Baby's and Beyond - July to September 2018

Baby’s and Beyond

babys beyond TM

July – September 2018

and

a family lifestyle magazine

What is a

parenting plan?

How to deal with

cold weather ailments www.babysandbeyond.co.za

July – Sept 2018 ISSN 2311-5467

9 772311 546706 www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Don’t let financial stress dominate a happy pregnancy

The ABC’s of prostate cancer and getting tested

Winter Fun!

Indoor games for the entire family

INSIDE: Features Competitions Kicks for kids Recipes 2018/07/03 12:01 PM

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ED’S NOTE

26 Elroy van Heerden, Editor

F

32 36 2

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irstly, I would like to introduce myself as the new Editor of Baby’s and Beyond™. I am delighted to be working in an industry that offers me an opportunity to get to know the ins and outs of parenting, paediatric medical conditions, education and many other thoughtprovoking issues concerning the entire family.

Baby’s and Beyond™ has been serving both parents and medical practitioners for the past five years. I am already looking forward to many happy years to come, serving our moms- and dads-to-be, as well as parents and medical practitioners with inspiring and insightful content.

With winter in our midst, it is the season to be jolly indoors with the entire family in front of the fireplace, enjoying some hot soup. Go to page 78 for some fun indoor games for the entire family.

Also, being the season common for colds and flu, you can read some useful tips on page 36 about how to deal with cold weather ailments.

Look out for our next edition of Baby’s and Beyond™, due out the first week in October.

For editorial and advertising enquiries, please feel free to make contact with me via email, editor@babysandbeyond.co.za I wish you all a warm and happy winter season.

Warm regards,

Elroy

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2018/07/03 12:01 PM

Baby’s and Beyond

CREDITS babys beyond TM

July – September 2018

Editor: Elroy van Heerden editor@babysandbeyond.co.za

and

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

a family lifestyle magazine

What is a

parenting plan?

Don’t let financial stress dominate a happy pregnancy

How to deal with

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Winter Fun!

July – Sept 2018 ISSN 2311-5467

9 772311 546706

Editorial Contributors Melissa Dolphin-Rowland John Manyike Sister Lilian Nathalie Johnson Simcha van Bel-du Plooy Diana Coetzer Lizzie Curtis Melissa Myburgh Refilwe Makamedi Dr Clare Neser Dr Evelyn Moshokoa Carey Haupt Andrew Wilson Shannon Kendrick Chris van Niekerk

The ABC’s of prostate cancer and getting tested

cold weather ailments

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Content Manager: Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

Design and Layout: CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za

Indoor games for the entire family

INSIDE: FEaTurES CoMpETITIoNS KICKS For KIDS rECIpES

Advertising Sales: Allison Davids allison@babysandbeyond.co.za Lorraine Beneke lorraine@babysandbeyond.co.za Chief Financial Officer: Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za

Pictures: 123rf.com

Marketing & Communications Manager: Sarina Afonso sarina@mediaxpose.co.za Social Media Coordinator: Tamaryn Williams press@mediaxpose.co.za

babysandbeyond

Distribution and Subscriptions: Maurisha Niewenhuysen distribution@mediaxpose.co.za

@babysandbeyond

Receptionist: Kyla van Heerden receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za Printing Novus Print Solutions www.novus.holdings

Published By:

babys beyond TM

and

a family lifestyle magazine

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6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 PO. Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018 Tel: 021 424 3625 Fax: 086 544 5217 E-mail: info@babysandbeyond.co.za

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

The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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2018/07/03 12:01 PM

babys beyond TM

42 46 54

and

a family lifestyle magazine

CONTENTS FEATURES

What is a parenting plan?......................................................................14 Taking your first steps to put the financial basics in place for your family can be really simple............................16 Don’t let financial stress dominate a happy pregnancy..................................................................................18 Helping schools in Cape Town to save water......................................21 Cracking baby talk..................................................................................24 Are pests in your home making you sick?.............................................26 From fussy eaters to foodies....................................................................28 Is genetic insight the greatest gift you can give your child?..............30 Tips for insuring your child’s car..............................................................32

HEALTH

What can soothe that bothersome cough?........................................34 How to deal with cold weather ailments..............................................36 How you position your baby really matters..........................................38 As the season for sinus infections approaches.....................................40 Eye allergies in children...........................................................................42 Children with ADHD: Bullied or bully?....................................................44 What is really behind my dry skin condition?........................................46 The danger behind Pneumococcal Disease.......................................48 Bedwetting: When to consult a doctor.................................................50 Know what to expect when your baby is teething.............................52 Play with purpose is essential for children with autism.........................54 Ear moulding – a safe, painless alternative to ear surgery.................56 The ABC’s of prostate cancer and getting tested..............................58 Advertorial: Breastfeeding on the go....................................................61 Cord blood therapy extends far beyond treatments for cancer......62 Targeted nutrition: a cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy................64

EDUCATION

Opinion Piece: Is failure to protect you child from the dangers of the Internet irresponsible parenting?..........................66 Learning comes naturally........................................................................68 Parental Police: Being ‘bad cop’ isn’t shielding kids from on-line threats..........................................................................70 Advertorial: Montessori ‘prepared environment’ caters for holistic development.............................................................77 The problem with labelling children in primary school........................72 There’s an easy way for parents to avoid unknowingly raising porn addicts..........................................................74

REGULARS

72 6

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Social News............................................................................................8-11 Family Fun: Winter....................................................................................78 Promising Products: Purity Pouches, Purity baby cereal, Purity bum spray and bum cream.........................................................86 BaoCare Tissue Oil, Pure Beginnings, Naturals Beauty........................ 87 Grab Some Grub: Curried Sweet Potato & Lentil Soup.......................90 Pork Chops with Thyme Butter Sauce, Papino Pavlova......................91 Kicks for Kids: Fun puzzles and activities................................................92 Book Reviews: This edition’s recommended reading..........................94

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2018/07/03 12:01 PM

SOCIAL NEWS

Helping Heidi find her wings S

howing the Pretoria community what it really means to help someone find their wings, the SPAR Women’s Challenge & Good Morning Angels stepped in to show support and comfort to motherof-three, Heidi Els, who lost her husband in April this year. Two weeks after her story aired on the Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels broadcast, Heidi is well on her way to finding her wings again.

Just over a month since losing her husband and two weeks after her story aired, Heidi is indeed closer to finding her wings thanks to monumental support from SPAR, Jacaranda Good Morning Angels, close family and friends and the Tshwane community.

‘To me “finding your wings” now means taking baby steps along your journey, to keep on praying, and to keep holding your head up high. And never take anything for granted,’ says Heidi.

On 29 April, Francois Els left home to pick up takeaways for his family. Tragically, he was caught in the middle of a robbery and was shot and killed.

Aside from the heartbreak of losing a beloved husband and father, Heidi and their three children were left without the breadwinner in their household.

Ilze Geertsema who works with Heidi at Prinsies en Prinsessies nursery school in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, contacted former Miss SA Roelene Strauss, who then passed Heidi’s story along to the Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels. Ilze explained that Heidi would now be struggling financially as a single mother with her daughter going into high school next year and two young boys in primary school.

After hearing Heidi’s story from the Jacaranda Good Morning Angels team, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Pretoria stepped in to provide much needed support to Heidi by giving her free groceries from SPAR for the rest of the year, valued at a total of R40 000. SPAR handed over their donation to Heidi at the official launch event of the 2018 Pretoria SPAR Women’s Challenge and took a moment

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to celebrate Heidi’s remarkable strength and the way that she has found her wings in the face of heartbreak and adversity.

‘We hope that this will help Heidi find her wings.

I truly believe that she will find them again but hopefully this will give her one less thing to worry about in the meantime,’ said SPAR North Rand’s Retha Ingenbleek during the Good Morning Angels live broadcast on 16 May 2018.

‘This whole experience has helped me realise how many people, angels, are out there and are willing to open their hearts and support us. It is so amazing, and I don’t have the words to thank everyone enough.

Both my kids and I feel so blessed, loved and taken care of,’ Heidi said.

Heidi’s advice to all the women out there who are trying to find their wings in the face of life’s challenges, is take it one step at a time.

‘It is not easy to carry on when it feels like your whole world has come to an end in just a second.

Keep on praying and tell the people in your life that you love them and surround yourself with people who lift you up and support you. Put on your lipstick in the morning, dress up and start every day with love and a smile.’

The Pretoria SPAR Women’s Challenge takes place on 4 August at SuperSport Stadium in Centurion. Entries are available at selected SPAR stores and online at sparladiespta.co.za.

For more information, to stay on top of the latest race news, enter exciting competitions and to show your support, like the SPAR Women’s Challenge Pretoria Facebook Page or follow @SPARladiespta on Twitter.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2018/07/03 12:01 PM

SOCIAL NEWS

Pampers & Pick n Pay raise R1-million to help South African newborns survive and thrive I

n 2017, the world’s top-selling brand of baby nappies, Pampers® partnered with Pick n Pay, South Africa’s second-largest supermarket chain, to help raise R1million to support UNICEF’s First 1000 Days initiative. The donation was handed over to UNICEF in June this year.

For every Pampers product purchased at any Pick n Pay nationwide, Pampers donated R10 to UNICEF. With the help of loving South African parents, the partnership managed to raise R1 000 000 to help turn the tide against the high infant mortality rate in the country, which currently stands at 31 infants deaths for every 1 000 live births.

‘For the last 50 years, we have been dedicated to every baby’s happy and healthy development. Nutrition plays an important role in this, which makes initiatives like this exceedingly important. Our partnership with PnP has been a great success and enabled us to reach new heights in our campaign to help South African children grow into healthy adults,’ explains Zizwe Vundla, Brand Director for Pampers South Africa.

The First 1000 Days initiative aims to help raise awareness regarding the importance of proper nutrition during an infant’s first 1 000 days. The right nutrition and care during this period influences not only whether a child will survive, but also his or her ability to grow, learn and rise out of poverty.

In June this year, Pampers handed over their donation to UNICEF. In attendance were Hervé Ludovic de Lys, UNICEF representative and Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble South Africa, Michael Simpson

‘South African children continue to die from preventable causes, including pneumonia, HIV, TB, and diarrhoea. All these are influenced by poor health-seeking behaviour, healthcare, infectious diseases, nutrition and hygiene of the pregnant mother and child during the first 1 000 days,’ says Hervé Ludovic de Lys, UNICEF representative for South Africa.

kulula.com with Breadline Africa and help2read gives the gift of literacy K

ulula.com in partnership with Breadline Africa, The National Lottery Commission and Shine Literacy have joined forces to give the gift of literacy by donating a container library to Welwitschia Primary School in Delft in the Western Cape.

Across South Africa there are over 16 000 underresourced primary schools that provide inadequate library facilities to their students. The partnership between Breadline Africa and kulula aims to eradicate shortcomings such as these and ensure that the necessary library infrastructures are created and implemented into schools that are most in need and will impact students positively.

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‘We are pleased to have partnered with Breadline Africa to construct and convert a container into a library for Welwitschia Primary School.

The project aligns and supports one of our most significant Corporate Social Investment goals, which is to support the need for youth education and empowerment within South Africa. The gift of literacy can unlock unlimited opportunities for all children in South Africa and it is our hope that the implementation of this library will do exactly this in the community of Delft,’ says Luane Lavery, Brand Communications Manager for kulula.com.

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SOCIAL NEWS

Massmart launches Urban Bookshelf in Alexandra M

assmart’s second Urban Bookshelf was launched in the township of Alexandra. The project, aimed at increasing access to books, is the second in a series of planned free miniature libraries across Johannesburg to promote reading and improve literacy. The first library was opened at Phefeni Recreation Centre in Orlando, Soweto, in July 2017 and featured design work by renowned graffiti artist Rasik Green aka Mr Ekse.

