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HOME CARE TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S FEVER…

Loving our kids is easy… keeping pain and fever at bay? That’s harder. But here’s the secret: It doesn’t have to be!When your baby or infant has a fever, turn to conveniently packaged Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. Parenting is a rollercoaster. One minute you’re pacing from room to room in the wee hours with a crying baby – the next, you’re at their bedside, waiting anxiously for them to wake up. Your concern level can rise when you add a fever to the mix. Feeling your child’s forehead, looking for a thermometer, and seeking advice from relatives and friends can be daunting. Fever and pain occur together frequently in childhood conditions.1 If you’re a new parent, it can be scary when your child is burning up with a fever. Even if you’re not a rookie parent, fevers can still cause worry for parents of older kids. Pain can be hard for a child to describe, especially for children under two whose vocab is limited to “mama”, “dada”, “woof”, and “nana”. It’s often up to parents to watch their child for signs of distress, such as behaviour changes, facial expressions, and body movements.1 The good news is that Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, contain paracetamol, which is an effective option for treatment of pain and fever in children.2 How do you know your child has a fever? Fever is one of the most frequently cited reasons parents or caregivers seek medical help for their children. It is often a source of concern for parents and healthcare practitioners, who believe it may be linked to a greater risk of morbidity.3 Additionally, there is often uncertainty regarding how to manage fever. A fever is defined as a body temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius.3 A child’s temperature should be taken using an infrared thermometer placed in the ear or with a standard thermometer placed under the arm (in the armpit or axilla). A child’s temperature should not be taken in their mouth with a thermometer.3 Home Care Tips To Manage A Fever. Just like adults, babies, toddlers, and children can suffer fever or pain associated with a common cold and symptoms can include a sore throat, running nose, body aches and headaches.4 Here are a few easy-to-digest tips for treating your child’s pain and fever at home.3 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, which are conveniently packaged, can be safely administered to infants and children to relieve pain and fever. Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe Do not over-dress or underdress your child or wrap your child in heavy blankets Check your child during the night, but do not wake your child up just to administer medication for a fever Encourage your child to drink fluids regularly (breast milk is best for breastfeeding children) Seek medical advice if the fever does not get better within 48 hours or if your child’s condition worsens Alwaysgive the dose written on the bottle or sachet according to your child’s weight to ensure that you are using the correct medication at the right dose. If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before administering medicines for fever. Other Panado® Products Suitable For Your Child In addition to Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, Panado’s range for children includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),5 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),6 and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.7 Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/and join the conversations onFacebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare 2022042510198726 References: 1. Clinch J, Dale S. Managing childhood fever and pain – the comfort loop. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2007; 1:7. [Internet]. 2015 [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1971248/ 2. Acharya B, Thapa K. Indoor staying during winter season makes people more susceptible to fu. J Nepal Health Res Counc. 2016 Jan; 14(32):69-70. PMID: 27426715. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27426715/ 3. Green R, Jeena P, Kotze S, Lewis H. Webb D, Wells M. Management of acute fever in children: Guideline for community healthcare providers and pharmacists. S Afr Med J. 2013;103(12):948-954. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.7207 4. CDC Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others [Internet]. 2021 [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from : https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html 5. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry (Syrup). Approved package insert, March 2002. 6. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free / Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010. 7. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990.

July 1, 2022

Demystifying pregnancy optimises health outcomes for mum and baby

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming given the vast amount of information available to expectant mothers. Fortunately, with advances in personalised medicine and a holistic approach involving the use of the individual’s genetic and epigenetic information (how your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work) to tailor therapy or preventative care, expectant mothers can make smarter choices and discover more effective solutions to optimise their health and the health of their baby during pregnancy. Personalised medicine allows for targeted therapies and preventative treatments that take advantage of a variety of observations relating to a pregnancy. It’s about providing precise care and proactive intervention for each individual pregnancy. By understanding the health disposition of a pregnant woman using her unique genotype, the right diet, lifestyle, supplementation and medication can be prescribed, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy and optimal birth outcome. The GrowBaby genetic test for mums-to-be from South African genetic testing company, DNAlysis Biotechnology, is designed to help them better understand the functioning of key biological pathways that influence maternal and foetal health, and how these relate to the major birth phenotypes. “The report provides valuable insights into how to optimise health outcomes for mum and baby using gene-based personalised diet, supplement, and lifestyle interventions. It provides mums-to-be with more information than ever before about their babies before they are born — and even before they become pregnant. This is through the knowledge that mum’s health has a significant effect on the health of the fetal environment and thus eventually the child as well.” says Helen Gautschi, research and education manager at DNAlysis. “With a precision medicine approach to pregnancy management, we can empower today’s expectant parents on their pregnancy journey and give physicians the tools to provide optimum care,” says Gautschi. By improving the health of mum and baby through these interventions, it becomes possible to increase chances of optimal birth weight of the baby, avoid early term delivery, and ensure that delivery is as stress free as possible. “Having a heathy pregnancy with optimal birth outcomes is a miracle every time because there are so many factors involved,” says Claire Julsing Strydom, dietitian and co-founder of Nutritional Solutions. “The GrowBaby test gives you insight as to where you can manage or negate risks, even before pregnancy. If a woman struggles with vitamin D metabolism, for example, we know there is a higher chance of miscarriage. The test gives us an in-depth blueprint of how the mother will potentially carry the pregnancy and how we can prevent adverse birth events. In terms of chronic disease, we know that those first thousand days from conception to age two are critical, that’s why it is beneficial for women who are planning to have a baby to do the test, so they can see what their risk profile looks like, and manage it accordingly,” says Julsing Strydom. For the mother, it becomes possible to ensure optimal weight gain, and stabilise blood glucose levels to decrease gestational diabetes risk, prevent or decrease the risk for preeclampsia and gestational or pregnancy-induced hypertension, decrease the risk for miscarriage or pregnancy loss, balance biological pathways to decrease risk for developmental conditions, and carry to full term. Together, all these factors play a vital role in ensuring lifelong health for the child. “The GrowBaby test can be done before pregnancy, to ensure that the mother’s health is optimised before she falls pregnant, or it can be taken during pregnancy to help provide the best outcomes,” says Gautschi. “It’s also advisable for women who have experienced a stressful pregnancy in the past, including a miscarriage, and are seeking to enhance their chances of having a healthy pregnancy with optimal birth outcomes.” Visit https://dnalysis.co.za to find an accredited practitioner or buy a DNA test online. A practitioner from the DNAlysis accredited network will guide you through the process.

July 1, 2022

Shopping showdown: which retailer wins at the tills?

The high cost of food is a subject on everyone’s lips. Reasons for the increases range from the war in Ukraine to the weaker rand, and natural disasters such as the floods in KwaZulu-Natal – a province in which many South African factories are situated. JustMoney, which helps South Africans to educate themselves about managing their personal finances, has compared the costs of 13 basic goods at three leading supermarket outlets. The personal finance portal also provides some handy tips on how to thrive in the supermarket aisles during these tough economic times. Last year, JustMoney examined the cost of 12 basic food items at three major retailers – Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. This year, the survey included a 13th item – cooking oil – the cost of which has risen due to the factors noted above, in addition to a mismatch between supply and demand, and unnecessary stockpiling. Pick n Pay ranks as most affordable While the cheapest shopping experience last year could be found at Checkers, this year the position goes – only just – to Pick n Pay. By way of example, their 16-piece uncooked chicken packs cost R83.82 on the day that JustMoney shopped, versus R124.18 for a similar item at Checkers and R186.28 at Woolworths. A 2.25 litre bottle of Coca-Cola at Pick n Pay cost R13, compared with R17.99 at Checkers and R20.99 at Woolworths. The 2022 items included one of each of the following: A loaf of white bread, a small pack of bananas, a 2.5kg bag of sugar, 80 Freshpak rooibos teabags, one litre of long-life milk, two litres of cooking oil, a 410g tin of baked beans, nine rolls of toilet paper, a 2.25 litre bottle of Coca-Cola, 16 pieces of uncooked chicken, a 2kg bag of potatoes, a 2kg bag of white rice and 2kg Sunlight 2-in-1 washing powder. Last year, the cost of these household baskets came in at R368.71 at Checkers, R411.99 at Pick n Pay, and R442.34 at Woolworths. This year, including the addition of cooking oil, the totals wereR519.71 at Pick n Pay, R521.06 at Checkers, and R624.16 at Woolworths. “Our advice to consumers is to roam the aisles across supermarket chains, or make comparisons on the shopping apps, as there are plenty of discounts and specials to be found,” says Shafeeka Anthony, marketing manager of JustMoney. Checkers scoops best loyalty benefits While Pick n Pay Smart Shopper offered the best benefits in 2021, this year the accolade went to Checkers. Major savings were available immediately when swiping an Xtra Savings card. A nine-roll Rose Collection toilet paper pack was thus reduced from R69.99 to R59.99, two bottles of 2.25 litres of Coca-Cola went for R30.99 (usually R17.99 each or R36 overall), and a 2kg bag of Spekko white rice came in at R24.99 versus R32.99 without an Xtra Savings card. Woolworths ranks first for best shopping experience Once again, Woolworths ranked highest in terms of shopping experience. The stores are designed for comfort as much as convenience, and products are visually appealing. It also helps that café-quality coffee can be had in-store – and for only R23 when using a WRewards card, versus up to R40 for a similar coffee elsewhere. How loyalty cards boost affordability JustMoney’s tips for scoring extra cash are as follows: Checkers: Save on more than 1,000 products each month by swiping your Xtra Savings card. These discounts are clearly marked in store, and you save straight away at the till. Pick n Pay: Swipe your Smart Shopper card on anything you buy and earn a point per R2 spent. The more you swipe, including at partners such as BP, the more points you accumulate, which you can spend in any Pick n Pay store. Woolworths: Voted Best Loyalty Programme of the Year at the International Loyalty Awards, this programme provides up to 10% instant savings on over 1,000 specially marked food, fashion and homeware items. The more you spend, the higher your tier and the greater your rewards. Additional Green Rewards apply on eco-friendly products. These findings show that all is not lost for local grocery shoppers. The main supermarkets are reaching out to consumers with store-card specials, combo deals, in-house items, and low-cost brands that are new to market. JustMoney has also searched out special deals on items ranging from restaurant meals to fun activities for children. Check out the JustMoney deals section for value-for-money offers. “It makes such financial sense to become a savvier shopper, comparing costs on similar (if not exactly the same) items, adding up rewards on loyalty cards, and calculating how much it costs to buy in bulk. These calculations, and the result of the latest JustMoney survey, reveal where the best savings can be found,” says Anthony. “You can also save money by purchasing food and beverages online or via an app. Benefits include fuel savings, parking cost avoidance, fewer distractions to tempt you, and the convenience of using a digital platform. Look out for website specials and discounts on items that you won’t find in physical stores.” Read a JustMoney article on costs and advantages of online shopping.

