TB – Serious but Curable

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health issue in South Africa.  280 000 people fell ill with TB during 2022 and, of these, an estimated 54 200 died from the disease. South Africa is one of the 30 high burden TB countries, contributing 87% of the estimated cases worldwide.  According to the Department of Health, the main driver of TB infection is HIV, with around 48% of TB patients living with HIV. As a member of the United Nations, South Africa has committed to reducing new TB cases by 80% by 2030, compared with 2015 levels. Clinical data presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that our country is meeting some of its targets but there are still too many people falling ill and dying. ‘It is important to remember that TB is curable’, says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘However, we all need to be more aware of how contagious it is, the symptoms, the impact of the disease, the importance of getting medical attention and adhering to the treatment regimen.’ ‘TB also has a big impact on the economy, not only in terms of healthcare expenses but lost productivity – due to absenteeism and the direct and indirect costs to business.  ‘We know that not everyone has access to private medical care but public healthcare facilities offer free testing and treatment.  If you test positive for TB, the Department of Health will provide the necessary medication. Crucial to overcoming this disease is to follow and complete the treatment regimen as advised by your healthcare giver.’ Some TB facts: What is TB? It’s a disease that mainly affects the lungs but can also be found in any other body organ. It is caused by an organism (germ) called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis which is found in the sputum (a mixture of salvia and mucus) coughed up by someone with TB of the lungs. The organism (germ) usually destroys the soft tissue of the lungs resulting in difficulty breathing and blood can be coughed up in severe cases. If untreated, TB can cause death.  How is TB contracted? The disease is passed on from one person to another. The germs spread into the air via microscopic droplets if an infected person sneezes, coughs or releases saliva. The incubation period is 6 weeks.  TB Symptoms  If you are concerned about your health or having been exposed, you must get tested urgently.   Symptoms of the TB include: Excessive coughing – a cough that has been present for more than two weeks and is productive, (a cough that has phlegm) Chest pains  Loss of appetite and weight Low grade fever Night sweats Chills Coughing up blood In children the symptoms may present as a cough for 2 weeks or more, loss of energy and appetite and quite often a mild fever. Who is most at risk of contracting TB? People living with HIV/AIDS Living in the same house as someone who has had or has TB  Anyone who has had active TB in the last two years  Those with diabetes Residents of informal settlements Children under five The undernourished Alcoholics and smokers  Mineworkers  Prisoners Pregnant women Can you have TB and not be sick? TB can be ‘latent’, in other words it’s in your body but not active and therefore you not capable of spreading it. However, if your immune system becomes weak, the TB can become active and you become ill. Having HIV/AIDS is a key factor in the TB epidemic which is why it is so important that the people living with HIV are screened and treated.   How is TB diagnosed? Diagnosis of TB is quite complex since many symptoms can be quite similar to those of other common lung diseases. South Africa has moved towards more intensive and active methods of identifying cases, for example by screening all those attending primary health clinics.  TB testing and treatment is free. The Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and blood tests do not differentiate between latent and active TB which means a sputum sample needs to be taken or a chest X-ray.  Treating TB TB is definitely treatable. However, medication must be started as soon as possible, and it must be taken regularly – as per the instructions. Also important is to finish the course of medication. It takes six months for TB to be cured completely but, within 2 weeks of starting treatment, the person will no longer spread the disease.  Treatment must be completed. If treatment is missed, the risk of a drug resistant strain of TB is possible, which is difficult to treat and requires a longer treatment period.  How can TB be prevented? People on TB medication must complete their treatment, this prevents the spread of TB Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing Wash hands with soap and water Immunise of all babies at a clinic within 1 year of birth Keep your body healthy by eating balanced meals and exercising Stop smoking  Keep your windows open in your home if living with someone with TB – fresh air blows the TB germs away and sunshine kills the TB germs. TB in the workplace If any employees display TB symptoms, they should stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible until the results from a TB test are known. Once a person has been on TB treatment for 2 weeks, they are no longer infectious and can continue to work.

March 20, 2024

Epigenetics and Motherhood

What does Epigenetics mean? Gene expression is the process of how often or when proteins are produced from the blueprint within your genes. While genetic changes can alter which protein is made, epigenetic changes affect gene expression to turn genes “on” and “off.” Since your environment and behaviour, such as diet and exercise, can result in epigenetic changes, it is easy to see the relationship between your genes and your behaviour and environment. The study of epigenetics looks at how actions and the environment can influence your genes. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change DNA sequences, but they may affect how your body reads DNA sequences. How does epigenetics relate to Nature Vs Nurture? Epigenetics explains how early experiences can have permanent effects. The genes children inherit from their biological parents provide information that guides their development. For example, how tall they could eventually become or the kind of temperament they could have. How does epigenetics affect us before birth? Environmental factors may alter the epigenetic profile of a fetus during early life, specifically in the prenatal period, which may increase vulnerability to diseases later in life, such as obesity, cardiovascular, diabetes, etc. Donor Eggs Epigenetics and Birth Mother. Birth mothers using donor eggs have a significant impact on the development and future health of their babies. Since the baby’s DNA only comes from the egg donor and the sperm donor, many women using egg donation worry that they will not share any genetic information with their child. However, the switches that turn our genes on and off may play an even greater role in health and development. These switches are known as epigenetic controls. Abundant research has shown us that the prenatal uterine environment plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, childhood metabolism, immune health, and numerous other factors. Given our limited understanding of the processes that affect fetal development, what can a pregnant woman do to improve her prenatal environment? Following the common practice most women use during pregnancy might be the best approach in order to foster a healthy uterine environment for your baby, it is essential that you maintain a good weight, follow healthy diet habits, refrain from drinking alcohol, limit caffeine intake, and take prenatal vitamins. Stress management and maintaining stress-reducing activities during pregnancy are equally important for creating a healthy uterus for your baby. An emerging concept, fetal adaptation, explains how epigenetic regulation impacts development later on in development, in contrast to embryogenesis and implantation early on in development. Epigenetic modifications allow the fetal genotype to respond to a variety of developmental environmental factors. Even though early gestation is the most susceptible period for the fetus, environmental stimulation in late embryonic development, infancy, and early childhood can also have long-term health effects in later life. It has been shown that a high-fat diet supplemented in adulthood induced large-scale methylation changes in skeletal muscles, as did folic acid supplementation during the peri-pubertal period. All these studies suggest that plasticity of the human epigenome may also persist into adulthood and epigenetic mechanisms are involved in life-long adaptation. In conclusion: In contrast to conception, which begins when an egg cell meets a sperm cell, motherhood begins in the womb. The factors influencing childhood begin in the mother’s body long before she becomes pregnant. Your uterine environment will influence your baby’s development in various ways. When you begin taking care of yourself before you become pregnant, and continue doing so as your baby develops inside you, you’ll be able to pass on health benefits to your child, ensuring they have the best possible future.

March 19, 2024

“Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps” – Planning for Newborn Sleep Bliss

