Pregnancy Perils and What all New Mums Need to Know

Pregnancy is a miraculous event which has supported the birth of new life on earth for all mankind for well over 200,000 years. In 2020, a total of  1 003 307 births were registered in South Africa from a total population of 60 000 000 people and while birth fatalities decrease year on year, unfortunately some mothers will experience complications during their pregnancy which can put both them and their in-uterus fetus at risk.  February is Pregnancy Awareness month when we highlight pregnancy health and share education for safer gestation into motherhood. While more common pregnancy issues such as high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, obesity and leg cramps are frequently discussed, some of the unspoken complications which can arise need to be highlighted so as to reduce the number of fatalities and promote a healthier pregnancy into safe and joyous new motherhood. Important Pregnancy Facts to Know: Knowing what to expect during your full pregnancy term is essential for managing both you and your baby’s health. Early pregnancy checkups and correct prenatal care goes a long way to identifying any issues you may not be aware of and supporting you in experiencing a healthy pregnancy and birth. This is especially true for pregnancies termed ‘high risk’, which encompasses women aged 17 or younger, women aged 35 or older, those who are under or over weight prior to pregnancy, or mothers carrying more than one fetus.  Your first trimester of pregnancy may be both exciting and challenging as you experience your body changing. Your will become more easily fatigued and your breasts will become tender and swollen. You may experience food cravings, heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting, often referred to as ‘morning sickness’, and constipation.  It is important during this time to avoid smoking and e-cigarettes, alcohol, raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized dairy, raw sprouts, certain seafoods and too much caffeine.  The danger signs during pregnancy to be alert to are fast or difficult breathing, severe abdominal pain, fever and extreme fatigue, severe headaches with blurred vision, convulsions, and vaginal bleeding. Bleeding in Pregnancy  In the first few weeks of your pregnancy you might experience light bleeding or ‘spotting’ caused by the developing embryo planting itself in the wall of your womb. This usually occurs around the time your period would have been due and between 6 to 12 days after conception. Typically light, and called ‘implantation bleeding’, it commonly occurs over a few days and is not something to be concerned about. The main sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding however and if it lasts longer than a few hours, and is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills, or contractions, contact your doctor or gynaecologist immediately. Most miscarriages occur before the 12th week of pregnancy and are accompanied by bleeding, discharge, pain or cramping in your abdomen or lower back. Bleeding during miscarriage can appear brown and resemble coffee grounds or it can be pink to bright red, getting heavier over time. Eventually the pregnancy tissue, fetus, and placenta will pass naturally either over a few days or as long as 4 weeks.  Be gentle with yourself if this is your experience. Take time to acknowledge your loss and find support with other women to talk about your feelings. On the other hand, if you know of a new mom who has recently miscarried, avoid any clichéd comments and unsolicited advice and recognize that grief doesn’t have a time limit. The good news is that miscarriage is usually a one-time occurrence with most women who miscarry going on to enjoy a healthy pregnancy after their miscarriage. Hyperemesis Gravidarum Considered a ‘high risk’ pregnancy, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) came into the media spotlight when Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge spoke about her experience, which caused severe and debilitating vomiting during all three of her pregnancies to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.  Characterized by extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum has been shown to increase the risk of preeclampsia, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Worldwide, between 0.3 to 11% of pregnant women experience hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) with the said to be caused by rapidly rising serum levels of hormones such as HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and estrogen. HG can make you feel very unwell and may cause you to lose weight with symptoms starting around the 4 to 6 week mark. Along with avoiding high fat foods, Kate Middleton used mindfulness and meditation to manage her symptoms and the simplest coping tactics rely on keeping hydrated, discovering which foods will stay down, spending lots of time resting. The good news is that women with HG have lower rates of miscarriage, said to be due to the increased levels of pregnancy hormone HCG.    Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is unable to reach the uterus and attach properly to the lining of the womb, instead implanting itself either within the fallopian tube which carries the egg from the ovaries to the uterus or in other parts of the body. An ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally and the fertilized egg will not survive outside of the uterus; the growing tissue may also cause life-threatening bleeding, if left untreated. An ectopic pregnancy may seem normal in the beginning however it is usually accompanied by symptoms such as tummy pain on one side, vaginal bleeding or watery discharge, pain in the tip of your shoulder and discomfort when using the bathroom with risk of rupturing around 6 to 16 weeks.  In most cases medical intervention is necessary with blood tests and ultrasound confirming the diagnoses. Treatment is administered either via a surgical procedure or with medication. Depression in Pregnancy Anxiety and depression are the two most common psychological illnesses that may arise during pregnancy, and while it is natural to feel emotional during pregnancy due to the natural rise in our body’s hormone levels, some mothers are sensitive to these hormonal shifts which can lead to the onset of anxiety and depression.  Perinatal depression occurs both during and

February 20, 2023

7 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT ONLINE SCHOOL

Every year, more and more South African children are enrolled in an online school, bringing changes to their family’s rhythms and routines.  It’s important for parents to set their child up for success, and here are 7 top tips from Koa Academy’s Principal and Co-founder, Mark Anderson: Quality tech – “It’s important to equip your child with the best tools possible.  While it might be tempting to opt for the entry-level laptops marketed for students, the reality is that your child needs a reliable workhorse when it comes to their computer.  Koa’s students learn across multiple best-in-class educational platforms, and they need to navigate seamlessly and speedily so that teaching and learning flows.  Good quality audio and camera are essential so that they can engage fully with their Pod teacher and peers.  Given that load-shedding is here to stay for the foreseeable future, parents should also invest in at least a basic backup power option that keeps them online during the most critical school hours.” Conducive learning environment – “Children need a quiet, designated space in the house where they can comfortably spend their school day, free from distractions.  Optimally, they should have their own desk and chair workstation, as well as tidy, storage space for their schoolbooks and materials. As far as possible, avoid using their bedroom with a closed door, or the dining room table.” Think critically about screentime – “Not all screentime is created equally. A well designed online educational programme which is age appropriate will be engaging and constructive for your child. But they still need healthy boundaries when it comes to other forms of screentime, such as social media and gaming. Parents should investigate ways of keeping healthy boundaries in place to manage screentime outside of their child’s online schooling.”   Keep track of your child’s progress – “Parents play a role in ensuring accountability when it comes to online schooling, just as they do in physical schooling. Koa’s Pod teachers keep daily track of your child’s targets and progress on a live Dashboard because it’s important for parents to also know what their child is busy with, what their priorities are and how they are advancing with the curriculum.  A good online school makes sure that this information is always available to you so that you can support their ongoing development. Make use of the increased access to this sort of information!” Connect with your child’s teachers and school leaders – “Just as you would get to know your child’s teachers in a traditional school, be open to forging constructive relationships with your child’s online teachers.  The lines of communication between parents and teachers should always be clear and open.” Integrate your school and family year planners – “Online schooling should offer families far more flexibility when it comes to determining school hours and days.  That said, there will still be important schoolwork deadlines and Koa has special dates for key assessments, parent-teacher meetings, as well as educational outings and socials that you won’t want your child to miss.” Organising your child’s participation in sports and culture – “Even if your child is attending a high-engagement online school such as Koa where they have daily interaction in their small pods, it’s important to involve your child in other activities that give them the opportunity to socialise and engage in person.  This gives you the opportunity to maximise the extra time and resources you get by attending an online school and meet other families with children who have similar interests while they broaden their horizons through sports and cultural experiences.” Discover Koa Academy here

February 16, 2023

TOP 11 CHRONIC DISEASES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, investigates the top 11 chronic diseases in South Africa. Did you know chronic diseases – otherwise known as noncommunicable diseases, are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, accounting for nearly 60% of all deaths and 43% of the global disease burden? According to the World Health Organization, chronic disease is expected to account for 73% of all deaths by 2020. “Chronic diseases are long-term illnesses caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Although chronic diseases are frequently associated with older age groups, evidence suggests that thousands of South Africans are dying of chronic diseases before the age of 70.” Affinity Health discusses the top 10 chronic diseases South African should be mindful of. STROKE AND HEART DISEASE The sheer number of heart disease or stroke fatalities is a growing concern in SA. According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 215 people die from heart disease or strokes daily. Every hour, five people have heart attacks, and 10 have strokes. Because there is a lack of awareness about cardiovascular disease, many people go undiagnosed and untreated until it is too late. DIABETES One in every three adults (13 million) in South Africa has impaired fasting glucose (IFG), putting them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the country’s second deadliest disease, according to Statistics South Africa‘s 2021 report on mortality and causes of death. It has claimed more lives than HIV, hypertension, and other forms of heart disease combined. It is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and amputation of lower limbs. ARTHRITIS Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in South Africa, with a prevalence rate of 55.1% in urban areas and between 29.5% and 82.7% in adults over 65 years of age in rural areas. As many patients are unsure how to manage their symptoms, arthritis coexists with other chronic conditions. This disease is surprisingly common among children, affecting one to four out of every 1000. CANCER Cancer care is expected to cost $240 billion (R4160 billion) by 2030, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Cancer Institute estimates, due to healthcare inflation over the previous decades. Despite declining cancer rates, the CDC predicts that cancer will remain one of the leading causes of death in South Africa. It is estimated that nearly 110,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in South Africa by 2020, with over 56,000 cancer-related deaths accounting for one-quarter of all premature noncommunicable disease-related mortality. The most effective cancer prevention measures continue to be early screenings, raising awareness about preventative techniques, and developing strategic partnerships. OBESITY Obesity statistics in South Africa are concerning, with approximately 31% of men and 68% of women obese. Obesity and being overweight can lead to various lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is a major issue in adults and children, with more than 13% of South African children aged 6-14 years classified as overweight or obese. Education, promoting access to healthier foods, and providing preventive care to paediatric patients can help maintain a healthy weight. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE According to the most recent World Alzheimer’s Report, South Africa has 4.4 million people over the age of 60 living with the disease. Around 187,000 of these people have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing. Although most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, people younger than 65 can also develop the disease. It is the most common cause of dementia that worsens over time. In most cases, the symptoms develop gradually and become severe enough to interfere with daily activities. EPILEPSY More than 500 000 people in South Africa have epilepsy. Seizures caused by epilepsy can sometimes result in death. People with epilepsy may also have poor mental health or other impairments that are difficult to detect. ASTHMA Asthma affects more than 20% of children and 10-15% of adults in South Africa. It is not uncommon for those suffering from the illness to be hospitalised during an attack, which can significantly reduce their quality of life. HYPERTENSION/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects more than one in every three adults in South Africa. Because there are rarely any symptoms or visible signs that blood pressure is high, it is referred to as a “silent killer”. As a result, more than half of people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. Symptoms such as headaches, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, and sleepiness may sometimes occur, typically with extremely high blood pressure. It would be best if you did not wait for symptoms to appear. High blood pressure becomes more common with age, but anyone, regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or lifestyle, can develop it. HIV AND AIDS In South Africa, the overall HIV prevalence rate is estimated to be around 13.7%. In 2021, the total number of people living with HIV was expected to be approximately 8.2 million. HIV infection affects an estimated 19.5% of adults aged 15 to 49 years. TUBERCULOSIS In South Africa, tuberculosis is a significant public health concern. Every year, approximately 450,000 people contract the disease, with 270,000 also infected with HIV. TB is the leading cause of death in South Africa. It kills approximately 89,000 people per year, or 10 people every hour. Effective treatments are available, and the country has made significant progress in combating the disease, but much more is required to bring it under control.

