Mum's Mail Durban - June 2020 by Mum's Mail

Winter Warmer Recipes

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CONTENTS

Everyday Life 3

From The Editor’s Desk...

Flower Power at this Year’s Annual Mum’s Mail

Ladies Breakfast

We Love Helping you Shrink!

Meet the Cover Stars

Balancing and Stretching your Budget During Tough

Economic Times

Where Have all the Street Children Gone?

Book Reviews by Bargain Books

Steps4Hope Challenge

BEAUTIFUL LIFE 14

A Reason to Smile

Practising Self-Care Benefits Your Children

DELICIOUS LIFE/HOME LIFE 16-17

Winter Warmer Recipes

18-19

Finding Joy in the Simple, Everyday Tasks

HEALTHY LIFE 20

Dr Megan @ Home: Men’s Health Awareness

Your Blood Saves Lives

22-23

Insights for Women Working from Home

Covid-19: A Guide for Moms

26-27

Mental Health Tools for New Parents Amid Covid-19

International Cancer Survivors’ Day

World Heart Rhythm Week

educated LIFE/KIDS’ LIFE 30-31

Tips to Study Independently

32-33

Teaching Remotely: Focus on the Essentials

Father’s Day Recipe

Ideas to celebrate Father’s Day at Home

Make your Lockdown Exercise Outing a Family Affair

Rustle Up a Bird Feast

38-39

Make it From Scratch

The Mum’s Mail Team

Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com • Enquiries: 031 - 714 4700 Accounts: meghan@mumsmail.com • Designer: Wendy Offer Advertising Sales: Bev Delew • bev@mumsmail.com | Anisha Singh • anisha@mumsmail.com Cover Photographer: Megan Hancock Photography: www.meganhancockphotography.co.za 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

was going to write about all the positive things that I’ve taken from this lockdown period, but as I was writing I realised how immensely privileged I am, and I can’t bring myself to write about all the positives, when there are millions of families in South Africa who have seen no positive side to this pandemic. People are unable to work and can’t even feed their families. This is devastating, and I can’t begin to imagine how it feels and what these families are going through. I am incredibly grateful that I have a job and that I was able to work through the entire lockdown, safe at home with my family. So instead I would like to encourage you to help someone in need, if you have the means. If you are still earning a salary, it is within your power to make a difference in at least one person’s life. If you know of a family in need, a great option is to buy a virtual Checkers voucher online. You can buy them via Computicket.com, and you can send the voucher directly to a cell phone number. In this way you can help a family buy groceries and other essentials. If you don’t know of anyone in need, there are plenty of local organisations you can support – like Gift of the Givers or FeedSA. The Denis Hurley

Centre in Durban is giving food, shelter and medical support to the homeless in the City. It costs R50 per day to help someone in need. You could also contact your local baby home or orphanage to find out what they need, or your local animal shelter to see if they need food donations. I recently saw a Facebook post from Flag Animal Farm near Ballito, appealing for food and donations to keep their animals alive. There is no shortage of people and organisations in need – all it takes is a simple Google search to find them. If you don’t have money to give, you could consider donating your time to an organisation or feeding scheme, or donating your pre-loved clothes and blankets to a local church for distribution to the needy. You can also donate blood - read more about the SANBS and Blood Donor Month in this edition. The Sunflower Fund is also hosting a wonderful initiative to raise funds for patients with blood disorders, Steps4Hope, which your whole family can get involved in. I hope you enjoy this June edition, and all the wonderful content and ideas we’ve put together for you. Until next time,

Sarah

Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there from all of us at Mum’s Mail

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Flower Power at this Year’s Annual Mum’s Mail Ladies Breakfast The 7th Annual Mum’s Mail Ladies Breakfast in support of The Sunflower Fund and sponsored by Maritzburg Arch Lifestyle Centre, is fast approaching.

he theme this year guests. This year’s is Flower Power line-up include a - think 60s, bellbotpresentation by toms, peace signs and Peach Piche from hippie. This fun virtual Fresh Eyes who event is taking place will be speaking on on Wednesday 24 June ‘How to BLOSSOM 2020 via Zoom from despite the chal9am to 10.30am. lenges’ as well as Booking is essena presentation by tial and tickets cost Estelle van Gelder Steph Berry (Sunflower Fund), Marilyn Shaw (Maritzburg Arch R100 per person and Lifestyle Centre) and Sarah Mackintosh (Mum’s Mail) are ready for from DandyLine includes two raffle Organisers who will this exciting virtual event. tickets. Ladies are be speaking on ‘A encouraged to dress to theme, make their mediocre life post lockdown’. favourite breakfast and sign on for a mornTo book tickets or expose your brand ing of inspirational guest speakers and fun. through prize sponsorship, please contact Basic requirements for successful participa- Stephanie Berry on 078 207 9041 or email tion include a stable internet connection and steph@sunflowerfund.org. a computer or smartphone device with a Guests can expect a full how-to guide camera. before the event to familiarise themselves There will be an enviable raffle prize up with what to expect. for grabs at only R10 a ticket and a few Funds raised from the event will enable prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed The Sunflower Fund to create awareness as well as educate and recruit more blood stem cell donors. This is fundamental in offering the hope of life to patients suffering from life-threatening blood diseases like leukaemia who are in need of a blood stem cell transplant from a matching donor. For more information on The Sunflower Fund, please call 0800 12 10 82 or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.

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We Love Helping you Shrink! Happy Shrinkers is a small team making a BIG impact when it comes to shrinking, helping thousands of Men and Women across Southern Africa and UK lose as much as 10kgs in just 30 Days.

hey are dedicated to over 60 000 Happy Shrinkers - even if it means, at times answering private messages at 10pm to ensure you do not put that cookie in your mouth! Where else do you get that kind of support? Happy Shrinkers is a weight loss programme that helps you to lose weight fast with no surgery or starving, no outrageous exercise programs, no dangerous pills or expensive packaged meals. You won’t feel tired, hungry or grumpy as with most diets. There are three types of body fats found in the body: normal fats, abnormal fats and structural fats. While structural and normal fats are useful for nourishing and protecting the body, the abnormal fat is destructive and stubborn. This is the fat that gets accumulated in the belly, waist and hip regions. The Happy Shrinkers products, along with a low calorie diet, consumes these abnormal fat cells without harming any other useful fats allowing you to lose weight fast, as much as 2 to 3kgs per week. The Happy Shrinkers treatment consists of a low calorie diet in combination