The most recent library, at Atrec Recreation Centre in Alexandra, is more of a striking public artwork that functions as a free miniature library. To help the structure evolve, Massmart commissioned Sifiso Gumede, an acclaimed emerging artist and Alexandra local. Gumede is part of a collective focusing on art in schools and creating more exhibition opportunities to ensure their vision of Alexandra is enjoyed by everybody.

Gumede’s etchings, which explore the notion of township education and lack of resources to meet the education needs, have been superimposed onto screens placed around the structure. This collaboration has provided him with a permanent exhibition space in the community he grew up in.

‘Massmart envisions the libraries as centres for individuals to gather, learn, explore and interact,’ says Massmart Brand and Corporate Communication Executive, Phumzile Siboza. ‘But more than anything these libraries are based on community and trust.

There is no staff policing you, no membership cards or fines. The idea is to take a book, read it at your own leisure and return it when you’re done. Based on feedback from the first one in Soweto, most people return the books.’

The durably constructed library is 2.8m high and is made up of powder-coated steel boxes that ensure

Graffiti Artist – Rasik Green aka Mr Ekse

that the books are protected from the elements.

The structure can store between 450 and 500 books and is tailored to children, young adults and adults; carrying books across eight genres: African Fiction, General Fiction, Non-Fiction, Current Affairs & Politics, Law & Business, Self Help & Motivation. Massmart has partnered with major publishers, Jacana and Johnathan Ball, to ensure the library remains well stocked with a diverse range of reading material.

To ensure that the books cater to the local taste of readers in the community, Massmart conducted extensive research that consisted of deploying field researches to survey community members.

‘I strongly believe that books are weapons to succeed and overcome obstacles in life. The location is perfect because the vicinity has three schools close by. Easy access to the library will encourage not only learners to read more, but everyone in my community,’ says Gumede about his involvement in the project.

‘Rise Up’ and fly at Africa’s biggest kite festival A

t the 24th Cape Town International Kite Festival in Muizenberg on 27-28 October, kiters from around the world will be proudly flying incredible kites in support of Cape Mental Health. Tickets are just R40 per person (or R15 for children 12 years) making the occasion affordable for the entire family.

For more information visit www.capementalhealth.co.za or follow @CTKiteFest on social media #RiseUpAndFly.

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www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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SOCIAL NEWS

From left: Vivan Pinto (Area MD, Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) Cluster, J&J), Michael Cornelius (Board Member, Community Chest), Lorenzo Davids (CEO, Community Chest), Jacquelyn Patterson (Johnson Baby Brand Manager, SSA, J&J) at Leliebloem House, Crawford for Community Chest and Johnson & Johnson’s R3-million project launch.

R3-million in baby products distributed to vulnerable communities T

he Community Chest of the Western Cape, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson (Pty) Ltd, launched a R3-million project aimed at increasing health through the education of vulnerable communities and distribution of baby products in South Africa recently. The launch comes at an opportune time, with the current drought situation in the Western Cape placing increased focus on the critical need to care for babies’ delicate skin.

The launch leverages off the JOHNSON’S® Baby Healthy Skin project, aimed at improving the health of more than 3 million babies by 2020. This project empowers thousands of mothers in need to access treatment through Unjani clinics, educates them about skin health for their babies, and contributes to the establishment of new Unjani clinics while providing training and resources for Unjani nurses.

A consignment of JOHNSON’S® baby products arrived in Cape Town in mid-June was distributed

by Community Chest to over 60 beneficiaries, reaching over 5 000 recipients. The Community Chest’s expertise in due diligence strengthens the programme, providing an organizational network of duly assessed and vetted organisations to which the product will be distributed. This ensures vital services are provided by credible, trusted agencies to reach those most in need.

‘Community Chest is proud to partner with J&J to make a marked shift in health care for babies and toddlers in communities where access is deeply unequal,’ said Community Chest CEO, Lorenzo Davids. ‘We wish to present vulnerable communities with the information, education and care that urban communities often take for granted.’

Project Launch – Lelieblom House, Crawford

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FEATURE

What is a parenting plan?

By Melissa Dolphin-Rowland

Whether you have just decided to separate or have been separated for some time, parents need to put a parenting plan in place for their children.

A

parenting plan is not a Settlement Agreement.

A parenting plan determines any matter in connection with parental responsibilities and rights, such as residence, maintenance, contact, schooling, healthcare and religion. It outlines how parents will raise their children after separation or divorce. The scope of what may be included in a parenting plan is virtually unlimited.

A parenting plan must be in writing, drafted with the assistance of a mediator, social worker, psychologist or attorney, be signed by the parties and comply with the best interests of the child as set out in Section 7 of the Children’s Act. The ‘best interests’ of the child means that decisions are made with the goal of fostering and encouraging the children’s happiness, security, mental health and emotional development into young adulthood.

‘In my practice, whenever there are children involved, I always request that the child goes for a “Voice of the child” (VOC) interview. The VOC is conducted to enable children to have the opportunity to be heard in their parent’s separation or divorce proceedings. The interview provides information about what the child is feeling and where they are at emotionally in terms of their parent’s separation or divorce.

The interview is carried out on children aged 4 to 17 years by either a registered Psychologist or Social Worker and both parents need to give consent.

How can a parenting plan help?

One of the biggest advantages of creating a parenting plan, is that it brings clarity during a time of uncertainty. When parents disagree about the practical and emotional aspects of parenting, the impact this can have on children can be devastating. Children hate nothing more than being stuck in the middle and asked to make decisions

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about when they want to see Mom or Dad. They want their parents to agree this between themselves and rightly so. Children are not meant to make decisions like this.

As co-parents it is important to know what your weekly schedule looks like to help alleviate conflict.

For example, if it’s your weekend to have the children, then you are free to organise activities without having to worry about the other parent.

When it comes to bigger decisions like health care, money and education, you can make agreements to cover these issues in as much detail as is right for you and your family’s unique circumstances. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

What are the benefits of a parenting plan?

A well-designed plan is essential for effective coparenting. When everyday decisions are planned for and running smoothly, it enables you to focus on being a parent. Of course, there will always be something that isn’t planned for. Therefore, it is important as parents to allow a certain level of flexibility in the plan. It cannot be rigid. Here are just a few of the many benefits to crafting your own parenting plan: • The child’s best interests are put first. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

• The parenting plan is unique, devised to suit the family’s circumstances.

• Parenting plans help minimise conflict between parents by clearly setting out guidelines and expectations.

• Parents can focus on parenting their children rather than fighting with the other parent.

• Parents work together to develop the plan which helps them develop communication and negotiation skills.

• It benefits children by ensuring they receive support, nurturing and love from both parents.

• Effective plans can make the transition to two separate households less stressful.

Once a plan has been agreed to, if the parents are divorcing, the plan will first have to be signed off by the office of the family advocate before their divorce becomes an order of the court. If the parents are not married, parents can lodge the signed plan with the office of the family advocate and request for it to be made an order of the court.

If you would like to find out more about Parenting Plans, call Melissa on +27 (0)72 590 9517, email melissa@amanimediation.co.za or visit www.amanimediation.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Amani Mediation is based in Rivonia, Johannesburg and specialise in family and divorce mediation. We employ a holistic approach to divorce mediation, working closely with a small network of psychologists, social workers, financial coaches and attorneys who share our philosophy.

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FEATURE

Taking your first steps to put the financial basics in place for your family can be really simple: Here is what a new parent needs to do and why, and how it can be done immediately!

W

hen you’re a young parent with a full plate of responsibilities and a host of new baby expenses, getting your financial affairs in order are typically not as big a priority as it should be. But is it worth it to put your family at risk if something does go wrong?

A new parent should get at least the following in place: 1. Update your Will to ensure you select the right legal guardians for your kids should anything happen to you and your partner - don’t leave it up to the courts to decide; 2. Get life insurance to protect your child’s future by insuring their education; 3. Start saving for your kid’s university/college education as soon as possible.

Your kids will be financially dependent on you for at least the first 20 years of their lives. Most of us will pay for their monthly schooling from our salaries and hopefully there is enough left in the budget to start saving for that university/college fund. It is estimated that parents who send their children to public schools and pay for a three-year university degree, will spend on average about R1.2 million per child in today’s financial terms - and the figure doubles if your child goes to a private school. That is a lot of money that will come from your future salary! And it is why becoming a parent is such an enormous financial decision.

Should anything happen to you in the next week, where will your family’s money come from? Very few young parents have enough savings in the bank to ensure that their children have the financial means to finish school and continue their education as needed. How do you protect your children’s future? That’s why it is so critical to have enough life insurance in place right away. It will ensure that your kids can enjoy all the opportunities you want for them, no matter what happens.

Many parents already know that things like getting life insurance and a Will is important, but delay or forget about it. Or they just do not know where to start as it is such an intimidating thing to do. Research shows that young parents in South Africa need cover

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the most and 75% do not have any at all.

What young parents do not know is that it is very easy to get these basics in place.

Hero Life is there to help. They are passionate about assisting young parents with the basics and also designed Life insurance specifically for them: they made things simple again and removed the middle man to save young parents money. Get R1m cover for R169 pm. Their experts help you digitally at no additional cost, so that you can get things done anytime from anywhere. Why not try it and get your financial affairs in order today? Be the Hero of your family! Get it done.

Visit www.herolife.co.za for more info.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ herolifeinsurance/ Or ask us to help with the basics on WhatsApp: +27 73 916 9367 www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Don’t let financial stress dominate a happy pregnancy – How to prepare financially for motherhood

By John Manyike

Entering the world of motherhood is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of stress and uncertainty.

‘D

uring pregnancy, expectant parents do a lot of research into the various trimesters, the birth itself and how to care for the baby. Financial planning is seldom prioritised when preparing for the

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new addition to the family,’ says John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual.

‘But ensuring that your finances are under control can eliminate unnecessary pressures, reduce anxiety

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FEATURE and give new parents the confidence and peace of mind to thoroughly enjoy their new chapter in life.’

More importantly, having your finances in order could help you have a healthy baby. In April 2017, Ohio State University conducted research into the effects of stress, such as financial strain, depressive symptoms, pregnancy-specific distress, perceived stress and general anxiety - on expectant mothers and their babies. The study revealed that experiencing these stresses during pregnancy could contribute to your baby being underweight at birth.

Manyike outlines the various elements you need to consider, ensuring a financially stress-free pregnancy:

More importantly, having your finances in order could help you have a healthy baby.

In your first trimester • Research antenatal care options.

• Decide where you would like to give birth.

• Enquire about the different costs involved, including doctor’s visits and scans.

• Find out what antenatal care your current medical aid covers.

• Opt for the best medical care you can afford. If you can’t afford a medical aid, government clinics and hospitals provide this care free of charge.

• Open a savings account and put as much money aside as possible to ensure a robust savings cushion for your soon-to-be bundle of joy.

• Visit your local UIF office or download the required forms to apply for your maternity benefits.

In your third trimester • By this time, you should have booked your bed at the hospital or clinic of your choice.

• Start shopping for baby essentials like clothes, nappies, a cot, a car seat and linen. Pre-loved and used baby items can also be bought or borrowed through family, friends and forums. Chances are your friends and family will organise a baby shower for you. So, before you duplicate items, wait to see what you are lucky enough to receive. If you can’t wait, keep your receipts in case you need to exchange or return items.

• Know your budget and don’t let your excitement overtake your reasoning. Only buy what you can afford!

‘Nothing beats being prepared. It gives you the freedom to enjoy this new parenting journey you are embarking on. Having a baby could be expensive, but proper planning is the first step to your young family’s financial wellbeing,’ Manyike says.

In your second trimester • Don’t splurge on maternity clothing as you will only wear it for a short time. Just purchase the necessities, like a couple of dresses, tights and tunics that will see you through the nine months.

• If you are employed, contact your HR manager to find out about your company’s policy regarding maternity leave and benefits. Legally, you are allowed four months off work, but most companies offer this as unpaid, not paid leave.

To advertise in our next edition a family lifestyle magazine

Baby-prep

meaning

your body

Healthy eating tips

Understanding

challenging behaviour 9 772311 546706 www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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my child’s eyes

April – June 2018 ISSN 2311-5467

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When there are rocks but they’re not rolling

Smiles

What is divorce mediation?