February 14, 2023

Greek Mushroom & Potato Salad

Serves 4 Ingredients: 400g baby potatoes, sliced in half  1 tsp dried oregano  250g white button mushrooms, sliced in half  ½ red onion, thinly sliced 200g cherry tomatoes, sliced in half ½ large cucumber, deseeded and roughly chopped 100g feta cheese, roughly broken into chunks 100g black olives, preferably Kalamata small handful fresh oregano leaves 1 tsp dried oregano Olive oil, for cooking and dressing Juice of 1 lemon, for dressing  Salt and pepper, to taste  Method: Gently boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.  Drain and leave to steam dry and cool.  When cool, place in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.  Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and dried oregano. Toss to coat well.  Heat a large frying pan over medium high heat.  Add a drizzle of olive oil.  Cook the white buttons until lightly golden brown. Season well.  Put the onion, tomatoes and cucumber in a bowl and season to taste. Add the mushrooms and potatoes and mix.  Scatter the top of the salad with feta, olives and oregano leaves. Sprinkle over the dried oregano and drizzle everything with a little olive oil and lemon juice and serve. 

February 13, 2023

THE LOVE BUG

Drawn to Love Love is tender, love is kind… love is animated! This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating our favourite loved-up ‘toons with an epic marathon. You can catch love-themed episodes from Teen Titans Go!, We Bare Bears, Regular Show, Gumball, Craig of the Creek and Apple & Onion. Whether it’s JP following his heart and trying to join the Horse Girls, Gumball trying to win Penny back with a big romantic gesture or Onion following his heart to England, we’re celebrating love in all its forms! TUNE IN:             Tuesday, 14 February @ 14:55 CAT

February 13, 2023

Reuterina® unveils complete packaging design change – new look, same trusted formulation!

In an exciting move, Reuterina has unveiled a modernised packaging design that will be used across all of Reuterina®’s full range of products for all ages: Reuterina® drops1, Reuterina® Vit D2, Reuterina® junior3, Reuterina® daily4, Reuterina® acute5, and Reuterina® femme6. The packaging refresh features a new endorsement, the introduction of fun mascot characters, and a probiotic species rename. The endorsement, ‘POWERED BY BIOGAIA,’ serves to acknowledge BioGaia as the company responsible for the research and development of the Reuterina® formulations7, accompanied by a graphic representing the healthy growth and proliferation of intestinal flora. Child and baby products now carry friendly yellow mascot characters that bring to life the ‘good bacteria’ that a healthy young gut needs7. In addition to the package redesign, Lactobacillus reuteri, the probiotic species of Reuterina®, was renamed Limosilactobacillus reuteri. The name change was undertaken by a global group of scientists who have collaborated to divide this genus into groups of closely related species – which share certain physiological and metabolic properties – under new genus names.8 The Reuterina® product line’s efficacy and safety remain unchanged.  Over 200 clinical trials have been conducted to validate Reuterina®.9 Reuterina® Range Of Products Reuterina® offers a wide range of products for people of all ages. Reuterina® drops Reuterina® drops1 are a convenient liquid drop designed specifically for infants under the age of two years. Reuterina® drops have been clinically validated in babies and children and have been shown to benefit a variety of health conditions, including: Colic10 Constipation11 Regurgitation12 Acute gastroenteritis12 Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea13 Reuterina® Vit D  These drops are specifically formulated with 400IU Vitamin D3, which acts to enhance the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the body. These drops can be used daily to assist with immune modulation2. Reuterina® junior Reuterina junior® strawberry flavoured chew tablets are appropriate for children over the age of two who can chew a tablet3. These strawberry tablets are indicated for3: Reduction in diarrhoea Reduction in childhood constipation Reduction in frequency and pain in children suffering from Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP) Immune modulation Reuterina® daily  Probiotics are used to help treat and prevent conditions caused by an imbalance in the gut flora.4 Reuterina® daily can be used to help treat and prevent diarrhoea and constipation by restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of flora in the stomach and intestines (gut).4 Reuterina® acute  Reuterina® acute aids in the restoration and maintenance of a healthy balance of gut flora during and after an antibiotic course.5 Reuterina® acute has been clinically validated in trials where it was demonstrated that taking Reuterina® during the antibiotic course resulted in fewer diarrhoeal side effects.14 Reuterina® femme  Reuterina® femme is indicated to maintain and restore healthy flora.6 When ingested daily, Reuterina® femme helps to maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent vaginal infections.6 The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from selected Dis-Chem and Clicks stores and independent pharmacies nationwide. For more information, visit: https://reuterina.co.za/ and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook.   References and legals are available on request

February 13, 2023

What is a Hospital grade breast pump?

Traditionally Hospital grade breast pumps have been Large, bulky, very expensive, multiuser breast pumps that have strong motor that allow of pumping multiple times a day and have a good longevity. These pumps were designed to help mothers build up their milk supply (for example with premature mothers) from scratch and then also maintain the mothers milk supply. In order to do this these pumps needed to have a variety of cycles and suction levels to effectively cause the milk ejection reflex (let-down) and then to drain the breast effectively. These pumps were traditionally kept in hospitals.  With the demand for better private and home use pumps Ameda has used technology to create their very own hospital grade breast pump that is available and affordable for mothers to have their own private hospital grade breast pump. The Mya Joy double electric hospital grade breast pump ticks all the boxes that mothers need for a private hospital grade breast pump: able to initiate breast milk production able to maintain breast milk supply 2-phase pumping Small and compact Quiet  Portable (fits into a handbag, can clip onto your closes and uses batteries) Affordable Motor is capable of being used 8+ times a day Motor has a 2-year warranty Easy to use  Additional flange sizes to make sure the pump fits you correctly Double electric- express both breasts at the same time Back up service and parts available  So why is a hospital grade breast pump different from other off the shelf breast pumps? The normal breast pumps do not have motors that are able to create a suction level of -250mm Hg and maintain it. They only can maintain a negative suction of about -170mm Hg. This is not sufficient to be used for increasing milk supply or to maintain it. It is ok to use if you are only pumping occasionally and your baby is breast feeding often from your breast. Your baby will then be able to drain and help your body to maintain your milk supply, not your breast pump. Normal pump if not used with breast feeding can cause a mothers milk to dry up or decrease.  The amount and type of cycles is also very important. A cycle is how many times in a minute your breast pump “sucks” your breast. A hospital grade breast pump can change the cycles per minute to mimic that of a baby. Think about how a baby sucks at the breast. It sometimes sucks fast and other times sucks slowly. The fast suction is to help with the let down and the slower sucking is to drain the breast properly. A Hospital grade breast pump has 2 phases which is the faster and slower cycles. These cycles should be in a range of 80-120 c.p.m. for the stimulation phase and 20-65 c.p.m. for the expression phase.  The Mya Joy allows for mothers to be in control of the setting and timing of their breast pump. This allows the mother to change the settings so that she can have more than one let down per pump. As she is in control of the timing it allows her to shorten her pump and make most effective time. This is ideal for when a mom needs to go back to work and has limited time to express in.  In the paste hospital grade breast pump have been known for being bulky but the new Ameda Mya Joy is small enough to fit into your hand. It is small but mighty. It has a back clip so that you can clip it onto you favourite pair of legging and walk around while using the Mya Joy. The Mya Joy uses batteries which makes the pump portable. The benefit of batteries is that you can use rechargeable batteries which reduces the cost of batteries, the Mya Joy can be used for 90 minutes at the highest settings before needing to have new batteries. The benefit of having batteries as an option is that the pump can still be used if the charger has been left at work or home.  A very important feature for all breast pumps is the sound level that it makes while it is operating. If a pump makes a lot of noise, it can become very irritating and embarrassing as people will know what you are doing. The Ameda Mya Joy is a very quiet pump, so much so a mother can use the pump while talking on the phone and the other person will not hear the pump.  The shape of the flange is also very important as this creates comfort and a proper seal. Comfort is so important with breast feeding as this allows for the flow of breast milk. The shape and size of the flange is so important. The flange needs to completely seal around the breast so that no air can escape causing the pump to lose its vacuum and reduce its ability to express the milk out. This often happens with in bra pumps. Mothers find that the flange are not the best fit for their breast size or nipple, causing them to use the pump on higher settings or not being able to express breast milk out effectively.   Technology and innovation have enabled Ameda to make a Hospital Grade breast pump that is easy to use while still maintaining the key elements of a hospital grade pump and adding portability and cost effectiveness. 

February 10, 2023

How to maintain gorgeous curls this summer with the Perfect Hair

Curly hair is the envy of so many women, but those who have curly hair naturally know that although it looks beautiful, it requires a bit of work and a lot of patience. Curly hair is drier than straight hair: Our scalps produce a natural oil that travels down the hair shaft, nourishing and moisturising it along the way. On a straight hair strand, the oil can travel downwards with ease. On a curly hair strand, it is more difficult for the oil to travel down the curl spiral, and as a result, it doesn’t always reach past the mid-lengths of the hair. This is why curly hair tends to get dry. During South African summers we experience an increase in humidity which can be a welcome change for curly girls, as it means the air doesn’t draw moisture from our hair and skin like it does when the humidity drops. However, higher humidity can lead to frizz and less manageability, as your hair will absorb moisture from the air which increases each strand’s diameter. Don’t let the warmer weather put a damper on your curls this summer – local haircare brand The Perfect Hair has a solution to some of the most common summer concerns: Use a curl-activating product daily   Now that the weather is warmer, you can use lighter products to increase and maintain moisture levels (your regular winter hair care staples might weight your hair down). Use a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, followed by a hydrating conditioner. Keep your curls looking their best by applying a lightweight cream daily. We recommend The Perfect Hair Curl Activating Gel (R99.95). This gel locks in moisture for perfectly popping curls and coils and is infused with a wonderful long-lasting tropical scent. Promote growth and trim regularly Curly hair should be trimmed regularly to remove dry and split ends and to keep it healthy and bouncy. If you’re trying to grow or maintain your length, however, you might be put off by the idea. The solution? Maintain the length you’re after while trimming your curls regularly by promoting fast and healthy hair growth. The Perfect Hair Grow on The Go Growth Oil (R89.99) contains rich Abyssinia and jojoba oils that provide intense treatment for a dry scalp while a basil root extract stimulates hair growth. You can use this oil treatment anywhere, anytime, on-the-go to keep your scalp moisturised and healthy. Define your curls Whether you have small, tightly wound curls or larger curls, a good quality curl defining cream can transform dry, unmanageable hair into the soft, bouncy curls of your dreams. A curl defining cream is essentially a styling cream with added haircare benefits. They give curls definition by enhancing their natural shape, help banish frizz and provide hair with extra moisture. We recommend The Perfect Hair Grow on The Go Curl Defining Cream (R119.95) which softens, moisturises and defines curls. Specially formulated for curls and coils, it is enriched with Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil and Argon Oil. Tame your edges Keeping you edges laid in hot weather can be challenging, and you may need to use a product that offers extra hold. The Perfect Hair Grow on the Go Edge Tamer (R64.99) holds and tames your edges while adding shine and moisture to your hair. This non-greasy control gel is infused with basil root to stimulate healthy hair growth while taming unruly edges. Moisturise No, you won’t need to moisturise as intensely as you do during winter, but your curls will still require some added moisture despite the warmer weather. The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Whipped Hair Butter (R99.99) contains a luxurious blend of shea butter, coconut and castor oil that deeply penetrates into the hair shaft to moisturise from within. Apply daily to keep your hair hydrated and soft. Don’t let summer get the better of your curls – follow these simple steps to enjoy healthy, bouncy curls all season long.

