Baby's and Beyond - Volume 9 l Issue 4

GO BIG ON QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY

Quality will always be the gift that keeps on giving in a little one’s wardrobe. So if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting range of soft, breathable and durable materials then we have you covered.

Stand a chance to win a Simply Bee hamper inclusive of Baby Bum Balm, Baby Lotion, Baby Wash, Mom’s Massage Oil, and Tot’s Massage Oil valued at R1 250!

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

ed'swelcome

The summer time is a super-exciting time for many of us, but it can also be an incredibly tiring time. Kids are at home and parents are always looking for ways to keep the little ones entertained... but it’s also a special time where we connect with friends and family.

While lots of activities are generally planned, be sure to also take some time out to relax so that come 2023, you and family are refreshed and energised.

With lots of fun in the sun and water, we also have to be on the lookout for conditions such as heat stroke (Sea, sun, smiles… and heat stroke – page 62) and swimmer’s ear (Swimmer’s ear – a playground for bacteria and fungi – page 66).

As much fun as the summer season brings, it’s also the time where the budget often gets flung out the door, which is understandable as we often go out and about, then we have to get ready for back-to-school. Check out some finance articles that might provide some insight – Considering having a child? Here’s what it will cost you… (page 94) and What money habits do you want to pass on to your kids? (pages 98).

Enjoy the summer – stay safe and embrace this time to connect with loved ones.

Tashne

WINStand a chance to win Two Eco Diva consults inclusive of a mini solutions set valued at R2 000!

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

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MENTAL HEALTH

BEAUTY

Its summertime… clear and colourful make-up is a must

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 | Tel: 021 424 3625 | Fax: 086 270 9693 Email: info@babysandbeyond.co.za | Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za

babysandbeyond

Picture Credit: 123rf.com / pixabay.com

Publisher: Elroy van Heerden Mays elroy@mediaxpose.co.za

Editor: Tashne Singh editor@babysandbeyond.co.za

Sub-Editor: Tessa O'Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com

Content Manager: Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

Editorial Contributors: Dr Kim Sonntag Jacqui Cooks Meg Faure Lyndall Metherell Dr Markus Vorster Dr Gary Kroukamp Matseleng Mogodi Ilze Laurens Kate Day Erryn Green Motheo Moroane Dr Jonathan Davy Leigh Shenker Siba Mtongana Jenny Morris

Design and Layout: Anja Bramley artwork1@mediaxpose.co.za Shaun van Heerden Mays artwork2@mediaxpose.co.za

Media Partnerships: Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za

Project Manager: Allison Davids allison@babysandbeyond.co.za

Advertising Sales: Lorraine Beneke lorraine@babysandbeyond.co.za

Digital Marketing Manager: Jay-Dee van Rensburg digital@mediaxpose.co.za

Social Media Co-Ordinators: Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za Ketsia Makola Kiangebeni ketsia@mediaxpose.co.za

Distribution & Subscriptions: Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za Sherwin Kastoor sherwin@mediaxpose.co.za

Website Developer/Administrator: Justin McGregor justin@mediaxpose.co.za

Chief Financial Officer: Shaun van Heerden Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za

Receptionist: Daniëla Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

Disclaimer:

References:

on file: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals South Africa (Pty) Ltd. 2. Data on file: Aurena Laboratories AB, Sweden 2020.

on file: Aurena Laboratories AB, Sweden 2018. 4. Bastier PL, et al. Nasal irrigation: From empiricism to evidence-based medicine. A review. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases.

Distributed by: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals South Africa (Pty) Ltd, 2nd Floor, Building D, Stoneridge Office Park, 8 Greenstone Place, Greenstone, Edenvale, Gauteng, 1609.

HYGIENE

MADE FUN

Teaching kids a love of reading

With books in English dominating the publishing industry, only 13% of books sold are in local African languages.

Addressing this, five South African moms established Ethnikids, an online bookstore specialising in children's books featuring characters that are inclusive and diverse in various South African languages.

Ethnikids have partnered with Wimpy’s edutainment initiative to launch a folktale collection of five specially commissioned children’s books available in all 11 official languages as well as in Khoekhoe/Nama, encouraging diversity and inclusion. Reading books that children can easily

relate to and identify with in their mother tongue enables children to develop a love for reading and is key to starting kids off on the right foot from an early age. Books that enable children to connect with the characters and hero/ heroine in the story build self-identity, confidence and tolerance of others. The online versions of the books can be downloaded free of charge together with the MP4 recordings of the stories

Stop worms!

Did you know that one in two children may suffer from worm infestations? This can lead to stunted growth and mental health conditions in your children.

The World Health Organisation recommends de-worming the entire family twice a year. Ask your pharmacist about Wormstop® – it stops worms, and is suitable for children from 2 years.

www.sunpharma.com

at www.wimpy.co.za/kids/mzanzistories/ in all 11 official languages. The English versions are available at Wimpy restaurants nationwide with a Kids Combo Meal.

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

snippets - editor's choice

Stand a chance to win a Happy Baby Teethers Hamper (12 x 3-packs) valued at R472.20!

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

Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

Infantino Convertible Carrier Flip 4-in-1

The Infantino 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier Flip Light & Airy will elevate your farmers market adventures, park strolls, or day-to-day at-home tasks that require an extra set of hands and extra airflow thanks to its breath mesh design. This easy-to-clean, baby-wearingMVP offers comfortable and adaptable baby carrying for mom, dad, and little ones thanks to the ergonomic seat that grows with you from infancy to toddler years, adjustable padded straps, and customisable baby head support.

• Design: 4-in-1 convertible carrier with adjustable ergonomic seat with adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt

• Wearing positions: Convertible facing-in and facingout design for newborns and older babies, weighing between 3.6kg and 14.5kg

Happy Baby Teethers:

Sweet Potato & Banana or Blueberry & Carrot

Happy Baby's easily dissolving crackers are perfect for your crawling baby. Made with ancient grains and organic fruit and veggies, this tasty snack is easy on the gums and encourages self-feeding.

• gluten-free

• kosher

• always certified organic

• no genetically modified ingredients

• no high fructose corn syrup

• no artificial food colourants nor flavourants

• BPA free

Stand a chance to win an Infantino Convertible Carrier Flip 4-in-1 valued at R1 239.95!

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

Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

me4kidz Medibag Family First Aid Kit

Besides being a great gift, this first aid kit is also something every household should have to keep your family prepared for their basic first aid needs. As the case is made from durable and reusable plastic, once it is empty, it can be used for all kinds of fun things.

Kit contains 117 items:

• 12 x assorted kid friendly bandages

• 12 x 5cm sheer bandages

• 12 x 5.5cm junior bandages

• 2 x (5 x 7.5cm) knee and elbow bandages

• 2 x fingertip bandages

• 4 x spot bandages

• 6 x (7.5 x 7.5cm) gauze pads

• 6 x (5 x 5cm) gauze pads

• 20 x sting-free antiseptic wipes

• 2 x hand sanitisers

• 1 x burn relief cream

• 1 x sting relief cream

• 1 x antibiotic ointments

• 1 x tweezer

• 10 x 7.5cm cotton tip applicator swabs

• 1 x instant ice pack

• 20 x kid-friendly fun stickers

• 1 x doctor’s bag organised case

• 1 x emergency family information label

Stand a chance to win a

Stand a chance to win an Infantino

Giant Sensory

Discovery Mat valued at R1 479.95!

WIN

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

Infantino Giant Sensory Discovery Mat

at R470!

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond. co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

The Infantino Giant Sensory Discovery Mat offers a large play space for curious minds and little hands. From pretending to feed the monkey to exploring textured shapes, crinkle sounds, colourful ribbons, and a giant mirror, your baby will be captivated by engaging interactive sensory activities. The first 12 months of a baby’s life are full of sensory advancements. Sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste all develop faster during the first 12 months of life than during any time after. As a baby’s senses become more refined, their unique preferences and responses begin to reveal themselves, and their personalities begin to shine.

• Size 122 x 122cm and easily folds to 41 x 61cm

• Built-in activities awaken curious minds and senses while encouraging fine motor and gross motor development

• Mmachine washable

• Suitable for children aged 0 months +

E EASY

Water plays an important role in keeping children regular because it helps soften stools so that they are easier to pass. Without drinking enough uid, your child may become constipated. 1 Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation effectively. 2

PEGICOL Plain is an iso-osmotic laxative, and thus works with your child’s body to relieve chronic constipation.³ PEGICOL Plain helps to soften the stool and ease it along and is suitable for children aged 2 years and over.

References: 1. Higuera V. How to Tell If Your Child Is Constipated and How to Treat It. Healthline. [updated 19 November 2019; cited 23 September 2022] Available from: https://www.healthline.com/ health/constipation-in-kids

2. Timmerman MEW, Trzpis M, Broens PMA. Using laxatives and/or enemas to accelerate the diagnosis in children presenting with acute abdominal pain: a randomised controlled trial study protocol. BMJPO. 2018;2:e000341. doi:10.1136/ bmjpo-2018-000341 3. Koppen IJN, Lammers LA, Benninga MA, Tabbers MM. Management of Functional Constipation in Children: Therapy in Practice. Pediatr Drugs 2015;17:349-360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-015-0142-4

S0 PEGICOL Plain (powder for reconstitution). Reg. No.: A39/11.5/0385. Each sachet of powder contains 6,563 g macrogol 3 350, 25,1 mg potassium chloride, 89,3 mg sodium bicarbonate and 175,4 mg sodium chloride. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen group of companies. © 2022 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-09-22-00001 10/2022

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

Vital Baby® PROTECT™ Contactless Thermometer

Quick, accurate and super simple to use, the multi-use 4-in-1 infrared contactless thermometer detects the temperature in just two seconds and gives the result on its large fever alert colour changing, digital display. Choose which mode you need to give you ultimate peace of mind during the day, night or even at bath or feeding times.

• Forehead mode is a discreet way to take temperature readings without touching baby, perfect for undisturbed baby sleep, or wriggly toddlers.

• Ear mode features a tiny and precise tip, making it suitable for all ages from newborn to adult.

• Room mode takes accurate temperature readings of any room in your home or away.

• Liquid mode takes all the guesswork out of your baby’s milk or bath water temperature.

Each temperature reading will be shown in 2 seconds, and it also features a last memory recall function. The Vital Baby® PROTECT™ 4-in-1 contactless thermometer gives you ultimate peace of mind by allowing you to look after and protect your little one’s wellbeing all in one convenient device.

WIN

Stand a chance to win a

Vital Baby® PROTECT™ Contactless Thermometer valued at R1 189.40!

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond. co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

Stand a chance to win a

Vital Baby® HYGIENE™ Super Soft Hand & Face Wipes hamper (12 packs) valued at R541.20!

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

Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply. WIN

Vital Baby® HYGIENE™ Super Soft Hand & Face Wipes

These hypoallergenic baby wipes are perfect for everyday use at home or when you are on the move to help keep baby clean. Available in packs of 30 wipes, it’s a good idea to start teaching your baby the importance of hygiene from an early age and always clean your baby’s hands and face before and after mealtimes – especially on outings, playing with pets, or outside.

• Specially formulated for sticky hands and faces

• Fresh, fragrance free

• Hypoallergenic, alcohol and paraben-free

• Dermatologically tested

• Do not flush down the toilet

Vital Baby® NOURISH™ Start Weaning Kit

NOURISH Start Weaning Kit is packed with everything you need to embark on your weaning journey. Start weaning spoons have super soft, shallow tips, and a built-in hygienic footrest helps to keep the tip-off the tabletop. The Scoop™ Feeding Bowl has scooped sides and channels to capture every drop of food and the lid with an integrated spoon cover makes this set perfect for on-the-go weaning. Store & Wean™ pots are perfect for storing homemade foods and snacks, while the soft bases and sides make it easy to remove frozen foods from the pots. Mess Catcher silicone bib is rollable for travel and fully wipe clean. Its integrated crumb catcher catches all runaway crumbs and spills.

Stand

The Free Flow Cup is ideal for first-hand drinks and helps to teach sipping skills.

• Super-soft and shallow spoons for a little mouth

• Bowls & pots for easy serving and storage

• Super soft silicone bib with built-in mess catcher

• Free flow cup to encourage sipping

• BPA, Latex & Phthalate free

What's in the box:

• 1 x Super-soft Mess Catcher

• 1 x Scoop ™ Feeding Set (bowl and weaning spoon)

• 2 x Additional Start Weaning Spoons

• 2 x 120ml Store and Wean ™ Pots

• 2 x 60ml Store and Wean ™ Pots

• 1 x Free Flow Cup

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

The Vital Baby® Big Sipper HYDRATE™ drinking cup with large capacity helps keep your little one hydrated. The cup features a non-spill, easy-clean, 100% silicone valve and spout with hygienic cover. For on-the-go parents and toddlers. Cup is dishwasher and microwave safe.

snippets - editor's choice

Stand a chance to win a

Vital Baby® HYDRATE™ Incredibly Cool Insulated Cup 290ml valued at R192.20!

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

Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

Vital Baby® HYDRATE™ Incredibly Cool Insulated Cup

290ml

This cup keeps liquids warm or cold for longer and its durable silicone straw is gentle on gums and teeth. Cup features a non-spill, easy-clean, 100% silicone valve and straw with hygienic cover. For on-the-go parents and toddlers. Cup is dishwasher and microwave safe.

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. Specifically designed for babies, toddlers and kids on-thego, the unique HYDRATE™ 360° edge™ cup is pressure activated, so toddlers can drink easily from anywhere around the silicone rim. Designed for use from 6+ months, with its non-spill silicone rim, this ergonomically shaped baby and toddler cup is a great alternative to straw and sipper cups and is ideal for keeping spills at bay.

Stand a chance to win a

Vital Baby® HYDRATE™ 360° Edge™ Cup valued at R169!

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

Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

Stand a chance to win a BaoCare Hamper (6 x 50ml) valued at R1 116!

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/ competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

WIN

Bramley Tissue Oils

Stand a chance to win a Bramley Tissue Oils hamper valued at R380!

To ENTER scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond. co.za/competitions/ Closing date: 28 February 2023. T&Cs apply.

Bramley’s luxurious scented Tissue Oils are enriched with Bio-Pharm oil, Bramley’s very own unique ceramide blend and contains vitamin E for its healing and antioxidant properties.

The use of Bio-Pharm oil gives the tissue oil a modern scientific treatment to maintain the healthy appearance of the skin. The ceramides influence the water holding capacity of the skin and provide structural integrity. These Tissue Oils provide best results when applied daily to stretch marks, scar tissue, dark spots and very dry skin. It is the number 1 selling Tissue Oil in South Africa for a reason.

Available exclusively at PEP stores.

W: bramleycosmetics.com/ Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @bramleycosmetics

BaoCare Baby Oil

Your baby’s just arrived and is new to the world. It isn’t surprising then that baby’s skin may take some time during the first 12 months to adjust from being cocooned inside the womb to being exposed to the outside world. Many mums say that their baby’s delicate skin has been beautifully cared for by BaoCare’s baby oil serum and conditions like cradle cap, teething rashes, nappy discomfort and skin rashes, acidity rashes and insect bites have been treated quickly and easily within 24 hours.

Baobab oil’s natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will help to prevent any inflammatory skin conditions in the nappy area, as well as being a gently soothing oil which promotes healing.

BaoCare is available online at www.baocare.co.za, as well as Wellness Warehouse (WC, KZN, Gauteng) Faithful to Nature (online), Takealot (online), Van Heerdens Pharmacy (Limpopo & Mpumalanga).

Sibahle Mtongana aka Chef Siba –following her dreams & aspirations

Successful individual, wife, mother, chef, entrepreneur, TV personality and author, Sibahle Mtongana somehow manages to juggle it all.

sibamtongana

Siba Mtongana

I believe I am graced for it. I also create solid structures and a great team around me that assist me in my business as well as at home. I do take a lot of small breaks throughout the year to help me recharge –I am a firm believer of overall wellbeing.

Choosing what I eat wisely is very important for me, so I have enough energy throughout my day. I also exercise often which can sometimes be a simple walk, and I am fully active in my faith and spiritual life which helps my mental health and overall wellbeing.

As a TV personality, you connect with people, and many feel they know you. Tell us a bit about your childhood, and how it helped shape you into the fierce female you are today.

I grew up being a very inquisitive child and even though it was taboo to ask a lot back then, my parents and family allowed me the space to ask questions. I come from a conservative and strong Christian foundation and both my parents played a crucial role in my upbringing. My mother pushed us to do well academically with Tata (my father) as our spiritual mentor.

