Advice from the experts
Parenting Hub

Vital Baby’s Colic Soothing Techniques

Usually colic is short-lasting for just a few months, but nevertheless it is an upsetting time for both you and baby. It is commonly believed that colic in young babies can be a result of digestive or feeding problems, which can be linked to swallowing air when feeding.  Air can be ingested by baby when it enters the bottle and mixes with the milk, and also when baby ingests air while feeding from the teat. Symptoms of colic to look out for If a baby has an attack of colic, crying generally occurs at the same time every day (usually in the late afternoon or early evening). It seems like your baby is crying for no apparent reason, but they may also pull up their legs, be restless and fidgety, and clench their fists. What you can do to help alleviate colic? If you are bottle feeding your baby, try a bottle with an anti-colic teat, such as vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like feeding bottle.  Designed to reduce the risk of baby ingesting air during feeding, our BPA-free bottles has: been expertly designed to mimic mum’s breast an advanced triple anti-colic valve to reduce air intake a silicone easy-latch teat which is soft and smooth against baby’s face a wide neck making them easy to clean and fill Lying baby on his/her back in a quiet room or swaddling may also help, as may sucking on a soother or a bath. Baby massage is a fantastic opportunity for you to not only bond with your baby, but also helps to strengthen the digestive system, so relieving common newborn ailments and discomfort such as wind, constipation and colic. About half an hour before your baby normally has a crying period, begin by lying your baby on a mat. Try to create a soothing, calming, warm environment, with dim lights and as few distractions as possible. Keep any sensory stimulation to a minimum. Undress your baby, but keep a vest on, as you may also have to pick your baby up and carry him or her around. Begin with a soothing tummy massage. Make a few gentle circles around the belly button. Keep noise to a minimum, however, it can help to hum a lullaby. This will help keep you and the baby calm. Find a soothing, gentle pace and try to keep your body language and breathing as relaxed as possible. Next using your hands as paddles, make a gentle flowing movement, gliding down the lower abdomen. Finally, make a gentle peddling movement with your baby’s legs. Repeat this little sequence and the tummy massage a few times during the day, as it will help strengthen the digestive system and so can help prevent the build-up of wind and tension in the baby. If your baby begins to cry and will not be soothed by the massage, you can try and pick him or her up into our miracle baby yoga hold. Kneel with your baby on your lap, facing out. Put one arm across the chest, and the other arm through the legs. Now bring one knee up, then stand. Once you’re standing, gently tilt your baby forward, so her belly and chest are resting across your lower arms. Make sure both her arms are hanging over yours. You can gently rub her tummy. Some babies also find it soothing if you can gently rock your baby back and forth. Make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed and change sides to prevent straining your shoulders. Walk around the room. Eventually you should feel the tension leave your baby’s body and he or she will relax in your arms. Colic is very distressing for a parent. Take deep calming breaths, throughout and keep telling yourself, that this phase will pass and even though it is very distressing to hear your baby cry, there are no lasting repercussions for your baby. The Vital Baby Soothers Vital Baby Newborn Starterpack

February 19, 2021
Kumon

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MATHEMATICS AND ENGLISH FOR FUTURE SUCCESS?

Studying Mathematics and English can sometimes be so difficult and learners often find it hard to see how they are going to benefit from these or whether it has any relevance for their future lives. In fact, contrary to their feelings of how irrelevant these are, there are many benefits of developing an excellent ability in these two areas, both for their future studies and for their life in general.  University admission and study1 First and foremost, in order to be considered for admission to university, a learner needs to obtain good marks in matric, obtaining a complete exemption (as opposed to a conditional exemption) at the end of their matric year.  Without a complete exemption a student will in all probability not be eligible to apply to any of our top universities.  According to the SA Matriculation Board, one of the criteria to be met in order to obtain a complete exemption is that a learner passes at least two languages, including at least one First Language and one university language of instruction.  Most universities in South Africa have English as their language of instruction. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) require applicants to obtain a higher grade pass in English in order to be considered for admission to these institutions.  So, already we can see that doing well in English is essential if a learner wishes to study at one of these universities post matric. Together with a matric exemption, universities in South Africa use a point system to decide whether or not a student is eligible to be admitted to their undergraduate programmes.  Learners earn points for each subject that they pass.  The better their symbols, the greater number of points they earn, and they will earn more points for subjects taken on higher grade.  UCT recommends that ‘applicants writing the South African Senior Certificate are advised to take subjects on higher rather than standard grade. … This is especially true of Mathematics and physical science’. Each faculty has its own subject, symbol and grade requirements for admission to particular degrees or diplomas, so prospective applicants will need to find out what these requirements are for the particular course that they wish to study.  However, we (Kumon) conducted some research into the minimum requirements for admission to the various faculties at Wits and UCT.  Below is a brief summary, giving one an indication of how important and crucial Maths and English are should one wish to go to university. University Courses that require Maths HG (or a very high SG pass): Commerce Department [e.g. Financial Accounting (HG only), Auditing, Computer Science, Marketing, Politics and Economics (HG only)] Engineering and Built Environment Department [e.g. Architecture, Engineering (HG only), City Planning, Urban Design and Construction Management] Health Science Department (e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Audiology and Medicine) Science Faculty (e.g. Business Computing, Bachelor of Science (HG only): Atmospheric Science, Zoology, Marine Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Applied Mathematics, and Astronomy)  University Courses that require English (First or Second language) HG Law (e.g. Commercial Law, Marine Law, Criminal Justice and Criminology, Human Rights Law and Environmental Law) Humanities (e.g. Drama, Film Studies, Media and Writing, Sociology, Archaeology, Politics, Design, Sculpture and Acting and Theatre Making) For full details, please refer to the admissions department of the respective universities. From all of this it is clear that obtaining excellent results in Mathematics and English can open doors for a learner to study at university so that they can pursue the career of their choice and realise their dreams. Train your brain2 But maybe a learner doesn’t want to go to university.  They would rather pursue other dreams and ambitions.  Or maybe they’re still a long way from university and right now admission requirements for tertiary institutions aren’t of interest to them.  “So why should I study Mathematics and English?” they may ask. Well, a proficiency in these subjects is not only for those who wish to be admitted to university.  Did you know that reading and writing, and solving mathematical calculations can exercise your brain and keep it healthy?  The brain is a muscle, and like the other muscles in the body, it needs to be exercised and stimulated regularly to stay healthy and keep functioning at its optimum.   Dr Ryuta Kawashima is a professor at Tohoku University in Japan and he is a leader in the field of Brain Imaging in Japan.  He has conducted numerous experiments and research to discover what activities activate and stimulate the brain and what activities don’t. One activity that Dr Kawashima discovered that is excellent for stimulating the brain is performing mathematical calculations regularly, even simple ones.  He conducted research to find out which activity exercised the brain more:  playing very complex video games, or solving mathematical calculations of adding one digit numbers to each other e.g. 1 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 6 etc.  Although at the outset he was sure that the video games would activate the brain more, when he measured activity using MRI scans, he saw that video games actually stimulated the brain very little, but that the arithmetical calculations had the brain firing on all cylinders.   This surprising finding urged Dr Kawashima into further research and he has shown that mathematical calculations stimulate the brain, help to lay down neural pathways and keep the brain from degenerating.  Dr Kawashima has this to say, “The prefrontal cortex, the area for thinking and learning, of both hemispheres [of the brain] is active during simple calculation.  Dealing with numbers is an important and sophisticated activity for human beings. … From primary school to college, simple calculation triggers brain activity. … Calculation is extremely helpful in training and developing your brain.” (p.34).  He goes on to make the following recommendation:  ‘Before studying something difficult, do a little calculating for just a minute or two.  You will be able to study more efficiently because various parts of your brain

