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Smart and practical gifting ideas for this holiday season

You’ve made that gift list and checked it twice … and you just can’t see how on earth you will be able to afford it this season. You are literally wishing that Santa could swoop in with his sleigh of toys to help provide for the friends, your family, and your coworkers who expect something from you. And yes, a credit card could solve all of your problems, but for now only – you will get nasty surprise in January and probably end up paying off the Christmas debt well into March. But instead of pulling out that nasty credit card or raiding the closet for re-gifts (scented candle and bubble bath anyone?), you have a few other options. You probably don’t realise it, but the people on your list might be just as relieved as you to do away with a gift exchange, and these ideas below can really help in finding meaningful ways to bond, celebrate your friendships, and even give back to others without having to go into debt. Non-material gifts for family For young kids, wrapped presents can be a really important part of their holiday (the expectation is there!), but there’s no need to give that up. But minimising material gifts can really help your family save money and rather spend quality time together. Children will remember the experiences you create whilst on holidays more than what they will remember about the presents they got. Just think back to when you were a child – do you remember the presents or the moments? It’s not unheard of these days where parents find it easier to make a mutual decision to her ratskip gifting each other presents, saving the money for either a family goal (pay off a little bit more on your house or reducing that expensive short term debt) or a family experience. And while you may find yourself buying a few small material presents for young kids, getting them excited about an experience (the present that can’t be wrapped and put under the tree) can help them begin to understand the value of family time and experiences rather than things. A coupon book A homemade coupon book is classic homemade gift for a reason! Building a coupon book for each child (or your partner) to cash in throughout the year lets them know how much you treasure the unique bond you have. These “goods” can be as simple as baking cookies together, have movie night with popcorn and pizzas, control of the TV control for a weekend, or bedtime two hours later than usual. Not only can these be fun to use throughout the year they can also help you find those experiences and special time spend with each child. A plan for organising family photos, documents, and memories If you’re stumped for gifts for extended family, conquering old photo albums and documents is a huge undertaking that everyone would appreciate. Taking the lead on deciding how and where photos and mementos should be kept, organized, and distributed, or setting up a virtual cloud of family photos for distribution, is a really big gift. Instead of exchanging gifts, family members can come together with items related to the history of the family and then throughout the year, various people can take the lead on organising and distributing them. Non-material gifts for friends and coworkers Gift exchanges between friends can become difficult and not to mention, pricey. Not only that, but a candle here, a mug there, and it’s all too easy for a gift exchange to feel like you’re simply swapping through the same boring presents. This year, instead of gifts, propose these options: Take something off their to-do list: From cleaning the house to putting air in tires, to picking up kids from school, one person’s dreaded chore or procrastination is another person’s No Big Deal! This year, make a plan to exchange dreaded to-do list items, with the idea that everyone will get something they truly need and value — and have been putting off for way too long. To make the process fair, add some guardrails, like time limitations. Contribute to a shared gift: If you work with a tight group of coworkers, suggest everyone pitch in R50 for an epic sweets and chocolates drawer. If you and your friend always get together for a drink, consider chipping in and sharing a wine or beer of the month club. The idea here is to think of potential gifts-that-keeps-on-giving that can benefit all, and also offer an excuse to get together. Write a note of appreciation: If your usual office or friend holiday gathering includes a gift exchange, suggest that this year, you each take the time to write a short note or a poem about what the other person has done this past year that you admire or appreciate. It doesn’t need to be elaborate. Taking the time to reflect on how important a person is to you, or even just how amazing their Google Sheets skills are, can be a great (and memorable) way to bond without breaking the bank. Start the conversation surrounding gifts now Of course, you should still give presents if you want to — but if this becomes stressful and anxiety filled, then it may be time to speak up that this year you would like to do things differently. Trust us, you will be surprised in how many of your family, friends and co-workers will support you. It’s difficult out there for everyone! By prioritizing relationships and experiences rather than things, you’re setting the stage for plenty of memories and laughter. You might be saying what others are thinking. Putting this idea out there can ensure that everyone’s on the same page without any awkwardness or resentment— or unwanted bubble bath. Hero Life is a company that offers a free online Will, helps you to start saving for your kids’ education, and offers life insurance, designed specifically for young parents. Hero Life is

December 4, 2018

Teaching your kids about money

We previously touched on how, as a parent, we need to get our thinking right when it comes to money. A lot of us grew up with a weird attitude towards money, often about not having enough and wanting more. We become jealous of those who we perceive to have it all and we focus on what we think we need to keep up with the Jones’s. Sometimes we feel shame for what we have compared to others, but sometimes also shame for what we didn’t have. When we become parents, we have the golden opportunity to teach our kids to think differently about money from the get go. We have the opportunity to undo the wrong and uncomfortable attitudes we had (and might still have) around money. Here are tips to create a healthy, balanced attitude towards money in your family’s life and your kids upbringing. Pocket-money is a money management tool By letting your kids help with family chores (washing dishes, feeding the dogs, making beds, cleaning the braai and setting tables), you are helping you kids to understand the necessary tasks of daily life – not because they are going to get rewarded for it. We are doing it to help our kids to learn life skills along the way. Why should it be any different when it comes to money managed? Introduce money management with your kids by giving them weekly or monthly pocket money and let them save it and spend it the way they want. Be it on the Google Play Store for the hippest apps or on that extra data for the month. They will quickly learn the lesson of overspending or buying things that only gives them a limited time of fun and pleasure. Don’t be tempted to ‘top-up’ their pocket money for the rest of the month. Gratitude comes in the form of paying bills Paying bills doesn’t have to be this negative thing we usually don’t want to deal with. Involve your children by teaching them that bills are actually just reflections of pleasures already enjoyed. “Thank you Escom for keeping us warm in winter” and “Thank you Netflix for the entertainment”. “Thank you cellphone for connecting me to the world of games and chats with my friends”. Sharing this attitude with your kids teaches them that everything we consume is actually an exchange of goods and services for money. You can go as far as involving them in the payment process as this is another incredible way to teach a valuable life skill. Ask them to help you find the amount owed on the bill, who it should be paid to and for what services or goods. Let them circle the amount to be paid and write “paid” on the bill before filing it away. They will love the process but more importantly, learn valuable lessons while having fun. Sharing is Caring It’s so easy to to get caught up in the attitude of “we might not have enough,” and the feeling of “ and what we have, we have to keep for ourselves”. This attitude needs changing. We should become more conscious of sharing what we have, and by doing that we are contributing to the greater good. When we show our kids to be generous (via donations, volunteering, helping other friends or families in hard times, tipping a water or the petrol attendant), we are teaching them how good it feels to give. Anytime we do good for its own sake, we are modelling how to be a good human, and how to live with the sense that we are all connected, and we are very fortunate. That attitude alone sets our kids up to be appreciative for what they have, and to create more of it as they grow up. Happiness doesn’t come from overconsumption We live in a society overwhelmed with commercialism and in which more is never enough. As parents, we are tempted on a daily basis to give our kids everything they want, and replace it when it breaks. But really, think of the things that are dearest to you and you will be surprised in how often they are not things, but experiences. And if they re things: chances are they are things you worked really hard for and have a sense that you earned them. Buying your child everything they want and catering to their every whim does not raise happy children – it raises children who have a false sense of entitlement and reality. You will be raising children who tend to develop anxiety in later years when they realise that things rarely fall magically into their lap without their own hard work and hustle. Teach them to appreciate what they have, with modesty and without entitlement. Wealth is a state of mind Thinking rich is essential to living a rich life. Constantly living in the fear-based state of never having enough instills a fearful mindset in young children that they will carry forward with them, and have to un-do later. “We can’t afford that, we could never go on that vacation, that’s only for rich people.” All of that language creates a false reality that money is only for a selected few, and if you don’t have it, you never will. In reality, anything is possible – anything. And we can teach our kids to use that lens by involving them in planning and dreaming. Always wanted to go to Mauritius and stay at a family resort? Start a family vision board for that trip. Look up cool places to stay & airlines to use. Involve your kids in using some of their own savings (from the pocket money) to put towards the trip. Make them feel a part of it – and give them the sense that they have ownership in making it happen. This is a hugely empowering pattern of thinking and behaving; much healthier than the attitude that “that’s not for us.” Remember: our children

November 29, 2018

Best tips for travelling while pregnant

The truth is that a woman should not travel much when pregnant. It is time to stay close to home for maximum rest and mild exercise. However, traveling could be inevitable during pregnancy. Whether it is a one-time trip or regular travel at this delicate time for a woman, maximum caution will prevent numerous health and psychological problems. There are many publications that advise pregnant women on how to travel while pregnant. Some are helpful while others are not. It is up to you to obtain the information from reliable sources. Below are some of the most helpful tips for traveling while pregnant. Choose an Ideal Destination If it is possible to choose the destination, make numerous considerations before settling on one. Choosing a place to visit with favourable weather, excellent health facilities and clean accommodations is recommended. Countries with violence and a high crime rate should be avoided by all means. The Right Timing If it is possible, do not travel when the baby is almost due. You need time to settle down and identify the right health centres in the country where you plan to deliver. If you are traveling for a holiday, do it when the pregnancy is still in its early stages. The best time is before six months. Health experts discourage pregnant women from being tourists after six months of pregnancy; they need to be near home during this time. Pack Lightly A lot of luggage is not recommended especially if one is traveling alone. Since traveling while pregnant is mostly done out of necessity, do not bring more than is needed. Only pack the crucial things that you will use during your brief travel. Luckily, pregnant women wear light clothes, which do not take up much space. Shoes should also be light, and a few pairs will be enough for the trip. Choose Your Flight Seat Carefully We must all agree that traveling when pregnant is the most uncomfortable time to travel. One cannot sit for long before standing up to stretch or go to the washroom. It is important to pick an aisle seat that allows some freedom of movement. Most airlines usually assist pregnant women in finding an aisle seat rather than squeezing them between people, where they cannot even stretch their legs. Have a Snack and Water It may be difficult to readily find a healthy snack or juice during the journey. Even though flights offer snacks and water, these may not be what you are looking for. Carrying them with you is a better option for any pregnant women out there. It is easy to pack a snack or a healthy drink, and most flights will not have a problem with this. If drinks are not allowed through airport security, the airport will have a variety of healthy drinks for sale. Plan for the right time to eat your snack to avoid becoming too hungry. This may be earlier than the flight meals since a pregnant woman needs to have her energy up at all times. With these tips, traveling will be fun rather than a source of strain for a pregnant woman.

