Parenting - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Brainline Junior School 

New and Additional Classes for Gr R – 7 You have asked and we have listened! We have officially kicked off with additional classes for our Brainline Junior School for Gr R – 7 on Monday, 3 August 2020. Head of Brainline Junior School, Gerda Remmert, says the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has created added stress and anxiety amongst learners and the need for online classes has intensified. Online classes are now available for all junior grade subjects. ‘The classes will be used to discuss and dissect areas that learners usually struggle with and parents are more than welcome to attend the classes so as to ensure that their child are participating adequately. The classes are interactive and learners are therefore able to ask questions,’ she says. Remmert says the classes are recorded and will be made available for learners who are not able to attend classes on a specific day or timeslot. The recordings can also be used for revision. Remmer says during the Grade R-1 and Grade 2-3 classes, learners have the opportunity to share news and tell friends about experiences. They also have the opportunity to practice reading and develop mathematic skills while discussing the topics according to the curriculum. She says other forms of support are also made available to learners and parents. “We support our parents via regular webinars with qualified clinical psychologist and general question and answer sessions to assist parents with planning their child’s schedules. Furthermore, we have started a weekly Afrikaans Elementary and Afrikaans Advanced class to assist learners who are struggling with Afrikaans.’ It should be noted that learners in Grade R to 7 achieve the best academic results with parent/ guardian intervention and continued support (as a computer screen can never replace the warm hands and heart of a human being who loves and cares for them). Some of the responsibilities parents may consider include: Ensuring that your child attends the live or recorded classes; Ensuring that your child completes his or her tasks, tests and exams on time; Reviewing feedback given by teachers on the assessment items completed; Ensuring an optimal learning environment; Identifying best learning methods to ensure that they reach their full academic potential; Identifying barriers to learning and seeking professional advice; Making use of all Brainline resources and support made available. Visit https://brainline.com/why-brainline/ for more information on our products.

August 12, 2020

Guidance for raising a child with food allergies

Raising a child with food allergies can be daunting and definitely requires extra time, attention, and effort. There are, however, a number of measures you can take to alleviate stress while maintaining a safe eating environment for your baby. Know that you are not alone in this effort. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), food allergies are on the rise, with about 1 in 13, or 8 %, of children being allergic to at least one food. The good news is that the rise in food allergies has led to increased allergy awareness, education, regulation, and labelling; as well as more allergy-friendly restaurants and food allergy policies in schools and day cares. First and foremost, always be your own detective when it comes to food allergens, and never make assumptions based on word of mouth or past experiences. Reading labels (when available) is critical but know that food ingredients and menu items can change, even in longstanding products. Keep in mind that allergens may not be obvious – they can (and do) hide in coatings, thickeners, spices, natural flavours and other ingredients found in fresh, frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable foods, salad bars and restaurant meals. Did you know that germ, seitan, and tabbouleh all contain wheat? When in doubt, ask! Ask the staff of grocery stores, restaurants and food manufacturing companies to get all the facts. Also keep an eye open for market recalls due to cross contact, which is when an allergen comes into contact with, and therefore contaminates, another food or food product. Cross contact can occur in manufacturing facilities, restaurant deep fryers, deli meat blade slicers, ice cream scoops, prep bowls, even the cutting boards in your own home. Cross contact is a serious issue, as even a tiny amount of an allergen is enough to cause a reaction in some people. Strategies for eating at home Preparing more foods at home is a smart strategy for maintaining greater control over your child’s food sources, minimising cross contact, and limiting their processed food consumption. Not to mention that limiting processed foods is generally an additional boost to their good health since processed foods tend to be higher in salt, sugar, and fat. When food shopping, read labels carefully. Foods containing major allergens must clearly declare those allergens on the label. The allergen will be stated either in parenthesis after a particular ingredient (for example, albumin (egg), lecithin (soy)) or listed at the very end of the ingredient list proceeding the word “contains” (for example, “Contains egg and soy”). Strategies for eating out When eating out, there is no shame in speaking with your waiter about your child’s dietary restrictions and asking for a detailed ingredients list. If a waiter cannot answer your questions, then ask to speak with the chef or a manager. The chef knows exactly what goes into each dish, and in many cases, they will be able to create a dish not listed on the menu, or change one of the dishes on the menu to accommodate your child’s allergy. We also recommend, when feasible, calling a restaurant in advance, during slower service times – such as at 11am before the lunch rush, or 5pm before the dinner rush – to plan ahead. Managing a food allergy may seem daunting at times, but there are some simple steps you can incorporate into your daily life to both protect your child, and maintain your sanity. Basic steps you can take to protect your child: Read food labels Always check ingredient lists. Don’t hesitate to ask chefs, waiters and manufacturers about any unfamiliar or ambiguous ingredients (like spices or natural flavours). Inform anyone handling your child’s food about specific allergies Educate caregivers and schools about your child’s specific allergies and be ready to strategise with them. It is very important that your child’s teachers, principal and friends know about their allergy. If your child is of an age where they visit or sleep over at friends without your presence, talk to their friend’s parents, and pack them a lunch box or home-prepped dinner to ensure they don’t eat anything they’re not supposed to (this will also help out the other parent who may be nervous about cooking for a child with allergies). Be prepared to combat exposure to an allergen Keep antihistamine and epinephrine (if prescribed by your physician) with you (or with your child if they are away from you) at all times. Consult with your paediatrician and/or allergist to have a plan of action in place should exposure to an allergen occur. Ensure you have the necessary medication in various places, so that you can get quick access regardless of where you are. For example, keep medication at home in the first aid kit, keep some in your handbag for when you are out, in the cubby hole of your car and ensure your child’s teacher has a supply and knows how to issue it to your child. Older children should also carry their own medication with them and should be taught when and how to take it if necessary. Avoid riskier food choices Buffets, bakeries and restaurants with pre-made foods are full of potential allergy pitfalls. Ask questions, or avoid these establishments altogether. Spread the word Carry cards that list your child’s food allergies and hand them out to caregivers, waiters, chefs, family members, babysitters and more! For severe allergies, you might also want to have an allergy medical alert bracelet made for your child. Plan ahead! And take special precautions when traveling Call restaurants in advance and speak to the manager to find out if your child’s food needs can be accommodated. Pack safe, non-perishable foods and snacks just in case. Also be sure to notify airline attendants, hotel agents, and visiting family members of any allergies when traveling (if traveling abroad, you can purchase translation cards made for this purpose). Cook at home more often and eat fewer processed foods Taking these steps alone will lessen the risk

August 12, 2020

COVID19 could be a turning point for education

The definition of insanity is ‘to do the same thing again and again and expect a different outcome.’ With this in mind, we need to ask; what outcome are we expecting to get when we send children to school? The business sector complains that their new employees lack essential skills when they arrive from school. They are expecting a person who can think critically, solve problems, work in teams and learn from their mistakes. The universities also complain. They want students who can learn independently, express an opinion in an essay or discussion and know-how to distinguish a good source from a bad one. I am astounded that these two sectors have these expectations. These expectations are not the designed outcome of our schooling system. We reward compliant children. We give them marks for being able to tell us when the 1820 settlers landed and knowing the atomic weight of potassium. We tell them that if they learn definitions off by heart, they will be prepared for the future. Worst of all, we create the impression that there is a correct answer to all questions, and we always know what it is. The point I am making is that the “institution we call ‘school’ is what it is because we made it that way.” (Postman & Weingartner, 1972 p5) Postman and Weingartner go on to say that education is not doing what needs to be done if “it is irrelevant, as Marshall McLuhan says; if it shields children from reality, as Norbert Wiener says; if it educates for obsolescence, as John Gardner says; if it does not develop intelligence, as Jerome Bruner says; if it is based on fear, as John Holt says; if it avoids the promotion of significant learning’s, as Carl Rogers says; if it induces alienation, as Paul Goodman says; or if it punishes creativity and independence, as Edger Friedenberg” says.” (Postman & Weingartner, 1972 p5) I was once asked if children could cheat in an exam by using an Apple Watch. Apple had just released these devices in South Africa, and I was sitting in a meeting of the IEB (Independent Examination Board) curriculum advisory committee. My short answer was “Yes!” “A better question to ask”, I went on to say, was “why are we still asking children questions in exams that they can look up the answers to?” We are giving marks and matric certificates to students for the wrong reasons. I came across a remarkable technology recently that could transform how we interact with the world around us. (https://www.mojo.vision/) (It is a contact lens with a screen the size of a grain of sand and the ability to connect to your phone via Bluetooth.) Wearing one of these would make it possible to get real-time information about the objects, people and text you are looking at. The use of these lenses will include being able to look at a word or picture and get a definition or explanation of the thing we are looking at. Soon there is going to be an interesting collection of items sitting on a desk in front of the class during a traditional test. Now imagine how a child might earn an income in a situation where we are all wearing one of these. A student who learned to code at school may develop an app that shows you the prices of a product that you are wanting to put into your shopping basket at the two nearest shops selling the same thing. You would save a fortune by only buying the items at the lowest price. (Now I wish it was possible to patent an idea). Ask a teenager you know or live with to consider this technology and come up with three different uses for it. You will be astonished by their replies. I am not arguing against the teaching of facts and core knowledge. Daniel Willingham points out that: “Research from cognitive science has shown that the sorts of skills that teachers want for students—such as the ability to analyze and to think critically—require extensive factual knowledge.” (Willingham, 2010). The problem is that we mostly assign marks for knowledge and not the skills. The way we have had to respond to the challenge of C19 in the education sector has created a situation where all teachers are having to rethink their teaching strategies and are having to focus on the core. The Department of Basic Education is distributing materials and allowing schools to reduce their content and testing. The implication of this is that there is a lot of content and testing that is not significant enough to the progress of children that we cannot do without it. Suppose we decided only to teach this revised curriculum next year. In that case, we could spend the rest of our time developing the skills that our students will need in the workplace or to succeed at university that would be a seizing of the moment. As Winston Churchill was working to form the United Nations after WWII, he famously said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. We should apply this maxim and do all we can to ensure that, when our schools can operate fully once more, we do not simply revert to what we were doing before we went into lockdown. We have exposed the creativity and resilience of our teachers. “The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” Tom Bodett. C19 has given us the test. We need to learn the lesson. Colin Northmore – August 2020 References: Postman, N. & Weingartner, C., 1972. Teaching as a subversive activity, Harmondsworth, Middlesex, Eng.: Penguin Books. P5 Willingham, D.T., 2010. Why don’t students like school?: a cognitive scientist answers questions about how the mind works and what it means for the classroom. Kindle Edition, San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

August 12, 2020

How to successfully breast and bottle feed to ensure baby receives all the breast milk he needs for the best start in life

The latest recommendations are to offer your baby nothing but breast for at least 6 months, for the healthiest start. Many new mothers quite rightly relish this special time when their most important job is to feed and care for their child, and can easily commit to being there for every single feed. They may rely on having the lifestyle and support systems to enable them to do that, however, this isn’t easy for all moms. Not all moms can be there for every feed, or they may choose to have a more flexible method of feeding, but which still ensures their baby has 100% breast milk even if she is not there to give the feed herself. Expressing breast milk is easier and more comfortable than ever, and storage of milk in the freezer is safe and efficient. First things first though – if you want your baby to take both breast and bottle it’s vital that you concentrate on getting breastfeeding off to a great start first and establishing a good milk supply. It’s vital that breastfeeding is your baby’s first and preferred method of feeding. It’s important that he learns the technique of feeding from the breast, and that you establish your milk supply to suit your baby’s needs. Expressing too much too soon can interfere with that, and introducing a bottle to your baby too soon may interfere with his breastfeeding. You both need time to establish that, and it normally takes around a month or so. It works well to start expressing after the first couple of weeks or so, when you feel ready. In the morning, after your baby’s first feed is a good time as many moms find they have extra milk first thing. Try every morning, and freeze this milk for use later. Some moms find expressing easy, others need to get used to it – practice really does help! You may express a small amount at first, but do it every day, for 20 minutes or so and see how you get on. It helps to be comfortable, relaxed and unhurried – after a bath or shower is ideal at first, being in the right frame of mind is important to allow the milk to flow! The Philips AVENT Comfort manual breast pump (RSP R1000,55) has features which improve comfort even more – it’s simple to use, allows a natural sitting position, and has a soft, warm massage cushion to aid milk flow. Collecting and storing your milk is easy with the Breast milk Storage Containers (RSP R445, 88) which fit onto the breast pump and go in the fridge or freezer. It’s possible to fit the bottle teat straight onto the container to feed baby, or you can transfer the milk to a bottle. How often you feed baby your milk from a bottle will depend on your needs and lifestyle. Many fathers enjoy the nurturing and bonding experience of feeding their baby – this might give mom a break too for an early night or a night out! Having the option of giving a bottle means that if you are going somewhere with your baby where you would rather not breastfeed then you don’t need to. Here are some important things to remember when feeding your baby from both breast and bottle: Establish breastfeeding first before introducing a bottle Keep breastfeeding as baby’s main feeding method Never miss a feed – you will need to express milk more or less around the time baby is taking his feed from a bottle. Leaving yourself uncomfortably full can lead to problems like mastitis and can reduce your milk supply Some babies refuse to take a bottle if you wait until 3 or 4 months to introduce it. If you know that you want your baby to be able to take a bottle at some point (for example when you return to work) then introduce it earlier and keep it as a regular feature alongside breastfeeding If your baby shows any signs of favoring the bottle, stop using it for a few days to protect breastfeeding Breastfed babies can be used to a fast milk flow so be aware of the flow of the teat you are using so he doesn’t get too frustrated Available at Baby City, Toys R Us, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem and Clicks as well as online at www.takelot.com, www.babiesrus.co.za, www.loot.co.za and www.babiesafrica.com.

