Lifestyle - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

COVID-19 is taking its toll on SA’s mental health

Fear and anxiety have gripped the globe as COVID-19 continues to take its toll on human life, economies and society at large. Experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the psychological effects of the epidemic, particularly on the poor, elderly, children and teens, and frontline healthcare workers. Abdurahmaan Kenny, mental health portfolio manager at Pharma Dynamics, says levels of distress are bound to increase as more South Africans become infected, lose their income and social isolation becomes a way of life beyond the lockdown. “Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, those with mental health conditions and pre-existing health concerns are likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress due to the major threat that the outbreak poses to their own personal health. “Another high distress category is likely to include the poor who rely on odd jobs to make a living. Staying at home means they cannot provide for themselves or their families. “Doctors and nurses, particularly those at the frontline of the crisis, may experience secondary traumatic stress (STS) reactions—a by-product of working in a traumatic environment. “Equally, parents who are dealing with childcare responsibilities during school closures and work-from-home obligations may experience greater levels of anxiety as they try to juggle it all while taking care of elderly parents and reassuring their children.” He says that stress during the outbreak can include fear and concern about one’s own health and the health of loved ones, which is completely normal. More detrimental changes to watch out for include sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and worsening of chronic health problems. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions are also encouraged to continue with their treatment. Should their symptoms worsen, they should contact their healthcare provider (remotely if possible). Advice to parents “Arming yourself with the real facts about COVID-19 and the risk that it poses to yourself and your family can make the outbreak less stressful. If you remain calm and provide reassurance, children will follow your lead. However, teens are likely to be exposed to more communication from friends and social media, which may lead to excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits or acting out. “Keep the lines of communication open between you and your children. Answer questions they may have around COVID-19 based on facts provided by credible organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the SA government (sacoronavirus.co.za). Share advice on how to cope with stress and try stick to a routine with educational, fun and relaxing activities to make the days meaningful. “Be a role model to your children. Limit your news coverage of the outbreak to once a day, including social media. Stick to a wholesome routine of your own by getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising and connecting with friends and family. Your children will take their cue from you.” Feature Supporting frontline responders “Many of our doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel will be directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with COVID-19, which places an extraordinary burden on them both physically and mentally. “It is vital that they remain focused by taking care of their own health in order to continue to respond to the outbreak. “Take regular breaks, eat right, practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques, get enough sleep and work in teams to help ease the burden. Also ensure that childcare, household and pet care responsibilities are in hand while you’re on duty. Communicate with loved ones, even if it’s just once during a shift. Helping those in quarantine “For the 112 people who have been released from quarantine in Polokwane, many of whom have been separated from their families for more than 65 days (first while being in lockdown in China for 51 days and then another 14 days in SA), a range of emotions may follow. “These could include feelings of relief, stress from constant monitoring for signs and symptoms, sadness, frustration and even anger. Guilt about not being at home and caring for children or other emotional or mental health challenges may surface. Families should be extra supportive and allow those returning from quarantine time to adjust. “It can also be traumatic being separated from loved ones after testing positive for COVID-19. Remain in contact as much as you can via phone or video calling to provide patients with the love and support they need.” Kenny says knowing how to respond to these challenges when they arise will help you to stay mentally focused while caring for those closest to you. “For now, we need to embrace the new rhythm of life and the chance it gives us to connect with others in different ways.” As a leading provider of central nervous system (CNS) medication for the treatment of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders, amongst others, Pharma Dynamics is committed to the mental wellbeing of all South Africans. The company advocates for prevention services, early identification and intervention for those at risk. Those who feel mentally overwhelmed by COVID-19 or experience signs of depression can contact Pharma Dynamics’ toll-free helpline on 0800 205 026, which is operated by trained counsellors who are on call from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The call centre is a critical service to the public and is therefore operational during the lockdown. Also visit www.letstalkmh.co.za for additional tips and videos to ensure mental well-being during the lockdown. The public is also being encouraged to share photos and ideas of their own on the platform to help others get through this challenging time.

July 30, 2020

Easy tomato soup with cheesy bread dippers

This comforting tomato soup can be made in less than 20 minutes and enjoyed by both you and your toddler. Don’t forget to make the cheesy bread dippers – sure to be the most fun part of the meal for your toddler! This meal is suitable for toddlers 12 months+. Makes four small and two adult servings. What you’ll need Ingredients for soup: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tin diced tomatoes 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth / vegetable stock 1/2 teaspoon dried basil Pepper to taste (optional) 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Ingredients for cheesy bread dippers 4 slices of whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 teaspoons Italian spice mix How to make it: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, roughly 4 minutes. Add in the tomatoes, broth, basil and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, you can make the cheesy bread dippers. Heat the oven to a broil and line a baking sheet with tin foil. Butter or oil one side of the bread and place it (butter side up) on the baking sheet. Broil until golden brown. Remove from oven, carefully flip the bread over and sprinkle the non-cooked side with cheese and Italian spice mix. Place back under the broiler and heat until cheese is golden brown. Let cool and then cut into 2-inch strips. When soup is done, add in the yogurt and using a blender or hand immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Let cool slightly and then serve the soup with the cheesy bread dippers. Always check with your child’s doctor first if you have any questions about introducing new foods and textures. Launched on Mother’s Day 2006, Happy Family Organics is one of the largest and fastest growing organic food brands to offer a comprehensive line of nutritious foods for babies, toddlers, kids and their mothers. Constantly innovating, Happy Family strives to offer families the right nutrition for every stage of development, and is on a mission to change the trajectory of children’s health through nutrition. Happy Family Organics products are available at all Baby City stores, Babies R Us, Wellness Warehouse, Selected Clicks, Selected Spars, Selected Pick N Pay stores, Selected Baby Boom, selected Dis-Chem and selected Medicare pharmacies, and online from Takealot.com, Babiesafrica.com and Faithful to Nature.

July 28, 2020

Five brain-boosting foods and drinks

Our bodies need “fuel” for every organ, and the brain is no exception. Giving our brains the right food can aid concentration and memory greatly, both of which are necessary for studying and completing tasks and assignments. In today’s article, we discuss five of the best foods and drinks for boosting brain function. Fatty fish Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid that is most commonly found in fatty fish like salmon. Our brain cells consist mostly of fat, 50% of which is the same kind as omega-3 fatty acids! By eating fatty fish or taking omega-3 supplements, your brain maintains optimal levels of fat. It also helps strengthen the structure of the brain cells themselves, both of which result in optimal brain function. These acids also increase blood flow, which is essential for optimal organ performance. One last benefit of this fatty acid is that it increases the amount of grey matter in your brain, which is the other component of the nerve cells (the other is fat), and more grey matter means better cognitive function. Younger children might not enjoy the taste of fish like salmon, so be sure to incorporate an omega-3 supplement in their daily vitamin regimen! Nuts Nuts contain high levels of something called antioxidants, which are natural compounds that slow down oxidation. Oxidation is a naturally occurring process that can damage the body’s cells. With particular regard to the brain, oxidation negatively affects our cognitive function, and consequently our ability to focus, learn and remember. By consuming foods high in antioxidants, we can improve these cognitive functions that are critical for academic success. Antioxidants can also be found in blueberries. Here, they take the form of something called anthocyanin, which is a type of flavonoid. Flavonoids are molecules that give food its colour, and they contain high levels of antioxidants. Blueberries also improve cell-signalling (how brain cells communicate with one another). Good cell signalling is essential for making and storing both short-term and long-term memory, both of which are crucial for studying and writing tests and examinations. Also read: Do’s and Don’ts for Making Healthy Food Choices During the Lockdown Leafy greens Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach contain a compound called carotenoids. These are similar to the flavonoids found in blueberries as they are the compound which gives food its colour and, like flavonoids, they also contain antioxidants and help improve cell signalling. When digested and absorbed, carotenoids often migrate to the frontal cortex, which is the region of the brain that is responsible for such functions as problem-solving and memory – in essence, it is the “control panel” of our brain, so keeping it healthy is essential for optimal cognitive functioning! Unlike many other foods, chopping and cooking foods that are rich in carotenoids actually increases the strength of the nutrients when they enter the bloodstream, so be sure to incorporate plenty of steamed spinach or cooked kale in your child’s diet. Water We all know hydration is important given that our body’s cells consist of 60% – 70% water, but it’s particularly important for our brains. This is because dehydration leads to a lack of sufficient water in our cells which, in turn, leads to poor organ function. In the brain, this means reduced/impaired cognitive function, particularly the brain’s ability to create short-term and long-term memories. As a result of this, we are unable to convert the information we are learning into memories, and if we are unable to create these memories in the first place, we’re unable to recall them later on. Experts recommend drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water a day, but fewer are needed depending on your child’s age (generally one 235 ml cup for every year of the child’s age): Green tea Green tea contains a compound called L-theanine, which is an amino acid (amino acids are compounds that make up the proteins in your body’s cells). L-theanine is thought to increase GABA activity (GABA is a brain chemical that reduces the activity of brain cells). Higher levels of GABA tend to make people feel more relaxed, which leads to decreased stress, which in turn helps improve concentration. L-theanine also increases your brain’s alpha waves, which are a type of brain activity that is thought to aid mental coordination, calmness, alertness, and learning, all of which are essential for studying. Now, green tea might not be to the taste of younger children, but certainly, teens might enjoy the flavour, so give it a go! by Jacqui Smit

