Baby's and Beyond - Volume 10 l Issue by Media Xpose

VOLUME 10

INSIDE: FEATURES | COMPETITIONS | KICKS FOR KIDS | RECIPES

a family lifestyle magazine TM

e! It’s timG & BIRTHIN Y DELIVER OPTIONS

COMMON

The heat factor

CHILDHOOD

CONDITIONS

Popular trends in cosmetic

FAD OR RAD? UNPACKING

5 popular diets

beauty December 2023 | R39.90 Incl. VAT Other Countries R34.70

23022

9 772311 546706

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COVER FEATURE

New beginnings for Ingrid Paulus & Denver Vraagom

the n i n u F Cutest baby

Made 4 Baby Swimwear from 6999

sun:

fashion trends

Made 4 Baby Summer Clothing, Shoes & Socks from 3999

Shop Made 4 Baby online*

Summer clothing range and many more outfits available at Clicks stores nationwide. E&OE.

ed's

welcome

STAND A CHANCE TO

WIN

Vital Baby hamper!

Perfect for when your little one gets on the move! Vital Baby has a wide range of products from newborn to toddlers. Win a Vital Baby Hamper valued at R1 000, including:

Vital Baby NOURISH Start weaning kit:

The Vital Baby® NOURISH Start Weaning Kit is the perfect combination of utensils and accessories for babies who are taking their first weaning steps toward independent eating and drinking. This set makes for a great weaning gift or for moms and dads who are about to start weaning their babies.

Snack-time is super-fun with the Vital Baby NOURISH™ snack on the go™:

Perfectly sized for little hands to reach their food through the soft silicone slatted lid, the easy access and non-spill lid design of our snack on the go™ makes baby self-feeding snacks simple and less messy for your little one.

Vital Baby HYDRATE 360° Edge Cup:

When your baby starts crawling and walking, things can get a little messy! The vital baby® HYDRATE™ 360° edge™ cup is the first 360° drinking cup with a durable yet soft outer lip to protect little mouths and sore gums.

SCAN NOW To enter scan the QR code with your

phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

Vital Baby is available at Dis-Chem, Baby City, Clicks, Takealot, Makro Online and www.medhealthsup.com

babysandbeyond

The heat is here in more ways than one! The summer season, when many of us take a break, can be super tiring. We are out and about, entertaining kids, meeting up with family and friends, buying presents, getting ready for back to school… it’s an expensive season! Sometimes while having fun in the sun, we forget about our health. Check out the article on page 44, “The heat factor” which shares some insightful tips on how to avoid ailments such as heat rash and heat stroke, particularly if you are an outdoors family. Staying on the topic of our health, with a new year comes the revitalised energy of wanting to do things differently – and for many of us this translates into taking a closer look at our diets. Sure many of us look towards gym contracts, but more often than not trainers will say that exercise is only a small part, and that diet is critical if you want to lose or maintain a healthy weight. The article on page 48 “Fad or rad? Unpacking 5 popular diets”, written by a nutritionist helps give some tips on various diets that could potentially suit your lifestyle. Speaking of new beginings, expectant parents would enjoy some great insights into birthing options (see page 22) helping to demystify the process. The article covers areas such as vaginal birth, assisted-births, water births and so forth. It also gives some insight regarding pain management. Summer is a great period of reflection. It's often when we are most optimistic – perfect for setting new goals and dreams into motion. Enjoy the summer, and all the best for a fantastic 2024!

Tashne

contents SUMMER 2023–24

COVER FEATURE

14 New beginnings for Ingrid Paulus & Denver Vraagom

14 DIET

48 Fad or rad? Unpacking 5 popular diets

BEAUTY

54 Top tips for gorgeous summer hair Popular trends in 58 cosmetic beauty

Gift ideas

PREGNANCY

18 Understanding gestational diabetes

ADVERTORIAL

21 Paracetamol use during pregnancy: what you need to know

CHILDBIRTH

22 It’s time! Birthing & delivery options 4

HEALTH

28 10 Common childhood conditions Toothy questions answered... 36 When ‘oh!’ becomes ‘ow!’: pain during sex 40 Incontinence explained 42 The heat factor 44 Cardiovascular disease: separate the facts from the myths 46 www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Keeping you

COVERED

in the kitchen! Whether a skilled cook or an adventurous amateur, cuts and nicks, or burns often happen in the kitchen. GERMOLENE is recommended for cuts, scratches and abrasions, minor burns and scalds. It even soothes bites, stings and blisters. GERMOLENE ointment has a protective antibacterial action, plus soothes pain and discomfort due to its analgesic action. Make sure GERMOLENE ointment is part of your family first-aid kit essentials, for the kitchen and beyond.

For external use only

S0 GERMOLENE Ointment. Ref. No.:G1847 (Act 101/1965). Each 100 g contains anhydrous lanolin 38,716 g, maize starch 7,840 g, zinc oxide 7,840 g, methyl salicylate 2,960 g, phenol 1,184 g, octaphonium chloride 0,300 g, menthol 0,012 g. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2023 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Marketed by Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare Co. Reg. No.: 1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-OPS-07-23-00001 07/2023

Marketed by Aspen Pharmacare www.aspenpharma.com Hotline 0800 122 912

DEVELOPMENT

64 7 ways to start over What’s your child's crawling style? 68

Credits babysandbeyond

PUBLISHER: Elroy van Heerden Mays elroy@mediaxpose.co.za EDITOR: Tashne Singh editor@babysandbeyond.co.za

ADVERTORIALS

69 5 surprising benefits of real-world play for your child's development A good education can give your 70 child a strong head start

EDUCATION

SUB-EDITOR: Tessa O'Hara CONTENT MANAGER: Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za CONTENT ASSISTANT: Ketsia Makola ketsia@mediaxpose.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Dr Patricia Okeyo Gina Fourie Sr Yvonne Naidoo Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Likeleli Pitso Shaun Fuchs Emma King Life is a Garden Dr Kim Sonntag Itumeleng Dr Shaun Mason Tamara Reddy DESIGN & LAYOUT Shaun van Heerden Mays Anja Bramley

72 Helping homeschool students develop holistically

PROJECT MANAGER: Allison Davids allison@babysandbeyond.co.za

ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTISING SALES: Lorraine Beneke lorraine@babysandbeyond.co.za

76 Cape Point Vineyards

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA Kyla van Heerden Tia Arendse Temo Mpodi

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS: Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS: Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Shaun van Heerden Mays WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR: Justin McGregor RECEPTIONIST: Daniëla Daniels RETAIL DISTRIBUTION: On The Dot AIRPORT DISTRIBUTION: Media Support PICTURE CREDIT: 123rf.com / pixabay.com COVER & FEATURE PHOTOS: Hilda Mans Photography

DIY

78 Hands-on holiday gardening seed Christmas crackers

REGULARS

8 Snippets – editor's choice 62 Products – editor's choice 82 Kicks for kids 6

FINANCE

94 7 transformative conversations for financial success

84 Book reviews 86 Word search 88 Recipes

Van Heerden Mays Publications CC t/a Media Xpose Company Reg No: 2010/128859/23 6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 Tel: 021 424 3625 | Fax: 086 270 9693 Email: info@babysandbeyond.co.za | Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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snippets – editor's choice

Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn Mix & Learn DJ Table™ Little music-makers can work their fine motor skills while rocking out to Puppy’s freshest beats with the Laugh & Learn® Mix & Learn DJ Table™ activity centre from Fisher-Price®.

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LAUGH & LEARN® MIX & LEARN DJ TABLE™ Comprising of Laugh & Learn® Mix & Learn DJ Table™ valued at R1 199.90!

Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

SCAN

NOW

To enter scan the QR code with your

phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

MEGA Build & Race Rig Little racing fans can zoom into adventure with this big rig truck and a buildable race car that makes real racing sounds. Reconfigure the big rig and use the truck's body as a base for the building blocks and race track pieces that are included. Arrange the ramp in different ways to build all kinds of racing stunts. Send the race car down the track to the finish line, then pack up and haul out when you put everything away inside the rig until the next race! Ideal for first builders, ages 1+. • Buildable racing-themed big rig truck with rolling wheels and an easy-to-build race car that makes five racing sounds! • Comes with eight building blocks and one track piece to reconfigure the big rig into a buildable stunt raceway. • Handy, built-in storage for blocks and race car. • Ideal for ages 1+, and endorsed by Fisher Price, First Builders™ toys, perfect for little hands, providing hands-on play to develop imagination and gross motor skills. • Blocks are compatible with all Mega Bloks building toys for endless learning fun!

• Music-themed activity table with three piano play modes, multi-colour lights, and 12 engaging fine motor activities for baby and toddler DJs to explore. • 100+ songs, sounds and learning phrases! Press the eight piano keys, spin the light-up Puppy disc, or press the light-up number pad. • Three Smart Stages® learning levels grow along with your baby and teach colours, shapes, numbers and counting, opposites, the alphabet and Spanish words. • Record and play back: Record a fun message and hear the DJ mix it into a song. • Helps foster fine motor skills, balance and coordination while introducing cause and effect to babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years old. • Smilestones™: Bringing a smile to milestones! This toy helps foster motor skills by encouraging toddlers to stand and explore activities that exercise dexterity, balance and coordination.

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MEGA BUILD & RACE RIG Comprising of a MEGA Build & Race Rig valued at R599!

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NOW

Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

To enter scan the QR code with your phone and complete

the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

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Let Go!

Questions about constipation during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Feel Free!

Given that constipation is a common, unpleasant part of pregnancy that can also occur during the postpartum period (the first 42 days after birth), whether you had a natural birth or a C-section you may have some questions.1-3 In addition, you may suffer from constipation whilst breastfeeding your baby and want to understand what remedy is safe to use. This article will endeavour to answer some of the important questions that you as a pregnant or breastfeeding mother may have about constipation.3

During which trimester of pregnancy is constipation more likely?1 You are most likely to get constipated in the third trimester when your foetus is the heaviest and is putting the most pressure on your bowel however, constipation can happen during all three trimesters.1

What causes constipation during pregnancy?1 Increase in the hormone progesterone may slow bowel transit

Your growing foetus puts pressure on your bowels

Iron from your prenatal vitamin can cause waste build up

Poor lifestyle habits like not eating enough fibre or drinking enough water impact waste movement

MOVICOL is suitable for the relief of chronic constipation during pregnancy and breastfeeding because MOVICOL is virtually unabsorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

How does MOVICOL work? MOVICOL is an iso-osmotic laxative which means that it works with the water in your body to help relieve chronic constipation.

Remember that your body is still healing. It might still hurt to have a bowel movement or stretched muscles may make pushing out poop a bit difficult.

Changes in sleep patterns as well as the stress that comes with having a baby can cause changes in your bowel habits as well.

***If patients develop any symptoms indicating shifts of fluids/electrolytes (e.g., oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure) MOVICOL should be stopped immediately and electrolytes measured and any abnormality should be treated appropriately References: 1. Pregnancy Constipation. 2021 Oct 19. [Cited 2023 Sept 21]. Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21895-pregnancy-constipation 2. Iftikhar N. Postpartum Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and More. 2020 Jun 15. [Cited 2023 Sept 21]. Healthline.com. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/postpartum-constipation#treatments 3. Ledan SH. OTC Medication Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. 2019 Sept 17. [Cited 2023 Sept 21]. US Pharmacist. Available from: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/otc-medication-use-in-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding 4. IMS TPM DATA AUGUST 2023 S0 MOVICOL. Reg. No.: 31/11.5/0123. Each sachet of powder contains 13,125 g macrogol (PEG) 3350, 178,5 mg sodium bicarbonate, 350,7 mg sodium chloride and 46,6 mg potassium chloride. For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority (08/2021). Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2023 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Marketed by Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare. Co. Reg. No.:1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-NKN-09-23-00004 10/2023

If you are a breastfeeding mother, choose a laxative that is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract that won’t enter the breast milk.

What constipation remedy is suitable for me to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Why can constipation still be a problem after giving birth?2

If you need to take pain medications, constipation can be a side effect of certain painkillers and even if you are no longer taking these medications, it can take a few days to weeks for your bowels to balance out.

What do I need to keep in mind with regards to laxatives if I get constipated whilst breastfeeding?3

MOVICOL contains macrogol and electrolytes for relief without gain or loss of significant amounts of water or electrolytes.* Dosing with MOVICOL is flexible. You can take 1 to 3 sachets depending on the severity of your chronic constipation.

SA’s value leading

laxative4

Also available in a convenient 8 sachet travel pack size.

To learn more about MOVICOL, visit www.movicol.mobi.

Marketed by Aspen Pharmacare www.aspenpharma.com Hotline 0800 122 912

snippets – editor's choice

Introducing Africa’s newest Big Five from Afrika Botanicals Afrika Botanicals, the local and international supplier of ethically sourced, 100% cold pressed natural African botanical oils, has launched their Big Five African Oils Box Set, comprising their bestselling carrier oils. The Big Five box set contains Mongongo, Baobab, Kalahari Melon, Ximenia and Marula Oil in easy-to-use 30ml glass bottles, that can be used on their own or added to your current skin and hair care products to provide that little something extra! Each oil is wild harvested by rural women from communities throughout Southern Africa, ensuring fair trade policies and is then produced in an organic environment.

STAND A CHANCE TO

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Comprising of Mongongo, Baobab, Kalahari Melon, Ximenia and Marula Oils valued at R750!

To enter scan the QR code with your phone and complete

SCAN

the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

NOW

www.afrikabotanicals.com

BIG FIVE AFRICAN OILS BOX SET

Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

Philips Sonicare toothbrush The sleek and stylish Midnight Blue Philips One is the perfect upgrade from a manual toothbrush to gently clean and whiten your teeth. Brush better with the One: Upgrade your manual toothbrush with the sleek, lightweight and powerful Philips One. Each of the hundreds of soft bristles is transformed into micro-vibrating mini scrubbers by a tiny motor inside the handle. At the touch of a button your teeth are gently cleaned and whitened.

Gentle and thorough cleaning: The dynamic pattern of the soft bristles can help reach into the areas between teeth for thorough cleaning. You are prompted every 30 seconds by the built-in smart timer to move on to the next area of your mouth. A longer buzz sounds when you’ve reached the recommended 2 minutes.

One battery lasts up to three months: Brush with a single AAA alkaline battery for up to 90 days. Take the stylish, eyecatching Midnight Blue Philips One wherever you go for a whiter, brighter smile.

Available from www.sonicare.co.za

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

snippets – editor's choice

Thomas & Friends™ Connect & Build Track Bucket Preschool kids can expand their favourite Thomas & Friends toy train sets and build all new railway creations of their own with this Thomas & Friends Connect & Build Track Bucket from Fisher-Price®. STAND A CHANCE TO

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This track expansion pack includes a variety of track and play pieces, including straights, curves, and ascending track pieces. Kids can store all the pieces inside the bucket and then incorporate the

THOMAS & FRIENDS™ CONNECT & BUILD TRACK BUCKET

Comprising of Thomas & Friends™ Connect & Build Track Bucket valued at R949.90!

SCAN

NOW Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

To enter scan the QR code

with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

bucket and lid into their track builds for more exciting railway play! (Engines sold separately and subject to availability.) • Kids can build on to their Thomas & Friends toy train railway with this 34-piece track expansion set. • Three suggested layouts and endless possibilities. Includes straight, curves, and ascending track pieces compatible with other Thomas & Friends train sets. • Lid and bucket can be used as train crossings in kids’ track layouts and then used as a storage container for all track pieces. • Track pieces, accessories, and play pieces are compatible with any Thomas & Friends train set, except wood. • Encourages imaginative play and storytelling for preschool kids ages 3 years and up.

Imaginext™ Jurassic World™ Break Out Dino Hauler™ Preschool kids can race to capture dinosaurs on the loose, just like in Jurassic World Dominion, with the Imaginext® Jurassic World™ Break Out Dino Hauler™ vehicle and T. Rex dinosaur set from Fisher-Price®. This push-along vehicle features a projectile launcher to catch dinosaurs and lots of storage to keep them contained. But watch out… as kids push the vehicle along, the dinosaur will thrash around wildly until she breaks out of her muzzle! • Inspired by Jurassic World Dominion, this roll-along hauler vehicle set lets kids 'capture' dinosaurs, just like in the film. • Push the vehicle along to see the T. Rex dinosaur thrash around and break out of the muzzle! • Press to launch the dino grabber projectile to 'catch' the T. Rex and clip the muzzle onto her jaw to contain her again. • Hauler vehicle seats two figures, has a projectile launcher, and storage in the cage and under the hood (Additional dinosaurs and figures sold separately and subject to availability.) • Encourages imaginative storytelling play for preschool kids ages 3 to 8 years.

