THE IMPORTANCE OF SWIMMING LESSONS AND WHAT TO EXPECT

I have had the privilege of teaching in larger groups of 5, smaller groups of 2-3, and individual classes. We Learn through play, and fun is key to learning to swim by the time they start Grade 1. Swimming Learning to Swim is not about stroke development. Instead, it is when you can swim from one side to the other side of the pool comfortably and effortlessly, breathing and climbing out of the pool.  Children up to 3 or 4 years old do not know and understand that they are in a learning environment; therefore, repetition of songs, actions, and progressions helps them learn more effectively. I believe the earlier you introduce children to water in a safe environment, the more comfortable and content they will be. Older children have more obstacles to overcome when they start lessons later, e.g., introduction to a large mass of water, orientation, the instructor, the children, the venue, and the building of trust. What do typical swimming lessons look like for each age group? I will begin my journey with the youngest age group; I call them my ‘water babies,’ they are ages one year – eighteen months. They love the water. A parent must accompany their baby in the water and we teach them how to hold and manage the baby. We learn songs and cues; it takes about 4-5 lessons for everyone to settle down in the water. Once babies can crawl, walk and climb on land, they can start learning this in water, and hence why our very first lesson we learn is entry into shallow water before proceeding into the deep end.  If you are fortunate to have a shallow step in your pool, you can make the lesson fun by encouraging your child to crawl like a crocodile, hop like a bunny, and climb or hold onto objects or obstacles. Once we enter the water, we can walk around with the baby on the hip & allow their hands to feel and move through the water. Since they are so small and all their body parts work together simultaneously, parents do most of the actions by manipulating their arms and legs, and as baby grows, they can attempt the activities on their own. Examples of manipulation will be moving their arms around and digging in the water, splashing their feet, and holding on. As they become confident and master a skill, we can progress on each skill. An example of a skill would be back floating. It starts with a parent walking backward in the water with the baby’s head on the parents’ shoulder while the baby is facing upwards. Mom will hold the baby’s hand, and the other hand will drift freely. Eventually, we move the baby off the shoulder and against the parent’s chest with one finger lifting the chin up while the other hand supports the baby’s head. The parents can sing and count to promote confidence and excitement. We then would progress to catch and release the hand away from under the head, catch and support. We should be teaching babies at this age to close their mouths and hum. Humming prevents water from entering through the nose. Humming on its own takes a lot of practice, and cues are vitally important; E.g., 1,2,3 hum and submerge. Please note we only immerse once the baby is comfortable and the mouth is closed. From 18 – 36 months, our toddlers become more independent, and we wean them off the parents in the pool. Activities in this age group include: Holding to the side of the pool, Floating on their backs, If they cannot back float yet, we focus on getting the toddler more comfortable on their backs with ears in the water by supporting them under the head with one hand, and with our other hand, we use a finger to help lift their chin up- wards. Eventually, we progress until they can float for 3 – 4 seconds without the support and increase the duration to 10 seconds. From here, you will teach back, push and glide. Crab crawling along the wall, Climbing in and out, Sitting out the pool and launching to the teacher in the pool is being taught by assisting them in turning & returning to the wall. By now, most toddlers can submerge themselves in the water, and I speak for those attending lessons weekly. Toddlers start learning to blow bubbles, but we still hum when submerging. “Natural accidents” begin to happen because of their independence, eg. They tumble in the water; hands may slip off the poolside during crab crawling, or they may even sniff or drink some water on the step.  These accidents may cause them to become cautious and insecure, but we do our best to motivate and encourage them to continue. Ways of doing this include counting out loud to a certain number which teaches the child that we will eventually have a break when they reach a specific number; patience is key! Age Groups 3-4 years From experience, we see that the children chat away and love demonstrating at this age. We allow them to show off their tricks, as it encourages the other children in the class to participate. Their balance and coordination on a noodle start improving, and their kicks become stronger. One-action swimming is typical for this age group. E.g., They will kick on the noodle, but as soon as they need to take a breath, blow bubbles & kick then, one of the actions stops. The coordination of the required skills takes time to develop in small children. As an instructor, you have the responsibility to remind and assist them. E.g., when they swim underwater, we tap their hands, lift them to take a breath & release them so they can paddle further. We do this often. Another example is saying out loud and clear, kick and blow, cheek/ear in the water, and take a breath. From the age of 3

September 23, 2022

Why learning to fail sets children up for success later in life

The question of examinations and gaining or losing marks looms large at this time of year, as school students get down to the business of making the most of their academics in 2022. But what if the way we traditionally look at the role of school and learning is outdated and unnecessarily anxiety-inducing? “The common understanding that most people have about school is that it is a place where students go to learn facts and move from one grade to the next by passing examinations where they regurgitate those facts,” says Colin Northmore, Principal at Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. “However, that is an obsolete approach, given the fact that anyone can find a fact at the click of an online button. So, the role of education has evolved, and that schools must bring more to the education table than transferring facts from the teacher at the front of the class to the minds of students.” Northmore says the role of school and learning in today’s age, is about teaching children where the boundaries are – that is, the sum of what we think they need to know or be able to do, about any subject, and then expecting them to adventure beyond that.  “This idea does not mean that what they learn in traditional education is not essential. This idea is more about how we teach children and what we expect them to do with what they have learned. Critically, this idea is about how we measure a child’s success.” Many schools generally do not treat failure as worth celebrating, Northmore notes.  “Instead, many if not most schools interpret so-called failure as a lack of effort (sometimes correctly) or a lack of ability on the part of the child. It is a reason for punishment, and children are taught to avoid failure at all costs. This approach has often been linked in research to cheating in exams and even teenage self-harm and suicide.”  In her article on toxic achievement culture, educational researcher Dr Beth Cooper Benjamin says: “If we want students to be successful in their schoolwork and tackle thorny real-world problems, then tolerating and learning from imperfection is a muscle we must help them build.” Children are better served if we teach them that failure is just the first step in a learning process. Next should come reflection, says Northmore. “We should not be giving children the correct answers, but rather teach them to ask better questions like: What did I not understand; what could I have spent more time practising; who can I ask for help with this; what could I do differently next time; and when do I have an opportunity to try again? “Therefore, an assessment system that shows students where the gaps in their knowledge or skills are, coupled with information about how often they try again after not achieving mastery; how much time they devote to improving; and if the children are addressing their gaps, provides them with the tools that they can positively and productively use when encountering problems and challenges in later life.” The biggest challenge is always the gap between theory and action, says Northmore. “So for instance, schools must consider how much opportunity is provided for ‘failing forward’ and adventure on the path towards discovery? Schools using a mastery-based approach are ideally positioned for this new age of learning, based not on memorising facts and passing rote tests and exams, but confidence-building and mastery.”  With this approach, children get multiple opportunities to complete tasks and tests. And the space between their completion of a task and when they get feedback on their degree of mastery is kept as short as possible, by way of a live reporting system based on the learning goals. Children and their parents should have a live view of their areas of strength and places for development. And they should also be able to easily keep track of the pace their child is achieving in completing their work. “So as the year kicks into high gear, let us help our children to explore, investigate and learn the power of ‘I have not mastered this yet’, while giving them the space to fail with confidence and without rebuke, as we light the flame of lifelong learning in their hearts.” Learn more about Evolve Online School by clicking here. Are you ready to enrol at Evolve Online School? Apply Now!

September 22, 2022

HIV Symptoms – Children Born With HIV

Affinity Health is a leading provider of high-quality healthcare cover. Here is their take on HIV infection in children as a growing public health concern.  In 2002, 800,000 children under 15 contracted HIV. The majority of cases live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mother-to-child transmission accounts for over 90% of all HIV infections in children. Most of these children are younger than the age of 15. The chances of a pregnant mother transmitting HIV to her unborn child are 5-10%. 10-20% of transmissions occur during labour and delivery and 5-20% during nursing.  “Preventing the transmission of HIV from mothers to children is important. It is crucial for the global HIV/AIDS control strategy,” says Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. How is HIV Transmitted to Children?  Mother-to-child transmission is the most common way infants and young children contract HIV. It is important to remember that not all HIV-infected mothers pass the virus to their babies. Two-thirds of babies born to HIV-infected women do not become infected with the virus. A baby can become infected between early pregnancy and the end of breastfeeding. Still, more research must show if other nutritional deficiencies play a role. Learn More: The Importance of Nutrition and Diet in HIV/AIDS Other factors to consider include:  The length of labour after the waters have broken. Delivery method. Neonatal practices. All women are at risk of acquiring HIV infection from: Having unprotected penetrative vaginal or anal sex without using a condom. Receiving an unsafe blood transfusion.  Using unsterilised needles and syringes. Surgical or cutting instruments contaminated with someone else’s blood. Some cultural practices may increase women’s infection risk. For example, abstaining from sex during pregnancy or breastfeeding could cause conflict. The conflict may encourage men to have sex with other partners. That increases the risk of HIV infection. In turn, men may infect women and unborn children.  The Importance of Antiretroviral Therapy  Antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) and combination therapy do the following: They increase the CD4 count  They reduce the impact of HIV on the body They lower the chances of mother-to-child transmission.  In most developing countries, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are not easy to access. That places many pregnant women in danger. A Word on Unsafe Blood Transfusions A transfusion increases the risk of infection if the blood has HIV. Screening blood before transfusion is vital. All women lose some blood during delivery. Women’s bodies can compensate for blood loss during delivery. But recovery measures need to happen after birth. A mother may need a blood transfusion.  Blood transfusions are routinely given to women to replace blood loss. A transfusion increases the risks of infection if the blood has HIV. And if she becomes infected, she may relay the virus to her baby during breastfeeding.  “An HIV-positive mother can relay HIV to their baby at any time. That includes during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have children. Preventative treatment and HIV management are key. That can control risks of transmission to your baby,” concludes Hewlett.  Mothers should never hesitate to speak to healthcare providers if they classify as follows:  HIV-positive and intending to fall pregnant. Or are already pregnant. Learn More: Should You Get HIV Tested?