I am the mother of two beautiful boys and have experienced two polar opposite newborn phases; one pure undisturbed bliss (even with a three-year old running around) and the other where the wheels completely fell off around eight weeks postpartum. After my first, very wobbly experience, I am here to share how I fought for and set myself up for the most wonderful, enjoyable, relaxing and sleep-filled (yes, I really am using those words!) postpartum with my little Leo, our baby lion (named by my firstborn, Max). Both my babies were born into my arms at home, in births I had manifested and dreamed of. I won’t go into too much detail about what I did wrong when Max was brand new. But as a first-time mom, most of it was due to being uninformed, taking bad advice, not listening to my intuition and not giving myself, the most important part of the mother-baby dyad, the care, quiet and nurturing I needed to look after my tiny newborn. I have since learned that our babies and children feed directly from our nervous systems; they physically need us to regulate themselves. I knew that with Leo I had to plan very carefully and put the necessary support, boundaries and expectations from those around me in place very securely before he was born to allow myself the space and time I needed to be able to stay in a calm, happy, ventral vagal state while having a newborn in my arms and a three‑year-old to tend to as well. I knew that this would mean that my newborn would be calm and happy too, as he was feeding off my nervous system. So, for me, there were a few very important things I planned so I could rest and sleep once he was born: I made sure that my three-year-old would be looked after and his needs met by my parents during the day. I still did his bedtime every night, even the day Leo was born, which is a blessing one has when birthing at home. I made sure my fridge was stocked with all the right postpartum foods to help nourish me after birth and give me all the energy I needed to establish breastfeeding. A great book I read was The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou with Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger. I followed a forty-day confinement/resting period after giving birth, where I stayed in my home for this special time. I didn’t leave my bedroom for the first seven days and slowly made my way into the rest of the house only when I felt I was ready. This tradition is followed in many cultures; however, in our own fast-paced Western culture, it has been largely overlooked. In my opinion, this is why so many mothers have difficult newborn phases filled with the social pressure to get back to normal life way too quickly. All they should be doing is looking after their baby while others care for them. Some of you reading this may be thinking, how the hell would I even do that? And that is why I said I had to ‘fight’ for my postpartum bliss. It doesn’t just happen, I promise you! I took a Chinese herb called Calm Shen and an incredible amino acid called L‑theanine, which I wish more mothers knew about. These aided me in restful sleep and calming the anxious mind, so I found it easy to drift back to sleep at night after feeding and to lay down for a nap with my baby and actually sleep. I made sure I lay down to rest and sleep whenever Leo was napping. Because I felt so calm, so held by those around me and so safe, I was actually able to nap with my teeny one in my arms and not just lay there wide eyed and wired, wondering if he would wake up the next time he stirred. I also became very comfortable with newborn active sleep patterns, where they are fast asleep but moving around and making noise like crazy (enter me sleeping with ear plugs day and night!). With Max, I used to jump up to rock and feed him the moment he moved, which meant that most of the time, I was actually waking him up and being the reason for his short naps and poor nighttime sleep. I went to bed super early. Now when I say early, I mean like 7:30 pm, latest 8:00 pm. My three-year-old goes to bed at 6:00 pm and sleeps through the night, so Leo and I would follow close after him. This meant I had 12 hours in which to get as much sleep as I could, taking the edge off feeling anxious about how much sleep I got. For most nights, this ended up being a good eight hours for me (obviously interrupted by feeding). BLISS! I used a Love to Dream swaddle, Sleepyhead pod, soft white noise and a Lulla Doll as a lovey from day one and made sure there was some light for our day naps and that nighttime was completely dark. For the first 16 weeks, I co-slept with Leo and had him next to me either in my arms or in a co-sleeper. I mastered the art of breastfeeding while side-laying, which meant I often fell asleep while feeding him. This was another way we had our long blissful naps during the day, always laying together. Something I used to dread with Max became something I truly miss now that Leo is eight months old and sleeping happily through the night in his own room. I seriously loved my postpartum journey, from my empowering one-hour-long unassisted homebirth in our beautiful new home by the sea in Cape St Francis (where the midwives arrived five minutes before he was born – but that’s a story for another day!) to my dreamy newborn cuddles and sleep-filled days and

March 18, 2024

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

The origin of this proverb is unknown. Some believe that it is an African proverb; others believe that it originated from Native American tribes. Either way, we know that these communities have mastered the art of communal living and raising their children as a shared responsibility. Even in today’s individualistic world, it is almost impossible to raise children without the help of family members, friends, schools and professionals. Soon-to-be parents discover the value of their “village” when they attend antenatal classes and rely on this support after their child’s birth. As a child grows older, their teachers and school environment start to play a more important role in their development. Most mothers will remember countless times when her child started a sentence with, “But my teacher said…” The influence of the “village” can be comforting and overwhelming at the same time. It is reassuring to know that other parents experience the same frustrations or fears and that other children face the same challenges as yours. However, too many cooks spoil the broth! Sometimes, conflicting advice can leave a parent disheartened. Where should you begin when your child’s teacher and speech therapist have different views on what is best for your child? What should you do when the teacher tells you that she does not have time to implement the OT’s recommendations in the classroom? In a recent conversation with a psychologist, we came to the conclusion that most children need a “case manager” who can help to prioritise therapies and interventions when multiple interventions are needed. For example, a child on the autistic spectrum could need academic support, behaviour and speech therapy and occupational therapy for sensory stimulation. In reality, reading assessment reports, attending feedback meetings and deciding on the best course of action is ultimately the parents’ choice and responsibility. Prolonging the decision-making process hampers the success of intervention, especially when a problem is identified early. Parents should consider their budget and what could possibly be covered by their medical aid. Start with baby steps and avoid overwhelming your child with too many assessments and therapies. Ask your child’s teacher and therapist to communicate to get everyone on the same page. Simply put, don’t isolate yourself when making decisions about your child’s development. Rely on your village! Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer.  She has a background in psychology and has taught in mainstream and special-needs schools both locally and abroad. Chrizelle is passionate about helping children gain confidence in their own abilities and about finding different ways to help them learn.

March 18, 2024

When to Push My Child and When to Step Back

Parental involvement in child development is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a delicate balance between providing support and fostering independence. Knowing when to push a child to excel and when to step back and allow them to navigate challenges independently is a critical aspect of effective parenting. In this article, we explore the factors to consider when making decisions about parental involvement in a child’s development. Recognizing Signs of Readiness One key factor in determining when to push a child is recognizing signs of readiness for challenge. These signs may manifest as curiosity, enthusiasm, or a desire to explore new opportunities. Observing cues from the child’s behavior and interests can provide valuable insights into their readiness to be pushed beyond their comfort zone. Understanding Individual Differences It’s essential to recognize that each child has unique learning styles, strengths, and preferences. What works for one child may not necessarily be effective for another. Tailoring parental involvement to accommodate these individual differences is crucial for promoting optimal development and fostering a positive learning experience. Setting Realistic Expectations While it’s essential to encourage children to strive for excellence, it’s equally important to set realistic expectations. Placing undue pressure on children to meet unrealistic standards can have detrimental effects on their self-esteem and overall well-being. Setting achievable goals that align with the child’s abilities and interests is key to fostering a healthy approach to learning and development. Encouraging Independence Fostering independence is essential for empowering children to take ownership of their learning and development. Encouraging children to take initiative, make decisions, and solve problems independently helps build confidence and resilience. Providing opportunities for children to explore their interests and pursue their passions autonomously nurtures a sense of self-efficacy and agency. Providing Support and Guidance While fostering independence, it’s essential for parents to provide support and guidance along the way. Offering encouragement, praise, and constructive feedback can help children navigate challenges with confidence. However, it’s equally important to strike a balance between offering assistance and allowing children the space to learn from their mistakes and grow. Recognizing Limits It’s crucial for parents to recognize when a child is feeling overwhelmed or stressed and adjust their level of involvement accordingly. Pushing a child too hard or too fast can lead to burnout and diminish their enjoyment of learning. Being attuned to the child’s emotional well-being and providing support to help them manage stress and anxiety is essential for promoting a positive learning environment. Seeking Professional Advice When unsure about the appropriate level of parental involvement, it’s important for parents to seek guidance from educators or child development experts. These professionals can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise and experience. Consulting with professionals can help parents make informed decisions that are in the best interest of their child’s development. In conclusion, knowing when to push a child and when to step back is a nuanced aspect of parenting that requires careful consideration and judgment. By recognizing signs of readiness, understanding individual differences, setting realistic expectations, fostering independence, providing support and guidance, recognizing limits, and seeking professional advice when needed, parents can effectively navigate the complexities of parental involvement in their child’s development. Maintaining a balanced approach that prioritizes the child’s well-being and autonomy is key to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment.

March 18, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 10 of your pregnancy

At week ten, you are officially a quarter of the way through your 40-week pregnancy with only a few more weeks left of trimester one. In your first trimester, you won’t look it but your body will have gone through many changes to accommodate your growing baby. This trimester its particularly important to keep taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid as your babies spinal tube and organs develop. Your baby at week 10  Your little baby is now the size of a strawberry and is now referred to as a fetus and not an embryo.  She is growing rapidly inside you and is slowly started forming bones and ligaments, their little arms and legs are slowly becoming more functional and your baby’s jawbone is also started developing. Nerves are starting to form in their spine and her kidneys are starting to function. Your body at week 10  At week ten your baby bump may be starting to show, but it may be a few weeks before your family and friends notice or you decide to tell anyone. Because of your slowly growing baby belly, it may be a good idea to invest in your first few items of maternity wear, as pants that are too tight around your waist is an added discomfort that you shouldn’t have to deal with. You’ll still be managing a variety of pregnancy symptoms, from morning sickness to frequent urination. You may still be struggling with fatigue, but thankfully this pregnancy symptom should lessen in your second trimester. Things to keep in mind  Week ten (between week 10 and 12) is roughly the time that you would choose to have your baby genetically tested. Genetic testing isn’t required but it is a good option to consider so that parents-to-be are alerted to potential genetic disorders before birth. A genetic test is particularly important if you have hereditary genetic problems in your family, or if you and your partners are carriers for a particular disorder.