August 12, 2020

Happy Hands Manicure Set

Baby grooming is not only essential for their looks, but also their health. Chicco imports the finest selection of baby grooming products from Italy – all of which have been vigorously tested in the Chicco Observatory Lab in Como, Italy, by top doctors, paediatricians, dentists, psychologists and even parents. Chicco introduce more grooming products than ever before in 2020 and one of the latest and most popular new items is the Happy Hands Manicure Set. A complete manicure set designed with tiny hands in mind, this self-containing set consists of a pair of rounded-blade nail scissors with blade protector, a small emery board, a nail clipper and a soft-bristled nail brush. Perfect for baby shower gifting or as a way to spoil your little one by treating them to their very own nail care set, Happy Hands is a fantastic way to get babies aware from a very young age that hand hygiene is vital to healthy living. Happy Hands is available at Baby City stores, www.Takealot.com , www.Loot.co.za , www.babanino.com and www.thekidzone.co.za

August 11, 2020

Naturally why women won’t suffer in silence anymore

Because it’s not common knowledge, it’s hard to imagine that 30% of women suffer from menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding every month. Painful symptoms and discomfort are just some of the things these ladies contend with behind closed doors despite their busy lives. A South African based company, 3Sixty Biomedicine believes that too many women suffer from this kind of commonplace health issue without realizing that they’re not alone and that there are more natural treatments and alternatives available to them. Symptoms of menorrhagia include soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours, needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow, needing to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night, bleeding for longer than a week and passing large blood clots. In most cases it’s accompanied by mild to severe cramps lasting from 12 to 72 hours as well as nausea, vomiting, fatigue headaches and diarrhea. Some patients even complain about pain in the hips, lower back, inner thighs and pressure in the abdomen. Debilitating symptoms like these add pressure to the lives of busy women but interestingly the condition is largely undertreated. For those who do seek medical intervention, there are several treatments that can be administered depending on a woman’s age, coexisting medical conditions, family history and desire for fertility. These include contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tranexamic acid or even surgery such as a hysterectomy. However, with a growing shift and demand for more natural treatments by consumers and medical practitioners – companies like 3Sixty Biomedicine are in the ideal position to offer relief to consumers from a myriad of common but often neglected women’s health issues based on natural ingredients with the added benefit of minimal side effects. The herb capsella bursa-pastoris, also known as shepherd’s purse, is a perfect example of how natural ingredients can be used in alternative treatments. This plant has been shown to significantly reduce the blood flow volumes for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, containing compounds such as tannins, acetylcholine, thiamine, and flavonoids. This herb has been used for decades to treat uterine bleeding and post-partum hemorrhaging and because it has been shown to increase smooth muscle contraction in the uterus, it also facilitates the regulation of menstrual blood flow. The good news for heavy menstrual bleeding sufferers is that there is now an alternative product to assist with management of this condition; with 3Sixty Biomedicine having introduced a natural remedy into the market. SA consumers can get Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, a natural product with 400mg dry extract of capsella bursa pastoris, for the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles after serious conditions have been excluded by a medical doctor from Takealot.com and 3Sixty Biomedicine’s website, as well as independent pharmacies nationwide. This means that women who suffer from this debilitating and inconvenient condition can finally be able to manage it naturally without the risk of complications or undesirable side effects. For more information about Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and the rest of the Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBioMedicine.co.za or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

August 10, 2020

Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour

Parents are often made to believe that screen time is inherently bad, but in today’s world we simply can’t escape it – smartphones, computers, tablets and televisions are everywhere – and now, more than ever, screen time has become a survival tool for many families. While the conversation around screen time for children – how much is too much? – is not new, COVID-19 has forced many parents to review and relax their screen time rules. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. According to a report by UNICEF, the negative experiences associated with screen time is not directly related to the time spent online, but rather to what children do online, the content they look at, and their environment and support network in general. In fact, the study shows that not only can screen time be positive, but it can actually be a critical tool for teaching children valuable skills and promoting physical and mental wellbeing. An added bonus is that, during these unprecedented times, it allows parents to get on with their own work, do some chores, or simply maintain their sanity. Ditch the guilt It is important that parents take a realistic approach to screen time. Instead of feeling guilty, consider the following benefits: Social Social connection is important for children and the ability to virtually connect with the wider world is one of the greatest advantages of screen time as it allows children to sustain a sense of normality during this stressful time. Make the most of screen time by getting grandparents to sing, dance, or read to little ones, or let teens play online games with friends – they aren’t nearly as bad for your child as you might think! A study has found that children who play video games show higher levels of family closeness, activity involvement, attachment to school, and positive mental health. Physical Screen time is often blamed for children being physically inactive, but now, as the opportunity for outdoor activities and exercise is restricted, the opposite is actually true – screen-based games or exercise videos might be the best way to keep children physically active. In fact, the World Health Organisation recommends it! Videos and games offer a great alternative to moderate exercise and, in addition to helping children stay active, it may also improve their coordination and motor skills. Mental As exposure to information regarding the current pandemic may elevate children’s stress levels, it is important to be cognizant of their mental health. Activities such as social media exchanges, video calling family and friends, or playing games online can offer meaningful connection, serving as a reminder that they are not alone. It is also a vital tool for helping them deal with uncertainty, anxiety, and even depression. Educational Screens encourage and support learning, so use it to help your children learn new things – there is a tutorial, video, or app for just about everything! That said, it is important to ensure that children are actively engaging with quality content as this will expose them to new ideas and knowledge, it may help them retain information for longer, it can boost literacy levels, and above all, it can make learning fun. It also offers parents who are struggling to assist their children with schoolwork a host of resources, from online tutorials to free classes. For example, Impaq’s education specialists are hosting free online classes every weekday. These classes cover a variety of subjects for children from Grade R to 12 and you do not need to be an Impaq client to benefit. Life skills What might look like a fun waste of time to parents may actually be teaching children valuable life skills. Studies show that time spent in a well-designed game or virtual play space teaches children how to communicate, it develops their ability to think logically and solve problems, and it encourages creative thinking. All of this, in turn, teaches children to think independently and have confidence in their own abilities. If you are still not convinced about the benefits of screen time, consider this – during challenging times, people tend to find comfort in the things that make them happy, and screen time literally makes children happy by releasing happy hormones! By Danielle Barfoot

August 7, 2020

Is your child’s vaccinations up-to-date?

Maintaining vaccination services amid COVID-19 As the world works to develop a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, health-care capacities are stretched in response to COVID-19 pandemic, and in some cases, vaccination services may have been disrupted.1,2 The coronavirus outbreak serves as a valuable reminder of the important role vaccination plays in protection from infectious disease.2 During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents should be made aware that it is vital that routine vaccination of children is maintained.1 Vaccine-preventable diseases are severe and can be life-threatening3 and vulnerable children who have missed vaccinations during the restrictions of lockdown should be prioritised.1 “One can only imagine the devastation of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease (VPD) such as whooping cough or polio superimposed on a pandemic where healthcare resources and facilities are already under strain due to COVID-19,” says Dr Nasiha Soofie, Country Medical Head for the Vaccines Unit and Exports Market at Sanofi Pasteur. Preventing life-threatening disease through vaccination Vaccination protects children and adults from serious but preventable diseases.4 Decisions to delay or not to give a child their vaccinations can result in outbreaks of diseases such as measles, polio, hepatitis and more!4,5 As the response to COVID-19 continues, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that, in order to minimise other infectious disease outbreaks and loss of life, urgent catch-up vaccinations should be allowed in places where services have been disrupted.1 The prevailing recommendation is that parents and caregivers should continue to vaccinate their children in line with national policies.1 No child should be denied vaccination without serious thought as to the consequences, both for the child and the community.3,6 Vaccination is a right for all South Africans, regardless of age or economic status.3,6,7 National statistics Despite profound improvements in the South African vaccination programme over the years, vaccination coverage for preventable diseases remains sub-optimal at 74 %.8 Vaccine preventable diseases still kill more than half a million children under 5 years of age in Africa every year.8 In practice it means children are missing out on life-saving vaccinations and families still have loved ones that suffer illness, disability and even death from diseases that we have the knowledge and the tools to prevent.9 Diseases such diphtheria, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, tetanus and tuberculosis (TB) can be prevented!9 Parents and caregivers need to understand the importance of vaccination and the role they play in the vaccination of their children.9 No child, regardless of where they live or their economic status, should be left vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.9 Current advice: During April 2020, the World Health Organisation issued a warning that shutting down vaccination services during the COVID-19 pandemic could result in increased numbers of susceptible individuals and raise the likelihood of outbreak-prone vaccine preventable diseases.1 The true value of vaccines Vaccination is a simple and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them.10 Although some diseases may have become uncommon, the viruses or bacteria that cause them, continue to circulate in some or all parts of the world. This has never been more relevant than now, with COVID-19 illustrating just how easily infectious diseases cross borders and infect anyone.10,11 Measles can cause deafness and death.4 Polio can cause permanent disability.4 Hepatitis B can cause liver damage and cancer.4 These diseases are preventable!4 Globally, the vaccination motto is to leave no-one behind. “A world where everyone, everywhere, at every age, fully benefits from vaccines for good health and well-being.”7 [World Health Organisation] Don’t let your child suffer the consequences of a preventable disease.6 Contact your local clinic or ask your doctor for advice. Vaccination is an investment in tomorrow’s society.12 Vaccine-preventable diseases are often disabling, impair child growth and development, and prevent children from achieving their full potential.12 A child who is not vaccinated is very likely to get measles, whooping cough and many other diseases. Children who survive these diseases are weakened and may not grow well. They may even be permanently disabled. By choosing not to vaccinate your child, their physical and cognitive development is at risk.12 Vaccination programmes that prevent infectious diseases in childhood allow children to participate fully in their education, preparing them to become healthy adults.12 Healthy children tend to achieve better educationally and to have better cognitive function.7,12 Community health: why prevention is better than cure.3 The burden of ill health and impaired development in children can have a knock-on effect in the community.12 Childhood diseases, such as mumps and chickenpox, can lead to serious complications in adulthood.12 Childhood vaccination therefore is not only necessary to protect our young children but also can provide protection to adults and the elderly (including pregnant women and unborn babies) through prevention of transmission from the younger individuals.12 By ensuring your child is vaccinated, you will contribute to your community’s universal health.7 Do not delay vaccines. There is no benefit to delaying vaccinations.3 Parents who refuse or delay vaccines not only leave their children susceptible to preventable infections, but also make their communities vulnerable to outbreaks of these diseases.3 The World Health Organisation lists “Vaccine hesitancy” – the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines – as one of the top 10 global health threats of 2019!13 Measles, for example, has seen a 30 % increase in cases globally.13 Some countries that were close to eliminating this disease have seen a resurgence, with vaccine hesitancy listed as one of the causes.13 On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.3 Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are well tolerated and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages, with no known benefit or spreading out or delaying vaccinations at any timepoint.3 By choosing not to vaccinate your child, their physical and cognitive development could be at risk.12 Vaccination programmes that prevent infectious diseases in childhood allow children to participate fully in their education, preparing them to become healthy adults. Healthy children tend to achieve better educationally and to have better cognitive function.12 Don’t delay, vaccinate today! Questions and Answers How do vaccines work? Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against infection or

