Lifestyle - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Get full spectrum protection AND repair

Is your sunscreen state-of-the-art? Lamelle Helase 50+ doesn’t just protect, it also corrects! When it comes to preventing premature ageing, a high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen will always be your best line of defence. Still, not all sunscreen is created equally. For one, most will offer you broad-spectrum protection, meaning they’ll prevent the ageing and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays respectively. Thing is, these aren’t the only forms of light that age and harm your skin. There are many and this is where Lamelle Helase 50+ – a complete solution to all forms of light-related ageing – comes in. Better yet, it and doesn’t just prevent damage, it can correct it too! It’s not just a sunscreen – it’s a DNA corrector! Let’s talk about light. Many types can negatively affect your skin and understanding them the first step in knowing how to protect yourself. UVA and UVB you’ll be familiar with. We can’t see those rays, but we know they’re bad news for our skin. You should also be aware of UVC. Technically, this is the most dangerous type of UV light, but thankfully our atmosphere absorbs most of it. Still, a very small yet damaging amount manages to each us. This, along with tiny carbon particles of pollution, can inhibit our immune system. Next up, there’s Visible Light. This is the form of light we see as colours. It contributes to photo- ageing too as well as DNA damage – and even mutations – that can lead to cancer via the formation of cell-damaging free-radicals. This is why using a sunscreen containing potent antioxidants is vital if you’re to protect yourself. Last but not least, we’ve also got Infrared A, B and C to worry about. This type of light is what creates that warm feeling when you’re in the sun. Studies have shown it triggers ageing as well as inflammation. Worse yet, it penetrates much deeper than other types of light to reach your dermis, the layer where wrinkles are formed. Cutting-edge innovation to the rescue As UVA, Visible Light and Infrared light can all pass through glass, our skin faces an onslaught of damaging light both indoors and out, but we don’t have to retreat to a bunker or toss just yet. Lamelle Helase 50+ is a ground-breaking DNA-correcting photo-protecting product formulated to protect you from the entire spectrum – UVA, UVB, UVC, Visible Light and Infrared! Thanks to Pycnogenol®, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, it’s able to fend off the free- radicals caused by Visible Light while calming inflammation. The latter, if left unchecked, is another major cause of premature ageing. Then there’s our star ingredient, photolyase. A powerful DNA-repairing enzyme that occurs naturally in animals and plants, it physically corrects dangerous DNA breaks and kinks (known as “dimers”) that can lead to the mutations responsible for skin cancer. Helase 50+ also stop the effects of immune suppression caused by early UVB, Infrared and even UVC frequencies. It also inhibits the inflammation and ageing specifically triggered by Infrared. It’s for these reasons that Helase 50+ is being heralded as potentially the best photoprotection product under the sun. No other conventional “off-the-shelf” sunscreen could ever compete. It’s time for next-level protection If you’ve already committed to applying sunscreen every day, you’re doing so with the best intentions but are only going halfway. To benefit from FULL protection and help undo the damage already done, switch to Helase 50+. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free formula has a primer-like texture once absorbed and can be applied over your serum and moisturiser. Naturally, everyone can benefit from it – even those as young as six months – but anyone struggling with hyperpigmentation will find it an essential. Also, those with fair skin prone to burning, sun spots, a history of skin cancer and those who’ve undergone a laser treatment or peel that makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage, will find it a DNA-correcting, anti- ageing essential. Recommended selling price: R525 To learn more about Lamelle Helase 50+, visit https://lamelle.co.za/helase-50. www.lamelle.co.za

December 2, 2020

Birth injuries

You only want the best for your baby, but sometimes harm comes to them unintentionally. During the birthing process, your baby can experience harm or physical injury; this is known as a birth injury. Birth injuries are not uncommon, sometimes they are temporary and other times they may affect your baby for a lifetime. But what exactly are birth injuries? And what causes them? What are the chances of my baby getting injured during birth? Birth injuries range from harmless to serve, either quickly healing or causing disability throughout life. Although significant injury or death during the birth process isn’t as likely, birth injuries are not uncommon – according to the Birth Injury Guide, about 29 in 1000 babies suffer a birth injury of some kind. Why would my baby become injured during the birth process? There are several reasons why a baby can experience physical trauma during the birthing process. When you near the end of your pregnancy your baby moves into position for delivery, sometimes babies will move into an abnormal position, such as a breech (feet first), and this can cause them injury when they are born. Other reasons why baby’s may become injured during birth is being abnormally large, the mother’s pelvis is too small, or a long and difficult labour, where the mother’s contractions aren’t strong enough to push her baby out. What happens if my baby has a birth injury? Generally, birth injuries affect the babies head neck and shoulders, as babies are generally born head first. There are a variety of injures that your baby could stain from birth trauma, such as bruising of the scalp, broken bones or brain damage. Sometimes these injuries are temporary and other times they can last a lifetime. Your doctors and midwives will assess the damage to your baby and help you and your baby accordingly. Sometimes babies will sustain trauma during birth, and the injury won’t be noticeable until they have started school or being missing developmental milestones, as they struggle to mentally keep up with their peers or grow at what is considered a normal rate. Sadly most birth injuries aren’t preventable, but even so, moms whose babies experience birth injuries often feel guilty and angry, as if they are too blame. Although feeling this way is understandable, this is not the case and if you are feeling this way after your baby has experienced a birth injury it is best to speak to a health professional and reply on your partner, friends and family for support.

November 26, 2020

Men’s summer grooming tips

You may find your skin needs an extra bit of TLC after surviving the harsh winter and you might want to change up your facial hair to better survive the heat. Here are our top grooming tips for summer: Ditch the soap If you’re guilty of washing your face with the same soap you use for your body, now is the time to stop! Your skin might be a bit dry after winter, and soap is drying on the skin. Using a facial cleanser not only helps maintain your skin’s moisture levels, but it also rids the skin of bacteria and impurities which may lead to breakouts. We recommend ZERO’s Face Wash (R299.00). New to the market, ZERO manufactures plant-based skincare products that are as kind to your skin as they are to the Earth. Moisturise twice a day A good quality moisturiser should be a staple in your routine all year round. A lightweight formulation that doesn’t skimp on performance is a good choice for summer. Try ZERO’s Day Cream R399.00) for all-day hydration that doesn’t sit heavy on the skin. SPF, SPF, SPF Contrary to popular opinion, SPF is not just for beach days. The sun’s rays are more harmful than they’ve ever been, which means we have to take precautions every day, even if you are just taking a drive or running out to the shops. It’s important to select a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA rays (the rays that accelerate ageing) and UVB rays (the rays that cause the skin to burn). For the face, we suggest Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50+ (R189.95) and for the body we suggest Piz Buin Light Hydrating Spray SPF30(R269.95). A great little product to carry in your pocket is Piz Buin’s Lipstick Aloe SPF30 (R54.95), a lip balm that offers fantastic sun protection. If you’re looking for an instant glow but want to ensure that your skin is protected from skin aging and sunburn, a broad spectrum sunscreen is perfect as it protects you from both harmful UVA and UVB rays, we recommend Australian Gold’s SPF 15 Sunscreen Lotion with Instant Bronzer (R249.95). Wash and go With beach days, braais and hikes being high on the priority list during summer, you’ll probably end up washing your hair daily. With frequent washing, it’s best to select a shampoo and conditioner that are formulated for frequent use. It should cleanse effectively without leaving your hair feeling oily or heavy with product build-up. Renpure’s Tea Tree Lemon Sage Shampoo (R159.95) and Conditioner (R159.95) are a great choice. Infused with Moroccan Argan Oil and Silk proteins, Creightons Argan Smooth Moisture Rich Shampoo (R99.95) and Conditioner(R99.95) replenishes moisture, leaving hair soft and more manageable from root to tip. Deep treatment If you spend a lot of time in the sun, the pool or in the sea, you may have to treat your hair to a masque or treatment once or twice a month to keep it soft and hydrated. For added hydration, we recommend Marc Anthony HydraLock Conditioning Treatment (R169.95). For an all-over boost in shine, health, nutrients and protection against damage and breakage, you can use Marc Anthony’s 12 Second Miracle Daily Conditioning Treatment(R169.95). HASK’s Shea Butter & Hibiscus Oil Anti-frizz Deep Conditioner (R65.95) moisturises and strengthens dry, weak hair. Replenish moisture and restore strength back into frizzy, damaged strands with this conditioning treatment. The Shea Butter and Hibiscus Oil helps smooth the hair cuticle and reduce breakage for soft, strong hair. HASK’s invigorating Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask (R179.99) is blended with purifying tea tree oil and rosemary to help hydrate and soothe the scalp and hair. It gently detangles, softens and moisturises strands while leaving the scalp feeling rebalanced and refreshed. Managing your moustache Whether you’re shaving your beard and leaving your moustache, or growing a moustache from scratch this Movember, it’s important to care for your facial hair (and skin!) with some good quality products. Facial hair can be scratchy and get unmanageable if not moisturised, so we recommend applying a nourishing product like Clubman’s Beard and Tattoo Oil (R199.95) daily. This oil blend not only conditions your facial hair, but it also nourishes the skin underneath. If you’re looking to style an unruly beard or ‘tache, try Clubman’s Beard Balm (R199.95). This waxy formula helps you gain control of your facial hair without leaving it feeling stiff or heavy. If you prefer a moisturiser texture, we recommend Clubman’s 2-in-1 Beard Conditioner (R199.95). This all-natural salve is as flexible as it is effective, serving double-duty as a facial moisturiser and beard / moustache conditioner. Bright smile Red wines, curries and coffees are great winter indulgences, but they tend to stain the teeth. Regain your pearly whites this summer by investing in a couple of home whitening products. A whitening toothpaste is a good place to start. White Glo Deep Stain Remover Toothpaste Charcoal (R99.95) for sensitive teeth is a deep whitening toothpaste that removes fussy stains and discolouration. It detoxifies your mouth and is effective at fighting unpleasant breath, giving you confidence for a brighter, happier smile. You might want to take it a few steps further with some at-home whitening strips or treatments. White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Strips (R199.95) can remove up to 10 years of stain in just seven days with long lasting results. Enamel-safe & peroxide-free, the kit contains seven powerful, charcoal infused non-slip strips that offer a secure and comfortable fit to teeth. The activated charcoal penetrates and draws our stubborn stains caused by coffee smoking, wine and general aging. Grooming needn’t be a drag. These simple steps can make all the difference to health and happy skin, hair and teeth this summer.

November 24, 2020

Neurodiversity: What you need to know

“Neurodiversity is having a brain that functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of ‘normal’, but is far from flawed” ~ Anonymous Today’s children are growing up in a world that strives for inclusivity. Thus, we must teach our children and society about neurodiversity for this to be successful. Understanding neurodiversity is just as important as teaching our children that people come in all different shapes, colours, and sizes, all worthy of love and opportunity in this world. That means your child might be one of the few that is wired differently, and that his/her life may not follow the path you envisioned as they have a neurodivergent diagnosis. Before we can help him/her thrive, we must have a clear understanding of what a neurodivergent (the buzz word in psychology circles) diagnosis entails. What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is in concept a viewpoint that certain people have learning and thinking differences rather than inferiorities. The concept has been around for many years, but in a nutshell, it means that brain differences are just that, differences. Neurodiversity includes people with variations of learning differences. Some of these differences may include: ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism, etc. but they are not flawed. People with neurological differences are not broken or incomplete versions of ‘normal’ people. They approach life just a little differently, are highly intelligent human-beings and can live rich and meaningful lives. When it comes to Neurodiversity, look at the bigger picture. Let’s face it, to experience life through a uniquely neurodiverse lens and therefore have what is contemporarily described as a barrier to learning is a complicated thing, but often, it’s defined more by society’s misconceptions, misunderstandings and expectations, rather than by the individual condition itself. To battle with the consequences of the negative side of neurodiversity is nothing to be ashamed about. All children need love, encouragement, and support, and for children with neurodiversity, such positive reinforcement can help ensure that they emerge with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and the determination to keep going even when things are tough. The term neurodiversity can be viewed as another positive contribution to this overarching commitment to diversity, and should be integrated into both classroom lessons on diversity, and educational policies dedicated to promoting inclusivity in learning. Teaching with a Neurodiverse approach. Teaching with a neurodiverse approach begins with helping children understand their own strengths and needs. Once children understand themselves, they realise everyone else has their own assortment of abilities as well, and when they work together as a group, classroom or community, they can do great things. At the Bridge Assisted Learning School we follow a Neurodiverse approach. It includes more hands-on learning, experiential learning, project-based learning, expeditionary learning, arts-based learning, brain-based learning, universal design learning, and other programmes to support the children with their neurodiversities in order to succeed with what will benefit each student in school and life. Every child has his or her own unique learning style. Some children learn best by seeing or reading, others by listening, and others by doing. You can help your child with their neurodiversity by identifying their primary learning style. Is your child a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a kinaesthetic learner? Once you’ve figured out how they learn best, you can take steps to make sure that the type of learning approach is reinforced during home study. Always remember that the way you behave and respond to the challenges your child faces, has a big impact on them. A good attitude won’t solve the challenges associated with a neurodiversity, but it can give your child hope and confidence that things can improve and that they will eventually succeed. To learn more about neurodiversity please visit https://www.thebridgeschool.co.za/ By Dr. Greg Pienaar, Principal at The Bridge Assisted Learning School

