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Fanciful Faces Inc.: A Magical Wonderland for Your Celebrations!

Step into the enchanting world of Fanciful Faces Inc., where joy takes center stage, and every celebration becomes a canvas of laughter and delight. Known for their extraordinary entertainment services, this company is not just a party planner; it’s an architect of unforgettable moments and a creator of magical memories. A Kaleidoscope of Services Imagine a world where face painting isn’t just an art form but a transformative experience. Fanciful Faces Inc. turns faces into living masterpieces, thanks to their skilled artists who are more like dream-weavers than painters. And when it comes to clowns, these jesters of joy are the heartbeat of any event, spreading infectious laughter and whimsy wherever they go. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Balloon sculpting turns ordinary balloons into intricate wonders, while jumping castles become portals to a gravity-defying kingdom of pure delight. It’s not just about services; it’s about crafting an experience that lingers long after the confetti settles. A Sprinkle of their Signature Spectaculars: Face Painting: Where smiles become masterpieces. Clowns: Masters of mirth and laughter engineers. Balloon Sculpting: Ordinary balloons transformed into extraordinary wonders. Jumping Castles: Bouncy kingdoms where gravity takes a backseat. Water Slides: Splashy aquatic adventures for sun-soaked celebrations. Magicians: Illusionists turning events into enchanting experiences. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to Fanciful Faces Inc., and they’ll happily tailor the perfect entertainment for your event! A Symphony of Joy and Fun Picture the sound of children’s laughter harmonizing with the playful melodies of Fanciful Faces Inc.’s entertainers. Their events are not just about services; they’re an orchestrated symphony of joy. Each celebration becomes a crescendo of laughter, a dance of delight, and a parade of unforgettable moments. A Haven of Happiness for Every Child Beyond creating magical moments, Fanciful Faces Inc. is committed to fostering a haven of joy for every child. In their belief, childhood is a treasure trove of enchantment, and no child should miss out on the magic. With Fanciful Faces Inc., every celebration becomes a treasure hunt for joy. Looking to the Future As Fanciful Faces Inc. spreads joy today, the dream is to paint even larger canvases of happiness in the future. Envisioning more laughter, more celebrations, and more magical adventures on the horizon, Fanciful Faces Inc. goes beyond being a part of your celebration; it’s a dedicated partner in shaping a future where joy knows no bounds. With plans for community outreach and exciting collaborations on the horizon, fuelled by the unwavering desire to spread love and happiness far and wide. Closing Note – Choose the Canvas of Joy In the grand tapestry of life, Fanciful Faces Inc. is the brushstroke that adds vibrancy, the burst of confetti that creates magic. Choosing them isn’t just about getting a service; it’s embracing an experience where every smile, every giggle, and every moment becomes a stroke on the canvas of joy. Choose Fanciful Faces Inc. – where every event is a masterpiece of merriment!

March 21, 2024

CN MOVIES Each Day, A New Adventure

Experience some school holiday movie magic this month as we kick off with a series of films every weekday from 21 March! From Teen Titans Go! VS. Teen Titans to We Bare Bears: The Movie– where Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear catch the attention of the Department of Wildlife Control and have their world turned upside down, things are off to a rocky start. The second week of movie madness featuresRegular Show: The Movie and a Ben 10 quadruple-header: Ben 10 VS The Universe: The Movie, Ben 10 010, Ben 10: Ben Gen 10 and Ben 10 Alien X-tinction. The following Monday 1 April, it’s Pokémon time with Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You, before we wrap up with Adventure Time Distant Lands: Together Again and Adventure Time Distant Lands: Wizard City on 2 April. Launch date: Thursday, 21 March @ 11:00 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays until 2 April @ 11:00 CAT

March 21, 2024

Cadbury is back with another fun-filled Easter adventure for Mzansi

Easter is a season of fun, togetherness, and giving. In true Cadbury style, Mzansi’s most generous chocolate, is once again encouraging you to embrace the magical tradition of hiding your favourite Easter treats with love. The Cadbury Easter range is choc-full of fun for the whole family (and all the choc-enthusiasts too)! Spoil loved ones with Cadbury’s wide range of delicious treats to make your Easter celebrations egg-stra special. Featuring the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Hot Cross Bun slab, with chunks of crunchy cinnamon and raisins to and the popular favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk Top Deck Bunnies slab. There are crunchy choc-filled Cadbury mini eggs, tasty Cadbury Creme Eggs, filled with a creamy fondant center, and a decadent new addition to the range, Cadbury Caramel Eggs with a golden gooey center, available in packs of 5 and 3 respectively so there’s more to share (with love) this Easter. Immerse yourself in an egg-citing Easter adventure when you join the Cadbury Hide Them With Love Mzansi* virtual experience. Celebrate the spirit of generosity by finding that perfect virtual hiding spot, across the country’s most iconic landmarks, to hide a special egg for a friend or loved one to find. Guided by Cadbury’s Easter Icon – Fluffy. Expect fun, mystery and the chance to win exciting rewards including vouchers from Uber Eats, Takealot, Superbalist, Flight Centre travel vouchers valued at R20,000.00, and airtime. Great surprises await simply visit cadbury.co.za and follow the simple steps. Step 1: choose your world: explore a map of Mzansi, featuring four vibrant, magical worlds – Cape Town, Gauteng, Gqeberha and Durban. Each world has its own special appeal, find a spot that resonates with you and a special someone. Step 2: Hide your egg: once you have picked your world, it’s time to hide your egg. Explore unique landmarks that catch your eye and let Fluffy guide you to the ideal one. Step 3: Send a clue: get creative and send a clever, heartfelt clue to guide friends and family to your hidden egg. You can also use clues Fluffy has already written and customsie these as you like. Step 4: Win and share: Hiders and finders both stand to win! The more eggs hidden and found the more chances to win! “The 360-degree digital playground was designed to bring the colourful splendour of our nation to life through an immersive experience that allows you to peek behind corners and switch into auto-pan mode to look around and find the perfect hiding spots. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the ritual of hiding Cadbury easter eggs with love this season,” says Lara Sidersky, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. Mzansi’s chocolate lovers can follow the #CadburyMzansiHide conversation on www.cadbury.co.za or Instagram and Twitter @cadbury_sa and Facebook@CadburyDairyMilk Perfect for you to hide at home – the Cadbury Easter range is available at major e-tailers including Checkers Sixty60, Pick n Pay ASAP and SPAR2U and participating retailers near you. *T&Cs apply.