February 10, 2023

Is washing cloth nappies difficult?

For parents who want to live a more sustainable life, choosing cloth nappies is definitely a step in the right direction. Is it manageable? Of course it is. Is it hard work? No it isn’t. We tend to forget that with a baby, comes more washing anyway. Opting for full time cloth we are looking at around three washes a week. Part time cloth, two washes a week. What many people don’t realise is that nappies are first machine rinsed (which washes out urine and solids) and then put on a long main cycle with detergent. If your nappy load is not full you can then add linen, towels or any additional clothing items to the main wash. Nappies and normal washing can in fact be washed together. It does not necessarily mean you have to do an extra three load of washing for example. This all depends on the number of nappies you have.  As a cloth nappy manufacturer, we are often asked about the amount of water that is being used to wash nappies. There is a huge misconception that using reusables means using and “wasting” more water. Did you know that around 34 – 36 litres of water is used to manufacture ONE disposable nappy. This translates into 6.1 kl per month. Washing cloth = 1.2 kl per month. See our infographic below which breaks down the comparison. This ultimately shows that even though we think aren’t “using” water when opting for disposables nappies, we really are and in huge quantities. Using our own water to wash our nappies is by far the more water wise option. And definitely the most cost effective one in the long run.   In water restricted areas , grey water can be collected and used to wash nappies. There is generally always a way. Now let’s chat about our time.  Time is precious. As humans we like to “save time”. We like to use our time wisely and enjoy not having to do “extra work” that doesn’t benefit us. As mothers we have a lot on our plates once children arrive. There is so much to do all the time. So much to think about. So much to prepare on a daily basis. We want to find efficient ways to do everything and push out the things that might create more work for us. This is a given.  Washing nappies becomes part of your daily routine. It’s just what you do once you make the choice to use reusables. Much like once you start recycling your plastics.  Modern cloth nappy washing has really come a LONG way since the good old days of soaking and washing those terri towelling nappies. If you speak to any granny today, they will all tell you how laborious this was, however they did it given no plastics were available back then. We just don’t do any of that anymore as our nappies are now made from very different fabrics that don’t require any soaking or bleaching. Technology has also sped this process up. It has been totally streamlined basically. Machine rinse, wash on a main cycle. Hang to dry. Done!. Most of us are fortunate to have a machine and this is what really does all the “hard work” these days.  So let’s break down washing a load of nappies in terms of our time: Fill the machine with nappies: 2 mins. Hanging: 5 – 10 mins. Folding and packing away: 15 mins (the most satisfying and therapeutic part). Admiring your cloth nappy stash all clean and ready for the bum: hours….days… weeks…years. So in total we are realistically only looking at around 20 – 30 minutes per “wash”. And you know what… this mum sums it up very well: “There is something very therapeutic and fulfilling about the process. I had no idea I would be so overjoyed about the whole thing”. We are faced with this stigma of washing being boring… labor intensive… “work”. Washing your cloth nappies however is everything but that. Nappies are possibly the only item that you end up actually wanting to do. Why? Because using them is so rewarding as it generates a sense of pride within. There is nothing better than knowing deep down that what you are doing daily is better for your baby and better for the planet.  And this is the experience of using Pokkelokkie. Join our tribe. We will support you. Did you know we now offer a nationwide PK Guru service? You can now find a PK guru in your area, make a free appointment with her to see and feel our nappies and chat about using our system. Visit our website to find out more.

February 10, 2023

Five summer beauty trends to embrace this season

Summer is still here and we’re ready to embrace the very best in summer beauty. This season’s beauty trends are nostalgic (with the 90s and early 2000s making a comeback!) and simple – we’re seeing the trends move toward easy application and imperfection. Here are five summer beauty trends everyone should try this season. Fresh glow The “no makeup” makeup look has been trending for a while now, and this summer, we’re seeing a fresh, natural complexion take centre stage, but this time with an added glow. You know that glowy look you get when you’re basking in the late afternoon sun? That’s what summer 2022’s fresh glow is all about. And it’s achieved with a good skincare regime rather than heaps of makeup. Regular exfoliation is key, as it plenty of hydration. Keep your skin exfoliated and glowing with NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (R379.95). The pads are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid (2.8%) to retexture and resurface skin, whilst witch hazel helps to tone. This moisturising formula with hyaluronic acid and soothing blue daisy helps to reveal brighter and smoother looking skin. Maintain your skin’s moisture levels by applying a good quality hyaluronic acid moisturiser day and night. Creightons H20 Boost Day Gel (R169.95) can be applied every morning. A refreshingly light moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, it leaves skin intensely moisturised and hydrated for up to 24 hours. Creightons H20 Boost Overnight Mask (R169.95) can be applied in the evenings. This nourishing cream contains hyaluronic acid which works overnight to improve skin’s elasticity and intensely hydrate, allowing you to wake up to a dewy, revitalised complexion. Keep foundation to a minimum, and rather focus on using concealer strategically, in areas where needed. Try wet n wild Photo Focus Liquid Concealer (R82.95). Creamy and luminous, it is white-cast free and allows your natural skin to shine through. If you simply can’t go without foundation, try a dewy formula like wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation (R139.95) and apply it with a good quality brush like the new Real Techniques Everything Face Brush. It allows you to achieve light to medium coverage and blends foundation seamlessly. Everything pink You just need to take a quick stroll through your local shopping mall to realise that pink is the colour of the season. And it’s not just limited to fashion and homeware – pink makeup is big this season too. From nails, to lips, to cheeks and eyes, there is no shortage of pretty pink hues to add to your makeup collection. For eyes, try: wet n wild Color Icon 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Petalette (R129.95). It features five high-impact colours in matte, satin, shimmer, metallic, and glitter finishes For lips, try: wet n wild Mega Slick Lipgloss in Sinless (R109.95). It delivers a slick of kissable colour in a nourishing formula consisting of jojoba glaze, maxi lip peptides, hyaluronic acid and collagen. If you prefer a lipstick formula, try wet n wild Megalast High Shine Lipstick in Pinky Ring (R104.95): A nourishing, luscious lipstick infused with lip-loving ingredients including murumuru butter, mango butter, and sunflower and watermelon seed oils that effortlessly glides on for superior wear. For cheeks, try: wet n wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Blossom Glow (R119.95). It perfectly accents the highpoints of your face with a pearlescent finish in a formula that is easy to blend. For nails, try: wet n wild Shine Nail Color in Tickled Pink (R37.95) and Sparked (R37.95). The colours glide on easily and offer a high shine finish. Plus, they’re formulated without formaldehyde, toluene and phthalate. Statement lips This is the first summer since the pandemic in which we won’t be wearing face masks, which may be the reason that bold lips have made a comeback. All colours go – from classic reds to striking corals and popping pinks. For a bold pop of colour, we recommend wet n wild Megalast Lip Gloss (R70.00). it combines the shine of the gloss with the colour payoff of a lip stain. Its creamy, comfy and lightweight formula provides mirror-like shine and intense glossy colour that melts into the lips. For a pop of pink, try shade Kiss My Glass or shade Love Blind Glare for a pop of plum. Smudged liner Inspired by 90s grunge, the “lived-in” or “smudged” eyeliner look is back. One of the easiest beauty looks to master, the smudged liner look requires just a kohl eyeliner pencil and a short, dense eyeshadow brush. Line your top and bottom lashes with your pencil and then smudge it with your brush to soften and blur lines. We recommend wet n wild Color Icon Khol Liner Pencil (R27.95) which offers rich, hyper-pigmented colour, and glides on smoothly. Follow with the Real Techniques 326 Flat Liner Brush (part of the newly-launched Naturally Beautiful Eye Set) and blend, blend, blend. Metallic magic Hello, Y2K! Metals are back – chrome, gold, bronze and silver are taking over the eyelids of celebrities everywhere, and the metallic cat eye was considered the hottest eye makeup look in the US for summer 2022. There are no hard and fast rules for application – a few wispy swaths of shadow across the lid work just as well as a full on metallic cut-crease or cat eye. And if you want, why not work metallic into your lip colours and nail colours, too? For lips, try: wet n wild Megalast Metallic Liquid Catsuit Lipstick (R119.95) glides on glossy and transforms into a high pigmented matte finish for lips that make a statement. The lightweight formula is specially designed for long lasting wear without drying out your lips. For eyes, try: wet n wild Color Icon 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Lights Off (R179.95) which features high-impact colours in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. Rich pigment and high payoff formula blends effortlessly with a soft glide application. For nails, try: wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Metallica (R35.95), which glides on quickly and dries with an unbelievable

February 9, 2023

BACK-TO-SCHOOL: TIPS TO BUILD YOUR CHILD’S IMMUNITY

How can you protect your child from back-to-school germs? Some healthy habits can serve as an immune booster for kids, helping them fight off pathogens more effectively and recover faster.   Here are four healthy habits to help boost your child’s immune system. Encourage a healthy diet: Children should consume a variety of foods daily from the five major food groups: vegetables, fruits, starchy carbohydrates, protein, and dairy.1 Ensure they get plenty of ZZZs: A good night’s rest not only improves academic performance, memory, and behaviour but also boosts immunity.2 Keep them active: Physical activity contributes to children’s overall health, which may support their immune system functions.3 Reap the health benefits of probiotics: Taking care of your child’s stomach is the first step toward a healthy lifestyle, as the majority of the immune system is located in the gut.4Reuterina junior® 5, coupled with Reuterina® Vit D6 drops, can play an important role in how the gut functions including boosting the immune system.7 The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from Dis-Chem and Clicks stores and independent pharmacies nationwide.  For more information, visit: https://reuterina.co.za/ and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook.             References: Mayo Clinic. Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335. Last accessed November 2022. Sleep Foundation. How Sleep Affects Immunity. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/how-sleep-affects-immunity. Last accessed November 2022. da Silveira MP, da Silva Fagundes KK, Bizuti MR, Starck É, Rossi RC, de Resende E Silva DT. Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature. Clin Exp Med. 2021 Feb;21(1):15-28. doi: 10.1007/s10238-020-00650-3. Epub 2020 Jul 29. PMID: 32728975; PMCID: PMC7387807. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7387807/. Last accessed November 2022. Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Sep;153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):3-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x. PMID: 18721321; PMCID: PMC2515351. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/. Last accessed November 2022. Reuterina® Junior Approved Package Insert, July 2010. Reuterina® Vit D (drops) Approved Package Insert, August 2013. Indrio F, et al. The effects of probiotics on feeding tolerance, bowel habits, and gastrointestinal motility in preterm newborns. J Pediatr 2008;152:801-806. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492520/. Last accessed November 2022.     Ascendis Pharma (Pty) Ltd. Co Reg No. 2002/001567/07 | Customer Care: +27 11 036 9600 | 004 ZA Reut 012023

