Join eight-year-old Ella Ryder and her friends as they set out on adventures of excitement and discovery in outer space. Hop between stars and planets and ride alongside comets and meteors in an amazing universe that goes beyond imagination. Premiere: Saturday, 9 December @ 17:00 CAT ⏰ Tune in: Weekends @ 17:00 CAT Also available on DStv Catch
Say goodbye to sweaty, satiny boxer shorts and tops with cheesy one-liners across the chest – Woodstock Laundry’s range of premium short pyjamas has got you covered this summer season! With gorgeous prints designed by local artists, premium organic cotton fabric and true attention to detail, these handcrafted garments are designed for slow living – something we should all be doing more of. Woodstock Laundry Short Pyjamas sets are available in sizes and designs for the whole family. Now the littlies can match with mom and dad! Women’s Short Pyjamas (R895.00) These unique designs will have you looking as cute as a button. Speaking of, the tops have four buttons, and cute short-capped sleeves. The shorts are mini but are cut to keep buns cosy rather than tight. And – rejoice! – they have pockets. Shop Women’s Short Pyjamas here. Men’s Short Pyjamas (R895.00) Coconuts, palm trees, florals and cheetahs… In these short PJs, you’re looking as cool as a summer night’s breeze. Made from quality pure cotton, the sets have practical pockets and a drawstring tie. So, what will it be tonight? Climb into bed? Or take a stroll on the moonlit promenade? Shop Men’s Short Pyjamas here. Kiddies Short Pyjamas (R550.00) The boys are girls classic two-piece Short Pyjamas are almost identical. The girls’ PJs have a rounded Peter Pan collar (named after the boy who lives in Never Land, the place of endless adventure and excitement). The boys’ shirts have a classic pointy collar to match with Dad. The kiddies sets come in the same classic style and same pure cotton fabric as the adult sets, and are available in special kiddies prints, as well as in some of the adult prints. Shop Boys Short Pyjamas here. Shop Girls Short Pyjamas here. Whether you’re lazing in the garden with a cup of tea, reading in bed or snuggling up on the couch with your family for movie night, the Woodstock Laundry Short Pyjamas sets will keep you cool and comfy this season. Woodstock Laundry garments are available for purchase at the Watershed Market at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town, their Palmyra Junction store in Claremont, and online here: https://www.woodstocklaundry.co/ Follow Woodstock Laundry on social media: Facebook: Woodstock Laundry Instagram: @woodstocklaundry
Brushing teeth twice a day is the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine, and essential to remove plaque, prevent cavities and bad breath and keep teeth and gums healthy. Both electric and manual toothbrushes may be effective in cleaning teeth, and there are pros and cons for both. For years, there’s been a debate on whether electric or manual toothbrushes work best to remove plaque, and now, it seems that a verdict has been reached. According to Healthline, a review of studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than their manual counterparts. These studies showed that after three months of using an electric toothbrush, “plaque was reduced by 21% and gingivitis by 11%.” Why are electric toothbrushes more effective? The bristles in an electric toothbrush vibrate to remove the plaque build-up from teeth and gums. This rapid vibration allows for micro-movements when you move the brush across your teeth, resulting in more effective removal of plaque and debris from the teeth and gums. The benefits of using an electric toothbrush: Better removal of plaque and debris It’s been established that electric toothbrushes are better than manual when it comes to removing plaque and debris from the teeth and gums. The less plaque, the less your chances of developing gum disease and cavities. They’re beneficial for people with limited mobility Electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, and are particularly helpful for people with mobility issues such as arthritis or carpal tunnel. They are less wasteful When it’s time to replace your toothbrush, you only have to replace the head of the electric brush, not the entire item as you would with a manual toothbrush. Special features Some electric toothbrushes boast special features like built-in timers, different speeds and pressure sensors to ensure you get the most out of your brushing session. Not sure where to begin? The Philips Sonicare range of electric toothbrushes makes use of unique technology that drives fluid deep between your teeth and along the gum line for visibly cleaner teeth, healthier gums and a whiter smile. It’s no surprise they’re recommended by dentists all around the world! Philips Sonicare toothbrushes operate with sonic technology, which utilises ultrasound and sonic waves while you brush. It moves the brush head with up to 62.000 movements per minute, creating microbubbles that support cleaning between teeth. All Sonicare toothbrushes are clinically proven to deliver a superior clean compared to a manual toothbrush while being gentler on teeth and gums. No matter what your budget, Philips Sonicare has an electric toothbrush to suit your needs and lifestyle. Try: Philips One (329.00) The sleek, lightweight Philips One is a powered version of your manual toothbrush. A tiny motor inside the handle transforms each of the hundreds of soft bristles into micro-vibrating mini scrubbers that help to gently clean and whiten your teeth at the touch of a button. Its single AAA battery lasts up to 90 days and because you don’t have to charge it, this brush is great for travelling. Philips 3100 Series (R1369.00) The 3100 Series is an ergonomically designed, lightweight sonic electric toothbrush with built-in pressure sensor. Powerful bristle vibrations drive micro-bubbles deep between teeth and along the gum line. 31,000 gentle brush strokes per minute breaks up and sweeps away plaque while protecting your teeth and gums. It offers two months’ worth of manual brushing in just two minutes. Philips ProtectiveClean 6100 (R3349.00) Feel the difference of a gentle clean with the smart ProtectiveClean 6100 while whitening your teeth in one week. It comes with a handy travel case. Click on the W2 Optimal White brush head to reveal a whiter smile by removing surface stains. Its densely packed central stain-removal bristles is clinically proven to whiten teeth in just one week. Whether you’re keen on trying an electric toothbrush for the first time, or you’re an experienced user looking to upgrade your oral care regime, Philips Sonicare has an electric toothbrush suited to your budget and lifestyle. For more information, visit: https://www.sonicare.co.za/ Follow Philips on social media: Facebook: Philips Zoom Sonicare Instagram: @philipszoomsonicare
For more than a decade, the BeautySouthAfrica team has been writing about the latest beauty news, innovations and product releases. They’ve tested thousands of beauty products to separate the good from the great, helping readers to find products that really work. From anti-ageing skincare to high-performance makeup, they know a thing or two about beauty, and they’ve put that knowledge to work to curate their very first – limited edition – Festive Beauty Box. Filled with 14 editor-approved beauty products, the BeautySouthAfrica Festive Beauty Box is the perfect summer spoil. They’ve handpicked the contents to bring you the very best collection of summer-ready beauty, including skincare for the warmer months, a hydrating hair saviour, makeup for that sought-after glow and a beautiful feminine fragrance. It makes the perfect end-of-year treat for yourself or a luxurious gift for a loved one this festive season. Valued at a whopping R2500, this limited edition box is yours for only R829 (shipping included). Each and every item was curated by the BSA team to ensure it met their expectations – and high standards. These are the products featured in the BeautySouthAfrica Festive Beauty Box: NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil 30ml “A beauty icon (and probably NUXE’s most famous product), this multi-purpose dry oil nourishes, repairs and moisturises. It consists of 7 precious 100% natural botanical oils and can be applied all over the face, body and even the hair. Use it to moisturise skin, nourish your hair or add a few drops to your bath water for the ultimate soak. It is beautifully scented and leaves skin with a lovely dry-touch satin sheen.” Bioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF 50+ 40ml “Sun protection is more important than ever, and this innovative formula from Bioderma offers very high broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB, High energy visible light, Infrared and pollution. In addition to protecting skin from sunburn and UV damage, it also helps to reduce the signs of photo-ageing, lightening dark marks thanks to vitamin C and preventing the appearance of new spots. We love the gel-cream texture – it absorbs quickly and has a dry-touch finish.” NUXE Prodigieux Néroli Le Parfum 15ml “This fragrance captures the scent of NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Néroli, the much-loved body oil. Filled with beautiful citrus, floral and aromatic fragrance notes, it’s the perfect scent for a warm day. Top notes include a fruity kick of petitgrain and bergamot. At the heart you’ll find a bouquet of verbena, lavandin and orange blossom before revealing a musky base. This 15ml travel size is the perfect companion for your summer holiday!” Caribbeantan Shimmer Cream Tinted Body Bronzer 200ml “With just the right amount of micro-sparkles, this shimmer cream can be used all over the body for a healthy, luminous glow. It contains cranberry seed extract (rich in antioxidants), vitamins A, C, E and K as well as natural fatty acids to help improve skin elasticity and boost collagen production. It provides just the right amount of shimmer and is suitable for all skin tones, whether fair, dark or anything in between. Plus, it washes off with ease and doesn’t stain the skin.” RVB LAB The Make Up Crystal Highlighter 14ml “What is summer makeup without a highlighter?! This glorious liquid formula from RVB LAB intensifies the skin’s natural radiance and illuminates the complexion. It can be applied to the face to enhance strategic points such as cheekbones, lips, eyebrows and eyelids; or it can be mixed with your foundation for an overall luminous effect. This pearly shade looks equally beautiful on fair, medium and dark skin tones.” Dr. PawPaw Multipurpose Soothing Balm in Hot Pink 25ml “This multi-purpose, award-winning tinted balm is a long-time favourite! 98% natural, it contains pawpaw (for its rejuvenating and nourishing properties), aloe vera (for its antioxidant and soothing properties), olive oil (for hydration) and castor oil (for moisture and protection). Use it to add a pop of colour to your lips or cheeks – the sheer tint is perfect for light summer makeup.” NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel 30ml “Comprising 92% ingredients of natural origin, this delectable cleansing gel contains honey and sunflower to soothe and soften skin. The thick and deliciously honeyed formula is suitable for dry and sensitive skins and can be used on the face and body. It helps maintain the skin’s hydro-lipidic film, keeping it protected and moisturised. Luxurious and indulgent, it’s a real treat!” essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara “Adored by beauty editors and consumers alike, this game-changing mascara creates an irresistible false lash effect with length, curl, and dramatic volume, perfect for making a statement. The conical-shaped fibre brush allows you to achieve perfect volume every time.” Gatineau Gentle Foaming Cleanser 50ml “This foaming cleanser is ultra-gentle on the skin without compromising on performance. The lightweight lather sweeps away the debris of the day – including makeup – and offers a deeply purifying cleanse. Skin is left feeling soft, refreshed and balanced.” Gatineau Deep Cleansing Brush “This luxurious brush will transform the way you cleanse. The soft, luxe bristles gently exfoliate the surface of the skin as they glide over facial contours, boosting circulation and promoting cell turnover.” wet n wild Color Icon 5-Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Camo-Flaunt “Featuring 5 vegan, richly-pigmented eyeshadow shades in matte, satin, shimmer and glitter finishes, this palette is just what you need for the perfect summer makeup. Enjoy the neutral shades for a natural look, or spice up your eye makeup with one of the shimmery or glitter shades. The formula offers long-lasting wear and a soft-glide application. This go-to summer palette works well on all skin tones.” Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque 50g “It’s no secret that the harsh summer sun can wreak havoc on our hair. Restore and strengthen your hair with this deep treatment by Cantu. It penetrates deep into the hair shaft to repair, restore and strengthen dry or damaged hair and is made with pure shea butter and formulated without harsh ingredients.” NUXE Crème Fraîche de Beauté 3-en-1 15ml “One tube, three uses. This amazing multi-purpose product