August 7, 2020

The short cuts that risk lives

Parenting is full on, let’s just be real, and let’s just be honest. Some days make sense whilst other days feel like a total blur. Therefore, we as parents try our best to sneak in those short cuts. You know those little things we do or say in order to survive being sucked into the parenting vortex… But there are short cuts, and then there are “short cuts”… Short cut living Short cuts could range from small innocent things through to more potentially serious things : 1 ) Giving into your child’s tantrum by giving them what they want , because quite frankly you’ve had a long day… And you don’t have enough energy to discipline a toddler, never mind string a real sentence together. 2 ) Putting on the T.V and letting your little ones get lost in a movie, whilst you sip on some tea and reflect on your sanity. 3 ) Letting your kids eat unhealthy takeaways, because there is no time to cook a meal, never mind finding the time to go and shop for actual groceries. 4 ) Telling small lies to your children as a means of keeping it real. “The park is closed now. The toy shop ran out of toys. The jungle gym is broken and needs to be fixed.” Then the dangerous short cuts……. 5 ) Letting your toddler or little ones sit in the car without being placed into a carseat that is age appropriate, through to letting them sit on your lap whilst you drive, through to letting them dance around on the backseat. Because : “It will be safe and nothing will happen to us, it’s just down the road, I am driving slowly and carefully….” When actually…… Most car accidents happen just down the road. Even if you are driving slowly and carefully, it doesn’t mean that others will too. In an accident, your weight is multiplied by the speed you are traveling. If it’s just down the road, then just strap them into their carseat or walk, or ride a bike together. National statistics show that 93 % of children in South Africa, travel in private cars without wearing their seat belts. The truth about short cuts The truth is there are NO short cuts when it comes to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our little people. It can take one moment, when we least expect it, to alter and change the course of our families. When I was in high school a friend of mine was knocked off his motorbike and severely injured, so much so that he died hours later. Whilst mourning him, I could not help but think about his parents and his siblings. I kept thinking to myself, “His mom will never see him matriculate, his mom will never see him get married or become a dad through to seeing or having grandchildren from him. How on earth will this mother survive without her son?” Scary thoughts that I cannot even begin to fathom. The reality is that life is so short, and it is very unpredictable, yet we forget that and live with a sense of immortality. Whatever it takes We cannot control the inevitable, but we can ensure to the best of our ability that our little people are safe whenever they are in our care. I don’t know about you, but I never want to live with regret. Not because I took short cuts where it counted. We aren’t here to judge or condemn one another (there’s enough of that going on in and around the world) rather we are here to encourage , equip, motivate and empower you as the parent of little people to make a stand with us , and do something practical , and positive when it comes to the car safety of your little ones. How can I help spread this message? Often we read articles like this, and shrug it off thinking, “That’s so sweet of them, but how will this blog post make an impact?” The thing is that this is not ‘another blog post.’ It’s so much more than that. It’s about getting a fresh revelation that as parents, and friends of families that we all need to spread this message. The message ; “that children need to be strapped in safely into their car seats”. Let’s all be actively involved in this movement until it becomes the norm! Here’s how you can help spread this message : Share the online love Every like , share , comment on this campaign helps to spread the message of CarseatFullstop. This campaign has the power to save a little life by changing mindsets. Find CarseatFullstop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or sign up for their newsletter. Donate second hand carseats Wheel Well is an organisation that takes in second-hand car seats and refurbishes them so that they can be made a 100% safe, and they dispose of those that cannot be restored. The safe seats are then made available to those who cannot afford a car seat otherwise, for either a donation or for a minimal fee. You can drop your second-hand car seat at any Renault dealership throughout South Africa and they will get it to Wheel Well for the Car Seats for Kids initiative. If you have an old carseat collecting dust , then why not donate it? If you can’t afford to buy a new carseat, then why not go to wheel well? Feel empowered by staying informed I must say that I thought I knew quite a bit when it came to car safety for children. But once I made a commitment to be a voice to this campaign, I could not help but feel overwhelmed by all the scary truths and facts that came along with it. Yet, on the other hand it has empowered and encouraged me even more so to continue at making more informed , wise decisions when it comes to my son and his safety. If you would like to find out more regarding carseat safety then may I encourage you

August 7, 2020

Collaboration addresses the challenges of COVID-19

‘Collaboration between all the stakeholders is the cornerstone of tackling the coronavirus pandemic,’ this according to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘This includes engaging both the public and private healthcare sector to find a way forward to address the challenges faced by South Africans. Negotiations, strategising and robust discussion with The Council for Medical Schemes(CMS), The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), hospital groups, healthcare practitioners and strategic healthcare service providers will enable us to find the best possible solution during this pandemic.’ Callakoppen highlights some of the key challenges facing consumers and the way forward. COVID-19 testing Challenge: Costs and availability of Coronavirus tests Solution: Negotiation and co-ordination to manage tests and a payment plan put in place Our administrator and business partners are collaborating with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the Department of Health (DoH), pathology laboratories and the Radiology Society of South Africa to try to monitor and manage the availability and cost of tests. In addition, we are collaborating on the provision and delivery of medicines and co-ordination of treatment available in order to ensure sustained, quality healthcare is available to all members. Bonitas covers COVID-19 as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB), paying for up to three PCR tests from risk – regardless of the result. ‘One of the problems has been a shortage of tests in South Africa and we have urged our members to follow the guidelines from the Government and the World Health Organization, only testing when absolutely necessary, such as when they have come into contact with a known COVID-19 positive case, are showing symptoms and have received a referral from a healthcare practitioner for a test,’ Callakoppen says. This step aims to ensure that tests are reserved for those who really need them. These measures also go a long way in helping to curb misuse of tests and mistaking the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses for COVID-19. ‘We note that as the number of COVID-19 positive cases increase, there is a significant increase in the number of tests conducted. However, again we strongly urge the public to only test when absolutely necessary or when advised by their Healthcare practitioner to do so, as a shortage of tests could have a much more far-reaching impact on the spread of the disease.’ Addressing affordability Challenge: Helping cash-strapped members continue paying their medical aid premiums Solution: Proactive application to CMS for concessions and looking for ways to add value to our members and South Africans ‘The economy and livelihoods of many South Africans have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. We definitely sympathise with this and, as the cost of living continues to increase it was very clear to us that affordability of medical aid, as well as daily living expenses, would become a concern. We began engaging with the CMS prior to the issuing of the CMS Circular 28 of 2020 containing COVID-19 Medical Schemes Industry Guidelines to try and offer our members some respite from the harsh economic impact. However, as medical schemes we are highly regulated in terms of our operations. As such there is a lack of parity between the level of relief we would have liked to offer our members to the level of relief that was approved.’ CMS issued an additional industry circular in April 2020, outlining how medical schemes can apply for exemptions to the Medical Schemes Act to launch lifelines to members, such as contribution holidays or accessing their medical savings accounts to cover premiums. The R160bn medical scheme market covers about 8.9-million members, most of whom are subsidised by their employers. Callakoppen says, ‘The CMS regulates the industry and has been very specific in terms of what medical aids may and may not do. Schemes are required to request exemptions from the Medical Schemes Act to relax certain credit management policies through the CMS. ‘We approached the CMS in April with requests for concessions and have implemented those they approved. At present, our concessions include allowing contributions to be funded from savings. In addition, we have special concessions in place for members who belong to employer groups.’ Despite the regulatory environment, Bonitas has been agile in its approach. ‘We used the challenges of the current landscape to become more innovative in terms of what we can do, within our environment, to assist our members and South Africans at large with some relief. We therefore introduced free virtual GP consultations to all South Africans through the Bonitas Member App so that they would continue to have access to healthcare during this time. We continue to keep the issue, of how members are impacted due to the economic challenges, top of mind and this informs your strategies to respond and address the challenges consumers are experiencing. Hospital beds Challenge: Shortage of high care and ICU beds Solution: Negotiations to have access to facilities outside of network hospitals and standardised tariffs Together with Medscheme, our administrator, we have implemented tariff enhancements to ensure that sub-acute and day hospitals can accommodate admissions where provincial licence exemptions have been granted, when the time comes. There are about 25 800 adult acute beds in the private sector and about 3 700 day hospital and sub-acute hospital beds that stable patients could be sent to. In addition, there are 3 600 dedicated paediatric beds nationally. ‘As a Fund we have negotiated with hospital groups to ensure that members do not have to go to a network hospital during this time when private hospitals may experience capacity constraints. Our key mandate is to act in the best interests of our members at all times and as such we strive to ensure that they have access.’ Virtual Care 24/7 for everyone Challenge: How to maintain your health during the Government’s call to stay at home and social distancing Solution: Virtual Care Early in April, Bonitas launched its Virtual Care, offering it to all South Africans, at no cost, during the COVID-19 crisis. These virtual medical consultations, with GPs and

August 7, 2020

Painful period cramps to be a thing of the past

Dysmenorrhea, the technical term for extreme period pain, is a common women’s health issue that impacts up to 20% of women with their menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms typically begin in adolescence and may lead to school and work absenteeism, as well as limitations on social, academic, and sports activities. Since the start of 2020, an innovative South African based pharmaceutical company, 3Sixty Biomedicine, has been searching for treatments to assist females suffering from common but often neglected women’s health issues. 3Sixty Biomedicine’s latest product within the Salome range will hopefully be the answer to most women’s battle with painful menstrual cramping, even those as young as 13 years old. The new Salome Menstrual Pain product was launched and made available to South African consumers on Takealot.com, independent pharmacies nationwide and 3Sixty Biomedicine’s website in July, draws on natural ingredients and includes yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods known as dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful cramps that occur with menstruation and although estimates of its prevalence vary widely, it is the most common gynecologic problem in women of all ages and races. Primary dysmenorrhea is thought to be caused by excessive levels of prostaglandins – hormones that make your uterus contract during menstruation and childbirth. The pain results from the release of these hormones when the lining (endometrium) is sloughing off during your menstrual period. The symptoms of menstrual pain may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain with or without radiation to the back and the pain usually occurs at the onset of menstrual flow and typically lasts 8 to 72 hours. “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as the first line treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea. We are delighted to now provide women, from as young as 13 years old, with a safe alternative option to manage painful menstrual cramping that includes natural ingredients and is available in a user-friendly capsule pack online and at pharmacies countrywide. As a business we are passionate about breaking the silence on common women’s health issues. Too often conditions like menstrual cramps, PCOS and heavy menstrual bleeding are often considered taboo and are not spoken about or even treated – leaving millions of women suffering in silence and worse yet – not allowing them to reach their full potential. We want to be part of the solution by not only providing natural remedies that assist women with treating their health issues, but by also offering women educational platforms that connect them to other women and health experts via our social media channels to help #BreaktheSilence and reassure them that they are not alone”, explained 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO, Walter Mbatha. For more information about Salome Menstrual Pain and the rest of the Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBioMedicine.co.za or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange *Sourced information from: https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/dysmenorrhea#:~:text=Primary%20dysmenorrhea%20is%20thought%20to,off%20during%20your%20menstrual%20period.