March 15, 2024

SCREEN TIME AND ITS’ EFFECT ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Technology has become part of our daily life. Living in a time where everything is rushed and screen time opportunities are growing, children are exposed to screens for increased periods. What is the effect of increased periods of screen time on my child’s language development? According to recent research, screen time may have some positive effects if your child is exposed to screen time, as the World Health Organization (WHO) set out. Some positive impacts include expanding your child’s vocabulary, exposing them to cultural diversity, and keeping them occupied in a safe environment. However, suppose a child is exposed to screen time for long periods. In that case, it may negatively affect their language development as screen time may not encourage your little one to participate in a conversation actively. The WHO encourages parents not to expose their children to screen time between birth and two years and to limit screen time to less than 1 hour per day between the ages of three- and five years.  Recent studies have suggested that the adverse effects of screen time appear to outweigh the positive influences thereof. During the first three years of life, the brain experiences rapid growth due to neural plasticity. The first three years of life are crucial for language development; therefore, as the parent, you will be advised and encouraged to spend as much one-on-one time with your little one to expand their vocabulary and limit screen time as much as possible. In addition, remember to read a book daily; this will expand their vocabulary, increase sentence length, and create a love for books that will be important for later learning, and create time for you and your little one to spend together. Written by Michelle McDonald (Speech-Language Therapist)

March 15, 2024

Tackling Engorgement While Breastfeeding

It is completely normal for your breasts to become full, heavy and even painful when your milk comes in, when you have missed a feed, or when you have a sudden increase in your supply. Generally, this will last no longer then 24 hours (with the exception of milk coming in), the areola should remain soft and your baby should be able to latch on without any hassle. True engorgement occurs when the duct system is not cleared adequately, causing an accumulation of fluid. Increased pressure in the milk ducts and glands produce breasts that feel firm, hard, tender and warm or even hot to touch. The skin may become translucent and the nipples may flatten and even get lost in the breast. Milk flow slows down and relief is not found easily. A mother can experience engorgement at any time during her breastfeeding journey whenever milk is not removed adequately. However, it is most common in the weeks immediately following birth. This is because feeding patterns are so irregular and your body has not yet adjusted to suite your baby’s needs. Consequences of Engorgement Engorgement can compromise your milk supply – remember that milk removal promotes milk production. Breast tissue allows milk storage for as long as 48 hours before the rate of milk production and secretion begins to decrease rapidly. Engorgement affects the letdown reflex – the flattened nipple of an engorged breast makes it difficult for your baby to get a good latch. This insufficient latch makes it almost impossible to stimulate the nipple adequately in order to promote letdown. Without the letdown reflex, your baby will not be able to remove milk from your breasts and the pressure in the milk ducts will increase even more. Cracked nipples – when a baby is trying but struggling to latch correctly, you are increasing your chances of getting sore, cracked nipples. Increased risk of infection – when things remain stagnant in the breast, bacteria has a chance to grow resulting in breast infections such as mastitis Permanent tissue damage – increased pressure in the breast for lengthy periods of time can cause cells in the breast to shrink and to eventually die off Relieving Engorgement Engorgement is very painful and it can be a little scary, but it certainly is no reason for one to stop breastfeeding. It is important to remember that it is a temporary situation and with proper treatment, it is usually resolved within 48 hours. Feed – every two hours or even sooner if baby desires. Place no time limits on feeding times. Continue to feed at least 8 times in 24 hours even after engorgement has resolved. Massage – gentle breast compression during feedings will help drain the breast more adequately Express – using a good quality electric breast pump express a little milk before each feed. This will help to soften the breast making it easier for baby to latch. Expressing between feeds may also be necessary depending on the stage of engorgement. Massaging and compressing the breast during pumping may increase the flow significantly. DO NOT express between feeds for longer than a period of 48 hours as this can lead to an increase in milk supply making it impossible to relieve engorgement. Ice – cold compress applied between feedings will help ease discomfort Rest – lying flat on your back with your feet elevated will gel to reduce swelling in the breasts Cabbage – Researchers suggest that phytoestrogens present in cabbage contribute to reducing swelling in tissues. Scour the inside of a chilled cabbage leaf with a fork and place inside your bra. Change your leaves with every feed. As soon as your baby or pumping provide relief, discontinue the use of cabbage as it can suppress milk production or even dry up your milk completely. Preventing Engorgement Ultimately, prevention is the best cure. here are a few key tips: Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of life Ensure a correct latch and positioning to optimise milk extraction Become familiar with your baby’s feeding cues and feed on demand Do not limit time spent at the breast – allow your baby to drain one breast fully before moving over to the other side Listen for swallowing when your baby is nursing – this is a good indicator of milk removal Avoid the use of artificial nipples for at least 6 weeks post birth as this may cause nipple confusion Minimise interference with breast feeding If baby is not feeding well, be sure to express milk to maintain your supply until feeding is corrected Try not to miss feeds. Wean slowly. If the time has come for you to wean your baby off the breast, do it slowly and carefully

March 13, 2024

Advantages of Umbilical Cord Blood over Bone-Marrow and Peripheral Blood Progenitors Transplants

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a very effective alternative source of blood-forming stem cells, especially for patients with blood cancers or disorders where there are matched donors that are not immediately available. Notwithstanding the fact that 50 million donors are registered in the USA bone marrow programs, many minority groups, will not be able to find a suitable, unrelated donor within a quick period to be able to save the life of the patient. In this respect, UCB has expanded transplant availability for many patients of racial and ethnic minorities across the world. Since the first UCB transplant in 1988, over 50 000 stem cell transplants are being performed annually worldwide, and that number is growing. Over half of the patients have been cured with this technique. In the USA only 30% of patients who need a stem cell transplant can find an appropriate donor within their family, while the rest must turn to public registries of bone marrow donors and donated cord blood units. For the past 4 decades, paediatric UCB transplants have been performed with high success rates both for blood-related diseases as well as metabolic storage diseases. The transplant of UCB has several advantages over bone marrow and blood stem cells. These include less stringent immune-matching (HLA-matching) criteria, the naïve state of cord blood stem cells which leads to a lower incidence of rejection, better stem cell growth potential, immediate availability of the cryopreserved stem cells, and a lower risk of relapse. Currently, even the transplant rate and success of donor UCB transplants in adults have improved.  Although there are disadvantages to using donor UCBs, such as slower engraftment of certain cells and overall immune recovery, these two factors have been overcome by various techniques. Some of the techniques for donor UCBs include the improvement of recovery of certain types of blood cells that helps with immune recovery and engraftment, multiplying -,  “homing” – and delivery of the stem cells, and the use of double cord blood units per transplant (1,2). Another way to improve the scope of application of UCB transplants in elderly and really sick patients is to have less intense treatments before transplants which allow for better engraftment after the transplant. In addition to the oncology applications, UCBs have also been used in the treatment of several nerve and heart disorders with varying degrees of success. These diseases, once approved, will hold great promise for the application of UCB transplants in the future. References: https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/competing-strategies-expand-cord-blood-use-transplants https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/faqs/how-are-cord-blood-stem-cells-different-other-sources-stem-cells https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/file_assets/cordbloodstemcelltransplantation.pdf Malgieri A, Kantzari E, Patrizi MP, Gambardella S. Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood human mesenchymal stem cells: state of the art. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2010 Sep 7;3(4):248

March 12, 2024

Is your child a bully?

Causes and possible solutions! As a parent, it is devastating news to learn from the schoolteacher or principal that your child is a bully. Thinking that your child could harm others is a painful thought. Children’s friendship skills are essential indicators of your child’s general mental health level. If your child participates in verbal or physical bullying, it could signify severe distress. Your child might be experiencing depression or anxiety and is struggling to regulate his emotions and behaviour.  Time to highlight a few examples of why a child may act unfriendly towards other children: He wants to fit in with the group that bullies a particular individual in the classroom. He is often bullied at home or school and tries to regain a sense of power by acting aggressively towards others. He wants to seek the attention of his class peers, teachers, or parents and feels he cannot get it any other way. He tends to be more assertive and impulsive than others. He is inclined to view the behaviour of others as hostile, even when it is not. He does not fully understand how his behaviour makes the other children feel (this is especially applicable to young children). Let’s have a look at valuable tips you can do as a parent to ensure your child harbors respectful relationships with others: Communicate  Be open and listen to what others have to say about your child’s behaviour and your own.  Set the example at home Parents must realise that their behaviour could influence their children, including how they speak to their children and spouses, and how they deal with anger and other challenging emotions. So make sure your homelife reflects the behaviour you would like your children to adopt. Put meaningful consequences in place. Punishment is only effective when it is meaningful and restricted. A privilege that is withheld for too long, for example, when you take away your child’s phone for cyber-bullying, loses its validity. Instill positive reinforcement and not negative reinforcement. Once your child has regained his privileges, you should explain the situation to him and allow for him to apologise. Monitor the situation Those surrounding him should always be on the lookout for problematic behaviour and praise him when he shows kindness towards others. Stay connected You should keep an open communication channel with your child, talk to him daily, and ask open-ended questions. Communication will place you in a better position to recognise signs of bullying. Children who share their news with their parents willingly feel comfortable speaking to them, which is an accomplishment. Therefore, you need to stay connected with your child in a supportive, non-judgmental manner. Connection is key to reducing aggressive behaviour in your child. However, if you are continuously working on your child’s friendship skills but the bullying continues, you should seek help. Your child might need a therapist’s help to work through underlying problems. 