Affinity Health explores five simple and practical tips to make handwashing a habit for your children. “Handwashing may seem mundane, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Teaching your kids proper handwashing techniques is essential for their health and the well-being of your entire family and community”. Why Proper Handwashing Is Important The practice of handwashing dates back centuries and has evolved as our understanding of hygiene and disease transmission has grown. Viruses that cause respiratory infections, like the common cold and flu, can survive on surfaces for hours. Regular handwashing reduces the likelihood of touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Proper hand hygiene is also essential for stopping the spread of foodborne illnesses. Handwashing prevents the transfer of bacteria and pathogens from one surface or ingredient to another during food preparation. For example, if you handle raw meat and then touch vegetables without washing your hands, you can contaminate the vegetables with the bacteria from the meat. How to Encourage Your Child to Wash Their Hands Make it Fun with Singing Kids love to sing, and you can use this to make handwashing enjoyable. You should encourage your children to sing a song while they wash their hands. Teach them to scrub their hands with soap for the duration of the song, which is about 20 seconds. Use Visual Aids Visual aids are a fantastic way to help kids understand the importance of handwashing and the steps involved. You can find posters or videos on the internet that illustrate handwashing. Lead by Example Children often learn best by watching and imitating adults. Be a role model when it comes to handwashing. Demonstrate the proper handwashing technique, emphasising the importance of using soap, scrubbing all parts of the hands, and rinsing thoroughly. Make handwashing a family affair by doing it together. This will show your kids the right way to wash their hands and reinforce the idea that handwashing is a routine everyone should follow. Teach the 5-Step Handwashing Technique To ensure thorough handwashing, teach your children the five essential step Wet: Start by wetting their hands with clean, running water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold. Soap: Apply soap to their hands. Encourage them to use enough soap to create a good lather. Scrub: Instruct them to rub their hands together vigorously. Ensure they scrub all parts of their hands, including the back, between the fingers, and under the nails. This step should last at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Rinse: Rinse their hands thoroughly under clean, running water. Help them ensure that all soap is washed away. Dry: Use a clean towel or an air dryer to dry their hands. Remind them not to use a towel that has been used by someone else, as this can transfer germs. Reinforce the Why Explaining the reasons behind handwashing can help children understand its significance. Discuss how germs and bacteria are invisible but can make them sick if they get on their hands and touch their face, eyes, nose, or mouth. Additional Tips for Effective Handwashing Education Frequent Reminders: Encourage your children to wash their hands at specific times, such as before eating, after using the toilet, after playing outside, and when they come home from school. Hand Sanitiser: While soap and water are the best options for handwashing, hand sanitiser can be used when they are unavailable. Teach your children to use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content and supervise their use. Practice Regularly: Make handwashing a routine activity. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your children when they wash their hands properly. Explain Handwashing After Coughing or Sneezing: Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Afterwards, they should wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
After a busy year, the festive season is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with loved ones far away. Zoom and WhatsApp calls are no substitute for longtime friends or two or more generations of a family sharing a meal together, and air-travel is the quickest way to cross great distances. But travelling with little ones can be a source of dread and stress. Serving more than 160 destinations around the world from their Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ crew get to go lots of places, often. They share some suggestions on how to not bookmark your holiday with anxiety over your kids. Do the paperwork in good time: Depending on your destination, the documentation you’ll need will vary widely and some of it takes a while to secure. So prepare a list of what you need: visas, birth- and vaccination-certificates, and so on. Some travellers find it reassuring to carry a file with hard copies of any documentation they might need to present. Talk about it: Depending on their age, you may be able to explain to your youngsters what to expect at the airports and in the air. There’s also a large variety of videos online that show kids what it’s like to pass through customs and to board. Sort out seats and eats: As a parent, you can request that you and your family board your flight before or after the other passengers, depending on what you feel is easier. Plan ahead and you can reserve bassinets which are installed against the bulkheads of long-haul aircraft, and book special meals if you need to. You can also push foldable pushchairs up to the door of the aircraft. Some airports, like Doha’s Hamad International Airport, have complimentary pushchairs for passengers’ use, but remember to reserve yours beforehand. Most airlines also allow you to book children’s meals ahead of time, and they’ll be fed before everyone else, which can help settle them. Manage the noise: Air travel can be noisy, and for neurodivergent people of all ages, the levels of sensory stimulation can be overpowering. Noise-cancelling headphones can help, although civil aviation regulations mean they’ll need to be removed for takeoff and landing. Lay down their arms: Many kids have a favourite toy, and many will find it upsetting if they have their Jacqui or Jack Sparrow rubber sword confiscated by airport security. Rather leave anything at home that resembles a weapon. Don’t overpack: You want to avoid running out of nappies, wipes and other essentials while airborne, but carrying too many supplies will be a burden, so pack a sensible amount in your carry-on and check the rest in to go in the hold. Pack chewy snacks: Changes in the pressurization of airline cabins during ascent and descent can be uncomfortable and upsetting for little ones. That’s generally remedied by munching age-appropriate snacks. Avoid overly-sugary ones as that may make some kids restless. Screentime is okay: There are times when you want your youngsters to spend time in the real world and way from their devices, but on a long-haul flight, inflight entertainment or games on a smartphone or tablet can be your new best friend. Any good airline will have a wealth of age-appropriate movies on offer, but Qatar Airways’ is unmatched. Ask for help: The cabin-crew is trained to make life easy for passengers of all ages, and that includes parents, children and babies.
BRAMLEY: Bramley Shea Butter Gift Set (100ml Tissue Oil, & Body Butter 250ml) – R39.99 Love and trusted by millions of South African woman, Bramley brings you a special edition Shea Butter Gift Set! Indulge your skin with warm and earthy Shea Butter Tissue Oil and the limited edition Shea Butter Body Butter. Enriched with Bramley’s unique, signature Bio Pharm oil, as well as Vitamin E oil, these product full of ceramides will provide protection and nourishment for your skin, and a delight for your senses. *Note – Bramley Shea Butter Body Butter is a limited edition product currently only available in this gift set. Bramley Magnolia Gift Set (100ml Tissue Oil, & Body Butter 250ml) – R39.99 Love and trusted by millions of South African woman, this luxurious moisture-rich Bramley Magnolia gift set is sure to leave your skin feeling soft, pampered and beautifully cared for. Enriched with Bramley’s signature Bio Pharm oil, as well as Vitamin E oil, these product full of ceramides will provide protection and nourishment for your skin. Delight your senses in a heady fragrance of magnolia, carnation and rose, which settles into a heart of heliotrope and ylang ylang, and rests on a bed of sweet musk. These Bramley Gift Sets are available exclusively at PEP Stores. SOiL – Organic Aromatherapy www.soil.co.za SOiL: Christmas suggestions: 1- SOiL Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser – now available in sleek black as well as the original white 2 – Ceramic Burner with Spice Blend Soy Wax Melts (or any wax melts) 3 – Set of Ceramic Charms with Orange, Clove and Pine Essential Oils *charms only available on SOiL website 4 – Diffuser with Shield Essential Oil blend which is quite a Christmas scent and cleanses the air and support immunity at the same time. 5 – Bathroom Bliss – Ceramic Burner, Rose Geranium Soy Wax Melts, Relaxing Massage Oil 6 – Diffuser with Xmas essential oils – Cinnamon, Pine, Orange, or the Trio Boxes Ceramic Burner with Spice Blend Soy Wax Melts (or any wax melts) SOiL Ceramic Aroma Burner – R150.00 This ceramic oil burner is perfect for use as a room aroma or therapeutically with your favourite SOiL essential oils or aroma wax melts. Hand moulded in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, these burners are the perfect accompaniment to our SOiL Aroma WAX MELTS. Using a ceramic burner helps disperse the scent and aromatic benefits of essential oils without exposing them to a direct naked flame therefore not degrading the therapeutic properties of the essential oils. SOiL Spice Blend Wax Melts (8 pcs) – R60.00 These melts have a hint of clove, ginger, orange and pine, releasing a wonderful sense of wellbeing. Using the gorgeous aromas of pure essential oils in your home is so easy with SOiL Aroma Wax Melts. Simply place a single wax melt on top of your SOiL ceramic aroma burner, light your tealight candle, sit back and enjoy. Also available in: Ylang Ylang, Rose Geranium, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lavender Set of Ceramic Charms with Orange, Clove and Pine Essential Oils – a perfect classic, Christmas scent combination, or Shield – a great festive season blend SOiL Ceramic Aroma Charm Set – R60 *Charms only available on the SOiL website These ceramic charms are perfect for use as a room or car aroma while being decorative. Hand moulded in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, these aroma charms are the perfect gift. Place a few drops of your favourite essential oil onto the charm and hang in the car, bathroom, kitchen or even on the Christmas tree. *Only available on the website www.soil.co.za SOiL Clove Bud oil 10ml – R80.00 SOiL Pine oil 10ml – R85.00 Pine oil has a refreshing sweet-resinous woody aroma and it is said to have a cleansing and invigorating effect. SOiL Orange oil 10ml – R30.00 Warm sweet orange has a fresh and fruity aroma which has a refreshing effect. Ultrasonic Diffuser with Shield Essential Oil blend which is a GREAT Christmas scent and cleanses the air and support immunity at the same time! SOiL Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser – R600.00 This is an ultra-sonic diffuser that disperses your favourite SOiL essential oils into the air via a fine mist. This popular cold mist diffuser is low on energy. It uses water and ultrasonic vibrations to disperse the molecules of the essential oil into the air via a fine mist. Easy to use and clean. SOiL SHIELD Essential Oil Blend – 10ml R75.00 A spicy, citrus mint blend of Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lime, Rosemary, Peppermint, Spearmint, Sweet Marjoram oil that creates a barrier against unwanted germs and bacteria, and makes the perfect festive season aroma. Bathroom Bliss – Ceramic Burner, Rose Geranium Soy Wax Melts, Relaxing Massage Oil SOiL Rose Geranium Wax Melts (8 pcs) – R60.00 To balance emotions and bring a sense of calm and stability. Let the properties of rose geranium balance your emotions and bring a sense of calm and stability. SOiL Ceramic Aroma Burner – R150.00 This ceramic oil burner is perfect for use as a room aroma or therapeutically with your favourite SOiL essential oils or aroma wax melts. Using a ceramic burner helps disperse the scent and aromatic benefits of essential oils without exposing them to a direct naked flame therefore not degrading the therapeutic properties of the essential oils. SOiL Relaxing Blended Oil 100ml – R120.00 (skin and massage) De-stress and revive while also hydrating your skin. Formulated by a qualified Aromatherapist specifically for SOiL, this massage blend is relaxing and warm. Blended with Lavender, Ylang-Ylang and Geranium to calm, de-stress and revive while also hydrating your skin. Great as a bath oil too! Ultrasonic Diffuser with Xmas essential oils – Cinnamon, Pine, Orange, or any of the SOiL TrioBoxes Blends SOiL Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser – R600.00 SOiL Cinnamon Leaf oil 10ml – R45.00 SOiL Pine oil 10ml 10ml – R85.00 SOiL Orange oil 10ml – R30.00 SOiL TrioBoxes Blends: SOiL Inhale Essential Oil Trio – R140.00 The Breathing Trio of organic essential oils Easy Breathe Blend
