Incorporating PMB & Midlands
Diwali Delicacies
WIN
a Hasbro Toy Hamper
Support Sunflower Day Issue 184 | Durban & Pietermaritzburg | November 2020 | FREE
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EVERYDAY LIFE 3 4 5 6 9 10
CONTENTS
12 14
From The Editor’s Desk... Meet the Cover Stars Support Sunflower Day and Help Save Lives Mom’s Kitchen: Nutritious and Hearty Meals Delivered to your Door New Returning Illness Benefit Reduces Survivors’ Anxiety Digital Signatures: The New Way to do Business Rehabilitate Your Hair National Children’s Day
DELICOUS LIFE/HEALTHY LIFE 16 18
19 20 22 24-25 26
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Gorgeous kids’ Linen from Volpes Diwali Delicacies
PIETERMARITZBURG AND MIDLANDS 38
40-41
42 44 46-47
Traditional Deli Meats for a Modern Society Matrics: Don’t Delay Get Your Higher Education Applications Out Of The Way Dear Rockstar Mama Allergies and Covid-19 Hasbro Reveals Exciting Gift Suggestions For 2020
Sausage & Mash Pie World Antibiotic Awareness Week Lake, Smit & Partners Gives Back What Are Probiotics? World Diabetes Day: Nurses Make the Difference For Diabetes Games aren’t Just Fun – They’re Super Educational Torga Optical Explains Why Eye Exams are Important
EDUCATED LIFE/KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE 28
29 30-31 32 34
Teaching a Child the Art of Revision from an Early Age Sensory Seeking Parenting in a Digital Age Education is a Thing we do Not a Place we go Tips to Consider When Buying a Pram
THE MUM’S MAIL TEAM
Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com • Enquiries: 031 - 714 4700 Accounts: meghan@mumsmail.com • Designer: Wendy Offer Advertising Sales: Anisha Singh • anisha.singh@mumsmail.com | Bev Delew • bev.delew@ mumsmail.com Cover Photographer: Steph Stein Photography, info@stephstein.co.za, 082 644 1777 Printed sponsored by
, a division of Novus Holdings
DISCLAIMER: Neither the Publisher, Printer or Editor can be held responsible for damages or consequences of any omissions or errors, as every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in Mum’s Mail. We do not guarantee the performance or quality of service of any of the advertisers in this magazine. No part of Mum’s Mail magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.
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From the Editor’s Desk... I
’m sure no-one will disagree when I say this year has been a mess (I could think of a stronger word to use, but I shall refrain)… It’s been tough and some of us are only just managing to hold it together. But I would like to remind you to be kind to yourself! The fact that you have made it through 2020 in once piece is amazing! Remember to take some time out for yourself this month, even if it’s just an early morning walk in the fresh air when you can gather your thoughts and feelings before the day starts. For me, it’s the simple things like this that can make a huge difference. I’ve started walking again and I fi nd it so therapeutic! I hope you fi nd our articles this month inspiring and useful – we have some lovely competitions for you to enter, cool gift ideas, yummy recipes, educational advice, health tips and more. Please enjoy it - put your feet up with a nice hot cuppa while you read this November edition! Take care, Sarah
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Meet the Cover Stars OUR COVER STARS ARE SHARLEIGH AND RIEKERT WILKEN WITH THEIR SONS, REECE (18) AND KYLE (16). THEY ARE ALL DONNING COLOURFUL SUNFLOWER FUND TOPES IN HONOUR OF SUNFLOWER DAY ON 13 NOVEMBER.
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eece is currently writing his matric final exams and according to his mom he is a calm, mature and level headed young man who loves playing rugby and golf. He has been a leader in both junior school and high school and is a chef in life’s kitchen. Kyle is currently in grade 10 and is a whizz with technology and design, adventurous and also plays rugby. He has an engineering brain and has incredible patience with solving problems relating to mechanics. “They are both blood donors and my journey with leukaemia has enabled them to show compassion to those struggling with health issues,” says their proud mom. Sharleigh was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2011 at the age of 33 and started treatment immediately. “After two years of ongoing treatment, the cancer had sadly spread to my spinal fluid and was putting pressure on my brain, which caused complications and two strokes,” explains Sharleigh. “When returning to hospital for an amended treatment plan after the third year, I experienced a serious complication when
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receiving my new chemotherapy port and I slipped into a coma for almost a month. With very little hope, yet overwhelming faith, I lay in hospital while my family, friends and the community prayed for a miracle and I miraculously awoke but was paralysed from the neck down and had to learn to talk, walk, eat and move again.” Sharleigh was told that she would need a bone marrow transplant and her amazing doctor, Dr JP Singh, began looking for a match but they were unsuccessful. “In September 2014, and only by the grace of God, my own stem cells were retested and I was given the chance to harvest my own cells in order to go ahead with the transplant. I spent a total of 194 days in isolation during my fight with Leukaemia and on 1 October 2014 I had my stem cell transplant and was given another chance at life!”
Although she didn’t make use of the Sunflower fund, Sharleigh is a supporter of the organisation, which is a donor recruitment centre and stem cell registry for Africa and is part of a global network, dedicated to creating awareness about blood diseases and stem cell donation, recruiting blood stem cell donors and maintaining a registry of committed donors. “By registering to be a donor, you are offering a patient and their family an indescribable amount of HOPE. It allows them to enjoy another Christmas together, a graduation, a chance to make new memories and a second chance at living. “I give all Glory to God for my current healing and remission status. I will be forever grateful to my wonderful husband, children, family, doctor, nurses and beautiful friends for their support,” concludes Sharleigh.
Support Sunflower Day and Help Save Lives THE SUNFLOWER FUND PARTNERED BY DKMS’S ANNUAL SUNFLOWER DAY CAMPAIGN WILL BE COMMEMORATED ON FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
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he much-loved and very practical Tube of Hope (TOPE) is a multi-purpose accessory and is a key element of Sunflower Day, the biggest fundraising and awareness raising initiative for the cause of blood stem cell donation in South Africa. Proceeds from the sales of the product enables the organisation to recruit blood stem cell donors, offering the hope of cure for patients diagnosed with lifethreatening blood diseases like leukaemia, sickle cell disease and aplastic anaemia to name a few. It also contributes to the growth of the patient support fund, which helps patients with the cost of getting to transplant, support without which many patients would not survive, even if their rare matching donor is found. Due to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown restric-
tions, the campaign was moved from its signature date on the third Friday in September, to November. “The campaign now in its 17th year has been the single biggest campaign to educate the public and make them aware of the urgent need for donors in South Africa and we could not achieve this without the support of our valued partners like Pick ‘n Pay,” said Alana James, CEO of The Sunflower Fund. “The TOPE has always been popular with our customers, and this year we expect even more excitement as South Africans look to add to their face mask or buff collection. By buying a TOPE, customers help create awareness for the Sunflower Fund and donate towards the critical work they do driving stem-cell donor numbers locally,”
says Suzanne-AckermanBerman, transformation director at Pick n Pay. Retailing again for just R30 at Pick n Pay stores nationwide, selected independent pharmacies and online at Zando, the design is inspired by people taking action to bring hope to patients in need of a stem cell transplant. The TOPE comes in six vibrant unisex colours: Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, Red and Black. In addition to the sale of TOPES, The Sunflower Fund is urging all supporters to consider planning a mini event or fundraiser to commemorate Sunflower Day and help with much needed fundraising efforts to grow the patient support fund. To partner with The Sunflower Fund as a host for a Sunflower Day celebration event contact Traci Sassenberg on 021 701 0661 or traci@sunflowerfund.org.
