Freebees PR

Building better habits in 2026: How to rebalance and achieve a sustainable, healthier lifestyle

For many of us, the festive season is a time of excess. From larger, celebratory meals, to an increase in alcohol consumption, to an abandonment of exercise regimes and healthy habits… December is usually followed by a string of New Year’s resolutions in an attempt to undo some of the indulgent December behaviour. The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they don’t last. Most of us start the year with good intentions, but quickly break our own rules. Sometimes achieving a goal requires a lot of sacrifice and hard work, and that’s when many of us give up.  Instead of attempting significant lifestyle changes – with strict rules on how to get there – you may find it much easier to start implementing smaller, daily healthy habits that compound over time. Making time to rest, using more eco-conscious products in your daily life and taking care of your body are just a few small things that are easy to achieve and have long-term health and wellness benefits. Building a sustainable, healthier lifestyle goes beyond food and exercise. Making holistic wellness choices helps build better habits and a healthier body. And yes – it’s possible to maintain these healthy habits in the long run by starting small: Making greener cleaning choices at home It’s become increasingly apparent in recent years that the cleaning products we use in our homes have a direct impact on our health and well-being. Many commercial cleaning products contain toxic ingredients that may be harmful to inhale, and there is a risk that pets and children may come into contact with them. If switching over to an eco-friendly cleaning cupboard seems daunting, why not start with one product at a time? The next time your dishwashing liquid runs out, try a natural one like Earthsap Dishwashing Liquid, a safe, biodegradable product that’s kind to the planet but tough on dirt. Earthsap has a comprehensive range of affordable, green cleaning products from All Purpose Cleaners, to Floor Cleaner and Fabric Softener, and everything in between. Fragrance your home naturally – and reap the wellness benefits Did you know that paraffin-based candles are now classified as carcinogenic? Think twice when scenting your home – you don’t want to breathe in potentially harmful ingredients, so it’s best to stick to natural home scents made from ingredients like soy, shea butter, beeswax and essential oils. SoyLites manufactures high-quality soy candles that are safe for your health (and the environment) and beautifully fragranced with natural essential oils. Their Classic Soy Votive Candles are perfect for creating ambience in any room of the home. If you have a ceramic burner, then the Soylites Soy Wax Melts are a great choice. Drop one into the hollow of your burner, place a tea light candle in the burner, light, and enjoy a beautifully fragranced space. Make time for self-care Self-care is not a cliché; in fact, it’s necessary to combat the various stressors we encounter in our day-to-day lives. Making the time to pamper your body in the bath or shower, maintain a daily skincare routine and care for your hair is not only physically good for your body, but it’s also good for your soul. It doesn’t have to be a long or complicated regime – just a few minutes makes all the difference.  Weekly exfoliation is the key to a smoother skin texture, increased radiance and fewer clogged pores and ingrown hairs. SKNLOGIC Exfoliate Enzymatic is an excellent option for all skin types. It combines natural and chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and refine the skin’s texture. Follow with SKNLOGIC Derma Repair Balm, packed with powerful natural ingredients such as prickly pear, jojoba, and shea butter, to deeply nourish and repair. Treat your skin to a pick-me-up throughout the day with one of SOiL Organic Skincare’s Facial Mists. Choose between Lavender, Rose Blossom, Rosemary and Rose Geranium. These organic mists refresh and hydrate the skin while uplifting the mind with the beautiful aromatherapy scents. And while facial skincare is essential, don’t forget about your body. Take a few minutes each day to massage a nourishing lotion into your arms and legs. Not only does this treat dry skin, but it also helps soothe tired muscles. For a burst of hydration, try the new The Bodylab Science Urea Complex Hydrating Body Cream, with a deeply moisturising formula and a delicate cocoa butter scent. Powered by urea and glycerin, it restores hydration, softens dryness, and smooths rough areas for healthier-looking skin.  If you prefer an oil consistency, then SOiL Body Oil Blends are great – a qualified aromatherapist formulated the Toning Blended Oil to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by detoxifying, toning, and stimulating the skin. It also contains Juniper Berry, which helps clear lymphatic congestion. Treat your feet Our feet carry us all day, yet they are one of the most neglected parts of the body. Regularly exfoliating and moisturising your feet, as well as taking care of your nails, not only keeps them looking good in sandals, but it also helps increase circulation, keeping them healthy. Take some time every week to scrub your feet with Citrusway Exfoliating Sugar Foot Scrub. Formulated to help exfoliate, hydrate, soften, and smooth skin, it creates a relaxing experience by relieving tension and increasing blood circulation. After exfoliating, gently massage some Citrusway Foot Restoration Cream into your feet. It has antibacterial properties, making it a moisture-rich solution that helps soften dry, cracked heels and feet while rejuvenating the skin. The plastic problem From its detrimental effects on our health to its negative impact on our oceans and the environment, plastic is becoming a bigger concern by the day. Eliminating all plastic from your home is neither straightforward nor realistic. Still, you can start small by replacing plastic water bottles with glass or aluminium bottles, using a bamboo toothbrush, and switching to clothes made from natural fibres like cotton and linen. But what about baby? Many baby products are made from traditional plastics