November 26, 2018

What to do if your teenager is depressed

Growing up can be an emotional rollercoaster, during which a young person has to contend with many high and lows, from school and friendships to puberty and their sexuality. If you have noticed that your teenager seems to be experiencing more lows than highs, and these lows are happening more and more frequently, this may be a sign that they are struggling with depression. It can be distressing to watch your teenager feel constantly sad and low. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and the most important step you can take to help is to seek help. Here, we provide information on the symptoms of depression in teenagers to look out for, as well as guidance on the ways that you can support them. What does depression feel like for your teenager? Whilst it’s normal to feel sad occasionally, the intense and overwhelming low moods that depression causes can stop your teenager from getting pleasure from things they usually enjoy. This all-encompassing sadness can also prevent them from being able to function and perform daily tasks. We have outlined what depression actually feels like for a teenager to help you understand what they may be going through: For young people, depression can feel like they have a sieve in their head, which washes away all positive reinforcements and keeps hold of all negativity, which they focus on and magnify A teenager may feel like they are wearing a mask in front of friends. They will put on this brave face to cover up how they really feel, as they believe that they will be a burden if they show their real mood. This mask can be exhausting to wear, so by the time they come home they often can’t keep it up, meaning that you are likely to see the true picture Many young people describe depression as being tortured in their head. Anything that they hear gets turned into something negative, and even if they are told by a specialist that their depression is treatable, they believe that they’re the only one that can’t get better Signs of depression in children If you are becoming increasingly worried about your teenager, we have outlined common symptoms that they may be experiencing and warning signs for you to look out for: Psychological symptoms: Persistent sadness, or low mood Anger and irritability Crying more than usual Being highly sensitive to bad news or rejection Feeling worthless or guilty Low self-esteem Poor concentration Indecisiveness Feeling empty or numb Self-harming Suicidal thoughts Drugs or alcohol abuse Social symptoms: Social withdrawal Lacking interest in activities they once enjoyed Poor performance and behaviour at school or college Physical symptoms: Insomnia, or sleeping more than usual Frequent headaches and stomach aches Eating more or less than usual Unexplained digestive problems Exhaustion Lethargy Restlessness I think my teenager is depressed – what are the next steps? Talk to your child If you’re worried, sit down with your child and calmly explain that you’re concerned because they don’t seem to be themselves lately. If they’re willing to open up to you, try to find out how they are feeling and what is troubling them, and let them know that you’re always there to talk. If your teenager doesn’t want to talk to you, encourage them to speak to someone else they trust, such as another parent or a teacher. Take them seriously If you haven’t experienced depression yourself, it can be difficult to understand what your teenager is going through. Something that doesn’t seem to be a problem to you could be a major issue for your child, which is why it’s important to take them seriously and avoid being judgemental or critical. Be open and listen If your teenager wants to talk to you about their problems, it’s important to be open with them and listen to what they have to say. This lets them know it’s OK to talk about how they’re feeling, and they’re not alone. Learn the symptoms By familiarising yourself with the symptoms of teenage depression, not only will this help you to empathise with your child, but will also mean that you are able to spot when they’re going through a particularly difficult time. It can also help you to manage expectations, and understand that it’s possible that things may get worse for your teenager before they get better. Reduce risks Give them the phone numbers for charities such as LifeLine, and encourage them to call if they ever need to. You could also give them useful apps to look at such as Headspace or Mindspot. If they have thoughts about harming themselves, ask them to share those thoughts with you in a way that they feel comfortable with, so you can help keep them safe. They could write their thoughts down, send them in a text message or email, or talk to you about them when they’re feeling calm and perhaps distracted with an activity. Things you can do to reduce risks include locking away any medication and asking the young person what websites they are accessing online, and talking through whether these are really helpful to them or not. It’s also important to establish the best way that you, as a parent, can support your teenager. Ask them what you can do to help; they may just want hugs, a distraction such as watching a film with you or not to be left alone at night time. Seek help It’s crucial to seek professional help if you think your child is struggling with depression. This will ensure that they receive the support they need to prevent their depression from becoming worse. Make an appointment to see your GP; they will be able to recommend next steps. Also, reassure your teenager that depression is treatable and advise them that it would be worth taking them to a doctor to find out if they have depression, and if so, to get them the right support. Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg

November 20, 2018

How to teach kids the value of money

Raising your children to be money smart is an essential skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Teaching your kids from a young age about money will help them to understand how money works and they will find it easier to learn how to manage their money. Here’s how to raise money-wise children: Teach Children How Money Works Children need to understand that an ATM is not a magical machine that just spits money out at you whenever you want it. They need to know that in order to get money out of the ATM machine money needs to go in. They also need to understand that money is made either through business transactions (if you are Mompreneur or business owner) or by working for someone and being paid a salary. Show your child the different notes and coins, explaining how it all works together. It will become easier for your child to understand from the age of about 5 or 6 years old. Give Your Child A Piggy Bank Give your child a piggy bank as soon as possible. You never know when a relative will give money for a gift, so you want a piggy bank ready to receive it. You can tell your child that his piggy bank is his “ATM” until he is old enough for a bank account. Teach your child to always put any money he receives into his piggy bank so that he forms this good habit early on. Play Shop At Home Young children love to play shop. You can make pretend money with them out of paper and then make a pretend shop. Find items around the house and put price tags on them. Take turns being the shopkeeper and the shopper. It is great pretend play for your children to work out what they must pay and how much change they must receive. Give Your Child Pocket Money Don’t soil your child by giving him a lot of money. You want to make it enough money so he can buy something small each time he gets his pocket money, but not enough to buy anything big. This will teach your child not only to budget but also how to save up for something more expensive that he wants. Encourage him to save up for something nice rather than always spend all his money as soon as he gets it. It is also important to emphasize to your child that if he wants something after he has spent all his pocket money he will have to wait until the next time he gets his pocket money. Try to give your child as much free rein as possible to decide what he wants to buy with his pocket money. You can advise your child that he could save up for something really nice rather than blowing it all on sweets but let your child make the final decision Encourage Entrepreneurship Let your children know that there is nothing stopping them from earning some money if they want more than their weekly allowance. Think about extra tasks they can do around the home to earn more money and encourage them to think outside the box. If your kids have a hobby they can sell the things that they make. They could do woodworking, knitting or make cards. They could also bake cookies or cupcakes to sell or have a lemonade stand. Help them to understand the concept of working out the cost of making the goods and how to work out their pricing so they make a profit. Your children can also offer services such as washing cars, mowing lawns, walking dogs and babysitting. Lending A Hand Your child may need some help with purchasing an expensive item, for example a teenager that wants to buy a car. A teenager may not have the means to take out a personal loan or any other type of loan that they may need. Chances are good that you wouldn’t want them to take out a loan from a bank anyway at that young age even if they could. If you have the means you may want to give your child a loan and work out an arrangement for them to pay you back. This will give your child an understand of how a loan works in the future for example when taking about a home loan. If you want to help them out but also encourage them to work towards saving up for things themselves you could get create and offer to match whatever deposit they manage to save and then work out a way for them to pay you back for the difference. Conclusion All of the above tips and activities will help your child to form an understanding of the value of money and help your child understand the importance of being frugal and saving up for the things that you need. What things have you done with your children to help teach them about money? Share your tips.

November 15, 2018

How to keep the kids entertained on a long car trip

Long car trips are part of the activity of modern families today. Many are investing their time and money in buying cars with higher mileage per gallon so they can go wherever they want. Families take long car trips once in a while because it gives them the opportunity to explore the world outside of their homes. With on long car trips, parents can get a chance to teach their children the things they only see in their books or gadgets. Also, it gives the families an opportunity to commune with nature. Parents and kids get a chance to breathe fresh air, refresh their eyes, and have some exercise. Long car trips can release the stress that family members feel from long days of work. It is an excellent opportunity to take a break from the routine you have at home or office. Lastly, long car trips enable one to bond with the family, especially for parents who spend the majority of their time at work. Indeed, family car journeys are fantastic. However, it can make your kids go wild, irritated, and bored. For sure, you don’t like it when your kids have tantrums because it will only make the adventures turn into chaos. We will discuss the tips on how to keep the kids entertained in this article, especially on a long car trip. Play Their Favorite Movies One tip to prevent your kids from getting bored is to play their favorite films in the car. Some cars today are pre-installed with a television screen, and you can opt for this one. You can also bring a portable DVD player or laptop with you and always make sure that you have backup power in case your gadgets drain its batteries. Also, bring Bluetooth enabled speakers so everyone can hear audibly the movie they’re watching. Carry Sweet Treats Always Sweet treats is a must-have on every trip! Surely, your kids will feel pampered during the ride while eating their favorite food. Bring with you your kids’ favorite delights such as the following: Chocolate bars Gummy bears Cupcakes Wafers Marshmallows Chocolate/ Milk drinks Chips and other snacks Listen To Audiobook Stories Tired of telling stories to your kids? Don’t worry; you can play audiobooks instead. You can download various audiobooks available on the internet today and save it on your gadget. Then, you can just plug your device into the car’s sound system and make your kids listen to the stories. Audiobooks will make your kids’ imagination run wild. Engage In Digital Games Bring with you your iPads or smartphones and install it with offline games which your children can play. There are various offline games that are available in App Store or Play Store. Capture An Image With A Polaroid To develop your kid’s full potential in photography, you can give them your instant camera or any other available cameras with you. Let them take pictures of anything they see during the trip, and you can soon compile it and post in a scrapbook. Bring Their Favorite Toys If your kids get tired of playing with e-games, let them enjoy their toys. Some of it is loom bands, stuffed toys, doll house, balls, robots, and others. Let Them Draw Invite your kids to practice their handwriting or drawing by giving them a whiteboard or coloring books, colored pens, and eraser. For example, you can ask them to draw your face or their siblings’ faces. Sing A Song Bring a guitar with you and play your kids’ favorite song. Better yet, you can just play a song using the car’s sound system or sing in acapella. Invite your kids to join so they’ll feel at ease during the trip. Play Various Games Lastly, devise multiple games for your kids and be as creative as you can be. Here are some of the games that you can try: The License plate game – Each time your kids spot a car, check its plate number and ask them to give a meaning for it. For example, OEF means ‘Onion Eating Fanatic.’ Map the destination – Print a map of your destination and hand it to your kids. Let them mark the cities you’ve passed by so you let them have something to do in the backseat. Animal spotting – Ask your kids to spot and name animals on the road. Conclusion In sum, it is essential to make your kids safe and calm during the entire trip so you as a parent can have peace of mind too. Meanwhile, it is recommended to supervise your kids in whatever activities you let them do during the trip. After all, we want them to learn and have fun after the stress and hassles of the real world. Oftentimes, the road can become very unsafe especially when you have kids travelling with you. If you and your kids are involved in car accidents and have incurred personal injuries, you can check this website to learn more on what you should and should not do during this kind of situation. About The Author Annie Gray writes topics on law subjects that can help the common reader understand them better. She keeps herself fit and healthy by jogging during her free time.

November 15, 2018

Your 12- month DIY financial planning guide

We are fast approaching the end of the year and it’s usually that time of the year we are starting to reflect on 2018 and all it’s ups and downs. Before the craziness of the festive season takes over, it’s good to take this time as an opportunity to also reflect on your financial year thus far and looking at plans & ways to improve for 2019. We know how hard it is to make a lot of changes at once, which is why we’ve broken up our guide into 12 months or steps to get you “financially fit”. There is not really any particular order to address this, but see what is possible for each month of the year and tackle it then. 1.Evaluate where you’re at Knowing exactly what you have, how much you owe, what’s missing from your financial life (eg a will or insurance cover) can help guide you on what you need to do in the future, and what your areas of strength are, and what your areas of growth are. 2.Draw up a budget It’s boring and admin-heavy, but by figuring out your fixed and variable expenses, and looking at your bank statements, you’ll see exactly where your money is going, which will help you make smart decisions on what you could cut out of your life. You’ll likely find that you’re spending money on things you don’t need, or you’ll see opportunities where you could be paying less for something. You could also try the 50-20-30 budget method: 50% of your net income should go towards your needs, 30% towards your wants, and 20% to your savings and debt repayments. 3.Review your insurance Are all your policies up to date (eg is your cover enough or are the beneficiaries selected previously still correct) and is all the information in them correct? Insurance might feel like a grudge purchase, but if anything happens to you or your things, this could be financially crippling. If you have dependents the life insurance is essential. If you or your spouse die, where will the money come from to look after those you leave behind? Very few young parents have enough savings in the bank to ensure that their children have the financial means to finish school and continue their education as needed. By having life insurance in place, you protect not only your family’s future, but your children’s education too. 4.Draw up or update your will If you have a will, you get to decide what happens to your assets when you die. If you don’t do this, regardless of your wealth or assets, they’ll be allocated according to the state’s law and this might not be according to your wishes. It’s also essential to choose a legal guardian to look after your children if anything happens to you and your partner. Don’t leave it up to the courts to decide where your kids will go. 5.Start saving for your child’s university education as soon as possible Your kids will be financially dependent on you for at least the first 20 years of their lives. It is estimated that parents who send their children to public schools and pay for a three-year university degree, will spend on average R1.2 million per child in today’s financial terms – and the figure doubles if your child goes to a private school. By putting away for university now, you save your child the burden of paying back university loans, which will affect their own financial wellness as adults. Look at the different saving options available online such as unit trusts or tax-free saving accounts and choose the option that suit your needs best. Just get started – the sooner you begin, the less you have to put away in the long run. 6.Start settling the debt Whether you have big or small debt, start by paying off at least one, rather than trying to settle all of them at once, which might not be practical. Choose one with the highest interest, like a credit card, and put aside an amount each month in your budget that can be paid, preferably by debit order so you’re not tempted to spend it elsewhere. Best yet is to get rid of those nasty cards and adopt the behaviour of “f I can’t pay for it cash, then I can’t afford it”. 7.Set up a debit order to save By setting up a debit order, your money automatically goes out of sight and out of mind, to a place where it can grow. Choose a tax-free savings account or unit trust that is more difficult to access than a normal bank savings account, so that you’re not tempted to dip into it regularly. You can increase the debit each year automatically, which is great for continuing to grow your savings to keep up with inflation, and hopefully more earnings from your work. 8.Put aside money for emergencies It probably feels that you’re putting away so much money, you can’t afford anything else, like an emergency fund. Well, setting up an emergency fund prevents you from dipping into your savings, which is there for other reasons and goals than covering the cost of new tyres or a broken dishwasher. Set up another savings account for emergencies only and don’t get tempted to use it for day- to-day living expenses. 9.Consider your retirement What will your finances look like when you’re 60 or 70? Will you be ready to retire and stop working, and have you considered that women especially are living longer these days, so you might need enough to get you through to 100. Whether you’re 25 or 40, you need to consider your retirement funds now. Look into setting up an RA fund, even if the company you work for already provides you with a pension plan. And remember, the taxman incentivises you to save as much as possible for your retirement, therefore make sure that if you can afford the