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Mom’s Kitchen: Nutritious and Hearty Meals Delivered to your Door MOM’S KITCHEN EMERGED OUT OF A PASSION TO PROVIDE CONSUMERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY HEARTY AND NUTRITIOUS HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN MEALS IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOME, OFFICE OR OLD AGE HOME.
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t sprung sprung from the idea to nourish the mind and body with soul food. Mom’s Kitchen was established by culinary maestro, Roshni, who was inspired by the famous lunch box tiffi n in India. Her aim is to provide delicious, wholesome and convenient meals, in Durban and surrounding areas, to the busy person or the elderly living in homes or on their own. “We offer our meals with a generous serving of rice and delicious roti. The likes of succulent Vegetable Biryani,
scrumptious Kadhi Kitchri or Dhal Makhani, to name a few,” says Roshni. And the best part is that this allows you to simply plan your meals for the week by sending a WhatsApp to Roshni and then let Mom’s Kitchen provide you with nutritious and hearty meals, delivered to your door! Mom’s Kitchen is strictly vegetarian and the menu is rotational on a two-week basis. To order your meals or for more info, contact Roshni on 078 237 7800. Follow us on FB and Insta: @momskitchen1089
Authentic Vegetarian Tiffin
To order WhatsApp 078 237 7800 @momskitchen1089
Subscribe to our newsletter on www.mumsmail.com
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momskitchen1089@gmail.com
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New Returning Illness Benefit Reduces Survivors’ Anxiety WHILE SEVERE ILLNESSES LIKE CANCER AND HEART DISEASE ARE ON THE RISE GLOBALLY, RECURRENCE RATES ARE SOBERINGLY HIGH TOO.
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reast cancer, which affects one in 29 South African women, will return for 30% of survivors. For ovarian cancer, the percentage is 85%. In some countries, as many as one in five people (20%) who suffer a heart attack will be re-admitted to hospital for a recurrent heart attack within five years.1 With risks like these, it’s hardly surprising that those who have lived through the trauma of a diagnosis - and the grueling, often expensive treatments that follow - fear the possible recurrence of their illness so keenly, says Dr Kerissa Naidoo, Chief Medical Officer at Old Mutual. “Fighting a life-threatening condition is a very tough experience and it takes an enormous emotional, financial and physical toll on survivors, as well as their families.” Recovery is unfortunately not always the end of the story, and lifelong medical tests and the threat of a recurring diagnosis can weigh heavily on survivors. That anxiety can have a further negative impact on their health. Fear of cancer recurrence is, in fact, a growing clinical issue. In addition to its negative effect on mental health, research has shown that it can also prevent people from adhering to follow-up recommendations, such as regular screenings. Tragically, this can even mean that recurrence is only detected at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited. Closely linked to the emotional strain of the prospect of relapse are the very real financial consequences too. “Most life insurers do not cover related or returning illnesses,” explains John Kotze, Head of Protection Solutions at Old Mutual. “This means that on top of having the ordeal
of diagnosis and treatment fresh in their memories as a lived experience, survivors also face the question of how they will be able to afford fighting off the disease were it to recur. The mere thought can trigger panic and be overwhelming.” Old Mutual’s Returning Illness Benefit addresses this concern directly. It pays up to 50% of the cover amount for returning severe illnesses such as cancer, heart attack or stroke - and that’s after the full cover amount of up to *R6 million has already been paid. You can use this money for rehabilitation costs, travel to treatment centres and any modifications you might need to make to your car or home. “Ensuring you’re financially prepared for relapse can be a huge battle,” Kotze says. “Medical science continues to make great strides in treating severe illnesses and improving life expectancy, but treatment doesn’t come cheap, especially if you’re unable to work at the same time. With the Returning Illness Benefit, you can focus fully on your recovery knowing that should you need cover again in the future, you’ve got it. “Although we never know exactly what the future will bring, we can prepare to some degree for possible setbacks and reduce the fear of being unable to cope. And the less vulnerable and anxious you feel, the better it is for your overall health and wellbeing.” Find out more at www.oldmutual.co.za/personal-cover or speak to your financial adviser. *T & C’s apply Sources : https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/04/04/proactive-steps-canreduce-chances-of-second-heartattack#:~:text=After%20surviving%20 a%20heart%20attack,attacks%20in%20the%20United%20States https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/tools/fact-sheets/cancerrecurrence-statistics/
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Digital Signatures: The New Way to do Business THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC HAS TAUGHT US TO PERFORM OUR BUSINESS IN A WAY THAT IS RISK ADJUSTED.
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e are forced to take our businesses and livelihoods online onto a digital platform and engage in remote and virtual working practices. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, many business organisations had to embrace the changing need of how business can be done using available technology. The one change is the need for signatures to be converted digitally using digital signature platforms that enable handwriting to be used on digital documents. The Electronic Communications and Transaction Act (ECTA) is the piece of legislation that guides us to determine the legality
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behind using an electronic signature. The act legally recognises that electronic signatures can serve as the electronic functional equivalent of paper-based documents. The act doesn’t determine what type or kind of technology can be used, but in practice we are currently seeing banks using signature tablets. We see the use of electronic signatures being used in conveyancing matters where an advanced electronic signature (AES) is used. The Deeds Registries Act recognises an AES signature as a valid signature for the transfer of property. The use of smart technology such as certain smart phones allow for electronic signatures to be done on the cellular phone by using a finger and/or a stylus to sign on the screen and storing that as an electronic signature. Various apps in South Africa have also been emerging trying to cater for the changing needs of businesses and individuals to go digital.
Some advantages of digital signatures: They are eco-friendly and do not require the documents to be printed out. The document over email maintains its integrity and quality. You can sign anywhere in the world. Electronic platforms use protected environments such as cryptographic techniques to ensure the authenticity and protection of signatures in a virtual environment. These are just some of the benefits of digital signatures and companies and individuals are utilising these avenues to minimise contact and maintain social distancing. Alert level 1 did not eradicate the virus, but simply set the economy to start rolling out more business activity. The options of working remotely should also be considered strongly and the use of technological advancement is an essential component in transacting in the new world order we see ourselves in. Digitisation is the new age of ensuring business remains viable and sustainable. It’s clear from how fast the world is evolving that those who are digitally ready will stay ahead of the pack. By Ugeeta Pala, Attorney and Mediator at Ugeeta Pala & Associates: Phone: 071 096 5966 E-mail: ugeeta@pala.co.za.
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Rehabilitate Your Hair HAIR HEALTH ACTIVIST AND STYLE ALCHEMIST RENEÉ POTGIETER IS ON A MISSION TO GET US ALL TO FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH OUR NATURAL LOCKS.