The partnership between Gift of the Givers and Bonitas Medical Fund has, and will continue, to have a positive impact in a quintet of interventions in the field of healthcare. The partnership, which began in 2018 continues into 2024, with an additional investment of R3.3 million. This includes bursaries to final year medical students at the University of KwaZulu Natal and the provision of boreholes at various health facilities across the country. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas says, ‘the association with Gift of the Givers goes back a few years, when we supported various projects on an ad hoc basis. The partnership is aimed at identifying health related projects being undertaken by the Gift of the Givers to which Bonitas can add value. ‘In 2022, we aligned our CSI initiatives to our mantra: ‘A Medical Aid for South Africa’. The purpose: To provide relief to the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, specifically in the field of healthcare interventions. We wanted to assist in the social upliftment of South Africans, particularly in the healthcare space. And who better to partner with than this leading philanthropic organisation in the country.’ ‘Gift of the Givers continues to go beyond the call of duty to bring humanitarian aid where needed. It has built its reputation on the principles we, as a corporate citizen, also value: Respect, care, professionalism and dedication. We are proud to be partnering with them once again.’ Bursaries for 6th year medical students Eight medical students in their 6th and final year of study at the University of KwaZulu Natal, will receive bursaries. The bursaries cover outstanding and current fees, enabling them to complete their final year of medicine and graduate as a doctor at the end of 2024. The students were selected based on their academic results and financial needs and were vetted by the University as promising students in need. They are also diverse in terms of the background and locations, with a strong desire to enhance the healthcare landscape in South Africa. Boreholes at healthcare facilities Water is the gift of life and no more so than in a healthcare setting. It is essential to run a medical facility – whether it’s a hospital or clinic or the communities around them. Critical shortages of water are hindering the provision of quality healthcare in a number of public healthcare facilities. Six hospitals and clinics have been identified, by Gift of the Givers in partnership with Bonitas, as being in urgent need of water interventions. They are located in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KZN and Free State and the healthcare facilities include a psychiatric hospital, general hospitals, clinics and an orphanage. The due date for completion on these projects is April 2024. Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says, ‘All the projects we have partnered with Bonitas on have been a great success and we look forward to continuing working with them. In fact, soon after our staff became members of Bonitas in 2019, we knew there was synergy in our ethos, that a collaboration in the healthcare space with the Fund would be a success. ‘We are in the fortunate position of having the relationships in place to actively execute the necessary healthcare interventions, together with Bonitas. We are thrilled at the success of this continued partnership.’ An overview of the most recent projects Celebrating our nurses In collaboration with Gift of the Givers, Bonitas honoured 470 nurses at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in KZN in recognition of International Nurse’s Day. Nurses remain the backbone of the healthcare system and this gesture was to show appreciation for their exceptional service, especially in very trying times, such as the Covid-19 pandemic – when the entire healthcare environment was under enormous pressure. After the floods in KZN Bonitas responded to the disaster relief calls for assistance after the floods in KZN and donated R500k to Gift of the Givers to assist in rebuilding damaged healthcare facilities in the region. The gift of hearing This year Bonitas sponsored an Audiology Programme, in KZN which looked at testing the hearing of over 15 860 learners, at various schools during the year. ‘Children’s learning is substantially compromised with hearing difficulties, reducing the possibility for progress and achievement,’ said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. ‘Appropriate, early intervention is critical to make a meaningful impact on the academic development of the learner.’ Disaster relief conference Bonitas was a key sponsor in the disaster relief conference held in Cape Town earlier this year. The conference, the largest of its kind in the world, was attended by various stakeholders responsible for community upliftment and healthcare delivery. Callakoppen says, ‘They say the best partnerships aren’t dependent on a mere common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire and no small amount of passion. Both Gift of the Givers and Bonitas have the drive to help others. And, in terms of the Fund, moving a step closer to providing quality healthcare for all South Africans.’
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, discusses surprising cause of strokes in young adults, and what you can do to reduce your risk. “When we think of strokes, we often associate them with older adults. However, strokes can happen at any age, and they’re not as rare in young adults as you might think,” says Murray Hewlett. “In South Africa stroke is the second most common cause of death after HIV/AIDS and a significant cause of morbidity. A staggering 15% of strokes occur in those aged 18-50.” Understanding Strokes A stroke is like a traffic jam in your brain. It happens when something blocks or bursts a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells. When that road gets blocked, your brain doesn’t get what it needs, and its cells can start to die. Just like when a roadblock causes cars to pile up, a stroke can make your body stop working correctly. Strokes can have severe consequences, including paralysis, difficulty speaking, memory problems, and even death. Types of Strokes There are mainly three types of strokes: Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It happens when a blood clot or plaque buildup in an artery blocks blood flow to a part of the brain. Without enough blood and oxygen, brain cells in that area can die. Haemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. It leads to bleeding into or around the brain, which can damage brain cells. Haemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes but often more severe. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often referred to as a mini-stroke, a TIA is different from the other types of strokes because it is temporary. It occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, but the blockage is brief, and the symptoms usually resolve within a short time (usually less than 24 hours). TIAs are warning signs that there may be an underlying issue that needs medical attention because they can precede a full-blown ischemic stroke. “Each type of stroke has distinct causes, risk factors, and treatments,” adds Hewlett. “Recognising the surprising causes of strokes in young adults is crucial for prevention and early intervention.” Surprising Causes of Strokes in Young Adults One of the biggest culprits behind strokes in young adults is stress. Prolonged stress can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for strokes, and can also contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can block blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke. Another unexpected factor is substance abuse. Certain drugs can lead to elevated blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and even arterial dissection – a tearing of the blood vessel walls – all of which can precipitate a stroke. Alcohol abuse can raise blood pressure and lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder known to cause strokes., while smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of clot formation. A lesser-known contributor to strokes in the young is undiagnosed medical conditions. Conditions like sleep apnoea, which disrupts breathing during sleep and lowers oxygen levels in the blood, can lead to hypertension and increase the likelihood of a stroke. Autoimmune disorders like lupus or even infections like COVID-19 have been linked to strokes in younger individuals. These conditions can cause inflammation and blood vessel damage, making the arteries more susceptible to blockages. Other conditions, such as poorly managed diabetes, being overweight or obese, and high cholesterol can increase stroke risks. Lastly, certain genetic factors play a role in strokes among young adults. Some individuals may carry genetic mutations that predispose them to blood clotting disorders, making them more susceptible to stroke. Preventing Strokes in Young Adults While some stroke risk factors are beyond our control, Affinity Health lists several proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk: Eat a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight. If you have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, work with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively. If you smoke, seek support and resources to quit smoking. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use. Learn about your family medical history and discuss any unusual symptoms or concerns with your healthcare provider. If you have specific risk factors or experience symptoms like severe headaches, sudden weakness, or difficulty speaking, seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes in the event of a stroke. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other relevant factors. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
Geoffrey’s Big Book of Toys is Out! 68-page catalogue of dreams with the Top Toys revealed Toys R Us has revealed its expert prediction of all the toys and trends set to be the most popular for this year’s festive season, family play, pop culture, minis and collectibles are all top of the list. Experts at the retailer forecast that the microtrend of minis, nostalgic toys and interactive toys will take top spots with the retailer also predicting that imaginative play and roleplaying toys are set to be huge this year. Recognised globally as the leader in toys, Toys R Us, has spent months sourcing, testing, and predicting trends and have carefully curated an assortment that showcases top toy trends, inspired by popular culture, that stimulate imagination and growth as well as encouraging family and interactive play across several age groups. “This year’s festive season has more ways to play with new entrants and brands as well as different targeted age groups,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us. “We recognise that the holiday season is about bringing the family together and this has been one of the key focuses as we source our ranges.” “Life is busy but the range of family play on offer brings life back to basics with games and puzzles,” she says. “The Twister Air combines family play, getting the body moving with technology while honing gross motor skills and keeping the mind and body active.” Jacoby explains: “Moments in pop culture are shaping the trends, whether its Barbiemania, Disney’s 100th anniversary, the return of the ‘90s with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers and Sonic the Hedgehog, pop culture is translating to toys in a very engaging way.” “Consumers are driven more than ever by experiences and parents are looking for value and toys that give their children memories outside of the digital world,” she says. “We’re seeing kids of all ages most interested in quieter and comforting toys or stress-relieving toys that transcend age which we are seeing a rise in this year,” she adds. “This includes LEGO, dollhouses and role-playing games.” She continues: “The trend of creating shows no signs of slowing down as toys like the Kenwood Mixer, which is just like the real thing allow kids to partake in daily meal preparation and learn about healthy living.” In addition to this she adds LEGO and the Cool Maker Stitch ‘n Sew Style Fashion hitting the top of the wish lists. “It’s safe to say that popular movie franchises and shows will have a benefit to the physical products in store,” she explains. “We certainly can’t overlook Barbie, which has been one of the most popular, prolonged trends of the year and is showing no signs of slowing down.” “We’re prepared for the new generation of Tweens to enter our world as we close the gap and continue to provide kids aged 7-12 years old with opportunities to play,” she says. “We’ve sourced more toys that cater to this demographic, including fidget and sensory toys, collectibles, arts and crafts as well as tech toys.” “The launch of an exclusive brand in WOW generation aspires to the creative, tech and fashion child, while our older aged products in technical remote-control cars, drones and gel blasters will find the tweens outdoors playing longer with new interests,” she explains. “Bitzees is a new and