Parenting Hub

From referral to report: 7 questions patients frequently ask

Dr Jean de Villiers, a radiologist and director of SCP Radiology, answers some of the most frequently asked questions, specifically around the process from referral to reporting in radiology imaging. The usual process when it comes to going to a radiology practice for imaging is that a medical professional (a doctor or clinician) will refer you for imaging. Radiographers take the images and then radiologists, doctors who have specialised in radiology, analyse and interpret the images and provide a detailed report. The report is highly technical, which is why it is sent to your medical practitioner for explanation. Why do I need a referral for imaging? There are several reasons for this referral system, one of which is your safety: To ensure you are not being exposed to more imaging than is necessary. The other is so that your referring doctor – who is trained to know when and what imaging is essential or required – will receive the results, explain them to you and plan appropriate medical care. The only exception is for a mammogram or bone density scan (DEXA scan). Will the radiographer give me my results after the imaging? A radiographer is a trained healthcare professional who operates the equipment that produces these images. They are responsible for taking the images but not interpreting them. Who interprets the images and writes the report? A radiologist is a medical doctor who has specialised in interpreting medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat diseases. Reports cannot be generated immediately, it takes the radiologist time to study the images and often includes comparing previous images. This means they will not be able provide a report instantly and, any such report will need to be interpreted with full knowledge of your medical history and clinical findings. So, I won’t receive the results from the radiologist? No. The radiologist analyses your images and then prepares a detailed report, which is sent to your doctor. The protocols and systems around the reporting means that your doctor will discuss and explain the findings with you and then recommend treatment and co-ordinate follow up care. In the case of a mammogram, the radiographer may sometimes let you know if the mammogram is clear or suggest an ultrasound for confirmation. However, the mammogram images are still sent to a radiologist who will prepare a report and may suggest further screening, if necessary. How long does it take to get the results? This depends on the type of imaging (scan) and the urgency of the case; generally, the results are available within 24 hours. Urgent cases are prioritised. Your doctor will contact you once the results have been received and reviewed. This may mean a follow-up appointment, or it can be discussed over the phone. What does the radiologist’s report reveal? The actual radiology report provides information about the type of imaging test that was done, how it was done, it includes the brief medical history and any information provided by the referring doctor. The report outlines what structures and processes are normal and any abnormalities in the images. A radiologist does not diagnose but they can identify abnormalities or suspicious features in images that might indicate the presence of a tumour. They cannot definitively diagnose cancer from images alone, only a biopsy or tissue sampling can do that definitively. They will use words and phrases in their report, such as: Am I allowed to view my results or get a copy of the X-rays? Absolutely. Some radiology practices have a patient portal that allows you access to your images and results. It is routine for these results and images to be released once your referring doctor has had a chance to view them.(Remember it can take a few days). Alternatively, you are able to request a copy of the imaging and reports from the radiology practice or your doctor. Dr Villiers says, ‘if there are additional questions you want to ask don’t hesitate to ask at the radiology practice where you are having the imaging done.’ For additional information go to: www.scp.co.za

February 11, 2026

Rethinking Education: A Smarter AlternativetoOvercrowdedClassrooms and Exorbitant School Fees

For many families, choosing the right school has become increasingly complex. Rising school fees, overcrowded classrooms, and inconsistent academic support leave parents questioning whether traditional schooling still offers the best return on investment for their child’s future. At the same time, families are seeking high-quality education that delivers strong results, individual attention, and long-term value — without unnecessary financial strain. This is where a carefully structured online school, such as Wingu Academy, offers a compelling alternative. The Challenge with Traditional Schooling Across many conventional schools, class sizes continue to grow while resources remain stretched. Teachers are expected to support large numbers of learners simultaneously, often limiting the level of individual attention each child receives. Questions families may ask themselves include: When rising costs do not consistently translate into improved outcomes, families are justified in rethinking their options. The Wingu Way: Online Learning Done Properly Wingu Academy was created to address these challenges directly — offering a structured, accredited online education model that prioritises quality, accountability, and learner support. Unlike passive or self-paced platforms, Wingu Academy operates exclusively through live, teacher-led classes. Learners engage daily with qualified human teachers, ensuring real interaction, guidance, and academic oversight. This approach allows for: Academic Credibility That Delivers Results At Wingu Academy, learning is not diluted. Learners complete real tests and exams, aligned with recognised academic standards. Progress is measured, feedback is structured, and expectations are clear. This academic discipline ensures: Flexibility Without Compromising Quality While live classes remain the foundation of learning at Wingu Academy, lesson recordings are available for revision and convenience. This provides flexibility for families without replacing real-time teaching. Learners benefit from: Importantly, flexibility never comes at the cost of structure or accountability. A Smarter Financial Choice for Families One of the most significant advantages of Wingu Academy is value. Families gain access to: All without the excessive overheads often associated with traditional schooling. The result is a premium education model that delivers strong outcomes at a more accessible cost. More Than an Online School — A Connected Community A common misconception about online education is isolation. At Wingu Academy, learners are part of an active school community. Through daily live interaction and collaborative learning, students build belonging and connection. Education succeeds when learners feel supported — academically and emotionally. Looking Ahead to 2026 As families plan ahead, many are choosing to move away from overcrowded classrooms and escalating fees, and towards smarter, future-focused education models. Wingu Academy offers a proven alternative: a school where quality teaching, real results, and affordability come together — without compromise. Considering a Change? If you are rethinking your child’s education for 2026 and beyond, Wingu Academy invites you to explore their learning models designed for today’s families and tomorrow’s success.