July 24, 2020

Tips for keeping coughs and colds away

Winter is an incredibly beautiful season. Apart from the inconvenience that the seasonal weather can bring, in a country where drinking water is often scarce, the rain is always welcome! Less welcome, however are the germs and nasties that creep into our homes. With people coughing and spluttering all around us during winter, it’s important to step up our own personal hygiene. This rings particularly true in the current circumstances we find ourselves in. With Covid-19 still very much a part of our daily lives, keeping germs at bay, is now more important than ever. What can you do to prevent catching a cold or flu this winter? Wash hands religiously With the number of people catching the flu virus at an all-time high, it’s important to keep the spread of germs to a minimum. Wash your hands regularly – particularly after a cough or sneeze, with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Also, keep hand sanitiser gel and wipes within easy reach if necessary. Vital Baby’s Hygiene Hand & Face Wipes (R35.00) are great to keep in the car, at home and in your handbag. They’re gentle enough to use on baby’s face, and effective at removing germs and dirt. Cough into elbows This is one that both adults and kids can adopt. Encourage coughing and sneezing into the elbow crease rather than hands. Sneezing into hands can spread germs even more as we use them to do so much. Make up a silly song If your child doesn’t like washing their hands for long, or with soap, make it fun. Make up a silly song or find one on the internet that encourages them to do it thoroughly. For example, make up words to the tune of ‘Row your boat’ such as: Wash, wash, wash your hands, make them nice and clean, scrub the germs and wash them off, dry them in between. Get rid of the snot Help to clear little noses using a nasal decongester. This handy little device helps to remove snot quickly, efficiently when they are sniffling and unable to do it themselves. Sterilise after use to make sure it remains hygienic. Stay active Staying active and taking regular exercise can also boost your immune system. Encourage your child to play outside, take them to a park, or head to an activity centre where they can tear around without worrying about the weather. Watch out for fevers If your child has caught a cold, keep an eye on their general health. Take their temperature regularly and their body temperature seems hotter than normal, offer the correct dosage of children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen to keep their temperature under control. Try to focus on fruit and veg We all know that eating a balanced diet packed full of fruit and veggies can give our immune system a boost. During the winter months, try to sneak even more into your child’s diet. If they reject it, hide them in their favourite meals or sauces. Get enough rest Ok, ok, so if you’re a parent, don’t laugh at this suggestion! We know that sleep might be something that you struggle to get enough of, but it really does affect wellbeing. If you think your child is coming down with something, cancel some plans and encourage them to get plenty of downtime. Take the idea on board for yourself too; switch off your phone and try to get an early night. Even an hour extra can really help with your own energy levels. We hope that you manage to stay healthy this winter! Follow Vital Baby on social media: @vitalbabysa Vital Baby products are available at Clicks, Babies R Us, Loot, Baby City, Takealot and at www.babiesafrica.com.

July 23, 2020

Mental strength when you need it

The pandemic has shown us we are more resilient than we think Covid-19 has had devastating effects on the people of South Africa and the world over. As the rate of infection continues to skyrocket, especially in our urban centres, people are starting to grow more fearful of what the future holds. This is on the backdrop of an already ailing economy where our country’s official unemployment rate surpassed 30% in June. Despite the government’s Covid-19 economic stimulus and relief package, the unemployment rate is projected to peak anywhere between 41% and 54% as a result of the lockdown. Projections by the International Monetary Fund suggest that debt repayments will account for more than 80% of our GDP by the end of next year. These statistics paint a gloomy portrait. At the start of 2020, we never thought we’d be forced to retreat into our homes in an attempt to survive this ruthless virus, and social distancing wasn’t even a part of our lexicon. We didn’t anticipate such a sudden, severe threat to our lives and livelihoods. Adjusting to this new way of life and pervading sense of uncertainty has been challenging. It’s easy to lose perspective, to forget what we’re trying to accomplish, to feel scared and alone. The irony, however, is that the physical distancing forced us into a space of introspection, and we were able to connect on a deeper level with not just ourselves but each other. This sense of connection is what drew us closer together, because we were able to see that we might not physically be with one another, but we’re in this together, united in a common cause to overcome an invisible enemy. Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed – whether it’s about our health, children, finances or broader social issues – it helps to have a friendly reminder that adversity is a test of strength, and that we are much stronger than we think. Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories campaign did just that. The radio and social media campaign ran on Ukhozi FM, Thobela FM, Lesedi FM, Umhlobo Wenene and Motsweding FM, which have a combined listenership of around 22 million people, and hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook and Twitter. By encouraging listeners to speak openly about their concerns, Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories sought to build resilience and inspire mental strength to help us cope with the stresses of a new and uncertain world. It created a much-needed platform for us to share our experiences and gain wisdom through our collective knowledge. The conversations emphasised that mental health is essential for our wellbeing. It eased our anxiety about the future by helping us find ways to navigate new challenges. Sharing our stories reminded us that we already have the fortitude to handle whatever life throws at us, especially when we’re there for one another. The voices we heard during the campaign spoke to our resilience, our shared humanity, our deep connection to everyone in South Africa and the world. We needed reminding. Jane Mokoena from Limpopo shared how – amidst the difficulties presented by the pandemic – she was able to use the time at home to reconnect with her children. Anna Maake from the Free State said that the turbulent past few months were reminiscent of her humble beginnings. She was reminded of her innate strength and resilience, which helped her get through dark times before – and reminded her that she will again get through this. Financial concerns featured prominently in stories such as: ‘Smart Money Goals” Should we be trying to save more? How should we restructure our finances? How can we pull ourselves out of debt? What can we do to help others while we wait out the storm? How do we balance the need to stay safe with the need to earn a living? Hearing these fears articulated let us know that there are thousands of people in similar situations who are willing to listen and help. So is Metropolitan. Take comfort: we’re here for you and will continue to be for the long run. But more importantly, we hope the insight we were able to share into the hearts and minds of ordinary South Africans during this campaign helped remind them just how strong, capable and resilient they are. Post-Covid our lives are likely to be forever changed, but what will remain is our ability to overcome whatever challenges we encounter. We’re all strong, but we’re stronger together, and even though we can’t always be with one another, we have more friends than we realise. Continue to stay safe and strong, South Africa, and remember that the only thing we should be spreading right now is our love for our country, one another, our families and ourselves. By Nontokozo Madonsela, Chief Marketing Officer for Momentum Metropolitan

July 22, 2020

Beating the COVID-19 Blues

We have all been cooped up in our homes for weeks, so cabin fever is real! For most people, there is nothing better than getting together with family and friends and when these interactions are taken away, it is natural to feel off.