Keeping children

Study habits

for a lifetime of success

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Bye-bye cot, hello big bed

for Africa

safe online www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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The world through

Treating recurring ear infections www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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January – March 2018

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Our search for

for new moms

TM

October – December 2017

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Baby’s and Beyond

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Baby’s and Beyond

Baby’s and Beyond

babys beyond

October – December 2017

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Finding your health

in your genes

Healthy tummies,

healthy babies

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please contact 021 424 3625 For editorial enquiries, please send an email to Elroy, editor@babysandbeyond.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Helping schools in Cape Town to save water Water shortages have become a daily reality in Cape Town and everyone in the region has been called on to do their part to save water. There are several water-saving initiatives that corporates are getting involved with to make a tangible impact on the ongoing drought conditions in the province. One such initiative is the installation of Smart Water Meters in schools that Dettol has involved itself in.

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chools play an important role in saving water as consumption levels are high and equally, because of the impact teachers can make on learners about awareness, education and affecting behaviours.

The Smart Meter System allows consumers to track and manage water consumption in real time.

Shoprite has partnered with Bridgiot (a start-up supporting the installations, affiliated to the University

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of Stellenbosch), Cape Talk and The Western Cape Education Department, in a campaign aimed at saving water at schools across Cape Town.

Through the #SmartWaterMeterChallenge, 209 schools have been reached and just under 33 million litres of water have been saved in the province as at 22 March 2018, with daily savings exceeding 500 000 litres. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE Dettol is involved in the #SmartWaterMeterChallenge and is sponsoring the installation and maintenance of smart water meters in 50 schools across the province.

‘There are many ways that schools can encourage pupils to save water and keep their water meter readings down, while still maintaining good hygiene’, says Dr Susan Louw, pathologist at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).

A simple, quick and effective way is to clean your hands with a waterless hand sanitiser or disinfectant wipes. Dettol’s Instant Hand Sanitiser and Dettol’s Hygiene Wipes protects from 99,9% of germs. If your hands are visibly dirty, use Dettol’s 6-step hand washing process with Dettol Hygiene Handwash, which protects from 100 illness causing germs. Close the tap while rubbing the soap into your hands and after rinsing it off, dry your hands with a paper towel.

#SmartWaterMeterChallenge The #SmartWaterMeterChallenge, which aims to save water at schools using the Dropula smart water meter, started in November 2017 with the initial target of 100 schools sponsored by Shoprite’s visionary Act for Change team. Two thirds of the funds allocated to each school tackled neglected plumbing maintenance, which immediately led to significant savings.

In a water crisis, good hygiene becomes paramount. The most common way to spread

bacteria and viruses is through hand contact.

Washing your hands properly is integral to prevent the spread of germs. Dettol, a trusted leader in germ protection, has advocated for the proper handwashing process to protect you and your family’s health. For a brand like Dettol, the six-step handwashing process has been pivotal in fighting germs, however, how does one follow a thorough regime with little or no water? The good news is that you can keep your hands clean with waterless handwashing solutions.

After the installations and maintenance at schools, the project will begin with behavioural activities with Prof Martine Visser and her team at University of Cape Town, and the research team at Stellenbosch University. Principals, teachers and children will be made aware of the school’s consumption and possible solutions to address problem areas and appropriate messaging per school.

Another way to save water is to flush toilets only when absolutely necessary as three toilet flushes uses about 27 litres of water! And don’t use toilets as rubbish bins.

Toilets and washrooms at schools are a breeding ground for germs though and should be regularly cleaned and wiped down with antiseptic solutions such as Dettol’s Bathroom Trigger to prevent the spread of germs, especially during a water crisis.

Dr Susan Louw

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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COMPETITION

WIN

a R1 000 Handcrafted Leather Shoes Voucher

How to enter: SMS the word ‘mishmash’

your name and surname to

33903

sms charged at R1.50, no free minutes apply Competition closes 30 September 2018. Winner will be announced on our babysandbeyond Facebook page. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Cracking baby talk: Insights by Sister Lilian

Have you ever wondered why your baby is vocal when he or she is alone? Or what they may be trying to communicate? While making sense of the goo-goo, ga-ga, baby babble is challenging, according to psychologist Katherine Nelson, baby talk is the way small children communicate and recreate their world by re-telling and interpreting experiences from their day.

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elson’s Crib Talk theory suggests that this early form of communication is crucial for developing your child’s emotional and cognitive skills. Your child will re-enact everything that happened in the day, so don’t be surprised if you hear an imitation of yourself.

Few baby milestones are as thrilling as your child’s

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first words. Your baby might babble their first ‘dada’ or ‘mama’ at around six to eight months. Pampers®, who researches baby and toddler milestones, believes monitoring baby’s speech helps you understand what they are trying to say and where they are in their development. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE Here’s an easy stage-by-stage guide to baby talk: 1 month After spending approximately nine months in a calm and relaxing environment, your baby will be startled by all the new noises and sensations. Crying, quick movements and sighs can all mean that your baby is experiencing something new. As a new parent it isn’t easy to decipher your baby’s needs, but you will quickly learn when your child is hungry, tired or uncomfortable.

a lot of what you say. It is essential that you keep chatting with your baby, as this will help to boost language development.

4 months At this stage, baby should begin imitating the noises he or she has experienced since birth. Listen to your baby’s pitch which will drop or rise when babbling.

This is a sure sign that he or she is copying the inflection in your voice. Encourage this by talking slowly and carefully to your child as much as possible.

Talk and listen to your tot According to Sister Lilian, the best way to stimulate speech development is to talk and listen to your tot, and to interact and play with them. She lists five important things to keep in mind: 1. Have a one-sided running conversation with your little one from early baby days.

2. Use lots of expressions and gestures.

6 to 8 months This is the age when your baby may begin to crawl. You will also start noticing that your baby is starting to point at toys while simultaneously babbling. This is a prime example of early communication. Some babies speak their first words at this stage.

3. Speak, sing, play music, recite nursery rhymes and read stories to your tot as often as possible.

4. Be encouraging; show them you’re pleased when they speak!

5. Don’t finish their sentences for them, let them say the words.

‘The rate of speech development varies drastically.

Remember, your little one may understand more than she can say and some tots say very little, and then suddenly start speaking sentences! Language develops as children play and interact with others, and more physical tots may take a little longer. Tots with older siblings often speak less, as their siblings speak for them,’ adds Sister Lilian.

Photo Credit: Pampers

18 to 24 months Now that your child has mastered a good number of words, he or she will start stringing them together to create simple sentences. As your child progresses, you will find it easier to communicate which will be a welcome milestone for both of you.

12 to 18 months Your baby should start picking up a few more words over the next couple of months. He or she may also start mimicking conversation by babbling with pauses and “responding” to questions. Although your baby’s vocabulary is still very limited, he or she understands www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Are pests in your home making you sick?

By Nathalie Johnson

It’s the start of the cold and flu season.

But before you blame that runny nose on the latest flu bug, it could be caused by pests. It’s a little-known fact that pests such as cockroaches and rodents can emit allergens: miniscule particles that can produce mild to severe allergy symptoms.

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ockroaches, rats, and mice – to name just a few common household pests - creep into your home, leaving allergen particles in their wake.

When these are inhaled, your immune system can overreact, leading to sneezing and wheezing; all those reactions symptomatic of allergies and asthma.

Flies are just as bad, if not worse: their sticky foot pads - used to anchor them to surfaces - carry leftover particles of excrement or garbage, which in turn can be transferred onto your food. Flies also defecate every four to five minutes, a further contaminant of food. Flies are known to spread diseases like malaria, dysentery, gastro-enteritis, typhoid fever, cholera, conjunctivitis, tuberculosis and diarrhoea.

Although getting rid of cockroaches, rodents and flies may seem simple while browsing the pesticide isle of the supermarket, you need a trained eye and expert knowledge in pest behaviour to really get to the root of the problem.

Prevention The first line of defence against these pests is adequate proofing of one’s home. Prevent pests from gaining access by sealing cracks and holes around utility pipes that enter the premises; rats are known to fit through holes of less than 1cm diameter, so it is important to seal even the smallest holes. Seal entry points around windows and doors using sealant or caulking, and fit bristle strip around doors.

Pests come indoors in search of food and shelter, so it is important not to attract them with easily accessible food, such as food waste in kitchens or with nesting materials such old newspapers and boxes. Make sure to recycle your paper waste as soon as possible rather than leaving it lying around as cosy nesting options.

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Keep kitchens spotlessly clean and always cover all food. Clear away any food and liquid spillages immediately and take care to clean food debris from under kitchen appliances.

Avoid standing water in gardens, such as in watering cans and water features, as this attracts mosquitoes and flies. Ensure that drains are kept clear and running and that gutters and drainage pipes are clear.

Keep rubbish in sealed bins, making sure that lids fit tightly and are kept closed. Dispose of rubbish regularly and in warm weather wash out rubbish bins after collection to prevent flies from breeding at the bottom.

Cure Whilst prevention is always better than cure, there may be occasions when you must resort to pesticides. There are many DIY pest control products available to get rid of pests in low-risk areas. It is, however, essential to follow the instructions carefully for safe and effective use.

Whilst DIY pest control products can deal with smaller pest problems, a professional pest control service will be needed for larger or multiple infestations. Rentokil pest control technicians are trained in a wide variety of pest control methods and their expert knowledge means more efficiently targeted, safe pest control.

For more information, visit www.rentokil.co.za

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2018/07/03 12:02 PM

FEATURE

From fussy eaters

to foodies

By Simcha Van Bel-du Plooy

We live in a society where restaurants offer separate children’s menus with limited options based on an assumption that children won’t eat what is on the main menu.

So, how do we support the growth of a generation of foodies rather than fussy eaters?

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ith a supportive community, dedicated parents, educators, medical professionals, and those working in the food industry, it may be possible to establish a foodie culture. Local and international chef, J Malherbe, comments: ‘creating little food lovers is the hardest task in the world. However, there are guidelines to point parents in the right direction.’

Establishing excitement in eating There’s a great need to focus on creating exciting and innovative ideas for meals and lunch boxes to support the development of the little foodie from as young as possible. Dietician, Tamzyn Murphy from Real Food Dieticians, shares a few guiding nutritional principles that she believes should govern what goes into your child’s lunchbox. Firstly, the less the food is processed the better. Food should ultimately be ‘real’ rather than manufactured. Secondly, removing or at least minimising added sugar is key. Tamzyn recommends replacing processed meats with a boiled egg and providing plain or Greek yoghurt rather than sweetened options. Presenting green eggs and ham, as in the famous DR SEUSS book, helps children awaken curiosity and imagination.

Cutting vegetables into interesting shapes and playing with colour combinations or mixing sweet and savoury – caramelised peanuts and cranberries with broccoli – can promote curiosity where otherwise less inviting foods may not. Instead of sandwiches, chef J Malherbe suggests frittatas

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that include eggs as a key ingredient and are great protein, or lettuce wraps filled with cheese, chicken, tomatoes or even rice.

Developing an interest in food preparation Exposure plays a big role in ensuring children become lovers of all foods rather than a restricted range. J Malherbe notes that he finds getting kids involved in the process, from shopping to cooking, plays an important role in inviting a passion and excitement for food. Children can assist with writing shopping lists, planning menus, and finding items at the shop. Getting messy in the kitchen does not have to be limited to baking cakes and treats, children can also help prepare daily meals. Having a chef’s hat and an apron adds a playful character-building side and having different themed evenings can be educational and fun and create an interest in gastronomic cultures from around the world.

Food as a social and educational experience Food and its preparation is a social activity and should be experienced as fun rather than a chore.

Chef J Malherbe notes that teaching kids to share, using grapes or mini rice crackers, is good for building relationships at school and inviting positive interaction around healthy food.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Is genetic insight the greatest gift you can give your child?