September 21, 2022

KFC set to bring all the ‘finger lickin’ goodness’ of Kentucky Town to Comic Con Africa! Serving up limited-edition menu, feel-good fun and daily prizes

As the official presenting sponsors of Comic Con Africa, KFC and their very own deep-fried hero, Wingman, are set to bring Con fans a dose of ‘finger lickin’ good’, feel-good fun. KFC will be bringing Kentucky Town to Comic Con, with a limited-edition menu, and will be serving up feel good fun for fans between the 22nd and 25th of September 2022, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.  The Limited-Edition KFC Kentucky Town Comic Con menu is inspired by the gaming and pop-culture passions of festival fans. If you’re a Con and KFC fan, be sure to visit the food court at Comic Con to try out ‘finger lickin’ good’ meals such as, The One Ring Chicken Donuts, the OP Donut Zinger Burger, Player One Box Meals, The Hero Combo served with the new #WhatTheFanta beverage, The Doom Burger, and for those who like to keep it spicy The Blaze Burger – dunked in KFC’s spicy Ghost Pepper Sauce. For all those sweet-toothed fans, head over to the dark side and taste the KFC Cake is a Lie brownie milkshake or the Yum Yum It Is salted caramel milkshake.  Outside the kitchen, KFC will also be heating things up in the Culture Hall (Hall 6) with their Kentucky Town Shop. Fans will be able to immerse themselves in the world of KFC and get their hands on KFC’s famous sauces, The Zinger Sauce, The Dunked Sauce and, for the first time ever The Colonel’s Dressing! Available for only R50 each.  Every day at Kentucky Town fans can enter the Zinger Hot AF Lap Challenge Qualifiers to stand a chance of winning an Xbox Series X Console set worth R15 000. The fastest four fans each day will speed their way into the daily finals, hosted on the main stage from 17:00 to 18:00. Here KFC will test their ability to handle the heat – literally – both on and off the gaming console.  Comic Book Covers. You can even immerse yourself in KFC’s Cosplay Greenscreen Booth. For the boldest of fans, visit KFC’s  Tattoo Parlour where you could win a FREE and REAL tattoo on the spot – the ultimate personalised gift, from KFC to you.  With a jampacked limited-edition menu, gear, sauces and feel-good experiences, KFC and their sidekick Wingman, look forward to hosting Con fans at the 2022 Comic Con Africa festival. To get your tickets visit https://comicconafrica.co.za/.  At the Kentucky Town stand fans can also enjoy a variety of limited-edition KFC experiences and purchase  limited-edition gaming and pop-culture inspired gear. Get your hands on gaming tees, lounge-ready trakkies  and t-shirt dresses. Don’t miss out on making your own customisable items too like KFC’s famous Colonelise  Yourself T-shirts, customised Avatar T-shirts, Comic Character tees and personalised

September 21, 2022

Kaspersky shares online gaming safety tips for children

Following the recent leakage, revealing how Roblox moderates content, Kaspersky experts share insights on what cyber threats can threaten users, and especially children, in the gaming space and how to protect yourselves. The leaked documents give insight into the targeting of children by predators on the platform and how the platform attempts to fight child grooming. Additionally, one issue identified in the documents is that although Roblox’s systems scan 100 percent of submitted abuse reports, only around 10 percent of those are actionable. This suggests that even on a gaming platform, where content is moderated, there remain a large number of risks for children. Roblox is an online gaming platform that allows users to create their own game simulations and virtual locations, where they can play in different locations themselves or invite other users. There are both harmless and very popular locations, where users can choose a pet and take care of it or go through an obstacle course with their characters. The genres of such games are almost unlimited and the number of daily active users was 50 million by the end of 2021, most of which were school-aged children. However, in the game world they may also meet fraudsters, who can either be members of the selected playthrough or even be its authors. Threats from them can come both inside the game world – they often show aggression, deception or intimidation. For example, the theme of the Roblox game world might be used to create phishing resources in order to steal login and password from the account and further withdraw funds from the victim; or under the guise of in-game currency (Robux) users can be offered to register with a real name or pay for a “no-lose lottery,” participation in which will bring nothing but loss of money. “Although Roblox has a system of content moderation, you should not rely on it completely. It can be especially dangerous for school children, who due to their lack of experience may not be aware of many cybersecurity rules,” comments Andrey Sidenko, Lead web content analyst at Kaspersky. Here are a few rules to help not only protect your data, but also not to find yourself in a location that can harm you or your children psychologically: Do not share your real name, place of residence, school, or other personal information that can help attackers identify you in the real world;  Only chat with those users who you know personally; do not chat with strangers in Roblox or anywhere else; Use a complex and unique password and always end the session at the end of the game, especially if you choose to connect from an unfamiliar device. Don’t forget to use two-factor authentication; Roblox is using internal content monitoring system and if you come across any unwanted ads, cheating, online grooming, different types of harassment or aggression towards you or other users you should report it to the moderators; Critically evaluate the information you encounter in the game world. Abusers may use a variety of techniques, including social engineering. For example, they may offer you a reward in the form of in-game currency (Robux) for detailed information about yourself. If someone offers you this, then in all likelihood it’s cheating, and the fraudster clearly has “own interests”; Use antivirus solutions and parental control programs to be sure that your child can use the Internet safely.

September 21, 2022

Experience the ultimate festival for Kids, by Kids at KidsCon 2022

Comic Con Africa is excited to announce that KidsCon will be making a welcome return to Jozi and again form part of Africa’s largest multi-genre pop-culture and gaming festival. One of the many things that set KidsCon apart from anything else families have yet experienced is that it is a festival for kids, by kids, and will be part of the entire Comic Con Africa weekend at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 22 to 25 September. “After some time spent watching cartoons due to the pandemic, KidsCon is back and bigger than ever. Jam-packed with entertaining and engaging interactive areas, we’ve designed this year’s festival to be one of the most immersive experiences ever to hit the continent. KidsCon is truly a festival where kids get to embrace their inner superhero, spark their creativity, and let their little light shine,” said Carla Massmann, Comic Con Africa Show Director. Kids can gear up for some healthy competition throughout the jam-packed weekend as soon as the Nintendo consoles go on. Setting new high scores will become the order of the day and they will have the option to step up, and take on a Just Dance Challenge and strut their most impressive moves, or enjoy free play MineCraft. They can also choose to take part in the Mario Kart competition then meet Mario and Luigi, amongst other characters at the festival. Some exciting exhibitions at this year’s KidsCon include Lacey’s Toy Store, where visitors will have incredible options to shop for the best kids’ toys and lifestyle products like top toy brands like Cry Babies, VIP Pets, Revolt, Taiyo, Syma and New Bright. Check out the incredible range of RC vehicles and also the drone and helicopter landing/ take-off zones. And, The Build-A-Bear Workshop, which will keep little hands busy for hours as their imaginations take over while finding their new best friend. The young ones will also be able to meet and engage with their favourite characters at the meet-and-greet from the KidsCon stage. Then, get ready for some high-adrenalin play as Hasbro will be out in full force with a free-to-play Nerf Zone. In this fun and safe environment, kids can take on each other – or their parents. It’s more than asserting dominance for the TV remote. This might assert the kids’ dominance over everything fun-and-games, once and for all. Those who choose to take a back seat on the action can walk over to Hasbro’s Play-Doh area, where creativity will blossom as kids use the palms of their hands to shape the worlds they’ve always imagined.  Families can now look forward to an amazing KidsCon experience with daily cosplay and dress-up competitions and  stunning prizes. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and show off their homemade or store-bought costumes, even if they choose not to strut their stuff on the KidsCon stage.   Amongst the amazing prizes up for grabs, the official destination partner for KidsCon, Forever Resort Warmbaths will be offering the chance to win a magical weekend away valued at R26 600.00. The whole family will enjoy a scenic game drive, Tacoma spa vouchers, a Hydro Spa voucher, an unforgettable Teambo Jet Ski experience and access to the Rival Zone, meals and snacks, as well as a Speedy Hamper. Other highlights will include a tabletop games area for kids, Kids Tech, and the best in Kids Gaming to cover all the content that thrills and delights them. Also, show off that Pop Star talent and remember to participate in the cool daily Kids Karaoke competitions.  And Yes, KidsCon will most definitely feature a Candy Avenue, a row of candy stores that will set all visitors off on an adventure to satisfy even the most insatiable sweet-tooth. Then, take some time to visit the Bargain Books reading corner to get lost in fantasy worlds of imagination and wonder. Here kids can delve into a world of adventure through an incredible collection of books that will help foster a love for reading. One of the highlights for more tech-savvy fans will be the KidsCon E-sports tournament powered by RGB Gaming. The two-day tournament will see 64 players from 16 schools duke it out to decide who walks away with bragging rights and stunning prizes as the top team of the event. There will also be two days of free play where everything from robotics, e-sports and game-based learning to coding, build challenges, and 3D printing will be available to experience. Oh, and did we mention that your ticket to Comic Con Africa gets you in to KidsCon, so you get the whole pop culture experience for the entire family? All Kids over the age of 18 are warned that the range of fun and games could trigger some nostalgia, and they could easily find themselves as captivated by KidsCon as smaller fans are.  Buy your tickets today for the ultimate family day out and learn about all the amazing things Comic Con Africa and KidsCon has in store for the little ones by clicking HERE.

September 20, 2022

National Oral Health Month: Here’s how to get your brightest smile yet

September is National Oral Health Month – a month dedicated to encouraging healthy dental habits and oral hygiene. Did you know that dental cavities and gum disease are two of the world’s most common health problems?  It is estimated that up to 90% of South Africans will experience gum disease at some point in their lives. Caused by plaque on the teeth and under the gum line, gum disease can lead to the loosening of teeth, movement of teeth, bad breath, receding gums and inflammation. It’s even been linked to diabetes and heart disease. While poor dental hygiene can lead to health problems, it can also put a damper on your smile. If you don’t look after your teeth and gums, it could lead to discolouration, stains and even erosion of the teeth’s enamel, which can affect one’s confidence and make smiling with confidence, difficult. We smile when we’re happy, but the act of smiling also has the ability to make us happy – and that’s a fact. When we smile, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, two of the hormones that are responsible for making us feel good. And the same thing happens when someone smiles at us: being smiled at can trigger the brain to release feel-good hormones. Smiling is also linked to lower blood pressure, stress relief and a reduction in pain. The bottom line? Smile as often as you can! It’s good for your mental and physical health, as well as the health of those around you. Not everyone is blessed with a so-called perfect smile, but modern oral care products make is easy to maintain healthy teeth and gums, increase the brightness of your smile and treat and prevent discolouration. While there is no substitute for regular check-ups at the dentist and professional teeth cleaning at the oral hygienist, it is absolutely essential to practice good oral care habits at home if you want to keep maintain the health of your teeth and the beauty of your smile. Daily maintenance A healthy oral care routine starts with mastering the basics: brushing twice a day and using a good quality mouthwash. O7 Active® Whitening Toothpaste (R129) contains active oxygen to effectively kill bacteria, remove plaque, maintain healthy teeth and gums and keep teeth beautifully white. It removes superficial stains but is mild on the enamel and does not contain any aggressive bleaches or abrasives. O7 Active® Rinse (R169) can be used twice a day after brushing. This active oxygen mouthwash kills bacteria and helps prevent gum disease, improving your overall oral health by just rinsing for 30 seconds, twice a day. Available on www.takealot.com.  Flossing is for everyone Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to remove food and plaque – especially in hard-to-reach places like between the teeth and below the gum line. Flossing is the best way to remove food particles and impurities. But before you cringe at the thought of manually flossing with string every night, have you considered water flossing?  Water flossing for one minute before brushing easily removes bacteria and debris from hard-to-reach areas deep between teeth and below the gum line. Quick and easy to use, Waterpik® Water Flossers utilise a unique combination of water pressure and patented pulsations to massage and stimulate gums as well as clean deep between teeth and below the gum line. They are clinically proven to be more effective than traditional dental floss for reducing plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease.  Waterpik® Water Flossers are clinically proven to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. The unique combination of water pressure and pulsations is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health than ordinary string floss. Try:  Waterpik® WF-02 Cordless Express Water Flosser (R999.00). Ideal for braces and other dental work, it requires only 3x AA batteries to operate, making it great for travel. Using this flosser for just one minute a day prior to brushing ensures a cleaner, fresher and healthier mouth. The unit comes with two unique Classic Jet tips for general use. Waterpik® WP-450 Cordless Plus Water Flosser (R1 399.00). The WP-450 Cordless Plus water flosser takes up less space on the countertop and includes four unique tips: Classic Jet tip (for general use), Plaque Seeker tip (best for implants, crowns, veneers and bridges and removes plaque in hard-to-reach areas), Orthodontic tip (ideal for braces and is 3x as effective as floss for removing plaque around orthodontic appliances) and the Tongue cleaner (removes bacteria from the tongue to freshen breath).  Waterpik® WP-100 Ultra Water Flosser (R1 499.00). The WP-100 Ultra Water Flosser is the ultimate in water flossing performance. It features 10 pressure settings for optimum control. The contemporary design is compact with a covered reservoir to keep out dust and debris. Six unique tips are stored in the unique undercover compartment in the lid of the reservoir.  To view and shop Waterpik® products, visit www.waterpikflosser.co.za. Also available at selected dentists, Dis-Chem stores and Takealot.  Professional whitening White teeth look healthier and more attractive, plus they go a long way in promoting a more youthful appearance. If you’re looking to brighten your smile or improve the appearance of stained or discoloured teeth, professional teeth whitening is the way to go. Performed by a qualified oral health practitioner, professional teeth whitening is safe and effective, and as it’s done by a professional, it does not carry the risks that a lot of home whitening systems do. The leading choice in teeth whitening, Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening is a fast, safe bleaching process that takes place under the care of your dentist to lighten the discoloration of your enamel and dentin. You don’t have to pay a Hollywood price for your new movie star smile either; Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening is both convenient and affordable in delivering you with the smile you have always wanted. The entire in-office bleaching procedure takes just over an hour. Using the Zoom Whitespeed LED advanced technology, your teeth can be bleached up to eight shades whiter. All of the Zoom bleaching gels have a pH booster, meaning it is completely