November 23, 2020

How an app can help you monitor your child’s growth Growth hormone deficiency

The growth of a child is a significant indication of the child’s health and irregular growth can be an early warning sign of medical problems.1 These kinds of medical problems first show themselves in a child’s irregular growth pattern.1 Growth hormone deficiency has been identified in about 1 in every 3,800 children.2 Therefore, it is important for parents to understand the significance of regularly checking their child’s growth development. This can be done during visits to your healthcare practitioner. For additional support and tracking, an easy to download growth app was launched this September 2020, in order to help parents to easily track their child’s growth. “Growth is one of the fundamental differences between child and adult health care. Physical growth is an indicator and predictor of both present and future health. Among the numerous measures of growth, height and weight are perhaps the most important measures in childhood. While weight may change in adult life, height changes from conception to shortly after the end of puberty.” Says Dr Kuben Pillay, a Paediatric Endocrinologist from Durban. Human growth hormone is a chemical messenger that is vital for normal growth and development.3 Growth hormone is responsible for making us grow and in our bodies, growth hormone is produced naturally. When a child is diagnosed as growth hormone deficient, it means his or her pituitary gland is not producing enough growth hormone.4This could be due to hereditary or genetic conditions. Without enough growth hormone, a child does not grow the way he or she should, to reach his genetic potential or height and to attain well-being. According to Dr Pillay “Changes in patterns of growth may occur during any of 3 different growth phases through childhood and may be due to numerous different causes. These phases are the period between conception and the end of the first year of life (the infant phase), from approximately 1 year of age until the start of puberty (child phase) and between the start and end of puberty. There are different causes that may change growth in these phases and thus, the timing of the change in growth may offer important clues to the underlying cause. For example, nutrition both in the womb and after delivery may result in changes in patterns of growth during the infant phase. Congenital abnormalities (particularly bone abnormalities) and genetic disorders may also be causes. During the child phase many more possibilities may influence growth including genetic disorders (e.g. Turner syndrome), severe chronic disease (heart disease, severe asthma, kidney, etc.), severe malnutrition and hormonal disorders. Growth in puberty is due to effects of the hormones of puberty viz. testosterone in boys and oestrogen in girls.” How to measure growth and treat a possible growth hormone deficiency The typical growth of a child, which would be considered normal, is as follows:4 From birth, infants grow about 20 cm in the first year of life From 1 to 2 years of age, babies and toddlers grow about 10 to 13 cm From 2 to 3 years of age, toddlers grow at a rate of about 7.5 to 10 cm From age 3 years to puberty, growth is stable at around 5 to 6 cm per year until puberty Most of a child’s growth occurs before puberty, but the pubertal growth spurt accounts for more than 20% of adult height.4 When puberty occurs, there is a fast phase of growth. With this guide, parents can easily notice whether their child reaches the growth requirements. If, however, your child does not meet the growth requirements, he or she might need to consult with a healthcare professional, undergo tests and possibly undergo growth hormone therapy. Growth hormones are also vital for the healthy development of essentially all tissues in the body, including muscle and bone.3 It is important that children who are growth hormone deficient are diagnosed and treated as early as possible in order to aid their bones in growing and developing at a normal pace. Children with severe growth hormone deficiency show increased body fat, subnormal bone mineral density, and reduced lean body mass and could potentially develop lipid abnormalities.5 Once a child is tested for growth hormone deficiency related disorders such as short stature, a methodical approach is necessary.6 An evaluation of growth failure is needed and if there is no evidence suggesting growth hormone deficiency, then other tests are done. If there are abnormalities suggesting growth hormone deficiency, then growth hormone stimulation tests and an MRI of the brain could be suggested.6 If a child does not undergo treatment once diagnosed with growth deficiency, he or she might not attain a normal height etc., when becoming an adult.7 Once a child is on a treatment plan, strict adherence is important to achieve the maximal benefits of growth hormone therapy. Early initiation of growth hormone treatment in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency improves their chance of achieving their genetic height potential.8 Once a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency has been made, it is recommended that treatment with GH is initiated as soon as possible.8 The first year is a crucial indicator.8 Children who are on hormone treatment typically grow more over the first year of treatment, and further over the next 2 years.9 “Growth hormone continues to play an important metabolic role in adulthood long after the completion of linear growth, so growth hormone may become a lifelong therapy for children with childhood growth hormone deficiency whose condition persists into adulthood,” says Professor Thandrayen, Paediatric Endocrinologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. If effective, therapy should be continued for as long as there is a clinical benefit (defined as ongoing catch-up growth or maintenance of a normal growth velocity).5 The Growth Journey App To aid parents in checking their children’s growth, Novo Nordisk has launched an app for growth monitoring in September 2020 called the Growth Journey App. The Growth Journey App is a free growth tracking app that uses a phone’s camera to help you track a child’s growth regularly.10 Parents can easily track their child’s growth as the app automatically measures a child’s height

November 20, 2020

Six unexpected causes of dry hair

Has your hair become unexplainably dry and brittle? It’s common for all hair types to experience dryness from time to time, but the root cause isn’t always obvious. We often blame our dry hair on the elements, and while it’s true that exposure to icy weather, wind or the sun may lead to dryness, there are numerous other (lesser-known!) factors that come into play. Here are six somewhat unexpected reasons why your hair may be dry: Excessive hair washing While it’s important to maintain good hair hygiene, over-washing your hair could do more damage than good. Shampooing too frequently could strip your hair and scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry, dull and lacklustre. Try to wash your hair when it is necessary, rather than falling into a habit of washing it every day. Every second or third day should do the trick. If you have curly hair, try to wash it no more than once or twice a week, as curly hair tends to get dry more easily. If you simply can’t wait two or three days in between washes, we recommend using a gentle sulphate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils, like Renpure’s Tea Tree & Lemon Sage Refreshing Moisture Shampoo (R149.95). Want to push it one more day? Dry shampoo is your new best friend. Try COLAB’S number one, the Original Dry Shampoo (R79.95). Excessive hair brushing Yes, there is such a thing as brushing your hair too often. Excessive brushing can rough up the surface of the hair, increase static and leave it distressed. Try to brush your hair as little as possible and use a good quality comb or special detangling brush to get rid of knots as quickly and easily as possible. We recommend the Wet Brush Original Detangler (R149.00). Too much heat We’re often told that hot water dries out the skin, but did you know that the same applies to your hair? Exposure to heat may dry out the hair, so it’s best to rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Or better yet – if you can handle it – rinse your hair with cold water to smoothe the surface of each strand, leaving it soft and shiny. Another thing to keep an eye on is the heat setting on your styling tools. Always try to use your hairdryer, curler and straightener on the lowest heat setting possible. Most importantly, always use a heat protector spray, which will coat the hair and protect it from drying out. We recommend the OGX® Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray. Towel-drying One of the biggest mistakes we make after washing our hair is to vigorously towel-dry it. This friction can cause major damage to wet strands, and has even been linked to hair loss and breakage. Instead of rubbing, gently pat your hair dry instead. If possible, invest in a microfiber towel as cotton towels are particularly harsh on wet hair. Your products are wrong for your hair type Sometimes we select hair care products with good intentions, but for the wrong reasons. A new ingredient might be the latest craze, but if it’s not suited to your hair needs, it can lead to dryness. When selecting shampoo and conditioner for dry hair, read the label carefully. Look for nourishing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil and avocado oil. Stick to the same brand and product range rather than mixing and matching. This ensures your shampoo, conditioner and mask work together, and that there aren’t competing ingredients wreaking havoc on your hair. Try: Marc Anthony’s new Hydra Lock Shampoo (R149.95) and Conditioner (R149.95) contains jojoba oil and quinoa protein to give dry hair a burst of hydration, while locking in moisture. Hydrate and replenish dry hair with Renpure’s Coconut & Vitamin E Shampoo (R149.95) and Conditioner (R149.95). Revive and restore your hair with HASK Argan Oil from Morocco Repairing Shampoo (R169.95). Infused with organic argan oil, this shampoo helps to repair breakage and smooth split ends. Drench dry damaged strands with OGX’s Coconut Miracle Oil Conditioner (R199.95). This ultra-rich repairing blend with coconut oil, essence of tiare and vanilla bean extract helps to repair, soften and revive strands. You haven’t tried a leave-in moisturiser, conditioner or oil If you condition your hair after shampooing, you might skip the third step of applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. Whilst not a necessity, applying a leave-in product is a sure way of giving your hair a moisture boost. Hair oils are versatile – they can be applied to damp hair after washing, or to dry hair whenever desired. In addition to adding moisture, they can also be used to smooth flyaways and to set a style. We recommend: Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Dry Styling Oil (R169.95). This fast-absorbing mist hydrates hair while correcting damage, split ends and dullness. OGX’s Coconut Miracle Penetrating Oil (R189.95) helps revive your senses and your strands. This rich oil helps to calm frizz and tame flyaways, leaving hair silky soft and shiny.

November 20, 2020

How to perform your favourite beauty treatments at home

Feeling the pinch? You’re not alone. It’s been a tough year, and the vast effects of the national lockdown meant all South Africans have had to tighten their belts. For some, this has meant giving up their routine salon appointments, be it for that bi-monthly manicure or a monthly spray tan. The good news is that it’s still possible to enjoy the results of your favourite treatment, by doing it at home. While you may not get to experience the indulgence associated with visiting the salon, you’ll still get to look your best, while enjoying the results at a fraction of the regular cost. Here’s how to perform your favourite beauty and grooming treatments at home. Manicures A home manicure is easier to achieve that you may think, but in order to get your nails looking as great as they do after a visit to the salon, you need to ensure they are healthy and strong. We recommend using home treatment products such as Kiss’s Diamond Strengthener Treatment (R119.95) and Kiss Nail and Cuticle Oil (R119.95) regularly. Even if you cannot paint your nails neatly to save your life, you can still have perfectly manicured hands by making use of stick-on nails. If you love a gel manicure at the salon, you will adore the Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails (R149.95). Think of them as a ready-to-wear gel manicure. The nails have an amazing gel shine and smooth finish, plus they’re available in an assortment of fashion accents and glitter designs. If the classic look is more your thing, then the Kiss Everlasting French Nails (R99.95) will be right up your alley. They’re available in short and medium length, and should last for at least seven days. Teeth whitening Bright, white teeth are said to take years off a person’s face. Professional teeth whitening at a dentistry practice yields amazing results, but it does not come cheap. You can budget several thousands of Rands for just one session, and on top of that, there is the added expense of a home care kit and top-ups. Teeth whitening kits, toothpastes and other products intended for home use have come a long way. It is now possible to safely, and effectively, whiten the teeth by more than one shade using home care products. And best of all, while the products deliver satisfying results, they are not dangerous when used as intended, meaning you won’t end up hurting your teeth or gums if you follow the instructions correctly. Originally developed for makeup artists who looked after the on-screen appearance of models and film actors, White Glo has a vast range of home care products available to whiten teeth from the comfort of your home. We recommend White Glo Deep Stain Remover Toothpaste Charcoal (R99.95) for sensitive teeth, a whitening toothpaste that removes fussy stains and discolouration for a brighter, happier smile. White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Strips (R199.95) can remove up to 10 years of stain in just seven days with long lasting results. White Glo’s Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder (R149.00) uses the natural elements of activated charcoal to clean and whiten teeth. The highly absorbent activated charcoal draws out stubborn stains, traps colour particles, fights bad breath and whitens teeth enamel. Biorepair® Pro White Toothpaste (R74.99) returns the natural white of your smile. Using an innovative PVP whitening technology, it restores the natural whiteness of teeth. Hair treatment Going for a hair treatment at the salon is one of life’s many pleasures, but did you know that the cost of one treatment often exceeds the cost of an entire tub of home treatment, which can be used several times? The key to perfecting a home hair treatment is to be patient and follow the instructions. Many of us don’t wait a full 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing the product, and end up washing it off before it’s had time to do its job. Read the instructions on the jar carefully before deciding to go ahead, as you need to budget enough time. The great thing about home hair treatments, is that there is one available for every hair type and concern. Whether it’s breakage, dehydration, split ends or damage you’re looking to treat, a good quality hair mask will go a long way in restoring the health of your hair. Some great options to try include: Marc Anthony Hydra Lock Conditioning Treatment (R169.95). This treatment goes deep to penetrate every strand for a splash of hydration. It goes to work in as little as five minutes. Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment (R129.95). Specially formulated to restore lost moisture and leave hair softer and more resilient. The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Detangling Deep Conditioner Packet (R34.95). A creamy, rich conditioner, enriched with mango butter and marula, coconut, and castor oil to condition and soften the hair with an intense moisture boost. HASK Shea Butter & Hibiscus Oil Anti-frizz Deep Conditioner (R65.95). Replenish moisture and restore strength in damaged strands with this conditioning treatment. Crème of Nature’s Argan Oil Perfect 7™ (R199.95) is a 7-in-1 miracle leave-in treatment mask infused with Argan Oil and conditioning agents such as Pro-Vitamin B-5 and Silk Amino Acids for beautiful, healthy hair with shine. A glowing tan A golden tan is top of our summer wish list. By now, everyone knows that the only safe tan is a faux tan, and that spending hours in the sun perfecting that sun-kissed look is no longer an option. While a salon tan is convenient, there are some fantastic home tanning products you can use to achieve the same result. Newly launched in SA, St Moritz produces self-tan products that are easy to use and yield a stunning result. Their Gradual Tanning Lotion(R119.95) gradually builds a natural glowing tan while moisturising the skin. This is a great product for beginners and offers a subtle glow. You could also try Australian Gold’s Gradual Sunless Lotion (R299.95), which offers buildable colour that can be used daily for streak-free perfection. If you’re after more intense colour, you may want to try St Moritz’s Tanning Mousse in Medium or Dark (R129.95). These

November 19, 2020

Are day hospitals the new trend?