New advances in pharmacogenomics give parents access to an uninvasive DNA test that yields critical insights into how their offspring metabolise medication. And it’s likely the most important gift they’ll ever give.

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rom the time you first hold your children in your arms, you’ll do everything you can to protect them – and that includes shielding them from illnesses. You’ll spend the first few years trying to find treatments that work best when they’re sick, based on recommendations from your paediatrician. But what if you could empower your specialist with deeper insights to inform your child’s treatment?

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Just for your child Your children’s genetic make-up determines how they respond to medication – what dose they need and the side effects they’ll experience.

Medication therapy in children is a complex issue with limited information. Research shows only 25% of approved medications are suitable for paediatric use. Most is researched and labelled for use in adults.

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FEATURE As a result, many indications and dosages are based on trial and error instead of proven studies.

Adults vs children Child psychiatrist, Dr Sarvani Pather says every child’s DNA holds the key to the enzymes they produce, which is how they metabolise medicine. Some children may have a genetic variation that creates overactive enzymes and makes them ultra-rapid metabolisers of an ingredient. Others might metabolise medication far less expediently or intensively. ‘One example is a common painkiller, such as codeine, which is present in many cough and cold medications. For ultra-rapid metabolisers, an inappropriate dose means codeine is converted into morphine which can have negative side effects,’ says Dr Sarvani.

‘For children who don’t metabolise medication as well, they won’t find pain relief and may be traumatised as a result.’

Safe, effective treatment for the future A simple cheek swab is the first step to unlocking your child’s DNA – and towards better treatment. As a parent, you can now access and order the mygeneRx test online, have it delivered to your door and conduct the test with your child. No needles and no hospitals.

A simple cheek swab is the first step to unlocking your child’s DNA – and towards better treatment. mygeneRx analyses genetic variants that affect the metabolism of cardiovascular, psychiatry and pain medications. The tests give accurate recommendations for 150 different prescription drugs. This benefits patients who are starting new medication, experiencing side-effects or not responding to specific medication, and ensures the safety and efficacy of their treatment.

It means better control of the medicine your child needs, informing the best health decisions throughout the lifespan. As medication and treatment become increasingly personalised, it’s the greatest gift you can give your child.

To speak to an expert about genetic testing for your child – and the power of pharmacogenomics for personalised medicine, visit www. mygenerx.co.za

DNAlysis DNAlysis, a leader in the field of biotechnology, provides insights that enable healthcare practitioners to adopt a tailored approach to personalised patient care. The portfolio of DNAlysis genetic tests give information to improve and maintain health, for more informed, effective and safe treatment.

DNAlysis products and services are distributed worldwide.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Tips for insuring

your child’s car

At 18, when a young adult obtains a driver’s license, a vehicle may be purchased or handed down to them. However, if parents don’t properly insure the car with the details of the driver, they could be in for a massive financial outlay if their child is involved in a motor vehicle accident.

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ccording to Nazeer Hoosen, CEO of PPS ShortTerm Insurance, a subsidiary of the PPS Group – the financial services provider focussed on graduate professionals – the most common mistake parents make when insuring their child’s car is failing to

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specify the child as the primary driver or as one of the drivers of a vehicle.

He explains that when the correct driver is not specified at the inception of the policy, or if the existing policy is not updated to include the primary www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE driver in the event of the car being handed down from parent to child, the insurance risk is incorrectly underwritten.

‘When arranging the cover for a child’s car, ensure that the main driver’s details (ie the child) are given to the broker or insurer so that the premium is correctly calculated, and that the policy reflects the correct risk details,’ says Nazeer. ‘The details should include the name, age and contact details for the main driver, the address where the vehicle is kept during the day and at night, whether it is stored in a locked garage, and any other security measures, such as vehicle tracking and alarm systems.’

When the correct driver is not specified at the inception of the policy, or if the existing policy is not updated to include the primary driver, the insurance risk is incorrectly underwritten.

One of the reasons why parents sometimes neglect to name their child as the primary driver is because premiums for younger drivers are typically higher because they are less experienced. ‘They are generally more open to taking risks and the lack of experience is more likely to result in an accident.

Once a driver has passed the initial period of driving for two to three years as a licensed driver, the risk decreases and possibly the premium too. When they are over 25 it decreases even further. In a nut shell,

One way to lower the premium of the policy for a younger driver is to take on risk by increasing the excess. the claims frequency and severity are higher with young or inexperienced drivers.’

One way to lower the premium of the policy for a younger driver is to take on risk by increasing the excess, he says. ‘In addition, the selection of vehicle is important to bear in mind. Imported cars and vehicles with high power to weight ratios attract higher premiums.’

Nazeer adds that it is not a problem that the car is insured in the parent’s name, so long as full disclosures are made in terms of primary driver, age and risk details are disclosed at inception or when the risk changes. Most policies are not on a named driver basis and anyone may drive the vehicle with the insured’s permission, so long as they adhere to policy terms and conditions. The issue is insurers must be given the opportunity to rate and underwrite the risk using the primary driver’s details.

‘If the child has an accident and they are listed as a driver, the claims process would be dealt with in the same ways as normal claims, but perhaps with an additional excess provided that the correct primary driver details were presented at inception,’ Nazeer maintains.

‘Insuring a car is a process that everyone has to go through and the more effort placed on ensuring the new driver details have been fully disclosed the better the end result. It is always a good idea to send inexperienced drivers on an advanced driving course to boost their driving skills,’ he concludes.

PPS is the largest South African company of its kind that still embraces an ethos of mutuality, which means that it exists solely for the benefit of its members. Thus, PPS members with qualifying products share in the profits of PPS Insurance via annual allocations to the unique PPS Profit-Share Account and those who have qualifying PPS Provider products can also share in the profits of PPS Investments.

PPS membership provides access to the following tried, tested and trusted products and services: PPS Insurance, PPS Short-Term Insurance, PPS Financial Planning, PPS Investments and Profmed Medical Scheme. For more information, visit www.pps.co.za.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Photo credit: PPS Short-Term Insurance

PPS boasts more than 300 000 members who enjoy access to a comprehensive suite of financial and healthcare products that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of graduate professionals.

Nazeer Hoosen, CEO of PPS ShortTerm Insurance, a subsidiary of the PPS Group.

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HEALTH

What can soothe that bothersome cough?

During the winter months we tend to suffer from nasty coughs which simply refuse to go away. They stop us from falling asleep, wake us up during the night and annoy the entire family.

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oughing does actually have an important purpose. It is a safety reflex, which is your body’s way of keeping unwanted stuff from getting into your lungs. However, post-virus inflammation of the airways means this debilitating symptom can linger long after the infection has gone.

Here are some simple tips experts say will help bring relief by soothing your irritated airways.

Water is your friend • Drink plenty of water: Keeping hydrated helps thin out the excess mucus and reduces your cough reflex. Drinking liquids also helps keep mucus membranes moist. This is particularly helpful in winter when houses tend to be hot and dry.

• Add moisture to the air: Dry air can be irritating, so a humidifier will also help ease congestion.

• The downside is that if you don’t clean humidifiers thoroughly after every use they can become breeding grounds for fungus and mould which they then pump into the air, exacerbating coughs further.

• Bowls of water or damp towels placed on a radiator make for a safe, cheap alternative to plug-in humidifiers.

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• Have a steamy shower: The heat can loosen secretions in your nose which can ease a cough.

• Try putting a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol oil on the shower wall (but never directly onto your skin) to boost the effect.

Cough-proof your home • Sleep with extra pillows: When it comes to a night-time cough, gravity is the enemy. All the mucus you would normally swallow during the day flows back and irritates your throat as you lie down.

• Keep the air inside your home irritant-free: Air fresheners and scented candles may seem harmless, but for some people they can cause sinus irritation which produces extra mucus that leads to even more coughing.

• The worst irritant in the air is smoke, so avoid cigarettes and any areas where there are smokers.

• Stay inside in the warmth as much as possible: Cold air can exacerbate a cough, so if you have a cold or other respiratory infection avoid being outside for too long. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

How to deal with

cold weather ailments Colds You can help prevent colds by washing your hands regularly.

This helps to destroy any bacteria you may have picked up from touching surfaces touched by other people, like door handles, light switches and money. It is also important to keep cutlery, hand towels and other communal items clean at all times, especially when someone is ill in your house.

Top Tip: Use disposable tissues instead of fabric handkerchiefs to avoid re-infecting your own hands.

Sore throat Sore throats are almost always caused by viral infections and are very common in winter. Moving from a heated place to a cold place can also affect your throat.

Top Tip: One quick remedy which won’t heal the infection but has anti-inflammatory properties and a soothing effect is salt dissolved in partly-cooled boiled water.

Asthma Cold air is one major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be extra careful during winter months.

Top Tip: Stay indoors on extra cold and windy days. If you have to go out, wear warm enough clothes and also wear a loosely fitted scarf around your mouth and nose. Always keep your reliever inhalers close by.

Norovirus

Painful joints

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, it is an extremely infectious stomach bug. It is most common during winter months but can strike all year round. It is also very common to contract the virus in public places like hospitals, hotels, nursing homes and schools.

Top Tip: To prevent dehydration, it is vital that if you are vomiting and have diarrhoea that you drink plenty of fluids.

The elderly and young children are mostly at risk.

Drinking oral rehydration fluids available from your local pharmacy can also prevent dehydration.

Confirmed by many people suffering from arthritis, joints become more painful during winter, even though there is no evidence that changes in weather cause joint damage.

Top Tip: Depression in many people is common during winter and this makes them perceive pain more acutely. Daily exercise can boost a person’s mental and physical health.

Swimming is ideal as it is easy on the joints.

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HEALTH Cold sores Cold sores are commonly recognised as a sign that a person’s immune system is under pressure.

While there is no cure for cold sores, you can reduce the chances of getting them during winter by looking after yourself.

Top Tip: Do daily therapeutic things like gardening, taking a hot bath, walks in the park or on the beach and trying out new recipes in the kitchen to make you fell less stressed.

Heart attacks Heart attacks are common during winter months. It may be because blood pressure increases in cold weather and puts more strain on the heart, which also forces the heart to work harder to maintain body heat.

Top Tip: Stay warm and calm indoors. Heat your main rooms to at least 18ºC and use hot water bottles and electric blankets to keep your bed warm.

Cold hands and feet A common condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon makes your fingers and toes change colour and become very painful in cold weather. Fingers can turn white, then blue, then red and throb and tingle as the small blood vessels in the hands and feet go into spasm, temporarily reducing blood flow. Medication can help in severe cases, but most people manage to live with their symptoms without medication.

Top Tip: Avoid smoking or drinking caffeine as it worsen the symptoms. Wear warm gloves, thick socks and shoes when gong out in cold weather.

Dry skin Dry skin is a more common condition during winter when environmental humidity is low. Proper moisturising is essential during winter. Moisturising lotions and creams aren’t absorbed by the skin, however, they act as a sealant to stop the skin’s natural moisture evaporating. The best time to apply moisturiser is after a shower or bath while the skin is still moist, and again at bed time.

Top Tip: Have warm than hot showers or baths as too hot water makes the skin feel more dry and itchy.

Flu People older than 65, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, HIV and Aids and kidney diseases, are particularly at risk of getting flu. Flu vaccinations offer good protection and last for at least one year.

Top Tip: If you are at high risk of getting flu, get vaccinated. If you are not sure of your risk, consult your GP.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

How you position your baby really matters

By Diana Coetzer

Your little bundle of joy is at home in your arms, everything is moving along perfectly as planned until you notice that your baby’s head is looking a bit flat on one side. So, what now?

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lagiocephaly is defined as a deformation of the skull producing an asymmetric head. When external forces cause abnormal moulding in a child’s skull it is called deformational plagiocephaly. This can be caused by how you position your baby during sleeping and other activities.