September 20, 2022

Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum: Our most innovative hyaluronic acid serum

If you’re serious about skincare, chances are you’ve got a mega-moisturising hyaluronic acid serum (also referred to as HA) in your artillery. Still, it’s hard to believe there once was a time when few had even heard of it and many assumed it was an exfoliator. Thing is, HA isn’t acidic at all. In fact, it helps to replenish your skin with much-appreciated hydration, making it a must for every skin type and especially those that have dry skin. This is why Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum is such a loved and lauded product. However, there are many more reasons as to why it’s a hydrator above all others and we’ll get to that in a bit – but first – for those still unfamiliar with the skincare superstar, let’s get you up to speed fast. Why HA is here to stay   HA is a water-binding, lubricating molecule that occurs naturally in your body. Much of it resides in your skin where its job is to help it retain moisture. As it’s able to attract and hold up to a thousand times its weight in water – and then hold it deep within your skin – it does this extremely well. The result? Happy, hydrated skin that looks younger thanks to a plumping effect that can obliterate fine dehydration lines and soften the look of wrinkles. More good news? Research suggests that HA has antioxidant properties that can help mitigate the effects of sun damage. Not all HA serums are created equally Now that the world’s woken up to this moisture magnet’s seemingly miraculous ability to hydrate and plump, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding an HA-infused skincare product. Thing is, not all of them are created equally. As an example, some might only contain the teensiest smidge of HA and most will only contain one particular type. This is where Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum gets to shine. Thanks to years of research, we’ve created the most innovative HA product in the world – one that contains five different types of HA to help hydrate your skin on multiple levels. Ready to break it down? Cross-linked HA hydrates the surface of the skin  Hydrolysed HA penetrates the deeper layers  Acetyl HA lingers longer, for continued hydration over a longer period Phyto HA helps retain hydration by reducing water loss through the skin Lucky number five As for our fifth type of HA, it’s a bit of an overachiever. Say hello to HAFi fragments, a range of very specifically sized HA particles that stimulate your skin to make even more of your own natural HA. This is great because your skin’s natural HA content starts to dwindle as you age. (You can also speed up this process if you’re a smoker, skip out on sun protection and don’t protect your skin from the scourge of cell-damaging free radicals.) Also, as an added bonus, HAFi fragments help speed up your skin’s natural healing and cellular turnover process by regulating inflammation. But wait – there’s more! Thought we were done? Nope. Here’s the thing that makes Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum one of the most innovative in the world – it’s the first skincare product to contain TWO hyaluronidase inhibitors! Why is this a big deal? Hyaluronidase are enzymes that occur naturally in your body; increase with age and degrade the HA content in your skin. Keeping them in check is a must if you’re on a quest to enjoy hydrated, firm and plump-feeling skin for as long as possible.  Clearly, everyone can do with an HA serum in their skincare routine. But it’s only our Corrective HA+ Serum that, serves up a multi-pronged approach to hydration, the stimulation and protection of your own natural HA plus the ability to reverse the effects of ageing and sun damage. So, why settle for anything less when Lamelle has created the best? 

September 20, 2022

THE NQOBA CHALLENGE – A fun-filled inflatable obstacle course for families with young children

This Heritage Day, HeronBridge College and Planet Fitness are hosting a fantastic, fun-filled inflatable obstacle course for families with children aged four to 13.  3km and 5km route options are available and participants can earn Discovery Vitality points for participating on the day. Whether you are a family with little ones wanting a fun day out, the cool Aunt wanting to race her nephews up the climbing wall, or the competitive family who wants to challenge your friends, this event is just for you!   The obstacle course will be run through the HeronBridge College grounds, which are situated in Fourways along the Jukskei river and participants can expect a range of exciting under and over challenges! Obstacles range from leopard crawls and tyre jumps, to balancing and throwing challenges, to giant gladiator slides, inflatable walls and more. The routes are challenging and fun and will be peppered with hydration stations to keep everyone refreshed along the way. There will be an entertainment area at the finish keeping participants and kids active with jumping castles, food vendors, music and spot prizes. Instead of the traditional Heritage Day braai, join HeronBridge College and Planet Fitness on 24 September for a fantastic day out! Entry is free for children and is just R20 for adults. Enter online at entryninja.com Event details: Date: 24 September 2022 Start time: 08h00 Registration:06h30 onwards Venue:HeronBridge College, No. 36 on the R114, Nietgedacht, Fourways Entry: entryninja.com Contact: [email protected]

September 19, 2022

What Parents Need To Know About Measles

Leading healthcare cover in South Africa, Affinity Health, explains how parents should keep an eye on measles. When most people hear the term measles, they envision flu-like symptoms. Symptoms tend to lead to a rash a few days later. But measles holds the potential to be life-threatening. Measles can cause dangerous complications. Complications include any of the following: Pneumonia Visual impairment Encephalitis Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Measle complications tend to occur in children younger than five years old. Adults older than 20 years old are also prone to infection.  What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious illness. It is an after-effect of the rubeola virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected individual or airborne droplets.  Over 140 000 individuals died from measles complications in 2018. Most of the fatalities were under five years old. Due to efficient immunisation campaigns, this number is now 73% lower than in 2000. Symptoms of Measles Measle symptoms tend to emerge 7–14 days after exposure. But they can take up to 23 days to be visible. Examples of symptoms include: High fever (up to 40°C) A hacking cough A runny nose Sneezing Watery eyes Body aches Rash: Tiny white spots occur in the mouth before a red rash emerges on the body. How Do Symptoms Arise? The virus enters the body via the mouth, nose, and eyes. From there, it circulates throughout the body to these various organs:  Liver Skin Central nervous system Spleen The measles virus produces inflammation in the capillaries of the skin. That results in the characteristic rash of measles. Anyone who has never had measles, or measles immunisations, can become unwell. Falling ill can happen once they inhale contaminated droplets. You can also get sick via close physical contact with an infected person. Did You Know? Measles Can Lead to Liver Complications If the measles virus spreads to the liver, it can result in hepatitis. While heavy alcohol consumption can cause hepatitis, other factors can cause illness. Hepatitis can occur due to any of the following lifestyle choices: Some drugs Pollutants Certain medical problems Viruses Viral hepatitis is a chronic infection. It is a silent and neglected cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa.  In 1960, experts published the first case report of acute liver failure in patients with measles. Later, they discovered that more than 50% of hospitalised people with measles showed diminished liver function.  “Measles make our bodies build up specialised immune cells. That teaches the body to produce antibodies that target a specific pathogen component. But measles can destroy these cells. It may take up to five years for the immune system to recover,” says Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. Measles prevention is the best way to guard against immune system damage. What Treatment Options are Available? There is no known antiviral therapy for the measles virus. But there is a way to prevent measle outbreaks.  Vaccination is the most effective means of protection against measles. Vaccination against measles is usually for children in South Africa. Children receive the vaccination in two doses. They take the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age. Then they receive the second dose between four and six years of age. Learn More: Should You Vaccinate Your Infant?