EVERYDAY LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

with homeopathic drops or injections. The drops or injections mobilise body fat which circulates through your body, providing energy and preventing hunger. The drops/injections help to burn the “mobile fat” – the fat that is stored around the hips, thighs, belly and upper arms. It will however, leave the so called “structural fat” that can be found in the muscles and protects the organs, untouched. This way the excess fat will disappear even faster and the problem areas will be dealt with more efficiently. The products can safely be used by males, females as well as young adults who have reached puberty and who need to lose weight. The drops/injections work to increase your metabolism, by signalling the body to utilise abnormal fat deposits as energy. After following the Happy Shrinkers Facebook page for years, and reading all the testimonials, I finally plucked up the courage to give it a try. Since giving birth six years ago, I had put on lots of weight and struggled to lose it. I knew I couldn’t go on like this any longer. I am fairly active and

go to gym regularly, and love eating healthy food, but some really bad habits had crept in over the years. Jade and Lauren from Happy Shrinkers are amazing and provide the best support for their clients, even answering messages late at night. They always have an encouraging word and offer constant support. I am still at the beginning of my Happy Shrinkers journey but am beyond happy with my results so far! I lost 6kgs in my first month, and look forward to losing many more! Lockdown has been a real struggle for me, but I’m getting back on track. The eating plan is easy to follow and the injections and drops are easy to take. I really have not felt hungry at all or like I’m depriving myself, and find I have more energy to chase after my active little boy! If you need to lose some stubborn weight, I would really recommend giving Happy Shrinkers a try. You can find all the information you need on their website, and Jade and Lauren are always happy to answer questions. Visit www.happyshrinkers.co.za. By Sarah Mackintosh

Meet the Cover Stars Meet our gorgeous cover stars – Dave and Jake Bull. They live in Forest Hills with wife and mom, Jacqui Bull.

acqui is a family, maternity and newborn photographer and her husband, Dave, is a pilot with Airlink. Jake is five years old and adores constructing things with his Lego. He loves playing TV games and he also enjoys riding his bike. Although Jake doesn’t have any siblings, he has two cousins his age who he spends a lot of time with. His parents enjoy running, so they often go out running

together with Jake on his bike. “We lived overseas for 14 years and had Jake in a London hospital. He was a giant baby weighing 5.4kg when he was born! I have yet to meet someone who has had a baby so big,” laughs Jacqui. “He is still one of the tallest boys in his class so he will probably be a pretty tall guy when he grows up!” Dave loves rough housing with Jake and building cool toys with Jake out of Lego or recycled goods. Advice to new dads: Being a new dad is exciting but can at times be a challenge. Hang in there because it only gets easier and more rewarding as time goes on! Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there! By Sarah Mackintosh

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Balancing and Stretching your Budget During Tough Economic Times

There’s no doubt that we’re going through tough economic times as a country at the moment; and the family budget will probably be the hardest hit during this time.

t’s therefore important that we take careful steps in managing our expenses. The good news is that it’s possible to find some breathing space by putting a few variable expenses under the microscope. Save on groceries Now, we’re not suggesting that you take a militant approach to your family’s meals and start serving up plain crackers for dinner. Draw up a shopping list and do the following: • Consider using online grocery shopping apps. Yes, they charge a small delivery fee, but you will stick to your shopping list and not be tempted to add any extras to your shopping cart. • Put off buying luxuries and personal indulgences until things improve. Reduce your entertainment budget Having fun as a family is important in building a family identity and creating memories. We can build a family bond without breaking the bank by following the tips below: • DSTV, Netflix, Showmax

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and the rest. Review the number of entertainment services your family subscribe to and the data it uses. Agree with them to keep the one or two you all use most frequently. • Focus on spending meaningful and fun times together by playing board games like Monopoly, 30Seconds, etc. They are great for teaching important skills such as verbal communications, interacting with others, learning to

share and waiting your turn. Once you have started following these tips, track your savings and stay on course. Most importantly speak to a financial adviser about the best ways to save for the things that really matter to your family. Go to www.oldmutual.co.za to speak to an accredited Old Mutual financial adviser today.

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Where Have all the Street Children Gone? Many of you are asking the question: “where have all the street children gone during the pandemic of Covid-19?”

Care have been looking after, rehabilitating, educating and skilling street boys in our city for the past 18 years. They have a contingent of extremely loyal and caring staff who have been instrumental in the care of these children through these trying times. During the pandemic, they have to be extremely vigilant in keeping both the children and staff safe and healthy. The staff have been outstanding in their efforts to educate, plan and carry out the necessary tasks that will ensure the safety of the boys as their top priority, and with respect and consideration for each other as colleagues under trying circumstances. The planning and implementation of the lockdown was carried out very smoothly and hurdles met and overcome with great commitment. The three I Care Houses and Umuzi Rehabilitation Centre, collectively housing 35 children and 11 house parents, have been in total lockdown since 18 March, allowing no visitors at all. Full DSTV packages were

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installed at each facility as well as new 4-in1 games tables purchased for entertainment, as these boys are an amazing and very energetic bunch of boys. All facilities have the necessary education, sanitisation and protection necessary. To keep a strict eye on the boys and staff, I Care is being strict with regular temperature checks and charting. THey thank DSD for their input and support. Their Outreach team continues to work during this period of lockdown, providing for any urgent needs. I Care is in collaboration with Jump Youth Mission in Buffelsdraai, where their older boys, who are going through the Rehabilitation Programme “Sakhimpilo”, and are about to begin their skills training, reside. They currently have six I Care boys staying at JYM, under the loving and spiritual guidance of Valery and Kevin. All the necessary safety and hygiene precautions

are in place and this facility is practising social distancing and complete lockdown while going about their daily programmes. The Aftercare Manager has delivered 12 food parcels to families in need and will also ensure that the outpatient detox boys get to their clinic appointments each and every week. Six aftercare boys are waiting patiently at home to be called in to start the programme, once the lockdown enforcement has been lifted. The good news is that I Care has just become the proud owner of a lovely piece of ground that has been a God-sent gift at this time and gives the boys their own turf to play on. They can kick balls and have games in a safe place. This piece of land is right next to two of their family houses in Lower Illovo. I Care would like to thank everyone for the prayers and concern shown during this difficult time. Keep safe! For more info or to make a donation visit our website: www.icare.co.za I Care - Looking after street children since 2002.

Book Reviews by Bargain Books Mum’s Mail has a R2000 Bargain Books vouchers to give away. For children ZACK IS BACK by Jaco Jacobs. Zack Berry returns with three more fantastic adventures: The Masked Green Mamba (translation of Zackie Mostert en die Gemaskerde Groen Gevaar)… in which Zack and sidekick become superheroes in order to wipe out crime and save lives on Zucchini Street, only to find that there isn’t so much evil to take down – until they stumble upon an actual case. The Spooky Story (translation of Zackie Mostert en die Spokerige Storie)… in which Zack and his friend decide to have a super-spooky ghost story night. Unfortunately, the two of them are not as brave as they thought, and something happens that could make school unbearable forever. The Miserable Match (translation of Zackie Mostert Druk ‘n Drie), in which Zack’s sparkling rugby career never really gets off the ground. GRANDPA ZOMBIE by Jaco Jacobs. There are all sorts of reasons to set off on a trans-African adventure but, chances are, the imminent zombification of your grandfather is not among the more common ones. Alex’s grandpa is quite like most other grandpas in many respects. He has grey hair, he has the false teeth going on, he’s not the snappiest dresser and he loves travel programmes. But when he suddenly develops a ravenous taste for brains, he becomes a less typical grandpa. Alex is going to have to find a way to save his grandpa before the Zombie Squad shows up with their own ideas about how to handle the situation… and his plan involves heaps of broccoli. Racing from Zimbabwe all the way to Egypt, Alex and the various colourful companions he picks up along the way have no time to waste as they hunt down the cure. Funny and action-packed, Grandpa Zombie also features all the compassion and family-and-friends-understanding that makes Jacobs’s books so undeniably appealing. STARFELL 01: WILLOW MOSS AND THE LOST DAY by Dominique Valente. Starfell 01: Willow Moss and the Lost Day is the first book in a fantastic new series of magical middle-grade novels ideal for fans of Cressida Cowell. So, what are you waiting for? The magic is waiting… Let your child step into a world like no other… and find out if Willow can find the day to save the day.