Often babies are placed on the same side every time they are placed in their cribs to sleep. This causes the head to be moulded the same way. It can also lead to cervical muscle involvement known as torticollis. Torticollis is a term given when neck

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muscles are in asymmetry, causing the baby to only be able to turn their head in one direction, and the neck is tilted to one side. This causes the loss of range of motion in the cervical spine.

Research has suggested that a successful 1992 campaign against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, focusing on sleep positions for infants and adopted in a number of countries, may have had the unfortunate side effect of increasing rates of plagiocephaly and torticollis as well. Parents need to consider these risks too when they put their babies down to sleep.

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HEALTH And they’re not insubstantial risks: a population study conducted on 440 infants in Canada showed a plagiocephaly rate of 46.6% of infants between the ages of seven to 12 weeks.

Signs to look for: • Head is tilting to one side • Decreased range of motion in the child’s neck • Your child is always looking in one direction • Flattening of your child’s head • One shoulder looks higher than the other • Breastfed babies may prefer to feed on one side over the other • Fussy, irritable infants

Why are we worried?

Torticollis can affect feeding. This can happen because of the decreased range of motion in the neck causing the baby to not be able to move into the correct position for latching. There has also been research conducted showing that infants with torticollis have poorer sucking reflexes too, when compared to infants with full range of motion. It was shown that infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly tend to be fussy and irritable infants with poor selfcalming skills. They also show a dislike of positional changes.

Many developmental studies have now been conducted on infants with plagiocephaly and torticollis. It has been found that they are at a higher risk for developmental delay in all areas, but most commonly in the area of motor skills. This can be explained by a theory on infant motor learning known as the Cephalo-Caudal theory or Head to Toe Approach: infants develop from their heads down their bodies to their toes. So, they develop head control first and walking last. If there is a hindrance at the neck causing incorrect development, this can flow down, affecting other developmental areas down the body and cause developmental delay.

What can you do to prevent it?

• Tummy time: We all know we should do it more often with our babies, but do we really understand why? Tummy time is the opportunity for a child to

learn to move their bodies against gravity. They are able to practise putting weight through their arms and keep their heads lifted. Tummy time can be started on day one of an infant’s life. As the child gets older, toys can be introduced as well.

It can be done on various surfaces to allow the baby to use different amounts of force to move their bodies.

• Limiting time in car seats: Infants tend to spend large amounts of time in car seats. By allowing increased tummy time, this can decrease the risk of the plagicephaly and torticollis occurring.

Prolonged time in the car seat allows the infant to be kept in one position for too long.

• Alternate positions in the cot: Each time you place your child in their cot for a sleep, change the direction that you place your child in. This changes the pressure on their body and provides a variability of orientation that will allow for the infant to be able to move in various positions.

What you can do if you suspect your child is suffering from plagiocephaly • Physiotherapy: Go and see a physiotherapist who has a special interest in paediatrics. They will assess your child and give you a home programme which will benefit your child’s specific needs. This programme will consist of stretching techniques which will stretch the affected muscles. You will taught specific movement techniques which will help strengthen your baby’s muscles in the correct positions. Your physiotherapist will also teach you how to position your child to further prevent the condition as well as improve the child’s current condition.

Your physiotherapist will also teach you how to massage the muscles that are involved to return them to full health.

• Don’t let your baby sleep on a pillow. Let them rather sleep flat on the mattress. You can use a rolled-up blanket to help position the child to improve the plagiocephaly and torticollis.

If you are worried about your child, please visit www.saphysio.co.za and “Find a Physio” with a special interest in paediatrics. There is a solution and your physiotherapist is there to help you!

Diana Coetzer graduated from Wits University in 2006 with a BSc Physiotherapy degree and completed her community service at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital in Krugersdorp. She went on to complete her Master’s degree researching premature infants and their development. On completion, she opened her own private paediatrics practice in Krugersdorp and also works in a local NICU. In her out-patient clinic, as well as the NICU, she treats children with a variety of conditions. She is currently completing her PhD and her thesis and research focusses on a developmental programme for premature infants.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

As the season for sinus infections approaches ...

Do you know how to distinguish between a sinus infection and a seasonal allergy?

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here are two kinds of sinusitis: viral and bacterial.

Both types cause inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages and connected sinuses, but sometimes treatment vary.

Acute sinusitis is one of the most common diagnoses in the adult population. Common symptoms include congestion, headache, facial pain or pressure, tooth pain, nasal discharge and occasionally, fever. More serious symptoms can include double vision and require immediate medical attention.

Approximately 0.5 to 13% of viral upper respiratory tract infections (the common cold) can progress to acute bacterial sinusitis. Only 0.5 to 2% of viral sinusitis can progress to acute bacterial sinusitis.

Viral sinusitis Viral sinusitis generally lasts 10 days or less. The treatment is targeted at the symptoms and includes rest and hydration. Nasal spray can be very effective at soothing the irritated nasal passages and sinuses, as well as diluting the thickened congestion.

Be careful though, use of decongestants can help relieve pressure but should not be used for more than three to five days, as rebound congestion has been known to occur. Topical decongestants like nasal sprays are also often preferred over pills because the nasal spray has increased potency and decreased risk of toxicity. Some forms of decongestant should be avoided if the patient has other medical issues such as hypertension.

Another option for treatment includes intranasal steroids, which help relieve congestion, regardless of the cause (allergies, infection). Intranasal steroids are generally low risk but should be used for at least one month, depending on the course of the illness. Lastly, warm facial packs and steam inhalation may help ease the discomfort.

Bacterial sinusitis Bacterial sinusitis is generally diagnosed by a physician and could be considered if symptoms persist for more than 10 days, or if symptoms initially improve then abruptly worsen.

Often bacterial sinusitis is associated with one-sided facial pain. Nasal discharge is often present but the

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colour or consistency does not help distinguish a viral from a bacterial infection. The colour or consistency of nasal discharge is often directly related to how well the patient is hydrated. Diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis does not necessarily require imaging studies.

If bacterial sinusitis is considered, antibiotic therapy may be started.

The physician will decide which antibiotic would be most appropriate depending on the patient’s other medical conditions, allergies and medication interactions.

Regional variances in resistance to antibiotics also need to be considered. The risks of treatment with antibiotics have to be weighed against the severity of symptoms. Once an antibiotic is initiated, symptoms should improve in three to five days and if they do not, a different antibiotic can be considered.

All the treatments mentioned for viral sinusitis should be considered for treatment in bacterial sinusitis.

When to see a specialist If the symptoms fail to improve with treatment, consider seeing a specialist. Sometimes anatomic variances (nasal polyps or a deviated septum) can predispose a patient to more frequent or severe infections. In these cases an Otolaryngologist can evaluate and consider alternative treatments ,up to and including surgery.

One last note should be made about the distinction between a sinus infection and seasonal allergies. Symptoms can be very similar and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. How sick does the patient feel? Generally, allergies can mimic infection but the patient does not feel ill or tired.

Acute bacterial infection can develop, however, after prolonged congestion, regardless of what caused the prolonged congestion (allergies or viral infection). www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2018/07/03 12:02 PM

HEALTH

Eye allergies in children

By Lizzie Curtis

Eye allergies are surprisingly common in children in South Africa and unfortunately, this phenomenon appears to be on the increase.

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ome children will experience eye allergies as infants and young children but outgrow it as adults, while others will continue to battle with it right into adulthood.

If one of the child’s biological parents suffers from some form of allergy, there’s a 40% to 50% chance that the child will have some sort of allergy as well.

That probability jumps to between 75% and 80% when both biological parents have allergies.

An allergy describes the “over excited” way in which the body reacts to something in the environment which it sees as foreign. This foreign substance is called an allergen.

Types of allergens Outdoor allergens include pollens, diesel exhaust and petrol fumes. While indoor culprits encompass pet dander, dust mites, mould and cigarette smoke.

A child can come into contact with an allergen by touching it, breathing it in or eating it. The following image has been borrowed from Adam Inc. which shows some of the various types of culprits that can cause allergic reactions in children whose body sees them as foreign.

Allergic eye disease symptoms In a child with allergies, the body mistakenly identifies the foreign object (seen in the example above, right)

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as a serious threat, which in turn triggers a cascade of immune mediated enzymes and chemicals to be released into the body to fight off this intruder.

This overzealous reaction can cause a range of symptoms, from having mildly itchy eyes, to chronic scarring with resultant loss of vision.

Symptoms may only occur during certain seasons, such as spring when flowers start to blossom, or may be present throughout the year because of continual exposure to something like house dust mites.

Symptoms that occur commonly in allergic eye disease include: • Itchy eyes with frequent rubbing • Increased tearing (watery eyes) • Red or pink eyes • Mild swelling of the eyelids. Areas around the eye or just below the eye are also often involved, and • Darkened discoloration of the skin under the eye

Watching children’s behaviour is key Children are not young adults and cannot always describe what exactly is wrong. It is helpful to carefully watch their behaviour: www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

• Do they rub their eyes often?

• Do they blink forcefully and repeatedly?

• Do they make rolling eye movements in response to an itchy sensation?

What allergies are not It is important to remember that eye allergies do not cause the following: • A sticky, stringy, mucus discharge • A green or a yellow discharge • Lids that are so swollen that they close the eyes • Pain or a fever Should any of these symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought immediately!

• Use “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites, and wash your bedding frequently, using hot water (above 40C).

• Wash your hands after petting any animal.

In addition to avoiding triggers, your child’s eyes can be made more comfortable by using medication.

Some symptoms can be controlled by using overthe-counter medication such as artificial tears, a decongestant drop and oral antihistamines.

There are two important factors to be considered when taking these medications. Over-the-counter decongestant eye drops should not be used for more than two to three days. Prolonged use can create a “rebound effect”, increased swelling and redness that may last even after discontinuing the drops. Antihistamine tablets may cause dry eyes and potentially worsen eye allergy symptoms.

Prescribed drops include preparations such as antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, non-steroidal antiinflammatories and corticosteroids.

Your eye specialist will determine which combination of these treatments are the most appropriate for your child.

Correct diagnosis is important Eye allergies can cause great discomfort and in rare cases, even loss of sight. But with the correct diagnosis and treatment the condition can be well controlled. It is always recommended to see an eye specialist for the best possible advice.

Management of allergies Once a diagnosis of allergic eye disease has been made by your eye specialist, there are a variety of management protocols that can be followed.

The simplest of these is to avoid the possible triggers.

Many allergens that cause eye allergies are difficult to identify, but there are a few general procedures that can be helpful: • Keep windows closed during high pollen periods and stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are at their peak, usually during the midmorning and early evening and on windy days.

• Avoid using window fans that can draw pollens and moulds into the house. Use air-conditioning in your home and car if possible.

• In damp areas use a dehumidifier to control mould.

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HEALTH

Children with ADHD: Bullied or bully?

By Melissa Myburgh

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are unlikely to go unnoticed in a school environment. It can quickly earn your child the “different”, “difficult” or “disruptive” label and attract the attention of bullies.

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hildren with ADHD find it difficult to understand social cues which then impacts negatively on their everyday conversations and interactions with other children and adults. Their exclusion from social circles also leads to heightened feelings of isolation and depression.

Bullying in schools can have a serious impact on your child’s participation and academic performance. Over 3.2 million South African students are bullied every year, but more than 67% don’t speak up because they are afraid or feel ashamed, and doubt that their parents or teachers can change their situation. Unfortunately, bullying is often directed at insecure and passive children who display physical weakness and poor social skills.

Bullied or bully?

Whether brought on by ADHD tendencies or low selfesteem caused by the condition, research suggests that ADHD children are nearly 10 times more likely to attract the attention of bullies. ADHD children tend to avoid confrontation but when taunted by bullies, they often overreact emotionally. Unfortunately, this usually adds fuel to the flame for a bully.

That said, recent research also found that children with ADHD are almost four times more likely to

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bully other children without the condition. Likewise, this can be due to low self-esteem or could be a response to victimisation or feelings of depression.

