Advice from the experts
Cosmetix

Makeup for teens

If you are a teen or have a teen, the chances are that they are ready to start experimenting with makeup. They are now at the age where they want to start taking care of their appearance & highlight certain features. It’s always so difficult deciding what is appropriate without being over the top. Here are some makeup ideas that will be suitable for a teen where simplicity is key: Focus on the complexion and skin health first. It is never too early to start or have a skin care regime. Make sure your teen is cleansing and moisturizing their skin. A nice gentle face wash and makeup remover should be used to remove all traces of makeup so that pores do not get clogged as clogged pores can cause blackheads and breakouts. Teach your kids from a young age about using an SPF. This is the best thing they can do for their skin. Teens are always going to the beach or hanging by the pool therefore an SPF will protect against the harmful UV rays which will cause pigmentation & premature wrinkles later in life.  Prep your skin. Using a primer will not only even out your skin and make for a smooth surface for your BB Cream or Foundation, but also act as a barrier between your skin and the BB Cream or Foundation and prevent your pores from becoming clogged. Try using the essence prime plus studio protecting +skin perfecting primer which contains an SPF of 20 for added benefit. Finding the perfect base. When it comes to foundation for teen skin, I find that it is not necessary and that a BB cream works just as well. If your teen is looking to cover acne, then rather spot conceal with a concealer and then use the BB Cream all over the face. The goal is to look as natural as possible. Try the CATRICE Clean ID BB Cream. If your teen has a pimple that is red, try covering it with green concealer first which helps to neutralize redness, then spot concealer with your normal concealer.  Try using the CATRICE Colour Correcting Concealer. When it comes to concealer, your concealer should always be a shade lighter than your natural skin tone so that it highlights the under eye. Apply the concealer in inverted triangles under the eye area and blend in well. Try the essence camouflage healthy glow concealer. For brows, you want to keep them full and natural just tamed and neat, so my suggestion is to use a tinted brow gel to comb them in place. Try using the essence make me brow. Choose a colour closest to your natural hair colour. When it comes to eyeshadow, shimmers are great because they are transparent, but earth-tone shadows can work well too. Try the essence brown palette. Apply 2 coats of mascara, using a mascara wand in between each coat to prevent clumping. Use the essence lash princess mascara which is a cult favourite amongst makeup artists. A touch of blush. For blush colour choose a colour you get when you pinch your cheeks. That will be the correct shade for you. essence has a variety of blushes to choose from. A favourite of mine is the essence matt blush.  Sheer lipstick or lip gloss, and that is really it. Try any of the essence ultra last lipsticks or shine shine shine lip-glosses. These will work perfectly to finish off the look.  Your teen will want to experiment with makeup as part of growing up. Help by suggesting the right product and age-appropriate makeup tips. Mothers have a great responsibility here to teach their daughters about makeup. Mothers and teens may even want to go in together for a makeup lesson.

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Gestational Diabetes: Reasons, risks and recovery

Kathy Malherbe speaks to the clinical team at Bonitas Medical Fund to get some insights on Gestational Diabetes (GDM) and tells the story of mother-of-two, Theresa’s (36) experience with Gestational Diabetes. Diabetes is a condition whereby your body is unable, in varying degrees, to produce or respond to the hormone insulin. This causes abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is commonly divided into four types: Type 1, Type 2 (often lifestyle related,) Gestational Diabetes and Diabetes Mellitus. Normally when you eat, your blood sugar rises. The pancreas, a gland deep in your abdomen, releases a hormone called insulin. It helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy and storage. In a non-diabetic person, the blood sugar will go back down to normal after eating.   What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestation comes from theLatin gestare, which means ‘to bear’ or ‘give birth to’. Medically speaking it is the period between conception and birth. There are two types of Gestational Diabetes. Women with class A1 can manage it through diet and exercise. Those who have class A2 need to take insulin or other medications. Gestational Diabetes usually goes away after you give birth. But it can affect your baby’s health, and it raises your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes later in life Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Gestational Diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin but by other hormones produced during pregnancy that can make insulin less effective, a condition referred to as insulin resistance. Gestational Diabetic symptoms disappear following delivery. Why does it develop? During pregnancy, your placenta makes hormones that cause glucose to build up in your blood   and produces a hormone called the Human Placental Lactogen (HPL). HPL breaks down fats from the mother to fuel the growth of the baby. Usually, your pancreas can send out enough insulin to handle it. But if your body can’t make enough insulin or stops using insulin as it should, your blood sugar levels rise and you get Gestational Diabetes. It can lead to insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance in the mother.  Who is at risk? About 10% of pregnancies result in Gestational Diabetes. The causes are not known but the risk factors include:  Age-older women  High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease Obesity Not exercising   Immediate family history of diabetes History of Gestational Diabetes in a previous pregnancy Have had a miscarriage or a stillborn baby Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome It is important to note that there is no definitive way to prevent Gestational Diabetes. Even mothers who have had Gestational Diabetes in a previous pregnancy may not get it with a later pregnancy. Warning Signs of Gestational Diabetes Sugar in the urine Unusual thirst Frequent urination Fatigue Nausea Blurred vision Vaginal, bladder and skin infections. When and how is it detected? In most cases, Gestational Diabetes develops in the second or third trimester (from week 14 to the birth) and disappears after the baby is born. A screening or finger prick blood test can be done at a clinic or pharmacy to give you a snapshot of your blood sugar levels. However, a formal diagnosis requires a blood test and sometimes this will need to be repeated. Gestational Diabetes is detected by using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or a random blood glucose test.  The OGTT test is done by a nurse or doctor taking a blood sample from your vein to test the blood sugar levels.  Then you will drink a glass of water mixed with glucose. An hour later you will have another blood test. Your blood glucose level should rise after you finish the sugary drink, then go back to normal, as insulin moves glucose into your cells. If it takes too long to go back to normal you could have diabetes. What the test shows The blood glucose is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Two hours after you finish the glucose drink, this is what your results mean: Below 140 mg/d: Normal blood sugar  (7.8mmol) Between 140 and 199: impaired glucose tolerance or prediabetes (11mmol) 200 or higher: diabetes (11.1mmol) The random glucose blood test is carried out a couple of times to see if your glucose varies widely.  If initially you are not diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, the test may be repeated at around 24-28 weeks.  What are the dangers? In many cases it can be controlled with a healthy diet and exercise but at least one in ten women will need their blood glucose levels controlled with medication. If your diabetes is not picked up during pregnancy it can cause risks at birth. The most prevalent is shoulder dystocia which is when the baby’s head gets stuck during the birth.  This can cause:  Fractures to the collarbone and arm Damage to the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves go from the spinal cord in the neck down the arm Lack of oxygen to the body (also called asphyxia). In the most severe cases, this can cause brain injury or even death  It can also lead to babies being large for their gestational age which can result in birth complications How can you help yourself? By adhering to an eating programme that is healthy for you and for your baby including:  Eat protein with every meal Include daily fruits and vegetables in your diet Limit or avoid processed foods Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. Just remember to speak to your doctor before starting any new exercises  Don’t skip meals. To regulate your blood sugar levels, aim to eat a healthy snack or meal every 3 hours or so. Eating nutrient-dense foods regularly can help keep you satiated and stabilise blood sugar levels. Take your prenatal vitamins, including any probiotics, if they’re recommended by your doctor. Being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes can be extremely stressful and dangerous to both mother and baby.  It is imperative to have your blood glucose monitored during pregnancy. However, if you are tested regularly, stick to a healthy eating programme and exercise regularly,

Parenting Hub

Kid approved Mother’s Day recipes -easy and delicious

When kids (and Dads) want to spoil Mom on Mother’s Day, they want to know she’s going to love what they’re making and knowing that they won’t even have to break a sweat it’s going to be sooo easy is just an extra bonus!  Mushroom & Cheese Soufflé Toasts  Makes 4 toasts 15ml oil 150g button or portabellini mushrooms, sliced 3 spring onions, sliced 30ml butter 25ml cake flour 80ml milk, hot 5ml Dijon mustard 50g cheddar cheese, grated salt and milled black pepper 2 eggs, separated 4 slices white bread, lightly toasted 5ml parsley, chopped Preheat the oven to 220°C.  Heat the oil in a pan and fry the mushrooms for 4 – 5 minutes.  Add the spring onions and cook for another minute. Set aside and reserve one third for garnish.  Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, mixing well.  Add the hot milk and stirring continuously, keep stirring, for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard and cheese.  Allow to cool slightly and stir in the egg yolks and reserved mushroom mixture. Season well with salt and pepper.  In a spotlessly clean bowl, whisk the egg whites, using an electric whisk, until soft peaks form.  Carefully fold the egg whites into the mushroom mixture.  Arrange the toast slices onto a baking sheet and spoon the mixture onto the toasts. Bake for 5 – 6 minutes or until golden and puffy. Serve at once topped with the reserved mushrooms and some parsley. Boerewors Stuffed Mushrooms Serves 4-6 as a snack  Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy Ingredients 2tbsp coconut oil 250g boerewors, removed from casings 12 Portabellini mushrooms, cleaned, stalks removed and reserved 1 red chilli, finely chopped 150g full-fat cream cheese ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley Method Heat oven to 200°C.  In the meantime, heat coconut oil in a pan and brown the wors mince, stirring often, about 7 minutes.  Finely chop the mushroom stalks and add to the pan with the chilli. Cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in the cream cheese and parsley and taste for seasoning. Pack into the 12 mushroom caps, place into oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until browned and bubbling. Mushroom and Bacon Salsa Stuffed Avocado Serves 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Ingredients 100g streaky bacon, cut into cubes ½ red pepper, diced 150g fresh button mushrooms, sliced 1 fresh tomato, diced 2 spring onions, sliced small handful fresh coriander, chopped 1 large ripe avocado, halved  Method Fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.  In the bacon fat, cook the red pepper and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes. Combine mushroom mixture with the bacon, fresh tomato, spring onion and coriander. Spoon into the avo halves and serve with lime wedges.  Mushroom, broccolini & cracked baby potato tray bake with garlic butter A scrumptious, crowd-pleasing side dish for your next braai. Ingredients: (serves 6) 700g-1kg baby potatoes 125 g butter, melted 30 ml olive oil 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped/grated rind of a small lemon, finely grated a generous handful fresh parsley, finely chopped (save half for garnish) salt & pepper at least 250 g portabellini mushrooms 200-300 g broccolini spears olive oil, for drizzling Method: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender. Drain and set aside. Make the garlic butter drizzle: mix the butter, oil, garlic, lemon rind, parsley in a medium jug/bowl, and season with salt & pepper. Set aside. Arrange the potatoes in a large oven tray, then use the back of a spoon to gently crack them. Add the mushrooms & broccolini, then drizzle with the butter mixture and season with salt & pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 220 C for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. Scatter with parsley and serve at once. Mushroom, halloumi & yellow pepper skewers with mint salsa verde Turn everyday veggie skewers into a feast with salty halloumi and a zesty green herb sauce. Ingredients: (serves 4) 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil 1 punnet (20 g) fresh mint leaves (save a few leaves for garnish) 1 punnet (20 g) fresh parsley 1 clove garlic, finely grated grated rind & juice of a lemon salt & pepper 250 g portabellini mushrooms, whole or halved about 250 g halloumi cheese, cubed 2 medium yellow peppers, sliced into squares Method: For the salsa verde: put the olive oil, mint, parsley, garlic, lemon rind & juice and some salt & pepper into a small blender. Blend to a smooth pulp. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For the skewers: assemble the skewers by arranging chunks of mushrooms, halloumi & yellow pepper together. Braai over hot coals or bake in a very hot oven at 220 C for about 10 minutes until golden. Drizzle with salsa verde en serve at once.