February 19, 2021
Impaq

You don’t need to be a teacher to homeschool: former teachers share their tips

While most public schools opened this week, many parents are still rightfully concerned about sending their children back to school. Two of these parents, Sophia Saib and Lisa van Rensburg (both former teachers), decided to teach their children at home. They share why you don’t need to be a teacher to homeschool. Why homeschooling? “In this time of COVID-19, the outside world isn’t safe, but that doesn’t mean our children’s education must suffer,” Saib explains. Saib worked in a corporate environment, but her passion for teaching steered her in the direction of a postgraduate degree in education when her second daughter was born ten years ago. “We all want what’s best for our own children. With COVID-19 currently, we decided as a family [that] homeschooling would be the best option. Now I can’t see us ever wanting to go back to mainstream [schooling],” Saib says. Van Rensburg, who has been teaching for the past ten years, adds: “We decided to do homeschooling because I just felt it would be safer and I would be able to give my children the education they needed”. Van Rensburg had grown up in the teaching industry as her mom had been a teacher for over 30 years. “I have always had a passion for teaching,” Van Rensburg explains. Homeschooling vs traditional schooling “An obvious difference between homeschooling and traditional schooling is the available undivided attention,” Van Rensburg says. She explains that she can now give her two boys, aged 7 and 5, the one-on-one attention they need. Saib agrees and says that she can now spend more time with her four daughters, aged 12, 10, 7 and 3.  Impaq’s lesson material and lesson plans also help Saib save time. “As a perfectionist, I love the structure and ease of lesson delivery and content – it leaves more time to play and do other fun things,” Saib says. She first came across Impaq’s lesson material when working part-time at a tutor centre. “That’s where I was absolutely impressed with the Impaq material, its content and structure, as well as the fact that it is CAPS aligned – it’s exactly what we use in mainstream schools except better,” Saib explains. She adds: “Impaq is a viable option because if you ever need to place your children in a traditional school again, it will be with ease as it’s the same content and topics.” Why Impaq? You would think that homeschooling would be an easy choice for Saib seeing as she is a qualified teacher, but that wasn’t the case initially. “Homeschooling can be overwhelming. I was filled with fears even though I am a SACE-registered and experienced teacher,” Saib explains. Luckily, Saib’s fears were short-lived. She received confirmation from the Department of Education that her children were successfully registered two weeks after submitting the application. “Impaq offers the lesson plans and schedules for each subject, so the administration for [the] application was super easy,” Saib says. Also read: Impaq: Your guide to homeschooling in 2021 Van Rensburg had no trouble registering either. “I contacted Impaq, and they got back to me the next day, everyone we spoke to was extremely helpful, and we just felt it was the right place for us,” Van Rensburg explains. Saib adds: “Impaq has taken away any concerns about homeschooling, and now we can enjoy our journey.” Teaching at home Van Rensburg says that the Impaq lesson material is user-friendly, fun, and interactive, making it easy to teach at home. “You don’t have to be a teacher to understand the lesson plans,” Van Rensburg explains. Saib agrees and adds: “Impaq’s workbooks, online platform, lesson plans, content, online classes, tasks, assessments, and report creation is so easy – you don’t need to be a teacher to facilitate [teaching].”  Saib says that she found the notes and activities to be informative and of an excellent standard. “It doesn’t include unnecessary or invalid information to complicate learning. In fact, it includes opportunities for independent research and challenges curiosity with the fun facts.” Benefits of homeschooling Saib and Van Rensburg are enjoying the many benefits of homeschooling, and listed some of their favourites below: Working at their own pace “I love that we can work at our own pace and in our own time,” Van Rensburg says. Saib says that they follow a time structure for lessons but still work at their own pace. “Each child is unique, so we play around with a schedule that works for us.” Learning from the comfort of home “I love the fact that we can learn in the comfort of our own home,” Van Rensburg says. Saib agrees and adds: “We have watched our daughters grow more relaxed, owning their environment and learning with a smile.” More time Both Saib and Van Rensburg said that they don’t miss the mad morning school rush or sitting in traffic. “We now enjoy a relaxed, calm approach,” says Van Rensburg. “Now we don’t send our children away, they are not overwhelmed with homework, and [they] are released from the pressures of having ‘no time’ to be children,” Saib adds. Homeschooling 101 While they might be new to homeschooling, as former teachers, Saib and Van Rensburg are experts in learning. They share their tips below: Stay organised “Have a schedule and stick to it,” Van Rensburg says. “Being organised is key.” Make it fun “When doing the art activities, have all the art supplies available,” Van Rensburg advises. “Make the outdoor physical activities exciting,” she adds. Reward your kids Saib was worried that her daughters might miss school competitions as her daughters enjoyed winning academic awards, but now they take a different approach. “We teach them to value that you compete with yourself and to try and be your own best – not [to compete with] anyone else’s standards.”  Also read: There’s more to life than academic achievement Van Rensburg helps her boys work towards their goals by relying on a tried-and-tested form of reward. “Reward charts work so well with

February 19, 2021
Caribbeantan

Rejuvenate Your Skin

Take care of your skin With the new season of winter knocking on our door, our skin takes a beating by losing moisture and feeling dry & icky. Don’t despair! We have delectable solutions. You can make winter skin a thing of the past and take control of your skin. Healthy winter skin? “YAAS QUEEN!” We have two amazing products that will rejuvenate your skin, leaving it soft, supple and glowy. Gone are the days of fearing winter. Exfoliation = Rejuvenation Cinnamon & Coconut Skin Smoothing Exfolia R69.95 Exfoliation is a MUST in order to reveal new, vibrant skin. And we have the yummiest exfoliator out there! It’s important to exfoliate your skin at least one-two times a week, to get rid of dead skin cells especially during winter as your skin becomes dehydrated & dull. The natural sugar exfoliators remove dead skin cells so that moisturisers can penetrate the skin properly and jojoba oil restores moisture to ensure your skin is silky-smooth. Cinnamon improves blood flow to the surface of the skin and coconut is fabulous for moisturising the skin and keeping it hydrated. Right away your skin feels healthy, looks glowy and dehydrated winter skin is so yesterday. After exfoliating, you’ll be singing “Yeah, you got that yummy, yum, that yummy, yum, that yummy, yummy…” Hydration = Rejuvenation Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter R79.95 Hydration is an important part of the rejuvenation process. It is important to properly care for your skin after exfoliation in order to ensure that your skin stays healthy and glowy. Indulge your skin daily with our luscious Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter, especially after your exfoliation routine and after bathing/showering. Remember to moisturise multiple times a day, more often than you would during summer. Our Milk & Honey Hydrating Body Butter seals moisture into the skin and nourishes the skin with a non-greasy formula and anti-ageing ingredients help the skin’s elasticity. Available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, Zando, Superbalist, & Caribbeantan.online

February 18, 2021
Kumon

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SETTING GOALS WITH YOUR CHILD FOR THIS NEW YEAR

The start of a new school year is a time when resolutions and goals are a trending topic for many — even for kids! Many kids have dreams and ideas on what they want to accomplish, but it can be hard to remember with so many other activities going on. That’s why creating a goals list with your child is a great way to start the new school year. Why create a list of goals with your child for the year? Creating lists in general allows for better structure, accountability, and productivity, regardless of the topic. That’s why for kids to turn their goals into a reality, it helps to have a list in one place to plan and serve as a reminder. To create a list, we put together this step-by-step guide on how to help your child set goals for the year. 1. Have a discussion as a family to learn more about your child’s ideas. Have a discussion as a family to start thinking about the things you’d like to tackle this year. This can be taking a family holiday, donating items around the house to those in need, or reconnecting with friends that you may not have seen in some time. Kids are often eager to add to the conversation, and it might even bring up some new ideas you haven’t considered. It’s also a great place to start as it will get them excited to consider what they want to do on their own. 2. Ask your child specific questions Prompt your child by asking specific questions. For example, if they want to go on holiday, find out where. Somewhere in the bush? A place where they can swim? Although some locations may not be as easy to get to as others, it can spark ideas to include on the list. You can also break down the questions into categories such as learning, giving, health and wellness, personal achievements, academics, or even seasonal. Here are some questions for inspiration: How many books do you want to read this year? What new sport do you want to try? What do you want to be when you grow up? Is there a meal or snack you’ve been wanting to make? Do you have items you don’t use anymore that you want to donate? How can you help someone in need this year? 3. Break down their answers into actionable steps. If your child wants to read 10 books this year, you can break it down to one book each month. You can also incorporate smaller related goals that are related to reading such as researching / drawing up a list of book titles they’d like to read, reading a book on holiday, or even creating a reading nook at home. The items will help make that big goal of reading 10 books achievable and a fun process along the way. This step will show them that there are so many possibilities that stem from one idea! 4. Help your child create the list on paper. Once you have talked through some of your child’s goals for the year, it’s time to create the list. You can have your child write these out, type a list on the computer to print out, or turn it into a vision board to show it in a fun and engaging way. Whichever list method you choose, make sure it can be hung in your home. 5. Hang up the list somewhere it’s seen daily. Now that the list is complete, hang it up in a spot that is seen frequently. Seeing it daily will be a consistent reminder and motivator to achieve these goals. They will be excited to see items that they can check off and work towards more on their list. 6. Revise, add, or remove. A goals list can always be revised. Once your child learns a new instrument, they may want to learn to play a song. Maybe they realize they don’t love swimming but want to try karate. Continue to discuss the list of goals with your child and revise or add to it. Your child’s goals list for the year is simply a tool to help them think more about what they want to achieve and take action to do it! 7. Recognize and reflect on achievements It’s exciting to accomplish goals, big or small! Instill a feeling of success by recognizing and celebrating these achievements with your child. Once the year comes to an end, it will be an amazing experience to reflect on everything that they accomplished and set even more goals moving forward! THE TAKEAWAY Your child has a lot of things they want to accomplish. The start of the new year is a great time to discuss these goals with them and help create a list they can refer to throughout the year. Taking the time to set goals with your child will help them get motivated to take action in all areas of their life. This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/a-step-by-step-guide-to-setting-goals-with-your-child-for-the-new-year/ 