The destructive impact of bullying Bullying can be linked to lasting emotional, mental and physical health issues for both the bullied and the bully. If your child is bullied at school, he or she is likely to experience heightened levels of insecurity, anxiety, depression, loneliness, poor sleeping and eating patterns, and decreased academic achievement - over and above ADHD symptoms.

On the other hand, if your ADHD child has become the playground bully, he or she is more likely to get into fights or take part in risky activities. Keep a close eye on school attendance as both the bullied and the bully are more likely to bunk school.

Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with bullying.

In addition to a holistic treatment plan and an active support group, the impact of ADHD in the school environment can be successfully managed.

That means less attention from bullies and a memorable and carefree childhood.

For more information around the symptoms, impact and treatment of ADHD, visit MyADHD.co.za or My ADHD on Facebook. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

What is really hiding behind my dry skin condition?

For many, dry skin is not a sign of a skin condition or disease, but is simply caused by harsh soaps, itchy clothing, misusing moisturiser, dry air and long, hot showers. But the medications you take, and even medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism and malnutrition, can also cause severe dry skin.

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here are lots of good reasons to do something about your dry, itchy skin - your looks, your health and your sanity. So it’s time to put down the back scratcher and figure out what’s really causing your dry skin problem.

Understanding dry skin Normal, healthy skin is coated in a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. They keep in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple.

What causes dry skin, or xerosis, as it’s known medically? Usually, something in the environment, or something you’re doing to your skin, is stripping away these fatty oils, leaving your skin unprotected.

Less often, the cause is internal; a health condition, menopause or genetic predisposition is making your skin dry out.

While patches of dry, itchy skin can appear anywhere, it’s most common on the arms, hands, lower legs and abdomen. Dry skin is often felt more than it’s seen, but on some people it can be noticeable and embarrassing. For many black people, dry skin is a special concern, since the flakes of skin can look grey.

If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin, swelling, and infection. The good news is that just as most causes of dry skin are external, most treatments for dry skin are external. With careful dry skin care, you can usually solve the problem.

Misusing moisturiser If you’ve been living with dry skin, you’ve probably already tried a moisturiser, if not dozens. But while moisturisers are a crucial part of dry skin care, experts say that we don’t always use them very well.

One mistake people make is applying moisturiser on dry skin, when it’s least likely to help. Put on moisturiser

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when your skin is still damp. That way, the moisturiser is trapping the moisture still on your skin. Your skin shouldn’t be sopping wet though, just pat yourself dry with a towel and put the moisturiser on. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then towel off the excess.

You’ve also got to get the right type of moisturiser.

Experts recommend that people with dry skin use mild moisturisers that contain no perfumes or alcohols.

Often a simple budget moisturiser can do a good job. The moisturiser must also be thick and greasy to seal in the moisture needed for good dry skin care.

One simple moisturiser test is to put some of your lotion in the palm of your hand and flip your hand over. If it runs or drips, it’s not thick enough for dry skin.

Dry air Dry air is probably the most common cause of dry skin, especially during winter. It draws the moisture right out of the skin. Dry skin during winter even gets its own name: winter itch.

While cold, harsh weather does dry your skin, another big problem in the winter lies indoors - the dry heat churned out by your central heating. During the summer, air conditioning can have a similar effect.

To counteract the dry heat, use a moisturiser. Turning

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HEALTH down the heating a bit in the winter can also help.

Other dry skin care tips include using a humidifier in your bedroom, and bundling up with hats, scarves and gloves, when you’re outside.

Long, hot showers and baths Prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin.

If you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it’s dried out.

So what should you do? First, choose showers over baths. But that’s not all. If you’re accustomed to waking up in the morning with a long, languid shower, dermatologists have some brutal advice: limit showers to a few minutes and skip the hot water.

The water doesn’t have to be cold, but it should be lukewarm rather than hot. Try angling the showerhead away from you, or turn it off, while you shave or soap up. It’s another way of reducing the time your skin is being pounded by the water.

Afterwards, pat your body dry with a towel rather than vigorously rubbing it and put on a moisturiser right away.

Soap Soap can quickly strip away your skin’s protective oils and we tend to use way too much of it.

Often, the only parts of the body that need any soap or cleanser at all are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms. The rest of the body can usually just be rinsed off with water.

While our doctors and our mothers always told us to wash our hands frequently, that can also lead to trouble. Ironically, while done in the quest to rid ourselves of germs, excessive hand washing can dry out the skin and cause it to crack and bleed, making skin infection much more likely.

Many of us choose unwisely when we’re in the soap aisle of the supermarket. We go for harsh soaps, such as deodorant or antibacterial soaps, that generate lots of lather and leave us feeling squeaky clean. Lathering from soap removes the oils from the surface of the skin and dries it out.

For dry skin care, look for milder, ‘fragrance-free’ soaps. That’s not the same as ‘unscented’ which may still have perfumes. For many people with dry skin, the best choice is a mild skin cleanser rather than soap, experts say.

Whatever you do, don’t use any harsh implements to wash yourself. Flannels, abrasive sponges or brushes can strip away that thin layer of natural oils that keep our skin moist and healthy. Using aqueous cream as soap is often recommended too.

Itchy clothing No matter how much you might love the look of a sweater, it’s not worth it if it’s uncomfortable. If a sweater is itchy when you try it on, it’s unlikely to ever be any less itchy.

In fact, it might get more itchy. Dry skin is especially sensitive to contact irritants, so continually exposing your skin to uncomfortable clothing could make your skin drier and itchier.

Go with clothes that feel comfortable the first time www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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you put them on. Instead of wool, try cashmere if you can afford it.

Make sure your clothing isn’t too tight either, since chafing can also cause and irritate dry skin. And remember, if your skin feels irritated, use detergents without perfumes or dyes.

Using non-biological washing powder may also help some people.

Medication A number of drugs have the side effect of drying out the skin. These include drugs for: • High blood pressure, like diuretics, and • Acne and other skin conditions, like retinoids.

If you notice the onset of a dry skin problem after starting a medication, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help by changing the dose or switching the medication.

Medical conditions Usually, dry skin is caused by external factors. But sometimes, it can be a sign of something going on internally, whether it’s a natural physiological change or an illness.

For instance, dry skin often develops when people get older, especially in women. Changes in hormone levels can cause dry skin as we age.

A number of medical conditions can result in dry skin. Some of the more common of these medical causes are: • Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis: While they usually need direct treatment, careful use of moisturisers often helps.

• Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood glucose levels can lead to dehydration, and that dries the skin out. Given that diabetes can also slow healing and increase the risk of infections, it’s especially important for people with this condition to keep their skin healthy.

• Hypothyroidism: Low levels of thyroid hormone can reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin. As a result, skin becomes dry and rough.

Hypothyroidism is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like fatigue and weight gain.

• Malnutrition: Not getting the nutrients you need can leave your skin dried out. One possible cause is an eating disorder.

Other diseases, both minor and serious, can also cause dry skin problems. The best way to treat these cases of dry skin depends on the underlying condition.

Sometimes, getting medication for the underlying condition will resolve the dry skin. But in other cases, you might still need to follow some of the basic dry skin care tips outlined above. Ask your doctor for advice.

While dry skin can be a sign of these more serious health conditions, it’s usually nothing more than runof-the-mill dry skin, regardless of how horrible it feels.

So, if your dry skin problem is making you miserable, it’s time to seek medical advice. Your doctor can help you identify the causes and get you the treatment you need. Doctors can recommend medication if you need it, which could include antihistamines for itchiness or prescription creams, including steroids.

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HEALTH

The dangers behind

Pneumococcal Disease Pneumococcal Disease is an infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, also known as pneumococcus. Infection can result in pneumonia, infection in the blood, middle-ear infection or bacterial meningitis.

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he bacteria spread through coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact, such as kissing.

Pneumococcal infection kills tens of thousands of people in the US each year. Older people are most likely to die from pneumococcal disease, but younger adults with certain health conditions are also at increased risk for severe illness and death.

Symptoms Pneumococcal Disease can come on quickly and without warning and the symptoms are not the same for everyone. Depending on whether the infection causes pneumonia, bloodstream infection, or meningitis, people may have some combination of the following: abrupt onset of fever, shaking and chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, stiff neck, disorientation and sensitivity to light.

Prevention There are two safe and effective vaccines recommended to protect adults against pneumococcal disease; a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).

Who should be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease?

CDC recommends both PCV13 and PPSV23 for • All adults age 65 years and older, and • Adults age 19 to 64 years with conditions or treatments that affect the immune system (such as HIV, lymphoma, leukemia, or Hodgkin disease, chronic kidney disease, radiation therapy, or certain long-term steroid use).

PCV13 and PPSV23 cannot be given at the same visit. Your healthcare professional can tell you what doses you need and the timing that is right for you.

A second PPSV23 vaccine is recommended for these individuals five years after the first PPSV23.

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CDC recommends only PPSV23 for the following adults age 19 to 64 years: • Those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung, heart or liver disease, or alcoholism • Cigarette smokers • Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities These individuals should receive a dose of PCV13 when they reach age 65 and should consult with their healthcare professional.

Vaccine safety The pneumococcal vaccination is safe and effective in preventing illness and death due to Pneumococcal Disease. Some people experience mild side effects, but these are usually minor and last only a short time. When side effects do occur, the most common include swelling and soreness at the injection site. A few people experience fever and muscle pain. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems could occur after having the vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with pneumococcal disease are much greater than the potential risks associated with pneumococcal vaccination.

Disease and vaccine facts • Pneumococcal vaccine can be given at any time during the year.

• One pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same time as an influenza vaccine, but in the opposite arm. If you need a second pneumococcal vaccine, your healthcare professional can tell you when to come back for it.

• Heart problems are common in people hospitalised because of pneumococcal pneumonia.

• You cannot get Pneumococcal Disease from the vaccination. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Bedwetting: When to consult a doctor

By Refilwe Makamedi

Bedwetting is an issue that millions of families face every night. This can be very stressful for the whole family and often the children feel embarrassed or guilty about wetting the bed. Bedwetting can also cause anxiety when spending the night at a friend’s house or going away to a school camp. In most cases, children will grow out of bedwetting, but there are certain cases that will need medical attention.

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here can be numerous reasons for bedwetting. This is a problem experienced by an estimated 10% of South African children aged between 4-15 years old.

In most cases, it’s linked to delays in physiological development. Children are unique, and each child develops at a different pace. It could also stem

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from being in a very deep sleep or a bowel issue like constipation. Bedwetting could also be caused by psychological problems that have resulted from issues at school or a change in family dynamics. Whatever the circumstances, the question remains: When should I start being concerned about bedwetting? www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH Dr Michael Mol, Brand Ambassador for DryNites® Pyjama Pants, sheds some light on when parents should consult a healthcare professional about bedwetting and which specialist would suit the situation.

‘Signs that parents need to look out for when their child is bedwetting include: • Signs of bladder or kidney infection. These signs will be evident when your child cries or complains when urinating, when there is pink urine or bloodstains, or when your child visits the toilet more frequently than usual • If your child is over the age of 5 and cannot control their bladder.

• When your child, who in the past was able to control their bladder, has begun to wet the bed and this is happening more frequently.

There are several healthcare professionals who can help deal with bedwetting. These specialists can also provide you with the relevant advice you need to assist both you and your child,’ says Dr Mol.

A general practitioner If your child is 5 years old or over but is still wetting the bed at night, you should consult your GP, especially if the bedwetting persists beyond 7 years of age. You should also consult your GP in the case of secondary enuresis (when a child starts to wet the bed again after a period of at least six consecutive months of night-time dryness).

Children are unique, and each child develops at a different pace.

A pediatrician Your GP can recommend you to a pediatrician if the initial treatments are unsuccessful.

There are several healthcare professionals who can help deal with bedwetting.

A pediatrician urologist This specialist may be consulted only if you are referred by your GP or pediatrician. Referrals will be made in the case of daytime bladder leakage which may be caused by a recurrent urinary tract infection.