Tilda Timmers

THIS IS POSTPARTUM: A message for Maternal Mental Health Week

Have you just had a baby and feel ashamed that you’re not feeling as blissful as you thought you would be? Do you feel afraid and alone? Do you feel like no one understands you, or that people think you’re not a good mother?  Do you cry with pain during breastfeeding but grit your teeth because of your mother-in-law’s comments? Do you scroll through endless Happy Mummy Instagram accounts, wondering what the hell is wrong with you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please know you’re not alone. Whether or not your symptoms fit a specific diagnosis, the bottom line is this: You don’t feel your best right now, and you want to feel better. Being a mum is hard. For every woman. Even the ones who look like they’ve got it totally sorted. (Especially those ones?) After giving birth to my oldest daughter, Livia, I was as far from that image of a proud, radiant new mum on cloud nine as it is possible to be. I felt like my throat was being squeezed and I couldn’t get any air—like I was slowly drowning. It was as if someone had thrown a huge, dark blanket over me. When I looked at my baby, I was both madly in love with her and filled with terror. What if something happens to her? The anxiety was oppressive and I became more insecure every day. I didn’t know what to do about how I felt and, bit by bit, I lost myself. Eventually I was diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD). Wanting to be the perfect mother had paralysed me. What makes PPD worse is that it’s so hard to talk about. But speaking out is vital. That’s why I’m advocating for Maternal Mental Health Week in May to be a globally recognised day for talking about the challenges new parents face when their baby is born. Causes of PPD The risk of a woman suffering from depression triples in the first month after delivery, compared with childless women of the same age. Fluctuating hormones make mothers more vulnerable to depression, but difficult psychosocial conditions also increase susceptibility. Such conditions might be one of the following: You have a bad relationship with your parents. You have lost your mother or a key figure in your life. Your parents or close family live far away. You want to keep everything under control. You have very high expectations of yourself and of life in general. You have an argument with people in your social circle. You have problems at work. You have financial difficulties or debts. You are in a toxic relationship and/or have experienced domestic violence. You have had mental health issues in the past. Signs of postpartum depression (if these symptoms last longer than 2 to 4 weeks, ask for help immediately) You’re irritable. You can barely concentrate. You feel dejected. You sleep badly, even when your baby is asleep. You eat a lot or very little. You think about suicide or death. You have difficulty concentrating and making decisions. You lose interest in the world around you and no longer enjoy the things that used to give you pleasure. You feel that everything takes a lot of effort; you don’t want to be asked for anything. You feel that you’re outside of life. You have negative thoughts and feelings about motherhood. You cry a lot and often during the day. You’re unreasonable and unkind to people in your immediate environment (family, friends, colleagues, etc.). You feel incredibly insecure and you put an enormous amount of pressure on yourself. You experience intrusive thoughts. For example: You vividly visualise throwing your baby down the stairs or choking your child. It’s important to know that many women can also suffer from prenatal depression during their pregnancy. It’s thought that lack of social support and presence of marital discord may increase the likelihood of this type of depression. Sadly, this is currently a neglected topic, with little research from which to draw guidelines and recommendations. Much more work needs to be done in this area. However, many of the recommendations given to women with postpartum depression are also relevant if you’re suffering from depression before you’ve had your baby. Seek help as soon as possible. Talking to someone is a brave and important step. Choose someone you feel comfortable with and tell them what’s bothering you, what you’re up against, and what you’re really embarrassed or ashamed about. Choose someone who can listen well without judgement; someone who accepts you exactly as you are. First choice might be your partner, if you have one, but if you find that too difficult, choose a good friend, your sister, your mother, or that dear neighbour who always gives you good advice. Here are some conversation openers you could use: I don’t need you to say anything, I just need you to listen to me until I’m finished talking. I haven’t been feeling well lately and I think I need professional help. I have a problem that’s been really bothering me, and I’d like to talk to you about it. Ever since I gave birth, I worry all the time and I don’t know how to stop. Maybe the other person will reach out and grab your hand or give you a hug. If you can, try and accept these warm and loving gestures. You deserve it so much. If you’re reading this, please speak up. Please share your story at home, with loved ones, friends, and the new moms you meet. Maternal Mental Health Week is from May 3-9 and World Maternal Mental Health Day is May 5. Join us in campaigning for this day to be a globally recognised day dedicated to talking about the challenges new parents face when their baby is born. You’re invited to get real about motherhood by sharing photos and posts on social media that show the real face of motherhood. Hashtag  #maternalMHmatters #MMHWeek2021 and #MakingOverMotherhood to draw

Parenting Hub

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFASTS THAT TASTE LIKE A HUG THANKS TO SASKO

If there was ever a year to celebrate your mom or the mother figure in your life it would be 2021, so spoil her with a breakfast that not only tastes amazing but is nutritious too with SASKO’s range of LOW GI Added Care breads. Encourage her to put her feet up or lie-in on the morning and thank the most wonderful mom for wearing multiple hats throughout the last 12 months as she’s been home-schooling, working and running a tight ship in the household – all at the same time. It’s exhausting just thinking about it but mom does it with a smile. SASKO has developed a range of recipes that are perfect for health enthusiasts as the LOW GI Added Care range is packed with vitamins, minerals and high in fibre, and is also available in five delicious flavours. Whether mom prefers Seeded Whole Wheat Brown Bread, Whole Wheat Brown Bread, Oats and Honey-flavoured White Bread, Multi-seed Cranberry Brown Bread or the Soy & Linseed Bread, there’s something for everyone. The options really take your breakfast or other meals up a notch in flavour and health. Just like mom prioritises your wellbeing throughout the year, it’s an opportunity to return the favour on Mother’s Day.  Bon Appetit, Moms! Honey and  Oats French Toast Muffins Ingredients 6 large eggs 2 cups milk 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 1⁄2 tablespoons sugar 14 cups cubed SASKO Low GI Honey & Oats White Bread Golden syrup for serving Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a mun tin with butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar & vanilla extract. Add cubed bread to the mixture and fold until combined and all of the liquid isa bsorbed. Divide the bread mixture into mun tins, pressing it lightly into each cup to compact it. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, scoop out and serve topped with golden syrup. Seeded Bread Omelettes Ingredients 1⁄2 cup of crumbed SASKO Low GI Seeded Brown Bread 3 eggs Ready-made white sauce Pinch of cayenne Pinch of salt & pepper Method Pour hot white sauce over the breadcrumbs, mixing and mashing them well. Separate the egg yolk and white, whisking the whites until stiff. Whisk yolk of eggs, cayenne, salt and pepper until thick and stir into the white sauce and bread-crumbs mixture. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut and fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites to the mixture. In a hot, oiled medium frying pan turn in omelette and cook lightly. Set the pan in the oven to dry on the top of the omelette. Remove pan from oven and serve. Linseed and  Soy, Chicken and egg quiche Ingredients 1 kg cooked chicken 6 large eggs 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground mustard 6 slices, cut into cubes of SASKO Low GI Linseed White Bread 1 cup grated cheese Method In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and mustard together. Stir in the bread cubes, cheese and cooked chicken. Pour into a greased baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 180°C for 40 min or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

Parenting Hub

Last minute gift ideas for Mother’s Day

Moms are the real superheroes of this world, always putting their family’s needs before their own. Mother’s Day offers us the chance to spoil her, give her some time off and to show our appreciation. Still looking for the perfect gift for Mom? Why not treat her to some pamper products she can enjoy at home – after all, who doesn’t love an at-home spa session?! An all-natural skin regime Mom deserves the best, so why not spoil her with a great quality skincare regime? Clean beauty is all the rage and plant-based skincare products have taken the industry by storm. ZERO is the latest brand to do so – offering fantastic natural ingredients in vegan formulations that hydrate, nourish and protect the skin without the presence of artificial preservatives or chemicals. ZERO Face Wash (R299.00) is a gentle gel cleanser that can be used twice a day to remove makeup, dirt and impurities. ZERO Day Cream (R399.00) and Night Cream (R399.00) deeply nourish and moisturise the skin. Filled with shea butter, coconut oil and green tea extract, these moisturisers leave skin looking and feeling refreshed. If you want to treat her to the full range, why not include the ZERO Eye Cream (R299.00) and Scrub (R299.00) in her gift? The eye cream has a rich formulation that intensely nourishes the delicate eye area, while the scrub gently yet effectively helps to eliminate dry and dead skin cells without harming the skin.  At-home mani Whether Mom loves a bright or colourful mani, or prefers to keep her nails nude, she’s bound to love home manicure products. If she’s a no-fuss kind of person, then Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails (from R162.00) are just for her. These ready-to-wear nails offer an instant gel manicure and can either be applied with glue or adhesive tabs (both are included). They last for up to seven days, and are available in a variety of colours and designs. If Mom loves shaping, filing, painting or buffing her own nails, you might want to treat her to some home care items.  Kiss Freesia Cuticle Oil (R132.99) and Kiss No More Cuticles Cuticle Remover(R122.49) will ensure soft and neat cuticles, while Kiss Diamond Strengthener (R132.99) and Glass Shine Top Coat (R132.99) will ensure strong, healthy nails and long-lasting nail colour.  Pretty By Flormar Nail Enamels (R32.95) offer long-lasting colour and quick drying formulations in a variety of shades. They’re really affordable too, making it possible to spoil Mom with more than one shade. If Mom (like everyone else right now!) is battling with dry hands, the ZERO Hand & Nail Cream (R299.00) makes a great gift option and rounds off your manicure set. Pampering hair care Pampering hair care products are always a good idea! And top of the list would be a luxurious hair mask. If Mom’s hair has recently taken a bit of a beating, we recommend Marc Anthony’s 12 Second Miracle Treatment (R194.99). It contains apple stem cells, biotin and grape seed oil to revive dull, damaged, slow-growing hair and even helps protect against heat and breakage.  OGX Coconut Miracle Penetrating Oil (R219.95) revives not just your hair, but also your senses. This rich oil helps to calm frizz and tame flyaways, leaving hair silky soft and shiny, all while offering a gorgeous coconut scent.  To restore lost moisture, we recommend Hask Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (R74.95). It goes to work on dry and damaged hair to restore lost moisture and prevent breakage. This intense conditioner also nourishes hair and keeps it looking healthy and shiny. To restore damaged hair, try Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque (R54.95). Designed for curly, coily and wavy hair, this intense treatment is formulated without harsh ingredients to repair, restore and strengthen. If Mom has curly hair, she’ll love the Mango & Marula range of products by The Perfect Hair. The Mango & Marula Deep Conditioner (R89.99) is enriched with mango butter, castor oil, and marula oil to give your hair an intense moisture boost, leaving it wonderfully soft.  A good quality detangling hairbrush makes a great gift – especially for Moms with longer hair. The classic Wet Brush Detangler in Black (R170.00) is made with patented IntelliFlex bristles that work through hair easily and effortlessly without breakage or pain. Beautiful makeup As life slowly starts getting back to normal, and we find ourselves out and about again, we have the perfect excuse to spoil Mom with some new makeup. To help her achieve all her eye makeup goals, we recommend wet n wild’s Colour Icon 10 Pan Eye Shadow Palettes (R139.95). Each palette contains sultry, glimmering as well as subtle shades, allowing Mom to get creative. wet n wild is renowned for their Megalast lip products – if Mom likes her lipsticks, she’ll adore the wet n wild Megalast Matte and High Shine Lipsticks (R99.95). They offer fantastic colour payoff and longevity.   If you’re looking for makeup that’s as pretty in its packaging as it is on your skin, we recommend spoiling her with Pretty By Flormar’s Baked Bronzer (R139.95), Baked Blush (R164.95) or Baked Highlighter(R149.95). Produced via special baking technology, these products add a beautiful luminous glow to the skin and are richly pigmented. A great quality blush brush like the Real Techniques Blush Brush (R246.99) is the perfect companion to a pretty blusher.

Parenting Hub

Why We Love Eggs When Weaning

The first bath. The first sleepover at granny. The first giggle. And now, the first taste of food as you wean your baby onto solid foods. Too low in energy, protein and minerals like iron and zinc, the ability of breastmilk alone to meet the increasing nutritional needs of a growing baby starts to become limited. The World Health Organisation1, supported by the South African Department of Health2, encourages that babies start solid food from six months. This is an optimal time when your baby’s gut and kidneys are physiologically mature enough to handle this newfound solid food. Starting solids can be very confusing for parents with questions like what to eat, how much and when?  With all this concern, the good news is there is one less food to worry about – eggs. Nutritious, delicious, affordable, and highly versatile, the simple egg is an easy and suitable option to introduce to your baby from early on in your weaning journey. Allergy Awareness Many parents understandably worry about introducing potentially allergenic foods like eggs to their baby’s diet. The truth is that the risk of food allergies is far less common than believed – a mere 3 in 100 children, according to local data.3 Despite this, many parents choose to delay the introduction of food allergens. The opposite is recommended though. Baby experts now suggest that parents introduce potential allergenic foods as soon as weaning is started. Supporting this is the fact that the early introduction of eggs to a baby’s diet is associated with reduced egg allergy risk, according to research.4,5,6 Brain Boost Findings from a South American study7 suggests that eating eggs early in childhood could contribute to healthy brain development and function. Researchers think that this is because of choline, an important nutrient for optimal brain and nervous system function. Did you know that just one egg contains all the choline that a weaning baby of six months needs? Eggs also package other key nutrients for brain health, like protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and biotin. Grow Baby, Grow There is a lot of research showing that egg-eating youngsters may have better growth and development.8 This is linked to diets low in choline possibly increasing stunting in young children. The early introduction of eggs, one of the best food sources of choline, can greatly improve a baby’s growth. Added to this, we know that eggs are high in good quality protein. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle, growth, and a healthy immune system for growing, busy little bodies.  Now while good growth is important, maintaining a healthy weight is just as key. Worrisome local statistics show that boys who are obese at 4 – 8 years are 20 times more likely to become obese teenagers and girls who are obese at 4 – 8 years are 42 times more likely.9 In a 2015 study, when children (aged 8 – 12 years) had eggs for breakfast, 32% reported feeling fuller and 14% felt less hungry, which is why eggs may help manage weight in older children.10 Whether plain or mixed with vegetables and cheese, well-cooked whole eggs are recommended for your baby’s diet. Omelettes, scrambled eggs or French toast, these easy egg recipes will be a great start to your child’s journey of healthy eating. 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. Like EGGcellentFood on Facebook and follow us on Instagram eggcellentfoodsa , for further information visit www.sapoultry.co.za SCRAMBLED EGG Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 3 – 4 minutes Ingredients: 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon (5g) butter Method: Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and whisk. Heat the butter in a small non-stick frying pan, cook the egg mixture over a low heat stirring until cooked. Do not use a high temperature or the egg will burn and stick to the pan.  Transfer to plate and allow to cool slightly before serving, always test the temperature of the food before giving to baby. BASIC OMELETTE Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 3 – 4 minutes Ingredients: 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon (5g) butter Optional – 50g white cheddar or a small portion of cooked, soft vegetables e.g., mushrooms, onion or spinach. Method: Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and whisk. Heat the butter in a small non-stick frying pan, cook the egg mixture over a low heat. Do not use a high temperature or the egg will burn and stick to the pan.   Using a spatula “pull” the egg mixture gently to the centre of the pan, do this until the egg is cooked and the omelette set, it will look like a thick pancake.  If adding cheese or vegetables, add now.  Fold the omelette over. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool slightly, cut into bite sized pieces before serving. Always test the temperature of the food before giving to baby. FRENCH TOAST WITH BLUEBERRIES Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 5 – 6 minutes Ingredients: 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk ½ teaspoon vanilla essence  Small pinch cinnamon 1 slice day old bread 1 tablespoon (15g) butter or oil Method: In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla essence. Heat the butter or oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Dip bread into egg mixture and coat both sides well. Put dipped bread into hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Serve warm with a spoonful of cream cheese or with sliced banana or blueberries. Tip: You can use up any leftover bread for this recipe. Try sliced French bread, fruit loaf or multigrain bread for something different. References 1.      World Health Organisation. Guiding principles on for complementary feeding of the breastfed child. 2001. Available from:https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guiding_principles_compfeeding_breastfed.pdf. Accessed 29 March 2021. 2.      Department of Health, South Africa. Infant and Young