The community I come from was filled with high achievers – my neighbourhood had teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers and more and the expectation for anyone who came from our area is that you would be successful. Our parents were hard working and were able to make it in life, despite life's circumstance at the time. I really admire the generation that birthed us as they were tenacious. They had big dreams for their children, and we are benefactors of that hard labour and work.

What has been the greatest highlight of your journey?

The highlight of my career was the time I caught the attention of Harvard Business School. They studied my life and career so I could become a Harvard Case Study. That was such a 'God checkmate move'

Is this the life you envisioned for yourself growing up?

Yes, to some extent. I have always known that I would be a person of great influence although I never knew that food would be the vehicle for that influence. Growing up, Nelson Mandela was my hero and like many kids in the township, I aspired to be like him.

I honestly thought I would be a lawyer as that was the prime job to be at the time! I had the best childhood and grew up in a loving family where education and a relationship with God were given to us as keys to unlocking our future opportunities and potential. I was loved fiercely by my parents, my siblings, extended family and the community we lived in, and I was considered a respectful child. My mother in particular was very intelligent and hardworking. I took a lot of who I am in business from her, which in itself is such a great honour.

in my life, and I'm yet to see what more could ever top that.

What would surprise many people about you?

My faith is a key foundation, and I am a fierce prayer warrior. Those who know what this means will understand.

Where does your passion for food come from?

It started at home and that is where it was nurtured and grew. I'm forever thankful that my parents allowed me to choose a career in food as I have a bachelor’s degree in Food and Consumer Sciences with majors in Food Science and Nutrition.

I think it's the innovation and creation that really excites me. My love for hospitality allows me to combine my love for food and cooking with my other passions, such as people and serving. I honestly think my work is a part of my ministry as it's the joy of making others feel good or teaching them that really fulfils me beyond just having an exceptional plate of food.

You are a successful chef. What inspired you to diversify and launch a kitchen range?

It’s always been in the pipeline, so it felt so good when we finally launched that leg of the business.

How do you manage all these roles and the responsibilities?

Credit: Anthony Smythe

siba_the_restaurant Siba The Restaurant

Credit: Anthony Smythe

What inspires you to push the boundaries?

I like being the best and enjoy following my dreams and aspirations, no matter what the challenges are. I am extremely ambitious and believe in myself and my capabilities. That helps me a lot when I have ideas that others don't believe in, or think are impossible.

If I have prayed about something and I feel peace about it, I will do it despite naysayers or other opinions. I guess that is the true epitome of being an entrepreneur!

What do you consider the key three characteristics needed to become a game-changer?

Tenaciousness, consistency and a willingness to change and to do the uncomfortable things.

What advice would you give to parents to get kids more involved in the kitchen?

Teach them young, involve them in the whole home value chain of preparing meals. Let them help you with shopping, preparing the dishes you cook and give them safe tasks to do. Let them observe and ask as many questions as they have, explaining the benefits of eating good food.

What is a typical day in the Mtongana home?

How should parents manage picky eaters?

What you allow your kids to eat from infancy matters a lot. For instance, start them with veg purées instead of fruit purées. What you eat matters too as children often take a leaf out of their parents book and learn a lot of things through observation. So, if you want them to eat veggies, then it's only fair that the parents eat veggies too.

Kids learn and pick up bad habits from school, so as a parent it's important to deal with those and continue encouraging good eating habits.

I find that eating together at the table is pivotal as they see others enjoy what they don't enjoy and over time they may be open to it. Continue introducing them to foods that they think they don’t like and ensure you enjoy them in their presence. I don't think forcing them to eat helps as it creates childhood food traumas. Be patient but consistent in your influence.

I wake up at 4am for prayers. Porridge is made at 5:20am. Kids wake up at 5:50 am. They bath and dress for school, and then at 6:30am they eat their breakfast. At 6:50am we say a small prayer and by 7:05 they are off to school.

I then go to the office and join the restaurant team in the afternoon for preps. I usually return home for dinner with the kids and then head back to the restaurant.

What are the key values you want to pass on to your children?

Love for God and for people. Appreciation of the small and the big things. Doing what they love and are passionate about. Understanding business and leadership from a young age.

Credit: Anthony Smythe

What is the most challenging aspect of motherhood, and how do you overcome it?

Time is sometimes a limiting factor, so my team and I need to always be conscious and intentional about making time for our children. For instance, weekends are our family time, so we do an activity together every Saturday morning and we spend most of our Sundays at Siba – The Restaurant for a yummy Sunday lunch. They love it and that has now become our family ritual.

What is the most surprising aspect of motherhood?

There are times when I feel like I need a holiday and a break from the kids. So, I take one, but once you are on holiday you miss them so much that you look forward to going back and being with them again. But then when I'm with them again, I understand why I wanted a holiday. It's a vicious cycle!

However, even when I feel they are too much to handle, there is never a feeling of regret but rather a joy that just sometimes makes you laugh at yourself.

How do you recharge?

I take small weekend breakaways with my husband. I also read, listening to audio books and podcasts. I like to run too. I do take power naps when I feel exhausted, even if it's during the day.

What does the future hold for you?

Focusing on expanding The Siba Co and realising our short and long-term goals. 

Favourite food:

Favourite city: Favourite activity: Guilty pleasure:

Motto in life:

Seafood because it's light, quick to cook and a healthier option. New York, the hustle and bustle and diverse food culture.

Innovating, creating and experimenting with recipes.

Peanut butter and spices on a sandwich, with Madagascar vanilla ice cream. Do your best and God will do the rest.

Snapshot with Siba

pregnancy

Demystifying pregnancy trimesters

What to expect, when you are expecting...

By Dr Kim Sonntag, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist: MBChB (UCT) Dip Obs (SA) FCOG (SA) MMed (UCT)

Did you know?

A pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks and consists of three trimesters.

A term pregnancy starts from the first day of the last menstrual period to between 37-41 weeks.

The first trimester is between 1-12 weeks, the second trimester is between 13-27 weeks, and the third trimester is between 28-40 weeks.

First trimester – time to start prenatal vitamins

The first trimester can be quite a difficult time, filled with many new and different pregnancy symptoms. Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy but can occur at any time of the day and may continue past the first 12 weeks.

Other symptoms include breast tenderness, fatigue, aversions to smells and certain foods, headaches and constipation. Many symptoms can be attributed to the change in hormones, with a rise in progesterone. The first pregnancy visit should be between 6-8 weeks and then every 6 weeks.

abnormalities and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure occurring in pregnancy).

1st

Blood tests will include a full blood count, blood group, HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B screening. At 12-13 weeks a specialised foetal scan is done to screen for genetic

The pregnancy starts as a small cluster of cells and rapidly grows into a small foetus. Organogenesis occurs during this time, which refers to the development of all the organs. From 6 weeks there will be cardiac activity, which can be heard as a foetal heartbeat.

It is important in this trimester to start prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, which is vital to the development of the central nervous system. For the same reason it is important to refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking or using any medication that is not safe in pregnancy. This is the stage of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is significant.

Second trimester – foetal movements can be felt for the first time

The middle trimester is often the time where one feels the best in pregnancy. Energy levels return and nausea often subsides. The uterus starts to grow more rapidly, and a bump will start to appear.

Foetal movements can be felt between 18-22 weeks. Darkening of the skin occurs commonly on the face, areola of the breasts and a line running down the abdomen, called the linea nigra.

Common complaints include heartburn, leg cramps and abdominal discomfort or pain in the sides of the abdomen called ‘round ligament pain’. Pregnancy visits would occur every 4 weeks, with a detailed foetal anatomy scan around 20-22 weeks to look closely at the foetal organs.

The foetal organs will grow and develop further during this period. There will be movement felt and the foetus will have

periods when it is awake and sleeping. Skin, hair and nails have formed, and the foetus continues to increase in size and weight.

It is important to stay active at this stage of the pregnancy, which can improve discomfort and lower backpain. A screening test for gestational diabetes may be done, if you have risk factors for developing this pregnancy induced condition.

Third trimester – start preparing for birth

The third trimester begins at week 28 until the birth of the baby. Pregnancy consultations will be more frequent to ensure you are healthy and that the foetus is growing well. The uterus grows at a faster rate, which can lead to increased abdominal discomfort, heartburn, indigestion and shortness of breath. Constipation usually worsens, which can lead to the development of haemorrhoids and Braxton-Hicks contractions occur in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Breasts may begin to produce colostrum, which is a nutrient-rich form of breast milk.

The foetal organs and systems have formed and are maturing at this stage. The baby’s movement can feel more forceful and even cause discomfort. The foetus will drop lower in the abdomen and usually is in a cephalic (head down) position.

This is the time to start preparing for birth and deciding how to deliver the baby. Antenatal classes are commonly attended in the third trimester and decisions made regarding birthing preferences. A screening for Group B Streptococcus is done in the last few weeks of pregnancy. This is a bacteria which can be transferred to the foetus during delivery and can cause neonatal infection.

Fourth trimester – be aware of post-natal depression

The fourth trimester refers to the period just after the birth of the baby to 3 months postpartum. The body is returning to a non-pregnancy state, which takes at least 6 weeks.

Breastfeeding is established and a nurse or lactation consultant can assist with this. The uterus slowly starts to revert to its normal size and vaginal bleeding is to be expected for a few weeks.

A postnatal visit should occur at 1 and 6 weeks post-delivery to check the perineal area or abdominal incision if a caesarean section was performed. Contraception planning should also be discussed during this period.

This is also a time when one needs to be aware of signs of postnatal depression, which can include feelings of not bonding with the baby and hopelessness.

Dr Kim Sonntag is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist working at Life Kingsbury Hospital. She has a specialised interest in high-risk obstetrics and foetal medicine.

Suite 304 Kingsbury Medical Suites, Wilderness Road, Claremont 7700

T +27 (0)21 685 2375 E info@drkimsonntag.co.za W www.drkimsonntag.co.za

The bare truth:

breastfeeding breastfeeding in public

By Jacqui Cooks, Travel Writer & Blogger

Sadly in today's hypersexualised society the mention of breasts brings to mind raunchy pictures in tabloids rather than the purpose they were intended for. It's no wonder then that the mere sight of a mother nursing her baby in public may leave some feeling uncomfortable at this "inappropriate" display. While walking around topless in public can be construed as "indecent exposure", the same cannot be said about breastfeeding.

Benefits of breastfeeding

As a new mother, I made the decision long before my son was born to exclusively breastfeed him until at least six months old. My doctor and the hospital where I gave birth were very supportive and pro-breastfeeding.

Research suggests that breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of certain diseases and helps build a strong immune system. Breast milk is highly nutritious and contains antibodies, it can help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), prevent obesity, reduces the risk of allergies, help aid brain development, and many more.

On the plus side, there are many positives for the new mom who breastfeeds. Besides the obvious ones; bonding with your baby and saving money (way cheaper than formula). It could help you lose weight and lowers the risk of postpartum depression. Did you know that the total time a woman spends breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer? Thus the age-old adage: "Breastfed is best fed!" definitely rang true for me. Though the first few weeks were rocky as I had trouble getting my son to latch and suffered an engorged breast; after that, I never looked back.

The first time

The first time I breastfed in public wasn't planned at all. I remember I was having brunch with a friend who also had a baby recently. I had expressed milk at home and placed it in a bottle for when we went out. Whilst chatting and drinking our coffee, my little prince let out a loud hungry wail. I took his bottle from his diaper bag and attempted to feed him. He would not have it. My friend tried to assist me by kindly offering to feed him herself, but this did not work either. Babies can smell the source of their nourishment. Why should they drink from the bottle when they can have milkshakes on tap? At this point, my friend encouraged me to just nurse him at the table and told me she didn't mind.

I had not thought about what I might do should this happen when

breastfeeding

we were out, so I was understandably nervous about the anticipated gawking I'd receive. I gingerly threw the baby stroller cover over my shoulder and my baby's head, anxiously unclipped my nursing bra and let him drink for 10 minutes. To my genuine surprise not a single patron, nor server at the cafe batted an eye.

Mum-shaming

For other moms, the experience is not as positive as mine. I think of the Australian mum who was told to stop breastfeeding by security guards in a well-known European theme park. They told her that her breastfeeding was "offensive" to the other patrons and that she should cover up or move. After a deafening social media outcry, the theme park management apologised to the mom but insisted she should have used their designated breastfeeding area. According to that European country's laws breastfeeding moms are permitted to nurse in public. It's sad that mumshaming still exists in this day and age.

Know your rights

Under South African law, it is legal to breastfeed in public and working breastfeeding mothers are protected under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). It stipulates that employees with infants must be allowed two breaks of 30 minutes each, every working day to allow for breastfeeding or expressing. I'm thankful for the support of my boss, who hired me when my baby was three months old. At first it was a bit tricky having to use a seminar room to express, but now thankfully I have an office with blinds and a mini bar fridge to store my baby's milk.

People with the taste for family life

In South Africa, Spur Steak Ranches, publicly recognises that "breastfeeding plays an important role in early childhood development" as stated in their breastfeeding policy. This is visibly placed in the restaurant for all mothers to see and feel comfortable.

Here are a few things to know before you head out:

Ensure you wear comfy clothing that is easily accessible.

Make sure you have a reliable nursing bra that easily unclips.

Consider a blanket or stroller cover that could double up as a breastfeeding cover for additional privacy (if you so wish). Some moms even prefer using a baby carrier as it not only supports the baby but can also offer you some privacy.

If you’re feeling some trepidation you can always call the restaurant or venue you’re headed to beforehand just to see if they have any designated breastfeeding areas.

You may find it easier to breastfeed in public if you do it in a supportive environment for the first time.

Know your breastfeeding rights. If anyone complains or asks you to leave an establishment, politely remind them of your legal rights. The law is on your side, so be confident and stand your ground.

Be prepared for the occasional awkward stares, snickers, or even the brazen complaints you may receive. Do not let society's stigma shame you into submission or dictate to you how or when and where to feed your baby.

In the end to breastfeed or not to breastfeed in public is entirely up to you… and that is the bare truth. 

About Jacqui Cooks

An incurable wanderluster, cupcakerer, travel writer, memory maker, Capetonion, ardent women’s rights supporter and newly recent mother to her gorgeous son Jacob. With 23 years in the Tourism Industry this Sales & Marketing Manager by day and Travel Writer by night, is on her biggest journey yet… motherhood. Blog: www.thejaxblog.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @thejaxblog

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Night terrors in babies & what to do about it

When your baby wakes screaming with a night terror, it can feel really scary. One minute your baby is sleeping peacefully and the next they’re distressed and crying but not responding to you. So, what are night terrors and what can you do if your baby has them?

By Meg Faure, Occupational Therapist, Author, Baby Expert & Founder of Parent Sense

It’s sometimes tricky for parents to know the difference between night terrors and nightmares. Nightmares only really start once your little one’s imagination and language skills have begun to develop. This is because they need to be able to hold a mental picture of something in their minds and connect it to a symbol that feels scary. Night terrors are less about imagination and visualisation and more of a fearful state.

One way to distinguish between night terrors and nightmares is by your baby’s age. Because little ones start to develop the ability to associate thoughts with words and emotions between 12 and 24 months, imagination and therefore true nightmares generally only occur from 18 months onwards. If your baby is younger and wakes screaming in terror, they are most likely experiencing night terrors.

What are night terrors? Night terrors typically occur in the first third of a baby’s night sleep cycle. Your baby may appear to ‘wake’ during the night and:

• sit up in their cot;

• seem afraid but not awake;

• cry, scream or shout; and

• be difficult to wake up.

These episodes can be brief but sometimes last 45 minutes or more. Afterwards, your baby will show no sign of remembering the terror and continue sleeping peacefully.

Doctors aren’t entirely sure why night terrors happen, but there is literature and research that link night terrors to overstimulation. If you’ve had a busy day and your little one’s missed a sleep or slept for less time than usual, they are probably overtired. When your baby’s sensory system is overwhelmed it kicks into overdrive, and you are likely to end up with a baby who won’t settle to sleep without a fuss.

Night terrors are also more likely at those cusp ages when your baby’s day sleeping schedule changes. That could be at 9 months when you drop from three sleeps to two, and at 12 to 14 months

when you go from two sleeps during the day to one. And as your toddler gets old enough to drop their day sleep altogether, you may notice an increase in the amount of night terrors over that period.

What to do about night terrors?

Night terrors can continue to happen well into the toddler years so it’s important to know how to deal with them.