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n her 20 years spent in the hair business, Reneé has watched as we cut, coloured, curled, and crimped the natural beauty out of our hair. She also learnt that there is a gentler way for us to uncover the hair of our dreams. This gentle approach begins with allowing our hair to heal; letting Mother Nature take the metaphorical brush and breaking our cycle of chemical dependency to begin the rehabilitation process. How do you know if your hair needs rehabilitation? Just like our skin, our hair will display signs of ageing and damage if we mistreat it. Dullness, build-up, dry scalp, dandruff, oiliness, hair loss and sensitivity are all common side effects of long-term chemical dependency. These symptoms can be caused by a wide variety of sources including a build-up of silicone on the hair shaft, compromised porosity and elasticity, pH imbalance, a nutrient deficiency in the body, a medical condition such as a thyroid imbalance, genetics, and physical reactions to the chemicals in your hair products. Paying attention to your body and taking a minimalist approach to products
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and styling will give your hair time to find its natural equilibrium again. What is the Hair Rehab process? Awareness: First, you need to detox from all the chemicals you come into daily contact with. Everything you use including shampoos, conditioners, oils, silicones, heat-protectors, and even bubble baths will have an impact on your hair. Have a look through the ingredient lists and exclude any products with terrifying, unpronounceable words and alcohol. Deep Cleanse: Give your hair a helping hand with a deep cleanse that will remove any chemical buildup and expose the natural state of your hair. You cannot begin to properly nourish your hair until you have broken the build-up shield on the hair shaft and scalp, as any nutrients will be prevented from making their way into your hair. Deep Nourish: To encourage elasticity and porosity (which are the building blocks of great hair), after our deep cleanse we need to feed our hair. Natural nourishing treatments like oils, masks and conditioners that contain botanical elements will help your hair
look and feel loved. Make sure to use premium grade products as they are most often not contaminated with other chemicals. Take Care of the Cuticle Layer: All hair has a cuticle layer that must be nurtured and understood for happy, healthy hair. Sealing the cuticle locks in moisture and protects the keratin in the hair from exposure, improving the texture of your hair and prolonging your colour. Limit Your Chemical Exposure: After all your hard work in detox and recovery, you need to cultivate healthier habits. Cleaner, more natural products, a minimalheat approach, a nourishing diet, and being kind to yourself with your personal care regime all makes you a healthier happier person. Actively replacing unhealthy hair habits with a ‘less is more’ approach to heat and chemicals, helps the care you put into your hair shine through in your confidence. No matter how long you have been using harsh methods, if you start with the basics and have patience, your hair will recover. Your ideal hair is waiting for you, with a gentle approach, a holistic plan and a little time, it is only a few simple steps away.
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National Children’s Day THE FIRST SATURDAY IN NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
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he aim of this day is to highlight the progress that is being made in the promotion and realisation of children’s rights. A child’s right to be healthy Children have the same right to be healthy as adults do. The World Health Organisation defines health as: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. And, says the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the right to health
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also extends to appropriate health care, and the things that affect health, such as access to clean drinking water, sanitation, safe food, housing, and a healthy environment. The huge role of sufficient nourishment Essential to a child’s health is sufficient nourishment - something that begins before birth with the nutrition of its mother. Insufficient nourishment during pregnancy, and during the first two years of life can seriously hamper a child’s brain development, and could have permanent and irreversible effects. Children who are breastfed appear to have higher IQs. Both iron and iodine deficiencies have a negative impact on children’s brain development and their achievements. Children who are poorly
nourished are more prone to infections, and the resulting frequent absences from school could make them fail to keep up with the rest of the children in their class. They will also tend to be less active, be less social and be less curious. Undernutrition is responsible for nearly half of the deaths in children under the age of five. Poor nutrition can also lead to stunted physical growth and mental development. The Ajuga Initiative Cipla’s Ajuga Initiative is aimed at ensuring that children have at least two years of pre-school education, nutrition and health care, which would give children solid building blocks for the future, enabling them to become productive, healthy and valuable members of the community.
Source: www.cipla.co.za.
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Sausage & Mash Pie CREAMY LEEKS, MUSTARD, THYME & APPLE. • 1.2kg potatoes • 6 pork or veggie sausages • 2 large leeks • 2 apples • ½ a bunch of thyme (10g) • 4 tablespoons plain flour • 600ml semi-skimmed milk • 3 teaspoons English mustard Preheat the oven to 200°C. Peel the potatoes, chop into even chunks and cook in a large pan of boiling salted water for 15 minutes, or until tender. Meanwhile, brown the sausages in a large non-stick casserole pan on a medium heat, tossing regularly (if using veggie sausages, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil), while you trim
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the leeks, halve lengthways, wash and slice 1cm thick. Peel, core and chop the apples into 1cm chunks. Once golden, remove the sausages to a plate, put the leek and apple into the pan and strip in most of the thyme. Add a splash of water, season with sea salt and black pepper, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the potatoes, mash with half the flour, then season to perfection.
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Lightly rub a 20cm x 28com baking dish with oil. Once the mash is cool enough to handle, use your fingertips to spread twothirds of it evenly across the base and sides of the dish. Stir the remaining flour into the leeks, then gradually stir in the milk, then the mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until thick and creamy. Slice the sausages 1cm thick and stir most of them into the pan, along with any juices, then evenly spoon into the mash-lined dish. Press the remaining mash onto a sheet of greaseproof paper until just bigger than your dish, then flip over the top of the dish, peel off paper, trim any excess and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Poke the reserved sausage slices into the top, then gently brush with 1 tablespoon of oil. Bake at the bottom of the oven for 40 minutes, or until golden, adding the remaining thyme leaves for the last 5 minutes.
Source: 7 Ways – Easy Ideas for Every Day of the Week by Jamie Oliver.
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World Antibiotic Awareness Week WORLD ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS WEEK IS OBSERVED FROM 18 TO 24 NOVEMBER.
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n this current season of viruses and vaccines it has become perhaps more apparent than ever that we as the medical community don’t always have all the answers or cures available to treat certain infections. This is where a topic that I am particularly passionate about comes into play – antibiotic therapy. Since their development in the early 20th century, antibiotics have been a wonderful and lifesaving aid in treating many bacterial infections which previously would have been fatal. However, fast forward to the 21st century and we are now facing an antibiotic resistance crisis. Instead of only using antibiotics for treating the bacterial infections for which they were discovered, they were now being prescribed incorrectly to treat common
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colds (these are caused by viruses such as adeno- and rhinovirus). The problem with prescribing them in these viral cases, is that not only will they not treat the cold but the use of them unnecessarily enables the bacteria to undergo evolutionary changes. These changes give the bacteria an enhanced capacity to survive high doses of antibiotics. This then leads to the problem of ineffective or non-effective antibiotic treatment for the bacterial infection itself. The problem is especially rife within the hospital setting where doctors are struggling to find antibiotics which will work for certain highly resistant bacterial strains. So when should you use or ask for an antibiotic? Here are some broad guidelines to help you: Antibiotic required: • Ear ache with severe symptoms for example pain longer than 48 hours and temperature greater than 39°C, both ears affected or if the patient is under two years old. • Nasal pain with symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, long lasting green/ yellow discharge or if fever
accompanies the pain. • Sore throat, fever and difficulty swallowing if accompanied by a discharge or pustules in the throat. Antibiotics not required: • Blocked or runny nose with non-severe symptoms that lasts less than 10 days. • Sore throat and fever if accompanied by a cough, red eyes, hoarseness and diarrhoea. • A cough lasting less than three weeks is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Once again, these pointers are purely guidelines and you should always consult your doctor if you have a respiratory illness. Please just remember the next time you ask your doctor for antibiotics that it is not always going to ‘knock out’ the infection. If it is more likely to be viral, first try symptomatic management before resorting to or asking for antibiotics. You will be playing your part in helping us to try and eliminate the superbugs which have the potential to cause more devastation than COVID-19 in the long run.
By Dr Laura Troskie, www.umhlangagp. net.
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What Are Probiotics? PROBIOTICS SUPPORT THE BODY’S NATURAL DEFENCES, STARTING IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT BY NATURALLY RESTORING THE BALANCE OF “GOOD” BENEFICIAL BACTERIA IN THE GUT.