March 21, 2024

MOVIE STAR HOLIDAYS Holiday Movie Magic

School’s out, and we’re celebrating with a great new movie every day from 21 March to 2 April! In Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s Land, Jerry and his nephew make a snow mouse that miraculously comes to life! On Friday, 22 March, hang out with Akissi: A Funny Little Brother and Scooby-Doo! Where Are You Now? On 23 March, Tom and Jerry are on a Spy Questand Scooby and the gang hang out with WWE stars in Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery on the 24th. From Monday 25th, experience Tweety’s High-Flying Adventure; Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins; Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars; Scooby-Doo! Curse of The Lake Monster; Tom and Jerry and The Wizard of Oz; Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s Land; Rabbids Invasion: Mission to Mars; Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run and Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse. Launch date: Thursday, 21 March @ 09:40 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Every day until 2 April @ 09:40 CAT

March 21, 2024

Dealing with Colds and Flu in the Warmer Months

We typically associate colds and flu with chilly weather, envisioning long winter nights snuggled up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea, nursing a runny nose or a scratchy throat. However, contrary to popular belief, these illnesses can strike at any time of the year, including the warmer months.1 Cepacol®, the brand known for its sore throat lozenges and hot medication, offers guidance on how to deal with colds and flu in the summer and spring months, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the sunshine even if you are under the weather. Why Colds and Flu Can Still Occur in Warmer Weather While it’s true that the viruses that cause colds and flu thrive in dry, cold conditions,2 scratchy throats, stuffy noses, and fevers can strike at any time of the year,1 even on a beautiful, sunny day. The Importance of Prevention The first step in dealing with colds and flu in warmer months is prevention. Regular hand washing is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of germs.3 In the summer months, when people are often on the move, carrying hand sanitiser can be a good substitute when soap and water are not readily available. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another key to preventing illness.4a This includes eating a balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables4b, exercising regularly4c, getting adequate sleep4d, taking steps to prevent infections (such as regular hand washing4e and vaccines4f), and minimising stress 4g. How to Treat Colds and Flu If you do catch a cold or the flu during the warmer months, treatment will be similar to what you would do during the winter. Rest5a and hydration5b are crucial, with the latter even more critical in warmer weather when your body may be losing more fluids through sweating. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, and fever.5c While your instinct may be to stay indoors, if your symptoms are mild and you’re feeling up to it, try to spend some time outside. Fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood and speed up your recovery. Vitamin D, obtained from sunlight, plays an essential role in immune function.6 How the Cepacol® Cough & Cold Range Can Provide Relief With various formulations available, such as lozenges, throat spray, medicated drinks, and syrup, Cepacol® makes it convenient for consumers to find the perfect solution for their needs. The Cepacol® Cough & Cold range includes a variety of products packed with multiple benefits: Cepacol® Cough & Cold Syrup7: Offers targeted relief for a persistent cough, congestion, and sore throat. Formulated with ivy leaf and pelargonium, it provides cough relief while combating cold and flu symptoms with their antibacterial and antiviral properties. The non-drowsy formulation is alcohol-free, making it safe to be taken from the age of six. Cepacol® Plus Cough & Cold Syrup8: Specifically designed for night-time relief, this syrup addresses two troublesome symptoms: coughing and nasal congestion. It combines ivy leaf, pelargonium, and valerian extract, offering night-time cough relief. Cepacol® Throat Spray9: This throat spray combines ivy leaf, pelargonium, and menthol. It quickly numbs the throat, providing temporary pain and discomfort relief. Cepacol® understands the daily needs of individuals experiencing cold or flu symptoms, which is why they have developed these comprehensive solutions. With their range of products, there’s a Cepacol® option for everyone. So, if you’re dealing with colds and flu in the warmer months, rest assured that Cepacol® has you covered! Cepacol®‘s range of products is available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook. 2023082410307736 References: Murphy R [Verywell Health]. Are Summer Colds Caused by Different Germs Than Winter Colds? Available from : https://www.verywellhealth.com/summer-cold-winter-cold-7556002. Last accessed August 2023. Horizon Health News. Why do viruses spread more in winter? Cold temps are key. Available from : https://www.horizonhealthnews.com/why-do-viruses-spread-more-in-winter-cold-temps-are-key/. Last accessed August 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands? Available from : https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html. Last accessed August 2023. Harvard Health Publishing. How to boost your immune system. Available from : https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system. Last accessed August 2023. Hopkins Medicine. The Do’s and Don’ts of Easing Cold Symptoms. Available from : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dos-and-donts-of-easing-cold-symptoms. Last accessed August 2023. Aranow C. [National Institutes of Health]. Vitamin D and the immune system. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/. Last accessed August 2023. CEPACOL® Cough and colds syrups approved professional information, February 2022 CEPACOL® Plus cough and cold syrup approved professional information, February 2022 CEPACOL® Throat Spray approved professional information, February 2022