July 20, 2020

COVID-19 Immune Boosting Claims Debunked

A happy immune system is an important component of wellness. In light of the recent flu outbreak associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the task associated with supporting immune health has become increasingly significant. Avoiding illness is not always possible, but there are several steps one could put in place to support immune health and reduce the risk of getting sick, as well as minimise duration and complications if they do. However, across social media we’ve heard that a variety of methods including taking large numbers of supplements and strange diets can “boost our immune system” and combat against COVID-19. Immune supportive ingredients are actually very individual and differ from person to person. There is no blanket advice when it comes to so-called ‘immune boosting’ advice. Factors involved in supporting the immune support depends very much on an individual’s genetic composition, current diet and lifestyle e.g. stress and sleep. This article will explain why there are no single foods or supplements that will prevent or cure COVID-19, and debunk recent diet claims related to this. How does the immune system work? Before we dive into the details surrounding the immune system and the specific foods as well as supplements, we first need to consider how does our immune system defend our body? People have this idea that the immune system is some kind of internal force field that can be boosted or patched up. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As the name suggests it’s not a single thing and has no central organ of control BUT is a system that involves many organs and biological functions. Their interactions defend the body against foreign invaders such as pathogens. Each day, the body confronts an environment teeming with disease-causing organisms. The immune system is designed to implement rapid, specific, and protective responses against these organisms. The immune system can be broadly split into two parts, the innate and the acquired response. On detection of infection, it’s the innate response that acts first. Though fast, it lacks in finesse, and deals with an invading pathogen in much the same way that the Ghostbusters might try to remove a ghost from a haunted hotel. It gunges the halls and doorways to try to flush it out (that’s why you fill up with phlegm and snot), it yanks up the thermostat to try to boil it (why you run a fever), and it shuts down the building until the problem is solved (it makes you lethargic so you don’t go out and pick up another infection while your immune system is at work). What the innate response doesn’t do is eliminate the intruder from the body. That is the job of the acquired system, a specialised SWAT team by comparison that identifies the enemy and makes the specific weapons, or antibodies, needed to destroy it. It can takes round about 5 to 10 days for the acquired system to identify the antibodies needed and clone them up to sufficient numbers to make a meaningful attack. DID YOU KNOW? Our immune system’s response varies over the course of 24-hours. At certain times, we may be more resilient to fighting off viruses and at other times of the day, we may be more susceptible to pathogens. For example sleep is vital for your body’s immune function the next day, so if you haven’t slept well your immune defences may be compromised. “Immune boosting” claims are flawed The term “boosted immune system” is unscientific and is often used in headlines and marketing of diets, potions and dietary supplements. Dietary choices and supplements don’t boost the immune system; rather it can allow the immune system to function adequately and more efficiently. According to experts the only way to ‘boost your immunity’ is through vaccination. Getting vaccinated against the flu and other diseases stimulates the immune system to protect against illness. Vaccines teach the immune system to recognise specific pathogens and prepare them to mount a defence if they are encountered. Therefore, our current goal (considering the COVID-19 pandemic) is to SUPPORT and OPTIMISE our current immune system with an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. For example, a balanced diet provides a range of nutrients which play an important role in our immune system. How to optimise the immune system? COVID-19 is a scary time for most individuals. Largely because we don’t have much data on the disease as it is brand new. Before we can make any reliable claims during this pandemic, we need repeated, robust, human clinical evidence. However, until more research is available, we want to do our best in optimising our immune system. So, what can we do to keep the immune system functioning optimally? I would suggest the following: Immune supportive nutrients. A good starting point is a healthy balanced diet and to take a comprehensive, high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. We should be very cautious of just taking supplements that has been touted as ‘immune boosting’. Correct nutritional deficiencies. Consider having nutrient levels checked by means of a blood tests in order to identify any deficiencies in key nutrients that are important to a healthy immune system activation. Supplementation can then take place according to underlying nutrient deficiencies. Identify and address ways to reduce inflammation. Initially we believed that anti-viral supplements were the way forward for prevention of COVID-19 and more and more evidence is emerging that the secondary focus needs to be on reducing inflammation. In fact controlling the local and systemic inflammatory response in COVID–19 may be as important as the anti-viral therapies. Taking an Omega-3 supplement is sensible since it is anti-inflammatory. Know your genes. Consider DNA testing. Knowing more about your genes can help your healthcare practitioner make positive changes through nutrition to improve and optimise cellular defence mechanisms. Immune supportive nutrients: Vitamin C There is no question that vitamin C plays a role in the immune system, however the research has found that vitamin C supplementation does not reduce the risk of the common

July 20, 2020

Tips to keep schools clean and students and teachers safe

When schools are back – albeit staggered over the rest of the year – it is critical that school management teams have plans in place to keep their staff and learners safe from the coronavirus. “They must develop this plan, implement the plan, and make sure they maintain the plan,” according to Emma Corder, Managing Director of industrial cleaning manfucaturer Industroclean. Schools across the country have varying degrees of access to proper sanitation and other assets needed to protect learners. It might certainly be a daunting prospect for any school principal to try and prevent the spread of the coronavirus if, for example, the school does not even have access to running water. Corder says there are thankfully basic safety measures that can be implemented almost anywhere, which she recommends. The essential first step she says is to stick to the basics. “This being hand hygiene, correct mask usage, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing.” When it comes to smaller children, it might be less easy to remind them to not share their lunch, stationery or even climbing structures, playgrounds swings and slides.” Unfortunately, the above is just the basics and schools are going to need to develop a checklist that they can abide by on a daily basis. General engineering and administrative measures need to be implemented, to ensure that all classrooms have proper ventilation e.g. cleaning of air-conditioners with correct filter installed beforehand, or during school hours all windows are opened. All schools must have a dedicated isolation room; this is needed should a pupil or staff member show any symptoms of Covid-19. “I strongly recommend that all staff and teachers be put through the correct training to make sure they understand and properly implement health measures. They will need to be intimately familiar with the basics such as the difference between cleaning and disinfecting a surface, as well as the safe disposing of any potentially hazardous medical waste,” adds Corder. But there is also a responsibility on all parents and caregivers to ensure students are fully prepared, by creating a “Covid-19 Back to School Pack”. The use of a big sized pencil box is perfect to pack two clean masks, pack of wet wipes and hand sanitizer. It’s also advised that the learners take their own water bottles so as to not fill them at the school or use public water taps, and especially to not drink directly from the mouthpiece of a tap. Remember the three best cleaning practices: Prepare for cleaning and disinfecting. Correct PPE for cleaning Use all chemicals correctly Cleaning equipment must be clean e.g. mop sleeves must be soaked in cleaning solution before being used. Disinfectants should be freshly prepared and NRCS registered. Do the Job. Top to bottom from clean to dirty. For normal cleaning use the spray and wipe method. And colour code all cleaning materials to prevent cross contamination. End of Task Dispose of dirty water and waste according to safe procedures. Wash and dry all equipment before storing it in a clean space. Dispose of all PPE wear before washing up. “If headmasters or members of staff need any assistance or have any questions about measures that are planned for a school, they must get in touch with the Departments of Health or Education immediately. Proper disinfection and preparation must be completed, before learners return,” says Corder.