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0% of our immune system lives in our digestive tract, so a healthy and balanced digestive system plays a very important role in strengthening overall health and well-being. What Are Rawbiotics? Rawbiotics are live, non-freeze-dried, liquid probiotics. There is no more natural and effective form of probiotic than Rawbiotics. The advantage Rawbiotics has over Kombucha, Kefir, Maas or anything other fermented liquid probiotic,
is that it is produced using a method that gives them a long shelf-life and therefore they don’t need to be refrigerated. Due to the stringent temperature controls, and control of sugars and pH in our brewing process, we create a product that is stable for more than two years once bottled. Rawbiotics are vegan friendly. They are also gluten and lactose free, and safe for diabetics. Why Liquid & Raw Make a Difference Fermentation has been
the manner in which people have gotten their probiotics for thousands of years but, unfortunately, this practice has fallen away. Regular freeze-dried probiotics assist to some degree in replenishing gut microbes but in a very limited scope. Rawbiotics contain a vast range of natural probiotic bacteria along with the vital by-products of the fermentation process, such as the enzymes necessary for good digestion and uptake of nutrition by the body.
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World Diabetes Day: Nurses Make the Difference For Diabetes THE THEME FOR WORLD DIABETES DAY 2020 IS THE NURSE AND DIABETES.
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he campaign aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes. Nurses currently account for over half of the global health workforce. They do outstanding work to support people living with a wide range of health concerns. People who either live with diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition need their support too. People living with diabetes face a number of challenges, and education is vital to equip nurses with the skills to support them. As the number of people with diabetes continues to rise across the world, the role of nurses and other health professional support staff becomes increasingly important in managing the impact of the condition. Healthcare providers and governments must recognise the importance of investing in education and training. With the right expertise, nurses can make the difference for people affected by diabetes. World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organisation in response to growing concerns
about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. WDD is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight. The World Diabetes Day campaign aims to be the: • Platform to promote IDF advocacy efforts throughout the year. • Global driver to promote the importance of taking coordinated and concerted actions to confront diabetes as a critical global health issue. Every year, the World Diabetes Day campaign focuses on a dedicated theme that runs for one or more years. Source: www.worlddiabetesday.org.
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At Lake, Smit & Partners, our purpose is to serve our patients and partners in the medical community by offering the most advanced diagnostic care possible. We’ve set a benchmark for ourselves in equipment, patient care and ongoing radiographic and radiologist training which ensures that you are in capable hands at all times and that we remain leaders in diagnostic and interventional radiology.
Our Services
• Mammography • CT Scan • MRI Scan • PET CT • Nuclear Medicine • Ultrasound • X-Ray • Bone Mineral Density • Interventional Radiology
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Games aren’t Just Fun – They’re Super Educational ONE OF THE EASIEST AND FASTEST WAYS FOR US GROWN-UPS TO REALLY CONNECT WITH AND TEACH OUR KIDS, IS TO PLAY GAMES WITH THEM. It turns out playing games is actually good for us! Here are some reasons why: 1. Playing games together promote family fun and togetherness Playing games naturally connects us with others, giving us a chance to be together in a “present-moment” way. By having regular ‘game time’ we’re giving the whole family ‘time off’ to be together and have fun. We’re also showing our kids that play is important and that we value spending quality time with them. 2. Playing games teaches patience, sharing and good sportsmanship Even simple games like hide and seek or snakes and ladders involve taking turns and learning to respect others’ feelings. Kids can learn to regulate their own emotions by learning how it feels to ‘win’ and ‘loose’, inevitably building awareness of rules, ‘good play’ and fairness. Much needed life skills!
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3. Games are fun and make us happy Instantly ridding us of seriousness and bringing us into the present, games are a sure way to make us happy and can even help kids feel more confident. The interaction and hands on time spent with us is what they thrive on. 4. They help kids master a ton of skills Developmentally, games provide an easy, fun way for children to tackle eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, colour, number and shape recognition, grouping and counting, letter recognition, reading and more. By playing the same game repetitively, a child’s brain can learn concepts that could take a lot longer to master in the classroom setting. 5. Helps develop motor skills Spending lots of time sitting (in class or in front of TV), their gross and fine motor skills can easily become neglected. Simple games like Twister, Simon Says and rope
jumping develop gross motor skills, improving balance and flexibility. Board games need dexterity and improve fine motor skills, whereas balancing games offer a complex multi-sensory activity. Even if your child gets frustrated at first, encourage him to keep trying and he’ll learn to persevere! 6. Stimulates intellectual development Einstein said “play is the highest form of research”. Letting kids figure out things on their own is part of the fun! Using reasoning, logic and planning in a fun environment allows kids to build important ‘brain skills’ that promote intelligence. Don’t be too quick to help if they are stumped, encourage and give small hints rather than saying what to do, or taking over. 7. Great for energy release Racing games, tree-climbing, hopscotch and hide and seek get kids moving a lot more than TV or online-game time. Physical games allow them to expend excess energy (and feelings) in a healthy way that otherwise may spill out as ‘bad’ behaviour. 8. Expands creativity, flexibility and imagination Tapping into a world of fantasy, games inspire creativity, with kids often inventing their own way of playing, making up new rules and inspiring them to create their own games. 9. Can help kids let go of pent-up feelings Many games and even the act of playing, can help children to feel happier and to let go of unwanted frustrations. While more
specifically designed emotional intelligence (EQ) games help children to become better at understanding, identifying, expressing and managing their emotions. So give yourself a break, moms, and have some fun playing games with the kids!
Author Carol Surya developed her own children’s emotional intelligence game to help families to connect and have fun and meaningful game time. Visit her website www.raisingkidspositively.com for her revolutionary Inner Magic children’s self-esteem game.
DR.ML
CHETTIAR
pediatrician
FC Paed (SA) (2014), DCH (UKZN) (2011), MB ChB Natal (2006), MMED (PAEDS)
SPECIALISING IN: • Acute & Chronic childhood Illnesses/Conditions • Neonatal Intensive Care • Neonatology & Newborn Attendance • Paediatric Intensive Care • Vaccinations Admission rights at Life Westville Hospital, Netcare Parklands, Netcare St Augustine Hospital & Shifa Hospital Call: 031 301 3377 or 031 301 3907 7th Floor Suite 704 Durdoc Centre, 460 Anton Lembede Street, Durban Kingsway Hospital, Suite 104, 1st floor Medical Centre 031 904 6033/7274.
Dr Kathryn Carr MBChB (UCT) DCH (SA)
GENERAL PRACTITIONER Special interest in Child Health
031 573 1185
drkathcarr@gmail.com
33 Beachway, Durban North
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Torga Optical Explains Why Eye Exams are Important REGULAR EYE EXAMINATIONS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND YOUR VISION.
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veryone wants clear, healthy, and comfortable vision for their entire life. Many eye diseases show no immediate symptoms until the damage is done. Regular check-ups can help detect these diseases at early stages - glaucoma, retinal disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cataracts. Working closely with Medical Specialists In every region, Torga Optical works closely with selected eye specialists. So, if after having your eyes examined by a Torga optometrist, you need to be referred, you will be referred to doctors with whom Torga works closely. What can you expect when a Torga Optometrist examines your eyes? The Torga Optometrist will perform several tests on your vision and will screen your eyes for retinal and corneal disorders. The results of your test will be explained to you to give you a better understanding of your eye health and of any prescriptions that are recommended to help make your vision clearer and comfortable to suit your lifestyle and image.