Lamelle Research Laboratories

Trust Lamelle for Mother’s Day pampering with REAL results

Raising a little person is one of the most rewarding things anyone could do. But it’s also stressful, short on sleep and unrelenting. Also, any mom will be quick to tell you that kids always come first. When you’ve got a “to-do” list as long as your arm, a hot bubble bath or a day trip to a spa isn’t going to be a priority. Happily, you’re finally all grown up, Mother’s Day is fast approaching and it’s a great opportunity to show your mom just how much you appreciate her. Still, while a pamper session is always a welcome gift, why not spoil her with a treatment that makes a visible difference? To help you out, we’ve put together a little list of our favourite and most effective rejuvenating professional treatments to help your mom look and feel her best.  Get your glow on At Lamelle, we’re proud of our reputation as the peel pros. We offer several of them and top pick for more mature skin would include our Alpha Peel and Retistore Peels.  The Alpha Peel makes use of glycolic acid, a popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. As it’s a smaller sized molecule, it’ll penetrate more deeply into your mom’s skin. This means it might tingle for five minutes or so, but it isn’t going to be painful. Immediately afterwards, her skin might be a little flushed and sensitive but within minutes she’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous glow and a wonderfully smooth texture. Better yet, an Alpha Peel doesn’t’ involve any downtime. Your mom can get straight back to business as usual, albeit with post-treatment skincare instructions from her therapist.   As far as our Retistore Peels go, you’ll have two to pick from. The original Retistore Peel is less aggressive and suitable for those with darker skin concerned about pigmentation and dullness. Retistore Plus is twice as powerful and best for those with lighter skin that are more worried about lines, wrinkles and sagging. Whichever you choose, both retinol-based peels will serve up full epidermal restructuring with minimal social downtime.  After the application of a five-minute prep solution, your mom’s professional skin therapist will apply the restoration serum that’s to be left on after your mom leaves the salon – for 6 to 12 hours afterwards, depending on the condition of her skin. Don’t worry, neither solutions will tingle but your mom might notice a little sensitivity on the first day following the treatment. Days 2 to 5 might mean a little fine flaking and then, by day 7, she can expect to enjoy plumper, more radiant and very-hydrated looking skin.  Firm it up!  The big difference between younger skin and more mature skin is that the former has a lot more collagen. This is the protein that gives our skin its youthful-looking firmness. As our collagen supplies dwindle as the years march on it’s important to preserve what we’ve got (hello sunscreen!) and encourage what we have to proliferate. One of the best ways to do this is via collagen induction therapy (CIT). This is one of Lamelle’s most popular treatments. It involves using a skin needling device, to create multiple micro-injuries to the skin. (Don’t worry – we use a numbing cream so your mom won’t feel a thing!) This inspires a healing response from your skin and the result is a bloom of fresh, new collagen to replace the old, damaged tissue. The result, after a series of treatments, is an improvement in fines lines, texture and even scarring.  In short, if you’re looking to give your mom a pampering in-salon experience, but want her to enjoy real results – Lamelle has you covered, both for Mother’s Day – as well as forever!   www.lamelle.co.za @lamellersa

RediscoverDairy

Dairy and Children: A healthy Combination

Good nutrition affects children’s health and well-being throughout their development, from the time of conception right up to adolescence. Encouraging healthy eating and exercise patterns in childhood already sets the stage for habits that will endure throughout their life. The key to health Registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, Maretha Vermaak, says: “Eating well helps children develop lively minds and strong, active bodies, improving their ability to listen and concentrate.’  A healthy eating pattern includes a variety of foods across all the food groups.”  Consider these guidelines to give children the energy and nutrients they need: Offer plenty of vegetables and fruit every day and include beans and legumes in meals at least three times a week.  Make unrefined and minimally processed starchy foods part of most meals to ensure sustained energy. These include wholegrain bread, cereals or porridge and root vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes. Include milk, amasi or yoghurt in every day’s meals and use other dairy products such as cheese and flavoured milk to help children meet their calcium needs. Lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs or meat alternatives such as peanut butter or cheese can be eaten daily. Dairy: a source of essential nutrients for children Dairy products are an important part of a healthy balanced diet, helping to improve our overall nutrient status. Health authorities across the world recommend daily consumption of milk and dairy products during all life stages. Children and adolescents specifically are encouraged to have 3–4 servings of dairy every day. Milk and other dairy foods deliver a unique package of many nutrients important for children’s development. These include high-quality protein, minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iodine, and vitamins A, B12 and B2. Having dairy products also contributes to good physical and cognitive development, keeping healthy and establishing good eating habits for life. During childhood and adolescence, bones need high-quality protein and calcium to become strong. Dairy products such as milk, amasi, yoghurt and cheese are naturally rich in both these nutrients.  High-quality protein in milk and dairy foods contains many essential amino acids and bioactive ingredients, which help children grow and develop strong, healthy muscle tissue.  Dairy is for everyone There is a dairy product to suit everyone’s taste and dietary preferences. Here are some easy tips for making 3 servings of dairy part of your family’s daily diet: Have cereal with milk or flavoured milk at breakfast. Make a fruit smoothie using fresh fruit, yoghurt and milk. Cheese and yoghurt are convenient snack options. Have cold milk, flavoured milk or drinking yoghurt instead of cold drinks or energy drinks. Prepare sauces with milk or amasi or add them to soup. Stir smooth cottage cheese into soup or mashed potatoes. Spread cottage cheese on wholewheat bread or rolls.  Enjoy fresh fruit together with cubes of cheese.

Parenting Hub

Shaping your children’s attitude to money

Most parents will agree that teaching children about money is important, but what and how should you be teaching them and at what age? It’s an inherent part of parenting. Most children’s attitudes to money are shaped by their parents, whether you pro-actively pass on information or they just copy what you do. It’s also not something you can leave too late. A University of Cambridge Study, commissioned by the UK’s Money Advice Service, found that in that country children’s money habits are formed by the age of seven.  Shafeeqah Isaacs, head of financial education at financial services provider, DirectAxis, canvassed some of her colleagues with children of different ages about some age-appropriate lessons to help children become financially responsible adults. Age 3 – 5: You can’t always get what you want, right now We live in an era of instant gratification, from takeaway foods to online shopping. While your three-year old isn’t likely to be ordering Uber Eats during naptime, teaching children early that some things are worth waiting for may prevent them racking up credit-card debt on trendy clothes or the latest tech later in life. Set attainable goals. For example, if your child wants a particular toy explain they’ll have to save for it. Have a savings jar or piggy bank into which you can put birthday money or small rewards for helping out, good behaviour or achievements.  Try to set them up for success by making sure the goal is achievable and they don’t have to wait for months and lose sight of what they’re saving for. Each time your child adds money to the saving jar, help him or her count it and work out how much more is needed to reach the goal. Age 6 – 10: You’re responsible for the financial choices you make You can teach your children the basics of financial decision-making by explaining financial priorities. For example, you can tell them how when you get paid, you first need to pay bills such as the home loan or rent. Then you need to buy groceries. If you do this carefully and don’t spend money on things that are too expensive or which you don’t really need, you’ll have some left over. Some of this you can save and some might be used to do something fun together. Practical experience is the best way of driving these lessons home. When they earn pocket money for doing household chores, help them work out a budget. First, they’ll need to pay bills, such as contributing to a pet’s upkeep. Take them along when you buy the groceries. If they want something special get them to contribute to that as part of their grocery spend. Remind them not to spend all their money as they’ll need to save some. Hopefully, if they’ve not spent too much they’ll have a bit left over to treat themselves.  “The point is to give children a practical understanding of how to manage money using examples that are familiar. The more you can do this the better, as they’re far more likely to grasp this than abstract explanations,” says Shafeeqah. Ages 11 – 13: The sooner you start saving the sooner you’ll reach your goals At this stage you can introduce the idea of saving for long-term goals. Perhaps set a goal for something more expensive that he or she really wants. Often at this stage children are reluctant to save because they want to buy things such as snacks at school or more airtime. By setting a bigger goal you can teach them that the opportunity cost – what they need to give up – will enable them to save more and reach their goal faster. You can also teach them about compound interest: how by saving over a longer period, they benefit from the compounding effect because they earn interest on the money they’ve saved as well as the accumulated interest. For more information about compound interest visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/find-an-answer/what-is-compound-interest Of course, when saving larger amounts of money, it’s sensible and safer to replace the piggy bank or savings jar with a bank account. Some banks, such as FNB, offer no-fee transactional accounts for children. This will also teach them how to manage a bank account. Ages 14 – 18: Understand how to borrow sensibly As children grow up their earning potential increases. They may graduate from doing household chores to getting a casual job. Typically, their expenses also increase. They may want to buy a scooter or motorbike to get around or even save towards a car.  At some point they’ll probably ask to borrow money. When they do, set a goal in terms of what they’ll need to earn before you’ll match them or lend them the remainder. Work out a reasonable period for the loan and a repayment schedule and charge them moderate interest. Explain there’ll be penalties if they miss payments and that you’ll also be less likely to lend them money in future. While they may not immediately appreciate it, you’re teaching them the benefits of paying what they owe and also how to build a good credit record. As they get older you can use a similar approach to teach them the difference between good and bad credit, such as loans to fund tertiary studies or start a business as opposed to borrowing money to fund an unaffordable lifestyle.  As a parent, teaching children about money isn’t something you’ll ever stop doing. Perhaps the most important lesson of all is to remember that you are a role model. “If you’ve ever heard a child use a grown-up word or expression they didn’t learn in school, you know they suck up everything around them. The same applies to how they learn about money. Remember that and the influence you have not just in terms of what you teach them, but your own financial behaviour,” says Shafeeqah.

Parenting Hub

COVID19: health & cleaning tips for pre-schools and childcare centres

There has been a lot of debate around small children and the role they play in the spread of Covid-19. With earlier studies suggesting that children do not contribute much to the spread of coronavirus, new studies are now showing that children could be capable of spreading infection. According to the South African Paediatric Association, children without underlying conditions are less likely to get sick if infected by the virus or will show milder symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough compared to adults. “As the saying goes, rather be safe than sorry. While the debate goes on there are many parents who find themselves in a catch twenty-two situation, having to go back to the office or being an essential worker and having to make sure their young children are taken care of in a safe environment,” says Emma Corder, Managing Director of industrial cleaning products manufacturer Industroclean. So, what are the steps that need to be taken to make sure that the entire family stays safe during these times? Corder says regardless of the current debate about the effects that the virus can have on younger children, the issue of hygiene in childcare facilities has been topical long before the pandemic arrived on our shores. Anyone that is concerned about the health and safety and wellbeing of children, parents and staff members would agree that the most important step is to reduce the spread of germs and to clean throughout the day. For Parents: “Before making the decision to send your child to back to childcare facilities, talk to your paediatrician or family doctor. We can help you make the best choice based on your child’s medical and immunization history, your family circumstances, and by checking that your child’s growth and development is on track,” says Western Cape based paediatrician Dr Tamryn Phelps. She adds that making frequent hand washing a norm in your household is a must, as children learn by example. Next is connecting with the caregiver: you want to be comfortable with how the centre plans to clean and disinfect, screen children and staff for symptoms, and handle illness. For playschools: Creating a clean and hygienically safe play centre that hosts very young children with little understanding on following instructions and who spend more time on the floor, will require you to clean and disinfect open spaces: Develop your plan.  Implement your plan. Maintain and revise your plan. It is also key for teachers and caregivers to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing, when it comes to creating a clean and safe home and play centre. Cleaning involves the physical removal of dirt, germs and debris by scrubbing with soap or detergent and water. Disinfecting and sanitizing, on the other hand, involves the application of a recommended product cleaner that specifies that it kills 99.9% of germs. What are the correct or appropriate products to use in the workplace and around the home, and does this differ when you are cleaning a play centre area? “The overuse of bleach can also have side effects on children. Most bleach products remain on surfaces and may emit fumes if not used correctly, also bringing with it the risk of possibly causing respiratory illness. This means it is critical that you follow the precise instructions on how to dilute and use the chemicals,” explains Corder. It should also be taken into account that cleaning and sanitising will be done more frequently, so plan accordingly, and ensure staff including the kitchen staff undergo comprehensive training on the correct procedures to be followed. Remember these best cleaning practices: Prepare for cleaning and disinfecting. Correct PPE for cleaning. Use all chemicals correctly. Cleaning equipment must be clean. Do the Job. Clean from top to bottom. For normal cleaning use the spray and wipe method. Colour code all cleaning materials to prevent cross contamination. End of Task Dispose of dirty water and waste according to safe procedures. Wash and dry all equipment before storing it in a clean space. Dispose of all PPE wear before washing up. Play Areas: Identify detergents best suited for play area equipment. Consult manuals that came with the play area equipment for information on how to best care for it. Outdoor playground equipment should be pressure washed at least once quarterly, to get rid of grime that builds up, especially on equipment like swings and monkey bars. References: ·         https://paediatrician.co.za/position-statements