A psychologist If your child is losing confidence because of regular bedwetting, or suffering from feelings of guilt or embarrassment, or a tendency to isolate themselves, you are advised to see a psychologist.

Visible symptoms in children include depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, behavioural issues and lack of concentration. A psychologist may also be referred by your GP in cases of secondary enuresis. An appointment with a psychologist can be arranged by your GP or pediatrician.

Age-appropriate disposable pyjama pants You cannot stop your child from wetting the bed.

You can, however, help to manage their bedwetting by making them feel more comfortable. One way of doing this is to introduce them to DryNites® Pyjama Pants. DryNites® Pyjama Pants are available for boys and girls and come in two different sizes: 4-7 years and 8-15 years. These age-appropriate disposable pyjama pants are super absorbent, comfortable and feel like real underwear. They are thin enough so that children can wear them discreetly underneath their pyjamas, helping them to feel more confident and independent.

For more information on DryNites® Pyjama Pants, or to ask Dr Mol a personal question, or to request a free sample, visit www.drynites.co.za. DryNites® Pyjama Pants are currently available at selected retailers nationwide.

About DryNites® DryNites® Pyjama Pants are a discreet, comfortable and absorbent form of bedtime protection. They can be worn under pyjamas or a nighty and come in designs suitable for age and gender to make them look and feel just like underwear. DryNites® Pyjama Pants are available for Boys and Girls and come in two sizes, 4-7 years and 8-15 years. These products have trusted absorbency and leakage protection to ensure a good night’s rest. And because they’re discreet and underwear-like, children can feel more confident and independent at bedtime, either at home or on nights away. Waterproof mattress protectors and sheets can be uncomfortable and indiscreet. DryNites® Pyjama Pants allow your child to sleep on their usual sheets to ensure that both you and your child enjoy a much better night’s sleep. www.drynites.co.za

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HEALTH

Know what to expect when your baby is teething One of the big milestones in your baby’s growth is undoubtedly the development of their first teeth.

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enerally, the primary teething process begins at 6 months and lasts up until the age of 3 years. Although the onset, as well as the process of teething, is a joyful experience for parents, there are misconceptions and uncertainty about the process. Not knowing what to do to ease your baby’s discomfort can also leave you feeling helpless.

Your baby may be at the age when you would expect them to be teething, but as a parent you might not be 100% sure that their unusual behaviour is a result of teething. Teething symptoms vary, and these can be split into two categories: 1. There may be signs indicating a local source of the pain or discomfort. These include gingival swelling, irritation, redness of the gums, thumb sucking and gum rubbing.

2. Then there are the systemic symptoms, which affect the whole body. These include loss of appetite, crying, increased salivation, drooling, diarrhoea, boils, general irritability, low fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis, some day-time restlessness, increased biting, wakefulness, ear rubbing or facial rashes.

These teething symptoms will vary from baby to baby and there is no magical recipe when it comes to detecting whether these symptoms are related to teething.

How you can help your teething baby If you suspect teething is the cause of discomfort, you can help by starting with simple approaches: a cuddle, rubbing the gums gently using a clean finger, using a teething ring (solid, silicone-based teething rings are better than liquid-filled products which can leak and can’t be sterilised), or sugar-free teething biscuits if your baby is old enough.

If that is not enough to soothe the pain, you can choose the pharmacological route to minimise the pain. Here you have two options: local treatment, like a teething gel, or a systemic approach like a pain relief syrup.

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Whichever treatment option you may choose, it may be the first time your baby is experiencing pain and he or she might feel distressed and frustrated by this new and undesirable sensation, making your care and love the best way to support them.

Your baby’s oral health is important Taking care of you baby’s oral health from an early age will undoubtedly contribute to the quality of their life. Even before any teeth arrive and the teething process begins, start a daily habit of cleaning your baby’s mouth and gums.

Not knowing what to do to ease your baby’s discomfort can also leave you feeling helpless.

Brushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears. A special brush is required for babies, ideally something with a small head and extra soft bristles. Babies only need a small amount of suitable toothpaste, equivalent to a grain of uncooked rice.

It is also advisable to book a dental visit when your baby gets his or her first tooth and as your baby gets older you should visit the dentist more regularly. Even though there might not be much to look at, your dentist will be able to give you oral hygiene advice that will help prepare your baby for more frequent dentist visits when he or she gets older.

For more information, visit www.mundipharma.co.za

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HEALTH

Play with purpose is essential for children with autism Play is a powerful tool autistic children need to boost their development and an essential way for them to learn a range of skills.

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HEALTH

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his is according to Keri Delport, Director of Autism Western Cape – an organisation committed to empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and educating their families and communities about the disorder.

Autism is a neuro-development condition that impacts the way the brain works and processes information. In South Africa more than 7 000 children are born with autism every year; this means that 160 autistic children are born in the country every week, which is roughly 23 per day.

‘Autistics are incredible people who open doors for other people in different ways. They are extremely honest and tend to live in the moment. They focus really well when things interest them and have terrific memories once they understand a concept. It’s for this reason that play is so important. It provides the level of physical and psychological support the child needs and helps to develop language, creativity and problem-solving skills,’ says Keri.

She explains that engaging in play is the start of an important cycle for autistics, forms an integral part of teaching them how to interact with other children and is ‘absolutely necessary’ to develop their social skills and encourage independence.

Types of play • Explanatory play allows children to explore the toy in its entirety and helps him or her learn more about the world through shape, colour and texture.

• Functional play allows children to use the toy the way it’s designed to be used and helps to develop social skills.

• Sensory play, an invaluable form of play, provides children with a level of input to support their sensory modulation needs.

Types of toys • Teddy bears and mouthing blocks • Puzzles and Lego • Play dough and kinetic sand Keri says parents play a crucial role in ensuring that autistic children ‘play with purpose’ and advise that parents introduce children to toys and games that don’t overwhelm or pressurise them to boost their selfconfidence. ‘After all, as Jean Piaget said: “play is the work of childhood”,’ she says.

To encourage a culture of play with autistics and motivate parents to allow their autistic children to engage in play, Keri says Autism Western Cape recently partnered with toy retailer Toy Kingdom, to host the first ever Autism Hour in several stores around the country.

In South Africa more than 7 000 children are born with autism every year.

During this hour, specially trained staff were athand to assist and interact with autistic children and carried-out sensory demonstrations that focussed on toys that stimulate senses. Since this disorder is characterised by several marked differences, including social interaction and sensory activities, stores dimmed the lights and turned-down the music to create a safe space and ensure autistics feel comfortable and welcome.

‘This is a pioneering initiative in South Africa and provided autistic children the space they needed to play and simply be themselves. It also served as a space where parents could come together, support each other and feel less judged. We hope to see more of these initiatives rolled-out in the country in due course, they are extremely valuable, Keri says.

For more information, visit www.autismwesterncape. org.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Ear Moulding –

a safe, painless alternative to ear surgery

By Dr Clare Neser

From bullying to compromised self-confidence, children with congenital ear deformities are at risk of a wide range of social and psychological issues that could lead to low self-esteem.

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hile ear surgery is an option, it is expensive.

However, parents now have the choice of a revolutionary and painless non-surgical procedure called “ear moulding”. It doesn’t involve surgery or costly medical fees, and it can be performed on new-borns.

‘Ear moulding is something I am very excited about because it offers a non-surgical alternative,’ says Dr Clare Neser, a Cape Town-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon who offers ear moulding as a corrective treatment. The procedure involves an ear-shaped silicone mould that is applied to each

ear and helps to correct the abnormality through a non-invasive procedure.

The treatment is most effective soon after birth because at this stage of a baby’s life the ear cartilage is still soft and malleable and receptive to ear moulding. The longer the wait, the less effective the procedure may be when correcting congenital ear deformities.

‘Ear moulding is only half as successful in older children,’ says Dr Neser.

Weill Cornell Medical Centre and New YorkPresbyterian hospital treated 100 infants using ear moulding, with a 96% success rate The treatment takes four to six weeks, according to Dr Neser, though in some cases treatment was concluded after as little as two weeks.

Minor ear deformities include abnormal shapes, abnormal folds or positions, and at worst, a combination of all these. Dr Neser says that only 30% of all ear deformities self-correct and those ear deformities which do not self-correct can be treated with ear-moulding. Each mould takes only 15 minutes to apply and is replaced weekly for four to six weeks.

Dr Clare Neser is a Cape Town-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specialises in facial, non-surgical, reconstructive, breast and body procedures. She holds an MBChB (University of Cape Town), an FCS (SA) Plast (College of Plastic Surgeons of South Africa) and a Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Stellenbosch University).

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HEALTH

The ABCs of prostate cancer and getting tested A candid discussion with Dr Evelyn Moshokoa

When it comes to prostate cancer and rectal examinations, years of unchallenged misconceptions have ignited fear in South African men.

But did you know that a simple blood test can effectively diagnose prostate cancer and save your life?

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nother misconception is that prostate cancer is the end. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There is hope at every stage of prostate cancer.

Caught early, it is completely curable with a survival rate of over 90%. Don’t get caught up in old wives’ tales about the prostate and prostate cancer. Join a community that gives you the facts.

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The prostate and its vital function The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, located between the bladder and the penis.

A small tube called the urethra runs through the centre and lets urine and sperm flow through. The function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm. This fluid contains www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2018/07/03 12:03 PM

HEALTH an enzyme, called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which liquefies semen, allowing it to enter the uterus with ease and swim freely.

Another misconception is that prostate cancer is the end. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The need to know about prostate cancer Unlike other organs in your body which grow to full size during puberty, the prostate continues to grow as you age. It is made up of five lobes, either on the interior or exterior of the prostate. As with any other cancer, prostate cancer is the overgrowth of cells beyond the body’s ability to control. Prostate cancer usually starts on the interior and can block the passage of urine and sperm. If not treated, prostate cancer can spread to other organs in the body.

Learn to read body language The body speaks a language of its own which makes underlying problems quite easy to miss or dismiss.

Make a habit of examining your urine for obstructions and blood and become aware of how often you need to urinate. Age brings about many genetic changes in the body and significantly increases the likelihood of the disease. Prostate cancer is on the rise in South Africa, especially among younger black men, so make it a priority to go for regular screenings from a young age.

Know what options you have The stages of prostate cancer are determined by specific classifications. The level and risk of prostate cancer ranges from low and intermediate to high.

Prostate cancer is determined based on the stage, prostate size, biopsy results and PSA level which can be determined from blood test results.

When prostate cancer is low-risk, active surveillance is recommended every three to six months. High-risk will include treatment ranging from a prostatectomy, chemotherapy and radiation to injections, under deprivation and palliative therapy.

Despite any preconceived ideas, there is so much that can be done at every stage of prostate cancer.

So, take heart, spread the good news and don’t skip those vital screening visits.

Visit www.here4you.co.za for hope at every stage of prostate cancer.

You are what you eat, drink and smoke What is good for the heart, brain and lungs, is without a doubt also good for the prostate. Exercise frequently and get into healthy dietary habits.

Indulge in superfoods that can fight and destroy cancer cells. The goal is to cut down on lifestyle factors such as smoking and an unhealthy diet which will help to eliminate lifestyle risks from your life.

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Finding your health

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2018/07/03 12:03 PM

HEALTH: ADVERTORIAL

Breastfeeding on the go How do you feel about breastfeeding in public?

For many moms, it’s an uncomfortable topic.

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f you’re feeling uncertain about feeding your baby within sight of other people, Talitha Kotze, Director and Founder of Healthy Kids are Cool*, and a mom, has some advice.

‘I have no problem breastfeeding in public,’ she says. ‘I did some serious research before the birth of my daughter and can safely say I gave her liquid gold for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breast milk improves immunity and helps develop healthy microbes in the gut. So, when my child is hungry I will feed her wherever I am in public to give her the best start in life.’

Do what’s comfortable for you We advise you to do what’s comfortable for you.

If you’re happy to nurse in public, do it. If you’re uncomfortable, but still willing to give it a try, find ways that will make you more at ease, such as shielding yourself and baby with a soft blanket.