September 16, 2022

Give The Gift Of Life By Registering As An Organ Donor

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, talks to kidney donor recipient, 38-year-old Cristina Dos Santos-Walters on her life-changing organ transplant journey. At any moment in South Africa, about 4,300 people are waiting for organ donations. Typically, these individuals require new livers, kidneys, lungs, or hearts.  However, organ donors are in scarce supply. This is not a South African phenomenon. Many nations worldwide are unable to meet the demand for organ donors. Twenty-two years ago, Cristina was diagnosed with Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN), a rare kidney disease that can develop after group A strep infections. “In my case, I had had an upper respiratory infection a few weeks before my kidneys failed; the doctors believe that was the cause of my sudden kidney failure at the age of 13,” says Cristina.  “My main symptom was sudden blurred eye vision. A visit to the optometrist showed nothing wrong with my eyes, and I was then referred to my family doctor for further investigation. Tests revealed my blood pressure was slightly elevated and my creatinine was nearly double the normal range.  She advised we run more blood tests the following morning after fasting. Again, they remained elevated. I was prescribed medication to stabilise the levels, but a couple of days later, I had an excruciating headache, and my blurred vision worsened. A trip to casualty revealed my blood pressure was dangerously high. The doctors were surprised I wasn’t in a coma, let alone walking around.”  Cristina was hospitalised, and many more tests were done, with blood pressure checks every 15 minutes. Things did not improve. A few days later, Cristina’s kidneys had completely shut down, and the toxins in her blood were alarming, so the only way forward was to commence haemodialysis. She was put on the kidney donor list, and, 20 months later, a match was found. “I had my kidney transplant on 5 December 1999. The donor was a 21-year-old man who had died in a motorcycle accident. His family had noted on the system that they did not want to be contacted by any of their son’s organ donor recipients. There isn’t a day where I am not grateful for the greatest gift he has given me, a second chance at life,” says Cristina. Cristina adds that her transplant differed from other kidney transplants as it did not come from a living donor. Initially, her mother tried to see if she could give Cristina one of her kidneys. It involved a lot of testing that spanned over six weeks, and unfortunately, the tests revealed she was not a compatible match.  The potential kidney transplant recipient’s information is stored in a database with a cadaver donor. Three factors determine if a transplant will be successful: blood typing, tissue typing and cross-matching.  When I got my call that a donor match had been found, I immediately went to the hospital. Blood tests were done to ensure I was in good health, and a pre-transplant haemodialysis session was done to ensure my blood was as toxin-free as possible for the surgery to succeed,” says Cristina. “My first few days after the transplant were challenging due to my kidney not working immediately. I resembled something like a bloated hippo with fluid retention and unable to pass urine. They performed a biopsy on the new kidney, and all tests showed that the kidney was alive; it just needed to ‘wake up’ and start working. To not fully overload the new kidney, the doctors had me do a few more haemodialysis sessions.”  Unfortunately, the kidney did not start working immediately. “Rule of thumb is that a kidney can only be on ice for 48 hours before it becomes ineffective. I received mine in the last remaining hours of that period. It took 20 days to start working. But it was the best Christmas present I have ever received,” she says. What lifestyle changes did Cristina have to make following the kidney transplant? “After the transplant, I was immunocompromised, so I had to learn to avoid sick people, maintain a healthy diet, exercise, go for regular check-ups and, most importantly, learn to listen to my body,” says Cristina. “To ensure that my body didn’t reject the transplant, one of the most fundamental things I had to do was to remember and acknowledge that this disease is with me for life. A kidney transplant is not a cure; it’s a treatment. Nonetheless, there are some measures a recipient can try to maintain to ensure the transplant’s longevity.  Never miss taking the chronic medication. Trust your team; they are there to guide and support you. Regular blood testing and check-ups with your nephrologist are crucial in determining how the transplanted kidney is coping.”  Cristina says she has suffered a few health scares since the transplant. A common cold would turn into bronchitis and even pneumonia within a day of initial symptoms. Stomach bugs or food poisoning required immediate visits to hospitals. Antibiotics had to be administered intravenously to ensure quick and effective treatment was put into action to prevent any damage to the kidney.  Stress is something that takes its toll on a body that is immunocompromised, so Cristina says it’s essential to keep your stress levels in check and seek help when things get a bit daunting.  “To anyone thinking of becoming an organ donor, I, for one, thank you. It is the most selfless, life-changing gift you can give a fellow human being. Be it to someone you know if you are to become a living donor, or to a stranger upon your death. What a gift! I have now had my gift for over two decades, and my kidney is strong and healthy. I got a second chance to live.  I got to enjoy my teenage years, complete my studies, travel, become a mother to a beautiful 12-year-old daughter, and all because a young man and his family believed that someone’s life could be improved by donating his organs. I’d like to believe I have and am doing his memory

September 15, 2022

Air pollution, infertility and heart health: A must-read for women

Loadshedding.  It’s our very own South African swear word. Whether it’s level 2 or stage 4, or possible, or definite, or possibly definite, loadshedding causes stress. Extra hours spent in traffic; dodgy connectivity; and, for the parents among us, also the challenges of getting kiddies homework-ed, bathed, fed and into bed, all with no power. Unfortunately, the loadshedding stress isn’t going anywhere any time soon. And, there’s another serious health hazard connected with our country’s coal-fired electrical supply, which we don’t talk about enough: Air pollution.  Here’s some geography: The coal fields between eMalahleni and the Highveld are responsible for around 84% of South Africa’s production, and are the second-worst sulphur dioxide pollution hotspot in the world. Read that again. In. The. World. As background, here’s some science from Greenpeace: The burning of coal puts harmful toxins into the air, such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. Coal combustion emits microscopic sulphate particles that are small enough to enter the bloodstream and have been linked to a slew of health issues, including respiratory system inflammation resulting in coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties. They can impair lung function, worsen asthma attacks, and exacerbate pre-existing heart disease.  Bianca Leonard, Marketing Manager of air treatment specialists, Solenco, says that if you think you’re protected from such air pollution because you spend most of your time indoors, you’re wrong. “If particles are small enough to enter your bloodstream, you can be sure that they’re being carried in the air, in your car, in your home – in fact, wherever you are.” And, says Leonard, while air pollution affects everyone, women are especially vulnerable. Here are the two most significant ways that dirty air affects women’s health: 1. Heart health  Worldwide, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women. Post-menopausal women are at even higher risk as they often have higher blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower hormonal levels. At the same time, the most common diseases caused by air pollution include heart disease and stroke, especially if there’s a predisposition to these conditions.  2. Infertility A recent analysis of 18,000 couples in China found that those living with moderately higher levels of small-particle pollution have a 20% greater risk of infertility (not falling pregnant within a year of trying). The study design didn’t enable the scientists to determine how air pollution might reduce fertility, but pollution particles are known to cause inflammation in the body, which could damage egg and sperm production. Another recent study of 600 women attending a US infertility clinic found that increased exposure to air pollution is associated with a lower number of maturing eggs in the ovaries. Unfortunately, in South Africa at least, ‘clean’ electricity constitutes only about 14% of the national power grid and, while there are plans to expand this, the solution is (light!) years away. In the meantime, says Leonard, women can protect themselves by investing in an air purifier to ensure clear air in their homes. Not all air purifiers are created equal though, she cautions: “When looking at a home air purifying system, it’s important that you look for one that carries the Allergy Foundation of South Africa’s (AFSA) stamp of approval.” Leonard says that when it comes to filtration systems in various air purifiers, they don’t all function the same way and you should be looking out for a product that contains both a H13 Medical Grade HEPA filter and an Activated Charcoal or Carbon Filter. An Activated Charcoal or Carbon Filter captures harmful airborne chemicals and gasses such as SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) and Carbon Monoxide.  HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air and works by forcing air through a fine mesh. There are various classes of HEPA filters, namely True HEPA and H13. With H13 being the best in class, it captures particles 3 times smaller than True HEPA filters, which makes all the difference when you consider the smallest particles that arise from asbestos, insecticide, tobacco smoke and virus carriers. H13 HEPA filters trap 99.9% of harmful particles including toxins, chemicals and metals generated by the coal industry, as well as pollen, pet dander and dust mites as small as 0.1 microns in size – smaller than the eye can see – and definitely small enough to pose serious health issues.”

September 14, 2022

THE CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN EARLY YEARS EDUCATION

There can be no doubt that the early years in education are the most important ones, as they lay the foundation for all future learning. Therefore, it is encouraging that the Department of Basic Education has taken over the crucial Early Childhood Development portfolio from the Department of Social Development, an education expert says, while calling for a greater focus on and investment in these life-shaping years both in public and private institutions. “Research is clear that early childhood development drives success in school and life,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: Schools Division at ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider. “Raising the profile of this stage of learning in all schools must – where it is not yet the case – become a priority alongside the effective management of the transition between the home environment to a school environment.” According to Professor James J. Heckman*, Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at The University of Chicago, a Nobel Laureate in Economics, and an expert in the economics of human development, early childhood represents a critical time to shape productivity, when the brain develops rapidly to build the foundation of cognitive and character skills necessary for success in school, health, career and life. Early childhood education fosters cognitive skills along with attentiveness, motivation, self-control and sociability—the character skills that turn knowledge into know-how and people into productive citizens. “As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. This is equally true where ECD is concerned. You don’t get an opportunity to go back and change the outcomes arising from these formative years,” says Hugo. “This is why for us in South Africa, we must endeavour to ensure that the early years learning environments our children experience are nurturing, supportive and inclusive. And the pedagogy must be reflected in the richness of the learning environment by offering aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed learning spaces.” Hugo says an effective learning environment can be compared to an ecosystem where many elements – spaces (indoors and outdoors), resources, routines, teachers, and families – are intertwined and support the student’s incremental growth and personal learning journey. “The pedagogical focus in the early years must be on building academic confidence so that students develop a love of learning, and are prepared to enter future learning opportunities and ultimately the world of work with the skillset and knowledge that will ensure that they are adaptive and can successfully respond and contribute to their immediate and extended communities in a positive manner.” When students feel safe, they will be open to learning. Therefore, the environment becomes incredibly important as the third teacher – it creates that safe space – building strong relationships and making important connections with the essential learning elements. “Students in the early years also learn best when the learning is presented through play and where they are given the opportunity to explore, discover and make necessary connections – where they can discover that there are many ways, possibilities, and perspectives and that mistakes are necessary and accepted as part of the learning process – thus building resilience. “In such circumstances, the environment must be responsive to their needs. Here the educator, through careful observations and interactions, is required to monitor each student’s growth and tailor experiences accordingly, thus ensuring that the students remain engaged and inspired.” With changing times in all industries comes the need to reflect and reassess, and education is not exempt from this. “As forward thinking, innovative organisations; whether our schools are situated in the private sector or public sector, we need to constantly reflect and take a good look at what we are doing, how we are doing it, and how we need to change. We need to listen carefully to our learning community and reimagine our spaces. “We will be best positioned to serve the next generation by ensuring their early years learning is based on well researched philosophy, international connections, intentional use of resources and materials and its adaptiveness, with teaching and learning taking place in both a guided and incidental manner and that the student takes priority.”

September 14, 2022

Coping with Exam Stress

Many learners have started with a new exam series while a number of Grade 12 pupils have kicked off their prelim exams. This could be a very stressful period for many. Why do we stress? For every learner, an exam may feel like a dark, unknown monster. This is because most of the time you are unsure about how the paper is going to be and whether your preparation is enough. You start feeling stressed, and your brain interprets your exam stress as a sign that you have to be protected from a threat. Your body then prepares itself to react to this threat by fighting, running, or hiding. This is useful for certain situations, like when you are chased by a lion. But when your body feels that it must protect itself for too long, it can become overwhelmed by the need to protect itself. Your body’s reactions to stress can negatively affect your health, concentration, and mental and emotional health. 5 Tips for dealing with stress 1. Follow a healthy lifestyle. This includes healthy eating habits, enough sleep and enough exercise. When you live a healthy life and take care of your body, your body is able to fight the influence of stress. 2. Talk to your friends or family. Sometimes we need a supportive person who can help us get the right perspective. Make sure you have people to talk to when you feel overwhelmed by your work. 3. Challenge your anxious thoughts. When you notice that you have an anxious thought, look for ways to challenge them. For example, ask yourself, “What is the best thing that can happen?”, “What advice would I give someone else?”, “Is this thought helpful?” 4. Use relaxation/grounding exercises. Relaxation or grounding exercises can help you calm your nerves when you feel overwhelmed. Progressive muscle relaxation or the 5-4-3-2-1 technique are good examples. Search the internet for more exercises you can use! 5. Manage your time. Making sure that you have enough time to study can help you feel more prepared for the exams. Make use of timetables and daily schedules to schedule your time and make sure you have enough time to relax.  Time Management Time management is an important part of exam preparation. Managing your time effectively will help make sure that you have enough time to study for all your subjects ahead of time. Time management can also combat exam stress and help you feel more motivated. Time management tips 1. Make use of calendars and daily schedules. Scheduling your daily and monthly tasks can help you prioritise and plan your work and use the time you have available more effectively. When you are studying, make use of a daily schedule to plan all the content you have to study for the day. There are also useful Apps that can you can use to help you schedule your time. 2. Make a to-do list for every subject. Making a to-do list is an effective way to manage your time as well as make sure you cover all the content of your subjects. Ticking off tasks when you have finished them can also provide a sense of achievement and increase your motivation. 3. Use the A-B-C method. This method can help you prioritise your work more efficiently. List all your tasks and assign each of them either an A, B or C. A is assigned to tasks that have to be completed today, B to tasks that would be nice to finish today, and C to tasks that can be finished the next day. 4. Schedule frequent breaks. When planning your study schedule, make sure that you schedule enough time to relax. Your brain requires enough time to shut down and relax, especially when you are stressed. 5. Set goals. You will feel more motivated when you set goals for your exam period. Set goals for when you want to finish studying for certain subjects, or when you want to start revision. Set goals for your daily studying to make sure you cover the content that you planned for the day. 