Reviews by Bianca Noel-Barham, Bargain Books on 021 706 1461, bianca@bargainbooks.co.za or visit www.bargainbooks.co.za. Follow them on Instagram & Facebook: @bargainbookssa.

WIN WIN WIN Mum’s Mail has a R2000 Bargain Books vouchers to give away. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EVERYDAY LIFE

Steps4Hope Challenge The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is being felt in so many ways across society, with many people desperate for life to return to normal

he NGO sector is particularly impacted as many organisations have had to cancel a number of fundraising events due to social distancing requirements. The Sunflower Fund is calling on your support to join the Steps4Hope challenge to help them raise funds. The Sunflower Fund is a donor recruitment centre and stem cell registry. They assist patients with blood cancers like leukaemia and other blood disorders who are in need of a life-saving blood stem cell (bone marrow) transplant, by growing and maintaining an ethnically diverse registry of donors committed to helping anyone in need of a transplant. You can make a difference from the comfort of your home by joining the Steps4Hope challenge. One of The Sunflower Fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful fundraising events is the Everest Challenge, which was initiated by a transplant survivor, who subsequently summited Everest and continues to be a great supporter of the cause. Steps4Hope, is modelled off the idea of The Everest Challenge, which aims to replicate the distance from the base to the summit by climbing stairs in a team relay totalling 8 848 m. The Sunflower Fund is bringing the challenge to your home. It is much easier than climbing Everest, but fun all the same. Get the family involved and get moving. You need to complete roughly 12 000 steps to cover the distance. How to get involved: 1. Visit www.givengain.com/c/sunflowerfund and sign up as a fundraiser to show your support and involvement. 2.Share the link with your friends and family and get them to support The Sunflower Fund for every step you complete towards the challenge.

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3. Share photos and videos of your/your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts as you tackle your 12 000 steps and add obstacles to make it more challenging for yourself. 4. Post your videos on Social Media, tag @SunflowerFund and use #Steps4Hope in your post. It costs The Sunflower Fund R3100 per donor that they recruit. All funds raised will go towards subsiding these costs as well as to grow the patient support fund, through which The Sunflower Funds assists patients with the cost associated with getting to transplant. For more information about becoming a donor or how to support financially visit www.sunflowerfund.org, WhatsApp 074 715 0212 or call 0800 12 10 82.

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A Reason to Smile Just Orthodontics gives you a reason to smile. They truly believe that patients deserve the highest standard of dental care.

assionate about helping take care of your teeth, Just Orthodontics offers family dentistry for all your general dental requirements, as well as orthodontics. Services Offered: • General Dentistry • Botox and Fillers • Check-ups • Cosmetic dentistry • Orthodontics • Preventative checks • Same-day appointments • Gum disease treatments • Emergencies • Dental implants • Children’s dentistry • Telephone consultations • Private insurance schemes

• Teeth whitening • 24-hour dental treatment • Rates: Private and Medical Aid Their opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm. They also offer treatments that improve the appearance of your smile – giving you the confidence boost you deserve. A smile is the boldest statement you can make without saying a word!

Contact Just Orthodontics to book an appointment: • Call 031 309 7555 or 086 734 8796 or for emergencies call them on 084 516 9544. • E-mail the practice on info@justorthodonticskzn.co.za, or justorthodonticskzn@gmail.com • Visit their website at www.justorthodonticskzn.co.za • Address: 10 Mathews Meyiwa Road, Durban

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Practising Self-Care Benefits Your Children Mothers often put their needs last, feeling selfish if they invest time or energy in themselves. Sadly, exactly the opposite is true.

esearch shows that mothers who don’t take care of themselves (i.e. no self-care or stress management) suffer far more emotional and physical symptoms of stress, becoming tired, irritable and more critical of their children. It’s surprising how negative we are about ourselves. We berate ourselves when we’re not coping well with daily stressors, blaming ourselves when we’re impatient or get too angry and judging every bit of ‘performance’ in this tricky parenting journey. In this stressful lockdown time, practising positive self-talk and actively working on our mental health has become critical. Considering that our kids are learning a lot about self-esteem and self-care by watching us, it makes sense then to change these patterns, to watch our words about ourselves, give ourselves a break, and give ourselves permission to improve how we feel about ourselves. Because we are their main teacher, when we are coping well, feel happy and self-content, we set a great example for them to follow. When your

children notice that you feel good about yourself and treat yourself with respect, it teaches them to like and care for themselves too. Top tips to feel better • Recognize your achievements – tell your kids what you’re good at - e.g. “Hey guys, I cooked a great supper tonight” - and keep finding ways to recognize what you are doing well. • Avoid criticizing yourself – try to speak positively about yourself - e.g. “Exercise is good for me, even when I’m lazy, so here I go!”. • Practice regular selfcare - take care of your health, set aside some time each week for fun things that you really enjoy like reading a book, learning a new skill, going for a walk or having a relaxing bath. • Spend time with friends (online) - who are positive and support you, rather than those that drain your energy and are constantly critical or negative. • Replace guilty feelings and perfectionism with ‘good enough’ – whenever we feel guilty that we’re not performing well, it takes its toll on our self-esteem. Learn to tell yourself that

you are “good enough” (especially when you’re feeling guilty for taking time for much needed self-care). Without intending it, there are many things that we do and say about ourselves that are influencing our kids. At the same time, there are many daily “building-up moments” which you can use to help improve how you feel and talk about yourself, which can make a great difference to them. Remember there are tons of fun ways to care for yourself that will make you less stressed, improve your self-esteem and well-being, and make you a better parent, even in stressful times like these! Once you start feeling the benefits of taking good care of yourself, your self-esteem improves and you’ll be even more motivated to build your kids’ self-esteem. Go ahead and make this your new moto: “when I am feeling good it helps my kids to feel good.” By investing in feeling good, everyone wins! Join psychologist Carol Surya every week for her free Parents Support Q&A sessions online - email info@raisingkidspositively.com for details.