Globally, day surgery hospitals have changed the experience of patients by offering an alternative to acute/conventional hospital surgery. Hospital costs the highest expense In South Africa, the concept of day hospitals is also gaining popularity – particularly as a result of high hospital costs. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, says, ‘Using our hospital dashboard for the full 2019 year, direct hospital costs were 43% of the total scheme expenditure. These excluded doctor and allied services while a patient was in-hospital. The increase in the use of day hospitals Internationally there is a trend in increased day surgery for multiple reasons including: Improved anaesthesia (with quicker recovery period) Improved pain control (anaesthetic blocks and improved medication) Instrumentation and procedures (keyhole surgery). Cost saving initiatives Private medical aids are struggling to keep up with rising healthcare costs, which usually outpace inflation by 3+%. They are continually looking for ways of reducing costs and keeping premium increases as low as possible without prejudicing the quality of healthcare or financial stability of the fund. ‘We negotiate special rates through our hospital networks and Designated Service Providers (DSPs) and encouraging members to use our Managed Care initiatives. Encouraging members to use day hospitals is another way in which we can save on costs. That said, the strategy amongst acute hospitals is to reduce the tariffs for day surgery to the level of day clinics to prevent a market shift away from their facilities. For the Scheme and members this is a win-win as it still translates to cost savings. Examples of price differences ‘There remains a difference in costs between day and acute hospitals,’ says Callakoppen. The table below represents savings across some of the most prevalent surgeries. Procedure Difference in Case-Mix Adjusted Hospital Cost per Event (Acute Hospital Base) Corneal, Scleral And Conjunctival rocedures -6.3% Eyelid Procedures -28.1% Circumcision -13.9% Tonsillectomy And/Or Adenoidectomy (Child) -13.0% Tonsillectomy And/Or Adenoidectomy (Adult) -11.7% Myringotomy (grommets) -15.5% Colonoscopy -15.4% Other advantages of day hospitals Patient satisfaction No overnight stay – patients are admitted, operated on and discharged on the same day Child-friendly wards and facilities – day hospitals are the ideal alternative for children requiring same day surgery as the trauma of overnight stays are eliminated Lower risk of infection – due to the fact that patients return home on the same day, the risks of cross infection are reduced, which results in a shorter recovery Mortality and major morbidity is extremely low (<1%)* Improved surgery scheduling – decrease in waiting lists Why is take up not higher? Day hospitals clearly have marked advantages but the reason take-up is not that high, is there are some perceived disadvantages of using them. One which is the geographical access – specifically in areas like the Eastern Cape. There is concern around procedure complications and the need for a patient to have advanced care. But legislation is strict around day hospitals and they have to be located within five kilometres of an acute hospital for exactly this reason.’ The issue of doctor access is another factor inhibiting the rapid increase in use. Many doctors have their consulting rooms close to an acute hospital and are unwilling to travel further. Equipment may be limited in day hospitals but the increasing list of procedures which can be performed in day hospitals speaks to this challenge being overcome. This is probably why the percentage of day cases, split between acute hospitals and day hospitals, is still biased toward acute hospitals. Currently the split of day cases being done in acute hospitals is 74% and 26% in day hospitals. This implies that 74% of all procedures which could be performed in a day hospital are currently performed in acute facilities. Safety is foremost Not all patients can go to day hospitals. Callakoppen says, “It should be noted that this percentage will be lower as some patients would have anaesthetic and comorbidity risks and from a safety perspective may rather have the procedure performed in an acute hospital where overnight facilities are available. Additionally, not all day clinics are adequately equipped to do some procedures and, as such, the true percentage will be lower.’ Day hospital options for 2021 Bonitas currently has 68 day hospitals on the BonCap network and 30 day clinics on the Select options. According to Callakoppen, ‘This will be enhanced in 2021 when we implement a day surgery network across all options. A comprehensive list of procedures that should be done as day procedures has been collated for our members. If any of these procedures need to be done then members must use a facility on the day surgery network, or alternatively pay a co-payment. While the day surgery network will be comprised mainly of day clinics, it should be noted that certain acute (conventional) hospitals will need to be included on the network where there are areas of access constraint to them.” Will day hospital use be enforced? The Day Hospital Association of South Africa has proposed that medical aid enforce day hospital use in the future but also caution that there are some cases which cannot be carried out in day hospitals. He says, “The Scheme is in agreement with the concept. Although we do promote the use of day hospitals, we must bear in mind that there are some procedures for which this is not suitable. High risk patients who require more intensive post-surgery care would require acute/conventional hospitals. But the benefits of day hospitals should definitely be considered by all patients when undergoing a procedure.”

November 17, 2020

Could your child have Type 2 diabetes?

It’s a question no parent wants to ask. But as with so many things in life, knowledge really is power. We’ve outlined all you need to know about the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes so you know what to look for. The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes First of all, it’s important to understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes used to be called ‘juvenile diabetes’ because it was most often diagnosed in children. It’s an auto-immune condition, unrelated to lifestyle or diet. If your child has Type 1 diabetes, you’ll know very quickly because they will get very sick. They’ll lose weight, eat a lot, constantly be thirsty and need to pee a lot – often at night. They’ll also be exhausted. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, develops slowly. Until recently, it was mostly seen in older people – one of the risk factors is being over 45 years old. But it is being diagnosed in children more and more. This is largely because our kids aren’t as active as they used to be – one of the main risk factors is a lack of physical activity. Another is being overweight or obese, particularly around the tummy area, and having a family history of diabetes. What to do if your family is at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes If this is ringing a bell, there are a few simple things you can do. The easiest way to remember them is to think EEL: Eat healthy Exercise Lose weight if necessary Eating healthy means cutting out junk food, sweets and treats, juice and fizzy drinks. Also cut out refined carbs, which means white bread, white rice, pasta – all the white foods. Eat lots of green vegetables (half a plate with each meal), good quality protein and some wholegrain carbs. It might feel like a big adjustment, but your whole family will feel better if you can start eating healthier. Exercise doesn’t have to mean joining a gym. It can be as simple as a 30-minute walk, most days of the week. Or some stretching or yoga at home, or a game of soccer with the neighbourhood kids. It’s so important for kids to be physically active. Losing weight is important if your child is overweight or obese, but that doesn’t mean putting them on a diet. If they’re getting active and eating healthy, drinking lots of water and staying away from junk food, weight loss will be a natural result. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re at risk of Type 2 diabetes, check out our fun 1-minute diabetes risk test on www.sweetlife.org.za. We also have all the information you need on how to reverse Type 2 diabetes, and advice and tips on how to manage diabetes if you’re living with it. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone in this! There is a whole community of Diabetic South Africans, all living our best lives. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes Very hungry Very thirsty Needing to pee a lot, especially at night Sudden weight loss Exhaustion Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes 45 years old (or older) OR Overweight or obese AND Physically inactive (not much exercise) High blood pressure Family history of diabetes High cholesterol Heart disease history High-risk ethnic group (Asian Indian, Coloured) Diabetes during pregnancy or a baby over 4kg PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) If this sounds like you, it’s important to go for a diabetes screening. There are free screenings at Clicks Clinics and many independent pharmacies during November (National Diabetes Month). Bridget McNulty is a Type 1 diabetic and the co-founder of Sweet Life Diabetes Community, SA’s largest online diabetes community. Find out more about how to live well with diabetes at www.sweetlife.org.za

November 16, 2020

Teaching your Children about Money

Hi all. I have decided this month’s column is going to be information about “teaching your children about money” because let’s face it, it is a very important skill to learn and the earlier you can teach your kids about money the better. My kids are 8 and 12 years old and I really wish I had started teaching them about money sooner. Tips on teaching your kids and teens money saving skills. Give them control of their money Otherwise they will think money will always be ‘on tap’ and that they do not have to be responsible for their spending or make plans to save for bigger things. Bad spending habits mean they will take longer to become independent and could have trouble with money. Teach them to save for money goals You might also create a chart together showing their goal, and little savings milestones along the way. That way they can get excited about watching their savings grow. Teach them that reducing expenses makes goals come faster ‘If I want to get to a goal faster, I have to save more…’ which means spending less on other stuff. Remind them about the decision they are making every time they want to spend money. Teach them about having a budget It does not have to be complicated, but teach them how to plan their spending, instead of having a big wad of cash that keeps getting smaller with every impulse buy. Introduce them to the concept of investing and the growth that is their money earning money for them. It is free money, almost! Teach them that the goal of marketing and advertising is to get us to part with our money, and how they affect us to make us do this. And talk about consumerism, and how it hurts us financially, how it is not good for the environment, and how it leads to a cluttered house full of expensive and wasted stuff. Teach them about impulse buying and that feeling of ‘I must have it now’ that we all know very well! Have a cooling off period about a bigger purchase and teach them that what we buy should not be to impress others… Give them control of their money otherwise they will think money will always be ‘on tap’ and that they don’t have to be responsible for their spending or make plans to save for bigger things. These are the tips from Dave Ramsey’s blog post. They are divided into ages and are aimed for kids right from preschool age right up to the teen years. How to Teach Pre-Schoolers About Money Use a clear jar to save. The piggy bank is a great idea, but it does not give kids a visual. When you use a clear jar, they see the money growing. Yesterday, they had a R5 coin, today they have a R10 note and the R5 coin. Talk through this with them and make a big deal about it growing! Set an example. Remember little eyes are watching you. If you are slapping down plastic every time you go out to dinner or the grocery store, they will eventually notice. Or if you and your spouse are arguing about money, they will notice that too. Set a healthy example for them and they will be much more likely to follow it when they get older. Show them that stuff costs money. You have got to do more than just say, “That pack of toy cars costs R120, son.” Help them grab a few Rands out of their jar, take it with them to the store, and physically hand the money to the cashier. This simple action will have more impact than a five-minute lecture. How to Teach Primary School Kids About Money Show opportunity cost. That is just another way of saying, “If you buy this video game, then you won’t have the money to buy that pair of shoes.” At this age, your kids should be able to weigh decisions and understand the possible outcomes. Give commissions, not allowances. Do not just give your kids money for breathing. Pay them commissions based on chores they do around the house like taking out the trash, cleaning their room, or mowing the grass. Dave and his daughter Rachel Cruze talk a lot about this system in their book, Smart Money Smart Kids. This concept helps your kids understand that money is earned—it is not just given to them. Avoid impulse buys. “Mom, I just found this cute dress. It is perfect and I love it! Can we buy it please?” Does this sound familiar? This age group really knows how to capitalize on the impulse buy—especially when it uses someone else’s money. Instead of giving in, let your child know they can use their hard-earned commission to pay for it. But encourage your child to wait at least a day before they purchase anything expensive. It will likely still be there tomorrow, and they will be able to make that money decision with a level head the next day. Stress the importance of giving. Once they start making a little money, be sure you teach them about giving. They can pick a church, charity or even someone they know who needs a little help. Eventually, they will see how giving doesn’t just affect the people they give to, but the giver as well. How to Teach Teenagers About Money Teach them contentment. Your teen probably spends a good chunk of their time staring at a screen as they scroll through social media. And every second they are online, they are seeing the highlight reel of their friends, family and even total strangers! It is the quickest way to bring on the comparison trap. You may hear things like: “Dad, Mark’s parents bought him a brand-new car! How come I have to drive this 1993 Subaru?” “Mom, this girl at school got to spend R10,000 on her Sweet 16 party. I want to do that too!” Contentment starts in the heart. Let your teen

November 13, 2020

Festive season, gifting, and the in-laws!!!