February 11, 2026

Why do young children battle with Maths?

The Development of Maths Anxiety – Common Challenges that Children Face Studies show that at around age 8 children start losing their spontaneity and become more anxious about Maths. Why is this? Maths is Unforgiving! Maths measures us like no other subject and affects our self-esteem like no other subject.The perception is that if you are good at Maths, you are clever. A Maths answer is either perfect or not. An answer of 7 x 7 = 50 is very close but very wrong. None of us like being put on the spot and being wrong. Speed kills Many children equate speed to intelligence. Pressure to give answers quickly often builds anxiety in children that need a bit more time. Speed tests for basic facts are often counter-productive and serve to make the faster child quicker and the slower child even slower and more anxious. Children who work slowly end up doing fewer sums and get caught up in a downward spiral. Developing understanding takes time. When we emphasize speed only, we send the incorrect message that all problems should be solved quickly, which hurts children’s persistence on more complicated tasks. Emphasis on Rote learning and memory An over emphasis on rote learning impacts children that have a limited working memory and long-term memory. Many of our ideas around teaching Maths revolve around memorising Maths information. All of us differ in our ability to do that especially when what we must memorise has no meaning. Negative messages about Maths by Parents and Teachers Many of us send out messages of a fixed mindset. “I am just not good at Maths and will never be good at it. This is just the way I am!” One often hears parents say: “I was never good at Maths, so it’s not surprising my child isn’t good either.” A growth mindset says that we can all become better through practice. Ineffective Strategies Many children have an over-reliance on counting. This leads to problems in developing fluency for the four operations. Poor number sense and an inability to estimate leads to difficulty in understanding place value. This in turn has a negative effect on children’s ability to develop effective strategies to do calculations fluently. It is a common misconception that Maths is all about “rules” and procedures. Algorithms play a big role in Maths but a lot of it needs to be understood. Maths is about making sense of problems and understanding why particular strategies work. Maths becomes tricky if we don’t Understand what the Symbols mean Somewhere a young child is confronted with the fact that the number 7 on a clock can represent 7, sometimes 25 and at other times 35. When working with money, two 50 cent coins equal a R1 coin. When measuring length, we expect children to know that 100cm =1m. All of this is very confusing for a young child if they don’t have conceptual understanding of what the symbols represent. What can I as a parent do? Here are a few simple ideas for you to think about. Your Child first, Maths second Know that your child is a little human being not a little human calculator. We are human beings not human doings. Our ability to do Maths does not define who we are. Our ability to do Maths does not define our worth. Our ability to do Maths does not determine whether we will be financially successful one day. It is also true that Maths plays a big role in the school curriculum. Battling with Maths is not nice. Full Stop. Maths is a pathway to many careers. It feels nice to be able to solve a Maths problem. We firmly believe that all children can develop a good foundation in Maths. Be Authentic Know that you and your child are unique and that you both have your own unique gifts. Take a firm resolution to never compare your child with other children. All children develop differently and at their own pace. There is no rush. Regular opportunties for learning in an enabling environment gives your child the best chance. You as a Mom are unique with your own talents and parenting style. Take a firm resolution to never compare yourself with other Moms. You don’t have to be a great Mathematician in order to be a great Maths Mom. There is no Ceiling Know that your beliefs determine everything.Isn’t it amazing and scary that the beliefs that we infuse in our kids will be the beliefs that they will most probably carry with them for the rest of their lives. Children become what those around them believe them to be.The biggest gift that you can give your child is to help them develop a good feeling about themselves. Your child knows more than what you think. You know more than what you think. Your child is capable of much more than what you might believe. You are capable of much more than what you might believe. At the end of the day how you interact with your child is foundational. Read through these tips a few times and reflect on your belief systems around Maths. In our next article we will look at specific topics in the curriculum and give you some pointers of how to help your child. If you are interested in chatting further you are welcome to contact us at www.mikimaths.com