March 20, 2024

TB – Serious but Curable

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

March 20, 2024

A bad marriage doesn’t have to be a bad divorce

Divorce is more often than not a dreaded life event. High emotions are involved creating conflicts which in turn interfere with the process of moving on. People find themselves stuck in a situation from which they initially wanted to move away from but the unpleasantness of dealing with a person they no longer get along with is remaining a painful present occurrence. I like to stress that if you are in a bad marriage, you don’t have to be in a bad divorce. On the contrary. A divorce, for most parties, is a solution to a life they no longer want to live together. So how do you divorce well when you no longer get along? Here are 5 principles to a good Divorce: Respect each other and agree to disagree. You are no longer getting along to a point that you want to divorce. Agree that whatever has caused your relationship to come to this point needs to be acknowledged. Mutual non aggression. Whether verbal or physical, rudeness or aggression is only a weak imitation of strength. Acknowledge that your situation is what it is. Fighting it or the other person is not going to change the circumstance, only the outcome. Ask yourself then if fighting is going to result in a better or worst outcome. Mutual non interference in each other’s lives. It is important to be at peace with the fact that you both now have separate lives. New places to live, possibly new friends and perhaps a new love interest. What your ex does is no longer of your business. Be interested in your life and all the exciting things that are waiting to happen. Win-Win. To end a bad marriage is to result in a happy separation. Making a divorce difficult to try and get back at each other for whatever hurt was caused will not result in anyone winning and most likely make the person creating most of the chaos more unhappy after than before. Amicable coexistence. Why live in constant hostility when you can live in peace? This is especially of value for divorcing parents whose hostility will affect their children. No matter what you do, you both exist at the same time and, especially as co-parents, are more likely to remain in each other’s lives. It’s your choice to make it a good or bad experience. Nadia Thonnard Founder SADSA | The South African Divorce Support Association

March 19, 2024

How to Teach Kids to Care

I hear parents complain that their kids don’t appreciate what they have. So much is available to our kids today that it’s hard for them to imagine being without. Then when they push their parents for more, it triggers a feeling of resentment for the parents as they think about all they’ve done and provided for their kids so far. My own kids occasionally threw in the, “All my friends have an (insert anyone of these here: iPhone, TV, Xbox, Six Flags pass, etc.), why can’t I have one?” It’s common for them to think that every other child has what they want, even though it may not be true. Remain calm when they make these claims and stand firm in your position to not cave at their demands. Instead of reminding your children of all that you’ve bought or done for them, let their cries for more stuff be your reminder to get them involved in something that gives to others. From food banks, to pet adoption groups, to the Salvation Army and churches, all communities have opportunities for individuals, families and even children to volunteer in service to others. There is no better way to teach your children the act of giving then to do it right alongside them. Avoid dropping your kids off with an organization for them to volunteer, unless it’s an organization that is specific to youth participation. You are the primary and most important teacher for your children so roll your sleeves up and get in there with them to participate. I read a news story recently, featuring a 16-year-old boy in Rhode Island who started a project of providing brand new donated shoes to homeless children. In the four years it’s been running, he’s provided 16,000 pairs across 32 states. The article in People magazine included testimony from recipients of this giving organization’s gifts to families. And where did this admirable young man get the notion to start such a wonderful organization? His parents took him to a homeless shelter when he was five years old. When he realized that his light-up sneakers did not compare to the shoes worn by the homeless children, which were falling apart, that experience remained with him and influenced his actions as he approached the teen years. As the story supports, telling your children about those who are less fortunate than they are, may not be enough to matter. When I was a child, I remember my elders warning me about all the children that were starving in foreign countries, in hopes of getting me to eat my dinner. Providing an experience for your children in seeing and hearing from those less fortunate can make all the difference. One final thought on this matter of teaching children and teens to care. Suppose there are some things that you do want to provide for them. Instead of running out and making an instant purchase, consider a dollar-for-dollar matching initiative if they have the means to earn money. Or at the very least, put limitations on when and how long they can use the item. Delayed gratification is something more children need to experience to appreciate what they do and do not have.