interactive toy which takes virtual pet playing on a handheld gaming device to new levels being one of the most wanted toys for this season.” She notes that similarly, nostalgia is at an all-time high, look out for re-launches, re-vamps, and twists on toys from the past. “That being said you can expect a full reign of nostalgia with kids and adults alike as Pokémon and the Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet making the top toys list.” “The Y2K nostalgia trend will continue with ‘Kidults’ seeking out toys from their past.” she adds. “Toy purchases this year will go beyond just the kid market into young adults looking to reconnect with their youth, whether it’s collectible figurines, trading cards or blind bags we’re seeing top brands like Pokémon, Mini Brands, Mini Verse and L.O.L Surprise continuing to grow.” “Kidulting is huge and keeps growing, it’s for this reason we have the Toys R Us Fanvault and a lot of what is on the shelves this year are meant for parents and kids to enjoy together,” says Jacoby. “This includes the newest version of Twister and LEGO sets.” Jacoby says that the 2023 most popular toy guide would be incomplete without a mention of Squishmallows, Rainbocorns or Magic Mixes, these interactive toys have been an evergreen trend for the past three years and all of them hit our top toys trend list. “The tiny-fication of everything into collectible mini forms continues unabated. And some of the mega-trends we continue to see are toys that surprise, colour changing toys, pocket size anything and food creation.” She explains that this year parents can expect screen-free toys to top the list of trends and toys that encourage hands-on play and skill building. “We’re so excited to kick off the most magical time of the year with the coolest and most sought-after toys of the season.” “By identifying the top play trends we’re making it easier than ever to find toys every kid will love, spreading joy and delight to families and kids of all ages,” Jacoby explains. “Combined with the launch of the top toys, Geoffrey reveals the ‘Big Book of Toys’, a special bumper gift guide featuring 68 catalogue pages filled with wondrous toys including something for everyone this festive season which will be available in-store nationwide as well as online from the 25th of October.” In addition, Jacoby says, one lucky customer could stand a chance to win their wish list valued at R10,000 by creating their gift registry online at www.toysrus.co.za oR by cutting out their favourite toy from the catalogue, sticking it on the entry form provided and dropping
Be Bare Life, South Africa’s leading plastic-free and sustainable beauty brand is helping Woolworths lead the charge in eco-friendly cosmetics. Unfortunately, cosmetics is one of the largest contributors to single use plastic worldwide. Of the 400 million tons of plastic produced each year, a devastating 14 million end up polluting oceans around the world. For the first time, shampoo and conditioner bars will be available on shelves in 120 Woolworths stores across the country, offering their customers a plastic-free alternative to traditional liquid shampoos and conditioners. ‘A dynamic approach is required to tackle this ongoing pandemic’ says Be Bare Life Co-Founder, Robert Blonski. ‘Companies need to come up with innovative products which attack the plastic waste crises head on. Retailers then need to be willing to stock these products, enabling them adequate exposure. Finally, consumers must embrace the innovation by purchasing the products.’ ‘This last step in the cycle is the most critical factor. Without consumer commitment innovation stalls, and similar eco conscious products are less likely to find their way into major retailers in the future. This breaks the cycle necessary to create fast and effective environmental change, something that is critical’. Many people may not be familiar with the concept of hair care bars, but they are growing in popularity worldwide, especially amongst the younger generation who are actively switching to eco-friendly products. Hair care bars are solid, allowing them to be packaged in cardboard, eliminating the need for plastic. Sadly, only 9% of plastic worldwide has ever been recycled. Furthermore, the alternative liquid shampoos and conditioners consist of up to 90% water – water scarcity becoming more and more of a worldwide issue. ‘Urgent intervention is needed’, reiterates Robert. ‘To date, Be Bare Life has prevented over one million plastic bottles entering landfill, a statistic we are extremely proud of, however, when considering the billions of plastic bottles the hair care industry produces each year, it is clear we still have a long way to go in shifting consumer behavior.’ ‘It took us 18 months to develop our range’ adds Robert, ‘It is imperative that our products can compete with salon quality hair care, otherwise consumers will not make a permanent switch. We understand that consumers will make an initial purchase based on our eco-friendly credentials, but if the product isn’t effective, they won’t make a repeat purchase. After all, many consumers put quality above all else when making a purchasing decision. We at Be Bare Life have ensured that there is no excuse not to make a shift to sustainable hair care.’ Be Bare Life’s hair care range offers great value for money. Their shampoo bar is the equivalent of three 350ml shampoo bottles, whilst one conditioner bar provides the same usage as five 350ml conditioner bottles. Each bar retails for R109.99. The company only uses vegan ingredients, which are free of sulphates, parabens and petroleum derivates, phthalates and synthetic fragrance (utilising only natural essential oils). Their bars are pH balanced, colour safe, non-irritating and nurturing for hair, scalp and skin. Be Bare Life is also endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty, making them an animal friendly option. All their products are manufactured locally in Cape Town and they have made it a priority to upskill women in their production facility. Be Bare Life’s diverse hair care range consisting of four shampoo and three conditioner bars which cater to a variety of hair types can be found in Woolworths stores from the 13th of October. For more information visit www.bebarelife.com. Get you eco-friendly hair care at these Woolworths stores nationwide.
www.medhealthsup.com Medi Buddy – First Aid Buddy for school bag – me4kidz medibuddy Animal First Aid Kit R122.90 Compact, kids first aid kit perfect for all those little cuts and scrapes. This first aid kit contains 50 items. The plasters are latex free, and all cases are USA-made recycled, lead-free plastic. The Medibuddy has won multiple awards in the juvenile industry over the years and is a top seller. Great for backpacks, gym lockers, purses, glove boxes, baby bags and more. Product Features: Compact size perfect for backpacks, handbags, nappy bags etc. Latex-free plasters Hypoallergenic Earth-friendly Me4Kidz available at Babies R Us online or www.medhealthsup.com Vital Baby® https://vitalbabyshop.co.za Vital Baby NOURISH Prep & wean – R3,799.00 Steam cook and blend healthy homemade meals quickly for your little one with our NOURISH prep & wean™. Simple and easy to use, the prep & wean™ has three distinct functions and a large 900ml jug capacity to help you through every step of weaning – sterilising, steaming, and blending. Steam mode – cook food efficiently and effortlessly, while also preserving as many vitamins and nutrients as possible. The two-tier design gives you the option to cook two separate foods at the same time – great for steaming different foods that have varying cooking times. Blend mode – Blades that never lose their sharpness can blend all types of food! The five different blending settings allow you to create a range of textures to suit all stages of weaning – from first tastes to big kid meals and beyond. Effortlessly creating smooth purees for early weaning, then chunky textures as your baby develops, while also allowing you to incorporate the nutrients-filled residual water from steaming. Sterilising mode – The effective release of steam means that the prep & wean™ can also be used as a super-quick steriliser for a single bottle, or accessories, proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria in just 8 minutes! Vital Baby NURTURE™ Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer – RSP R4699.99 Through innovation and advances in technology, VITAL Baby NURTURE™ Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer is here, and it’s better than ever. UV sterilisation is proven to be an effective way to kill 99.99% of bacteria, mould and viruses without the fuss of conventional sterilisers that use chemicals, water or heat. Using the latest UV LED technology, this advanced pro UV steriliser kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in just 7 minutes. Sterilise what, we hear you ask? Just about anything that will fit. The advanced pro UV is efficient and versatile and, as there’s no need for water, chemicals or heat, is suitable for use with a wide range of items – from bottles, teats, soothers, toys and breast pumps to small accessories, mobile phones, keys, cosmetic brushes and more… Vital Baby® HYDRATE™ Perfectly Simple Silicone Sipper – R149.50 Everyday basic spout cup, complete with a super-soft, 100% silicone spout. Curved base is specially designed to for little hands to grip easily. Silicone spout is durable and kind to developing teeth & gums. No bells. No whistles. Just perfectly simple. Vital Baby® HYDRATE™ | Sippy Straw Cup 340ml – R142.90 This cup’s silicone straw is gentle on gums and teeth. Cup features a non-spill, easy-clean, 100% silicone valve & straw with hygienic cover. For on-the-go parents and toddlers. Cup is dishwasher and microwave safe. Vital Baby® HYDRATE™ | Big Sipper™ Cup 340ml – R142.60 The vital baby® Big Sipper HYDRATE™ drinking cup with large capacity helps keep your little one hydrated. Cup features a non-spill, easy-clean, 100% silicone valve & spout with hygienic cover. For on-the-go parents and toddlers. Cup is dishwasher and microwave safe. Vital Baby® HYGIENE™ | Super Soft Hand & Face Wipes – R45.10 These hypoallergenic baby wipes are perfect for everyday use at home or when you are on the move to help keep baby clean. Available in packs of 30 wipes, they are ideal to keep in your baby’s changing bag, in the car or at home for when they are needed. It’s a good idea to start teaching your baby the importance of hygiene from an early age and always clean your baby’s hands and face before and after mealtimes – especially on outings, playing with pets or outside. Specially formulated for sticky hands and faces Fresh, fruity fragrance or Fragrance Free Hypoallergenic, Alcohol and Paraben-free Dermatologically tested Vital Baby® NOURISH™ Store And Wean™ | Pots 60ml 6-pack – R166.10 The vital baby® NOURISH™ store & wean™ pots 60ml are perfectly sized for early weaning when only a small amount of food is needed for baby. Our weaning freezer pots enable you to prepare homemade baby food and snacks and store in the fridge or freezer ready for use. The soft bases and sides of these baby food pots make it easy and quick to remove frozen food from the pot. Simply press and pop into your bowl to defrost in the microwave or defrost and feed directly from the pot using baby’s spoon. The secure lids are fully leak-proof to ensure that food is safely stored and kept fresh ready for serving, and the stackable design keeps them stored neatly in the fridge or freezer. Vital Baby® NOURISH™ snack on the go™ – R134.00 Snack-time is super-fun with the vital baby® NOURISH™ snack on the go™ Perfectly sized for little hands to reach their food through the soft silicone slatted lid, the easy access and non-spill lid design of our snack on the go™ makes baby self-feeding snacks simple and less messy for your little one. The Snack On-The-Go easy to hold handles are carefully designed to be comfortable and perfectly curved to fit tiny hands, and the fresh seal lid helps to keep contents hygienically locked away until your little one is hungry for more! Babies and toddlers love to feed themselves, and with its large storage capacity the vital baby® NOURISH™ snack on the go™ is the ideal toddler snack-time must-have for independent feeding, or as a baby-led weaning accessory. Perfect for when out and about on family
Over the past few years many health experts voiced their opinions loudly on social media regarding the many dangers that dietary sugar pose to our health while very few articles ever consider the merits thereof. When you consider dietary sugar intake in terms of one’s own health or the health of one’s family you need to weigh all the facts carefully before you unwittingly cut important nutrients from a diet. Always keep in mind that variety is essential as we derive the many vitamins and minerals our bodies need from all the different foods we consume. It is sensible to start off by familiarising yourself with what exactly constitutes as sources of dietary sugar. Many of us would be surprised to learn that most of the main food groups we view as essential in our diets actually are sources of dietary sugar. What exactly do I mean? Let us break down sound scientific data to digestible bites of information!