August 7, 2020

Getting more from your meals

Last month my column was all about budget friendly meal ideas and recipes. I hope it was helpful! If you missed it, you can still read it here In this month’s column I am going to talk about great ways to stretch your food budget as well as how to stretch your meals, so they go just that extra bit further. It’s much easier than you think, and nobody will even know. To avoid food waste and make what you have go further, there are lots of things you can do. SHOP THE SPECIALS This is in my opinion is probably the most important food budget tip of them all! Plan your meals around the different specials that are available when you shop. It takes a bit of time but your wallet is going to thank you for it. KEEP BREAKFASTS CHEAP Breakfast is a meal that you can keep very simple and save money in your food budget. Instead of buying expensive ingredients go back to basics – think toast, eggs, oats, in season fruits and yoghurt. While we are on the topic of breakfast, how about once a week switch things up a bit and have breakfast for dinner! It is something fun to do, my kids love it and it helps that bottom line. TINNED FOODS ARE ALSO GOOD Add tinned food to your next shopping list. Tinned foods are great for reducing food waste as they can be stored for longer. They can also be as healthy as fresh options – just make sure you aim for tinned fruit in juice and avoid fruit in syrup. Don’t limit yourself to just tuna and baked beans either. There are lots of fruit (prunes, peaches, pineapple), vegetables (sweetcorn, peas, asparagus), pulses (chickpeas, butter beans, kidney beans) and fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) that can be bought cheaply in tins. Stock up when there is a sale and you will not be sorry. USE YOUR FREEZER The amount of foods which you can freeze is quite surprising. Freezing food means it is kept in an edible state for longer. If you freeze and defrost the foods safely, they should be able to stay in the freezer for as long as you need them to. Everything from meat and milk to fruit and eggs can be stored in the freezer. DRINK THAT WATER The more liquid you drink, especially water, the fuller you will feel. Although you should still be eating your main meals, drink lots of water before and during mealtimes, filling up on water will stop you from snacking, which means these foods can be used in larger meals later on. FIND SOME CHEAP RECIPES Cheap does not mean less tasty. Nowadays there are plenty of websites offering recipes for cheap eats and leftover ingredients. In fact, there are many people on social media who are more than willing to share their budget friendly recipes. Just hop onto facebook and search for budget meals and you will find plenty to try. ADD BEANS AND LENTILS Stretch a meal by adding beans and lentils to your meat, curries or stews to bulk them out. They are great source of protein and they are much cheaper than meat and very filling. ADD CAULIFLOWER Grate some cauliflower in with the cheese sauce for mac and cheese. This is also a sneaky way to get your kids to eat their veggies! ADD PASTA Pasta is a great way to stretch a meal when you don’t have enough meat to go around. You may only have a single chicken breast that needs to feed 4 people. Or maybe you have some leftovers that you’re looking for a new way to eat. Serve it over pasta and you’ve got a whole new meal. ADD RICE Rice is another good option for stretching a meal. It doesn’t matter which type of rice you choose; it goes great with everything! Rice is like a blank canvas upon which you can cook almost anything, from adding sugar and cinnamon for something sweet to adding spices for a wide variety of ethnic styles. ADD POTATOES Potatoes are another delicious option to make a meal go further. Mashed, baked, fried, the options are endless! They’re also good to add to a stew or soup to make that meal last longer and feed more. I must admit I love potatoes so I always add plenty into my stews and curries so my meals definitely stretch a bit further. In fact, don’t throw your potato peelings away. Just sprinkle with salt, pepper, chilli or other spices bake them to make a yummy snack. If you have bought more potatoes than you can use why not peel, chop and par-boil the potatoes you are not able to use and freeze them in bags. Defrost them during the month to make fantastic crispy roasties or chips. ADD EGGS If you have eggs on hand, then you can create your own meal out of pretty much anything! Add a handful of leftover chopped ham and spinach and you have an omelette. Make a quiche using whatever random veggies and meat you have in your fridge that you need to use. The sky’s the limit! Eggs are a great source of protein and a good way to stretch a meal. ADD OATS Oats are another fantastic way to stretch a meal. Use them to stretch your meatloaf meal, use them to thicken soups or use them to “extend” breakfast. Oats are very high in fibre which means you will fill up quicker and eat less. ADD BREAD OR ROLLS If you have stretched your meal but it still is not quite going to get you there, serve it with bread or rolls. And do not waste your bread if you haven’t finished it by it’s used by date. You can easily turn stale bread into bread pudding. Or how about making breadcrumbs out of the bread loaf ends and freeze to use another day. You can also use the breadcrumbs

August 7, 2020

3Sixty Biomedicine rallies to #BreakTheSilence in Women’s Month

This August in a bold effort to stop women suffering in silence from common health issues like infertility, heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menstruation – 3Sixty Biomedicine through their Salome range is shining a spotlight on these conditions and appealing to all South African women and the public to help #BreakTheSilence. While both men and women suffer from various common health conditions, some health issues affect women more frequently and severely. There are also multiple instances where women bear exclusive health concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, heavy or painful menstruation, menopause, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Sadly, some of these health conditions go undiagnosed or are considered too taboo to discuss or find answers to so they are inevitably left untreated. “30% of women suffer from often painful and debilitating heavy menstrual bleeding, and one in six couples, which equates to about 8 million people in Southern Africa alone, suffer from some form of infertility. The stats alone tell the story of how prolific these health issues are for women, which in most cases severely impacts their lives on an ongoing basis. Add to that cultural myths, unnecessary shame and stigma and now the Covid-19 pandemic adding yet another layer to the already painful secret that many women suffering with these conditions carry around with them in silence. We believe part of the solution to empower these women and potentially change their lives is to make them realise they are not alone and encourage them to reach out to each other and engage with health experts about what treatment options are available to them – like the Salome range,” explained Walter Mbatha. The #BreakTheSilence campaign being rolled out at the start of Women’s Month in August 2020, includes digital, print and TV content starring real women sharing their stories and struggles. Two free consumer-focused webinars are taking place on the 12th and 13th August 2020 at 8pm with medical expert panelists Dr Sindi van Zyl and Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose providing hope to women looking for solutions and advice on infertility and menstruation issues. Salome Fertility was the first of the Salome range to be introduced to the South African market by 3Sixty Biomedicine in early 2020 followed by Salome Heavy Menstrual bleeding and the latest product within the range – Salome Menstrual Pain – only recently launched in late July. The Salome range of products contain natural, plant-based ingredients that are focused on providing treatment to women who suffer from infertility linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia) and menstrual pain or discomfort (Dysmenorrhea). “We are confident that the strategy to launch these ‘first-ever’ products to the SA market meets real consumer needs and addresses a gap in the market. To launch these products at this time positions 3Sixty Biomedicine as leaders when it comes to female health-related issues and demonstrates our commitment as a business to improve livelihoods and improve lives,” concludes Mbatha. The products are available online at Takealot.com, 3Sixty Biomedicine’s website or in all Alpha Pharm outlets and pharmacies nationwide. For more information about the Salome range, go to www.3SixtyBiomedicine.co.za or connect on social media: Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: @SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

August 7, 2020

BREASTFEEDING & COVID-19: BUSTING THE MYTHS

We’ve had an overload of fake news over the past pandemic months. One of the most damaging falsehoods to emerge has been that COVID-19 + moms can transmit the virus through breastmilk to their little ones, and should stop breastfeeding. Spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa), Andiswa Ngqaka, a registered dietitian says, “There are anecdotes from various countries indicating that this misinformation is causing moms to avoid breastfeeding during the pandemic. While some may see infant formula as a ‘safer alternative’ during this time, this is not the case. Breastmilk is the safest and most nutritious food for babies, and COVID-19 does not change that.” There is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission through breastmilk As the medical profession’s foremost experts in nutrition, registered dietitians are constantly keeping up to date with the latest scientific evidence. Worldwide, there is currently no evidence that breastfed babies have been infected by mothers who have tested positive to COVID-19. Andiswa explains, “The WHO cites one study where there was a detection of non-infectious COVID-19 viral RNA in breastmilk, and this is definitely not the same thing as finding viable and infective virus. Therefore, there is unanimous agreement across international health organisations that moms can have complete peace of mind breastfeeding their children through the pandemic, even if they are COVID-19 + or suspect they might be infected. The benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your baby and breastfeeding as normal are overwhelmingly immune-boosting and protective of your baby’s health.” Lisanne du Plessis, Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University and ADSA spokesperson, gives her top 5 tips for breastfeeding moms during the pandemic: Mothers should breastfeed on demand, whenever baby wants to breastfeed, day and night. Breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Breastmilk provides all the food and water that babies need during this time. Breastmilk also protects babies against sickness or infection. Do not give any other food or liquids to babies, not even water, during the first 6 months of life. Even during very hot weather, breastmilk will satisfy babies’ thirst. Giving babies under 6 months anything other than breastmilk will cause them to suckle less, will reduce the amount of breastmilk that a mother produces and may make babies sick. Practice hygienic measures to protect moms and babies against COVID-19 and other harmful bacteria and viruses in our environments. Breastfeeding is food security for babies Breastfeeding from birth supports the healthy development of babies and plays an important role in prevention of all forms of childhood malnutrition including wasting, stunting, obesity and underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. Breastmilk protects against many infections including COVID-19. At a time when many South African families are facing serious food shortages, breastmilk provides complete food security for babies under 6 months, and boosts nutrition and health for other young ones. Breastfeeding saves on the food budget, making more money available to feed the family. When it comes to food, you can’t get anything safer, more convenient and more economical than breastmilk. “It would make good sense to see a boost in breastfeeding across South Africa at this time,” says Lisanne. What precautions should a COVID-19 + mom take? The WHO provides the following breastfeeding guidelines if you suspect or know you have COVID-19: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub and especially before touching the baby; Wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding; Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Then dispose of it immediately and wash hands for at least 20 seconds again; Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that you have touched. It is vital that partners, family and friends support breastfeeding moms who may be COVID-19 infected. They need to understand that there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through breastmilk, and that by continuing breastfeeding, the mother is doing the best she can do to protect her baby from COVID-19. What should happen if you’re just too ill to breastfeed? Andiswa says, “If you’re too ill to breastfeed, try to express your milk for your baby and give it with a clean cup or spoon and cup. Expressing breastmilk is important to sustain your milk production so that you can carry on breastfeeding when you recover. If you can’t express your breastmilk, you can consider donor human milk. Wet nursing is another option if culturally acceptable to you. Your last option would be to provide a breastmilk substitute. Reunite with your baby as soon as your recover. Get support if you need help re-lactating and bonding with your baby.” Get Messages for Mothers – M4M A global pandemic is certainly not the easiest time to be a new mom and the mom of young children. Mothering babies and small children is often an isolating experience at the best of times, so now, with social distancing and staying-at-home, you may need to make some extra efforts to ensure you are well-supported at this critical parenting time. Grow Great, a campaign to prevent stunting by 2030, partnered with other NGOs Embrace, ilifa labantwana and the Perinatal Mental Health Project, to launch Messages4Mothers, a new digital platform to connect with South African moms during the pandemic. Messages for Mothers can be accessed at M4M or you can connect with Grow Great on social media @GrowGreatza on both Twitter and Facebook. Grow Great Communications Specialist, Duduzile Mkhize says, “Some of the biggest concerns for mothers are around how they can safely continue to breastfeed their children while dealing with COVID-19. Some mothers are essential workers and they worry about how they can continue to keep their families safe. Mothers of small children worry about taking them for immunisations as they fear clinics might not be safe. Pregnant mothers who have to go for checks ups also worry about this. COVID-19 lockdown has caused a lot of anxiety for many people, so many mothers ask questions about how to cope with anxiety and depression.” You’re not alone On a daily basis,