Wow time is flying by and I cannot believe the festive season is here. I am not complaining because I am happy to bid farewell to this year for sure. I always look forward to the festive season because school is over for the year and everyone gets a very well-deserved break. Well everyone except the moms of the household. Festive season is always the busiest time of year for mommies especially because we’re trying to keep everything afloat, juggling the last bit of work left, entertaining the kids, making sure that there’s numerous amounts of snacks and meals and if that isn’t enough, throw in the in laws visiting as well. There is no denying that the holidays can be very tense under normal circumstances, but can be very trying if the year has been difficult and we all know that 2020 has really done a number on us. While festive season can be dauting on families there are ways around it. Here are my tips for dealing with festive and the in laws: Aim to make holiday times enjoyable and memorable. Plan with your spouse so that there is no conflict. Plan which days are set aside for in laws and remember to make time for each other. Sometimes holidays become so busy that you end up living passed each other and then feel like you need a holiday from your holiday. Be vocal about your plan. That way if anyone wants to make other plans, they may do so early enough without getting upset about last minute changes. Balance the time spent between the in laws and remember the main priority here is spending time with the kids and making memories. Keep an open mind. Ask everyone what the one thing is they would like to do over the holidays and make time to do that. Make your in-laws feel included but also explain to them that you would like to do your own family traditions during the holidays and include them in those. Communication is key. Never accept a holiday invite without discussing it with your spouse first. Compromise with your in laws. If you do Christmas eve dinner at theirs this year then perhaps they should come to yours next year. This will not always work but it is worth a shot! Do not forget to set aside some time to rest and relax! The last thing you want is to suffer from festive season burnout. Lastly, do not let your in-laws get under your skin by telling you how you should be running your household or what you should be feeding the kids. As long as your partner thinks you are the bee’s knees, practice those yoga breaths and walk away. Festive season is almost upon us and now is the perfect time to hunt for gifts for family and friends. To help you with this quest, I have made a list of festive season gift ideas that you could consider on a budget: House of Cosmetics has amazing mystery boxes, unicorn boxes and great bundle deals for makeup which will not cost you an arm or a leg. Now which lady or girl does not love makeup?! This festive season why not gift someone a gift to start their own small business. Caribbeantan has starter tanning kits for sale which equips them with the tools & training to grow their own business. What an amazing gift idea!!!! Caribbeantan also has great bundle deals at a fraction of the cost. You can also buy products individually and build your own spa day box to gift to anyone. A relaxing spa experience is what everyone craves after a long and tiring day/week. I know I crave it every other day. This is an ideal gift for spa lovers/cravers. When in doubt with what to buy someone, I always opt for a frame and pictures because who does not love the gift of memories. Great skin does not just happen, it is moulded. CATRICE has some great serums which is also budget friendly which can be gifted in a pretty box to a girlfriend, sister or mom. Home décor. If you know a friend who has recently moved into their new home or apartment or a friend who is redecorating their place, then home décor is something you should investigate. This gift is also suitable for newly married couples setting up their first home. Personalized gifts. Even if it is Christmas decorations with their name on it. It is something that can be reused every year and what an awesome memory to have. Gift cards. Although I find it quite impersonal, gift cards are the most practical gifts to gift your loved ones or your friends. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of these gift cards before purchasing them. Some limit the usage to specific stores or specific locations. Others limit the product range that you can utilise the card against. Most gift cards are valid for a year from when you purchase them so they need not be utilised immediately, they can be utilised when the need arises especially during those dry bleak January months. Cash is king!!!! The most popular gift people want is money and I’m not completely against it. Happy holidays. Have blessed Christmas and an amazing new year!!! Remember Covid is still very much with us. Please be safe, wear your mask and sanitize.

November 10, 2020

Top tips to encourage babies and toddlers to eat their fruit and vegetables

We all know fruit and vegetables are an important food group, but persuading babies and toddlers to eat them can be a battle. Even if your child absolutely refuses to eat vegetables it’s important to put some on their plate at every meal so they get used to seeing them. Psychologists have found that once children become familiar with a food, they are more open to trying it, but you may need to present the same food on as many as ten separate occasions before your child feels comfortable eating it. While it’s important to put some vegetables on your child’s plate, many children find a large serving of vegetables off-putting, so it’s better to give them an amount you know they will eat and gradually increase the portion size: Try to incorporate finely chopped vegetables such carrots, peppers and mushrooms into dishes like spaghetti bolognaise Rather than serving them as a side dish, incorporate vegetables into main dishes. For example, add a variety of vegetables to a meat and cheese lasagna When your child says they are hungry, offer them a piece of fruit rather than biscuit Serve raw strips of pepper or carrot with a dip such as hummus. If you serve them at the beginning of the meal when children are hungry they are more likely to eat them Mix cooked pureed spinach, carrots or shredded cabbage into mashed potatoes To encourage toddlers and older children to eat their vegetables, use a star chart where you award one star for each serving of fruit or vegetable eaten. Offer a treat such as a trip to the swimming pool or the park at the end of the week if they’ve made the target of five portions each day for a week Persuading children to eat fruit is usually less of a problem, but if children aren’t keen it can be used to make puddings or smoothies. To make fruit smoothies blend soft fresh fruit (berries, banana and, mangoes) or canned fruits such as apricots, peaches with low fat yoghurt and milk or fruit juice   Stewed or fresh fruit make a great filling for pancakes. For savory pancakes try adding spinach and soft cheese, stir-fried vegetables or ratatouille Spread a mashed banana on toast in the morning instead of jam or marmalade or add a few chopped apricots or some fresh berries to cereal Toddlers learn by example, so make sure that they see you and older siblings eating and enjoying fruit and vegetables You can also share your toddler eating tips, and read advice from other moms by visiting Philips AVENT on facebook: www.facebook.com/philipsavent By Fiona Hunter, Nutritionist

November 6, 2020

Bursary to empower the next generation of marketing professional

A successful applicant will be awarded a Nnete Modise Bursary, to study at The AAA School of Advertising. The AAA School of Advertising is proud to partner with Alumnus, Abey Mokgwatsane and The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) to empower the next generation of marketing professional. Abey Mokgwatsane is a very successful communications and business professional. He is currently the Managing Executive of Brand, Communications and Sponsorships at Vodacom. He believes in revolutionising the industry as we know it, by taking a stand to bridge the gap of inclusivity and equality opportunities for women in the communications industry. The contribution and role of African women in the development of the marketing industry is visibly missing. Multiple conversations are had about bridging this gap and giving opportunities to women of colour within the industry, but not much is being done about it. Thus, inspired by his late grandmother, an extraordinary woman, Nnete Modise, the Nnete Modise Bursary was born. This bursary will provide funding for a young talented and driven African female towards a marketing degree at the AAA School of Advertising. “AAA was my ad school of choice because of its combination of theory and practical approaches to teaching marketing. The bursary on offer is for study from first year through to completion of the marketing degree. This is part of my personal commitment to be a light in the fight against Gender Based Violence as I believe the economic emancipation of women can go a long way in the fight against GBV,” adds Abey Mokgwatsane. “Having our alumni thrive and contribute to empowering talent makes us as an institution so proud. Abey is working in the industry that sees first-hand the potential of an amazing career path. He is very passionate about developing young people’s potential, and together our aim with this bursary is to facilitate the empowerment and talent of young people to succeed and grow in this industry”, says Dr. Ludi Koekemoer, Acting CEO of AAA School of Advertising. The requirements of the bursary for applicants include the following: the successful applicant needs to reside outside of the main commercial centres of South Africa. A written motivation of 500-words from the applicant’s educator accompanied by their matric prelim results. Also, to be included is an additional motivation letter from the student detailing their economic status and proof of residence. The bursary will also cover accommodation, ensuring that the prospective bursar’s ability to register and complete the three-year degree is further supported. It is important to note that The ACA will coordinate the applications, short-listing of the students and administer the entire process on behalf of the Nnete Modise Bursary. All submissions must be sent to: [email protected] Closing date for applications is 13 November, 2020.

October 30, 2020

Improve Your Intimate Experience Naturally

Let’s start talking about vaginal dryness. You’re not alone and there’s a lot you can do about it Meet up with a group of women and chances are you’ll leave with some great recommendations. The best hairdresser in town. Where to find the plumpest avocados at a price that won’t break the bank. But what about a solution for vaginal dryness? It’s something we aren’t quick to talk about and yet it affects so many us. In fact, 63% of women over the age of 30 will experience some form of sexual discomfort or problem. Fortunately, thanks to brilliant strides in medical innovation, we’re beginning to understand what causes it as well as how to treat it. The stress connection When Taylor Swift said “You need to calm down” she might as well have been dispensing medical advice. Too much stress has a massive impact on every aspect of your health. Still, booking that online yoga class can only do so much. Modern living is a stressful business and not just in the psychological sense. Every day, we’re exposed to an onslaught of oxidative stressors that range from environmental toxins such as air pollution to the result of making poor food choices. These create damaging free radicals that trigger a chain reaction of havoc that affects all your organs, including your sexual ones and those that control your sex drive. One of the main ways this oxidative stress wrecks damage is by depleting your body’s nitric oxide supply, a substance that’s vital for the health of your vessels. This messes with your blood circulation and has a negative impact on your sexual health. The result? Vaginal dryness, discomfort, lower sex drive and diminished satisfaction. Bump up that blood flow Clearly, oxidative stress and a lack of blood flow is a real problem. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to mitigate it – including using a supplement that specifically targets the issue – Lamelle Research Laboratories Lady Prelox (R500 for 60 capsules). Lady Prelox is an all-natural estrogen-free supplement clinically proven to boost sexual function and satisfaction in women between 37 and 45 by 88% within one month and by up to 126% in two months! It’s even proven to boost sexual satisfaction in menopausal (45–55) and even post-menopausal (50+) women by 60% and more. A brilliant blend Ever heard of the powerhouse antioxidant Pycnogenol? Derived from French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, it’s a brilliant oxidative stress-buster that can help improve circulation. This makes it the star ingredient of Lady Prelox, along with Rosvita, a rosehip extract that’s a great source of vitamin C essential to healthy psychological function. Lady Prelox also contains L-Citrulline and L-Arginine, two non-essential amino acids that work together to increase your body’s nitric oxide production. This regulates blood flow to your sexual organs to enhance their function. Expect an improvement in the vaginal dryness department, the easing of discomfort, a higher sex drive and a lot more satisfaction. The latter is because, as nitric oxide increases blood flow to the clitoris, it creates an increase in pressure that’s essential to orgasm. What’s not to love? To learn more about Lady Prelox, visit https://lamelle.co.za/lady-prelox. You’ll find it at leading pharmacies and can even buy it discreetly from Lamelle’s Pharmastore online at https://lamelle.co.za/health-store www.lamelle.co.za Tel: 011 465 2264

October 27, 2020

Smartick launches free online assessment to detect the risk of dyscalculia amongst children

First online e-learning programme to design dyscalculia early detection online resource tool Smartick, an AI-based maths, coding and logic e-learning programme for kids aged 4 – 14, has launched a free standardised online assessment that allows for quick and easy identification of children at risk of dyscalculia. Dyscalculia (pronounced dis·cal·koo·lee·a) is a mathematics learning disorder characterised, among other things, by the difficulty in acquiring number sense and calculation. In other words, a relative of the more commonly known and researched learning disorder dyslexia, which involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and how they relate to letters and words. Smartick global research suggests that approximately 5-7% of a country’s population may suffer in silence from dyscalculia and that in a class of 25 students, it is likely that at least one child has the learning disorder. For a population of 57+ million in South Africa, and if similar percentages are anything to go by, it could equate to around four million people potentially being misdiagnosed. Smartick co-founder, Javier Arroyo says that dyscalculia is a disorder with serious consequences and high prevalence, but unknown among many children, parents and educators. “Dyscalculia tends to be confused with other disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), low IQ or even study laziness. While it can result in failure in the mathematics subject, although not always the case, it can translate into real life difficulties that cause frustration and low-self-esteem,” says Arroyo. On a day-to-day basis, it can translate into misreading the time on a watch or car license plate, as well as having difficulty memorising phone numbers, number sequences or calculating the return on a purchase. Available to South Africans from 1 September 2020 with the aim of helping to detect the ‘dyslexia’ of the numbers, Smartick’s designed* free standardised online assessment takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and includes tasks around three fundamental areas of mathematical learning: comparison and recognition of numbers, arabic numerals and numbering and arithmetic. “The exercises for each evaluate the ability to recognise and manipulate numerical quantities without counting, and numerical processing that use verbal symbolic code, such as number recognition and comparison. Children with dyscalculia often have severe and persistent difficulties in learning arithmetic,” says Arroyo. At the end of the assessment, a report is immediately generated and sent with the child’s strengths and weaknesses in each of the evaluated areas. If, according to the results, a child is at risk of dyscalculia, it is recommended that parents and / or guardians go to a professional for a complete evaluation, which includes psychological tests for intelligence, attention and reading, in addition to specific tests for maths. Arroyo says the e-learning programme wanted to provide the educational community and parents with an instrument with which to identify early on one of the mathematical learning disorders as common as unknown. “Children with dyscalculia need adapted, daily training based on a deep understanding of concepts and procedures. Your child might be the next Bill Gates and can help change the world, but he’s misdiagnosed and misunderstood,” he says. *The standardised dyscalculia assessment needs to be completed on a tablet and is aimed at children from first to fourth grade. It was developed in collaboration with the Universities of Malaga and Valladolid in Spain, with more than 800 students in different areas of Spain participating in the initial assessment validation study.