RediscoverDairy

Dairy hacks to get more goodness, for much less

Winter is approaching in this second year of the pandemic, and the ongoing threat of COVID infection combined with the advent of colds and flu season has us doubling down on the best ways to support immune function.   While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent COVID-19 infection, good nutrition plays a significant role in building a strong and healthy immune system. Wholesome dairy products play an important role in healthy diets, and this is why dairy is recommended by food-based dietary guidelines around the world. Evidence from ongoing research suggests that nutrient-rich dairy products can support a healthy immune system. These nutrients found in dairy, are important for optimal immune function:  High-quality protein  Vitamin A Zinc Selenium Vitamin B12 In addition, many fermented dairy products contain active bacterial cultures such as probiotics, which may support healthy gut microbiota. The gut microbiome plays an essential role in building and maintaining the immune system. In our efforts to prevent sickness in the family, it makes sense to ensure that dairy is part of our daily eating regime.  However, infrequent shopping trips due to COVID, as well as budget constraints may well be impacting on how much dairy is available in the home.  Rediscover Dairy has shared these hacks to help you easily get dairy in your family’s diet, at least three times a day, for less. Dairy budget hacks Across the many dairy options available, there are quality products across a wide range of price points.  If your budget has got tighter, check out the more affordable dairy ranges – you certainly don’t have to choose a luxury, or even mid-priced cheese to give your family a delicious cheesy meal or snack.   Shop the specials and buy cheaper bulk or ‘two for one’ options whenever you can:   Larger tubs of yoghurt often offer more value for money and can be decanted into smaller containers for a snack or lunchtime treat.  Although yoghurt has a long fridge life, if you do find you have surplus it freezes well and makes fantastic healthy frozen treats, such as iced lollies for kids. Big blocks of hard cheeses such as cheddar and gouda usually offer good value for money.  Grate it all before its use-by-date and freeze the surplus in smaller quantities for quick and easy use.   Butter is frequently on special, enabling you to buy extra units which you can freeze. Dairy storage hacks Food waste is a major drain on the household budget, so actively prevent dairy foods from going to waste in your house through meal planning and proper storage.   Fresh milk, fresh cream, sour cream, butter, maas, buttermilk, yoghurt and many cheeses can all be frozen so that they’re available for much longer than the use-by-dates: Fresh milk freezes well but should be defrosted in the fridge.  Cream, sour cream, maas and buttermilk can be frozen, but are best used for cooking once defrosted.  If you have reduced your shopping trips because of COVID, buy long-life dairy products that can be stored over the long term in the pantry.  There’s a range of long-life milks available, as well as long-life cream.   Glass jar cheese spreads can be kept in the pantry until they are opened, and then still have a long life in the fridge.  They are not only good for snacks and sandwiches but can be used in cheeses sauces and as toppings. Substitute longer life dairy products – for instance, fermented dairy products such as buttermilk, maas, yoghurt and kefir naturally have longer fridge shelf life than fresh dairy products due to the activity of the gut friendly bacteria.  They can all be great substitutes for fresh milk in many baking and bread recipes.  You can also easily find many delicious recipes where they are the featured wet ingredient. Store cheeses in a dry, airtight container in the fridge.  Add a paper towel to absorb any moisture.  If mould does develop on the outside of cheese, simply slice it off at a depth of 0.5 to 1cm. Give new life to the natural rinds of hard cheeses such as pecorino or parmesan by adding them to your winter soups while cooking.  They are completely edible, and as they simmer in the broth impart a delicious umami, cheesy flavour.  Do-it-yourself cottage cheese The whole family loves cottage cheese and it is incredibly easy to make at home, using only two ingredients! You will need: 2 litres full-cream milk 500 ml maas A muslin or cheese cloth Method: Mix together the milk and maas and cover. Let it stand in a warm place and allow to curdle. Do not stir. This process can take up to 24 hours, so be patient. Line a colander with the clean muslin cloth or cotton dishtowel and suspend it over a bowl.  Once your mixture has curdled, gently ladle the curds into the lined colander to strain the curds from the whey over the course of the next few hours. Gently stir the curds every so often to help it along. Scoop the cottage cheese into a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate. It is ready for use. You can add flavours of your own choice for savoury or sweet uses.   Homemade cottage cheese can be the star of a delicious and healthy breakfast or lunch.  For more delicious, dairy-inspired family treats visit https://www.rediscoverdairy.co.za/resources-and-tools-2/tasty-treats/

Parenting Hub

How to ditch your device and go on a digital detox

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many of us staying indoors for days, weeks, and even months on end. When we weren’t working online or joining an online class, we were binge-watching the latest series on Netflix, scrolling through social media, or playing online games. We have been spending most of our time staring at screens, but now might be a good time to take a break and consider a ‘digital detox’. Did you know? According to a study, South Africans spend an average of 8 hours and 25 minutes online each day. What is a digital detox?  You have probably heard of a ‘detox’ diet – a specific diet in which people cut out certain foods, supposedly to cleanse the body. A digital detox works in much the same way and requires you to take a break from technology to cleanse your mind. Going on a digital detox requires you to abstain from, or limit the use of, devices and platforms such as: Cellphones Laptops TVs Gaming consoles Social media  Benefits of a digital detox In our constantly connected world, embarking on a digital detox can have many benefits, including: Reducing stress Trying to keep up with a constant barrage of emails, text messages, and notifications can lead to increased stress. Taking a digital hiatus can help you relax a bit and reduce the constant pressure to be online and respond to others.  Increasing attention span The persistent beeping of notifications can not only make you more stressed but can also distract you from the tasks you have to complete. A study has found that more time spent using digital devices was linked to increased symptoms of ADHD (although symptoms of ADHD does not necessarily mean an ADHD diagnosis). A digital detox can help you focus on the task at hand and not distract you with unimportant notifications. Also read: Might my child have ADHD Connecting with family and friends Putting away devices can help you be more present and give your full attention to family and friends. Studies suggest that the overuse of smartphones in social contexts can decrease the quality and quantity of social interactions.  Even if you still need to resort to Skype or Zoom calls to connect with loved ones due to the coronavirus, you can make these moments count by focusing on one device or online platform at a time. If you are chatting with someone via video call on your laptop, don’t also scroll through Instagram on your phone at the same time. Focus on engaging with and really listening to the person with whom you are speaking.  Getting more sleep Evidence suggests that children who use digital devices at bedtime have worse sleep quality and quantity than children who do not use a digital device before bed. A digital detox can allow you to channel all the hours spent in front of a screen towards healthier habits such as unwinding at the end of the day by taking a bath, reading a book, and getting enough sleep. Also read: Why sleep is important for better academic results Avoiding the comparison game  Children, especially teenagers, who are becoming more aware and conscious of themselves and their peers are likely to start comparing themselves to the curated lives they see on social media. Comparison can ultimately lead to symptoms of poor mental health such as anxiety and depression. Taking a break from seeing the ‘picture-perfect’ lives of others can help you realise that social media is not always an accurate representation of people’s lives. Tips for embarking on a digital detox Now you know what some of the benefits of a digital detox are, you might be wondering how to start. Here are some tips on what to do when you are ready to ditch your digital devices (if only for a little while): Set realistic goals Make sure to set goals that are achievable. If you have to work online or attend online classes, going off the grid for a month might not be feasible. Instead, start small by logging out of social media for a few days or doing a mini-detox in the evenings by refraining from using your devices.   Set limits If you cannot disconnect completely, setting limits on digital connections can positively affect your mental wellbeing. You can start by reducing the number of hours you spend on your laptop or social media. Plan fun activities around these hours to ensure that you look forward to putting your phone down. You can also block specific sites on your laptop or put your phone on airplane mode to ensure that you are not distracted by notifications. Remove pop-up messages If your social media notification settings alert you with on-screen messages or tones, you will likely check your apps whenever you get an alert. Start your digital detox by turning off push notifications on your phone and set a time limit, like 30 minutes a day, in which to catch up on what you’ve missed.  Did you know? Research suggests that limiting your social media use to approximately 30 minutes per day can significantly improve your wellbeing. Choose your detox A digital detox can look different for everyone – you can decide what type of digital detox you want to do. Verywell Mind provides some ideas below: A digital break: avoiding all technological devices for a short period of time, such as a day or a week. A device-free day: avoiding all digital devices for one day of the week, e.g. going device-free every Tuesday. A specific detox: restricting access to a particular app or game. A social media detox: restricting or eliminating social media for a set period of time. Detox at specific times Promote enjoying screen time only when real-life chores are done. Reward your child or yourself with an hour of screen time after chores have been completed. Remember to avoid screens close to bedtime. Also read: Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour While

Parenting Hub

Are our children spreading the Coronavirus?

While there are widespread reports that children experience milder symptoms and suffer fewer complications from the coronavirus than adults, paediatricians are warning that the issue is much bigger than previously thought.  “It seems that the number of children infected with the virus in South Africa is higher than what we believe it is. While it is true that children do not seem to be as adversely affected as adults by the virus, we are seeing a large number of children who are asymptomatic, and this is worrying because they could be spreading the virus,”  cautions Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine,a trusted telephonic medical advice service for the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond.   Data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5% of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups. News reports are now suggesting that children may also be more susceptible to the new strains of the virus, without serious consequences. However, there is very limited data available on the number of children who are asymptomatic.   “This is why it is important for children to practice social distancing and hand-washing, even if they do not appear ill, as they can pass the disease on to family members, or others,” says Karbanee.   People aged 60 and older or with existing health conditions remain the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. That includes people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory conditions.  Dr Karbanee says that there have also been few pregnant women who have had complications as a result of the virus, and those who have had the virus have gone to have babies who have been fine.   But should pregnant women consider getting the vaccine?   “If you are a high risk patient and pregnant, I urge you to consider taking the vaccine, provided that you have discussed it with your doctor,” says Dr Karbanee, adding that high risk includes being overweight, being diabetic or having a lung disease.    He says that, given the risk of complications from COVID-19 should a mom-to-be a high risk patient, the vaccine offers a relatively safe guard against the Coronavirus.   “The vaccine is not a live virus-based vaccine, unlike the Polio vaccine for example. This vaccine is made from a protein extract from the virus, which, when you get exposure to it, lowers your risk of getting extreme symptoms. There have been very few side effects recorded by those who have taken the vaccine.”  Karbanee says that each case should be seen on its individual merits and if pregnant women are concerned, they should discuss their worries and the possibility of getting the vaccine, with their doctor and medical team. 

Parenting Hub

Everything you need to know about micro-needling

Micro-needling is a multi-purpose, minimally-invasive treatment that tackles everything from acne scars, to wrinkles, to stretch marks. It was first practiced in the late 1990s, but it is only recently that is has become widely accessible and popular.  What is micro-needling? Micro-needling is the insertion of micro-fine needles into the skin. The needles enter the skin at surface-level depth, puncturing the skin to stimulate the body’s collagen production. Collagen is an essential protein that helps keep our skin looking youthful, firm and smooth. Our bodies produce collagen naturally, but as we age, our production of collagen decreases and this contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.  The tiny punctures created by micro-needling are experienced as “injuries” by the body, and these injuries prompt the body to ramp up its collagen production in order to heal the skin. The body produces and sends healing agents collagen and elastin to the skin to facilitate the healing process. The healing process that takes place does not just involve the healing of the needle prick sites; the collagen and elastin also get to work helping the skin recover from a variety of other concerns.   Micro-needling has shown incredible results in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, acne and acne scars, pigmentation, stretch marks, rosacea and uneven skin texture. The procedure breaks down old tissue and triggers the production of new elastin and collagen for healthier skin, which is how it is able to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Pulse Dermatology & Laser makes us of the Eclipse MicroPen, the most advanced medical-grade automated micro-needling device on the market. How is MicroPen different from dermal needling rollers? Not all micro-needling procedures are equal. Automated micro-needling devices move in a vertical direction for better precision when treating the skin. This also prevents the risk of creating micro-tears in the skin. At Pulse Dermatology & Laser, therapists use a combination of a glide and stamping technique to ensure that it is completely vertical, which ensures better results. How is the procedure done? A sterile cartridge containing 12 tiny micro-points is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen. Your Pulse skincare professional will apply a hyaluronic acid and protein product as well as sterile mesothetic solutions based on the patient’s needs (for example vitamin A or C), to the skin. This medical skin cocktail is mixed by your therapist to ensure customised treatment for your needs and concerns. In many cases your therapist will combine the needling with a peel for collagen production, which is immediately followed by face mask under an LED light to heal and nourish the skin.  Typically, the skin has a radiant glow immediately following an Eclipse MicroPen micro-needling session.  Does it hurt? Your therapist will apply a very good numbing agent to your skin before the treatment to ensure you do not experience any discomfort.  Is there any downtime? Do not book a hot date on the day of your procedure! Your skin will be red and you will be sent home with a tailor-made mask on, which means you cannot touch your skin for the rest of the day. Are there any risks? Provided you follow the after-care guidelines, your skin will recover fairly quickly. After the procedure you need to be extremely vigilant with wearing sunscreen. You should also avid touching your face, as bacteria from your hands can cause a slight infection.  How often should you have the procedure done? This procedure can be done once every four weeks. Micro-needling is more easily accessible than ever, and is a much more affordable treatment than some of the alternatives out there. It has the ability to diminish and minimise imperfections, while delaying the signs of ageing and giving the skin a healthy and radiant glow.  To book a treatment, or find out more, visit http://pulsedermatologyandlaser.com/, email [email protected] or call 021 914 0447.

Cosmetix

HELLO, GOOD STUFF!