February 8, 2023

Advocates call for policy changes to prevent SA childhood obesity

Approximately 13% of South Africa’s children under five years are overweight – more than double the global average.1 Being overweight and developing obesity in early childhood increases the risk for adult obesity, as well as associated conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. All of these conditions are increasingly prevalent in South Africa.1 Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and teens.2 It’s particularly troubling because the extra kilos often start children on the path to lifelong health problems.2 Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.2 The main cause of overweight and obesity among children is the consumption of high-calorie diets — those that are rich in salt, sugar and fats.1 This is also influenced by other factors such as household poverty coupled with the high cost of healthy foods.1 South African children’s fast-food consumption rates are high.3 In a 17-country study completed in 2014, researchers found that fast-food consumption among South African children and adolescents was more frequent than in high-income countries such as Japan and Belgium.3 “Highly processed and unhealthy foods have become increasingly accessible and affordable over the last three decades, leading to a global increase in weight issues and obesity, especially in the poorest and most vulnerable communities and households,” says Nzama Mbalati, Programmes Manager at the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA). One of the major factors associated with obesity is sugar consumption. South Africans are estimated to consume up to 24 teaspoons of sugar per day – double the daily WHO recommendation.4 South Africa passed a Health Promotion Levy (HPL) on sugary beverages in 2018.5 Commonly known as “the sugar tax”, it has led to considerable reductions in the purchase and consumption of taxable drinks, proving that legislation can support consumers to reduce intake of unhealthy foods and beverages.5 “Currently, at least 85 countries have sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) taxation,” says Mbalati. “Data from countries like the UK and Mexico indicates that SSB taxes successfully reduce sugar consumption. In South Africa, people are buying 28% fewer sugary drinks since the government implemented the HPL in 2018. In addition, the levy has slashed the South African beverage sector’s use of sugar by a third. The combination of the two has cut sugar intake in the country by nearly a third. It is now time for the sugar tax on drinks – currently at 10% of the cost per litre – to be doubled and this needs to happen soon.” Mbalati stresses that this is critical to address the country’s raging diabetes epidemic and the high rates of obesity that fuel it. “South Africans are addicted to sugar. With more than a quarter of the population living with obesity, we are among the top 20% of the most obese nations in the world. More than 4,5 million people are diabetic, with diabetes being the second-largest cause of death after tuberculosis,” says Mbalati. Mbalati adds that sugary drinks should be drastically reduced in children’s diets. “Even 100% fruit juice with no added sugar contains a lot of sugar with none of the fibre you would find in a piece of fruit to help fill you up. Encourage kids to drink mostly water and plain milk. Get them to eat whole fruit, like an apple, instead of drinking apple juice,” says Mbalati. Visit https://whatsinourfood.org.za/lsml/ for more information. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterlabels_za/?igshid=Y2ZmNzg0YzQ%3D Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterlabelsza   References: Statistics on children in South Africa: Overnutrition in children, Sambu, W. Children’s Institute. University of Cape Town. [Nov 2019]. Available from: http://childrencount.uct.ac.za/indicator.php?domain=4&indicator=96 Childhood obesity. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). [Dec 2022]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20354827 South African Child Gauge 2020: Food and nutrition security. May, J.; Witten, C.; Lake L. Children’s Institute. University of Cape Town. [2020]. Available from:http://www.ci.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/image_tool/images/367/Child_Gauge/South_African_Child_Gauge_2020/ChildGauge_2020_screen_final.pdf McCreedy, N.; Shung-King, M.; Weimann, A.; Tatah, L.; Mapa-Tassou, C.; Muzenda, T.; Govia, I.; Were, V.; Oni, T. Reducing Sugar Intake in South Africa: Learnings from A Multilevel Policy Analysis on Diet and Noncommunicable Disease Prevention. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 11828. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811828 Stacey, N; Edoka, I; Hofman, K; Swart, EC; Popkin, B; Shu Wen, N. Changes in beverage purchases following the announcement and implementation of South Africa’s Health Promotion Levy: an observational study. The Lancet. 5, 4, E200-E208. [Apr 2021]. Available from:https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2542-5196%2820%2930304-1

February 8, 2023

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO EATING HEALTHY

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, cuts through the clutter to explain what healthy eating entails and how you can make it work. The term “healthy eating” can mean different things to different people. Everyone appears to have an opinion on the healthiest way to eat. Adding to the confusion, nutrition articles you read online can be downright perplexing with contradictory and frequently unfounded suggestions and rules. This makes it challenging to eat in a healthy way that works for you. “The truth is that eating healthy does not have to be difficult. It is possible to nourish your body while also enjoying your favourite foods,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “After all, food should be enjoyed rather than feared, counted, weighed, and tracked.” Why Is Eating Healthy Important? Before we understand what healthy eating entails, it’s critical to know why it matters. First and foremost, food fuels you and provides your body with the calories and nutrients required to function. Your health may suffer if your diet lacks calories or one or more nutrients. Similarly, if you consume too many calories, you may gain weight. Obese people are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart, liver, and kidney disease. Furthermore, the quality of your diet influences disease risk, longevity, and mental health. While ultra-processed foods are associated with increased mortality and a higher risk of conditions such as cancer and heart disease, diets rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods are associated with increased longevity and disease protection. Are Specific Diets Necessary? Certainly not! Although some people need – or choose – to avoid certain foods or follow diets for health reasons, most people do not need to follow any specific diet to feel their best. That’s not to say that certain eating habits can’t be beneficial. Some people think the healthiest when they follow a low-carb diet, while others thrive on high-carb diets. Eating healthy generally has nothing to do with following diets or specific dietary rules. “Healthy eating” means putting your health first by feeding your body nutritious foods. The specifics will differ depending on your location, financial situation, culture and society, and personal taste preferences. How to Make Eating Healthy Work for You Food may be one of the many puzzle pieces that comprise your daily life but making nutrition a priority is the first step toward eating a healthier diet. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours grocery shopping or meal prepping, but it does require a little thought and effort, especially if you live a busy lifestyle. Stock up on the following items when you go grocery shopping: Fresh fruits and vegetables Protein sources such as chicken, eggs, fish, and tofu, as well as bulk carb sources such as canned beans and whole grains Healthy fat sources such as avocados and olive oil Starchy vegetables, including white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash Nuts, seeds, nut butter, hummus, and olives Real-world Suggestions For Healthy Eating Affinity Health provides some practical tips to help you get started with healthy eating. Make plant-based foods a priority: Plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts should comprise most of your diet. Try including these foods, particularly vegetables and fruits, at every meal and snack. Ditch takeouts: Cooking at home allows you to diversify your diet. If you’re used to ordering takeout or eating out, start by cooking just one or two meals per week. Regular grocery shopping: If you keep healthy foods in your kitchen, you’re more likely to prepare healthy meals and snacks. Make one or two grocery runs per week to keep nutritious ingredients on hand. Recognise your diet will only sometimes be perfect: Progress, not perfection, is essential. Meet yourself exactly where you are. Cooking one homemade, veggie-packed meal once a week is significant progress if you eat out every night. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages: Limit your intake of sugary beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and sweetened coffees as much as possible. Regularly consuming sugary beverages may be harmful to your health. Choose foods that are filling: When you’re hungry, your goal should be to eat nutritious foods rather than consume the fewest calories possible. Choose protein- and fibre-rich meals and snacks that will keep you full. Consume whole foods: A healthy diet should include whole foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and protein sources like eggs and fish. Drink water: Water is the best way to stay hydrated, an essential part of healthy eating. If you’re not used to drinking water, get a reusable water bottle and flavour it with fruit slices or lemon juice. “These suggestions can assist you in making the transition to a healthier diet,” adds Hewlett. “You can also consult with a registered dietitian if unsure how to improve your diet. A dietitian can assist you in developing a long-term, nutritious eating plan that fits your needs and schedule.”  

February 7, 2023

Portabello Onigirazu

Serves 4 / makes 4 sushi sandwiches  Ingredients: For the rice: 400g sushi rice 500ml water  2 tsp salt 2 Tbsp sugar 160ml rice vinegar  For the filling: 1 Tbsp sesame oil  4 large portabello mushrooms, thickly sliced 1 Tbsp soy sauce 8 sheets nori 1 large avocado, quartered and sliced  1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into fine matchsticks ½ small cucumber, sliced  1 handful baby spinach leaves  4 Tbsp pickled ginger  Black sesame seeds, for serving  Soy sauce, for dipping Method:  For the rice: Rinse the sushi rice in a sieve, extremely well, until the water runs clear.  Pour the rinsed rice into a pot with the 500ml water. Place a lid on the pot.  Allow to sit for 30 minutes.  Place rice onto the heat and bring to a boil.  Once rice reaches a boil turn the heat down to the lowest setting.  Cook for 10 minutes.  Switch the heat off and leave the rice, lid on, for a further 15 minutes.  In a small saucepan, combine the salt, sugar and rice vinegar over low heat.  Once dissolved, pour evenly over the rice and fold very gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.  Spread rice out onto a clean tray and allow to cool.  For the filling: Heat a large frying pan on high heat. 

February 6, 2023

5 tips on choosing the right online school

Ensuring that your child receives the best academic education is foremost on the minds of parents and families. It is, therefore, extremely important that once you decide to go the online school route, that you consider these factors when choosing a specific school: Experience: Look for an online school that has a well-known brand, years of experience when it comes to online learning platforms and curriculums as well as a proven track record for methods of online instruction and assessment.  Accreditation: Is the online school registered with an examining body, like the Independent Examinations Board, which is accredited by Umalusi to offer the National Senior Certificate (NSC)? Such accreditation ensures that the education your child receives complies with the requirements of both the school’s examining body and the Department of Education. Then you can trust that your child’s reports or NSC is valid and will be accepted at other schools and universities, both local and abroad. Online classes and resources: Does the online school offer online classes? Are these live or merely recorded? And are the presented by qualified teachers? These are important considerations, if you require online classes as part of your academic support. Besides this, see if the online school also provides other resources such as supporting learning material, a library, and a database or platform to access additional information. Learning Environment: A well-designed learning environment can make the difference between an enjoyable and frustrating online school. Top schools have online classrooms that are easy to use and navigate, even if you’re not a computer expert. Their classroom technologies allow you to interact with your classmates and teacher intuitively, and provide a personal feel to the online environment. Also, check to see if the technical requirements match what you have at home. Top online schools offer a learning environment that can be accessed with the most common hardware and software technologies. Programme Diversity: Online schools often have a variety of programmes and subjects. Choose a programme that best suits your needs in terms of flexibility and academic support. Also, ensure that the online school you choose has a diversity of subjects that will suit your child’s future endeavours and career choices. At Brainline, we have been providing quality driven education for Grade R – 12 for more than 35 years. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says they are proud to be the first online education provider recognised by the Independent Examinations Board.  ‘Brainline’s registration with the IEB assures you of quality assessment in accordance with national policy. This means that you can trust Brainline to provide you with valid qualifications, which are accepted at other schools and national and international universities.’ For more information and a full breakdown of Brainline’s products, click here: https://brainline.com/products/ 