February 18, 2021
Parenting Hub

Book your school for a tour at Sugar Bay in 2021

Sugar Bay is the number one holiday destination for children and teens in South Africa. Based on the American Summer Camp model, Sugar Bay stands out head and shoulders above every other South African camp. Our school tours are tailor-made to balance educational study and fun activities, ensuring that learning is done in an interesting and memorable way. Send us your curriculum and our team of creative and academic managers will tailor-make a program just for your school.  “From the time we arrived until the time we left, I noticed that this place has such great customer service, we were well taken care of and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Our accommodation was brilliant and it’s been good from when we got here. We would recommend Sugar bay to every school, because it really helped with the kids bonding and getting to know each other”. – Crawford College, Sandton We have luxurious accommodation for both teachers and students. We can cater for up to 200 learners. Teachers stay in their own luxurious 3-star teacher lodge, separate from the students, complete with mini bar, DStv and heated pool. Teachers can chill out on their own private deck, take a stroll on the beach, cruise on the lagoon or join in on the fun camp activities while our professional staff takes care of everything. Students are treated not only to all the great activities we have to offer, but to luxury en-suite stilted log cabins nestled in the tree tops. Our camp counselors are specifically trained and experienced in the growth and developmental needs of the different age groups, as well as Emergency First Aid & CPR. We also have our own qualified lifeguards who accompany the children to the beach, lagoon, and swimming pool. Their first priority is the care, supervision and happiness of every child; and they form an integral part of the Sugar Bay experience. They are also actively involved in teaching activities and ensuring that every child is helped and encouraged to reach their full potential, whatever their capability level. Our 1:5 staff to child ratio is the highest in the country, and 24-hour supervision ensures that the campers are kept extra safe while having the time of their lives. There is something for everyone at Sugar Bay. Our broad selection of activities caters to all interests, hobbies, and current trends. With a full range of the latest equipment and experienced instructors, the choices are continually being innovated. Children may choose to learn anything from stand-up paddle boarding to BMXing, or skateboarding to crafts. Sugar Bay is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of any young student’s life. Children will discover and transform themselves in a safe and fun-filled environment. They will always take something home with them: a new hobby, a new skill, and memories that will stay with them forever. Sugar Bay’s extensive range of over 100 activities makes us the number one choice for Africa’s top schools. Free choice of these activities encourage children to be independent, exercise their decision-making skills, and reach their highest level of potential, whatever their level of ability.  “The American International School of Johannesburg has been bringing students to Sugar Bay Camp in Zinkwazi Beach, KZN for our annual Classroom Without Walls (CWW) week for over a dozen years. I have been the organiser on the school’s end for the past 8 years. From the start Sugar Bay has always been the highlight of the grade eights’ year. A greatly anticipated event that marks the closing of their final middle school year. In a phrase, Sugar Bay Camp is a fantastic educational opportunity that I would unconditionally recommend for kids of all ages”. – American International School Johannesburg Some schools that have attended school tours at Sugar Bay: Crawford Schools, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, American International School of Cape Town and Johannesburg, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, Ashton International College, Cornwall Hill College, Laerskool Constantia Park, Durban Girls High, Cambridge Academy, Redhill School and SAHETI School. We would love to host your school at Sugar Bay. Please contact us for more information or to book your next school tour: 032 485 3778 | [email protected] | Visit www.sugarbay.co.za for more information. 

February 18, 2021
Parenting Hub

Job mistakes all newbies make

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about job-hunting out there. The majority of them can mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and staying unemployed for the foreseeable future. Adzuna rounded up some of the worst job search mistakes in a bid to help you avoid them at all costs. Here’s what you might have been doing wrong all along! #1 Scouring all the job ads Did you know that only a fraction of the available vacancies are ever advertised? In fact, most employers prefer internal hires and recruiting new talent via referrals and recommendations. What this means for you is that you’ll have to work super hard in order to stand out from the crowd. If you want to get noticed out there, your online and offline networks need to work for you and not against you. Make sure your online presence paints a professional picture and that you’re networking like a pro! #2 Responding to as many job ads as possible The quantity of applications you send out and the number of online sites you register with rarely (if ever) corresponds to interest from employers. In order to be a triumphant jobseeker, you need to be proactive. Don’t just pick the opportunities that fit you best. Work hard at tailoring every application and follow up every lead with a call or email. #3 You fear being perceived as a job-hopper Candidates with multiple roles on their CVs aren’t necessarily seen as job-hoppers unable to keep a stable job. If you’ve been employed in various avenues in a short period, all you need is to add solid reasoning to the explanation of your situation. Perhaps you changed jobs often to gain more widespread experience and learn new skills. Really short stints (anything under a year) aren’t favourable though, but there’s no need to be concerned if your work history has several components. #4 Not using a cover letter A well-crafted cover letter doesn’t only tell your prospective employer that you’re interested in a role. It also shows off your skills, work methodology, and enthusiasm. In short: it’s a way for you to shine in a crowd.  Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell the employer about what you’ll contribute to their team instead of why you want the job. It’s also extremely specific to the role in question, which will strengthen your chances of being called for an interview. #5 Demanding a lower salary because you think you’ll be a more attractive candidate Offering your services for less than the going rate can actually backfire on you instead of adding to your appeal. It can make you seem desperate, which is definitely not what you want to come across as. As long as you’re demanding a salary within an acceptable range for the position, industry and location, there’s no harm in negotiation. Oh, and remember you don’t want to be the one that brings up the topic of salary first. Your prospective employer should be the one initiating this conversation. Final Thoughts Now that you’re aware of the most common job search mistakes, you can take your game to the next level. This can help you finally land the job of your dreams. Start browsing Adzuna’s listings today. Your future career might be just one click away!

February 17, 2021
Brainline

VIDEO COMMUNICATION CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO OF TEACHING


Video communication is now more than ever challenging the status quo of teaching. The value of eLearning or video communication is being recognized by more and more organizations since it can produce significant results, including improved performance and productivity by learners. Using video conferencing for education has made classrooms walls invisible, allowing students to have the entire world as their learning resource.

February 17, 2021
Parenting Hub

Teen Suicide Prevention during COVID19 – Talk, Listen & Connect

Teen Suicide Prevention Week (14 – 21 February 2021) highlights awareness especially around teen Depression. As the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened across the globe and increased stressors for many, the mental health of children and teens has been affected to a large extent. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 – 19 year olds (WHO, 2020). The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is focusing on creating awareness for Teen Depression and Suicide, as South African teens are at a particularly high risk as the mental health impact of COVID-19 has been immense. South African teens (OUTare especially at riskas they) navigate a new world of online learning or delayed learning, social isolation, loss, grief and trauma, with increased anxiety and depression. Psychiatrist and SADAG Board Chairperson, Dr Frans Korb, says “There is a myth that depression or suicide doesn’t affect teens or children, in fact it is very real and affects more young people than we know, with teens being a particular high risk for suicide. Depression is the leading cause of suicide, it doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic background.” SADAG has seen an increase in the number of calls to the Suicide Helplines, and we encourage parents, teachers and family members to know the warning signs of depression and to reach out for help as soon as possible. Now more than ever, parents need to connect and engage with their children – ask questions, listen carefully to understand, get to know what is happening in their teens lives and what they are feeling and thinking,connecting to help if you pick up any warning signs for depression or suicide before it is too late – it could save a life. There is still a lot of stigma and fear around suicide, and many parents and teachers are afraid that if they talk about suicide to teens that it would cause them to take their life. SADAG’s Operations Director, Cassey Chambers explains, “Research shows that talking about suicide with a young person DOES NOT cause them to have thoughts of suicide or kill themselves. But NOT talking about it can lead to thoughts of suicide turning into action. Talking about suicide and depression create an opportunity to discuss feelings and thoughts that might have otherwise remain hidden. Most teens who are thinking about suicide are often honest and relieved when asked direct questions about their suicide thoughts or feelings.” But informing and empowering parents and teachers on how to have these conversations with teens is the first step to preventing teen suicide. SADAG will be hosting 2 free online CONNECT Webinars – one for Teachers (24 February, 3:30pm) and for Parents (25 February, 1pm) with experts to unpack how to identify warning signs of teen depression and suicide at home and in the classroom, self-help tips to deal with depression, how to talk about suicide with a teen, developing a suicide safety plan, and how to connect to help. Visit www.sadag.org for more details about these free Connect Webinars and RSVP for your free seat today. Miss SA will be using her Instagram platform to focus on Teen Depression for #MindfulMondays on Monday the 15th February at 7pm. SADAG will also be hosting an online #FacebookFriday expert Q&A on Friday the 19th February at 1pm-2pm and again at 7pm-8pm answering all your questions on teen depression, suicide prevention and how to get help LIVE on @TheSADAG. “Even if you notice 1 warning sign, don’t wait or leave it. Talk today, listen and connect to help – it could save a life,” says SADAG’s, Cassey Chambers. Possible Warning Signs of suicide include: Talking about suicide or death – could be writing or drawing about death and dying, or posting pictures, quotes, or messages on social media Writing or sending goodbye letters or messages or posting goodbye messages on social media  Saying things like “Everyone would be better off if I was dead” or “I wish I wasn’t here anymore” or “I don’t want to be here anymore” Giving away prized possessions Signs of depression such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal, drastic    change in their appetite and sleep, and loss of interest in usual activities Increased alcohol and/or other drug use Behavioural changes and taking excessive risks SADAG runs the country’s only Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567) which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sms 31393 and a counsellor will call back or you can visit the online toolkit for teen suicide prevention on www.sadag.org. There is always help!