HELLO, GOOD STUFF! is the perfect match for any beauty addict who loves to keep it simple, more natural, and effective. The six new products are packed full of at least 90% natural ingredients that pamper the skin and give it a beautiful natural look – all under the motto “Clean Beauty”: All products in the range are vegan and do not contain microplastics, parabens, PEGs or mineral oil. Because what is good for nature is also good for you – and your skin!  HELLO, GOOD STUFF! FACE SERUM A radiant complexion is guaranteed with this Face Serum! The formula with pineapple extract provides intensive moisture, leaving behind a beautiful glow and a delicate pineapple fragrance. 97% Natural in gredients – Without silicones HELLO, GOOD STUFF! 3in1 FACE MIST Spray it on! The skin on your face will not want to miss this Face Mist with natural watermelon extract: With just one pump of spray, the fruity scented formula moisturizes, sets the make-up in place, and refreshes the skin.  90% Natural ingredients – Without silicones HELLO, GOOD STUFF! MATT & GLOW BRONZER Sun-kissed skin, here we come! Simply applied with a brush, the 2in1 duo bronzer with cocoa butter creates a softly tanned complexion, mattifies the face and neckline and sets radiant accents, as it combines a breathtakingly matt and a beautiful pearly shade. The bronzer with a pleasant cocoa fragrance is available for light and medium skin types. 99% Natural ingredients – Without silicones HELLO, GOOD STUFF! FACE PRIMER A primer with natural ingredients that intensively nourishes the skin and extends the durability of make-up? No problem with the HELLO, GOOD STUFF! FACE PRIMER by essence. The silicone-free formula with natural hemp seed oil, valuable aloe vera extract, glycerin and hyaluronic acid provides the skin with optimal moisture and is quickly absorbed. The result: perfectly cared for and refreshed skin with a soft glow that shows off your favourite foundation to its best advantage.  98% Natural ingredients – Without silicones HELLO, GOOD STUFF! TINTED BEAUTY CREAM Here comes one for all! The new TINTED BEAUTY CREAM of the HELLO GOOD STUFF! range skillfully highlights the individual beauty of every skin. The softly tinted, nourishing day cream with natural cactus blossom extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerin provides moisture for 24 hours, makes slight skin irregularities disappear and is easy to blend. The texture is ultra-soft on the skin and is so light that beauty queens can not only see the natural look but also feel it.  90% Natural ingredients – Without silicones HELLO, GOOD STUFF! VOLUME MASCARA Time to let your eyes shine – with the new HELLO, GOOD STUFF! VOLUME MASCARA. The nourishing texture with coconut oil and vegetable waxes nourishes and strengthens the lashes, gives them beautiful volume and immerses them in deep black. 90% Natural ingredients – Without silicones

Parenting Hub

AQ Skin Solutions: A solution for hair loss

Successful hair re-growth treatments are worth their weight in gold, but they are often hard to come by. For this reason, many hair loss treatments are only administered by doctors. AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ has the solution. Causes of hair loss Hair loss is a common concern among men and women of all ages and ethnicities. There are various reasons as to why you may be experiencing it, and in most cases, you will need to consult an expert in order to determine the cause.  Factors influencing hair loss: Genetics Hormonal changes Stress Illness Auto-immune disease Certain drugs Malnutrition Environmental factors Traction A build-up of hormones and loss of nutrients can cause the follicle to harden and thin, which may lead to the thinning and shrinking of the hair shaft. Eventually, the hair can no longer grow out of the scalp, causing the scalp to become exposed. The hair loss then spreads, leading to male or female-pattern baldness. The good news, is that when hair follicles are still present, even in a dormant state, it is possible to prevent and reverse hair loss. Get to the root of the problem with AQ’s follicle-stimulating formula: AQ Skin Solutions Advanced Hair Complex Plus. “AQ SKIN SOLUTIONS® ADVANCED HAIR COMPLEX PLUS was created to address aging hair follicles and hair loss by employing patented human growth factor technology to promote healthy hair.  Stem cells lining the hair follicles are crucial for the production and maintenance of hair.Supplementing with growth factors and active ingredients provides support to these stem cells so that hair can thrive, holding on to healthy hair, longer. AQ’s advanced formulation works by nourishing hair follicles to a more functional and healthy state with Growth Factors, active ingredients and fruit oils. This product aims to improve the overall condition of the scalp and damaged hair follicles, while trying to increase the circulation of select growth factor proteins found in your healthy hair follicles.  This process can allow for a normal hair growth cycle that leads to improved overall hair quality.” — Dr. Ahmed Al-Qahtani(Founder & President, AQ Skin Solutions) AQ Hair Complex:  The AQ Hair Complex is used for GFIT (Growth Factor Induced Therapy) treatments of the scalp. It is a pharmaceutical grade, hormone-free growth factor formula that is safe for men and women. It is designed to nourish the follicle, deliver growth factors and nutrition to the scalp, and restore damaged follicles by promoting increased circulation. The result is improved hair quality, texture and growth cycles. But how does it work?  The treatment (in clinic) 0.5mm Dermastamp (a handheld device with 140 titanium needles) is used to create channels into the scalp for growth factor delivery. AQ Hair Complex is applied. The treatment takes 15 minutes and there is no downtime.Five treatments are performed one week apart, followed by a resting period of five weeks. Another five treatments are then performed over five weeks.   The home treatment Use AQ Skin Solutions Advanced Hair Complex Plus at home after your professional GFIT treatment. 1ml of product is used every second night in between weekly treatments. Directions Wash hair and scalp with shampoo (preferably in the morning). Dry hair and scalp and apply the serum in small doses to the area(s) of the scalp you wish to treat. Massage the area(s) of application for a minimum of five minutes. Leave hair unwashed for a minimum of eight hours (preferably overnight). Repeat steps 1 – 3 every other day until all five vials have been used. The combination of the professional treatment and home care kit will target the problem at the root, to help prevent hair loss. You can expect: Improved hair quality by improving and restoring the health of each hair follicle.Improved hair quantity.Improved hair texture.Improved and healthy growth cycles. The AQ Skin Solutions Advanced Hair Complex Plus home kit contains 5 vials, and retails for R4400. One box will last for 60 applications. Learn more here: http://aqskinsolutionssa.com/aq-advanced-hair-complex/. 

Parenting Hub

World Meningitis Day – clearing the myths and misconceptions

World Meningitis Day falls on 24 April and this year’s theme is TakeAction #DefeatMeningitis.1 Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.2 Because of the severity of meningitis and the fact that the disease can take a loved one’s life in under 24 hours1, the World Health Organization has approved a Global Roadmap to defeat meningitis by 20301. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by a bacterium which can lead to more serious manifestations, including meningitis and septic shock.3 p2,3 Although uncommon in South Africa, IMD is a devastating illness that largely affects young children.4 p80 If left untreated,severe long-term consequences can include deafness and brain damage leading to severe cognitive and functional problems, and in the case of septic shock, can include limb amputations.3 p3 According to Dr Nasiha Soofie, Medical Head at Sanofi Pasteur Vaccines: “When someone has IMD the most important thing is to act fast. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment claims lives and leaves many others with serious lifelong after-effects.”   Unfortunately, not many people are aware about the disease, and symptoms can be confused with those of other diseases like the flu, malaria or COVID-19.1  “Because IMD most often affects children younger than 10, especially infants, the problem lies in the fact that these younger children are not always able to let you know when they are not feeling well and they can’t clearly communicate what symptoms they are experiencing,” says Dr Soofie.  “These facts are all the more tragic, since IMD can be prevented by immunisation. The best way to protect your family is to make sure they are vaccinated. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against four types of Meningococcal bacteria and is recommended for all infants and children,” says Dr Soofie. The vaccine can be given along with other childhood immunisations, and can also be used during pregnancy after first having a risk assessment and consultation with a healthcare professional. 5 p85f  Saving a life is as easy as ensuring that you are aware of the signs and symptoms. Here are a few myths and facts about IMD that you should be aware of.6  Myth: IMD is easy to diagnose.6 Fact: IMD is often misdiagnosed as something less serious, because early symptoms are similar to flu and other common viral illnesses.6 Symptoms may include some combination of high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and a purplish rash.6 Myth: IMD is only dangerous in young children.6 Fact: While it is most common in infants younger than one, anyone can get IMD6. Also, adolescents, students and others who live in dormitories, and other young adults are at increased risk of getting IMD compared to children and older adults.6 Myth: Meningococcal vaccines can cause meningococcal disease.6 Fact: It is not possible to get IMD from vaccination6. Side-effects from vaccines are generally mild and uncommon, and may include redness or swelling at the site of injection which can last up to two days6. Meningococcal vaccines protect against the death toll and severe complications caused by IMD.6 Myth: Healthy adolescents and young adults don’t have to worry about getting IMD.6 Fact: IMD is rare, but the risk of getting it increases in adolescents and young adults6. The disease can progress rapidly, killing an otherwise healthy individual in 24–48 hours.6 Myth: Meningococcal disease is spread by casual contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands.6 Fact: Meningococcal meningitis is spread through air droplets and direct contact with an infected person6. It is not spread through casual contact.6 “The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some people missing their immunisations – and the number of IMD cases is expected to rise when people are able to gather in large groups again,” says Dr Soofie. Vaccination is recommended, especially for people at higher risk of IMD.5 p83L This includes people with a damaged immune system, healthy infants, young children attending creche and school children, university students, army recruits and others living in crowded conditions.5  83m “It’s often said that vaccines save lives, but this is not strictly true – it is vaccination that saves lives.7a It is imperative that a high level of vaccination coverage is achieved in those populations where they are recommended.7b This will provide protection for both the individual who is vaccinated, as well as for the communities they live in,7c” says Dr Soofie. This World Meningitis Day, take action to #DefeatMengitis. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further information about optimal protection against this devastating disease. Live Webinar event: For those wanting to learn more about meningitis, Sunday Times Connect in partnership with Sanofi Pasteur, will be holding a livestream event on Wednesday, 21 April from 13h00 – 14h00. To be part of the live webinar, register here: https://arenaevents.africa/webinar-registrations/world-meningitis-day-vaccination-and-meningococcal-meningitis/

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Vaccines and the way forward

Bonitas Medical Fund, gives an update on Covid vaccines and how the Fund is positioned for the rollout to its members.  Various scenarios have been presented regarding the speed of propagation of the third wave – the worst assumption is that it will be twice as fast as the second wave. The best case scenario is that the virus is 50% more transmissible than the second wave. Regardless, the urgency for the roll out of the various phases of the vaccination programme is undeniable. Unfortunately private procurement of the vaccine is currently prohibited but as procurement is opened to other entities, we will take every step to ensure we have access to vaccines for our members.  We want to mitigate the risks of them contracting Covid-19 as well as getting seriously ill or dying, which is why we are working behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to roll out the vaccine to our eligible members. Medscheme (Bonitas’ administrator) is engaged and collaborating with the Department of Health (DoH), Business for SA, Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and various industry stakeholders in order to assist with the rollout from Phase 2. We are also in the process of requesting accreditation to set up private vaccination centres.  This will ease access for our ‘at risk’ members and provide a broader footprint, including remote areas of the country. Our over 10 000 members, who are healthcare workers, have already started the vaccination programme in Phase 1. There are around 72 000 members who are classified as ‘Essential/Congregate workers’ and 185 000 high risk members who are either over 60 or have comorbidities. We intend beginning the Phase 2 rollout as soon as the vaccine is secured.  The latest information on South Africa’s procurement of vaccines is that there are: 11 million doses of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) 20 million doses of Pfizer BioNTech A further 20 million doses of the J&J is being negotiated. This would be sufficient to cover the targeted 37 million adults in SA  Through collaboration with one of our partners, Afrocentric Health, we will be able to administer up to 150 000 vaccinations per day.   We are all familiar with the 3 Phase roll out plan as outlined by the DoH but there remains uncertainty about some definitions such as an essential worker – outlined in Phase Two: Essential workers, persons in congregate settings, persons over 60-years and persons over 18-years with comorbidities. The DoH announced from the onset that healthcare workers would be vaccinated in Phase 1.  Phase 2’s priority group would include essential workers, persons in congregated settings, persons 60 years and older and persons over 18 with comorbidities.  However, it has since been announced that, as a result of a shortage of the acquisition of vaccinations, these groups will be adapted in order of priority. As it stands on 8 April 2021 (subject to change), these groups include the following: Phase 2 Priority Group  Definition Essential workers Teachers, police officers, miners, workers in security, retail food, funeral, banking and essential municipal and home affairs, border control and port health services Persons in congregate settings  People in prisons, detention centres, shelters and care homes. In addition people working in the hospitality and tourism industry and education insititutions are also at risk Persons 60 years and older Persons older than 18 years with comorbidities Persons living with HIV, TB diabetics, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, obesity, etc What we have done is to ensure we know, upfront, who our high risk member population is and, once Phase 2 commences, we are able to ensure that all those who want to be vaccinated, will be. Together with our administrator, we have set up various processes to ensure we are able to achieve this goal to ensure peace of mind for our members.