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An Examination by a Torga Optometrist will include the following: Internal and external eye health examination: A Torga Optometrist will conduct an internal and external examination of your eyes which is necessary to detect signs of possible disorders, such as cataracts or retinal problems. Current prescription check: An evaluation of your current eyeglass prescription is performed to determine its suitability for your present lifestyle. Visual acuity tests: This tests your ability to see sharply and clearly at all distances. Refraction: This tests your eye’s ability to focus light rays exactly on the retina at a distance and close-up. Tonometry: This is a computer measurement of your internal eye pressure to test for glaucoma. Visual coordination: This is a test for your eye coordination and muscle control. Focusing ability: This is a test to measure your eye’s ability to change focus. Understanding Your Prescription On your pre-
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scription, your Torga Optical optometrist will list the vision correction necessary for your left and right eyes. If there is a plus (+) sign before your prescription, you are farsighted and have trouble seeing things up close. If there is a minus (-) sign before your prescription, you are near-sighted and have trouble seeing far away. The higher the number is after the “+” or “-” sign, the greater the vision correction you need. Comfortable and Clear Vision to suit your lifestyle At Torga Optical, our optometrists will examine your eyes and discuss with you the best visual options to suit the many different lifestyles that most of us have these days. Interested in Laser Eye Surgery? Feel free to discuss the suitability of laser surgery. The optometrist will advise regarding the pros and cons of the procedure and will refer to you to an ophthalmologist. Contact your nearest Torga Optical Store: Torga Optical Cornubia Mall: 031 502 1658 Torga Optical Ballito Junction: 032 9461 416/7 Torga Optical Kwadukuza Mall: 010 023 2549
WOMEN FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
DR NAVASHREE DHAVER
Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Management of pregnancy & high risk pregnancy • Natural & Caeserean sections • Infertility • Contraception & family planning • Management of abnormal uterine bleeding • Treatment of PCOS & Endometriosis • Management of fibroids • Gynaecological surgery • Laparoscopic (key hole) surgery • Cancer screening & treatment of pre cancerous conditions • Aesthetic Gynaecology.
Contact 031 701 1319 / 031 582 5468 or 031 202 7088 • dhaverfem@gmail.com ST AUGUSTINE’S HOSPITAL Chelmsford Medical Centre No. 1, 107 JB Marks Road, Glenwood
UMHLANGA HOSPITAL Suite 402, Umhlanga Medical Centre, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga
Admission rights to Life Hospital
Dr Tapan Shah
BDS, Dip Oral Surgery,Dip Orth(AFO NEW YORK), MDS ORTHODONTICS
CALL NOW for a FREE orthodontic assessment
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TORGA OPTICAL www.torgaoptical.co.za * Terms and conditions Apply
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Teaching a Child the Art of Revision from an Early Age THE WORD REVISION USED TO EVOKE IN ME (AND I AM SURE MANY OF YOU) THE FOLLOWING THOUGHTS - ‘REVISION IS SO BORING’, ‘WHY DO WE HAVE TO REVISE…. WE HAVE DONE THE WORK ALREADY!’, ‘YAY…WE HAVE HALF AN HOUR FOR REVISION, I CAN PRACTICE MY DRAWINGS INSTEAD.’
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owever, when my husband introduced me to the world of memory, the word REVISION was used A LOT. It was an action that was revered and of utmost importance! In fact, revision, carried out correctly, was essential in every event. If one did not revise often, one had no chance of remembering anything! 3 Reasons Why Revision is Important 1. The more your brain sees something, the more it trusts that what it sees is important. 2. Revision, done correctly, can trick your brain into believing that what you are learning is in fact exciting and wonderful! By using a strategy, one tricks their brain into believing that this information is of utmost importance! 3. Revision will help increase one’s confidence and reduce anxiety. The key point here is that revision always needs to be DONE CORRECTLY. 3 Revision Tips 1. FIND A MEMORY TECHNIQUE THAT WORKS: Before revising one needs to
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first learn about long term memory and the various strategies that top memory competitors use to store information, e.g. the Roman Room. Once these have been put in place, one can revise information that has been stored correctly to long-term memory. 2. BEGIN EARLY AND BE CONSISTENT: The earlier you start with summarising your information and storing it to memory, the more prepared you will be. This way you can revise the content consistently as well as often! 3. RE VISE OF TEN: There are certain guidelines for frequency of
revision, depending on what type of method one uses, as well as the type of information stored. Some more handy tips that can help make your revision more exciting can be read in this article: https:// www.timeshighereducation. com/student/advice/5revision-tips-help-you-aceexam-season-plus-7-moreunusual-approaches.
Kath Denholm is a speech therapist and owner and founder of Little Genius Puppets, an online educational programme teaching young children to identify key information and take it to long-term memory. Visit her website for more information: www.geniusseries.com/ memory-training-3.
Sensory Seeking THE LAST FEW MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN CHATTING ABOUT SENSORY PROCESSING, AND THE WAY IN WHICH OUR CHILDREN MODULATE THEIR SENSORY INPUT, AND THE CONTRIBUTION THIS HAS TO THEIR EMOTIONAL REGULATION, BEHAVIOUR, ANXIETY, ATTENTIONAL ABILITY AND THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN.
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o recap - the sensory system is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, and neurons. It is the neurological wiring by which we perceive and process sensory information coming from outside and even inside our bodies. Everybody is wired differently, and sometimes wires get confused, or carry messages too quickly, or intensely. Sometimes we have blown fuses or short circuits. This can cause difficulties in the way we process our sensory information. When all of the wires work well, all of our senses work together to make sure that we are in an optimum level of “alertness” and “regulated” perfectly, so that we are able to function optimally. When a person or child’s wires get mixed up, it results in sensory overloads or low arousal levels. These are what we call sensory modulation difficulties. Modulation is, simply put, our volume control - do we feel our sensory input too intensely? Or not strongly enough? This child does not re-
ceive enough sensory input and is constantly looking for it to get to that “justright” level of arousal. They receive sensory information at a lower volume. Movement, for example, is alerting. It alerts us and wakes us up so that we are in a space to learn. So if these kiddies aren’t getting ENOUGH movement, they tend to seek out more, to put them in the right state of arousal to learn, play etc. These kiddies are often known as Sensory Seekers, and may be labelled as ADHD. These sensory seeking behaviours can impact the child’s ability to learn, because they are not able to focus or attend to tasks until they are at that “just-right level”, and may be seen as disruptive in a classroom environment. These children NEED to move, fidget, look or hear etc., in order to be “ok”. So it is Important to find ways for them to do this in a non-disruptive way. Let them stand while they work in the classroom, use movement cushions, give
them fidget toys, stress balls etc. It is also important to be mindful that sometimes these kiddies seek out TOO much, they push themselves too far, and get dysregulated. They then need regulating input (as above), to get back to their “ok” state. If you feel that your child’s sensory processing pattern is affecting their ability to participate in daily life optimally, it may be helpful to visit an Occupational Therapist for a sensory consult. They will be able to provide you with strategies to manage behaviour and facilitate learning. Emma Wijnberg is an Occupational Therapist and Parenting Mentor at Little Lives Occupational Therapy. You can contact her on emma@littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com or visit www. littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com.
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Parenting in a Digital Age 43% OF SOUTH AFRICAN PARENTS ARE NOT SURE WHICH INFORMATION THEIR CHILDREN SHARE PUBLICLY.
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arenting in a digital age can be quite a challenging thing. New social media platforms are constantly emerging, attracting kids and leaving the parents out of the picture. They bring new dangers, which, however, can be prevented by the parents’ self-education and the ability to keep up to date. According to the “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey (implemented in conjunction with Toluna research agency in the end of 2019 – beginning of 2020), 43% of South African children have social media accounts. The most popular networks are: WhatsApp (88%), Facebook (65%), Instagram (55%) and Snapchat (23%). Apparently, parents try to keep up with the pace of change and to sign up in those media as well. For instance, half of parents
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from South Africa befriend their children on social media and even chat there, 16% are friends without chatting. However, some dangerous tendencies can be observed: 43% of parents are not sure which information is public in their child’s social media account, and thus they do not know that children can post such personal information as their hobbies (60%), age (57%), names of relatives (48%), home or mobile phone number (34%) or even photos of identity documents (10%). “Parents have to be aware of the information their children grant access to while online as this data could possibly harm their child and themselves, and help cybercriminals to commit identity theft. It is extremely important to teach children the right approach to store their personal information
and to make sure they understand which information is private and is not meant for public eye,” states Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Safety at Kaspersky Network. To safeguard your child and their personal information online, Kaspersky strongly recommends following these steps: Communicate with your child and establish a necessary bond: assure them you are always ready to answer their questions, teach them the basics of the Internet ethics and the difference between private and public information. Befriend your child on social media and possibly check the information they share from time to time, however, try not to intrude into the child’s private life. Install a reliable security solution such as Kaspersky Safe Kids to look after your child’s digital life successfully and in a more productive way. ai16000847115_Mum's Mail 2020 with bleed .pdf 1 2020/09/14 13:58:31
Learn more at www.kaspersky.co.za.