July 1, 2022

Must-have products for new moms

The arrival of a new baby – especially your first baby – is a monumental time in every parent’s life. And while it’s a time filled with joy and excitement, it can also be nerve-wracking, especially as you begin to navigate a new routine and new responsibilities. While a woman is pregnant, she’s likely to see countless lists of must-have essentials for a baby’s first weeks and months. While many of these items do come in handy, the reality is that you’ll likely need far fewer products than what’s commonly recommended. If you stock up on good-quality basics, chances are you’ll need very little else. That said, there’s more to the basics than just getting the job done – first-time moms will appreciate that some products are specifically designed to make caring for their baby more comfortable and more practical. Here’s a round-up of the real must-have products you’ll need for yourself, and your baby, in those first weeks, months, and beyond. Skin-saviour Everyone loves a multi-tasking product, and the versatile Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream (60g from R68.99) has been a trusted ally of moms for over 90 years. Sudocrem is clinically proven to soothe and protect your baby’s delicate skin and works in three simple ways: First, it contains an emollient that soothes sore skin, second, its cooling properties help ease pain and irritation, and finally, its water-repellent base forms a protective barrier, helping to stop any irritants coming into contact with the skin. This multi-tasker can be used to effectively treat and heal nappy rash, cuts and grazes, minor burns, acne, eczema, and more. Gentle yet effective on baby, mom, and kids’ skin, this is a must-have for the whole family. Breast Pump For moms who choose to bottle-feed with breastmilk, a good quality breast pump is vital. For moms who are able, and choose to, breastfeed, a breast pump offers a multitude of benefits, such as the ability for family and friends to feed baby and for mom to take on work and other responsibilities whilst knowing that her baby can still enjoy the health benefits of breastmilk even when she is away. Medela’s breast pumps are trusted across the globe for covering all the potential needs of breastfeeding moms. Known for high quality, durable breast pumps that are easy and practical to use, Medela recently launched two new electric breast pumps: The Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump (R5999.99) is a compact and easy-to-use double electric breast pump with improved mobility to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Key features include: 2-Phase Expression™ technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Improved mobility: built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge. Faster charging with USB type C port, compared to micro-USB port. Easy to use: 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings. Easy to assemble and clean thanks to fewer parts. Noticeably quieter compared to the previous generation, only 45 dB at the Maximum Vacuum Level. Closed system prevents breast milk from entering the tubing. The Medela Solo Single Electric Breast Pump (R4099.99) is a compact, effective and easy-to-use single electric breast pump with a rechargeable built-in battery, 2-phase Expression technology, and PersonalFit Flex breast shield. Key features include: Easy to use: 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings. Easy to assemble and clean thanks to fewer parts. Lightweight and compact design. Improved mobility: built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge. Faster charging with USB type C port, compared to micro-USB port. 2-Phase Expression technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Noticeably quieter compared to the previous generation, with less than 45 dB at the Maximum Expression Level. A closed system prevents breast milk from entering the tubing. Breastfeeding accessories In addition to a good breast pump, there are a handful of breastfeeding accessories that’ll help make the breastfeeding journey a little easier. It’s normal to experience sore and dry nipples, especially when breastfeeding for the first time. Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream (from R119.95) provides fast relief for sore nipples and dry skin. It is 100% natural and safe for the baby, meaning you don’t need to remove it before feeding. Another normal and common occurrence in breastfeeding is leaking. Wearing nursing pads (also known as breast pads) can soak up any excess milk. Medela Ultra-Thin Disposable Nursing Pads (R199.95) are made of a soft, honeycomb non-woven material and feel comfortable against sensitive skin. Each breast pad is individually wrapped, ready to pop into your bag for use wherever you are. Baby struggling to latch? Medela’s Contact Nipple Shields (R319.99) are designed to help mums breastfeed babies with latch-on difficulties by providing a larger, firmer target for latching. They can also be used to help mums with flat, inverted, sore nipples or an overactive let-down to breastfeed. The Contact Nipple Shields are specially designed and constructed to provide close contact for the baby. Once breastmilk has been pumped, it needs to be stored safely and hygienically. Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags (from R219,99) are convenient, easy to use, and hygienic. Constructed from durable, double-layer material with a built-in double zipper seal, they keep your breast milk safely stored in the fridge or freezer, until you need it. And lastly, if you’re a breast-pumping mommy, you’ll need bottles that complement your breastfeeding journey. Medela bottles are shatterproof and available in two different sizes: 150ml in packs of three and 250ml in packs of two. They can be used with all Medela breast pumps and the Calma teat, making it easy to pump, store and feed using the same container.

July 1, 2022

Their little hearts are at risk too

All parents want their children to be healthy and well, and to have long and successful lives. A healthy heart is vital for living life to the full, no matter the age. We often do not take stock of the fact that our children are vulnerable to heart disease too. In fact, the risk for heart disease can begin even before a child is born – during foetal development, and increases further during childhood with exposure to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise and smoking. Children can be affected by heart disease in various ways, so let’s take a look at some of the most common causes. Congenital heart disease Some children may suffer from a heart problem they are born with, which is known as congenital heart disease. This is where a child is born with a defect, or abnormality, of the heart or blood vessels near the heart. For most cases the cause of these abnormalities are not known, and so unfortunately cannot be prevented. The majority of children born today with congenital heart disease will survive and with proper treatment be able to lead a normal or near-normal life. Early detection, awareness and treatment are critical. Rheumatic heart disease Many of us aren’t aware of the link between a sore throat and heart disease, and yet rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in South Africa, with the poor being particularly vulnerable. RHD is a chronic heart condition caused by rheumatic fever, where damage to the heart valves occurs. RHD ultimately stems from an untreated streptococcal infection, commonly known as ‘strep throat’. If this infection goes untreated, rheumatic fever can occur between 2 and 4 weeks after a strep throat infection, where the child may have symptoms of tiredness, joint pain, fever and a rash, often visible on the chest. With repeated attacks of untreated rheumatic fever, damage to the heart valves occurs and this is known as RHD. The ironic tragedy is that RHD is very easily preventable. A simple course of antibiotics can treat a strep throat infection, and regular antibiotic injections can prevent rheumatic fever from causing further damage to heart valves. But the sad situation is that in many children strep throat is not detected and they do not receive adequate treatment. It is important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant of a sore throat, and to take their child to a doctor or clinic immediately if they suspect their child has strep throat or rheumatic fever. The symptoms of strep throat parents should watch out for include a sore throat, pain when swallowing and swollen glands, but without other typical flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose or cough. Lifestyle influences Child malnutrition remains a problem in South Africa, which can affect the growth and development of the baby before birth, resulting in a child born with a low birth weight and poor growth in the early years of life, where a quarter of our children 1 – 3 years old do not reach their full potential height for their age. Poor growth is linked to an increased risk of obesity in adolescence and adulthood, and these children are at a greater risk for developing high blood pressure and insulin resistance at an early age, putting them at a greater risk for heart disease as adults. While some of our children are affected by heart disease through factors that are out of their control, many more are adopting unhealthy habits that place them at risk at an earlier age for obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Our children are particularly vulnerable and are easily influenced by our unhealthy environment. The picture is concerning. More and more children and youth are taking up smoking, and many are exposed to harmful second-hand smoke. South African children are not moving enough, with a quarter watching more than three hours of TV a day. One in three adolescents eat fast food two to three times a week, and more than half of children don’t take a lunchbox to school, meaning that many are often eating unhealthy foods from the tuck shop or vendors, typically high in unhealthy fats, added sugar and salt. The result is shocking, with up to 23% of children in South Africa being overweight or obese. These children are likely to become obese adults, and are putting their hearts at risk from a younger age. It’s important to be aware that heart disease can affect anyone, at any age. Adopting heart healthy behaviours early in life is the best preparation for preventing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer later in life. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be positive role models which can set their children with healthy habits for life. A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in preventing heart disease and strokes, no matter your age.

June 30, 2022

Stretching your medical aid benefits

Everyone is feeling the pinch and looking for ways to stretch their budget. This is true of healthcare too, especially when it comes to medical cover. It’s important to manage your medical expenses if you want your benefits to last. The smart move is to know what your plan offers and what you can do to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. That way you can save money while managing your health. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, give us some tips on how you stretch your medical aid benefits. Understand your plan and what it offers Knowledge is power and when it comes to medical aid this is especially true. Firstly, it’s important to make sure you have chosen the right plan for your healthcare needs. If you’re battling to make a decision, consult an independent broker. Brokers are accredited by the Council of Medical Schemes so are qualified to offer advice and support and there’s no extra charge for this service. Then, read through the plan you’ve selected and understand all the benefits, limits as well as any additional rules, regulations or added value benefits. Use DSPs or networks Using network doctors, specialists, hospitals or Designated Service Providers (DSPs) is essential if you want to make your medical aid last longer. It means you won’t be charged more than the negotiated preferential rates. Remember this includes knowing your scheme’s key providers, such as which ambulance to call in an emergency. Not using a DSP can result in a co-payment or non-payment for the service. Ask your pharmacist Consult your pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter medicine and/or switching to generic medicines. Using generic medicine, which has the same active ingredient, strength and dosage as the original brand but is less expensive, helps save costs. In addition, consider using a clinic or nurse practitioner to get your blood pressure screened, for your flu vaccination and other primary healthcare concerns – this saves on the consultation fee charged by your GP. Managed Care benefits Most schemes offer programmes to help you manage chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and back and neck problems. These programmes are usually covered from the risk portion of your medical contribution and are not funded from your savings account. They help you use your benefits to maximum advantage while ensuring you receive quality care by using specific providers. Other benefits – such as maternity consultations, wellness benefits, preventative care and dentistry – are also paid from risk by some schemes. Again giving you more value for money and are in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits. Boosting your benefits Carefully read through what your plan offers – especially when it comes to enhanced benefits – and choose wisely. Remember, not all additional benefits are equal. For example does your plan cover childhood vaccines from risk? If so, this is a saving of thousands of Rands, especially in the first 18 months of life This year, Bonitas invested R446 million in additional benefits through a benefit booster which is available on all plans, including the hospital plan (but excluding BonCap). Members tap in by completing a wellness assessment (which can be done online) and then have access to additional benefits which range from R940 and R2 730 (depending on the plan) to cover expenses such as: GP and specialist consultations Acute and over-the-counter medicine Biokineticist and physiotherapist consultations and treatment Paramedical services Alternative healthcare X-rays Blood tests Go virtual Look out for telemedicine or virtual consultation options which are around 60% cheaper than an average consult. A doctor will engage with you in a virtual video consultation on a medical issue and advise you on the most clinically appropriate steps for further care. Be inquisitive, ask questions Ahead of any procedure, in or out of hospital, ask the right questions. Check that your healthcare provider is on your scheme’s network in order to secure a better rate. Unless the procedure is an emergency, you will need to get pre-authorisation. At the same time, request a quote so you know, upfront, what the costs will be and whether you will be covered or if you are being expected to make a co-payment. If so, negotiate. Stay healthy With Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) or lifestyle disease fast becoming a pandemic in South Africa, it’s important to take care of your health by eating correctly, getting enough sleep, exercising and reducing your stress levels. ‘Health is the new wealth,’ says Callakoppen. ‘Your health is important, as are your finances, don’t take either for granted. When it comes to healthcare cover, invest time in researching and understanding the medical aid plan you’ve selected. Read the information sent to you, including the fine print to understand the Scheme Rules. If in doubt, phone the call centre, your broker or financial advisor. This will go a long way in helping you know your rights and making the most of your benefits.’

June 30, 2022

SKIN BARRIER PROTECTION AND WHAT THIS MEANS

Plump, glowing, youthful, clear, healthy and the list goes on of words we want to use to describe our skin. How many of these words can actually be used to describe the current state of your skin? We’re guessing no more than two, maybe three. The reason why you might not be able to tick all these boxes is because our skin is imperfect, and that is how it is supposed to be – but also, because too many of us don’t pay enough attention to protecting our barrier. Tumi Lehutso from Fundamentals Skincare breaks down the skin barrier for us: What is our skin barrier? Here is the tea – your skin is made up of layers, each of which performs important functions in protecting your body. The outermost layer, called the stratum corneum consists of tough skin cells called corneocytes that are bound together by mortar-like lipids. This is your skin barrier. Functions of the skin barrier Think of your skin barrier as your skin’s built in warrior. Its function is to defend and protect the body from excessive trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), as well as to prevent the penetration of compounds into the body via the epidermis. It regulates water loss from the inside out, retains moisture, and keeps you hydrated. Second, it helps protect your skin from harsh elements like UV rays, pollutants, microbes, and chemicals or those you put on your skin. If your skin barrier is damaged, it could lead to skin problems like dry, ired, inflamed, tchy, or flaky skin. What damages your skin barrier? Protecting your skin can sometimes seem like a scene out of Thor and this is because the environment, our stress levels and products all can contribute to damaging our skin’s barrier. The main culprits are: an environment that’s either too humid or too dry allergens, irritants, and pollutants too much sun exposure alkaline detergents and soaps exposure to harsh chemicals over-exfoliation or over-washing steroids genetic factors that may make you more prone to certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis When your skin barrier isn’t functioning properly, you may be more prone to developing the following skin symptoms and conditions: dry, scaly skin, itchiness, rough or discolored patches, acne, sensitive or inflamed areas, bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections. How can we protect our skin’s barrier? The absolute first step for anyone with a compromised skin barrier is to simplify your skin care routine. Use fewer products and more of the actives you need. Reduce exfoliation to once or twice a week and when exfoliating do so gently using light chemical exfoliators. Another very important thing to consider is your pH. Your skin’s delicate acid mantle hovers around a pH of 5.7. But the pH of some skin products can range from 3.7, all the way up to 8.2. Professionals and research recommend cleansing with a product that’s close to your skin’s natural pH. Incorporate some plant oils into your routine: jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, borage oil, rosehip oil, soybean oil. Alongside this, look for formulations that includes Ceramides. Ceramides are waxy lipids found in especially high concentrations in the stratum corneum. They are crucial for the healthy functioning of your skin barrier. For more information: Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 28, 2022

My son wants to quit an activity…. Should I force him to play?

