11 minute read
COVID 19
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents many uncertainties, and none of us can completely eliminate our risk of getting it, but one thing we can do is take the necessary precautions. If we do catch COVID-19, our immune system is responsible for fighting it. By boosting our immune system, we can keep strong and healthy, and in so doing, strengthen our defence against the global pandemic we find ourselves in the midst of.
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“S ince the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been given a lot of sound advice on how to combat this dreaded disease – from practising social distancing to sanitising our hands frequently, but not much airtime has been given to how to boost our immune systems; after all if we are exposed to the virus, we need our bodies to be able to fight back!” says Catherine Clark, Owner and Founder of The Harvest Table.
She adds that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. “This makes sense because as we age our immune systems grow weaker, which makes it more challenging for older adults to fight off infectious diseases. On the other hand, chronic diseases can compromise the immune system, and make people more vulnerable to serious complications.”
Catherine offers 5 ways to strengthen your defence against COVID-19 and boost your immune system: 1. Hit snooze on that panic button: When you stressed, your immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced, making you more susceptible to infections. So, if you feeling a little stressed, consciously take time out to employ some calming or relaxing stress-reduction techniques.
2. Look after your gut: Did you know that good immunity starts in your gut? Consider adding bone broth to you diet as it ensures a well-functioning digestive system as it assists to seal up any holes, healing the lining, and nourishing the gut with important nutrients. You can make your own bone broth or buy Bone Broth powder which you can add to everything from soups and stews to water and even your morning coffee!
3. Consume immune-boosting vitamins: Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. Consider eating foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli. Alternatively you can supplement with Blueberry Powder (freeze- dried blueberries) which is packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants, making this booster pure dynamite. Be wary of synthetic vitamin C supplements that could upset your system, rather look for natural sources.
4. Take anti-viral supplements: Maitake mushroom’s (a mushroom that grows wild in parts of Japan, China, and North America) antiviral properties were in confirmed by both the National Cancer Institute and the Japan Institute of Health in 1992. Maitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, fibre, minerals and amino acids and are known for their positive overall effect on immunity.
5. Modulate your immune system: Modulating your immune system is the regulatory adjustment of the immune system. Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, plays a major role in modulating the immune response. Astaxanthin is found in a product known as Collagen.X and is 6000 times stronger than vitamin C, in terms of its antioxidant properties.
“While the above suggestions are not guaranteed to prevent you from contracting the virus, they are certainly ways you can keep your body in tiptop shape and ready face and fight whatever comes it’s way! In addition to supplementing your diet, continue to implement all you’ve been taught about sanitisation and social distancing and together we can weather the COVID-19 storm,” Catherine concludes.
‘Rocks’ VW T-Cross
by Carl Wepener
I have been looking forward to the VW T-Cross for some time and I was really impressed with the looks of the T-Cross. It is colourful, it is modern and although the stance is ‘macho’ it oozes charm and character. It is a practical, cool and versatile addition to Volkswagen’s fastgrowing SUV range. It is sophisticated, diverse and has an eye-catching appearance. It shows a combination of casual style, refined practicality and extreme cost-effectiveness. CeO 2020 Vol 20.4
Fuel consumption was a bit on the high side when doing town driving, but came down significantly when driving longer distances. The T-Cross behaves well on the road and is most comfortable. Road holding is very good for such a small car and is enjoyable on gravel as well. As far as I am concerned the T-Cross is as good as a number of competitors that is priced far above it. It is not the fastest or the most powerful but it is no slouch either. Quality has not been left behind and the sturdy VW feel is noticed throughout.
Let us look at the models and what the manufacturer says about the T-Cross
The T-Cross is available in the 1.0 TSI engine with 85kW power output. In the first quarter of 2020, the 1.5 TSI 110kW will be introduced and in the second quarter the range will be completed with the introduction of the 70kW engine. • The entry level T-Cross model which retails below R300 000 and will be available in South Africa from the second quarter of 2020
The T-Cross leaves a lasting impression at first sight. The striking front end highlights the vehicle’s family affiliation while the exterior emphasises the individuality of the new SUV model.
There is an expressive front spoiler and a large, wide radiator grille. The light units are long and flat, and extend far into the flanks. The lower section of the front end is characterised by distinctive recessed fog lights and integrated daytime running lights. If the optional LED headlights are installed, the daytime running lights share the same housing. The tail light clusters feature LED technology as standard.
On the sides of the T-Cross, two horizontal sharp character lines from front to rear underline the dynamic appearance of the compact SUV. A bold reflective band spans the rear. The large wheel arches also emphasise the striking appearance, 16-inch wheels are fitted as standard. In addition, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as options. The exterior of the T-Cross can also be customised in various ways. There is a choice of nine exterior colours or a selection of coloured wheel rims which enhance the combination options.
The compact Volkswagen SUV offers easy access for all passengers through four large doors - a major advantage of the modular transverse matrix (MQB), which allows the driven front axle to be positioned much closer to the vehicle front. In addition to easier entry, vehicle occupants also benefit from a significant increase in interior space and legroom for both rows of seats.
The T-Cross measures 4.2 metres in length. The wheelbase of 2 551 millimetres increases the space for seats and provides a spacious and roomy feel. The elevated seat position is typical of an SUV. The driver and front passenger sit 597 millimetres above the road, while the rear passengers benefit from a vantage point of 652 millimetres.