Tel: 031 266 1738
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Education is a Thing we do Not a Place we go THROUGH THE LAST SIX MONTHS OF BEING UNDER LOCKDOWN, EDUCATION HAS BEEN FORCED TO TAKE ON NEW FORMS AND NEW CHANNELS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM - EVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WHO DOES THE EDUCATING HAS SHIFTED.
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his has brought about a new perspective for both educators and parents alike, with each appreciating the roles that the other fulfils and realising that it is a team effort to coordinate teaching and learning when the normal mechanisms are not in place. As a mother, educator and business owner, I found myself juggling those three roles and switching proverbial hats, sometimes on a moment by moment basis. To be fair, I created my own rod by turning our garage into a classroom of sorts with desks, a board and even a tuckshop box where the kids could earn rewards throughout the day and spend them on snacks from the box at the end of the day. What made it even more challenging was that other parents were suffering with the same “role-switching� fatigue and after a few weeks, my home classroom had five children attending lessons. I found myself back in front of a room of children teaching again for the first time in 15 years!
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Here is what struck me as the major shifts that have happened in education over the past months: 1. Learning is not and should not be centred around a single venue. It is fluid, cyclical and is continuous. It can literally be teaching units of measurement while baking a cake, or having an art lesson while learning how the ancient Egyptians made paper. Most of all it should be fun! 2. The role of the teacher is not to dish out knowledge, but to use the online resources available and teach critical evaluation of that knowledge and how to assimilate information from various sources. Many of our lessons were structured around mastering how to research and present information coherently. 3. The pace of learning
can be self-determined, even at a young age. By asking kids often if they are comfortable enough with what they have learnt in order to teach others, kids can decide for themselves if they are confident in their understanding of a topic or subject. By preparing aids in order to help show others what they have learnt, they can gauge their own gaps - and then plot the steps needed to fill those gaps. In many of the mini-projects we did, the kids in the home classroom taught one another concepts after teaching themselves and were given multiple opportunities to improve on their attempts, thus setting their own pace of learning and self-determining their areas of growth. While the traditional school classroom is not a redundant concept by any means, the lockdown season has certainly highlighted one simple truth learning and education is a thing you do, and not just a place you go. By Lisa Illingworth. For more info visit www.futureproof.co.za.
WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EDUCATED LIFE
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Tips to Consider When Buying a Pram JULIA DOWNEY, BRAND MANAGER FOR THE THULE ACTIVE WITH KIDS CATEGORY, OFFERS THESE TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A PRAM.
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hink about your lifestyle and what type of pram will suit this best. If you are very active and want to bring baby along while you exercise, make sure that you buy an all-terrain pram, which is sturdy with good suspension. Understand the dimensions of how big the pram is when it is folded and unfolded. Make sure that it will fi t into your boot and double check that you can fold and unfold it easily (preferably one handed) when you have a baby and a nappy bag that you are carrying too. Check that baby is comfortable, particularly if you are buying a pram for a newborn. This means opting for a pram that is well-cushioned
with lots of padding, preferably with a reclining seat and sun canopy so that baby can sleep anywhere if needed. Find out if there is extra storage such as hidden pouches. This will limit the amount of stuff that you need to take with you, particularly if you are exercising with your baby. At minimum, a pram should have space for essentials such as keys, phone, a clean nappy and baby bottle. Look at it as an investment, especially if you plan on having more than one child. A good pram will not only last through your baby’s fi rst few years, but onto your next baby too. From there, it could be passed down to younger
cousins. Also check what the warranty on the stroller. With a modern design and slim profi le, the Thule Urban Glide 2 jogging stroller perfect for running and everyday use. The updated versions of this award-winning three-wheel stroller are now available and include a ‘black-on-black’ colour edition (black fabric combined with a black frame for a sleek look) as well as new colour canopies in Majorca Blue and Cypress Green. Thule has all the gear to ensure you can explore the great outdoors safely and stylishly with your most precious cargo, from strollers, hiking backpacks and bike seats. Visit www.thulestore.co.za.
WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has a Yepp Nexxt Mini bike seat valued at R2699 to give away. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.
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KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM
Gorgeous kids’ Linen from Volpes HAVE YOU TRIED BUYING AMAZING BEDROOM LINEN FOR KIDS AND CAN’T SEEM TO ESCAPE THE SUPERHERO/TV CHARACTERS THAT GREET YOU AT EVERY KIDS’ PARTY? YOUR SEARCH IS FINALLY OVER! ‘Arwen’ duvet cover for girls set in muted pastel tones. The printed designs are made to mix and match with existing plain colours (sheeting, pillow cases and more) in the Volpes collection - plus there are matching curtains to finish off the look. No matter what size bed your kids are now sleeping in - single, three quarter, double, queen or even king - every size is accounted for and you can choose from easy care polycotton or luxury cotton designs. While you are updating their space, fi nish off the look with pedestals, lamps, mirrors, baskets and other accessories from Biggie Best, SA’s much-loved home décor brand that is now available in all Volpes stores. Alternatively, order everything online and inen specialist, Volpes, will be your go-to spend some more quality time with your store, thanks to its gorgeous range of kids… before the doorbell rings with their linen for kids of all ages. The range has been soon-to-be favourite item in their room. specifi cally designed to cover the gap in the Visit www.volpes.co.za. market for kids’ linen that adults actually
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love too. Suitable from age fi ve to tween, this is the only linen set that you will need before their testy teenage years. And the good news… you can mix and match with an array of plains and other patterns to create your own look. Choose from a variety of designs that include ‘Felix’, a combination of stars and stripes in navy blue, jewel and white and the powder blues and pinks of the ‘Sky’ duvet cover set featuring pretty white motifs for little girls. Let your imagination run wild with local inspired green design of the ‘Melman’ that is printed on luxury cotton or drift into dreamland under a fi eld of flowers with the
WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has one R750 Volpes online voucher to give away! Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.
WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE
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Diwali Delicacies
QUICK JELEBI
MIX NUT BURFEE
Ingredients: • 2 cups (2 x 250ml) white bread flour • 2 x 5ml Eno powder •4 tbsp plain yoghurt • 1 tbsp melted ghee • Ghee to deep fry • 1 cup (250ml) gram flour • 1 can soda water • 1 tsp egg-yellow colouring Syrup: • 4 cups sugar • 4 cups water • 4 tbsp rose water Method: Bring syrup to boil - about 15 minutes and set aside. Combine all batter ingredients together to make a pouring ribbon-like batter. Pour directly into the hot ghee using a dispenser, shape Jelebis and allow to cook till fi rm and crispy. Remove and submerge in warm syrup to soak through. Drain on a wire rack Garnish with saffron.