February 16, 2021
Philips Avent

Breastfeeding on the go 

Breastfeeding when you’re out is convenient, hygienic and the most natural and healthy way for your baby to feed – so be proud of what you’re doing!  It allows you to easily and discreetly feed your baby when you’re outside the home, anytime, without having to pack lots of feeding equipment. It’s natural that you might feel a bit self-conscious at first but there are lots of moms out there enjoying the freedom breastfeeding allows – here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you join them with confidence.  Do:  Feel proud of yourself – moms who breastfeed their babies in public are doing a huge amount towards making breastfeeding more popular, visible and back to being the ‘norm’ again  Practice feeding positions at home first, making it easy to latch your baby on without having to remove layers of clothing or expose more than you would like to! Practice using a shawl or scarf as a cover up if you like. I found that a vest top I could pull up, with a shirt or cardigan unbuttoned which covered my sides worked well for me, and was more discreet than wrestling with a shawl or muslin cloth!  Do a bit of research into where you are going. Whether it’s going out for lunch, meeting a friend for coffee or enjoying a little retail therapy, do phone ahead to see what facilities are available for you and your baby.  Are there baby-changing, breastfeeding and milk/food warming facilities?  Are highchairs available for older babies and toddlers?  Make sure any restaurant you are visiting is ‘child-friendly’, so that you can relax and enjoy your meal without having to worry too much about disturbing others .There is nothing worse than feeling that you are being frowned upon by other customers and staff. Choose your seating position or table carefully if you are feeling self-conscious e.g. with your back to the majority of people in a restaurant or café     Make it easy to take what you need for a stress-free trip.  I have a special bag for when I am out and about with my little one which I top up after each trip so that I don’t need to start from scratch every time I go out.  Choose a bag that has been designed with a mom in mind and has all the handy compartments you will need.  Essential items for your bag will include breast pads, nipple cream (if using)  nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, a change of clothes, bibs, milk (if you are bottle feeding), a feeding cup and some snacks for a baby that is weaned (not recommended before six months). Take along a few favorite toys to keep your baby entertained  Consider expressing breast milk if you choose not to breastfeed while you are out. Expressing is the perfect solution for moms that want to continue breastfeeding their babies but are looking for some flexibility outside the home. Take along some expressed milk in a sterilized bottle ready to use. Carry the feed in a specially designed insulated bag with a small cool pack inside to keep it fresh.  This way you can give your baby a bottle of milk in the full knowledge that it still has all the wonderful health benefits of breastfeeding.  Expressing also means that close relatives and friends can also enjoy the pleasure of feeding your little one  Carry plenty of healthy snacks for your older baby or toddler.  Rice cakes, pieces of fruit like apples, grapes and strawberries, sticks of carrot and cucumber, raisins and cubes of cheese all make nutritious snacks which your child will thoroughly enjoy.  Prepare them at home and then carry them around in airtight containers to keep them fresh.  Also, ensure that you always carry fresh, drinkable water in an appropriate feeding cup with you, as once your baby is weaned this will be essential.   Don’t:  Think you should be out and about too early on. It will depend on how quickly you and your baby get to grips with feeding but there’s no rush. Venture out when you feel ready. Time your trips out between feeds at first  Forget to make sure you have a drink to hand – take along some water. Breastfeeding is thirsty work  Wait until your baby is properly hungry before finding somewhere to feed. Plan a stop a little while before if you can so you’re not frazzled by those cries of hunger!  Pay too much attention to the news – ignore anything you might read about women being told to stop feeding their babies, or who have negative comments thrown at them. This is much more rare than it seems – most people will be oblivious to the fact you are breastfeeding (in fact it’s only once you’re a mom that you start to notice just how many women are breastfeeding out there!)  Feel that you have to breastfeed in a room full of people if you’re really not comfortable. It’s increasingly easy now to find somewhere a little more private to feed your baby while you’re out if that’s what you prefer. Many shopping centers, department stores, baby shops and supermarkets have special feeding rooms where you can breastfeed or bottle feed, and change your baby’s nappy  You can share your own tips and read advice on breastfeeding away from home from other moms by visiting Philips AVENT on facebook www.facebook.com/philipsavent 

February 16, 2021
Parenting Hub

Online schooling can literally become a pain in the neck!

Lockdown has affected our children in more ways than one. Isolation. Anxiety. Confusion. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Most of these emotions and feelings are beyond our control, and nurturing, understanding and just being there for our kids is all we can do. But some things are in our control, and one is comfort.  Online learning and sitting in front of a computer has become the norm. Video games and screen time have replaced sports and outdoor activities with friends. And this has led to a growing trend in back and neck pain in children. In fact, what was once just a problem for adults sitting, at a desk all day, has veered to the younger generation. More children today are sitting for extended periods and the longer they sit, the more they are likely to suffer from lower back pain and become victims to slouching. In fact, studies indicate that by the age of 15 years, 20% to 70% of children will report some back pain while other say  75% of children between the ages of 8 to 12 years complain of back pain. Either way, the stats are alarming and are likely to increase as dining room tables and kitchen counters become desks once again due to the rise in COVID-19 infections. Help them find their comfort zone  The significant causes of back pain in children have been found to be triggered by poor posture, sitting for long periods and continuous inactivity. Poor posture can cause the spinal cord to change shape, creating chronic pain and affecting balance. It can also affect the rest of the body. Sitting for extended periods with poor posture compresses the digestive organs, which can harm the entire digestive system. As parents, we want to provide our kids with the right tools in everything they do. The correct size bat for the cricket season, good sturdy boots for the soccer season, so why should paying attention to our kids’ posture be any different? Children will spend an estimated 23 years of their lives sitting in a chair, so the time for good habits is now. And that means providing comfort and correct postures while sitting. When looking for the correct chair for your child, remember that size does matter. A height-adjustable chair is paramount for a growing child. And so is an adjustable backrest angle, height-adjustable armrests, and lumbar support. A foot ring on the chair, or a separate footrest is usually required because the feet have to be anchored, otherwise they land up perching at the edge of the seat. Adjustability, and the ability to be supported in the lower back and under foot will ensure that the time your child spends sitting in front of the computer or doing homework at a desk is painless and productive. The immediate cost should be viewed as an investment in your child’s future and will far outweigh the costs of dealing with future health issues, especially as their spines still have so much growing to do!  It is also important to try to regulate all screen time – enforcing regular breaks every hour.  Encourage motion – be it a swim, a game of soccer or a walk around the neighbourhood. Create these movement habits daily. And if your child has a hard time sitting still, let them work while standing up.  Online schooling is part of our lives and is a critical alternative in the current environment. Even when schools can return, online processes are highly likely to stay in place, in some form so now’s the time to act. It’s a whole new world for them too, so make sure they are sitting right to not only survive online schooling, but thrive! By Gary Arenson, Physio, MD, and Founder of Ergotherapy