February 6, 2023

From Baby Steps to Back-to-School for New Moms & Tots

Back-to-school is always tinged by just a little excitement and anxiety for the unknown, as parents and children prepare for the start of the new school year ahead.  Every child will enter the school year with different skills, goals, and social and emotional aptitudes. Your 3-year-old is motivated by fun and new ideas and will be active and communicative. Four-year-old girls and boys are energetic, imaginative and love to ask questions about their world; while your five-year-old will already have the confidence of knowing some letters of the alphabet, words to popular songs and can count to ten.  As a parent sending your child to creche, preschool or big school for the first time, you can support your child by being positive about school and taking the necessary steps to ensure the days ahead are a success as they learn to navigate the world all on their own, and for the very first time.  Here’s what you can do to make Back-to-School as seamless as possible for both of you: Confidence Boost: Read books together about starting school, where your child can relate to the characters in the story, is useful for first-day jitters and may provide a boost of confidence where needed. You can also discuss their new teacher and reassure your child that you and the teacher will work together to make sure they will be taken care of. Practise Makes Perfect: Practising their new daily routine before the start of their first day can help to alleviate some of your child’s anxiety. Go over the time to get up, and the routine of dressing and doing their teeth, eating breakfast, packing their lunch and when you will need to leave the house to reach school on time, and what time you will be there to collect them again. New school mom Sandy Adams pulled out all the stops: “The first morning I drop off my daughter at school, I strap her favourite dolls and our dogs into the car so we can all cheer her on together.” See & Do: For some, including those who are pre-readers and kids with special needs, a visual schedule can encourage them to follow the steps to get ready each morning and it can include pictures of their actual items to better guide them through those steps.  Lunch is Served: Ease your first-time scholar into the school schedule by eating lunch at the same time as your child will be when he or she is at school. This will help get your child’s stomach on a schedule so he or she isn’t going to class hungry and distracted. In the days or weeks before the start of school, plan and make your lunches together for the day ahead. Food helps to create a link between your home and the new school day and will support your child with a sense of connection and familiarity. Let them help you pack their lunch and label it together. Stay creative with your packed lunch ideas and avoid getting stuck into the dreaded one sandwich and an apple routine. The vital baby® NOURISH™ scoop™ feeding set, with lid and spoon, is the ideal lunch set for little ones to take to school and show off their self-feeding skills. Your child can easily scoop out every drop of nourishment with its scooped sides and it will boost their confidence and cutlery skills while eating from their own bowl, which is ideal for both purees and puddings and more chunkier textures. This means you can serve delicious pastas and toppings, mashed potatoes and cut-sausage coins, or pre-cooked lasagne slices, that will fill them up and keep them satisfied at school lunch time. The set comes with its own spoon and a hygienic spoon cover to keep it clean and will last from the early stages of weaning throughout toddlerhood.  Energy Boosters: Coming up with tasty, creative ideas each day will take getting used to. It helps to remember that kids, just like adults, eat with their eyes first, so pack your toddler’s lunch with items that include a lot of colours and interesting finger foods. A healthy lunch will also have a balance of nutrients they require to power them through the day. Proteins and fats will keep them full and fuelled and complex carbohydrates will give them the energy they need; so mix it up and keep it balanced.  The Vital Baby Store and Wean Pots come with six in a pack and are perfectly sized for small  amounts of food that your little scholar will love opening to reveal their daily treat for the day when on the school playground. The secure lids are fully leak-proof to safely store and transport food, keeping foods and snacks fresh for serving or for prepping ahead and stacking and storing in the fridge or freezer. Packed Inspiration: For creative, no-sandwich ideas, you will need to prep for your weekly shopping list and keep organised. It is also the perfect time to encourage your kids to prep their own packed lunches and start them on the road towards independence. You can do this by keeping a container in the fridge with lunch items to select from, such as cheese blocks, small yoghurts, cut vegetables, washed fruit and hummus dips and a secondary cupboard with muesli bars, nuts and single-serve pouches to make it easier for both of you. Try making your own trail mix to keep at home which your child can always reach and help themselves to.  Properly Packaged with Care: Ensure you pack your child a lunch in a lunch tin they can open. This includes liquid refreshment too, as some products can be too stiff for little fingers to manoeuvre, such as folding spout cups that keep a stiff seal. The Vital Baby® 360° Edge™ Cup is specially designed for toddlers and kids on the go. With a soft outer lip to protect small mouths and sore gums, the cup is pressure activated, so they can drink

February 6, 2023

Back to School Shoe Care with Toughees by Bata

School shoes are an essential part of the uniform kit – protecting your child’s feet while they run and play on the school grounds, and keeping them comfortable while they sit at their desks. With varying brands and costs on the market, parents purchase the best pair they can afford, and in order to reap maximum use of the school shoes, the onus lies on children, and parents, to take care of their shoes.  Michael Sithambaram, Manager of Schools Division at Bata South Africa, manufacturer of the country’s most loved school shoes, Bata Toughees, said caring for your school shoes is essential. Bata South Africa produces over 4 million of the country’s school shoes every year.  “We all eagerly look forward to back to school. Many parents will remember their very first back to school responsibility – polishing their school shoes at the start of the new week. With great attention to detail, this simple act not only taught children responsibility, but to protect the items they own against wear and tear. Parents have trusted Toughees for generations to craft a pair of good quality, comfortable and enduring shoes for their children, but thereafter it lies in their hands to properly care for shoes,” he said.    Here are the top points from Toughees to help teach and encourage children to take care of their shoes: Clean shoes with a soft cloth – wipe across the top of the shoe  Brush the underneath of the shoe daily to clear any grit or mud caught underneath Polish the shoe with a matching polish colour to take away scratches or marks Buff with a soft cloth for shine Do not store in a box, as the box can contain fungus and mould that could catch on the shoe.   If the shoe gets wet, stuff with a ball of paper to absorb any moisture and allow to air dry. Invest in shoes that have durable features such as genuine leather uppers, guarantees on fair wear and tear, have odour protection, and are less susceptible to discolouration and deterioration of fibre structure. “Back to school can be full of excitement for children, eager to see their friends, and run and play on the school grounds. This is how they learn. We know that parents invest in the best pair of shoes they can afford for their children, and with a few simple steps each week, both parents and children can lengthen the lifespan of a shoe and get maximum use of it without sacrificing on comfort,” said Sithambaram. Submitted your entry yet for the Toughees “It’s your time to shine” Back to School campaign? The competition is open to learners of all ages, as well as parents, to win one of ten R30 000 cash prizes that can help you to “shine”. To enter Think about how winning a share of R300 000 will help you “shine” and what you would do with your prize. Submit your short motivation to Toughees in one of three ways:  www.toughees.co.za/pages/itsyourtime, or Send a WhatsApp to +27 57 814 5994, or Scan this QR code (links to WhatsApp)

February 3, 2023

8 Vital health checks for men

Essential health checks or screenings are tests that are carried out by a medical doctor to check for diseases and health conditions, even before you may have any symptoms. By detecting diseases early on they are often easier to treat. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the most important check-ups for men. Colorectal Cancer Screening These tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum by checking for tissue growths, called polyps. If you have an elevated risk for cancer (such as a family history), then you should start having these tests from the age of 45. A colonoscopy, where the doctor looks at your entire colon, should be done every 3-10 years depending on what is found during your exam. A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) which also screens for colon cancer by looking for hidden blood in the stool, should be annual. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.  It occurs in the small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.   The growth is normally slow and it is the one type of cancer from which you have the best chances of recovery. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Most men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years and do not die from the disease. If prostate cancer is detected early — when it’s still confined to the prostate gland— there’s an excellent chance of successful treatment. Men, from the age of 50 (40 – 45 for those at high risk, with a family history of prostate cancer) should have an annual prostate examination.  How do you get checked for prostate cancer? Your doctor will recommend a blood test to check the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate and can be elevated in men who have prostate cancer.  This must be supported by a rectal examination. Weight and BMI The Body Mass Indicator (BMI) is used to check if you are a healthy weight. To calculate your BMI: Divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m)  Then divide the answer by your height again  Good to know Underweight <than 18.5 Normal weight 18.5 to 24.9 Overweight 25 to 29.9 Obese 30> Blood glucose With over 4.6 million people in South Africa living with diabetes, it’s important to check your blood glucose. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. They are different conditions but are both serious and need to be treated and managed properly. One of the biggest problems with diabetes is when it remains undiagnosed. This can lead to blindness, heart attackstroke, kidney failure, impotence and amputation so it’s vital to be checked. Blood pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when blood pressure stays elevated over time. It is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ since nearly 33% of people who have it, don’t know it.  If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries (and your heart) and if it’s not treated, hypertension can cause kidney failure, eye problems and heart disease. Skin checks Skin cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of skin cells – usually on the skin that has been exposed to the sun but not always. There are three major types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Examine your skin carefully at least once a month and, if you are prone to getting lots of moles, go to a dermatologist and have the mole ‘mapped.’  If skin cancers are found and treated early, they are almost always curable.   If you have a history of skin cancer in your family have your skin checked regularly by a doctor.  Cholesterol levels Cholesterol is in every cell in your body. You need cholesterol to help your brain, skin and other organs do their jobs. But eating too much fat and cholesterol is not good for you and it can start to build up in childhood. Cholesterol is produced by your liver, it’s carried in your blood and can get into the walls of the blood vessels. This can cause the blood vessels to get stiffer, narrower or clogged. If the clogging worsens over the years, it can cause a heart attack or stroke in adults. Doctors can find out what your cholesterol level is by taking some of your blood and testing it. The two main types of cholesterol are: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is bad cholesterol – a plaque builder and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is good cholesterol – which removes bad cholesterol from the body.  Testicular cancer Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump, hardness, enlargement, pain or any other change in one or both of their testicles. It is a good idea for men between the ages of 15 and 55 to do a self-examination. This is best done after a warm shower and will help find the cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated. If you present with any symptoms, visit your doctor immediate. The first step is usually an ultrasound but a blood test can also be done to detect the proteins which are produced by the testicular cancer cells. Remember early detection of any of diseases or health conditions can save your life. That’s why it’s important to go to your doctor for regular check-ups.  