March 12, 2024

WHERE SHOULD YOUR BABY SLEEP?

Deciding where your baby should be sleeping is a very personal decision by you as a family. You know your family best! Even when assisting clients, this is a discussion as a team (us and the parents). Discuss the pros and cons of why you want to do it or why it might not be best for your family. I am here to tell you that your baby/toddler/child can sleep well no matter WHERE they sleep. Another thing to keep in mind is that when you decide where your baby sleeps, this is NOT a permanent choice. You can change your mind if your initial choice did not work out and change where your child sleeps as they grow up or your circumstances change. There are some important things to consider, though. We are here to give you some options and considerations: 1. CO-SLEEPING Co-sleeping is when you share a sleep space with your child and can be divided into what is known as bedsharing and room sharing: Bedsharing: This is when parents and babies sleep together in a bed, couch or chair. If you choose to bedshare, you need to do it safely. The reality, however, as new research shows, is that bedsharing with younger babies is associated with higher risk of SIDS. For newborns, the safest option is to use a co-sleeper. But once your baby can sit up at around five months, this is no longer a safe option, as the open sides of the co‑sleeper are quite low and your baby is top heavy. If your baby looks over the side of the co-sleeper, they can fall out. It’s also the reason why you should move your cot to a lower level at around the same time. Room sharing: This is when parents sleep in the same room as their babies but not in the same bed. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) continues to recommend that parents room share with their baby for at least the first six months, preferably a year, because it is associated with lower rates of SIDS. You can influence each other’s sleep, however – white noise throughout the night can possibly assist with this. Babies need 11 to 12 hours of sleep per night, you don’t; so you will go to bed later than your baby. When you come in later, it could wake them. The same could happen if you go to the bathroom at night or if you wake up early. Babies are noisy sleepers and their general night noises could keep you out of sleep. Similarly, some baby cots are noisy and just your baby moving around, which they do, could wake you up. 2. OWN ROOM AND OWN COT Creating a safe and beautiful baby room is often one of the top things moms do while pregnant. If you have created a beautiful, safe baby room, it might just be time to use it! As mentioned before, you can influence each other’s sleep in a negative way when sharing a room. The reality, though, is that the move can often be worse for us as parents. HOW to do the move out of the room: Moving them one shot. Not wasting time and just having them settle can especially help when your baby is close to 12 months or already a toddler. Gradually moving the cot further away from you in the room and then out. This gives baby and parents time to adjust. First having baby sleep in their own room and cot for naps, and once you all get used to the idea, then also moving them to their own room at night. 3. SHARING A ROOM WITH A SIBLING We want your baby to be in your room or a separate space until they sleep through the night. This reduces the potential for your children to disturb each other at bedtime or wake each other at night. Many parents are worried about the kids waking each other throughout the night. We have found this to be a very unfounded fear, as children are pretty good at blocking out sounds. Some things that can help to create a comfortable shared sleeping environment: Block out curtains to help with bedtime and morning light. White noise placed between the cot and bed to minimise their sleeping sounds. Placing the cot and bed as far apart from each other as possible. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to where your little one sleeps. Inevitably, you might use all the options at one point in your parenting journey. To BETTER sleep!

March 11, 2024

MUSH, MUSH AND THE MUSHABLES ‘M’ is for ‘Mushable’!

Growing up in a tiny village in the middle of a peaceful forest, Mush-Mush, Lilit and Chep explore and discover just how fun – and wild – life can be. Surrounded by a caring community of Mushables of all sizes, colours and ages, they get to know themselves better, learn to master their gifts and understand how to overcome their fears. Mush-Mush and the Mushables is a fun journey of self-discovery, exciting outdoor adventure and mush, mush more! In the first episode, the Mushlers lead Sushi-Mushi to believe that Pickled Swampost is Mushpot’s favourite dish – when he actually can’t stand it – and they must try to stop Sushi-Mushi from serving it to him!  Premiere: Monday, 11 March @ 16:20 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays @ 16:20 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

March 11, 2024

Win with UCOOK this Youth Day!

This Youth Day, UCOOK is celebrating the culinary creativity of our youth by inviting you to unleash your inner foodie and submit special and nostalgic recipes that speak to YOU. Enter now and stand a chance to see your dish on UCOOK’s menu and receive R2 500 in UCOOK vouchers and a UCOOK hamper!

March 8, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 9 of your pregnancy

At week 9 of your pregnancy, you’re probably more aware than ever of your growing baby inside of you, as the first two months of pregnancy are now behind you. You may be dealing with a variety of different pregnancy symptoms as your baby slowly grows bigger. Your baby at week 9  At 9 weeks in, your baby is looking more human, with mini arms and legs developing, and the tail which was initially present is slowly disappearing. Your baby is now the size of a grape or a cherry and her facial features are also becoming more prominent. At week nine your baby is also becoming more active and beginning to move around. However, you won’t be able to see or feel this just yet – but it’ll be visible on ultrasound. If you’re struggling with painful breasts, a maternity or sports bra can offer you more support and help alleviate some of your uncomfortableness. When your body becomes more used to your pregnancy hormones, it’s likely that some of your pain may ease, but throughout your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to find clothes that you feel comfortable in. How you’re feeling at 9 weeks At nine weeks you may be feeling a variety of emotions, alongside the many other pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, which peaks at around week 9. Your symptoms may be particularly difficult to deal with if you’re still keeping your pregnancy quiet from your colleges and friends, but if you are struggling emotionally open up to your partner or health care provider. Things to keep in mind At this point, it may be a good idea to chat to your doctor about possibly restructuring your exercise routine. It could be a good time to start incorporating prenatal yoga or pilates as these activities help you get ready for labour and childbirth. Staying active is also a great way to keep healthy during your pregnancy, but depending on what activities you did before getting pregnant, you may need to think about adjusting your training program.

March 8, 2024

WE BABY BEARS Sibling Search

Bear siblings Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear travel to different locations around the world in the hunt for the perfect place to call home.  On 9 March, the bears set off on new adventures with Box being able to transport them anywhere they wish. But what if Box could make their own choices? Later, the bears are accused of crimes they didn’t commit while on a visit to Bug City, and Ice Bear must team up with old friend Sam Spider Spade to help prove the bears’ innocence. On Saturday 13 March’s ‘Veggie War’, the bears return to the Veggie Kingdom to visit their old friend Lima, only to find the kingdom at war with a familiar yet unexpected foe. Can the bears help save the veggie kingdom from total annihilation?  Premiere: Saturday, 9 March @ 08:05 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Every Saturdays @ 08:05 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

March 8, 2024

SILLY SUNDAYS Silly Sonia

In this feel-good comedy series, Sonia, Hugo, and Mel create full-of-heart memories with Mom, Dad, and Granny on those playful days spent with family and friends.  This month, Sonia’s ducky toy is not working as she expected. Together with Hugo, she learns there are different ways to play with it. Then, Sonia wants to dance on stage by herself until she learns the importance of sharing the spotlight with her new friend, little Birdy. Later, Sonia tries her best to stay still during play time, and, along with all the family, she learns the benefits of taking a break. Keep an eye out for a special marathon on Sunday, 31 March, to mark the Easter weekend!  Premiere: Saturday, 9 March @ 07:30 CAT ⏰ Tune in:  Saturdays & Sundays @ 07:30 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

March 8, 2024

Mindfulness Matters, For Ourselves and Our Communities

Mindfulness.  A word that is thrown about on a regular basis and a concept I thought I was utilising with success on a regular basis.  I had read Eckhart Tolle’s “Power of Now” and was deeply committed to my inner peace throughout my day.  I had just begun to read Rick Hanson’s “Neuro Dharma” prompting the release of my bias that meditation practices were reserved for the yoga studio.  As fate would have it, I then received an email inviting me to join the international “Search Inside Yourself” educator training for improved emotional intelligence.  What a game changer!  When not juggling my home commitments (as many of us do), I currently work part-time as a speech therapist and as a transformational life coach.  Three years ago, I began to incorporate my coaching content centred around self-awareness, self-management and the pursuit of intent and purpose into my speech therapy practice with teenagers who stutter.  Specifically, I now begin each session (or meeting when possible) with three breaths. The first is for us to release where we have been prior to our time together. The second is to just “be” in the new space together. The third is for setting our “highest intention” for what we hope to achieve individually in our time together. In doing so, I have felt a deeper sense of peace, availability, and connection with all my client interactions.  Many of my clients have expressed a similar effect, teenagers included!   I believe we can all benefit from a few of these “three extra breaths” throughout our day. It may not be practical in some circumstances to do this out loud.  Take those moments and improve your individual experience. Whether we are active in a parenting role, walking into a work-related meeting or just standing in a queue, taking three breaths, and focusing on being present sets a new standard for positive outcomes.  There are plenty of opportunities to connect to our devices, let’s be the change and improve our human connectivity, one exchange at a time. 