February 15, 2021
Prima Baby

Chicco Next2Me Magic – Moon Grey

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 Next2Me original co-sleeper keeps getting better and better. An original concept by Chicco, the bedside co-sleeper has become one of the most valuable pieces of baby Original creators of the bedside co-sleeper, Chicco has improved time and time again upon popular designs to ensure the best for your little one. It goes without saying that the benefits of having baby nearby and comfy at night offers the utmost peace of mind for parents.  The Next2Me Magic is the co-sleeper with the one-handed opening and closing options. Made from the finest quality materials, this sturdy and versatile bedside cot has telescopic legs to ensure a perfect fit with every type of bed, pulling it as close as mom would like. With tilting abilities and a clear mesh side, mom can have full view of the sleeping baby, or easy access for night time feeds. In a stunning new colour for 2021 (Moon Grey), the Next2Me Magic goes with all bedroom décor, making it a gorgeous addition to your household. The co sleeper boasts a sturdy and firm mattress and great ventilation, making it the perfect first cot for your little one. Pick up a Next2Me Magic in Moon Grey from Takealot, Loot.co.za, Babanino, Baby Boom, Brand Hubb, The Kid Zone 

February 15, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

The low down on Covid-19 test protocols

As South Africa finds itself starting to move out of the second wave of a Covid-19 outbreak, over 8 million Covid tests have been carried out in the public and private sector since the start of the pandemic. The global gold standard method to diagnose Covid is the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test. It is currently the most accurate way to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.  Will your medical aid pay for the test? According to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, ‘Funding is in accordance with the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) guidelines, all clinically appropriate and referred diagnostic testing for suspected Covid-19 cases will be funded as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition.’  Bonitas pays for up to three Covid-19 diagnostic tests from risk, whether the result is positive or negative.  However, this is subject to the member or beneficiary being referred by a registered healthcare practitioner (doctor or nurse). This referral is dependent upon whether the member is showing symptoms, has been in contact with anyone who has Covid-19 and prior to hospitalisation.  It should be noted that laboratories will not normally accept walk-ins for testing and require a referral or request from a healthcare practitioner. This is to ensure that we don’t test unnecessarily and jeopardise the availability of these tests for those who really need them. ‘Despite the PCR being arguably the most accurate laboratory methods for detecting, tracking and studying the Coronavirus, there are limitations in its widespread use,’ says Callakoppen. ‘These include: Access to the test kits; the complexity of performing them; the need for specialised staff to administer them; potential global shortages; high costs; the requirement for laboratory equipment and the delayed turnaround times. For this reason, testing should only be done when it is clinically necessary.’ What about Rapid Antigen Tests Immunoassay devices that detect the SARS-CoV-2 antigen within 15-30 minutes have also been promoted as a possible solution when access to PCR tests is a challenge. An antigen – detected in the blood or any other fluid – is any substance that makes the immune system produce antibodies. Viruses and bacteria are antigens.  However, these tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests and have shown variable performance during evaluations, with sensitivities ranging from 0 to 94%. Test specificity has been high, but sensitivity has been erratic, which we need to bear in mind. Why is specificity and sensitivity critical?  Sensitivity is the percentage of true positives (e.g. 90% sensitivity = 90% of people who have the target disease will test positive). Specificity is the percentage of true negatives (e.g. 90% specificity = 90% of people who do not have the target disease will test negative). These allow you to rule conditions in or out but not definitively diagnose a condition. What does the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) say? The CMS currently still advocates the PCR test to diagnose Covid-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also previously advised that the role of these rapid antigen tests must be evaluated and are “not currently recommended for clinical diagnosis pending more evidence on test performance and operational utility”. However, the WHO has now approved the use of antigen tests (and this is the South African approach as well) as an alternative to the more expensive PCR tests. This is however, in certain defined scenarios such as testing confirmed people in communities where infections have been detected, screening of high risk groups and individuals and for contact tracing purposes. They have also provided conditional recommendations for the use of these tests such as screening at ports of entry, routine screening for employees at their place of work, schools, prior to certain urgent medical procedures, etc. The challenge with these tests is that they are most accurate in patients between 5 and 7 days after showing symptoms – therefore the timing of testing becomes critical in order to ensure accuracy of the result. What about Rapid Antibody Tests? Many countries, including South Africa, are using antibody or serology tests such as the ones offered at various drive-throughs. These can detect whether someone has previously been infected and estimate how widespread the infection is but they are not recommended for diagnosis of Covid-19.  For this reason, these are not funded by Bonitas Medical Fund as the use for these tests is limited for purposes of government surveillance and research rather than diagnosing Covid-19. If individuals want to know whether they have previously had Covid-19, for their own information, this test would be able to confirm that – but it is not used to identify whether you currently have the infection. If these tests are done too soon after the infection, they produce incorrect results as the antibodies (IgM and IgG) will not be detectable. There is also no scientific evidence that it provides any immunity to another Covid infection.  ‘What is clear is that laboratory testing plays a vital role in the diagnosis and the prevention of the spread of the virus,’ says Callakoppen. ‘Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the timing and correct use of the different types of tests is crucial to gain the best results. We reimburse up to three PCR or rapid antigen tests done in or out of hospital for our members and recommend that this protocol for testing remains, until further research is conducted and evidence provided.’

February 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

NEW TO MOTHERHOOD IN COVID-19 TIMES

The six weeks after childbirth, known as the post-partum period, is a vulnerable time for women and their infants.  The impacts of the ongoing pandemic have only heightened concerns that new mothers in South Africa are able to access the care and resources they need as they step into motherhood. It’s not unusual for the need for post-partum follow-ups to extend for four to six months, especially in cases where there are physical and emotional issues and health complications.  In South Africa, primary health care provides free services to pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children under six years.  Given the severe economic impact of the global pandemic, this access to post-partum care has become particularly important to the country’s new mothers. As with pregnancy, nutrition is a particular focus of post-partum care.  New mothers need the support to recover from the rigours of pregnancy and childbirth so that they can cope well with the different challenges presented by infant care.  Exclusive breastfeeding, which means providing only breastmilk to the exclusion of water, tea, juice or food, from birth for the first six months of life, is crucial and requires ongoing support within the family and through community and healthcare connections.   According to ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa) spokesperson, Professor Lisanne du Plessis breastfeeding is not only the best source of food for babies; it is also a major cost saver for food-insecure families and a major immune support for vulnerable children.  Therefore, we have to make sure during this COVID-19 time that our new moms are healthy and well-nourished. She says, “Mothers should try and eat a healthy balance of fresh, whole foods including carbohydrates from unrefined, whole grain starches; proteins from meat, eggs, fish, chicken, beans and legumes; healthy fats; fruit and vegetables as well as dairy thatsupplies vitamins and minerals. They should try to avoid fast foods and other ultra-processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats.  It is interesting to note that breastfeeding moms need around 500 additional calories daily, which equates to an extra snack such as a wholewheat bread sandwich with cheese or peanut butter; one to two glasses of milk, and an extra vegetable plus a fruit.  What is most important is a focus on fresh and whole foods.  New moms who are battling currently with household food insecurity need to raise this issue with their primary health care providers and get connected to a community-based or non-profit initiative which supports families through food parcel or other food security programmes.   When it comes to nutrition, post-partum care and breastfeeding, some of the same pregnancy restrictions should continue.  Prof du Plessis says, “Limit coffee drinking to just one cup a day, avoid other drinks and snacks that contain caffeine, and keep avoiding cigarettes and alcohol.” An issue for many new moms is managing the weight they gained through pregnancy.  Another Registered Dietitian and ADSA spokesperson, Cath Day says, “Don’t rush it. Don’t worry about how much you weigh for at least the first six weeks after the birth of your baby. During this time, concentrate on eating fresh and minimally processed food.  Focus on your support system and on getting enough rest. Once you have healed from childbirth and established a good breastmilk supply, you can begin to think about getting your body back. Go slow, do what you can, and be kind to yourself.  If you are not back to your pre-pregnancy weight by six months, then you can start looking at your diet and exercise regime.  Remember, it took you 9 months to gain the extra weight, so give yourself enough time.”  As disruptive as the pandemic has been, and how it has shaped many women’s experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood, what’s important to remember is that COVID-19 has not changed the essentials of bringing a new life into the world.  Moms need the same as they always have.  They need support and encouragement from their families and friends.  They need access to good, fresh foods.  They need easy access to quality healthcare and professional support when needed.  Day says, “There is currently no evidence to suggest that pregnant women and new mothers need to adapt their nutrition specifically in response to COVID-19. Pregnant mothers and new mothers should concentrate on eating a healthy and well-balanced diet made up of minimally processed and fresh foods such as wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and plant-based oils. Combat stress with a healthy, balanced diet along with enough sleep and exercise.  Consider stress management techniques such as walking, deep breathing, meditation, yoga or Pilates. It is really important that if mothers require nutrition and food support, there are various government, non-government and community-based programmes providing food parcels and other social relief.” Prof du Plessis adds: “Although everyone is encouraged to stay at home with COVID-19 regulations in place, it is important that new mothers continue to go for their check-ups and take their babies for routine immunizations and follow-up clinic visits, according to the schedule in the Road to Health booklet.  During these visits, mothers should ask questions about their health and their children’s growth, health, and nutrition.  They should also request breastfeeding support if they are experiencing challenges to their goal of breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months.  The pandemic has not changed the essentials of life, and post-partum maternal and infant health remains a high priority in our country.”