The interior is modern and the T-Cross provides good visibility all-round thanks to the elevated seating position. The interior is extremely spacious, giving the occupants the feeling that they are sitting in a larger vehicle.
For the greatest possible versatility in the interior, the sliding rear seat can be adjusted by 14 centimetres, allowing more passenger leg room or more luggage space. The luggage compartment holds between 377 and 455 litres. Thanks to a rear seat back that folds down you can create a flat loading space with up to 1 281 litres of storage volume - unsurpassed by any other SUV in this segment.
The large-format dash pads correspond in colour and structure to the seat materials, the steering wheel clasp, the painted central console, the platinum grey trim colour and the exterior finishes. This gives the interior of the vehicle a cool, sporty look. The design package also offers 3D décor for the dash pad, two-tone seat surfaces, a steering wheel clasp and central console in a matching tone, and colour-coordinated wing mirrors and wheels. The indirect ambient lighting further accentuates the vehicle’s interior. Electric windows on all four doors and a height-adjustable driver and passenger seat also come as standard.
The T-Cross provides the highest level of networking and connection to the outside world. Up to four USB ports and the optional inductive wireless charging ensure optimum connectivity and sufficient power for smartphones. The optional keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access makes access to the T-Cross more convenient.
The Driver Alert System comes standard whilst optional equipment available on the T-Cross includes Front Assist area monitoring system, the lane keeping assistant Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, the proactive occupant protection system, automatic adaptive cruise control, Park Assist and the Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with the integrated Rear Traffic Alert.
The T-Cross performed outstandingly in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety test. Independent testers awarded the new SUV top scores in all categories. This innovative crossover model meets the most stringent safety standards. The vehicle scored a compliance rating of 97% in the ‘Adult occupant protection’ category. Very few vehicles have scored this value, demonstrating that small SUVs can keep up with larger models. The child safety rating of 86% underlines how perfectly suitable the T-Cross is for families. The active support systems scored a rating of 80%, far better than the previous standard in this vehicle category. In addition to passive protection equipment, the vehicle also features Front Assist that looks out for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety.
The T-Cross, already equipped with extensive standard equipment, can be customised and upgraded further with optional equipment and several equipment trims.
Trendline trim (available only with 70kW). The entry level variant comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, split folding rear seats, colourcoded handles and mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, electric windows at the front and rear, height and lumbar adjustable driver and passenger seats, Tyre Pressure Monitor, 6.5-inch ‘Composition Colour‘ display, combined front and side airbags, Rest Assist as well as Titanium black seat and instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
Comfortline trim. The Comfortline trim expands on the Trendline and comes standard with 16-inch ‘Belmont‘ alloy wheels, black roof rails, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel with multi-function display, Park Distance Control (front and rear), cruise control, Light and Sight Package and a front centre arm rest.
Optional features on the Comfortline trim include; R-Line Exterior with 17-inch ‘Manila‘ alloy wheels, Beats sound system, Inductive Wireless Mobile Charging, Composition Media with App-Connect, Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist with Rear View Camera and Foldable Mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), LED headlights with Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Removable Towbar.
Highline trim. The third equipment variant, the Highline, has additional standard features to the Comfortline which include Comfort Sports Seats, Inductive Wireless Mobile Charging, Driving Profile Selection, Climatronic Aircon, LED Headlights, Composition Media with App-Connect and 18-inch ‘Cologne‘ alloy wheels.
Optional extras on the Highline include; R-Line Exterior with 18-inch ‘Nevada‘ alloy wheels, Design Package in Energetic Orange, Beats sound system, Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors,
Lane Assist and Front Assist), Keyless Entry, Removable Towbar and Titanium Black-Energetic Orange seats, titanium black instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
The T-Cross is powered by two three-cylinder petrol engines. The Volkswagen’s compact SUV will be available with the 1.0 TSI engine delivering 70kW and 85kW power outputs as well as the more powerful 1.5 TSI engine delivering 110kW.
The 85kW engine is available at launch. The 110kW engine will be available from the first quarter of 2020. The 70kW engine will be available in the second quarter of 2020. 1.0 TSI engine with 85kW. The three-cylinder 1.0 TSI generates 85 kW of power. The turbocharged direct injection engine develops maximum torque of 200 Nm is available between 2 000 and 3 500 rpm. This version goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of 193 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 4.9 litres/100km. This engine is only available in 7-speed DSG transmission.
The range-topping T-Cross 1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line DSG® model comes standard with a host of features including: Sports Seats, Driving Profile Selection, Climatronic Aircon, LED Headlights and Taillights, Composition Media with App-Connect, R-Line interior and exterior with 18-inch ‘Nevada’ alloy wheels, digital Active Info Display and a choice of eight exterior colours.
Optional extras include; Design Package in Energetic Orange, beats® sound system (300-watt, 8-channel amplifier and a separate subwoofer in the luggage compartment), Discover Media (includes Navigation), Park Assist (includes Rearview Camera
and Powerfold Mirrors), Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), Keyless Entry, Removable Towbar and Titanium BlackEnergetic Orange seats, titanium black instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included) 1.0 TSI 85kW Comfortline DSG® R334 600 1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG® R365 000 1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line DSG® R403 500
The T-Cross comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, a 3 year/ 45 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.
A truly remarkable compact SUV that are going to steal hearts of the young and old.