September 14, 2022

Clever ways to make the most of your leftovers

Leftovers are an important part of every busy household – and for good reason. They’re a great way to save food from going to waste, plus they’re an excellent option if you’re looking to save a little time and money. But reheating food can be a dangerous game to play. And, if done incorrectly, it can lead to wasted taste and nasty side-effects. The good news, however, is that there are safe ways to reheat and revive your leftovers that will give your food a tasty second chance. Here’s what you need to know about reviving leftovers.  Store food properly  The first step to great leftovers is proper storage. Sealing leftovers is a must, as this will prevent bacterial growth and thwart cold air from drying out your food. It’ll also stop leftovers living in the fridge picking up scents and tastes from other groceries. Of course, some leftovers can be stored outside of the fridge, and most baked goods will be fine in a sealed container in a cool, dry spot. When it comes to prepared food though, you’ll want to keep leftovers in the fridge. Prepared food usually starts entering the danger zone for bacterial growth when kept at room temperature for longer than two hours. So, if you’re cooking a big batch of Saffron Rice for instance, you’ll want to get that into an airtight storage container and into the fridge as soon as possible after it has cooled. And that could become your rice component for the next time you cook your famous Chicken Curry. For a longer storage solution, the freezer is your best bet. Once again, keep the two-hour rule in mind and ensure that items are properly sealed. Know when to say goodbye  You may be tempted to hang on to leftovers for days, thinking that they’re safe and sound in the fridge. Generally, however, already cooked food should only be stored for three to four days tops. Fridge storage should be reserved for cooked foods that you plan to finish soon. If you want to sustain something for longer, or if it’s just too much to consume in a few days, turn to the freezer. When it comes to items like cold foods or cooked vegetables, safe storage time may differ. Cold foods like deli meats or chicken need to stay cold. If these foods have been left out for over two hours, it’s best to toss them. However, they’ll keep for seven to ten days in the fridge. With cooked vegetables, only hang on to leftovers for a maximum of three days. Revive them in the right appliance  Knowing which appliance to turn to when reheating food can make or break the taste factor. Microwaves are great for convenience but can change the texture of leftovers – sauces can separate, and pizza loses its crisp base. Rather stick to reheating rice, couscous, soups, and stews in the microwave.  Ovens are a great option if you want to revive the crunchiness and taste of things like potatoes the next day. However, they take time to reach the desired temperature, making your next-day meal slightly more time consuming. Air fryers are a convenient alternative here. They heat up faster than an oven and don’t leave your dishes soggy afterwards. The most convenient option of all is something that combines all the best elements of a microwave, oven, and air fryer into one versatile appliance. With multiple heating and cooking settings, the LG NeoChef Convection acts as an air fryer, microwave, convection oven, and more. It cooks quickly, heats evenly, and uses Smart Inverter technology to precisely control the temperature. This means you can pick the perfect setting, no matter what your leftovers are. It’s easy to use and sure to be a firm favourite in your kitchen. For the perfect leftovers, be sure to store your food properly, use it on time, and reheat it under the right setting. For ultimate convenience, invest in an appliance that can meet all your reheating needs with the simple push of a button.

September 13, 2022

Bring back the spark with Lady Prelox


Many consider a women’s 30s to be their “sexual prime” – but is it really? Most will tell you it’s the most stressful time of their life, whether they’re working hard to keep up with ever increasing costs or running ragged to raise a family. While you don’t have to be a scientist to know that stress and your sex drive are inextricably linked, there are loads of studies to prove it regardless. A lot of this has to do with the cortisol connection. When stress is chronic, the body leans on your sex hormones to meet the increased demands for higher cortisol production. The result? A huge dampener on your sexual spark. Worse yet, constantly pumping out cortisol is the fast-track to narrowing your arteries which negatively affects your blood circulation. So, what’s a busy woman to do? Clearly, if you want to heat things up between the sheets you’ll want to get a handle on your stress levels. But we’re not going to tell you how to do that. You’ve been doing your best to survive a pandemic, chances are you have already have a meditation app on your phone. Also, managing your stress levels isn’t the only way to improve your cardiovascular system and boost your sexual health. If it’s good, healthy blood flow that you’re after, consider a potent and proven supplement like Lady Prelox. Ignite the spark! Lady Prelox is an all-natural oestrogen-free supplement clinically proven to enhance blood flow to the clitoris to improve sexual satisfaction. During trials, 60% of women saw an improvement in as little as four weeks. After two months, a whopping 78% reported increased sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction and reduction in vaginal dryness. What’s in the mix The result of years of research, Lady Prelox contains the powerhouse antioxidant Pycnogenol. Derived from French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, it’s a brilliant oxidative stress-buster that can help improve circulation. Lady Prelox also contains L-Citrulline and L-Arginine, two non-essential amino acids that work together to increase your body’s nitric oxide production. This helps improve blood flow to your clitoris, creating an increase in pressure that’s essential to orgasm.  The bottom line  Life is busy. You’re stressed. We get it. But you deserve to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life, especially since intimately connecting with your partner is one of the best stress-busters around. So, if you’re looking to re-ignite your relationship, consider Lady Prelox. You only need to take two capsules a day and there are no negative side-effects – but you’ll have everything to gain, including your sexual spark! www.preloxrange.co.za *data on file

September 13, 2022

A brick-by-brick approach: Supporting your child in a way that makes sense to them

The significance of learner support within mainstream schools In education we often talk about building strong foundations that will give your child the tools to progress throughout their school career and thrive in life.  Using the analogy of ‘building a house’, foundations are the first place that you should start, but anyone that has built a house will know that without proper project management, things can easily go awry. You need someone onsite, collaborating with builders and suppliers, checking the details, and rectifying any discrepancies early on so that they don’t result in long-term problems. These experts will weigh in with their insight where it matters most. A child’s learning requires the same attention to the fundamental details. Growth and development are a complex process and schools that offer an approach that combines the use of teachers and educational specialists trained in a child’s neurological, physical, and emotional development, help your child to learn in a way that makes sense to them right now.  This generation of children and teens are dealing with pressures and demands that are different to the generations that preceded them. High levels of anxiety and an increase in learning challenges are prevalent. Then add Covid into the mix! Children today require less ‘teaching of’ curriculum and more ‘attention to’ their needs and their individual progress.  There are huge benefits to therapeutic interventions being offered at mainstream schools by specialists, such as educational psychologists, and accommodations/concessions during exams. This type of academic support enables children to overcome obstacles that are preventing them from reaching their full potential, all while fully participating in an integrated manner with their peers in the larger, more vibrant school context. In addition, schools that are working closely with trained specialists in childhood development are more likely to offer programmes, curriculum, and classroom-support techniques that help children to learn more effectively. This intervention not only assists children in their early years of schooling but, like foundations, ensures that each level thereafter is secure. Early intervention impacts the outcome of Matric and beyond! Bridging classes allow for the re-enforcing of perceptual and emotional foundations, critical to further academic and personal growth. Through smaller class sizes and teacher/specialist expertise, the individual needs of a range of children, who would ordinarily struggle in a larger learning environment, can be met. The flexibility offered through this approach allows for both extension and additional support of students, while keeping apace with standardised syllabus progression.  At HeronBridge College we offer an onsite learning centre that is host to a range of specialists and work closely with teachers and parents to provide the support necessary to “meet each child where they are at.”  As teachers and parents, it is our job to be the project managers of our children’s school journey and leaning on the insight of the experts around us can make all the difference.  Written by: Natasha Marot | Head of Marketing at HeronBridge College  www.heronbridge.co.za  To find out more about HeronBridge College contact [email protected]

September 12, 2022

Best finger food recipes for babies

Once your baby is accustomed to purees you can start introducing finger foods, usually at around 6 to 8 months. Finger foods are an important part of your child’s food journey, helping them develop biting and chewing skills and developing their coordination and motor skills.   Try these recipes. CREAM CHEESE DIP Little ones love dipping! This dip is super versatile – use Squish 100% Fruit Puree if you’ll be serving it with fruit slices, or add Squish 100% Veg Puree if you’re opting for savoury. Make this dip using any already open Squish 100% Fruit or Veg pouches you have in the fridge – feel free to mix and match flavours. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree pouches come with a resealable lid, which cuts back on food waste when you are introducing new tastes and textures to your baby, and just want to try a small amount at a time. Ingredients ½ cup plain cream cheese  ½ pouch of Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree  Lightly steamed vegetable batons or slices of apple or pear Method Place cream cheese in a bowl and add your child’s favourite Squish 100% Fruit or Vegetable Puree. Stir well to blended.  Finger food tip: Cutting food into wedges or batons is best. Make them around 7cm long so that your baby can hold in their fist. It is essential to steam or roast crunchy vegetables so that they can’t break into large chunks and become a choking hazard.  SWEET POTATO PANCAKES Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C and their natural sweetness makes them an excellent choice as your baby gets used to new flavours. These pancakes are made using a pouch of Squish 100% Sweet Potato, Apple and Cinnamon Puree. They freeze well, so you can have them easily on hand when you need a tasty meal for your little one. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are made using quality fresh fruit and veg and are free from nasties like preservatives, flavourants and colourants.  Ingredients: 160 g (1 cup) cake flour 5 g (1 tsp) baking powder 2 eggs 125 ml (½ cup) milk (you can switch this out for breastmilk or formula) 1 x 110 ml Squish 100% Sweet Potato, Apple and Cinnamon Puree 15 ml (1 Tbsp) oil for frying Method: Sift together flour and baking powder. Whisk together eggs, milk and Squish Puree. Whisk the Squish mixture into the dry ingredients and beat to a smooth, thick batter. Heat the oil over a very low heat in a non-stick frying pan. Add spoons of the batter and shape into circles. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip over and cook on the other side until the pancake is firm to the touch. Repeat with remaining batter. Finger food tip: Sometimes little ones can ‘store’ food in their mouths. At the end of mealtimes give their mouth a quick check to see they have swallowed all of their food. VEGGIE-LOADED SCRAMBLED EGG From around six months it is safe to introduce eggs into your child’s diet. Although you might not think of scrambled eggs as finger food, your little one with love picking up the bits of egg and eating it. Just make sure when you’re scrambling that you don’t break the egg up into pieces that are too small. This scrambled egg has Squish 100% Veg Puree added to it – we used Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree, but you could try different flavours too, including Butternut + Carrot or Pear + Sweet Potato. Serve with toast cut into fingers.  Ingredients 2 eggs 50 ml (½ pouch) Squish 100% Mixed Vegetable Puree (or any flavour you please) 45 ml (3 Tbsp) cheddar cheese, grated Method Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk. Add Squish Puree and mix well.  Melt a blob of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the egg and puree mix and cook, stirring, until just cooked. Stir in the cheese.  Finger food tip: When your baby first starts on finger foods you need to ensure the food is soft. Your baby should be able to squash the food between their fingers. 