August 6, 2020

Clean beauty

What is clean beauty? The clean beauty movement embraces natural ingredients. The term clean beauty means beauty products that are cruelty-free, vegan and do not include harmful ingredients. There is no compromise in terms of quality and efficiency, just high-performance products along with peace of mind. Clean beauty products are products that do not contain ingredients such as, parabens, silicone, palm oil, sulphates and fragrances, yet still deliver exceptional results. Why choose clean beauty? As a parent, we are always lecturing our kids about recycling, being more conscious about the earth and being aware of what they put in their bodies, but we never stop and think about what we are doing. Most parents do not even have the time or do not even know where to start (me, I am most parents). Therefore, when CATRICE launched their Clean ID range I was super stoked! The clean beauty movement has become a growing movement which we could not ignore. It is a movement, which resonates with a lot of customers and it is here to stay. By supporting brands that already adopt the clean beauty movement, we are already doing our bit. If we all do our little bits, then all our little bits add up and we make a huge impact. The Clean ID range is environmentally friendly, vegan and the products are not tested on animals. The products are all free of parabens, silicones, micro plastics, mineral oil, pure palm oil, exotic and animal ingredients. No to parabens – what are parabens? Parabens are chemicals found in products which are used as preservatives. They are harmful as they can interfere with the body’s hormones, most notably the reproductive hormones which pose possible risks such as, cancer, fertility problems and chronic diseases. No to silicone – what are silicones? Silicones can be harmful as they may contain harmful additives, which are not biodegradable. No to micro plastics – what are micro plastics? Micro plastics are tiny particles of plastic found in cosmetics. Once these cosmetics are washed off, it reaches wastewater which is not efficient in removing these plastics as the plastics then reach the oceans and are harmful to aquatic life. No to mineral oil – what is mineral oil? Mineral oils used in cosmetics are derived from petroleum. Mineral oils can clog pores and make it difficult for moisture to enter and exit the skin which can lead to breakouts. No to pure palm oil – what is palm oil? Palm oil is a vegetable oil used in cosmetics for moisturising and texturizing properties. The palm oil industry often faces criticism for the deforestation it continues to cause and its consequences: clearing of wild animals’ natural habitat (including rainforests), and depletion of valuable carbon sinks including peatlands and trees. No to animal ingredients – what are animal ingredients? Some companies are not educated or sensitive to the suffering of animals in the production of certain products that do not involve the actual slaughter of animals. Using animal testing in cosmetics development might involve testing all the ingredients of the finished commodity or the finished product on the animals. CATRICE Clean ID has such a wide selection of products namely: Clean ID hydro BB cream – 99% natural ingredients Clean ID eyeshadow palette – 80% natural ingredients Clean ID mineral bronzer with SPF – 85 natural ingredients Clean ID mineral swirl highlighter – 96% natural ingredients Clean ID lip oil – 84% natural ingredients Clean ID eyeliner – 75% natural ingredients Clean ID eye pencil – 100% natural ingredients Clean ID volume+ lengthening mascara – 75% natural ingredients Clean beauty which is CATRICE clean ID is simple, trusted and conscious. We love this movement and look forward to revealing more from this range next year.

August 6, 2020

Let’s change the conversation around female sexuality this Women’s Month

Did you know that 63% of women over 30 experience some form of sexual discomfort or problem? That’s more than half, or every second woman you see every day. We just don’t realise, because us women internalise so well: What’s wrong with me? All my friends seem fine, so why is it just me? The truth is it’s not just you. It’s you and almost every woman around you. And science is only now beginning to understand how our stressful modern-day lives impact our sexual drive and function. Fortunately, knowledge is power. This Women’s Month, we can change the conversation about our sexuality. My periods are irregular – is this menopause? Probably only if you’re approaching 50. Menopause is a reality between 45 and 55, but irregular periods can happen long before that – almost at any age. Irregular periods (oligomenorrhea) can happen when your body experiences hormonal imbalances and changes in hormone levels (like when taking contraceptives or falling pregnant). But new research suggests that stress, pollution and environmental damagers trigger a cascade of damage inside the body that has a devastating effect on your sex organs, suppressing your body’s production of the vital sex hormone estrogen. Scientists believe that this is the reason behind more and more women showing symptoms of hormonal changes earlier in life. For the first time in my life, I’m experiencing vaginal dryness and sex is uncomfortable, is this normal? For too many women, yes, it’s becoming very common. Our modern-day lives increasingly expose us to internal and external damagers that create Reactive Oxygen Species and free radicals, which ravage the cells in our bodies (known as oxidative stress). And, worryingly, oxidative stress seems to have a huge impact on the organs that control our sexual drive a function. Oxidative stress depletes the vital vein- and sexual-health compound, nitric oxide, in our bodies, which causes symptoms such as dryness, discomfort, as well as lower sex drive and satisfaction. All of which can put a great deal of stress on you and your relationship. But it needn’t become the norm. We’re finding exciting new ways to counteract the damage. Why are my moods so unpredictable? Mood swings are very common when there are hormonal changes happening inside your body. That’s why we have commonly held beliefs of premenstrual mood swings, and that mood swings indicate approaching menopause. But, again, unpredictable moods don’t necessarily mean menopause. Oxidative stress depleting nitric oxide in your body can cause the type of hormonal changes that lead to mood swings at any age – or at least long before actual menopause. I really battle to “get in the mood” – is there something wrong with me? No, there’s very seldom something “wrong” personally. A decrease in libido/desire is usually a normal psychological (mental) response to the physiological (physical) damage in your organs. The oxidative stress that’s depleting nitric oxide and causing changes in hormones and sexual drive and function – the stuff that’s causing dryness and discomfort during sex – will often trigger a natural response in your brain to try and avoid the uncomfortable situation. Your brain is very clever, and, if it realises that you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable during intimacy, it will often trick you into avoiding sex in the future. Fortunately, we have exciting new ways to treat both the physical and psychological effects around sexuality. I don’t feel confident and my sex life is dwindling. How can I improve intimacy with my partner? Firstly, this is natural in every relationship. A couple’s physical intimacy doesn’t stay constant during a relationship, it often requires work to maintain beyond the “honeymoon phase”. According to PhD Julie Jones for PsychCentral, building on emotional intimacy is a powerful key: Learn to be curious again. We often become wrapped up in defending our own opinions in relationships, losing our need to understand the other person’s point of view. Actively trying to understand (without giving up your own opinion) creates empathy, which builds intimacy. Jones also says that “surprise generosity” boosts intimacy: Make yourself available in a new or different way. You could offer to do the chore your partner always complains about or offer to go with them to the place/activity you usually skip because it’s not your “thing”. Lastly, be selfish for all the right reasons: Invest in yourself. Remember that your partner was first attracted to you because they saw something different and unique in you. That’s powerful. Nurture it. Take care of yourself. Invest in your wellness, your personal development and your mindfulness. When you’re feeling your best, you bring an important vitality to your relationship. BOOST SEXUAL HEALTH BY 88% Lamelle Research Laboratories understands how oxidative stress impacts a woman’s sexual drive, desire, function and satisfaction. That’s why we developed a unique and remarkable product that specifically targets the things that impact your sexuality and pleasure. It’s called Lady Prelox. Lady Prelox is an all-natural supplement made with a patented formula that improves sensual pleasure, desire and comfort. The results are everything a woman needs: Lady Prelox is clinically proven to boost sexual function and satisfaction in women between 37 and 45 by 88% within one month (up to 126% in two months). It’s even proven to boost sexual satisfaction in menopausal (45–55) and even post-menopausal (50+) women by 60% and more. “Lady Prelox offers a non-prescription solution to a multi-factorial concern that affects the quality and confidence of many women of all ages” Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Research Laboratories So, please remember, this Women’s Month and every day of the year, it’s not just you. There’s a scientific explanation for your tiredness, discomfort and even struggling to get “in the mood”. If you feel you need a little help, all-natural Lady Prelox is available from all leading pharmacies. You can even buy it discreetly from Lamelle’s Pharma Store online at https://lamelle.co.za/pharma-store/ RSP: R500 for 60 capsules. www.lamelle.co.za Tel: 011 465 2264

August 6, 2020

Camp: Kids to Explore, Challenge and Conquer Obstacles

At Sugar Bay holiday camp, your kids can explore, conquer the unknown, and challenge themselves in a trustworthy and supportive environment. BMX’ing Whether your child wants to race or is simply looking for a creative way to explore Zinkwazi, BMX’ing at holiday camp combines the zing of a fast-paced sport with the beauty and serenity of exploring nature. Equipped with all of the proper protection and the guidance of experienced counselors, campers can feel freedom at their backs and summer breeze in their faces as they zip through Zinkwazi roads. Kayaking If your child loves being on the water, there are a variety of camp activities that are be suitable for a holiday adventure. Kayaking activities are more slow-paced in the lagoon and very safe. Campers certainly learn to navigate some environmental elements. High Wall Climbing Wall climbing activities at camp offer a more intimate setting of smaller groups of dedicated campers. The activities are tailored to specific age groups and demand high levels of respect, responsibility, and commitment. They also have certificates and rewards for campers that surpass camp records. With wall climbing, campers learn to depend on one another to solve routes of varying degrees of difficulty and attain their climbing goals. Benefits of Holiday Camps Your kids will return from their holiday camps with a higher level of discipline and a stronger sense of self. Among all of the options for this summer, holiday camps have arguably the most effective opportunities for freedom and personal growth coupled with high-quality outdoor education. Holiday camps are a great place for kids to discover themselves, make friends, learn to face challenges, and go after their dreams. Adventure means many things to many people, so it’s essential that children attend a professional camp with a strong reputation, a great location, and a supportive staff such as Sugar Bay. Sugar Bay holiday camp focuses on three main principles: 1. Safety First –Protect Campers and Staff There is a wide variety of activities; our programs include extreme sports and other exciting outdoor activities. Sugar Bay staff is properly trained and they know all standard safety procedures. The staff makes safety a top priority ensuring that both campers and camp employees have a wonderful time. Everyone involved has, learns, and makes long-lasting social connections. 2. No Fear – Conquer What Holds You Back Holiday camp is about fun while learning and having an adventure. Sugar Bay staff understands that it is important that the kids know they will be encouraged to face their fears and to challenge themselves, in order to grow. Experience shows that children who want to expand their world view, learn to cooperate with others, and have an unforgettable time are guaranteed to find what they want. Campers learn that fear and insecurity are simply natural challenges to overcome in life. They see that if they have the right support, encouragement, planning and skills, they can make it through the greatest adventure – life. 3. Healthy and Strong – Stay in Shape While Having Fun Holiday camp is not only about facing challenges; it is also about spending time outdoors and being physically active. Time in the sun and at the beach all help the developing minds and bodies of children of all ages grow. Sugar Bay holiday camps are the perfect way to ignite a child’s passion about being in nature and teach them to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Trained counselors teach kids to participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Kids also learn to appreciate nature, be responsible, and to work together. Holiday camps allow kids to create lifelong memories and friends. The activities teach kids to be independent and overcome fear, while also helping them learn to be team players and good communicators. These skills will make them more successful in the future. For more information or to book a camp, please call Sugar Bay on 032 485 3778. Alternatively you can send an email to [email protected] or check out our website sugarbay.co.za.

August 5, 2020

NEW ADvTECH SCHOOL OFFERING SET TO REVOLUTIONISE ONLINE EDUCATION

Opening its virtual doors to learners from Grade R to Grade 9, from January 2021, ADvTECH’s new online offering, Evolve Online School (Evolve) will change the face of online schooling in South Africa. “In this rapidly changing society, the one-size-fits-all method of teaching no longer makes any sense,” says Principal Colin Northmore. “Evolve starts by answering the question how we can make learning an adventure for each child?” Evolve combines a user-experience focus with a trendsetting curriculum mapping system, developed at MIT, to personalise each child’s learning experience. Using the latest research, each child’s learning journey will be designed based on exclusive subject and skill maps. Students will be placed within subjects according to their abilities, letting them progress faster where they are gifted and work at a more deliberate pace to master content they find more challenging. The result is that each student’s learning experience is tailored to their specific needs, and they are encouraged to grow at a pace that suits their ability and enthusiasm. The ADvTECH online model uses Apple/iOS technology, and will incorporate: Learning Architects drawn from master teachers across the country to develop curriculum content. Learning Activators who will ensure a holistic digital learning journey as opposed to simply copying and pasting the physical class into a virtual space. Life coaches who will help develop crucial 21st Century skills and global competencies in students. “There will be a strong focus on foundational, social and emotional learning skills. Our team of life coaches will focus exclusively on these skills. Our children are growing up in a world very different from the one in which we grew up. Things that we, as adults, deal with and take in our stride they are already facing at a very young age. Our life coaches will play a very important role in teaching students how to deal with issues such as stress and anxiety, and help them develop coping mechanisms, resilience and a growth mindset,” added Northmore. Evolve will make use of the following: Diagnostic testing to determine the exact level of proficiency of a student before placement, and during the educational journey. Asynchronous learning so that learners can move through content at their own pace and according to their own proficiency. Students will also have direct access to their teachers who will facilitate extra activation classes. Synchronous learning where our students will also be able to attend live interactive classes, making this a true online school. Socialisation opportunities with academies, studios and day camps monthly so that students can meet other “Evolvers” and get green time to balance their screen time. “If we have learned anything from this crisis it is that we need to rethink how we approach our children’s education. Evolve aims to bring together current best practice with trailblazing features to ensure that the online educational journey is focused on academic excellence,” concluded Northmore. Registrations open in September. The school will cater for Grade R-9 from January 2021. Grade 10-12 will be phased in from 2022. ADvTECH is Africa’s largest private education provider. Its schools division includes iconic brands such as Crawford Schools, Trinityhouse and Abbotts. Visit www.evolveonline.co.za for more information or mail [email protected] .