March 15, 2024

Back and Pelvic Pathology in Pregnancy – the Need for Support

Back pain is a common ailment during pregnancy. As many as 50 to 90% of women suffer some form of back or pelvic girdle pathology or ailment because of pregnancy. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is defined as pain or discomfort experienced in the lumbar spine, abdomen, pelvis and thigh areas. PGP is highly common in pregnancy and includes sciatica, pubic symphysis pain and round and broad ligament pain. If back and pelvic injury or pain is not managed correctly and addressed during pregnancy it can persist long after birth and has the potential to carry on throughout life. Often the symptoms progress and lead to structural and biomechanics changes in the spine and pelvic regions. The causes of perinatal back pain include weight gain, balance and postural changes, hormonal joint and ligament effects, weakened abdominal muscles and pre-existing spinal pathology. The increasing weight of the pelvic and abdominal areas places a large force on the spinal, sacral, pelvic and lower limb joints. This weight distribution shift-causes a change in the body’s centre of gravity and these joints need to compensate to achieve postural steadiness. The load placed on the spinal joints, muscles and ligaments can be damaging and pain and pathology may develop where it never did before. This force also exacerbates any existing pathology or previous injury sustained by the spine. Weight gain during pregnancy also negatively affects the optimum functioning of these joints placing them under further strain. During pregnancy balance is affected. The body’s centre of gravity is shifted due to the forward pull of the increasingly heavy abdomen. Adjustment of posture and limb orientation is needed to accommodate the changing weight distribution to achieve effective balance. The postural changes required to maintain balance can lead to a varied number of spinal ailments as the upper back tends to become rounded, the chin pokes forward and the lower back extends, pushing the abdomen out even further. Poor posture then weakens the muscles of the upper back and possibly causing thoracic, neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. The lower back may suffer the same result with pain in the lumbar, sacral and pelvic region, sciatica and neural and muscular strain. Weight gain, posture and balance changes can also lead to falling and mechanical injury to the spine. The pregnant body secretes hormones which prepare the body for the growing foetus as well as the impending delivery. Relaxin is a hormone secreted that softens the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles and joints in the body which allow for the stretching of the pelvic joints and hips during delivery. Relaxin also relaxes the smooth muscle in the uterus to allow for growth and expansion. In turn it influences the entire body causing cartilage and ligaments to soften, muscles to relax and joints therefore become more prone to injury and pain. Joints in the spine and pelvis become increasingly vulnerable to injury and pain as their stability is further compromised due to this effect of relaxin. The hormonal effects of relaxin as well the weight of the abdominal and pelvic contents can lead to varied degrees of incontinence, constipation and haemorrhoids. Due to the expanding uterus and the growth of the abdominal and pelvic areas weakening of the abdominal muscles tends to occur as they need to stretch to accommodate this growth. The core abdominal muscles, which are responsible for support, strength and correct biomechanics are weakened too. This muscular structure becomes compromised during pregnancy which in turn can allow for injury and pain as their protective function has been diminished. Diastases recti, where the abdominal muscles separate from each other, may occur in severe conditions. Sciatica, pubic symphysis pain and diastase’s, facet joint pathology, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, muscular spasm, spinal disc and neural irritation are a few manifestations due to the above-mentioned factors. These need to be effectively managed to reduce discomfort during and after pregnancy as well as any long-term negative spinal and pelvic effects after birth. Treatment options include correcting poor biomechanics, exercise, muscle strengthening and release, joint mobilisations and infiltrations, postural adjustment, pain management modalities and support bracing. The goal is to provide support and structure to this vulnerable area, to reduce discomfort, pain and pathology and promote a healthy back in later life. The BellyUp maternity support brace is designed to alleviate the majority of the above-mentioned symptoms by providing support of the heavy abdomen, back and pelvis. The female body undergoes a vast amount of physical change during pregnancy and the back and pelvic areas are often left in a destabilised state due to the preparation for birth. Bracing allows for increased stability, support and function during a time when the female body requires it the most. Bracing with a product like the BellyUp will minimise injury and pathology caused by pregnancy, which in turn will reduce back and pelvic symptoms experienced by women later in life. Julie Klinkert (BSc Physio (WITS))

March 14, 2024

Tackling Engorgement While Breastfeeding

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

March 13, 2024

Sensory Defensiveness

Mary’s little boy was not doing anything by the book. He did not give her the usual two week honeymoon period after he was born. He just screamed from day1. He would not latch and within three weeks was being bottle fed, even though breastfeeding was so important to Mary. He cried all day every day – not colic hour – it was colic twelve hours! Then everyone said the crying would stop at 3 months, but it just got worse. By the time William was 6 months old, he had had every test under the sun. Mary was exhausted and was sick of the screaming – no one had said it would be so bad and she just felt like a useless mom. William suffers from what we call sensory defensiveness. He has an aversion to touch, even when it is nurturing. He recoils from smells and screams whenever a door bangs or a dog barks. By understanding what is at the root of his fussiness, his mom will have a much easier time managing his behaviour. We all have a specific threshold for sensory information, just as we have a pain threshold. If your baby’s threshold is high, he will be able to deal with a lot of sensory input and be happy and interactive without becoming over stimulated. However if your baby’s threshold is low, he will have a very low tolerance for sensory input. Soft and gentle touch may then seem threatening and painful. If all touch is threatening, being hugged, stroked and massage will not be pleasurable. Breastfeeding will be an intolerable event because it is fraught with tactile experiences, being skin to skin. Likewise if your baby has a low tolerance for sounds, he will stir very easily and wake at the slightest sound. Furthermore, a door banging or an unexpected dog bark will over stimulate your baby, causing him to cry. Being sensitive to smells is particularly overwhelming because the world is so full of odours and we battle to predict or control them. For a baby who is oversensitive to smells, an uncle who smokes or the smell of cooking in the kitchen may be totally unnerving. If you think your baby is an oversensitive baby, go to the checklist on this site to determine whether he suffers from sensory defensiveness. If your baby is sensory defensive, you should: Approach him with firm deep touch as opposed to light fluttery touch Schedule baby massage for the morning rather later in the day when he is already over stimulated Swaddle him for breast feeds to help him be calmer for feed times Not wear any perfume for the first year as he will probably be sensitive to it Wear your baby in a sling or pouch to calm him Play white noise or quiet lulling music to block out the effect of sudden loud sounds Speak to him before touching him so he is able to predict that your touch is coming If you suspect sensory defensiveness is at the route of your baby’s fussing, it is worth getting hold of an occupational therapist to determine whether he is sensory defensive and the extent to which the sensitivity will impact on his daily function. Being the parent of a sensory defensive baby is not easy and you may find he has a harder time settling than other babies. The support of a therapist will help you with ideas for daily life and keeping your baby happy.