February 3, 2023

Creightons has a haircare solution for every skin type this summer

High humidity, hot temperatures, wind and sweat all have the potential to cause skin concerns in summer. From dehydration, to breakouts, to a shiny complexion and pigmentation, summer skincare concerns may be frustrating, but the good news is that with the right skincare regime, they can be overcome. If you haven’t already, it’s time to pack away your winter skincare and to invest in a lighter regime for the warmer months. For affordable, targeted skincare that addresses your skin’s needs while giving it plenty of moisture and nourishment, look no further than Creightons. Creightons is an award-winning company that designs, creates and manufactures a wide range of skincare products. Creightons products are made with the highest quality formulations and packaging and are available across the globe. Creightons is 100% cruelty-free and where possible the products are vegan-friendly. Creightons currently has four different skincare ranges available, each one addressing some of the most common skincare concerns we face during summer: Salicylic Acid range If your skin is producing more sebum (oil) during summer, if you are experiencing blackheads and breakouts or if your pores are clogged or enlarged, the Salicylic Acid range is for you. This wonder ingredient treats and prevents breakouts by unplugging blocked pores and loosening dry and dead skin cells, resulting in a clearer complexion, reduced swelling and reduced redness. The Creightons Salicylic Acid range comprises: Creightons Salicylic Acid Clay Cleanser 125ml (From R75.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Foaming Clay Cleanser combines Kaolin Clay with Salicylic and Lactic Acids to help absorb excess oil and maintain healthier, clearer-looking skin every day. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion 75ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion is a moisturising, lightweight lotion to soothe and care for angry, blemish-prone skin without clogging pores or being too heavy on the skin. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Salicylic Acid Tonic 200ml (From R99.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic helps to maintain healthier, clearer looking skin every day by using specific actives suitable for blemish-prone skin. Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are two key ingredients that will help to improve an uneven skin tone and texture, leaving skin brighter and healthier. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Salicylic Acid Face Serum 30ml (From R104.95) – Creightons Salicylic Acid Intense Serum is formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid, an effective ingredient to help reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes, and pores; for a clearer, more radiant complexion. Dermatologically tested. Vitamin C range If your skin is prone to developing sun spots and pigmentation during summer, then vitamin C is the perfect ingredient to add to your regime. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to minimise as well as prevent the formation of sun-induced pigmentation. Plus, it brightens the complexion, leaving you looking refreshed and radiant. The Creightons Vitamin C range comprises: Creightons Vitamin C Face Scrub 150ml (From R99.95) – An energising and exfoliating scrub. Infused with vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes to effectively cleanse and exfoliate for healthier-looking skin. Creightons Vitamin C Moisturiser 75ml (From R89.95) – Working to enhance skin’s natural radiance, promoting a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Formulated with Vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes, this skin-loving moisturiser is lightweight and refreshing. Creightons Vitamin C Eye Serum 15ml (From R115.95) – Superfruits Vitamin C 2% Bright Eye Serum is a lightweight eye cream, fortified with Vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes, to rejuvenate and replenish the under eye area as well as minimise the appearance of dark circles. Creightons Vitamin C Face Serum 15ml (From R139.95) – Superfruits Vitamin C 2% Ultra Glow Serum is ideal for a dull complexion and uneven skin tone. This non-greasy essence melts quickly into the skin releasing beneficial ingredients – Vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and enzymes, to hydrate and enhance your natural glow. H2O Boost range Dehydration is a common skincare concern all year round, even during summer! When skin is dehydrated (lacking water), it produces more oil to compensate, which usually results in a shiny complexion and breakouts. The best ingredient to treat dehydration is hyaluronic acid, a super hydrator with the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water. The Creightons H2O Boost range contains this powerful ingredient, and comprises: Creightons H2o Boost Foaming Gel Wash 250ml (From R109.95) – Creightons H2O Boost Hyaluronic Foaming Gel Wash gently removes makeup and impurities whilst hydrating the skin, helping encourage a naturally glowing complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons H2o Boost Day Gel 50ml (From R169.95) – Creightons H2O Boost Day Gel is a refreshingly light moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid to leave skin intensely moisturised and hydrated for 24 hours. Dermatologically tested. Creightons H2o Boost Overnight Mask 50ml (From R169.95) – A nourishing cream with Hyaluronic Acid which works overnight to improve skin elasticity and intensely hydrate. Wake to a dewy, revitalised complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons H2o Boost Face Serum 25ml (From 179.95) – Replenish skin’s appearance and instantly boost hydration levels with a lightweight serum enriched with powerful actives to smooth and renew dehydrated skin. Dermatologically tested. Pink grapefruit range If your skin gets oily and shiny during summer, you’re not alone. A shiny T-zone is one of the most common summer skincare concerns. A clarifying ingredient like pink grapefruit may help. Grapefruit contains various different acids which can play an essential role in your skin’s health by helping with exfoliation. These acids help break down dry and dead skin cells before they clog pores and lead to breakouts, plus it has astringent properties, making it a great choice for oily skin. The Creightons Pink Grapefruit range comprises: Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Scrub 150ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Pink Grapefruit Daily Face Scrub. Gently exfoliates and unclogs pores to help promote a brighter, more radiant complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Wash 150ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Pink Grapefruit Refreshing Face Wash. Effectively removes dirt and impurities while invigorating the skin to help encourage a fresh, healthy-looking complexion. Dermatologically tested. Creightons Pink Grapefruit Micellar Water 250ml (From R69.95) – Creightons Pink Grapefruit Gently Cleansing Micellar Water. Lifts away impurities and stubborn make-up for soft, soothed, and refreshed skin in just one step. Dermatologically tested. No matter what your skincare concerns

February 3, 2023

Here’s why skinimalism and multi-purpose products will dominate 2023 skincare and grooming trends

One of the skincare buzzwords of 2022 was “skinimalism,” a trend that’s gone from strength to strength and is set to really take off in 2023. But what exactly is it all about and why does it keep gaining momentum? The term “skinimalism” originates from the words “skin” and “minimalism”, and refers to the practice of using fewer skincare and grooming products to achieve the same results. Skinimalism is all about establishing a simple regime that utilises only the basic, necessary products to achieve healthy skin and avoids the use of extra products. In recent years we’ve seen the rise and fall of the extensive skincare routine, which was made popular largely by skincare brands themselves in order to sell more products, and also by the rising interest in K-Beauty (Korean Beauty), which involves using up to 12 products twice a day. While using a lot of products might make you feel like you are improving the health and appearance of your skin, it can sometimes have the opposite effect. Exposing our skin to too many products and ingredients can lead to the skin becoming overloaded, which may result in sensitivity, irritation, breakouts and damage to the skin’s barrier. In addition, using a lot of products is costly (and let’s face it – we can all do with a bit of financial relief at the moment!) and time-consuming. That’s largely why skinimalism has gained such rapid popularity… Because it’s here to save you time and money. You may be wondering whether a skinimalism approach will yield the same results that a more complex regime might. In short, the answer is yes. You can use fewer products and still get the results you’re after, providing you select good quality products that really deliver on their promises. Skinimalism favours quality over quantity and goes hand-in-hand with multi-purpose products. A multi-purpose product offers more than one use or benefit. It may address two concerns at the same time, or may be used for more than one purpose, or on more than one area of the body. FINO Cosmetics offers a wide range of cost-effective, locally designed and manufactured grooming products that are known for their efficacy. What sets FINO apart, is that every product in their range is multi-functional, and either directly or indirectly also treats razor bumps and ingrown hair – a major problem for men of all ages. Their hero product FINO Soothe MAN (R61.99) is a non-irritant, dermatologically-tested balm that helps combat ingrown hair, razor bumps and burn after any form of hair removal including waxing and wet and dry shaving. This all-rounder can be used anywhere on the body, including the face, head, underarms, back and groin area. A synergistic blend of vitamin A and fruit enzymes exfoliate, moisturise and purify the skin, preventing infections, sensitivity and irritation. If you have a beard, FINO Face and Beard Wash and FINO Beard Oil is the combo you need. FINO Face and Beard Wash (R79.99) gently removes daily impurities and promotes soft and moisturised skin whilst protecting against ingrown hair and bumps. It is soap-free and has a light gel texture that gently yet thoroughly cleanses the skin and beard keeping your skin free from pollutants. FINO Beard Oil (R139.00) is the multi-purpose oil you need to add to your daily regime. This multi-use product is a blend of non-greasy natural carrier oils and healing essential oils that nourish and moisturise the beard as well as the skin underneath. It can be used daily for a softer and more manageable beard, and it also makes the perfect shaving oil, plus it protects against dry and flaky skin under the beard. It can be used as a tissue oil or facial oil to nourish and soften skin and when regularly massaged into the skin beneath the beard, it may encourage beard growth. Looking for the ultimate multi-functional duo? We recommend FINO Bump Control Kit (R79.00). It contains the iconic FINO Soothe MAN along with FINO Bump Control, a low-irritant, dermatologically-tested serum that combats razor bumps. This handy pump bottle contains a blend of natural tea tree oil and astringents that leave skin looking good and healthy. It is easy to apply and can be used on the beard area and head after wet or dry shaving. FINO embraces skinimalism with its simple range of easy-to-use, highly effective multi-purpose grooming products. The FINO range is suitable for use on all skin types and skin tones and is proudly created and manufactured for you in South Africa. Learn more: https://www.finocosmetics.com/ Follow FINO on social media: https://www.instagram.com/finocosmetics/ https://www.facebook.com/finocosmeticsman/

February 3, 2023

Goodness to go – back to school lunchbox inspiration

The summer holidays have come to an end and the back-to-school season has arrived. While you might be looking forward to the quiet mornings that come with an empty house, the start of the school year comes with other challenges like preparing wholesome lunches for your kids to get them through a long day of learning. Packing a delicious and wholesome lunch for your children every day doesn’t have to be a chore.  Get your kids excited for lunch times on busy school days by keeping their food fresh, colourful, and interesting. How? Rhodes Quality have come up with a few ideas…With these seven lunchbox recipe inspiration ideas you can lovingly prepare snacks and meals that even the fussiest kids will enjoy!  Tuna gherkin sandwich Packed full of protein and flavour pack up these sandwiches for your little one’s lunch boxes. Ingredients (serves 4) 2 cans of tuna, well drained 1 tomato, chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped 4- 6 Rhodes Quality Sweet & Sour Gherkins, drained and chopped 125 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise salt and freshly cracked black pepper 45 ml (3 Tbsp) flat-leaf parsley, chopped  for serving: 8 slices buttered bread Method Place the tuna, tomato and red onion in a bowl and toss to mix. Add the Rhodes Quality Sweet & Sour Gherkins. Add the mayonnaise and parsley and stir lightly to mix. Season to taste. Spoon the filling onto 4 slices of buttered bread, close with remaining slices and serve. Tomato, salami, and cheese calzones Pizza for lunch is always a good idea. Snack size calzones keep all the toppings tucked away and easy to eat. Ingredients (makes 8) For the pizza dough 600 g plain flour 10 ml (2 t) of salt 5 ml (1 t) sugar 1 x 10 g packet instant dry yeast 30 ml (2 T) olive oil ± 400 ml (1 ¾ C) lukewarm water For the filling 1 x 410 g can Rhodes Quality Tomato Italian Style 100 g salami, chopped 350 g mozzarella cheese, grated salt and freshly cracked black pepper dried oregano Method Sift the flour, salt, and sugar into a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and add the olive oil. Add 250 ml (1 cup) of warm water to the flour and work the mixture together. Continue adding the remaining water, a little at a time, until the dough is soft yet firm and is kneadable without sticking. Knead the dough by hand for about ten minutes or until the dough is elastic and smooth. Form the dough into a ball and place in a floured bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot to rise until it has doubled in size. Knock down and knead again and then divide into 2. Roll out one half of the dough to an evenly thick rectangle. Use a saucer to cut four circles out of the dough. Spread each circle with a generous layer of Rhodes Quality Tomato Italian Style. Top with the salami and the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Fold each circle in half and press the edges together. Place the calzones on a lined baking tray in an oven preheated to 190° C for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Peanut butter and jam sandwich cookies A traditional twist on a PB and J, chewy and sweet lunch box treats. Ingredients (makes ±24) 160 ml (⅔ cup) butter, melted 140 ml (½ cup + 1 Tbsp) brown sugar 125 ml (½ cup) white sugar 250 ml (1 cup) creamy peanut butter 1 egg 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla essence 330 ml (1⅓) cup cake flour 5 ml (1 tsp) baking powder 5 ml (1 tsp) salt To sandwich together: 65 ml (1 C) smooth peanut butter Rhodes Quality Strawberry Jam Method Beat together the butter, brown and white sugars, and peanut butter until smooth. Add the egg and the vanilla essence and beat well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined but do not overmix. Roll the cookie dough into 24 even sized balls and place evenly spaced out on a lined baking tray. Flatten each cookie with a fork. Bake the cookies in an oven preheated to 180º for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool. Spread the flat side of a cookie with Rhodes Quality Strawberry Jam. Spread the flat side of a second cookie with peanut butter and sandwich the second cookie to the first. Repeat with remaining cookies, peanut butter, and jam. Mini burgers with tomato relish Kiddie friendly mini burgers for a filling fun lunchbox. Ingredients (makes 8) 500g minced beef 1 egg yolk 5 ml (1 t) dried mixed herbs 5 ml (1 t) Worcestershire sauce salt and freshly ground black pepper 30 ml (2 T) sunflower oil To serve: 8 mini hamburger buns Soft butter for spreading 2 Rhodes Quality Sweet & Sour Whole Gherkins, sliced Rhodes Quality Tomato Braai Relish   Method Place the beef mince into a bowl. Add the egg yolk, mixed herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Season the mince with plenty of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or by hand. Once the mixture is well blended, divide into 8 equal portions and shape into small slightly flattened patties. Brush the patties with the oil. Heat a non-stick frying pan and grill the patties. Turn the patties over so that they cook evenly on each side. Grill until cooked to your liking. To serve: Slice and butter the mini hamburger buns. Place a burger patty on the bottom half of each bun and top with slices of Rhodes Quality Sweet & Sour Whole Gherkins. Top with a generous spoonful or two of the Rhodes Quality Tomato Braai Relish. Close with the second half of the bun. Crunchy chicken and corn salad Kids always love crispy chicken and paired with a crunchy salad you can be sure

February 2, 2023

Cannellini Bean, Fennel, Apple & Roasted Mushroom Salad

Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 bulb fennel, sliced very thinly 1 large stalk celery, sliced  400g medium portabello  mushrooms, quartered 1 tsp garlic powder 150g mixed baby lettuce leaves 2 green apples, sliced thinly 50g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped Fennel fronds, for serving Olive oil, for dressing Sherry vinegar, for dressing Salt and pepper, to taste  Method: Place the cannellini beans, fennel and celery in a small bowl.  Drizzle with a little olive oil and sherry vinegar.  Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.  Preheat oven to 200˚C, fan on.  Place mushrooms on a baking tray.  Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Roast for ± 7 minutes until tender and juicy, but retain some bite. Allow the mushrooms to rest.  Once the mushrooms have rested, assemble the salad.  Layer the baby leaves and apples on a serving platter.  Spoon over the marinated bean mixture.  Top with the roasted mushrooms.  Sprinkle with walnuts and fennel fronds. Season lightly. Drizzle everything with a little extra sherry vinegar and olive oil and serve! 