Lamelle Research Laboratories

Skinimalism: The new no-makeup trend you don’t have to be afraid of

Heard about “skinimalism”? It’s the move towards barely-there makeup that allows glowing, healthy-looking skin to take centre stage. According to social media platform Pinterest, it’s one of this year’s biggest beauty trends. Still, while dewy foundations and cleverly placed highlighter can help you create a great “no makeup” look, the first prize will always be truly radiant skin. But for this, you’re going to want to invest in a brilliant skincare routine, not powders and paint.  Glow baby glow  Let’s talk about light! When a surface is incredibly smooth and polished it becomes reflective. A rough-textured surface, however, will always be dull-looking. This, in a nutshell, is why exfoliation is key to radiant-looking skin. Still, not all exfoliators are created equally. Many still make the mistake of using those that are extremely grainy, causing micro-tears in their skin that lead to inflammation. This is why, at Lamelle Research Laboratories, we believe chemical exfoliation is best and serve up a brilliant selection of in-office peels. We can also help you peel and reveal at home with our Correctives Cathepzyme 2 Exfoliator. It contains Cathepsin D, an enzyme produced by our own bodies, to stimulate your skin’s natural exfoliation process. Use it two or three times a week and you’ll soon start to enjoy smoother, more radiant-looking skin.  Something else you’ll want in your skinimalism artillery is Lamelle Skin Essence Rejuvenate Priming Liquid range. Due to its refreshing, water-like texture you might make the mistake of considering it a toner, but it’s so much more than that. An innovative skin care priming fluid that will boost your skin’s hydration, calm irritation and serve up a gorgeous-looking glow in a matter of weeks. Another reason to adore our Skin Essence is the fact that it prepares your skin to gain maximum benefit from any other active ingredients you use after it. Speaking of which…  Brighten like a boss  If it’s a gorgeous glow you’re after, you’ll want to know all about vitamin C. Not only does this superstar antioxidant stimulate your skin to create more collagen but it’s well known for its skin-brightening benefits. Still, it’s a case of buyer beware. Many products will be quick to tell you they include vitamin C, but it won’t be in one of its more powerful forms, nor will it be at a useful concentration. Happily, our Correctives Recharge CE cream contains 20% ultra-potent ascorbic acid. We even offer Correctives Vita C 30 that contains 30%, the highest concentration of non-prescription ascorbic acid on the block!  Still, as Spiderman would say, with great power comes responsibility. At Lamelle, we realise not everyone can tolerate such a high concentration of vitamin C. As a result, we poured tireless research into creating our Correctives Vita C-Lipid Serum. It contains a very particular form of lipid-soluble vitamin C called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Due to its affinity with oil, it’s able to penetrate deeper into the skin without causing irritation where it can deliver magnificent results. This way, even those with sensitive skin can get their glow on!  The bottom line Ultimately, if you’re wanting to get in on the skinimalism trend, you can do so today by creating the illusion of barefaced beauty with makeup. Or you can invest in the kind of products that – in just a few weeks – will make you proud to show off your naturally radiant skin. So what’s it going to be? Are you ready for your glow up? www.lamelle.co.za

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Woman’s Health

Birth Control Side effects of birth control pills The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. If you have just started taking birth control pills you may experience a headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, nausea, breakthrough bleeding, mood changes or other side effects. Be patient, these side effects often go away after a few months. If they don’t you may want to talk to your doctor about your options. Some positive effects of taking birth control are lighter (and sometimes fewer) periods, milder menstrual cramps, and improved acne. Consult your doctor if you have questions about what type of birth control is right for you. Women’s Nutrition Unsaturated fats: the good, the bad and the uglyThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. There are two types of unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats are found in most vegetable oils, flaxseeds and walnuts as well as in fatty fish such as salmon, and mackerel. Monounsaturated fats can be found in olives, avocados, hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and olive, canola, and peanut oils. Both kinds of unsaturated fats may help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. The bad fats, saturated and fatty acid fats should only be eaten on occasion. Lactose intolerant: the solution for getting your daily calcium intakeThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Lactose Intolerant? Scared of not getting enough calcium? Don’t worry; you can get calcium from eating foods that don’t contain lactose. These foods contain calcium, but are dairy free: Broccoli Leafy greens Canned salmon &sardines with edible bones Almonds Oranges Pinto Beans Tofu and soymilk Calcium-fortified breads Calcium fortified juices. Risks in Women Urinary tract infectionsThe following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. If you are experiencing a burning sensation when you urinate, or feeling the need for frequent urination, leaking a little urine or cloudy, dark, smelly or bloody urine you may have a urinary tract infection. To avoid getting a urinary tract infection: Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria Don’t hold your urine when you need to go Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement Try to urinate after having sex to wash away bacteria Do not use feminine hygiene sprays and douches, which may irritate the urethra and possibly begin a case of urinary tract infection Try vitamin C supplements which increase the acidity level of your urine which helps decrease bacteria Wear cotton panties or underwear Breast cancer prevention The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Although you should have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every 1 to 2 years if you are 40 and older, there are ways to examine your breasts in between visits. This helps you become familiar with your breasts and breast tissue, so you are more likely to notice any changes over time. Women may start doing self-breast exams any time after the age of 20. Here are the steps: Look at your breasts in the mirror for any abnormal changes in colour, size or shape. While lying down or taking a shower use the pads of your fingers to press firmly into your breast and move your fingers in a circle around the whole breast. Check for any abnormal lumps or changes. By limiting the amount of alcohol, you drink, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting the bad, saturated fats in your diet you may lower your risk of breast cancer. Heart attack warning signs and prevention The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. If you feel pressure or tightness in your chest, pain that goes from your chest into your jaw and/or left arm, or shortness of breath, you may be experiencing a heart attack. The most common symptom for both men and women is in fact tightness or pain in your chest; however, women are somewhat more likely to experience other common symptoms, specifically shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, stress and obesity are all risk factors for a heart attack. Quit smoking; exercise and maintain a healthy diet and weight to help decrease the risk. Also, talk to your doctor about whether aspirin could help reduce your personal risk of a heart attack. Aspirin may help keep your blood from forming clots that could eventually block arteries in the heart, causing a heart attack. Stroke warning signs The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. A stroke is a blood clot or a break in an artery that interrupts blood flow to part of the brain. Some symptoms of a stroke could be sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; and sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance. If these symptoms occur, get emergency medical help immediately. Act F.A.S.T if someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of a stroke. F. (Face) Ask the person to smile to see if one side droops.A. (Arms) Ask the person to raise both arms to see if one drifts downward.S. (Speech) Ask the person to say a sentence to see if their words are slurred and to see if they

EcoElla & Friends

IS PLASTIC SAFE FOR BABY?

Why you should be using eco-friendly baby products… Did you know that plastic is not only polluting our oceans, but scientific research has shown that it may even have detrimental effects on the health and development of our children? Exposure to phthalates, found in plastic, can impair brain development and has shown increased risks for child learning, attention and behavioural problems1. A recent global study of plastic toys has identified over 100 chemicals that may cause harm to children2. Millions of microplastic particles are also said to be released from polypropylene (plastic) baby bottles into baby formula during preparation 3. With so many negatives associated with plastic and more and more telling research published in the last decade, we really wonder why there is still SO MUCH plastic being sold and used by the little humans amongst us. Plastic bottles, plastic dummies, plastic teethers, plastic toys, plastic food storage containers and even plastic (synthetic) clothing… So what can we do? Although still a small community, parents are becoming increasingly aware of the plastic problem and wanting to make a change. They choose eco-friendly options because there are in fact many plastic alternatives available for baby and toddler: WOOD  It’s as easy as going back to basics – before plastic, all our grandparents’ toys were made of wood. There are several wooden toy manufacturers in operation today and new companies are continually being established due to their recent increase in popularity. Wood is by far the most common eco-friendly choice for toys, games, puzzles, furniture and room decor. High quality woods are best, that are raw or untreated, or have a non-toxic finish like water-based stains or an organic coating like coconut oil. SILICONE The newest trend in the baby market is all things silicone: bowls, plates, spoons, storage containers, teethers and toys. This is because silicone is extremely durable and long-lasting; it’s also dishwasher, freezer, oven and microwave safe – making for easy parenting. The majority of silicone baby products are made of food-grade silicone that is BPA, BPS, PVC and phthalate free; in other words non-toxic and a great eco-friendly option. Some silicone baby bottles are however advertised as eco-friendly, but may be infused with polypropylene (plastic). BAMBOO Most commonly found in wash cloths, towels, swaddle blankets, bedding, cloth nappies, baby wipes and clothing. It is softer than cotton muslin, hypoallergenic, antibacterial and therefore the better choice for sensitive baby skin. You can also find bamboo items like baby drinking cups, plates, bowls, forks and spoons. Many of them however are not 100% organic because a plastic resin (although in small amounts) is sometimes needed to keep the bamboo fibres together to give it durability.  COTTON The most familiar material used to make natural baby clothing, baby wipes, cloth nappies, swaddle blankets, bedding, towels, wash cloths and soft toys. Often advertised as 100% organic cotton or mixed with bamboo fibres – 70% bamboo, 30% cotton muslin. The benefits of using cotton fabric are similar to bamboo, making cotton ideal for sensitive baby skin. It is also more eco-friendly than synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, chiffon, fleece and satin; all of which contain plastic. Other eco-friendly alternatives for plastic include GLASS (baby bottles), WHEATSTRAW (dining sets and utensils), NATURAL RUBBER (baby bottle teats, dummies, teethers and toys) and RATTAN (the coolest new trend for natural baby furniture, decor and some toys). With so many eco-friendly options available for baby and toddler, parents can be reassured that they are able to raise their little ones in a non-toxic world, while building a plastic-free future. We hope you enjoyed our article. If you need help with natural parenting, visit our online shop at https://www.ecoella.co.za or follow us on social media (@ecoella.and.friends). References: Engel et al. (2020). Neurotoxicity of Ortho-Phthalates: Recommendations for Critical Policy Reforms to Protect Brain Development in Children. AJPH. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306014 Aurisano et al. (2021). Chemicals of concern in plastic toys. Environment International. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106194 Li et al. (2020). Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation. Nature Food. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y 

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

The puzzle that is Autism

Autism, is currently referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) although people with ASD themselves consider Autism a neurodiversity rather than a disorder. Almost 2% of the world’s population is diagnosed as being on the Autistic spectrum. “Spectrum” because some people appear to be mildly affected and others profoundly so. Since each person is an individual and presents differently, the diagnostic process involves a number of professional assessments to identify strengths and areas of difficulty. Neurodiversity is not anyone’s fault and the causes of Autism are continuously being researched. There is no link whatsoever with vaccine treatments and the diagnosis of ASD. There does appear to be a genetic link, but the genes are not necessarily passed down from parents, since some genetic differences occur spontaneously. Autism can be understood from a medical perspective, as a condition with symptoms that can be improved but not cured, or from a more relevant social perspective, as an alternate way in which the world is experienced. It is not a sign that a person is ‘stupid’, defiant, sick, selfish, crazy, flawed or weird. All people are unique and that is why there are a number of professionals involved in the diagnosis. Paediatricians are perfectly positioned to follow a child’s developmental progress and although Autism isn’t fixed and changes over time, they may be the first professionals who detect neurodiversity in a child. Often paediatricians will refer their patients to other professionals if they detect a difference or delay in the child’s development. Parents can be overwhelmed by the process and feel isolated, but it’s important to remember that this team of professionals is there to support the entire family. Parents may also benefit from speaking to other parents in similar situations. A psychiatrist may assist with high levels of anxiety, attention difficulties, poor sleeping patterns, worries and extreme emotional fluctuations commonly experienced in Autism. There is no medical cure for Autism however prescribed medication is often helpful in reducing these difficulties. A psychiatrist will often refer their patients with Autism to a psychologist, to facilitate an understanding of Autism with the whole family and assist them to address difficulties with acceptance, emotional responses, behaviour and self-expression. People with Autism DO feel emotion and empathy but may battle to communicate those feelings. Psychologists are often also responsible for administering educational testing, to determine existing academic levels and potentials, for correct school placement. Success at school is largely dependent on the learner’s innate cognitive ability boosted by a support team and up-skilled educators. People with Autism often experience the sensory information in their environments differently to the way in which neurotypical people do. This has an impact on the way they behave in different environments and situations, as well as on their emotional resilience and well-being. This is why extremely picky eating; a strong need for predictability and structure; and specific skill sets and interests are often associated with Autism. Occupational therapists are a vital element in the team supporting children with Autism in this regard. The way in which sensory information is processed can fluctuate throughout the day, as well as from one situation to the next. Common responses for children with Autism include either “shutting down” and withdrawing from or avoiding engagement, or “melting down” and having temper tantrums or emotional outbursts and parents and teachers should understand and support this necessary ‘escape’. Neither of these is misbehaviour, but rather an instinctive response to the environment and the way in which sensory stimuli are being perceived. e.g. in a noisy chaotic place, noise reducing earphones may minimise the overload The use of Ayres Sensory Integration® in occupational therapy sessions goes a long way to helping children and adults with their ability to process the sensory information in their environments, thereby facilitating optimal function in daily activities whether they be daily hygiene activities, learning/work activities and/or social activities. A visual schedule at home and school is helpful for the child to anticipate what is coming during the day since people with Autism like predictability and structure and are thrown by unexpected changes in their routine. Occupational therapists can also provide support with motor and visual-perceptual development should this be required. Communication is another significant aspect to consider in the diagnosis of Autism. A speech therapist will support the development of communication skills for developing and maintaining relationships. Often more subtle aspects of communication are missed by a communication partner with Autism e.g sarcasm, facial expression, body language and tone of voice, leaving the person with ASD confused and excluded. While they may be able to define sarcasm for example, they may not realise when it is being used. Parents and teachers may need to point out social cues that have been missed. Fluctuating auditory perception and difficulty starting, maintaining and following a conversation can lead to communication breakdown. This is not necessarily related to the child’s understanding of the topic of conversation so rewording may be necessary. Learners with Autism favour facts and brevity over figurative and inferential information, impacting on academic comprehension and output, and social interaction. People with Autism are not deliberately rude but are to the point, often without an awareness of how their communication is perceived so it may be beneficial to discuss the effect of their own communication on others. Social norms are not always innate in neurodivergent children and adults. They may incessantly discuss a subject of their own interest and pay no attention to their conversation partner’s interest or disinterest in what is being said. Reciprocity in conversation may also be limited, leaving the listener with a sense of frustration and annoyance, shutting down opportunities for socialisation and relationship building. A speech therapist would encourage awareness and understanding of communication behaviours to minimise linguistic, social and emotional misunderstandings.  Academic support teachers are the touchstone between learners with Autism, their specialist team and the school setting. They facilitate recommendations from the team to the school and vice versa to maximise the learning potential and happiness of the

Impaq

How to support a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: tips and strategies

After receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for the parents or caregivers of an autistic child to cope with the various challenges ASD may present. However, with the appropriate support structures and strategies in place, caring for an autistic child can become more manageable.  Also read: Autism 101 – what is it and what should you look for? Support strategies for managing ASD Many autistic people are likely to experience communication difficulties, especially difficulties with social communication and understanding other people. Autistic children are also easily frustrated and made upset by unexpected events. Often, these feelings of frustration lead to intense meltdowns, and parents can help alleviate such feelings and prevent breakdowns by having support strategies in place. Prepare for future events Autistic children may become easily overwhelmed by minor changes in routine. Parents and children can benefit from preparation for the day’s or week’s events. Parents also need to ensure that structure and routine are upheld in the household so that the child knows exactly what to expect. Make use of visual aids Visual aids can assist autistic children in improving their skills in processing information, understanding and using language, and becoming more interactive within their environments.  Visual aids can be used to communicate with autistic children to inform them of what is happening at present, what will happen during the day, and what will happen during the coming days. Examples of how to use visual aids include: Showing the child a picture of relatives who may visit  Showing them photos of the dentist or doctor before a visit Creating a picture chart with the steps to follow when using the bathroom or getting dressed in the morning Not only are visual aids helpful for communicating information to autistic children, but they also help ensure that autistic children are well-informed of daily events. When children are informed, the likelihood of intense meltdowns is significantly reduced.  Avoid sensory overload Sensory overload is commonly found in autistic children and is a contributing factor to meltdowns. Sensory overload means that autistic children may sometimes experience certain sounds, textures, tastes, lights, and sensations as painful and intolerable, which may lead to a meltdown.  Parents can try to prevent a sensory overload by identifying their child’s specific trigger(s) and reducing the number of triggering stimuli in the environment.  It may be helpful to reduce loud noise and avoid bright lights.  Ease children into public spaces Trying to reduce noise and avoid bright lights is often impossible in public spaces like shopping malls or grocery stores. That is why it is essential to ease a child into visiting public spaces by starting with preparation using visual aids and very short visits. Once a child can manage a short trip, gradually increase the time of the visit. The same strategy can be used when visiting friends, family, or relatives.  Autistic children may develop an attachment to a particular item, for example, a toy or a blanket. It may help to bring this item along when going into public spaces because it gives the child a sense of familiarity and comfort, which may help keep the child calm for the duration of the trip.  Plan ahead when eating at restaurants Visiting a restaurant can be challenging for an autistic child. To make the outing manageable for a child, it may be helpful to do the following: Make a reservation at the restaurant ahead of time Visit restaurants during their quieter hours  Request seating in a booth away from the play areas or bathrooms to reduce sensory stimulation Pre-order meals Request the bill before dessert to prevent the child from getting frustrated with waiting Additionally, parents should request permission to bring the child’s favourite food along, as some autistic children have very specific dietary preferences.  Try rewards charts Some autistic children exhibit defiant behaviour, and, therefore, it is crucial to utilise strategies to encourage compliance. One strategy that can be used at home and at school to achieve cooperation is a rewards chart.  Also read: How to reward your kids the right way Since many autistic children often have very particular interests, it is vital to ensure that the rewards chart is meaningful and appealing. For example, if a child has an intense obsession with a particular superhero, the rewards chart should incorporate that infatuation to gain a child’s interest and, consequently, compliance. When trying to encourage compliance from autistic children, parents are advised to provide as much praise as necessary and to reduce such praise gradually as children exhibit increased cooperation.  Take care of yourself Lastly, parents are very often the primary caregivers of autistic children. To be able to give to others, your cup cannot be empty. It is, therefore, crucial that parents attend to their needs and mental wellbeing such that they are well-equipped to face the challenges that accompany caring for an autistic child.  Parents should make time for self-care and join support groups to draw social support to prevent feelings of isolation they sometimes experience.  Although the challenges are present, they do not make parenting any less rewarding. By implementing tips and tricks in your daily life, caring for an autistic child may become more manageable.   by Dr Jeanné Roux – educational psychologist

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

15 Facts about the Covid vaccine

Although the vaccine rollout for healthcare workers has begun, myths and misinformation continue to circulate around its development, efficacy and just how the vaccine will help manage or mitigate the spread of the virus.  We asked Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund for 15 facts about the vaccine. #1. How does the Covid-19 vaccine work? The Covid-19 vaccines produce protection against the disease by developing an immune response to the SARS-Cov-2 virus. The vaccine stimulates an immune response to an antigen, a molecule found on the virus and provides a supply of ‘memory’ T- and B-lymphocytes that help fight that virus in the future.   There are four types of Covid vaccines and they are all trying to achieve the same things: Immunity to the virus, reduction of symptoms if you are infected and being able to slow down or stop transmission.  South Africa is currently using the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) single dose vaccine but, regardless of which vaccine you receive, you won’t reach full protection until around two weeks after the vaccination. Your immune system needs this time to develop the antibody response. #2. It is safe? Yes. The vaccine that is being used in South Africa is safe and has been given to millions of people around the world. Although it was developed very quickly to save lives, it has gone through the same rigorous processes as other vaccines.  All medical products – including the Covid-19 vaccine – have to be approved by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) before they can be administered. #3. Are there any side effects?  Some individuals vaccinated with the J&J vaccine have experienced temporary, mild side effects. They are similar to those experienced with other vaccines, such as soreness at the injection site, muscle pain, chills and a headache.  Some also experienced fatigue and nausea. These are nothing to worry about and will disappear within a couple of days.  #4. Can you be allergic to the vaccine? People who are prone to allergies should inform the healthcare personnel administering the vaccine beforehand. This, in order for them to observed and monitored for a longer period after receiving the vaccine. However, if you experience a severe allergic reaction after getting a Covid-19 vaccine, vaccination providers – or your healthcare provider – can provide care rapidly and call for emergency medical  #5. Can you get Covid from the vaccine? No. None of the Covid-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes the coronavirus. The J&J vaccine uses a harmless, modified form of the common cold virus in humans, called adenovirus. The vaccine will help your immune system fight the virus but will not infect you with it. #6. How effective is it? No vaccine is 100% effective but fortunately, the emerging data on Covid-19 vaccines have a high efficacy, at least against some of the variants.   If a vaccine has 70% efficacy, it means a person vaccinated in a clinical trial is around two-thirds less likely to develop the disease than someone in the trial who didn’t receive the vaccine.  Due to the severity of the virus, a 50% efficacy threshold was set for Covid-19 vaccine. #7. Am I forced to have the vaccine? No. Having the Covid-19 vaccination remains a personal choice as confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.  #8. Do I need the vaccine if I have already had Covid-19? Yes, the advice is that you should still be vaccinated even if you have had Covid-19 or if you have a positive antibody test.  Research indicates that the natural immunity from having Covid does not last which means the best way of fighting the virus is a combination of being vaccinated and following the protocols. #9. Will I be immune after the vaccine and will this be forever?  It is too soon to know how long the vaccine will last as it is still being researched.  Of the people who have received the vaccine, we know that they have been protected from Covid-19 for at least 4 months.  The risk of Covid-19 infection in vaccinated people cannot be completely eliminated.   #10. Can you have the vaccine if you are pregnant or breast feeding? None of the vaccine trials included pregnant individuals, so direct knowledge is limited. However, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as a number of other medical organisations agree that any of the currently authorised Covid-19 vaccines can be offered to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  #11. Is it safe to be vaccinated if I’m living with HIV/Aids? Yes. There is some evidence that people living with HIV may be more vulnerable to developing severe Covid-19 symptoms and so getting vaccinated is even more critical if you are HIV positive. The Covid-19 vaccinations are the most powerful tools available to help prevent severe disease due to SARS-CoV-2.  The vaccines are not live and are safe for people with compromised immune systems.  It’s too early to tell how effective the vaccines will be at reducing transmission of Covid-19, but we do know that they are effective at preventing severe disease and death. #12. What does herd immunity mean? Herd immunity occurs when a large part of the population becomes immune to a virus, through vaccination or infection.  South Africa’s Department of Health (DoH) is aiming to vaccinate 67% of the country’s population against Covid-19 – this equates to around 41 million people – to achieve herd immunity and slow down the rate of transmission of the virus. #13. How does the vaccination process work? Everyone over the age of 18 will be vaccinated in line with the Government’s Covid-19 vaccine roll out plan.  You have to be registered on the national Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) and then a 3-phase approach (starting with healthcare workers) is being adopted to ensure there will be enough vaccines to meet the demand.   #14. Can you elaborate on the EVDS? The EVDS is based on a pre-vaccination registration and appointment system. Individuals have to

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Making your medical aid benefits last

Around 9 million South Africans are members of medical aid schemes to ensure they have access to private healthcare.  As each new year begins, members start with a clean slate, with new benefits and replenished savings. However, across the industry, members often complain that their benefits seem to ‘run out’ early on in the year. If you manage your medical expenses correctly you can avoid out-of-pocket expenses and limit the possibility of running out of benefits.   Here are 8 tips from Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, on how to stretch your medical benefits to maximise your value. 1. Use DSPs or networks Medical schemes negotiate preferential rates with providers – known as Dedicated Service Providers (DSPs) – who have partnered with them. This allows schemes to ensure that members get the best quality services at the most cost-effective rate so that benefits are optimised and the scheme at large is sustainable.  Using network doctors is an invaluable tool to helping make your medical aid last longer because it means you won’t be charged more than the negotiated amount. With over 6 000 GPs, Bonitas has the largest network in South Africa 2. Ask your pharmacist Buy over-the-counter medicine to treat less serious ailments and always, where possible, use generic medicine which has the same active ingredient, strength and dosage as the original brands and are just as effective. Pharmacists are able to provide sound medical advice on problems such as rashes, colds or illnesses that are not severe, simply ask!  3. Managed Care benefits Some schemes offer programmes to help you manage severe chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and back and neck problems These programmes are usually covered from the risk portion of your medical contribution and are not funded from your savings account. They help you use your benefits to maximum advantage while ensuring you receive quality care by using specific providers. Other benefits – such as maternity consultations, wellness benefits, preventative care and dentistry – are also paid from risk by some schemes. Again giving you more value for money and are in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits.  Carefully read through what your plan offers and choose wisely to make sure you find the right plan to suit your specific healthcare needs. 4. Go virtual Look out for telemedicine or virtual consultation options – which are cheaper.  A doctor will engage with you in a virtual video consultation on any medical issue and advise you on the most clinically appropriate steps for further care.  5. Be aware of consulting after hours In an emergency one has no choice but be aware that after hours consultations are expensive. 6. Know the facts  If you do need to be hospitalised and it’s not an emergency, ensure that the healthcare practitioner is on your medical aid’s DSP list. Talk to your doctor or specialist to find out all the facts in terms of what they will be charging and compare this to what your scheme will cover. If the difference is substantial, negotiate.  Approach your doctor and ask if he/she is prepared to adjust their fee. Alternatively, you can also check if there are other healthcare providers on your scheme’s network that will charge you a better rate. You can also avoid the unwelcome surprise of a co-payment or sub-limits by: Making sure you obtain pre-authorisation Making sure the medical practitioner uses the correct ICD-10 codes Getting a quote from the doctor, hospital and anaethetist and submit it to your medical aid to see which additional costs will apply (if any), what costs will be covered and how you can avoid these. 7. PMBs If you suffer from a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition, understand what benefits are provided as part of PMB conditions and use the service of a DSP to ensure your claims are paid from risk rather than from your medical savings account. 8. Keep moving One of the best ways to manage your health and the associated costs, is to live a healthy lifestyle and this includes getting enough exercise. Try different exercise routines and find one that works for you. Whether it is a regular short power walk, playing tennis or soccer, riding a bike or attending a yoga or pilates class, it will be beneficial to your mental and physical wellbeing. ‘Be informed’ says Callakoppen. ‘Your health is important, as are your finances, so take the time to research and understand the medical aid plan you’ve chosen. Even if you have not changed plans your benefits and savings differ year-on-year.  Make sure you read the information sent to you, including the fine print to understand the Scheme Rules fully. If in doubt, phone the call centre, your broker or financial advisor. This will go a long way in helping you know your rights and making the most of your benefits.’

Parenting Hub

Couples and Cash

A year in, the impact of COVID-19 is not only being felt by couples physically and emotionally, but it is also exposing incompatibility in personal finances. There’s plenty of fuel available for a money fight. Living and working in close proximity becomes even harder if your spouse has lost a job or fallen ill. Dealing with a smaller household budget, plus home schooling, adds to the strain. Take away family back-up, as we try to keep elderly relatives safe, and you have all the triggers for a strained relationship.  Whether you are already in a marriage or considering a commitment, it’s more important than ever to discuss and understand each other’s views about money.   “Taking the time to understand how you each approach your finances, and how to navigate a better way forward, can pave the way for a happier relationship and home life,” says Shafeeka Anthony, Marketing Manager of personal finance website JustMoney. Couples and cash In many relationships there is a spender and a saver. There is often one party who runs out of money first, and who doesn’t stick to the budget. “It’s important to remember that, no matter how much you have in common, your partner’s attitude to managing money may differ greatly from your own. This is shaped from a young age and is difficult to change. No one approach is necessarily right,” says Anthony. Money personalities The way that people manage their money is highly personal. Big spenders enjoy brand names and the latest gadgets, and are likely to take greater risks when investing. Savers, on the other hand, read through newspaper inserts for bargains, turn off the lights when leaving a room, and are risk-averse when it comes to investing. Shoppers get emotional satisfaction from spending up a storm, and can easily go overboard on credit. When financial opposites attract, this can lead to fireworks. Arguments about money can quickly become intense. It’s easy to feel criticised, even if your partner’s comments are well meant. Counting on credit Couples considering borrowing would do well by consulting their credit scores for a start. This is a tool that lenders use to decide whether an individual is a low or high-risk borrower. When you apply for a loan or credit, the bank or lender first checks your score and accompanying report. Your credit score not only determines whether you will receive the loan or credit, but also the interest rate you will be charged. “Knowing your credit score is extremely helpful if, for example, you are a young couple and want to find out whether your dream of buying a home can become a reality,” says Anthony. Read an article on ‘Should you strive for an excellent credit score’ here. JustMoney has made the process easier with the launch of its new platform, CreditSav. This facility provides a free, up-to-the-minute credit score and report, along with content-rich articles, financial tools, and calculators. Click here to register and get your score, your standing in relation to others, the loans, and other products you’re likely to qualify for.  Debt stress Reducing the stress as a couple can be helped along with some basic tips to achieve financial success. One of these is avoiding bad debt – or, if you are already in a debt pit, tackling the issue proactively. If more than a third of your income goes towards paying your debt, and you are worried and stressed, it’s best to seek help straight away.  Read how to tell your partner about your debt here.  One option is debt consolidation, which combines a number of individual debts into a single debt. This can mean, for example, increasing your home loan and using the extra cash to pay off all your loans at a lower interest rate. Read this handy guide.  Couple and family finances When you both agree on your money goals, it’s a good idea to work out a household budget together. JustMoney has a handy budget calculator here. Another helpful tip is to have a regular financial check-in. This needn’t be a long and serious discussion, just a chat over a coffee or glass of wine will ensure you’re heading in the right direction.  To celebrate meeting a target, without breaking your budget, you can take a look at a range of deals published by JustMoney. Check it out here.  Whatever means you use to find and maintain your financial harmony, communication is key. “As with any aspect of your relationship, it’s important not to sweep money matters under the carpet. Deal with financial issues when they happen, together,” says Nicholson.