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Winter Warmer Recipes

Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Ingredients: • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 4 cups sliced onions • 4 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth • 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional) • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • salt and pepper to taste • 4 slices French bread • 4 slices provolone cheese • 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Method: Melt butter with olive oil in a stock pot on medium heat. Add onions and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions. Add beef broth, sherry and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes. Heat the oven broiler. Ladle soup into oven safe serving bowls and place one slice of bread on top of each (bread may be broken into pieces if you prefer). Layer each slice of bread with a slice of provolone, 1/2 slice diced Swiss and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Place bowls on cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Source: www.allrecipes.com.

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Crock Pot Beef Stew Ingredients: • 2 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef • 3 tablespoons flour • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion chopped • 1 cup vegetable juice/stock • 4 cups beef broth (you can substitute one of these cups with red wine if you prefer) • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh • 3 cups potatoes peeled and cubed • 2 cups carrots cut into 1 inch pieces • 1 cup celery stalks cut into 1 inch pieces • 3/4 cup peas • 2 tablespoons corn starch • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions: Combine flour, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. Toss beef in flour mixture. Brown the beef and onions in olive oil in small batches. Add some of the broth/wine to the pan and scrape up any brown bits. Add all ingredients except peas and corn starch to a slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 9 hours or until beef is tender. Mix corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir into the stew a little bit at a time to thicken (you may not need all of the mixture). Add peas. Cover and cook 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Source: www.spendwithpennies.com.

• 2 Tbsp sunflower oil • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk • 1 tin cream style sweetcorn • Grated Cheese • Fresh parsley Method Preheat the oven to 170°C and place oven shelf in the middle. Mix the self-raising flour, sugar, salt and eggs together using a wooden spoon. Then add the oil, milk and sweetcorn. Add the grated cheese (keep a little aside to sprinkle on the top) and add the chopped parsley. Mix all together with the wooden spoon. Prepare a loaf tin with non-stick spray and place bread mixture into the tin. Sprinkle some grated cheese on the top. Bake at 170°C for about one hour, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let the loaf rest in the tin for 10 minutes then loosen and turn out to cool slightly before slicing. Best eaten fresh out the oven with butter!

Source: www.pheka.co.za.

Sweetcorn Bread This delicious bread from Pheka makes delicious toast and goes so well with a stew style meal. Ingredients: • 4 cups self -raising flour • 2 Tbsp sugar • 1/2 tsp salt • 2 eggs WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM DELICIOUS LIFE

Finding Joy in the Simple, Everyday Tasks Getting your kids to help around the house aids in childhood development

ow that families are spending their time working, learning and playing from home, parents are juggling an overwhelming amount of responsibility, and finding time to engage in structured playtime with the kids is more challenging than ever. But, while playtime as a family is crucial for building strong family ties and developing a variety of important skills in children, there are other ways that parents can achieve all of this without adding any more stress to their day.

Carryn Martin, an occupational therapist with a special interest in sensory integration and child development, says that involving children in everyday tasks, such as household chores, meal preps and taking on more responsibility with the family pet, can be just as beneficial as playing together. “From an occupational therapy perspective, involving children in a variety of household domestic tasks has huge benefits for skills development in children,” says Martin. “A child engaged in a variety of short, manageable and fun everyday tasks – independently and with parents – is able to grow cognitively, physically and emotionally.” Bring back chore wheels – your kids will thank you for it. In a Braun Research poll of over 1 000 parents, when asked whether they assign household chores to their kids, just 28% of today’s parents said they did, even though 82% said they had grown up doing chores themselves when they were young. It’s not difficult to imagine why there’s such a discrepancy – kids’ schedules are busier than they used to be, parents may have negative associations to “chores”, and

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on the other hand, it could be easier for parents to just do the chores themselves instead of nagging their kids. However, kids who learn how to fit tasks into their days are more likely to improve their time management skills. It also teaches kids a measure of independence as they take pride in being able to accomplish various ‘grown-up’ activities by themselves, not to mention the likelihood that kids who learn to pitch in at home are more likely to develop that mind-set later on in life – like in the workplace. Doing every day activities together is important, too. While chores are helpful in teaching children independence, participating in everyday tasks with your child is just as important. Not only does it instil a sense of teamwork, but is also a great way to spend time together bonding as a family. This also teaches children social skills, like how to work together to accomplish a goal.

Martin says that children develop fine motor and bilateral skills by spending time in the kitchen – mixing cake batter, for instance, involves using both hands in a functional manner (one hand stabilizes the bowl while the other mixes). “Mental and emotional care is just as important as physical care for children, especially during these times of uncertainty,” says Kristian Imhoff, Country Manager for LEGO South Africa. “Playing together builds healthier, happier families, but the simple act of making a meal or folding laundry together has an impact on child and family wellbeing too.” Parents are trying their best under the circumstances, and while they can’t add more hours to the day to spend exclusively on playtime with the kids, getting the whole family to roll up their sleeves and dive into everyday tasks at home has just as much of an impact on childhood development and bonding as a family.

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Dr Megan @ Home: Men’s Health Awareness Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is all we can think about, it is important for us to remember our general health concerns too.

s we celebrate Father’s Day this month, our focus is on Men’s Health Awareness Month this June. We recommend a medical check-up every six months - this includes a blood pressure check, glucose and cholesterol blood tests, as well as a general medical examination From the age of 40, we should add a PSA to the blood tests which is the Prostate Specific Antigen. Many middle-aged men will develop an enlarged prostate at some stage. This

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causes various symptoms including needing to pass urine more often during the night, a reduced urinary stream or only droplets, difficulty passing urine or the urge to go more frequently. Obviously, prostate cancer must always be excluded, but very often the cause is a benign overgrowth of the prostate which is easily managed with medication. Mental health is a tricky subject with many men, who feel the pressure to be the provider and the backbone of their families.

It is important for us all to be taking care of each other through these trying times. As stress levels have risen in the past few weeks, so have the physical symptoms of anxiety. These include poor sleep, palpitations, increased sweating, headaches, nausea, chest pain or breathlessness. Link this with poor concentration, agitation, uncontrollable worry, or a short temper and feelings of hopelessness, it is a slippery slope down to depression. Acute stress and anxiety can be managed with nonmedical treatments such as exercise, or meditation and rest... but often this isn’t enough and that is where your doctor can assist you with medical treatment to manage the symptoms of acute stress and get you over this hurdle. Our rooms are open and taking every precaution to keep you and ourselves safe from COVID-19. We are also offering telephonic/virtual consultations if you would prefer. Please do not hesitate to contact our rooms for any guidance. By Dr Megan Broughton, 031 582 5303, www.umhlangagp.net.