Ingredients: • 500g klim • 20ml course ground elachie • 100g powder almonds • 500ml sugar • 1 tin nestle cream • 250ml chopped almonds with skin on • 250ml fi nely chopped pecan nuts • 125ml chopped pistachio nuts • 125ml nibbed almonds • 125ml butter ghee Method: Rub ghee into klim and mix all nuts and powder almonds to this. In a pot make a syrup from sugar and nestle cream and when thickened, add the klim mixture and form a dough. Pat into desired tray. Cut into blocks and place half a pecan nut on the top. Recipes by Shikaar Yadh, 081 326 4419, Shikaaryadh@gmail.com.
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Pietermaritzburg and Midlands
Traditional Deli Meats for a Modern Society IN 1968 IDONIE AND OSCAR TROISI DECIDED TO START A MEAT AND DELI BUSINESS ON THEIR FARM IN SALISBURY, THE ERSTWHILE RHODESIA. IT WAS THE LAUNCH OF AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY.
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sing traditional European recipes handed down from father to son, Oscar painstakingly handmade the most mouthwatering sausages, salamis and hams. Unsurprisingly, they sold up a storm. Today, more than half a century later, Oscar’s Deli Meats can be found in leading supermarkets and on retailers’ shelves countrywide. And at a modern, state-of-the-art facility in Pietermaritzburg, Idonie, her three sons and more than 150 passionate staff, continue Oscar’s tradition and dedication to quality, service and excellence. At Oscar’s Deli Meats, we
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are world class at producing exceptional, authentic products. Their salamis, sausages and smoked products, our cabanossi, and our speciality meats, including coppa ham, prosciutto and pancetta, are as delicious as ever. The company’s vast range of products includes traditional as well as contemporary products, appealing to palate types across all cultures. In fact, they produce more than 200 tons a month of 100 different products. Not too shabby for what started off as a tiny family-owned business – and which, by the way, has become a trusted house-
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hold name throughout KwaZulu-Natal – because there’s no substitute for traditional values and good old-fashioned quality. “And at Oscar’s, our quality is unrivalled. You’ll find no MDM (that’s mechanically deboned meat), and you’ll love the authentic, real taste of our genuinely smoked meats - thanks to beech wood chips imported from Germany for that genuine, unmistakeable, delicious slow-smoked flavour,” said John Troisi, MD of the company. Talking of flavour, Oscar Deli Meat’s hi-tech factory never sleeps: their shifts work around the clock to deliver fresh, ambrosial products, whose journey from farm to final flavour has been meticulously overseen. Stringent quality control and rigorous audits ensure Oscar’s Deli Meat is the class leader in hygiene standards. And, of course, there’s the tongue-twister test from kassler to knackwurst, pastrami to pancetta, there really is no better product. Try them. Millions of South Africans can’t possibly be wrong!
QUALITY • SERVICE • INTEGRITY
MINI SALAMI
M A N U FACT U R E R S O F H I G H Q UA L I T Y S AU S AG E S , B ACO N & CO N T I N E N TA L C U R E D M E AT S
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Locally sourced and specially selected pork meat minced and mixed with top quality imported spices, filled into thin casings and linked into mini salamis. The salamis are then smoked using imported wood chips and hung in our specially designed salami room which controls the temperature and humidity to make sure the salami matures just right, when the product is ready it is individually gas flushed. This product is perfect for many occasions, it compliments any antipasti, picnic, pizza or even just as a snack. We guarantee that you will not be disappointed in this product.
www.gryfngrafx.co.za
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Customer Care Hotline 072 644 0518
E @OscarsDeliMeats Q @oscarsmeats 9 88 Havelock Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM PMB AND SURROUNDS
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Matrics: Don’t Delay Get Your Higher Education Applications Out Of The Way THE FOCUS OF GRADE 12S IS NOW FIRMLY ON THE FINAL 2020 MATRIC EXAMS.
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ut they should also take some time to finalise their Higher Education plans for next year, as the clock is ticking on closing dates for applications. “Matrics cannot wait until they receive their results – currently scheduled for release on February 23 next year - before applying, as this will most likely mean they miss out on a space at their institution and for their qualification of choice as deadlines at many institutions are still in place,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution.
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“Beyond a later start to the higher education academic year it is still not clear what else higher education will need to do in response to COVID-19 in 2021, but so many lessons have been learned that most institutions are feeling confident about navigating the year ahead,” he says. Kriel says the deadline for enrolments at many public and private institutions is less than a month away, so Matrics should be investigating their options and send in their applications without delay. “Particularly for full-time, contact undergraduate programmes, where there is much competition for a limited amount of space,
prospective students need to make a commitment as soon as possible,” he says. At some institutions and for some qualifications, such as diplomas or higher certificate programmes, applications may remain open for longer, but even for these programmes applications close when capacity is reached, he says. Some institutions may also have late registration options, or allow registration right up until the start of the academic year, but it is best to secure one’s place timeously rather than gamble on space being available later. “So use your study downtime to investigate prospective higher education institutions and courses that interest you. It’ll provide a welcome and interesting break from revision, while also serving as a motivation to do your best when you hit the books again. We all need to focus on the future,” he says. Kriel says those students who don’t yet have a clear idea about what they want to study or where, should look at all the institutions that appeal to them, and then contact a student advisor on these campuses for guidance. “It is particularly important to remember that historic pathways have been all but obliterated by the new world in which we now find ourselves,” he says. “The COVID-19 and lockdown experiences served to realign our priorities and focus, and now, more than ever, it doesn’t make much sense to simply go study IMPOSSIBLE because of the per= I’M POSSIBLE let your child suffer from ceived prestige of an Don’t poor self-esteem, because of reading problems institution or qualification. Prospective students should look at qualifications that make realHilton world sense and are and Hayfields geared towards get082 781 7738 ting them ready for a devon@wiseeye.co.za
competitive and ever-evolving job market. “And they need to identify those institutions where students were able to continue studying mostly uninterrupted during the lockdown, with the kind of support that ensured they could continue to deliver to their best ability,” he says. Before settling on a qualification, students should ensure they have a clear idea of their envisioned academic path. “What do you want to do after qualifying? Have you considered all the options by looking at the prospectuses of more than one higher education institution? Have you considered the track record of alumni from specific institutions, and the value a specific qualification has within an industry? These are all questions that you need to weigh up before signing up,” he says. Kriel says prospective students may be surprised at the range of options available to them that they may never even have heard of before. “The focus today should be on studying towards a work-focused, real-world qualification, and there is a large number of new and emerging careers from which to choose. So don’t wait and see when it comes to next year. The logistics will fall in place, but you need to make your move soon to ensure a smooth continuation of your educational journey in 2021.”
For more information visit www.theworldofwork.co.za or www.iie.ac.za.
www.wiseeye.co.za
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H
ow are you doing? Are you coping? Rocking life? Or only just hanging on by a thread? There is no right or wrong way. We are all enduring our own individual battle. We are ALL rock stars, whether we look (or feel) like one or not. Nobody’s individual needs are greater than yours. Your needs aren’t greater than anyone else’s. Your own battle is relative only to you. The way I see it? We have a choice. We can look after ourselves. Wrap ourselves in foil and shut the world out. Worry about how we compare to others. Build up resentment. Beat ourselves up for not having it together… Or - we can love! There are so many new rules
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Dear Rockstar Mama YOU HAVE BEEN ON MY MIND - HOW HAVE YOU BEEN? I AM SURE YOU ECHO ME WHEN I SAY “NOVEMBER? ALREADY?!” and restrictions in our world, but love - love is not restricted. We don’t need to preserve it. There is enough. You have enough love in your heart to share. Empathising with others does not weaken you, hurt you or diminish your own strength. Instead it does the opposite. Empathy BREEDS empathy. Love creates love. So this month, I encourage you to unwrap your
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heart, creep out of your shell, spread the love, and allow yourself to be loved, most of all, by yourself. Let’s remind each other that we are all rock stars. Smile at a mum in the carpark, cook a meal for a friend. Check in on that mama who ALWAAAAYS has it all together - because I GUARENTEE you that she doesn’t, and maybe you will be THAT person that she needs today. The power of caring and being cared for is insurmountable. With love, Em.