Prevention is the best way to deal with it and that means avoiding overstimulation. Here are tips to prevent overstimulation:

• Ensure that your baby is getting regular, adequate day sleeps.

• Be sure that your baby’s awake window before bedtime is not too long. Awake windows change as your baby grows and it’s a fantastic way to help your baby remain calm, happy and in routine.

• Watch for signs of tiredness like wiping their eyes, yawning, fussing, pulling their legs up or stiffening their body.

If your baby is actively having a night terror it is important that you don’t try to wake your little one. Their eyes can be open, and they can be screaming and appear to be awake, but they are actually fast asleep. Don’t try to wake them or speak to them, instead apply the sensory principle of deep pressure. You can do this in one of two ways:

1. Holding your baby snuggly, or if they are still in their sleep space, placing your hands on them and applying pressure, can help them to settle. Their overwhelmed sensory system responds to the calming, soothing sensation of deep pressure.

2. If your little one is experiencing frequent night terrors, you can also try covering them in a weighted blanket at bedtime. The weight of the blanket also gives little ones the sense of deep pressure and knowing where their body is in the space around them. This comforting feeling can make all the difference between a peaceful sleep and recurring night terrors.

For an easy way to get your baby into a smart routine that prevents overstimulation, download the Parent Sense app. It’s the all-in-one baby app that takes the guesswork out of parenting and guides you through the first precious year of your baby’s life. 

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The dangers of "sharenting":

Is social media where a child’s right to privacy ends?

Imagine that your entire life had been documented on social media. A dual line on a pregnancy test stick, signalling your existence. Your very first ultrasound scan, when you were little more than a hazy blob. The day you were born, your parents proudly displaying their bundle of joy to the camera. You as a toddler, gleefully splashing around in the bathtub. Your first day of school. Every moment painstakingly captured and shared online with loving friends and family members.

As well as strangers, who may have nefarious intentions. Advertisers. Tracking software. All without your consent.

Client Engagement Team Lead at Metropolitan GetUp, Liezel Gordon highlights the dangers of sharing your child’s life online, and how to empower children to become responsible digital citizens.

Kids are victims of privacy violation: sharenting

Gordon, herself a mother of three, says that this is not science fiction, but a reality faced by today’s children who may find themselves victims of what is arguably the greatest mass privacy violation of all time: sharenting.

‘Sharenting’ – a fusion of ‘parenting’ and ‘sharing’ – is defined as the habitual use of social media to share news or images of one’s children, with the rising prevalence of this phenomenon earning it an official place in the dictionary. It can harm a child in many ways, leading to identity theft, privacy and data protection rights violations, mental health issues and even child abduction or trafficking.

“Children’s digital footprints are often established before they are born, as every moment of their precious lives is shared online by well-meaning family members,” says Gordon.

Around 80% of children in developed Western countries will have a digital footprint before they are two years old, according to a report: Artificial intelligenceandprivacy,andchildren’s privacy.

The paper highlights that today’s children are the first generation to be born into a digital age, while their parents are the first to rear ‘digital children’ and that the formation of their digital identity is largely driven by the actions of their family throughout their childhood.

“As parents we are responsible for protecting our children. We should respect their privacy and act in their best interests whilst recognising that they are independent human beings. That said, how do we balance our children’s right to privacy with our right to freedom of expression?” asks Gordon.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “no child shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence”. Children's right to privacy is also safeguarded in Article 16 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 10 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Children have a right to privacy Yet in many cases, a parent’s desire to share details about their child online seems to trump their child’s right to

privacy. One paper titled Understanding the privacy rights of the African child in the digital era highlights: “These parents act as both gatekeepers of their children's personal information and as narrators of their children's personal stories. This dual role of parents in their children's online identity gives children little protection as their online identity evolves.”

And as these digital children grow up, we’ve yet to see the full repercussions of sharenting, warns Gordon.

She highlights that social media has positives too. “We live in an age where technology is part of life – children need to learn how to work with tech and social media to become competent digital citizens.”

Online platforms facilitate group learning, while remote learning and peerto-peer learning broaden the sources from which children learn. Gordon adds that it can also be a platform for children to express themselves.

“It is also a great way to slowly introduce accountability – but the keyword here is slowly,” says Gordon.

Ways parents can use social media responsibly and empower their children Gordon shares several ways that parents can use social media responsibly while empowering their children to enter the world as confident digital citizens.

Be aware of who can access the information you share online. Tighten your privacy settings to limit your profiles to only people you know and trust, and never publish content of a sensitive nature. Even if later deleted, the digital footprint remains.

Never publish personal information such as where your child goes to school, their schedule or your home address. Don’t share images of them in compromising positions, no matter how innocent –for example, a picture of a toddler splashing around naked in a swimming pool or bathtub. You never know what predators may be lurking online.

Instil digital literacy from an early age. To be able to teach your child how to be a responsible and empowered digital citizen, you need to be one yourself, says Gordon. This means educating yourself and your children on social media’s inherent dangers, what not to share online, and how to use social media as a force for good.

Teach them how to exercise their online rights in a manner that protects their interests and those of others.

Establish boundaries. Once again, you set the example here, says Gordon.

“Be present: don’t continuously scroll and react to social media when your child needs interpersonal contact. Establish rules such as no phones at the dinner table, or no screen time between certain hours of the day.” 

Introducing solids

to your baby

The transition from a milk-only diet to introducing foods to your little one is a very exciting and emotional time for a parent, but it can also be daunting and stressful. Below are a few tips to help you with this important milestone.

By Lyndall Metherell, Dietitian: Bsc Dietetics (UKZN), PGDip Dietetics (UKZN)

When is my baby ready?

There are varying opinions as to when a baby should start eating food. There is agreement that solids should not be started before 17 weeks old. This is because your baby’s stomach is not mature enough, and should not be delayed later than six months, as milk feeds (whether breast or formula) alone are not enough to meet your growing baby’s nutritional needs.

There are a few cues you can look for to see if your baby is ready to start eating food. These include good head control, sitting with support, able to pick up objects with hands, interest in food and minimal tongue thrust. If you are unsure if your baby is ready to start eating, speak to your clinic sister, paediatrician or a paediatric dietitian.

How do I feed my baby?

There are a few methods you can use to feed your baby. Traditionally, babies have been spoon-fed smooth, pureed foods, but recently there has been a big movement towards baby-led weaning. This is when you give your baby soft finger foods that they can feed to themselves.

Following this method can help reduce picky eating and improve their gross motor skills. Often a combination of the two methods works the best – have a bowl of pureed food that you spoon feed as well as some soft finger foods that your baby can feed themselves. Expect a mess, follow your baby hunger and fullness cues (never force them to finish the whole bowl), and remember to do what works best for your family.

What should I feed my baby?

Your baby’s milk feeds will continue to make up most of their diet, with the amount of milk needed slowly decreasing as your baby gets older. Traditionally, rice cereal was the first food that was introduced into babies’ diets but more recently research has shown that vegetables and fruit as well as iron rich foods and healthy fats are the best to start with.

Introducing your baby to a variety of foods from an early age can help to prevent picky eating and promote a healthy relationship with food. There is no need to start with one food at a time, give foods which are commonly eaten in your house, just avoid adding extra sugar and salt.

Vegetables and fruit: there is no need to offer vegetables before fruit but do try to give more vegetables more often and offer a variety.

Iron-rich foods: Tender meats, eggs, beans, lentils and chickpeas, nut butters and green leafy vegetables. Pair these with Vitamin C containing foods to increase absorption of iron.

Healthy fats: Avocado, nut butters, full cream dairy products (cottage cheese and plain yoghurt).

TIP:

Try to use food in its natural form, do not add salt or sugar, but rather use herbs and spices to flavour the food. Homemade food is preferred over store bought convenience foods. There are many healthier convenience food options – look for those without added sugar, salt and preservatives.

What not to feed my baby?

Before the first year of life, babies should not have honey, cow’s milk as a beverage (in the form of yoghurt, cheese and other dairy products are fine) or foods that could cause choking (hard or sticky foods).

Try to delay their exposure to sugar for as long as possible as well as highly processed foods as they are high in salt. Fruit juice and rooibos tea should also be avoided. Fruit juice is very high in fructose, and both will fill up your baby’s stomach without providing any nutrients.

feeding

How much to feed?

Start at a time of day when your baby is the happiest – after a nap or 45 to 60 minutes after a milk feed. If your baby is tired or very hungry, he or she may not be as interested in trying new foods.

Start with small portions – in the beginning the introduction of food is about exposure and getting your baby used to different textures and tastes. The amount your baby eats may vary. Do not be too alarmed at this stage as most of their nutrients are coming from their milk feeds. Initially feed your baby once a day and then increase this as per your baby’s interest and reaction to the food offered.

TIP:

If your baby spits out the food or pulls a face, try again. It can take about 15 to 20 tries for a baby to accept a new food.

What do I need to feed my

baby?

You do not need fancy equipment to feed your baby. A comfortable highchair is important for positioning. Try to find one with a footrest, a harness to strap them in (to prevent accidents) and one that can be easily cleaned. Choose utensils that are soft and easy for your baby to grip.

Going forward…

Remember to enjoy this stage of your baby’s development. Be patient as the process takes time, and every child is different, and try not to compare your child to others. Embrace the mess; let you baby play and interact with their food as it’s all part of the learning process.

A helpful resource when starting solids is Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath Megaw. 

Lyndall Metherell is a dietitian with over 15 years experience in the field of nutrition. She is based at Life Kingsbury Hospital and has a private practice in Claremont (Cape Town).

T +27 (0)84 451 5154 E hello@lyndallmetherell.com W www.lyndallmetherell.com Function Forward, Villagers rugby club, Queen Victoria Road, Claremont

Before, during and after –

the role of avocados in maternal nutrition

By the South African Avocado Growers’ Association

Yet it is estimated that 20% to 30% of women of childbearing age may suffer from a vitamin deficiency. Infertility, which may affect one in six couples1, is also strongly related to vitamin deficiency. Not surprising, then, that women of childbearing age are urged to adopt a nutrient-rich diet (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)2

Enter the avocado. Avocados contain key nutrients such as folate, fibre, monounsaturated fats, potassium, and carotenoids, and are a unique food to support maternal nutrition, birth outcome, and the quality of breastmilk.3

While research on preconception nutrition is limited, studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet (healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans, and nuts) may support fertility outcomes in some women struggling to conceive. This diet may be associated with a 70% decreased risk of ovulatory disorders in infertile women, with the greater intakes of monounsaturated fats related to almost 3.5 times higher odds of live birth after embryo transfer.4

A healthy child has its mother to thank, for looking after her nutrition from conception to the time she weens her baby from her breast milk. Indeed, a mother’s nutritional status throughout this critical period is a good predictor of her child’s health status, both in the short and long term.

For further information and avo recipes, visit www.avocado.co.za, or Facebook @iloveavocadoSA and follow on Instagram @iloveavossa

Constipation

in kids

Constipation is a very common condition in childhood. A child who is constipated will have hard and dry stools which are difficult and painful to pass.

By Lyndall Metherell, Dietitian: Bsc Dietetics (UKZN), PGDip Dietetics (UKZN)

This information is for children with constipation. Constipation in babies has different causes and treatments and has not been covered in this article.

All children have different stool patterns, some pass a stool once a day whereas others may pass a stool after each meal. It is important to know your child’s stool passing pattern as this will make it easier to know if he or she is constipated. The most important aspect of a ‘normal’ stool is the softness – it should look like a soft sausage or snake or fluffy/ mushy pieces (Goal is type 3 or 4).

1 2 3 4 5

Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)

Sausage-shaped but lumpy

Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool

Watery, no solid pieces

Fig 1: Paediatric Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children

Types of constipation in children

There are two types of constipation:

1. Organic constipation: which is the passing of painful stools due to diseases. This is a rare cause of constipation but will be investigated if the constipation persists.

2. Functional constipation: is the most common cause and happens when children hold back passing their stools. Other causes include diet (not often a primary reason but a diet low in fibre can worsen constipation), illness (post diarrhoea), and changes in environment.

Reasons children hold back from passing stools?

• Fear of pain or discomfort when passing a stool.

• Lack of awareness that he or she needs to pass a stool.

• Wanting to be in control, especially children aged 2-5 years. In this situation it would be best not to pressure your child into potty training.

• Some children don’t want to stop playing to go to the bathroom.

• Feeling uneasy going to the toilet in a strange or different environment.

How does constipation happen?

If your child has been constipated for a few days, the stools get ‘stuck’ in the large intestine (colon) causing it to stretch. An over-stretched colon cannot work properly, resulting in more of the stool getting ‘stuck’.

This causes more pain when your child tries to pass a stool, which may cause the child to withhold going to the toilet. Signs that your child is withholding going to the toilet include tensing up, crossing legs or tightening leg and bum muscles when they feel like they need to go to the toilet. By withholding going to the toilet the constipation worsens and medicine will be needed to help relieve it.

Sometimes the child will develop something called overflow diarrhoea. It may look like the constipation has resolved itself, but in fact it is old stool that becomes more liquid and bypasses the old stool and leaks out. When this happens, medical intervention is necessary.

What do normal stools look like?

How is constipation treated?

• Diet can help with mild constipation.

• Focus on increasing intake of fibre containing foods such as:

▫ fruit and vegetables (5 per day): include the skins of fruit where safe and give whole fruit rather than fruit juices

▫ high fibre starchy foods: oats, all bran flakes, wholewheat or high fibre breads, high fibre crackers. Reading labels: excellent sources of fibre = 5g or more per serving and good sources = at least 3g per serving

▫ Chia seeds or flax seeds

▫ Lentils, beans, and chickpeas

▫ The three “P”s: prunes, pears, and plums

Please remember to adapt the foods accordingly for your child’s age to prevent choking.

• Water is very important for the general functioning of your child’s body.

• As you increase fibre intake it is very important to increase the amount of water they drink, otherwise they will become more constipated.

Change in the way your child sits on the toilet

Sitting correctly on the toilet or potty is very important in passing stools properly. Sit with knees higher than the hips (a stool may be helpful so that their feet are not dangling in the air). Lean forward, with elbows on their knees. Relax and bulge out stomach and straighten spine.

Good toilet habits

• Talk about going to the toilet in an open way – try normalising doing a ‘poo’. It’s a natural bodily function that we do.

• Do not make a big deal about the smelliness of stools – this could embarrass your child and make them resistant to go to the toilet.

• Make sure there is enough time in the morning or during the day for your child to sit on the toilet – do not make them feel rushed.

• We should all try a remove the stigma of needing to pass a stool in a public place.

Laxative medications

There are many laxative medications available to treat children with functional constipation. These include stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, secretagogue laxatives and rectal therapies. These treatments should be discussed with your doctor before starting to use them. 

IMPORTANT

It is very important to seek medical advice if your child has not passed a stool in a few days, has an enlarged abdomen, is vomiting, in pain or if you are worried that your child has a blockage.

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Act fast when diarrhoea strikes

Diarrhoea is still one of the leading causes of death, ill health and disability among children younger than five, accounting for 19% of deaths of under-fives in South Africa and for 46% on the African continent.1 Globally, diarrhoea is the second leading infectious cause of death, accounting for 9.2% of deaths in under-fives.1

According to Momeena Omarjee, Consumer Healthcare Country Head: Scientific Affairs, at Sanofi South Africa, diarrhoea and vomiting are more dangerous for infants and toddlers because they are at far greater risk of dehydration.2

“Babies younger than six months are most at risk of dehydration, because their bodies haven’t developed to the point where they can handle the significant loss of fluid caused by vomiting or a runny stomach,2” says Omarjee.

If your child has diarrhoea and is refusing to take medicine or vomits up anything you’ve tried to give them, this is a serious situation because they may become dehydrated.2 Severe dehydration can lead to hospitalisation and possibly death.3

Danger signs to watch out for There are some signs and symptoms that dehydration might be developing; these include the following2:

• blood in the stool, especially with fever

• severe and worsening cramps

• dry mouth

• sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the top, back, and sides of your baby’s head)

• sunken eyes

• absence of tears

• unusually fast heart rate or fast breathing

• listlessness

• decrease in the number of wet nappies

How can you treat diarrhoea?

If the diarrhoea and vomiting has continued for more than four to six hours, you should have your child assessed by a healthcare provider urgently; if the illness strikes at night, visit your nearest emergency centre.2

If your child has mild-to-moderate dehydration, try to give them fluids as soon as possible.3 You can buy oral rehydration solution from any pharmacy.3 You can also make your own oral rehydration solution at home.4

DANGER

Wash your hands well. Have a clean bottle or jug ready.