July 17, 2020

How to help a child struggling with (Corona Virus) anxiety

We’re all on edge because of the coronavirus. Our daily lives have been disrupted, we aren’t sure what tomorrow may bring, and, for many of us, the nonstop news and social media coverage are overwhelming. Therefore, it is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried during this time. If you or your children are feeling worried, learning how to deal with anxiety in a healthy way can help the whole family be more resilient, both now and when the pandemic is finally over. What is anxiety? Anxiety can be described as feelings of uneasiness or being worried when there is not necessarily any imminent danger present. It is often accompanied by intrusive and often unrealistic “What if” types of thoughts, experienced in the body as stress that continues even after the cause of the stress is gone. What can parents do to support their children? Many parents are experiencing a more difficult time dealing with COVID-19 than their children and some of the anxiety that kids are experiencing may be unintentionally passed on by worried parents. As parents, it is important to be a positive role model for your children and this includes showing them how to deal with anxiety during stressful events. You can create a positive and safe atmosphere in the home environment by doing the following: Living in the “here and now” by focusing on, and staying in touch with, what is actually happening and not getting carried away with worst-case scenarios. Identifying and getting help for your own anxieties first. Being smart about what you read. Make sure your information comes from trustworthy and credible sources. While it is important that we are informed about how best to keep our families safe, we should be mindful about what we are reading online to make sure it’s actually helpful and not making our anxiety worse. It is easy to get sucked into clicking on “fake news” inadvertently or forwarding social media posts to your family group without verifying them or applying common sense. Being aware of feel-good news and sharing these stories with your children to facilitate a more positive mindset and create awareness of the “silver lining” despite the crisis. Sticking to an established routine that involves exercise, regular meals, and healthy amounts of sleep – this is crucial for regulating our moods and our worries. It can be hard to accept that our old routines are no longer possible because of COVID-19 precautions. Looking for ways to be flexible and starting new routines can help you and your family create a more productive and healthier lifestyle that can help to lower the amount of anxiety you experience. Monitor your children Parents do not always recognise signs of anxiety in their children. Identifying anxiety in your child can be tricky because it involves a pattern of behaviours that is unique to each child. The following behaviours could indicate anxiety: Reassurance-seeking (“Are we going to be okay? Is Grandpa going to be okay?”) Reluctance to separate from parents Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches Moodiness and irritability Tantrums or meltdowns Trouble sleeping Talk about their anxiety Younger Learners – Younger children may not always be able to express how they are feeling. For younger children, use a “feelings chart” with pictures describing emotions instead of saying “Tell me how anxious you are”. With a feelings chart, which you can find on the internet, you can ask your child to point to the feeling and/or picture representing an emotion that they are currently experiencing. They can also draw pictures about things they feel happy or sad about. Older learners – For children who are more aware of, and able to articulate, how they are feeling, it is better to ask what psychologists call “forced-choice questions.” If you ask a vague question, you’re going to get a vague answer. So instead of asking “How was your day?” which is pretty vague, maybe ask “Did your anxiety get in the way of you having a good day today?”. Teenagers – If you have teenagers, start talking about yourself first. You can start the conversation with something like, “I saw this article today and it made me wonder about this and that. Did you experience something like that? What’s your reaction to it?”. Do not force your teenager to talk about their feelings unwillingly as this can create tension and cause them to feel hostility towards you. Wait a bit first and then attempt to discuss the matter with them at a later stage when they are calm and more willing to talk. If this still does not work, they can use a journal or art activities to express their feelings and experiences. Also read: Five tips on how to motivate your teen during lockdown How to help your anxious child Structure their day. As parents, we often think that setting boundaries for a child is a way to make our lives easier, but kids benefit from boundaries, too. It is easy for children to get bored or fretful if they are facing a day without structure and anxiety can thrive under those circumstances. Make sure that you are structuring their days when they are “cooped up” at home. Alternate chores or schoolwork with more fun activities that your children enjoy and periods of free time. As restrictions lift, be sure to incorporate safe, outdoor activities that comply with social distancing principles as well. Make sure children are still getting the chance to exercise. Encourage your child to socialise with friends via video chats and social media if they have access to these platforms. This is especially important for teenagers who thrive on social interaction with their peers. Avoid giving too much reassurance. Avoid getting into a cycle of providing too much reassurance. Children of all ages can become too reliant on reassurance and want to hear it more and more often, and when a parent isn’t able to give them complete reassurance, their anxiety can worsen. Instead, try the following: Remind kids of the things they are

July 17, 2020

Do’s and Don’ts to keep the weight off this winter

Longer nights, shorter days, colder weather and decreased exercise can all contribute to winter weight gain. Add the temptation of rich comfort food and it’s easy to see why so many of us battle to keep to our health goals during winter. According to Dr Riekie Smit, an aesthetic medicine practitioner from Pretoria with a special interest in weight management, women tend to gain an average of between two and four kilograms every winter and generally only lose half of what they gained in the upcoming summer. Unless it’s stopped, this pattern will result in gaining more weight every year. We feel sorry for ourselves when it is cold outside and opt for comfort food, and then regret it when summer arrives. However, Dr Smit recommends that we should all make an effort to eat healthier food and increase our intake of vegetables, especially green ones. “This will not only keep the weight off, but also keep your immunity levels high,” she says. Dr Rosetta Guidozzi, a general practitioner from Johannesburg, says that in order to boost immunity during winter it is important to follow a healthy diet, including lots of vegetables and citrus fruits. Foods should be enhanced with herbs such as sage, rosemary, oreganum and coriander as they have powerful antioxidant effects and are flavour enhancers, which can help you to eat less. The same applies to spices such as curry and peri-peri, which flavour foods and induce a decrease in consumption. Clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioural therapist, Dr Colinda Linde from Randburg, Johannesburg, also agrees that eating for immunity is important. “Winter tends to be when we get sick, so make sure to include immune boosting foods like citrus, garlic, herbs, mushrooms and a dose of probiotics. Winter is also a great time for ‘slow food’—casseroles, soups and stews that are easy to put together, warm and hearty to counter the cold,” she says. Although it can be more difficult to exercise in winter, Dr Smit says that if the cold is putting you off your walk or cycle, opt rather for indoor exercise programmes, either at the gym or at home. She says that there are now multiple apps to help you with this. Dr Guidozzi reiterates that continuing exercise and eating correctly in winter is a priority. This includes the preparation of healthy stews and soups using lots of herbs and spices. “The trick is to remain motivated during winter,” she says. Even if you change the type of exercise you do during the winter months, it is important to at least continue with activity. Dr Linde says that while she would definitely recommend including exercise in winter, it is also important to be realistic about it. She recommends possibly starting the day with stretches, which warm you up and can be done on a yoga mat in your bedroom at home. She says in this way you consciously include exercise in your daily routine, with the option to also add something outside of home such as the gym, a walk or a run. Dr Guidozzi says that winter can also trigger the “winter blues” in some people, an onset of lowered moods. “To prevent this, it is necessary to exercise and also to spend time outdoors, and absorb the sunlight when one can,” she says, and reiterates the importance of maintaining good sleeping habits. She says that sleep deprivation will lower immunity and can lead to making less favourable food choices. While healthy eating and exercise is important, so too is taking time for yourself. Dr Linde, who is launching the second edition of her book entitled Get the balance right—Coping tips for working moms, which was first published in 2005, says that winter is associated with hibernation in nature, where animals and many plants slow down, and renew themselves by spring. “We have a short winter here, only three months really, so it could become an annual stocktake, going inward by meditating quietly or journaling for a few minutes daily”, she says. The time saved by putting a stew in the slow cooker can be used to curl up on the couch with a magazine. Another tip to remember in winter is to care for your skin, which can become dry and irritated during the winter months, leading to loss of collagen and wrinkling. Dr Smit recommends using a milk cleanser and rich moisturiser to stay hydrated. Keeping up an adequate intake of water is also essential. “In winter you could opt for hot herbal teas or hot water with lemon or mint leaves,” she suggests. Some healthcare practitioners suggest taking a supplement with added vitamin C and zinc in winter, although this should not replace a healthy diet, especially a diet which includes fruit and vegetables with adequate vitamin C. Adding probiotics to your daily routine can also help your immunity to resist viral infections. Remember also that hand hygiene is vital to avoid germs. Instead of associating winter with comfort eating, hibernation and a bowl of creamy pasta on the couch, be proactive. Spice up your winter menu with healthy vegetable soup, download an app to start getting more active in the comfort of your home and remember that while summer bodies can be made in winter, eating healthy foods, exercising and upping your immunity can help you to enjoy a healthier winter. Whether in winter or summer, some people trying to lose weight will struggle too much with hunger, especially at the start of their weight loss journey. These people might benefit from a prescription medication which, together with appropriate lifestyle adjustments, can help kick-start a weight loss journey, or can help someone get back on track. If you are worried about your weight, speak to your doctor for advice about how to lose or manage your weight. Visit www.ilivelite.co.za for tips, support and further information about weight loss.