November 6, 2018

5 Healthy habits to pass onto your kids

All parents want their children to grow up with healthy habits. However, the only way a child will learn to be healthy is to imitate their parents. What you model to your children will be the example that your children follow. Setting good examples early on is the best, as this is when children are very impressionable in their early years. The following are five healthy habits to pass on to your youngsters for them to live their best life. Exercise! Physical exercise is one of the best things anyone can do for their health! The more a person moves, the better they feel. Exercise can be done in a variety of ways. Consider signing your child up for dance or have them join a baseball or basketball team. If you do yoga or Tai Chi, invite them to do it with you. Take a mommy and me exercise class. Or purchase a kids trampoline and have some fun with them, jumping and laughing. Take them for walks, go to the park, or enjoy swimming together. Have relay races, play tag, or kick a ball around. Any type of exercise is fine as long as they are moving their bodies. Benefits of physical exercise include better sleep, a decrease in emotional and social issues, and fewer attention disorders. If you sign your child up for a team sport, they will gain so much from this experience. Not only will your child learn what it is like to work as a team, but they will also learn the value of competitiveness. Another added advantage is they will realize what it means to count on others, as well as be counted on. Eat together as a family. Setting a time for family meals is something that many parents look forward to, as this is a time when everyone can tell about their day. This is quality time spent together as a family. One reason that it is a healthy habit is that it instills in a child that home cooking is better than eating on the run. With fast food chains popping up all over the place, it has often become the norm with many families frequenting them. Life is hectic, and many parents would rather drive through to grab a sandwich instead of going home to make a homemade meal. But when a family eats together, children will model good eating habits. If you start your child off at an early age of eating together and make it a rule that meals cannot be missed by anyone, you will have a greater chance of succeeding with this. Pick healthy drinks. Soda pop is high on the list for many individuals. It is easy to drink when on the run, helps give us a caffeine rush, and is readily available at most eating places, markets, and convenient stores. However, it is loaded with sugar. Water, on the other hand, is the healthiest drink on the planet. It is calorie free and has no sugar. Plus it helps flush out toxins in the body and rehydrates it. Drinking water can make one feel fuller for an extended period of time and is crucial for organ functions. We lose water in everything we do, from breathing to exercising. And when the body is made up of 75% water, it is very important to replenish this on a regular basis. Instill in your child’s mind that water is the best choice for them. Many children like juice, which is fine. However, this should not be their primary drink. Look for juices that are 100% juice that is not loaded with sugars. And if possible, consider diluting the juice with water for fewer calories. Remain positive. Look at the bright side of life instead of the negative. Parents that model this behavior will see children are better able to manage life’s problems. The more positive a person is, the better they will be able to handle anything that life throws at them. Teaching your child to see the glass as half full instead of half empty will make them happier in the long run. Pass on the unhealthy habits. When your children see you smoking or drinking alcohol, they may get the impression that it is not harmful to do. Many children want to be just like their parents. Thus, it should be no surprise that children who have a parent that smokes are twice as likely to light up than a child whose parent does not smoke. Giving up snacking and unhealthy foods also fall into this category. You can not really expect your child to eat broccoli and Brussel sprouts for dinner if you are eating French Fries. Offer healthy snacks, such as Hummus with carrot and celery sticks, or apple slices and string cheese. Eat these with them instead of chips and ice cream, and your child will see that healthy eating is something to look forward to. Passing on healthy habits to your kids is very important. The healthy habits they learn from you will be beneficial to them all their lives. These five healthy habits will ensure fewer illnesses, more energy, and a happier, wholesome life! If you are not passing any of these onto your children, it is not too late to start. Just by adding one or two of these habits will improve the quality of your child’s life.

November 6, 2018

SUNUMBRA P – Embrace the sunshine

Sunumbra P is a Natural Sunscreen with Organic Ingredients and a core purpose to make a difference inpeople’s lives as well as the environment by embracing the sunshine. Don’t damage your skin with chemicals to avoid getting sunburnt. Zinc Oxide, as a mineral sunscreen, is 100% natural, provides a high level protection for both UVA and UVB, plus has excellent healing qualities. Three of the great Sunumbra P sunscreens available: Sunumbra P Sport SPF 40+ (RSP: R265.00) Sunumbra sport is a natural sunscreen containing organic ingredients that is specially formulated for the active outdoors person Sunumbra sport is a natural sunscreen containing organic ingredients that is specially formulated for the active outdoors person to ensure… 5 Star rating (UVA) SPF40+ (UVB) Fully certified ISO/COLIPA for UVA & UVB Water resistant 40 minutes High protection Broad Spectrum Sunumbra P Sunkids SPF 40 (RSP : R299.00) •Protects against UVA and UVB light at the highest level•Contains natural, organic, photo-protective botanicals •Contains the powerful anti-radiation properties of zinc oxide •No harmful chemicals •Dermatologically tested and approved •Specially formulated for children and people with sensitive skin•A tinted sunscreen using natural botanicals containing pigments•Tested on human skin only, not animals •PH in balance with children’s skin •Can be used by anyone with a dietary or environmental concern Sunumbra P SPF 30+ (RSP : R299.99)Natural sunscreen ● Organic ingredients ● SPF 30+ (UVB) ● 5 ***** UVA rating (highest level) ● Free of Parabens ● 100% Free of harmful Chemicals ● A tinted sunscreen using natural botanicals containing pigments● Not tested on Animals ● No Animal derivatives ● Water resistant ● Developed, Formulated and manufactured in South Africa Tip: As this is a tinted sunscreen, any clothing stains that may result from the natural oils can be removed by simply applying dish washing liquid directly to the stain (because regular laundry detergent does not contain oil-removing properties), then launder as normal. Why you should choose and natural sunscreen? Natural and organic preservatives do not damage your health. Commonly used Parabens are endocrine disruptors mimicking estrogen, upsetting hormone balance, plus are carcinogenic. No Petrochemicals or Mineral oils: they clog up skin pores, trap toxins, slow skin cell growth, disrupt normal hormonal functions, rob bones and the nervous system of magnesium, can be estrogenic, plus absorb oil soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from you and then excrete them. Natural Colorants are non-toxic – vs toxic Synthetic ones Natural organic ingredients smell delightful. Added Fragrance can be toxic. Avoid unnatural Polymers for Water Resistance, which coat the skin and prevent it breathing Many Organic plant extracts provide Anti-oxidants, which protect against free radical damage and atmospheric toxins, eliminate chemical reactions, and repair skin cells. Direct benefit from every ingredient. No fillers are required to counteract negative reactions to chemicals. Reverse sun damage. Switching from toxic chemical sunscreens to non-toxic sunscreens with added organic ingredients, you can possibly reverse some existing sun damage What chemicals to avoid and what are their potential health risks: Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate): gender bending (estrogenic) Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3): allergic reactions and hormone disrupting. Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane): becomes toxic in sunlight! Octocrylene: potentially carcinogenic! Homosalate: Hormone disruptor; forms toxic metabolites Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl Paba / Paba Ester): releases free radicals; damages DNA; estrogenic and allergic reactions. Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid: potentially carcinogenic! Mexoryl SX: Degrades 40% in sunlight, produces reactive oxygen species. Octyl Salicyclate: penetration enhancer; allows other chemicals into blood. Benzophenone (Sulisobenzone): irritates skin & eyes. Penetration enhancer. Avoid toxic cosmetic ingredients. A healthy lifestyle is vital to combat toxins from modern industries. Choose cosmetics with healthy ingredients and avoid these toxic ones: Sodium Laurel, Lauryl Sulfate, or Sodium Laurel Sulfate: Combined with other chemicals this becomesNitrosamine, a powerful carcinogen, which penetrates the skin’s moisture barrier, allowing chemicals in.PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), Polysorbates, or Ethoxyylate alcohol: all contain dioxane, which is carcinogenic and probably one of the most potent toxins known to man. Propylene Glycol: can cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities, skin growth prevention, or just plain irritation. Phenol Carbolic Acid: Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and even death from respiratory failure. Acrylamide: Can cause breast cancer Toluene (Benzoic; Benzyl or Butylated Hydroxtoluene): can cause anaemia, low blood cell count, liver and kidney damage and birth defects.

October 31, 2018

Give Your Special Needs Child the Best Future Possible

When you’re told that your child will be born with a mental or physical disability, the news can be crushing and leave you with many doubts. Will you be able to provide for them? Will their childhood be as full of joy as the other kids? Will you have the stamina to carry on when the going gets tough? The answers are yes, yes, and yes. Though you’re facing the greatest challenge of your life, you can see it through with plenty of love and the right preparation. Here are some things to do before your baby arrives in this world. Research Their Disability How you get ready mentally, physically, and financially depends on the nature of your child’s disability and what obstacles they will face growing up. A good place to start your inquiries is Parent to Parent USA. Not only will you find a treasure trove of information on conditions ranging from blindness to mobility impairment to Down syndrome, this organization will put you in contact with other parents who have already faced the same challenges. Look Into Financial Aid Read up on the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, which is a federal law that guarantees your child access to early intervention, special education, and related services from birth until adulthood. These include therapy sessions either at home or in the community to aid in the development of motor, cognitive, and communication skills needed to thrive during their infant and toddler years. Grants are available through agencies in each state. Find Support From Nonprofits There are also a number of charity organizations that are ready to step in and offer assistance when federal aid is insufficient. Many of these are devoted to children suffering from specific conditions such as autism, while others, like the Legacy of Hope, offer access to exciting activities outside of education such as art classes, music lessons, and even horseback riding, helping to ensure a well rounded and enjoyable childhood. Begin Navigating Health Insurance Thanks to recent health care reforms, insurers cannot deny coverage to children under the age of 19 based on pre-existing conditions including disabilities, according to the experts at Allied Wealth Partners, adding that you have 30 days after the birth of your child to add them to your health plan. Speak with your insurer to find out which physicians and providers are in-network to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on your income, you may also qualify for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Set Up an Emergency Fund There will be items that you have to pay for yourself. Luckily, more and more states are offering residents as well as non-residents the opportunity to open a tax-advantaged ABLE account for any disabled person under the age of 26, with contributions limited to $14,000 per beneficiary per year, according to finance magazine Kiplinger. This money can be withdrawn tax-free and used to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Prepare Your Home You’ll need to make some modifications to ensure that your child is safe and can move around comfortably. If they’ll be confined to a wheelchair, then begin your research into options for improved accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, which cost $1,604 on average. Other renovations include grab rails in the bathroom as well as a roll-in shower to make washing up easier at the end of the day. Contact local professionals to get an estimate in your area. Take Care of Yourself Giving your child the support and attention they deserve is impossible if you are tired and strung out. Begin a regimen of self-care now to ensure you’re in the best possible condition when the parenting begins. That, above all, means a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and a good night’s rest, as well as techniques for relieving stress such as meditation or yoga. There’s a lot of work to be done, but rest assured that there are ways to overcome the obstacles that you and your child face. It just takes love and courage, and you’ve got both in spades.

