Velobiotics Biotics

How Probiotics Can Help You Over the Festive Season

The festive season is all about family, food, and fun – but it’s also the time when our digestive systems work overtime. Between rich meals, travel stress, and the occasional overindulgence, your gut can easily fall out of balance. That’s where probiotics step in. “You don’t need to wait until January to think about your health,” says Dr Chuma, founder and owner of Velobiotics. “Supporting your gut through the holidays can actually make the whole season more enjoyable, and help you bounce back faster after it.” 1. They help your tummy cope with indulgenceFrom Christmas roasts to New Year’s snacks, heavy and fatty foods can slow digestion and cause bloating. Probiotics, the “good bacteria” in your gut, help break down food more efficiently and keep things moving comfortably.“When you boost your gut bacteria, you’re helping your body digest all that festive feasting,” explains Dr Chuma. “It’s about balance, not deprivation.” 2. They support your immune systemUp to 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. During the holidays, when travel, late nights, and sugar overload are common, your immunity can take a hit.“Probiotics help strengthen the gut barrier, which is your first line of defence against infection,” says Dr Chuma “That means fewer sniffles and more energy to enjoy the celebrations.” 3. They can ease travel-related tummy troublesIf you’re flying, changing time zones, or trying new foods, your digestive system can react unpredictably. Probiotics can help restore balance and reduce the risk of discomfort.“Travelling often disrupts your microbiome,” explains Dr Chuma. “A daily probiotic can help your gut adjust faster and stay stable.” 4. They may even improve your moodThe gut-brain connection is real. Research shows that a healthy gut can influence serotonin levels, which play a role in mood regulation.“When your gut’s happy, you’re often happier too,” adds Dr Chuma. “That’s especially important during the high-stress festive season.” So before you start your holiday menu planning, consider adding probiotics to your daily routine – whether in yoghurt, fermented foods, or supplements.As Dr Chuma puts it: “You can’t control everything the holidays throw at you, but you can support your gut, and that means supporting your whole self.” Velobiotics probiotics are microencapsulated, which means they are specially formulated to be protected through your stomach until they reach your gut where they are needed most, so that you get the full benefit. They have a range of products to support either general health, or more targeted aspects such as feminine intimate areas or healthy weight management.  View Velobiotics’ whole range of probiotics on their website www.velobiotics.co.za 

December 4, 2025
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Smoking and pregnancy – should I quit

If you’re an avid smoker you’re probably wondering if being pregnant means you should wave your smoking habits goodbye. Unfortunately, even if your health isn’t enough for you to stop, your baby’s health should be. What can happen to my baby if I keep smoking? Smoking during your pregnancy is harmful to your unborn baby. The chemicals in cigarettes are both damaging to you and your baby; nicotine and other harmful poisons increase the risk of health problems for unborn babies. Second hand smoke, vaping and e-cigarettes are all still damaging to your baby’s health and should also be avoided (or quitted). You may need to designate your house a non-smoking area, and ask any friends and colleges not to smoke around you. So what exactly does smoking do to your unborn baby? Smoking lowers the amount of oxygen available to your growing baby and nicotine damages the baby’s brain and lungs. Smoking can make it harder to conceive, and if you do fall pregnant, can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth. Babies can be born premature, have a low birth weight, or be born with birth defects.  Smoking during pregnancy can also affect your baby’s health after they are born, leading to cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma and other respiratory problems and infections. Help – I am really struggling to quit! Even if you have decided that quitting is in both of your best interests, this may be easier said than done. If you are pregnant already it is best to quit without using any medication, as this is healthier for you and your baby. You also won’t be able to transition to vaping or e-cigarettes, as these too, are harmful and usually contain nicotine, which is damaging to health. In order to quit for good, try avoid the triggers that make you want to smoke, and try find something else that you can do when the craving kicks in. Get the support of your family and friends, or join a stop-smoking group or self help plan. Whatever your plan is to stop, you can be sure that both you and your child’s health will benefit from it.

December 4, 2025
Wingu Academy

How Online Schools Are Using Data, AI, and Modern Pedagogy to Build Better Learning Pathways

Rapid innovation in the global ed-tech sector is reshaping how students learn, collaborate, and prepare for future careers. The latest trends show a decisive shift toward personalised, data-driven learning. Wingu Academy’s model is closely aligned with these global innovations, placing it among the most future-focused online schools in Africa. AI-Enhanced Learning Pathways The modern online school uses AI not as a teacher replacement, but as a set of intelligent tools that support: Key Features: Wingu’s move toward enhanced sociometric analysis in 2026 positions it at the forefront of AI-informed pastoral and academic care. Evidence-Driven Pastoral Care Internationally, top online schools use data visualisation to monitor learner wellbeing. Wingu’s 2026 sociometry programme will integrate: Components: This approach is groundbreaking in a South African context. Quality Assurance through Multi-Layer Moderation Globally, the most reliable online schools mimic university-level quality systems. Wingu already implements: Measures: These are hallmarks of mature, high-quality academic governance. International Articulation and Global Benchmarking Online schools that lead in innovation always emphasise international comparability. Wingu’s pathways include: All mapped to USAf matriculation requirements. ISO 21001: The Global Standard for Educational Organisations While most schools—traditional or online—never approach international quality management standards, Wingu is undergoing ISO 21001 processes to ensure: This places Wingu in the league of international e-learning organisations with world-class governance. Student-Centric Learning for a Post-2025 World Beyond compliance, Wingu integrates: The future of schooling is flexible, data-rich, student-centred, and internationally aligned—exactly the direction Wingu is strategically advancing.