Emma Wijnberg is an Occupational Therapist and Parenting Mentor at Little Lives Occupational Therapy. You can contact her on: emma@littlelivesoccupationaltherapy. com or visit her website for more info: www.littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com.
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Allergies and Covid-19 THE LATTER PART OF THE YEAR TYPICALLY SIGNALS THE ARRIVAL OF THE POLLEN SEASON, WHICH THIS YEAR, COULD PROVE MORE TROUBLESOME DURING THE PANDEMIC, AS TREE POLLEN COUNTS START TO SURGE THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE COUNTRY.
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rof Jonny Peter, who heads up the UCT Lung Institute’s Allergy and Immunology Unit says the Coronavirus could make allergy sufferers hyperaware of every sneeze and sniffle as some symptoms overlap. “Hay fever is activated by airborne allergens, such as pollen, which leads to a runny and itchy nose, scratchy throat, as well as allergic conjunctivitis in the eyes. While COVID-19 and hay fever share certain symptoms, there are some key differences. In COVID-19, fevers, body aches and headache are common, but these are rarely associated with seasonal allergies. In contrast, an itchy nose or eyes and sneezing signal allergy symptoms and are not common in Coronavirus infections. “Shared symptoms may include a runny nose or nasal congestion, an intermittent cough, sore throat and fatigue. In asthmatics, very high pollen counts may trigger exacerbations with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing in some individuals. Fortunately, Coronavirus does not
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commonly trigger worsening asthma. If your symptoms do worsen, it’s advisable to consult your doctor especially if you have a known sensitivity to pollen. “It’s also likely to have symptoms of both COVID-19 and seasonal allergies at the same time, which will affect each person differently.” SA’s pollen seasons vary across the country’s biomes, which is why the UCT Lung Institute is trying to establish pollen monitoring stations in all the provinces. Pollen allergy sufferers who are allergic to both trees and grasses usually have the toughest time in September and October as it’s the time of year when grass and tree pollen overlaps. That means a double dose of misery for people who are allergic to both. The grass pollen season can last for up to nine months of the year in certain parts of the country like the highveld, which only comes to an end in May. Prof Peter says as pollen levels rise it’s important to continue managing your allergies during the pandemic with appropriate antihistamines, corticosteroid
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nasal sprays and inhalers. One of the main reasons to monitor pollen levels in SA is international data that suggests pollen seasons are becoming longer and more intense due to climate change (warmer temperatures cause plants to begin producing and releasing pollen earlier, making hay fever seasons longer). Air pollution is also increasing, which further aggravates allergy symptoms from pollen and fungal spores. “As COVID-19 is likely to be with us for a long time, it’s important to learn about the risks and how to keep allergies under control to prevent asthma episodes. There has never been a more important time to know what is in the air we are breathing.” If you are among the 17.5 million South Africans that suffer from nasal allergies, visit www.pollencount. co.za for the latest pollen counts countrywide to help you better manage your condition during the pollen season. Also visit www.saaqis. environment.gov.za for real time information on air pollution across South Africa.
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Hasbro Reveals Exciting Gift Suggestions For 2020 THE FESTIVE HOLIDAY SEASON IS ALMOST UPON US - THIS YEAR UNWRAP THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON WITH AN EXCITING RANGE OF GIFTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HASBRO, WHO IS COMMITTED TO CREATING THE WORLD’S BEST PLAY AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES.
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here’s something for each family member, no matter their age, to enjoy this summer! HASBRO’S 2020 ‘BEST SELLER’ SELECTION FOR THE UP-COMING SEASON: Meet this lovable mama from Down Under! Mama Josie the Kangaroo from furReal offers both interactive nurturing play and a surprise unboxing experience. Mama Josie comes with three adorable babies – one baby ‘roo is a boy, the other a girl, and the third one’s… a surprise! Unbox all three for the big gender reveal. This loving mama responds to touch with 70+ sound-and-motion reactions, she moves her head and arms, hops to music, and can hold and “kiss” her babies while making loving sounds. There are cute
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accessories for the babies, and one for Mama herself – a smoothie accessory kids can give her to hear cute feeding sounds… and the occasional hiccup! Whatever she does, she’s sure to captivate! She loves to bounce and giggle! Baby Alive Baby Gotta Bounce doll bounces up-and-down with impossibly cute laughter when you hold her hands and squeeze her wrist - or repeatedly wave or move in front of her. She actually stands up and bounces on her own! The interactive Baby Gotta Bounce doll has 25+ cute sound effects, drinks water and “pees” too, like a baby (bottle and a diaper included). Good thing her adorable, removable outfit makes changing-time super easy! Kids aged three years old and up will love
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caring for this sweet doll that moves. Play-Doh fans will love the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Drizzy Ice Cream Playset. Drizzle a crazy candy coating on your Play-Doh ice cream creations. For the first time ever, this toy ice cream set comes with Play-Doh Drizzle compound - a pretend syrup that turns into a pretend candy shell when you drizzle it on top of regular Play-Doh compound. The Play-Doh ice cream maker is easy and fun to use, load some regular Play-Doh compound and press the handle to create colourful Play-Doh sundaes and cones. Squeeze some Play-Doh drizzle on top and add fun Play-Doh sprinkles and candies to decorate.
Kids can sing along with the Musical Adventure Elsa and Anna fashion dolls (each doll sold separately) as she belts out a song featured in Disney’s Frozen 2 movie. Doll includes batteries so the musical fun can start as soon as kids open the box. All they have to do is turn on the switch on her back and press the button on her bodice to start the catchy tune. Kids will also love her movie-inspired dress with its elegant design and glitter accents. There is an exciting range of Nerf blasting options on offer- eyewear recommended (not included):
Experience Nerf Ultra blasters - the ultimate in Nerf dart blasting! The Nerf Ultra One motorised blaster has a high-capacity 25-dart dart drum and comes with 25 Nerf Ultra darts. Fire over two dozen darts with the high-performance advantages of this Nerf Ultra blaster. Gear up for battle with Nerf Elite 2.0 blasters that come with double the darts and feature built-in customising capabilities so you can upgrade them and seize the advantage in Nerf competitions. GET YOUR FAMILY TIME GAME ON WITH A WIDE RANGE OF GAMES TO SUITS ALL AGES FROM HASBRO GAMING Still a fi rm family favourite, Monopoly Mzansi, featuring 22 local locations, makes a perfect gift for the festive season. A defi nite must have for travellers, Monopoly Mzansi provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together and enjoy some quality time, Mzansi style. Say goodbye to the frustration of losing while playing Monopoly and say
hello to the Monopoly For Sore Losers board game. This hilarious twist on the classic Monopoly game turns losing on its head and celebrates it instead. Players earn cash by doing the typically frustrating things in the game such as going to jail, paying rent on a property, or going bankrupt. And those who really start sinking can make a comeback using the large Mr Monopoly token that gives players advantages over everyone else. So get playing, get the revenge you’ve been craving, and feel good about losing! Hasbro products are available from leading retailers (subject to availability) including: Takealot.com, Makro, Toys R Us, ToyZone, Toy Kingdom, Checkers, Game and Importatoy.
For more information visit: Facebook @PlayDohSouthAfrica; @MonopolySouthAfrica; @NerfSouthAfrica; @TransformersSouthAfrica. WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has three Hasbro toy hampers to give away, valued at R800 each. Visit www.mumsmail. com to enter.
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