October 31, 2018

Medical aid unpacked

When it comes to medical aid, affordability is usually the biggest consideration. However, monthly premiums should be weighed and balanced against the actual benefits and healthcare coverage being offered in order to make an informed decision. The biggest question around medical aid costs is why healthcare inflation is rising at such an alarming rate and how schemes deal with this. ‘Currently, medical inflation is outpacing general economic inflation by between 3 and 4%,’ says Gerhard van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘And while the jury’s still out in the form of the Health Market Inquiry into the private healthcare sector, fingers are being pointed at all role players from private hospitals and specialists to medical schemes. However, you need to remember that the former are all about the bottom line, while medical schemes are not-for-profit.’ Consumers, unable to make Rands or sense of the many plans available and what they’re actually offering, are often tempted to migrate to what is perceived as a more affordable plan, but with less coverage. ‘Comparing the average percentage increase in isolation is not an indicator of the value of the healthcare being provided,’ says Van Emmenis ‘We urge consumers to compare monthly contributions with the benefits to ensure they are getting the cover they need.’ He maintains that simply comparing the average percentage increase announced by the various schemes is not a litmus test for value for money, since it does not take into account the basis on which the increase applies. Here is a simple maths example: Two schemes offer the same benefits however, Scheme A costs R1 000 pm while Scheme B costs R1 100pm. If Scheme A announces a 10% increase (R1 100pm) and Scheme B announces a 7% increase (R1 177) but neither change or increase the benefits, then Scheme A is still providing the same benefits, at a lower cost, even though it announced a higher contribution increase. ‘That’s why it’s important to compare the actual benefits and contributions rather than only looking at the percentage increase,’ says Van Emmenis. This is where a Broker can be invaluable. While consumers are becoming more savvy and educated on the inner workings of the medical scheme industry there is confusion. Brokers assist consumers by making informed recommendations that take into account their specific needs. They also play a vital role in education around the offerings, how to maximise your benefits, how to benefit from Managed Care, both financially and in terms of quality of life, various healthcare terminology and assisting members with claims. Van Emmenis explains that schemes with a growing membership base will require additional loadings in the monthly contributions to increase the reserves in order to meet the statutory solvency requirement of 25%. ‘This is a legislative requirement and does not imply the scheme is performing poorly – in fact the opposite is true in this context,’ he says. According to data released by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), the market has not been successful in attracting young, healthy people who are less prone to chronic health conditions like diabetes or hypertension: Lifestyle diseases that adversely effect of the pool of contributions. The increasing age of beneficiaries is also a huge concern. The CMS reported that the industry average beneficiary age increased from 31.9 years in 2013 to 32.5 years in 2016. The pensioner ratio increased slightly to 7.9%, with a general rise in the ratio for both males and females. Schemes with an ageing membership base generally experience increased claims costs, in excess of inflation, due to the higher use of benefits. ‘We have seen around a 2% increase in claims by members annually as they age,’ says Van Emmenis. ‘In addition, all chronic conditions, except Type 1 Diabetes, have shown an upswing, ‘says Van Emmenis. ‘These conditions are PMBs that need to be paid in full by all schemes. So, although the regulation is well intended, it is without doubt one of the factors driving up the cost of healthcare. At the same time, there have been particularly steep increases in the cost of specialists and hospitals, which together account for more than 61% of total claims paid.’ Runaway healthcare costs are difficult to contain because of a myriad of contributing factors. Most rooted deeply in a complex health system where much of what happens is beyond the influence of the schemes. Take for example the over-regulation in the form of exclusion from collective bargaining by the Competition Commission. This leaves schemes with no option but to negotiate individually with service providers, blocking the development of a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare sector. Open enrolment also impacts costs as schemes have to accept anyone who wishes to join, regardless of their health status, which does maximum damage to risk equalisation. So what is the best approach for medical schemes going forward? Van Emmenis says that schemes need to continue to explore and implement cost containment strategies and offer value for money to members. ‘Access to quality healthcare remains a concern and priority for the majority of South Africans. Our mandate has always been to provide quality healthcare at affordable prices and this will continue.’

October 30, 2018

Millennial parents understand the need for life insurance

Let’s be honest, millennials continue to and already have changed the world for the better. Those born between roughly around 1981 to 1996 are brilliant, savvy and hard-working people who encourage and challenge and force change for the better at a level that past generations could never do. They are more connected, grew up with easy access to information and care more about social justice. They invest their money into the environment, women’s rights, charity and everything else that they want to help. And they do all of this in contradiction to the spend, spend, spend of older generations that transitioned into higher debt & higher costs of living. But where does life insurance fit in? Because millennials are more connected, care more about world and other social issues and injustices than previous generations, life insurance is the perfect product for this generation. They are perfectly positioned to understand that this is quite literally the most selfless and smart thing they can do. Think of it this way. Your house or your investment portfolio isn’t really your biggest asset. Your brain and what you can do with it to earn a living, is. If anything happens to you, those who depend on you need to be taken care of. When you take out a policy on your life, you’re protecting your family who need your ability to earn a living to look after them after you’re not there. It’s not exactly something we’d chat about casually. But it should be as it is a reality everyone on this planet faces. But here’s the challenging part. Access to information in the age of the internet has become fast, simple and painless. Just look at the ease of access to information (good or bad quality) on Facebook and Instagram. Or how easy it is to get services as provided by Uber for lifts and AirBnB for accommodation. However, the life insurance industry hasn’t kept up with the times at all as is still being perceived as this dinosaur service with no place in this digital world. And because of this, most people don’t really understand life insurance and have HUGE misconceptions about it. But the truth is also that the quality of much of the life insurance content available on the internet is disorganized, fragmented and let’s face it, not sexy at all. Millennial parents feel obligated to speak with a professional to get their basics in place as there are so many nuances in life insurance offerings that it’s really daunting to expect to educate yourself online. And personally, I’d rather spend time researching the latest camping gear or travel specials than trying to understand life insurance. The amount and type of life insurance you need for your unique family set-up isn’t going to present itself to you out of the blue. You either need to put some elbow-grease in it yourself or ask a professional (which in most cases is paid commission and therefore don’t trust to give us the right information for our unique set-up). And that’s another problem. Millennials are used to teaching themselves everything they need to know about stuff they’re going to buy. They don’t want to be cold-called or emailed. NO CALL CENTRES PLEASE! Seriously: try selling a millennial anything second hand. Forget about it. They’ve already spent hours doing their homework on the internet and speaking to friends and family. But because education on life insurance has lagged behind so much, most millennials can’t access or learn about life insurance fast enough. Or the topic is just not interesting enough. And we at Hero Life get it! If millennial parents can’t educate themselves, they know they’re going to have to trust professionals. Unfortunately, full transparency hasn’t always been the norm in the life insurance industry. It’s not unfair to say that some members of this professional industry charged higher than necessary fees on the products they were selling or may have sold products that gave the professional the best commission instead of the product that best suited the need of their client. Inevitably, mistrust built up quickly. Unsurprisingly, it usually takes us more than a quick chat to convince clients that we are not taking advantage of them and that we are truly passionate about helping young parents to help themselves. And that we are there to help them do something amazing for their family and to protect their loved ones’ future. There is still a huge need for young people to have insurance. And especially if they have kids. Your family need to be taken care of if anything were to happen to you. And even cover provided by your employer is not always enough.. The good news is that more millennial parents are becoming more responsible and therefore more life insurance-conscious. One study claims that more young people are beginning to say that life insurance benefits are somewhat or very important (85%). This could be because more millennials are now hitting their 30s and starting families. According to the study, interest in long-term care insurance, in particular, has grown among millennials. It’s not that complicated or scary for millenial parents once they start talking with the right people and when they can get the right educational content in front of them. This is why we are excited about Hero Life. We believe we are tailor-made for millennial parents who want to understand the financial basics they need to put in place. We are passionate about empowering young parents as we offer a free online Will, help you to start saving for your kids’ education and offer life insurance. Visit us at Hero Life and chat with us on Whatsapp by clicking this link. Hero Life is an MMI Group initiative, and underwritten by Guardrisk Life Limited (Reg no 1999/013922/06), an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP license number 76).

October 24, 2018

Food’s influence on childhood behaviour and learning

Worldwide, allergies are on the rise, and in South Africa a staggering 40% of sufferers are children, according to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa – affecting quality of life and learning potential. The problem, and solution, to common allergy symptoms, says world-renowned nutrition expert Patrick Holford, is diet. “One in three children with behavioural problems have allergic reactions to foods. Other than overt physical reactions, individual food allergies can affect thought processing and cause irritability, agitation, aggressive behaviour, nervousness, anxiety, ADHD, autism, hyperactivity and learning disabilities,” says Holford. A trial study conducted by Dr Joseph Egger, head of the Pediatric University Hospital in Munich, Germany, and his team in 1985, which studied hyperactive children to find out whether diet could contribute to behavioural disorders, found that 79% of the children participating reacted adversely to artificial food colourings and preservatives, but also found that different foods produced the same symptoms in different individuals. “In the 1980s, researchers found plenty of evidence that allergies affect any system in the body and are behind a diverse range of symptoms, yet this research has largely been ignored since,” says Holford. Patrick Holford is a pioneer in new approaches to health and nutrition, specialising in the field of mental health. Having suffered throughout his childhood and adolescence with migraines, sinus infections and ear infections, Holford sought a solution and discovered that his troubles were due to milk and yeast allergies. “The truth is that the majority of people are likely to suffer for years not knowing that they have an allergy – but also not knowing how to treat it,” says Holford. Not to be confused with an intolerance or sensitivity, an allergy is an exaggerated physical reaction to a substance where the immune system is involved. As our personal defence system, the immune system releases chemicals when it comes across a substance it doesn’t like. The chemicals released by the immune system in response to an allergy result in symptoms such as mood-, attention-, memory- and intellectual impairments, as well as behavioural problems, overt physical ailments and delayed reactions that make pinpointing the allergy difficult. Other symptoms of a food allergy include nausea, cramps, flatulence, fatigue, throat trouble, sweating, skin rashes, acne and boils, migraines, apathy and confusion, depression, and paranoia. “The good news is that you can grow out of most food allergies and reduce your child’s allergic potential,” says Holford. According to Holford, the best way to prevent and reduce allergic potential in your child is to stick to the following dietary guidelines: Completely remove wheat and dairy products from their diet for a month or so and see if their symptoms improve. Have an IgG ELISA food allergy test done and see a nutritional therapist. Improve your child’s digestion by including plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and seeds in their diet. Ensure you keep antibiotics and painkillers to a minimum, as they damage the digestive tract. Include fish in their diet to ensure that they are getting sufficient Omega 3 oil, Zinc and Vitamin A. Avoid foods containing chemical food additives. The most common ones to look out for are aspartame, tartrazine and MSG. Eat whole, natural foods as much as possible. Choose organic food (free from pesticide residues). For further information on food allergies, nutrition and childhood behavioural problems, visit www.holforddirect.co.za.

October 19, 2018

Kaspersky Safe Kids helps track missing teen!