December 4, 2025
Freebees PR

Festive gift ideas to suit every budget

The gifting season is upon us. Whether you’re looking to spoil a loved one, a generous hostess or your child’s teacher, there are so many options when it comes to choosing a gift for someone who deserves a spoil.  We’ve curated a selection of gifts we believe everyone will love. From home scents to pamper products and health boosters, there is something for everyone – and every budget! Here’s what’s top of our wish list: Beauty tools It only takes about two minutes of scrolling through social media to realise that beauty tools are all the rage. From face masks to brushes and massagers, beauty enthusiasts are spoilt for choice when it comes to added extras for their daily skincare routine. The new SKNLOGIC 7 Colour LED Light Therapy Mask brings professional therapy to your home. This non-invasive treatment uses seven therapeutic light wavelengths to target multiple skin concerns, helping you achieve a clearer, brighter, and more youthful-looking complexion. The benefits are endless, from reducing the signs of ageing, to minimising the formation of breakouts and soothing redness and sensitivity.  Looking for something less high-tech? The SKNLOGIC Facial Brush Dual Sided elevates your cleansing routine for gentle yet effective exfoliation and smoother skin. Made with an eco-conscious coconut composite handle, it has a soft bristle side for everyday cleansing and a denser bristle side for exfoliation. Home scents A thoughtful gift for a loved one, and the perfect gift for a hostess, beautifully scented candles, oils and diffusers are a welcome addition to any home. If you’re looking for a beautifully scented candle made from safe, natural ingredients, we recommend Soylites Soy Massage Tumblers. Not only do these candles scent the room, but their lovely botanical oil blend can also be massaged into the skin.   For a gift that can be used anywhere in the home, we recommend SOiL’s Ceramic Aroma Burner and Natural Wax Melts. The ceramic oil burner fragrances a room quickly when you add a few drops of your favourite SOiL Essential Oil or Wax Melts. Using the Wax Melts is so easy – simply place a single wax melt on top of your SOiL burner, light your tea light candle, sit back and enjoy. Skincare inspired by nature A skincare treat always makes a fantastic gift. Natural skincare is gaining momentum globally, with the power of nature finally recognised in the pursuit of beautiful and healthy skin. SOiL recently launched their debut skincare line – a range of natural facial mists and serums that harness the very best natural ingredients to restore, soothe and protect the skin. SOiL Rose Blossom Facial Mist makes a lovely gift for the warmer months ahead as it gently refreshes the skin while soothing and hydrating.  If your loved one enjoys bathing, why not spoil them to some luxurious bath products? Earthsap Milk & Honey Bath Soak nourishes skin and brings relief to a tired body. 100% Biodegradable and non-toxic, it contains skin-loving honey and soy milk. Simply add a few scoops to your bath water and enjoy softer, smoother skin and the ultimate relaxation. If they’re more of a bubble bath enthusiast, try Earthsap Foam Bath Lavender & Juniper Berry. This natural foam bath contains Lavender & Juniper Berry to help ease tension and relax your mind as you soak. A great foam bath to use before bed after a long, stressful day.  When shopping for a gift for a teacher or hostess, a locally-manufactured hand wash and hand cream duo makes a good treat. Morlage & Yorke Hand Washes and Hand & Nail Creams contain vitamin E to nourish and soften skin and are delicately fragranced with the most beautiful scent combinations that linger on your skin for hours.  Practical gifts for kiddies Parents of babies and young children always appreciate a practical gift that make their lives easier or more convenient. With the festive season falling in the middle of the summer, why not add a baby sunscreen to your gift? Sanosan Baby Sun Cream SPF 50+ provides exceptional sun protection while offering 24 hours of nourishing care. It hydrates baby’s delicate skin while protecting against UVA and UVB rays, and has a lovely consistency that makes application easy. If you prefer gifting a toy, choose something that is both fun and stimulating. The Infantino Musical Mobile Carousel is a lovely musical mobile that soothes baby before they fall asleep, thanks to its soft music, mirror and adorable animal characters. It has a wind-up mechanism so you don’t need any batteries and attaches to most cots, making it convenient and easy to use. Health treats Health products aren’t necessarily the first thing that come to mind when you think “gifting”, however, for the majority of people, they are a much-appreciated gift. The internet is buzzing with information on gut health, and with all the latest research indicating the importance of maintaining good gut bacteria, probiotics have become an important part of your supplement routine. Velobiotics Her-Biotics Probiotics is expertly formulated to optimise your gut health, boost immunity, balance energy, and support overall well-being, ensuring you flourish every single day. Designed for women, it also contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals needed for the body to function optimally.  For men, they’ve designed Velobiotics His-Biotics Probiotics, multi-vitamin capsules that lay the foundation for peak physical and mental performance. This 16-strain probiotic also contains a host of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, ginseng and more to ensure your body receives optimum nutrients daily. Happy shopping! 