October 26, 2020

Sunburn in babies, how to prevent and treat it

Living in sunny South Africa, worrying about your baby being exposed to the sun’s rays is a valid concern. Too much unprotected time in the sun can be harmful to your baby, leading to painful sunburn and, even skin cancer later in life. Here’s how to prevent and treat sunburn if your little one has spent too long outside. How to treat sunburn Babies and toddlers are more sensitive to the sun as they have less developed skin than adults. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to sunburn, however, if your baby has spent too much time in the sun, the reddy, painful burn will only show up a view hours later. Those who have darker complexions tend to be less sun sensitive, however, everyone has some risk of sunburn. Redness, swelling of the skin (warmth) and pain are all symptoms of sunburn. If the sunburn has caused fever, chills, blisters and headaches its best to consult your local health practitioner. You can treat mild sunburn with a cooling bath, moisturiser or aloe gel – all of which will help cool irritated and inflamed skin. Giving your baby extra fluid in the days following the burn should prevent dehydration. It is recommended that you keep your baby out of the sun until the burn has healed.x Tips for preventing sunburn Sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm so limit your little one’s sun exposure during this time. When your baby is spending time outdoors in the sun, be sure that they are wearing a hat and sunblock with an SPF of higher than 30, if your baby is older than 6 months (if they are younger you will need to find alternative protection for them). Try to find sunblock that is formulated for kids (as this will work best for sensitive skin) and do a patch test on their skin before using it. If your child doesn’t like the feel of sunscreen (or is younger than 6 months), sun protective clothing is the better option.

October 21, 2020

Ten tips for choosing the right medical aid

The medical aid landscape can be tricky to navigate so it’s best to compare all the available options and schemes to find a medical aid that works for your budget and your family’s health. Bonitas Medical Fund helps guide you through choosing the best plan. Analyse your healthcare needs No two people or families are alike, medical needs differ so do a quick personal healthcare needs’ analysis to determine what cover you need. If you have dependants, factor in their healthcare needs too. Factors to consider include: How often you visit your family visit a doctor or specialist Over-the-counter medication or chronic medication required Chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes Specific conditions like cancer, HIV or renal failure Dentristy Optometry This will help you decide on whether you need a comprehensive medical aid or a hospital plan. Read the small print Benefits vary from plan to plan, so establish what is and isn’t covered and look at whether the option offers additional risk benefits which can save on day-to-date expenses. Such as free wellness screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI measurements) through to mammograms, pap smears and prostate screening. In some cases this extends to maternity programmes, dental check-ups, flu vaccinations and more. Managed Care options Managed Care programmes help members manage severe chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. What about savings? Medical savings are a fixed amount a medical scheme gives you at the beginning of the year. There are ways to maximise your savings but first you need to know what you annual allocation is. The day-to-day detail Look at what the scheme suggests as a way to make your benefits last, bearing in mind the following: Some plans require you to use a specific GP, hospital network and have a list of Designated Service Providers (DSPs). These keep costs down because the scheme will have negotiated special rates with these services providers. Check the network in your area before making a final decision. Must you be referred to a specialist by your GP? Does your medical aid offer additional GP consultations, which they will pay for, after you have exhausted your day-to-day benefits? Virtual Care and technology Technology and virtual care is being embraced by medical schemes and members. Check what is offered on the plan you’re considering and whether it you want access to your benefits 24/7. Age impacts your decision As parents of young children, ensure the option you select provides sufficient child illness benefits If slightly older, select a plan that covers chronic conditions and provides sufficient in-hospital cover in the event of hospitalisation Ensure the affordability Consider all the costs involved before you make your final decision, such as: Monthly contributions: The rule of thumb is that contributions should not exceed 10% of your monthly income. A medical aid co-payment is a fee that the member is liable for when making use of certain medical services. These co-payments usually apply to specialist or elective medical procedures and will differ from one medical aid scheme to another. Waiting period and exclusions The Medical Schemes Act and the specific scheme’s rules determine this. Bonitas recommends that you enquire with the relevant scheme about their exclusion list and waiting periods. Brokers Using a broker doesn’t cost you anything. An independent broker will help you work your way through the different options and help choose the medical aid plan best suited to your and your family’s needs. For more information on the product offerings from Bonitas go to www.bonitas.co.za

October 21, 2020

Convenient and Nutritious Food Pouches for Your Little One When You’re on The Go

For busy parents, there are always those times when you’re on the go, or pressed for time, and you don’t have any homemade baby food on hand. It’s at times like these, when baby food pouches can be a quick and convenient snack for your little one! With no plates, spoons or glass jars needed, you can satisfy your tots appetite on the go whilst being rest assured your little one is getting all the good nutrients they need. Organix has been cooking up scrummy, nutritious baby and toddler meals and snacks since 1992. Making sure little ones eat a healthy varied diet, full of texture and taste from real fruit and veggies is at the core of the brand. When Organix make their foods, they think about little ones growing up to be healthy, independent food explorers. They also set their own standards based in their experience in children’s nutrition, from what goes in the food, to the portion sizes they recommend, so everything is just right for little ones as they grow and develop. Organix pouches, suitable for little ones between the ages of 6 months – 36 months, are a convenient way for babies to explore food on the go – just simple combinations of fruits and grains for a fun taste adventure! When little tums are filled with tasty food you can trust, that’s when the wonder starts. The pouches retail for R32, 49 and are available in six delicious flavours; Just Apple, Pineapple & Coconut, Just Apple, Sweet Potato & Pineapple, Just Mango, Pear & Granola, Just Oat, Apple, Banana, Raspberry & Blueberry, Just Apple, Strawberry & Quinoa, Just Oat, Apricot & Banana. Their No Junk Promise is their stamp of reassurance that you will always find in all of their foods – Always Organic – We promise to only use organic ingredients. Nothing unnecessary – We promise to only use recognisable ingredients that serve a purpose. Setting Standards – We promise to set the best standard in what good food for children should be. Organix pouches are available at Clicks, www.takealot.com and www.babiesafrica.com. Facebook: Organix South Africa Instagram: @organixfoodsa #organixsouthafrica

October 20, 2020

Level 1 & warmer days….

Wow, level 1. We never thought that we would see the day, but here we are. Now that we are in level 1 and the weather is starting to warm up, things are starting to look up for us. A new season brings new beginnings, lazy beach days & spending more time with family. Taking the kids to the beach always seems like an amazing idea until you actually get there and 1 kid needs to potty, the other insists on venturing too far into the water and the other is screaming blue murder because they are hungry and you end up spending most of the day on your feet instead of under the umbrella with a good book while the kids are occupied. It does not all have to be bad though if it is carefully planned: Make a list of things that you need so you do not forget anything. I like to use the notes app on my phone, as it is always easily accessible. Choose to have an early start so you can find the best spot for the kids. Sunscreen along with beach hats is an absolute must. Do not overpack. Just a bucket, spade and beach ball will keep them entertained for hours. Remember to carry along a bag for rubbish and lots of wet wipes. Hydrate. It is easy to let these simple things get away from you on beach day. Pack lots of snacks. More importantly sand proof snacks like fruit, pretzels, sandwiches, cookies etc. Do not forget the umbrella and towels. You do not need chairs. Leave them at home. Baby powder for the end of day to remove sand easily. Full proof method to keeping your car clean. Do not forget a little first aid box with band aids and antiseptic. Accidents can happen at any time. Summer holiday makeup essentials I thought this would be a perfect topic as this is the time that everyone including myself, starts to plan their December vacation even if it is just around your own province. Be a tourist in your own city. When packing for a vacation, every inch of your suitcase is like prime property. It can be a pain trying to decide what makeup to take with you when traveling so hopefully this will help you narrow down your list. I have made a list of my top products in no particular order. 1. CATRICE Tensational Primer: This is a favourite! The ultimate quick fix for your skin. It moistens, freshens, and boosts the look of dull, tired-looking skin. I love mixing it in with my foundation to give my skin a dewy finish or I just apply it on my face as it acts as a great base too and it fills in any fine lines and wrinkles which is perfect. Also, it has an SPF! 2. CATRICE Matt Bronzer: It is a matte bronzer, so it is perfect for contouring as well as warming up the skin. Sweep across chin, cheeks, and forehead. An absolute travel essential! There’s also the CATRICE Glow Illusion Loose Powder. It has a little shimmer in it so it’s ideal for those beach days. Skip the blush and highlighter and just sweep this across the cheekbones. 3. CATRICE Sun Glow Highlighter: This is a brush-on highlighter that gives skin the appearance of being lit-from-within. It brightens and highlights the face and décolletage for a glowing look. Light, compact and perfect for travelling! 4. CATRICE Glam & Doll Waterproof Mascara: This waterproof mascara saturates from root to tip and it enhances volume and extends length. These defined lashes are clump-resistant, non- flaking and non-smudging – and can withstand moisture of any kind. Ideal for those pool days! 5. CATRICE HD Active Freeze Setting Spray: With a setting a spray your makeup is going to last all day or night with fading or melting. It is also ideal to keep in your purse as a spritzer to refresh you. 6. CATRICE Precise Slim’matic Eyebrow Pencil: It does not budge so it is perfect for wearing in the sun and when you are swimming in the pool. This is one of my favourite brow products. For extra strength, set it in with a brow gel. 7. CATRICE Neon Earth Eyeshadow Palette: This palette is perfect as it has earth tones like the browns and taupe’s, perfect for any outfit and it is not dramatic. The best part is that it is compact and will not take up space. 8. CATRICE Translucent Powder: This is great because it is compact with a mirror which you can throw in any bag. You can set and touch up your makeup and because it is translucent, you do not have to worry about what colour you are, it is there to take away any shine. 9. CATRICE Kohl Pencil in black and brown: I do not like to use a liquid liner on vacation as it can smudge. To create definition, I prefer to use a kohl pencil and smudge it into the lash line. The CATRICE pencils are super soft and creamy and easy to blend. I will take brown for daytime and black for that extra spice at night. 10. CATRICE Poreless Mousse Foundation It gives an amazing natural finish and still covers any imperfections. Lastly with all these great makeup products, there are a few non makeup essentials you should take as well: Sunblock Sun hat Lip balm – CATRICE Clean ID Balm Moisturizer Disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer – this goes without saying especially now. I love to use VirocClean A good book Power bank Summer is really my favourite season of the year. However, with the heat, humidity and extra sun, our beauty regime is really tested. Here are some of my summer beauty hacks: Dry shampoo is a girl’s best friend in summer when hair get oily and sweaty. It also saves you between washes. Applying a mascara with tinting properties, will help tint your

October 19, 2020

Only 36% of users in South Africa have unique passwords for each account, Kaspersky study shows

Internet users across the globe are yet to master how to use passwords effectively to protect themselves online. Research from Kaspersky has shown that people are putting their online safety at risk by making bad password decisions and simple password mistakes that may have far-reaching consequences. According to the latest Kaspersky report*, only 36% of local Internet users surveyed create new passwords for different online accounts and a worrying 16% use the same password for all their online accounts. Should one password be leaked, these people are therefore at risk of having every account hacked and exploited. The study also shows that people are mistreating their passwords – by using insecure methods to remember them. Almost a third locally (23%) admitted to writing their passwords down in a notepad to help remember them, 18% let the browsers to store password, while one-in ten (10%) store them in a file on the computer or even write down on a piece of paper near the computer (7%). Even if a password is strong, this leaves the user vulnerable because other people may see and use it. “We are now living in a high-tech world where IDs are no longer physical materials, but logical and represented by user accounts. These user accounts are protected with passwords; passwords where consumers use them to manage online accounts for everything from mobile banking, online shopping, checking the weather or booking a taxi. So, they should be taking better care to protect themselves with effective password security as these passwords represent their IDs. This seems obvious, but many might not realise that they are falling into the trap of making simple password management mistakes. These mistakes, in turn, are effectively like leaving the front door open to emails, bank accounts, personal files and more,” says Maher Yamout, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky. To ensure the safety of personal data, Kaspersky recommends users: Minimise the number of people you share account login information with and never leave passwords where others might find them Try Kaspersky Secure Password Check. The service allows you to check how strong your password is, and how long it will take to crack it. Use strong and robust passwords generated by a reliable security solution like Kaspersky Password Manager. This will produce secure, unique passwords for each account every time and help you resist the temptation to re-use the same password more than once. Change your passwords as frequent as possible to avoid the associated risks with Internet leaks, password guessing or phishing attacks. For more advice on how to keep your personal information protected and to read the report in full, visit the link. Reference: *Kaspersky Global Privacy Report 2020: https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/global-privacy-report-2020/