March 7, 2024

Digital Safety: developing healthy digital habits at a young age

Digital is a fundamental part of our everyday lives including the lives of primary school children. It has become an extension of ways of learning and creativity; however, it also presents risks such as cyberbullying, sexual extortion and risks to privacy. According to the Unicef SA Kids Online Study,  95% of children in South Africa use the internet regularly but are not aware of these risks and how to handle them. An even more shocking 70% of children do not share what they are exposed to.   Social Kids South Africa is a programme dedicated to guide and protect children under 11 years old as they navigate the online world.  This digital adventure is essential training that children need to ensure they know what information they should share online, how to protect their privacy, understand how an algorithm works and how to deal with cyberbullies. They learn good manners online and how to spot fake news and ensure the site they are on is secure.   “The reality is children are being exposed to the digital world from a young age. But what are we doing to show them the right way to surf the net, know their rights and how to handle situations they may find themselves in? We can monitor their online behaviour and try being online 24/ 7 but ensuring a child is aware of the threats, comfortable to communicate and empowered with knowledge, the more likely they are to steer away from dangerous situations”, says Cheryl Barnett, Co-founder of Social Kids ZA. Building digital literacy at a young age empowers your child with the right tools and knowledge to help them when they are older and in the infamous teenage years. Rather than letting your child learn from their peers or through trial and error, Social Kids mascot, Codey Crawler shows children how to be safe when they go online and to think before they click. If your child is playing games on the phone or watching YouTube, they are vulnerable to master manipulators online.  The program has 5 adventure levels, each ending in an activity that must be submitted to earn a digital badge. Codey Crawler and his bestie Miss Nadie take little adventurers on a journey with the purpose to upskill them via fun and age-appropriate pre-recorded lessons. Adventure level 1– the adventure begins with the dos and don’ts of digital safety. Children are taught about their digital fingerprint and the trial they leave online. Adventure level 2– teaches the little adventurer what cyberbullying is, how to navigate and stop it by sharing with their circle of trust.  This adventure level teaches them to safeguard their information and understand what details are safe to share. Adventure level 3– in this lesson, Codey and Miss Nadie focus on how to spot fake stories, the importance of asking questions and how to fact-check and always ask permission from parents before sharing. Adventure level 4– Codey describes online manners, what certain messages and symbols on the internet mean and how to interpret them. He goes into detail on how to play games safely and when to show your true colours or when not to! Adventure level 5– The last level, Codey reinforces the main topics covered to ensure the brave adventurers can confidently connect with the world. It ensures they understand the dangers that could be out there and highlights the positives that the digital world has to offer. Parents have access to in-depth parent guides; these were created to add value to parents. Showing them step by step how to protect their privacy, educating them on the best ways to set boundaries from a young age and improving their relationships as they grow and learn online. The program can be taken together or via a Jump in- Jump out online class with Miss Nadie in the afternoons, every weekday.  Social Kids is a great resource to future proof your kids against online dangers. Not only does it educate them, it also provides parent guides to help set boundaries in place. I found the course useful because it opened up conversations with my son about online bullies and how he would handle them. Creating a safe family space (which Cody teaches us are people we can trust) is a good grounding for kids for that online world out there. Heather Step https://samomblogs.co.za/ Cheryl and Bryan Barnett developed this program to protect their son, “We have seen how fast this digital world is changing and how our children are being exposed to this world, with little to no guidance. The focus only comes into place after they are well into their teens, the bad habits have already been formed. Hence our focus is on the younger generation.”  Join Codey Crawler and his friends, for a once-off price of R 425 to access all 5 adventures and parental guides. (Normal price R500) 

March 6, 2024

Cottage Schools and Learning Centres

We would like to welcome all Cottage Schools and Learning Centres, Tutoring Centres, and Private Schools to partner with us for a full schooling solution. Or if you’re a teacher looking for a new educational adventure, why not join our team and start your learning centre? Our Fees: Once off-Centre Registration Fee: R1500 Marketing Material & all Training included. Preschool – Grade 8: R450/student package. American High School Diploma, Grade 9 – 12: R1800 GED:  R500/student package (Includes digital course, PDF Study Guide, 1 for each subject, lots of bonus material, Mock Exams) You are most welcome to sign up all your students for our FREE Trial Period (Placement Test included) You may do so here: https://www.educ8sa.net/sign-up/ The following components are also included in our package: Digital Literacy, Core Subjects, and Career Studies. So, tell us a bit more about what you offer. Our program is offered in English. We offer a full curriculum solution based on our American curriculum. Students may log in 24/7/365. Parents can log in at any time to view their child’s progress from the parent portal.  Our students work at their proficiency level and their own pace.  This makes our program the ideal solution for special needs and exceptional students who need to be challenged.  Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance. These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer. Do you offer teacher support? Teacher Support: We are making the teacher’s life easier. Simple to use and easy to learn.  We immediately help with saving time for teachers, as we know they can get busy.  For example, students automatically begin fixing missing skills from the automatic placement test. In other words, teachers see progress reports without even having to assign a lesson. Even better, the built-in motivation tools and rewards keep students eager to learn more without the teacher’s intervention.  We are also proud to announce our 2022 EdTech Breakthrough Award, we were named Classroom Management Solution Provider Of The Year. Our program automatically allows you to monitor students’ progress in real time; this makes it possible to know exactly how each student is progressing. Analyze data for all standards in the common core by student, class, school, and district. The IEP (Individualized Education Program) Our program simplifies the IEP process by allowing you to set student goals that are automatically updated as students progress, saving you hundreds of hours of reporting. What other Support do you offer? Parent Support:  Parents can log in anytime to view their child’s progress from the parent portal. Our students work on their proficiency level and at their own pace. This feature makes our program ideal for special needs students and exceptional students who need a challenge. Student Support:  Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance. Assessments & Exams: We prefer the continuous assessment approach; therefore, our students in grades K – 8 do not write exams. For our high school students, exams will depend on their chosen matric option. These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer! What is the Registration Process for signing up? Registration Process: 1.  Complete our online form https://www.educ8sa.net/sign-up/. Your 14-day FREE trial period starts here! 2.  Login, then complete the Placement Test. 3.  Notify us once all Placement Tests have been completed. 4.  You will receive the results of the Placement Test by email. 5.  You will be requested to schedule a Zoom meeting with us to discuss the Placement Test results. 6.  We then set up your child’s personalized learning plan. 7.  Then Students may start with their lessons. 8.  We then invoice you should you wish to sign up! Term Dates & Holidays: Centre Students will follow their term dates. Virtual Students may decide when they take breaks. It’s up to every parent.  Our Accreditation: All our courses are accredited and listed on the SAQA website and accepted by our universities and Colleges.  Admission Requirements apply.  Our accreditation bodies are WASC and the US Council on Education. What you need to start: Internet connection, a device with earphones. Contact us at: 084 685 2138 [email protected] www.educ8sa.com

March 6, 2024

Exploring Delayed Clamping and Stem Cell Banking Synergies

The subject of delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been researched and discussed in numerous studies. The most important consideration at the time of the delivery is the health of the mother and baby. Delayed cord clamping has been shown to be beneficial to the baby and thus in the setting of cord blood banking, delayed clamping is an acceptable practice and is encouraged. Recent studies have shown that DCC show an increased amount of red blood cell stores in newborns and thus lessening the risk of iron deficiency anaemia later in the baby’s life. This is specifically important in preterm babies and those at risk of anaemia. In very preterm babies (22 weeks–28 weeks), DCC for 30 seconds, or more, has led to increased survival and a lowered risk for severe neurological injury. In further studies, DCC also showed an improvement in fine-motor and social skills in kids at four years of age in comparison to kids of the same age that had no cord clamping at birth. There is, however, a small risk of increased hyperbilirubinemia/jaundice (because of the additional red blood cells infused during DCC) in some infants after DCC. An estimated 50% of term and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice. Delaying cord clamping for one minute or more resulted in only a 6%–21% decrease in the total volume of cord blood collected and a 9%–31% decrease in the pre-processed total nucleated cell. It is estimated that about 60% of DCC collections still meets the upper level for the number of total nucleated cells. However, a prolonged delay will allow the blood in the cord to clot, and the opportunity to collect the blood for stem cells will be lost; therefore, if clamping is delayed, it is recommended not to delay for more than two minutes. What major myths exist relating to the optimal clamping time? Myth: If you don’t do DCC, you are robbing the baby of 30% of its blood. Fact: When the umbilical cord is clamped soon after birth, the infant’s blood volume is the same as its volume in utero (in the womb). Myth: The longer you wait to clamp the cord, the more blood the baby gets. Fact: The continued transfusion of cord blood when delaying the clamping in normal birth is reliant on contractions of the uterus, the umbilical arteries close around 45 seconds after birth and the umbilical vein in 1–2 minutes. For c-sections, the blood volume in infants increases till 40 seconds and actually decreases thereafter. Myth: Delaying the clamping of the cord confirms the advantages observed by researchers. Fact: Factors affecting the transfusion of additional blood cells include the timing of cord clamping, gravity, the onset of respiration, uterine contractions and drugs affecting it, maternal blood pressure and birth asphyxia. Facts relating to COVID-19 and delayed cord clamping The use of delayed cord clamping during COVID-19: Most Gynaecological institutions have stated that these procedures should remain according to usual center practice, while following infection control precautions. They have stated that delayed umbilical cord clamping is extremely improbable to increase the risk of transmitting pathogens from an infected mother to the fetus; however, some institutions have selected to forbid this exercise in term infants, in whom the benefits are modest. This practice they believe will minimise newborn exposure to any virus in the immediate environment and reduce the chances that the newborn will require phototherapy for jaundice. Some institutes also prohibit skin-to-skin contact in these cases, although the Paediatric institutions have not advised against this. References Arthur, R. (2021). ‘We are on track for a watershed year for approvals of new regenerative medicine and advanced therapies’. Retrieved 10 November 2021, from https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/Article/2021/09/01/We-are-on-track-for-a-watershed-year-for-approvals-of-new-regenerative-medicine-and-advanced-therapies Ntege EH, et al. Advances in regenerative therapy: A review of the literature and future directions. Regen Ther. 2020 Jun; 14: 136–153.