Your Blood Saves Lives June is dedicated to blood donors. Without them and their dedication to blood donation, lives would be lost.

orld Blood Donor Day is commemorated annually on 14 June in a global celebration of the millions of people throughout the world who give their blood on a voluntary, unpaid basis to save the lives of those in need. Less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and, for this reason, it is important for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks. Every unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) aims to collect 3000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system. Donating a unit of this â&#x20AC;&#x153;precious gift of lifeâ&#x20AC;? saves the lives of those in dire need of blood. Thousands of patients would die daily if there was insufficient quality blood in stock. When one donates blood, they give patients the gift that money cannot buy or science cannot create.

To find out where and how you can donate blood, visit the SANBS website at www.sanbs.org.za.

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Insights for Women Working from Home There is light at the end of the tunnel!

f you are feeling overwhelmed or unproductive working from home or you are trying to get some work done but keep getting distracted, here are some insights for you. The world is changing and more people are moving their businesses online. We are forced to adapt to digital platforms and new ways of doing business. While you are still finding your feet, it is important to have your personal boundaries in place to avoid losing your equilibrium. This loss of equilibrium could lead to a life of chaos and haphazardness. Working from home is challenging for many women, especially if you have kids and lack the sup-

22 HEALTHY LIFE

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port you were accustomed to. There is a sense of task overload with too many responsibilities on one hand, and not having enough time on the other. If you are striving towards increasing your productivity and creativity whilst achieving a successful balance between your home and work life, here are some tips for you: When you have a million things to do and begin to feel overwhelmed, just take deep breaths and focus on one thing at a time. Create a daily target list

for yourself to reach your goals in your business and home, tick off as you go to keep on course. Stay focused on the task at hand instead of hopping from one thing to another. Start with the task that is of highest priority and the less urgent things can be moved to the end of the day. Plan your morning routine well, in order to start the day early and on a positive note. You will be surprised by how productive you can actually be when you wake up earlier than the rest of the household.

Start your day with meditation and mindfulness exercises to clear your mind. This will help you to take challenges in your stride and attain emotional wellness and strength. Nourish yourself properly by eating on time. Make time to have a healthy breakfast and avoid selfsacrificing and skipping meals to meet deadlines. Stick to your set working hours and call it a day when your time is up. Know when to stop working - clock your own card! Separate home life and work space by having a designated area that you work from. Keep your work section structured and

organised, as this creates more clarity in your mind. Physical exercises, like Yoga, are vital for mental well-being. You can also exercise at the end of your working day if your mornings are too busy. Learn to say NO when you feel that you are pushing your own limits and beginning to feel burnt out. Remind yourself that the quality of work is more important that quantity (number of hours). When you are laser focused and have no distractions, you are able to get so much more done in less time. A good night’s rest is all you need to conquer the world. Have a good bedtime

routine in place to ensure the quality of your sleep, enabling you to powerfully recharge your mind, body and soul. Learn to work smart and not hard. The digital arena calls for creative, purposeful and soul-led businesswomen who can make a real difference in the world. Give the best of yourself, reaching excellence in all you do while still finding a healthy balance. Knowing your limits and maintaining personal boundaries are essential for achieving success in your career and personal life! By Farah Manjoo, Female & Kids Empowerment Coach, www.baraaqahealingsannctuary.co.za.

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Covid-19: A Guide for Moms This year has certainly been challenging and uncertain, testing our faith, resilience and human compassion.

ith the addition of pregnancy hormones and pregnancy aches and pains, this may all be overwhelming for you and your family. You may not have your much awaited baby shower, gender reveal celebrations, babymoons (for the older generation like me, it means a holiday before the baby is born). But I can assure you, the moment your little one is here the overwhelming love and awe you will have is unimaginable. It evokes every sense of fulfilment and the journey will all have been worth it. Here are a few tricks and tips to keep you and your precious cargo safe: 1. If you have any symptoms call your gynae immediately. A Covid-19 test will be ordered. Symptoms include a fever, headaches, muscle aches, cough, sore throat and breathlessness. 2. Wear a mask at all times. 3. When you arrive at the gynaecologist offices, call the rooms and wait in the car until it is your turn. Enter the consulting rooms when it is safe to do so. 4. Sanitise your hands before entering the rooms, after you touch any surfaces and on leaving. 5. Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands. It’s TORGA’s REAL Spectacle Spectacle Savings

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6. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue and discard tissue immediately. 7. Keep a safe 1m distance from the next person. 8. It is recommended you take the flu vaccine. Please discuss this with your gynae. Risk to mum Evidence suggests that pregnant women are at no greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if you develop coronavirus. You are however at higher risk if you are: • Older than 35 • Obese • Pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension/diabetes Risk to your unborn baby As this is a new virus, we are just beginning to learn about it. Vertical transmission (in the womb) from you to the baby is rare, but possible. Current evidence suggests that even if baby develops coronavirus soon after birth, these babies are well and it has no impact on baby’s development. You can rest easy, your little one is safe in your belly. I wish you the best on this journey!

By Dr Navashree Dhaver, obstetrician and gynaecologist Umhlanga and St Augustines Hospital. Admission rights at Life Health Care Facilities.

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Mental Health Tools for New Parents Amid Covid-19 For new parents, the reality of social distancing and living in a nationwide lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic presents an array of new challenges and concerns over and above the birth of their child.

rom cancelled baby showers to prenatal appointments over WhatsApp, being pregnant and giving birth during a pandemic can further add to feelings of frustration, fear and isolation commonly associated with postnatal depression. “As the body’s hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels, feelings of intense emotion and exhaustion are normal in the days after birth. Many women develop overwhelming feelings of sadness, detachment, irritation and fear after their baby is born,” says Dr Howard Manyonga, an obstetrician and Head of The Birthing Team.

“These feelings have been compounded by the lockdown, because parents are not able to receive physical support from family and friends during this time” Dr Manyonga offers some advice to new parents in navigating the Covid-19 lockdown with their babies: Call your midwife – check-ups with healthcare providers in the days after birth, as well as the six-week mark are key to ensure that both mom and baby are doing well. New moms are encouraged to speak about their mood and any concerns they have during these visits.

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Reach out to family and friends, virtually – many parents are finding it difficult to not see loved ones during the lockdown. Not having your family meet your child face to face can be upsetting, but it is important to remember you are not alone during this period. Connect with loved ones using digital platforms such as Skype and Zoom. Make use of a counselling service – talking through difficulties can be a huge help in managing feelings of depression and anxiety after the birth of your child. If you have a designated psychologist or therapist, ask if you can do telephonic consultations. Additionally, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers free counselling and 24hour helplines.