July 17, 2020

Vegan – Is it healthier?

As popular campaigns like ‘Veganuary’ fuel New Year’s pledges to cut back on meat, MANY people has been asking my opinion on vegan diets and on documentaries such as ‘The Game Changers’. If you are intrigued – keep reading.

July 13, 2020

Nutrient Enhancers: my kind of food additives!

This is an excerpt from my book ‘Mila’s Meals: The Beginning & The Basics’ I’m talking about egg yolk, ghee, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, sauerkraut liquid, kefir, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, ginger, cardamom, allspice, turmeric, broth, dulse, liver, blackstrap molasses, baobab, cacao, hemp, lucuma, maca, moringa. It is important for me to make every mouthful of food that Mila swallows as nutritious as possible because: Good nutrition is so important at this stage of life Only a small amount of food is going to go in (at the beginning for some, or forever like with Mila) And because a lot of food is going to be turned away or spat out when the toddler emerges… So I developed a list of ‘nutrient enhancers’ – nutrient-dense foods which can be added to almost any purée or meal without significantly changing the taste, texture or appearance… because trust me… there is no greater food detective than an 18-month old! An excellent example of where nutrient enhancers shine their bright light is in the preparation of plain noodles. “Plain noodles?” I can hear you exclaim! Trust me, there will come a time when your toddler will only want to eat plain noodles, repeatedly, for months on end – and you will make them for her… because you need to choose your battles wisely, because it is the end of a long day, because you have another baby to take care of or because you are tired! So this is as plain as Mila’s plain noodles got: I cooked the gluten-free noodles in bone broth with some seaweed (wakame or kombu). Once cooked, I stirred in a raw egg yolk, some coconut oil, a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of dulse. Ta da! Plain noodles… that were eaten with glee! Get creative… there is no end to how sneaky you can be! Nutrient Enhancer: Why is it valuable? Eggs Eggs are a source of high-quality protein and have all the B vitamins (including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), as well as choline, biotin, folate and cholesterol, selenium, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E. Avoid the egg whites for your little one’s first year as these contain difficult-to-digest proteins and are what usually cause an allergic reaction. Egg yolks should be softly cooked in the beginning, but from 1 year of age you can add them in raw. They can be blended into all plant-based purées to add fat and protein. GheeFlaxseed oilCoconut oilHemp seed oilOlive oil Adding some healthy fats to your little one’s plant-based purées and meals will aid the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Healthy fats are essential for your little one’s brain development Sauerkraut liquidKefir These will supply probiotics – vital friendly gut bacteria that complete the digestion process, produce vitamins, keep pathogenic (‘bad’) bacteria in check, and support the immune system. Get my sauerkraut recipe here CinnamonNutmegCloveVanillaGingerCardamomAllSpiceTurmeric Spices are a great way to develop your little one’s flavour palette. They also have medicinal qualities and are a source of nutrients. Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fibre, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin A. It is known to have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antiseptic, local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory, warming and anti-flatulent properties. Nutmeg is a good source of potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, vitamins A, B’s and C. It is a useful remedy for: insomnia, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, indigestion (gas) and diarrhoea as well as being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Cloves are a great source of manganese, vitamin K, dietary fibre, iron, magnesium and calcium. They are well known for their ability to relieve tooth and gum pain, aid digestion and provide relief from asthma and bronchitis. Vanilla has antioxidant, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. It is a remedy for headaches, motion sickness, nausea, indigestion, wind, colic, cold, flu, bronchitis. Ginger tea is a useful remedy for morning sickness. It boosts the immune system and protects against bacteria and fungi. Cardamom is a great source of iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, magnesium, dietary fibre, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. It is used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. It is a remedy for sore throats, constipation, indigestion and colic. Allspice has a good amounts of potassium, manganese, iron, copper, selenium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. It has antiinflammatory, warming and soothing and anti-flatulent properties and is known to aid digestion. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and an excellent source of iron, manganese, vitamin B6, dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin C and magnesium Broth Instead of using water to thin a purée or to cook the vegetables in, use bone broth. Bone broth: builds a healthy gut and digestion aids muscle repair and growth fights inflammation creates a balanced nervous system and a strong immune system inhibits infection caused by cold and flu viruses helps protein and mineral absorption promotes strong, healthy bones It is a source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, boron, zinc, peptides (healing amino acids and natural antibiotics), collagen, omega-9s, iron, vitamin B6 and B12. All the nutrients are easily absorbed by your little one’s body (bio-available). Get the bone broth recipe here Dulse Dulse is an excellent source of calcium, potassium and vitamin B12 – making it a useful addition to any dairy-free or vegan diet. It is also a great source of protein, vitamins B6 and A, iron, phosphorus, manganese and iodine. Sprinkle dulse flakes into purées, or other meals. Liver Liver is an excellent source of high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex (including choline, B12 and folate), a highly bio-available form of iron, vitamin D, vitamin E, pre-formed vitamin A (retinol), vitamin K2, various amino acids and trace minerals such as copper, zinc, chromium and cholesterol. A small amount (1 teaspoon) of raw liver can be grated into any purée. The liver must be frozen for 2 weeks before using it raw (fourteen days will ensure the elimination of pathogens and parasites). Alternatively add some Chicken Liver pâté into purées of other meals. Blackstrap molasses Blackstrap molasses is one way to boost your little one’s iron intake. Its other nutrients include manganese,

July 13, 2020

Babywearing is NOT an alternative to a car seat

I am a huge advocate of babywearing. Be absolutely clear though – babywearing is not an alternative to using a car seat. While babywearing brands and consultants are very clear that wearing a baby in a car isn’t safe, there are those that don’t know this. So I am adding my voice to theirs in getting this message across. The benefits for baby and the baby wearer are numerous. Keeping baby close and secure is the best thing for baby’s development and babywearing allows you to carry on with normal day to day life. Kangaroo care, babywearing, in public hospitals has proven to help premature babies to thrive. I can understand the temptation to keep baby wrapped close to you at all times because of these benefits. But the dynamics of a car accident don’t change. A baby or child between an adult body and a seatbelt will be crushed to death. Most parents understand that it is never safe to hold a baby or child in your arms or on your lap in a car. Physics research has shown that passengers have less than half a second to react in a crash or even if the driver has to slam on brakes. When a car crashes or suddenly stops, the body takes on the weight of the speed you were travelling multiplied by the actual weight. So while anybody could hold onto something weighing 5kgs… If your baby weighs 5 kg, and you crash at only 60km per hour, your baby weighs 300kg. Nobody can hold onto something weighing 300kgs. Some people believe that wearing a seatbelt over them and their child solves this. The sad fact is… In a crash, your baby or child would be crushed to death between the seatbelt and your body. The force against your baby is roughly that of 30 adults, each weighing 50 kgs, standing on top of your child. 1500kgs… An entire rugby team or the weight of your average car… The wrap or sling won’t make a difference at all in this equation. It will be holding your baby in place between you and that seat belt. Car seats are expensive. They are a pain to move in and out of a car. Car seats are awkward to carry. They can wreak havoc on your back, neck and shoulders. Unwrapping a finally-sleeping baby from babywearing and transferring them into a car seat… Easily equated with disarming a bomb… On a rollercoaster… With both arms tied behind your back. It is a pain. You are tired and sore and you just want to get yourself and your baby… and probably your other kids too… home in the fastest, least traumatic way possible. I feel you mommy. Really I do. I know that overwhelmed feeling oh so well. I’m a mommy. I am a mommy of a toddler. Who still rear-faces, and will until her car seat doesnt’ allow it anymore around 25kgs. I have had to transfer her sleep-heavy little body to her car seat http://www.health4life.net/ drugstore in the rain after a month of sleepless nights. I have faced the consequences of that transfer waking her… Her screaming while the tears pour down my face as I drove home. What I haven’t had to do is face the consequences of not making that choice. I have talked to and listened to and cried with mommies who have though. This mommy lost her baby in a 2 block car trip. It isn’t worth it. Babywearing is wonderful. It is a tradition that has been around for thousands of years. African mommies have been wearing babies for as long as we have records. Daddies, grandparents, even older siblings can now use babywearing to bond with the babies in their world. Wear your baby! Keep them close to you, safe and warm. You are doing the best you can for your baby. And when it comes time to get into the car, transfer them to their car seat. Just as you are designed to hold and support your baby; a car seat is designed to hold and support your baby in a car. The materials used are chosen and tested to make sure that your little one is completely surrounded by protection in the case of a crash. #CarseatFullstop. Every child. Every time. No matter what. One share, seen by one person, who straps in one child, saves a life.