February 1, 2023

Every day should be story day!

You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child. – Dr Seuss Wednesday 1 February is World Read Aloud Day(WRAD)! Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been providing a free, special story for children to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) for over a decade. 2023 is no different. Once again, Nal’ibali is calling on all South Africans to join them in reading aloud to the children in their lives on WRAD.. For some it will be the first, important step to habitual reading while for others it will be a continuation of their reading journey. For WRAD 2023, Nal’ibali aims to reach their goal of reading aloud to 3 million children. Young children who are read to in languages they understand, perform better in school, develop better memories, stronger vocabularies and comprehension skills. This year’s story,  ‘Every day’s a story’ was written by Tumisang Shongwe (fondly known as Miss T), who is a children’s author and literacy advocate. The story is available in all eleven official languages on Nal’ibali’s website.  And copies will be distributed by the field team at community outreach events throughout the country. The story is available as a PDF – you can  download here

February 1, 2023

COLICKY BABY? PROBIOTICS MAY REDUCE CRYING FROM COLIC AND REFLUX

Does your baby cry for hours at a time every night for what seems like an eternity? Do their tears worsen into a full-fledged meltdown, complete with clenched fists, flailing legs, and an unhappy red face, despite your best efforts to soothe them? Welcome to the (very unpleasant) world of colic! Colic likely has more than one cause, but studies have found a link between gut microbiota and colic in babies. High levels of Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, and Klebsiella have been found in babies with colic, while Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels have been found to be low. This dysbiosis could be a possible cause of abnormal gut motility and increased gas production.1 Supplementing beneficial bacteria, in addition to other methods, may help reduce pain and provide your baby with relief until colic passes. Here are six ways to help your baby’s gut. 1. Give Them a Burp A crying baby can consume a lot of air. This can make them gassy and bloated, exacerbating their crying. Burp them on the back with firm but gentle pats. The traditional position, with your baby’s head over your shoulder, works but can leave a spit-up trail down your back. Change things up: Place your baby on your lap, face down, or sit them up, while your arms support their chest and neck.2 2. Switch Up Feeding Practices Changes in feeding practices may also provide some relief. Bottle-feed your baby upright and frequently burp during and after a feeding. A curved bottle will help with vertical feeding, while anti-colic valves may reduce air intake.3 3. Do Baby Bicycles This simple exercise can aid in the manual release of gas. Lay your baby on their back and use a bicycle motion to gently cycle their legs towards their tummies.4 You can also gently push your baby’s knees towards his or her tummy and hold the position for 10 seconds. Release and straighten their legs several times, then repeat. 4. Watch Your Diet If Breastfeeding Research suggests there is some correlation between maternal diet in breastfeeding mothers and infantile colic. According to some studies, removing allergenic foods from the maternal diet may reduce colic while consuming a protein-rich diet may protect infants from colic.5 5. Consider Probiotics Restore and maintain your baby’s gut health with Reuterina® drops6, shown to reduce colic crying time7, and daily regurgitation8.  Reuterina® drops can be used as a preventative measure9 to reduce the onset of constipation in healthy newborns, increase the daily evacuations and improve gut motility and the number of bowel movements. 6. Speak To Your Healthcare Provider Make an appointment with your child’s paediatrician if your baby is crying excessively or you are concerned they may have colic. Remember that while it may appear that your baby will have colic indefinitely, colic is only temporary. You won’t remember your baby having colic in a few months because you’ll be too busy making memories with your bundle of joy. The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from Dis-Chem and Clicks stores and independent pharmacies nationwide.  For more information, visit: https://reuterina.co.za/ and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook. References and product legals available on request. | 006 ZA Reut 012023

February 1, 2023

A SAFETY GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR CHILD A FIRST PHONE

Getting a first smartphone has become the major milestone of modern childhood, and many families are starting off the year with a new connected user in their midst.  Children are getting phones younger than ever, and parents need to be well-prepared.  Much like a teen getting their first car, the first smartphone brings greater freedom, but also more danger. Just like you wouldn’t hand over the keys to a first car without making sure your child can safely and legally drive, parents need to lay the groundwork for their child’s secure and responsible use of a device that opens up to them an infinite digital realm with an abundance of dodgy alleyways and dark corners. Safety is rooted in open parent-child communications If you haven’t yet started to have hard conversations with your child, then expect their first smartphone to be a catalyst for this change in your relationship.  Their safety, as they navigate the internet and an array of digital platforms, should from now on be an open and ongoing conversation.  Amongst many, and endlessly emerging topics, you’re going to need to have discussions around online pornography, depictions of violence, sexting, grooming by online predators, catfishing, cyber harassment and cyberbullying, suicide-related content, disclosure of personal information and the Law. Rachelle Best, the CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe, an AI-powered monitoring app says, “Some parents think that if they use a parental control app, they can side-step conversations with their child that they will find awkward.  It’s important to realise that a parental control app is just one measure in a family’s internet security ecosystem, it can not and does not do it all.  Conversations about threats, safety measures and digital behaviour should start even before the handing over of a first phone, and then continue as a norm of family conversation.  Establishing a trusted practice of talking about threats, dangers and staying safe, means that when your child is facing a challenge, they will come to you to talk about how to handle the situation.” Best’s advice here underscores an important point – your goal in keeping your child safe on the internet should not be to police every site they visit or pore over every chat they have with their friends.  What’s important is to help your child develop digital literacy and gain the skills they need to become responsible digital citizens capable of handling problems on their own. So, what do parents need to know and do about internet safety? Be aware – You can’t help your child navigate risks and threats that you don’t know about.  Take an ongoing interest in internet safety issues and keep up to date when it comes to the latest and emerging threats.  Be the trusted source of important online safety information for your child. Raise a responsible digital citizen – Your parenting extends from the real-world into the digital realm.  Educate yourself about South Africa’s recently promulgated Cybercrimes Act and keep abreast of digital etiquette and required standards of behaviour. Promote your family’s digital literacy – Encourage critical thinking and the rigorous verification of sources of information.  Help your children understand propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation, as well as the commercial incentives driving social media influencers and technologies enabling falsifications such as deep-fake videos. Understand the impacts of harmful content – In a significant development last year, a UK coroner’s inquest report identified that a 14-year-old UK girl’s viewing of online content via social media was a factor in her death by suicide.  At the hearing, it was reported that she binge-consumed suicide and depression content, and Pinterest and Instagram were highlighted.  Some of the content she engaged with wasn’t what she searched for but what algorithms served up for her.  Parents need to know that social media age limits do not work, and that there is harmful content across all social media platforms, which remain unregulated. Establish and maintain a family online safety ecosystem – A parental control app should be part of an online safety ecosystem, not the be-all and end-all of keeping your children safer online.  Some parents institute ‘device checks’ to periodically review their children’s online activity, however these types of inspections are time-consuming and often have a negative impact on the parent-child bond, especially for teens with their increasing needs for privacy and parental trust.  In addition, many instant messaging platforms now have a ‘disappearing messages’ feature that can be enabled to protect privacy.  This means that parents who inspect their children’s devices will not always see everything anyway.  Advanced solutions such as the FYI play it safe app draw on AI and ML to monitor the content of children’s online activity across mobile devices in real-time, and in a non-intrusive way to provide parents with proactive alerts. Best explains, “FYI play it safe monitors all apps and online interactions, including in-game chats.  New accounts and apps are included by default without the need for your child’s account credentials.  Yet, the app is not spyware, and it is not clandestine.  Instead, it provides parents and children with the opportunity to mutually agree on the best way to stay safe in the digital world, similar to providing your child with a helmet when they start riding a bike.  Parental alerts open the door to having important conversations about the content your child is engaging with or about the chats they are having with strangers online.  This is a solution that supports the goal of having open, trusting conversations about threats and dangers, and empowering your child to make responsible and smart decisions about their online activity.” Getting a first smartphone is an exciting and fun milestone for your child.  There are so many benefits for a connected child, from the boost of safety in the real-world to the discovery of new information, interests and connections that can enrich their lives.  Opening up communications, setting reasonable ground rules and establishing a family online safety ecosystem are the basics for your child to be able

January 23, 2023

Drinking while pregnant – what are the consequences

Drinking during pregnancy is a huge NO, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in. Alcohol causes harm to your unborn baby, and can cause them to have lifelong physical and mental problems. If you are planning on getting pregnant it is best to avoid alcohol.  But if you didn’t know for the first few weeks and have had a few drinks in this time, while this isn’t ideal it is somewhat common and shouldn’t cause you to panic. However, when you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. The consequences of drinking while pregnant  If you drink while pregnant, alcohol passes through your umbilical cord to your baby. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as a range of physical, behavioural and intellectual problems. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe among the range of FASDs.  Kids born with FASD can be born prematurely with birth defects such as a smaller head, low body weight, deformities in their facial features and problems with their joints and heart. Growing up they can have issues with coordination, memory retention, attention, vision and hearing as well as intellectual disabilities.  Some kids are born with problems that are only noticed when they go to school, when learning issues become apparent. There is no cure for FASD and FAS. Every pregnancy is different, some moms drink very little and their kids end up with severe health problems, whereas others report drinking more and have children with very few problems. If you are struggling to stop drinking it is best to seek professional help South Africa has the highest prevalence of FAS globally, 14 times higher than the global average. There are a number of local NGOs who focus their efforts on spreading awareness around the condition and programs which speak to pregnant mothers about drinking.