Reframe your lockdown outlook – a change of perspective can help manage feelings of anxiety during this period. Rather than thinking about how you are stuck inside or stuck at home, consider it as you are keeping your family safe and you are able to spend extended periods of time bonding with your baby. It is a special time for both parents to be able to fully work together to support one another and their child. Source: www.thebirthingteam.co.za

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International Cancer Survivors’ Day In South Africa alone, one out of four people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime through diagnosis of family, friends, colleagues or self.

he increase in the number of people diagnosed with cancer leads to an increased number of people living with many kinds of consequences. The first Sunday in June is set aside for celebrating hope and life with survivors and their families with a special day of hope, support and nurturing. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Although CANSA supports Survivors throughout the year, International Cancer Survivors’ Day remains a special opportunity to acknowledge cancer patients, whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or in remission, and the courage and determination it takes to fight the disease. It’s also an occasion to inspire hope, that cancer can be beaten, and to remind survivors that they are not alone. You are not alone and CANSA would like to support you and your loved ones. As you face your cancer diagnosis, learn to live with and through this disease and even beyond it, they would like to inspire hope and courage

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in you and empower you with the information you need to take control of your life. CANSA is committed to connecting people facing cancer with information, day-to-day help as well as the emotional support they need in the communities where they live. Their aim is to ensure that cancer survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone - CANSA is here to support them through every step of their cancer journey. The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. CANSA is not informed of any diagnoses or of patients being treated at medical centres. Family need to obtain permission from patients, before CANSA may contact them. You can sign up for CANSA’s iSurvivor email-based support programme and Aunt Sophia will send you weekly emails to inspire and encourage you – at no charge. She’s a cancer survivor herself, so she knows what a rollercoaster ride this cancer journey can be!

Visit www.isurvivor.org.za or www.cansa.org.za for more information on CANSA and how they can help you or your loved one.

World Heart Rhythm Week World Heart Rhythm Week, the brainchild of Arrhythmia Alliance, is highlighting the importance of knowing and understanding our heart rhythms.

s many are aware, this year will be quite different for us all. Due to the Coronavirus and recent government regulations, we are encouraging supporters to get involved online and spread awareness. Arrhythmia Alliance World Heart Rhythm Week will be held from 1 - 7 June. We are asking the public and healthcare professionals to support our mission to raise awareness of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) on all social media platforms. Supporters can host online awareness events as well as share, promote and spread the word on social media. 80% of arrhythmia deaths could be avoided if more people were aware of their heart rhythm (and not just their heart rate). Something as simple as knowing your pulse and your heart rhythm, can save your life or reduce your risk of a debilitating or lifethreatening Atrial Fibrillation (AF) related stroke – the most severe type of stroke. It only takes 30 seconds. It’s so simple that people of all ages, young and old, can learn how to do it. Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance stated that, “During these unprecedented times, it is vital that we all take charge of our health and encourage others to do the same. Arrhythmias cause more deaths worldwide than cancer, affect-

ing anyone of any age, yet we choose to ignore the most important organ in our body – our heart. Our key message this year is Don’t Miss A Beat. We are asking people to ‘listen’ to your heart – is the rhythm too fast? Is it too slow? Is the rhythm irregular? That may be your heart telling you something is wrong. With the introduction of mobile EKGs apps and smartwatches, there really is no excuse why everyone should not be aware of their heart rhythm.” Why it is important to Know Your Pulse Sudden cardiac death (SCD) and arrhythmia account for 15% to 20% of all deaths worldwide. To find out how to ‘Know Your Pulse’, visit www.knowyourpulse.org to learn in four easy steps. “Don’t Miss A Beat” Join Arrhythmia Alliance on Wednesday 3 June 2020. They will be holding an Arrhythmia Alliance World Heart Rhythm Week Arrhythmia Patient Q&A Day across all their social media platforms. They aim to educate as many people as possible about arrhythmias and help many arrhythmia patients understand more about their condition. Between 9am and 5pm a new question and answer will be posted each hour and EXCLUSIVE videos with world renowned doctors and professors will be uploaded throughout the day.

For more, visit our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages below: Facebook: @ArrhythmiaAlliance Instagram: @KnowYourPulse Twitter: @ArrhythmiaAlliance. For more information on Arrhythmia Alliance and how to get involved in World Heart Rhythm Week visit www.worldheartrhythmweek.org.

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Tips to Study Independently If anyone had told you that you would be in lockdown at home in 2020, you wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve called their bluff.

owever, with the impact of the Covid-19 virus on South Africa, this is a harsh reality and millions of learners are indeed sitting at their dining room table or desks trying to keep up with the school curriculum. South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading study guide publisher, The Answer Series, a trusted resource for learners since 1975, has now made it easier for learners studying alone to reach their full potential during lockdown with a 50% discount on all e-books during this lockdown period. To further assist learners and parents during this time, The Answer Series has compiled a list of tips to ensure structured and productive studying despite the current difficulties. The Answer Series tips for learners: 1. Take control of your own learning process. Although you may be in touch

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with your teachers in some way, much of what you do as far as your schoolwork is concerned, will depend on you whilst this lockdown lasts. 2. Identify a quiet working place without distractions. The study area that you choose should allow you to focus and have all your study materials close by. There should be no interruptions from family or household members. Remember to ensure it has good lighting. 3. Decide on a daily routine and draw up a schedule. A daily routine will give structure to your day. As you will not be going to school for the foreseeable future. Allocate as much time as you think you will need to each of your subjects. 4. Identify what learning material from each subject needs to be covered. Systematically work through each topic of each

subject. Decide what you already know; what you need to revise; what you don’t understand and what new work you need to learn independently. 5. Establish what you can access from home. Take time to do independent research in order to find out what is available on the internet. Make sure that the resources you use are always reliable and avoid generalised searching. Use Google Classroom, Snapplify and reputable on-line videos. Remember that all The Answer Series guides are Available as e-books. 6. Revise work from the start of this year and/or previous grades. Go through every section of your work and determine whether there are sections or concepts you don’t grasp. Work through these again and again until you have mastered the content (also see tip 7). 7. Get help from teachers and fellow learners when you are stuck. If you are battling with a concept or section of work even after you have revised it, approach your teacher or a classmate on-line to help you. 8. Use past exam papers and tests to practice. Working out past exam papers and tests enables you to find out what you already know or not at all. The Answer Series guides also feature tests and tasks to make sure you understand the information you’re working through. 9. Don’t lose motivation. Hang in there. Many others all over the world are in the same position now. You are acquiring new skills and conquering independent learning. 10. Drink enough water and take a break. Staying hydrated improves concentration. Taking breaks, though not too frequently, energises you. The Answer Series tips for parents: 1. Be there or be square. This is an uncertain period for you and for your child. Let them know that you are there for them. Being there for them emotionally will make a big difference to their mental wellbeing. This will also ensure that they can use

their emotional energy to focus on their schoolwork alone. 2. Create order. Organise every room in your home so that it can be used optimally while lockdown lasts. It is essential for each child to have an individual working space where they will not be distracted. 3. Maintain a balanced routine. Routines may differ from family member to family member. Set up a designated time for learning but allow for some flexibility. 4. Help your child to establish what they can access from home. Help your child to do independent research as to what is available in the form of books (apart from textbooks), resources and websites on the internet. The Answer Series guides are a trusted resource. 5. Monitor your child’s learning progress. Depending upon the age and maturity of your child, he/she will either need less space and more involvement, or more space and less involvement. Make sure that you know how much work needs to be covered by your child. 6. Set up a reward system. An occasional reward will ensure that your child remains motivated. Perhaps it’s an outing after lockdown or even exemption from a chore. 7. Allow for leisure. All work and no play leads to boredom. Boredom leads to no motivation. No focus. Allow time for chilling in the sun, social media or a board game (also see Tip 3). 8. Listen to your child. This is a time of uncertainty for all of us. Answer their questions truthfully. If you don’t know, say so. Allow them to share their feelings and fears. 9. Don’t nag. During lockdown tempers are more likely to fray, so a gentle nudge should do the trick. 10. Look after nutrition, exercise and sleep. It’s important for everyone in the family to maintain a balanced diet, get some exercise without leaving the property and keep to a consistent routine (also see Tip 3). For more information visit www.theanswer.co.za. WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EDUCATED LIFE