July 10, 2020

The no makeup makeup look for moms on the go

I think that most of us have experienced the wrath of COVID -19 and the havoc it has caused in our everyday lives and like most people, we have all grown quite tired of hearing about it. Ever since COVID-19 hit I think it has worn us down and caused us such anxiety that we now have COVID -19 burnout. When the Pandemic first arose, I like most, was consumed by it. We watched the news and followed the stats closely and had so many sleepless nights. Although COVID -19 is still very much a relevant topic, I think we are all yearning for a little bit of normalcy and wants things to look forward to and have conversations about things other than this cumbersome virus. We still want to stay in the loop with things that pertain to us like kids, school, updates, breakthroughs etc but we want to consume it at our own pace; not every time we open a social media app. We have all been feeling a bit down and I don’t know about you, but I haven’t found the need to dress up or even put on makeup. Now that most of us are back at the office or bracing ourselves to go back to work, I wanted to share my tips on how to achieve the “no makeup”, makeup look. Wearing a mask is also mandatory, so this look means we will look office-ready without the hassle, seeing as we are all still running our households and seeing to the kids schooling under the “new normal” circumstances. The “no makeup”, makeup look These days the makeup trend is all about the “no makeup, makeup look.” We are seeing a lot less makeup than before. Makeup is not ‘plonked’ on but rather more natural looking, letting your natural features come through. Here are our tips to achieve the ‘no makeup, makeup look’ Minimal foundation. Try mixing your foundation in with moisturizer so coverage is less. Don’t skip the sunblock. Wrinkles are the last thing we want to add to our already long list of worries. Conceal properly. Colour correct and conceal any discoloration or redness. Use the CATRICE colour correcting palette. Peach concealer underneath your foundation cancels outside blueness or darkness. Green concealer underneath your foundation cancels out redness. For shadow you want to choose a cream shimmer colour for eyes. You could even use a shimmer colour on the inside of your eyes to open it up. If you are not a fan of shimmer, then try using a single shade of eyeshadow all over the lid like a warm brown or orange. Use the CATRICE nude palette. Groom your brows and for a more natural look you could use brow gel. Use the CATRICE clear brow gel. Apply a coat of mascara and for a more subtle look you could also use brown mascara instead of black. Use the CATRICE glam & doll mascara. Bronzer and blush to warm up the cheeks and create definition. Use the CATRICE matt bronzing powder and luminice highlighter palette. Sweep of highlighter and a dash of gloss on the lips. Use the CATRICE volumizing lip gloss. As moms on the go, we all need a little pick me up and confidence boost even if it is a little makeup to help us feel normal again. Feeling good about ourselves is an instant energy boost and mood enhancer. Transitioning your summer closet to winter on a budget Life is expensive – period! Finding smart ways to recycle my summer clothes to winter is something I love doing because it gives me an opportunity to wear my summer clothes in different ways and make it feel like a whole new outfit. Here are my tips: Maxi dresses – throw on a long sleeve top underneath, a blazer or leather jacket, a pair of boots and we have a whole new outfit. Layering – I love layering my white shirts and throwing on a chunky knit or taking a dress and throwing over a knit. Invest in thick winter stockings. Recycle those summer skirts by pairing them up with winter stockings and boots. Add richer, deeper colours – most people will think neon colours should be tucked away for Summer but pairing it up with earth tones will make it perfect for Winter. For example, a neon bodysuit paired with a camel blazer makes it very wearable for Winter. Accessories are life changing and it is a less expensive way to change up an outfit. Layering up necklaces and adding a different earring can really breathe new life into an old outfit. When I do have extra cash I can spend, I like to invest in statement pieces that will last me for years to come. I invest in leather jackets, a few coloured winter scarfs, a few chunky knits, boots, sneakers or loafers, scarfs and hats or beanies. My favourite past time is buying vintage items. You can pick up amazing steals and some name brand items too for a fraction of the cost. I love that the pieces you find are unique and no one else will have the same. Sitting in my closet while the kids are asleep, and hubby is playing Fifa (yes this happens in my household too) and thinking up outfits is something I find so relaxing. Plus, it saves me time in the morning having to decide what to wear. CATRICE Cosmetics is available at Dis-Chem pharmacies and online at Takealot, Zando, Superbalist & House of Cosmetics.

July 9, 2020

Smart Money Goals

As Metropolitan’s Three Word Stories campaign draws to a close, consumers are given tips to help with their finances during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond Nobody could have predicted the turmoil the coronavirus pandemic would cause for the financial lives of most South Africans. Many people’s income has been significantly reduced, and thousands of others are facing the prospect of unemployment. As a result, the economy is contracting. The pandemic has forced all of us to consider critical questions about our financial security. According to a DebtBusters report from the first quarter of 2020, South Africans were under severe financial strain even before the Covid-19 outbreak and are now increasingly cashing in their long -term investments for immediate survival. The pandemic is likely to continue to affect household finances for years to come. TransUnion recently reported that 79% of South Africans’ household income has been negatively impacted. Therefore, being mentally strong, having a plan, prioritising spending and using resources efficiently is imperative to the financial stability for many families. Now in its final week, Metropolitan’s Three Word Story campaign seeks to build resilience among South Africans by sparking conversations about real-life financial concerns, and ease their anxiety about the future by finding ways to deal with the challenges they face. “Access to money has a great impact on how people experience the pandemic. Our food security, personal safety, health and so many other essentials depend on access to money. The questions consumers are asking themselves about their finances have never been more significant. How do I ensure my financial survival? Should I be saving more aggressively? How do I restructure my finances or my debt? How do I pull myself out of debt? Our tips this week aim to help South Africans deal with tremendous financial challenges we are all facing and how to navigate through these unchartered waters,” says Llewellyn Allen, Head of Marketing: Metropolitan, “My hope is that these tips will assist people find a way to not become overwhelmed, but to dig deep to find their strength. The only way to conquer fear is through action, and that starts with reminding ourselves that we have the mental strength and resilience to deal with whatever financial challenges we face,” adds Allen. Reassess your finances and budget accordingly: Many financial experts have predicted that the value of the rand is likely to fall. Consumers will be forced to spend more Rands to buy the usual items they bought before the pandemic. It is important to be realistic about where you stand financially. Honest budgeting and keeping track of expenses serve as a great reality check. Be honest with yourself; the first step is to understand where and how you spend money. To do this properly, draw up a detailed, accurate account of everything your household spends money on in a normal month. Start by listing all fixed monthly expenses that help you maintain a basic standard of living. Then draw up a second list of variable expenses, including discretionary spending. Once you have both lists, compare them with your income and cut out any unnecessary items so that your expenses are less than your income. Even though removing luxuries from a monthly budget might be painful, the ‘new normal’ of social distancing and staying at home might make it easier to cut out the out of home luxuries. Plus, it will reduce stress if you manage to reduce your expenses to be less than your income. Involve the whole family: This is an opportune time for parents to talk to their children about where money comes from, why budgeting is so important, and how everyone in the family can contribute to lowering household spending by making compromises. Parents may want to consider reducing their children’s allowances now that most children are at home and not able to spend money on excursions. Set savings targets for the whole family and make it fun and practical. Seeing money accumulate in a glass jar in the kitchen and later depositing it into a bank account for safety can be highly motivating, and it can be the start of learning about investments and earning interest. Depositing the money in a bank account, not only keeps the money safe but also helps with fighting the temptation of spending the money when in sight. Make smart financial decisions: A crisis such as the Covid-19 presents new opportunities for scammers and fraudsters to steal money by preying on people’s anxieties. Now is the time to make considered financial decisions and avoid the temptation of investing in and losing your money to get-rich-quick schemes. Speak to an accredited financial adviser if you need help with making smart financial decisions during this time. If the household’s financial standing has changed during this difficult time, calm nerves are required to take stock of the finances and make adjustments if required. Information from credible sources as well as speaking to an accredited financial advisor can help to make sense of things.