STAND A CHANCE TO

WIN

IMAGINEXT™ JURASSIC WORLD™ BREAK OUT DINO HAULER™ Comprising of Imaginext™ Jurassic World™ Break Out Dino Hauler™ valued at R1 649!

Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

To enter scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

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cover feature

New beginnings for

Ingrid Paulus & Denver Vraagom

Clothing supplied by Keedo and Edgars

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cover feature Millions of South Africans have sat down each day of the week to catch up on the lives of the characters who have made 7de Laan the iconic TV series it became on local TV. Actress and director Ingrid Paulus and her husband Denver Vraagom have been part of the SABC2 soapie for more than 20 years, with Ingrid playing Vanessa Meintjies, and Denver portraying Sheldon. Off-screen they have embarked on a different adventure, one of partnership/marriage and parenting two daughters, Skye and Hannah. Ingrid, 7de Laan has ended. Having played the role of Vanessa for over two decades, what are some of the emotions you are feeling? I had mixed emotions; it felt like a part of me had died as well, but then came acceptance, and feeling proud of what 7de Laan accomplished.

What was the highlight of being part of the cast?

Being able to tell the stories with my fellow cast mates and building an incredible camaraderie.

What did playing a consistent role teach you in your personal life?

That all good things come to an end, and you must open yourself up to new experiences.

What would you like to pursue next?

Denver and I have started our own production company and hope we can get our projects off the ground soon.

Ingrid and Denver, as a couple both involved in the entertainment industry, how does this impact your family life?

Denver: The hours are long, tiring and sometimes scary. Every so often, we lived past each other, but we never brought work home. Now that 7de Laan has come to an end, Ingrid and I are talking more about work, our own stuff, and that’s feeding our souls.

Ingrid: Denver and I made a pact; you only have 20 minutes to rant and rave about your day and then we both focus on each other and our children. It is easier for us to keep a balanced life because we are in the same industry.

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cover feature Ingrid’s faves: Favourite family activity: Camping Favourite cuisine: Lasagne Favourite holiday destination: Cape Town Favourite movie: Lion King Favourite guilty pleasure: Watching TikTok videos

With both of you being in the industry, how do you create an environment that has routine?

Denver: What routine? With Skye (who is autistic), there’s got to be some form of routine, as we are dealing with medicine. Hannah is like a drunk Teletubby… you have to follow her around. In general, because I am normally working from home, except for studio days, I am the cook, trying to get their meals done on time, but sometimes too lazy to bath Hannah. Ingrid: Denver always makes sure the household is in order and that our girls are sorted. I try to help with homework and all the driving, making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be.

Would you want your kids to follow in your footsteps?

Ingrid: It’s difficult to say, as this industry is not a very kind industry. I think, at the end of the day, it is their choice and their journey, a journey they must map out for themselves. A journey I will support them on. I love them too much to tell them what to do.

Denver, congratulations on your SAFTA nomination for best presenter on Words & Numbers!

Thank you so much. I didn’t win, but what an honour to be nominated alongside such greats in the industry.

How does acting differ from presenting for you and which do you prefer?

Denver: It’s nice to portray a character,

be in the moment and not rush through life every now and then. With acting you get to research a character, then dive into that character, offering most of yourself. Presenting takes on another form. You give most of yourself, being most of yourself. The most honest and pure version of yourself. Thankfully, I get to do it with my peers… the 11 and 12-yearolds. I don’t really have a preference. Every medium brings with it, its own challenges.

Challenges that I love. Radio takes on a form of colouring words with just your voice, while presenting and acting asks you to incorporate your body and directing. Producing involves a lot of paperwork...

What are some of your upcoming projects?

Denver: There are quite a few ‘soul feeding’ productions. Things that I missed doing while working permanently as a director at 7de Laan. It is “me-time”! www.babysandbeyond.co.za

cover feature Ingrid, in the past you have spoken of your daughter Skye being autistic. What are some of the lessons you have learned about parenting a child with autism? Patience, even though I am not a patient person. I have learned to be in the moment and not rush through life.

Ingrid, a few years ago, you gave birth to your second child. With an over 10-year age gap between your kids what are the pros, and are there any cons? The pros for me are that Skye won’t be alone. She always wanted a sibling. The cons are of course the big age gap and sometimes they don’t get along at all.

Does it feel different raising your second child now that you are older?

Ingrid: Yes, it does, I feel more confident as a mother, and if I make mistakes, I am not so hard on myself.

Has your parenting style changed, and if so, how?

Ingrid: Yes, it has. I am much more

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

emotionally involved with my girls, because they have different needs and I try to listen more attentively. Communication is key in a marriage or any relationship.

in journeying on this planet of ours, Cheslin Kolbē, Herschel Jantjies, Breyton Paulse, the late Chester Williams, Johan Stemmet, and the Stormers.

What do you think is critical for having a long-lasting marriage?

Looking back, what would you tell a 25-year-old you?

Denver: I only have two words; open communication. If there is no communication, a marriage is set for disaster. In the past, we never used to speak about work at home, but now it is inevitable as we are going to have to create together; something we have been wanting to do for so long. Now is the time. We get to share our passion for stage, film, radio and television, but this time as a couple!

Denver: Surround yourself with good people in good places. Remember, “you can’t love and respect somebody if there is no self-love and self-respect”. Ingrid: Don’t be afraid of something new; change is good. 

Which family member is the…

What is your greatest achievement?

Better cook: Denver Prankster/s: Denver and Skye Organiser: Denver Spontaneous one: Denver Outdoorsy: Denver and Skye Busy bee: Hannah

Who are your greatest motivators?

What is a typical day in your household? There is always a fun chaotic atmosphere in the house, but some people might see it as madness.

Denver: Having an amazing wife and two beautiful children to guide me on my different journeys.

Denver: In life, my wife and children. On the professional side of things and

pregnancy

Understanding

at ional ges tdiabetes MOST PREGNANCIES ARE UNEVENTFUL, WITH A HEALTHY BABY AND A HAPPY MOTHER TO SHOW FOR IT. DESPITE THIS, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS AND STATISTICALLY 8% OF PREGNANCIES PRESENT WITH COMPLICATIONS1.

By Roche

GDM... is a condition that can develop even if you’ve never had diabetes.

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pregnancy

o ensure you remain empowered throughout your pregnancy, it is worth your while to be familiar with potential conditions that can, in rare cases, develop. One of these is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The most important thing to understand about GDM is that it is a condition that can develop even if you’ve never had diabetes. However, there are ways to help reduce your chances of developing it, and there are factors that can influence who gets it. Also, even if you do get it, there are ways to manage it to ensure you continue to feel in control of your body and your pregnancy.

Knowledge is power

Like any health issue, the more you know about it and the sooner you have that knowledge, the more power you have over the outcome because there are more options to treat it or avoid it. According to a 2022 study published in the Pan African Medical Journal, in subSaharan Africa the prevalence of GDM is 9%3, estimated from a recent metaanalysis that had pooled data from 33 studies. What makes it significant though relatively rare, is it can lead to developing diabetes in later life for both mother and the child. GDM is caused by a dysfunction in the body’s metabolic rate. During pregnancy nutrients are passed from mother to child through the placenta and this results in raised sugar levels in the mother. In the majority of pregnancies the mother’s body produces more insulin to deal with these raised levels. Where GDM develops, the mother’s body does not.

Health risks caused by GDM

Expectant mothers who have gestational diabetes need to be aware of the following: • An overgrown baby – the baby can be ‘overfed’ meaning it is too large and this can create discomfort during the final trimester of pregnancy and can cause complications with vaginal birth, resulting in a C-section and other complications. • High blood pressure (preeclampsia) – GDM can lead to high blood pressure, which is more common in women with diabetes generally. The dangers of this could be the baby coming too early or the mother suffering from seizures or a stroke during labour and delivery. Swelling in fingers and toes, as well as protein in the urine can be signs of preeclampsia. • Low blood sugar – those with diabetes who take insulin or other medications can have blood sugar that drops too low. This can be serious, or fatal, if not treated quickly. Careful and regular monitoring of blood sugar avoids it as it can be identified early. Also, managing sugar levels during pregnancy helps ensure that the baby’s blood sugar isn’t at dangerous levels after birth. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

pregnancy How to prevent GDM

There are no guarantees when it comes to preventing gestational diabetes – but the healthier habits you can adopt before pregnancy, the better. If you've had gestational diabetes, these healthy choices may also reduce your risk of having it again in future pregnancies or developing type 2 diabetes in the future. 1. Eat healthy foods. Choose foods high in fibre and low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without compromising taste or nutrition. Watch portion sizes. 2. Keep active. Exercising before and during pregnancy can help protect you from developing gestational diabetes. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. Short bursts of activity, such as parking further away from the store when you run errands or taking a short walk break, all add up. 3. Start pregnancy at a healthy weight. If you're planning to get pregnant, losing extra weight beforehand may help you have a healthier pregnancy. Focus on making lasting changes to your eating habits that can help you through pregnancy, such as eating more vegetables and fruits. 4. Don't gain more weight than recommended. Gaining some weight during pregnancy is typical and healthy. But gaining too much weight too quickly can increase your risk of gestational diabetes. Ask your health care provider what a reasonable amount of weight gain is for you. Here’s who is most at risk: • women with borderline high sugar levels before pregnancy; • overweight women; • women who eat a diet high in saturated fat; • women who don’t exercise before or during pregnancy; and • those with a family history of diabetes.

How to manage GDM

Where a pregnant woman develops GDM, a doctor might prescribe medication or changes in diet. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes: • Lifestyle changes, healthy diet and staying active. A healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, foods that are high in nutrition and fibre and low in fat and calories – and limits highly refined carbohydrates, including sweets. Regular physical activity (30 mins per day) plays a key role in every wellness plan before, during and after pregnancy because exercise lowers your blood sugar. • Blood sugar monitoring: Your healthcare team may ask you to check your blood sugar four or more times a day, first thing in the morning and after meals, to make sure your level stays within a healthy range; this can easily be done at home with a glucometer. It is important to maintain stable levels as fluctuations can have a negative impact on the baby. • Medication, if necessary. Dr Caterina Pesenti, MD, Cluster Medical Lead for India, Middle East and Africa, Roche Diabetes Care, explains: “At Roche, we are dedicated to ensuring that people with diabetes across South Africa have best access to high quality and accurate diabetes management support driven by the latest technology in order to keep their diabetes in check. “It should be easily accessible and accurate so that it empowers them to live life to the fullest. For pregnant women there’s an increased need to feel reassured and supported during this joyful time of life. Through our range of blood glucose monitoring systems under the brand name of Accu-Chek, Roche is committed to making this a stress-free experience to bring true relief and joy to expecting mothers.” Pregnancy is a normal part of life and 92% of pregnancies present no challenges1. However, as an expectant mother it is always a good idea to be prepared for anything and do what you can to prevent complications. And, if you can’t prevent them, at least manage them the way you want to, so you are never forced to cede control of your body as it goes through incredible changes to bring new life into the world.  For more information, visit www.rochediabetes.com, www.accu-chek.com and www.mysugr.com. Reference: 1. 4 Common Pregnancy Complications | Johns Hopkins Medicine 2. cdc.gov https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html 3. ncib.nlm.nih.gov https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9011905/#:~:text=In%20sub%2DSaharan%20 Africa%2C%20the,%2D12%25 4. hopkinsmedicine.org https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-duringpregnancy/4-common-pregnancy-complications 5. Gestational diabetes - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

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Paracetamol use during pregnancy:

what you need to know Even the most trouble-free pregnancy has its share of aches and pains1. The good news is that some of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses, while others can be easily relieved with the power of Panado®.

uring pregnancy, your body undergoes a complete transformation as your baby grows. Your centre of gravity decides to play musical chairs, your organs rearrange to make room for your growing baby, and increased weight puts pressure on your joints and muscles.1a The circulatory system, too, faces stress during pregnancy, possibly leading to soft tissue pain due to fluid retention.1b Nerve pain enters the scene, often due to nerve compression from weight gain or uterine pressure.1c The sciatic nerve tends to be impacted, especially in later pregnancy and sometimes post-delivery.1d In the first trimester, shifting hormones and blood volume can trigger headaches. Additionally, as your body readies itself for childbirth by loosening ligaments, it becomes more prone to strains, resulting in leg aches and back pain.3 Overall a headache can often be exacerbated by fatigue, stress and eyestrain.2

Medications during pregnancy

The journey from the moment of conception to birth is an intricate process, and substances you consume can sometimes cross the placenta, affecting your baby's growth and well-being.4a To ensure the healthiest outcome for both you and your baby, it's recommended you discuss any medications, supplements, or treatments with your health care provider before using them during pregnancy. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

The use of certain medications during pregnancy has been associated with lower birth weights, meaning that the baby may be born smaller than expected. Premature birth, where the baby arrives before the full term, is another possible outcome due to the influence of certain medications.4b Remember, staying informed and seeking professional advice can greatly contribute to a smoother and healthier pregnancy journey.4c

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childbirth

It 's

time

Birthing & delivery options In the miraculous journey of creating new life, the birthing and delivery process stands as a pivotal and profound moment. Dr Patricia Okeyo, Specialist Obstetrician Gynaecologist, and Sr Yvonne Naidoo, Midwife and Unit Manager at Mediclinic Morningside, tell us more about the intricate and awe-inspiring journey of bringing a baby into the world. Vaginal delivery “A vaginal delivery is a process that happens at the end of pregnancy whereby the uterus contracts, the cervix or mouth of the womb dilates, and the baby is pushed out of the uterus through the birth canal and eventually delivered through the vagina. This normally occurs after 37 weeks of gestation. “It is a process that involves going into labour, which is generally said to last 12-24 hours and has three stages. The first stage is divided into latent and active phases, the second stage is the delivery of the baby, and the third and final stage is the delivery of the afterbirth,” explains Dr Patricia Okeyo. According to Dr Okeyo the benefits of a vaginal birth are as follows: • As the baby passes through the birth canal, fluid in the lungs is squeezed out, and therefore a newborn is less likely to have respiratory issues in the immediate newborn period. • Mobility is quicker for the mother with a vaginal birth as opposed to an operative caesarean section. • Establishment of breastfeeding may be quicker or earlier. • Shorter recovery time post-delivery. “Having a vaginal birth is like embarking on a trip without the benefit of sight, relying only on all the other senses to get you safely across. It is therefore not without risk,” says Dr Okeyo.

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childbirth “For the mother, the risks include vaginal tears, incontinence, long-term risk of pelvic organ prolapse, and post-partum haemorrhage that may result in a blood transfusion. Additionally, a long labour with complications results in distress and anxiety for the mother, which often results in postnatal depression. Failure to progress with a vaginal delivery may also result in a caesarean section.” “The risks for a baby include foetal distress resulting in a caesarean section delivery and injury to the baby, especially with manoeuvres or procedures that may be needed to deliver the baby. Other concerns include a baby presenting with any other part other than the head at the onset of labour. If mom has an infection in the vaginal or vulval area there may be risk of transmission of infection to the baby,” she adds.

Caesarean “A Caesarean (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision in your abdomen and uterus when a vaginal delivery cannot be done safely, or when the health of you or your baby is at risk. A C-section can be planned ahead of time or performed in an emergency. It carries more risk than a vaginal delivery, with a slightly longer recovery period,” says Sr Yvonne Naidoo.

Assisted births “An assisted birth is technically a procedure that is used to deliver a baby in the second stage of labour. This includes using a vacuum (suction device) or forceps to aid the delivery of the baby out of the birth canal,” explains Dr Okeyo. “A vacuum extraction is a procedure where a soft cup with a handle is placed on the baby’s head in the birth canal. Suction pressure is applied to the cup to get a firm grip on the baby’s head and the doctor then pulls or applies traction on the baby’s head, in conjunction with maternal contractions, and the mother pushing or bearing down at the same time. “The forceps delivery procedure is similar to a vacuum birth except that a metal instrument is correctly applied to either side of the baby’s head. With maternal contractions and the mother pushing down, the doctor applies traction to aid with the delivery of the baby. “The reasons for using an assisted delivery could be due to, for example an exhausted mother with a prolonged second stage of labour, or due to foetal reasons where the baby’s heart rate is worrisome or there is foetal distress.”