Teaching Remotely: Focus on the Essentials THE TEMPTATION TO DO IT ALL AS IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN THE PACE AND VOLUME OF CONTACT EDUCATION REMOTELY MUST BE RESISTED, AN EDUCATION EXPERT SAYS. “As educators adapt to teaching remotely and online, there may be an attempt to mimic what a school day would normally look like, by filling learners’ days according to pre-lockdown timetables, and pace and content of learning,” says Dr Felicity Coughlan, Academic Director at ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider. “However, this approach is counter-productive, and can lead to further frustration, anxiety and tension under what are already challenging circumstances for all concerned, including for parents, learners and educators,” she says.

Dr Coughlan says there is an important difference between focusing on essential skills during this time, as opposed to trying to keep the curriculum going in full. “Much of the stress people are experiencing arises from this well-intentioned attempt to ‘keep up’. It is far more conducive to learning and well-being to make deliberate choices and to pare back and focus on those skills around which we can then build content knowledge again later,” says Dr Coughlan. In quite unexpected ways the lockdown and the unique and unprecedented circumstances in which we now find ourselves, provide a perfect opportunity to develop and entrench those global competencies which otherwise might not receive the requisite focus during normal school time, Dr Coughlan says. “We have known for some time that the world is changing, that the skills required in the workplace are evolving and that the workplace of the future is going to look much different from what used to be the

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status quo only nine weeks ago. Now, all of a sudden, we find ourselves thrown into a completely new paradigm and it is quite clear that the world will not be the same.” “So, what better time to develop those global competencies and master 21st Century Skills than during the biggest global disaster in recent history?” Dr Coughlan says SA teachers have risen to the challenges of remote and digital teaching with remarkable resilience and zeal, with very little warning or leadtime. They have been wonderfully innovative whether or not they have had access to extensive educational technology or been required to use WhatsApp or other day-to-day communication tools to keep in touch with the children they were teaching. The mind-set of making do and re-inventing is a precious one we should not lose. She says ADvTECH Schools have integrated Global Competencies in their curricula for several years, and that those schools and educators who

have not yet had the time to do so or have treated these as peripheral, now have the perfect opportunity to embed them in “normal” teaching and learning. “The world of the future just came crashing through our door,” says Dr Coughlan. The Global Competencies of THINKING skills (creative, critical and reflexive), RESEARCH skills (collecting, recording, organising, interpreting), COMMUNICATION skills (personal interaction with others), SOCIAL skills (personal behaviour) and SELF-MANAGEMENT are the only ways that teachers and students will navigate this period and what follows it, successfully. Est. 1994

as well as the millions of children being left behind as education continues for some. These social justice imperatives are not trivial, but are not addressed by the entire system freezing. It is however vital that those in positions of privilege who are able to still be learning effectively acknowledge this privilege with humility.“ “If your school or class can continue learning then this time needs to be used to develop global citizens just as much as it must be used to entrench skills. Content can and will follow. Don’t mistake quantity for quality,” she concludes. Visit www.advtech.co.za for more information.

“So, for teachers developing lessons and content, and schools still grappling with how to approach learning at this time, consider that less really is more. If there is therefore a little bit of a silver lining to this disaster, it is that we now have the ideal opportunity to develop these skills, and that even those schools and educators who are not as well-positioned as others can include them. Now is the time to focus on the basics, and to aim for consolidation,” says Dr Coughlan. “It is true that for some this is easier than for others. There is particular concern about the Grade 12 class

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Father’s Day Recipe Here’s an easy and hearty meal to make for the family this Father’s Day, from local chef, Shikaar Yadh. Roast Chicken and Butternut Gallitien with Butter Cream Pepper Sauce Ingredients: • 1 large chicken, deboned, whole (ask your butcher to do this for you if you don’t know how) • 750ml cubed butternut, steamed • 15ml chopped fresh thyme • 20 sage leaves • 50ml chopped garlic cloves • Fresh Ground Pepper • Salt to taste • 125g butter

For the sauce: • 125g butter • 250ml fresh cream • 60ml chooped red peppers • Salt and black pepper • 5ml chopped parsley Method: On a sheet of foil, lie chicken (skin down) and rub chicken with half the amount of butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic and thyme. Now down the centre of the chicken, over the breast, place all the sage leaves and place the butternut over this, place the remainder of the butter

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on top of butternut, then roll the chicken up into a log, using foil to help hold its shape, twisting the ends up. Heat the oven to 190C and roast in foilfor 90 minutes. Once cooked, allow to rest before serving. Sauce: In 50g butter, suate peppers, add the rest of the butter an cream and allow to b oil until it thickens. Season, before mixing in parsley. Cut chicken into slices and serve with the sauce on the side. Serve with garlic rolls and enjoy with your favourite side.

Ideas to celebrate Father’s Day at Home Usually on Father’s Day, dads are showered with cards and presents and treated to a day out with the family – but this Father’s Day is a bit different.

lthough you can’t take dad to his favourite restaurant for lunch (oh how I wish we could) – you can still make his day special in other ways… It just requires a bit more creativity! Make breakfast in bed Show your dad just how much he means to you by making him breakfast in bed! Start his day off perfectly with his favourite breakfast – be it poached eggs, cereal, toast or even pancakes or flapjacks with syrup – get creative in the kitchen! Have a picnic in the garden Winter in Durban and KZN is just the best – the days are sunny and warm, but not too hot! Prepare Dad’s favourite snacks and meal, and take some blankets and pillows in to the garden for a relaxed outdoor lunch. You will even be able to treat him with his favourite wine or beer, which I’m sure he will really appreciate! Play some party games Play some old-fashioned games or board games at home with Dad! From Simon Says to a good ‘ol egg and spoon race or musical chairs - there’s plenty

of games you can play at home as a family. It’s sure to tap into his competitive side and it’s a great way to get active. Make some Father’s Day crafts Homemade presents can’t be beaten so why not get crafty with the kids this year? Save yourself some pennies (and a trip to the shop) and let the kids channel their inner artist and create an easy keep-themquiet Father’s Day card. The whole family — including Dad — can explore their

creative sides with these fun family crafts. Put on a puppet show The kids will love to put on a puppet show – it’s a favourite in our house! We make simple paper figures, colour then in and stick them to wooden skewers. My son then hides behind the couch and puts on his puppet show. It’s simple and fun and you don’t need any special equipment. This is sure to keep dad entertained and give the family a good laugh. By Sarah Mackintosh.