September 12, 2022

Hospitals may be held liable for refusing to admit women in labour

South African hospitals have made the news on multiple occasions for refusing to admit or treat patients needing emergency care including women in labour. Hospitals can face potential liability when this happens. This is according to Kirstie Haslam, partner at DSC Attorneys, who says that there are circumstances where hospitals can be held liable when refusing to admit women in labour. Examples of South African hospitals to treat women in labour Unfortunately, there are many examples of South African hospitals turning away women in labour. Haslam cites some incidents from recent years. Woman gives birth in hospital car park In 2021, a young woman in premature labour was allegedly by staff at Helderberg Hospital in Somerset West. Despite multiple requests from a woman who was transporting the pregnant woman in her car, staff didn’t leave the hospital to assist them. The woman was forced to give birth in the car park and the baby died. Woman in labour turned away for being “too old” In 2019, a 45-year-old pregnant woman was turned away from the Stanza Bopape Clinic in Mamelodi, Tshwane. The woman was allegedly told that she couldn’t give birth at the clinic because she was too old and considered high risk. The delay meant the woman’s waters broke and she gave birth outside the clinic gate. It was only then that the staff realised that the situation was serious and came to assist her. Woman forced to give birth outside clinic In 2019, a 29-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly turned away twice by security guards at the Marulaneng Clinic because she’d forgotten her clinic card despite being in pain. She was forced to walk home to collect it and she started to bleed. When she returned to the clinic with her mother, she was told no-one was on duty to help her. While they waited, the woman gave birth outside in the rain. The security guards then called the nurses to assist but it was too late. The baby was pronounced dead. Woman gives birth at a station after being turned away by three hospitals In 2017, a Congolese woman was forced to give birth at Park Station in Johannesburg. She was allegedly turned away  from three hospitals because she’s an asylum seeker. The woman and her husband spent hours waiting and travelling by train while she was in labour to try to get medical care. Two hospitals turned her away. Even after she gave birth on the station floor, a third hospital refused her care. The Constitution ensures asylum seekers have the right to the same emergency medical care as South African citizens, including maternity care. What the law says about emergency medical treatment Haslam says that the South African law is clear about a person’s right to emergency medical treatment, including how it pertains to women in labour. “With regard to the right to basic emergency treatment under Section 27(3) of the South African Constitution, no-one in South Africa may be refused emergency medical treatment,” she explains. “A medical emergency is defined as an acute injury, illness or medical situation that requires immediate medical care because the life or long-term health of the patient is in danger. This includes emergency care for women in labour.” Under the Constitution, Haslam says that this right applies to South African citizens and asylum seekers, regardless of whether they have medical aid. Haslam says that exceptions to the above do exist but under very specific circumstances including: When the patient has no insurance, and the situation is not a medical emergency If the hospital is under-resourced (overcrowded, no beds, inadequate staff) When the hospital believes the patient would receive better treatment elsewhere If the hospital doesn’t have the correct equipment to treat the patient properly. Factors that help determine liability Medical malpractice cases are rarely straight forward. If a patient is denied care, certain factors help determine liability. Haslam says that if a person arrives in critical condition and failure to treat the patient results in death or severe injury, a hospital or medical practitioner is liable. “Hospitals can never turn a patient away for discriminatory purposes, such as race, sex, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. In these circumstances, the hospital would be held liable.” “How serious the case was and whether it could have been managed without emergency care must be investigated,” she adds. “Whether the hospital was adequately resourced to respond to the emergency is also a factor.” She says that all these factors need to be considered to determine if a medical malpractice claim is valid. Liability of hospitals for refusing to admit women in labour If a hospital’s refusal to admit a woman in labour leads directly to a mother or her baby being harmed and the accepted standards of care are violated, Haslam says that a personal injury claim can be made against the hospital or individual health practitioners. “In the case of a government medical facility, a personal injury claim can be made against the State, usually the Department of Health.” Get an attorney to assist with claim Medical malpractice is a highly specialised area of the law. Haslam says that claims against hospitals for refusing to admit women in labour require comprehensive knowledge of the law and experience in medical malpractice cases. “It is therefore advisable for claimants to seek the assistance of an attorney that has extensive experience in medical malpractice claims,” she concludes. For more information visit: www.dsclaw.co.za

September 9, 2022

Pool safety for kids – what you need to know about solid safety pool covers

As a parent, you already know the importance of child drowning prevention and how quickly accidents can happen. What you perhaps didn’t know is that in South Africa, pool safety will become a regulatory issue, governed by the SABS through its building Standards.    According to the Safety Standard (SANS 10134), pool safety will need to be provided on all properties. The most effective way to address this is with a solid safety cover. But not all safety covers are made equal and it is important to understand the criteria when choosing a safety cover.  These are the questions to ask and the critical factors to get right if your safety cover is to perform as it should and keep unsupervised children (and pets) safe. After rain, does the water drain off within 15 minutes, leaving no water pooled on top of the cover? A compliant safety cover must have drainage holes.  Could an object measuring 114mm fit under the edge of the cover? This represents the size of a small child’s head.  Is the cover’s weight tolerance 220kg or more? Can two adults and a child walk on it without harm to themselves or damage to the cover? Are the batons supporting the cover manufactured for solid safety pool covers and able to carry the intended weight? Similarly, are the ratchets of adequate quality? Are the supplier and  the installer accredited by SANS 10134? Does the supplier provide official certification with the safety cover?  The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is the leading child safety cover and complies with all the abovementioned requirements. Solid Safety Covers were first designed and introduced to the South African market by PowerPlastics Pool Covers. Many have tried to copy it but don’t always get the quality right. Cutting corners by using cheap components could result in a pool cover that is as unsafe as an uncovered pool if not even more dangerous, imagine being trapped under a defective cover! A Solid Safety Cover  is a specialist product, and requires specialist design and installation methods.  Go with the original and best in quality cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers. You will be glad you went the extra mile when your quality safety cover stops a child or pet drowning in your own home.  Learn more at www.powerplastics.co.za 

September 9, 2022

Online schooling is a tool, that if used correctly, can change the game in academic achievement

However, for this to happen, a relationship and understanding of expectation between the parent and activator needs to be developed.  As a teacher that worked in a brick and mortar school for five years, I can speak to the understanding that parents are removed from their child’s learning journey, particularly in the early years. This is largely due to the fact that most, if not all learning are expected to take happen during school hours. Once your five-year-old arrives home, their academic day is considered done. When applying this idea to the online schooling space, a shift takes place, now home, or anywhere for that matter is where learning can take place, and what makes this environmental shift even more unique is that you, the parent is not only “invited” into the classroom but you become part of your child’s learning and teaching resources. Online schooling affords the parent a front-row seat into the “classroom” and what a magnificent tool that could be. The opportunity to see how your child engages with academic content develops understandings, and even more importantly, where your child is developing misunderstandings. Parents who use this platform in this way have given their children a foundation to evolve from standard learning to evolutionary learning.  I have been afforded the chance to watch this happen in the level 1/Grade 0 space at Evolve Online School. Parents who have embraced all that online schooling is and have engaged with their children by extending their child’s learning and becoming their child’s personalized teacher, accompanied by the input from us as activators have gone from reading three-letter words to reading books by the end of their grade 0/ level 1 year. Online schooling really does create the space for limitless learning possibilities because children are given the opportunity to have all the right people involved in their learning journey. To learn about how Evolve Online School has been used by parents like yourself, please click here. To join one of our upcoming webinars, please click here. Are you ready to join the Evolve Online School family, click here to Apply now.

September 8, 2022

IEB Matric results a testimony of the efficacy of online learning and Brainline’s Top Performers continue to shine

Brainline has a proud record when it comes to final year exam results. It is especially encouraged by the number of excellent performers who emerged amongst the 2021 Matric Results. In 2021, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) recorded a 98.39% pass rate, up from 98.07% in 2020. Brainline is IEB recognised. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje says despite another challenging year amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a number of students showed their steel during the final exams. She says Brainline students achieved 178 distinctions overall. There were 310 B’s and 385 C’s. This is a testament to the courage and tenacity of the Class of 2021. ‘We are extremely proud of all our Grade 12 learners who have had to deal with unprecedented circumstances over the last 2 years. We would, however, like to highlight the performance of a number of our students who managed to achieve exceptional results. While the majority have been home schoolers for a number of years, some only joined our online school from 2020, when their own schools closed during the country-wide school lockdown. As a virtual school, we were able to provide these learners with a safe and uninterrupted alternative and our results speak for itself,’ Cronje explains. Cronje says one of Brainline’s learners managed to score within the Top 5% of the overall IEB results. ‘Megan Joynt really did us proud by not only scoring within the Top 5% of the IEB, but she is also among the Top 1% in 5 of her subjects. Megan achieved 7 distinctions for Afrikaans First Additional Language, Business Studies, English Home Language, History, Life Orientation, Mathematics and Tourism. Another learner who achieved 7 distinctions is Alexander Russel for Afrikaans Home Language, Business Studies, Computer Applications Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, English First Additional Language, Life Orientation and Mathematical Literacy,’ Cronje says. Brainline students were among the 12 000 IEB students who completed the 2021 matric exams. Cronje says the consistent performance by these learners is a testimony to the efficacy of online learning amid a very challenging academic year. Cronje says now is the opportune time for basic education authorities to look at restructuring the current traditional school system by phasing in e-learning elements. ‘South Africans are familiar with a more traditional classroom set-up but now is the time to evolve. E-learning and mobile learning should be viewed as a stand-alone or additional learning resource that can assist in accessing learning tools. Last year during his state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the government wanted to provide learners with a tablet to access e-learning platforms. He also indicated that the government was working with network operators to reduce the cost of data. This drive should be on government’s radar more than ever before.’ Students with 7 DistinctionsMegan Joynt (photo attached)Alexander Russel (photo attached) Students with 6 DistinctionsNikita JardimKayla ThompsonShani Grobler Students with 5 DistinctionsJulia StreicherJanneke vd SteenhovenHannah HuftonEmelia Badenhorst Students with 4 DistinctionsTsoaledi HlakudiNcebakazi MtshemelaSune RenniePietje SchinkelAaerin vd Bergh Students with 3 DistinctionsJulia SmitKate SchwaembleAimee RouxMatthew MunroVula LubbeOliver LloydLarika JoubertAnton JordaanLila de WetKayleigh AdamsonFathimah Adjiet Brainline’s qualifications are accepted at all national and international tertiary institutions. Enrolment for 2023 is now open. Click here for more information: https://brainline.com/enrol-2023/  Click here for CEO, Coleen Cronje’s interview on ENCA