Cyber predators, child trafficking, cyber bullies, children running away – the list of worst nightmare situations parents face is not easy to digest. In fact, it is estimated that a child goes missing every five hours in South Africa. So, what happens if your worst nightmare scenario comes true? And more importantly, what proactive measures have you taken now to ensure you have mitigated as many risks as possible? Northern Gauteng mother, Lida Erasmus, experienced her worst nightmare recently when her teenage daughter went missing, leaving her and her family worried sick especially as they were not able to reach her. “A few weekends ago, our daughter ran away with an unknown young male. Being completely out of her character and as her mobile phone was switched off, as any parent can imagine, I was going out of my mind, thinking the worst and feeling absolutely helpless. I really didn’t know what to do,” said Erasmus. However, being a parent in the digital age, Lida has always taken appropriate security measures when it comes to her family’s mobile devices and had installed the Kaspersky Safe Kids app onto her daughter’s mobile phone when she first received it. Remembering the installed app, Lida would be able to see if and when her daughter’s phone becomes active, and fortunately, the following morning, for a reason unbeknownst to the family, the man who had Lida’s daughter had switched her device back on. As soon as Lida saw that the device was once again active, using the location tracking feature of the app, she was able to find her daughter’s location within 5 minutes. Continued Erasmus; “Parenting in the digital age requires one to think seriously about protecting their children in this new digital world, and no words can express how grateful we are for this app as without it I am not sure what may have happened! The app allowed us to get the police to our daughter’s exact location, free her from this potentially harmful situation and bring her back home safely into our care.” “While certainly we were lucky that her phone was switched back on, this situation points to the very real need for parents to not only install kids safety based apps for the purposes of being able to have control over what their children can do on mobile devices and in the digital world, but also very importantly, to be able to track their children’s whereabouts if ever needed. Surprisingly however, according to the Kaspersky Consumer Survey 2017, only 30.7% of respondents in South Africa have installed parental control software on their children’s devices, and more worryingly, only 15% install software that allows them to know their child’s location when the child is away from home. Riaan Badenhorst, General Manager, Kaspersky Lab Africa commented on the recent events: “Having children myself, I cannot even begin to imagine what Lida went through – the worry and sheer exhaustion from stress. We were so grateful to Lida for sharing her story and feedback with us and certainly the happy ending that ensued. We need to face the reality of our children being exposed to potentially harmful situations, just like this, and furthermore, to pressures they may be feeling as they grow up in a connected world – a world we as parents never had to navigate growing up. This reality is what drives us to develop software solutions like Kaspersky Safe Kids, that specifically focuses on guarding from online threats or risks, helps parents to manage device usage time and lets parents know the location of their child.” Kaspersky Safe Kids is a simple way for parents to provide much-needed online protection for children. It clearly shows you your children’s locations – on a real-time map – as well as lets you as parents/guardians define a ‘safe area’ radius that kids are expected to stay within (such as from home to school or after school activities). If any of your children leave the defined safe area, you’ll automatically receive an alert on your mobile phone. For more information, visit https://www.kaspersky.co.za/safe-kids. For more educational tips for parents, please visit https://kids.kaspersky.com/ For more educational tips aimed at kids, please visit https://kids.kaspersky.com/kids/

October 18, 2018

Exploring Middle Ear Infections

What is a Middle Ear Infection? A Middle Ear Infection (also referred to as Otitis Media by healthcare professionals) refers to an infection, inflammation or fluid build up behind the eardrum. Middle ear infections can either be acute or recurrent in nature. Recurrent Otitis Media is defined as 3 or more separate episodes of Acute Otitis Media within a 6 month period. Otitis media with effusion, also known as ‘glue ear’, describes fluid that remains in the middle ear after the infection has resolved. It is usually not painful, but does affect the child’s hearing ability. Middle Ear Infection is the most common childhood illness and is very common in children aged between 6 months and 4 years. This is due to the Eustachian tube being shorter and more horizontal than it is in older children and adults. The Eustachian tube is meant to help equalize the pressure in the middle ear and drain the fluid in the middle ear – when fluid cannot be drained and stays in the middle ear it is likely that it becomes infected. Who is at risk for Middle Ear Infections? Children aged between 6 months and 4 years 75% of children will have at least one middle ear infection by the time they are three years old. Nearly half of these children will have three episodes by the time they are three years old Children who are bottle fed while lying flat When children are being bottle fed, they should be propped up at a 20 degree angle, at least. This ensures that the milk does not flow back into the middle ear Children who have not been breast fed Children with prolonged dummy use Children exposed to smoke Family history of Middle Ear Infections Children with allergies Children who are more susceptible to colds and flu specifically those prone to sinus infections Symptoms of a Middle Ear Infection Hearing difficulties Ear pain Tugging of one or both ears Difficulties sleeping Fever Loss of balance Irritability Discharge from the ear What should I do? When should I get help? Most cases of acute Middle Ear Infections should resolve by themselves. It is recommended that the child is treated for pain for the first 48 hours, however, if they symptoms worsen or do not improve then it is recommended that the child be seen by a doctor. The doctor will generally prescribe antibiotics. It is extremely important to complete the course of antibiotics. A child who has any discharge coming from their ear should see a doctor immediately. If your child has had multiple cases of Middle Ear Infections it is recommended that you take your child to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT), who will decide if grommets are necessary. Your child having grommets inserted is a relatively simple procedure that places small ventilation tubes within the ear drum. The grommets allow for drainage of fluid in the middle ear, let air into the middle ear as well as equalise the pressure between the middle ear and the ear canal. All children who have suffered with Middle Ear Infections should be taken for a full diagnostic Audiological evaluation with an Audiologist once the middle ear infection has been resolved. What to expect from an Audiologists visit The audiologist will conduct a full comprehensive Audiological evaluation which will include an in-depth evaluation of your child’s outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The Audiologist will complete the following examinations: Otoscopy An Otoscopic examination is used to visualize the ear drum. During this assessment, the audiologist will be able to see if there is still presence of a Middle Ear Infection or if the ear drum has burst during the ear infection. Tympanometry Tympanometry is an examination used to test the middle ear volume and pressure. During this assessment the Audiologist will be able to see if there is a middle ear infection present, if the ear drum is intact and if the pressure in the middle ear is normal. Audiometry The Audiologist will then conduct a pure tone audiometric examination. During this test, the audiologist will be able to determine your child’s current hearing ability and if any damage has occurred to your child’s hearing by the ear infection. Middle Ear Infection complications The following complications may arise from Middle Ear Infections: Burst ear drum In severe cases of Middle Ear Infections the fluid build-up puts too much pressure on the eardrum and subsequently causes the ear drum to burst (hole in the ear drum). This can either heal by itself over time or the ENT may deem surgery necessary to repair the hole. Delayed speech and language During an ear infection the child’s hearing is reduced by 24-45 dB. Their hearing is similar to how you hear while under water or with foam earplugs in your ears. This is a crucial time for speech and language development. If a child is not getting adequate speech and language input due to their decreased hearing, their speech and language development may become delayed. In these cases, it is important to seek professional help from a speech-language pathologist as soon as possible. Permanent hearing loss In some cases when there have been too many occurrences of Middle Ear Infections or the damage from the infections is too extensive, it may cause permanent hearing loss. In these cases a hearing aid may be beneficial. It is important to seek professional help from an Audiologist as soon as possible Prevention of Middle Ear Infections Never bottle feed your baby, while they are lying flat Avoid exposing your child to second hand smoke Keep up to date with your child’s recommended immunisations Although some preventative measures can be taken, it is important to note that if a child is susceptible to Middle Ear Infections, there is very little that can be done to completely avoid them. If you are worried about your child’s hearing or speech development, it is important to consult a medical

October 17, 2018

Medical Aid choices

It’s business as usual for medical aids… While the NHI remains a work in progress in terms of policy and planning, currently nothing changes in terms of medical aid schemes. As the NHI White Paper stipulates: Until the new system is fully implemented and operational, it is ‘business as usual.’ And, even when NHI is implemented, medical aids will still exist. According to Gerhard van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, South Africa’s second largest open medical scheme, one of the changes that will be seen once the NHI is a fait accompli, will be a decline in the number of medical schemes. ‘From what I understand, and we are talking of the future, there will be three or four medical aids which will serve as complementary health product providers and fill the gaps left by the NHI.’ Medical Aid ‘launches’ will go ahead in September – when schemes announce amended plans and premium increases for 2019. Costs of medical aid It is also the time when new members sign up and existing members scrutinise and review their existing cover, whether it’s a full medical aid or hospital plan. Medical aid may seem like a grudge purchase until you find yourself faced with unexpected and expensive medical cost. Unfortunately, healthcare inflation continues to outpace general inflation by about 5%. So while consumers are struggling in the economy generally, medical aids have to explore ways to contain costs without compromising the level of health care offered to members. Time to scrutinise the small print The medical aid landscape can be tricky to navigate so it’s important to compare all the available options and schemes to make sure you find a medical aid that works for you and your family’s health and is within your budget. Bonitas offers some advice on what to look out for and consider ahead of making a final decision. If you are already on an existing medical aid Before you decide on the best medical aid option, you need an idea of what your typical health care costs are. Reflect on the following over the past twelve months: How much you spent on day-to-day healthcare expenses Were you or any of your dependants admitted to hospital Did you need to visit a specialist regularly How often did you visit a GP Do any of you have any chronic conditions How much do you spend on dentistry, optometry and over-the-counter medicine Did you exhaust your day-to-day benefits and/or savings in the year How much did you pay in co-payments and/or deductibles Then consider which of the expenses listed above were once-off and won’t come up again soon (such as childbirth) and which are likely to come up again and again (such as flu). Empowering yourself with information Also take the time to read the information sent to you by the scheme and/or your broker to ensure you understand what it being offered so that you can make informed choices. The day-to-day detail for new or existing members Often the cost containment measures medical schemes apply for the day-to-day benefits are broad. So investigate, or bear in mind, the following: Does your medical aid contract with hospitals, doctors and specialists and, if so, are you willing to use them and are they close by? Using contracted or network providers usually means obtaining full or improved cover levels. It also helps ensure you are getting more value for money as doctors on your medical scheme’s network will not charge more than the rate agreed with your medical scheme. 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? Additional benefits Ask what supplementary benefits might be available that can potentially save significant day-to-day expenses. These could include the following: Preventative care benefits, ranging from basic screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index measurements) through to mammograms, pap smears, prostate testing. In some cases this extends to maternity programmes, dental check-ups, flu vaccinations and more. These usually require authorisation from the scheme, failing which they are simply met from your day-to-day benefit limits. Ways to get more value for your money Use generic medication wherever possible – ask your doctor and pharmacist about this Try to keep your claims within any specified sub-limits, e.g. optometry Find out if your option has any day-to-day benefits that are paid by the scheme from risk (not from your day-to-day sub-limits or savings) Using network doctors is an invaluable tool to make your medical aid last longer. It means that doctors can’t charge you more than a specific amount. At present, Bonitas has the largest GP network in the country. Age impacts your decision If you have young children, ensure that the medical aid option you select provides sufficient child illness benefits Check the maximum age of child dependents. Some allow students to remain on the scheme until they are 25, while others cut off at 21 or 23 However, if you are slightly older, then check that the option you select covers chronic conditions and provides sufficient in-hospital cover in the event of hospitalisation. Also keep an eye out for programmes that help you to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Ensure the affordability of the medical aid plan selected When comparing the different medical aid options available, consider all the costs involved before you make your final decision, such as: Affordability of the monthly contributions given your monthly income and expenses. As a rule of thumb, your medical aid contributions should be around 10% of your monthly income at an individual or household level As a general rule, the lower the cost of the option the fewer the choices available to the member regarding medical treatment, healthcare providers and medications. However, this can greatly benefit people who have very limited resources available to them for healthcare, or for people who don’t have chronic and existing