March 13, 2024

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

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

March 12, 2024

Do Your Kids Know How to Express Love and Compassion

Here’s an exercise I learned from a 9-year-old girl little girl, my youngest daughter who today is 28 and expecting her first child. She revealed the exercise during one family meeting 19 years ago when it was her turn to facilitate. In our family meetings, everyone rotated through the facilitator role which created intense excitement for each of our three kids when it was their week to lead the group. On the night of Shauna’s turn to facilitate, she reminded me to turn the answering machine on so that no calls would interrupt our meeting. If we had today’s technology back then, I can guarantee that she would have collected everyone’s cell phones and placed them in another room so that no distractions took anyone away from this sacred, weekly event. After an opening poem was read or prayer was said, Shauna immediately passed out a few supplies to each person; a business-sized envelope, a small stack of slips of paper, and a bunch of crayons and markers. Along with those supplies, placed in front of her was a ball of yarn and a metal single hole puncher. She waited until she had everyone’s attention and then began by providing instructions. We were instructed to decorate our envelope in any way that we wanted, as long as we included our name. She came around to each of us and punched two holes in the flap of the envelope and then cut a foot-long piece of yarn from the ball she had. Back at her seat at the head of the table, she instructed us to tie each end of the piece of yarn to one of the two holes in the envelope flap, creating somewhat of a handle. Once everyone had a personally decorated envelope with a loop of colored yarn attached, she instructed us to use the slips of paper to write love notes to each person in the family and to place them into appropriate family member’s envelope. Near the end of the family meeting, she led us down the hall to hang our envelopes on our bedroom doorknobs, ready to accept more handwritten notes. Later that night, I was amazed when all three kids willingly went to their rooms when bedtime arrived. Later when I checked in on them, each of them was hidden under their blankets, busily writing by flashlight. And when my wife and I turned in for the night, we found our yarn-hung envelopes overflowing with notes written by the three children. We too ended up staying awake later than usual that night, reading the cutest love notes written in their child-like handwriting, relating all of the things they loved about us or things they were happy about. It brings tears to my eyes now as I remember all the things my kids related to me in those precious little notes. Somewhere in a box in my basement is a large manila envelope, holding some of those handwritten love notes that will be keepsakes for as long as I live. They contain the loving words of my precious children who today are trying to find their way in this world as adults. I pull those treasured notes out now and then to recall the words they wrote when they learned to express their love for their mother and I, and each other.

March 11, 2024

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

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

March 11, 2024

Win with UCOOK this Youth Day!

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

March 8, 2024

WE BABY BEARS Sibling Search

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

March 8, 2024

SILLY SUNDAYS Silly Sonia

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

March 8, 2024

Toddler Teeth

Teething is a painful experience not only for the young child but certainly for the parents who have to endure watching the agony and helping to provide relief. One feel so helpless trying to relieve their pain and having to endure those awful sleepless nights. They are many housewives remedies to see one through the “agony”. Some mothers suggest rubbing brandy or whiskey over the sore gums (just enough to not make the young child into an alcoholic!). Another alternative teething ring or a hard rusk to bite on. The good thing is that the stage passes by in due course. Like everything in child-rearing, everything depends on the parent from feeding, bathing, changing diapers, breaking wind and so on. And so it is with teeth as well. They are precious and need looking after. Baby teeth are not to be taken casually. They fulfil a vital function in growth and development of the child. Besides being used for eating and chewing and learning how to speak, they also are fundamentally important in maintaining space for the permanent teeth to erupt. Baby teeth are also prone to decay. It is very important to avoid having the child go to sleep with a milk bottle. This causes rampant decay known as “baby bottle syndrome”. Prevention is better than cure. It is the parents’ responsibility to look after these baby teeth from the moment they appear in the mouth. In the early stages of tooth eruption, they can be effectively cleaned by wiping them with a gauze swab. As more teeth come into the mouth with the growth of the child, they can then be introduced to a toothbrush. Monkey see monkey do. If the child watches the parents enjoy brushing their teeth, they will want to do the same. Toothbrushing can really be fun. Make it a game and sing some songs. Cultivate an appreciation for the preciousness of beautiful teeth from an early age. The are many children’s toothbrushes on the market and children’s toothpaste which are pleasantly flavoured. There is no particular preference in their choice. Rather it is the conscientiousness and motivation of the parent to ensure that the teeth are properly looked after from the very beginning. Dummy and thumb sucking may well affect the milk teeth by creating a widened space between the front teeth. I recall one of my teachers saying that it is inadvisable to stop a child from dummy or thumb sucking prematurely or forcibly. They are doing so because of an emotional need and will stop in due course. It is much easier to straighten teeth than to straighten the psyche. All too often one hears from adult patients how they were traumatised in the younger years by the dental treatment that they receive then. They remember a painful injection; a very difficult extraction; being forced into the dental chair against their will; unsympathetic dentist and parent. All of these scenarios are part of crisis management which could have been avoided had the child been taken to dentist timelessly before any problem had occurred. Dental caries is easily detectable and should be treated promptly. More importantly though, it can be prevented and avoided with a good home care by a responsible parent. It is believed that dental decay is an infection passed from parent to child. Therefore it is inadvisable to have the parent suck on the dummy before passing it on to the child. The first visit to the dentist should be at roundabout age 2 to 3 at which time all that is needed is the experience of the fun to ride up and down on the dental chair. It is disastrous for the parents to show fear of the dentist because that fear is contagious. The whole experience should be one of fun and excitement. Regular dental visits should become routine and hopefully the child will be able to bounce out of the chair and exclaim “look, no cavities”.