August 5, 2020

Mattel Unveils #ThankYouHeroes Program From Barbie® supporting the Children’s Hospital Trust (CHT)

Mattel South Africa announced today that, as part of its Barbie #ThankYouHeroes programme, it will donate a Barbie doll for each eligible career doll purchased from ToysRUs stores nation-wide. This initiative taking place from the 3rd of August 2020 to the 31st of August 2020, is aiming to donate about 1500 dolls to the Children’s Hospital Trust (CHT). The CHT is an NPO that raises funds to advance child healthcare through the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. From upgrades to its buildings and facilities, to the implementation of several projects and programmes and upskilling of medical professionals from across Africa. The Barbie #ThankYouHeroes programme is part of Mattel’s broader “Play it Forward” platform, which focuses on leveraging Mattel brands to give back to communities in times of need. The ‘buy a doll, donate a doll’ initiative will see dolls handed over to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital will then be distributed to patients diagnosed with the corona virus. The aim is to bring joy and encourage children to aspire to become whatever they would like to be in the world. “As Barbie highlights role models to inspire the limitless potential in the next generation, we are proud to launch a programme celebrating the real-life heroes working on the frontlines and supporting their families,” said Lisa McKnight, SVP and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel. With 200 careers and counting, Barbie celebrates inclusivity and diversity through its dolls which show girls that they can be anything that their heart’s desire”. “We want to do our part to give back and inspire today’s kids to take after their heroes one day”, she adds. “The children who receive care at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital often remind us the value of resilience and no matter how awful they feel, they will share a smile and find a way to crawl into our hearts. Several children have been through a very tough time and receiving a gift will bring joy to their lives. We sincerely appreciate the support and cannot wait to share the gifts with them”, says CEO of the CHT, Chantel Cooper. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends™ and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com. About The Children’s Hospital Trust The Children’s Hospital Trust was established in 1994 to fundraise for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and in 2011 expanded its reach to fundraise for paediatric healthcare in the Western Cape and beyond. Since 1994, the Trust has proudly assisted the Hospital to upgrade its buildings and equipment and to develop its professional staff. 100% of all donations go directly to the Hospital and prioritised paediatric healthcare needs, and not a single cent is spent on administration costs. The Trust is a non-profit organisation that relies on the benevolence of donors to realise its aims and objectives. It enjoys a record of sound financial administration and good governance, but whilst it has raised funds to address many pressing needs, much has yet to be done. www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za. About The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital was built in 1956 and remains a cornerstone of child healthcare in Southern Africa. The Hospital is the first stand-alone tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, dedicated entirely to children and manages 250 000 patient visits each year. Most of these patients are from poor and marginalised communities and one third are younger than a year. The Hospital’s patients are referred from the Western Cape, the rest of South Africa and our continent. The Hospital provides training to paediatric healthcare professionals from the entire sub-continent and does important research into the illnesses of childhood, which has global impact.

August 5, 2020

Breastfeeding Week 8 – starting solids

Well done on continuing to breastfeed your baby! By this stage many babies are becoming a little more efficient and may be taking less time to feed. This doesn’t mean your baby is taking less milk, just that he is getting bigger and stronger and you are becoming more confident and releasing your milk well. At this stage many babies also start to sleep longer at night if they are feeding regularly and well during the day. Feeding during the night is good for milk supply but it doesn’t mean your baby has to be up and about! Keep the lights low, keep the night time atmosphere and put your baby back down as soon as he has finished feeding. Most babies need to feed once or twice at night until they start on solid foods at around 6 months old. You may now also be feeling more confident about feeding your baby outside the home. Babies love to get out and see the world and it’s great for mum too. As your baby becomes more of an expert feeder you can be more relaxed about your feeding position so practice some ‘on the go’ feeding positions at home first to boost your confidence. Mothers all over the world are keen to breastfeed their babies, and the more that mums are seen feeding their babies out and about the more commonplace it will become again so get out there! As your baby grows, he will go through ‘growth spurts’ and this means that he will need you to produce more milk to meet his needs. Babies who are going through a growth spurt may appear to be hungry and unsatisfied with feeds. It can take a couple of days but allowing your baby to suckle more frequently and for longer is the best way to increase your supply again and take you both on to the next stage. Sometimes mums feel less confident in their body’s ability and might offer formula milk instead – be patient if you can and give your body a chance to ‘catch up’ with your baby. We know from research that low milk supply is one of the main reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding at this stage. Managing growth spurts when they happen is an important way to continue breastfeeding for longer. Having a supply of breast milk in the freezer for those times when your baby is having a growth spurt and you have been feeding all day, is a great way to satisfy your baby’s hunger and give you a chance to rest. If you are going back to work at 3 months it is important to think about your baby’s feeds now. By starting to express and store milk regularly once breastfeeding is established you give yourself more flexibility as you and your baby get used to the new routine. Introducing a bottle (even just once a day or every other day) to your baby by about 8 weeks means he is less likely to refuse to take it when you need him to. It’s a good idea to talk to your manager or colleagues before you go back and find out where you can go in private to express and store your milk while you are at work. In many countries, employers have a responsibility to make this provision so do look into this. At around 6 months of age your baby may show signs of being ready for other foods as well as milk. Continue to offer your usual breastfeeds, or formula feeds if you are not breastfeeding, and introduce simple foods like fruits, vegetables and cereals first. Moving onto solids is an exciting time, a big step to take, and there is lots of good advice on introducing foods at the right time, and different approaches, either pureeing food or following baby-led weaning. Philips AVENT products are available at Baby City, Toys R Us, Baby Boom, Dis-Chem and Clicks as well as online at www.takelot.com, www.babiesrus.co.za, www.loot.co.za and www.babiesafrica.com.

August 4, 2020

Teddy Bear hugs bring comfort to littlies

One of the biggest challenges for foundation phase teachers during Covid-19 restrictions has been the inability to show appropriate physical affection to pupils. High fives, hugs and physical touch are more likely to be used by children in the foundation phase, and teachers often make use of appropriate physical touch to comfort and contain the emotions of these children. The absence of this interaction and the changes brought about by Covid-19 restrictions has left many children feeling anxious. As a way to bridge the gap between Covid-19 restrictions and the need to comfort their small learners, HeronBridge Pre-Preparatory has implemented the Teddy Bear Initiative. How this works: Each child is required to bring a reasonably sized teddy bear from home with them to school daily. This helps with the settling in process and provides a sense of familiarity and comfort as a transitional object that reminds children of a safe place. During different times of the day, the teacher implements “ Teddy Bear Time” where the class as a whole holds their teddy bears, hugs them tightly then releases, and repeats this process. Physical compression through squeezing and then releasing something is a way to activate then relax muscle groups. When repeated, this activity helps the body to find a rhythm and the mind to re-focus. It is a cognitive behavioural process, that reduces panic, regulates breathing, lowers cortisol levels (responsible for panic) and subsequently reduces anxiety. If at anytime during the day a child is feeling distressed, the teacher can ask the child to pick up their teddy, hug it tightly, release and repeat, while maintaining eye contact. “It has been so lovely to see the children finding comfort in their teddy bear hugs throughout the day,” says Wendy Beyneveldt, Pre-Preparatory Head at HeronBridge College. “At a time when things are so chaotic, we want to make sure that we are creating a happy, loving and safe learning environment for all our children, the Teddy Bear initiative helps us to do that.”

August 4, 2020

Chicco Hairbrush & Comb and Chicco Nail Scissors

Baby grooming is not only essential for their looks, but also their health. Chicco imports the finest selection of baby grooming products from Italy – all of which have been vigorously tested in the Chicco Observatory Lab in Como, Italy, by top doctors, paediatricians, dentists, psychologists and even parents. One of the most common baby features is wispy, fine hair – a potential bed-head disaster. Keep their hair tangle-free with the Chicco Brush & Comb combo. A duo pack consisting of a soft-bristled hair brush, made from natural fibres with a non-slip handle and a round-edged comb, to be gentle, yet effective on babys soft scalp. Another great product that babies will need from newborn is a pair of nail scissors, perfectly sized for little hands. With rounded blades and a blade protector, they make cutting finger-nails easy and painless. Both products are available in either pink or blue and for sale at Baby City stores, www.Takealot.com , www.Loot.co.za , www.babanino.com and www.thekidzone.co.za

August 3, 2020

Only one-third of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed in South Africa

Breast milk is the best food for babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life, and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for up to two years of age. Key findings in the most recent World Health Organisation report and South Africa Demographic and Health Survey showed that South Africa has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, with only 32% of women breastfeeding infants under the age of six months. While exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby’s life has steadily increased in South Africa over the past decade, the country still has a long way to reach global targets, according to Health Minister Dr Zwelini Mkhize, who addressed the media and public during World Breastfeeding Awareness Week in 2019. Why not all mothers breastfeed There are many contributing factors to these statistics. While breastfeeding is beneficial for both mothers and babies, many women in South Africa cannot, should not, or choose not to breastfeed. The reasons might include the following factors: The mother needs to take certain medication that is incompatible with breastfeeding. The mother has an infectious disease. The mother needs to undergo a medical treatment that isn’t safe while she’s breastfeeding. The baby is unable to breastfeed (galactosemia). The mother is dependent on illegal drugs. True low breast milk supply, which is usually the result of an underlying condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, breast surgery, radiation treatment or insufficient glandular tissue. The mother needs to return to work. Although breastfeeding provides much more than just nutrition, for women who experience any of the above and cannot breastfeed exclusively, and where donor breast milk is not feasible, infant milk formula is considered an effective alternative. (A registered healthcare professional should always be consulted.) Why we are what we eat (and drink) All humans have a microbiome, which is a population of trillions of microorganisms, also called microbiota or microbes², bustling inside and outside our bodies. Each person has an entirely unique network of microbiota determined by their DNA. We’re first exposed to microorganisms when we’re babies, during delivery in the birth canal and through breast milk. In a healthy person, these microbiota live peacefully in large numbers in the small and large intestines (gut), and throughout the body.3 Microbes in our gut influence much more than just digestion: good intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining our immune systems and fighting off infections and disease.4 The composition of these microbes is shaped mainly by our diet. How goat milk compares with human milk Breast milk is the best food for babies, but where breastfeeding is not possible, research shows that goat milk measures up well. The Global Outlook & Forecast 2019–2024 on Goat Milk Powder by Arizton reported that, when comparing nutritional content between human breast milk, powdered goat milk and powdered cow milk, the goat milk is the best alternative to human breast milk. Breast milk contains a fatty acid called ß-palmitate, high levels of which can positively influence gut health, growth and comfort of infants. ß-palmitate is also found in high levels in goat milk-based formula. Human milk also contains an abundant supply and diverse array of oligosaccharides, which have significantly beneficial prebiotic properties for breastfed infants. (Prebiotics help to stimulate, grow and maintain beneficial gut bacteria.5) Oligosaccharides help to establish and maintain healthy intestines, support the immune system and protect against gastrointestinal infections.6 The milk of goats contains the highest amount of oligosaccharides amongst all of the domestic animals. Studies continue to show that oligosaccharides present in goat milk-based infant formula have strong prebiotic and anti-infection properties and may help protect against gastrointestinal infections to the infant7, and enhance immune function.8 Most types of milk contain both A1-type β-casein protein and A2-type β-casein protein. There is evidence that type A1 of β-casein may be more likely to cause digestive issues, inflammatory or allergic reactions, resulting in diarrhoea and abdominal cramping among infants. Goat milk mostly contains type A2 β-casein, and therefore tends to be more easily digested by infants. It is the relatively low amount of A1 β-casein protein in goats’ milk that helps to form the softer curd in the stomach and makes it more digestible. Furthermore, while the fat content of goat milk is similar to that of cow milk, the fat globules are up to 75% smaller, and this may make them easier to digest. 9,10 For these reasons, goat milk powder solutions are growing in popularity among consumers all over the world. World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by mothers when it comes to feeding their babies. Many mothers feel judged and attacked on the subject of breastfeeding, from undergoing scrutiny when breastfeeding in public, to being made to feel ‘less than’ if they can’t or don’t breastfeed. It is vital to bring awareness of this cause to the public, educate about the contributing factors for why some women can’t breastfeed, and provide information on the best milk alternatives. For more information on the nutritional and lifestyle benefits of goat milk powder or to connect with nutritional consultant Megan Pentz-Kluyts RD (SA), send an email to [email protected].