October 17, 2018

Why breakfast really is the best way to start your day

The importance of breakfast has long been a part of the prevailing wisdom, and the habit of eating breakfast has always been a marker of a healthy lifestyle. Yet, if there’s a meal that is going to be skipped, it’s probably breakfast; and this is a pity because research clearly shows that there are many vital health benefits associated with eating breakfast regularly. Studies show that 1 in 5 South African children skip breakfast. For the first time, a broad coalition of health partners including leading non-profit organisations, health professional associations as well the National and Provincial Departments of Health, have aligned National Nutrition Week (9 – 15 October 2018) with National Obesity Week (15 – 19 October 2018) to promote a shared and very important message that eating breakfast is the best way to start your day. After our longest fast, a healthy breakfast kick-starts the metabolism, lights up mental functioning and boosts physical energy on a day-to-day basis. However, the health benefits of breakfast are not just experienced over the short-term. Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast regularly over the long term helps to reduce risks of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. This correlates with studies that show that children, adolescents and adults who eat healthy breakfasts regularly have better, sustainable weight outcomes and are at a lower risk of becoming overweight and obesity. “It is ironic that one of the common reasons for skipping breakfast is the desire to lose weight when it has the opposite effects,” says Rebone Ntsie, Director: Nutrition at the National Department of Health. “The lack of breakfast leads to a far greater risk of compensating with unhealthy snacks to get through to lunchtime and with bigger lunch portions.” Ntsie points outs that, according to the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey, 68% of women and 31% of men in South Africa are overweight or obese. Life-threatening, severe obesity affects around 20% of women and 3% of men. Approximately 13.3% of children under 5 years of age are overweight or obese; and according to the 2012 South African Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES), 14.2% children aged 6 to 14 years are overweight or obese. CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, Professor Pamela Naidoo says: “At least 80% of early deaths caused by heart disease and stroke can be avoided by following a healthy diet, which includes eating a healthy breakfast, in combination with regular physical activity and avoiding the use of tobacco. It is important to understand how the food choices we make contribute to overweight and obesity.” Many South Africans consume large amounts of sugary drinks and eat a lot of convenience foods that are typically high in sugar and fats. There’s also a common preference for highly refined starchy foods over those that are minimally processed and healthier. Taking in too much food energy from nutrient-poor foods leads to weight gain. However, making poor food choices is not the only issue. Professor Naidoo points out that our modern lifestyles easily lead to ‘portion distortion’. “Large portion size is also a major contributor to weight gain whether people eat out or at home,” she says. “With a gradual increase in the amount of food being purchased and served ready cooked, many people can no longer recognise the size of a healthy portion.” Lack of knowledge and poor food choices lead to unhealthy diets, which are a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell, ADSA (Association for Dietetics in South Africa) President, points out the importance of engaging with a registered dietitian to help make healthy breakfasts a habit for the whole family. “Other reasons so many South Africans skip breakfast include food not being available, it not being a family routine, time pressure in the mornings, not feeling hungry or not liking typical breakfast foods. From food budgeting to menu planning and meal preparation, there are solutions to all these issues. Information and help are available.” What should a healthy breakfast consist of? Breakfast should consist of at least one food group (excluding beverages). However, to stay fuller for longer and improve the variety of nutrients you take in at breakfast, it helps to include foods from three or more food groups. A rule of thumb is to choose a minimally processed starchy food combined with a food from at least one of the following groups: vegetables or fruit dry beans, lentils, split peas, soya fish, chicken, lean meat or eggs milk, maas or yoghurt plant oils, soft margarine, peanut butter In addition, it is important to drink clean safe water instead of a sugary drink. The ‘breakfast is the best way to start the day’ campaign offers some key messages to inspire making a healthy breakfast a long-lasting habit and family routine: Be ‘breakfast ready’ and beat the morning rush – Breakfast doesn’t have to be a big production – with some planning and preparation, it can be quick and easy. Before you go to bed at night, set up your kitchen for breakfast. Soak the oats and slice the fruit so you don’t have to do it in the morning. Cook extra maize meal porridge for the next day’s breakfast when making supper, or boil some eggs the night before. Make it healthy and enjoyable – “It’s easier to make breakfast a daily habit if you enjoy it,” says Carol Browne of the Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA). “While our cultures may define what breakfast foods are, there are really no hard and fast rules. It doesn’t matter whether you eat the same things as others for breakfast – it just matters that you have a healthy start to the day. This means having a minimally processed starchy food, as part of the meal, and combining it with food from at least one other food group.” For example, maize meal porridge with maas and an apple; brown bread with pilchards and sliced tomato; Last

October 11, 2018

How to Treat Poison Ivy Rashes

Poison ivy has grown more toxic than ever before, making your family time outdoors a potentially big hazard for your children. Fortunately, kids are no more susceptible to poison ivy than adults, and the symptoms they experience are exactly the same. Here’s some tips on how to keep you and your family safe from the effects of poison ivy. How It Makes Your Child Sick The urushiol found in poison ivy is what causes trouble. This substance is found in every part of the plant and has no tell-tale warning signs of its presence: it’s odourless and lacking colour. The only physical sign is its sticky, sap-like consistency, something that can really only be recognised once contact is made. Even brief contact with urushiol can cause a rash that lasts up to three weeks. But touching poison ivy itself isn’t the only danger. Urushiol can be transferred from animals or even clothing that has come into contact with the oil. The best way to protect your children from poison ivy is to teach them about its appearance. The old line “Leaves of three, leave it be!” is enough for little ones, but if you wish to be vigilant yourself you’d do well to learn more specifics about the plant. How To Tell Your Child Is Afflicted Contact may not be immediately recognised. That’s because it can take one-to-three days for the earliest symptoms to appear. Once they do, you’ll notice a pattern on your child’s skin based on how the urushiol touched them. It’s when blisters, swelling, itchiness, and inflammation occur that your child will need special attention. Even a small amount of the plant’s oil can cause rashes, and your child may not be able to resist the urge to itch. If they do itch, they risk spreading the rash to other areas of their body. These symptoms will pass naturally in a few weeks. However, if the symptoms worsen, impact your child’s ability to breathe, if they have a fever, or if the rash covers over half of their body, seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible, as these symptoms may be caused by heightened sensitivity. If poison ivy is burned and the smoke inhaled, or if the plant is ingested, these symptoms affect the lungs, digestive tract, and other internal organs. Such cases require emergency medical treatment and could prove fatal if left alone or addressed improperly. The More You Know, The Safer You’ll Be As the old saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine.” If your child loves the outdoors, make sure they wear long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants to limit the amount of exposed skin. If you suspect your child has come into contact with poison ivy, thoroughly wash the affected part of their body with warm, soapy water as soon as possible. You can wash away the urushiol up to fifteen minutes after exposure and eliminate the risk of rash. If a rash does ensue you can start treatment at home by alleviating the itch with cool baths, ice packs, over the counter pain relievers, and calamine lotion. It is absolutely necessary that your child understands not to itch the rash! In severe cases where the pain is too much, a doctor can prescribe steroid creams. Though most cases aren’t serious, exposure to poison ivy can still be painful and traumatic for a child. Through education both you and your children can be more alert to the dangers posed by poison ivy and will be better prepared to handle any incidents resulting from exposure.

October 10, 2018

Is Stress Holding Your Teenager Back?

Teenagers grow up and eventually become the parents of teenagers! The circle of life is such that we forget, often with some relief, what it was like to deal with the stressful challenges of our changing bodies, academic expectations and social interactions when WE were teenagers. Cindy Glass, Director and Co-founder of Step Up Education Centres explains “The reality is that long-term, unchecked stress can lead to the greater challenges of anxiety, depression and negative behavioural choices in our teenagers.” Cindy looks at this important subject in greater detail… 1. What causes stress in teenagers? Teenagers are complex, over-thinkers by nature. It is not surprising then, that what may seem to us to be a minor challenge, could indeed be a cause of debilitating stress in our teenager! Negative body, and self-image. School pressures, these can be social or academic. Making mistakes (including poor behaviour choices) and the fear of failure. Financial or personal concerns arising from their families. 2. What are the signs of excessive stress in teenagers? They start sleeping too much or too little. They experience panic attacks. They can start acting aggressively or withdrawing from activities that they once enjoyed. Fatigue that affects normal activities. Stressed teenagers tend to eat way too much or way too little. This would be out-of-character. Regular mood swings, crying and angry episodes can indicate excessive stress. 3. How can you help? Non-judgemental communication is key! Aim to listen to understand! Listen to support and help them find positive solutions. Challenges are a part of teenage life and cannot be avoided, just make sure your teen knows that you are the go-to person they need! Encourage your teen to exercise regularly and to make healthy nutrition choices. A healthy, fit body can weather many-a-stressful-situation. Teach emotional intelligence skills: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy and social skills are essential in developing positive body- and self- image. These skills will also help your teenager navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships! Know that mistakes are inevitable. Speak of mistakes being learning opportunities and help your teen to find positive solutions. Discuss perspectives. It is essential to understand that everyone is coming from his/her perspective and that, so often, upsetting encounters with others is as a result of their experiences and perspectives of life in that moment. Remember, if you have not caused the negative encounter, it is not your stuff! 4. When would you need to seek expert help? Seek immediate professional help if your child is having suicidal thoughts. Seek help if the symptoms of stress are not subsiding or if they are getting worse. Cindy explains “Stress can be a two-edged sword. It can motivate us to positive action, and it can result in potentially serious emotional and physical challenges if it becomes long-term and excessive. Watch for the latter and aim at seeking ways to ease the effects of negative stress in your teenagers!”

October 9, 2018

The things our kids really need don’t need to cost a lot

As young parents, we often worry about our kids’ early development. We want to give them the best opportunities possible to assist with development, but we can end up spending a lot of money on unnecessary things trying to achieve this. According to a study done by UNICEF SA in 2007: “A family provides a young child with the most important environment in which to grow and flourish. The interactions that infants and young children have with the people around them allow them to absorb the culture and values of their society and to make sense of the world.” Hero Life asked Mare Smit, a qualified occupational therapist, what is really important for early childhood development and to give us some tips on saving money while we are at it. She says that there are 3 things that are really important to our kids at a young age and these are: that parents take care of their physical needs, that our kids play enough, and that they receive as much love as possible. It is really that simple. And none of these 3 things should cost an arm and a leg. “Our biggest challenge is to not fall into the trap of spending money on things that matter more to us, as parents, than to the child themselves. “ Let’s quickly cover some of Mare’s money savings tips on each of these 3 important areas for our kids’ early childhood development. How to save on a child’s PHYSICAL needs Our children’s physical needs are quite basic as they need healthy food, fresh air, clean water and a safe environment. Have you heard about the “sharing economy”? It basically means that we don’t need to buy as much as we do and that it is more economical to share things between like-minded parties. This is absolutely true for saving money when our kids are young as you are guaranteed to come into contact with other parents having the same requirements. Therefore, some basic tips for young parents are: Download a free app for monitoring your baby while asleep; Connect with a group of like-minded friends and fellow parents and share clothes the first 2 years of your babies’ life; But don’t stop there, also share everything from recipes to camper cots, strollers, toys, etc., with a group of friends with similar hygienic practices. How to save on a child’s PLAY needs Children need to play most of their day! This is how they grow and learn intellectually, physically and emotionally. It’s the most important part of a child’s day and it needs to be free of obstructions, but also interesting, explorative and FUN. And the more you can join your child, the better! There are numerous websites on internet where you can google the age appropriate tasks a child should learn on a gross and fine motor level. BabyCenter and Jumpleapfly are some of Mare’s favourite websites and books for stimulation activities as they suggest easy accessible toys or objects that are usually in or around any home. Why spend money on things that can easily be replaced by objects already in your house but that you didn’t think would help with development? Some more tips and examples to help stretch your money: Use things that you have at home – they do not need a toy store at home; Let them play in the garden and outside as much as possible; Join your local library instead of buying books; Join a local park for a cheaper yearly fair and visit as often as you can, each time focusing on something different; Only take out toys your child is interested in, store the others and rotate toys every month so that they feel like new toys every time; Join or organize your own toy library with other like-minded families – this ensures a nice rotation of toys between families so that your kids don’t get bored; Go for regular walks or runs around the neighborhood block. LOVE is the ultimate Free Gift Children need as much love as possible. They need unconditional love, forgiving love, sharing love, caring love, physical love and patience love! Many studies have shown that children in overcrowded areas become slow to thrive – not due to a lack of nourishment, but rather due to a lack of physical touch. Physical touch that is caring and kind can make a world of a difference for any child. Give hugs and hold them as often as you like! It’s free and doesn’t cost you a thing!! Some critical “Love actions” that your child desperately needs and that won’t even touch your budget: Listen attentively to your toddler; Read books together from an early age (start before they are 1 year old); Listen and sing songs together; Laugh together; Play rough and tumble; Hug your child as much a possible. Hopefully this helps all the Hero parents out there with a few money saving tips that still ensure effective early childhood development. Just remember, in most cases it’s the experience rather than the object that makes a difference. Want to know more about saving? Just ask Hero Life to point you in the right direction – their advice is free. Hero Life is a company that offers a free online Will, helps you to start saving for your kids’ education, and offers life insurance, designed specifically for young parents. Hero Life is an MMI Group initiative, and underwritten by Guardrisk Life Limited (Reg no 1999/013922/06), an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP license number 76). Visit herolife.co.za for more info. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herolifeZA/

October 5, 2018

Sensory Diet

As a parent you are very aware of giving your toddler a balanced diet. Five fresh fruit and vegetables a day are what we are aiming at. How many of us even consider that we need to give them a varied sensory diet as well? Creating a sensory rich environment for your toddler will help them strengthen their bodies and their brains. Mature thinking and learning are based on neural pathways that develop as a child masters physical coordination, balance and skilled movement. Yet many parents view “child play” as an outdated activity. We live in a digital age- let them master computers, electronic games so they may conquer the universe! How wrong they are! We need to get our children back to the games we played, back to exploring a three dimensional world where they get full of mud and run and jump in puddles. Let’s look at Emily, a four year old. She is a bossy little girl who tells her parents what to do. She is a fussy eater that would eat yoghurt all day if she could, refuses to dress herself and does not play well with other children. If they brush against her, she pushes and shoves. If she shows affection she hugs too tightly. Dad thinks she needs stronger boundaries from Mom. Mom feels she is just expressing a strong will. At school Emily never likes to play with blocks or draw. When she does use the crayon it is with hard strokes which often break the crayon frustrating her even more. When Emily runs, it is with a clumsy gait and she often falls. At the end of the day she is tired and irritable. Is Emily just being naughty or is there more to this behaviour? Research done with children showing similar patterns indicate that this may be a sensory processing disorder. This is a common but very misunderstood problem that affects behaviour, influences the way children learn, move and relate to others and feel about themselves. Emily needs to learn how to modulate her senses in order to cope with day to day life. She exhibits this bad behaviour when she can’t cope with what’s happening around her, when she feels overwhelmed. So how do we help Emily and all the little ones like her? What we need to do as parents is to focus on developing and maintaining a balanced sensory diet for our children. As they develop and grow we need to relax and think about incorporating sensory experiences in to their day to day life. Let’s begin by looking at tactile stimulation. A child can be hyper or hypo sensitive to touch. In both cases it will affect learning and the way we interact with people. Emily might be hypo sensitive, hence she pushes or hugs too hard. Not everyone realises that we have internal senses as well, called the near senses. These play a vital role in our development especially in the early years. Movement is the only way to stimulate this internal sense. Emily needs more movement to help with her balance. Smell and taste are interlinked. Expose them to different smells and let them explore different tastes, even ones they don’t like. Emily is sensitive to the textures of her food and that could be the reason that she is a fussy eater. The eyes and ears are the senses that can give us the most problems later. If we don’t process what we see and hear we have auditory or visual processing problems which lead to learning difficulties at school. Emily finds the noise of the classroom too much and prefers to be on her own. For this week don’t just think five fresh fruit and vegetables think five sensory activities to enrich their learning experience.