March 5, 2024

Don’t get “nap trapped”

More and more in recent times have I been hearing the word ‘nap trapped’. Nap trapped is when parents feel ‘trapped’ at home because their little one can sleep well only in the cot or in a specific area for naps. This can even mean that because of the timing of naps, moms don’t want to join friends, go to classes or join groups. There is an added level to being nap trapped, as it could also mean that your baby can sleep only on you or next to you. I KNOW I was nap trapped with my babies. For such a long time, my children were sleeping horribly, and once I found something that worked, I was so petrified that if I changed something they would go back to the horrible sleeping. We could never go out for dinner, because my little ones had to sleep at home. Outings during the day or during holiday caused me so much anxiety in the end that I did not want to do anything outside the house as it just made me stress. One holiday in Cape Town (by this time, my kids were already four and two years old), we had some friends over for an early afternoon braai. I had finally stopped breast feeding, so I could drink some wine again (of course, after not drinking for years, one glass was enough). We had a fantastic time; their kids were a similar age than ours and all were enjoying themselves. Because the sun goes down later in summer in the Cape, with a shock, at 20:00, I realised that my kids were not even close to getting into bed (they had a very strict 19:00 bedtime). And there they were, running around, swimming, playing and having a great time… I had never even given them the opportunity before… And I was fine, they were fine. I was actually the only one who realised what time it was. Because they normally slept really well, they could cope really well with one night of going to bed later. And that is the reality most of the time. Even the most social couple I have helped had something on three times a week over bedtime (that is really social, I can’t remember ever being that social, even before kids!). AND even for that social couple, it was still the exception. For four out of seven nights, they were at home, could follow the bedtime routine and make sure that their baby got proper sleep. Don’t try to create your life according to the exception and also don’t be afraid of the exception. Most of the time, you will be at home, and when you are at home, make sure that your baby gets the best sleep that they can. So that when those exceptions happen (they have a short nap or skip the nap or go to bed later), they will be ready and deal with it and will be fine. There are, of course, some additional things that you can try for naps or bedtime when you do go out for dinner to at least hope you have a good time: Try to relax. In the end, if you are going to be anxious, your baby will feel it and this can make the whole situation much worse. This might mean that you need to plan a bit. This might mean that you need to allow other people to help when they offer. Or, this might just mean that you need to know that whatever you do for those couple of hours will not alter everything that you have done before. If your little one can sleep in the car, well, use it. If you are traveling during time that falls over the nap time, extend the drive a little if you have to (I know petrol is expensive!) to just ensure your baby gets a bit of sleep before you get to your activity. If your little one can sleep in a stroller, use it! Even if it is a short nap, it is better than nothing. Try using a portable white noise machine or white noise app in the stroller as well as closing it and moving it around to see if this helps to get your little one to sleep in the stroller. Some babies sleep great in a stroller when they are small, but might not sleep so well anymore as they get bigger. BUT, then, they might get into it again. If you go to a braai/dinner at someone else’s house, ask them if they have an extra cot or take your camp cot with. Do a short bedtime routine as you would at home. Instead of bathing, you can just wipe your baby’s face and feet with a warm cloth. They will survive one night of not bathing. Try to put them down even if it means helping a bit to get them there. BUT, if they don’t sleep after 10 to 20 minutes, call it. Take them with you to friends and try to enjoy yourself. You can take turns holding the baby with your partner and friends. It is one night. Too many times, I have heard moms say that they want a baby that can sleep anywhere. These moms would say things like: “I can remember falling asleep under the table at weddings!” My response:  First, how many weddings do you attend? Second, sleeping anywhere has a lot to do with your baby’s personality and age, but most importantly, lastly, why create rules for the exception? By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

March 5, 2024

Benefits of Including STEM into the Classroom

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education into the classroom has emerged as a crucial component of modern pedagogy. This article explores the myriad benefits of incorporating STEM disciplines into the educational curriculum, highlighting the transformative impact it has on students’ academic development and future prospects. Fostering Critical Thinking Skills STEM education serves as a catalyst for nurturing critical thinking skills essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st century. Through hands-on experimentation and problem-based learning, students are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, fostering a deep understanding of core concepts while honing their analytical prowess. By engaging in STEM activities, students are encouraged to think outside the box, fostering creativity and innovation that are indispensable in an increasingly dynamic world. Preparing Students for Future Careers The integration of STEM education in the classroom is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about preparing students for the demands of the future workforce. In an era defined by technological advancement and digital transformation, proficiency in STEM fields has become a prerequisite for success in a wide range of career paths. By equipping students with STEM skills, educators empower them to pursue diverse opportunities in fields such as engineering, computer science, healthcare, and renewable energy, ensuring they are well-positioned to thrive in the ever-evolving job market. Encouraging Collaboration and Teamwork STEM education transcends individual achievement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork in problem-solving. Through collaborative projects and group activities, students learn to communicate effectively, leverage collective expertise, and navigate diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, STEM education cultivates essential interpersonal skills that are invaluable in both academic and professional settings, laying the foundation for future success. Addressing Real-World Challenges One of the most compelling aspects of STEM education is its emphasis on addressing real-world challenges. From environmental sustainability to healthcare innovation, STEM disciplines provide students with the tools and knowledge to tackle pressing societal issues. By engaging in hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, students develop a deeper understanding of the relevance and applicability of STEM concepts, empowering them to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. Enhancing Technological Literacy In an increasingly digital-centric world, technological literacy has become a prerequisite for active participation in society. STEM education plays a pivotal role in enhancing students’ technological literacy by exposing them to cutting-edge technologies, software applications, and coding languages. By equipping students with essential digital skills, STEM education empowers them to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence, opening doors to a myriad of opportunities in the digital economy. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion In the pursuit of STEM excellence, fostering diversity and inclusion is paramount. STEM education initiatives strive to create an inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity of thought, background, and experience. By promoting equity and access to STEM education for all students, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status, educators cultivate a diverse pipeline of future STEM professionals who bring unique perspectives and insights to the table, driving innovation and progress in STEM fields. The integration of STEM education into the classroom heralds a new era of learning characterized by innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. By harnessing the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, educators empower students to develop critical thinking skills, pursue diverse career paths, and address real-world challenges with confidence and ingenuity. As we chart a course towards a future defined by technological advancement and societal transformation, embracing STEM education is not just a choice—it is a necessity for unlocking the full potential of our students and shaping a brighter tomorrow.