At Lamelle Research Laboratories, treating pigmentation is something we do best and that’s because we do it differently. Unlike most beauty brands that focus on either hiding dark marks or slightly fading the superficial ones, we rely on powerful peptides to intervene with the multiple pathways that lead to pigmentation’s creation. This way, we can target what exists, prevent it from reoccurring and even tackle it on a DNA level. That’s the Lamelle difference. Brighten brilliantly Luminesce by Lamelle Research Laboratories is our most technologically advanced hyperpigmentation program to date. While other skincare brands like to tout one “miracle ingredient”, the Luminesce collection boasts a mega-mix of medical grade actives to create a multi-faceted solution to pigmentation, attacking it in every stage of its creation to reveal a radiant, evenly-toned complexion. The key player in Luminesce’s all-star line-up is actually a trio – a triple-complex peptide blend that hinders the proteins that instruct your skin’s melanin factories to go into overdrive (melanin is the pigmentation that gives your skin its colour). Better yet, it also decreases the transfer of melanin into your surrounding skin cells and inhibits the creation of tyrosinase, an enzyme that can also trigger an overproduction of melanin. The word “overproduction” is important because beautiful skin is all about balance – our peptides will only ever regulate your skin’s melanin content, preventing an excess and not interfering with the amount you were born with. In short, you don’t ever have to worry about depigmenting your skin, a potential side-effect of badly-formulated skin-brightening products. In fact, our peptide complex doesn’t just tackle pigmentation – it also stimulates collagen production, so you can also enjoy anti-ageing benefits while you brighten up! Come and get your glow up! You’ll find our innovative peptide blend in both Luminesce Brighter Day and Luminesce Evening Glow. Both of these pigmentation-inhibiting powerhouses also boast groundbreaking DKK-1 gene technology. Studies have shown that melasma sufferers have a defect in their DKK-1, a protein that’s responsible for pigmentation regulation. Fortunately, Lamelle Luminesce can support the role of DKK-1 gene signaling and safely regulate pigment-producing cells at a DNA level (don’t worry – we’re not changing your DNA; we’re just activating lazy genes responsible for pigmentation overproduction. So, to put it simply, we’re helping your body function naturally, but optimally!). The benefits of our patented peptide blend also extend to our bestselling foaming cleanser, Luminesce Brightening Cleanse. It gently cleanses all skin types without over-drying and is formulated with anti-inflammatory Yarrow and Mallow extract (for the record, inflammation is one of the triggers of pigmentation). Ready to get glowing? Chat to a Lamelle Skincare Therapist who can recommend which of our Luminesce products would put you on the path to healthy, radiant skin.] Learn more at https://lamelle.co.za/
Whether you struggle with constant blemishes, or experience flare-ups occasionally, you’ll know the frustration that acne-prone skin can cause. Breakouts can have a major effect on confidence, and with teens and young adults already having to navigate the pressures of high school, university, dating and relationships, there really isn’t a need for any additional stressors. Blemishes seem to have a way of cropping up at the most inconvenient times, like on the day of your matric dance, your graduation day or just before a date. There are ways of covering them up, but prevention is always better than cure. Plus, without proper care, they may leave dark marks or scarring long after they’ve healed. For some, breakouts may ruin an otherwise perfect selfie. For others, it may have long-lasting psychological effects. Whatever the severity of the situation, everyone benefits from stopping breakouts in their tracks and preventing them from reoccurring. From hormones, to genetics, to lifestyle and medication, there are so many factors that may increase your skin’s tendency to break out. One of the most important things to pay attention to, regardless of the cause of the breakout, is a good skincare regime. Using products that contain the right active ingredients won’t just help to strengthen and moisturise your skin, but it may also help prevent the formation of blemishes and breakouts. Cleansing your skin twice a day removes sweat, oil, dirt and impurities – all of which may contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. But that’s not enough – after cleansing, you need to apply a good quality serum or moisturiser that’s going to provide skin with nourishment and hydration while keeping blemishes at bay. Two of the most important ingredients to incorporate in a skincare regime for blemish-prone skin is salicylic acid and vitamin C. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can penetrate deep into the pores. It has exfoliating properties, meaning it sloughs off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and also helps to curb the skin’s natural oil production. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and known to unclog pores. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is renowned for brightening skin and increasing its radiance. Along with its anti-ageing benefits (such as stimulating the production of collagen and fighting free radical damage), it is also an effective solution to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (in other words, the dark marks left behind by breakouts once they’ve healed). Because it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate the skin’s sebum production, it is an excellent ingredient to apply to breakout-prone skin. OXY has been treating breakout-prone skin for generations and is a trusted choice for thousands of South African families. No matter your background, age or skin tone, if you have acne-prone skin, OXY has a product suited to your concerns. OXY is proud to introduce two ground-breaking new products that utilise the power of salicylic acid and vitamin C, to their Pro Range: OXY Pro Range Foaming Facial Cleanser (R129.95) This high-performance facial cleanser contains 2% blemish-busting salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid for skin that is visibly clearer and less prone to breakouts. Designed for acne-prone skin, it offers a whopping nine skincare benefits: Reduces the appearance of acne; Deep cleansing; Prevents breakouts; Hydrates; Removes dirt and impurities; Unclogs pores; Moisturizes; Softens skin; Exfoliates. OXY Pro Range 10% Vitamin C Serum (R159.95) The perfect addition to your acne-prevention routine, this serum contains 10% vitamin C to reduce the appearance of acne, dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It intensely hydrates thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and helps heal existing breakouts and prevent new ones thanks to the inclusion of salicylic acid. With regular use, skin appears brighter, smoother and more even toned. This serum offers nine skincare benefits: Reduces the appearance of acne; Even toned skin; Helps fade blemish marks; Prevents breakouts; Clears pores; Intensely hydrates; Brighter and smoother skin; Exfoliates; Rejuvenates skin. OXY Pro Range is available from Dis-Chem. Learn more at https://www.oxysa.co.za/ Follow OXY on social media: Facebook: Oxy South Africa Instagram: @oxysouthafrica Tik Tok: @oxysouthafrica
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, sheds light on 10 ways to build and maintain healthy bones throughout life. Recognising the Importance of Bone Health Bones play a myriad of vital roles. They provide structure, safeguard organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Healthy bones are essential for overall vitality and longevity. “Most people will reach their peak bone mass between 25 and 30. By the time we reach age 40, we slowly begin to lose bone mass,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While keeping your bones strong is a smart goal at any age, bone health becomes a bigger priority in the decades after age 50 when weakened bones lead to breaks for one in two women and one in five men. Fortunately, proactive steps can significantly counteract this natural bone mass decline.” 10 Strategies for Optimal Bone Health Think of your bones as the framework that keeps you standing tall and moving freely. Like a house needs solid beams and support, your body needs healthy bones to keep you going. But how do you make sure your bones stay tough and sturdy? Whether you’re young and looking to start strong or want to keep those bones healthy as the years go by, here are ten easy-to-follow tips to help boost your bone health. 1- Prioritise calcium consumption Include a variety of calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Calcium is paramount for bone density. 2- Don’t forget Vitamin D Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. Sun exposure, fatty fish, fortified dairy, and supplements can be excellent sources. 3- Incorporate weight-bearing exercises Engage in weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, and tennis. These stimulate bone-forming cells, enhancing bone density. 4- Strength training is key Resistance exercises such as lifting weights can significantly improve bone strength and protect bone density. 5- Embrace flexibility and balance workouts Yoga and Tai Chi improve bone health and reduce the risk of falls, a significant concern, especially in seniors. 6- Avoid excessive alcohol Limit alcohol intake. Consuming more than two alcoholic beverages a day may increase bone loss risk. 7- Say no to smoking Smoking can interfere with the body’s calcium absorption, leading to decreased bone mass. 8- Keep protein in check A diet with adequate protein is beneficial for bone health. Include sources like lean meats, dairy, beans, and lentils. 9- Monitor weight Being underweight increases the chance of bone loss and fractures. Maintain a healthy weight for optimal bone health. 10- Regular check-ups and bone density tests Regular screenings can assess bone health, especially for post-menopausal women or individuals at risk of osteoporosis. “Building and maintaining bone health is a lifelong endeavour. The investments made today in bone health echo in the form of vitality and reduced complications in the later stages of life,” concludes Hewlett.
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, highlights why hydration is essential for overall good health. Did you know that every cell, tissue, and organ in our body requires water to function optimally, yet many South Africans, especially children, don’t consume enough water daily? From regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, lubricating joints, and supporting cognitive function, let’s explore why hydration is a foundational pillar for overall well-being. Nutrient Transportation: Water acts as a highway for nutrients. It aids in the digestion of food and ensures essential vitamins and minerals reach their destined locations. Detoxification: Kidneys rely on adequate water to filter waste from the blood, which is then excreted through urine. Good hydration supports detoxification, ensuring our bodies remain free of harmful toxins. Temperature Regulation: Water helps maintain the body’s internal temperature through sweating and respiration, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot or cold. Joint Lubrication: Hydration ensures that synovial fluid keeps joints lubricated, reducing the risk of friction and associated discomfort. Skin Health: Adequate hydration can lead to radiant, moisturised skin, while dehydration can make the skin appear dry and wrinkled. Cognitive Functions: Even mild dehydration can impact concentration, mood, and cognitive abilities. Regular water intake supports optimal brain function. Prevention of UTIs: Staying hydrated reduces the risk of urinary tract infections by ensuring regular urine flow and preventing bacteria buildup. Digestion and Constipation Prevention: Water aids digestion and prevents constipation by softening stools and ensuring smooth gastrointestinal function. Understanding Your Water Needs Drinking ‘eight glasses a day’ is a well-known mantra, but hydration needs vary based on age, activity level, climate, and health conditions. Affinity Health advocates for listening to one’s body cues, such as thirst and urine colour, to gauge hydration levels or to calculate your hydration needs according to your body weight. “A person’s weight influences their hydration needs; generally, heavier individuals require more water,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Using the ‘ water weight percentage guideline ‘ is an easy way to determine how much water your body needs. To figure out how much water to drink daily, multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.033 to get the amount in litres. For instance, if you weigh 60kg, aim for 2 litres of water daily. For 90kg, it’s about 3 litres. Remember to drink more water when you’re active, in hot weather, or feeling sick. How To Increase Your Daily Water Intake If you struggle to stay hydrated, consider these helpful hints: Carry a water bottle throughout the day. Choose a refillable one to save money and fill it from the tap. Add a slice of lemon or lime for a flavour boost if you find plain water bland. Hydrate before, during, and after exercising. Drink water if you feel hungry, as we often mistake thirst for hunger. While water won’t quench hunger, hydrating can help manage weight by making you feel full. Set a drinking routine if you forget to hydrate. This could be during meals, bedtime, or on the hour every hour.