September 8, 2022

4 budget-friendly tips for mealtimes

The rising cost of living means we are all feeling the pinch when it comes to putting healthy and delicious meals on the table for our families. These smart budget-friendly tips for meals for your little one will help keep your grocery bills in check, without compromising on quality and natural goodness. 1. Plan ahead and shop wisely Before you head to the shops, do a quick audit of your grocery cupboard, fridge and freezer so you only buy what you need. Compare prices at various supermarkets to make sure you make the most of any specials – the easiest way to do price comparisons is to log onto their online shopping apps. And don’t be afraid to try cheaper cuts of meat – if they’re cooked long and slow you can produce a delicious meal.  2. Stock up on staples A good supply of basics in your grocery cupboard is a real cost-saver – it means you can quickly and easily create a meal or snack without heading to the store (or being tempted to get takeaways). Got a tin of butter beans in your pantry? Quickly whip up this Bean Dip and serve with mini pitas or veggie sticks.  And remember, having a selection of Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree pouches in your pantry means you’ll always have a meal on hand for your little one. They are designed to be the perfect portion size and fit easily into your handbag or nappy bag if you’re heading out with your baby or toddler. Squish Purees are filled with quality ingredients and are free of nasties like preservatives, colourants and flavourants – plus they have no added cane sugar.  3. Cook batches of food and freeze The freezer really is your friend when it comes to saving money – and time! Next time you’re cooking a mince or chicken dish, double the recipe and freeze half. Freezing also means you can cut back on waste. Instead of throwing out veg that are past their prime, use them to make a soup or stew and freeze in meal-size batches. This Easy Veggie Sauce is a real winner too. It’s made with Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree and can turn rice, mashed potato or pasta into a goodness packed meal in a jiffy. Cook up a batch and freeze in smaller portions for extra convenience.  4. Maximise leftovers With a little imagination and a few pantry basics, leftovers can be transformed into a delicious meal for your toddler. Stir Squish 100% Veg Puree through leftover pasta, rice or mash, add shredded chicken or tuna and pop in the microwave to heat through. Squish Puree pouches all come with a resealable screw-on lid, which means you never need to waste a drop. Use what you need, then pop in the fridge to use later. They’re available in a variety of flavours, including Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot; Sweet Potato, Apple + Cinnamon; Apple, Beetroot + Guava; and Pear + Sweet Potato.

September 7, 2022

Could Prelox be your all-natural fertility solution?

Couples trying to conceive without any joy will know how bittersweet celebratory events like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can feel. After all, when you decide it’s time to start and family and things don’t come easy, it creates so much emotional trauma. Fortunately, you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with fertility and, globally, infertility rates are rising with as many as 1 in 7 couples facing the challenge. Still, there’s a big stigma attached to infertility in that it’s seen as a “female problem”. Many hear of a couple that’s battling to have a baby and their first thought is that they’re probably dealing with a gynaelogical concern on the woman’s side. The truth, however, is that infertility affects both sexes almost equally – about one-third of cases can be attributed to men and another third are accounted for by women. Don’t lose hope Fortunately, “infertility” doesn’t haven’t to be a final diagnosis. Thanks to rapid innovations in health, an increasing number of couples are experiencing the “baby joy” they once suspected was impossible. However, for many, their journey doesn’t have to follow the imagined route of “we’re struggling – let’s head straight to IVF, do not pass go”. Millions of couples face fertility challenges due to problems that can be relatively simple to solve. As an example, often, the cause for a lack of fertility in men is sub-optimal sperm health, something that’s perfectly treatable. After all, one of the biggest threats to top quality sperm is oxidative stress caused by cell-damaging free radicals. (These damage the sperm’s head and tail, making it difficult to swim and successfully implant itself in an egg.)  Modern life makes free radical avoidance impossible – they’re literally in the air – but you can limit their destruction in a big way while significantly boosting sperm health with a proven male fertility supplement like Prelox. An all-natural solution Created by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, Prelox contains all-natural ingredients including the super antioxidant, Pycnogenol. Aside from being potent, it’s also proven. One double-blind clinical trial showed that, after taking Prelox for just one month, men generated 93% more healthy, normally-formed sperm with a 55,5% improvement in motility. That’s a huge boost! Prelox also contains the amino acid L-Arginine that stimulates the creation of endothelial nitric oxide (e-NOS), an enzyme that can dramatically enhance sperm motility, literally increasing its ability to “swim” the long distance it has to travel to reach the egg. The bottom line Ultimately, if you’re trying to conceive without success, both you and your partner should make an appointment to chat with your doctors. As we said, infertility affects both men and women, almost equally. Still, while many things could contribute to the problem in both partners, it’s often merely a case of low quality sperm. In this case, you might be one of the many couples that can rectify this with a simple yet incredibly effective supplement, Prelox. It doesn’t require a prescription and there are no negative side effects. This way, you’d have nothing to lose and, potentially, everything to gain – including a bouncing bundle of joy. www.preloxrange.co.za 

September 6, 2022

Management of mastitis

Breast feeding is a skill that is learnt by mothers and baby. One important aspect of this skill is to identify when there may be an issue so that it is resolved before it becomes painful or a problem. One of the preventable and very painful complications that can happen while breast feeding is the development of a blocked duct which can result in mastitis. My Breastpump has a new product that can help mothers prevent the development of mastitis. This new product is called the “My Breast Lactation Massager”.  Mastitis is an inflamed or swollen area of the breast, that can be infected with bacteria. The infected breast may be red, hot and feel hard. This can cause pain and tenderness. It normally only happens to one breast but it can happen to both breasts at the same time. A mother may feel tired, nauseous or have a fever/ chills.  Common symptoms of mastitis include:  Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch Breast swelling Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern Generally feeling ill Fever of 38.3 C or greater These symptoms can occur suddenly.  Causes:  Mastitis can be caused by a few things.  Bacteria can enter the breast via a cracked or damaged nipple.  Pressure from a blocked duct or tight-fitting clothing. A blocked milk duct can also be caused by improper milk drainage. This happens when a baby is not able to empty a breast during a feed due to a shallow latch or if a pump is not powerful enough to drain the breast sufficiently.  Schedule feeds can also cause delay and improper milk drainage from the breast.  Stress and poor nutrition can also increase the risks for mastitis as well as smoking.  How to prevent getting mastitis  Help your baby to breastfeed with a deep latch. This will help to avoid sore or cracked nipples and also improve drainage of the breast.  If you do develop a cracked nipple, wash with soap and water a few times a day Change your breastfeeding position so that your baby latches onto the breast in different places. Breast feed or express your breasts often during the day. Aim for 8 or more times a day.  If you feel a Blocked duct- a small, hard lump in the breast, it is best to treat it early. You can use the new My Breast Lactation Massager to apply focused heat to the area before breast feeding and use any of its 10 gentle vibration settings to hep you massage the area while you are breast feeding. See here to purchase Avoid tight bras and clothing that can place pressure on your breast. This can make it difficult for the breast to drain well.  If you are weaning your baby off the breast, do this gradually so that your breast can get used to the change in milk removal.  How can mastitis be treated? Prevention and early identification are the best way to treat mastitis.  If you have nipples that are cracked, take extra care to wash your hands before a breastfeed or pumping session.  Use the My Breast Lactation Massager to help you heat and gently massage the sensitive area.  Breastfeed or pump regularly, at least 8/24hour Apply a cold compress after breast feeding or pumping to help reduce swelling Drink plenty of fluids and stay in bed with your baby. This will help you get the rest that you need for recovery.  If your symptoms are not resolved within 2-3 days and you are still feeling un well please contact your doctor as you may need a course of antibiotics.  The My Breast Lactation Massager can be used in the shower or bath for more comfort while massaging. Use the massager inside your bra while you doing busy with baby. It has a 60-70 minute battery life and can be recharged when needed.  Apart form the pain and discomfort, mastitis that is not treated or is due to a blocked duct can cause a breast abscess. This is a collection of pus in the breast that may need to be surgically drained.  Benefits of the My Breast Lactation Massager is that it can help mothers to improve their milk flow and helps with a faster let down. This can help to relieve engorgement and swelling during nursing, and pumping. It can assist with unblocking ducts by improving milk flow and improving the emptying of the breast. The massager gently and effectively breaks up blocked ducts with its 10 different vibration modes. The high-quality soft food-grade liquid silicone material is for extra comfort and allows you to use the massager for as long as needed. The massager is able to heat up to 42⁰C, which is the correct temperature to help increase milk flow. This can help with engorgement or sensitive areas in your breast.  The unique design of the massager with the heated tip, allows you for focus where you would like to apply heat. It is small enough to fit inside your bra comfortably and can be used on any breast shape or size.  The massager can be used in any position on your breast. This allows you to reach any blockage.   The My Breast Lactation Massager is a must for all breastfeeding women and a great baby shower gift. As it helps to make your nursing, breastfeeding, pumping journey more comfortable and relaxing.  For more information and where to buy the My Breast Lactation Massager please see our website www.mybreastpump.co.za or Takealot. 

September 6, 2022

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), infertility in women was ranked as the 5th highest and most serious global disability. Further to that, the Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa (IFAASA) confirmed that as many as one in six couples are impacted by infertility. Infertility occurs in both men and women with a number of risk factors such as occupational and environmental risks, age, smoking and alcohol use. Another common risk factor though for infertility in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that involves reproductive, cosmetic and metabolic problems with 8 – 13% of women suffering from this condition. Due to ovarian dysfunction, it is the most common cause of infertility. Despite the increasing numbers and people impacted by infertility, the subject of infertility is still not a topic openly discussed and carries with it an unfortunate stigma.  Symptoms commonly associated with PCOS that women should be aware of include: If you are under 35 and have been having regular unprotected intercourse for 6 – 12 months without falling pregnant. Experiencing painful periods Having irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles Elevated levels of the male hormone androgen which results in excess body hair and acne The symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause a lot of distress and the disorder affects women in so many different ways and to different degrees. That’s why it’s best not to assume that you actually have PCOS until you’ve been diagnosed by a gynaecologist.  Is there a way to treat infertility linked to PCOS? Just as there are various factors that impact fertility, there are also many different treatment options and recommendations out there, some more invasive than others. According to 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO, Boitumelo Sebambo, in cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid.  The efficacy of the Salome Fertility product lies in it containing the correct ratio of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol that have been extracted from the pod of the Carob Bean Tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. “We locally manufacture our Salome Fertility product, as well as the other products within the Salome range. All the products in the Salome Range are based on herbal extracts which have limited side effects AND because they are nappi coded, they are recognized and reimbursed by certain medical aids,” explains 3Sixty Biomedicine CEO, Boitumelo Sebambo. For more information about the Salome range and to be part of the Women’s Month conversation, visit www.salome-range.co.za. The full Salome range of products that helps to manage menstrual pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, infertility in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and menopause are available to the public from pharmacies nationwide or online at Takealot.com and Salome’s website and can be reimbursed from medical aid savings. Feel free to also connect with us on our social media platforms this PCOS awareness month or check out our full Salome range and details about our naturally inspired products on www.salome-range.co.za Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange Reference http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/infertility/definitions/en/ Medical references: https://salome-range.co.za/resources/

September 5, 2022

Hello Mr Price Baby: Your new store for everything baby and kids!