March 5, 2024

MR MAGOO Fizz Foiled Again

Meet the ever-cheerful Mr. Magoo, always ready to lend a hand, but with one small problem – he’s blissfully unaware that he desperately needs glasses. His unintentional misadventures make him the lovable troublemaker in town.  Mr. Magoo’s life without glasses results in a series of hilarious disasters, much to the dismay of megalomaniac hamster Fizz. Fizz’s ambitious plans, from building a giant fan to beat a heatwave to attempting to steal the President’s joke machine, are consistently thwarted by the unwitting Magoo. This month, the chaos continues as Fizz deals with a city struck by gold fever and finds himself exploring the whimsical world of Magoo’s dreams.  Premiere: Monday, 4 March @ 16:35 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays @ 16:35 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

March 4, 2024

Pregnancy, your body and your baby – week 8 of your pregnancy

It’s week 8 of your pregnancy and your baby is beginning to look more like a little human. You’ll probably be feeling many of the first-trimester pregnancy symptoms but you shouldn’t be showing just yet, so enjoy your flat figure while it lasts! Your body at week 8  Even if you don’t outwardly look pregnant, you’re definitely feeling it. Your first trimester brings morning sickness (not just in the morning!), tender breasts, fatigue, pregnancy cramps and a heightened sense of smell. Dealing with morning sickness and fatigue its important that you remember to stick to a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising often and trying to make sure you get enough sleep. It’s important that you take prenatal vitamins during this time as well. Where your baby is at  Your baby is now roughly the size of a bean or a raspberry. They are becoming more distinctly human, developing arms and legs. Their digestive system also develops around this time. If you get an ultrasound you may notice that your baby has a disproportionate body, with a large head – this is because the upper body develops faster than the lower. However, in 32 weeks time, your baby will be a normal-sized little-human. Things to remember  Your first prenatal check-up around this time, where you may have blood tests and an early ultrasound to check your baby’s growth and heart rate. If you have lots of questions for your doctor it is a good idea to write them down, so you don’t forget when you arrive – especially if this is your first pregnancy. During the first trimester, you are at higher risk for a miscarriage. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women experience miscarriages, often before they realise they are pregnant. Signs of a miscarriage are cramping and pain in the lower back and abdomen, as well as light spotting to heavy bleeding. If you suspect miscarriage, it is important that you contact your doctor so that they can help you during this time.

March 1, 2024

The Difference between Tutoring and Academic Coaching

Tutoring and Academic Coaching both aim to assist students in their academic endeavours, but have fundamental differences between them. As parents, we always strive to provide the best support and resources for our children’s academic success. When it comes to enhancing their learning experience, two prevalent approaches come to mind: tutoring and academic coaching. While both methods aim to assist students in their academic endeavours, it’s vital to recognize the fundamental differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the distinctions between tutoring, a traditional approach focused on grade-level academic content reinforcement, and academic coaching, an innovative approach to learning which emphasizes building executive function skills, learning skills, and applying research-based strategies and tactics to foster your child’s independence as a strong learner. Let’s unpack the difference between Tutoring and Academic Coaching: Tutoring: Re-teaching academic information  Tutoring has long been recognized as a traditional method that primarily focuses on reinforcing grade-specific academic content. Tutors provide additional instruction and explanations on specific subjects or topics where a student may be struggling, may have missed a class, or did not understand the information or concept the first-time round.  This one-on-one or small-group setting allows students to receive personalized attention and clarification on difficult or missed concepts. Tutors often work through homework assignments, review class materials, and help prepare for tests or exams.  Tutoring can be valuable in reinforcing understanding and improving grades in specific academic subjects. Academic Coaching: Building Essential Learning Skills for Lifelong Learning  On the other hand, academic coaching takes a more comprehensive approach, aiming to develop essential skills beyond academic content. Academic coaches work with students to build executive function skills, learning skills, research-based strategies and tactics that empower them to become strong, independent learners who are able to easily catch up and keep up with their academic work.  Here are some key aspects of academic coaching: Academic Coaching: Academic coaching represents an innovative approach to learning. It goes beyond the traditional content-focused approach and aims to develop essential skills that empower students to learn independently, an essential skill for long-term academic success. Executive Function Skills Development: Academic coaching places a strong emphasis on developing executive function skills. These skills encompass time management, organization, goal-setting, learning skills, and self-regulation. By honing these skills, students learn how to manage their time effectively, stay organised, set realistic goals, and adapt their study strategies accordingly. Research-Based Strategies and Techniques: Academic coaches provide students with a range of research-based strategies and tactics to optimize their learning experience. These strategies go beyond simple memorisation and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective, research-based study methods and strategies. Independence and Lifelong Learning Skills: Academic coaching strives to foster independence and instil lifelong learning skills in students. Coaches empower students to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging them to set realistic goals, develop self-discipline, and take initiative in their academic pursuits. By building these skills, academic coaching equips students with the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond. While tutoring remains a valuable approach for reinforcing grade-level academic content and improving grades for a specific subject, academic coaching represents an innovative and comprehensive long-term approach to learning.  Its focus on executive function skills development, learning skills development, research-based strategies, and fostering independence sets it apart. As parents, consider exploring academic coaching as an investment in your child’s future. It provides them with the necessary skills to become strong, independent learners, ready to face challenges with confidence.  With its growing popularity worldwide, academic coaching is revolutionizing the way students approach learning, paving the way for lifelong success and personal growth.

March 1, 2024

World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day is an annual event organised by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Held on 3 March, it’s a global campaign to raise awareness around the prevention of hearing loss and the importance of hearing health and ear care. To help create more awareness, Bonitas Medical Fund is offering free online hearing screening for all South Africans, over the age of 18. Hearing loss is an under-diagnosed medical condition that significantly impacts the physical and mental health of those who have any degree of hearing difficulty. Disabling hearing loss is often called the ‘invisible epidemic.’ It affects more than three million South Africans and over 1.5 billion people globally.  With the theme ‘Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!’ World Hearing Day emphasises the significance of early identification and interventions in preventing hearing loss. Hearing is vital in that it connects individuals to their surroundings, enabling communication, learning and social interaction. Yet millions of people, worldwide, face hearing challenges which can impact their quality of life. Free online hearing test ‘Last year we partnered with hearConnect and introduced a free online hearing screener for members on our website,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund.  ‘Through this partnership we have extended this functionality and made it available to all South Africans.’ How it works The online, validated, speech-in-noise hearing test, uses the latest in audiological technology combined with the highest standards of clinical expertise. Go to https://www.bonitas.co.za/hearing-screening and, in just two minutes, you can test your hearing status. All you need is access to a computer or your mobile, headphones or earphones, a quiet area and then you’re all set to take the test.  Post the test If the screening test indicates you are experiencing hearing loss, hearConnect is available to guide you through the next steps.  Alternatively, make an appointment with an audiologist, consult your GP and/or visit the nearest clinic. What causes hearing loss? Hearing loss can come about as you age or as a result of loud noises, illnesses and disease, genetics and trauma (contact sport). Other factors, such as too much earwax, also reduce your ability to hear.  Hearing loss repercussions One of the biggest concerns associated with hearing loss, when it is not treated properly, is the long-term impact it has on the quality of life. Prevention and early detection are important, after all, hearing is the foundation for speech and language development, as well as learning and communication.  There are many challenges associated with hearing loss. These include language development that impacts our ability to read, write, spell and concentrate. It affects social skills resulting in isolation, depression, loneliness, cognitive impairment, unemployment and an increased risk of dementia.  World Hearing Day underscores the need for accessible and affordable hearing care services and encourages everyone to prioritise their hearing health.  ‘As a medical scheme we know that patients with untreated hearing loss experience more inpatient stays compared to those without hearing loss,’ says Callakoppen. ‘There is a 17% increased risk of emergency department visits, readmissions and rate of hospitalisation as well as longer hospital stays. ‘Our partnership with hearConnect includes a full audiology benefit management programme on selected plans for our members to ensure they maintain ear health. This includes a follow up with ongoing treatment steps if hearing loss is detected.’

March 1, 2024

Mushrooms are a Super Cool Superfood in 2024!

According to global trend analysts and pundits from the food industry, 2024 is going to be another great year for mushrooms! Whole Foods in the US each year puts out its predictions on what we will be eating, and those in the know say they’re pretty accurate year in and year out! According to Forbes, top of the 2024 Whole Foods list is “putting the ‘plant’ back in ‘plant-based’”. “With the rise of flexitarian and vegan diets, many meat-free alternatives have flooded the market,” explains the news magazine. “However, it seems consumers are not necessarily interested in animal alternatives made from a long list of products they do not understand, and would rather eat veggie burgers and other products made of vegetables and ingredients they can understand.” “Consumers are looking for healthier and more sustainable products,” agrees Adam Leman, lead fermentation scientist at the Good Food Institute in Washington, speaking on cultivated meat alternatives in the Hob Hill Gazette of August last year. “Mycoprotein (protein from fungus) requires far less caloric input to produce one calorie for human consumption as compared to animal protein. Additionally, it’s high in fibre, very low in fat and has no cholesterol.” The mycoprotein he speaks of is derived from mycelium, the root system of mushrooms, which contains all nine amino acids needed to form a complete protein. It can be grown quickly and is set to take the alt-meat category by storm. Culinary professionals from the US Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel are in full agreement with the fungi forecast, declaring that “Mushrooms are mushrooming! “Mushrooms for taste, mushrooms for texture, mushrooms for health benefits,” they add, saying that in the coming months “people will discover mushrooms in every food and beverage category” – think social media already going wild for mushroom coffee! Netherlands’ Innova Market Insights actually noted the significant rise in fungi consumption since 2018 to name mushrooms one of their most up-and-coming ingredients of ’24. Clearly it’s past time to start seeking out simpler plant-based products with fewer ingredients and additives, or take the leap straight to nature’s easiest meat substitute – the Big Brown mushroom, also known as a portabella. Light on the pocket, packed with nutrients, and always available in supermarkets, mushrooms can be treated just as you would a burger patty or a piece of steak. No stress or fuss, and always delicious. And even if you don’t want to make your mushrooms the centrepiece of every meal, they’re always happy to take on a side roll. In fact, the fungi side game is really strong, from Greek Mushroom & Potato Salad https://rebrand.ly/j2yjr05 to Mushroom Gravy https://rebrand.ly/cat3xw2 and Coconut Creamed Greens & Mushroom https://rebrand.ly/xo98dbx! Other trends set to impact the dinner table this year: Food as medicine. This is especially appealing among young people, whether for disease prevention or cure. See https://rebrand.ly/gv4ygyo for many of the reasons mushrooms are so good for you. Plant-based seafood. It’s been around for a while, but is expected to gain traction as new products come to market. Don’t worry, if fish flavours aren’t your thing, there’s always the fungi. Water conservation and stewardship of the plant are being taken ever more seriously by diners worldwide. Go to https://rebrand.ly/fgc25iq for mushrooms’ sustainability credentials. Global flavours.  Buy local and use the spice aisle to travel with your tastebuds. According to Whole Foods, TikTok’s “Little Treat Culture” is about to move mainstream. It’s about creating little moments that bring a fizz of joy to your life, so that perfect (mushroom) mouthful is about to become everything! Feed your appetite for fresh mushroom dishes at https://bit.ly/31Tza3V.