This was the question I received from a mother who told me that her son suddenly wanted to quit the sports team he was on, right in the middle of the season. She asked me if she should allow him to quit or force him to continue. I suggested that she have him finish out the season by attending the games to support his team, but not force him to play. After sitting on the bench for a few games, he suddenly wanted back on the team. Understanding why your child’s sudden decision is important but is not always easy to figure out. Asking him why may only result in the response “I don’t Know.” A child’s or teen’s sudden desire to quit a team can be a result of a number of things; a peer relationship issue, bullying, a fear of failing, competition, a lack of confidence or sights set on another activity that he or she likes better. It can even be a result of a change in the family dynamics, such as the loss of a parent or other family member, or even divorce. It’s not always best to force a child to participate, but instead, find out what he or she is willing to do within the activity for the remainder of the season. Take notice of when your child is in a great mood and ask open ended questions about the situation to get him or her to open up and talk about it. Give them some space and time to mull it over and avoid drilling them to find out why. One day my tween-age son announced that he wanted to quit the school marching band (he had been playing since third grade and had held first chair for the past few years). He came in, tossed his trumpet in the case into the closet, and declared that he didn’t want to play in the band anymore and marched off. I was not happy about this since we had recently upgraded his trumpet to a much more expensive SILVER trumpet, at his request. I did not respond to his declaration but later that day tried to engage him in conversation about why he had made that decision. His response with full disdain was that the trumpet was a stupid instrument. He then asked if he could get a set of drums. I told him that I was into the silver trumpet for quite a bit of money and because of what I paid out for it, I might be willing to consider buying a different instrument in about two years. That response got him mad. So for the next few days he left for school without taking his trumpet to school. I said nothing about it, but on a few occasions I again tried to engage him in conversation about why he was no longer playing his trumpet. On each of those occasions he offered up a different excuse; the teacher was stupid, the trumpet was dumb, etc. Then, on the last day that he could not bring his trumpet to school without being removed from the band, he took the trumpet to school. I was relieved that he was back playing the trumpet in the school band. What I later found out as the reason for this sudden dislike for an instrument he loved so much, was that he become careless and lost first chair. If I had forced him to bring the trumpet to school, he might have retaliated in other ways and may have never owned up to the real problem. If I had been one of those parents that did go out and buy him the drums, again, he may have been unable to learn what he needed to learn about himself and the consequences of not working hard. Giving children space and time to learn from experiences is key to their emotional development.

June 28, 2022

Beat hot flashes naturally with Lady Prelox

When you hear about hot flashes, most women immediately think “menopause” and reckon it’s something they’d only have to worry about in their mid to late 40s. Thing is, this annoying, make-up ruining, life-interrupting symptom can affect you as early as your late 30s during perimenopause, the lead up to your final period. Even more annoying? While, on average, perimenopause lasts around 4 to 6 years, it can bother you for as long as 10. That’s a long time to want to walk around with a fan in your handbag but, happily, you don’t have to. Lady Prelox, an all-natural supplement developed especially for women, has been proven to help alleviate hot flashes. But before we get into why it’s a brilliant solution to an age-old problem, let’s first chat about why your body’s thermostat feels like it’s running wild and what you can do to temper it. Hormones and hot flashes When you enter perimenopause, a time when your ovaries start to run low on eggs, you can expect hormonal fluctuations that trigger a laundry list of symptoms. These include mood changes, a loss of libido, vaginal dryness, trouble concentrating, exhaustion, migraines, insomnia, night sweats and the aforementioned “super fun” hot flashes. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to improve your experience as you transition into the period-free part of your life. For starters, don’t underestimate the importance of a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. You also definitely don’t want to smoke. While the increased risk of cancer should be enough to put anyone off, studies have shown that female smokers are more likely to go into menopause earlier than non-smokers. They’re also more likely to experience more frequent as well as more intense symptoms, particularly hot flashes. So what’s a woman to do? Lifestyle changes aside, you have several treatment options that include taking hormone therapy and medications like low-dose antidepressants. Still, many women prefer to go the natural route and this is where things can get murky. For example, black cohosh is a herb commonly used with the intention of improving the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. However, there’s not enough evidence to suggest it’s effective and there’s no guarantee you’re ever buying a product containing the very particular variant of herb proposed to suppress the flash. Fortunately, not every natural option is a gamble and this is where Lady Prelox fits in – a million miles ahead of the competition. Patented and proven A patented estrogen-free health supplement, Lady Prelox contains premium plant-based ingredients that include Pycnogenol® (a derivative of French maritime pine bark extract), Rosvita® (rosehip extract) and two amino acids – L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. Together, they’ve been clinically proven to significantly improve hot flashes and night sweats in peri-menopausal women in as little as four weeks! Better yet, it wasn’t just the study’s participants’ ability to beat the heat that improved. Lady Prelox also enhanced their ability to focus and reduced their feelings of anxiety. But wait – there’s more! As if these weren’t all the reasons you’d need to consider Lady Prelox a must for any woman entering the next phase of life, there’s another big benefit you’ll want to know about: Lady Prelox is also clinically proven to boost sexual function and satisfaction in women between 37 and 45 by a whopping 88%. It’s also proven to boost sexual satisfaction in menopausal and even post-menopausal women by 60% and more. Again, these improvements were all evident within just 30 days. Talk about a brilliant bonus! If you’re struggling with hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms – or simply want to enhance your sex life – Lady Prelox really is the obvious all-natural solution. Visit: https://www.preloxrange.co.za/ for more information

June 28, 2022

Introducing Baby to Solids and a Sippy Cup

First Foods As baby grows, the time will come when you need to introduce him or her to solid foods. Usually this is around age 4 months. Solid foods can be introduced in any order. It is recommended that puréed meats, poultry, beans and iron-fortified cereals are introduced as first foods, particularly when your baby has been primarily breastfed. Introduce only one single new food at a time, to enable baby to become familiar with the different textures and flavours. This will also help to identify any food that appears to not agree with baby’s young and fragile digestive system, which can then easily be eliminated and introduced again at a later stage. Banana purée is rich in potassium and fibre and can be introduced with rice cereal which is one of the most common first foods recommended for baby. Rice cereals are the least allergenic and can be very easily digested. Other great suggestions are : Pea purée Avocado purée Sweet potato purée Butternut purée Baby carrots purée Sippy Cups How do you know when your baby is ready to start using a sippy cup? Experts say that around 6 months is the ideal time. By now baby is sitting confidently in a high-chair, can keep their balance and is able to firmly grip objects between both hands. By six months baby will also be well into eating solid foods. Babies have been known to start to reject their bottle around six months, which makes it the perfect time to introduce a sippy cup. Children stop drinking formula altogether by the time they are 18 months old and by this time, will be enjoying more interesting liquids in their sippy cup such as diluted fruit juice or rooibos tea. Initially offer small amounts of cooled boiled tap water to encourage baby to become familiar with the feeling of a different way of drinking. At first, you may place baby formula in the sippy cup as well, however, it’s important to know that you should not substitute a sippy cup for baby’s normal bottle. The idea is to simply introduce baby to the sippy cup, so that over time they become more comfortable with it. Weaning baby from the bottle is a big step and no matter your approach, it’s interesting to note that parents who decide to stick with the bottle longer without introducing a sippy cup, have found that baby tends to drink more milk. This causes baby to fill up making the introduction of solid food a little more challenging. When first introduced to baby, the sippy cup is not meant to replace a bottle feed, bearing in mind that initially your baby may not drink too much from the sippy cup, until he or she grasps the concept and understands how sucking will bring the liquid up through the straw. If you introduce a sippy cup at around age six months, your baby should be comfortable with it by the time you begin to wean them from the bottle at around 12 months. From a nutritional aspect, your baby by age 12 months, should not require a midday bottle anymore, making it a good first bottle to eliminate. Make the process of switching from bottle to sippy cup a gradual one – every few days – to ensure that baby doesn’t become distressed which could result in a refusal to take the sippy cup. Do this every few days until only the evening bottle is left. The gradual switching from bottle to sippy cup over time, may not work for everyone and this is completely okay. You need to do what works best for you and your baby! There is no hard and fast rule that says baby must be completely weaned from their bottle by their first birthday or by 18 months. Please remember that these are merely guidelines. Using sippy cups promotes good oral hygiene and prevents speech and dental issues that could develop. If your baby has been solely formula-fed, you may have already had to try several different brands of teats before finding the perfect fit. However, finding the perfect sippy cup for baby is just one click away. Baby and I have that perfect sippy cup! The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup is dynamic with a practical design which makes baby’s drinking experience more interesting. With a V-shaped drinking straw, the cup is completely leak-proof and most importantly, choke-proof. The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup will train baby’s hand eye coordination with special features such as : 360 Gravity Ball Leakproof Eco-friendly Easy to Clean Durable BPA free Preferred Tritan Material Clean as Glass Cleaning The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup is simple It is recommended to use warm water and a mild detergent to clean. If high temperature disinfectant is required, do not exceed 30 seconds as this can cause deformation of the cup. The Gravity Learning Sippy Cup is available on Baby and I website . Please note certain products take 2-3 weeks for shipping, but Baby and I will stay in touch through this time. Baby & I Melrose offers a unique experience as a Baby Boutique in South Africa. We hold a niche in the baby and children’s industry by providing the world’s premier shopping experience for expectant and new parents. From cots to travel systems to educational toys to nursery décor, we have an exclusive range to help you welcome your bundle into your life. As a Premier Baby Boutique in South Africa, we focus on offering exceptional essential baby products and brands with attention to detail and providing quality items all delivered to your door. We offer premium brands and products available at your fingertips 24 hours a day.

June 27, 2022

What to watch on Cartoon Network in July

CN CLIMATE CHAMPIONS CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Ready to be a Climate Champion? Do you need great ideas on how you can make a difference to our precious planet? Catch up every day for a whole week during the holidays with your favourite Cartoon Network characters as they tackle environmental issues. What will the Teen Titans do when all the garbage in the ocean messes up their beach day? How far will the DC Super Hero Girls go to protect an ancient tree from being cut down? Will Ben 10 be able to shut down Steam Smythe’s steam-powered generator before it destroys the environment? Join us every morning at 09:40 to find out. Caring about our planet, wanting to make a difference together, and having fun while you do it – that’s the Cartoon Network Climate Champions way! PREMIERE: Monday, 11 July 2022 TUNE IN: Everyday @ 09:40 CAT AQUAMAN: KING OF ATLANTIS IT’S THE FUNNIEST UNDERSEA ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME! Join the legendary DC Superhero, Aquaman, on his first day on the job as King of Atlantis. With his two royal advisors, Vulko and Mera, they work together to protect the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. From Aquaman’s half-brother who wants to overthrow him to the dangers above and below the sea’s surface, our new king will have to rise to the challenge! It’s a slippery, comedic journey for our slightly insecure king Aquaman, with monstrous creatures, devious rivals, and epic battles ahead. Get ready for this 3-part super-powered miniseries starting on Saturday, 2 July and find out if Aquaman will manage to prove to his subjects – and himself – that he’s the right man for the trident! PREMIERE: Saturday, 2 July 2022 TUNE IN: Saturdays @ 10:10 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up SUPER PETS TIME TO HANG OUT WITH SOME SUPER PETS! If you’re a fan of pets and a follower of Teen Titans Go! and DC Super Hero Girls, this is just for you! We’ve paw-picked 13 hilarious animal-themed adventures to celebrate the new DC League of Super Pets movie coming to cinemas on 29 July. And … we have jam-packed all 13 into a must-watch marathon for you! Curl up like a cat and catch Jessica Cruz as she looks for the purr-fect forever home for Dexter the Rage Cat, or watch Robin dress up to be ‘Sassy Pants the cat’. You’ll also see Diana Prince’s (aka Wonder Woman) pet-raising skills being tested to the max when a mysterious egg hatches into a baby gryphon – but what happens when the baby gryphon becomes lonely? Find out this month on Cartoon Network. TUNE IN: Friday, 29 July from 17:45 CAT