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Make your Lockdown Exercise Outing a Family Affair Your marathons have been cancelled, your cycling group is in lockdown and you now have a classroom in your lounge.

ut all is not lost, you can still get out for some much needed exercise on level 3, so why not bring the family along too?Julia Downey, Brand Manager for Thule SA’s Active with Kids category, suggests the following options to consider when enjoying the outdoors with your little ones: Running • Opt for a 3-wheeler stroller when running with your child. Their unique designs include suspension for comfort and control and they are also easy to manoeuver with various intelligent features, designed specifically for active parents. • If your stroller has the option to fix the front wheel then ensure it’s in the fixed position when jogging. • Ensure that wheels are pumped and hard prior to your run and add slime in the tyres to avoid any punctures along the way. • Use a strap from your wrist to the strollers handle on hilly terrain. • If your child is a little older, ensure that their shoelaces are tied and nothing is hanging near the wheels to prevent accidents.

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Cycling If you prefer to let the ‘wheels do the walking’ for you, then a child bike seat will allow you and your most treasured possessions, to enjoy everyday bike rides, safely, easily and in style. It’s also an opportunity to introduce children to the joys of biking. • Make sure your little one has a helmet that fits him or her correctly • Ensure you have the correct bike and determine if a front or rear bike seat suits your needs more. • When you get the bike seat, have some practice rides without your most precious cargo and make sure you are comfortable and confident on the bike (add a sack of potatoes or some shopping for some weight to get a feel for it) • Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting and using your bike seat and make sure your child is properly strapped in. • And finally, enjoy the ride! Your child will love taking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors as you ride, and you’ll be able to enjoy every squeal, smile and giggle along the way.

Walking If the family prefers a slow and steady walk, then a child carrier backpack is another option and great for a low impact and steady exercise. Choose a carrier that’s comfortable for both you and your little. Here are a few tips to consider before making a purchase: An adjustable back panel and hip belt that provides a perfect fit and comfortable carry and a carrier that can also make the transition between parents easy. A carrier with stirrups let your little one rest their legs and readjust themselves. A breathable back panel provides padding and support at critical contact points, allowing air to circulate around your back, keeping you cool. Visit www.thulestore.co.za for a range of these products that are all available for purchase and delivery during lockdown.

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Rustle Up a Bird Feast You might not envy their diet of insects, nuts and seeds, but I’m sure you can sympathise with a rumbling tummy.

es, birds can get very peckish, so why not help by setting up your own “all you can eat” snack bar? If you don’t have a handy tree from which to hang your gourmet delights, you can even make your own from some cut-off branches. You will need: Cut-off branches, large plant pot, bricks or stones, soil or sand, garden wire, unsalted and unbuttered popcorn, apples, orange halves, lard, flour, oats and birdseed. A large plant pot is a great place to house your fake tree. AS they don’t have roots to anchor them, you will need to wedge your branches between bricks or stones to stop them from flopping over. You can then fill around them with soil or sand, before adding some pretty stones to decorate around the base. You can then make it look rather beauti-

ful at the same time as laying out some tasty treats for the birds. Use unsalted and unbuttered popcorn threaded onto garden wire to make nibble rings. You can also add a loop to the end of some of the wire before threading on some sliced apples. And, unlike you, the birds won’t turn up their noses when the apple looks a bit brown (yeah, you might want to learn something from this). For a really nutritious treat, get some old orange halves (just the empty peels) and thread them through some more wire to hang them from the tree. You can then use one part lard (at room temperature), squished with one part flour, two parts oats and one part bird seed to make the filling. The mixture can also be smeared and pressed into old pine cones which can then be hung from the branches with some twine. And don’t pull that face – I’m not asking you to eat it! Tip: Birds come to rely on their regular snack bars, so make sure you keep yours topped up, especially from late autumn to spring when they need it most.

Source: 101 Things For Kids To Do Outside by Dawn Isaac.

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Make it From Scratch • ¾ teaspoon salt • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for hands and surface • A sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan Instructions: Prepare the dough: Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover and allow to rest for 5 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, simply use a large mixing bowl and mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon in the next step. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With lightly floured hands, knead the dough for three to four minutes. The dough can be a little too heavy for a mixer to knead it, but you can Follow these basic instructions for a thick, certainly use the mixer on low speed instead. After kneading, the dough should still feel crisp, and chewy pizza crust at home. The a little soft. Poke it with your finger – if it recipe yields enough pizza dough for two 12-inch pizzas and you can freeze half of the slowly bounces back, your dough is ready to rise. If not, keep kneading. dough for later. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or Ingredients: non-stick spray – just use the same bowl • 320ml warm water (between 38°C and you used for the dough. Place the dough in 43°C) the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. • 2 ¼ teaspoons Red Star Platinum instant Cover the bowl with aluminium foil, plastic yeast (1 standard packet)* wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the • 1 Tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar dough to rise at room temperature for 60 to • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Homemade Pizza Crust

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90 minutes or until double in size. Preheat oven to 240°C. Allow it to heat for at least 15 to 20 minutes as you shape the pizza. Lightly grease baking sheet or pizza pan with non-stick spray or olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with cornmeal, which gives the crust extra crunch and flavour. Shape the dough: When the dough is ready, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough in half. (If not making two pizzas, freeze half of the dough for another time– see freezing instructions below.) On a lightly floured work surface using lightly floured hands or rolling pin, gently flatten the dough into a disc. Place on prepared pan and, using lightly floured hands, stretch and flatten the disc into a 12-inch circle. Lift the edge of the dough up to create a lip around the edges. Cover the dough lightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for a few minutes while you prepare your pizza toppings. Top & bake the pizza: To prevent the filling from making your pizza crust soggy, brush the top lightly with olive oil. Using your fingers, push dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Top with your favourite toppings and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Slice hot pizza and serve immediately. Cover leftover pizza tightly and store in the refrigerator. Reheat as you prefer. Baked pizza slices can be frozen up to 3 months. Source: www.sallysbakingaddiction.com.

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Mum's Mail Durban - June 2020

Articles inside

Make your Lockdown Exercise Outing a Family Affair

Father’s Day Recipe

World Heart Rhythm Week

Your Blood Saves Lives

Covid-19: A Guide for Moms

Practising Self-Care Benefits Your Children

We Love Helping you Shrink

Book Reviews by Bargain Books

Where Have all the Street Children Gone?

A Reason to Smile

Balancing and Stretching your Budget During Tough

From The Editor’s Desk

Steps4Hope Challenge

Meet the Cover Stars