July 8, 2020

Four healthy money habits to teach your kids

Beyond getting your child’s own savings started, teaching your children age appropriate lessons about handling money is important. It better equips them, and you, to accumulate and maintain a steady growth on investments, particularly if everyone is on the same page about the family’s long-term saving goals. A good example is education. Though online education opportunities have become quite popular recently, school fees remain a reality, and they can really add up over time. Although COVID-19 brings up a lot of uncertainty, now is a great time to teach your kids some valuable financial lessons, so here are four healthy money habits to pass along. Make money child friendly As your children get older, explore ways to teach them ‘adult’ money lessons in practical and memorable ways. One way could be to pay them ‘performance bonuses’ for spotting opportunities that save money in the home and in their schooling. When you do annual uniform shopping and they find a cheaper deal on school shoes elsewhere, invest the difference into savings. You might consider opening a tax-free savings account on behalf of your child, or a unit trust account if your investment horizon is a little shorter. A formal way to save can make your children cognisant of the cause you are saving towards, and aware that their efforts are actively making a difference. You can also mimic the discipline of saving by paying pocket money on a specific date each month. This demonstrates that money isn’t available on tap and things, just like their education, need to be planned and saved for. Allow trial and error Talk to your children about questions that they may have about money. By helping them understand what’s confusing them, it opens their mind to creative ways to work with it. Once your teenagers understand the concept of compound interest, the excitement and devotion to growing the initial amount might kick in. Additionally, although the (weekly or monthly) pocket money you give them might be the same, their personal expenses will change. One month, your child might ask for an early withdrawal to buy a camera for photography class, and the month after, a book. By providing ‘statements’, your child will be less intimidated by personal financial planning and have a realistic idea of what it looks like to budget, review expenses and be conscious about using their money. More importantly, they will learn to plan ahead for what they need and want. In this time, allow for mistakes so that they know not to panic when the environment or costs change. Intuition combined with your lessons are key to them navigating their newfound financial responsibility. Check twice before clicking once The newer generation is growing up with the internet, but it is never a bad idea to teach them to shop safely and wisely while online. Begin by teaching your kids the difference between a credit and debit card and which one you will be allowing for the online buying responsibilities you might give them from time to time. Emphasise that transactions should only be made on trusted sites and to make it easier, provide a list of places where you will allow the card to be used. You can also suggest they place an item in their virtual shopping cart for a day or two before buying, as this could result in realising the item isn’t necessary to buy, or some retailers may even send a discount for that item, hoping it will conclude the sale. By giving older children the occasional responsibility of doing their own stationery shopping (with your supervision) not only will they learn how to compare prices and stick to the budget, but they will also learn to become familiar with the cost of things (and how they can change over time). Hopefully, your child will learn that financial planning is based on needs first, then wants. Textbooks? Need. New PlayStation? Want. Play the role of an adviser Financial advisers are qualified professionals who commit to evaluating your current situation and help you build a realistic strategy toward reaching your ideal financial goals. As your children gain more understanding, find out their financial goals. You want them to understand the role of a financial adviser in their personal financial planning journey when the time comes, but more importantly, to be honest with their adviser. You might consider including them in conversations you have with your adviser. Small lessons amount to big, well-informed decisions and as a parent, the ongoing lesson of being financially prepared is a gift that will reap many rewards in the future. Ronald King, Head: Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at PSG

July 3, 2020

Saving money on groceries and meals during Covid-19 pandemic 

I thought although this was not in my original “money saving” ideas it is very pertinent to what is happening at the moment and as such I have decided to write about ways to save money during this period of Lockdown/Covid-19 pandemic.

July 3, 2020

How far would you go for a child’s safety?

In the same way that I hate being told what to do, I hate telling other people what to do. Parenting is hard enough without people making judgements about our parenting choices. BUT, there is one notable exception, and that’s when it comes to a child’s safety. If you choose to feed your kid from the boob or with formula, I don’t care because either way your little one is getting fed. If you choose to have a nanny or send your kid to creche, that’s also your choice and I have nothing to add to the conversation. However, if a child is in danger, we all have a responsibility to speak up. The world is full of scary things that threaten your child’s safety I recently saw a video where a little one was almost taken, just a couple steps away from her mom… Or how about the uproar about the Stanford rape case? Babies can get sick and end up in the NICU, a place I hope Harley never ends up in again. Sometimes, there’s nothing we can do to prevent the horrors – it comes down to luck. However, when you get in a car, there is something you can do for your child’s safety… And a frighteningly small percentage of parents do it. I remember the weeks leading up to when we brought Harley home. I kept hoping for her to gain the weight, to be ready to come home, but it didn’t feel quite real. Because she had come so early, Dean and I hadn’t even gotten around to getting her two most important things – her cot and her car seat. I had done my research and I knew exactly what I wanted; the car seat we ended up purchasing is so safe that it claims our car can roll (knock on wood that never happens) and she would still be totally fine and protected. It was only when we bought both her travel system and her camping cot that it felt real that she’d be coming home. We had a way to transport her and a place for her to sleep. South African Statistics around your child’s safety The hospital had a rule that you couldn’t take a baby home without a car seat. I sort of laughed at the time – I mean, obviously, right? Well, not so obviously. According to some scary statistics, less than 7% of babies are in car seats in South Africa. That means a whopping 93% aren’t. When you consider that car seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% in infants and 54% in toddlers… Those are some scary, scary numbers. Thinking of the ridiculous number of accidents that occur every day on our roads, in particular over long weekends or major holidays, it’s actually terrifying to think how many tiny lives are in danger for absolutely no reason. The cost of a car seat Yes, I know, some of you will tell me that there are people who can’t afford car seats, and you’re absolutely right. That’s why there are organizations like Wheel Well which runs a campaign around car seats. That’s right, any old car seat you have can be refurbished and donated to a family in need… Helping them take care of their child’s safety even if they don’t have the funds. But sadly, those aren’t the babies I see most often unrestrained. No, I’m talking about the little ones I see, being dropped off at the nearby schools and creches, the ones driving in Polos or Subarus or Land Rovers or Porsche Cayennes. I see their children standing on the back seats, hanging limbs out of windows, or even climbing into the front of the car. It isn’t due to hardship that these parents aren’t restraining their tiny people, it’s out of negligence. Maybe the kid screams in the car seat, or maybe they figure it’s just a quick trip and everything will be fine. How devastating would it be, then, if that quick trip ended in tragedy, a tragedy that could be avoided. I’m lucky – Harley adores her car seat. She happily goes into it, sometimes just giving a wriggle when I strap her in, and then usually falls asleep during the drive – even if it’s just down the road. She faces backwards, and I’m starting to notice her feet are actually touching the backrest of the backseat. Cool for her, she’s getting taller. But that doesn’t mean she’s getting turned around anytime soon. The reality is, we never know when we could be in an accident It could be a distracted driver on his phone in rush hour traffic while we go fetch Dean in the afternoon, it could be a still-drunk driver on a Saturday morning when we head to Pretoria to see my beautician, it could be due to random glare from headlights late at night driving back from a braai with friends. I consider myself a careful driver; I have never been in an accident. But that doesn’t mean I never will. It’s scary and awful to imagine. Maybe you don’t have a kid, or maybe you always strap yours in. But based on the stats, you know at least one person who doesn’t. You don’t have to explain to them how horrifying it is when a baby is thrown from a car. You don’t have to be “that” friend who lectures them. Simply share these #CarseatFullstop posts when you see them and think more about a child’s safety. Are you following? To make sure you don’t miss any of these posts, be sure to join the #CarseatFullstop Facebook group or follow #CarseatFullstop on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. And a huge shoutout to local mom, blogger, brain and words behind Pregnant in Cape Town and Tums 2 Tots Online, and generally awesome lady Mandy Lee Miller, for campaigning for your child’s safety. She has so much passion for the project and truly puts it in the best words: About the Author Zoe is a rockstar geeky mom to a gorgeous

July 3, 2020

Lockdown Weight Gain

Since being back at the practice and seeing patients, we found that majority of people have gained 1-3kg during the lockdown period. This weight gain occurred despite eating ‘ok’ and doing some form of exercise.