June 25, 2022

Boomerang July Line-up

COCOMELON Sing loud and lalala-learn Good morning sunshine! Are you ready to sing along with JJ and his fun-loving family and friends who live in CoComelon? JJ is the kid with a curl like an ice cream swirl and a big warm smile. He and his siblings embark on fun, relatable adventures in this brand-new show on Boomerang Africa, always ready to play, explore, and learn new things. And you will meet his family too: Yo-Yo and Tom-Tom, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma and the furriest member of the family, Bingo! They all get up bright and early every day to put on a show – just for you – so tap those toes, jump up and down, spin round and round, and come and explore the fun-filled world of CoComelon! PREMIERE: Monday, 4 July 2022 TUNE IN: Everyday @ 06:30 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up THOMAS & FRIENDS – ALL ENGINES GO Catch up on the track with your best choo-choo chums Thomas and his friends take on tough new tasks as they are now 8-year-old train ‘kids’ who think and solve problems just like big kids! In this month’s new episodes, they are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way with their “I think I can” attitude. Will Thomas prove he’s the braver train, or will his plan backfire? Can Thomas & Percy find a safe way to transport their delicate cargo to the bake-off? And when a series of mistakes cause the Calliope to break on the way to the annual Beach Carnival, will the engines find a creative way to fix the problem? You’ll know the answer. PREMIERE: Monday, 18 July 2022 TUNE IN: Everyday @ 07:05 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up TAFFY To the club and into a magic machine we go! Taffy and his archenemy Bentley are back and ready for new adventures. The sly racoon (not a cat … or so he says) meets new characters like Alex (Forsythe’s nephew who is a super-smart inventor) and Miss Allperfect and her pup called Ferrari, who might just turn our beloved Bentley’s head from his mission to expose Taffy’s mischievous motives. In the new episode Collared, every pet must now wear a security collar at the Country Club. What happens when Taffy wants to steal Bentley’s collar so he’ll be teased in front of Ferrari? Don’t miss the Much More Magic episode when Alex invents a machine that makes him invisible, which Taffy finds out about and uses to create chaos. What else would you expect from our very naughty villain? Tune in to these brand-new episodes and more from 11 July on weekdays – only on Boomerang. PREMIERE: Monday, 11 July 2022 TUNE IN: Mondays to Fridays @ 08:25 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

June 25, 2022

MID-TERM EXAM TIPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

As parents or guardians, most of us work long, exhausting days. We understand that with the price of food, petrol, school fees etcetera, work is a given – if we are fortunate enough to be employed – and this is not something we are ever going to change. The downside is that hard work often leaves us with very little time for anything else. As parents, we often feel guilty that we seem to have so little time with our children. Added to this, we often put pressure on our children to somehow perform, using their report cards as a measure of their effort and intelligence. Many parents trust that teachers are in control simply because they don’t themselves have the extra bandwidth to step into academic support mode after a long day at work. Additionally, we often resort to pressuring our children, whether it be through threats, bribes, or encouragement to circumvent a bad report after examinations. Let’s be honest, not all children are those gorgeous self-starters, in the Top 20 at school who just seem to ‘get on with it’ and never seem to need the parental pressures that so many of us have to use on our children. Most schools’ second term comprise those mid-year examinations where this pressure can bring added anxiety and chaos into a household. The pressure starts to mount when you do not see the evidence of studying. As a principal, at Abbotts College JHB South, I see the despair when the report card comes and parents are called in to visit the deputy or principal about their child’s results. But my advice today to parents is to practice love and patience. Young teenagers are still developing. Their adolescent brains, especially those going through puberty, where cognitive, emotional, and social maturation are being influenced by hormones, have a tremendous effect on the development of executive functioning in the brain. This functioning develops in the prefrontal cortex which is the area responsible for decision-making, planning, prioritizing, strategizing, coordinating thought and emotion, delaying gratification, inhibiting impulses and inappropriate behavior. Research over the past 15 years has shown that these areas do not function as optimally as those of adults. The limbic system and other parts of the brain do not fully mature until the early 20s. Putting extreme pressure and anxiety onto a teenager to bring home the perfect report card will negatively affect them. We need to be realistic about their abilities and remember that one examination is never a determinant for success in life. We have to encourage them to perform to the best of their ability but not at the expense of our relationship with them or the damage parents can inflict on their self-esteem and identity formation. Having said that there are some ways in which we can support our teenagers, by doing the following: Download the Examination timetable in advance and ensure it is visible in your house where you and your child can monitor the calendar. Assist your child in coming up with a study timetable (many schools may conduct workshops to assist with this). Ensure the scope of study for all subjects is downloaded and available in advance (most schools will give this out at least 4-6 weeks before examinations commence). Ensure your child has approached teachers early on if there are concepts that are challenging and need further clarification. If your child is struggling with finishing tests on time, does not get through work fast enough, reads very slowly, or does not write neatly, it may be a good idea to get him/her tested by an Educational Psychologist who can assist with applying for concessions. Buy A4 feint and margin books for every subject so that note-taking is in one place for the full year and not on pieces of paper that are scattered around the house. Ensure your child has a quiet place to study, with a desk and necessary stationery (‘passive studying’ on a bed is ineffective – separate, if possible, the spaces where they sleep and where they work) Eliminate distractions and lay down the rules during examination periods (especially cellphones, social media, gaming). Ensure your child continues with healthy pursuits such as exercising and sport; and that they eat as healthily as possible. Do not always believe your teen! Be aware, switched on, available, supportive yet receptive to how and what they are studying. In my opinion, a little extrinsic motivation during study time for teenagers can be effective. Many are not intrinsically motivated to study and there are pros and cons to rewarding and incentivizing your teen. You know your child best and what they are capable of. Giving them goals and possible rewards, without undue pressure that could create anxiety may be the catalyst for your child to motivate them. We have to inculcate a sense of pride in what they do and encourage effort and autonomy. With so much riding on matric examinations, skills need to be developed early on in the junior grades in preparation for these. This does not happen overnight but with patience, assistance, organization, and loving guidance our children can overcome examination anxiety and learn the tools necessary for examination success. By (Marion Kohler: Principal Abbotts College JHB South)

June 24, 2022

Wellness practices should be part of everyday life – here’s why

Up until a couple of years ago, you’d be forgiven for thinking the term “wellness” only referred to lazy afternoons spent at a spa or a wellness retreat. Today, wellness is considered an important part of everyday life. The covid-19 pandemic saw a global surge in self-care practices and mental health awareness. It forced us to stop, breathe and to take a closer look at our health. This led to a major uptake in meditation, yoga and other self-care rituals. But what exactly is wellness, and how is it different to general health? Wellness is a lifestyle. It’s the act of practicing healthy habits daily to improve one’s overall physical and mental health, and to live a fuller and happier life. Wellness forms part of all aspects of your life, be it your diet (snacking on healthy foods rather than sweets or chocolates), your relationships (spending quality time with loved ones), your downtime (resting and relaxing when you are feeling run-down) or your work (instilling healthy habits like taking a lunch break every day or not checking emails over weekends). When we incorporate wellness practices into various parts of our lives, it has major benefits for our physical health (a stronger immune system, more energy and better fitness) as well as our mental health (less stress, less anxiety and a happier state of mind). Wellness practices are different for everyone depending on their lives and lifestyles. After a stressful day at the office, one person’s wellness practice might be a run or jog through the neighbourhood. For another, it might be a bubble bath and a good book. The key lies in finding what works for you. Wellness at work Practicing wellness at work is two-fold: there is the aspect of stepping away, such as taking a lunch break or getting up to stretch every half an hour; and then there is the aspect of incorporating wellness into your work by creating a happy and healthy work space. A clean and tidy desk area is a great start, as is ergonomic seating and plenty of fresh air. Have you ever considered adding a diffuser and some essential oils to your desk? Not only does it leave the room beautifully scented, but the oils can also help benefit your mood. Try the SOiL Inspire Essential Oil Blend, which contains an uplifting and refreshing blend of lime, mandarin and spearmint to energise and inspire. To support a healthier environment, we recommend SOiL Shield Essential Oil Blend, a spicy, citrus, mint blend that creates a barrier against unwanted germs and bacteria to support a healthier environment, immune and respiratory function. Simply add a few drops of these oils to your SOiL Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser which disperses the essential oils into the air via a fine mist. Wellness at home Not sure where to start practicing wellness at home? It’s easier than you think! Start with a few basics: ensure good ventilation by keeping windows open when possible, keep the space tidy and clean and, importantly, enjoy the space. If you love taking a bath and you have a bathtub, use it regularly to unwind. If you have a room with lovely afternoon sun, take some time out to read your favourite book in there. Try to get the whole family on board with wellness practices, whether it’s a walk to the park after work or a family movie night once a week. One of the easiest ways to set the mood at home is to light a tea candle in your SOiL Ceramic Aroma Burner, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil and allow the scent to infiltrate the room. The candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere, and your chosen essential oil does the rest. If you want to create a peaceful or relaxing atmosphere, add a few drops of the SOiL Sleep Blend to your burner or diffuser while you prepare to go to bed. It contains a blend of soothing herbal extracts: oils of lavender, marjoram and bergamot will help you drift off peacefully in no time. It’s also a great option to add to your bath water. Gently massage some SOiL Baby Massage Oil into your skin before bed to help your body relax. This blend of chamomile, lavender and olive oil will help keep your skin moisturised and help your mind switch off. For an uplifting or energetic atmosphere, opt for SOiL Energy Blend, with lavender, bergamot, marjoram and vetiver or SOiL Inspire Blend, which contains a refreshing, uplifting and inspiring blend of lime, mandarin and spearmint. And while we’re on the topic of the home, let’s not forget the importance of keeping supplies on-hand for daily concerns. The SOiL First Aid Essential Oil Trio Box consists of lavender essential oil that soothes and calms the mind, body, and inflamed skin, tea tree essential oil that cleanses the air, mind, and body with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and eucalyptus essential oil which supports a healthier respiratory function and soothes insect bites. It’s the perfect trio to keep in the home – you never know when you may need it! Making greener wellness choices Wellness is not just about making better choices for ourselves, it’s also about making better choices for the planet. When we use sustainable materials, purchase products that were ethically soured or manufactured and support cruelty-free brands, we help lead the way to a better future: Cleaner air, cleaner oceans and a more diverse animal and plant population. One of the most important things we can do is to ensure the products we buy are fair-trade. This means that fair prices are paid to the producers of products in developing countries, helping to achieve sustainable and equitable trade relationships, and to avoid exploitation. 14 May was World Fair Trade Day. The purpose? To showcase the contributions of small-scale producers and farmers to healthy and sustainable communities around the globe. SOiL is Fair for Life certified, which is an internationally-recognised certification for small businesses that follow fair trade practices. Some of the products made with internationally-sourced fair trade ingredients

June 23, 2022

Stylish Shelving Solutions that “Float on Air”