December 3, 2025
Wriggle and Rhyme

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

The festive season is upon us.  Shops are full of Christmas cheer and wherever you go, Christmas music fills the air. Do you have a favourite Christmas song? There are some obvious recurring hits out there that come around every single year, like a merry-go-round. Yes, I’m talking about Michael Bublé, Boney M, Mariah Carey.  You know the drill! That’s because, music has a huge role to play in our celebrations.  It gets us moving, it creates a mood, and it builds memories. Music gets us moving. Play some music, turn up the volume, and what happens? We get a feeling that we want to move! Whether it’s tapping our fingers on the steering wheel of the car, swaying slightly, or tapping our foot, the instinct is there. That’s even more true for children. They haven’t built up a sense of awareness of others, so they move like no-one’s watching. Dancing, jiggling their bottoms, clapping their hands, bopping their heads up and down, you name it! Music helps us to celebrate special seasons and events because it gets us moving. Music creates a mood Music also stimulates our emotions. It has the ability to make us feel happy, sad, soulful, joyful, excited, scared etc.   If you want to test this, watch a scary movie and turn off the soundtrack.  Suddenly the movie isn’t quite as scary! Getting up and moving, stimulates the oxygen supply to our brains and also triggers the release of endorphins. This contributes to us feeling positive about the music we’re experiencing. Music builds memories What is it about music and memory that’s so powerful? The details of our lives pass us by every day, with very little embedding into our long term memories. It’s unlikely that we’ll remember what we ate for dinner 2 weeks ago or a passing interaction with a person years ago. But, when we hear a familiar song, the memories come flooding back. Music doesn’t just help us to remember details, it connects with our emotions.  We remember how a particular memory made us feel, and that’s really powerful. Music helps us to celebrate special times because it embeds details into our brains, and like a search engine, helps us to retrieve those memories at a much later stage, with the music acting as a trigger. Switch off the screen, turn on the music! With all of this in mind, let’s be intentional in the way that we use music over this festive season. Let’s harness all that music offers knowing that it’ll get us moving, help to create a happy mood and embed some wonderful memories into our brains. Let’s switch off screens and use music and auditory resources to encourage our children to listen and look out at the world around them. Musical resources With that in mind, we have some wonderful, uniquely SOUTH AFRICAN musical stories for your little people to enjoy. These are accessible on your favourite streaming platform (Apple music, Spotify etc.) and are a great alternative to screens.  Just go onto the platform for search for “Wriggle and Rhyme”.  There are 4 different albums available. Wishing you a safe and happy festive season, and a wonderful 2026! For more info about the W&R musical stories and online resources, have a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music  Find us on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme #wrigglerhyme

December 3, 2025
Impaq

A practical guide for parents on end-of-phase assessments at home

South Africa’s BELA Act requires end-of-phase assessments in Grades 3, 6 and 9. An “end-of-phase assessment” is a formal evaluation, set and marked by a qualified teacher or assessor under exam conditions, to confirm that a learner has mastered the required outcomes before progressing to the next phase. For families choosing home education, this is both a compliance step as well as an opportunity to confirm that their child’s learning is on track before moving into the next phase. The rule of thumb for parents is simple: treat these assessments with the same standards you would expect in any mainstream school: qualified people objective conditions, and clear academic records. The requirements for end-of-phase assessments ensures that homeschool learners can easily transfer back to a mainstream school should they wish to do so, or be ready to successfully complete Grade 10, by ensuring that learners are assessed in line with the standards expected in a traditional school environment,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, MD of Optimi Schooling of which Impaq is a registered trademark “We advise all families who partner with us to register with their province, use our credible assessments, and keep proper records; therefore, keeping a portfolio of evidence for a period of three years on all assessments completed by their learner. We guide our clients to follow the framework, to make sure their child’s progress through every grade is recognised and recorded, as that helps to transition smoothly to the next grade.” What the law expects What “good” looks like in home education Think of end-of-phase assessments as a package with four parts: design, conditions, marking, and moderation. Consistency beats cramming Although the legal requirement lands at the end of each phase, the best results come when families apply the same standards throughout the phase: Who signs off and what to file It is good practice for the competent assessor to sign off the learner’s marks at year-end. Most provincial report templates include a signature section for this purpose. Keep the following on record: “When families have these records, it demonstrates that they have taken all due diligence steps. There will be no questions as to their child’s progress, and will ensure there is a smooth transition to the next grade and the next phase. This will be more important when they choose, for example to re-enter mainstream schooling, or planning Grade 10 subject selections,” Schoonwinkel explains. “End-of-phase assessments should reassure both parents and learners: the work of the phase has been learned, demonstrated, and recorded fairly,” Schoonwinkel concludes. “Qualified people, objective conditions, and disciplined record-keeping – do those three things well to ensure your child moves to the next grade and the next phase.”

December 3, 2025
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