August 3, 2020

Minding the Gap – Matric to international universities

South African matriculants who wish to study at universities overseas will be able to enroll in a bridging programme, for international universities, as of January 2021. Reddam House is the first and only local educational institution to offer the International Foundation Year (IFY) – a modular bridging course between a matric qualification and the first year of an international university. The partnership is between Inspired Education’s Reddam House and Northern Consortium UK (NCUK) – a consortium of leading UK universities dedicated to providing international students with guaranteed access to universities and helping them succeed when they get there. Other schools under the umbrella of Inspired Education in Africa offering the IFY, includes Brookhouse in Kenya, having done so for over a decade. The qualification is designed with university partners and students are taught in small classes, in their own country, before beginning their undergraduate course. Sheena Crawford-Kempster, MD of Reddam House says, ‘Even though we offer an internationally respected curriculum up to matric level, an additional foundation qualification affords students a valuable bridge during the seven months prior to studies in the northern hemisphere. Should a student pass the course, they are guaranteed a place at an NCUK affiliated university. ‘The cornerstone of our schools’ education is to ensure that students are adequately equipped to meet life’s challenges in a globally competitive world. We are proud to partner with NCUK to take that one step further by offering a syllabus to mind the gap between matric and the first year of university study. ‘The IFY bridging course will initially be offered on site at Reddam House Constantia in Cape Town and Waterfall in Gauteng. Both campuses are well-located to serve the main metropolitan population and we will welcome our first students in January 2021’. To be accepted for the IFY course at Reddam, students require a University exemption in their National Senior School Certificate (awarded by State or IEB). The UK university year begins in September, which is ideal for South African matriculants who receive their matric results at the beginning of January. The IFY bridging course is seven months – from January to July, ending prior to commencing studies in the UK in September. Successful candidates are guaranteed entry to a group of universities in the UK, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. NCUK’s CEO, Professor John Brewer says, ‘NCUK has been establishing education partnerships since 1987 and these have led to tens of thousands of success stories amongst our Alumni. This partnership is an extension of NCUK’s provision within Africa, which has been in place for over 16 years and we are very much looking forward to welcoming ambitious and talented students from across South Africa onto our NCUK programmes and ultimately to our partner universities around the world.’ ‘Reddam House demonstrates all of the crucial attributes that NCUK demands from any partnership: Quality education in an optimal learning environment for students which will guarantee access to over 4 000 degrees across the global NCUK University network. ‘We recruitstudents from over 100 nationalities each year and 90% get into their first choice university. Since 1987, NCUK has helped over 30 000 international students gain access to leading universities and we are extremely proud of our track record.’ NCUK offers excellent student integration support and prospective students are able to interact with current and previous students. The list of student testimonials is long and from all over the world. Closer to home, two testimonials say it all. Nigerian, Ayomikun Sonuga who studied a BA (Hons) in Communications and Media at the University of Leeds, says, ‘NCUK is fantastic! Studying abroad has exposed me to various types of cultures and enabled me to become more independent.’ Kenyan, James Kairu Kneya, MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. ‘The greatest achievement I’ve had would be receiving my NCUK results. This opened doors for a whole new myriad of opportunities, beginning with university.’ Crawford-Kempster says, ‘It’s our first year of offering NCUK and we anticipate an intake of around 20 students, which means subject modules will be limited. At this stage there is a great deal of flexibility, as NCUK insists that there are minimum figures, per academic module, to enable students to enjoy a positive learning environment with good levels of peer-to-peer interaction. ‘The minimum requirement is score of 5.0 in The International English language Testing System (IELTS),’ explains Crawford- Kempster. ‘The vast majority of students will have achieved this so we are looking to implement English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU) which will further develop a student’s academic English while providing them with the proficiency in English Certificate required for visa purposes. Students can demonstrate this equivalency in a number of ways but an online test, taken at Reddam, can be used to determine this, giving students an almost immediate result and at a very low cost – this streamlining the enrolment process’. Crawford-Kempster says there are ‘discussions to introduce a pure science route for Medicine and Medical Sciences.’ Teachers will be externally approved by NCUK, based on their academic qualifications and teaching experience. Training and support will be provided between NCUK academics and Reddam House colleagues, if required. Scholarships are exclusively available for enrolled NCUK students across the network. Some are based on academic merit, others are automatic. Full guidance and support, with applications, will be provided by NCUK’s Student Support Team during a student’s time on the IFY. Reddam will be hosting info-webinars for interested students, parents, school heads and counsellors. For further information contact [email protected] or go to http://reddamhouse.com/ncuk

July 31, 2020

Boosting the immune system during the pandemic

The outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic earlier this year had caused much anxiety and uncertainty for many. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions for parents since lockdown started and the decision to implement home-schooling either by distant-learning or privately was something no parent was prepared for. The pandemic shifted the roles and responsibilities of parents alike, adding “home-school teacher” to the already long list of roles. Public schools in South Africa are set to close from 27 July to late August with the exceptions of grades 12s and 7s. Grade 12s will only take a week’s break and return on 3rd August 2020. Grade 7s will get a two-week break returning on 10th August 2020.President Cyril Ramaphosa, said that the decision to close schools was not taken lightly by the government. The decision to reopen schools has been met with mixed reviews as parent’s stress over the wellbeing and safety of their children and family. Boosting the immunity during the pandemic has been a high priority according to pharmacies. Parents have been taking extra precautionary measures to ensure that their little ones stay healthy and well. We asked registered Pharmacist, Ashleigh Bruce for advice on what parents can do to boost their kids immune system during this pandemic, “The whole family should be taking Vitamin C and Zinc supplements daily”, says Ms Bruce. Not forgetting the basic and simple action of washing the hands often and sanitizing. The Delite Foods jelly range is packed with Vitamin C! An oblivious way to ensure kids get the Vitamin C they need without them realising it. She has also advised on trying DIYs, meditation and yoga as a form of self-care distraction to manage your stress and emotions during this difficult time. Stay connected and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

July 31, 2020

Food security for children starts at the breast – support breastfeeding

South Africa has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Not because women do not understand the importance of breastfeeding for their children but because women face a hostile environment to care for their children. This World Breastfeeding Week, observed from 01 to 07 August, the South African Civil Society for Women’s, Adolescents’ and Children’s Health (SACSoWACH) are focusing on creating an environment that enables and supports women to breastfeed successfully. Due to our current global crises, with the engulfing COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crash, women are bearing the brunt of job losses. Female-headed households, especially, are experiencing a financial shock,1 adding to the burden of finding food for their families and caring for their children. In South Africa, nearly one in two households are headed by women, skewing the need to provide unfairly on mothers. South Africa is known as ‘the fatherless nation’ as it has one of the highest numbers of absent fathers in the world. It is estimated that nine million children in South Africa grow up without fathers.2,3 In a recent media report, even our Springbok captain has had to call on men to support and eradicate the scourge of abuse and violence against women.4 Breastfeeding is excellent for infants and young children as a food source, for immunity and for neurocognitive development, and emotional self-regulation.5 “The first step to creating a supportive and safe environment for women and children is the essential provision of food for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Safety and protection for moms, as the life-carrier and carer of children, is non-negotiable,” explains Dr Tshepo Motsepe, First Lady of South Africa, patron of the Coalition, passionate breastfeeding activist and humanitarian. The high rates of violence in South Africa cannot be ignored. Breastfeeding is associated with less violence in societies.5 Research also shows that 80% of rapists are the product of absent fathers.3 Young men who grow up without involved fathers are more likely to develop ‘hyper-masculine’ behaviours such as aggression and emotional instabilities. In contrast, young women are more likely to develop lower self-esteem and become victims of violence.3 Many hungry and stunted children live in fatherless homes1 where suicide is more likely in these individuals.3 “We need fathers and empowered men to step up and invest in the future of our society. Children are our future; the outcomes we want for tomorrow begins with what we do today. We call on all men to set an example and provide emotional and financial support, as far as possible, for the family and breastfeeding partners. This will help women to breastfeed exclusively and relieve them of the pressure to return to work too early,” explains Patrick Shivuri, Maternal and Child Health Programme Manager from Save the Children and a father himself. “Food security for infants and young children starts at the breast. Breastmilk is a living food; it protects against many infections that include COVID-19. If we want to protect children’s health, we need to protect and support their mothers,” adds Dr Chantell Witten, nutrition lead for SACSoWACH and lecturer at the University of the Free State. This has never been more relevant in a time when food is scarce and financial resources constrained. “Reducing Gender-Based Violence starts with protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding mothers at all cost. Paternal presence both emotionally and financially is a long-term investment for a healthy and less violent South Africa,” ends Precious Robinson, SACSOWACH chairperson and health advocate from Right to Care. In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, SACSoWACH will host a breastfeeding dialogue on Thursday, 06 August 2020. The discussion will be live-streamed on their website; please visit www.sacsowach.org.za to find out more and sign up.

July 31, 2020

Fatherhood : it’s complicated

It’s easy to assume that the nuclear family and the active presence of fathers in the lives of children is the norm in South Africa. But this is not the case. The South African nuclear family is largely a myth. Worryingly large numbers of children are being raised independent of their biological fathers, depriving them of the physical and emotional security that an involved father brings. Heartlines, the Centre for Values Promotion, has conducted ground-breaking research on fatherhood in South Africa to inform a broader social cohesion campaign. The research includes the voices of both men and women. Their experiences shed new light on the state of fatherhood in our country. Although many children grow up and thrive where they are raised by single mothers, for many others the absence of positive and active presence of men in their lives puts them at risk. International and South African studies show that active and positive fathers matter. The Heartlines study looked at local and International work and found that children without involved fathers (or a significant older male father figure) are at great risk of both perpetrating and becoming victims of violence (both as children and adults); of substance abuse; teen pregnancy; poor academic achievement; mental health problems and delinquency. Children without involved fathers are five times more likely to be sexually abused. They are at greater risk of dying when young; experiencing mental health problems and committing suicide. As adults, they are more likely to experience unemployment; have low incomes; and experience homelessness. Pamela Kgare, project manager at Heartlines says: “This study is important because it dug deep to understand the attitudes and beliefs that contribute to the lack of positive involvement by fathers across race and class in South Africa.” Children who are denied full participation of their fathers feel the absence keenly, and express it not in terms of missing material support, but as a profound loss of the presence of a dad. As one participant said: “for me as someone who did not have a father, I would love the small things. Like someone to say, ‘I love you,’ those small things.” Latasha Treger Slavin who headed the research study says it’s important because it not only provides insight into how fathers are defined and how they live out their fatherhood role, but also because it sheds light into both barriers and enablers of active participation. “The findings are enormously rich and unique because they capture the voices, experiences, beliefs, and practices of the participants themselves,” she says. “The study found that there is a strong and deeply embedded South African culture that equates fatherhood with material and financial provision. It’s a transactional view of fatherhood. When fathers fail to — or are unable to — provide materially for their children, they are either denied involvement in the lives of the children or deep shame drives them to exclude themselves from being involved in other, non-material but very important, ways.” The impact of Covid-19 has brought additional economic pressures and will most certainly compound the problem as more and more people lose their income and it becomes increasingly difficult for many fathers to provide materially for their children. But it’s very clear from the Heartlines Fathers Matter research that a father’s responsibility goes way beyond providing money,” Treger Slavin adds. “Women need to encourage fathers to play an active and positive role in the lives of their children. The protective role that a father plays cannot be understated. It’s at the core of the wellbeing of children and its importance extends as the child matures and becomes an adult.” One participant in the study, expressing the views of many others, said: “It’s difficult, when you see other children with their father and you just wish your father was there. You can see other children taking photos with their fathers and wish that if only you were in the photos.” While the transactional view of fatherhood is by far the biggest reason for non-involved fathers, the study has identified a number of additional barriers to involved fatherhood. Migrant labour is an important barrier. Many men are forced to work away from their families. Unemployment is also seen as a huge barrier to men’s involvement. “A surprising finding, Treger Slavin[1] says, “was that many men told us women were often barriers to them being involved in their children’s lives. If they couldn’t provide financially, women sometimes denied them access to the children.” Another participant in the study (also typical of many who participated) said: “When I’m fighting with the mother, she says: This is not your child. And when you give money, the mother is happy and then suddenly your child is yours again. And that’s when you also start distancing yourself, not understanding where you stand.” Other barriers include institutional and systemic practices (in healthcare and legal services, for example); difficult personal relationships between parents; culturally assumed gender roles and gender practices (women returning to their parental home after giving birth and certain aspects of lobola for example). Heartlines embarked on the research, Treger Slavin says, to better understand South African family dynamics. “It’s a leg of our journey into understanding social issues in South Africa. We need to understand family dynamics and offer organisations and individuals insights and possible solutions to issues that undermine social cohesion. This is the ultimate aim of our work: to create understanding so that behaviour may change for better social cohesion.” The Heartlines Fathers Matter research was conducted from December 2018 to January 2020. Research was via focus groups set up in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Please contact Allison MacDonald (details below) for a summarised copy of the report or to set up an interview with Latasha Treger Slavin.