You will need clean water, salt, and sugar. The water can be bottled drinking water or water that has been boiled and left to cool.

Mix 2.5ml (half a level teaspoon) of salt and 6 level teaspoons of sugar.

Add 1 litre of clean water and mix until the salt and sugar dissolve.

• Babies/infants: 500ml every 24 hours

• Children aged 2-9 years: one litre every 24 hours

• Children over 10 and adults: three litres every 24 hours.4

Encourage your child to drink small amounts of the oral rehydration solution or, if you’re breastfeeding, keep up with your schedule, as breast milk is an ideal fluid for rehydration.2 The child can be fed with milk and porridge as usual if over the age of six months.3

Food isn’t the main priority when you’re trying to manage diarrhoea and vomiting.2 It’s far more important to ensure that your child takes in fluids after every diarrhoeal episode, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.2

The aim of treatment for acute diarrhoea in children is to prevent or manage dehydration, prevent weight loss, encourage catch-up growth during recovery, shorten the duration of the illness and decrease the impact of the diarrhoea on the child’s health.5

Reducing the risk of getting diarrhoea Breastfeeding, a clean safe water supply, appropriate hand-washing and good sanitation should help prevent most cases of diarrhoea.6

A number of studies have also shown that giving probiotics helps shorten the duration of diarrhoea and prevents it from happening again.7

“Gut health refers to the health of the body's whole digestive system, and good gut health is crucial for one’s wellbeing. If parents give children a daily, regular probiotic, this could really go a long way in promoting gut health and preventing diarrhoea and illness,” says Omarjee.

Addressing the severity of diarrhoea in South Africa Research shows that diarrhoea is closely linked to socio-economic status, and that children in South Africa living in poverty are approximately 10 times more likely to die from diarrhoea than their more privileged counterparts.8

“Many under-privileged children in South Africa do not have adequate access to clean, drinkable water and quality early childcare and development. They also experience limited access to health and nutrition services.

“Sanofi is committed to ensuring that no child dies of a preventable disease, especially when there are effective treatments available. Parents and caregivers need to act promptly and seek assistance when instances of diarrhoea in children under the age of five do not abate swiftly,” adds Omarjee. 

References:

1. Awotione, O.F., et al. 2016. Systematic review: Diarrhoea in children under five years of age in South Africa (1997-2014). Tropical Medicine and International Health, 21(9), 1060-1070.

2. Linde, B. 2022. Diarrhoea in children: when to worry. Mediclinic Infohub. Available at: https://www. mediclinicinfohub.co.za/diarrhoea-in-children-when-to-worry, accessed 6 October 2022.

3. Datuk, Z.I. 2015. The dangers of dehydration in children. Positive Parenting. Available from: https:// mypositiveparenting.org/2015/12/24/the-dangers-of-dehydration-in-children/dangers-of-dehydration/, accessed 6 October 2022.

4. Carberry, C. 2022. Wikihow. How to Make an Oral Rehydration Salts Drink (ORS). Available at: https://www. wikihow.com/make-an-oral-rehydration-salts-drink-(ors), accessed 6 October 2022.

5. Nel, E. 2010. Diarrhoea and malnutrition. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 23, suppl 1, 15-18.

6. Child Healthcare. n.d. How can the risk of diarrhoea be reduced? Available from: https://childhealthcare.co.za, accessed 29 September 2022.

7. Solis, B. et al. 2002. Probiotics as a help in children suffering from malnutrition and diarrhoea. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 56, S57-59.

8. Chola, L., et al. 2015. Reducing diarrhoea deaths in South Africa: costs and effects of scaling up essential interventions to prevent and treat diarrhoea in under five children. BMC Public Health, 15, 394.

... ensure that your child takes in fluids after every diarrhoeal episode...

Babies and unexpected diarrhoea Help bring the balance back with INTEFLORA

Diarrhoea is often a consequence of a disturbance of bowel gut flora which can occur during an infection or antibiotic treatment.2

INTEFLORA contains a probiotic known as Saccharomyces boulardii CNC I-745 that:

• Improves the consistency of stools and is well-tolerated.

• Significantly reduces the duration of acute diarrhoea in infants and children Trust INTEFLORA 250, indicated for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and non-specific sudden diarrhoea. Suitable for infants, children, and adults.

1.

Sea, sun, smiles…

and (heat) stroke?

By Dr Markus Vorster, Emergency Medical General Practitioner: MBChB, UFS

Whether its sunbathing by the seashore, having a poolside braai, hiking up Table Mountain or enjoying a game of cricket in the backyard, always remember that excessive sun and heat exposure could be extremely dangerous to young children, adults, and pets alike.

Heat Related Illness (HRI) refers to a spectrum of disorders that result from exposure to excessive environmental heat and the body’s inability to effectively regulate its own core temperature. It is commonly referred to as heat stroke, but heat stroke represents only the most severe form of HRI.

Children make up almost half of HRI cases in the emergency room (48% of all cases), with exercising adolescents, children left in unattended vehicles, and kids with severe sunburn being at a particularly high risk. Recent febrile or gastrointestinal illness (like vomiting or diarrhoea), as well as drinking caffeinated beverages also increases this risk.

With warmer weather, many families are making their way to our beautiful beaches, hiking trails and nature reserves for some well-deserved family fun.

The reason why young children are so susceptible to HRI is because they have immature central thermoregulatory centres (the parts of the brain tasked with maintaining normal body temperature), take longer to acclimatise to warm weather and have a decreased ability to sweat. They also don’t have the ability to change their behaviour in response to increased heat like adults can (like drinking cold fluids).

Beneath the rugged sandstone cliffs in the Drakensberg is The Cavern Resort, a safe and child-friendly resort. Rooms are set in indigenous, landscaped gardens where you can relax in the exquisite mountain wilderness. Daily guided morning hikes, horse rides, the Forest Retreat Spa and more make for a perfect family getaway.

Tel: 036 438 6270 | 083 701 5724 Email: info@cavern.co.za www.cavern.co.za

Three types of HRI

Heat stress refers to the sensation of discomfort caused by excessive heat exposure. The body’s core temperature remains normal (less than 37°C), but your child will appear listless or lethargic, thirsty, and warm to the touch.

Heat exhaustion is a moderate from of HRI where the core body temperature starts to increase (37°C-40°C) and can cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Other signs of dehydration may be present, such as a fast heart rate, dry mouth, eyes looking sunken and a pushed in fontanelle (the soft spot on baby’s head). Stomach and leg cramps may also be present in older children.

Heat stroke, the worst form of HRI, is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises above 40°C and a person becomes confused of unconscious.

If you suspect your child may be suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, you should take them to an emergency unit immediately. Doctors will use active cooling techniques, such as monitored cold water submersion and intravenous fluid administration to bring down the core body temperature. It is important to note that medications used to treat fever, like paracetamol (Panado® or Calpol®) or ibuprofen (Inflamax®) are ineffective in bringing down an increased temperature due to HRI.

Heat stress can be managed at home by giving regular sips of cold fluids, dabbing the person with a cold cloth, and fanning them down regularly.

How to stay cool

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to ensure your little one stays cool during those hot summer days:

• Always apply a high protection factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 50) when spending time outside and frequently reapply after swimming and every two hours thereafter.

• Make sure there is enough shade for your child when outside playing on the beach. A pop-up beach tent works wonders.

• Take a spray bottle with you to the beach or on a hike and frequently mist young kids. The evaporation helps to regulate body temperature.

• For those uncomfortably hot summer nights, try putting your child’s bedding in a plastic bag and placing it in the refrigerator for use at bedtime.

• Always keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10:00 and 15:00.

Dr Markus Vorster is the Principle Clinical Manager of Life Healthcare Kingsbury Hospital Emergency Unit in Claremont, Cape Town. He obtained his medical degree at the University of the Free State in 2017 and has a special interest in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and healthcare ethics.

Life Kingsbury Hospital 24-hour Emergency Unit: Wilderness Road, Claremont, Cape Town T +27 (0)21 670 4039

• Make sure your child is always wearing a head covering when outside, preferably a floppy, wide brim hat that protects the face, neck, and ears.

• Dress kids in closely woven, loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. Do not be tempted to dress babies in multiple layers when it’s hot outside. A single layer is sufficient for a newborn when the ambient temperature is above 25°C.

• To prevent absentmindedly forgetting your little one on the back seat of an unattended car (an accident that happens far to regularly when a parent deviates from their daily routine to do a school or creche run), take off your shoe and place it next to them on the car seat when starting your journey. This will serve as a reminder when you arrive at your destination.

Being attentive and well informed about the risk of Heat Related Illness is the best way to ensure that your family’s day of fun in the sun does not turn into a night spent in the emergency unit. 

Swimmer’s ear –

a playground for bacteria & fungi

It's the summer season and across all of South Africa beaches are filling up, pool covers are removed and the collective zeitgeist, especially amongst children, is all about cooling off and swimming.

By Dr Gary Kroukamp, Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist, MBChB (UCT), FCORL (SA)

When ears get wet and with the summer heat, we ENTs always see an uptick in ear canal skin infections, also known as otitis externa or ‘swimmer’s ear’. The features of swimmer’s ear are pain, blockage, a moist discharge and swelling of the external ear canal. Bacteria and fungi love a warm moist environment and flourish in these conditions, sometimes even together in the same ear canal in a kind of infectious mush.

The first symptom is usually a bit of an itch, which encourages fiddling in the ear and trying to scratch the canal with that instrument of all evil (in the ear anyway) –the ear bud.

As the bacteria and fungi flourish, so the pain and swelling increase, the infection then becomes full blown. The ear may block completely, and the pain can be excruciating.

Dr Gary Kroukamp is an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist, practising from rooms at Life Kingsbury Hospital in Claremont, Cape Town. Dr Kroukamp’s interests include ENT conditions in children, cochlear implants, snoring, sinusitis and sinus surgery, ear disease, vertigo (balance) disorders, surfer’s ear, ear diseases or hearing loss – to name a few. His philosophy is underpinned by a patientcentred and family focused approach.

401 Kingsbury Medical Suites Wilderness Rd, Claremont, Cape Town T +27 (0)21 6740885 E garykroukamp@iafrica.com W www.entconsultant.co.za

How to treat swimmer’s ear

To treat the infection, one usually needs a combination antibiotic and steroid drop to kill off the bacteria, reduce the swelling and dry up the discharge.

It is important to diagnose a fungal infection as antibiotic drops won’t work (the fungi just laugh and laugh!) and one will need an antifungal treatment. In both cases cleaning the ear out thoroughly speeds up recovery but is best done by an ENT with a micro suction technique.

How to prevent swimmer’s ear

To prevent these infections in the first place, obviously keeping the ears dry would do so, but try telling that to a hot child, with a cool swimming pool beckoning...

Drying the ears out will help, either using a hairdryer or using an alcohol based swimmer’s ear drop to help evaporate the water. Regular swimmers can wear waterproof ear plugs to keep water out.

Bad habits can also cause swimmer’s ear

Certainly, there are some bad habits which make one prone to getting a swimmer’s ear. Those that probe their own ears with the evil ear buds, or other homemade devices, like bent hair clips or matches tend to cause self-inflicted infections. Other habits, like the regular use of noise protective ear plugs or in-the-ear style head phones increase the humidity and bacterial count. It might be better to use the external type headphones instead.

Those who are prone to wax should get their ears cleaned out before summer as the wax can trap water.

‘Surfer’s ear’ can also lead to swimmer’s ear Cold water swimmers and surfers can develop ‘surfer’s ear’ – a condition where the bone of the ear canal grows inwards due to regular cold water immersion. The canal can narrow so much that the canal traps water every time their head goes under water.

Then the dreaded swimmer’s ear infection happens as the skin is soggy and bacteria and fungi start growing. If you’re prone to this, wear water-sport earplugs to keep the water out.

With these measures in place, we can reduce the incidence of the dreaded swimmer’s ear and enjoy carefree time in the water on the hot summer days coming up. Get out there! Have fun! 

Childhood trauma and the brain

What happens within the brain of those who experience childhood traumas, especially those whose traumas are unresolved?

Childhood trauma is another one of those terms that is bandied about often in a blasé way, and a term that we are hearing more regularly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. But what exactly is it and how much of an effect does it really have on a child’s brain?

A childhood trauma is described as a traumatic event that is frightening, dangerous, or violent and poses a threat to a child's life or bodily integrity. It can be something that happens to them or can be something that they witness happening to someone else.

In South Africa, welfare organisations and therapists are seeing many more traumatised children since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only have children’s sense of safety within the world as a whole been taken away by the pandemic, as the entire world was no longer a safer place, for many children being isolated at home and not being able to go to school has had terrible consequences.

This could be because school was a safe place from an abusive

household, or a dangerous neighbourhood or a place where they received their only meal of the day. What sort of impact will this trauma, and any other childhood traumas have on the brains of children as they grow up?

“Any trauma, even those from early childhood, have an impact on a person’s brainwave activity and thus also their functioning,” explains Kerry Rudman from Brain Harmonics, a Neurofeedback organisation specialising in retraining brains.

“When someone experiences trauma, the brain pads brainwaves at the temporal lobes, where trauma is stored, to protect the person against the trauma.”

Depending on the kind of trauma that occurred, either abandonment or infringement trauma (where your personal sense of safety in the world is stripped away), the padding will occur at either the left or right temporal lobe. This directly impacts a person’s coping mechanisms in conflict situations, putting them into either a fight-or-flight or freeze mode. Emotional results of these traumas will be rage, aggression, post-traumatic stress, anger, irritation, frustration, fear of confrontation, lack of personal boundaries and combinations of these.

“Because your brain’s only concern is survival, you could hold onto these patterns forever,” says Rudman. “If you have grown up in a house with a lot of screaming and shouting, your brain will reset your internal thermostat so that you are able to go on with things like eating and homework while you continue living there. It means that you will be able to carry on with life, but you will also always be on guard, you will

always be waiting for the next thing to go wrong, and you are never able to totally relax!”

Without treatment, repeated childhood exposure to traumatic events can affect the brain and nervous system and increase health-risk behaviours (e.g., smoking, eating disorders, substance use, and high-risk activities). Research shows that child trauma survivors can be more

likely to have long-term health problems (e.g., diabetes and heart disease) or to die at an earlier age.

Traumatic stress can also lead to increased use of health and mental health services and increased involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Adult survivors of traumatic events may also have difficulty in establishing fulfilling relationships and maintaining employment.

How can neurofeedback training help the brain overcome a trauma?

“Brains faced with constant stress situations develop cortical strategies to get them through those situations. For example, a person whose life is in constant danger or under constant stress may develop a hyper-vigilant strategy and that strategy may work.

The problem is that once the strategy becomes a part of the brain’s operating system, you can’t just turn it off,” explains Rudman. “Generally,

that results in the irony that the strategy that the brain used to protect itself from a particular state begins to keep itself in that state. When the danger or stress is gone from the environment, the brain keeps looking for it and producing that same emotional response.”

Brain training allows your brain to see the pattern that your brain is holding on to and let it go or work out a new coping pattern.

“When these imbalances are rebalanced, it means that a person might be able to deal

with life situations in a more productive way,” says Rudman. “Neurotherapy works incredibly fast at addressing these traumas, without the client having to relive the trauma, it’s almost like doing a “control, alt, delete” with your brain, allowing it to reset its holding pattern and respond in a more efficient, rational mode.” 

For more information about Neurofeedback and brain training, visit www.brainharmonics.co.za

What is childhood trauma and how does it affect the brain?

Connecting to the ‘ama2000’ children?

The world has rapidly changed, which has brought along with it challenges such as how we parent and connect with children who were born in a digital age.

By Matseleng Mogodi

We know that every person as they grow older, experience issues to work on that may challenge or develop them. For older generations it might seem like some of the ‘ama2000’ are creating chaos for their families and society.

It is interesting how the ‘ama2000’ have brought new ways of living, forcing adults to change how ‘it used to be’. For ages, most people have followed what the previous generations did with very little change.

to the next level of understanding

It is important to recognise that the human race is evolving, and this change comes with huge responsibility. It therefore becomes essential to not just go with the flow, but to actually seize the opportunity to move to the next level of understanding about why things happen the way they do.

It is critical to acknowledge that the ama2000, even though sometimes considered rude and disrespectful, are able to call a ‘spade a spade’. They recognise that society is not always what it says it is. These young people see what is happening to their own families and their own communities, and struggle to merge what society says with what society does.