February 12, 2021
Impaq

The future is female – women in STEM in South Africa

When people think of science, technology, engineering, or maths, they tend to think only of bespectacled old, bearded men. The truth is, though, that women have been pioneers in STEM fields since humans invented them! While sadly often overlooked or forgotten in the annals of history, women have made invaluable contributions to science throughout the millennia and continue to do so to this day!  As 11 February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s look at what amazing things some South African women are doing in these fields today! Youngest working doctor in SA At the end of last year, Thakgalo Thibela received her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, which is already no mean feat. But what makes her achievement extraordinary is that Dr Thibela is only twenty-one years old, making her the youngest working doctor in South Africa today! Although she is currently on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, she aims to specialise in neurosurgery when she gets the opportunity to do so. Speaking of her incredible achievements, Dr Thibela has said: “It’s a reminder to all the young girls that we are capable of being whatever we want.” A princess AND a nuclear physicist  A princess AND a nuclear physicist? Senamile Masango is proof that women can do it all! Born into Zulu royalty in Nongoma, Kwa-Zulu Natal, this phenomenal young woman soon developed a fascination with the starry skies and outer space. Having obtained her masters at the end of 2019, she is now working toward her doctorate in nuclear physics. Masango is the first African woman ever to have worked on a project at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Switzerland.  She has also established a non-profit organisation, the Senamile Masango Foundation, which provides programmes to women and young schoolgirls, aimed at increasing the number of highly qualified and competent women in STEM across the continent. Breaking the glass ceiling  Breaking the glass ceiling in any industry is tough, let alone a field as male-dominated as Mathematics, but in 2002, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng became the first black woman to obtain her doctorate in mathematics education.Since then, she has been the vice-principal of research and innovation at UNISA, the acting executive dean at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at UNISA, and is currently the vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town. Last year, she was named one of Times Higher Education’s (THE) 10 People of the Year – the only African on the list!  Dreaming big Tebogo Lebelo is a second-year PhD student in human genetics, focusing on prostate cancer research. Knowing that what she does will bring a significant change in people’s lives fuels Lebelo’s love for her work and drives her to work even harder to contribute to a better life for cancer patients. “I love cancer research because it helps us understand and tackle this global health burden. We look into ways to better diagnostics and contribute to treatment solutions, ways that can be translated from the lab to hospital [bench to bedside].”  When she was in high school, a programme on SABC 2 called Women in Science played a considerable role in Lebelo’s career choice. It made her believe that she can dream big.   “From that day, I just saw myself in a lab coat ‘making magic’ [creating solutions for issues in the health system]. I wanted to be ‘the hero in a lab coat’ because we all know that not all heroes wear capes. We need more of those shows for our young girls, to inspire and encourage them that science is for us. It is not something to shy away from but to engage in.” Morongoa Ngoasheng, who completed her MSc (majoring in atmospheric chemistry) with distinction, also encourages young women to dream big. “They are going to try to discourage you, make you question everything that you are going to do, don’t let them, focus on your dreams”. Ngoasheng is currently working as a chemistry graduate at a global mining company and says that her love of chemistry is growing the more she works in the field. “By Africans, for Africans”  “By Africans, for Africans” – that’s the motto of Johannesburg software designer Charlette N’Guessan Desiree. As facial recognition technology becomes globally ubiquitous, N’Guessan Desiree noticed that many Africans are sceptical of this new advance in technology. The 27-year-old realised that people across the continent would be less suspicious of similar technology developed by someone from the continent. Thus she set out to design African-specific software with her company, BACE Group. Last year September, she won the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa prize for engineering innovation – the first woman ever to win the award! Sources: https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/at-just-21-dr-thakgalo-thibela-becomes-one-of-sas-youngest-doctors-ca2c9b5c-3dd9-4527-acdf-df919e6a35c7 https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/how-senamile-masango-went-from-rural-nongoma-to-a-degree-in-nuclear-physics-20553543 by Jacqui Smit

February 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

Top tips to be more productive at work

Ticking all the items off your to-do list is one of the most satisfactory feelings in the world. But everyone struggles with productivity at one stage or another. If you’re feeling a little under-inspired, Adzuna has some great tips to help you be more productive! PS – It has nothing to do with working longer hours. The key ingredient to the secret productivity sauce is working smarter! Get the task done and dusted ASAP Starting a task and pausing just to get back to it later is a major time-waster. If you want to be more productive, it’s essential to deal with a task as soon as it pops up. Either do the task right away or pass it on to someone else, but never touch and go. Also, make sure you finish off each day with all prep for tomorrow out of the way. “For every minute spent organising, an hour is gained.” – Benjamin Franklin Learn to say NO The office “Yes Man” is always the favourite, but sometimes, the word “NO” is much more powerful. By always saying yes in an attempt to please everyone, you’re increasing your stress levels and working towards a burnout. Saying no once in a while will help you stay focused on your commitments and excel at what you do best. “It’s only by saying “no” that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.” – Steve Jobs Take regular breaks This one might sound a little counterintuitive, but taking scheduled breaks can help improve concentration. Research has shown that taking frequent short breaks during long tasks can help you maintain a constant level of performance. You can also use your break time to fit in some exercise, which enables you to be more productive. A quick walk around the office park could be all you need to clear your head and get you back in the game. “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” – Alan Cohen  Use tech to your advantage Technology is a major distraction for most of us at home and at the office. However, there are a lot of brilliant apps and platforms that can actually help you be more productive. Evernote, for example, syncs everything from your to-do list to your calendar and much more across all your devices. Technology can either interrupt or boost your productivity; it just depends on how you choose to use it. “The purpose of technology is not to confuse the brain but to serve the body.” – William S. Burroughs

February 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

Back to school safety for 2021

Parents and caregivers may feel some dread, especially those who are worried about the safety of their children while they make their way to school and back during this time of Covid-19. The Department of Basic Education confirmed this morning (Friday) that the restart of the new school year has been delayed for both public and private schools, and will now resume in February. “While at school, your children will follow the regulated PPE processes, but there are personal security tips we believe parents can follow to make a difference in the safety of their children and to give everyone peace of mind. It boils down to making sure your children know exactly how to avoid possible danger, and also what they must do in case something bad happens to them,” said Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s head of marketing and communications. She recommends: Children must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. If your child walks alone, it’s a good idea to ask a teacher or other parents if they know of other children from the area who do the same. Some towns have started “walking buses”, where local parents volunteer to walk to and from school with a group of schoolchildren to assure their safety. Stick to streets you know and never take shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas. If you get picked up at school, always wait inside the grounds for your lift to arrive; do not leave the premises to go and look for them in the street. Remember, your parents would never send someone you don’t know to fetch you. Never get into a stranger’s car even if they claim someone you love is hurt and that they are supposed to pick you up. It is a good idea to consider using a password system to ensure the person collecting you is in fact a friend of your parents or someone you can trust. If a stranger approaches you, do not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab you, fight, kick and scream that they are not your mom or dad. In some cases, children have to see themselves to and from school and keep occupied until mom and dad return home in the evening. “It is extremely important that children know not to let anyone into the house without your permission. If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home,” said Hattingh. She suggested drawing up a list of important telephone numbers. “This list must include emergency services and mom and dad’s work and cellphone numbers. Save it on your child’s cellphone and stick it on or near the landline. It’s also important to explain to them when these should be used,” she said. Hattingh added that everyone in the household should also know how to use your home security system, children included, and when and how to use the panic buttons.