February 10, 2026

Here’s How Tax Relief for Neurodivergent Kids Actually Works

If you’re raising a neurodivergent child in South Africa, you’re already doing a lot. Appointments. School meetings. Forms. “Can you just send that report again?” moments. The daily juggling act of home + school + therapy + life. So when someone says, “You might be able to claim tax relief,” it can feel like one more admin mountain… right when you’re already running on fumes. Here’s the good news: tax relief is available, and there’s a real framework designed to give families some breathing room. The bad news is: it’s not always obvious how it works, and the internet is full of conflicting advice. This guide will help you understand the basics without spiralling. Tax relief is available in South Africa South Africa’s tax system includes support for families who carry additional medical and care costs. The main mechanism is the Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (AMTC). It’s not a cash payout. It’s a tax credit that reduces the amount of normal tax you pay. For many families, it becomes a crucial “safety valve”, especially when you’re paying for the kind of support your child needs to function well in the real world. Where neurodiversity fits into the SARS framework SARS doesn’t have a neat category called “neurodivergence.” Instead, conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and PDA are considered based on their functional impact, in other words, how much they limit day-to-day life. For tax purposes, a “disability” is defined as a moderate to severe limitation in a person’s ability to function or perform daily activities (including learning, thinking, communicating). If your child’s challenges create a moderate to severe limitation that is expected to last more than a year, your family may qualify for tax relief. If the limitations are considered milder, the condition may fall under what SARS calls a “physical impairment.” (Despite the name, this category isn’t limited to physical conditions and can still apply in some neurodevelopmental contexts.) Relief may still be available, but often with different thresholds and limits. The common misunderstanding that trips parents up One of the biggest myths is: “If I have the diagnosis, we automatically qualify.” Not necessarily. SARS looks at whether the condition remains a significant limitation even after what it calls “maximum correction” (including appropriate therapy, treatment, or medication). Because every child is different, eligibility is assessed case by case. Two families can have the same diagnosis and still have different outcomes depending on how the condition impacts daily functioning. Which is frustrating, yes.But also: it’s why getting clarity early matters. Why paperwork and medical confirmation matter (even if you hate admin) The admin requirements can feel like adding weight to an already heavy load. But they’re also the keys to unlocking tax relief. A diagnosis label isn’t enough. You need formal medical confirmation from a registered practitioner who is trained to give an opinion on your child’s condition. The key document is the ITR-DD form (Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability). Whether this form is required in your situation can depend on how your child’s needs are classified (which is exactly where many parents get stuck). Important: you typically don’t submit the form with your annual return, but you must keep it, along with invoices and proof of payments, for at least five years. SARS often verifies these claims, so having your paperwork organised from the start protects you later. Think of it like this: a few clicks to save documents today can save you hours of stress later. You don’t have to figure it all out today If this feels complex, you’re not meant to decode it alone in between lunchboxes and meltdowns. So we created a simple starting point for parents: ✅ Download the tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/ A clear summary of what you need to know (and what to gather), without the jargon. Supporting a neurodivergent child requires enough time, energy, and emotional bandwidth as it is. Tax admin shouldn’t be another thing you have to white-knuckle your way through. Start with the cheat sheet.Get the lay of the land.And take it one step at a time. 👉 Download the free tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/ Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, and eligibility for tax relief is assessed by SARS on a case-by-case basis. We recommend consulting a registered tax practitioner or qualified professional before submitting any tax claims

February 10, 2026

Why should I breastfeed my baby, and what if this is not an option?

Breastfeeding is important to your baby’s health and is the safest and healthiest thing that you can feed your little one. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) you should feed your baby exclusively with breastmilk for the first six months. Unfortunately, some moms can’t breastfeed due to medical or health reasons. Read on if you want to know the benefits of breastfeeding, or if you can’t breastfeed your baby, here are some healthy alternatives. What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is the perfect way to get all the nutrients needed to your baby, as well as being a special bonding experience between mom and child. Breast milk is optimally suited to babies providing all the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals, being easily digestible and helping protect your baby by providing important antibodies. Baby’s who are breastfed have less ear infections, issues with diarrhea and respiratory issues. Benefits of breastfeeding include lowering your baby’s chance of getting infections and breastmilk can also help lower instances of asthma and eczema, and is thought to lower the risk of diabetes as well. Not only is breastfeeding good for your baby, but it’s also good for you. It helps your bond with your baby as your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus reduce to its pre-pregnancy size as well as lowers stress levels. And it’s an added bonus is that breast milk is cost effective and easily available. The only thing lacking from breast milk is vitamin D, and you can supplement this to your little one from birth. What are alternatives if I can’t breastfeed? Sadly some moms aren’t able to breastfeed their babies due to not having enough breastmilk supply, being on medication that could damage their baby’s health and, infectious diseases such as HIV. Although it’s hard not to be able to breastfeed, remember this won’t stop you bonding with or providing nutrients for your baby. The best alternative to your own breast milk is donated breast milk. However, if you are struggling to find adequate supply you can make use of baby formulas. In South Africa, the South African Breastmilk Reserve and Milk Matters supports breastfeeding moms through the provision of donated milk. SABR focuses on helping premature babies under the age of 14 days, and Milk Matters supports babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Western Cape.