According to Dr Okeyo the prerequisites for an assisted birth are as follows: • The baby should be well into the birth canal. • The waters or membranes should be broken. • The bladder should be empty, and a urinary catheter may be inserted to empty the bladder. • Lastly, there should be enough room for the procedure to be carried out. This means an episiotomy or a cut in the vaginal opening will be made. If you don’t have an epidural, a local anaesthetic may be injected in the lower part of the vagina (pudendal block) prior to making the cut or episiotomy. Dr Okeyo highlights that the risks are generally similar to those of a vaginal birth, and include the following: • Risks to mother: vaginal tears, post-partum bleeding, difficulty with urinating, urinary or faecal incontinence. • Risks to baby: swelling of the baby’s scalp or, rarely, bleeding into the scalp of the baby, also known as cephalohaematoma. These normally resolve soon after birth. “The aim of any childbirth is to have a positive outcome for both mother and baby. An assisted delivery is done if the risk of awaiting spontaneous birth outweighs the benefit of an assisted delivery,” adds Dr Okeyo. According to Sr Naidoo, “Having metal instruments attached to your baby’s head might seem scary, but your obstetrician has been trained to use these instruments to deliver your baby safely. Assisted deliveries are used to allow you to have a vaginal birth and prevent you from having a C-section, which is major surgery. Your consent will be required for an assisted delivery so you can make an informed decision.”

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childbirth Home birth “A home birth takes place in a residence rather than in a hospital or birth centre, and is usually attended to by a midwife. Home birth can be an option if you are healthy, have a low-risk pregnancy and are able to access a maternity hospital quickly and easily if needed,” says Sr Naidoo. The benefits of a home birth according to Sr Naidoo are as follows: • You are in familiar surroundings where you may feel more relaxed and better able to cope. • You have more control over the experience and things influencing the birth. • You have individualised care by a midwife.

• You have the freedom to choose your own labour position and the use of other elements to calm you, like candles, warm showers and baths. • You have more privacy than in hospital. • You can have your family and as many people with you as you want to support you. • You can avoid unnecessary medical interventions, and there is no pressure to use medication. • The cost is less than in a hospital.

a greater level of responsibility for their own health. This requires ongoing participation in decision-making, and a willingness to accept the consequences of those choices and decisions."

Sr Naidoo says, "Depending on your risk factors, a home birth it may not be a safe option. In the event of an emergency, a maternity medical centre must be easily accessible. Additionally, families assume

She adds that additional risks to note include: • Caesarean sections, forceps deliveries and neonatologists are not available at home, so transport is necessary for these services. • There is a higher risk of infant death, seizures and nervous system disorders than in hospital births. • The cost of home births may not be covered by the mother’s insurance. • Epidurals and nitrous oxide are not available at home.

delivery, so they will be in the water. If your baby is exposed to bacteria because they open their eyes or mouth underwater, there is an increased risk of infection. • Pain management options are more limited, and medical intervention could take longer. • If the water is too hot, overheating

can become a risk for you and your baby. • The baby breathes too early. Rarely, water aspiration happens during a water birth, but it is possible. • The umbilical cord could break before your baby comes out of the water. This is a rare occurrence, but it is a serious event if it happens.

Water birth “Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. The theory is that your baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine months, so birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother,” says Sr Naidoo. Sr Naidoo highlights some of the following as benefits of a water birth: • The warm water can be soothing, which can help the body produce more pain-inhibiting hormones and less stress-inducing hormones. • Some women find that labour in water helps them feel lighter, allows for more comfortable positions, and increased freedom of movement. • It improves circulation, which can help the mother have more efficient contractions and deliver more oxygen to the baby. • Reduced risk of tearing due to a more relaxed body. As with any birth, there are some risks involved. Sr Naidoo notes the following as the risks of a water birth: • Infection for you or your baby. Blood and other fluids are a natural part of

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childbirth Pain management “There are various options available to try and relieve labour pain, medicated and non-medicated. These options are safe for both mother and baby, and do not interfere with the progress of established labour and have few side effects,” says Dr Okeyo. Dr Okeyo highlights the following pain management options: Medicated: Systemic analgesia affects pain perception in the whole body and is not localised to a particular area or region. Nitrous oxide (Entonox): An inhaled pain reliever that is odourless and tasteless.

Pros: Controlled by patient. Allows for mobility and wears off quickly with no effect on the baby.

Cons: Not complete relief of pain. May cause drowsiness and nausea/ vomiting.

Opioids and anxiolytics (Pethidine and Aterax): Intramuscular injected pain relievers administered by the midwife, which take effect within a few minutes.

Pros: Mom can relax between contractions.

Cons: Still feel a great deal of pain. No relief during the second stage of labour. May cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. If given too close to the delivery of the baby, may affect the baby’s breathing and make baby drowsy.

Medicated: Regional analgesia is pain relief localised to one region of the body. Epidural block: Administered by an anaesthesiologist once there are strong regular contractions, and the cervix is dilated between 3-7cm. The epidural block is placed in the lower part of the back. Prior to the epidural, a preload of intravenous fluids is given to the mother to maintain blood pressure. A local anaesthetic is first injected into the back, then a small tube is placed in the correct space along the spinal column to allow a pump to drip medication into the lower back. This knocks out all sensation of pain, but not necessarily muscle movement.

Pros: Takes away pain without slowing down labour, and has no effect on the baby.

Cons: Risk of blood pressure dropping, especially if not well preloaded with intravenous fluids. May not provide adequate pain relief. The aim of the epidural is to numb the sensation of pain, but it’s not an exact science and may also affect muscle movement hampering mobility during labour. Extremely rare, severe headache.

Spinal block: Administered during a caesarean section by an anaesthesiologist. A preload with intravenous fluid is done prior to maintain blood pressures. The medication is injected into the lower part of the back into a fluid filled space in the spinal cord. Its effect is almost immediate and lasts 4-6 hours.

Pros: Complete blockage of both sensation and movement. Mother is awake and present during the delivery.

Cons: Blood pressure drop resulting in nausea and vomiting.

Non-medicated options for pain relief include: • Mobility during labour such as walking, swaying, dancing. • Breathing techniques. Massage, yoga, acupuncture, hypnosis and aromatherapy. • Music or soothing environment. • Birthing ball to sit/bounce on. • Taking a bath; the stimulus of water on the skin may distract from the pain. • Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) is electrical stimulation of nerve fibres to stimulate the body’s own pain-relieving substances. • Family or support in the form of a partner, doula, or midwife may help with changing positions and encouraging words. Basically, these acts of service help release endorphins which make labour more tolerable.

Dr Okeyo notes four indicators that it is time to go to hospital: 1. Labour – these are contractions that are regular, getting progressively stronger and the interval in between contractions is getting shorter. The aim is to go to hospital once these contractions are 5-10 minutes apart. 2. If the waters break. 3. If there is any bleeding. 4. If one is not happy with baby’s movements.

“Childbirth is a famously unpredictable process and a unique experience to each individual. Having a birth plan is a good idea as you approach the latter part of your pregnancy. Discuss the plan with your obstetrician and midwife so that consideration can be given to what’s important to you,” concludes Sr Naidoo.  www.babysandbeyond.co.za

health

COMMON

childhood conditions

By Dr Likeleli Pitso, Paediatrician at Netcare Linksfield Hospital

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

This condition affects the middle ear located behind the eardrum. It is a common ailment, especially among children. Middle ear infections occur when the Eustachian tube, a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes blocked or swollen. Signs and symptoms: The symptoms of otitis media can vary, however common signs to watch out for in older children include: • Ear pain or discomfort. This can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the ear. • The presence of fluid in the middle ear can cause temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds or a leaking ear. • Fever is very common, especially if

the infection is bacterial. It can cause irritability, increased fussiness or difficulty sleeping due to ear pain.

Among babies younger than 28 days, irritability or feeding difficulties may be the only indication that there is an infection. Transmission: The viruses and bacteria that cause otitis media are commonly airborne via actions such as coughing or sneezing. Treatment: If a child experiences symptoms of a middle ear infection, visit a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Over-the-counter fever and pain relievers can be used. If the infection is bacterial, a course of antibiotics

may be prescribed to help clear the infection. Vaccination and prevention: While it may not always be possible to prevent otitis media, adopting certain habits can reduce the risk of infection: • Practise good hygiene such as regularly washing hands and limiting exposure to individuals with colds or respiratory infections. • Avoid second-hand smoke. Exposure to cigarette smoke increase the likelihood of middle ear infections. • Breastfeeding infants for the first six months of life have been shown to reduce the risk of ear infections. There are vaccines for most of the bacteria that causes otitis media, although there are no vaccines for the viral infections. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

health Common cold

The common cold is a mild upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. Rhinovirus accounts for 40% of colds and other common cold viruses include coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus.

• Using nasal saline drops with a bulbsyringe nostril aspiration can help infants with congestion and obstruction. • Treatment of common cold in children younger than five years should be supervised by a healthcare worker.

Signs and symptoms: The symptoms of the common cold include coughing, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild headache, mild body aches, and fatigue. These symptoms are typically mild and gradually improve within a week. However, coughs can often persist for longer.

Vaccine: Due to the large number of different viruses that can cause the common cold, it has been challenging to develop a single vaccine that can provide protection against all of them.

Transmission: The common cold is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing the cold virus into the air. These droplets can then be inhaled by others, allowing the virus to enter their respiratory system. The virus can also be spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. It is important to practise good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, to reduce the risk of transmission. Treatment: • The mainstays of therapy include rest, hydration, analgesics or antiinflammatory drugs for pain and fever. Decongestants can also be used to relieve nasal congestion. • Steam inhalation can help relieve congestion. However, extra care must be taken to avoid burns. Vitamin C and zinc help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. Sometimes antihistamines are used to relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. • Oral corticosteroids must be avoided as they may increase viral replication and have no impact on cold symptoms. • Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria and therefore have no benefit for viral infections and must not be used. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Flu

This is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe symptoms and can lead to complications, especially in children less than one year old. Signs and symptoms: Typical symptoms of influenza begin 2-3 days after exposure to the virus, including acute febrile respiratory illness with a cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. Commonly the symptoms last for three to four days. In fewer cases the symptoms may persist for as long as two weeks. Transmission: Flu spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. The virus is shed in respiratory secretions for five to 10 days. Treatment: The treatment of flu focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. • Taking a warm shower can help relieve nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat. • Gargling with warm saltwater for older children can also provide relief for a sore throat. • Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated by drinking fluids like water, juice, and soup helps the body to recover. • Antiviral medications, if started within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms reduces the severity and duration of the symptoms. • Cough suppressants are not recommended. • A relevant healthcare professional must be consulted for personalised advice and treatment options. Vaccine and prevention: The most effective preventive measure is an annual flu vaccination, which helps protect against the most common strains of the virus. The vaccine is licensed for use from six months of age. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, help to prevent the spread of the flu.

health Hand, foot and mouth

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute viral illness that presents as a vesicular eruption in the mouth, also involving the hands and feet. It can also involve the buttocks, and genitalia. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a common and potentially, but infrequently, fatal illness in children under five years of age. It is caused by viruses that belong to the enterovirus family. Signs and symptoms: Initially, macular lesions appear on the buccal mucosa, tongue, and hard palate. These mucosal lesions rapidly progress to blisters that erode and become surrounded by an erythematous halo. A fever of 38-39°C may be present for 24 to 48 hours. Transmission: When someone is sick with HFMD, the virus can be found in their nose and throat secretions, such as saliva, drool, or nasal mucus; fluid from blisters and; faeces. Infection generally occurs via the faecal-oral route or via contact with skin lesions and oral secretions. Droplets can also transmit the virus when a person who is sick with HFMD sneezes, coughs, or talks and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. The incubation period of HFMD lasts approximately one week. Patients then report a sore mouth or throat as the disease develops. People with HFMD are usually most contagious during the first week that they are sick. However, people can still sometimes spread the virus to others for days or weeks after symptoms go away, or even if they have no symptoms at all. Treatment: There is no antiviral agent specific for HFMD. It is usually a self-limiting illness. The treatment is mainly supportive, as follows: • Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration; cold liquids are generally preferable. • Spicy or acidic substances may cause discomfort. • Fever and pain must be treated adequately with antipyretics and analgesics. • Direct analgesia may also be applied to the oral cavity via mouthwashes or sprays. • There is no specific medical treatment for HFMD. Parents must contact the healthcare worker if: • The child is not able to drink normally and there is a risk of dehydration. • the child’s fever lasts longer than three days. • The child has a weakened immune system due to other illnesses. • The child is very young, especially younger than six months. Severe symptoms must be treated in hospital. Prevention: A suitable mitigation strategy to minimise transmission among children with HFMD and to control severe epidemics may be to isolate the sick child and suspend the whole class if more than two children display the onset of HFMD in one classroom within one week. Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is important. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Most people with HFMD get better on their own in seven to 10 days.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Sign and symptoms: The signs and symptoms vary. In classic cases, patients complain of their eyelids sticking together when they wake up. They may describe itching and burning, or a gritty sensation as if there is something in their eyes. Pus sliding across the eye may distort their vision. Sometimes the child may become sensitive to light. Teary, red, or pink eyes are a common occurrence due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the conjunctivitis. Transmission: Common causes of conjunctivitis include viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, and irritants. Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by viruses such as adenovirus and is highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva is exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or dust mites and many others. This type of conjunctivitis is often associated with other allergic conditions. Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to irritants such as smoke, chemicals, or foreign objects. It is not contagious and usually resolves once the irritant is removed. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

health The most common mode of transmission is through direct contact with the discharge from the eyes of an infected person. This can occur when an infected person touches their eyes and then touches objects or surfaces that others come into contact with. Another mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the virus can be released into the air.

and back, and then spreads to other parts of the body.

shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Blisters may appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and on the mucous membranes, together with painful, shallow, oropharyngeal, or urogenital ulcers. Intense pruritus (irritation of the skin that is uncomfortable and results in scratching) commonly accompanies the fluid-filled blistering stage of the rash.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Aspirin should NOT be used for fever control, because of the potential development of Reye syndrome (Reye syndrome is a rare illness that can affect the blood, liver, and brain of someone who has recently had a viral infection).

Treatment: Frequently washing hands with soap and water, avoiding touching the eyes, and avoiding sharing personal items, such as towels, can help to prevent the transmission of conjunctivitis.

A history of exposure to an infected person within the incubation period of 10 to 21 days is also an important clue in the diagnosis.

Vaccination and prevention Infected children should stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. Varicella zoster immunoglobulin is the immunization given to high-risk patients that have been exposed to the virus.

For copious eye secretions, frequent saline irrigation with saline is encouraged, but eye patching is discouraged. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for conjunctivitis. For example, adequate and appropriate antibiotic treatment is needed for bacterial causes, while removal of the irritants will relieve the symptoms. Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limited to 10-14 days, but symptoms may persist for as long as six weeks. Vaccination: There are vaccinations for some of the bacteria causing conjunctivitis, however, there’s still no vaccine for the viruses.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is largely a childhood disease, with more than 90% of cases occurring in children younger than 10 years. Sign and symptoms: A rash, illness, and a low-grade fever can signal the onset of the disease. The symptoms include a rash of itchy, fluidfilled blisters that appear on the skin, fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The rash usually starts on the face, chest, www.babysandbeyond.co.za

The vaccine is typically administered as a combination vaccine, known as the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is usually given in two doses, with the first dose given between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose given between four and six years of age. Transmission: Chickenpox is transmitted through direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters of an infected person. It is also spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The patient is contagious from about two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over. Treatment: • Treatment for chickenpox mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. • Antipyretics and analgesia are used to reduce fever and relieve pain. • Trimming nails help minimise skin damage from scratching and the associated complications of bacterial superinfection. • Calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal baths help soothe the itching. In severe cases or for individuals at high risk of complications, antiviral medications are prescribed. These medications help

Measles

Measles isn’t just a little rash, it is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death. Signs and symptoms: Measles symptoms appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus and typically includes a high fever, often around 40 degrees Celsius that typically lasts 4-7 days. There is also marked illness; anorexia; and the classic “3 Cs” of measles: conjunctivitis (watery red eyes), cough, and coryza (stuffy nose).

health Other possible symptoms include photophobia (in which bright lights hurt or irritate the eyes), periorbital oedema (puffy eyes), and myalgia (muscle pain). • Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. • Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. • The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. • When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 40 degrees Celsius. • Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Transmission: Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before and four days after the rash appears. Measles spreads to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. Treatment: Treatment of measles is essentially supportive care with good hydration and replacement of fluids lost. The focus is on relieving symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications. Eating a healthy diet is also important. All children with measles should receive two doses of Vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This restores low Vitamin A levels that occur even in well-nourished children. It can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements may also reduce the number of measles deaths. Antibiotics are given to patients that experience complications, for instance, measles with pneumonia.