March 6, 2024

Digital Safety: developing healthy digital habits at a young age

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

March 6, 2024

Exploring Delayed Clamping and Stem Cell Banking Synergies

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

March 5, 2024

Global Recycling Day

Global Recycling Day is on the 18th of March, it teaches us to reflect on the impact of our daily actions on the planet. Recycling is a simple but powerful way to reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about the importance of recycling and encourage them to take an active role in preserving the planet for future generations. In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how you can make recycling a fun and engaging activity for your children. Why is Recycling Important? Before we explore the practical tips, let’s first understand why recycling is so important. Recycling helps to: Save resources: Recycling reduces the need to extract new raw materials from the earth, conserving precious natural resources such as water, trees and minerals. Reduce waste: By recycling, we divert waste from landfills, reducing the amount of pollution and greenhouse gases that are generated. Protect the environment: Recycling helps to conserve biodiversity, prevent habitat destruction, and reduce the overall impact of human activities on the environment. Look after marine life: At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. By reducing plastics we can protect marine life from ingesting or getting entangled by plastic debris. Study The Cambridge Primary Review Trust conducted a study on Primary Education for Global Learning and Sustainability, which highlights the importance of teaching children about environmental sustainability from an early age. The study found that those who had learned about recycling and sustainability in primary school were more likely to recycle, conserve energy, and reduce their carbon footprint as adults. The study also found that children taught about sustainability were more likely to engage in environmental behaviours, such as turning off lights, using public transport, and buying eco-friendly products. These behaviours were more likely to be sustained over time, indicating that early education can have a lasting impact on environmental attitudes. By teaching our children about the importance of recycling, we can help them develop a sense of environmental responsibility and inspire them to protect the planet. Tips for Teaching Children About Recycling Start small: Encourage your children to start recycling by setting up a small recycling station in your home. Provide separate bins for different types of waste, such as paper and plastic. Then teach your children how to sort and recycle their waste safely. Make it fun: Recycling doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative and make recycling a fun and engaging activity for your children. For example, you could create a recycling-themed art project or a point-based system on how much recycling they can do with rewards. Lead by example: Children learn by example, so make sure to demonstrate recycling practices. Show your children that recycling is important by making it a regular part of your daily routine. Talk about the impact: Take the time to explain to your children why recycling is important and the benefits it can have on the environment. Global Recycling Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the planet. As parents, we can help our children develop a lifelong love and respect for the environment by teaching them the importance of recycling. By starting small, making it fun, leading by example, and talking about the impact, we can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards to take action and make a difference. At Kip McGrath Education Centres, we believe in the power of education to change the world. As we celebrate Global Recycling Day, we encourage parents to teach their children about the importance of recycling and taking action to protect the planet. By instilling environmental values in our children, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future. If you’re looking for ways to help your child achieve their full potential, Kip McGrath can help. Our qualified tutors can provide personalised lessons and give the attention your child deserves, helping them build confidence, improve their skills, and reach their goals. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our children and the planet. So, take the first step towards building your child’s confidence by booking a free assessment. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects. A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

March 4, 2024

MR MAGOO Fizz Foiled Again

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

March 4, 2024

World Hearing Day

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

March 1, 2024

Key facts about Cholera

South Africa had recorded at least 46 suspected cholera cases in the first month of 2024. According to the Minister of Health, three of these cases were due to cross-border travel. With these outbreaks making headline news, Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund has put together eight key facts about cholera. Researchers have estimated that each year there are around 1.3 to 4.0 million reported cases of cholera, resulting in between 21 000 to 143 000 deaths. However, general consensus is that this is under-estimated because of low reporting and limited laboratory services. What is Cholera? Cholera is an acute diarrhoea disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can either be mild or without symptoms or severe and life-threatening if left untreated. Who is at risk? The highest at-risk populations are more often in underdeveloped countries where poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene practices contribute to its spread, especially in areas with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. Cholera can be endemic or epidemic. A cholera-endemic area is where confirmed cholera cases were detected but not brought in from somewhere else. A cholera outbreak/epidemic can occur in both endemic countries and in countries where cholera does not regularly occur. How is it spread? It is primarily spread through contaminated water and food. Ingesting water or food contaminated with faeces containing the bacterium can lead to infection. It is not likely that cholera is spread directly from one person to another. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of cholera typically include profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. In severe cases, rapid fluid loss can lead to electrolyte imbalances, muscle cramps and shock. Without prompt treatment, severe dehydration can be fatal within hours. How long before you show symptoms? It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms – which could include acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. How serious is it? According to the World Health Organization (WHO) only around 25% of infected persons become symptomatic. Of these, 10 – 20% experience severe disease. How do you treat Cholera? Cholera can be effectively treated with rehydration therapy, which involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. This can be orally – in non-severe cases – or via intravenous fluids for more severe cases. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to shorten the duration of illness and reduce the severity of symptoms. Immediate treatment in an outbreak is essential which is not always the case in poverty -stricken areas. Can you prevent Cholera? Yes, you can, it involves improving sanitation and hygiene practices, ensuring access to clean water, and promoting proper food handling and preparation. Measures such as boiling, filtering or treating water with chlorine tablets can help reduce the risk of contamination. Additionally, practising good hand hygiene, especially before eating or preparing food, can help prevent the spread of the disease. A global strategy on cholera control was launched in 2017: ‘Ending cholera: a global roadmap to 2030’, had a target to reduce cholera deaths by 90% as well as timely access to healthcare services during outbreaks. Remember, your GP should be your first port of call for all your healthcare needs. Bonitas believes there needs to be coordination of care and encourages you to see your GP who can refer you to a specialist or auxiliary provider as and if the need arises.