February 10, 2026

The Science Behind Prenatal Supplementation

How amazing is it that a human body can create another human being? Absolutely perfect, with its own unique personality, beauty, and magnificence! How fortunate too are we to be living in an era where science has advanced to a point where pregnant moms can take absolute care of themselves and their developing babies through supplementing their diets? We all know that great nutrition is derived from a perfectly healthy diet, but we know too that great healthy food is not always available to everyone. Pregnancy increases the body’s needs for certain vitamins and minerals, but it can be difficult to support these nutritional needs through diet alone. The nutrient intake of pregnant moms needs to support both moms health and that of her baby, through: The diet supplement market is so saturated with products, how do you as a pregnant mother, know what you should and shouldn’t be taking? Understanding the science behind prenatal supplements, can go a long way to helping you make the best choice that will benefit not only you and your health, but the health of your unborn baby too. Prenatal supplements have been developed based on nutrition science, developmental biology, and the scientific study of how and why diseases and health conditions occur in populations (epidemiology). The studies have all focused on the healthy development of baby as well as maintaining the health of mothers during pregnancy. Essential minerals are vital for human health, and during pregnancy. They are even more critical to support maternal health and infant development. If not supplemented, the levels of many essential minerals decrease during pregnancy, including calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, as well as chromium and iodine. Low levels of minerals are associated with a wide range of maternal and infant health problems worldwide, and appropriate supplementation may help reduce the risk of many maternal and infant health complications. Key Nutrients and their Scientific Roles Chromium Chromium is recommended to help control blood sugar levels. Low levels of chromium have shown to be associated with diabetes, which may potentially increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Iodine Low iodine is strongly associated with iodine deficiency disorders, including hypothyroidism in mothers and infants and intellectual disability in infants. Iodine supplementation is strongly recommended for pregnant women to help decrease the rate of hypothyroidism and intellectual impairment for baby, as well as impaired cognitive function of infants. Calcium Calcium is necessary for strong bone and tooth formation. It is also vital for the well-being of mom, to help the deterioration of her bones. Calcium is a strong contributor to nerve cell communication and normal muscle function. For mom, it not only supports bone health, but is also a factor in the maintenance of good health. Magnesium Blood levels of magnesium decrease significantly during pregnancy. Magnesium is vital for baby’s development, contributing to strong bone and teeth formation. It also contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, normal electrolyte balance and tissue formation. It contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal psychological function and helps to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin D Vitamin D is important for bone growth and immune function. Supplementing with additional vitamin D during pregnancy contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function. It also contributes to the normal function of the immune system, helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth and contributes to normal cell division. Vitamin D helps in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorous and contributes to normal blood calcium levels. It is a factor in the maintenance of good health. Active Folate Folate is important for the metabolism of several amino acids. It is essential for normal cell growth and replication. Folate supplementation during pregnancy is proven to reduce the risk of neural tube disorders. Active folate is the body’s usable form of folate which is ideal for those who have difficulty in metabolising synthetic folic acid. It supports red blood cell formation, vital during pregnancy and is readily absorbed by the body. Iron Iron is important and necessary for the production of red blood cells as well as the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, more blood is produced to facilitate the growth of baby. This means that more iron is required to ensure that mom doesn’t feel tired (a sign that iron levels are low). Iron also contributes to normal cognitive function. Many women start their pregnancy with low iron levels, and iron levels decrease further during pregnancy, especially mid-trimester, because of the production of new red blood cells for the placenta and baby. Zinc Zinc is important for immune function of the body and particularly necessary for mom and baby during pregnancy. Maintaining healthy zinc levels is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Taking zinc supplements during pregnancy, helps in connective tissue formation. It contributes to the maintenance of normal healthy skin, normal acid-base metabolism, and helps the body to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It contributes to normal cognitive function, normal DNA synthesis and is a factor in the maintenance of good health. It contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and metabolism of vitamin A, as well as the maintenance of normal nails, bones and hair. Selenium Selenium has many functions in the body and has been shown to help reduce hypothyroidism. It has been found that selenium stores in the body are depleted throughout pregnancy, with most depletion occurring at the end of pregnancy. Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and is an oxidant for the maintenance of good health. It contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails and the normal function of the immune system. Selenium also contributes to normal thyroid function. Vitamin C Vitamin C is an important water-soluble antioxidant, and is a co-factor for many enzymatic reactions, including the production of collagen, carnitine, and neuropeptides. During pregnancy, vitamin C is important in contributing to cell protection from free radical damage. It contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function

February 9, 2026

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