Vaccine: The measles vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that is used to protect against measles. It is a safe vaccine with no evidence of human-to-human transmission

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis also known as stomach flu, is an illness triggered by the infection and or inflammation of the digestive system. Some of the causes of gastroenteritis include viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, particular chemicals, and some drugs. Signs and symptoms: Symptoms can include: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause of gastroenteritis. On the one hand, Rotavirus gastroenteritis, one of the common viral causes, may present with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and severe dehydration. Bacterial gastroenteritis, on the other hand, may result in symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. Transmission: Gastroenteritis is typically transmitted through ingesting contaminated food or water. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus or bacteria that cause gastroenteritis. The main pathogens responsible for gastroenteritis include bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Salmonella, as well as viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus. It is crucial to practise good hygiene to prevent the transmission of gastroenteritis.

of the live attenuated measles vaccine virus. It is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given at around 12-15 months of age and the second dose given at around four to six years of age.

• Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is usually effective for mild-to-moderate dehydration. For diarrhea and vomiting, the effective method would be intravenous fluid therapy. • The use of anti-diarrhoeal medication is discouraged. • In general, children with gastroenteritis should be returned to a normal diet as rapidly as possible. Early feeding reduces the duration of the illness and improves the nutritional outcome. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding throughout the rehydration and maintenance phases of acute gastroenteritis. Formula-fed infants should restart feeding at full strength as soon as the rehydration phase is complete (ideally in two to four hours). Weaned children should restart their normal fluids and solids as soon as the rehydration phase is complete. Fatty foods and foods high in simple sugars should be avoided. It is important to note that these treatment options are general recommendations – a specific treatment plan should be determined by a healthcare professional. Vaccination: The recommended vaccination for gastroenteritis is the rotavirus vaccine. The vaccine is administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of life.

Treatment: The treatment options for gastroenteritis depend on the severity of the symptoms and the age of the patient. In general, the main goal of treatment is to prevent dehydration and manage symptoms.

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KuraFlo – so much more than Seasonal Hay fever, allergies, dry coughs, asthma… these are the conditions that are most experienced during Spring and Summer seasons. Because of the heat and humidity, there is a lack of air movement which can cause pollutants like dust and pollen to be trapped in the airways. And although flu is prevalent in cold weather, we are also still susceptible to flu because of sudden temperature changes in Summer when we move from air-conditioned rooms to outdoor heat, or sudden rainstorms. With a higher salt quantity in the product than that of the body, hypertonic saline draws fluid from the inflamed, swollen lining of the nose, sinuses, larynx and bronchi to help open the airways. This then helps wash out those trapped particles. In addition, we have also launched our new anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic Skin Healing Cream to help for those skin irritations, rashes, mosquito bites, cuts and sunburn. Helping you Breathe Better & now Feel Better too!

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health Sign and symptoms: Tinea capitis begins as a small skin lesion around a hair shaft on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Within a few days, the red lesion becomes paler and scaly, and the hairs appear discoloured, lustreless, and brittle. They break off a few millimetres above the scalp skin surface. The lesion spreads, forming numerous lesions in a typical ring form. Ring-shaped lesions may combine with other infected areas.

In some cases, ringworm can be transmitted from animals to humans. This is particularly common in cases of scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) in children who have close contact with infected animals.

Transmission: It is caused by various species of fungi called dermatophytes. The transmission of ringworm can occur in several ways including through direct contact with an infected person. This can happen when you touch the skin or hair of an infected individual or come into contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, towels, or bedding. The fungi can survive on these surfaces and spread to others who come in contact with them. Indirect transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Selenium sulphide shampoo reduces the risk of spreading the infection early during therapy by reducing the number of viable spores that are shed. Oral antimycotic therapy is used for six weeks to achieve total eradication.

Functional constipation is an inability to pass stools or difficulty with passing stools regularly and efficiently.

conditions should be ruled out before making the diagnosis. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

The combination of pharmacological therapy and non-pharmacological management is necessary for increased chances of success.

Signs and symptoms: The signs and symptoms of functional constipation may vary, but commonly include: • Children with functional constipation often have fewer than three bowel movements per week. They strain during bowel movements with difficulty passing stools or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. • The stools are hard or lumpy. They are dry, and difficult to pass, often requiring excessive straining. This is accompanied by abdominal discomfort or pain.

Transmission and cause: The cause of this condition is unknown.

Prevention: A few factors are associated with less chances of occurrence of functional constipation: • Starting solids when the gut is mature, which is estimated to be six months of age. • Breastfeeding exclusively has some protection. • Avoidance of processed foods. 

It is important to note that functional constipation is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other underlying medical

Non-pharmacological management consists of education, behavioural modification, and dietary interventions.

Ringworm

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, scalp, nails, and other areas of the body. Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection in children. It is caused by a superficial fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair shafts and follicles.

Functional constipation:

Treatment: The treatments for functional constipation include both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Pharmacological therapy consists of faecal dis-impaction and maintenance therapy. A medical professional must assess the severity of the condition and give a specific effective laxative individualised for the patient. There are oral and suppository medications that can be used.

Treatment: Children receiving treatment for ringworm may attend school. Haircuts, shaving the head, and wearing a cap during treatment are not necessary.

Vaccination and prevention: There is no vaccine. To prevent the transmission of ringworm, it is important to practice good hygiene. Veterinary care for pets with ringworms and following their recommendations for treatment and prevention is key.

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Constipation can leave your little one’s tummy feeling

bloated and uncomfortable.1 When in need of relief from constipation, trust LACSON Syrup.

Suitable for use in children under 1 year of age 1. Healthline. Wells D. Abdominal Pain And Constipation. [updated 2019 March 07; cited 2020 July 31]. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-painand-constipation 2. LACSON IMS TMP MAT Data February 2022. S0 LACSON. Reg. No.: Z/11.5/0055. Each 5 ml of syrup . Trademarks are owned contains by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2022 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Pharmacare Limited. Co. Reg. No.:1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-LAU-03-22-00003 03/2022

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health

Toothy QUESTIONS ANSWERED... Emma King, Head of Marketing and Clinical Training at Zoom Whitening South Africa answers all your toothy questions…

WIN

Stand a chance to win 1 of 2 Sonicare Philips One electric toothbrushes!

SCAN NOW Closing date: 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply.

To enter scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/

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health

a d u l t s

k i d s How can parents clean a baby’s teeth (before age one)?

Wipe over the teeth morning and night with a damp facecloth or use an infant toothbrush. You can just wet the brush rather than use toothpaste – do this until the age of 18 months and then introduce a low fluoride toothpaste recommended for that age.

At what stage should children have their first dentist visit, and what can be expected at this visit?

The first dental visit can happen as soon as six months after the first teeth have appeared. The dentist will check the teeth for cavities or abnormalities, the gums, the jaw as well as growth and development. This will take about 30 minutes. The child will normally lie or sit on one of their parents in the dental chair during the consultation.

What consists of good dental hygiene in kids?

Teach your kids to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss the teeth that contact the adjacent teeth and encourage healthy eating and drinking. Lead by example, so let them see you brush every morning and every night.

If you notice any abnormal lesions or bleeding for example, don’t delay in making the appointment.

Let them choose their own brush and rinsing cup in a bright and fun colour or cartoon character of their choice. Get a fun timer that plays a tune so they know how long to brush for and make a dental chart where you can reward them for brushing.

Once baby teeth have fallen out, is there any way to ensure that the teeth grow straight?

There are definitely things to do while the baby teeth are still in place to prevent the teeth ending up in the wrong place, such as avoiding the use of dummies or thumb sucking. It is, however, very common for the permanent teeth to erupt out of place. They either sort themselves out during the eruption process or the child will be sent to an orthodontist for early orthodontics. The earlier the problems are addressed, usually the cheaper and easier the treatment plan. It’s always better to sort the bite out before it becomes a bigger issue later.

How often should teens and tweens visit the dentist? www.babysandbeyond.co.za

I would recommend a dental hygiene visit every six months and a proper dental check-up once a year. Finding problems earlier is cheaper, easier to treat and less traumatic for the patient.

What is considered normal discolouration of teeth, and what can be done to prevent discolouration? Food and drink that can stain a white top can stain your teeth. The biggest culprits are tea, coffee, curries, red wine, and habits like smoking. The cleaner the teeth the less staining that is trapped against the tooth surface, and the less discoloured the teeth will become. It's not uncommon to see surface stains that can be professionally polished and removed, but over longer periods of time the stains get drawn into the tooth and the tooth itself darkens from the inside. Good oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings will help to delay the staining process, but when the teeth have discoloured, it is recommended to undertake professional treatment in-chair for whitening, using hydrogen peroxide to remove these stains. This can be done with products such as Philips Zoom for both in-chair and take-home whitening options. The in-chair option combines the use of hydrogen peroxide with an LED light to accelerate the whitening process. The home option makes use of customised take-home bleaching trays and either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide whitening gel until the desired results have been achieved. The in-chair whitening can achieve results of up to eight shades in as little as 45 minutes to an hour. The home whitening option can achieve the same results, but just takes longer.

health

a d u l t s

What illnesses can impact your teeth?

Dental decay is the biggest disease to affect your teeth, but there can also be periodontal disease, which affects the support structures of the teeth. There is a huge link between oral and systemic health. High blood pressure medication can affect the gums, other medications can cause reduced saliva flow and a dry mouth, affecting the natural cleansing in the mouth and increasing the chances of decay.

How do teeth change with age?

Diabetes can also affect your gum health where chronic kidney disease can affect your bone health. Lung disease, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis also affects your oral health as does HIV

and anaemia. Chemotherapy and radiation because of cancer treatment can affect the lining of the mouth and the salivary flow, increasing the chances of mouth sores and decay.

Teeth discolour over the years. There are also signs of wear and tear due to grinding, and daily eating or habits such as nail biting, or biting on objects such as pens. As the years go by fillings get bigger, the teeth get smaller, and some teeth may need to be extracted. Your mouth may also get drier as you get older (age and or medication), which increases the chances of decay. With increased wear and tear comes a reduction in gum and tooth height and an increase in sensitivity. If oral care is not good, there will definitely be increased inflammation in the gums, accompanied with bleeding gums and possibly loose teeth as a result of bone loss.

At what age do teeth become weaker?

have decay all over and many missing teeth.

Teeth will age along with us. As the years go by, we get more wear and tear and hairline cracks and fillings. There is no specific age where teeth will deteriorate suddenly. I have patients in their 90s with excellent oral health and all their own teeth, and some in their 20s that

Why is dental health important?

The younger the problems start the more problems you will experience as you grow older. All dental work will need to be replaced at some stage so it’s best to take care of your teeth when you are younger, so you have less problems when you grow old. Regular dental cleanings, brushing and flossing twice a day and yearly dental check-ups are essential throughout your life to ensure good oral health.

Oral health and systemic health are very closely linked. Bacteria can enter the blood stream and affect your heart health, and periodontal disease has been associated with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, Alzheimer’s and adverse pregnancy outcomes, amongst other complications.  www.zoomwhitening.co.za

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health

When

‘oh!’

becomes ‘ow!’ PAIN DURING SEX

Dr Kim Sonntag of Life Kingsbury Hospital gives some insight on something not often discussed – dyspareunia… What is dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is pain that occurs during or after sexual intercourse. The pain can be in the vulval area, vagina or internally and abdominally.

What are the symptoms of dyspareunia?

• Pain on initial penetration or pain with deep penetration. • A painful throbbing or ache after sexual intercourse. • Muscle spasms inhibiting or preventing sexual intercourse. • Abdominal pain that is sharp, dull or cramping. • A burning sensation either during or after sex.

What are common causes for dyspareunia?

Common causes can be divided into physical, medical and psychological: • Vaginal atrophy: thinning of the vaginal and vulval skin, which loses elasticity and moisture resulting in decreased lubrication. This can be caused by hormonal changes (contraceptives, postpartum), menopause and certain medications. • Vaginismus: spasm of the vaginal muscles usually with initial penetration. • Infections: thrush/candida, bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections. • Structural: ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease. • Injury: post vaginal delivery, trauma. • Skin disorders: eczema, lichen sclerosis. • Psychological: sexual abuse.

Is it more common in men or women? It is more common in women but can occur in men too.

The different types of pain

• Entry pain: this can also be referred to as superficial dyspareunia and is pain during initial penetration, usually at the entrance to the vagina. • Deep pain: pain occurring with deep penetration and can feel worse in certain sexual positions. • Primary pain: pain since first being sexually active. • Secondary pain: pain with intercourse after a pain-free period. • Complete pain: pain every time with sexual intercourse. • Situational pain: pain only at certain times. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

health

Can dyspareunia be treated?

To treat dyspareunia, it is important to establish the cause.

How is dyspareunia diagnosed?

Dyspareunia is diagnosed by taking a full medical history and doing a physical examination of the vulva, vagina, cervix and abdomen. An ultrasound may be performed if deemed necessary. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

If pain is occurring after a vaginal delivery, then waiting 6-8 weeks will allow the area time to heal. Water-based lubricants can be used if lubrication and moisture are a concern. Oestrogen creams or tablets can be prescribed in the case of vaginal atrophy. Infections need to be treated and structural conditions managed accordingly. Vaginal dilators can be used in instances vaginismus, but this should be done with a professional. A change in sexual positions or avoiding certain positions can also be useful. Sexual or psychological therapy may be needed if sexual abuse occurred or if there is a psychological condition.

Are there ways to prevent dyspareunia?

Often dyspareunia is not preventable, but by practicing safe and protected sexual intercourse, the risk will be reduced. Consensual sex and being in a safe space with a caring and loving partner will diminish the incidence of dyspareunia.

Does age impact dyspareunia?

No, age does not impact dyspareunia, although primary dyspareunia is more common in younger women. 

health

Incontinence

explained

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. This can range from mild, small losses of urine to severe and frequent wetting. Dr Kim Sonntag, Life Kingsbury Hospital, provides some insights... What are the causes of incontinence?

Incontinence is more likely to develop during pregnancy, after childbirth and with the hormonal changes experienced during Is incontinence menopause. Temporary incontinence age-dependent? can be caused by medications and It is more likely to occur urinary tract infections. as one ages but can occur in any age group.

The different types of incontinence, and the symptoms Stress incontinence

Leakage of urine as intra-abdominal pressure is raised can occur during coughing, sneezing, laughing of when lifting something heavy.

Urge incontinence

This is the inability to hold urine in long enough to get to the bathroom in time. This can be an indication of other conditions.

Mixed incontinence

This is when there is a mixture of both urge and stress incontinence.

Overflow incontinence

Leakage of urine occurs when the amount of urine exceeds the capacity of the bladder, making urine leak when the bladder is full.

Functional incontinence

Urine leakage due to other causes or disorders e.g., neurological conditions, medications.

Can incontinence be treated?

Yes, it can be treated, and treatment varies depending on the type of incontinence and the patient. Management can include behavioural changes such as bladder training and improving toilet routine, which is a habit training schedule that can prompt voiding. Decreasing intake of caffeine and alcohol may improve symptoms. Pelvic floor rehabilitation will improve muscle tone and prevent leakage. This can be done through specific pelvic floor exercises and may include vaginal weights. Additionally, medication such as anticholinergics or vaginal oestrogens can be used. Botox injections into the bladder may also improve incontinence, as well as nerve stimulation. Surgery involves the use of bladder slings and bladder suspensions. 

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health

The HEAT

factor

Dr Shaun Mason, Head of Life Kingsbury’s Emergency Department, addresses some burning questions about how to stay healthy this summer…

eat illness is a spectrum of environmental diseases ranging from mild (heat rash and cramps) to life-threatening (heat stroke). Ambient temperatures above 30˚C-32˚C

are a risk for heat illness. Higher humidity, greater than 40%, increases the risk of heat illness as it impairs the body's ability to decrease temperature by sweating. The body has many methods

of thermoregulation (maintaining body temperature) including thirst, sweating and vasodilation. These methods become less effective as the ambient temperature and humidity increases.