Gadgets on the go 24/7

These days we see a multitude of young people admitted as patients for various mental health challenges to get the help they need. Society has to self-introspect – why is it that so many thousands of young people are struggling with life and fitting in?

As parents, we love our children, and sometimes become overprotective. But because we can sometimes be overly busy, we may have overlooked our responsibility to check in and see if the distractions we offer our children have not had an adverse effect on them.

Our children, especially most of the ama2000, are always on their gadgets. Generations ago, children had variety – they played games in neighbourhood streets, got to experience nature growing up, had family meals together and so forth.

These days it seems as if young people are always on gadgets, and can be seen with earphones plugged in constantly bombarding their senses.

Parents are overwhelmed by various challenges from their children, but so are the children. Where is the middle ground to allow harmony to prevail?

Young people need a gentler environment to allow for growth and unfolding. The noise at home, at work, at school, in church, and on the roads, all add to the overload on a young person’s senses.

What have we, as adults and parents, taught these young people? Maybe we need to do something as a collective, to help alleviate the pain our children are experiencing.

The other question parents need to ask themselves is how much quality time do we spend with our children? What activities have we intentionally experienced with them? What are the things that we experienced as a child that make us smile when we reminisce about them, that we may have loved to do with our kids? Do we as parents really know our children?

It is important that we encourage the following:

For young people:

• Understand that parents have their best interests at heart and may not understand what kids want, but it is important to give parents a chance.

• Do some spiritual exercises, whether prayer or meditation, or both.

• Learn to do good for others; start with being gentle to self, family, animals, and other people.

• Take time off from gadgets; know that the information you seek will be there even after a few hours. Do not let the outside world dictate how your life should look. You are enough as you are.

• Know that there is still a huge opportunity for you to have a great life, because you are your own responsibility, your future begins now.

• Appreciate your life and your talents, and if you don’t know what they are, just know they are there, open up to let them shine.

• Don’t compare yourself to others; it’s the worst mind-messing exercise. Be grateful for who and what you are.

For parents:

• It’s important to take a step back, and really hear what your children are telling you.

• Create a safe space, with rules and boundaries, but safe enough for your children to be able to speak to you first, before friends or outsiders.

• Do some self-introspection, and work on the relationship with your children.

• Let them loose but look after them. Let them soar and take up opportunities. 

Young people need a gentler environment to allow for growth and unfolding.

Our youth need a gentler environment to thrive

Matseleng Mogodi is an educator, property expert as well as an executive and life coach.

What is ADD and ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are buzz words that we normally hear associated with children and teens. However, it is becoming more and more common place in adults, with more than 5% of adults globally being diagnosed. Do we actually know what it is and how it impacts on the lives of those people who struggle with it?

“F

ocus or concentration is the ‘spotlight’ that allows us the ability to pick out one object, task or thought and work on it to the exclusion of other things,” explains Kerry Rudman, from Brain Harmonics, a neurofeedback organisation specialising in retraining brains.

“Individuals with ADHD not only lack an adequate level of arousal, but they also cannot focus on any one task for any extended time. For the most part, sitting still, focusing and

concentrating is painful. As a matter of fact, it is not just painful, it is exhausting.

“Give it a try. Turn on the TV, radio and Apple music and then have every member of your family talk to you at the same time. You will get a feel for what the brain of the person with ADHD is going through. You end up paying attention to everything and nothing at the same time. In stimulus overload, you cannot focus on any one thing long enough to deal with it.”

Not every brain filters information well In today’s modern world, our brains are constantly bombarded with sounds, images and touches. One of the brain’s most important jobs is controlling the border between all that noise in our minds and deciding what gets in and what gets out.

Some people are able to sit quietly for hours in a classroom or a meeting, they screen out everything except what's important to them. They may produce lots of impulses to get up or interrupt, but they don't act on them.

While every brain is equipped with a filtering screening system, not every brain does that job well! It constantly and automatically sets the rules for what's important. Screening is a constant job, even when you're sleeping, and it can take a lot of energy depending on how noisy the environment is and how still you're supposed to be. Some brains can't meet the challenge over long periods.

“Low energy brains tend to think with intuition and images instead of words. They live inside their minds and have to push their attention out. They solve the problem of controlling the border by closing it much of the time. They may fall asleep easily but have trouble waking up.

“People call them inattentive or learning disabled but they're creative. They can be still and keep themselves busy over long periods. They have a strong inner world, but they're stuck there,” explains Rudman.

“Other brains have energy, but they don't have an inside world to protect. They live outside their borders, actually paying attention to the noise, acting on all impulses without choosing those that are most important. They lack the idling brain speed, so they can't rest, even when there's nothing to do.

“They may have difficulty falling asleep but wake up quite easily. People call them hyperactive. Many are fearless and tireless and get things done, but they hate to be alone or still. They can dominate their outside world, but they're stuck there. Sure, there are pills and diets and supplements to help your brain control the border but they're temporary cover ups. They don't really change the way it makes and uses energy in a lasting way. So how can you energize slow brains and quiet active ones? This is where Neurofeedback comes in.”

Neurofeedback brain training

Unlike typical medications currently on the market that help the brain to concentrate when needed, Neurofeedback Brain Training addresses the high theta to beta ratio in people with ADD or ADHD.

“Our training protocols raise dopamine naturally in the brain by raising the brains sensory motor rhythm (SMR) at the central lobes. This is exactly what current medications also do whilst the medication is active, but once it wears off the brain reverts back to its known behaviours,” says Rudman.

“We usually do this while getting our client to watch videos, assisting in enhancing their concentration, while we build dominoes on their bodies, this also teaches them to filter out distractions all the while their brain is creating new neural pathways.

“We also teach people with ADD to think in pictures and have a series of games that teach them how to see more detail or we use schoolwork to show them how to link the work to pictures, also known as memory pegging.

“At the same time, we also look at improving emotional balance and sensory integration, which we often find are out of sync with many people struggling with ADD and ADHD.” 

For more information about Neurofeedback and brain training, visit www.brainharmonics.co.za

Sweat & odour gets

in the way of everyday life

By Ilze Laurens, MD for dermaV Pharmaceuticals

Everyone sweats, but some more than others, which can be distressing. Statistics show one out of every ten people are bothered by sweat. New research shows that nearly 5% of the world’s population suffers from excessive sweating or are bothered by sweat. That’s right, 102 million people are struggling with extreme sweating!

Sweat glands

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Patients report copious volumes of watery sweat despite not being physically active or in a hot environment. Humans have many sweat (eccrine) glands to effectively eliminate surplus heat from the body, and to produce sweat in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet to improve grip. The body’s eccrine glands are mainly controlled by the hypothalamus, a structure deep in your brain, which acts as a thermostat to regulate body heat. However, sweating of the hands and feet are mainly controlled by the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response).

Hyperhidrosis can be classified as primary or secondary, depending on its origin, and can be generalised (all areas of the body) or occur in specific areas such as the underarms, palms, soles, face, scalp and groin.

HOW DOES IT WORK:

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis can be a symptom of some other underlying disease, such as accelerated metabolism, certain medications or even cancer.

Axillary osmidrosis is a term to describe excessive malodour originating from the underarms. Malodour occurs with the interaction between odour gland (apocrine) secretion and bacteria. Osmidrosis is stressful and can lead to personal and social problems.

What are the options to manage sweat and odour?

Various treatments for hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis have been developed from over-the counter antiperspirants, roll-ons and gels, prescription drugs, Botulinum toxin injections or microwave energy treatments (miraDry®) and finally, surgery.

medications

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis

Months weekly

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH) is a chronic disorder of excessive sweating and tends to occur in areas with greater concentrations of eccrine glands. Although of unknown origin, it is thought to result from hyper-stimulation of eccrine glands by nerves of the sympathetic nervous system.

PAH is identified when patients report increased sweating for at least six months, where severe sweating happens at least once a week, they are younger than 25 years of age, they have difficulty in performing daily activities, they sweat profusely at least once a week, and have a family history of severe sweating.

Antiperspirants, roll-ons, and gels are the first option for the treatment of sweat and odour. These products contain aluminium salts which diffuse into the sweat duct. The salt is gradually neutralised in the skin and forms a gelatinous, insoluble protein gel that “plugs” the opening of the sweat gland. This physical block is responsible for reducing, but not stopping, the flow of perspiration. In addition, the salt penetrates the gland tube, causing functional and structural erosion of the sweat gland.

Botulinum toxin is used as injection directly to the underarm, palms or soles to supress the sympathetic nervous system. By preventing nerves to function normally, the sweat glands are not stimulated and sweat production stops. Although this type of treatment is effective, it is known to be extremely painful and expensive and needs repeated sessions as the effect is only temporary.

Microwave-based devices such as the miraDry® treatment can dramatically reduce underarm sweat by addressing the root cause of excessive sweat and its accompanying odour. The miraDry® treatment is a procedure performed by a trained medical professional. The underarm is cleaned, local anaesthetic injected to numb the area and then treated with the miraDry®. The miraDry® System uses thermal energy that targets and eliminates the sweat glands in the underarm. Once those glands are eliminated, they do not grow back.

Feeling unprepared for

menopause?

Women are often so caught up in everyday life that we overlook caring for ourselves. If you have been under prioritising your health and are entering menopause, think of this as a time to reflect, reset and pour energy back into your own wellbeing.

by Netcare Sunninghill Hospital

So says Dr Taheera Hassim, an obstetrician and gynaecologist practising at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. She notes that menopause is a natural phase that needs to be supported by healthy habits, which can only stand to benefit women as they grow older.

Menopause signals the end of menstruation and the reproductive years. This normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can be experienced by women in their 30s or even in their 60s. Women who have not had their period for 12 consecutive months are generally considered to be in menopause, which is when the ovaries

stop producing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

The effects of changing hormonal levels in the body are not insignificant and women should be aware of accompanying symptoms, such as hot flushes, disturbed sleep, general fatigue, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, irritability and mood swings, slower metabolism leading to weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin and loss of breast fullness, among others.

Many women are anxious about this experience, and it is important to approach it with self-compassion and an awareness of your mental health, as it is a big life change. There are also a number of steps you can take and constructive behaviours to introduce into your daily life, if you have not already done so, that will support you through the process and assist in lowering your risk of developing certain conditions after menopause.

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Improve your libido

Woman don’t often speak about this issue enough, but, from a psychological perspective, sexuality for a woman is a bit more complicated than men. But physically, your sex organs need exactly the same things: Good blood flow and protection from cell damage.

After 4 weeks, Lady Prelox improves your:

• sexual desire

• sexual arousal

• ability to reach orgasm

• sexual satisfaction

• vaginal dryness

• confidence and comfort

• emotional closeness

Start with a visit to your doctor

If you think that you may be going into menopause, start with a visit to your doctor. A blood test may be taken to check your levels of certain hormones and your doctor may want to talk to you about ruling out the possibility of pregnancy, which can sometimes be mistaken for menopause in later years.

Dr Hassim notes that menopause is a natural change that the body goes through but that there are certain treatments available to relieve severe symptoms and manage any associated conditions, which vary from woman to woman, and which require a personalised approach.

From this time of life onwards it is important for a woman’s health to be carefully monitored, especially for certain conditions that postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing. Practice preventative care by regularly going for important health screenings including a bone density test, mammogram and breast ultrasound, pap smear, pelvic exam, colonoscopy, cholesterol and blood sugar screening, and a thyroid test.

Be aware of associated conditions

Many women mistakenly believe that cardiovascular disease tends to be a male health issue, but this is far from the truth. The risk of heart disease escalates with age and studies have found that the rate of heart attacks increases for women 10 years after menopause. It is believed that the drop in oestrogen production influences the flexibility and health of blood vessels. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy body weight are two of the most important things a woman can do for herself from a young age.

This drop in oestrogen can also lead to the development of osteoporosis, a condition in which bone density starts to decrease, making bones more brittle and susceptible to injury. Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis than any other group.

Alcohol consumption has a negative impact on calcium production, which can heighten this risk and worsen existing osteoporosis. Smoking and poor diet are other contributing factors. Doing regular weight bearing exercises can go a long way to

Sex and menopause

maintaining and increasing bone density levels.

Dr Hassim adds that simply paying more attention to making healthy choices can help women through the period after menopause.

Starting an exercise programme, if you are not already on one, and eating healthier food can make a big difference. A little weight loss can be remarkably effective – a loss of just a few kilos can reduce blood pressure and stabilise metabolic syndrome, which will make you feel much fitter and able to cope.

In addition, she advises all women over 65 to go for a bone density test, as early diagnosis of osteoporosis is treatable with medication that stops the progression of the disease and can, in some cases, reverse some of the bone loss that occurred prior to diagnosis.

During menopause, sexual function may be impacted due to physical and emotional changes brought on by decreasing oestrogen levels. This can include urinary incontinence and more frequent urinary tract infections, thinning vaginal tissue and decreased lubrication, among others, notes Dr Hassim.

You can expect these changes to alter the experience of sex in a number of ways. Keep your doctor informed about this so that they can advise you on how to bring joy and pleasure back into your sex life if it is being impacted. Strengthening your pelvic floor with Kegel exercise is an excellent way to maintain pelvic health as you age.

It is also very important to talk to your partner about what you are going through, so that they can better understand and support you during this time – not only in terms of your sexual relationship but overall.

By being proactive and preparing yourself physically and mentally for the changes you will experience, menopause can be very manageable. Putting your health first can only benefit you, now and in the long run, concludes Dr Hassim. 

Dr Taheera Hassim

LEAPFROG

My Pal Scout Smarty Paws R1 099.99

Cute, cuddly, and customisable, My Pal Scout Smarty Paws™ makes the perfect friend for your little one. For ages 6+ months.

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TULIPS & TEA Baby Wrap Carrier

The Tulips & Tea Baby Wrap Carrier is used to wear your baby against your body, from newborn to 10kg. The benefits are endless for both baby and parent. Having a happy and calm baby, whilst having your hands free, saves parents daily!

Available at www.tulipsandtea.co.za and Takealot

MAPETITE

Large Initial money box

R740

This beautiful wooden money box is produced in your selected initial. Available in natural birch wood or painted in the colour of your choice, and personalised with your little one's name, which is UV printed onto the window.

Available online at www.mapetite.co.za

gift ideas

GOPALS BAGS & LUGGAGE

Fenn Large Tote Fushia Heart R1 795

This Fenn tote is a Scandinaviandesigned bag made of vinyl with a canvas interior that can be removed and washed. It is practical for your everyday essentials.

Available at Gopals Bags & Luggage stores and online at www.gopals.co.za

Cellini Spinn Set of 3 + Beauty Case – R9 765

SCRABBLE JUNIOR® – ENGLISH R549.99

What a great way for kids to play a favorite word game! With Junior Scrabble™, kid-sized words and colorful pictures make it fun to match letter tiles to words on the grid.

Available at Toys R Us

The Cellini Spinn set is a hard-shell suitcase that has 4 wheels, packing ribbons and a fully lined interior. This set includes the 75cm, 65cm, the cabin-size 55cm and the beauty case.

Available at Gopals Bags & Luggage stores and online at www.gopals.co.za

The beauty of ageing: busting menopausal skincare myths

Menopause comes with a number of changes, but did you know that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of ‘The Change’[i]? After that, the decline is more gradual, with a loss of about 2% every year for the next 20 years[ii].

Toni Carroll, CEO and founder of luxury nutricosmetic brand, My Beauty Luv, explains that as collagen levels decrease, the skin loses firmness and begins to sag, while wrinkles and fine lines start to form and hair becomes more brittle.

“It’s no surprise then that the beauty industry bombards menopausal women with an array of skincare solutions to fight the signs of ageing. While some

products do have their merits, there are those which merely perpetuate the myths that have come about due to menopause symptoms not being spoken about.”

She points out that, unless women understand how menopause leads to skin changes, they will keep falling for empty promises. Carroll busts some of the menopausal skincare myths many women still believe, and shares solutions to these that are grounded in science.

Menopause affects everyone’s skin the same way It’s easy for those who haven’t gone through menopause yet to assume that they’ll have similar skin problems to other women. While the most common complaint is dry skin, some might struggle with oily skin that can lead to teenage-like acne. Genetics and medical history mean that every woman does not experience menopause in the same way, so your skincare needs will vary too.

However, this should start with putting collagen back into the body using supplements, especially fish collagen which has been proven to improve the skin’s moisture retention, provide increased suppleness and prevent deep wrinkle formation.