October 4, 2018

MySchool sponsors children’s diabetes camp

Life is never the same again for children and teens diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in South Africa. Type 1 diabetes which occurs mainly in children and young people, is an autoimmune disease, where the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the bodies own immune system. It s chronic, life-threatening and exceptionally demanding in its daily treatment regime. With a major organ, the insulin-producing pancreas, in fail-mode, the patient has to manually replace its functions 24/7. To function normally; to avoid complications and death, a child with Type 1 diabetes is subjected every single day to a minimum of 3 to 5 insulin injections, 6 finger-pricking blood glucose tests and a rigidly-controlled diet. It is a disease management programme that severely taxes the self-discipline and emotional resilience of most adults. There is little wonder that it is often overwhelming for a child who is still developing on all fronts, and often very taxing on the entire family. Worldwide, one of the most effective strategies for helping children and teens diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is camps that bring them together for education, care and solidarity. This is why the MySchool fundraising programme decided to sponsor the latest Children’s Diabetes Camp organised by non-profit organisation, Diabetes SA in association with the Diabetic Clinics of the Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Red Cross Children’s hospitals. Thanks to MySchool supporters, 50 children and 20 nurses and leaders enjoyed an action-packed three days that combined vital education with fun and comradeship. “Children with diabetes have very challenging lives,” says Margot Mc Cumisky, the National Manager of Diabetes SA. “They most often develop a negative attitude towards living with this chronic disease which they experience as isolating them from their peers and being burdensome on their families. That’s why it is really important for camps to bring them together. They realise that they are not alone in their suffering and feel supported; they learn how to self-manage the treatment and gain confidence; they start to feel that they are empowered to manage their self-care, deal with the socio-emotional challenges and lead a healthy life despite the enormity of their diagnosis.” While Children’s Diabetes Camps are open to those from all walks of life, many of the young sufferers in the Western Cape come from under-privileged communities and could not afford to attend even though camp fees are kept as low as possible. In the absence of government funding, Diabetes SA is reliant on donors to hold Children’s Diabetes Camps on an ongoing basis. Research has shown that the camps do help limit the burden of disease on the country. Hospital admissions are reduced after camps; and parents and children’s doctor’s report that they find that their children are more motivated to play their part in managing the disease. “For a child diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the world they have always known can suddenly become hostile,” says Helene Brand , MySchool’s Social Responsibility Manager. “They cannot eat what every other child is eating. They have to know so much more than any other child does about the role of the pancreas, the hormone insulin and nutrition. At school, they have to remove themselves from situations to test and to inject. They could find themselves judged and alone. At home, they are commonly the focus of parental anxiety and stress; and family drama that is centred on their condition. These camps give them a much-needed break, as well as the skills and insights they need to manage their disease optimally. I am really proud of MySchool shoppers because they made this important sponsorship possible.” You can sign up for your free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card online or simply by downloading the free mobile app and make Diabetes South Africa one of your beneficiaries. Every time you swipe at the till point of a participating retailer, they make a contribution on your behalf, at no cost to you at all. Go to www.myschool.co.za or your app store to sign up for your free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card.

September 27, 2018

How to open a bank account for your child

Your children might already be familiar with piggy banks as a savings tool but, as they grow older and their money starts accumulating, you might want to consider opening a bank account for them. Cash they receive from relatives, by doing the neighbours’ chores, as a reward for a good report card, for their birthdays, and as a weekly allowance can quickly add up, but can also quickly evaporate as children are often tempted to spend it on toys and sweets or whatever they see in a targeted ad on TV. South Africa’s major banks each have a solution tailored for juvenile savings plans. The application process is pretty straightforward and much the same as opening a regular account. You only need your ID document, and your child’s birth certificate and proof of residence, and must sign on behalf of your child. Most juvenile accounts are set up with a parent as the custodian, however, the parent doesn’t need to bank at the same financial institution. As with most other accounts, your child’s savings at the bank will be subjected to certain charges as outlined in this Banking Fees Guide for 2018. There are a range of free transactions; most fees come from using the services of another bank. In collaboration with Hippo.co.za, we provide a brief overview of the bank accounts specifically designed for youngsters. Standard Bank (sum)1 account No monthly fees; no income required Unlimited free swipes at all till points Eight free electronic debit transactions a month Two free withdrawals and deposits a month at their ATMs Free balance enquiries on your phone Kidz Banking app A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. Absa MegaU account No monthly fee Free cash withdrawals at Absa ATMs First R500 cash deposited at an Absa ATM or Cash Acceptor is free Free debit card purchases Free prepaid top-ups through Absa channels Free Absa ATM balance enquiries Free internal debit orders and stop orders Free account activity notification via SMS or email A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. FNBy account No minimum balance required Unlimited card swipes Unlimited electronic payments and transfers Access to monthly product discounts from FNB partners Access to a library of educational videos on their app A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. Nedbank 4me account No monthly fees, but you need to maintain a minimum balance of R20 Free swipes and withdrawals at till points Free balance enquiries online and at ATMS Higher interest rates than normal accounts A full breakdown of their fees can be found here. Not only will opening a bank account for your child keep their money safe and teach them from a young age how banks work; it will also prepare them for a financially fit future, as they’ll gain some understanding of the importance of responsible spending habits and managing their financial obligations (which could include paying a Personal Loan and credit card on time in the future).

September 24, 2018

Everything you need to know about a will

September is National Wills Month, so it’s a good reminder to draw one up if you don’t already have one, or update it if necessary. Financial experts at Hero Life guide you on everything you need to know about a will, by answering some frequently asked questions. Why is a will so important? Drawing up a will is not nearly as complex as most people think it is, especially when one considers the importance of having one. Regardless of the value of your assets, having a will in place reduces anxiety for the family you leave behind, and ensures that all your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Your will also protects your children as you can appoint a guardian for them when you die, preventing them from having to go under the care of the state or the Court choosing the guardians to look after them, if both their parents pass. How does one get started with a will? Nowadays, drawing up a will can be as easy as downloading basic templates from the internet or going through an online will-drafting process. In more complex cases (such as when there are ex-spouses/partners, children from previous marriages, disabled dependents, a special needs trust or any other specific wishes to be implemented), it is preferable to have a practising attorney or reputable bank draw up the will. This ensures that the wishes of the testator (the person who has written and executed a last will and testament) are set out correctly, and that they comply with all the legal requirements. Can the executor be a member of the family? An executor is the appointed person (or company) in your will who will ensure that your wishes as per your last will and testament, are honoured. If you don’t select an executor, the Court will choose someone. However, one can nominate a member of their family to be an executor on their will. If you nominate a spouse for example, this might not be the best option since they could be under emotional stress on your passing, and therefore not ready to make important financial decisions as an executor. If you nominate a family member, it’s a good idea to nominate an attorney as co-executor to deal with the legal issues. Also note that if the Court believes that your chosen executor doesn’t have the necessary skills to act on your behalf, they may select someone to assist your appointed executor. What are typical mistakes people make when drawing up a will? For parents of children, the biggest mistake would be not to nominate a legal guardian(s) for their children, and therefore leave it to the Court to decide. Other typical mistakes include leaving out specific assets from the will, or forgetting to update it as circumstances change. Most importantly though, the biggest mistake is not having a will at all. How often or when should a will be updated? Every time your circumstances change, for example you get divorced, or remarried, or have another child, you should update your will. While you’re at it, also look at your insurance policies and make sure that the nominated beneficiaries of these policies are updated to reflect your wishes. Who needs a copy of the will? If your Will was drafted by an attorney or bank, store it with them. If you decide to store the will yourself, it’s a good idea to make up one file of all your important documents, including your will, as this will make it easier for the people you leave behind. Add to this file a list of all your investments, assets, contact details of your executor and any other important documents you think your loved ones will need. Make sure this file, along with your will, are stored safely and that your loved ones and the person you have nominated as your executor are informed of where this file is stored. If you don’t have a will or an updated will, what’s the worst that can happen? The worst-case scenario if you pass away without a will, is that your assets and money will be divided as per the provision of the Intestate Succession Act. Although the provisions as per the Act are usually fair in that your assets and money will be transferred to your spouse and children, it doesn’t mean that your assets will go to the person of your choice. Not having a will can also mean that it usually takes longer for your estate to be wound up as the Court need to appoint an executor and a legal guardian (if the other parent is also no longer alive). Unnecessary delays in dealing with your estate could affect your family if they rely on you for an income. The same holds true if you don’t update your will as your circumstances change – you want to ensure that your preferred people are being looked after. If you neglect to update your will, it could mean that your estranged spouse receives a portion of your assets, which might not have been what you had in mind.For more information on drawing up a Will, getting started on your kids’ university savings fund or getting life insurance, contact Hero Life.

September 18, 2018

Carseat battles

Many children fuss when placed into a car seat. If you had just found your feet and was relishing in your new found independence so would you! Children hate being restrained but this is one battle you must win! There are no if’s and but’s in this. It is scary to drive past parents and they are strapped in but their precious child is loose at the back of the car roaming around the open space. Not a good idea! There are enough demos of what happens to children when involved in an accident to place a very real fear in you. Rather have a screaming toddler than one you are not going to hear ever again. Fortunately if you persist they will get the message in the end and resign themselves to the car seat. Here are some tips that may help: Make sure your child is comfortable, the straps must be firm but not too tight. Make sure the car seat is big enough. Toddlers grow so fast. Instead of announcing that you are going to strap her in, try and distract her by pointing to something outside or talk about going to the shops. Put on her favourite CD. Keep some car toys that only get seen when you go out in the car. Attach them with a shoelace to her seat so that you don’t add to the stress of losing a toy. As you get in the car, say something like “Mommy’s buckled up as well.” Lead by example. If she wriggles out of the belt use an old fashioned nappy pin to secure your little one in. Allow no exceptions!