What is heat rash? Heat rash (prickly heat) is a characteristic rash caused by the blockage of sweat glands in high temperature and humidity environments. It typically presents with a red, spotty rash in areas where sweat collects (groin, armpits, knees, elbows, chest and breasts, waist). Babies typically also show a rash on the face, neck folds and under the nappy area. The rash is usually itchy and uncomfortable.

Heat cramps are painful muscle twitches and spasms caused by exercise in hot environments. They are thought to be caused by mild dehydration and sodium loss during exertion, and typically affect teenagers and adults exercising.

Does it require medical intervention?

Can you treat heat cramps at home?

Heat rash is harmless but uncomfortable. No medical intervention is required. In severe cases, an antihistamine may help with the itching. TIPS to prevent heat rash: • Avoid overdressing, keep clothing and nappies to a minimum. • Always dry baby thoroughly after bathing. • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. • Bath or shower after exercise. • Avoid wearing wet or sweaty clothing. • Anti-perspirant deodorants may decrease heat rash.

What are heat cramps?

Heat cramps are harmless, although they are painful. They do not require medical intervention. If they occur, the person should be removed from the hot environment, and cold electrolyte containing fluids should be given. Gently stretch or massage the affected limb to ease the cramp. Salt containing tablets have not been shown to help and may worsen dehydration. TIPS to prevent heat cramps Heat cramps can be prevented by avoiding activity during the hottest times of the day and ensuring adequate hydration with an electrolyte containing fluid.

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health What is heat exhaustion? Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke. It is characterised by an elevated core temperature >37˚C (but <40˚C). Patients may have milder cardiovascular or neurological symptoms than heat stroke. If left unattended, it may progress to heat stroke. It is caused by the same factors as heat stroke.

What are common signs of heat exhaustion? Heat exhaustion typically presents as an elevated core temperature of more than 37˚C but less than 40˚C and may result in thirst, discomfort, nausea, anxiety, and dizziness.

Can you treat heat exhaustion at home, or does it require medical intervention?

Heat exhaustion can be treated at home without medical intervention. Move the affected person to a cooler environment. Remove excessive clothing. Improve cooling with a fan or moving air and place cold wet towels or ice packs on the neck, groin, and armpits. Encourage hydration with cold electrolyte-containing fluids. If there is no improvement or you are uncertain whether it is heat stroke or heat exhaustion, seek medical attention. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. TIPS to prevent heat exhaustion The tips to prevent heat exhaustion are the same as those for heat stroke.

Dr Shaun Mason is an Emergency Medicine Specialist practicing in Cape Town. He graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2011 and completed his specialisation in Emergency Medicine from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2019. He has been in private practice since 2019 as an Emergency Medicine Specialist at MD Inc and is currently the Head of Life Kingsbury’s Emergency Department. MD Inc T +27 21 704 0100 E info@mdinc.co.za W www.mdinc.co.za

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What is heat stroke? Heat stroke is a medical emergency characterised by an elevated core temperature (not skin) of above 40˚C, and abnormal vital signs and neurological changes. This may be exertional (caused by exercise in hot weather) or non-exertional (caused by passive exposure to high temperatures and humidity for a prolonged time). Exertional heat stroke typically affects young, healthy people, whereas nonexertional heat stroke typically affects vulnerable or high-risk groups like the elderly and babies.

What are common signs of heat stroke? Heat stroke presents with a core temperature (rectal or oral) of more than 40˚C and altered cardiovascular and neurological features.

You need to be concerned if the person has been exposed to high temperatures and displays any of the following symptoms: confusion, headache, nausea or vomiting, or extreme thirst. The late stages of heat stroke may also cause seizures, coma, or low blood pressure. Infants may only show lethargy, become unconscious, nausea or vomiting, and dry skin.

Can you treat heat stroke at home?

Heat stroke by definition is a medical emergency and requires rapid intervention to aggressively bring the core temperature to below 38.3˚C. This may take place in many forms, including cold intravenous fluids and ice baths. It may be necessary to do other investigations to rule out other causes of a raised temperature such as sepsis. First aid measures include:

• Removing the person from the hot environment. • Using ice packs or cold wet towels on the neck, armpits, and groin. • Spraying with cold water. • Avoid giving fluids orally if the patient is unconscious or confused. TIPS to prevent heat stroke Due to physiological differences and altered thermoregulation, the extremes of ages are high-risk populations for heat illnesses. They may also have a decreased ability to communicate problems. High-risk individuals include babies, toddlers, the elderly, and people with special needs. In high-risk populations, avoid the following: • Direct exposure to high temperatures. Stay indoors, avoid going outside during the hottest times of the day. • Overdressing. Wear minimal, light, loose-fitting clothing. • Ensure adequate hydration. • DO NOT leave high-risk persons unattended outside or in parked cars (15 minutes is sufficient to raise a car to lethal temperatures). For low-risk populations – older children, teenagers and adults: • Exercise in the early morning or late evening (cooler times). • Avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight or high temperature environments. • Ensure adequate hydration with cold, electrolyte-containing fluids (not plain water). • Limit activity time. • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. 

health

Cardiovascular disease:

Separate the facts from the myths Dispelling misconceptions, disseminating facts, and raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) can lead to better prevention, early detection, and more effective management. In response, Novartis South Africa has sought to debunk a few key myths.

VD remains a significant global health concern, contributing to almost a third of all globally reported deaths annually, which amounts to approximately 18 million deaths. In the pursuit of better heart health, it’s important to distinguish between fact and myth, to be aware of common CVD symptoms, and to understand what places your heart at risk of serious illness.

Myth: If heart disease runs in my family, there’s nothing I can do

Myth: Heart disease is a man’s problem

Myth: Only overweight or obese people are at risk for CVD

CVD is often mistakenly associated with men, but it poses a significant threat to women’s health as well. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women globally. Women may experience slightly different symptoms than men, such as nausea and fatigue, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

While genetics can play a role in predisposing people to CVD, this is not a certainty. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco use can have a significant impact on heart health. But, if a person has a history of heart disease in their family, it’s even more important to make healthy choices to mitigate risk.

Being overweight or obese is an important risk factor for CVD, but it’s not the only factor. People of all body types can develop heart disease if they have other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoke regularly, or live a sedentary lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, but addressing other risk factors is equally important.

Minimising risk factors

Maintaining good cardiovascular health requires awareness and a cautious approach to understanding and managing the associated risk factors. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of CVD is by embracing a hearthealthy lifestyle. This involves making conscious choices that promote overall well-being and protect the cardiovascular system. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that support heart health. Equally important is to minimise the consumption of processed foods, sugary foods and beverages, and excessive amounts of salt. Furthermore, regular medical check-ups are not only for diagnosing existing health issues, but also for identifying potential risk factors. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes are silent threats that often go unnoticed without medical evaluation. By scheduling routine check-ups, you increase the likelihood of early detection and timely intervention. Regular and open communication with healthcare providers is essential for staying informed about personal cardiovascular health. Discussing concerns, sharing any changes in health, and seeking guidance on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle could considerably lower a person’s risk. 

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diet

FAD OR RAD?

Unpacking 5 popular diets Every year, new diets appear that promise weight-loss. This article helps unpack some of the popular diets, highlighting the pros, cons and how it fits in with lifestyle factors… By Gina Fourie, Registered Dietitian

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diet Intermittent fasting (IF)

IF has been defined as consuming no calories while others have defined it as an energy intake of less than 500 calories a day for women and 660 calories per day for men. This is not the same as Time Restricted Eating (TRE), which is defined as eating restricted to 4-8 hour periods, with fasting during the other 16-20 hours of the day. Variations of these two protocols include: • 16:8 TRE, which permits eating during an eight hour window. • 5:2 IF, which permits you to eat normally for five days of the week and on only consuming 500-600 calories on the remaining two days. • The “Eat-Stop-Eat” diet promotes eating for 24 hours and then fasting for the following 24 hours. • The “Warrior Diet” permits only raw fruit and vegetables during the day with just one large meal at night. • The “Alternate Day” diet recommends fasting or very few calories on every alternate day. • The “One-Meal-a-Day” diet recommends eating all your daily calories at one meal that lasts just 1 hour. The focus is on WHEN you eat and not what you eat. The flexibility about what you eat is part of these diets appeal. The potential health benefits include weight loss (due to reduced calorie intake with less opportunity to eat), improved metabolic health, better blood sugar control and even longevity, although the mechanisms are not entirely understood nor are they backed by robust research. They supposedly involve a promotion of fat burning during the fasting period, reduced insulin levels and improved cellular repair processes. In my experience, the advantage of these types of diets lies in their simplicity and convenience for those with busy schedules or who have erratic eating habits. Skipping breakfast or dinner can cut meal planning and preparation by a third. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

However, high intensity training is not possible during fasting conditions, and it’s not recommended for those with eating disorders or for individuals who frequently suffer from low blood glucose episodes. It is also not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Adults may find it easier to adhere to than adolescents simply because the energy demands of growth and development will make the fasting periods more difficult to tolerate in youngsters. The disadvantages of these protocols include hunger and irritability and overeating during the eating windows. Social engagements outside of the eating window can be more challenging, and nutrient deficiencies are not uncommon because you have fewer opportunities to consume essential nutrients throughout the day. The lack of long-term data on the efficacy and safety leaves these protocols up for debate. If you are taking medication that requires you to eat before you take them or at specific times, intermittent fasting may not be suitable for you. Exercise is important to any diet or lifestyle intervention. With IF, the type and timing may need to be adjusted to outside of fasting periods, with exercise intensity much lower during fasting episodes. Although no specific foods or complex meal planning is required, those who consider overall nutrition and make healthy food choices during eating windows will reap greater benefits and find it more sustainable.

Exercise is important to any diet or lifestyle intervention.

Calorie deficit diet

A calorie deficit diet is an approach that relies on you eating fewer calories than your body needs and subsequently demanding your body to use stored fat to compensate for the deficit intake. The first step is to calculate your daily energy needs using a standard formula that takes age, gender, weight, height, and activity level into account. The intake goal is normally planned with a 500 to 1 000 calorie per day deficit, which should result in a gradual weight loss of about half to 1kg a week. You are required to track your food intake to ensure your goal. Although there are many smartphone apps and websites that can help you with this, it is advisable to consult with a weight loss expert or registered dietitian to work these goals out and still plan an intake that is balanced and healthy and meets the body’s nutrition requirements. While the plan relies on calorie counting it’s important to prioritise the quality of your diet for greater success. Exercise is advisable as it can increase your calorie expenditure and will help to preserve your lean muscle mass which directly impacts metabolic rate and overall health. Logic would suggest that regular assessment and tracking of weight and body measurements will help to inform if your calorie intake and exercise routine needs adjustments to stay on track. However, in reality, as the body works hard to defend itself from weight loss one might find that adjustments are unable to make further weight loss progress after a certain point and the goal beyond that is weight loss maintenance. The primary goal of a calorie deficit diet is weight loss, but what most people don’t appreciate is that it is difficult to continue in a true deficit indefinitely, especially as the body conspires to slow metabolism and increase appetite hormones to return to one’s original weight.

diet The hunger and cravings that result may make the diet difficult to adhere to in the long term. So, although one of the appealing aspects of the diet is its flexibility, it is staying in that calorie deficit that will become more and more difficult over time. A calorie deficit may impact negatively on energy levels and precipitate fatigue or reduce athletic performance, which would make this protocol unsuitable during an athlete’s competitive season. Calorie deficits can lead to muscle loss if protein intake is inadequate, just as nutrient deficits can evolve from a calorie deficit diet if poorly planned.

The Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern inspired by the traditional eating habits of people living in the Mediterranean region, particularly in countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It has gained popularity because of widespread recognition for its many

healthy effects and is a preferred approach for people with metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. The diet involves a high consumption of fruit and vegetables, emphasising the plant-based nature of the diet; an intake of healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts and seeds, which are all high in mono unsaturated and poly unsaturated fats; whole grains that are high in fibre and nutrients; lean protein like poultry and legumes, and especially fish, are the main choice of protein and dairy consumed in moderate amounts; while red meat is consumed infrequently in this diet. Red wine is allowed in moderate amounts, typically with meals and rarely in excess. Fresh herbs and spices are included which provide flavour without the need for too much salt. It is a diet that may promote weight loss only if combined with a calorie deficit. It has been linked with a lower risk of certain cancers and metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and is associated with

an increased life expectancy. Besides the flavourful nature of the diet there is also a social element to the diet with pleasure in food achieved through sharing a meal together. While the principles of the diet are quite clear it isn’t a strictly defined diet and more challenging to follow precisely. While it emphasises healthy fats, it is possible to consume too many calories as these foods are naturally calorie-dense and one would need to be more specific and precise if weight management is the primary goal of the diet. Due to the healthy nature of the diet, it is considered one of the more sustainable dietary approaches available. The Mediterranean diet is not prescriptive when it comes to exercise but a wellknown characteristic of people living on a Mediterranean diet is their healthy active lifestyle.

The volumetrics diet

The volumetrics diet focuses on the energy density of foods in relation to the physical bulk on your plate. This protocol can be very useful to anyone who needs to reduce the calorie load of their diet but who struggle with keeping the portions under control. The idea is to choose foods with a low-calorie density but are filling so that you can eat larger portions without consuming excess calories. Foods are grouped into four categories: 1. Category 1 is very low energy dense foods and range from 0-0.6 calories per gram and form the bulk of the diet. This category includes most fruits and vegetables, skimmed milk, and broth-based soups. These foods are typically high in water and fibre. 2. Category 2 foods are low energy dense foods and range from 0.6-1.5 calories per gram. Examples include many cooked grains, breakfast cereals served with semi-skimmed milk, low fat meats, beans and legumes, low-fat mixed dishes, and salads.

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diet 3. Category 3 foods are medium energy density foods and range from 1.5-4.0 calories per gram. This category includes meat, cheese, high fat mixed dishes, salad dressings and some snack foods. 4. Category 4 are high energy density foods and range from 4-9.0 calories per gram. This group includes crackers, crisps, chocolates, cookies, nuts, butter, and full fat condiments, and are generally avoided or consumed infrequently and in small amounts. Filling up on Category 1 foods can promote satiety without consuming excessive calories. The nutrient intake is often impressive due to the emphasis on fruits and vegetables and unprocessed foods.

Low-carb diets generally reduce carbohydrate intake, but do not specify a strict limit on how many carbohydrates you can consume. The level of carb restriction can vary from 20-100 grams daily. While a low-carb diet may reduce carb intake, it doesn't necessarily aim to induce or maintain a state of ketosis. Some people on low-carb diets may enter ketosis if their carb intake is very low, but it's not a primary focus. A low-carb intake can also lead to lowered cholesterol levels, but this may be influenced by the choice of fat consumed

alongside the limited carbohydrate intake. The ketogenic diet (extremely low carbohydrate diet) is more restrictive in terms of food choices, with an emphasis on low-carb, high-fat foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, and nonstarchy vegetables. Fruits, grains, legumes, and most root vegetables are significantly limited or eliminated, which limits the nutritional value of these diets. Reports of fatigue, dizziness and irritability are not uncommon and may make this very low carbohydrate protocol too difficult to maintain in the long term for most.

It's generally a balanced and healthconscious approach to eating and can benefit a wide range of body types and lifestyles. It is not extremely restrictive so can be considered a sustainable strategy. However, the lack of clear-cut guidelines might not suit anyone who wants more precision with their dietary approach. Social situations can often be challenging when these low energy dense bulky foods are not provided. In addition, it is not always obvious to people which foods are high in energy density and which are not. Some training from a registered dietitian would be helpful. Sustainability will vary from person to person as not everyone has the same love for large volumes of vegetables or has the time or skills to make highvolume low-calorie foods the hero of the meal.

Low carbohydrate diets

As the name implies, this protocol restricts the consumption of carbohydrates primarily found in foods like bread, pasta, rice and sugary snacks to varying degrees. Instead, it emphasises foods high in protein and fats. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

When should a weight loss expert or medical practitioner be consulted?

Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any diet is advisable to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and underlying health concerns. The more restrictive the protocol the more important it is to get the support of a medical practitioner or dietitian who can help to plan the diet and monitor the nutritional adequacy.

Sustainability of weight loss programmes

It is important to bear in mind that with all the protocols discussed above, the body is intrinsically designed to defend itself against weight loss. If weight loss was the goal of the programme, regardless of how suitable it may have felt to you at the start, with substantial weight loss of approximately 10% or more, appetite hormones start to surge to restore weight and it ultimately feels unsustainable through no fault of your own. 