March 11, 2026
Educ8 SA

Understanding the Cost of Education: Are You Overpaying?

Parents and adult learners alike often wonder if the cost of schooling matches the value received. Many traditional schools come with high fees, hidden costs, and long-term commitments that can strain family budgets. Educ8 SA provides a modern alternative that is not only affordable but also flexible, accessible, and highly effective. The True Cost of Traditional Schools In addition to tuition, parents often pay for: These expenses quickly add up, making quality education financially challenging. Educ8 SA: Affordable Learning Without Compromise Educ8 SA eliminates many of these costs by providing an entirely online, computer-based learning experience. Transparent pricing ensures that families know exactly what they are paying for: Students have access to engaging modules, assessments, and interactive learning materials without additional hidden fees. Affordable Does Not Mean Limited Low-cost education does not mean sacrificing quality. Educ8 SA’s programs are comprehensive and structured, providing learners with the tools to succeed academically. From foundational skills in pre-school to advanced high school programs and GED certification, every student can achieve measurable progress. Flexible Payment Options for Every Budget The platform’s different learning paths cater to diverse financial situations. Families can select a program that aligns with their budget and educational goals. Adult learners, in particular, benefit from affordable options like the GED, which allow them to complete their education without financial strain. Value Beyond the Price Investing in online education with Educ8 SA is not just about affordability—it’s about value. Learners gain: This combination ensures that learners are not overpaying—they are investing in their future. Start Your Cost-Effective Education Today For more information or to enrol:

March 11, 2026
Advtech Group

Strong Academic Foundations: The Future Starts in the Early Years

As South Africa grapples with persistent challenges in Early Childhood Development, the conversation must move beyond access alone to impact, because the country’s future is being shaped long before children start school.  The Early Childhood Development (ECD) stage, spanning from birth to five years old and extending into Grade R, is more than just playtime – it’s the foundational phase where a child’s brain, social skills, and learning habits are shaped. Investing in this period sets the stage for lifelong academic success, and schools and parents have a crucial role to play, an academic expert says. According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child:  “The early years are a golden window for building cognitive, emotional, and physical skills that influence future success in school and beyond. Igniting curiosity in children and supporting their optimal development during these years have a lifelong impact,” says Desiree Hugo, Executive: ADvTECH Schools Academics. Hugo says it was encouraging to see recent pronouncements by both the Ministers of Basic and Higher Education, Ministers Siviwe Gwarube (SA needs to focus more on early learning) and Buti Manamela (Renewed emphasis on ECD and foundational learning not just welcome, but essential), highlighting the importance of the early years on future academic performance. “We support the position of the ministers, which aligns with ADvTECH’s commitment to lifelong learning and early intervention, by offering our children opportunities to explore, create and consistently inquire,” she says. Hugo says while parents often direct their focus to finding the best possible high school for their child, greater attention should be given to a child’s early years’ experience – both in terms of accessing the best possible education, as well as providing support at home. “During early childhood, children develop essential building blocks such as inquiry, language, problem-solving, and self-regulation through play-based activities. High-quality ECD schools foster curiosity, creativity, and social interaction, which translate into better reading, math, and critical thinking skills later on,” she says.  “We have empirical evidence to support this by considering our MAP results which highlight that children who attend our programmes have shown a significant higher performance later on, than those who have not been in our early years programs. “Children who receive strong ECD support are more likely to perform well academically, exhibit positive behavior, and perform well throughout their academic journey. Conversely, gaps in early development can lead to learning and other challenges that persist into adulthood. By prioritising ECD, parents and educators lay a robust foundation, helping children thrive in an increasingly competitive world.” How Parents and Schools Can Support Early Childhood Development Encourage play-based learning and develop creativity: Provide items such as blocks, puzzles, and art supplies to spark imagination and fine motor skills – aim for 30 minutes of unstructured play daily. Let children do observational drawings, by drawing items placed in front of them, rather than colouring in templates, this builds planning and skills that ensure observing and noticing detail in items. Read together regularly and allow children to create their own stories: Share books every day to build vocabulary and listening skills; make it fun by using different voices or build comprehension skills by asking  questions about the story. Give children three items to create a story based on the items, encourage the use of exciting adjectives in their descriptions. Foster social interactions: Arrange playdates or group activities to help children learn sharing, empathy, and communication. Start with short, supervised sessions. Establish routines: Create consistent daily schedules for meals, naps, and bedtime to promote self-regulation and a sense of security. Build these schedules with your child, and invite them to tick off completed tasks. Limit screen time: Keep digital exposure (including television) to under one hour per day, opting for educational content when used, and prioritise real-world experiences instead. Promote physical activity: Encourage outdoor play, like running or climbing, to develop gross motor skills and overall health – at least 60 minutes of active play each day. Talk and listen actively: Engage in conversations about their day or feelings to enhance language development and emotional intelligence. Here, parents must ensure they themselves are fully present and responsive. Listen to your children’s theories rather than just giving answers and responses – ask them what they are thinking that makes them say what their theory is. Encourage questioning and let them provide answers, which builds cognition and deepens learning. Monitor milestones: Keep track of developmental progress, and consult professionals if concerns arise. 