Parents of today’s adolescents grew up in a world where pornography was something you had to get your hands on, which was difficult to do while you were underage. There wasn’t much of it around to start with, and then there was a host of regulations and restrictions that limited the range and possibility for adolescents to be exposed to adults-only content. While you might have managed to find the odd magazine under your big brother’s mattress, there wasn’t much chance of becoming a regular consumer of all sorts of porn. Contrast this with a recent episode of the Sip the Tea podcast, where a teen girl recounts her story of being, in her words ‘addicted to porn’. She tells Rachelle Best, founder of FYI play it safe, that she engaged with pornographic content from the age of 9 years and went on to compulsively consume it for years. The girl, now 17, articulates the impact that this has had on her self-esteem and body image. Instead of a carefree youth, she describes one wracked with guilt and shame. Curiosity about the adult world and, about the secrets that adults keep, is of course, perfectly normal, healthy child behaviour. It tests the boundaries that parents put in place when it comes to the aspects of human life that we worry that children may find disturbing, frightening or shocking. As adults, not just parents, we have a universally recognised duty to protect children when it comes to violence, cruelty, war – and sex. This duty is a legal requirement in the case of human sexual behaviour because in South Africa, as in many countries in the world, it is illegal for any adult to be involved in exposing a child to pornography. The digital era has fundamentally redefined childhood, and when we put a tablet, or a gaming console, a phone or laptop into our child’s hands, something parents do when their children are at younger and younger ages, we give them the keys to a limitless, unregulated world. The proliferation of violent and sexual content across the digital world is unfathomable. It’s no exaggeration to say that ’porn is everywhere’. There’s just so much accessible, pornographic content that it is now impossible to believe, that purposefully or inadvertently, your child won’t be exposed to it. This reality is demanding new approaches to sex education, new openness in parent-child communications and new strategies for parenting digital natives. UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, has asserted that “pornographic content can harm children”. The organisation has expressed its alarm at the “massive quantity” of pornography available and its easy accessibility to children of all ages. It suggests that: “Exposure to pornography at a young age may lead to poor mental health, sexism and objectification, sexual violence, and other negative outcomes. Among other risks, when children view pornography that portrays abusive and misogynistic acts, they may come to view such behaviour as normal and acceptable.” Counselling Psychologist, Elliott Kotze who works extensively with adolescents presents another view. He says, “Currently, peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of exposure to porn in childhood is scarce. There is also an argument that porn is not addictive which suggests that compulsive porn consumption is not about the media, but about underlying issues. For instance, sexual shame is often inherent when it comes to compulsive porn consumption. Another potential cause for compulsive porn consumption, with or without masturbation, is a need for self-soothing or emotional or sensory regulation. This can become problematic when it becomes the person’s only way to self-regulate.” Elliott is clear though that unintentional exposure to pornography in childhood can be traumatic. He says, “For a child who inadvertently clicks on a link or is shown porn onscreen by a friend in the playground, there is a trauma response risk. If they are not ready or equipped, and don’t understand what’s going on, what they see is likely to be shocking and disturbing to them, and they would need capacity from their parents or a professional to process this.” For adolescents that develop a compulsive use of pornography, Elliott says, “Typically, it is distress that drives compulsive behaviours, and to treat this there needs to be an understanding of that distress. Adolescents face many challenges – mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, relationship challenges or sexual or arousal challenges. All of these can lead to a compulsive use of pornographic content. Simply taking away the child’s ability to access porn without addressing the underlying issues that are driving the behaviour will inevitably lead to a range of sexual and relationship challenges further down the line.” Elliott offers the following advice to today’s parents: Provide matter-of-fact, accurate sex education that is free of shame – “It’s important to talk about bodies using the biological, shame-free terminology for all body parts. Discuss the role of sex in reproduction and the role of sex in bonding and healthy pleasure. Focus on the care of our bodies and our mental health. Talk about consent and what that looks like, how to give it and how to respect it. Give your children a vision and blueprint for healthy relationships.” Be committed to non-judgement and be solutions-oriented – Be the wise guide your kids can come to when they need to talk about their distress. Elliott says, “Parents can help their children deal with compulsive behaviours and tackle the underlying causes. They can help them develop healthier ways for self-soothing and self-regulating without adding to the shame and guilt the child probably already feels in relation to their behaviour.” Adequately prepare your child – “Open communication is essential to helping your child navigate adolescence,” Elliott says, “Puberty comes along, and bodies develop. It’s a time full of body hair, smells, spontaneous arousal and breast buds. All these changes can be disconcerting and distressing for children who have not been adequately prepared for it. The science has shown that children who are underprepared for puberty, or who have
Determining when your child is booster seat ready can be something most parents neglect. I include myself in this… Once my eldest outgrew his toddler car seat, we invested in a booster cushion for him. He struggled with the adult safety belt in the back seat constantly moving over his neck and face which caused him discomfort. It’s something I made him live with, as there was no way I would let him sit without one. I’m a complete stiffler for kids being strapped in. I must admit, I didn’t do much research and went for the most affordable option when selecting a seat for him. As car seat safety to me meant having a seat belt on and that was it.
Good habits start from a young age. This includes dental hygiene, so it is as possible. But that can be easier said than done, as little ones often don’t take too well to their parents meddling in their mouths. So how do you get your child to look after their teeth, no matter how manythey have? The key is to start as soon as they have their first tooth. Now this doesn’t mean you have to brush it with a brush and toothpaste, but rather take a clean damp cloth and wipe the first few teeth that have appeared. This will clear the area of plaque, and will get your baby used to having something in their mouth. As your baby gets older, and more teeth appear, you will have to startbrushing their teeth with a baby toothbrush. Make sure it has soft bristles, and use a baby toothpaste for their age. To make sure that brushing time is a successful and fun occasion in the house, try these tips: If your child sees that you enjoy brushing your teeth, they aren’t going to want to miss out on the fun. So get the whole family into the bathroom, brush your teeth and dance around a bit. Always let your child try to brush their teeth too. It will give them the feeling of independence. You will have to brush for them afterwards as they don’t have the motor skills to do it thoroughly. Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste on the brush, and encourage them to spit it out afterwards. Get them to stick out their tongue so you can brush that as well. Them earlier they get used to that feeling, the better their brushing techniques will be when they are older. Remember that the habits you show your kids are most likely the habits that they will pick up. So let them see you brushing and flossing every morning and night. Until your child is old enough to do it themselves, their dental hygiene is up to you. To protect their teeth, try limiting the amounts of sugar they eat. Also, water down any fruit juice they drink as this can lead to tooth decay at such a young age.f you can, don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle as the liquid will sit in their mouth and make tooth decay more likely. Brushing our teeth comes so naturally to adults, that we can sometimes forget to actually teach our children how to do it.
In 2019, a study by Healthy Babies Bright Future, an alliance of NGO’s and scientists, found that 95% of conventional baby foods in the US are contaminated with toxic heavy metals including lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium, which can impact the growth of babies brains, lower IQ, and increase the risk of cancer. It also found that the effects of these toxins are cumulative, and that even low-level exposure in early life was of significant concern. It’s no coincidence that these poisons are routinely used to produce the chemical fertilizers that are used extensively in conventional farming, and when you add in the toxic pesticides used on these crops, we have a perfect storm which many experts around the world believe is the cause of rising cases of infertility, early puberty in children, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, ADHD, and autism. A ground-breaking study published in 1993, “Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children”, was the first to focus on the risk of toxic chemicals to this group – prior to this, environmental safety policies had focussed on the assessment of risk to the “average adult”. The study found that infants and children have a heightened susceptibility to chemicals in the environment. Firstly, children have a greater exposure to toxins compared to adults because they drink and eat more than adults in relation to their body weight. In addition, children’s metabolic pathways and their ability to metabolize chemicals are immature and they lack the enzymes needed to break down and remove these poisons. Thirdly, children’s early developmental processes are complex and easily disrupted. There are critical periods in early development when exposure to even tiny doses of toxic chemicals—levels that would have no adverse effect on an adult—can disrupt organ formation and cause lifelong functional impairments. Finally, children have more time than adults to develop chronic diseases. Many diseases triggered by toxic chemicals, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, are now understood to evolve through processes that take many years and that are kicked-off by exposures in infancy. THE BOTTOM LINE With the current chemical-based system of food production, humans are exposed to increasing levels of toxic chemicals which accumulate in our systems throughout our lives. Early exposure – as infants and children – has been linked to the development of a range of cancers and neurological disorders. By limiting this exposure particularly in the vulnerable early years, through feeding infants and children organically produced food, parents can give their children the best possible chance for a healthy future.
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, debunks five common myths about diabetes. With millions affected worldwide, diabetes remains one of the leading health concerns of our era. However, alongside genuine information, a great deal of misconceptions surrounds this condition. “Over the past decade, South Africa has seen diabetes cases double, reaching 4.2 million – which equates to one in nine adults,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Shockingly, 45% remain undiagnosed. As per the International Diabetes Federation’s latest data, it’s now the leading cause of death among South African women and the second highest for both genders.” Affinity Health champions the cause of imparting accurate knowledge about diabetes to all. Understanding Diabetes Diabetes is a complex condition arising from multiple causes. At its core, it’s characterised by the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in childhood, is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. Its exact cause is unclear but is believed to involve genetic, environmental, and possibly viral factors. Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and is caused by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. It’s linked to genetics, obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and age. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women and may increase the risk of Type 2 later in life. Signs and Symptoms The warning signs of diabetes can be so mild that they go unnoticed. Some common symptoms include: Increased Thirst and Urination: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb excess sugar, leading to frequent urination. This can result in dehydration and a consequent increase in thirst. Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating more, rapid weight loss can occur as the body uses muscle and fat for energy because it can’t use sugar effectively. Hunger: Fluctuating blood sugars can increase appetite, even after meals. Fatigue: Insufficient sugar in the cells can cause tiredness and lack of energy. Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can lead to fluid being pulled from the eyes’ lenses, affecting one’s ability to focus. Slow Healing: Sores, cuts, and bruises may take longer. Tingling or Numbness: High blood sugar can cause diabetic neuropathy, leading to tingling or numbness in the extremities, especially feet and hands. Darkened Skin Patches: Areas of darkened skin, called acanthosis nigricans, can appear, particularly in the neck and armpits. Debunking the Myths Myth: Overeating sugar causes diabetes. Reality: The causes of diabetes are multifactorial. While consuming too much sugar, especially in drinks that contain added sucrose and fructose, such as sodas, is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, eating moderate amounts of sugar in isolation does not trigger diabetes. Myth: Only overweight individuals get diabetes. Reality: While obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, accounting for 80-85% of the risk, many overweight people never develop the condition. Conversely, a fair number of those with average weight can become diabetic. Factors like family history, age, and ethnicity also influence risk. Myth: Diabetics should avoid all carbohydrates. Reality: Carbohydrates are essential to a healthy diet, even for those with diabetes. The key is to opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, which have a lower glycemic index and are processed more slowly by the body. Myth: Diabetes is not a severe disease. Reality: If not managed well, diabetes can lead to chronic health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision problems. Effective control of blood sugar levels and regular check-ups are paramount to prevent complications. Myth: Once you start insulin, your condition has worsened. Reality: Insulin is a standard treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes and can be prescribed for Type 2 diabetes if other methods don’t control blood sugar adequately. It’s a crucial step in the treatment process, not an indication of disease progression.