Gina Fourie, a registered dietitian, has a degree in Dietetics (1995) and in Exercise Science (1997) and has been Scope Certified (an internationally recognised certification in obesity management from the World Obesity Federation) since 2019. Fourie joined the Kingsbury Life Healthcare Medical Village in 2004, providing an in- and outpatient dietetic service and has been a member of the Cape Town Bariatric clinic since its inception in 2005. Diabetes Life Clinic: Kingsbury Medical Suites, Wilderness Road, Claremont, Cape Town. T +27 82 823 9762 | E gina.fourie@gmail.com

gift ideas SIMPLY BEE R165

Enjoy Simply Bee’s Luxurious Body Butter after you’ve had a shower or a bath with the Honey Beeswax Soap. Packaged in a chiffon gift bag. Available online at www.simplybee.co.za

Ruby Emporium offers a broad selection of high-quality products from reputable brands such as Canderel, Carmex, and Weber Sauces and Spices.

Your One Stop Online Shop From the Kitchen to the Bathroom Grab the perfect gift for your loved ones at Ruby Emporium!

GALFRIEND GLOW SKINCARE COMBO R980

At home combo for glowing skin consists of Tea Tree face wash, hyaluronic acid serum, African black soap, hyaluronic acid face cream, and luxury body oil. Available online at www.galfriendskincare.store or WhatsApp 068 008 1240.

KINKEY STARTER BUNDLE R320

Nourish and grow your hair with these allnatural products from Kinkey. Your hair will thank you. Available at www.Kinkey.co.za or cell 072 691 8588

When your baby starts teething 1

For children teething and for slight stomach ailments occurring in infancy.

You love watching your baby hit those sweet milestones, the first smile and the first giggle. One milestone that is sometimes not so sweet is teething. That is because teething is one of those milestones that can bring discomfort, tears (for you and baby), and even sleepless nights. Most babies start teething around the age of 6 months, but some may start sooner or later.2 The most common symptoms of teething are mild irritability and lack of appetite. Other symptoms include drooling, chewing on solid objects, mild fussiness, crankiness and sore, tender, red and swollen gums1 You can relieve your baby’s teething pain by gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger or holding a chilled (never frozen) teething ring for your baby to chew on to ease discomfort.1 For children teething and for slight stomach ailments occurring in infancy. Try ASHTON & PARSONS Infant Powders.

A few ways to soothe your baby: 3 A baby is more likely to experience stomach discomfort when they are unable to pass gas. The good news is that there are ways to soothe your baby.3 Swaddling babies in a warm blanket and rocking them back and forth may calm fussiness. Soothing background noises, calming music or white noise can also help.3 Wearing babies under 6 months in a chest-to-chest carrier can often calm them, as can going for a walk outside in a baby carrier or stroller. The change of scenery can be calming for parents and infants. A brief car ride may soothe your baby, too.3 Try WOODWARD’S Celebrated Gripe Water, a tried and trusted medicine that comforts infants with gripes. WOODWARD’S Celebrated Gripe Water acts as a carminative and brings an acid neutralising action. It is available in 150 ml at selected retailers and pharmacies.

References: 1. Johnson S. [Internet]. Teething Syndrome: When Your Baby Starts Teething. 2017 Aug 17. Healthline.com. [Updated 2017 Aug 17; Cited 2023 Sept 26]. Available from: https://www. healthline.com/health/teething#outlook 2. Higuera V, Chertoff J. [Internet]. When Do Babies Usually Start Teething? Healthline.com. [Updated 2021 Nov 29; Cited 2023 Sept 26]. Available from: https:// www.healthline.com/health/parenting/when-do-babies-start-teething#symptoms 3. Higuera V, Holland K. [Internet].How to Use Gripe Water to Soothe Your Baby. Healthline.com. [2023 May 19; Cited 2023 Sept 26]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/gripe-water-for-babies S0 WOODWARD’S Celebrated Gripe Water. Reg. No.: E/11.4.3/1551. Each 5 ml contains 50 mg sodium bicarbonate and 2,15 mg terpeneless dill seed oil. S0 ASHTON & PARSONS Infant Powders. Ref. No.: E679 (Act 101/1965). Each sachet contains 4,055 mg tincture matricaria duplex. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen group of companies. © 2023 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Marketed by Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare. Co. Reg. No.: 1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-ZOSEAG-10-23-00002 11/2023

To comfort infants with gripes.

Marketed by Aspen Pharmacare www.aspenpharma.com Hotline 0800 122 912

beauty

Top tips for gorgeous

summer

hair

It is summer and many of us are enjoying an easier laid-back approach to our beauty regime.

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beauty

eneé Potgieter, hair health activist and colour alchemist, is on a mission to change the way beauty is perceived. As an expert for over 25 years, she knows that a less-is-more approach to our hair is what leads to healthy, beautiful locks and that the summer season gives us the perfect opportunity to bring out our natural hair’s beauty. Here are Reneé’s top tips to enhance your beautiful locks this summer, with no extra work…

Embrace no heat styling

No heat styling is specifically the absence of artificial direct heat on the hair. For anybody that wants to restore health, vitality, and strength to their hair it is an absolute must. The no-heat method works because your hair consists in part of hydrogen bonds and artificial heat manipulates the hair, thereby controlling its shape. These temporary hydrogen bonds are radically responsive to moisture. So, while your hair may look fabulous just after styling, the moment steam, water or sweat hits, your killer styling disappears in seconds. These temporary bonds are responsible for controlling the temporary texture of your hair. However, if you manipulate them consistently with styling, long-term damage occurs to these bonds and your hair suffers a “memory loss”. Constantly manipulating hair texture, like making your curls straight with frequent blow-drying and straightening, means that these bonds will eventually ‘forget’ their true natural form and essentially, your hair goes into crisis turning into a mess. The only way to prevent this is to work with your hair structure instead of against it. Enhancement and nourishment, in place of relentless manipulation, will bring out the best in your hair structure. Of course, this does not mean that you’ll magically wake up with perfect hair. Some mornings will be a little rougher than others, but with water no longer being the enemy, just a drop of it with a chemically light styling aid and a kiss from a hairdryer here and there, and your hair will begin to work with you instead of against you. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Although no intense styling can happen while sleeping, it’s a great time to leave a nourishing treatment in your hair because nourished and healthy hair is cooperative.

Use natural styling products

Have you ever noticed how great your hair looks after a day at the beach? There are two reasons for this. One is that there are no mirrors for you to consistently critique yourself in, so you are forced to embrace your hair and its reaction to the elements. Two, the salt in seawater acts as a filler to help smooth out the microscopic ridges on the cuticle layer of your hair shaft that creates hair irritation, thereby acting as a styling aid. Broadly, a styling aid is a product that helps control irritation by smoothing the cuticle layer when we leave our hair to dry naturally. Despite popular belief, damage is the main contributor when it comes to creating unmanageable hair structure. Any hair that is in bad condition will suffer from frizziness and in our attempt to help it, we often use styling aids that do more damage than good. When it comes to the gazillion styling aid products out there, remember that less-is-more and all of them will become redundant once your hair is in a healthy condition. Quality styling aids are important in the beginning as they are formulated to not coat the hair with silicones or other heavy

ingredients that do more damage than good. With any natural products, such as salt sprays, it is important to read the ingredients to ensure that they are of high quality and truly cleaner. Reneé says that some of the worst buildups on hair she has seen have come from traditional cosmetic companies that have ventured into hair products. To avoid this, ensure your products are free from parabens, alcohol, and any other nasty chemicals you can’t pronounce.

beauty Feed your hair Reduce and naturalise your colour

Every time you colour your hair, you expose it to harsh pigments and chemicals no matter how gentle the product. The more chemical exposure to the entire length of your hair shaft, the more compromised the entire cuticle layer will become and the worse the state of your hair will be. A less-is-more approach to colouring means being open to blending techniques such as balayage which is a technique for highlighting hair, which creates a graduated effect for asymmetrical, natural-looking results. The regrowth from this technique is far less stark and will allow you to extend the period between your colouring sessions.

Elasticity and porosity are the building blocks of naturally good hair structure, so it is important to care for these building blocks by nourishing your hair. Natural nourishing treatments, with botanical oils, come in all sorts of forms such as masks and conditioners. This process doesn’t need to be another laborious thing to add to your day and can be applied overnight with your hair loosely tied up. Thankfully, natural oils are making a comeback, taking a note of inspiration from numerous ancient traditions. Once again, make sure you use top-grade pure oils such as jojoba, for moisture, and almond, for a strengthening protein boost. These natural oils are so pure they become solid when you put them in the fridge which is a great indicator of quality. The summer season is a time where we become more mindful of all the things we are blessed with, so sit back, relax and let your natural beauty shine through. You already have the hair of your dreams, you simply need to let it down.  To begin your journey to beautiful hair the natural way simply email renee@gentleapproach.co.za or visit www.yourhair.co.za.

Being smart about your colour choices also goes a long way. The variance between your natural colour and the chosen colour should be as minimal as possible. For the softest regrowth, the gap between your colour and the altered colour shouldn’t be more than two shades. The bigger the gap the more obvious your regrowth will be, ultimately forcing you into colouring more often and therefore compromising condition.

The variance between your natural colour and the chosen colour should be as minimal as possible. 56

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Every body is unique. Every swim is too. Discover our extensive range of Speedo swimwear, goggles and swimming accessories, designed to build confidence in the water. Specially for you, get 15% OFF your purchase on www.speedo.co.za with code CONFIDENCE15 Discount valid until 29 February 2024, on full price items only and not in conjunction with other discounts or promotions. Discount excludes racing suits and Pink is for Buoys items.

speedosouthafrica

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beauty

Popular trends

in cosmetic

beauty

Summer is in full swing, and more people are looking toward aesthetic treatments to improve their look. Looking your best no longer requires extensive plastic surgery with painful side effects. Non-invasive cosmetic procedures are gentler and necessitate less healing time, making them less likely to have a significant impact on your lifestyle.

“A

esthetic treatments are popular year-round, but during summer people do tend to opt for certain treatments as they’ll have more skin showing, or want to go on vacation and want to look their best,” says Dr Reza Mia, a specialist aesthetics and anti-ageing practitioner at Anti-Aging Art. According to Dr Reza, the most popular treatments among South Africans in summer include:

toxin and fillers 1 Botulinum Patients commonly choose

botulinum toxin and fillers, mainly because of their different uses, he notes.

“Fillers offer quick results for a multitude of concerns patients may have regarding their looks and can bring about dramatic changes with small amounts. These are a popular treatment in aesthetics due to their versatility and relatively fast recovery time. Patients generally come into the clinic with concerns of facial sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles, which can all be effectively treated with filler injections.”

Meanwhile, another unexpected use for botulinum toxin is the treatment of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, which people tend to experience more during the warmer months. “Going into summer, more people suffer hyperhidrosis which can be corrected by targeted aesthetic treatments such as botulinum toxin injections. These offer a highly effective short-term solution for hyperhidrosis that can last between six and nine months,” he explains.

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beauty peels 2 Chemical Chemical peels are recommended

for ageing skin to alleviate wrinkles and invigorate the skin to look more youthful and hydrated. But while chemical peels are a popular treatment in the summer months, it’s important to note that you should avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours post-peel as exposure to UV rays could damage your skin. “This is a procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers, following which the skin grows back smoother and healthier. It can be done at different depths for more dramatic results, but this will result in a longer recovery time,” Dr Reza.

Redermalisation: This noninvasive procedure combines the benefits of skin-boosting injectables like hyaluronic acid and works with the skin's natural regenerative processes. It stimulates the fibroblasts to make collagen and elastin while improving the skin’s density and texture.

3 miraDry miraDry is a non-invasive,

permanent solution to hyperhidrosis within the space of a single appointment by using thermal energy to target and eliminate sweat glands. Dr Reza advises that patients should only seek treatment for hyperhidrosis when it has a significant impact on their daily life, and they feel self-conscious or avoid certain clothing choices due to their sweat problem. “If you sweat a lot when you gym or experience minor sweating in general, we avoid this treatment as we don’t want to administer treatments unnecessarily. It’s best to seek treatment only if it’s affecting your lifestyle.” An alternative sweat treatment that has recently been introduced at Dr Reza’s clinic is EndyMed. This solution is not toxin-based or a permanent solution like the miraDry but can treat overactive sweat through micro needling radiofrequency to kill the sweat glands.

Fat freeze and fatdissolving injections

Targeting stubborn fat pockets on the body can be achieved through fatdissolving injections and cryolipolysis.

Fat-dissolving treatments involve the use of injectable phosphatidylcholine to target stubborn fat pockets. When injected it breaks down fat cells, leading to their natural elimination. Cryolipolysis subjects fat cells to cold temperatures and crystallises them, which results in gradual fat cell death. It’s gradually expelled from the body naturally and can lead to effective fat reduction with minimal downtime.

tightening 5 Skin These are non-invasive cosmetic

procedures that aim to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin to address signs of ageing, such as sagging and wrinkles. Methods include:

EndyMed: This innovative system uses radiofrequency to precisely deliver thermal energy to targeted areas, stimulating collagen and elastin production deep within the skin. Patients gain noticeably firmer and more youthful-looking skin with minimal discomfort and downtime. Exilis: This technology uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the deep layers of the skin. It’s painless and requires no downtime, which makes it a sought-after solution to achieve a more youthful and revitalised appearance. Biostimulators: Biostimulators, or injectables, work by stimulating the body's natural collagen and elastin production by causing the migration of fibroblast cells to the injected area. Poly-L-lactic acid is the most common biostimulator which gradually reinforces skin structure and improves texture.  www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Mom said the grass needed mowing Dad said, yes dear - I’m going, I’m going But he ended up playing fetch with Spot And what a telling-off he got!

Mom, it’s time to de-worm your family. Wormstop ® STOPS worms. 1 WHO* recommends de-worming twice a year.2** Ask your Pharmacist for Wormstop® today.