March 11, 2026
Vital Baby

Top Skincare Tips for Moms-to-Be: How to Nurture Your Changing Skin

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change – not just for your body, but for your skin. Alongside the excitement of preparing for a new arrival, many moms-to-be notice new skin concerns: dryness, itching, stretch marks, and the occasional “mask of pregnancy” – dark patches caused by hormonal shifts. Understanding what’s normal, and how to care for your skin gently, can make all the difference. “Pregnancy skin often feels drier and more sensitive than usual,” says Karen Van Rensburg, spokesperson for Sanosan South Africa. “Keeping skin well-hydrated helps maintain elasticity and comfort as the body grows.” Products formulated for pregnancy, like the Sanosan Mama Anti Stretch Mark Cream, contain natural oils and gentle nourishing ingredients that support the skin as it stretches. Applying moisturiser twice daily, especially after showering, helps lock in hydration and soothe tight, itchy areas. Pregnancy isn’t the time for harsh actives or experimenting with strong skincare ingredients. Instead, focus on gentle, tried-and-tested formulas. “The key is to nourish and protect,” Van Rensburg explains. “Using a pregnancy-safe range like Sanosan Mama ensures you’re giving your skin what it needs without unnecessary additives.” Gentle massage when applying creams or oils not only helps absorption but also encourages mindful bonding time with your growing bump – a small ritual that can make a big difference. Stretch marks are common, and while genetics play a role, consistent skincare can support skin elasticity. Starting a routine early, from the first trimester, and maintaining it daily is often the most effective approach. Products like Sanosan Mama Anti Stretch Mark Oil are designed to nourish the skin deeply, helping it adapt as your body changes. Hormonal shifts can increase the risk of pigmentation, particularly on the face. Daily sun protection is essential, even on cloudy South African days, to prevent dark patches from worsening. Itching and tightness are also common, particularly on the belly and breasts. Replenishing creams with natural oils help restore comfort and strengthen the skin barrier. Beyond protection and nourishment, skincare can be a moment of self-care. A few minutes morning and evening to massage in a cream or oil can be grounding amid the whirlwind of pregnancy. Pregnancy skin deserves understanding and care. With gentle, pregnancy-safe products and a consistent routine, moms-to-be can support their skin’s resilience while embracing the amazing journey their body is on. The Mama Range by Sanosan is carefully tailored to the requirements of skin during pregnancy, pr oviding rich nourishment and feel-good care for expectant mums. These products can help to prevent or treat stretch marks. They accompany you throughout your pregnancy – and the time after. Sanosan truly cares for you and the planet; every product is designed to be as safe and gentle as possible for your baby, and for you. With over 35 years of expertise and a commitment to clinical excellence, Sanosan’s products are rigorously tested and certified under strict European regulations. They are free from parabens, silicones, paraffins, SLS / SLES and phenoxyethanol, and their eco-friendly formulas are 90% natural and use green electricity.  Utilising a high proportion of natural ingredients, Sanosan only use active ingredients that are specially tailored to mom and baby’s skin. Natural milk protein is the central ingredient in Sanosan and is especially nourishing for the skin. Precious substances like organic olive oil and organic olive extract complement these formulations. For more info visit https://sanosan.co.za  Sanosan is available from Clicks Baby and Online stores, takealot.com, Makro Online and Amazon.co.za