Affinity Health is a leading provider of high-quality health cover, sharing five tips to clear a racing mind and pave the way for a peaceful, rejuvenating sleep. “Sleep is as crucial as diet and exercise. It’s the body’s natural reset button – a time for the brain to process, repair, and rejuvenate,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “But when a racing mind impedes this process, it can lead to fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and a plethora of health issues impacting overall health and daily functioning.” The Effects of Lack of Sleep on the Body and Mind Lack of sleep, or sleep deprivation, has profound effects on both the body and the mind. Physiologically, sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and disrupt hormonal balances, including cortisol and insulin production. Cognitive and mental repercussions are equally concerning. A sleep-deprived brain struggles with memory consolidation, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving. Moreover, emotional regulation is compromised, often resulting in mood swings, increased irritability, and a heightened risk of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Furthermore, prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to microsleeps, brief episodes of sleep that last a few seconds, which can be particularly dangerous during activities like driving. How Much Sleep Should Adults Be Getting? The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. However, some people feel well-rested and function efficiently with as little as six hours, while others might need up to 10 hours. “It’s essential to note that individual sleep needs can vary,” adds Hewlett. “Factors influencing these needs include genetics, age, overall health, stress levels, physical activity, and lifestyle. Adults must pay attention to their bodies and assess their feelings during the day to determine the right amount of sleep for them.” Restful Sleep Is Within Reach These five tips, while simple, can create a profound shift in one’s sleep quality. 1- Establish a Pre-Sleep Ritual A routine signals the brain about what’s next: by crafting a calming pre-sleep ritual – be it reading, deep breathing exercises, or listening to soft music – individuals can train their minds to transition into a state of relaxation. Choose activities that resonate with you. It’s about consistency and association. 2 -Digital Detox In our interconnected era, screens are a significant culprit behind sleep disturbances. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers disrupts the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Affinity Health recommends powering down all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to let the brain unwind naturally. 3- Mindful Meditation Mindfulness and meditation have surged in popularity due to their profound benefits. Focusing on the present moment and practising deep, rhythmic breathing can replace the chaos of racing thoughts with a peaceful stillness conducive to sleep. 4- Journaling Transferring worries onto paper can be a cathartic process. By jotting down nagging thoughts, concerns, or to-do lists, individuals can free up mental space, allowing the mind to rest. 5 – Optimal Sleep Environment The setting plays a pivotal role. A calm, dark room, a comfortable mattress, and soft, breathable bed linens can make a difference. Consider introducing calming scents like lavender, known for its sleep-inducing properties.
Women work hard. We are breadwinners, we are mothers, we are partners and homemakers. We look after everyone around us, juggle an endless number of responsibilities and still get it all done. They say there is nothing a woman cannot do – and we can’t help but agree. But even Superwoman needs some time out, which is why we believe that a self-care ritual is an essential part of every woman’s life. A little bit of “me time” every day encourages relaxation and helps recharge one’s batteries – plus – with the right beauty products at hand, it also makes you feel and look your best. Here are the five beauty products every woman deserves to have in her self-care arsenal: Tissue oil Arguably the most versatile of all beauty products, tissue oil is the number one multi-purpose product every woman should have at her disposal. Its benefits are endless – from moisturising dry skin, to minimizing scars and stretch marks, softening cuticles and even nourishing hair, tissue oil does it all. You can even add a few drops to your bath water for a luxurious (and moisturising) soak! Did you know that Bramley Tissue Oil is the number one selling tissue oil in SA? Their vast range of Tissue Oils are enriched with Bio-Pharm oil and vitamin E to intensely nourish, moisturise and protect your skin. Lightly fragranced, Bramley Tissue Oils are suitable for everyday use and offer a host of benefits without breaking the bank. Body butter It is not unusual for skin to become dry at some points during the year, even if you’re diligent about moisturising it. Sometimes a regular lotion may not be enough to relieve stubborn dryness, which is where a body butter comes in handy. A thicker formula with more intense nourishing capabilities, body butter is the ideal all-over solution to dry skin. Instantly hydrating, Bramley’s Lavender Body Butter has a lovely thick texture that leaves skin soft and supple. This body butter can be used on the body, face, hands and feet. Rich in vitamin E and Bio-Pharm oil, the intensive formulation will nourish and moisturise all skin types, whilst providing the protection your skin requires. Hand and nail cream If the pandemic taught us anything, it was the importance of regularly washing our hands. However, soap and hand sanitizer can be very drying on the skin. Throw in cold winter air and you’re likely to experience dry hands and cuticles that need some TLC. A good quality hand and nail cream is essential all year round, but can be a real lifesaver during winter. Bramley Lavender Hand & Nail Cream is enriched with vitamin E and Bio-Pharm oil to leave your hands, nails and cuticles feeling and looking moisturised and conditioned. The formula is quickly absorbed with a non-greasy feel. Roll-on Feeling fresh plays a big part in every woman’s confidence, and a roll on can make all the difference. An effective roll on gives you the peace of mind to go about your day with confidence, knowing that body odour is one less thing you have to worry about. Bramley Magnolia Roll On offers all day freshness and confidence. It protects against perspiration and combats bacteria and odour. Delicately fragranced, this deodorant will leave your skin feeling soft, velvety and fresh with a dry skin feeling. Body wash Turn your daily shower into a self-care pamper session with a beautifully fragranced body wash. A more hygienic alternative to a bar of soap, body wash is usually gentle on the skin, cleansing thoroughly without stripping any moisture, and leaves skin delicately scented. Bramley Magnolia & Vanilla Body Wash cleanses, nourishes and protects the skin while delicately scenting it with feminine notes of magnolia and vanilla orchid. Bramley products are available at PEP Stores nationwide. Bramley Tissue oils, Body Butters and Wipes are available at select Clicks, Pick ‘n Pay and Wholesale stores. Learn more at: https://bramleycosmetics.com/ Follow Bramley on social media: Facebook: Bramley Cosmetics and Toiletries (https://www.facebook.com/bramleycosmetics/) Instagram: @bramleycosmetics (https://www.instagram.com/bramleycosmetics/)
My parents were instrumental in teaching me the biggest financial lesson of my life. My motivation to be educated, empowered and independent stems from the tough experiences my mom endured as a woman, wife and eventually single mother. Witnessing her hardship of having to raise four kids all on her own, I vowed that I would not be left in a similar position and this is what led to my passion for financial education. As parents, we play a critical role in how our kids turn out as adults. Parenting today has evolved and we have become more involved, more conscious and rightfully so, as we raise our kids in a challenging and complex modern environment. We must equip them with life skills from a young age so that they can survive and thrive as adults in what will become an even more competitive and challenging environment. Women have travelled a difficult journey over the years. Our predecessors have had to fight for gender equality, the right to work, the right to have a seat at the table and as parents of daughters, we must ensure that we provide the foundation for which they believe they can stand tall, that they can stand on their own and that they can stand up for themselves. Our belief and value system is instilled in us from a young age, primarily obtained from our parents. Our attitude and behaviour with money is largely as a result of witnessing how our parents felt and treated money. So it is important that we practice what we preach and use positive language when talking about money. Here are some essential money principles you can use when passing on matters regarding money to your daughters: Money gives you options Follow your passion Have your own money, always Know your rights Be involved, Be aware and Be informed Money gives you options People always refer to money as the root of all-evil. This is not necessarily true as our value system plays a large role in how we earn and spend money. Being in a position where you have financial abundance allows you to live the lifestyle you want and to help others to achieve their goals and dreams too. Our daughters should never be made to feel guilty about earning or spending money if it is done in an ethical way. Follow your passion If you listen to the advice offered by the most successful people in the world, the common advice they all offer, is that if you follow your passion, the money will follow. Finding your passion allows you to live a life of purpose and you end up doing what you love. There is nothing worse than earning an income from a job you dislike. There will be no motivation to grow and succeed. Following one’s passion provides a sense of purpose and joy and when this is rewarded with money it is far more fulfilling than earning money from a job one hates. Have your own money, always. From the time we are little, little girls are led to believe that their knight in shining armor will come along and rescue them (often known as the Cinderella complex). In the financial planning industry, we often witness many women transferring their financial rights to their male spouses. Many women give up their financial power in lieu of raising the kids and managing the household. Their financial value becomes underestimated as a result of not contributing financially to household expenses. Teach your daughters that whilst there is nothing wrong with being a stay at home mom, it is critical to have proper conversations about money and what if scenarios. Having their own money, gives them the option of getting out of potentially harmful situations. Know your rights Women have played the submissive role for far too long and many women have the wool pulled over their eyes because they do not know their legal rights. As a result, they are bullied into situations where they have no control. Know where to go if you need advice. Teach your daughters to know their rights, to not sign contracts they don’t understand or incur debt they can’t afford. Be involved, Be aware and Be informed Many women have taken a back seat when it comes to financial matters of the household. Not being involved can have disastrous consequences especially when there is a major lifestyle change caused by death or divorce. Make sure that your daughters are aware of the importance of saving for the things they want and to plan for the long term. Many of us spend exorbitant amounts on how we look and feel, on things that matter in the short term, yet we haven’t given much thought to put money aside for things like emergencies, education and retirement. Teach your daughters to take control of their financial lives from a young age. As a mom myself, I know how many things we need to juggle. It is sometimes impossible to be in control always. However, we have a duty to make sure that we raise strong independent women so that they can stand tall, stand on their own and stand up when they need to.
It may feel strange that we’re talking about online maturity when we are showing children aged 7 to 11 years old the right way to play and learn online. The reality is some children have already had extensive exposure to online platforms by the time they are 8 years old. Online maturity plays a huge role in your child’s digital future. How you behave and engage with technology at a young age will determine how you move forward as you get older. Here are the key elements that determine your child’s online maturity: Access to devices Access to online means they can get online to play games, stream TV, watch YouTube channels or have their own device with internet access. Does your child have the freedom to access technology when and as they please? Is there a time limit already set up with rules and boundaries already in place? Who do they access the internet with? If your child is streaming TV, they can access the profile themselves, but are they playing various games or browsing YouTube channels unmonitored? When they go online, do they do it alone, or with a watchful eye behind every click? Are they allowed to access the internet with older siblings, family, or friends? Do you have privacy settings set up on all devices or child-friendly browsers in place? Whether they have supervised access or not, have you taken the steps to protect all devices in the household? Does your family have regular open conversations about the digital world? Do you discuss the dangers of playing online together? The Codey adventure has been designed to appeal to a wide range of ages, however, a child’s individual online maturity and environment will play a large role in his or her experience of the adventure. If at times, the delivery may seem slow, this is a deliberate action, to ensure there is repetition and reinforcement of key concepts. The content is what is important. If your child does have a high online maturity, use this time together to discuss what they know. Use the opportunity to improve your communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives. By starting the conversations now, you are creating a better relationship moving forward. If there is only one change we can make with our future surfers, it must be to – Think. Before you click! Codey Crawler and the Social Kids team will sleep well at night and you as a parent or guardian can rest easy that you are talking to your children about what they do online. We will have a safer, wiser, and kinder internet in the future. Join us – Make the time or use our supervised classes – Just don’t do nothing!