An effective and affordable treatment to eradicate most intestinal worms, suitable for the whole family.1,3#

*World Health Organisation. **Based on an infection rate in the community that is over 50 %. #Suitable for children from 2 years and above, not indicated for animals. References: 1. Wormstop® 100, Wormstop® 500, Wormstop® Suspension Package Insert. 2. Soil-transmitted helminth infections. World Health Organisation. [online]. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/ detail/soil-transmitted-helminth-infections [Accessed 25 July 2019]. 3. SA Database of Medicine Prices - 26 April 2022. S1 Wormstop® Suspension. Reg. No.: 31/12/0248. Each 5 ml contains: Mebendazole 100 mg, Sugar Free. Preservatives: Methylparaben 0,18 % m/v, Propylparaben 0,02 % m/v, Sodium benzoate 0,2 % m/v. S1 Wormstop® 100. Reg. No.: 31/12/0526. Each tablet contains: Mebendazole 100 mg, Sugar Free, Artificially Sweetened. S1 Wormstop® 500. Reg. No.: 31/12/0527 Each tablet contains: Mebendazole 500 mg, Sugar Free Artificially Sweetened. Pharmacological Classification: A.12 Anthelmintics, Bilharzia medicines, Filaricides, etc. For full prescribing information refer to the package insert. Further information is available on request from the applicant. Marketed by: Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd., a Sun Pharma company. Reg. No.: 1993/003111/07. 14 Lautre Road, Stormill Ext. 1, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa. Tel: + 27 (0)12 643 2000. Website: www.sunpharma.com

editor's choice – products

EDITOR'S TOP PICKS Beauty . Health . Baby

Waterpik® WP-450 Cordless Plus Water Flosser Provides a unique combination of water pressure and pulsations to massage and stimulate gums, and clean deep between teeth and below the gumline where traditional string floss can’t reach. Up to two times as effective as string floss at improving gum health. www.waterpikflosser.co.za

SOiL Inhale Essential Oil Trio

Suikerbossie Naturals

100% Natural Baby Bum Balm is made with marigold, frankincense, lavender, chamomile, beeswax and coconut oil. It moisturises and protects sensitive skin, promotes healing and prevents nappy rash. www.suikerbossienaturals.co.za

The Breathing Trio of organic essential oils: Easy Breathe Blend 10ml, Cedarwood 10ml and Orange 10ml. This stimulating and healing combination of Cedarwood, Easy Breathe Blend and Orange oil targets ailments related to colds and flu and respiratory issues. Available at Dis-Chem, Wellness Warehouse and www.soil.co.za

Vital Baby NOURISH™ Growing Up Kit

Packed with everything your toddler needs for grown up mealtimes without the mess. Specially sized cutlery for little hands and mouths; specially designed pots for easy serving and storage; and super suction bowl and plate for less mess, spills, tips and splats. Free flow cup to encourage sipping. BPA, latex and phthalate free. www.vitalbabyshop.co.za

Be.Bare.Life Grapefruit & Rose Geranium Shampoo Bar

This bar contains notes of rose geranium balanced with a hint of zesty citrus oils. The purifying properties of both grapefruit and lime helps to cleanse the hair and control natural oil production on the scalp, while plant-based butter and moisturising castor oil serve to soften, hydrate and promote healthy hair growth. www.bebarelife.com

Infantino Musical Mobile Carousel

This musical mobile allows you to soothe your baby before they fall asleep. It has a mirror (14cm) and four adorable characters (lion, butterfly, giraffe and bird), which rotate slowly. The music box with wind up mechanism (no battery), covered in lovely fabric, can be removed to take anywhere. This mobile attaches to most cots. Available at Clicks, Makro Online, Takealot and www.medhealthsup.com

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editor's choice – products

12 9

Afrika Botanicals

Earthsap Foam Bath (Kids) – Raspberry Ripple 500ml

Fruity, fragrant and fun bubble bath. Earthsap Raspberry Ripple Kids Foam Bath smells delightful, with oils of raspberry and juniper berry. It’s also enriched with vitamin E to nourish young skin. The formula is SLS-free and biodegradable – a delight for your family that’s also safe for the earth. www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

Philips One

The sleek and stylish Philips One gently cleans and whitens your teeth. Each of the hundreds of soft bristles is transformed into micro-vibrating mini scrubbers by a tiny motor inside the handle. At the touch of a button your teeth are gently cleaned and whitened. The dynamic pattern of the soft bristles can help reach into the areas between teeth for thorough cleaning. One battery lasts up to three months. www.sonicare.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

The Big Five box set contains Mongongo, Baobab, Kalahari Melon, Ximenia and Marula Oil in easy-to-use 30ml glass bottles, which can be used on their own or added to your current skin and hair care products. Each oil is wild harvested by rural women from communities throughout Southern Africa, ensuring fair trade policies and produced in an organic environment. www.afrikabotanicals.com

me4kidz Medibuddy Animal First Aid Kit

Infantino My 1st Sensory & Shapes Puzzle Set

Teaches problem solving skills and awakens tactile senses. The 24-piece puzzle set introduces curious little minds to shapes, colours and patterns. Product features: • Twenty-four durable puzzle pieces with fruit visuals and words. • Double sided activities for busy little hands and curious minds. • Eight must-touch sensory engaging fruit shapes. • Match by shape, colour, or pattern. Available at Clicks, Makro Online, Takealot and www.medhealthsup.com

Compact kids first aid kit perfect for all those little cuts and scrapes. This first aid kit contains 50 items. The plasters are latex free, and all cases are USA-made recycled, lead-free plastic. Great for backpacks, gym lockers, purses, glove boxes, baby bags and more. Product features: • Compact size • Latex-free plasters • Hypoallergenic • Earth-friendly Available at Babies R Us Online and www.medhealthsup.com

Infantino Soothing Light & Projector

Ideal for soothing tiny stargazers to sleep. This product features six musical selections and three natural noise choices with a ten-minute auto off timer to calm and comfort your child. If baby wakes during the night, the unit’s smart sensor will detect sound and then activate the tranquil blue light. This crib-mounted nightlight easily transitions between a projector and a night lamp, and also converts to a dresser top projector for continued bedtime use as your child gets older. Available at Clicks, Makro Online, Takealot and www.medhealthsup.com

development

ways to start over

I remember packing my bags to fly out to the USA on 9 March 2020, after being married for only a year. I was going to spend a few months in the USA to explore possibilities available to me. I landed on 11 March, to hear President Donald Trump announce the Covid lockdown!

By Jabu Zwane, Mindset Development Specialist

was stuck in the USA for almost eight months with no job, no plan and no idea what would happen. I learnt a lot in this time, in a foreign land, in lockdown, which turned into even more profound lessons when I returned to South Africa.

What starting over is!

Starting over is not proof of failure but a conscious effort to continue living. It is not proof of time wasted but the manifestation of lessons learnt from mistakes, regardless of how those mistakes came about. It is not proof of weakness but a courageous expression of strength. Strength to face yourself and the ailing situation head on. It takes courage to admit to mistakes and embark on a humble journey to implement the lessons learnt. It is a journey of courage that most would dare not take, because it may mean going back to being a child again and being curious about what is possible. Curiosity is about orienting our minds to explore your terrain as you journey through your life and in exploring, turning it into an adventure.

When our lives become an adventure, enthusiasm is injected into our lives as we look forward to what is ahead. Enthusiasm transforms anxiety into positive energy that makes us alive again, especially after a traumatic event. It is an opportunity to unlearn and unhinge yourself from the unhelpful habits you have adopted along the way. It demands that we admit our gaps as we grow, gently or sometimes ruthlessly forcing us to have a more objective view of what we need to do. This is true humility, having a more accurate measure of who we are, what we need, who we need and where we need to go to become better. Starting over is proof of growth and the need to adapt as you grow. Starting over is recognising that continuing down a dangerous slope with no plan or ability to break the fall or slow down the speed, which may lead to irreversible damage. It is an expression of a strength and will to make a success out of the mess in our lives. It is in no way accepting that you have ruined your life, although it may seem that way. It is not shameful although most people may feel sorry for you and even see you as being “less than” because you dare to fix your mess.

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development

What starting over is not!

Starting over is not catching up, readjusting yourself to run a better life race than you have done so far. It is adjusting to your speed and your rhythm, in line with where you are aligned with where you are going. Great long-distance runners know all about adjusting their speed and rhythm to reach where they are going. Sometimes we ran too hard, too fast with no plan or strategy, just the excitement of winning the cup. We make financial mistakes, choose the wrong partners, don’t pay attention to red flags along the way and adrenaline clouds our judgment. This is being human. What is also human and permissible is to pause, reconsider, reorganise and execute new methods based on lessons learnt.

WAYS

to start over

Reflect and set goals: Take time to reflect on what you want in your new beginning, including changes in relationships, finances, and location. Set clear, achievable goals to guide your journey.

Evaluate relationships: Assess your current relationships and consider which ones are supportive and align with your goals. Be open to making necessary changes to improve your social circle. Financial assessment: Review your financial situation, create a budget, and set financial goals. Seek advice from a financial advisor if needed to plan for a more stable future. You may need an accountability partner especially when you know that financial discipline and intelligence are not your strength. Geographical considerations: If a change in location is part of your fresh start, research potential areas that align with your goals and preferences. Plan the logistics of moving, if applicable. Research and arm yourself with relevant information about your move. Don't make the mistake of moving without substantial information about where you're going, it can be costly.

Starting over is proof of growth and the need to adapt as you grow.

Skills development: Identify the skills required for your new path and invest in acquiring them. This could involve online courses, workshops, or seeking mentorship in your chosen field. Find free online courses.

Embrace change: Embrace change as a natural part of starting over. Be open to adapting to new circumstances and learning from your experiences. Seek support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Building a support network can provide valuable guidance and encouragement as you embark on your fresh start.

Starting over is about pausing, reconsidering, relearning, reorganising, and executing afresh. Enjoy the adventure.  www.babysandbeyond.co.za

development

What’s your child's crawling style? Crawling usually happens between 7 and 10 months, and movement could start as early as 4 months, but all babies are different. Crawling signs like pushing up during tummy time and rocking forward when on all fours are signs to watch for. But did you know that your baby could have their own crawling style?

ccording to Lisa Lohiser, Ed.D., Manager of Early Childhood Development Research at the Fisher-Price Play Lab, and mom of two, says not to stress if your little one breaks out one of the non-classic styles (or invents their own). There’s no wrong way to crawl, and this is what they could be doing:

The classic: Up on hands and knees, moving one arm and the opposite knee forward at the same time.

How to help get your baby crawling

Beyond tummy time (which helps your baby build the core strength they need to crawl), here are some tips you can try to help start them off on the right foot… or arm and leg, in this case. Give them a “springboard.” Place your arm on the floor behind your baby’s feet to give them something to push against. You can also lightly push their feet forward to help them get started. Put one of their favorite toys just out of reach. For example, place Rock-a-Stack® rings at different distances like targets to give your baby something to crawl toward!

The roller: Often a precursor to crawling, they use their entire body to roll from one place to the next.

The bottom scoot: While not technically “crawling”, many babies will sit upright and use their arms to scoot around.

Help

Be their crawling buddy. Everything is more fun with a friend, right?

The belly (or commando): Keeps the body flat as they slither around on their belly while moving forward.

The crab: Pushing up with their arms, they move either backward or sideways.

The bear: “Walks” on hands and feet, keeping their elbows and knees straight.

Crawling is a big move for your baby—and it can be a pretty moving experience for you, too. Up until now, your baby has needed you to go anywhere. And soon, they’ll have their own way to get around. It is quite literally their first move towards independence. But just know that whether they’re crawling, walking, or heading off to school, they’ll still need (and want) you there to guide them and cheer them on.  www.babysandbeyond.co.za

advertorial

5 Surprising benefits of real-world play for your

child's development In today's fast-paced world, children are inundated with screens and digital devices. While technology has its merits, it's important for parents to balance screen time with real-world play. One way to bring in real-world play is through playsets like Polly Pocket, which offers numerous benefits for your child’s development. Ensure that your child's playtime is not just enjoyable but also enriching, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the real world. Here are five compelling reasons to encourage your child to play with these sets:

Imagination and creativity

Polly Pocket playsets provide a tiny world filled with endless possibilities. Children can create their narratives, scenarios, and adventures, encouraging imaginative play. As they build stories and explore various situations, children hone their creativity, problemsolving, and critical thinking skills. They learn to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions, skills that are vital in real life.

Fine motor skills

Polly Pocket sets are intricate and feature tiny accessories, requiring children to use their fine motor skills to manipulate the figures and props.

Playing with these small pieces can enhance handeye coordination, dexterity, and precision, skills that are crucial for various realworld tasks like writing, drawing, and even intricate crafting.

Social skills

Polly Pocket is a versatile toy for social play. Kids can enjoy these miniature adventures with friends or siblings, fostering social interaction and cooperation. Children learn to share, negotiate, and communicate while playing together. These skills are directly transferable to their real-life interactions, helping them form stronger relationships with their peers.

Responsibility and organisation

Polly Pocket sets come with numerous pieces, encouraging children to be responsible and organised. They must take care of their toys and ensure nothing gets lost. Children learn to clean up after themselves and keep their play area tidy, which can translate into good habits in real life, such as keeping their room organized and taking care of their belongings.

Narrative and storytelling skills

Polly Pocket play encourages children to tell stories about the characters and their adventures. This helps them develop narrative and storytelling skills.As kids immerse themselves in the Polly Pocket world, they learn to structure stories, build characters, and express their thoughts and ideas effectively. These skills are invaluable for both academic and professional success in the future.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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A good e d u c a t i o n

can give your child a strong head start

Every parent wants the best for their child, and a crucial aspect of that is providing them with a strong educational foundation.

good education not only equips children with knowledge but also nurtures their skills, confidence, and character. But how does a quality education give your child a good head start? Research shows that early childhood education has numerous developmental benefits in areas like social, emotional, and cognitive skills as children prepare for primary school and beyond. Arrow Academy believes it is never too early to start cultivating a spirit of independence in learners, and our early childhood phase starts from Grade RRR-RR, where learners are taught through play. The forwardthinking approach to learning that the school practices puts it at the forefront of a new era in education and a 21st-century solution for modern families. Since no two children are the same, each child’s learning experience should be unique. Arrow Academy’s curriculum focuses on a child’s full development and unlocking the learner’s true potential as they are guided on a journey that will prepare them for life in modern society. Learning these skills earlier in their development shapes the kind of adults they will become. A good education can further develop your children’s cognitive development, social skills, confidence and independence, preparation for the future, moral and ethical values, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, as well as improve their opportunities. Education instils a love for learning. When children are exposed to a stimulating and engaging learning environment, they are more likely to become lifelong learners. Their curiosity and longing for knowledge can lead to personal and professional growth.

If you are a modern family living in or near Centurion, looking to give your child the winning edge, register online at www.arrowacademy.co.za/apply-for-2024/ for 2024, or contact us at 012 663 3482 for more information.

Ours is to modify the academic world through brilliance and a new, forward-thinking vision, paving the path toward a more meaningful, relevant education.

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education

Helping homeschool students

develop holistically Homeschooling offers numerous benefits, including personalised education, greater accessibility, safe environments, and flexible schedules. However, one concern many homeschooling parents still harbour – rightly or wrongly – is that their children might not benefit fully on the social development front.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

education

ccording to Colin Northmore, Principal at Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH: "Traditional school environments provide ample opportunities for social interaction, and it is natural for homeschooling parents to be concerned about the comparative exposure their children enjoy (or not)." However, he says there are several proactive steps parents can take to ensure their children also develop strong social skills to address this concern.

Sports and extra-mural activities

One of the challenges of homeschooling is for your children to find a balance in how they spend their time, notes Northmore. "If they use an online curriculum, you must carefully manage screen time. Getting your children to participate in Green-Time, Team-Time, and DreamTime is crucial to their health and directly impacts their academic performance.

"Enrolling your homeschooled child in sports teams, music lessons, art classes, or other extracurricular activities can be an excellent way to facilitate social interaction. Not only do these activities provide opportunities for children to make friends, but they also allow them to develop teamwork, communication, and cooperation skills. Be sure to choose activities that align with your child's interests, as this will increase their motivation to participate and connect with peers who share their passions."

Northmore says practical strategies for connecting homeschooled students with peers and fostering essential social development can include a combination of the following:

Playdates

Homeschooling groups

"Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, skill, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Playing is vital for enhancing curiosity and creativity, building neural pathways to allow for questioning and to deepen learning.

"One of the most valuable resources for homeschooling families is local homeschooling groups or co-ops. These groups bring together homeschooling parents and their children, creating opportunities for social interaction," Northmore says. "Joining a homeschooling group allows your child to meet and connect with peers with similar educational backgrounds," he says, adding that there are some very active Facebook groups that can also assist parents and students. These include Homeschooling in South Africa, SA Home Schooling Group, Socializing Home schoolers South Africa, Homeschool South Africa, KZN Homeschooling and Cape Home Educators.

Organise playdates with neighbours, friends, and family members with children of similar ages, and encourage your child to initiate inviting peers or joining others for playdates, recommends Northmore.

"It allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practising adult roles, sometimes with other children or adult caregivers. As they master their world, play helps children develop new abilities that enrich their confidence and resiliency to face future challenges. Playing without someone telling them exactly what to do helps kids learn to be in groups, share, solve problems, and stand up for themselves."

"These groups often organise field trips, extracurricular activities, and social events, providing homeschooling students a chance to develop friendships and practice social skills. At Evolve Online, we organise several live events each year to facilitate the development of relationships between families, and these events are open to all families who have chosen homeschooling for their children." www.babysandbeyond.co.za

education Community involvement

Local events & classes

Engaging in the local community and local community initiatives can create a supportive and enriching environment for the homeschooled child.

Northmore says homeschooled children greatly benefit from exploring and getting involved in local events, workshops, and classes that align with the child's interests.

"Encourage your child to volunteer for community events or community service projects. Such activities expose them to diverse groups of people and teach valuable life skills like empathy, leadership, and cooperation. Older children should also consider developing leadership skills by creating events in the community or being part of an organising committee."

"Many libraries, museums, and community centres offer educational programmes or workshops designed for children. Attending these events enhances your child's learning experiences and provides opportunities to meet and interact with other kids."

Open communication

Communicate openly with your child about their social experiences and encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and challenges when connecting with peers. "You can help them navigate social situations and build selfconfidence by actively listening and offering guidance. A rule of thumb when doing this is to 'listen twice and speak once'. Your child may not want advice but perhaps a sounding board," says Northmore. This approach is especially true for teenagers as they try to establish their identity. Building social skills in homeschooled students is essential for their complete development, concludes Northmore. "As a homeschooling parent, you can provide your child with a rich social life by leveraging local resources, online communities, and extracurricular activities. Through these strategies and your support, your child can thrive academically and socially, forming meaningful connections with their peers while benefiting from the advantages of homeschooling." 