Castle Timbers launches THREE new unique floating media storage solutions South African specialist shelving company, Castle Timbers, part of the MTO Group, has launched a series of ultra-stylish floating shelf and media wall unit ranges, designed to hold multimedia gadgets, and conceal unsightly cables. These units are also equally at home as stylish storage solutions to complement any room. Manufactured from either 100% South African Kiln dried pine as a solid wood Floating Media Shelves, or a lightweight Floating Media Econo Shelves made from a 70/30 combination of an inner frame of SA pine (harvested from parent company MTO’s certified plantations), and an outer layer of 3mm locally sourced MDF (Medium Density Fibre / Supa Wood), or a third choice of a Floating Media Wall Units made from locally sourced 100% 16mm MDF. Each of these Ranges are the first of their kind to be manufactured in bulk, at consistent high-quality standards, for which Castle Timbers has developed a well-deserved reputation. The Castle Media Floating Shelves offer a 7cm wide x 1cm deep rebated groove at the base of the unit, allowing for convenient spacing of media cables, while keeping the shelf flush with the wall. The ranges come in black or white with a standard 3cm thickness x 30cm width x 44cm, 60cm, 90cm & 120cm lengths. Retail prices direct from the Castle Timbers website vary from R479.75 to R887.40 VAT Incl The Castle Media Econo Floating Shelves with the same features but with a standard 4.1cm thickness x 30cm width x 44cm & 60cm lengths, retails from R269.00 to R350.00 VAT Incl. The Castle 482mm Long Media Wall units provide a 7cm wide x 1cm deep rebated groove at the top as well as the base of the unit, allowing for convenient top & bottom spacing of media cables while keeping the wall unit flush with the wall, thanks to the 2 bevelled keyslot holders. The range comes in black or white with a standard 16mm thickness x 152mm height x 350mm width x 482mm length. Retail prices direct from Castle Timbers website vary from R757.50 to R797.00 VAT Incl. About Castle Timbers: Castle Timbers is a specialist shelving retailer established in 2009, headquartered in Cape Town. The company ships all over South Africa, and internationally and has developed a well-deserved reputation for high quality products and extraordinarily efficient customer service. The pine used in all the wooden products, is sourced directly from MTO Group’s certified plantations, giving clients the peace of mind that the products have been harvested responsibly and sustainably. www.castletimbers.co.za What makes Castle Timbers and their Shelving products different? We are everyday people, just like our customers and we know how difficult it can be to put up a floating unit. Our mission, therefore, is to make it as easy as possible for the customer to fit / mount our shelving solutions and maintain our human interaction with our customers, who appreciate talking with us. Some innovative initiatives to best assist our customers: Enclosed in the packaging of every single: Floating & Corner shelf is a “Drilling Guide / Template” with clear indicators on where to drill the holes in the wall – preferably brick. Floating, Corner shelf & Wall Unit is a step-by-step guide on how best to safely fit / mount the shelving unit against the wall. Floating, Corner shelf & Wall Unit are valuable tips for e.g. “How best to drill the hole” or “How to ensure the unit lies flush with the wall after mounting” or “How best to use Nail-In-Anchors & wall plugs” etc Castle Timbers has also created 2-minute ‘how to’ videos on our website Follow the link: https://www.castletimbers.com/pages/diy A personal touch to every single Castle Timbers website order: All Castle Timbers customers receive a personalised e-mail to confirm their order. Once payment is confirmed the customer receives a 2nd personalised e-mail with confirmation that their order has been picked & shipped via courier, together with tracking details. All Castle Timbers customers receive a personalised hand-written note on a Castle Timbers complimentary slip, thanking them for the order, together with an invitation to call for assistance at any time, a promise we mean.

June 22, 2022

Drowning myths and signs of a drowning in progress

A reminder that pool safety is a year-round responsibility for parents and pool owners and that child drownings can almost always be prevented if the right steps are taken. Should an accident occur in your pool, knowing what a drowning in progress looks like and a quick reaction can make a big difference to the child’s prognosis. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the following indications of a drowning and please share widely with other parents. Always keep the pool covered with a PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover to prevent child drownings. Find these and more tips about pool safety from TopStep and PowerPlastics Pool Covers. www.topstep.co.za www.powerplastics.co.za Myths about drowning Television has a lot to answer for when it comes to how drowning is portrayed and there are many myths out there. Be aware of the signs and remember that the appearance of a drowning can vary widely. Myth #1: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out. Myth #2: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. A person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear to be playful swimming. Children will not kick wildly either. They remain upright in the water with no evidence of a supporting kick. They are quiet, focused only on breathing and show no signs of violent struggle. The child’s struggle is quick — 20 seconds, whereas an adult struggles for 60 seconds. Myth #3: Drowning children are unsupervised children 50% of all child drownings will occur 25 metres or less from an adult who was distracted for only a few seconds. Myth #4: My child has had swimming lessons so he/ she won’t drown No child is ever drown-proof, no matter how good their swimming skills. A few swimming lessons are no guarantee when it comes to drowning prevention. Myth #5: Water wings and flotation aids will prevent drowning Water wings give a dangerous and false sense of security, often making children think they are stronger swimmers than they actually are. Flotation aids can also suddenly deflate. Myth #6: My children are older and can swim so my pool is fine left uncovered Children who drown are often short-term visitors to that property. It could be your neighbour’s child who comes over the wall to play, your domestic helper’s child who comes to your property during school holidays or visiting grandchildren and friends’ children – you will have children visiting who can’t swim and the pool needs to be secured for them too. What does a drowning in progress really look like? Being able to identify a drowning in progress means you can react quicker and increase the chances of a full recovery. Familiarise yourself with these behaviours: Head low in the water, mouth at water level Head tilted back with mouth open Trying to roll over onto the back to float Hair falling over the forehead or eyes Body is vertical/ upright Eyes glassy & empty, unable to focus Eyes open, with fear evident on the face Hyperventilating or gasping Trying to swim in one direction but without progress Sometimes the most common indication that a child is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may look like they are treading water and just looking up at their surrounds. One way to be sure is to ask them, “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all, they are probably fine. If they give a blank stare, you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them and prevent a drowning occurring right before your eyes. Remember, children tend to make a noise in the water. If they’re quiet – get to them ASAP! Most people imagine Picture A is an accurate depiction of a drowning in progress. In reality, Pictures B & C are more accurate – mouth at water level, head bobbing, body upright, little to no splashing and sometimes the appearance of doing doggie paddle.

June 22, 2022

The common cold in babies

With COVID19 prevalent globally, the thought of your baby catching a cold could be one to send shivers down your spine. But don’t fret, here are the symptoms of the common cold, what is considered normal and what is cause for concern. What is a cold? The common cold is caused by a variety of different viruses, and is an infection of the throat and nose. When a baby is born they have a weaker immune system, which develops as they grow older. Understandably though, this makes it easier for them to catch a cold. Babies do build up antibodies when they are exposed to germs, however, it takes 2 to 3 months for their immunity to fully develop. There are many types of viruses that are the cause of colds, but luckily most colds will help increase your little one’s immunity against other another nasty germs. What is normal and what can I do to prevent my baby catching a cold? Unfortunately, as the cold is caused by viruses there is no cure for it, but you can try naturally calm your baby’s symptoms. Unfortunately antibiotics won’t work as viruses are the culprit. It is normal for a cold to last 7 to 10 days. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough and low grade fever. Although alarming, fever is your baby’s natural response to the virus. Don’t give over the counter medication to your baby as these can cause dangerous side effects in young children, but extra fluids, saline spray and air humidifiers are all things you can use to help your baby. When a cold causes your baby to have trouble breathing, a high fever or dehydration it is time to consult with a doctor. Additionally, if the cold lasts for an extended period of time without getting better it is also best to seek professional help. Babies often catch the virus from older siblings or daycare, so if you can limit your baby’s exposure to other people this will help prevent them picking up unwanted viruses. Ask visitors to wash their hands before touching your little one and make sure to keep the baby’s utensils and towels separate from the rest of the household. Keeping your baby up to date with vaccinations is also a very important action that can help protect your them.

June 21, 2022

Making changes to your medical aid

Wherever possible, consumers are tightening their belts and looking at ways to consolidate expenses and save money. Healthcare is no exception. Traditionally, members of medical aids re-evaluated their medical cover annually, to coincide with increase announcements as well as changes to plans and benefits which come into effect on January 1 each year. However due to the pandemic, a number of medical aid schemes have deferred or postponed their increase announcements. This new pricing is being introduced at different times during the year and at varying percentages – often above inflation. ‘This has caused some confusion and challenges,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund – which opted not to defer increases. ‘Members are free to change their options, once a year, during the open period. However, with deferred increases, this often falls out of the open period. This means members start paying the increased premium after to change options has closed.’ Callakoppen explains that the medical aid industry is highly regulated with specific rules and regulations that could impact changing plans and moving schemes. These include waiting periods, late joiner fees and accumulated savings – that all need to be considered when changing plans Can you change your membership any time during the year? You can change at any time but usually this happens during open period. When changing, waiting periods might apply and the savings allocation of the plan may be affected. Make sure you have not already used more than a pro-rated percentage of the benefits or you might have to replay it. This will happen if you have depleted the savings’ portion before the end of the year and switch to another medical aid. What is a waiting period? According to the Medical Schemes Act, medical aid schemes are entitled to impose waiting periods – there are two categories: General waiting period (up to three months) and a condition-specific waiting period (up to 12 months). This protects other members of the Scheme by ensuring individuals can’t make large claims shortly after joining and then cancelling their membership. When do waiting periods apply? Waiting periods generally apply if you move from one medical aid to another, you or your dependants were not on a medical aid for a period of at least 90 days before you joined, or you have never been a member of a medical aid. Can these be waivered? Waiting periods can be waivered but this depends on the medical scheme. Do you pay premiums during a waiting period? Yes, you continue to pay your full premium during the waiting period. What if you change from one scheme to another? Your specific details and medical history will be considered, for example pre-existing medical conditions, how long you have belonged to a medical aid, etc., and underwriting may apply. What is a late-joiner penalty? Schemes can impose late-joiner penalties on individuals who join after the age of 35, who have never been medical aid members or those who have not belonged to a medical aid for a specified period of time since April 2001. Can you move directly from hospital insurance to medical aid? Late-joiner penalties will apply if you are over the age of 35 and move from a hospital insurance to any form of medical aid (including a hospital plan). Does the late-joiner penal reduce over time? No, unfortunately not. Once you are paying a late-joiner penalty, it remains in place. ‘The bottom line is that members need to do due diligence if they are considering switching medical plans or schemes. They need to evaluate the monthly contribution against the benefits being offered and make sure they will cover their healthcare needs,’ says Callakoppen.

June 21, 2022

YOUR 5-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR HAPPY SKIN IN WINTER

Winter has already started knocking at our doors which calls for a change in our skincare routines to avoid our skin falling victim to the extreme weather conditions. Your skin barrier is the most susceptile to depletion during Winter from the cold weather, hot water and dry heat, which all deplete the natural skin ceramides and essential fatty acids. Achieving or maintaining healthy, glowing and comfortable skin comes from having an intact skin barrier. It protects the skin from bacteria and pollution and stops transepidermal water loss – essential to prevent dehydration. The Essentials These harsh environmental factors experienced in Winter promote dry skin, dry patches, inflammation and less hydration in the skin. Try reduce the size of your skincare vanity and only use a few key products. Our recommendation: Introduce serums and vitamin C, switch to a cleanser with aloe vera, use more moisturising products and invest in a thicker moisturiser for face and body – and of course don’t forget SPF. Tumi Lehutso from Fundamentals Skincare explained: “While you don’t necessarily need to overhaul your skincare routine each season, there are few small changes you might want to make. Sunscreens, moisturisers and serums are essentially the foundation of your routine, and they won’t necessarily need to be switched out.” Regime Reset Step 1: Cleanser. Using a cleanser that has Aloe Vera will help your skin heal from any damage caused by the colder weather. Aloe is a household plant and when used in skincare assists in moisturising the skin. It also helps with acne, eczema, and sunburn. Step 2: Toner. Baobab oil is a rich source of omega fatty acids that fight inflammation, making it a great choice for sensitive or inflamed skin. Baobab’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritation and can even help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Using a toner that has Baobab and is alcohol-free will help you achieve smooth, soft, hydrated skin with reduced inflammation and improved barrier functioning. Step 3: Serum. Consider using a Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid. For all skin types, L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C and can be the most beneficial. Hyaluronic Acid will give your skin a boost of hydration and is suitable for all skin types. Step 4: Moisturiser. Undoubtably the most important step for your face and body. Invest in a well-formulated face moisturiser and body butter. For face consider ceramide for ultimate hydration. We need ceramides for skin to work properly but age and environmental triggers reduce ceramides in our skin. For body consider a body cream/butter with Niacinamide which is effective for hydration and managing the environmental impact on the skin. Step 5: Last but not least – SPF. We know by now that SPF should be used all year. There are still UV rays present even when the sun isn’t shining. A sun protection factor of 30 is suitable. For more information: Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 21, 2022