Mr Price Baby has launched, offering you a whole new world of baby: a one-stop shop with every need sorted! “Since launching baby clothing in November 2020, we saw the need to give parents even more of the unbelievable value we are known for. After two years of thorough market research, talking to parents and soon-to-be moms, we have designed a store experience to make parenting affordable and convenient for all South Africans. As you would expect from Mr Price, the new concept will differentiate from competitors through its famous fashion-value formula. Further differentiators include an in-store shopping experience that is tailored to the baby and toddler shopper as a one-stop destination, and a digital platform with the same features that has made Mr Price the most visited South African fashion retailer.” – Donovan Baney, Managing Director of Mr Price. Mr Price Baby will be with parents every step of the way offering a wide assortment of products and major baby brands across changing, personal care, bath, travel, drinking, sleep, feeding, play and clothing for babies (0-24 months) and kids (1-7 years). You’ll be able to shop everything from prams and car seats to nappies, toys, baby food and so many more essentials. “Mr Price Baby is a major milestone for us being the people’s value champion with so much potential to grow.” – Donovan Baney, Managing Director of Mr Price. You can find our standalone Mr Price Baby stores in Eastgate Shopping Centre, Menlyn Shopping Centre, Mitchells Plain Promenade Mall, Carnival Mall, Parow Centre and Pine Crest Centre. You can shop a selection of product in the Mr Price Kids stores at Carlton Centre, Mall of Africa and Midlands Mall, as well as in the following Mr Price stores: Benoni Lakeside Mall, Cavendish, Fourways Mall, Golden Walk Shopping Centre and Nelspruit Riverside Mall.  Added convenience includes a kiosk in selected stores where customers can shop online with the option of door-to-door delivery or click & collect at their nearest store or create a baby gift registry.  Our full assortment will also be available to shop online at mrprice.com and on the Mr Price app. Follow us @mrpricebaby on Instagram and Facebook Official hashtag: #mrpricebaby 

September 5, 2022

Infertility – the uninvited monster!

So, let’s get real. You and your partner have discussed starting a family and decided that you’re ready to settle down! You want to get pregnant and that’s all you can think about. You’ve adapted your lifestyle (partying less, eating healthily, and exercising a bit more). You’ve been trying for a few months but nothing is happening. All your friends are becoming pregnant and you feel a bit jealous (to be honest). It’s beginning to impact your relationships, work, and social life; it’s all you can think about and it’s consuming you. As a result, you feel angry, sad, isolated, anxious, hopeless, and, quite frankly, a mental mess – happy one minute and crying the next. Your life was perfect until infertility showed up uninvited. You’re asking your doctor what’s wrong and aren’t getting any answers. You’ re just told to keep trying. So instead, you blame yourself for a million things you did when you were younger – because the problem sits with you, right? Infertility, the inability to conceive or sustain a successful pregnancy, affects more couples than you think. One in six couples is struggling to conceive. Of those, fifteen to thirty percent of couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility, meaning that doctors cannot find a cause or reason for their infertility. Moreover, male infertility is also on the rise and responsible for thirty-five to fifty percent of infertility cases. Sadly, fewer couples can afford assisted reproductive technologies like IVF with the increases in living costs. Even if couples can afford the treatment, it comes with certain risks and is seldom successful the first time, so it’s a substantial financial investment.  Did you know that couples who struggle with infertility have stress levels comparable to those of cancer patients? The stress, anxiety, and grief surrounding unexplained infertility and pregnancy loss can wreak havoc on your life and fertility health, making an already tricky situation unbearable! Between the endless struggles of failed fertility treatments, unanswered questions, and hopelessness, there are those who feel they have exhausted every possible option. I’ve learnt from my fertility journey that there’s a great need for a robust support system and it’s perhaps time for a fresh perspective and to rope in the help of an expert – a fertility coach. Everyone experiences infertility differently; some can’t get pregnant, others can’t stay pregnant. Navigating this path to parenthood is not an easy-to-follow, straight line for all! Fertility coaches will spend significantly more time with their patients than most health care providers, as they work with you to identify possible root causes for your particular case of infertility and how to make sense of it all. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach and each case is different, either mentally, emotionally, or physically. Your fertility coach will work with you to craft a tailored strategy that’s likely to counter your unique case of infertility. Once you have a plan for how to tackle this infertility monster, you will feel better, more empowered, and more optimistic. According to a recent Harvard study, you are fifty-five percent more likely to conceive if you work on your mental health and mindset when trying to conceive. Thankfully, we’re there to help you shift your perspective and to encourage and empower you with our knowledge and expertise. The data speaks for itself: various factors significantly impact your overall reproductive health, ranging from your genetics to the chronic medications you take to blood groups and other assorted lifestyle factors. Fertility coaches help couples regain their hope and confidence by guiding them through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Fertility coaches are there to support you through each step of journey. The stress, anxiety, and grief that surround pregnancy, miscarriage loss, and new parenthood isn’t something you shouldn’t go through alone.  Even if you have an excellent medical team, they don’t always have the time to emotionally support you and your mental state might suffer as a result.  In my fertility journey, I’ve learnt that the struggle to parenthood isn’t something you should navigate alone. If you are trying to conceive, whether male or female, you could benefit from the support of a coach – especially if there have already been challenges. FertilitySOS can help you and your partner if you are struggling with infertility, recurrent miscarriages, PCOS, secondary infertility, of male infertility. Visit FERTILITYSOS for more info about our FertilitySOS book. You can also book a free discovery call to see how the FertilitySOS coach can be of assistance in your fertility journey.  www.fertilitysos.com

September 2, 2022

What to watch Cartoon Network this September

JELLYSTONE! JOURNEY TO JELLYSTONE!, WHERE ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN! Take a trip to the quaint little town of Jellystone!, chock-full of all your favourite Hanna-Barbera characters from Yogi Bear and Huckleberry Hound to Top Cat. It’s the perfect place to live, work and play. Join in on the silliness and misadventures as the colourful residents accidentally cause crazy trouble for each other! This month, Augie, Shag and Yakky accidentally turn everyone into babies in the hope of having other kids to play with. In another fun-filled episode, Yogi has a midlife crisis and starts a rock band. A mishap could even be in the making when we look to Mayor Huck to put together a team of astronauts to save the world from an impending cosmic disaster. Tune in for this brand-new season. You’ll love it … and laugh a lot. PREMIERE:        Monday, 05 September 2022 TUNE IN:             Mondays to Fridays @ 18:10 CAT NINJAGO WHAT’S YOUR NEXT NINJA MOVE? Get into stealth mode and tune in to the new season of Ninjago: Crystalized! The ninjas are back with some brand-new adventures, and this time, they have been locked up in the Kryptarium Prison, surrounded by some of their old enemies. Here they learn a mysterious Crystal King is recruiting a council of evil enemies. To find out the identity of this new enemy, they escape from prison and become fugitives. Who is the Crystal King? Why is he gathering a powerful counsel? Team up with Wu, Kai, Lloyd, Zane, Nya, Jay and Cole and get ready for some more action-packed missions! PREMIERE:        Saturday, 03 September 2022 TUNE IN:             Weekends @ 09:15 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up CN MOVIES SPECIAL: BATMAN LET’S CELEBRATE EVERYTHING BATMAN! To ensure you don’t miss any of the Batman Day festivities, Cartoon Network is handing you three back-to-back LEGO Batman movies to celebrate the day with the funniest Batman movies of them all. Starting with Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered Superman and other superheroes start disappearing mysteriously – will Batman save the day? Batman then teams up with the Justice League to face the Joker and Lex Luthor in Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite. And finally, inLego DC Batman: Family Matters, Batman and his team encounter the villainous Red Hood, who’s obsessed with destroying the Bat-family and all of Gotham City. The super-villains are up to no good on Batman Day! TUNE IN:             Saturday, 17 September @ 09:35 CAT

September 2, 2022

Boomerang September Highlights

BATMAN DAY – MOVIE STARS SPECIAL It’s a case for Batman! Did you know that 17 September is Batman Day? And Boomerang is taking on the villains to celebrate everyone’s favourite superhero! On this day, Boomerang’s Movie Stars features Scooby-Doo and Batman in the movie Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and The Bold. It’s a thrill a second! After saving Scooby-Doo and the gang from some truly dangerous villains, Batman enlists the help of the Mystery Inc. gang to solve one of his few unexplained cases. Meanwhile, they must also deal with a new mysterious villain who calls himself the ‘Crimson Cloak’, who is planning to take over Gotham City! It’s a big case – are you brave enough to be Batman’s sidekick and help him save the day? TUNE IN:             Saturday, 17 September @ 09:40 CAT THOMAS AND FRIENDS It’s all engines go! All aboard for some brand-new episodes of Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!With an adorably fearless “I think I can” attitude, Thomas and his friends are not afraid to take on any challenge, big or small. In the first of these brand-new episodes, a big storm approaches and Thomas and the tank engines must complete a week’s worth of deliveries by the end-of-the-workday whistle. But Sandy needs repairs … will they make it on time? Then, another big wind blows in, and Sir Topham Hatt’s Hat has swept away, and it’s up to Thomas and his friends to catch it. So, join Thomas and Friends for more episodes like this where they lift, load, pull and choo-choo through every new adventure. PREMIERE:        Monday, 29 August 2022 TUNE IN:             Everyday @ 07:05 CAT AKISSI: A FUNNY LITTLE BROTHER Fiercest adventures with our amazing adventurer of Africa Tag along for a funny African adventure with Akissi: A Funny Little Brother. This heartfelt Boomerang half-hour special follows a fearless and feisty little girl, Akissi, and her monkey friend, Boubou, as they set out on hilarious adventures in their contemporary African city. But oh, she has some big hoops to jump through when the neighbourhood cats try to steal her fish, and Boubou almost ends up in a frying pan! How will that turn out? Join in on the adventure – and all the mischief – with the beloved Akissi, who seems like a pest to her brother when in fact, she is nothing but a true adventurer, always looking for the next thrill. Nothing scares her away from hilarious escapades in her modern African city, only on Boomerang! TUNE IN:             Saturday, 24 September @ 09:15 CAT

September 1, 2022
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