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Cape Point Vineyards Cape Point Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard in Noordhoek on the Cape Peninsula, set majestically against the slopes of the famous Chapman’s Peak Mountain range and overlooking the nearby Atlantic Ocean – a mere 1.2km away. This delightful vineyard by the sea offers a variety of dining options. All of our sections are family-friendly and offer a scrumptious kiddie's menu. We have two jungle gyms for the kids to play on to accommodate all ages. Kiddie's tasting options are coming soon!

The Courtyard

Join us in the Courtyard for a Sunday family lunch. You can relax on the lawns and soak up the views or sit at a table and chairs under the pergola. Flatbreads, sliders, and cheese and charcuterie platters are a top choice to snack on during your experience with us.

Our picnics

Cape Point Vineyards is regularly cited as having one of the best vineyard experiences in and around Cape Town. Linger longer on our lawns and enjoy a picnic basket while you soak up the view, and the children play. Our picnics offer panoramic views of the Atlantic oceans, mountains, Fynbos, and vineyards. At R598 per couple, you get a delicious picnic basket to nibble on while you enjoy the views and a glass of one of our award-winning Sauvignon Blancs.

T +27 21 789 0900 E info@cape-point.com Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek www.babysandbeyond.co.za

We invite you to spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxed picnic at our vineyard.

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diy

Hands-on holiday gardening

seed Christmas crackers With the kids at home and the holiday spirit in the air, this eco-friendly DIY is the perfect project for the zero-waste family. December is about abundance, but sadly this can mean a lot of plastic litter too. So, how can we incorporate a little green goodness this season? Try Life is a Garden’s upcycled Christmas crackers, filled with summer veggies, herbs, and flowers! By Life is a Garden

Get cracking

For this DIY project, you will need: • Some empty toilet rolls • A few pieces of tissue paper • Used wrapping paper • Twine, string, ribbon, elastic bands • Scissors and glue • Colouring in crayons or pencils • A variety of summer seed packets, available at your garden centre TOP TIP: As an earth-happy décor idea, you could include bright mini pots along the gathering table. Fill the containers with some potting soil and compost and then once the crackers have been popped, guests can instantly sow their seeds and take the little pot home to be transplanted.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

diy Little fingers at play

Green thumbs at the ready! It’s time to assemble our crackers! crackers:

Wrap your selected seeds inside a few pieces of toilet paper or tissue. Tie them up with a piece of string. Set aside.

For a personal touch and an element of surprise, decorate the toilet roll according to what seed is inside. Kids can draw veggies, herbs, or flowers and decorate as desired. This also adds to the excitement as guests won’t know what seeds they will get until the cracker has popped.

Cover the toilet roll with your wrapping paper, making a tunnel of paper. Secure the wrapping onto the body of the toilet roll with a little glue.

Cut your leftover wrapping paper so that the length is double that of the toilet roll.

Place your seed bundle inside the decorated toilet roll.

There should be enough wrapping paper left on both sides of the toilet roll for you to twist each end, forming the shape of a traditional cracker. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

diy

7 Twist the ends of the overlapping wrapping paper against the ends of the toilet roll and secure with string around the twisted parts.

Once you have cracked the cracker, guests can then reveal their seed surprises and compliment your child’s fantastic decorating skills!

TOP TIP: You can also use the toilet roll inners as germination planters, so don’t add them to the compost heap.

Selecting seeds Give your guests something meaningful to take home after family lunch with a stunning selection of summer seeds to choose from: • Full sun veggies: Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, capsicum, cucumber, brinjal, sweet melon (spanspek), pumpkin (flat boer), spinach, tomatoes, and watermelon. • Full sun herbs: Catnip, chamomile, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, paprika, rocket, and sage. • Full sun flowers: Alyssum, black-eyed Susan, chrysanthemum, cosmos, forget-me-nots, helichrysum, marigold, nasturtium, petunias, and sunflowers. There’s always an opportunity to go green and get kids in on the action. Having everyone around the Christmas table applauding their hard work and discussing their creation is a fantastic way to reward their growing green fingers. Give your guests something meaningful to take home and let’s reduce our waste this festive season. 

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book reviews

Interactive Bible activity pad FROM COTTAGE DOOR PRESS

Really

decent books FROM MASKEW MILLER LEARNING

Touchy Feely Tales

• Jack and the Beanstalk • Litte Red Riding Hood • The Three Little Pigs • The Ugly Duckling Stimulating first touch and feel story books for babies and toddlers. Re-edited classic fairy tales perfect for younger readers! Bright illustrations and wonderful tactiles on each page are engaging for developing senses.

The interactive Bible activity pad reads, sings, and asks questions. Sixteen busy scenes feature modes for matching, looking, and finding, thinking, and guessing. Also hear favourite Bible story moments and sing along with best-loved Bible songs. It is easy to use for preschool age and up. The electronic early learning activity pad teaches early learning concepts including ABCs, counting, colours, shapes, sounds, and more. This first computer-like learning pad stimulates young minds with easyto-follow activity cards.

reads sings asks questions

Press, Play & Learn

John Deere 8 double sided activity cards

Read, learn, and play the John Deere way! Practice colours and shapes while exploring farm animals and machines at work. Eight two-sided activity cards slide into the electronic tablet for 16 big busy scenes full of fun. Activities include ABCs, counting, animals, machines, music, questions, and more, providing hours of thinking and playing.

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Have fun exploring coding! Meet Robo and Spinner! The new Smart-Kids characters who will help teach children the basic principles of coding and robotics. The Smart-Kids Coding & Robotics workbooks consist of write-in worksheets that can be used by teachers to introduce the subject to young learners, or by parents who want their child to learn and practise the skills required for coding and robotics.

ISBN 9781776103980

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NOW To enter scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/ competitions/ Competition closes 29 February 2024. T&Cs apply. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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For full prescribing information, refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. (Syrup 07/2005; Tablets 05/2002). Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2022 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Pharmacare Limited. Co. Reg. No.: 1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-LOR-07-22-00003 08/2022.

recipes

A rack roast typically has 8 rib bones in it .

By Itumeleng Prep time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes

chutney roasted lamb rack WITH BABY ONIONS & POTATOES

Ingredients

• rack of lamb • black pepper • Dijon mustard • salt • rosemary • chutney • olive oil • baby potatoes • baby onions

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190˚C. 2. Slice the potatoes about halfway through into thin, fan-like slices. 3. Peel the baby onions. 4. Heat a lug of oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the lamb rack and sear until golden, then remove on to a plate. 5. Start marinating the lamb rack with Dijon mustard, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. 6. Add the baby potatoes and onions to an oven pan and place the lamb on top of them. 7. Let the lamb cook for 20 to 30 minutes, brushing the lamb rack and baby onions with chutney. 8. When the lamb is cooked to your liking slice it into chops. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

SUPER NUTRITION FOR SUPER KIDS

recipes

strawberry TRIFLE

By Tamara Reddy – Tasty on my Table

Ingredients

• 1 vanilla sponge cake – I used the Golden Cloud vanilla cake mix • 700g strawberries • 1 tablespoon sugar • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam • 2 tablespoons hot water • 2 x 90g Moir’s vanilla instant pudding • 900ml milk • 500ml cream • 2 tablespoons icing sugar • 1 slab Lindt white chocolate

Method

s Strawberrie t is s largely con of water.

1. Prepare the vanilla sponge cake according to the instructions on the box. You may also use a store-bought vanilla cake. 2. Chop up 500g fresh strawberries and mix in some sugar. Whip up a mixture of strawberry jam and hot water and add it to the bowl. Give it a good mix and pop it into the fridge to chill. 3. While the strawberries are chilling, prepare both boxes of vanilla instant pudding according to the instructions on the box and leave it to set at room temperature. 4. Whip your fresh cream, adding in the icing sugar to make it extra sweet and yummy. Place it into the fridge until you are ready to use. 5. Now comes the fun part – layering your trifle! Grab a trifle bowl and start by adding a layer of cake slices. Then, add a layer of fresh strawberries around the edge of the bowl, and put the macerated strawberries in the centre. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, followed by a layer of sweetened whipped cream. 6. Keep repeating the layers and finish off the trifle with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Decorate with strawberries and white chocolate shavings. 7. Pop it into the fridge to set and get ready to dig in! www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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finance

7financial success transformative conversations for

Be honest with yourself. How often do you find yourself thinking about money? For most of us, it’s every hour of every day.

hief Marketing Officer at Momentum Money Cebile Zibi poses the questions, “Why is money such an emotional topic for most of us? Why aren’t we having more open discussions about money with our families, ourselves and with those we love? Instead, we choose to put up barriers that block us on our journey to financial independence.” Momentum Money hosted a luncheon inclusive of attendees such as marriage counsellors, a behavioural scientist, a psychologist, and a few media personalities, in which these difficult money conversations were the topic of conversation.

Here are some key conversations that came up during the event:

The impact of our upbringing on money attitudes and behaviours How our upbringing shapes our view on money and influences our financial dynamics and behaviours in relationships and within our families.

Saying no to family: overcoming financial guilt and obligations Learning to prioritise our financial wellbeing by saying no to family members' financial requests and overcoming the guilt often associated with putting ourselves first.

Sharing savings goals: to tell or not to tell? Exploring the pros and cons of sharing our savings goals with partners and families, discussing important approaches to savings like aligning on savings goals, or revealing your own "secret" savings fund.

Trust vs. Dependence: financial independence in relationships It often happens that one member of a family becomes the controller of the finances.

How do we navigate the balance between trust and financial independence within a family unit?

Rebuilding financial footing when your partner is gone Whether it’s divorce, death, or the end of a long-term relationship, separating from your partner can be one of the most traumatic and emotional financial challenges. We can become so dependent on each other that we forget what they do for us, leaving us financially stranded when they are gone. Couples need to have the right conversations with the right financial knowledge in place so they can be more prepared for the most unfortunate and tragic realities. This is especially critical when a partner passes away. When it comes to our finances, death needs to be part of the discussion.

The importance of discussing death and finances Nobody wants to talk about it, but everyone knows that we all share the same fate. It shouldn’t be difficult to have a conversation about death and finances to ensure our loved ones continue to live the life you want for them. Having crucial financial discussions that protect us and our families in the event of an unexpected death is vital.

Understanding the psychology behind our relationship with money We all need to explore the psychological factors that influence our spending habits and financial decisions. More importantly, we need to understand how we process and talk about this to build a stronger relationship with money and our loved ones.

Money doesn't have to be a source of stress in your life

“These conversations can help transform our relationships with money, leading to stronger connections with the people in our lives. This is also the best way to start your savings journey, because it can and should be an individual journey,” says Zibi. “All progress begins with dialogue. Our fear of money is holding us back, but a simple conversation can put us on the right financial footing together with those we hold most dear. What’s stopping you? Pick a conversation and take the first step towards financial freedom,” Zibi concludes.  www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Water birthing facility 3 labour wards & obstetric theatre Vaginal births after caesarean section (VBAC) Neonatal ICU Private room with double bed to accommodate birthing partner

Gynaecologist & Obstetricians:  Dr Ilana Johnson  Dr Linda Murray  Dr Kate Richardson  Dr Amaal Schroeder  Dr Jacky Searle  Dr Latiefa Vinoos

PAEDIATRIC WARD & INTENSIVE CARE UNIT Our team of Paeditricians and specialised nursing staff will do their utmost to ensure the comfort of your child in a safe, peaceful environment. our specialised paediatric specialists

specialists who provide paediatric services

General Paediatricians  Dr Leon Jedeikin  Dr Carl Wicht

Paediatric Dermatologist  Prof Carol Hlele

Paediatric Dietician  Susan Cooley-Maree

Paediatric Surgeons  Prof Rob Brown  Dr Babalwa Nondela  Dr Shamaman Harilal

Orthopaedic, oncology, joint and Reconstructive surgeon  Dr Thomas Hilton  Dr Keith Hosking

Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon  Dr Stewert Dix-peek

Plastic & reconstructive surgeons  Dr Clare Neser  Dr Conrad Pienaar  Dr Gareth September  Dr Dehan Strüwig

specialised paediatricians Paediatrician and Nephrologist  Dr Paul Sinclair Paediatrician and Allergologists  Prof Claudia Gray  Dr Candice Royal Paediatrician and Neonatologist  Dr Lize Boshoff Coyles Paediatrician and Pulmonologist  Dr Aruna Lakhan

Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons (ENTS)  Dr Azgher Karjieker  Dr Eve Samson  Dr Martin Vanlierde  Dr Michele Long  Dr Paul Crosland

Urologists:  Dr Larry Jee  Dr Karlheinz Jehle  Dr Allison Moore

In a medical emergency, call 0860 123 367 for our FREE advanced life support paramedic response car service. For more information about our service offerings please contact our units: Maternity: 021 506 5165 or Paediatric Ward and ICU: 021 506 5136/5137 Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital Alexandra Road, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405

www.lifehealthcare.co.za

Aspen’s GIT

Helping shoppers

30 mg Sennoside A and B as calcium salts. S0 BROOKLAX Bisacodyl Laxative Pills (Enteric-coated Tablets). R 3,3 g of lactulose. S0 GASTROPECT. Reg. No.: E/11.9/1546. Each 5 ml suspension contains light kaolin 1,00 g and pectin 0,05 g. S0 HAMBURG Tea. Reg. No.: E/11.5/0704. Each 550 mg contains 537,5

S0 BROOKLAX Senna Laxative Chocolate. Reg. No. 35/11.5/0168. Each chocolate tablet contains Z/11.5/0055. Each 5 ml of syrup contains

S0 LENOLAX (Enema). Reg. No.: E/11.5/819. Each 1 ml contains sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate equivalent to 160 mg sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate and disodium phosphate dodecahydrate equivalent to 60 mg disodium phosphate heptahydrate. S0 LEN

2,14 g glyc 1,12 g glycerin. S0 GERMOLENE Ointment. Ref. No.:G1847 (Act 101/1965). Each 100 g contains anhydrous lanolin 38,716 g, maize starch 7,840 g, zinc oxide 7,840 g, methyl salicylate 2,960 g, phenol 1,184 g, octaphonium chloride 0,300 g, menthol 0

160 mg sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate and disodium phosphate dodecahydrate equivalent to 60 mg disodium phosphate heptahydrate. S0 LENNON Glycerin Suppositories For Adults. Reg. No.: E/11.6/1495. Each suppository contains

213,0 mg, Menthol Levo 128,0 mg, Thymol 41,584 mg and Clove oil 0,042 ml. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2023 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Marketed by Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmac

& Derm Essentials

find relief & restore regularity

Reg. No.: 36/11.5/0104. Each enteric-coated tablet contains Bisacodyl 5 mg. S0 LACSON. Reg. No.: 5 mg senna leaves which is equivalent to 13,4 mg, hydroxyanthracene glycosides as sennoside B.

NOLAX Paediatric (Enema). Reg. No.: E/11.5/1982. Each 1 ml contains sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate equivalent to

cerin. S0 LENNON Glycerin Suppositories For Infants and Children. Reg. No.: E/11.6/1540. Each suppository contains

0,012 g. S0 PREP Cream Ref. No.: G1529 (Act 101/1965). Each 100 g contains: Borax 1,043 g, Camphor 720,8 mg, Phenol

care Co. Reg. No.: 1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-BIS-04-23-00004 04/2023

Marketed by Aspen Pharmacare www.aspenpharma.com Hotline 0800 122 912

GLYCERIN SUPPOSITORIES

Acts

in ith

15 to 30 nute mi

Try Lennon Glycerine Suppositories for expected relief within 15-30 minutes.

Suitable for the whole family! • Acts within 15-30 minutes. • Suppositories are generally more convenient in children and in adults who find it difficult to swallow. • Lennon Glycerin Suppositories for Infants and Children is suitable for children under 6 years. • Lennon Glycerin Suppositories for Adults is suitable for adults and children over 6 years. S0 Lennon Glycerin Suppositories For Adults. Reg. No.: E/11.6/1495. Each suppository contains

2,14 g glycerin. 1,12 g glycerin.

S0 Lennon Glycerin Suppositories For Infants and Children. Reg. No.: E/11.6/1540. Each suppository contains

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2023 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Marketed by Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare. Co. Reg. No.: 1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-GLY-02-23-00002 05/2023

Marketed by Aspen Pharmacare www.aspenpharma.com Hotline 0800 122 912