July 31, 2020

Lockdown lessons for futureproofing education

Online learning has provided many South African students with the opportunity to stay on top of their schoolwork during the Covid-19 lockdown. This has shifted the responsibility of learning from teachers and schools, to students and families. With the planned phasing in of the school year, following on from Covid-19 restrictions, the lessons learned from lockdown will influence education moving forward. “This is an opportunity to use this time to relook at the way we do things; to determine the good things we want to keep and the things that aren’t working that we should stop doing,” says Rebecca Pretorius, country manager for Crimson Education, a university admissions support consultancy. Pretorius believes that schools will continue with forms of blended learning for the foreseeable future. “The lockdown has forced the education sector to rethink its strategies for remote and digital learning going forward. By using distance learning tools, we’ll see students, teachers, parents, and carers develop new skills to communicate and collaborate differently.” She highlights some of the valuable lessons from the lockdown that parents and students can carry forward as schools return: Individualised learning: School classrooms are designed to go at the pace of an average student, not considering individualised learning styles and pace. Those learning online are working at their own pace, covering additional work, and using newfound time to learn new skills not previously covered in class. Digital literacy: A major part of the shift in education is the integration of technology. Digital literacy is an essential skill moving forward. With social media completely embedded in their lives as a way of both communicating, accessing, and putting out information, learning online is a way to build safety into their everyday online usage. Flexibility in the curriculum: Students and families have seen the value of a flexible education approach with students able to work at their own pace; cover additional work, focus more on their interests and passions, and even take more challenging subjects and curricula. Schools, businesses, and institutions then that can support this approach will be well positioned for the future. The role of teachers: With students being able to gain access to knowledge, and even learn a technical skill, through a few clicks on their phones, tablets and computers, the role of the educator in the classroom and lecture room is redefined. The role of educators will move towards facilitating young people’s development as contributing members of society. Crimson Education will launch the local arm of their online high school in September. The Crimson Global Academy will help students meet their individual needs and achieve their full potential through the internationally recognised, academically rigorous A-level qualification with, world class teachers; small classes; synchronous learning; flexible class scheduling; one-to-one support, and a wide variety of examination and testing options. With a presence in 30 cities, the company launched in South Africa in 2018. Crimson supports students applying to universities in the US, UK, Europe and China. They also offer regular webinars with experts, former Ivy League admissions officers, and Crimson alumni on a range of relevant admission topics. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org or [email protected].

July 31, 2020

Grade 12s : the 3 factors to consider when deciding on future studies

The world looks very different today compared to when the Matric Class of 2020 entered their final year of school six months ago. Covid-19 and the resultant lockdown have caused much upheaval for this year’s Matrics, not least in terms of the way their educational journey has changed. But while much of their experience is different for this year’s Grade 12s, one thing has not changed – the need for them to decide what they will study and where when they progress to higher education next year. “Your journey might seem tough right now, and the future uncertain. But although things are different, you must continue to work towards realising your dreams, and this includes weighing your options carefully before deciding on the best course of action for you, for continuing your education in 2021,” says Nola Payne, Head of Faculty: Information and Communications Technology at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. Payne says the process and considerations involved in making higher education decisions have changed as a result of the way the world has changed, and Matriculants and their parents need to take that into consideration. “For example, in previous years, we would advise students to attend Open Days at various institutions, visit campuses to speak to student advisors and faculty staff, and connect with current and former students. It goes without saying that this physical legwork is no longer an option in the form that it used to be in the past.” The good news however, is that quality institutions will now be hosting Virtual Open Days, which allow prospective students to actually ‘visit’ more campuses, and give them quicker access to advisors by scheduling online appointments. Additionally, some institutions will allow on-campus visits, by appointment. “In addition to getting a feel for institutions via online meet-ups, the considerations for determining the quality of offering and an institution’s ability to provide seamless, sustainable education have also irrevocably changed in recent months,” Payne notes. She says when considering higher education options now, prospective students have to assess the following 3 factors: THE ABILITY OF AN INSTITUTION TO PROVIDE A SUPERIOR ONLINE OFFERING As many students realised during lockdown learning, a good contact education does not necessarily translate to a good online education, says Payne. “This means that historic ideas of what made a good, ‘prestigious’ institution have been turned on their head. You have to ensure that any institution for which you opt will be able to offer a superior education regardless of delivery method. So this year’s Matrics are, for the first time, able to get a real insight into how institutions actually managed to do this over the past few months, regardless of whether they are a public university or private higher education institution.” Payne says some of the questions to ask in an effort to determine an institution’s competence in terms or their online offering, include: Whether the institution has an online learning platform, How the institution uses the platform for teaching and learning, How lecturers teach using the online platform, What students are expected to do on the online platform, What resources students need for online learning; and What statistics show in relation to attendance, submission of assignments, and student progress during lockdown. “Obviously if an institution doesn’t have an online platform, or if their online platform did not effectively support the continuation of learning, one should think twice about opting for such an institution going forward,” Payne says. “So be sure to interrogate all your choices to get a clear sense of what they did for their existing students these past few months, how they assisted those students whose circumstances required additional support, and whether their students were able to adapt to the new environment.” AN INSTITUTION’S FOCUS ON WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING A focus on work-integrated learning and industry alignment was important in the past, but now it is more important than ever, says Payne. “Given the massive loss of jobs in the wake of Covid-19 and global lockdowns, opportunities are going to be limited in coming years. When hiring picks up again, employers will want to be very clear that they are appointing graduates who are able to do the job and not just have paper credentials to show for their time at university. “This means that you should ask of institutions how their curricula are connected to the real world of work, how closely they work with industry to ensure you engage with relevant, updated learning material, and how work-integrated learning is incorporated in the curriculum.” The additional benefit of work-integrated learning, is that this also provides students with a portfolio of evidence upon graduation, which gives them additional collateral during the job hunt, Payne says. THE REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION STATUS OF AN INSTITUTION AND QUALIFICATION One thing that has not changed, is the need to ensure an institution is properly registered and accredited, Payne says. “Bogus colleges and qualifications have been a challenge in South Africa in the past, and one expects unscrupulous operators will continue to prey on the most vulnerable in future. This is why you need to start considering your options now, and not leave your decisions about your future too late, when you might be desperate to further your studies but find yourself with fewer options. “Give yourself sufficient time to investigate the institutions and qualifications that interest you, so you’ll be better positioned to investigate them thoroughly, and weed out those which will cost you time and money without providing the required return on investment.” Payne advises Matrics must start investigating their options without delay, and to spend a little time every week working on their higher education checklist. “At this stage, you may not yet be sure what you want to register for, or how to connect with institutions. But the fact is that higher education continues, and good institutions will have the systems and advisors in place to help you on this exciting journey – you just

July 31, 2020

COVID-19 and Allergies

The coronavirus pandemic is a time of anxiety for most people, particularly those with existing health concerns. Millions of South Africans live with long-term conditions, including coeliac disease and allergic disorders such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children. According to Professor Michael Levin, Head of Allergy at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and CEO of Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA) there is potentially harmful misinformation around coronavirus and allergies circulating. “Patients are unsure about symptoms and whether their allergies increase the risk of serious COVID-19 complications. We want to reassure people and enable them to manage their allergies as well as possible during this time. To do this, we’re providing factual, up-to-date resources and support for allergy patients and caregivers, thanks to the generous support of Sanofi.” Professor Levin stresses that people with allergies and asthma should always take good care of themselves, whether or not there is a pandemic. “It is conservatively estimated that 80% of asthma deaths could be prevented with better treatment and access to medication. Not managing your condition does not only negatively impact your health, it can be fatal.” Dr Candice Royal of the KidsAllergy Paediatric and Allergy Centre in Cape Town, agrees the most important message for allergy sufferers is to continue good care. “Allergic disorders are systemic diseases and should not be looked at in isolation. They can be well-managed with education, correct medication and ongoing support from your healthcare professional. Whilst people with uncontrolled asthma may be in a high-risk group for severe illness from COVID-19, recent studies have shown this is not the case in well-controlled asthmatics.” Continue to take and seek treatment, safely: “Do not to stop taking prescribed allergy or asthma medications, including inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Find ways to access care and medication that limits potential exposure to the virus. For example, have medication delivered, or send someone to collect. A telephone appointment with your doctor may be an option than going to the clinic or surgery.” Symptoms of allergies and COVID-19 can be similar, which has been a source of concern for many. Coughing for example, is common to asthma and coronavirus; yet fever, body aches and pains which are usually experienced during coronavirus, are rarely related to asthma. Speak to your healthcare provider for clarity or refer to AFSA’s useful symptoms checklist – www.allergyfoundation.co.za/covid-19-symptoms. “If you have asthma, continuing to control it could help you defend against the virus. Taking prescribed controller therapy daily, whether you have symptoms or not, helps repair swelling and inflammation in the lungs so that you’re better able to fight off viruses – including the coronavirus,” says Dr Royal. “There is no evidence that the use of inhaled or nasal steroids increases one’s risk of contracting COVID-19, and using them regularly might even help prevent you from getting the infection or from suffering with more severe symptoms.” Nebulisers are not recommended, as they can increase the risk to those around you. Professor Levin advises using an asthma pump with a spacer, rather than a nebulizer. “Spacers deliver medication to the airways more effectively than a pump on its own.” For people with skin or eye allergies, itching may mean touching and potentially increased infection risk. To prevent this, experts recommend regular skincare and steroid use as needed whilst also maintaining excellent hygiene measures – washing hands regularly, always wearing a mask and maintaining social distance. Allergy care may change for people who become infected with COVID-19. According to Dr Motohiro Ebisawa, President of the World Allergy Foundation, “Professional help is essential to understanding what is causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Patients should not assume these symptoms are either from their asthma or COVID-19 but consult their physicians immediately in case emergency care is needed.” For further information and free, up-to-date resources on allergies and COVID-19 – including asthma, allergies and COVID-19; coronavirus and asthmatic children; coronavirus and coeliac disease and a useful symptoms checklist – visit www.allergyfoundation.co.za/covid-19-and-allergy For further information visit www.allergyfoundation.co.za, follow @SAallergy on social media or contact Lynn Kämpf, Business Manager of the Allergy Foundation South Africa on [email protected].

July 31, 2020

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