October 16, 2020

Coping with Anxiety

What could happen if we gave each person the tools to diminish their anxiety, reduce their fears and build a toolbox to achieve true resilience? Anxiety is a normal part of life, but during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, many people are more worried, concerned and/or depressed than in normal circumstances. In order to find the ways to move forward and manage the stresses that recent circumstances have thrown at us, we need to better understand what anxiety is. “I’ve always described it as a gnawing, tightness in your stomach and even in your whole body. It’s a weird feeling, because you can’t really pin it down. You know you feel worried, but you’re not sure about what. For me anxiety is: an underlying fear of not knowing what the future holds, or what the outcome of a situation will be”, says Dr Greg Pienaar, Principal of The Bridge School for Assisted Learning in Beverley, Sandton. Anxiety is a normal reaction to danger, the body’s automatic fight-or-flight response that is triggered when you feel threatened, under pressure, or are facing a challenging situation An overwhelming number of questions may resonate with us during these circumstances and the pandemic that causes an anxious feeling in the pit of our stomach. They include: What does the future hold? Will we ever get beyond the Coivid-19 virus? What will life be like after… Will we go back to “normal”? What if we get sick? What if a loved one gets sick? What if a lot of people get sick? Will we survive? Am I safe at school? “I want to give you some ideas about coping with anxiety”, Dr Pienaar continues. There are many models out there which refer to methods of coping with anxiety. One of the most famous models is the ‘Three Basic Coping Styles model’ (Endler 1997, and Folkman and Lazarus, 1986): Task-oriented (time-outs, eat well-balanced meals, count to ten slowly, limit alcohol and caffeine, take deep breaths, humour, enough sleep and other similar tasks). Emotion-oriented (meditation, distracting oneself, releasing pent-up emotions). Avoidance-oriented (staying away from triggers where possible, drug or alcohol abuse, severe procrastination). (psychologytoday.com) Many models contain similar ideas but might not be the most suitable for everyone. Thus, consult an expert that could work with you on the different methodologies to find the best practice for you. In the meantime, we look at the following steps that may assist you in this pressurised time One of the best ways of coping with anxiety relates to music. Listening to music, finding appropriate songs for a specific mood. It is really strange that sometimes when you’re feeling down, to listen to sad songs can actually make you feel better. Or hearing a particularly “up” song can make you feel worse? Although at other times listening to particular songs or a specific playlist can make you feel better? For example, here is a “Coping with Covid top 5” playlist. These are songs which currently resonate with me: “I’m Not Over” Carolina Liar (Actually about not being over a girl in a relationship, but for me it’s about not being over The World and all the beautiful things in it, just yet). “Carry the Weight” (acoustic version) Denison Witmer (About “carrying the weight of anybody who needs help, especially at the moment). “Times Like These” (acoustic version) Foo Fighters (Who knew there would be times like these). “What a Wonderful World” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Just love this version of how beautiful the world could be…) “Beautiful Day” U2 (Just a reminder about this fact is sometimes required). “Listening to music can definitely make us feel better about the world. The ugliness of the world can melt away, and the important things can rise up: friends, finding beauty in different places or things, sharing, closeness. Especially during Covid 19, having to look at what is really important in life”, says Dr Pienaar However, everybody will have their own songs, or music. Part of the journey will be finding the songs of your life, or the music which is soothing to your soul and assists with anxiety. Enjoy the music. Exercise: If you love running or riding or swimming, this is easy and really helps. However, what if you don’t like exercising? The last thing you want to do when you feel anxious or depressed is to exercise. It’s strange, but that’s when it is the most effective. To force yourself to exercise in those moments will be highly beneficial to you. Walking, jogging, riding, swimming, dancing, stretching, yoga, any exercise. They talk about the release of “endorphins” (feel good hormones) when you exercise, often these can help with easing anxiety. However, be mindful that it won’t help you, if exercising makes you feel bad, frustrated and/or unfit. Another way of coping is to develop a mantra A mantra is a positive saying, expression or motto to live by, that you can use to inspire or motivate yourself. Just by saying it often enough can help with coping with anxiety. “My personal mantra has become ‘I’m Not Over the World’, says …. My mantra used to be “Never, ever, give up”. Develop your own mantra, or use somebody else’s if it fits your world: “It’s going to be ok”, “This is completely understandable”, “The sun will come out tomorrow, or even “I’m doing the best I can”, and possibly in these times: “It is, what it is”. It’s amazing but just the act of talking to someone else is extremely important to assist you to organise your thought processes and help alleviate anxiety. It was once said: “A problem shared is a problem halved…”. It’s almost as if by sharing an issue, someone else hears it, and even if they don’t have answers, they are at least hearing and understanding your anxiety. Drawing, writing, painting, colouring, being creative and innovative can help with calming the anxieties that you are feeling. No-one has to see what you paint or write. It’s more about being

October 15, 2020

New Study Shows That Playing With Dolls Allows Children To Develop Empathy And Social Processing Skills

Today, Barbie®, and a team of neuroscientists from Cardiff University, announces findings of a new study conducted using neuroscience for the first time to explore the positive impact doll play has on children, bringing to light new evidence that doll play activates brain regions that allow children to develop empathy and social information processing skills, even when playing by themselves. Over the past 18 months, senior lecturer Dr. Sarah Gerson and colleagues at Cardiff University’s Centre for Human Developmental Science have used neuroimaging technology to provide the first indications of the benefits of doll play at a brain level. Through monitoring the brain activity of 33 children* between the ages of 4 and 8, as they played with a range of Barbie dolls, the team found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), a region of the brain associated with social information processing such as empathy, was activated even when the child was playing on their own. These benefits of solo doll play were shown to be equal for both boys and girls. Dr. Gerson explains: “This is a completely new finding. We use this area of the brain when we think about other people, especially when we think about another person’s thoughts or feelings. Dolls encourage them to create their own little imaginary worlds, as opposed to say, problem-solving or building games. They encourage children to think about other people and how they might interact with each other. The fact that we saw the pSTS to be active in our study shows that playing with dolls is helping them rehearse some of the social skills they will need in later life. Because this brain region has been shown to play a similar role in supporting empathy and social processing across six continents, these findings are likely to be country agnostic”. To gather the data for the study, the children’s play was split into different sections so the Cardiff team could capture the brain activity relating to each other kind of play separately: playing with the dolls on their own; playing with the dolls together with another person (the research assistant); playing with the tablet game on their own and playing with the tablet game along with another person (the research assistant). The dolls used included a diverse range of Barbie dolls and play sets, with all Barbie dolls and sets returned to starting positions before each child began their test to ensure consistency of experience. Tablet play was carried out using games that allow children to engage with open and creative play (rather than a rule or goal-based games) to provide a similar play experience to doll play. The findings of the study show that when children played alone with dolls, they showed the same levels of activation of the pSTS as they do when playing with others. Another finding of the study is that when children were left to play tablet games on their own, there was far less activation of the pSTS, even though the games involved a considerable creative element. To understand the relevancy of these neuroscience findings, Barbie independently commissioned a global survey** that asked more than 15,000 parents of children in 22 countries. Results of this showed 91 percent of parents ranked empathy as a key social skill they would like their child to develop, but only 26 percent were aware that doll play could help their child develop these skills. During this time at home, parents are increasingly worried about ensuring their child is developing social development skills, with more than two-thirds (70 percent) saying they are concerned about how this isolation might affect their child and how their child interacts with others. Similarly, 74 percent of parents are more likely to encourage their child to play with a toy if they knew it was proven to help their child develop social and emotional skills, like empathy. “As leaders in the dolls category, we’ve always known that doll play has a positive impact on kids, but up until now, we have not had neuroscientific data that demonstrates these benefits,” says Lisa McKnight, SVP and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel. “The findings of this research highlights that playing with dolls, such as Barbie, offers positive benefits in preparing children for the future through nurturing social skills like empathy. As we continue to inspire the limitless potential in every child, we are proud to offer dolls that encourage skills we know are highly valued by parents and are determinants in children’s future emotional, academic, and social success.” Barbie will be supporting these findings with an online hub, Barbie.com/Benefits, featuring resources for parents, caregivers, and children, to assist them in enhancing and applying their social processing skills. These resources have been developed alongside leading empathy expert, writer, and educational psychologist, Dr. Michele Borba. Michele Borba says: “The latest scientific findings from Cardiff University and Barbie are extraordinary and so relevant to the times we are living, given the limited social interaction our children can have. It’s been shown that children who have developed empathy and social skills early in life can have better grades, stay in school longer and make healthier choices overall. Empathetic children might also be more likely to stand up for a child being bullied and try to engage and resolve the conflict. Understanding that kids can help develop these skills through playing with dolls like Barbie, is remarkable and a helpful tool for parents.” The results of the study are published today in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience as ‘Exploring the Benefits of Doll Play through Neuroscience.’ Recognising that this study is a first step towards understanding the positive impact of doll play with further research required to build on these initial findings, Dr. Sarah Gerson and the Cardiff University team along with Mattel, have committed to further neuroscience studies in 2021.

October 12, 2020

Get total protection for everyday oral hygiene with Biorepair®

The health of your mouth is important at every stage of your life and there’s no better time to pay extra attention to your dental routine. With two of the world’s most common health problems affecting the mouth – cavities and gum disease, it really is in your best interest to practice good oral hygiene. Not only does it ensure a beautiful smile, but it is good for your health. Just like adults, it is important for little ones to look after their teeth too. Children’s tooth enamel is thinner and more vulnerable than an adult’s. It is important to remineralise it to defend it from the acid attacks caused by sugar. Another important step to maintaining good oral hygiene is daily flossing. Both interdental brushes and floss penetrate the places your toothbrush cannot reach, protecting against the formation of the dental plaque that causes cavities and inflamed gums. Biorepair®, the first and only toothpaste in the world that repairs tooth enamel based on the patented microRepair® technology (zinc-substituted-carbonate-hydroxyapatite crystals) offers total protection for everyday oral hygiene. It repairs the enamel surface and protects it from cavities plaque and tartar build-up. What are microRepair® particles? A MicroRepair® particle is very similar to the composition of tooth enamel. This similarity gives microRepair® a biomimetic property, allowing the micro-particles to integrate permanently with tooth enamel and dentine, no matter the condition of the mouth, thus repairing enamel and dentine evenly and naturally. The microRepair® particles form an even coating on the tooth surface, penetrating cracks in the enamel and chemically binding to it, thus repairing and remineralising them. From total protection, and sensitive teeth to gum protection and teeth whitening, the Biorepair® range of oral care products will take care of all your oral hygiene concerns. Biorepair® Gum Protection Mouthwash (R129.99) is the only high-density formula with microRepair® that provides greater adhesion to the teeth. It helps fight gum disease, preventing bleeding and inflammation of the gums, promotes tissue healing and strengthens gums thanks to its hydrating and protective properties. It also prevents plaque and tartar build-up, provides an antioxidant and protective function for the oral mucosa and offers relief for gums thanks to the astringent and soothing properties of the natural ingredients. Biorepair® Fast Sensitive Repair Toothpaste (R79.99) reduces dentinal sensitivity immediately. It closes the tubules, preventing thermal stimuli from reaching the tooth, prevents enamel erosion and the loss of natural tooth whiteness. Biorepair® Total Protective Repair Toothpaste (R74.99) repairs the enamel surface, protecting against plaque, tartar build-up and cavities. Biorepair® Pro White Toothpaste (R74.99) returns the natural white of your smile. It protects the enamel from the daily erosion process, restores the natural whiteness of teeth and uses an innovative PVP whitening technology. Biorepair® Gum Protection Toothpaste (R74.99) protects and strengthens sensitive gums. It repairs and regenerates gingival tissues, allows for antibacterial and anti-plaque action and has astringent and soothing properties. Biorepair® KidsToothpaste (R49.95) contains MicroRepair®, which strengthens tooth enamel and promotes the proper development of healthy permanent teeth. Biorepair® Junior 7-14 Toothpaste (R49.95) contains MicroRepair®, which strengthens and protects tooth enamel from cavities while they are developing and is ideal for remineralising the erosion caused by braces. With the addition of the antioxidant Vitamin E, it helps to maintain healthy gums. Biorepair® Interdental Brushes (R79.99) are made with the innovative SELFCLEANING POLYMER technology and microRepair®, particles made up of the same substance as enamel, which penetrate into places toothbrushes cannot reach. Biorepair® Floss (R69.99) reaches where brushing cannot. The floss features microRepair particles, which are made from the same substance as tooth enamel, helping maintain tooth integrity. Exclusive to selected Clicks stores.