Lagging concentration? Natural ways to boost children’s brains

Many parents find their children lagging in focus and mental energy around the end of the second school term. This may well be exacerbated in 2022, as the first full year after intense COVID disruptions unfolds. It’s not just the South African winter blues, kids, worldwide, have felt the stresses and strains of the upheaval of the global pandemic which didn’t just upend going to school but is believed to have hampered children and teens’ normal development. Like us adults, our children are still adjusting to a ‘new normal’ that remains fraught with uncertainty and the myriad of anxieties that come with the convergence of tough economic times, serious geo-political clashes and the climate crisis. If you are one of those parents who have recently experienced concerning parent-teacher chats or your child hasn’t had great mid-year academic results, you may want to consider giving your child some extra well-being support. Restlessness, poor concentration and focus at school may be caused by anxiety or depression, which have risen in those under 17 years of age so significantly over the last years that we are increasingly hearing warnings of the global ‘youth mental health crisis’. In addition, diagnoses of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are ever-increasing. According to Michele Carelse, CEO of Feelgood Health, one of the country’s pioneering online health and wellness stores, whether or not your child has received a diagnosis of neurodiversity, there are natural steps parents can take to help their child improve concentration and focus. She says, “More and more families are looking for safe and holistic solutions to help support their children’s mental wellbeing. They want options that nourish the brain, calm emotions, improve concentration and help children focus naturally. Medicinal herbs such as Gingko Bilboa, amongst others have proven capabilities in this regard. However, it is important to remember that there are also lifestyle strategies that work hand-in-hand to strengthen your child’s resilience and help them perform optimally.” Having started her career as a Clinical Psychologist helping families deal with issues such as ADHD and ADD, Michele recommends: Embrace a healthy family diet – “You can’t underestimate the importance of healthy eating when it comes to children’s brain development and brain power. Reducing sugar intake, avoiding food additives and focusing on fresh, wholefoods makes a real impact. You want to make sure your child has a good intake of Omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as avocado, tuna, nuts and olive oil, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruit that provide a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals.” Get physically active – “Research has shown that outdoor exercise, whether that’s organised sports or rambling family walks and bike rides helps both children and adults to calm the mind, regulate emotions more effectively and release stress. Plan out your weekdays as well as the weekends to make sure you have time for daily physical activity. Getting out together as a family is also fun and it builds bonds, improving emotional well-being and enhancing resilience.” Limit screen time – “With so much time spent online and so much entertainment easily available on-screen, our children need breaks every day from their devices. Set screen limits for the whole family and stick to them.” Implement sleep hygiene – “There’s a lot of research showing that children today are not getting enough quality sleep. Problems with concentration and focus, as well as feeling moody, anxious or depressed can be attributed to, or worsened by inadequate sleep. Keep your children’s bedrooms free of devices and screens; find a calming bedtime routine that works for your family and make a good night’s rest for everyone a priority in your home.” Find support in natural remedies – “Explore a holistic approach to your family’s health to help support improved concentration and focus, and a calmer outlook in children. The advantage of natural remedies is that they are effective, free of nasty ingredients and non-addictive. This was my driving force as a Clinical Psychologist that led me to formulating specific Feelgood Health products that have helped many thousands of families over the past decades. Popular holistic solutions include our Focus & Calm natural remedy which includes herbs such as Gingko Bilboa, and BrightSpark, which is 100% homeopathic remedy for hyperactivity. For teenagers and adults, we also have a natural study aid called BrainShine, to promote concentration, mental focus, memory and reduce stress.” What’s important to remember is that we are all living through tumultuous times. A less than stellar performance at school or an increase in issues such restlessness and poor concentration can stem from a number of converging causes. Taking charge of well-being and actively building resilience will help both the children and the adults in the family to cope better with the stresses and strains in the world that are out of our control.

June 21, 2022

Xola Ntshinga the Co-Parent – Fatherhood, Fairness & Fun

Xola Ntshinga is a familiar voice and face on our radios and televisions, from breakfast and afternoon drive shows to sports anchoring – but this week he joins Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp as a guest and as a dad! Join Elana and the Parent + Baby Brunch podcast as they delve deeper into how parenting turns into co-parenting after a divorce, how being a dad feels during a pandemic, how Xola practices being a ‘present parent’, and much more! Listen here: https://www.babybrunch.co.za/practical-parenting-tips/xola-ntshinga-co-parenting Parent + Baby Brunch was founded by Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp. The content portal is best known for its parenting podcasts, regularly ranking as the number one locally-produced parenting podcasts in South Africa. “The concept was born shortly after I had my first daughter”, says Elana. “Like the adage write what you know, “I created the Parent + Baby Brunch community after experiencing first-hand what mothers and fathers of newborn children were experiencing. I was on a whatsapp group with my just-turned-parent girlfriends at 2am, everyone complaining about anything from sore nipples to back-aches. I knew there weren’t sufficient support groups out there, and so I started one!” Several years later with over 200 000 total lifetime channel listens under her belt, the popularity of the Parent + Baby Brunch podcasts continues to grow from strength to strength with thousands of streams per month across South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Israel and many more nations.

June 17, 2022

Irregular periods? Consider an all-natural solution like Ovaria

When life is busy, weeks fly by like days. Unless you’re tracking your period via an app or pay close attention to the calendar, you might not even notice should you miss a period. Also, if you’re dealing with a spotty cycle or taking birth control to actively “skip” a period, it can be even harder to keep track. Still, once you realise you’re not menstruating the way you expect to, it’s a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Why is my period irregular? First up, every woman is different and lots of things can affect the way they experience menstruation. However, your period could be considered irregular if the time between them starts to change or the duration begins to vary significantly. In this case, make an appointment to chat with your doctor or gynaecologist. The causes of a period gone astray really do run the gamut and can range from overdoing it in the exercise department to having fibroids (typically non-cancerous muscular tumours) growing in your uterus. Still, one of the most common conditions that can cause an irregular period is an all-too-common hormonal disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to the South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, it affects as many as 20% of our country’s women in their childbearing years and is linked to 40% of its cases of female infertility. The good news, however, is that it’s very treatable and the negative effect it can have on your fertility can, in many cases, be reversed. It’s all about your hormones To understand PCOS – as well as how to treat and beat it – realise that the root cause is unbalanced hormones. To start, sufferers typically produce more androgen (the male hormone). This causes the ovaries to not release an egg each month and other negative effects include oily skin, an increase in acne and excessive hair growth – often in unwanted places such as on your face! Another hormone that goes haywire when you’ve got PCOS? Insulin. In fact, as many as 70% of PCOS sufferers will also be insulin resistant. In this case, your body starts to produce an excessive amount of insulin because it’s stopped responding to the important message this hormone signals – that it’s time to use the sugar in your blood for energy. Instead, the glucose just languishes in your veins, elevating your bloody sugar levels, and eventually gets stored away as fat. This is why being insulin resistant and struggling to lose weight, particularly around the belly area, go hand in hand. It’s also why suffering from PCOS and not treating it can dramatically increase your risk of developing diabetes. Bring back the balance Clearly, having an irregular period isn’t something you want to ignore so chat with your doctor to get a diagnosis. If it turns out to be PCOS, get onto a treatment plan as soon as possible for the sake of your fertility and your health. This might involve making lifestyle changes, like scheduling more treadmill time and improving your diet, as well as taking prescription medication that will help balance your hormones. A proven all-natural solution Another way you can ease the symptoms of PCOS is via a proven supplement – Ovaria by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals A great tasting powder that can be added to any liquid, Ovaria contains a blend of all-natural ingredients including Myo-inositol. This naturally occurring carbohydrate won’t aggravate insulin resistance. Instead, it helps to regulate your body’s response to it, reducing your risk of developing diabetes as well as other PCOS-related complications. Better yet, when you manage your insulin levels, you’ll reduce your androgen levels. As a result, Ovaria can support weight loss while reducing the severity of acne as well as excessive hair growth. The other great thing about Ovaria is that it’s clinically proven. Studies show it can restore the regularity of your menstrual cycle and increase your ovulation rate to enhance your fertility in as little as 16 weeks! The bottom line If you discover your irregular period is being caused by PCOS, know that you’re not alone. There are lots of ways you can treat it and one of the most natural, non-prescription as well as proven solutions is Ovaria. It’s helped ease the PCOS symptoms of hundreds of woman around the globe so why shouldn’t you be one of them?

June 17, 2022

Street Gang documentary: how Sesame Street changed TV forever

• Nominated for a 2021 Critics Choice Documentary Award for Best Archival Documentary • The story behind the most widely viewed children’s show in the world, winner of a record 205 Emmy Awards • 95% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus says, “Like the show whose groundbreaking creation it commemorates, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street is as enlightening as it is purely entertaining.” • “A warm hug of a documentary,” US Weekly • “It’s hard to ask for much more than a doc that captures creatives thoughtfully sneaking the civil revolution as well as basic education into children’s TV… and includes a Muppets blooper reel,” Variety Nominated for a Critics Choice Documentary Award for Best Archival Documentary, Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street is now streaming first on Showmax in Africa. Street Gang has a 95% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus says, “Like the show whose groundbreaking creation it commemorates, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street is as enlightening as it is purely entertaining.” Adapted from Michael Davis’ bestseller Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street, and directed by multi-award-winning director Marilyn Agrelo (Mad Hot Ballroom), Street Gang includes the iconic furry characters and the songs multiple generations have come to know by heart, as well as never-before-seen archive footage and interviews with the original gang of visionary creators who set out to change the world. Look out for appearances from Muhammad Ali, James Earl Jones, Reverend Jesse Jackson and more. Sesame Street is the most widely viewed children’s show in the world, with a record 214 Emmy Awards, 11 Grammy Awards, three Peabody Awards, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (for iconic Muppet Big Bird, and legendary puppeteer Jim Henson). Now into its fifth decade, Sesame Street has been viewed by 150 million children, with more than 150 versions in 70 different languages worldwide, including in South Africa, where Takalani Sesame’s world-first HIV+ character, Kami, was appointed a worldwide UNICEF Champion for Children in 2003. According to Street Gang, Sesame Street all started with a conversation at a dinner party, where TV producer and documentary filmmaker Joan Ganz Cooney and Carnegie Foundation psychologist Lloyd Morrisett spoke about the issues that concerned them both – the gap in achievements for children in predominantly Black inner-city schools and the poor media landscape that awaited them at home, where children were generally presented with low-quality TV programming aimed at selling them products. Cooney and Morrisett went on to co-found the Children’s Television Workshop (now called Sesame Workshop), set up to advance children’s education using TV. TV was deplored at the time by many academics and social scientists but if children were already memorising advertising jingles, what else could they learn from the medium? Cooney recruited writer-director Jon Stone, composer and lyricist Joe Raposo, and trailblazing Muppets’ creator Jim Henson, who brought in Frank Oz – the man who would be the voice and hands behind beloved characters like Bert, Grover and Cookie Monster. They crafted the iconic and beloved world of Sesame Street along with an extraordinary team of writers, educators, psychologists, puppeteers, performers, and musicians – and a cast of adults who looked like no other group on television. “Most important for Jon was his vision of Gordon [a human character played over the years by iconic Black actors Matt Robinson, Hal Miller and Roscoe Orman] representing a Black male father figure for their target audience, children of colour,” says Street Gang producer Trevor Crafts. “For Black kids, that representation was important, and for everyone else, they were seeing a fully integrated neighbourhood, something they perhaps hadn’t seen before.” Sesame Street continued to ensure other communities were represented as well, adding Spanish-speaking characters and bringing on [now Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner] Sonia Manzano and Emilio Delgado, who would both stay with the show until the mid 2010s. “It was all a bold, intentional choice,” adds Street Gang producer Ellen Scherer Crafts. “The norm of the time would not have been a Black couple, Gordon and Susan Robinson, being the main family on a show. That was revolutionary.” “They normalised a multicultural world on television, without ever speaking about it,” adds Agrelo. “Not only did all types of people hang out together, but they lived in the same building and on the same street. It was completely normal on the show, and that was the beauty of it. For a kid to see Maria or Gordon or any of those characters and that amazing cast on TV was huge.” As Sesame Street composer, lyricist, and writer Christopher Cerf puts it in the documentary, “We felt we could demonstrate things very subtly. There was the cognitive stuff, numbers, letters, all of those things, but equally important, maybe even more important, was the fact that Sesame Street was a neighbourhood, where people of all races, kids, adults, and monsters, live together.” Today, entertaining and educational children’s TV programmes have become so much a part of our lives that it’s hard to believe they didn’t exist before Sesame Street first aired in 1969. US Weekly calls Street Gang “a warm hug of a documentary” but it’s also the story of a revolution that changed TV forever. As Variety says, “It’s hard to ask for much more than a doc that captures creatives thoughtfully sneaking the civil revolution as well as basic education into children’s TV… and includes a Muppets blooper reel.” Showmax is also home to Sesame Street S47-50, S6 of local version Takalani Sesame, specials like When You Wish Upon A Pickle and The Magical Wand Chase, and spin offs like Elmo the Musical and Elmo’s Not-Too-Late Show. Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/uQEFS6aKXCU Watch Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street on Showmax: https://www.showmax.com/eng/movie/muzv0r41-street-gang-how-we-got-to-sesame-street