March 10, 2026
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Bonitas celebrates record growth and broker excellence at 2026 Top Broker Awards

Bonitas Medical Fund hosted its annual Top Broker Awards last night, recognising the leading brokers, advisers and brokerages whose performance and partnership helped drive the Scheme’s growth in 2025. The awards reinforce the strategic role brokers play in educating members and guiding them through healthcare decisions that have long-term impact. Brokers form an integral part of Bonitas’ distribution ecosystem, helping individuals and corporates match needs with the right medical cover and support. The evening brought together South Africa’s foremost advisory professionals, as Bonitas honoured top performers across multiple categories, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Special Awards. The pinnacle accolade, Bonitas Broker of the Year, was awarded to AlexForbes, reflecting its exceptional performance with more than 5 000 new principal members enrolled during the year. Record growth and impact Bonitas entered 2026 on the back of a strong 2025 performance, building on record financial results and membership growth reported in 2024. The Scheme achieved its highest January intake ever this year and with substantial gains in total lives covered and diversification across market sectors. This is a key milestone in the Scheme’s strategic redirection in appointing new providers with a diversified, innovative skillset to optimise performance in terms of wellness, marketing, new business, digital and data management. Bonitas Principal Officer Lee Callakoppen acknowledged the contribution of the broker community to this performance, highlighting that sustained member growth is rooted in conversations, trusted advice and deep professional relationships. “Behind every membership figure is a family, an employee, an individual whose peace of mind has been strengthened by the assurance of quality healthcare. Our brokers make that possible,” said Callakoppen. He further emphasised that the Scheme’s robust financial position allows it to absorb cost pressures while maintaining competitive pricing and benefits for members. Celebrating excellence across categories A total of 31 awards were presented, each backed by detailed actuarial analysis and independent evaluation of performance based on new principal members enrolled during 2025. Awards recognised not just volume but quality of growth and strategic contribution. Among the standout winners: Special awards included Best Net Growth (NMG Consultants and Actuaries), Most Sustainable Book (Wynsam Wealth) and Best New Performing Broker (Nexus Independent Financial Professionals). The inaugural Top Wellness Broker Award, reflecting commitment to member health engagement and risk profiling, went to AlexForbes. The evening spotlighted not only strong performance but also the breadth of expertise and resilience within South Africa’s advisory community. Bonitas reiterated its commitment to ongoing collaboration with brokers to enhance service delivery, strengthen member outcomes and respond to evolving healthcare needs. “Our shared work extends beyond figures,” Callakoppen added. “It is about improving access to care, enabling sustainable healthcare decisions and building trust across all segments of our membership.”

March 9, 2026
Dalza

Preparing for Your Next Parent–Teacher Meeting in Under 20 Minutes: A simple pre-meeting pack to make parent-teacher reviews calmer, clearer, and more productive

Parent–teacher meetings can feel high-stakes, especially when your child has additional learning or support needs. But a productive meeting doesn’t require hours of prep. With a few focused notes—and a quick tidy of the information you already have—you can walk in feeling confident, organised, and ready to advocate for your child without re-explaining their whole story. Here’s a simple 20-minute plan. 1. Capture the “Last Two Weeks in a Nutshell” (6 minutes) Instead of trying to summarise everything, zoom in on the most recent stretch of daily life. Teachers find this far more useful than long histories. These don’t need to be polished. Teachers appreciate real-life context—especially when it’s concise. Jot down: This gives the teacher a quick, whole-child snapshot. If you’ve been using Dalza, these notes are already there—no need to reconstruct the past two weeks from memory. 2. Gather Quick Evidence (7 minutes) You don’t need a folder of documents—just a few examples that show patterns. Look for: With Dalza, your reports, notes, and teacher feedback sit together, so you’re not digging through text messages or email chains at 11pm. 3. Prepare Five Questions (5 minutes) This is your chance to understand the school-side of the picture. These questions shift the meeting from a download to a partnership. Try: These questions help you avoid re-explaining and instead focus on shared understanding. 4. End With One Clear Next Step (2 minutes) A great meeting ends with clarity, not overwhelm. Choose one next action—something small, doable, and shared between home and school. With a few notes, a handful of questions, and a single next step, you can walk into any meeting prepared.And when your child’s information lives in one secure place, the story doesn’t need to be retold—just built on. Dalza helps make that possible. Dalza is free for 30 days, so you can try it out risk-free. To get started today, simply add your name and email here. 

March 9, 2026
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