October 9, 2020

Modern children and where to find them: 73% of South African parents do not track their children’s location

Parents have always managed to set geographical boundaries – where their children could go and where they could not – back in time. Nowadays there is another opportunity to monitor the child’s whereabouts – to track the location of them using special software. Yet, according to Kaspersky’s special survey for parents, not many parents in South Africa realise this. According to the “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey*, 73% of South African parents do not track the location of their child. The reasons for this vary: 37% have never thought of tracking the location, while 31% do not know how to do it. There is an option to have the software, which lets parents locate their children on a map and set a safe area for them to stay in, installed on their children’s devices. However, 41% of parents in South Africa claim they do not have it installed on any of their devices. “Modern times offer a wide range of tools which can help in preventing accidents in real or digital life. It is crucial to know how to use them, what their benefits are, and, actually, use them. Tracking your child’s location can definitely save you a lot of trouble – its advantages lie also in the fact that it allows to control not only digital, but also real life of the child,” commented Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Safety at Kaspersky Network. To secure and protect your child both in digital and in real life, Kaspersky strongly recommends following this advice: Learn more on the topic of children’s cybersecurity: explore modern trends, apps, the way of behavior that has to be adopted in order to safeguard against dangers (for instance, the basic security rules while on the Internet); update your network security knowledge periodically, use the Kaspersky blog https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/ to do this. Communicate with your child and define the borders which are not meant to be crossed: discuss with them safe locations both real and webpages. Install a reliable security solution such as Kaspersky Safe Kids to monitor your child’s activity successfully. Reference: *The “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey was implemented in conjunction with Toluna research agency in the end of 2019 – beginning of 2020. 5000 respondents from META region and Baltic states participated in the survey.

October 8, 2020

Kaspersky registers growing interest in PlayStation 5 among cybercriminals

Kaspersky experts have recently detected a growing interest among phishers and scammers in the popular game console PlayStation, the new version of which is going to be launched in November. In the period of July – September 2020, there was discovered almost 150 suspicious web resources around the world with the word ‘playstation’ in their names. So far in September alone, Kaspersky experts found more than 60 such sites. However, in reality there may be a lot more. The phishing websites were mainly offering the chance to pre-order PlayStation 5 by leaving a prepayment or personal information. On some sites it was supposedly even possible to purchase a console at a reduced price. There were also resources where the previous version of the console – PlayStation 4 – was on offer for much lower prices, with the major discounts attributed to the release of PS5. “We want to remind users that if something looks too good to be true on the Internet, then it’s most probably a scam. Sales and pre-order messages are worth checking with reliable sources. You should not follow links in suspicious emails or messages sent via messaging services or social networks. It’s also a good idea to install a security solution with up-to-date databases of phishing and spam resources”, comments Tatyana Sidorina, Lead Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky. Kaspersky experts advise the following tips to protect against phishing threats: Always double-check the URLs of links shared in unexpected messages or those from an unknown sender, to make sure that they are genuine and do not cover another hyperlink that leads to a malicious page or download. If you are not sure that a website is genuine and secure, never enter your credentials or personal information. If you think that you may have entered your login and password on a fake page, immediately change your password and call your bank or other payment provider if you think your card details may have been compromised. Always use a secure Wi-Fi connection, especially when visiting sensitive websites. Do not use public Wi-Fi without a password. If you are using an insecure connection, cybercriminals can redirect you to phishing pages without your knowledge. For added security, use VPN solutions that encrypt your traffic, such as Kaspersky Secure Connection. Use a security solution with behaviour-based anti-phishing technologies, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud or Kaspersky Total Security, which will warn you if you are trying to visit a phishing web page.

October 2, 2020

Goat milk provides nutritional and immunity benefits for the whole family

Goat milk is a rich source of protein, fat, oligosaccharides, essential vitamins and minerals, and micronutrients linked to immunity. When budgets are stretched tight and food costs are on the increase, shopping choices often change– for the worse. However, it is important to follow the basics of healthy eating to look after your immune system. One simple way to get an advantage is by adding goat milk to your trolley. Goats are among the oldest domesticated animals, and their milk has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. Goat milk offers numerous benefits for the whole family and is abundant in nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritional benefits of goat milk While fresh full-cream goat milk can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, it is also available in powdered form as a base for infant formula where breastfeeding is not possible. Goat milk provides a complete protein with all essential amino acids7, making it an approved option for infant formula. The unique protein composition of goats’ milk allows it to form a softer curd during digestion, which may support a baby’s digestive health and comfort. The fat content of goat milk is similar to that of cow milk; however, the fat globules are up to 75% smaller in size, which may make them easier to digest., Fat is important in the diets of young children especially, as it aids in the development of the brain and nervous system. The most abundant saturated fatty acid in human milk is palmitic acid, present in a structure named ß-palmitate. In infant formula, ß-palmitate may positively influence gut health, growth, sleep and comfort of infants.Goat milk-based formula contains high levels of ß-palmitate. Research shows that South Africans have a low intake of calcium. Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth, to help prevent osteoporosis, and to help the breakdown of body fat as part of a calorie-controlled diet.,, , Full-cream goat milk has 6% more calcium than full-cream cow milk. (See table 1.) Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the body. It works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats, and is also needed for the body to grow, maintain and repair cells and tissues. , Goat milk is also a good source of phosphorus. One serving of goat milk (200ml) provides 11% of the daily requirement of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid),,, which is needed for the release of energy from food, and 23% of the DRI for biotin,,, a B-vitamin that is important for a healthy nervous system. TABLE 1: Nutritional Comparison between different types of milks , (adapted) Composition per 100g Human Cow Goat Soy Almond Rice Energy (kcal) 70 62 66 32 56 47 Total protein (g) 1.0 3.3 3.4 2.9 1.3 0.28 Total fat (g) 4.4 3.3 3.9 1.9 3.3 0.97 Lactose (g) 6.9 4.7 4.4 n/a n/a n/a Calcium (mg) 32 112 118 13 14 11 How goat milk in the diet supports immunity and boosts gut health The microbiome in the human body consists of trillions of microorganisms (also called microbiota or microbes) of thousands of different species.Each person has an entirely unique network of microbiota, which they are exposed to for the first time as a baby, during delivery in the birth canal and through breast milk. In a healthy person, these ‘bugs’ coexist peacefully, with the largest numbers found in the small and large intestines (gut), but also throughout the body.Diet is considered as one of the main drivers in shaping the gut microbiota, and intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining our immune system. Prebiotics help to stimulate, grow and maintain beneficial gut bacteria. Human milk contains an abundant supply and diverse array of oligosaccharides, which possess prebiotic properties. For breastfed infants, these oligosaccharides help to establish and maintain a healthy gut, support the immune system, and protect against gastrointestinal infections. Amongst all the domestic animals, goats have milk with the highest amount of oligosaccharides. Studies continue to show that oligosaccharides present in goats’ milk-based infant formula have strong prebiotic and anti-infection properties, helping to maintain the health of the digestive tracts of babies. Why it’s important to understand food labels Reading food labels helps you to make healthier choices when shopping. Focus on what’s in the ingredient list and the nutrition information table. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, so what’s first on the list is present in the largest amount, and what’s last, the least. Keep an eye out for fat, oil, lard, shortening, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil/fats; salt or any mention of sodium; and sugar, glucose, sucrose, corn syrup and molasses. If any of these words are in the first few ingredients, this isn’t a food you should eat often. When it comes to sugar, rather than obsessing over grams, focus on reducing ‘added sugars’ by limiting products that contain them. Next, the nutritional table tells you the quantity of various nutrients a food contains per serving, as well as per 100g or 100ml. Use the 100g column when comparing foods with each other, because the size of one ‘serving’ may differ between manufacturers. The nutritional table shows ‘glycaemic carbohydrates’, which are carbohydrates available to the body for energy. The total sugars mentioned includes all sugars, both those found naturally in the food (not listed separately in the ingredient list) as well as those sugars added to food (listed). The Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) column is a recommended daily intake for a nutrient. It gives us a percentage for a certain nutrient, mainly protein, vitamins and minerals, which may be found in a food. Foods containing possible common allergens such as egg, cow’s milk, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts and gluten, should also be indicated. Start making a habit of carefully reading labels to help you decide on healthier options when you shop. Delicious and nutritious goat

October 2, 2020

Preventing falls in children

The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) annually treats approximately 7500 children for injuries which are preventable. For every child death as a result of injury, many more are hospitalized, hundreds of emergency department visits and thousands of clinic and doctors’ visits. Many children surviving their injuries sustain temporary or permanent, life changing disabilities. There is little focus on these injuries despite injury being the number one killer of young children in our communities in South Africa. Children are naturally curious and while exploring the world around them, they will fall. Not all falls require treatment; however, many children sustain injuries so serious that it requires treatment or hospitalization. Falls are the number one cause of childhood injury seen at RCWMCH, accounting for nearly half of all injuries. Over 2 819 children were treated for serious falls, a 5% more than 2018. Falls accounted for 60% of head injuries. Head injuries are far more common than expected. The RCWMCH treated 763 children for head injuries. Often it is ignored and children suffer the consequences later in school and later in their work lives. Children aged 0 to 5 years were at greater risk of fall-related injuries. 64% of these falls took place at home, 17% at playgrounds and 16% at schools. Children 0 to 4 were at greater risk of falls at home and age group 5 to 12 years was at greater risk of falling at school and on playgrounds. “From the moment your baby starts to crawl, the world is a magical place filled with new adventures and discoveries, says Yolande Baker, Executive Director of ChildSafe. “From a child’s perspective, everything is a potential mountain to climb (that giant bookshelf), obstacle to overcome (those pesky stairs) or mysterious place to investigate (anywhere beyond the safety gate). Little bumps will happen, but ChildSafe is here to help so these brave expeditions don’t result in something more serious”. The most common causes of falls are: Tripping and falling at ground level, Falling off furniture, stairs, beds, walls and trees at higher level; Falling out windows and balcony doors Falling from baby walkers and mobiles, Falling off scooters, roller blades, bikes and skateboards are mobile risks; Falling in the playground off swings, jungle gyms, see saws, slides and trampolines; Falling from arms, especially from arms of siblings, or if mother should fall asleep when feeding or holding baby Children are vulnerable to falls and other injuries because their growing brains do are not fully yet able to recognize and assess their own risk to injury. Degrees of dependence, activities and risk behaviors all change substantially as they grow older As children develop, their curiosity and wish to experiment are not always matched by the capacity to understand or to respond to danger. Due to this lack of experience, children need to be shown and helped at every stage of their development, whether it’s crawling, walking or running. Supervision is key to child injury prevention. A challenge for parents is how to make their homes, including yards and gardens safer to prevent falls. Stages of child development From the first days of life, we need to protect children from serious injuries. The different developmental stages need to be understood and considered when thinking about the level of supervision and care needed. For the first few years, children need 100% supervision by parents and adults. From about six months of age early signs of motor development appear with sitting up, rolling over, and crawling, and pulling to stand. When baby is awake and moving about careful supervision is necessary at all times. Children under 11/12yrs should not be left in charge of baby because they lack experience and easily lose concentration. A cot, play pen or a safe enclosure is best for safety when mother is busy. Safe cots, car seats, play areas & traditional back-carrying Mother needs to be confident that baby is safe in bed, and for this a cot with sides is recommended. The cot can be used as a safe place at other times too, when mother visits the bathroom, hangs washing, or is busy in the kitchen. Falls at this early stage need to be prevented as head injuries are highly dangerous and can cause permanent developmental and physical injury. As baby grows, time needs to be set aside for playing together so that falls can be anticipated and prevented. High chairs for meal times are safe zones and prevent falls from heights when baby is strapped in. Using a high chair can remove a baby from other dangers at the table like hot food and drink. On trips in the car, however short, baby should be strapped into a car seat which is correct for size and age. Falls from car seats occur on route to the car and inside the car if baby is not carefully strapped in at all times. Baby walkers can be dangerous and are not recommended. They place the baby in situations of risk, by increasing height and mobility. From the walking ring baby can reach knobs and switches and kettle cords, stairs and steps. Traditional back-carrying is a safe zone for babies both in the home and outside. Development stage 1-2 years To prevent falls at 1-2 years when baby is starting to move about and explore, homes need to be cleared of obstacles such as loose carpets and slippery floors, stairs need gates and windows bars. A play pen at this stage is a safe zone for play to continue when mother is busy and to prevent falls. Prams and pushchairs may be used for outings and shopping, but to prevent falls baby needs to be strapped in at all times. Development stage 2-3 years The risk of falls increases as a child becomes more mobile. Children are quick and unpredictable. Climbing onto furniture and beds should be anticipated and prevented. Children are not ready for bunk beds at this stage. Development stage 3-6years By now