June 16, 2022

Why we made the switch from brick-and-mortar to online homeschooling

The following account is the story of a parent, Engela Janse van Rensburg, who decided to make the switch from a brick-and-mortar school to online homeschooling and she has never looked back! “Here’s a riddle for you: What is the most in-demand occupation – no, let me rephrase – profession, in the entire existence of the human race? Which profession needs no qualification, has the lowest monetary reward yet has the highest impact on the human race, and the highest emotional reward? Parenting! Any parent will tell you that the privilege of having a child and the joy that it accompanies, is something very special. But, with this privilege comes a number of choices you have to make. At the birth of your child, you are given a clean slate and you as the parent have to decide what is written on that slate, since this will form the foundations of that little human being entrusted to you. I call these choices the three C’s: Choice of morals and values; Choice of religious beliefs and Choice of education. And it is in this third choice, Education, that many parents faced a new challenge the last couple of years since the global pandemic struck. Three years ago parents who decided to homeschool their children were seen by many as the ‘different’ ones. Two years ago parents who never thought of homeschooling their children, were suddenly faced with a challenge: how do I ensure continuous education for my child, how do I keep my child safe and healthy and protected against an enemy no one can see (Covid-19)? And just like many other families, we were faced with the same questions. When we started to do research, we realised that education entered its own “industrial revolution” phase. We were standing in front of three options: homeschooling where the support from the school was only administrative and I will have to teach my child; a school where classes were presented on a set timetable and the only difference between the online school and a brick-and-mortar school, was that he was at home and did his lessons online; and the third option was a combination of the first two: online lessons combined with self-study. We realised that with both parents also in education and working long hours, there was no time for us to teach our son, although we had the knowledge. It was also for our son a much easier transition from what he knew to something totally different. Two years later we have settled into our new lifestyle and in the process we have learned a lot of lessons. Time management became very important and it was a skill that I had to teach my son. I had to show him how to plan his term, his week and his day. I had to show him how to plan when to start with an assignment to make sure it is completed and submitted on time. He had to learn how to take responsibility and attend classes, even though he has the freedom to make that choice. In a brick-and-mortar school, parents are so much less involved in the day-to-day activities of their children. With an online school, I became involved in what happened in my child’s education on a daily basis. I check on his daily classes, I look at his performance and results when assessment results are released and I assist with his revision planning. Then there is of course the technical side – make sure he has access to Wi-Fi during load-shedding, make sure the printer is working, make sure the laptop is still on standard. The biggest change in our lives was that we became so much more involved in our child’s education. But it also brought another concern with it – we had to make sure that the social development of our son was still taken care of. It is so important to remember that your child still needs contact with his peers and that he can still interact with them outside the academic sphere. It is very easy for a child to become totally isolated and if both parents are working, this can happen very easily. Whether your choice is homeschooling or an online school, any parent will have to remember that your view about your child’s education will have to change. You need to become more involved in the education and social development of your child. Both you and your child will have to focus on time management, your communication about his education will have to be daily and maybe the most important before you even venture into this new adventure is that you have to make sure your child has the right personality to make a success of it. We are very fortunate. Our son is a self-starter, a self-motivator, and can work independently. Our transition was very easy. In the first year, both of us had to get used to the technical aspects and he had to learn time management skills – which learners do not learn in brick-and-mortar schools. But after 9 months at an online school, I did not need to create his calendar anymore or remind him about tasks. Today, two years later, we have an independent 14-year-old who is far above many first-year university students when it comes to planning his academics and taking responsibility for it. Do I recommend it? Absolutely! Why? I wrote on that slate given to me the following objectives to instil in my son: independence, responsibility, work ethic, confidence, self-trust, and high-quality education. What is the downside? Social interaction in the form of sport or cultural activities takes a lot more effort, planning and involvement with the homeschooling/online schooling community. When should you not do it? When you think it is an easy way out of “school” or when your child is not yet emotionally mature enough to take responsibility for engaging with their schoolwork. It is not an easy way out – it will take commitment from both you as a parent as well as your

June 15, 2022

Celebrating young women: Positive daily affirmations

When I think of Youth Day, I think of how resilient the youth of our country have been since the start of the pandemic! So much as changed! How we learn, how we interact, social events… everything. Everything has changed. In the middle of last year I had to go to the university in my area to drop off paperwork. My heart was broken. It looked like a ghost town. I thought back tomy student days and saw shadows of the past, remembering how it was when I was a student… Social groups on the lawn chatting and eating their lunch, corridors abuzz with students rushing to get to their various classes on time… Back to reality… quiet. Just the squeaking of my shoes on the sparkly floors as I made my way to the relevant department with only the occasional student that walked past. Unsure if they were smiling behind their mask, we greeted each other and continued. I remember thinking that day… how are these poor young people supposed to find the love of their life at ‘varsity, when they can’t even see each other’s faces… (there goes love at first sight). I giggled as I imagined all students walking around with a QR code, to their social media handles, hanging around their necks… (OK it was a long corridor… too much time to think). It has been hard, but we always need to look for the silver lining, as most South Africans are able to do in the hardest of times. I would like to commend the youth of today for their resilience. For being masters of their own destiny. For accepting the things they cannot change and making the most of the opportunities that come to light. Anna Louise Pickens compiled a list of Positive Affirmations. We should imprint these in our minds, and the minds of the younger generation: “I am capable.” “I am intelligent.” “I am innovative.” “I am brave.” “I am confident.” “I stand up for myself.” “I can do hard things.” “I am in charge of my own identity.” “I have faith in myself.” “My ideas are powerful.” “I am allowed to change my mind.” “This is my time.” “I am articulate.” “I know myself.” “I am an independent person.” “I am good at many things.” “Anything is possible in my life.” “I have faith in my own abilities.” “I am qualified to be where I am.” “I make good decisions.” Wake up “Everyday” and know that you are of “Premium” quality. Your “Destiny” is not written for you, but by you! Until next time Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

June 15, 2022

Children and dairy: a healthy combination

Encouraging healthy eating patterns in childhood already sets the stage for habits that will endure throughout life. Good nutrition affects children’s health and well-being throughout their development, from conception to adolescence. Children who eat well develop lively minds and strong, active bodies. Including a variety of foods from all the food groups will give children the energy and nutrients they need. Here are some ideas: Offer plenty of vegetables and fruit every day and include beans and legumes (e.g. baked beans) in meals at least three times a week. To ensure sustained energy, make unrefined and minimally processed starchy foods part of most meals. These include wholegrain bread, cereals or porridge and root vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes. Include milk, amasi or yoghurt in meals each day and use other dairy products such as cheese and flavoured milk to help children meet their calcium needs. Choose full-cream milk for children. Lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs or alternatives for meat, such as peanut butter or cheese, can be eaten daily. Dairy: a source of essential nutrients for children Dairy products are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet and help to improve overall nutrient status. Children and adolescents should have 3–4 servings of dairy every day. Milk and other dairy foods deliver a unique package of many nutrients important for children’s development. These include high-quality protein, minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iodine, and vitamins A, B12 and B2. Dairy products contain vitamin B12, which contributes to good physical and cognitive development. During childhood and adolescence, bones need good-quality protein, calcium and vitamin D to become strong. Dairy products are considered the best dietary source of calcium and provide good-quality protein at the same time. With 20–30 minutes of sunshine per day children will get all the vitamin D they need. High-quality protein in milk and dairy foods contains many essential amino acids and many bioactive ingredients, which help children grow and develop strong, healthy muscle tissue. Many observational studies also suggest a positive link between dairy intake and dental health. Eating cheese and yoghurt particularly appears to help protect against dental caries in children. Dairy is for everyone There is a dairy product to suit everyone’s taste and dietary preferences. In fact, dairy complements most meals! Browse our recipe selection for easy mid-week meals and consider these tips to make dairy part of your family’s diet: https://www.rediscoverdairy.co.za/resources-and-tools-2/recipes/ Add milk to cereal at breakfast. Make a fruit smoothie using fresh fruit, plain yoghurt and milk. Cheese and yoghurt are convenient snack options. Offer cold milk, flavoured milk or drinking yoghurt instead of cold drinks or energy drinks. Prepare sauces with milk or amasi or add them to soup. Stir smooth cottage cheese into soup or mashed potatoes. Spread cottage cheese on wholewheat bread or rolls as part of a tasty sandwich filling. Make a healthy snack platter with fresh vegetables, fruit and cubes of cheese.

June 15, 2022

The discouragement felt when unable to breastfeed

The agony of knowing that you cannot give your child the best as a women – something that comes so natural to other mothers hearing them say – “I have enough milk to feed the nation” can be heartbreaking to a mom who was originally determined to breastfeed and can’t naturally cannot. This may even result in most mothers thinking of weaning their babies. What causes discouragement and to have thoughts of weaning your baby? Most of us women who are determined to breastfeed visualise the experience of breastfeeding the bundle of joy and all the benefits it comes with breastfeeding before it actually occurs. The joy that floods a mom’s heart knowing you are able to give your little one the best. Then the unfortunate situation occurs when what you visualised, planned and hoped for does not happen. So discouragement creeps in and then causes many mothers to start weaning of their babies. When feeling the following emotions – feeling tired, discouraged, ambivalent or confused – it is not a good time to make any important decision especially coming to weaning of the bundle of joy. If you are experiencing problems, consider these options: Consult someone trained in breastfeeding. Express milk from one or both breasts so you can temporarily or permanently reduce or stop nursing. Utilising Milk Galore products as part of supplement to boost the flow of breastmilk. When does breastfeeding not go as planned? One of the most intense experiences ever in a mom’s life is giving birth to and caring for your little bundle of joy. The first few weeks are the most difficult due to many changes that occur. You find yourself in an emotional roller coaster as fatigue and hormonal changes kicks-in you will find yourself crying frequently. So does breastfeeding as well it becomes an emotional time. If breastfeeding does not come as natural then it really becomes difficult so therefore it becomes a duty that is not easy and daunting. Even with excellent support and specialized assistance, there is a possibility that your breastfeeding experience simply doesn’t live up to your expectations. Some women feel less than a women as you feel feelings of regret, sadness, frustration and even anger because the excitement of being able to breastfeed and give your little one the best has been crushed. The guilt of wanting to stop just overwhelms some moms. Remember, it’s not your fault! To have a successful breastfeeding journey depends on a number of factors that are beyond your control sometimes. It’s good to be able to talk about your feelings with someone you trust and who will lend an ear. Every birth and breastfeeding story is unique. Below we have included some factors to consider and recommendations to encourage those moms feeling discouraged. Insufficient milk production Sometimes, milk production is low right from the start of breastfeeding. In other cases, it can drop off suddenly. This may be temporary, and can be due to any of a number of different causes: Your breasts are understimulated because: they are not being stimulated often enough (less than 8 times a day); they are not being stimulated correctly by your baby or your pump; you give your baby commercial infant formula in a bottle every day. You have undergone breast surgery (breast reduction). You suffer from poorly controlled hypothyroidism or another health problem. You have an insufficient number of mammary glands, regardless of the size of your breasts (glandular insufficiency). You are pregnant again. You are taking contraceptives or a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine. Sometimes insufficient milk supply cannot be explained by any of these reasons. Regardless of the quantity produced, the quality of breast milk is always excellent. Even in small amounts, your breast milk provides your baby with a host of nutrients that are not found in commercial infant formula If your milk production is insufficient, make sure your baby is drinking enough and continuing to gain weight. Even if you supplement feedings with commercial infant formula, you can still continue to breastfeed. What to do? Milk Galore offers a range of products dependent on your preference. The products on offer are: 100% fruit juice blends which is ready made Rooibos tea for all the tea lovers These can be drunk in the morning and evening at a quantity of 250ml and results of increased flow of breastmilk can be seen after 24 hours. For best result the rooibos tea must be brewed with water. The other way to boost your milk production is to stimulate your breasts often and express as much milk as possible. You can also talk to a trained breastfeeding support person. This can help you Assess your milk production Increase your production as much as possible