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, unveils a list of 11 foods scientifically proven to enhance metabolic rates, ensuring a natural, nutritious boost to energy and overall vitality. Did you know that nature has superfoods that do more than feed us; they kick our metabolism into high gear? These foods don’t just fill our stomachs; they turn what we eat into energy faster and more efficiently. By adding them to our diet, we’re not just eating – we’re fuelling our bodies in the best way possible. Understanding Metabolism Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes that occur within our body to keep us alive. These processes require energy; the minimum necessary amount of energy is known as the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Factors like age, muscle mass, and genetics play a role in determining one’s BMR. However, certain foods can stimulate the metabolic rate, leading to better energy production and utilisation. The 11 Foods to Incorporate for a Metabolic Boost Green Tea: Rich in catechins, green tea can elevate metabolic rate and enhance fat oxidation. Plus, it offers a plethora of antioxidants. Chili Peppers: Capsaicin, a compound in chilli peppers, has metabolism-boosting properties and may promote fat loss. Whole Grains: Foods like oats and quinoa can increase calorie burning as they require extra effort to break down compared to processed foods. Coffee: The caffeine in coffee can jump-start your metabolism and improve fat-burning, all while providing antioxidants. Eggs: Eggs are a protein-packed option, and digesting protein increases calorie burning by 15-30% compared to fats or carbs. Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas can enhance calorie burning due to their high protein and fibre content. Coconut Oil: The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase the metabolic rate more than longer-chain fats. Seaweed: Rich in iodine, seaweed supports thyroid function, ensuring optimal metabolic health. Dark Chocolate: Theobromine in dark chocolate has been shown to stimulate fat burning and increase metabolic rate. Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and others contain metabolism-supporting nutrients and antioxidants. Greek Yoghurt: An excellent protein source, Greek yoghurt can increase calorie burn and aid muscle repair and growth. While these 11 foods mentioned are great for kickstarting your metabolism, it’s essential to remember that no single food is a magic bullet. Regular physical activity, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet, supplemented with these metabolism boosters, will yield the best results. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A luxurious pigmentation-inhibiting powerhouse offering superior skin barrier support Since its creation, Luminesce by Lamelle has been leading the way in multi-pathway melanogenesis inhibition. In short, it’s our most advanced hyperpigmentation program and now boasts a bright new star – Lamelle Luminesce Rich (R1150). Luminesce Rich is a luxuriously textured pigmentation-inhibiting powerhouse that supports skin barrier function, making it ideal for anyone with a drier skin type wanting to enjoy a more even, radiant-looking complexion and manage pigment irregularities in their skin. A bright new world of benefits Luminesce Rich is so much more than just an “extra moisturising” version of our bestselling Brighter Day – although you’ll appreciate how our indulgent new emollients impart a plush, cushion-like effect. However, unlike Luminesce Brighter Day, Luminesce Rich contains our patented skin barrier repair superhero, Ceramide-P. From the very first application, it gets to work creating a multi-layered lipid structure that mimics healthy human skin to repair your skin’s barrier function while soothing and sealing to ensure your newfound hydration stays put. Luminesce Rich also contains no less than 7 highly effective melanogenesis inhibitors. These include cutting-edge anti-inflammatory amino acids, proven plant extracts, brightening vitamins and innovative Growth Factor-derived brightening peptides, super soothing dexpanthenol and novel genetic modulators. (Don’t worry, we’re not changing your DNA, we’re just activating lazy genes responsible for pigmentation overproduction!) Meet our new A-Team Luminesce Rich still benefits from our hardworking peptide complex that hinders the multiple pathways that lead to an excess of melanin production – but now it’s supported by NEW Nonapeptide-1. Aside from inhibiting the production of melanin, Nonapeptide-1 has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect (and we all know inflammation can trigger hyperpigmentation) and even stimulates the production of your skin’s natural hydrating factors. Luminesce Rich also includes an extremely effective and rapidly-acting amino acid, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine. It acts as a Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) antagonist, meaning that it hinders the formation of pigmentation by preventing MSH from binding to a particular receptor and kicking off a chain of events that lead to an overproduction of melanin. As Lamelle Rich doesn’t contain a retinoid, it can be used twice a day and in combination with any of our correctives serums. As Ceramide-P is a highly effective delivery system, it will improve the absorption and efficacy of any serum. Here’s to a brighter future with Luminesce Rich If you’re wanting unparalleled pigmentation inhibition to create a more luminous-looking complexion AND enhance your skin’s barrier system, NEW Lamelle Luminesce Rich is your ultimate powerhouse. To learn more about Lamelle Luminesce Rich, visit https://lamelle.co.za/luminesce-rich. www.lamelle.co.za
Your baby is nearing six months and the excitement starts to mount as you prepare to introduce solid foods for the first time. As your baby grows, the ability of breastmilk alone to meet the increasing nutritional needs starts to become limited as it is too low in energy, protein, and minerals like iron and zinc. A variety of nutritionally balanced foods are needed to fill this nutritional gap. With all the do’s and don’ts out there, the great news is that avocados are a nutritionally unique food with suitable consistency and texture to feature as a first food in a baby’s diet. First Food Traditional first foods include cereals, soft porridge (e.g., rice porridge or maize porridge) and pureed vegetables like pumpkin. While these are great options, there are many other foods to add to your baby’s diet from early on. Easy to puree into a consistent texture, avocados work very well as one of the first foods. Compared to traditional first foods, avocados are nutritionally unique, containing healthy monounsaturated fats and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibre. Avocados Pack a Nutrient Punch Good first foods should meet the high nutritional needs of a baby, such as energy, fatty acids, and key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, the B vitamins, iodine, iron and zinc. Avocados are high in energy, high in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, naturally free from cholesterol and sodium and are a source of fibre – all key nutrient factors in a healthy and balanced diet for a baby. Avocados are also high in vitamin K (necessary for healthy bones), copper (needed for immune function), and biotin (for skin and hair health), and contain amongst the highest levels of a group of antioxidants called carotenoids (namely lutein and zeaxanthin) of any fruit. Avocados Offer Variety It is good practice from early on to offer your baby a variety of flavours and textures. Now while it is important to start with pureed options as your baby first experiences the change in texture from liquid milk, it is easy to get stuck on pureed butternut and mashed banana. The ability to handle lumpier foods is important long term for your baby’s oral development for speech. Avocados offer a variety of texture options from super smooth to slightly lumpy and this can be easily altered depending on how much you mash the fruit. It’s Play Time A baby’s eating experience is about more than just taste: other senses like sight, feeling and smell are equally important. Allowing babies to play with food is key for motor development. Experiment by adding some avocado slices to the tray of the feeding chair or scooping pureed avo into your little one’s hands. This will encourage your baby to start moving the hand to the mouth to learn the important skill of self-feeding, and in a safe and secure manner. As your baby gets older and masters the pincer grasp, small avocado cubes are a great way to practise this newfound skill. Allergen Awareness Many caregivers make the mistake of not offering babies potential allergenic foods. In fact, introducing potential allergen foods from 6 months may even reduce the risk of allergies, according to research. Introduce potential allergens, like wheat, eggs, and nuts, one at a time, monitoring for 2 – 3 days for signs of a reaction. The great news is that avocado is not a high-risk food when it comes to allergies and can be safely and quickly introduced into your baby’s diet. Remember, it’s important to always offer your baby age-appropriate purees and soft foods, which will differ from young babies just starting out with solids to older babies with more practice in their newfound eating skills. BABY FOOD AVO & PUMPKIN PUREE Butternut or sweet potato can be substituted for the pumpkin. Avocado makes a healthy first food, packed with monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients. Number of servings: 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 mins Total time: 15 minutes Ingredients: ¼ small wedge pumpkin, peeled and cut into cubes ¼ ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced 1 tablespoon apple puree, homemade or readymade (optional) Method: Cook pumpkin in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes until very tender. Drain and cool completely. Mash the pumpkin and avocado in a bowl until smooth. Add apple sauce to taste. Serve baby 1 to 2 tablespoons mixture. Extra puree can be stored covered in the fridge, serve at room temperature. (do not heat in the microwave as the avocado will turn bitter) BABY FOOD AVO CHOCOLATE PUDDING Number of servings: 2Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 0 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Ingredients: ¼ ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced ½ banana 2 dates, pitted, and soaked in boiling water ½ teaspoon cocoa powder ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Method: Drain the dates, and chop. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to a smooth puree. Serve. References Fewtrell M et al. Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2017;64: 119–132. Ierodiakonou D, Garcia-Larsen V, Logan A, et al. Timing of allergenic food introduction to the infant diet and risk of allergenic or autoimmune disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;316:1181–92. Comerford KB et al. The Role of Avocados in Complementary and Transitional Feeding. Nutrients 2016, 8, 316; doi:10.3390/nu8050316.
Air fryer cooking has taken South Africa by storm. What started out as a niche cooking method has now become one of the most popular and talked-about ways of preparing food. In fact, in July this year, Cape Talk Radio reported that air fryers have become so popular in South Africa, that it’s affected the cooking oil industry! But what is it about the air fryer that has South Africa buzzing? Well, the benefits of using an air fryer are seemingly endless… It all started during the Covid-19 pandemic, when millions of people around the world (many of whom don’t traditionally cook!) were forced to stay at home and prepare their own food. The air fryer offered a quick, easy and affordable method to prepare fries, chicken, veggies, pizzas and just about any other food. Air fryer cooking is: Healthy Deep-fried food may be delicious, but it is incredibly unhealthy – the consumption of too much fat and oil is a leading cause of high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around a food item to create the same crispiness as in traditional fried foods. This means you can enjoy your favourite foods and flavours without the oil. Quick Air fryers cook food a lot faster than other appliances, saving you time. They are particularly handy when you’re cooking for a family or when you’re rushing to finish the food before loadshedding kicks in. Affordable Because air fryers cook food in less time, you’ll use less electricity, saving you money. Tasty Air fryer food is tasty, and affords you the opportunity to enjoy all your favourite meals, but prepared in a much healthier way. Safe Air fryer cooking is safe, and it eliminates the dangers of cooking with hot oil. International herb and spice manufacturer, Cape Foods, has launched an innovative new range of spices designed specifically for use with an air fryer. The I Love Air Fryer Seasonings range offers customers easy, ready-to-use seasonings for every dish imaginable, and allows you to take your air fryer cooking to the next level. The range is MSG-free, gluten-free and non-irradiated, offering delicious seasoning without the addition of unhealthy ingredients. Cape Foods Air Fryer Spices are available in six delicious variants: Chicken BBQ Seasoning Cook the most delicious “faux fried” chicken with this tasty barbeque spice blend. Roast Veggies Seasoning The perfect addition to your roasted peppers, baby marrow, carrots, pumpkin and more. Spicy Wings Seasoning Bring the heat to your chicken wings with this deliciously spicy blend. Chips & Potato Seasoning The ultimate seasoning for those who love their fries and potato wedges! Oh Crumbs! Seasoning Coat your meat (think schnitzels, pork chops, mushrooms etc.) with a bit of oil and then coat generously with this delicious seasoning. Convenient, tasty and much less waste. Pizza Seasoning Enhance your pizza’s flavour with this delicious versatile seasoning. Cape Foods Air Fryer Spices (RSP: R35.00) are available from Spar, Pick ‘n Pay and Checkers in Gauteng. Learn more at: https://www.capefoods.co.za/ Follow Cape Foods on social media: Facebook: Cape Foods Instagram: @cape.foods