September 30, 2020

A beginners guide for optimal nutrition during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the most perfectly designed feeding system that only Mother Nature could have devised. It provides everything a new-born or infant needs to thrive up until 6 months old, and remains the main component of a baby’s diet until 12 months old, even after solids are introduced. In fact, breastmilk assists in the digestion of baby’s first solids and makes the transition easier on little tummies. And as babies start exploring their surroundings from around 6 months, when everything goes into their mouths, breastmilk also offers protection against bacteria and viruses, and stimulates their immune systems in ways that formula milk simply cannot. Another function of this perfect system can also not be replicated with formula feeding – the calorie content and composition of breastmilk actually changes during a feed and at other times. At the start of a feed, the milk is more watery to quench the baby’s thirst. Hindmilk, the milk that comes after that, is thicker, more nutritious and has up to three times the fat content. This is why it’s important your baby empties a breast fully before switching to the other breast during a feed so he’s getting all the good stuff. Your breastmilk composition will also change depending on the age of your child, and if your child is ill, when your breastmilk will contain more antibodies. It really is magical stuff! The World Health Organisation recommends that children are exclusively breastfed until 6 months old, but that breastfeeding should continue, where possible, until 2 years old and even beyond. Toddlers benefit from the same immune system enhancement and protection from illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, colds, ear infections, allergies and other nasties as newborns do, and they continue to benefit from the protein, calcium, fat, vitamin A, and other nutrients in breast milk. The long-term benefits of breastfeeding are equally as compelling, with research showing that, as adults, babies who were breastfed have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and are less likely to develop type 2 Diabetes or to be obese or overweight. While the benefits to their baby will be a mother’s top priority, breastfeeding mothers also receive health-protecting benefits. Apart from the pure bliss, stress relief and bonding breastfeeding creates, mothers who have breastfed see reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and this risk reduction is cumulative – meaning the longer you breastfeed the more your risk profile reduces. YOUR DIET DURING BREASTFEEDING Many new mothers worry that they are not getting enough nutrients to sustain breastfeeding over the long term, or that their milk may be lacking in nutrients, but the truth is that, for the majority of new mothers, the most important factor in milk production is the act of breastfeeding itself – the more you feed, the more milk you produce. And no matter what you eat, for the first 6 months your milk will contain almost all the nutrients your baby needs, except for Vitamin D (or Vitamin Free). Consider women living in 3rd world countries where their staple diet is maize or sorghum: in spite of the mothers lacking important nutrients themselves, their babies can be sustained through breastfeeding. Of course, the breastmilk produced by an undernourished mother may not be optimal but it is sufficient for the baby’s survival. Pregnancy, birth and the first few years of your child’s life are mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting. Your overall health and your nutrient intake postpartum can have a big impact on your ability to get through it all in less of a sleep-deprived and foggy haze, as well as on the quality of your milk. During pregnancy, from around week 12 when the placenta is fully formed and begins transporting blood, oxygen and nutrients, the unborn child receives all its nutrients from the mother’s blood. If you are not getting an adequate intake of important nutrients, your body will divert these from your own stores to ensure your baby is getting what it needs for development. According to the results of a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, vitamin and mineral deficiency in pregnant women is common, specifically Magnesium, Iron, Vits D and E, and to a lesser degree Vits A, B, C, Calcium, Folate and Zinc. It is important to top-up your own levels of these and other nutrients to ensure you stay in top form during pregnancy and postpartum. Nutrients needed to keep mother and baby in peak health while breastfeeding are split into two groups – Group 1 are the nutrients that need to be present in Mom’s blood in sufficient quantities so they can be secreted into breastmilk, and Group 2 are nutrients that will be secreted into milk regardless of how much or little the mother is taking in. Although Group 2 nutrients are not necessarily needed in a mother’s blood, it’s still a good idea to make sure you are getting enough of them to stay as healthy as possible during this time. Some common food sources of Group 1 nutrients: Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, organ meats, eggs Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): fish, pork, seeds, nuts, beans Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): cheese, almonds, nuts, red meat, oily fish, eggs Vitamin B6: chickpeas, nuts, fish, poultry, potatoes, bananas, dried fruit Vitamin B12: shellfish, liver, yogurt, oily fish, nutritional yeast, eggs, crab, shrimp Vitamin D: cod liver oil, oily fish, some mushrooms, fortified foods Choline: eggs, beef liver, chicken liver, fish, peanuts Iodine: dried seaweed, cod, milk, iodized salt Selenium: Brazil nuts, seafood, turkey, whole wheat, seeds Some common food sources for Group 2 nutrients: Calcium: milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, legumes Zinc: oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, dairy Folate: beans, lentils, leafy greens, asparagus, avocados Iron: red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, green vegetables, dried fruit Copper: shellfish, whole grains, nuts, beans, organ meats, potatoes You will almost certainly need to up your calorie intake while breastfeeding – by between 300 and 500 calories depending on your weight and activity levels – to cope with the physical demands of

September 29, 2020

Childhood Cancer impacting South African families

Nothing can fully prepare you for the horrific news that your child has been diagnosed with cancer – a sad reality for many South African parents. Statistics show that there are currently 1000 children under the age of 15 diagnosed with cancer each year. According to Laurence Hillman, CEO at 1Life: “What’s also horrifying is that half of the children who contract cancer in South Africa, are never diagnosed.” The international Agency for research on cancer (IARC), reported that the worldwide incidence of childhood cancer is increasing, from the 165 000 cases reported annually to 215 000 cases for children who are 14 years and younger and 85 000 cases reported for 15 – 19 year olds. Globally, childhood and adolescent cancer is threatening to overtake infectious diseases, as one of the highest causes of disease-related mortality in children. While survival rates in high-income countries reach an average of 84% and are steadily improving even in less-resourced areas of the world, South Africa is still well below the rate of developed countries as well as below the World Health Organisation’s survival goal of at least 60%. South Africa’s survival rate has improved over the last 5 years and is around 55%. This is concerning and points out a dire need for parents to not only look out for early warning signs of possible cancers, to improve survival rates, but also to consider what would happen if their child were diagnosed with a childhood cancer. Early identification can save lives According to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa parents should use the Siluan early warning signs of childhood cancer and keep an eye out for the following, which could be early warning signs that need to be checked out by a professional. Keep in mind that even if your child is experiencing some of these symptoms, it doesn’t automatically mean they have cancer, which is why a doctor’s opinion is vital in diagnosis. Siluan Early Warning Sign of Childhood Cancer: S – Seek medical help early for persistent symptoms I – Eye: A white spot in the eye, a new squint, new blindness, or a bulging eyeball L- Lump: Any lumps should be investigated. Lumps in the abdomen and pelvis, head and neck, limbs, testes, and glands U- Unexplained: Prolonged fever over two weeks, loss of weight, pallor, fatigue, easy bruising, or bleeding A – Aching: Bones, joints, back and easy fractures N- Neurological signs: Change or deterioration in walk, balance or speech, regression of milestones, headaches for more than a week with or without vomiting, enlarging head. “Many people don’t know that children can get cancer. It is a topic most people avoid and feel uncomfortable talking about but it is an important one and the sooner we speak up and create stronger awareness, the more children can be saved” says, Adri Ludick, CHOC Interim National Team Leader and Programme Development Manager. The financial implications of childhood cancers “Just like cancer, prevention is better than cure, and as such, it is important that you consider ways in which to not only identify how to protect your child’s wellbeing by early detection and treatment but that you too consider your finances and the impact of potential healthcare costs should they contract the disease,” says Hillman. If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, your priority will always be to get them the best treatment possible. However, have you considered how you will pay for this treatment as well as the extra expenses that come with the illness such as transportation, specialist consultations, treatments that aren’t covered by medical aid and child are for other children in your family while you care for your ill child? Or what if you had to take unpaid time off work or quit your job because of treatment schedules – which can leave a serious dent in your family’s financial stability and can have long term impacts on the entire family. “Parents can ensure they have the right financial management tools in place that ensure the provision of adequate financial resources to support them through this very difficult time – things such as a good medical aid, a financial plan and long term insurance covers like a dread disease policy specifically for children, are crucial in this financial mix, should the worst happen,” continues Hillman. For example, there are policies on the market that cover more than one child on one policy, for majority of childhood cancers and offer additional value adds to make the family more comfortable during this time – benefits such as cancer coaching consultations to aid cancer remission, 24-hour advice line on a legal matters, and counselling benefits for example. “During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we need to take action and ensure we are protecting our family’s health and finances. I encourage all South Africans to take the time to ensure that that they put the above provisions in place to protect their children as well as that you take the time to join the movement towards stronger awareness when it comes to childhood cancers,” says Hillman. “We need to stand up and be bold, we need to have conversations about childhood cancer, and we need to empower people with knowledge, so that no child will be left behind. During the month of September, we ask people to wear a golden ribbon and in doing so raise awareness about childhood cancer,” Concludes Ludick.

September 28, 2020

Intense allergy season predicted amid raging COVID-19 pandemic

The latter part of August typically signals the arrival of the pollen season, which this year, could prove more troublesome during the pandemic as tree pollen counts start to surge throughout most of the country. The highest counts to date have been seen in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town from cypress, casuarina, poplar, rhus, oak and olive trees. Plane trees, which are prolific in all cities, as well as buddleja, which tends to reach high numbers in Bloemfontein, are now also entering their flowering season, therefore it’s only a matter of time before symptoms are triggered in those regions. Prof Jonny Peter, who heads up the UCT Lung Institute’s Allergy and Immunology Unit says the Coronavirus could make allergy sufferers hyperaware of every sneeze and sniffle as some symptoms overlap. “Hay fever is activated by airborne allergens, such as pollen, which leads to a runny and itchy nose, scratchy throat, as well as allergic conjunctivitis in the eyes. While COVID-19 and hay fever share certain symptoms, there are some key differences. In COVID-19, fevers, body aches and headache are common, but these are rarely associated with seasonal allergies. In contrast, an itchy nose or eyes and sneezing signal allergy symptoms and are not common in Coronavirus infections. “Shared symptoms may include a runny nose or nasal congestion, an intermittent cough, sore throat and fatigue. In asthmatics, very high pollen counts may trigger exacerbations with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing in some individuals. Fortunately, Coronavirus does not commonly trigger worsening asthma. If your symptoms do worsen, it’s advisable to consult your doctor especially if you have a known sensitivity to pollen. “It’s also likely to have symptoms of both COVID-19 and seasonal allergies at the same time, which will affect each person differently. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others could have more severe symptoms.” SA’s pollen seasons vary across the country’s biomes, which is why the UCT Lung Institute is trying to establish pollen monitoring stations in all the provinces. Pollen allergy sufferers who are allergic to both trees and grasses usually have the toughest time in September and October as it’s the time of year when grass and tree pollen overlaps. That means a double dose of misery for people who are allergic to both. The grass pollen season can last for up to nine months of the year in certain parts of the country like the highveld, which only comes to an end in May. Prof Peter says as pollen levels rise it’s important to continue managing allergies during the pandemic with antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays and inhalers. Here he answers some of the burning questions allergy sufferers have that will help them to manage their condition better during the pandemic: Q: Does having hay fever/allergic rhinitis pose an increased risk of severe COVID-19 complications? A: No. Current research does not indicate that allergic rhinitis or even well-controlled asthma increases either the risk of being infected with Coronavirus or the chance of developing severe disease. In fact, there have been reports that allergic rhinitis and some treatments used for allergic diseases may be protective, although the data is still emerging. Q: Will wearing a mask reduce hay fever symptoms? A: Perhaps. I think it is going to be an interesting aspect of the current pandemic and maybe a silver-lining. Masks may offer some protection against seasonal allergies since they can prevent larger particles from being inhaled. However, smaller pollen particles are still likely to get through the covering, therefore masks should not be your only form of protection. Keep in mind that pollen is a fine powder, microscopic in size and can travel deep into the nose and lungs. The higher the concentration of pollen in the air, the greater the chance of an allergic reaction. It’s also important to wash your mask after each use, because it could be carrying pollen. Q: Does COVID-19 exacerbate asthma symptoms? A: Emerging data suggests that this is unlikely. There are several viral infections that are a common cause for asthma exacerbations, including the common cold rhinoviruses and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Interestingly, the SARsCoV2 or COVID-19 virus does not seem to be a major driver of asthma exacerbations. However, always remember to wear a mask in public to prevent the transmission of the Coronavirus. Q: Is there a way to reduce hay fever symptoms during the pandemic? A: It is impossible to completely avoid exposure to pollen. However, the second best option is to regularly check the pollen counts for your area on www.pollencount.co.za and to limit time outdoors when counts are high. Using a portable air filter in one or more rooms in your home will also help to filter pollen and dust. Use a high efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) for best results. Keeping windows and doors closed in the morning to midday when pollen counts rise will also help. The lowest pollen counts are usually in the late afternoon to early evening. When outdoors, avoid activities such as moving the lawn or raking leaves that will stir up pollen. Equally important is to remove clothes you’ve worn outside and to wash your skin and hair to remove pollen. Rather use a tumble dryer to dry clothes and bedding as pollen can stick to sheets and towels when hung outside. One of the main reasons to monitor pollen levels in SA is international data that suggests pollen seasons are becoming longer and more intense due to climate change (warmer temperatures cause plants to begin producing and releasing pollen earlier, making hay fever seasons longer). Air pollution is also increasing, which further aggravates allergy symptoms from pollen and fungal spores. “As COVID-19 is likely to be with us for a long time, it’s important to learn about the risks and how to keep allergies under control to prevent asthma episodes. There has never been a more important time to know what is in the air we are breathing.” If you are among the 17.5 million South Africans that suffer from

September 25, 2020

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.