June 29, 2020

11 Common Car Seat Mistakes

Car crashes remain one of the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children under 14 in South Africa. No doubt, in part, because 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly… And nearly a third of children ride in incorrect restraints for the size and age. Those are a whole lot of car seat mistakes!

June 26, 2020

How to incorporate yoghurt into your child’s diet by Happy Family Organics

The yoghurt section in the grocery store seems to be expanding every year, and it’s no wonder why! Yoghurt is a versatile food that can be eaten as part of a meal or snack, and can be incorporated into many recipes from dips to dressings to desserts. Yoghurt contains protein, fat and carbohydrates, as well as the nutrients calcium, potassium, phosphorus and is often enriched with vitamin D.

June 25, 2020

Fertility Facts by Lamelle Research Laboratories

Male infertility refers to the inability of a male to achieve a pregnancy in a fertile female. In humans it accounts for 40-50% of infertility. This is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fertility.

June 24, 2020

Face masks in children: how safe are they?

If you follow me on social media you would have noticed me going on a lot about face masks recently. It’s very important for the public to know how to use them correctly because otherwise it’s such a wasted effort.

June 22, 2020

Delite Foods, the local guilt-free brand keeping your family healthy and happy!

You might have seen our Tantalize range in the sugar alternative and wellness aisles at major retailers but doubt that you know who we are, so let’s introduce ourselves.

June 22, 2020

Infertility: Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Parenthood is undeniably one of the most universally desired goals in adulthood, and most people have life plans that include children. However, not all couples who want a pregnancy will achieve one spontaneously and a proportion will need to seek medical treatment to help resolve underlying fertility problems. It’s therefore understandable that infertility has been recognised as a public health issue worldwide by the World Health Organisation (WHO). “Infertility is when you cannot get or stay pregnant after trying for at least a year and you are under the age of 35,” says Dr Sulaiman Heylen, President of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG). One in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility, while one in six couples worldwide experience some form of infertility problem at least once during their reproductive lifetime. The current prevalence of infertility lasting for at least 12 months is estimated to affect between 8 to 12% worldwide for women aged 20 to 44. In recent years, the number of couples seeking treatment for infertility has dramatically increased due to factors such as postponement of childbearing in women, development of newer and more successful techniques for infertility treatment, and increasing awareness of available services. This increasing participation in fertility treatment has also raised awareness and inspired investigation into the psychological ramifications of infertility. It can cause stress, depression and anxiety, which is why it is important to know that there are options available for treatment. Age is a key factor “Up to 50% of all patients who visit a fertility centre are 35 or older. We cannot stress enough how important it is for people not to wait too long when they consider having children. Young women need to be aware that there is a slow decline in fertility from their 20s until the age of 35, after which it starts to decrease rapidly until the age of 45,” says Dr Heylen. “It’s extremely important for couples to investigate fertility options and fertility preservation earlier in life, rather than leaving it too late. A woman who is not ready to have a child can choose to freeze her eggs to try to preserve her ability to have a child later,” says Dr Heylen. It’s estimated that 20 to 30% of infertility cases are explained by physiological causes in men, 20 to 35% by physiological causes in women, and 25 to 40% of cases are because of a problem in both partners. In 10 to 20% no cause is found. Infertility is also associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, body weight and stress. A woman’s age is one of the most important factors affecting whether she is able to conceive and give birth to a healthy child. This is due to several changes that are a natural part of ageing: The number and quality of eggs (ovarian reserve) decreases naturally and progressively from the time a woman is born until the time she reaches menopause. It is not only more difficult to get pregnant (conceive), but miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities in the child (such as Down syndrome) are more common in older mothers. Fibroids, endometriosis, and tubal disease are more common and can affect fertility. Women who become pregnant at an older age have a higher risk of complications during the pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The decrease in a man’s fertility appears to occur later in life than in a woman’s fertility. In their mid-to-late 40s, men experience changes in their sperm that can cause issues with fertility, and chromosomal or developmental problems with their children. Lifestyle and family history If you have any of the following risk factors, you may also consider seeking advice earlier: Family history (i.e., mother or sister) of early menopause (before age 51) History of cigarette smoking in either partner Previous ovarian surgery Exposure to chemotherapy or radiation to treat cancer in either partner Shortening in the time between periods Skipped or missed periods History of injury to the testicles Exposure to toxic chemicals (certain pesticides or solvents) Pregnancy is a complex process Pregnancy is the result of a process that has many steps. To get pregnant: A woman’s body must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation). A man’s sperm must join with the egg along the way (fertilise). The fertilised egg must go through a fallopian tube toward the uterus. The fertilised egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation). Infertility may result from a problem with any or several of these steps. For the pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman’s hormonal environment adequate for its development. When just one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result. Couples, dependent on the ages of the partners, are generally advised to seek medical help if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of unprotected intercourse. The doctor will conduct a physical examination of both partners to determine their general state of health and to evaluate physical disorders that may be causing infertility. Usually both partners are interviewed about their sexual habits in order to determine whether intercourse is taking place properly for conception. If no cause can be determined at this point, more specific tests may be recommended. For women, these include an analysis of ovulation, x-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus, and laparoscopy. For men, initial tests focus on semen analysis. “Based on the results of the specific tests, a treatment plan will be made which can include medication, surgery or assisted reproduction,” says Dr Heylen. Treatment options Not all couples who desire a pregnancy will achieve one spontaneously and some will need medical help to resolve underlying fertility problems. It is now estimated that more than 9 million babies have been born worldwide since the first IVF baby was born in 1978. Most assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments take place in women aged between 30 and 39. The most common fertilisation technique is ICSI

June 19, 2020

5 tips to distract baby in the car

Hands up if your boobs leak when you hear a crying baby? If your mind goes blank? You grit your teeth while trying to talk sweetly, over the loud screams? Your breath quickens, and little creatures feel like they are moving around under your clothes? While you try aimlessly to distract baby, whose eyes are probably closed anyway. (You can put your hands down now.)

June 19, 2020

Tasty heart healthy Braai recipes to try during the lockdown

The recipes are all easy to make, affordable and consist of essential ingredients, which make them ideal for cooking during the lockdown. It even carries Jan Braai’s stamp of approval!

June 19, 2020

Baby and tot picky eater meal plan by Happy Family Organics

It seems we constantly hear about kids being picky eaters; it may feel like we are condemned to have a child who will eat nothing but chicken fingers and pizza. Is there anything you can do to raise an adventurous eater? Plenty actually, starting right now!

June 17, 2020

Virtual medical consultations now available 24/7

Staying healthy remains a priority for South Africans especially during the COVID-19 lockdown. However it can be a challenge to seek medical help when the Government is asking us to stay home, wear masks, wash our hands frequently and practice social distancing. The solution lies in virtual care.

June 15, 2020

5 questions when buying a second hand car seat

We are buying a second hand car seat. But unlike last time and the abandoned (money) seat in the garage, I am not going in blind… I’ve been armed with questions from #CarseatFullstop and intend not to come home with a denim covered car seat of unknown origins.

June 12, 2020

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