February 28, 2024

Developing Crucial COMPREHENSION Skills – Bedtime Story Edition

The Primary Goal of Primary School Jimmy sat on the edge of the playground. He looked at the other children playing on the swings while eating his lunch alone. Question 1: Where did Jimmy sit? Answer: He sat on the edge of the playground. Question 2: Why do you think Jimmy sat alone? Answer: He sat alone. Teachers read answers such as these all the time, too many times and realise that the harvest is big and the labourers few. Over the last few years, we have been bombarded with depressing statistics of the decreasing reading levels of school-going children and university students. This leads one to ask the question why we are facing the situation despite an updated curriculum, teachers’ efforts and parents spending hours doing homework at home. Unfortunately, analysing the situation will not lead to a solution, but forces us to think of what should be done. Simply put, children cannot read or can read and have no idea what they read. Reading with insight and reading “between the lines” have become a skill that only a handful of children can apply. We don’t have to dig deep to find the reason for this phenomenon but thank your “digital nannies” for keeping our children occupied. Parents should not underestimate the value of good old-fashioned bedtime stories. However, simply reading bedtime stories is not enough. Children need to interact with stories and parents can use story time as an opportunity to develop comprehension skills. At the beginning of a story, ask the following questions: Look at the cover and tell me what you think the story is about. What characters will be in the story? While reading, it is important to ensure that the child follows the story, understands the words, and can make predictions about what could happen next. Ask leading questions, such as: What does this word mean? What do you think the boy or girl felt like when that happened? What would you have done if you were in his shoes? Why do you think the character said that? How can the character solve this problem? Ask follow-up questions after your child has answered a question, such as: What makes you think that? What do you think would have happened if the wolf did not eat Grandma? When you turn to the next page, you can ask: What do you see in the picture?  What do you think will happen next? Reading with understanding is not only beneficial for developing reading comprehension skills, but also helps a child in other subject areas. Parents often say that their children can do Mathematics, but just struggle with word problems, without realising that reading comprehension skills form the basis of solving word problems. Content-based subjects, such as Science, also rely on extracting important facts, making connections, and making inferences. “Fluit-fluit, my storie is uit!” Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer.  She has a background in psychology and has taught in mainstream and special-needs schools both locally and abroad. Chrizelle is passionate about helping children gain confidence in their own abilities and about finding different ways to help them learn.

February 27, 2024

Babies R Us Support Preemie Mom’s in Need During Pregnancy Month

400 Care Bags Donated to Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg Babies R Us has delivered four hundred mom care bags to the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg to mark Pregnancy Awareness Month. This initiative forms part of the annual Babies R Us Preemie Heart Campaign, which allows customers to buy a purple preemie heart at all Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores in support of World Prematurity Day, observed annually in November. In addition to the mom care bags, last year, the Babies R Us team handed over a NICU incubator to the Rahima Moosa Hospital’s NICU unit. The Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital is the only mother and child hospital in South Africa, providing care for a very large number of women and children and delivers around 14,000 babies every year – the second highest number of babies in the country after Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Africa’s biggest hospital). Each mom care bag contains several essential items, including a blanket and baby toiletries and mothers who have currently have babies in the NICU unit, received a pack of preemie sized diapers. “We hope that these bags will bring joy to many moms in need, and we are sure that they will find the necessities in the bag very useful,” said Ronel Grant, Head of Wellness at Babies R Us. “The Babies R Us Mama Club slogan is ‘We’ve got you’ and the team would like moms to know, that this extends to moms across all walks of life in South Africa.” Dr Joy Fredericks at Rahima Moosa Hospital comments: “Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Babies R Us for your unwavering support towards mothers and babies in our community. Your generous donation of 400 care bags provided mothers with essential items bringing relief and restoring hope to those navigating uncertain times.” Most notably, Grant adds that beyond managing the journey of parents and babies, the Babies R Us, Mom and Baby Wellness Clinics can be found at several stores including: Gateway, Pavilion, Mall of Africa, Boksburg, Canal Walk and Wonderpark shopping centres. “We also provide free virtual antenatal courses, presented by midwife, Sister Claire de Villiers, who is the Babies R Us midwife at the Gateway Clinic.” Free virtual Babies R Us Antenatal courses are also offered, consisting of two modules; guiding mom from the first stages of pregnancy, to giving birth and taking baby home for the first time. The course is presented via Teams, Sister Claire de Villiers has 34 years’ experience as a registered nurse and midwife,  and shares expert guidance and information to all moms embarking on their pregnancy journey. Grant adds that as a further extension of the Babies R Us expert advice pillar, Carey Haupt, a lactation expert also presents a virtual lactation course, sharing information and guidance with all moms about the reality of breastfeeding. Babies R Us stores can be found inside every Toys R Us store and offer moms everything they would need from bump to baby during their pregnancy journey. Bookings for all clinics and courses can be made via the website:  www.babiesrus.co.za, under the tab Clinic and Course bookings.  

February 27, 2024

Talking about HPV and cervical cancer

The theme for 2024 Cervical Cancer Awareness is, ‘Learn. Prevent. Screen.’  South Africa has a high rate of cervical cancer which has been attributed to the fact that not enough women are screened regularly. Screening can detect early changes in the cervix, which can be treated and may save your life.  Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, gives the low down on cervical cancer – caused by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), why it is essential to screen for the virus and the development of a vaccine to help prevent it. Why a vaccine against HPV? HPV infects the cells of the cervix and, in some cases, the virus can persist – leading to abnormal changes in the cells that may eventually become cancerous. Over 99% of all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection of high-risk types of HPV, including HPV-16 and HPV-18. ‘For this reason, we have expanded our preventative care benefits to include the HPV vaccine across all plans, to help prevent cervical cancers,’ says Dr Hadebe.  ‘As recommended by The World Health Organization (WHO), this is 2 doses for females aged 9 to 14 years and 3 doses for females aged 15 to 26 years per lifetime’. Screening for HPV and cervical cancer Screening is also essential to mitigate the risk of developing cervical cancer. Screening aims to identify cervical cell changes and detect early cervical cancers before they cause symptoms. Two screening tests help with detection: Pap test (Pap Smear) Cervical cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have immediate symptoms but can be found with regular pap smear tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). The test looks for cell changes (pre-cancers) in the cervix that may progress to cancer if not treated.  HPV test Looks for the virus, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18 that cause 90% of cervical cancers. It is recommended that between the ages of 21 and 65, women should have a pap smear every two years and, from the age of 30 onwards, a pap smear and HPV test can be done every 5 years. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of the HPV virus can include: Lesions on the genital area as well as darker lesions on other parts of the body, to painful bumps on your upper limbs and skin growths on the balls of the feet and heels. Staging of cervical cancer Just like other cancers, cervical cancer is graded according to the severity. From in situ, which means it hasn’t spread to nearby tissue, through stage one: It’s still in the original organ and is small. If it progresses it spreads to the surrounding lymph nodes and, in the most severe form, the cancer has metastasized to surrounding tissues and other lymph nodes.  As cervical cancer develops, the following may occur: Abnormal bleeding, for example bleeding after sex Pelvic pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle Heavy or unusual discharge  Increased urinary frequency Pain during urination ‘Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer,’ says Dr Hadebe. ‘Yet it has a good chance of being cured, if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. Which is why, it’s important to have regular pap smears to detect any changes in the cervix and to vaccinate young girls to protect them against possible HPV infection.’ 

February 26, 2024
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