February 28, 2024

Talking about HPV and cervical cancer

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

February 26, 2024

Five skincare resolutions we should all make and keep in 2024

New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for getting broken. In fact, it’s been reported that most people abandon their resolutions as soon as two months into a new year. While we have the best intentions when setting them, we sometimes fall into the trap of aspiring to unrealistic standards. Not only does this make our resolutions difficult to achieve, but it also makes them feel like hard work (which most of us don’t have the energy or time for). This year, instead of aspiring to unrealistic beauty goals that may leave us abandoning ship, we’re committing to small, attainable goals that are easy to achieve, and make a great impact on the health and beauty of our skin in the long run. Lamelle Research Laboratories has identified five realistic skincare resolutions you can make (and keep!) this year: 1# Remove your makeup before going to bed Have you ever come home late, wanting nothing more than to skip your evening routine and simply collapse onto your bed? Going to bed with makeup on is terrible for your skin and should be avoided at all costs. It clogs pores, may lead to breakouts and leaves skin looking lacklustre. Stick to your evening skincare routine every day, and always remove your makeup before going to bed – no matter how tired you are. 2# Apply SPF every single day Did you know that your skin is vulnerable to sun-induced DNA damage all year round? This means that you need to apply a broad-spectrum sun protection product every single day, even on overcast and rainy days. Choose an SPF with a superior formulation and additional anti-ageing benefits like Lamelle Helase 50. It protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. 3# Stay hydrated There are endless benefits to drinking water throughout the day. From better digestion to maintaining healthy blood pressure, water nourishes our bodies and helps them to function optimally. It is also essential for hydrated skin. The more water you drink, the more hydrated and plumper your skin will be, plus, as water helps flush out toxins, you’ll also enjoy a clearer complexion with fewer breakouts. You can give your skin even more hydration by incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare regime. This ingredient is known to hold 1000 times its own weight in water, and is considered the very best option for dehydrated skin. Try Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum, which contains five types of hyaluronic acid for maximum skin hydration benefits. 4# Focus on antioxidants To combat the effects of harmful free radicals on the skin and body, it’s important to ensure your diet and skincare regime is rich in high performance antioxidants. When it comes to food, be sure to eat plenty of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, oranges, bell peppers and tomatoes. The more intense the colour, the higher the antioxidant presence. When it comes to skincare, vitamin C is your best friend. A powerful antioxidant with the ability to prevent and correct hyperpigmentation, increase the skin’s radiance and slow down the signs of ageing, vitamin C is a skincare must-have. Try Lamelle Correctives Vita C Lipid Serum. It features lipid-soluble vitamin C with jojoba and ginger root for a comfortable home treatment that delivers the skin benefits of vitamin C. 5# Stop touching your face Harmful bacteria can be found all around us – from our cellphones to our car keys to our door handles. Most importantly, it’s also on our hands. Even if you’re diligent about washing your hands regularly, there will still be plenty of germs on your fingers throughout the day, and every time you touch your face, you’re transferring this bacteria onto your skin. The same goes for dirty cellphones and pillow cases – the bacteria they transfer to the skin is a leading cause of breakouts. Try to avoid touching your skin as much as possible and don’t pick at blemishes, as this may lead to infection. Clean your cellphone and wash your pillow case regularly – your skin will thank you for it! If a breakout does pop up don’t fiddle with it, and instead apply Lamelle Clarity Active Control, an effective anti-inflammatory gel spot treatment designed to calm the inflammatory processes so that the area can heal as quickly as possible. Whether you’re a dedicated skincare fanatic or a beauty newbie, these simple resolutions are easy to follow and easy to maintain, and will leave you with healthier, more beautiful looking skin. Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