Myth #2

The right shampoo can fix menopausal hair loss

Menopausal hair loss reportedly occurs in more than 40% of cases due to changing hormone levels. Although some shampoos might leave your hair feeling thicker, this is only because they contain ingredients which temporarily swell the hair shaft. Unfortunately, most shampoos aren’t formulated to revive your hair follicles or to regrow your hair.

In addition to seeing a dermatologist who can advise you on the best course of action, taking supplements that contain hydrolysed gelatine can also be beneficial for increasing hair growth.

Myth #3

There’s nothing I can do about pigmentation

During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause the skin to go darker in some places, which is referred to as melasma (pigmentation). It can gradually worsen over time, spreading across or darkening the skin.

Treating pigmentation includes consistent sun protection, using topical serums with a high concentration of vitamin C and ingesting supplements that contain ingredients such as Sakura Flower Extract, which has been scientifically shown to reduce pigmentation and lighten skin tone.

Myth #4

Menopausal sleep problems have nothing to do with skin

On average, around 12% of women experience sleep complaints but as they enter their late 40s and early 50s, that number increases dramatically to 40%, with women reporting the most sleep problems during perimenopause to post-menopause[iii]

These are usually caused by hot flushes, sleep disorders that may develop during menopause such as restless legs syndrome and even mood. So, what does this have to do with skincare? Everything! That’s because sleep deprivation may affect the production of collagen. A good night’s sleep is also essential for brain function and chemistry, which in turn would help one mentally cope with these changes that are starting.

There are a number of ways to go about getting sufficient sleep like taking natural supplements to alleviate some of these symptoms, avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon and early evening, as well as developing a bedtime routine that cools and calms you.

Myth #5

Menopausal skincare products are only useful for menopausal skin

As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure and the same applies to using menopausal products when you’re younger. This is especially true when it comes to collagen supplementation, seeing that our collagen levels decline by 1% every year from the time we’re in our 20s[iv]

“Menopause is often dubbed ‘The Change of Life’ because there are just so many changes affecting women’s bodies, not to mention their lives. Today’s women need to be better supported in managing these so they can not only age better, but beautifully too,” concludes Carroll. 

References [i] https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/ skin-care-during-menopause#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%20 women's%20skin,firmness%20and%20begins%20to%20sag.

[ii] https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/ skin-care-during-menopause#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%20 women's%20skin,firmness%20and%20begins%20to%20sag.

[iii] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/women-sleep/menopause-and-sleep [iv] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-skin-wrinkle-wit/

editor's choice beauty

BRAMLEY SHEA BUTTER TISSUE OIL

Offers all the nourishing benefits we’ve come to associate with the existing variants. Enriched with BioPharm oil and vitamin E, it is non-greasy and readily absorbed.

Available at Pep Stores

Retail price: R49.99

AUSTRALIAN GOLD INSTANT SUNLESS SPRAY

Combines bronzing ingredients and nourishing moisturisers to feed and protect skin while developing a sunless tan that lasts longer. Its oil-free formulation dries quickly and allows for even, streak-free coverage.

Available at Clicks

OGX

LEATHER PURSE STRAP

BLONDE ENHANCE+

Retail price: R749

88 www.babysandbeyond.co.za

(on promo)

Retail price: R99

Retail price: R99.95

GROW ON THE GO CONDITIONING WASH

Cleanse, hydrate and moisturise your hair and scalp with this gentle conditioning wash. A nonlathering shampoo alternative, it’s formulated to reduce excess oils and decongest the scalp while moisturizing hair. The results? Hair is left soft and refreshed with extra slip. Available at Clicks

Retail price: R22.99

WHITE GLO HERBAL FRESH TOOTHPASTE WITH WHITENING 75ML

Offers full oral protection and fresh breath with spearmint. Available at Clicks & DisChem

WET N WILD PHOTO FOCUS FOUNDATION

Your skin, only better. This matte, high-performing, skin-perfecting foundation underwent major road testing under several different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready makeup every time. Specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin #nofilter perfection. It has a high-performing, breakthrough formula that features a light-adjusting complex to help prevent white cast in photos. Available at Clicks

PIZ BUIN ALLERGY LOTION SPF30

This water-resistant lotion has been clinically proven to protect sensitive skin from the sun. It also provides long-lasting moisturisation and increases the skin's tolerance towards the sun. Available at all leading retailers

Retail price: R270

Its summertime…

clear and colourful make-up is a must

By Kryolan

Ultra Underbase is a water-based primer that contains a small amount of silicone in the emulsion, affording the wearer a superior hydration injection to the skin and excellent skin compatibility.

Due to its hybrid type structure, the primer is suitable with all foundations in the range. This high-performance primer requires only a small amount for the entire face to ensure as little product wastage as possible.

This ultra-light, enhancing foundation ensures that the skin remains radiant throughout the evening. Containing luminescent pearlescent particles, the waterbased emulsion is excellent for sensitive skin and includes an integrated sunscreen factor, making it the perfect choice for our harsh summer sun.

Apply onto the skin under the foundation for a subtle luminescence; mix it into your foundation for a more noticeable glow, or simply apply it topically to the high points of the face for a superior fluid highlighter alternative. It also acts as a stunning body illuminator!

Light, luminous and colourful is where it's at for this summer's make-up. Heavy products are the last thing you want on your skin in the heat of a South African summer.

Shimmering Event foundation

Ultra Underbase

Three powerfully pigmented liquid lipsticks that last up to eight hours offer a comfortable, non-drying wear with Vitamin E oil to maintain the lip's natural repair mechanism.

With a subtle marshmallow fragrance, the lip stains are delectable and ensure those smackers stay smoochable.

This stunning collection of 18 bright and bold shades offers a soft application with a punch of power. These eye shadows are made from high-quality, superior-grade pigments and per the EU cosmetic laws, some of the strictest cosmetic regulations in the world.

Affording you incredible versatility, the Variety collection has six palette combinations ranging from nude matte, to bright mattes, shimmers and combination collections.

These are little pots of magic! Pigments in their pure form! The pigments are what Kryolan use to create all the colour products within the Kryolan range. They are exceptionally versatile and can also be added to almost any product to tweak or entirely customise your look.

Add to a clear gloss to create a bespoke shade or add into a cream base to make a stunning custom cream shadow. Or simply use on their own for a gorgeous loose shadow pigment.

These little tubs offer you colour intensity, versatility and durability. The silicone-based cream liner can be used as an eyeliner, a cream eyeshadow or eyeshadow base, or even as a mascara!

The water-and smudge-resistance makes this a top-rated product for the warmer summer months, ensuring your make-up stays put all day, with no streaks, creases or smudges! Available in over 20 shades. 

Pure pigments

Lip stain (Jam set)

The eye shadow Variety 18 colour palette

HD cream liner

Get the perfect summer smile and feel the joy!

Good teeth make the opposite sex more attractive

Having good teeth gives us better smiles. This is because a big, open-mouthed smile is deemed first prize in our brain’s smile department with nine out of ten people saying good teeth make the opposite sex more attractive, upping our chances of finding our mate and being seen as more beautiful, successful, intelligent and trustworthy.

By Kate Day

As life’s most potent antidepressant and mood changer, smiling has been scientifically proven to be evolutionary contagious. Whether you blaze forth a genuine eye-crinkling, lip-curling dazzler or flash a get-you-through-themoment smile to boost your courage, as humans we are hardwired to respond positively, making smiling something you will want to ‘catch’ and share this season.

Why is a smile so powerful? It’s a simple, instinctive, nonverbal behaviour which acts like social glue. When our facial muscles contract in a smile, they fire a signal to our brain stimulating our reward system and increasing the release of endorphins, known as our ‘happy’ hormones.

Our teeth are the work horses of our mouth, practical for chewing and digesting food, helping us to verbalise and pronounce words, as well as giving our face its unique shape. Your teeth should not be stained by wine, tea, coffee and sugary foods which darken and dull your tooth’s enamel, allowing plague build up.

If you have less than perfect teeth, don’t stress, there is no expiry date on self-esteem, confidence and a smiley life because it’s never too late to bring out your whitest, healthiest smile.

The most beautiful thing you can wear this summer is your smile, lending optimism, joy and confidence to any outfit, event, or holiday moment.

Book an appointment at the dentist and get professional advice. You only have one set of permanent teeth, and you need to give their make-over your best shot!

Get a medically approved whitening treatment recommended by a dentist or hygienist such as Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening, which contains alkaline Amorphous Calcium Phosphate to protect the enamel and restore lustre to the tooth surface. Teeth whitening results can last up to three years with little to no home maintenance and costs anywhere between R2 500 to R7 000.

Hang your healthiest smile over your whitest- ever pearlies as you head into the Summer season and discover a whole new world of happy people to share the joy! 

Use teeth whitening toothpaste twice daily to maintain hygiene and whiteness, such as 07 Active toothpaste which is mild on enamel and doesn’t contain any aggressive bleaches or abrasives. Follow up with the O7 Active mouthwash which can be used daily to remove anaerobic bacteria.

Avoid or reduce the quantities of foods and drink which stain and yellow your teeth or pack a Waterpik® Water flosser in your bag and remove bacteria and debris from hard-to-reach areas deep between your teeth and gumline – ideal for implants and essential for braces.

Maintain your own custom home whitening routine with an easy-to-use whitening tray once or twice a month for as little as 30 minutes to remove any new stains.

Here’s what it will cost you… Considering having a child?

Yet, it seems that when it comes to the size of our families, things have slowed down in recent years. Current research shows that more people are choosing to have children later in life; having fewer children, or not having children at all.

South Africa’s birth rate, which refers to the number of individuals born in a population, saw 19 328 births per 1 000 people in 2022 – a 5.2% decline from 2019. In 1971 the average number of children per woman in South Africa was 5.6; a number that had dropped significantly by 2020, to 2.36 children per woman. This appears to be a global paradigm, with an average of 1.93 children under 18 recorded per family in the United States in 2021; a decrease from the average of 2.33 children per family in 1960.

Many of us approach starting a family the same way we do our Christmas shopping: we charge full-steam ahead with much excitement and little forethought… and deal with the financial fall-out later.

More women are choosing to prioritise their careers

Father-of-three Johan Werth, Franchise Principal and Financial Planner at Consult by Momentum, says that there are several factors at play here; both personal and circumstantial.

“From a lifestyle perspective, more women are choosing to prioritise their careers in their 20s and even 30s. Climbing the corporate ladder generally involves long hours and

less time for personal endeavours, which means that they’re starting families later in life. Furthermore, as things slowly equalise between men and women in the workplace – something long overdue –many are actively choosing not to have children, or to have fewer children than they may have if they weren’t pursuing a career.”

Werth says that the other reason comes down to finances: “The cost of living

relative to income has skyrocketed, and this means that there is less disposable income to devote towards starting or growing a family.

“Added to this is the fact that as more of us start our families later on, when we do decide to have a child, we want to give them the possible start in life. We have an idea of how we would like to provide for them and if this is not feasible from a financial perspective, we simply decide to have fewer children – or to not have any at all.”

Having a child is expensive!

And make no mistake, having a child is expensive. The most recent government calculations put the cost of raising a child for an average middle-income family at R1 681 470 from birth to age 18 (not including their tertiary education) – but Werth believes that this figure is likely too conservative.

He says that while it will differ from household to household and depends on various factors, the real cost could amount to significantly more.

“For essentials such as clothing, food, toiletries, basic medical care and schooling, you can expect to pay around R90 000 per child, per year – or R7 500 per month.

“Assuming an inflation rate of 6% per annum and the cost of raising your child at R90 000 per year, you’re more likely to be looking at around R3 million from birth to age 18.”

Werth says that prospective parents also need to consider that this estimation – staggering as it may seem – still doesn’t account for tertiary education, specialist medical treatments or developmental care, childcare (i.e., babysitter, nanny or day-care), activities, entertainment or transport costs to extra-mural activities; all of which rack up the bill significantly.

And then there’s tertiary education… “Tertiary education, which is already very costly, is also subject to inflation. Three years of university education currently costs up to R350 000, which covers tuition and other related expenses such as books, university accommodation, laptop etc.

“Based on the current rate of inflation, you can expect this amount to hover closer to the R1 million mark by the time today’s six-year-old attends university.”

Cost of raising a child may double within the next 20-25 years Werth says that those starting a family must also factor in ‘moving targets’ such as the state of the South African economy, possible ratings downgrades and inflation; all of which will give rise to daily living and educational expenses.

“It’s not unreasonable to assume that the cost of raising a child may double within the next 20-25 years.”

He says that it’s important to ensure that your financial affairs are in order when starting a family.

“In my view, the non-negotiables are medical aid and gap cover for each family member, as well as life cover for parents. Parents must make sure that their wills are up to date, so that in the unfortunate event that something should happen to one or both of them, their children are provided for financially.”

Understand and budget for the expenses involved

Werth says that his advice to would-be parents is to plan on having the number of children their hearts desire but to understand and budget for the expenses involved.

“Now is not the time to bury your head in the sand when it comes to the real cost of raising a child. With a little planning and the help of an experienced financial adviser, you will be in a better position to give your child the best start in life – whatever that may mean to you.” 

It’s not unreasonable to assume that the cost of raising a child may double within the next 20-25 years.

What money habits do you want to

pass on to your kids?

When we think about our legacy, it usually involves things like building a solid career, raising well-adjusted children and passing on cherished family traditions. But your legacy could also be about teaching your children the life lessons and everyday habits that your parents and grandparents taught you, either through you modelling their behaviour or by heeding their advice.

As a country rich with diverse cultures and means, the question is, what financial legacies are families in South Africa passing down to their children? Families play a vital role in the way that people relate to money. From a young age, children are observing their elders’ spending habits and behaviour - whether good or bad. These habits can easily be passed down

to children. Some people were taught from a very young age the importance of budgeting and saving, while this lesson may be a foreign concept to other people.

Clyde Parsons, Chief Innovation Officer for life insurance provider BrightRock, has these five important smart money habits to pass down to your kids.

1. Never live beyond your means

These days it is far too easy to spend more than you earn. Loans, credit cards and store cards all offer temptations that are difficult to resist. Kids are exposed at a very young age to the idea of ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’, when their friends wear expensive brand name clothing, for example, or always have the latest game console.

Teach your children the value of every rand and help them realise how their money can quickly run out and their debt speedily spiral if they cultivate expensive tastes.

2. Save, save and save some more

Children should understand the concept of saving for expenses that they can’t anticipate, such as a broken mobile phone or a stolen pair of shoes. Also emphasise the importance of saving up for things they want, and not going into debt to get them.

The old-fashioned piggy bank is a great tool to cultivate a savings attitude in children. Children are master negotiators, so encourage them to develop their negotiation skills and put them to good use in managing their future finances. Teach them to seek value and opportunity.

4. Anticipate the worst

You never know what life may throw at you, which is why needsmatched life cover is so important. By having enough cover in place to protect your assets and liabilities, you will be able to provide your children with financial security in the event of a serious illness, disability or death.

Ask your financial adviser for cover that is able to change as your life changes – needs-matched cover will save you money while getting you more cover. On average, you can get 40% more cover for your premium with a needs-matched solution. It also is a good idea to start educating your kids about how they can plan for the unknown.

Instil in them a strong sense of responsibility so that they protect their income from the day they start earning their first monthly paycheque. Also encourage them to continually review their financial plan as their needs change, and not just put the money away every month and forget about it.

3. Avoid the debt trap

Owing money can be one of life’s biggest worries. A good way to emphasise how debt drains your finances is to show your children concrete, visual examples of how the monthly interest paid on debt is a waste of their hard-earned cash with absolutely no return.

However, if they should get into debt when they are older, teach them how important it is to pay off those high-interest debts first.

5. Stick to your budget

Budgeting is probably one of the most important pieces of knowledge that you can pass on to your kids. They need to be very familiar with the concept of planning ahead and limiting unnecessary expenditure.

Teach them the difference between luxuries and necessities and how they should approach what they spend their money on. Ensure they know that any money they have left over at the end of the month should immediately be put into savings.

in hot weather Driving long distances

During summer, many people head out on road trips. Depending on what route you take, you may find there are long distances between petrol stations and towns.

To help you have a safe trip, MotorHappy’s marketing director Barend Smit has a few tips for travelling long distances in hot weather.

“Most importantly, never leave children and pets in the car alone, even if you’re just popping into the shop for some snacks,” he cautions. “It’s surprising how quickly a parked car can heat up in the sun. For example, if it’s 24ºC outside, within 10 minutes your car can reach 38ºC inside.”

