthy, mom can focus on work. A healthy baby is what we all want. Breast milk has many benefits for baby and mom. One of the best-known benefits is the improved health for the baby. Breast milk provides the baby with added immunity from the mother’s immune system and it is much more easily absorbed than formula. Reduction of medical cost Babies that are fed breast milk have reduced risk of: diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, ear infections, constipation, asthma, and allergy (to name the most common). This will reduce the need for a mother to take time off work to visit a doctor or hospital if needed. When a baby is sick, and the mother returns to work she may be worried about her baby and less productive. Less absenteeism With less need to take baby to the doctor or clinic, you mother will be at work more. There will be less need for staying at home to care for her sick infant and less need for family responsibility leave. Better staff retention If a mother knows that her company is willing to invest in her and her families family’s well-being by providing a safe, hygienic and comfortable space where she has the time needed to express her breast milk for her infant, she will be more willing to invest back into the company. Staff satisfaction and loyalty If a company can show that your company cares and puts the needs of women who are looking after their children as a priority, staff start to see their value and become start to promote your companies’ brand. Mother will not want to leave a company that has supported them and their families. Tip2: Get a good quality Double electric breast pump. You will need a fast and efficient breast pump. When you are at work you will need to be able to set up your pump (washing hands) pump and clean your pumping area in 30 minutes. Make sure that the pump you are using will be strong enough to pump quickly and that the motor will be able to handle pumping often. A double electric pump like the Ameda Finesse is an ideal example. The finesse is a double electric pump that has hospital grade technology. This means that the motor is strong and can be uses for exclusive pumpers. The pump’s motor also has a 2-year warranty. Tip 3: Build a stash You only need to start building a breast milk stash about 2 weeks before you go back to work. You can store your milk in Breast milk storage bags or feeding bottles. With the Ameda Store ‘n Pour bags (Link: https://www.mybreastpump.co.za/product/store-pour-milk-bags-20pc) you can pump directly into the bag, saving you time and the need to clean less. While you are still direct feeding your baby the amount of milk that you express will be less than when you skip a feed. Do not panic in the beginning when you get half feeds from expressing. Remember this is extra milk that you body is starting to make. Once you start skipping direct feeds and pumping the volume per pump will increase. Remember to date the milk so that you use the older milk first. Tip 4: Get your mind onto pumping and your baby We know that stress and worry are things that inhibit your let down (when your milk starts to flow) so move your mind to happier thoughts like that of your baby. Even better have a video or picture of your baby so that you can focus on your baby. Your mind is amazing because you focus on your baby your mind will tell you breasts to make more milk. Tip 5: Use heat and massage to wake your breast up. Your breast responds positively to heat and message. This is called hands on pumping and is recommend to get the maximum volume of milk expressed. Before you start pumping apply heat in the form of a bean bag or warm water in a bottle and massage your breasts from the base towards the nipple. Use your pump and keep a few minutes for heat and massage after you have pumped, and hand express the last few drops of milk out. Tip 6: Plan how you are going to store your milk. Breast milk should be stored in a fridge or freezer as soon as possible after it has been expressed. This just makes sure that you can keep it for longer. If your office does not have a fridge that you can use, use a good quality cooler bag with ice pack. Milk can stay

January 19, 2021

Impaq: Your guide to homeschooling in 2021

The continued surge of coronavirus cases in South Africa has many parents rightfully concerned about sending their children back to school. Parents are looking for a safer alternative, and many may now consider homeschooling as a permanent option. Homeschooling allows you to tailor your child’s learning to suit their individual needs and foster a love of learning in a safe environment. Impaq is South Africa’s largest home education curriculum provider, and last year they helped nearly 25 000 learners study at home. Whether you are a homeschooling veteran or a nervous newcomer, Impaq is your guide to homeschooling in 2021. Why homeschooling may be the best choice for your child Before embarking on the homeschooling journey, it is important to consider whether it is the best option for your child. Below are some of the reasons why homeschooling may be a good fit for your family: Children can study at their own pace, anytime, anywhere. Children can continue their schooling at home in a clean, safe, and nurturing learning environment. Children can follow a flexible study schedule. Children can spend more time on difficult subjects. Parents can instil personal beliefs, values, and ethics in their children. What to expect from Impaq in 2021 If you are convinced the pros of homeschooling outweigh the cons, the next step is choosing a curriculum provider to guide you on your learning journey. Impaq has more than 19 years’ experience and provides you with everything you need to complete Grades R to 12 at home, including: Lesson material (printed books, e-books, videos, and more) Impaq’s lesson material is aligned with the national curriculum (CAPS). Most public and independent schools in South Africa follow CAPS. Impaq learners who write and pass the NSC examination in Grade 12 are issued the same National Senior Certificate (NSC) by Umalusi as learners attending public schools. The difference between CAPS material used in schools and CAPS material used at home is that Optimi Publishing develops learning material for Impaq that provides learners and facilitators with the tools to guide and track individualised learning, allowing learners to work at their own pace. Our benchmark study and facilitator guides are created by a team of subject experts, teachers, moderators, editors, and designers, based on the latest insights from the learning sciences. Facilitator guides (printed books and e-books) Facilitator guides are the cornerstones of homeschooling. These thorough guides empower parents to become their children’s primary educators. The Impaq facilitator guides include year plans, suggested timetables, daily lessons, lesson guidance, and step-by-step calculations and answers for Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Live online classes Impaq’s education specialists host weekly online classes to assist Grade R to 12 learners in various subjects. The classes are presented as monolingual classes in English or Afrikaans, or as bilingual classes in both languages. Learners can also catch up on previous classes to ensure they stay up to date with their work. Access to education specialists Impaq learners have access to our team of experienced education specialists who provide additional subject support. If you were concerned about teaching subjects you are unfamiliar with, you can rest assured that support is only an email away. Downloadable assessments and support services Impaq provides a full set of assessment components and services and a pathway to obtain an NSC in Grade 12 (through an independent assessment body). Impaq’s online portal enables parents and tutors to easily capture marks, generate reports, and monitor learners’ progress. Optimi Learning Portal The Optimi Learning Portal offers additional guidance and support (in selected subjects and grades) including quizzes, notes, previous examination papers, and more than 900 educational videos. Supplementary products and additional resources But that is not all – Impaq also offers a comprehensive range of supplementary products and additional resources: isiZulu isiZulu is offered as a First Additional Language for Grades 1 to 4. The learning material includes a CD to guide parents and learners on the correct pronunciation of words. The language of instruction is English but systematically changes to isiZulu as learners progress through the grades. Bible Education Bible Education is offered as a non-examinable additional subject for Grades R to 9. The lesson material is based on the Christian religion and guides parents, teachers, and facilitators to help children discover their unique identity and God-given gifts, talents and blessings. Cami Education Software Cami offers a collection of fun and interactive educational software programs that are available both online and offline. The practice software includes unique programs for mathematics, mathematics for special needs, perceptual skills, reading, and literacy. All the programs are available in English and Afrikaans. Robotics Robotics is the perfect tool to introduce children to robotics, engineering, and programming. Children will learn how to solve real-life problems through engaging projects such as building their own robot, an automated hand sanitiser, and an autonomous line-following car. Impaq offers LEGO® Robotics and Coding for Grades 1 – 5 and Resolute Robotics for Grades 7 – 12. With Impaq as your guide, homeschooling has never been easier. Ready to get started? All you need to do is pick your child’s grade, and Impaq will provide you with everything you need to complete an academic year at home. Register online for 2021. If you need more information about the registration process, read Impaq’s how-to guide for step-by-step instructions. By Elmien Ackerman

January 15, 2021

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