February 23, 2024

How to avoid a sunburn (and accelerated ageing!) this summer

For many of us, summer is synonymous with time spent outdoors, be it at the beach, next to the swimming pool, or exploring one of our country’s beautiful hiking trails. While spending time outdoors is great for your physical and mental health, it’s important to take precautions when it comes to your skin. Most of us recall a bad sunburn at some point or another, as extended periods of time spent outdoors often results in neglected sun care. Sun burns are painful and dangerous, and it’s known that getting sunburnt increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer. But that’s not all – the sun’s UV rays are also responsible for the formation of lines and wrinkles, accelerated ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin DNA damage. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid the outdoors altogether, but it does mean that you need to enjoy it responsibly, taking care to protect your skin when you do so. Lamelle Research Laboratories has identified five important things to do this summer to avoid a sunburn (and subsequently, accelerated ageing): Try to avoid the sun during peak hours Between 10am and 2pm, the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, so it’s best to limit your exposure during these hours. Try to schedule your walks and swims for the early morning or the afternoon. Cover up when you go outside Invest in a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and a kaftan or wrap to wear when you get out of the water, and try to cover up as much of your skin whenever possible. Reapply your sun protection product regularly By now you know that it is essential to wear a good quality SPF product all year round, even during winter. That’s because the sun’s UVA rays (the ones responsible for accelerated ageing) have the ability to damage your skin even when it is overcast. During summer, once a day is not enough. If you are spending time outdoors you need to reapply your product after every swim (even if it says “water-resistant” on the packaging) or after every hour or two, depending on your skin type. Not only will this help avoid a painful burn, but it will also help prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing. Don’t forget the hidden spots Most of us don’t take the time to apply SPF to all the smaller parts of our bodies, such as our ears, hairline or feet. Take care to apply your SPF all over – even on the areas you think won’t be exposed. After all, the ears are one of the most common places for skin cancer to form. Moisturise – even if your skin isn’t dry The sun has a dehydrating effect on the skin, and if you’re spending lots of time outside, you may notice your skin getting drier. Don’t wait for your skin to become extremely dry before you moisturise – hydrated skin is healthier, plumper, and looks younger. Apply moisturiser to your face twice a day (even on hot days) and at least once a day on your body to keep your skin healthy, happy and strong. How do you know which sun protection product to choose? There are a lot of different sun care products on the market – knowing what to look for in a product goes a long way in keeping your skin protected. One of the most important things to look out for, is a broad spectrum product, meaning it protects the skin from both UVA rays (the rays responsible for skin ageing) and UVB rays (the rays responsible for sun burn). Look for a sunscreen containing antioxidants, as this will help increase your skin’s resistance to the formation of hyperpigmentation and will also protect skin from the harmful free radicals responsible for accelerated skin ageing. Lamelle has two very powerful sun protection products available – each one unique in its capabilities. Try Helase 50+ or Helase Urban Defensethis summer to protect your skin from sun burn as well as from DNA damage, dark marks and accelerated signs of ageing caused by the sun. Lamelle Helase 50+ (R600.00) In short, this is the ultimate upgrade from your normal, everyday SPF 50. Helase 50+ protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. On top of this, it decreases the damaging and ageing inflammation in the skin, while actively stopping the effects of aging on the skin and keeping the immunity of the skin intact when exposed to sunlight. Lamelle Helase Urban Defense (R585.00) Lamelle Helase Urban Defence 30 is a multi-functional broad spectrum photo-protector that helps reduce the impact of urban pollution. Potent antioxidants reduce ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types. Key ingredients include UVA and UVB filters that protect against radiation. They also protect against Visible Light which can cause pigmentation in darker skin types. Sun protection allows you to enjoy the best of summer without compromising the health of your skin. Be extra vigilant this season and enjoy healthier, happier skin. Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

February 22, 2024

THE HEROIC QUEST OF THE VALIANT PRINCE IVANDOE – Feather-Hunter

Previously, a delusional young buck, Prince Ivandoe, accompanied by his loyal squire Bert, went on an epic quest to claim the legendary Golden Feather. A journey that took him far away from home, across the five kingdoms and place him in the path of unimaginable dangers… and some rather spectacular nincompoops filled with magical fairy tales creatures. The fifth and final chapter has come and the valiant Prince Ivandoe, and his loyal squire Bert, are heading to the end of their quest to Eagle Mountain to claim the Golden Feather. Closer than ever to get it and through unexpected meetings, snowstorms or avalanches, Prince Ivandoe will have to take his fate into his own hands to find his way to Eagle Moutain! Premiere: Monday, 19 February @ 16:35 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays @ 16:35 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

February 19, 2024

CALLING ALL BATWHEELS Best of Batwheels

Each of the Batwheels gets a chance to shine every weekend in February! 17/02 – Calling Bam: He is the Batmobile and leader of the Batwheels team. Like his hero Batman, Bam has a strong sense of justice. 18/02 – Calling Bibi: She is Batgirl’s brave motorcycle. She is the fastest of the Batwheels, but also the smallest, so she sometimes has a habit of being impulsive and jumping right into the action without a plan. 24/02 – Calling Redbird: He is Robin’s zippy sports car. “Red” is the kid brother of the team, always eager to prove himself a worthy sidekick to Bam. He’s enthusiastic and extremely inquisitive, like a young detective. 25/02 – Calling Buff: He is Batman’s styled monster truck. He is the team’s muscle and can run over any obstacle in his path, but he’s also the heart of the team a gentle giant who doesn’t really know his own strength. 02/03 – Calling Batwing: She is Batman’s supersonic jet plane, “Wing” is easily the most sophisticated, and confident member of the team. Premiere: Saturday, 17 February @ 12:00 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Every Saturday & Sunday until 2 March @ 12:00 CAT

February 15, 2024

THE LOVE BUG Bitten & Smitten

Cuddle up for Valentine’s Day with a collection of episodes that celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms. Gumball tries to recapture the magic by organising a big romantic gesture in The Amazing World of Gumball. In Adventure Time, Flame Princess is under fire and needs a champion. Can Finn help her save the Fire Kingdom? On Regular Show, Mordecai and Rigby get into a fight over Margaret, and Mordecai sends them travelling through time by destroying all the clocks. In Apple and Onion, Onion’s unexpected and impossible new love interest results in a trip to England, and Apple wants to be taller so that Romaine Lettuce – his true love – will fall in love with him. In Teen Titans Go!, Cyborg goes to great lengths to make Valentine’s Day a special moment for his girlfriend Jinx. ⏰ Tune in: Thursday, 14 February @ 14:55 – 20:00 CAT

February 14, 2024

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