It's also important to stay hydrated. Travel with enough extra water for you, your passengers, and any pets. That might mean several litres.

Check your car

Tyre pressure is important

Before any road trip, it’s important to make sure your tyre pressure is at the right level.

“Tyre pressure and temperatures rise together,” Smit points out. “With high temperatures, the air inside your tyres expands and the air pressure temporarily increases. This could lead to a blowout.

The heat from the roads can also cause the tyre to disintegrate. So, check your tyres carefully before, during, and after a hot summer road trip.”

If your engine overheats during your road trip, do not remove the cap while the engine is hot. Rather just raise the bonnet.

Remember to make sure your hazard lights are on.

Keep your windscreen clean

Many road trips include a drive into the sunrise or the sunset when visibility is difficult. Make sure your wiper fluid is filled before starting your trip. Pack window cleaning fluid or a vinegar solution so you can manually clean the windscreen if necessary. Don’t forget to take your sunglasses!

Pack an emergency kit

Before starting your journey, make sure your car is properly prepared by conducting all necessary vehicle inspections, like battery, fluid levels, and tyres – but with the hot weather in mind.

“Check to see when your next car service is due. Calculate all the kilometres you plan to drive and schedule a service if your car service is due before then,” advises Smit. “Pay special attention to oil levels and coolant levels because hot weather driving puts heavy demand on your engine’s components.”

MotorHappy provides a trusted, ‘go to’ platform that addresses the needs of motorists – offering great advice and enabling customers to compare options and purchase and manage motoring solutions such as service plans, maintenance plans and extended warranties on a single online portal.

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. It should include water, nonperishable foods, sunscreen, jumper cables, a torch with extra batteries, road warning triangles, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit. Remember to pack some cash for emergencies, a mobile charger and/or a power bank.

"Finally, plan your route carefully before starting your journey, taking note of petrol stations along the way where you can fill up and cool off. Even spaces such as shopping centres or supermarkets can provide quick relief from the sun or extreme heat," concludes Smit.

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 hu midity, 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 parti cles.

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!

Plan ahead for the holiday travel season –11 top baby essentials

Life doesn’t stop just because you have children and summer travel vacations and holiday escapes shouldn’t either! You can still enjoy a robust travelling lifestyle after childbirth –even if it is just a weekender...

Start your holiday plans by prepping early and packing in the essentials and as you go you will gain holiday travel experience, tips and habits to last a lifetime. By staying flexible, parenting on the go will soon become your second nature.

On the road

Half the stress of travelling is getting there. Road tripping with a baby is easier than travelling with a toddler or older child, since babies are not yet mobile and your won’t have worry about your infant climbing out their car seat or throwing items, such as your expensive sunglasses, out the open window.

Babies also sleep for longer stretches than older children. However, your child should not use a car seat for more than two hours in one go; for babies of all ages but especially newborns. This is because their heavy head can fall forward causing difficulties with breathing and even suffocation, according to Dr Harvey Karp, making baby travel seats unsafe for overnight sleeps whether in or out the car.

Make regular stops and take roadside breaks. Remember, your child will be out of their normal routine, so expect a few toilet accidents and mishaps. Even if your toddler is toilet trained, you may want to take along a pack of soft disposable diapers with adhesive waist strips and elasticated edges to keep your little one comfortable and dry.

Baby’s Naturally offers an affordable and disposable answer to baby and toddler toilet moments with the large 20-pack size ideal for 7kg18kg babies, which won’t break your holiday travel budget. Best of all, the moisture indicator changes colour so that you know when to change your baby’s diaper, and with a cut-out for the umbilical cord you won’t have to worry about irritating that sensitive area.

Mealtimes on the go

Full tummies make for happy faces but feeding your young family while travelling or sightseeing in a new environment can be challenging, especially if you don’t want to resort to sugary snacks and fast-food fillers to fill the gap.

This is where the ease and breeze of Happy Family meals for babies and toddlers come in handy. With only 30% of 1-year-olds eating their required portions of vegetables each day, the Happy Baby organic baby food is not only packed into handy travel pouches, but its unsalted Savoury Blends also delivers 1½ servings of veggies in delicious recipes

Snack attacks

made with flavourful fats, spices and herbs such as their Happy Baby Squash, Chickpeas & Spinach with Avocado Oil + Sage which helps busy moms to introduce a variety of vegetables and fruit to little ones taste buds. To make it a travel nobrainer, their Happy Tot Super Smart range has choline and DHA included, the most abundant fatty acid in the adult brain and essential for baby’s brain health.

Organic and containing no artificial food colorants or flavourants, Happy Family offers a full range of savoury and dessert flavours

Long hours of travelling for infants can be boring and for baby’s with developing gums, the Happy Family Teethers provide easily dissolving, organic teething wafers to soothe and entertain them. Made with ancient grains, they support self-feeding habits and dissolve easily, leaving no mess!

for all stages of life with all natural ingredients. Try the delicious baby dessert Happy Baby Bananas & Peanut Butter dessert.

Try the latest flavour with the Mango and Pumpkin Strawberry and Beet flavoured Teether Crackers. Happy Baby Creamies is a dairy-free melt-in-their-mouth organic snack made of delicious drops featuring at least 40% veggies. Happy Baby Puffs are a fortified organic snack with choline for eye and brain health which are irresistible in taste and texture. Happy Baby Yogis are scrumptious, freeze-dried organic yogurt drops made with wholesome yogurt and organic fruit, offering your baby or toddler a snack on the road that you can feel good about!

Play away the hours

Travelling with your young family (when you are not the driver) provides surprising amounts of down time for you and your little one and can be the perfect opportunity to spend some one-on-one sharing and learning time together.

For activities in the car, in the plane, on the bus or after snack time, the Infantino Piano & Numbers Learning Toucan introduces little learners to music and numbers. With 9 songs, 18 spoken words and phrases plus 13 fun sound effects, you can switch the Toucan’s head feather to mode two for older toddlers to unlock playful quizzes. It’s easy to grip handles and sounds and colours help your baby to focus, listen, learn, and hear while giving their little fingers added dexterity.

Hydrate right

Hydration is vital for your toddler when travelling but avoid sugary pops and juices which can make little ones hyper. Try to stick to milk and water while travelling and for a sweet healthy treat pack some cut fruits such as watermelon, orange and pineapple which also aids in hydration.

Parents can help advance baby’s drinking skills with the Vital Baby Easy Sipper HYDRATE™ drinking cup which features a non-spill, easyclean, 100% silicone valve and durable spout with a hygienic cover and removeable handles, which is both dishwasher and microwave safe for road travel convenience.

Keep them close

The safest place for your baby to be when you are preparing a day for at the beach or meandering around the local markets is when you are wearing them!

The Infantino Flip 4 -in-1 Light & Airy Carrier is the convertible of baby carriers and the perfect carrier for summer with its extra airflow thanks to its breather mesh design.

Wear your baby comfortably and in four different positions without sweaty stickiness when you flip it to a facing-in folded seat, facing-in expanded seat, facing out carrier and a back carry position, providing a superior hands-free experience for both mom and dad.

With a smart and straightforward design that’s perfect for quick trips and on-the-go families, it’s light and compact so it’s easy to stash or pack in a stroller. Your little one (from 3.6-11.3kg) can be placed facing inward or outwards and it includes a handy pocket for your essentials and a detachable Wonder Cover™ bib to protect the carrier and your clothes while adding a fun element of style.

Movie time on the move

Nap on the go

Travelling to new places and spaces can make your baby overstimulated or hyperactive, making it a chore to settle your child when it is time for a nap. This is when a Philips Avent Soother provides the solution you need most. Offering a wide variation of soother sizes, shapes and colours suitable for various stages of your baby’s development.

Philips Avent soothers are orthodontic approved and feature a unique teat that is specifically designed to minimise pressure on gums and developing teeth and to let baby’s tongue remain in a natural position.

The soothers come with a snap on hygienic cap to keep the teat clean and a ring handle for additional safety. From newborn to toddler, glow-in-the-dark to extra airflow, and endless cute designs, Philips Avent has a little bit of comfort for every one of your baby's needs.

Tame your toddlers with a pre-bedtime movie night to settle them down even if you are camping in the middle of the most desolate bushveld. The Philips GoPix 1 Mobile Projector is a pocket size device which connects to your smart phone or tablet to produce images up to 190.5cm wide and comes with a built in speaker and a battery which can last for up to two hours between charges.

The perfect alliance between design and functionality, this modern take on the projector, makes it uber portable and convenient to entertain kids in the moment.

Water fun for little ones

There is nothing more heart-warming to a mother’s ear than the sound of her child’s delight-filled laughter. Water is especially

fascinating for little ones and be sure to take your child’s favourite bath toys along with you on your holiday travels to give them a sense of routine and familiarity at their usual bath time.

Choose a set of practical play toys which are versatile and can travel as well as you while away from home. Water fun is always a winner for kids and parents, whether it is in the bathtub, in a kiddie pool, at the beach or lake or playing with a slow-running hosepipe on the summer grass.

With over 63 products to choose from, Infantino has the perfect fascinator for your unique baby’s needs. When staying over in new places the temperature of the geyser can reach dangerous levels. The Infantino Duck Bath Temp Tester doubles as a delightful duck play toy while keeping you aware of the temperature of the water on baby’s sensitive skin.

For older children, the Bath Squirters and the 8-piece Stack and Nest Cups all play well with water while supporting your child with a vibrant and engaging activity to promote logical thinking, strengthen hands and fingers when they squeeze, squirt and play, and all sure to keep them occupied for hours while you keep a vigilant eye on them while engrossed in play!

Emergency savers

Keeping clean and hygienic while on holiday can be a day-to-day challenge. A handy rescue essential to keep at hand and in the car for those moments of mishaps and emergencies are the Vital Baby Hygiene Wipes.

These are specially formulated for use on baby’s hands and face and contain zero fragrance, zero alcohol and are hypoallergenic, making them gentle for even the most sensitive skin.

When you need to be your own pharmacy in moments of emergency, the portable me4kidz Medibag Family First Aid Kit should be first on your packing and prepping travel list filled with your family and baby first aid favourites and basic medical needs.

Designed as a one-of-a-kind collectable doctor’s bag first aid kit, it also makes a great gift for expectant mom’s and first-time parents, for camping trips and keeping handy in the car.

This 117-piece award winning product is paediatrician recommended and comes with an assortment of first aid care for the whole family including kid friendly bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, burn and sting relief creams, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizers, tweezers and cotton tips, instant ice pack and kid-friendly fun stickers to help take the surprise of pain away from your little one. It has a special spot-on the front to personalize with your family or child’s name and is made of durable, recycled plastic so after it’s all empty it can be used for all kinds of fun things.

Protect & sterilise

Sterilising is essential for protecting your baby from harmful bacteria. Poor cleaning of feeding equipment can lead to tummy upsets and diarrhoea which can end up being your worst nightmare if you are holidaying in the bushveld or without easy access to a medical professional or hospital facilities.

To help you protect your child’s health, Philips AVENT recommends steam sterilisation in the microwave, which is quick and effective, killing 99.9% of harmful germs. The Philips Avent Microwave Bags provide an easy and fast sterilisation anywhere, any time. With each bag, bottles can be sterilised in the microwave in just 90 seconds. The five reusable bags come with up to 100 uses per pack.

If you are travelling with more than one infant, then the Philips Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser will be the shining star of hygiene in your family travel arsenal. An excellent choice for fast, effective sterilizing at home or away, this microwave steam sterilizer means up to four Philips Avent bottles or products can be sterilized at once, with 99.9% of germs killed in just 2 minutes. Its lightweight design means you can enjoy sterile baby bottles on the go, including pumps, soothers, and cutlery for happy, safe and hygienic feeding wherever you go.

As the days dwindle towards the end of the year, it is nearly time to wave goodbye on your next family travel adventure, so make sure you have prepped your personal travel essentials so you can enjoy a relaxed, organised and safe travelling experience for the whole family from the very littlest person and counting up! 

Backpacks and good postur e –making the right choices

By Erryn Green, Motheo Moroane & Dr Jonathan Davy

As your child goes to school every day, it is crucial to ensure they remain safe and healthy, and that includes ensuring that they have the right schoolbag and that they use them correctly. It is this interaction, between children and their schoolbags, that parents, caregivers, and teachers need to be mindful of to ensure the safety of the children.

During childhood and adolescence, the musculoskeletal system is growing and developing rapidly and is therefore more susceptible to musculoskeletal imbalances, poor posture, or injury. A common contributing factor of

poor posture and musculoskeletal strain in children is their schoolbags, specifically how these are worn and what they are used to carry. A mismatch between children and their schoolbag can contribute to a multitude of health issues (such as back, shoulder and neck pain) as it puts extra stress on joints and muscles.

Over and above this, bags worn inappropriately or that are too heavy will result in postures that may also affect the position and function of abdominal organs, negatively affect breathing and oxygen intake which may cause headaches and may affect mood. Carrying a heavy load distributed unevenly or improperly can over time also cause strain to the spinal column and the supporting musculature of a growing child, which presents potential risks for developing a musculoskeletal injury.

These injuries are associated with pain and disruptions to every-day school life and activities. Many students experience back pain quite early in life, partially due to the heavy load in, or the misuse of schoolbags. Girls, shorter and younger children, particularly for fifth and sixth grade, may be especially at risk of injury because they carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. These risks can be minimised by making the right choices regarding the type of schoolbag, what it is used to carry and most importantly, how it is used.

Best schoolbag is a backpack with two straps

The best style of a schoolbag to use is a backpack with two straps. A backpack with two straps will ensure that the load is distributed and carried evenly. The equal weight distribution will ensure that learners do not experience arm or shoulder muscle strain from the backpack digging into the shoulder, provided that the mass of the bag is not excessive. Two-strap backpacks will ensure that the backpacks are carried and supported by the strongest muscles in the body which are the back and core muscles.

Other important features include:

• wide shoulder straps to limit pressure points on the shoulders;

• adjustable straps to ensure that the load is as close to the back as possible;

• hip straps to assist in the distribution of weight;

• padding on the shoulder straps and back area for added comfort; and

• compartments that can be used to distribute the mass as evenly as possible.

It is important to use both shoulder straps, instead of ‘lugging’ the backpack over one shoulder because of how this can cause postural imbalances (known as “drop shoulder”), misalignment of the spine and the rest of the musculoskeletal system. The backpack should not sway from side to side during walking. If it does, the straps are too loose. The heaviest items should be placed closest to the back to reduce pressure on the shoulders and none of the contents should move around excessively while walking.

Position of the backpack is important

The best positioning of the backpack is driven by personal preferences, so users should choose the best position of the backpack for themselves, according to what is comfortable and what causes the least amount of discomfort. However, researchers do suggest that carrying a backpack in a higher position on the back may be more advantageous than carrying it in a lower position for many reasons, including:

1. Backpacks placed higher up on the back are less demanding on the physiological systems.

2. The perceived effort of load carriage is lower with this higher positioning.

High positioning of the backpack places less pressure on the shoulders, which helps to relieve shoulder pain. Lastly, this higher position is also associated with greater stability as compared with a pack positioned lower.

Consider the weight of the backpack

With regard to the mass recommendations for the backpack, the general consensus is that the mass of any bag should not exceed 10% (but some students may carry up to 15%) of the child's body mass to prevent muscle fatigue and poor posture.

However, this recommended mass is dependent on other factors too, including the design, backpack mass, how it is worn, and the children’s age and physical fitness.

Consider how long the backpack is carried

The duration spent carrying the load is also important to consider. Carrying a backpack for long durations creates compression forces acting on the spine which may cause discomfort. It is recommended that children take breaks as often as possible. If heavy loads need to be carried, parents could consider using double pack bags (wearing a load on the back and front of the body) instead of traditional backpacks because of how it benefits many aspects such as postural stability, metabolic cost, and muscle activity.

However, if children are required to carry excessive loads to school daily, it is important to have a conversation with the schoolteachers to find a way to limit this (such as leaving sports equipment at school for example).

Consider what needs to go in the backpack

Parents and teachers both have a role to play in how children wear their backpacks and the weight within. Teachers can influence the children when it comes to what material needs to be brought home daily. They should be sensitised to the changes of posture created by poor backpack use, so they understand the importance of proper use.

When they are planning their weekly curriculum, they could do so according to the textbooks that the children will need on a specific day and be mindful of what goes in the children’s backpack. Parents and learners need to also learn how to make good choices when packing their backpacks, including choosing to carry only things that are necessary and not everything they might want to take to school.

Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry schoolbooks and supplies. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body's strongest muscles. When used correctly, backpacks can be an excellent way to carry the necessities of the school day.

However, it is evident that backpacks have an influence on pain and injury in children, which is caused by many interacting factors such as design, time worn, and physical fitness of the child. It is very important that the individual needs of each child determine the approach that is taken.

References

Backpack Safety - Preventing Injury - OrthoInfo - AAOS. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/ staying-healthy/backpack-safety.

Harvard Health Publishing. Posture and Back Health. Retrieved October 2022 from https:// www.health.harvard.edu/pain/posture-and-back-health Hossain, F.M.A., & Tonima, M.A. (2017). A study on the effects of heavy backpacks and the development of a preventative prototype. Journal of Sensors, 2017. https://doi. org/10.1155/2017/9419373.

Janakiraman, B., Ravichandran, H., Demeke, S., & Fasika, S. (2017). Reported influences of backpack loads on postural deviation among school children: A systematic review. J Educ Health Promot, 6:41. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_26_15. PMID: 28584840; PMCID: PMC5441201. Lavigne, V. (2014). Weight limit recommendation in backpack use for school-aged children.

Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 14(2).

Lee, J.C.N., Li, S.S.W., & Chow, D.H.K. (2021). School backpack design: A systematic review and a summary of design items. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 84. ISSN 0169-8141.

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How teacher quality & personality can improve student learning

Talk to most people about their school years, and more often than not they will mention the influence or impact a specific teacher had on them.

“M

ost of us remember a teacher who made a massive impact on our lives, whether it be positive or negative,” says Shaun Fuchs, CEO and founder of Centennial Schools.

Fuchs says teachers play a key role in shaping the thinking and behaviour of their students, and this is confirmed by several academic studies.

“While there is one school of thought which says teachers are there to teach academic subjects, there is extensive research done which shows that the personality and quality of a teacher is crucial to students not only succeeding academically, but also to adapting to new or alternative teaching methods.

“Further to that it is important that teachers are aware of their strengths and weaknesses which really makes a big difference to their teaching style,” Fuchs says.

Centennial Schools give students freedom to choose Traditional teaching environments have a teacher as the axle on which everything turns. Not so at Centennial Schools, says Fuchs, where students are given the freedom to choose how they want to receive and process information in a learning space that is authentic and relevant.

Take Divine Muland, mathematics teacher at Centennial Schools. She completed a BSc in Mathematics, wanting to get into the investments and quantitative analytics space, but was always drawn to teaching. Taking her own learning experience into account – where maths was taught as a dry, academic subject –she has completely changed the way in which she imparts maths to her students.

“My experience had been interesting because I've had to adjust to the new generation of students. I've always considered myself young and fairly in tune with the youth but being in education was a huge wake up call. In order to relate to the students, a different strategy has to be used and I have to understand that it's no longer the early 2000s,” she says.

“I wanted to open students’ eyes to mathematics after school. I went into university not knowing how broad and extensive the field of mathematics is. I wasn't aware of how many different doors it opened. I want our students to be more aware than I was, to see mathematics with a different lens. I want my students to understand why they are doing something, and I want them to make mistakes. I want them to interact and work together to figure problems out on their own.”

Exposing students to real world situations

Key to Muland’s teaching style is the knowledge of how the real world works and understanding that a learning environment which exposes students to real world situations is key to their success, says Fuchs.

Teachers understanding and adapting to a new world in which students are technologically savvier but face unprecedented pressure from society and its obsession with social media, are the ones who will future proof our children, says Fuchs.

“Teachers have a tremendous influence on our lives, students spend close on eight hours a day in their company, and how they go about teaching, not only the curriculum, but also about life, shapes us as human beings,” he adds. 

Introducing a dog or cat to a

family home with kids

By Leigh Shenker, Animal Behaviourist and Lecturer in Animal Behaviour Science

Do some research

Make sure you find the right fit for your family. If you have a very busy household avoid getting a cat that startles easily or if you want a dog that will go on 10km runs with you, avoid getting a Basset Hound.

There are ways you can make introducing a dog or cat to your home as smooth as possible, as well as stop potential problems before they have a chance to crop up.

Set down some rules

Sit down as a family and create a set of rules that all members of the family need to follow. If one person allows a dog on the couch but another person in the family doesn’t allow it and chases the dog off, then the dog is going to be confused and it will cause many household disputes. All family members need to follow the same rules and be consistent.

Meet your pet’s needs

Make sure you have everything you need to meet your pets needs. Think about what your dog or cat will need to express their natural behaviours. Dogs need to chew, if you don’t provide them with chews, they will be forced to chew whatever is left lying around.

Cats need to scratch and hunt, so you need to provide them with cat scratchers and hunting opportunities, if they are not allowed outside this needs to be given through hunting games and toys. Look at the breed of dog you have, research what they were bred to do and then makes sure you can meet those needs.

Teach your kids how to treat a pet Chat to your kids about what is allowed and not allowed when interacting with a dog or cat. Make sure they understand appropriate handling of animals. A dog will bite, and a cat will scratch if they are frightened or hurt.

Little people often don’t know how to interact safely with pets. Teach them basic body language so that they know when a dog or cat is scared. Teach them to give cats and dogs space if needs be and help the understand that running and screaming can cause dogs to become overexcited and nip and bite.

Bringing your new pet home

A new dog or cat can take time to feel comfortable in a home. You need to take things at the pet’s pace. Don’t allow family members to interact with your new pet unless the pet initiates contact. Your new family member will be feeling nervous and overwhelmed and if they are pushed and handled to much too soon, they may show aggression.

Give them space. There should be an area of your home where the dog or cat can go that is a low traffic area and where kids know that they cannot interact with the dog or cat because this is their safe space.

Sign up for a good puppy class or obedience class. Training classes in general will help you manage your pet’s behaviour better and help you deal with any problems that crop up. Just make sure it is a puppy class run by a force free trainer.

Establish a routine from day one and stick to it. Just like with children’s boundaries and routine help your new pet feel safe

Bringing a new baby home to pets

and secure. Get your children involved in meal preparation, training, play time and creating brain games and toys for their new pet. This will help them interact with their new pet in a positive way and alleviate to much handling and rough play which will create stress and anxiety for your new pet. Pets that are handled too much by children or worked up too much in play often show aggression towards children.

Prepare your cat or dog for all the possible sounds, smells and equipment associated with a new baby. Play baby sounds, use baby products allow them to explore the babies room, so that they are less anxious when baby comes home.

When baby comes home allow your dogs and cats to approach at their pace, don’t force any interactions. NEVER leave your baby or toddler unsupervised with any pet. Accidents do happen.

If after putting all the above in place you are still concerned about any behaviours, consider enlisting the help of a qualified animal behaviourist.

Pet adoption

When considering expanding your family by bringing a pet home, the NSPCA strongly advises and advocates for pet adoption from your local SPCA or animal welfare shelter.

The breeding industry is rife with animal cruelty which should not be supported. With thousands of animals in need of a loving home and a family to belong to, you are sure to find your new family member at an SPCA or animal welfare shelter. 

Create your own

hanging miniature garden

Life is a Garden has been exploring the use of smaller garden spaces lately to create something beautiful that can be placed either indoors or outdoors. We are looking at the idea of a miniature garden, which is a great project for those with a limited garden area.

By Life is a Garden

This is a really fun activity to do with the kids as they can be as creative as they like with their little garden. They could recreate a smaller version of their real garden or make a miniature fantasy garden to make it lots of fun – let them get stuck in with this unique and easy-to-make gardening project.

You will need:

• An old colander, pot or container with holes for drainage

• Weed barrier cloth

• Potting soil

• Compost

• An old spoon

• A plastic container or bowl

• Any small trees/plants (we used maidenhair fern and Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’)

• Any low-growing groundcover

• Small, white, decorative stones

• A bigger white stone

• White sand or very fine gravel

• A small garden gnome and some small toys

• A sea shell or the lid of a tomato sauce bottle covered in aluminium foil

• Scissors

• Thickish rope

• A hook or clasp that will support the weight of the planter

They could recreate a smaller version of their real garden or make a miniature fantasy garden to make it lots of fun...

4

1

Drill three equidistant holes in the rim of the colander. Do this the day before when no small children are around, to avoid any danger.

2 3

Take all of your elements outside and lay them down on a table or on the floor so that you can easily see what you need.

Place the colander upside down on the weed barrier cloth. Trace around it and cut a piece that it is big enough to cover most of the inside of the colander. (Please note, you may need to help younger children with this to avoid cut fingers.)

Place the weed barrier cloth inside the colander, flattening it against the sides as much as possible. 5

Spoon the soil mixture into the colander, filling it all the way to the top and ensuring that it is level. 6

Make holes for your plants and plant them inside your soil mixture. 7

Sit the garden gnome next to the plants and the stone pathway. 9

8

Place your small white stones in a ‘path’ leading to the plants. Now place the smaller stones or sand in-between the decorative stones to make it look more like a path.

Spoon your compost into a large plastic container (preferably a 5-litre ice-cream container), filling it to about halfway, and then fill the other half with potting soil, then mix the two together.

To finish off the garden part of this activity, place a plastic dog and cat on the pathway, for that final touch.

Plant some groundcover in the empty parts of your miniature garden.

Finally, measure out your rope and cut two pieces, one double the length of the other. Knot the longest piece of the rope at one end and pull it through a hole in the colander. Then pull it through the opposite hole, knotting this end on the outside of the hole.

Place your shell, bottom-first in the soil near the garden gnome.

Lay out the bigger white stones near the side of the colander, to look like boulders around the edges.

Tie a knot in the shorter piece of rope and pass it through the final hole. Tie the long piece and the short piece of the rope together and hang your garden from a hook. Voila! You have created your first miniature garden. 

We provide a safe and caring environment to the

in our care

Life Kingsbury Hospital Wilderness Road, Claremont, 7700 | Tel: 021 670 4000 www.lifehealthcare.co.za

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recipes

Honey-glazed

gammon

Siba’s tip: This gammon is delicious served with glazed and pan-fried apple or pear slices.

Prep time: 20min Cook time: 1hr 40min Serves: 6-8

Method

Ingredients for the Gammon

• 2kg boneless gammon joint

• 500ml chicken stock

• 2 dried bay leaves

• 4 garlic cloves, sliced

• 30g piece fresh ginger, quartered

• 6 black peppercorns

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• 3 carrots, washed and cut into chunks

• 1 stick celery, sliced

• 60ml whole cloves

• 1 garlic bulb, cut in half

1. Place the gammon and stock into a large pot, then pour over enough water to cover the meat. Add the bay leaves, garlic, ginger, peppercorns, thyme, carrots, and celery.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until the gammon is cooked through. Remove from the stock and leave to cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C.

3. To make the glaze: the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

4. Use a small knife to remove the rind from the gammon, leaving on as much fat as possible. Score the fat in a crisscross diamond pattern and push a clove into each diamond section.

5. Place the gammon in a roasting tin with the halved garlic bulb and brush liberally with the glaze. Roast for 25 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through, until the gammon is sticky and crisp around the edges. Slice and enjoy!

Ingredients for the Glaze

• 45ml honey

• 30ml Dijon mustard

• 15ml soy sauce

• 15g fresh ginger, very finely grated

• juice of ½ orange

Recipe bySibaMtongana

Siba’s tip:

You could, of course, braai or grill the corn to give it that distinctively delicious char, instead of cooking it on the stove. You can also replace the fresh corn with canned or frozen alternatives. If using canned, make sure that it is thoroughly drained of all liquid. If you’ve gone for the frozen corn option, check that it has been properly defrosted, and pat dry with paper towel as you want a crunchy, zesty salad, not a mushy mess!

Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 15 min Serves: 6

e by Siba Mtongana

Recip

herbed corn salad Ginger &

Ingredients for the Corn Salad

• 45ml olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 30g fresh ginger, very finely grated

• 350g mushrooms, thinly sliced

• 1 red pepper, diced

Method

• 1 green pepper, diced

• 1 yellow pepper, diced

• 6 corns on the cob, cooked

• 30ml fresh coriander, chopped

• 15ml soy sauce

• 2ml freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for the Dressing

• 80ml olive oil

• 60ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2ml sugar

• 30ml fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 15ml fresh coriander, finely chopped

• 15ml fresh mint, finely chopped

1. To make the salad: Heat half the oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the chopped onion for 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and most of the ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the rest of the oil plus the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until nicely browned. Add the diced peppers and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Cut the corn off the cob and add to the pan. Add the coriander and stir to combine.

4. Remove from heat and season with soy sauce and black pepper to taste. Stir in the remaining fresh grated ginger. Allow to cool slightly.

5. To make the dressing: Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a jug until well combined. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Plummy Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 450g very ripe plums, roughly chopped

• 170g butter,

• 170g 70% dark chocolate roughly chopped

To serve

• 1½ cups whipped cream

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C.

2. Grease the sides and base of a 20cm springform baking tin and the line the base with baking paper.

3. Place the plums in a blender and blend until smooth.

4. Remove 1½ cups and strain for the cake, freeze the balance to use in a smoothie.

5. Place the butter and chocolate into a heatproof bowl and place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

6. Stir together until the chocolate has melted, stir in the strained plums and mix well to combine, set aside.

7. Place the eggs and sugar into the bowl of a food processor and beat

• 5 large room temperature eggs

• 1½ cups caster sugar

• ¾ cup cake flour

• 1 tablespoons baking powder

• pinch of salt

• cocoa powder for dusting

until light and fluffy.

8. Fold a third of the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture to lighten the mixture, then fold the remaining egg mixture into the chocolate mixture.

9. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the chocolate mixture and mix to incorporate all the ingredients.

10. Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

11. Remove from the oven and cool.

12. Serve the cake for dessert with great dollops of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa.

13. Sprinkle with chopped pistachio nuts.

Plum Lollies

Ingredients

• 8 fat plums

• ½ cup raw honey

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups natural or coconut yoghurt

Method

1. Cut a cross into the base of each plum and plunge into boiling water, remove with a slotted spoon, and peel off the skins and remove the flesh from the stone.

2. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake holders.

3. Place the plum flesh, honey, vanilla extract, and yoghurt into the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth.

4. Taste and add a little more honey if too tart.

5. Divide the mixture between the muffin holes and freeze until firm.

There is nothing better on a hot summer’s day than these wonderful frozen lollies, something to look forward to after a long hot day at school.

book reviews – pearson

Five Little Monkeys

A 3-button song and sound book with a fun finger puppet! Wiggle the little monkey puppet and sing along to this favourite silly song! Hear the doctor say, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!” The adorable monkey puppet and sound buttons will help with hand-eye coordination while keeping your baby or toddler engaged. Perfect for pre-schoolers who are learning to sing and count!

Friends Help Each Other

Are you a big helper? Daniel Tiger is a helper, too! Wiggle the built-in finger puppet of Daniel and sing along to his favourite helping song! Daniel helps Prince Wednesday, Katerina, and the whole playground at the park. Help toddlers learn to be good help and care about others. Daniel Tiger helps builds strong social and emotional skills. A perfect interactive board book with fingerplay and singing, for children getting ready for school.

Rhymes No i s y

If you’re happy and you know it

Old Macdonald had a Farm Twinkle, twinkle, little star

The wheels on the bus

Familiar singalong text and bright illustrations to stimulate children. There is a “can you find me” activity and sound button for some added fun! Illustrated by Samantha Meredith.

Available at all leading bookstores and online retailers.

Stimulate your brain with a classic game of Word Search!

a h y r e h q w e r t y q s a s a v b f j u k r s d w h a b i t s n g h b e g m a s o l i d s b e w h j r m s a s k l i t r i m e s t e r s n t h m e r c z x s h l y q w f d s m i l e s e v e m t r e k t e a z r w s j k i e w r k n o r c q h s r t d h l e c x s w m t k t d e o w h b r a i n e n h u e e t i k i i r n w n q e f a r h t l k x e w m y n k m s i n g s w r a r i a w p w q e h g m i t s n r u h r f e a w e e y d h e e w n i k i u a r h e w l b a c k p a c k s i p b y t p e o q e s w e t h j t u y y a a s m r o w e q w b g s i h j u e r e t t d n f n v a s d e s w n l o y g e s u i a b e e q e r t s a s g w s w e a t r o a n r m e t e r n a l w g h r w e k e n l t e r r o r s n m r f s t u d e n t s e n t e w d s a p l a y g r o u n d h y e

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