June 15, 2022

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPF 30 AND SPF 50

With the amount of skincare knowledge now freely available, it is a known fact how important and essential applying a sunscreen is everyday, especially with skin cancer becoming the most common form of cancer among people. As we know, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is the measure to determine how well sunscreen is able to shield against UV rays. UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn. The UVB rays also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, including the deadly black mole form of skin cancer (malignant melanoma). We also know that we need a high SPF factor to get adequate protection from the sun – but is there really a difference between an SPF 30 and a SPF 50? What’s the real tea on SPF? The SPF number on any skincare product is listed on the front of the packaging to tell you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin. Which we know as sunburn. Sunburn over time is known to cause premature ageing, suns spots and in extreme cases skin cancer. With the earth’s atmosphere also being reduced due to global warming, the sun’s rays are a lot more potent and can have an even greater impact on the skin over a shorter period of time. Skin cancer can be significantly reduced by using a sunscreen 365 days a year, starting in early childhood. Tumi Lehutso at Fundamentals Skincare says, “When choosing the right SPF for you and your family, it is important to note that the number in the SPF is a ratio (SPF 15, 20, 30, 50) and all have the same physical protection within the burn time. Burn time is classified as the time you start damaging cells. It is important to note that every single skin has a different burn time. SPF 50 has a longer protection time until the burn time than SPF 30 for example. On a daily basis you need to be using a SPF of at least 30 and no less – as a SPF 30 and SPF 50 provide more than enough protection for your skin.” For an office day spf 30 is perfect. Another box that needs to be ticked when choosing a sunscreen is checking whether it is broad spectrum – this means that it provides protection against the sun’s UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays, which helps prevent skin cancer, early skin aging (premature age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin) and sunburn. If it’s not broad spectrum, it won’t provide overall protection. Lastly, there are different types of sunscreen you should know about: Mineral also known as inorganic filters. Mineral sunscreen works by creating a physical barrier that reflects and blocks the suns energy and UV rays. Normal active ingredients is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is gentler on sensitive skin and better for hyperpigmentation and melasma. A mineral sunscreen can be formulated to not have a white cast such as the Fundamentals Skincare sunscreen. Chemical also known as organic filters. Chemical sunscreens works by absorbing the suns energy and UV rays. This is done through converting the rays into heat and releasing them from the skin. Active ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone and homosalate. A chemical sunscreen is normally sheer and clear in appearance and is used in oils, serums and sprays. “As long as you’re using sunscreen correctly, you’re doing it right. Use daily and reapply often should be your mantra,” concludes Lehutso. For more information: Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 14, 2022

DISNEY+ CELEBRATES THE WONDER AND DIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICA’S PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES AND AMAZING ANIMALS IN THE TRAILER OF ‘AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’ FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

From the Award-Winning Producers of ‘Planet Earth,’ This New Series Is Narrated by Emmy®-Nominated Actor and Producer Michael B. Jordan The Six-Part Series Is the First to Utilize Cinema-Grade Cameras on Fighter Jets to Reveal Epic Imagery and Features an Original Soundtrack With Performances From Indigenous Musicians ‘America the Beautiful’ Streams July 4 Only On Disney+ Disney+ debuted the trailer for its newest original series from National Geographic, “America the Beautiful.” As part of their Independence Day celebration this summer, all six episodes will stream Monday, July 4, exclusively on Disney+. Narrated by Emmy®-nominated actor and producer Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther,” “Creed”), the documentary series takes viewers on an epic journey across North America’s most spectacular regions to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the most diverse land on Earth while showcasing its many unique creatures. The goal is to inspire audiences to conserve the precious habitats and inhabitants found in our own backyards. From the multiple BAFTA- and Emmy Award®-winning team of Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield (“Planet Earth,” “Frozen Planet”) at Wildstar Films, “America the Beautiful” is the first natural history series to place cinema-grade cameras on fighter jets, taking viewers on a jaw-dropping ride through some of the most impressive scenery on Earth, revealing rich and textured worlds that are unique to the continent. The jet-mounted cameras show how America’s landscapes fit together and shape one another: a single shot can reveal how the Sierra mountains made the Mojave Desert or the Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon. The same aerial system proved a revelation for also filming wild weather, enabling footage of supercells and tornados from close range. For the series, National Geographic has purchased carbon credits from projects that reduce emissions, benefit communities, and support biodiversity to compensate for production emissions, including the emissions of the aircraft used in filming. Each episode of “America The Beautiful” showcases smart and brave animal heroes of all sizes — from grizzlies to bald eagles, mountain lions to honeypot ants — whose funny and amazing antics are brought to life with character-led storytelling. To capture elusive and never before seen animal behaviors on the ground, a new generation of remote cameras and gyro-stabilized cameras were used. In the final episode, to celebrate the human conservation heroes of America, producers worked directly with Indigenous tribes such as the Chippewa Cree of Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana to film bison reintroduction and the Gwich’in people of Alaska to document the battle to protect the arctic refuge from oil exploration. The six-part series features an inspiring soundtrack that not only evokes pride but also the diversity of America. The score was composed by Joseph Trapanese. Music from the series features performances from Ojibwe powwow singer Joe Rainey Sr., Native drum maker and singer Dylan Jennings (Bizhikiins-Young Buffalo), Italian Korean American violinist Lucia Micarelli, Black American bluesman Leonard “Lowdown” Brown, Los Angeles-based multiethnic vocal ensemble Tonality lead by Black American conductor Alexander Blake, and more. Drummer and supporting vocalist from Bon Iver, S. Carey co-wrote and produced the album’s theme music alongside Trapanese. All six episodes are available to stream on July 4, only on Disney+: Land of Heroes Never-before-seen stories of heroic animals — endearing, majestic and downright bizarre — play out against a breathtaking backdrop of America’s most iconic landscapes. Aerial cameras take viewers on a thrilling journey from the ice caps to the desert, from sea to shining sea. From grizzlies hunting caribou in the Alaskan mountains to prairie dogs battling a tornado, find out what it takes to be an American hero. Waterland The wetlands of the southeastern USA are a magical world where the boundary between land and water is blurred. Black bears must carry their tiny cubs through gator-infested swamps while dolphins hurl themselves onto land to hunt. Here, Florida panthers have fought their way back from extinction, with a little help from humans, while tiny mice work to protect our shoreline from deadly hurricanes. Northland The north of America is a world of rugged mountains, including Denali, the highest peak on the continent, and sweeping Arctic tundra. Up here, the wild heroes, from grizzly bears to musk oxen to beavers to bald eagles, must battle through the continent’s most brutal winter, lit only by the ethereal beauty of the northern lights. For those who can make it, a spectacular summer of plenty awaits. Wild West The southwestern USA, the setting for some of the most famous desert landscapes on our planet, is a world of animal heroes who can overcome anything that’s thrown at them, from the baking desert to the mighty Pacific Ocean. Mountain lions patrol the Grand Canyon looking for mates, gray whales tackle the longest mammal migration on Earth, and hummingbird supermoms raise chicks in the blistering heat. Heartland The heart of America experiences the biggest temperature swings and the wildest storms on the planet. Life here has to endure four seasons in a day — sometimes in an hour! A cast of all-American heroes, from bison to wolves, burrowing owls to bobcats, uses courage, strength and cunning to overcome the elements and make a living in this wild and beautiful land. Brave New World Across North America, a growing band of wildlife heroes is fighting to preserve our most iconic animals and wildest places. Whether the battle is to rewild the northern prairies, save our rarest big cat or restore an underwater forest, these champions are everyday people of all ages and from all walks of life, sharing one thing in common: They care enough to make a difference. “America The Beautiful” is produced by Wildstar Films for National Geographic. For Wildstar, executive producers are multiple BAFTA- and Emmy Award-winning Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz (“Planet Earth,” “Frozen Planet”). The showrunner is Dan Rees (“Frozen Planet,” “Atlantic”). Ashley Hoppin is executive producer for National Geographic.

June 14, 2022

Disney and Pixar invites families to the cinemas this youth day weekend as it gears up for its biggest film release of 2022 – Lightyear

Disney and Pixar will be releasing its highly rated film “Lightyear” in South African theatres just in time for families to enjoy this upcoming youth day weekend from Friday 17 June, 2022. The movie is a great watch for both parents and children, as it explores the different facets how we as individuals can view the world. Life is never what we plan for and things don’t always go the way we want it. But this movie is all about not dwelling on the past and wishing that things were different—that seems like a waste of time. The movie teaches both adults and the youth that in spite of bad things and bad decisions that we need to rather focus on doing what is best with where one is right now and making the most of one’s time. As individuals we make bad decisions, but if we spend our lives regretting those bad decisions instead of investing in what’s in front of our eyes, is that really living?” Filmmakers called on actor Chris Evans to voice the accomplished Space Ranger, Buzz. “Lightyear” also features the voices of Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend, Alisha Hawthorne, and Peter Sohn as Buzz’s dutiful robot cat, Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heardas the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Díaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. “The faster I fly, the further into the future I travel. I get it.” – Buzz Lightyear PRODUCTION NOTES Every cinephile loves a good hero—someone to admire, someone to root for. Heroes overcome insurmountable obstacles to save the day. And the best heroes—the ones who live on long after their films hit the big screen—are, at heart, human. They have flaws and fears—they’re utterly relatable, even as they soar to greatness. Buzz Lightyear is such a hero—in fact, he’s the kind of big-screen phenomenon that inspired a successful line of toys. That’s what filmmakers pictured when creating the character for Pixar Animation Studios’ 1995 feature film “Toy Story.” That story placed Buzz Lightyear—the toy in this case—center stage as the brand-new, highly sought-after action figure that gives vintage pull-string Sheriff Woody a run for his money as Andy’s favorite. Fast forward 21 years, and director Angus MacLane found himself asking: What movie inspired Andy to beg for a fancy toy with lasers, karate-chop action and aerodynamic space wings? “‘Lightyear’ is the movie that Andy, his friends and probably most of the rest of the world saw,” says MacLane. “I wanted to make something that felt true to those fun, big-budget popcorn films.” A sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. “I did a lot of research, breaking down the nature of genre thrillers,” says MacLane. “I knew Buzz would have to face a big problem, and I liked the sci-fi element of time dilation. There’s a rich history of character-out-of-time heroics: Captain America, Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, to name a few. “They say you can’t live in the past, but what if you could?” continues MacLane. “We all wonder what it would be like to go back in time, but instead we’re jumping forward in time. That’s the truth I wanted to build for ‘Lightyear’—nostalgia for the past while rapidly jumping into the future.” According to producer Galyn Susman, Buzz Lightyear gave filmmakers a rich opportunity for exploration. “Ever since we met the character, Buzz has had this inherent and interesting tendency to view the world in a unique way,” she says. “His version of reality is never quite the same as everybody else’s, and there’s something superentertaining about that. “He’s an aspirational character,” Susman continues. “And the world really needs more aspirational characters right now.” The film kicks off with accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, his commander Alisha Hawthorne and a crew of more than 1,000 scientists and technicians heading home from their latest mission. Approximately 4.2 million light-years away from Earth, a sensor signals their proximity to an uncharted but potentially resource-rich planet. Buzz makes the call to reroute their exploration vessel (aka the Turnip) to T’Kani Prime—a swampy planet with aggressive vines and giant swarming bugs. Efforts for a quick exit go horribly awry, culminating in a crash that shatters their fuel cell, leaving Buzz, Alisha and their entire crew stranded on the less-than-welcoming planet. “Buzz is the guy who’s been at the top of his game for a while,” says executive producer Andrew Stanton, who contributed to all four “Toy Story” films. “We’re witnessing in this movie his first fall from grace. He’s never experienced that before.” Marooned on the decidedly hostile planet, the crew settles in for the long game. Says Jason Headley, who’s a screenwriter on the film, “Nobody’s going anywhere until the resident scientists can create a new ‘hyperspeed’ crystal that holds up to a test flight. It’ll be years of trial and error.” Buzz blames himself. “Burdened with the guilt of having made a critical mistake, Buzz is consumed by the desire to rectify it,” says Susman. “Our story takes place in space—but it’s still something we all face at some point or another. We make bad decisions, but if we spend our lives regretting those bad decisions instead of investing in what’s in front of our eyes, is that really living?” Adds MacLane, “Life is never what we plan for. It’s not about dwelling on the past and wishing things were different—that seems like a waste of time. While Buzz is obsessed with righting his wrong, Alisha decides that she’s going to do her best with where she is right now. She wants to make the most of her time regardless of what planet she’s on.” Time. Among Buzz’s battles with guilt, technology, chemistry

June 13, 2022

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