Parenting Hub

Plant-based pregnancy

As the wife of ultra-endurance triathlete and Ironman Africa Champion, Kyle Buckingham, Lauren, knows a thing or two about needing to look after her body and keep energy levels high. So when Kyle made the move to a fully plant-based diet over a year ago, Lauren, followed suit and honestly believes that this is what has contributed to her feeling so amazing through the last 6 months of her pregnancy.  “From the time I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks, nothing had changed,” says Lauren. “I didn’t even feel pregnant until I went into my 2nd month, after which I had occasional afternoon nausea until I went to bed. And just as fast as that feeling started it stopped on the first day of my 3rd month!” “I am still working as a sports massage therapist, dealing with athletes on a daily basis which requires a lot of my energy and input, and then just getting on with my normal daily things. I have yet to experience a drop in energy and I am into my 6th month now!” So how has Lauren coped with any cravings she has had during the past 6 months? “I have only had one craving so far and thankfully that only lasted two weeks. All I wanted was a cheese sandwich dipped in tomato soup! I was able to change dairy cheese for a vegan cheese option which was great, it was the weirdest combo, but I loved it!” While Lauren and Kyle made the switch to a plant-based diet quite quickly for Kyle’s training, Lauren realises that this might not be as easy for others. “If you are thinking of moving to a plant-based diet, I would suggest starting with either replacing one meal a week or possibly having one day a week that is only plant-based,” explains Lauren. “That way you can slowly get used to the various options and see what works for you.” “Fry’s started Meatless Monday’s which is a great place to start, they also have a few tasty recipes on their website that are super easy to try out!” What has been the biggest advantage that Lauren noticed since being on the plant-based diet? “Energy levels, when I made the switch my energy levels never dipped and throughout my whole pregnancy so far I have not gained extreme weight!” Here are some of Lauren’s favourite recipes for you to try out! Versatile Veggie Chilli by: Jamie Oliver INGREDIENTS – 500 g sweet potatoes 1 level teaspoon cayenne pepper , plus extra for sprinkling 1 heaped teaspoon ground cumin , plus extra for sprinkling 1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon , plus extra for sprinkling olive oil 1 onion 2 mixed-colour peppers 2 cloves of garlic 1 bunch of fresh coriander (30g) 2 fresh mixed-colour chillies 2 x 400 g tins of beans, such as kidney, chickpea, pinto, cannellini 2 x 400 g tins of quality plum tomatoes lime or lemon juice, or vinegar , to taste METHOD + Preheat the oven to 200˚C/400˚F/gas 6. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks, then place onto a baking tray. Sprinkle with a pinch each of cayenne, cumin, cinnamon, sea salt and black pepper, drizzle with oil then toss to coat. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden and tender. Peel and roughly chop the onion. Halve, deseed and roughly chop the peppers, then peel and finely slice the garlic. Pick the coriander leaves, finely chopping the stalks. Deseed and finely chop the chillies. Meanwhile, put 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over a medium-high heat, then add the onion, peppers and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the coriander stalks, chillies and spices, and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes, or until softened and starting to caramelise, stirring occasionally. Add the beans, juice and all. Tip in the tomatoes, breaking them up with the back of a spoon, then stir well. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and leave to tick away for 25 to 30 minutes, or until thickened and reduced – keep an eye on it, and add a splash of water to loosen, if needed. Stir the roasted sweet potato through the chilli with most of the coriander leaves, then taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed. Finish with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice or a swig of vinegar, to taste, then scatter over the remaining coriander.  Delicious served with guacamole and rice, or tortilla chips. SERVE with rice and pappadums Chunky Veg Yellow Thai Coconut Curry INGREDIENTS Yellow or Green Thai paste 1 can coconut milk (extra if necessary) 1 medium onion, diced ½ red bell pepper, roughly chopped (bite size) ½ yellow bell pepper, roughly chopped (bite size) 3-4 mixed courgette, chopped bite size pieces 1 cup chopped butternut (bite size) 2-3 carrot chopped (bite size) handful chopped baby spinach leaves Flexitarian optional -Add strips of tofu or calamari METHOD Add oil and Thai paste to pan allowing paste to warm and release flavours. Add can coconut milk and mix with paste. Bring to a simmer. Add onion, butternut and carrots first until semi firm (15-20min) with lid to keep moisture in. Add remaining veggies except the spinach, simmer about 30 min or until all veggie are soft enough to eat but not soft enough to mash. Al dente. Add spinach and stir together until wilted. Add extra coconut milk, water or oat milk to top up the sauce. Add tofu or calamari strips to pan and simmer in coconut milk until turns white. SERVE with sushi rice and pappadums.

Parenting Hub

10 Skin and body commandments for 2021

If the year 2020 taught us anything, it was that new year’s resolutions are obsolete. Because you never know what you might find around the corner, we’ve given up on the idea that you need to set rules for yourself at the start of each year, only to be disappointed if you break any of them. Instead of compiling a list of resolutions, we’re embracing a healthier holistic lifestyle that is easy to maintain all year round.  A few simple additions to your daily skincare and body care regime is all it takes to keep your skin healthy and happy. Here is our list of 10 commandments to turn into healthy habits this year. Never go to bed with makeup on It’s so tempting to go straight to bed after a long day or a party, but did you know that sleeping with your makeup on can lead to breakouts, dehydration and a lacklustre complexion? Try our hack: wash your face as soon as you get home from work / your evening out. If it becomes the first thing you do when you get home, you’ll never be too tired to do it before bed. ZERO Face Wash (R295.00) is a gentle, all-natural cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Moisturise twice a day A good quality moisturiser is one of the most important skincare products you will ever use. During the day it helps protect against environmental aggressors and moisture loss, and at night, it works to replenish the skin’s moisture levels. Don’t skip either application – moisturised skin looks younger, plumper and glowy. We recommend ZERO Day Cream (R395.00) and Night Cream (R395.00) for optimum, plant-based hydration without the addition of any harsh ingredients. Follow with ZERO Eye Cream (R295.00) to ensure the delicate skin around your eyes gets an added boost of hydration. Exfoliate weekly Exfoliation is an important part one’s skincare regime, because it helps remove dead and dry skin cells that may otherwise contribute to clogged pores, blackheads and dullness. A weekly or bi-weekly exfoliation will leave your skin clearer and brighter, but be wary not to exfoliate more than twice a week, or you may risk causing irritation. Use a gentle scrub like ZERO’s Face Scrub (R295.00) and be careful not to rub it into the skin vigorously: gentle circular motions will do the trick. Wear SPF every day – even when it’s cloudy It’s a myth that SPF is only required on sunny days. Research has shown that the sun’s UV rays can harm the skin in overcast, rainy and windy weather too. That’s why it’s essential to wear a broad spectrum SPF every day, regardless of the weather. Piz Buin’s Allergy Lotion SPF50 for Face (R189.99) is a great choice for everyday wear as it is light and absorbent, and can be worn alone or under makeup. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use body SPF that gives the skin a warm glow too, try Australian Gold Spray Gel with Bronzer SPF30 (R269.99). Apply after sun even if you don’t have sunburn After sun works wonders when soothing a sunburn, but did you know it’s also a great product to apply after you’ve spent time outdoors? After sun soothes and hydrates the skin, and even if your skin isn’t burnt, it will benefit from these properties if it’s been exposed to the sun, the wind or the sea. We love Piz Buin After Sun Soothing Lotion (R129.99) and Australian Gold Aloe Freeze Gel Spray (R175.99).  Stop sun tanning The biggest promise we all need to make to ourselves this year is to stop sun tanning. Yes, a golden glow might look healthy, but the truth is that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Self-tan and body bronzing products are not what they used to be: formulations have become so advanced that these days it’s virtually impossible to tell a self-tan from a real tan. As such, we recommend regularly applying a bronzing lotion that gives the skin a natural glow, instead. Try St Moriz Golden Glow Moisturizer (R149.95) for a natural-looking glow that develops gradually, or Australian Gold’s Sunscreen Lotion with Instant Bronzer SPF30 (R279.99) for an instant golden glow. Say goodbye to UV sunbeds According to the World Health Organisation, sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking. They send out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your cells, and this can lead to skin cancer. In short, it’s never safe to use one. Luckily, there are other ways of attaining a deep tan at home. Invest in a good quality self-tan product like St Moriz Tan Mousse in Medium or Dark (R149.95). This easy-to-use mousse formula helps you achieve a deep, bronze tan without even leaving the house. Learn how to perfect and protect a self-tan Modern self-tan formulations have come a long way, meaning the orange, streaky looks from the past are literally that – a thing of the past! There are only a few basics to master when applying your self-tan: always exfoliate beforehand (particularly the rougher areas like elbows and knees), follow the instructions on the bottle precisely (now is not the time to wing it!), wear loose dark clothing afterwards and avoid exercise and showering for around 6 – 8 hours after application. And – very importantly – once your tan starts to fade and you want to reapply, always be sure to remove the lingering colour from your skin, or else you might end up with uneven colour. St Moriz Tan Remover(R299.95) gets the job done quickly, without the need for scrubbing. Moisturise your hands regularly Regular hand-sanitizing is likely to be here for a long time to come, and for most of us, the high alcohol content in sanitizers has a severe effect on our hands and cuticles. To counteract the alcohol-induced dehydration, we recommend applying a nourishing hand cream as often as you are able, and particularly after you’ve washed your hands and before you go to bed. Try ZERO’s Hand and Nail Cream (R295.00). Enriched with Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Sacha Inchi Seed Oil and Shea Butter, it helps restore

Impaq

Autism 101 – what is it and what should you look for?

What is autism?  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of developmental disorders that impair a person’s ability to communicate and interact with other people. As the name suggests, ASD refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by a person’s challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication. Despite ASD consisting of a range of conditions, there are no subtypes since ASD may present very differently from person to person, along with differences in presentation among genders.  How does autism present? Every person will have a different set of strengths and challenges but still fall under ASD. People diagnosed with ASD may present with more mild symptoms, while others may present with more severe symptoms – such individuals require significant support to function in their daily lives.  As aforementioned, the presentation of ASD may differ between people in both severity and characteristics. People with ASD may also differ in their level of intelligence, as some have average or above-average intelligence while others may have a learning disability and require assistance with daily functioning.  Common characteristics of ASD Characteristics that have been noted with some typicality include:  Challenges with communication and interaction with others;  Difficulties in reading social cues (i.e. how others may think or feel);  Challenges in expressing their thoughts and feelings;  Sensory sensitivity (e.g. bright lights, loud noises, etc.) which causes these individuals to become overwhelmed, stressed, or uncomfortable;  Repetitive behaviours; Becoming anxious, upset, or angered by unfamiliar situations or changes in routine; Taking additional time to process information.  Verbal ASD challenges It is common for roughly 40% of ASD individuals not to speak at all, while between 25 – 30% of others will develop language skills. Some language and speech challenges may include:  Delayed speech development;  Using a flat, robotic voice or speaking in a sing-song manner;  Echolalia;  Difficulties with pronouns, i.e. using I/me/he/she/they incorrectly;  Rarely using physical gestures; An inability to stay on topic.   Behavioural ASD challenges Autistic people may also display or engage in behaviours such as:  Repetitive behaviours;  Specific rituals;  Fixation on certain activities, objects, or topics;  Constant pacing back and forth;  Fussy eating habits (many ASD individuals have textural issues); Not participating in pretend play;  Impulsiveness; Aggression; An inability to pay attention or a short attention span;  Clumsiness.  What causes ASD? Several factors may influence the development of ASD, but there is no known singular cause. There have been rumoured causes of ASD such as diet, infections, or vaccines; however, each of these has not been conclusively proven to cause ASD. Typical comorbidities include medical challenges such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties.  How to identify autism Signs of ASD typically appear by the age of two to three years. Some children present with developmental delays as early as 18 months. In other rarer cases, ASD may be picked up by caregivers and teachers only later in the person’s life. Typically, when making a diagnosis of ASD, it will either have been identified by a doctor during early check-ups or when a parent becomes concerned and consults a multidisciplinary team of teachers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and doctors.  Also read: Might my child have ADHD? Signs of ASD  Signs of ASD to which a parent/teacher may want to pay special attention include:  Preference for solitary time; Avoidance of eye contact; No response to their given name by their first birthday; Lack of response to the emotions of others or appearing not to understand the emotions of others; An unwillingness to be comforted when upset; Avoidance or rejection of physical contact; Meeting of some developmental milestones but later losing them; Appearing to have a lack of facial expressions (i.e. smiling); Challenges with abstract thinking; Fixation on or a very clear preference for certain subjects; Challenges in making friends or maintaining friendships.  Also read: Parental self-care If your child is experiencing one or a combination of these signs or symptoms, they may need professional help. Consult a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the correct treatment and course of action for your child. by Dr Jeanné Roux – educational psychologist

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