December 19, 2022

Travelling with young children

Travelling with young children in the car for extended periods is often very challenging and very distracting for the driver. Here are some tips for making the journey easy Toys Children love toys that can keep them busy. Cars, dolls, mirror stickers, a car mirror, or even a mini steering wheel Books All children love books, and various books could assist for short periods. Colouring in books or plain paper and crayons While most children love to draw and colour, some need some motivation. Asking children to draw what they see on their travels or asking them to draw a picture of someone they will see when they arrive is a great way to keep them busy. Snacks Nothing keeps children busy quite like snacks. But make sure the snacks are light and varied. Liquids Water or juice is essential to keep on hand while travelling. Play games Children, young and old, love playing games with their families. Ask children to keep an eye out for birds, trucks, or even blue cars. Then allocate points and praise the children for spotting. Playing Eye-Spy is an oldie but a goodie and will keep everyone entertained. Create some of your games and ask the children to create the rules; you will be surprised at how the rules will evolve during the games. Stop along the way Travelling can be a wonderful family experience, but remember to stop and enjoy the little things. This will break up the journey and give families a chance to spend quality time together. We wish you all safe travels during the 2022/2023 Festive Season; return to us happy and healthy.

December 19, 2022

Back to school with NutriPure

Just as the holiday season had settled in, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming school year from shopping for new stationery supplies, thinking about healthy meal plans and more. Starting the year with optimum health is certainly one of the biggest things on the to-do list. It is vital for any parent to consider the absolute best options for their child’s physical and mental health and performance and how to maintain and boost sustainably. NutriPure understands the need of parents and the challenges their children may have to face going into the new year. Between new subjects, new schedules, and physical activities, it’s essential that parents support their children in the best possible way. Supplements like NutriPure Gummie Vitamins can help unlock energy, support immunity, and maintain overall health daily. NutriPure gummies are specially formulated with natural fruit pectins for adults and children. Say goodbye to morning delays as Nutripure Gummie Vitamins offers an easy and tasty way for kids and adults to take their daily vitamins with an all-natural sweet treat packed with best ingredients for you. NutriPure is vegan-friendly, has no sugar coating, and it is GMO-free. The NutriPure range is the perfect way to enhance your daily routine anytime, anywhere.  Nutripure has now made it even easier for you with their convenient travel-friendly pouches that contain 14 gummies each (R36,95). The pouches come in five different variants and are available at Dis-Chem. Three variants for kids: Immune Support+ Vitamin C Multivitamin Two variants for adults: Immune Support Multivitamin Nutripure can be found at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot, and other major retailers.  For more information, go to http://nutripure.co.za/ Our back-to-school essential vitamin list: Children’s bodies are constantly challenged by rising toxin levels in the environment and dietary supplements cannot replace a healthy diet, but they can support these efforts. Multivitamins help ensure that basic nutritional needs are met. Try NutriPure Immune Support + (From R 109.95) to help protect your child’s immune system daily. NutriPure Immune Support Gummies have been carefully formulated with six essential vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium which all contribute to the maintenance of good health. Their body needs certain bacteria to stay healthy. Bacteria aids digestion, absorbs nutrients, and fights off other disease-causing bacteria. Try NutriPure Multivitamin for kids (From R109.95) which contributes to the function of the immune system and many other systems in the body. Each NutriPure Multivitamin complete contains 11 essential vitamins & minerals: vitamin D, B6, B12, C, biotin, pantothenic acid, and niacin help to increase energy levels and strengthen the immune system. A balanced gut is essential in keeping the body healthy at any age. Try NutriPure Probiotics for kids (From R 109,95) is formulated with bifidobacterium infantis & lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains. Each Nutripure gummy contains 1 billion live cultures to help your child boost their daily culture intake.  Vitamin C’s best-known function is its role in supporting the body’s immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is essential for maintaining overall health, and helps boost the immune system when your child catches a cold. Try NutriPure Vitamin C 60s/120s (From R 109.95) which contributes to the immune system by helping to boost immunity. Vitamin C also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and can reduce fatigue and exhaustion. Nutripure gummies contain 80mg of vitamin C. 

December 16, 2022

WHY TAKING 10,000 STEPS PER DAY IS GREAT FOR YOUR HEALTH

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores the benefits that 10,000 daily steps have on your health and well-being. You’ve probably heard the hype about walking 10,000 steps daily, but do you know why? The habit of tracking steps has grown in popularity over the last decade. People track to improve their fitness or compete with their friends or coworkers. The current advice is to walk 10,000 steps per day – but why? Interestingly, while this “recommendation” was not initially supported by science, science demonstrates compelling reasons why 10,000 steps per day is a good goal. What’s The Meaning Of A Number? The magical number 10,000 steps originated in a Japanese marketing campaign in 1965 when a Japanese health science professor invented a pedometer and believed that walking 10,000 steps per day would prevent obesity in the Japanese population. The pedometer was named Manpo-Kei, which translates to “10,000-step-metre”. Since then, the 10,000-step recommendation has stuck. How To Get 10,000 Steps Into Your Day If 10,000 steps seem daunting, we have good news: you can begin with fewer steps and reap significant benefits. Even minor efforts to move more throughout the day can have substantial benefits. Research shows that doing anything other than sitting for 30 minutes daily (walking, yoga, skipping, stretching, etc.) reduces the risk of premature death by 17%. Higher-intensity exercise reaps even more significant benefits, reducing the risk of early death by 35%. “Millions of South Africans have been working from home since COVID-19 began. That is why it is more important than ever to get out of the house and walk to improve your health,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Start by tracking your average steps for a week or two if you’re new to tracking steps. Then set a goal to go above and beyond your average step count. Trying to reach 10,000 steps is a great goal, but if you are getting discouraged, consider re-accessing your goal. Get out and move more than you did yesterday.” Health Advantages Of Walking 10,000 Steps Per Day Promotes Weight Loss Walking 10,000 steps per day equals about 8 kilometres. You could burn roughly 150 more calories daily if you added 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine. Of course, the more calories you burn, the more you walk, and the faster you walk. It Helps Clear The Mind According to a Stanford University study, walking opens the mind and promotes the flow of ideas. It sparks creativity and aids in the improvement of concentration. Enhances Sleep Taking more steps during the day may be sufficient to improve our sleep. A new study published in the journal Sleep Health examined healthy adults who slept an average of 7 hours per night. Participants were divided into two groups: the Intervention group, instructed to increase their daily steps by at least 2,000, and the Control group, which was not. Fitbits were given to both groups to track their daily steps. The researchers compared the responses of the two groups to sleep questionnaires, including how long they slept and the quality of their sleep. Overall, the walking intervention resulted in significantly better sleep. Reduces Anxiety And Depression  Some studies say a quick 10-minute walk can help lift a depressed mood. Regular exercise can help with depression and anxiety by doing the following: Endorphins, natural brain chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids), and other natural brain chemicals that can improve your mood, taking your mind off your worries to break the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression and anxiety. Lowers Blood Pressure A healthy heart can pump more blood while exerting less effort. Increasing your physical activity can reduce your systolic blood pressure by 4 to 9 points on average. Stabilises Blood Glucose  Walking causes the muscles to use more glucose, lowering blood sugar levels over time. This can make you more insulin sensitive. In fact, according to a study published in Diabetes Care, three short 15-minute walks per day are just as effective as one long 45-minute walk at the same pace in lowering blood sugar levels. According to the same study, taking a short walk after your evening meal helps regulates your blood sugar levels. Reduces The Likelihood Of Having A Heart Attack Numerous studies have shown that walking has health benefits related to cardiovascular disease. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the five major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid values, smoking, and obesity). Studies show that lowering these risk factors reduces the likelihood of having a heart attack or another cardiac event, such as a stroke, and the need for a coronary revascularisation procedure (bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty). Strengthens Your Lungs Everyday movement helps to strengthen your lungs and surrounding muscles. Your body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently increases as the rate and volume of oxygen you inhale (a measurement known as your “VO2 max“). The fitter you become, the higher your VO2 max. Strengthens Your Bones Physical activity (especially weight-bearing exercises) strengthens your bones, which improves their density and reduces your risk of osteoporosis later in life. Conclusion Keeping track of how many steps you take, how far you walk, and the time it takes can help you see where you started and what is possible. Consider how good it will feel to see how many steps you’ve walked each week, month, and year. Use an activity tracker, app, or pedometer to calculate steps and distance. Alternatively, keep track of these figures in a walking journal. “Walking – no matter the distance – can benefit both physical and mental health. Whatever method you use to incorporate walking into your daily routine, you will most likely notice some benefit that will accumulate over time,” concludes Hewlett.

December 16, 2022

Dr Judey Pretorius answers the most Googled skincare questions of 2022

The internet contains a wealth of information, and it’s become so easy to find answers to questions on just about anything – including skincare! We’ve done some digging to find the most-asked skincare questions on Google in 2022, and consulted an expert for the answers.  Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of skincare brand Biomedical Emporium, answers the top eight skincare questions asked on Google this year:  How to know your skin type? We determine skin types by the Fitzpatrick skin types developed in 1975. Fitzpatrick skin types refer to a skin tone scale developed to classify skin colouring and response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Fitzpatrick 1 – 6 is based on how you burn.  Fitzpatrick skin type 1 skin always burns, never tans, and is sensitive to UV exposure Fitzpatrick skin type 2 skin burns easily and tans minimally Fitzpatrick skin type 3 skin burns moderately and tans gradually to light brown Fitzpatrick skin type 4 skin burns minimally and always tans well to moderately brown Fitzpatrick skin type 5 skin rarely burns and tans profusely to dark Fitzpatrick skin type 6 skin never burns, is deeply pigmented, and is least sensitive to UV exposure What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Dry skin occurs when the epithelial layer of the skin (the outermost layer of the skin) does not have a moisture level or lipids within it. Dehydrated skin occurs when you don’t have any form of moisture retention or hyaluronic in the dermis (middle layer) of the skin.  While dry skin lacks oil (sebum), dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skins may experience eczema, sensitivity, flaking and even cracking while dehydrated skin is prone to breakouts (due to the skin producing too much extra sebum in an attempt to counteract the dehydration), irritation and dry patches.  Dry skin requires oil or cream-based skincare to replenish lost lipids, while dehydrated skin requires water-rich products, an increased water intake and possibly lifestyle changes.  What are the basic skincare products we all need? The very basics of what we need is a facial cleanser, a serum and a moisturiser (one for the evening and one for the day that contains an SPF). What order do I use my skincare products? Always use your cleanser first followed by your serum, then your moisturiser and lastly your facial sunscreen.  What does vitamin C do? Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet, especially when it is used topically at higher concentrations. One of the perks of vitamin C is that when you apply it onto the skin, it literally brightens the skin and makes it glow, whether you are a Fitzpatrick 1 or a Fitzpatrick 6 skin type. Vitamin C can also assist in minimising dark spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.  What is niacinamide and what does it do? Niacinamide is vitamin B3. Firstly it is a vitamin, secondly it is a powerful antioxidant, but it’s one of the ingredients that are necessary to boost overall cellular energy. Our cells contain energy levels, which are essential in order for skin cells to go through cell division (when cells divide from 2, to 4, to 8, to 16 to replenish dying cells). Cells cannot divide without energy levels, and when this occurs, the skin may appear more dull and fatigued. When you expose your skin to niacinamide, it will boost the overall energy levels of skin cells, which will lead to faster cellular differentiation.  At what age should I start using skincare? You should start using skincare products as a teenager, but the age that you should start looking at anti-ageing skincare is 25.  Does washing your face in the shower cause dry skin? No, not at all, as long as you ensure that the temperature of your shower water is not too hot, because if the water is too hot it can strip skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and sensitive. It can also compromise the skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for protecting the skin against environmental stressors, bacteria, pollutants, and other irritants.  About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics. Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments. She is the co-founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment. https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/ 

December 16, 2022
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