February 12, 2021
Happy Family Organics

Minimize added sugar in your child’s diet

It’s true. Your baby or toddler was born with a sweet tooth! Children this age naturally prefer sweet tasting foods, including breastmilk. Did you know that babyhood and toddlerhood are critical periods in shaping and influencing your child’s eating habits and taste preferences? Upon introducing solids, it’s important to offer a wide variety of textures and flavors. When it comes to food choices, quality matters most! After all, they have tiny tummies that can only hold so much at one time. Because of this, it’s especially important to offer foods that are rich in nutrients, without any undesirable extras, like added sugar or salt. Some foods naturally contain sugar, such as fruit, some vegetables and dairy products. Added sugar can be in obvious sources like desserts and sugary beverages. But added sugar can also sneak into less obvious sources including flavored yogurts, breakfast foods like cereals and waffles, and even condiments like spaghetti sauce and ketchup. While we want to include good-for-you sources of natural sugars (think fruits, vegetables and yogurts with no added sugar) in our baby or toddler’s diet, we do want to keep out the not so good-for you added sugars. Keeping the added sugars in your child’s diet to a minimum is important in helping reduce the risk of various health conditions. Unhealthy weight gain, tooth decay, and attention/behavioral issues have all been associated with excessive intake of added sugars. Because research shows diets with fewer added sugars are better for our health, there are new laws governing the inclusion of these on our food labels. Moving forward, the government will be requiring food manufacturers to include the amount (in grams) of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts Panel. This will give us a much better idea of what is actually in our foods, in terms of naturally occurring versus added sugar. Here are some other ways to limit your child’s intake of added sugars: Offer mostly whole foods. Serving foods in their natural state, such as fruits and veggies, allows you to know exactly what you are feeding your baby or tot. Processed foods like crackers and other packaged goods can be not- so- obvious harbors for added sugars, check labels and offer no added sugar versions. Be mindful of “kid-friendly” foods. Specific foods aimed towards kids, like yogurts and cereal bars, can still contain too much added sugar. Look for and choose products that don’t include any of these sugars. Be a food label decoder. In addition to seeing the word “sugar” on food labels and ingredients lists, other words can indicate the presence of a sugar that is not naturally occurring in the product. Examples of these include: honey, agave, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, and molasses. Becoming familiar with the many names of sugar will help you better understand what is in specific products. Meal plan. Preparing meals at home gives you more control over what goes into the foods you make for you and your family. Avoid sugary drinks. Avoid offering your baby or toddler beverages that are high in sugar like fruit beverages, sodas and iced teas. Even though 100% fruit juices do not contain any added sugar, no fruit juice is recommended for infants younger than 12 months. For toddlers 1- 3 years of age the intake for fruit juice should be limited. Limiting your child’s exposure to added sugars will help contribute to a healthy start! We love… Super Smart Pouches:  Retail Selling Price: R42,50 Nourish your growing tot with this tasty blend of organic bananas, beets, and strawberries. To help support brain health, each pouch contains 20mg of DHA and 100mg of choline making this pouch perfect for wholesome, on-the-go eating! Stockists:  Happy Family Organics products are available at Baby City, Babies R Us, Wellness Warehouse, Clicks, Spar, Pick n Pay, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem, Medicare Pharmacies, Takealot, Babies Africa, Faithful To Nature.

February 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

INTERNATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER DAY (15 FEBRUARY): EARLY DETECTION CAN SAVE LIVES!

Of the 800 to 1 000 children that are diagnosed with cancer in South Africa each year, more than half tragically go undiagnosed. Dr Charlotte Ingram, Medical Director at the SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) says SA has among the highest childhood cancer mortality rates with two thirds of children never reaching a specialist treatment centre and when they do, their cancer is often at an advanced stage. “Many childhood cancers are treatable with cure rates of between 70% and 80% in well-resourced countries, while in contrast, eight in ten African children with cancer die without access to adequate care. Despite SA having an established oncology healthcare service, its infrastructure is overburdened, which is further impeded by low cancer awareness in the primary healthcare setting and widespread service delivery challenges.” She says unlike adult cancers, childhood cancer is difficult to prevent or screen for because the causative genetic and environmental factors are less understood, but if it is detected early, most children can be treated successfully.  “Knowing what the early warning signs are is vital in order for treatment to commence as soon as possible. Unfortunately, among certain local ethnic groups, there is still a lot of stigma and myths that surround childhood cancer. Some of these include:  Two of the most common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia and lymphoma. Leukaemia is caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body and accounts for a quarter of all childhood cancer cases in the country. Early symptoms include chronic fatigue, bone and joint pain, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, recurrent nosebleeds, swollen lymph nodes, fever and unexplained weight-loss. Lymphoma is triggered by tumours that begin in the lymph glands, the spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow and can affect other organs throughout the body as well. Look out for painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, persistent fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight-loss and itchy skin. If any of these signs or symptoms persist, its best to make an appointment with a doctor who will be able to conduct tests to rule out the possibility of blood-related cancers.  Dr Ingram explains that in many cases, a bone marrow transplant, which is also referred to as a stem cell transplant is used to treat leukaemia and lymphoma and other blood and immune system diseases that affect the bone marrow.  “Childhood cancers are different from those found in adults as most of them occur in developing cells such as bone marrow, blood, the kidneys and nervous system tissues. Chemotherapy kills both cancerous and healthy blood cells inside the bone marrow, which is why transferring a new, healthy set of blood stem cells by way of a bone marrow transplant, helps their immune systems to recover from the intense treatment. Replacing diseased or damaged cells with non-cancerous stem cells will help the body to make healthy cells. “At the moment, SA’s overall childhood cancer survival rate is at an unacceptably low 52%, nearly 30% less than in developed nations. In 2018, the World Health Organisation (WHO) established the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which aims to achieve a global survival rate of at least 50% for all children diagnosed with cancer within the next decade. “To deliver on that promise, policymakers need to prioritise childhood cancer by: Debunking the misconceptions around childhood cancer among a large percentage of our population;  Increasing our country’s capacity to deliver quality services for children living with the illness, along with access to care; Whilst also increasing the number of bone marrow donors. Currently, only 73 000 donors are part of the national registry, which is miniscule if you consider that more than 23 million people are eligible.” Do your bit by helping the SABMR spread awareness around childhood cancer this month by sharing its social media posts with family and friends: https://www.facebook.com/sabonemreg/ https://www.instagram.com/sabonemreg If you are between the ages of 16 and 45 and want to become a donor, contact the SABMR on 021 447 8638 or email: [email protected]. Financial donations can also be made via www.sabmr.co.za/donate to help boost funds for their Patient Assistance Programme.

February 12, 2021
Tommee Tippee

When should I start expressing breastmilk?

Hints and tips on when to start and what to do. IN THEORY YOU CAN START COLLECTING MILK ANY TIME. IN PRACTICE MOST HEALTH PROFESSIONALS RECOMMEND THAT YOU ESTABLISH YOUR BREASTFEEDING ROUTINE FIRST BEFORE USING A PUMP.  In theory, you can start collecting milk any time. In practice though, most health professionals recommend that you establish your breastfeeding routine first before using a breast pump. If you are very uncomfortable with a very full feeling in your breasts in the first few weeks after your baby is born, you may want to relieve engorgement with an occasional expressing session. This should only be a short session though, simply serving to give you relief. If you imagine expressing is like placing an order with the milkman, each time you do it you’re telling your body that it needs to deliver the same amount of milk again tomorrow. Placing too many orders in the early weeks will just make your body think you had triplets and you’ll end up with a huge supply. Easy does it! Once you are ready to start expressing, then try to express at the same time of day and after a feed. The time of day you choose really depends on the reason behind you expressing breast milk. For example: WANT TO STASH SOME MILK?  Express in the morning, as it is the most productive time because your milk-producing hormones have been doing their stuff at night. Milk supply is regulated by hormones and your circadian rhythm, so many women have the most volume of milk in the morning. WANTING TO LET DAD DO THE NIGHT FEED?  Giving them milk that you have expressed in the evening is perfect, as it contains all those lovely sleep-inducing hormones. It’s worth noting on the container when it’s night-time milk. Want to boost your milk supply? Express after each daytime feed to increase the order with the milkman! FEELING ENGORGED AND SORE? Express little and often, as you need relief. JUST REMEMBER Each time you express you are tricking your body into thinking that your baby has really taken that 10am feed! Even if you express and no milk comes out at all, you’re placing the order for milk to be made later