September 14, 2018

Raising Money-Smart Children is Every Parent’s Responsibility

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.” How often did you hear this saying when as a child you wanted a treat or a shiny new toy? As a parent, how many times have you responded with this very phrase to your own child? While the saying is an extremely common response to children’s demands, parents shouldn’t miss the opportunity to teach their children about basic money matters. Raising money-savvy children has been made easy by the many free resources and financial education tools now available. Lack of financial literacy and understanding can severely impact how South Africans manage their money. The 2018 Old Mutual Savings & Investment Monitor found that out of a group of 10 metropolitan working South Africans, only six say they are satisfied with their current financial situation. Whether our children grow up to be business leaders, biochemists, architects, chefs or entrepreneurs, they’ll need to balance household budgets and plan financially for their goals and dreams. This is why it’s so important to lay a good foundation when it comes to money matters from a young age. With my own children – who are aged 10 and 12 – I always have honest conversations about our money, whether it’s planning big purchases like a new car or what kind of holiday we can afford. This teaches them an important lesson about living within your means. Here are four ways to get the money conversation going. Income vs expenses Speak to your child about the importance of making ends meet and explain the relationship between income and expenses. Highlight the importance of being realistic about your money situation and help them draw up a simple budget to manage their money. Make earning interest an exciting thing to do Help your children understand the advantages of saving for the things they want in life (rather than paying them off) by introducing them to the concept of earning interest. Explain how compound interest helps your savings to grow. Also explain the flip side of compound interest: how it can make borrowed money (debt) spiral out of control. Help them set money goals The next time your child asks for the latest Playstation or mountain bike, have a conversation about setting money goals and creating a plan to achieve them – and emphasise the importance of sticking to your plan! This will help them understand that good money habits matter. Teach them about real money The cashless world of credit cards and smartphone payment apps can make the act of paying very abstract and intangible. Next time you’re paying with your card or smartphone, talk to your child about basic banking concepts. Point out that paying with a credit card simply means you have to repay your bank later – probably with interest. Explain how technology has made it easy to pay for goods, but also easy to get into debt. Remember actions speak louder than words, and it’s your own money habits that will most influence your child’s relationship with money. Upskill yourself to stay in the know. Know better, and do better. The growing trend to sign up to open online courses like Old Mutual’s Moneyversity and free apps like 22Seven means we can all access information on how to manage our money responsibly and wisely – and then act on it.

September 10, 2018

Is technology destroying our humanness?

The world is spinning with new technologies and we, the human inhabitants, are the willing prey! Cindy Glass, Director and Co-founder of Step Up Education Centres says “With ever-increasing time spent on smartphones, iPads and in front of live-streamed TV, we are in danger of losing our humanness. Teeny toddlers, vulnerable teens, exhausted parents and even bored grandparents can be seen, heads-down, shoulders bent and disengaged from the real world as they spend endless hours scrolling through their devices. Losing a smartphone is a big deal and people often feel a loss which is akin to losing a much-prized body part!” Cindy highlights the following negative effects of too much screen time and says that they are serious enough for us, as parents, to STOP and take note! • It affects cognitive development in young children as it literally effects the way in which our children’s brains develop! • Too much screen time stifles creativity, imagination and playfulness which are essential to the wholesome development of children. • Concentration, critical thinking, memory and other learning skills are effected as children focus mindlessly on information (whether real or not) as it just pours effortlessly into their subconscious! • It affects mental and physical health as people become increasingly inactive and detached from the real world. • It will harm your relationship with your children. With parents and children spending too much time on their devices, they run the risk of losing the positive human connections that are key to happy relationships! Children feel unacknowledged, unheard and unnoticed and this leads to negative behaviours, anxiety, stress and depression. Cindy goes on to explain “We cannot ignore the dangers of too much exposure to the non-real world that the internet offers. We cannot afford to lose the beauty of life because we did not take a stand against the media (in all its forms)!” Consider the following tips in reducing the amount of screen time that you allow for yourself and your children: 1. You have to set the example. Your children are more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say. You cannot expect your children to reduce their screen time if you do not do the same! 2. Have dedicated no-go-zones for devices. Family activities, mealtimes and even when driving in a car can be cell phone free zones. 3. Get outside! Plan activities that involve getting into nature- it is great for the soul and it will increase all the happy-hormones in your bodies! 4. Encourage your children to get involved in activities beyond the school environment-sport, drama, music and art are great examples. 5. Very young children need to play with their hands and bodies, not on a device. Cindy closes by reiterating “Remember, as parents, we must set the example. REAL people, real love, real joy, real honesty and integrity cannot be experienced through the internet!”

September 10, 2018

New Parents’ Guide To Life Insurance

What to remember about life insurance when your a parent? When you hold your newborn baby in your arms, it’s hard to imagine he or she will someday be all grown up. And that day arrives sooner than expected. Before you know it your little baby is riding a bicycle, going to school, applying for universities and soon don’t need you to hold their hand every step of the way. But, when your children are young you’ll want them to feel protected at all times and enable them to be successful one day. One way is getting basic life insurance in place to make sure their dreams and futures are protected. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about getting life insurance cover for your family. The cost of raising a child and education According to News24 the cost of raising a child is approximately R90 000 per year. This may sound like a lot, but when you consider the costs of food, daycare, housing, clothing, education, and other activities, it makes sense. A good education is something that can really put a lot of financial strain on your wallet in South Africa. It is projected that in 2023 it will cost around R55 000 per annum for a child to go to a public primary or high school. The cost of sending your child to university also ranges from R30 000 to R60 000 a year. Would your partner be able to cover all these costs if you were no longer there? Unless you have a lot of savings or are a trust-fund-baby yourself, most people’s answer would be no. Life insurance is a smart way to ensure that your kids will be protected and get the education you intend them to get if the unthinkable should happen. To plan for sufficient cover, think about the monthly expenses your child (or children) would need covered until they are old enough to support themselves or just use our calculator to calculate the expected cost of their education and your other needs for you. As your life changes, the cover you need will change too Your life insurance needs will change over time. As you expand your family or when you take out a bond, your life insurance needs grow. As your kids become older, you pay off your debt and your savings grows, your life insurance needs become less. By actively managing your needs to pay for just the right amount of cover over your lifetime, you will save a lot of money. Most life insurance policies are not easy to change, but Hero Life your life insurance policy is flexible. When your needs change with time you can adjust your cover online with no extra hassle with just a few clicks – no agents and no paperwork involved. Life insurance can be very affordable for new parents While buying a life insurance policy might feel overwhelming, it’s really not. Or at least, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you’re a parent, Hero Life provides a simple and easy process with affordable rates. We designed a product specifically for young parents they are generally safer, more responsible and healthier individuals ensuring an affordable rate for all. But, we can also help other parents finding the best provider at the best price. Ready to consider your life insurance options? Follow these steps: Understand how much cover you need. The best way to estimate your cover is to use Hero Life’s insurance calculator the expected costs of your kids education and other needs you may have in less than 5 minutes! It is extremely important to be fully aware of your future needs. The only thing that is important with your life insurance cover amount, is that you have the right amount of cover at a given time. On our website, check the premium associated with the amount of cover chosen. It will show you how much you would expect to pay each month for cover. You can easily reduce the cover to fit your budget and you can always apply for more cover later. Get covered. If you are happy with the cover amount and the premium, the process to apply for cover can take less than 5 minutes, and you’ll get immediate cover. If you pay your first pro rata premium, cover will begin immediately and you can cancel your policy at any time, no questions asked. You can also change the cover amount at any time with no fees or penalties. You are also welcome to chat to the Hero team directly over the website or via WhatsApp at any time for any assistance or information required. Life insurance plays a significant role in the protection of your family. Taking you less than 5 minutes anyone has time to apply. Apply now to protect your family and become the Hero they need you to be.

September 7, 2018

Brushing those teeth

Do you have problems with brushing your little ones teeth? Most of them do at some stage or another. It’s his mouth and he is letting you know that he has control over it. It’s just another struggle on his part for self-determination. He is not going to give in and it would not be wise for you to give in because even baby teeth need to be cleaned. So what now! Enlist the help of a third voice. You know the dentist has much more clout than you have. We had the most fantastic dentist when my kids were little. He started checking their teeth from a very young age and would ask to count them, having a quick look at the same time. He then told them that they had such lovely teeth and must be looking after them very well. At home all I had to do was say “Remember Dr Robinson said you had to brush your teeth to keep them healthy.” This worked very well. The other option is to give them a choice. Have a few toothbrushes on hand. Different colours, some with pictures on. Let him choose which one to use, it helps them feel in control. The third trick is to let him brush his teeth himself, this will help to develop his motor skills and independence and then you finish up with a good clean afterwards. It really is only at around seven years of age that they can be relied upon to brush properly so don’t let them do it on their own until then. Limit the bottle with juice. Sugars in the juice remains in their mouths and eats away at the tooth enamel causing cavities. Rather give your child lots of fresh water to drink. When all else fails let them scream… at least you can see the teeth!

September 5, 2018

5 Tips for managing those financials of a Hero family

There is no doubt that by bringing a new little person into the world is an overwhelmingly amazing and wonderful thing to experience. But figuring out how to put strong, healthy financial management in place for a new family, is also an overwhelming but stressful experience. And let’s face it, not all of us are finance whizkids or want to be! But here are some easy tips to manage your family’s finances like a pro. Tip 1: SPEND LESS THAN YOU EARN This tip is not just an important part of keeping your family’s finances in order, but it is also a crucial element of any financial plan. Spending less money than you and your partner earn is the first step to ensure more stability and more room to breath when it comes to finances. If you were the one screaming ‘Easier said than done!’ at the beginning of this section, you’re not wrong! But there are some relatively easy things you can do to ensure you’re not spending outside of your means. First, know your income. Knowing how much money you are bringing into the household will be the first step in understanding where the money comes from and where it’s going. Second, by knowing how much is coming in, helps you to draw up a budget (see below)! Third, use some handy money-saving apps to help to identify those items where you overspend. The great thing about these apps are that they are free & non-judgemental 🙂 Tip 2: KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SPENDING Drawing up a budget to track monthly spending can really be an eye-opening exercise that helps you to understand your financial habits (good and bad). Recording all of your receipts for a month can give you useful insight into how to budget. But if this sounds like too much work, there are a number useful budgeting apps that streamline the task for you – try out 22Seven or most South African banks have this online functionality available to their clients now – and it’s for free! Let them help you to take the slog out of keeping track of your expenses and help you give some insights in how to curb those bad spending habits. Knowledge is power and when you know exactly where your money is going, you’ll be better equipped to draw up a family budget that is realistic about your spending habits, that helps you to spend within your means and that takes your children’s needs into consideration. Tip 3 SET UP AN EMERGENCY FUND The only certainty is that life is unpredictable. And when you have a family to look after it is important to have contingency plans for those unexpected things. By setting up an emergency savings fund can really help to remove some of the stresses and anxieties for when your family faces unexpected income loss or more likely, unexpected expenditures such as medical bills or a car giving you trouble. It is recommended to have a minimum of three months’ worth of basic living expenses in your emergency fund, but the more is always the better. This safety net will help you to avoid accessing other sources such as withdrawing from your retirement fund (which is NEVER a good idea) or going into expensive debt (which is also NEVER a good idea). Wherever you decide to build your emergency fund, just be sure to invest it into a financial vehicle that is easy to access, low cost and that has low-risk of losing your capital. Your bank should have these types of accounts available. Ask around. Tip 4 USE TIME-SAVING MONEY TOOLS As a parent, you know best how precious time is which is why we understand that you don’t want to spend hours of your time dealing with money matters. Thankfully, you can save by doing a few simple things. First, sign up for mobile banking (if you haven’t already). This will allow you to check your finances, pay bills and manage your budget (if you bank have this functionality). Most banks also offer the option of setting up automatic deposits into a savings account for emergency purposes (see Tip 3 above). This takes the worry and management off your hands so that you can focus on other important family matters. Tip 5 COMMUNICATE COMMUNICATE COMMUNICATE Be open about finances with your partner. This doesn’t just mean knowing how much each person is bringing home but also means discussing big purchases and expenses and how to manage your budget. As a family unit, you and your partner will need to establish the needs and priorities of the household and be talking about how to best implement your budget effectively. Being open about family finances will also help foster a healthy and trusting relationship between you and your partner. Last thoughts: as a new or young family, it’s important to get your thinking right when it comes to money and what your family needs (read our previous article here). By implementing these 5 easy tips will go a long way in putting a system in place that will remove the anxieties around finances. At Hero Life, we’re happy to help young South African families with their finances or point you in the right direction. Try us @ herolife.co.za or Whatsapp us at +27 73 916 9367 to ask any question. We bet you will love us. Author: Kosie Jansen van Rensburg, Co-Founder @ Hero Life #BeAHero #SuperSavvy #HeroParents This article is to provide general information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific advice or to serve as the basis for any purchasing decisions. Hero Life is underwritten by Guardrisk Life Ltd an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 76). Advise is rendered by representatives mandated by MMI Group Limited trading as Metropolitan (FSP 44673).

August 29, 2018

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