February 11, 2021
Parenting Hub

Give Your Heart and Share the Love with Cadbury this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the ideal occasion to show those closest to you how much you care.  Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend or simply taking the opportunity to experience some self-love, this Valentine’s Day, Cadbury is calling on chocolate lovers to Give Your Heart & Share the Love! Giving your heart away couldn’t be easier than with the limited edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Pop Out Heart slabs, available in Dairy milk chocolate and creamy Dream variants, available from major retail stores nationwide.   Be generous to those you love and gift them your heart – simply pop out your Cadbury chocolate heart and share – but don’t forget to keep a few pieces for yourself to enjoy! If sharing your heart is only the start Cadbury also has a few suggestions on how you can mark the occasion with some fun activities: Put your feelings into words – Cadbury is helping romantics share their love and show appreciation for all the small gestures of love through the power of words.  You could use their poem generator or get creative and write your own. Follow Cadbury Dairy Milk on social media for more tips. Get baking – we know that chocolate releases those ‘feel good’ endorphins in the brain so spending some quality time together whipping up some scrumptious treats could be just the activity you need! Cupcakes, brownies, macarons – your choices are endless. Once you’ve created your masterpieces, get down to the enjoying!  Visit https://cadbury.co.za/recipes for some tasty chocolate-inspired recipe treats. Picnic in the garden – even though we can’t wander far from home, there’s nothing that says you can’t bring the outdoor fun to your backyard by putting the perfect picnic basket together with your favourite snacks. Set up a blanket on the grass and watch the sunset set as you sip on mocktails, eat yummy snacks including your favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk Pop Out Heart slab and enjoy the beautiful outdoors together.  Spa Night – quality time is the love language all partners understand and appreciate. Nothing says quality time better than setting up a home spa for you and yours. We recommend making your own body scrub using salts, olive oil, zesty citrus and lavender.  Then light a few candles, and let the relaxation begin while snacking on some strawberries dipped in delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk of course! STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A DOUBLE DATE  Cadbury believes it is not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority – it’s necessary. Which is why treating chocolate lovers, who are generous enough to pop and share their hearts, a chance to win a double date – one for you and a partner, and a me-time date just for yourself!   To find out more follow @CadburyDairyMilkSA on Facebook or @CadburyDairyMilk_SA on Twitter and Instagram and #CadburyShareTheLove

February 11, 2021
My Breastpump

Pregnancy and COVID

Looking back at last year, we had no idea how COVID-19 would change the way that we live. It has crept into every facet of our lives. We have had to change the way that we work, learn, bury our loved ones, and socialise. Nothing is “normal” anymore. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on women who are pregnant. The ability for pregnant women to receive health care and general support from friends and loved ones have changed drastically. Pregnancy is a time where a woman and her partner need to be supported and have their regular medical checkups to help them have a healthy baby.  Our new normal does not allow for large baby showers, friends popping over for a chat and a cuddle of your baby. Grandparents can’t visit in hospital and in some NICU visitation to the baby is very limited. So how then does a woman and her partner prepare for pregnancy and the time when your baby comes home?  Here are 5 topics to consider: Social distancing / Self Isolation during and after pregnancy: The current research suggests that women who contract COVID-19 while pregnant have an increased risk of severe illness and death compared to non-pregnant women. They also have an increased risk of having adverse pregnancy outcomes like prematurity.  Over the last year we have learnt that it is almost impossible to have no risk of contracting COVID but if you do need to leave your house, you can consider the risk of the activity. This will allow you to plan and put in place ways to reduce the risks. There may even be some activities you will have to avoid.   In general, the more people you have close and prolonged contact with will increase your risk of getting COVID-19. You also need to consider the actions of the people that you live with and how they are interacting with other people.   The best way to protect yourselves from contracting COVID-19 is to limit interactions with people. Steps that you can take when you need to interact with others are: Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, try to keep about 2m away from other people, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and if indoors try to be in a well-ventilated room.  Events like baby showers, shopping for baby items and visit of friends once baby is home, need to be rethought as to how to make it safer for you and your baby. Some baby shower ideas are online zoom parties or drive by and drop off the gifts and a note. What ever you decide to do, consider the risks and how to reduce them. My Breastpump has an online store where you can have breastfeeding items delivered to your home: https://bit.ly/3obw7vH Look after your health. Keep all your health care appointments. Talk to your health care provider about the safest way to deliver your baby. You might consider having a home birth with a Midwife or giving birth in hospital.  Eat a health balanced diet and take all your vitamin and mineral supplements. Keep active so that you are strong for the delivery.  Find online antenatal classes to help you prepare for your delivery. The class should include information on different delivery types, how to recover from delivery, information of how to care for your baby once you get back home and are breastfeeding.  Finding out what your hospitals policies are around COVID.  It is best to know what the hospital policy is regarding COVID testing before delivery, your partners ability to see your baby, what if you do have COVID and visitation during hospital stay for family members. This will help you to be prepared and to pack your maternity bag accordingly.  Many hospitals are not allowing non-parents to visit in the maternity ward. This may be lonely and scary, but it does allow you and your partner to have a baby-moon, where you both can focus on getting to know your little one, gives you time to learn how to breast feed and allows you to rest and recover after your delivery.  Learn as much as you can about breast feeding. Breast feeding, although it is natural, is a learnt skill that you and your baby will need to learn. It is important to know how to breastfeed, what is normal and learn as much about breastfeeding before you give birth. Include your partner so that he will be able to help you if and when you need it. There are many videos that you can watch on YouTube about breastfeeding with a deep latch. You can visit our website for more information on breastfeeding and expressing milk. It is highly recommended that you find a lactation consultant that can give you an online breastfeeding workshop while you are pregnant. This gives you the necessary information to breastfeed well and someone you know that can help you if you need the help. If you would like to book a consultation with Carey a SACLC please email [email protected] for more information on a breastfeeding workshop.  Have a plan for when you get home. The first few weeks after the birth can be difficult due to sleep deprivation and learning to care for your new child. COVID-9 just makes it so much harder because we are all social distancing. Have a plan or ideas of how you are going to make life simpler for yourself. Firstly, let your family know about visitation and how you would like them to interact with your new baby. Let them know what you would like: No visit policy, Visit but you can only look though the window or you can visit but you must wear a mask and sanitise.  Will you have someone in the house to help you? If so, will that person need to self-isolate before they move in? You can ask your friend s and family to support you by taking

February 10, 2021
Parenting Hub

The 2021 school year starts later… Don’t get caught out

With schools returning later than usual, now is the time to think about putting some money aside to cover the costs of starting the new school year. Nozizwe Fakude, Head of Customer Insights at DirectAxis, and a mother of one, says with schools starting later parents who haven’t planned ahead could find themselves under financial pressure when they need to fork out for uniforms, stationery and other back-to-school expenses. By anticipating back-to-school expenses parents can budget now and spread the costs rather than having to buy everything in January. Another advantage of thinking ahead is that you can shop when it suits you and when prices are best. DirectAxis spoke to some parents and teachers, who had the following suggestions to help manage back-to-school finances and avoid unnecessary expenses. Avoid last-minute surprises: Before the uniform gets bundled into the wash and hung back in the cupboard, check to see if it’ll last another term. Do the same with shoes, school bag and inventory the stationery. This ensures that you only buy what is really needed.  Make a list: Studies show that people who shop without a list can spend up to 23% more. Find out from the school or other parents exactly what your child needs for the next year and by when. They may not need everything in the first term. Try to get as much detail as possible, so you don’t waste money buying the wrong thing. Cross off the list anything you already have. Set a budget: Unless your child is just starting school or moving from primary to high school you should have some idea of what you spent the previous year. Alternatively, ask other parents what they typically spend. Using this, your inventory of what they already have and the list of what is required should give you a good idea of how much you’ll need to spend. Once you’ve got a budget, stick to it. It may be an idea to involve your child. Agreeing the list of requirements and what the budget is may prevent them asking for everything they see when you go shopping. If they do, it makes it easier to say no. Score second-hand savings: Children can quickly grow out of jerseys and blazers. If the school has a second-hand shop you may be able to find good quality second-hand items there. Alternatively talk to other parents who have children who are older or leaving school and ask if they have any uniforms they want to sell. Seek out savings: Look for opportunities to save money. Some schools provide a discount on school fees if these are paid in a lump sum at the beginning of the year. The same may apply to bus fares. If you are able, try to take advantage of these savings. The recent increase to Level 3 lockdown, gives you a good reason to shop online, where it is often easier to compare prices and you have access to discount vouchers.  Don’t be tricked by what’s trendy: Children can be very brand conscious and may want something because it’s trendy and consequently more expensive, rather than because they need it. This can be true of shoes, sports gear and particularly technology. Many schools require children to have tablets or laptops and most children want top-end technology that comes at a price. Rather find out the specifications of what is required and what the equipment is being used for. This will help you decide what’s most appropriate. If in doubt, ask the teachers or other parents, rather than a computer salesperson, what offers the best value or what most children use.  If your child does require a tablet, laptop or other device or new sports equipment, consider buying it as an early birthday present. Set a little aside: Inevitably there’ll be some expenses that the school didn’t warn you about or which you forgot. If you can, put some money aside to cover these unexpected items.  “Most of the people we spoke to agreed that planning ahead, making a list, setting a budget, actively looking for savings and spreading expenses over time are the best ways of reducing back-to-school stress,” says Nozizwe.  For more information on how to manage your money visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/make-a-plan/make-considered-financial-decisions

February 10, 2021
Prima Baby

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
Parenting Hub

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
Brainline

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
Catrobatkidz

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
Caribbeantan

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
Dr Judey Pretorius

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
Impaq

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
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