‘To help you breastfeed discreetly in company, the floraBABY breastfeeding cover and wrap-aroundthe-arm feeding pillow are super inventions as both stay in place when you need your hands to drink your tea, wipe spillages, text a message, or engage in conversation – all while feeding,’ says Talitha. And, of course, you’ll need your baby bag containing everything you need for nursing, from burp cloths to wet wipes, to make sure that both you and your baby are clean.

That’s an all-round ringing endorsement. So, if you’re content to feed your baby unobtrusively in public, go for it.

Worried about your milk supply?

Longing to breastfeed more but worried about your milk supply? Fenugreek is a centuries-old natural remedy used to increase breast milk production.

Flora Force Fenugreek is a full-spectrum solution.

Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking natural remedies. For more information about Flora Force or floraBABY products, visit www.floraforce.co.za and www.florababy.co.za * Healthy Kids are Cool is a Cape Town-based organisation that hosts regular educational events for moms, dads and their babies in Cape Town and surrounding areas. Its aim is to equip parents with tools to nurture their kids’ health, development and wellbeing. You’ll find Healthy Kids are Cool on Facebook and Instagram.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Cord blood therapy extends far beyond treatments for cancer Umbilical cord blood research started with a foundation in bloodrelated diseases such as leukaemia. Today the use of cord-blood stem cells has extended far beyond treatments for cancer.

The use of cord-blood stem cells has extended far beyond treatments for cancer.

Cryo-Save stores umbilical cord blood stem cells for thousands of South African families.

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HEALTH

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lood stem cell transplantation has been performed over the last 50 years and plays an important role in treating bone marrow failures, blood cancers, blood disorders, metabolic diseases, immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases. In 1998 only one blood-related disease was treated using cord blood stem cells. Today, cord blood stem cells have been used to treat over 80 different diseases and conditions.

Cord blood is emerging as a promising new cell therapy. It has been proved that cord blood induces regeneration of the central nervous system. There are clinical trials taking place that are seeking to push the boundaries of regenerative medicine for diseases that cause life-long disabilities and currently have no curative option, like cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder and spinal cord injuries.

Research published by Duke University in 2017 shows significant improvement in the abilities and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder by infusing their own cord blood banked at birth.

More than 700 patients have received cord blood treatment in prior and ongoing clinical trials over the past decade.

Now, Duke University Medical Centre has been given permission from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to offer cord blood therapy for conditions like autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy under an expanded access clinical trial. This trial enables

children who have these neurological disorders to receive therapy with their own cord blood, or cord blood from a sibling, regardless of whether they qualify for a targeted clinical trial.

The approval of this expanded access clinical trial is a turning point for many children who are afflicted with an acquired neurological disorder. They can now travel to Duke University for cord blood therapy, provided they have their own cord blood or a sufficiently matched sibling cord blood unit in a family bank. Sibling therapy only requires a partial match, not a perfect match.

In the United States, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence of cerebral palsy is 1 in 323 children (0.3%) and the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is 1 in 68 children (1.5%).

The Cord Blood Association (CBA) has announced that they are seeking funds to convert this protocol into a multi-centre clinical trial to provide access to more patients.

To date, the only study that has examined the prevalence of medical conditions among families with privately stored cord blood is a recent publication that surveyed clients of Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®). The authors found that out of 94 803 respondent families, 4.23% reported at least one child with an indication for regenerative therapy with cord blood. For conditions like autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy, the combined prevalence was 2.18%.

Worldwide, there are thought to be tens of thousands of children who are eligible to take advantage of this new treatment. In the United States alone, there are over a million cord blood units in family storage, so that if 2% of the inventory corresponds to children with eligible conditions, that potentially translates into 20 000 patients.

Can you store cord blood in South Africa?

What are stem cells Stem cells are found in high numbers in your baby’s umbilical cord blood and cord tissue. These genetically unique cells are the building blocks for your baby’s body for blood, organs, tissue and immune system. They can help to repair or rebuild injured or damaged cells for your child and could possibly help other family members. By banking your child’s blood, you have the opportunity to preserve these potentially life-saving cells.

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There is no public cord blood bank in Africa and private banking is the only option for local donors.

Cryo-Save SA is a part of the Cryo-Save group established in 2000 and has been active in the stem cell industry for more than 17 years. It is the largest private family stem cell storage bank in Europe, with an AABB accredited laboratory in Pretoria which provides world-class umbilical cord stem cell processing and storage services.

Cryo-Save encourages expecting parents to make informed decisions and enables them to acquire access to cord blood banking in South Africa.

To find out more, visit their Facebook page CryoSave South Africa, website www.cryosave. co.za, contact their InfoHub at 087 8080 170 or email info@cryo-save.co.za.

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HEALTH

Targeted nutrition: a cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy

By Carey Haupt RD(SA) SACLC

Pregnancy is a time of change. Your body expands as your baby grows. You start to think about the world differently, your priorities change, and you may even alter your work hours. One of the biggest, yet unseen, changes is that your body’s requirement for certain vital nutrients increases so that it can ensure your baby grows and develops optimally while keeping you healthy. However, we often neglect our diets during pregnancy.

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he research is clear, nutrition plays a key role in your pregnancy outcome for you and the baby.

Certain nutrients have been linked to the reduced risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida), prematurity, low birth weight, intrauterine growth

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restriction, pre-eclampsia and even miscarriage.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy.

The food that you eat is made up of numerous nutrients that serve as the foundation for building your baby’s skeleton, nervous system, muscles, brain

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2018/07/03 12:03 PM

HEALTH Here are seven tips for ensuring a healthy pregnancy: 1. Ensure that you get enough sleep.

2. Help your body to cope with the changes it is going through by exercising.

3. Stay hydrated, drink six to eight glasses of clean, safe water every day.

4. Avoid alcohol, smoking and unpasteurised foods.

5. Restrict the amount of caffeine you have every day. Remember it is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and even some medication.

6. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fats.

7. Practice strict food hygiene. With the current outbreak of listeriosis (caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes) in South Africa, it is very important that you follow strict food hygiene principles as pregnant women are at greater risk.

As your body changes and grows, by eating a healthy diet and taking the appropriate pregnancy supplements, you are able to give your baby all the nutrients that it needs to grow and develop optimally while also ensuring your health. Enjoy each day, feeling your baby move for the first time, seeing you baby on a scan and watching your baby grow. In no time at all, the best change will happen, your beautiful, healthy baby will be in your arms.

and organs. You need to ensure that you eat foods that, together, provide you and your baby with the correct mix of all the necessary nutrients so that the building blocks are in place for a healthy pregnancy.

Caring for your nutrition during pregnancy does not need to be complicated and there are a few key guidelines to follow that are illustrated in the infographic. Key is ensuring that you eat a variety of foods with a target focus on seven key nutrients. The targeted approach also focuses on other key lifestyle habits that work together with good nutrition, such as ensuring a healthy weight gain and implementing good food hygiene.

Not everyone knows, but all pregnant women should take a nutrient supplement that will help to bridge the gap between the required amount of nutrients needed and how much you are able to consume through diet. The reality is that most women do not get enough of certain vital vitamins and minerals during their pregnancy. This is especially true for iron and folate/folic acid, but there is increasing research that shows that there are others that are hard to meet without a supplement. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about a supplement that meets your specific iron, folate, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, iodine, vitamin B12 and choline needs.

Photo credit: Carey Haupt

Family Kitchen is a company of dieticians who each have a special interest in different aspects of family health and nutrition. We provide one-on-one services for individuals and wellness and training services for corporate clients. We also run workshops on nutrition-related topics such as breastfeeding, complementary feeding, fussy eating or disease of lifestyle. For more information, visit www.familykitchen.co.za.

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EDUCATION

OPINION PIECE

By Andrew Wilson, CEO at LucidView

Is failure to protect your child from the dangers of the Internet irresponsible parenting?

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EDUCATION

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hat does the job of a parent entail? In short, the aim is to raise well-balanced individuals that are independent free-thinkers, capable of creating a life for themselves outside of the parental home.

One of the most important tasks for us is undoubtedly to keep our children safe, protecting them from physical, mental and emotional harm and minimising their exposure to danger.

However, there are some parents that think nothing of giving their children unrestricted Internet access because they haven’t yet realised the extent of the very real dangers that lurk on the web.

Those parents that do perceive risk might have limited means of controlling Internet usage. Parents have a non-negotiable obligation to ensure that the Internet access they’re providing for their children – be it for entertainment, education, or communication purposes – is clean and safe. To do this, it’s important to discuss the dangers of the Internet with children and teach them how to protect themselves on-line and then to take matters into your own hands by blocking access to unsafe, undesirable content in your home.

What dangers do children (and teenagers) face on-line?

Kaspersky Lab and market research and consultancy Kids & Youth conducted an on-line survey of 3 780 families with children aged 8 – 16 (one parent and one child per family) in seven countries and the results were sobering. The Growing Up Online Connected Kids survey showed 37% of children have come across unwanted content or incidents on the web while 47% of constantly-connected children have encountered on-line threats. Here’s the kicker: two-thirds of the children responded that they’re afraid of on-line threats just as much as real life ones, or even more so.

The dangers of exposure to explicit content should not be underestimated. Age restrictions on films are there for a reason, and the same rules should apply for minors when using the Internet.

Exposure to pornography, sites that promote violence or cruelty to people or animals, does not build well-rounded, free-thinking individuals.

Rather the opposite in fact and the harm from such exposure is accumulative and occurs over long periods of time, causing untold emotional and behavioural damage. Parents should, therefore, block all access to such content that they believe are unsafe. Parental controls have traditionally been software-based, complicated to set up and expensive. Aside from enabling ‘safe search’ features and monitoring browser history, there was no easy way for parents to enforce their rules regarding Internet usage. Until now.

the illegal sharing and downloading of copyrighted songs and movies) and can easily be configured to block other sites or content types that parents themselves think are unsafe.

Products on the market today should also have reporting functionality, keeping a log of every connection that passes through the device. This is necessary to deliver monthly reporting that gives parents insight into what sites their children are frequenting, and also how much time they are spending on certain on-line activities. Organisations should be making it easier for parents to enforce their rules regarding screen time and Internet access to give their children the time they need to do things like play outside, read a book and spend time with their families – all the childhood activities that are so vital for healthy mental and emotional development.

Failure to manage Internet usage is irresponsible parenting When faced with the fact that unrestricted Internet access means that parents are opening their children up to (possibly accidental) exposure to explicit or age-inappropriate content, cyber-bullying, gambling, or websites that encourage harmful or illegal practices, like eating disorders, crime and even terrorism, the reality is that the Internet is a much scarier place for children than parents might think.

Yes, we want our children to have access to all the knowledge in the world, but we need to make sure that they’re not distracted by harmful content in their quest to learn and entertain themselves. This means taking complete control over Internet usage in our homes (and even questioning what protective measures are in place at school). Anything less is simply irresponsible parenting, especially considering how easy and inexpensive it has become to do so.

What is the solution?

A particularly passionate project that stemmed from a realisation that there was a pressing need to give our children safe, clean Internet access, the LucidView Enforcer is a device that does exactly that.

By default, it blocks the three major types of unsafe content: pornography, gambling and piracy (such as www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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By Andrew Wilson, CEO at LucidView

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EDUCATION

Learning comes naturally

By Shannon Kendrick, Grade 000 teacher and EYFS leader at Junior College Preschools Castillian

Our natural teacher, old faithful Mother Nature, is the best teaching method for children to develop vital skills. No natural element is the same and bringing these elements into a classroom opens children’s eyes to many different textures, smells and shapes.

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atural elements widen children’s knowledge and awareness of their surroundings and allow them to become more in tune with themselves and nature.

Children are naturally curious beings and letting them research natural elements helps them to understand the world around them. Encouraging children to collect leaves, stones, rocks, feathers and twigs assists with their investigative skills and allows them to engage with peers, collaborate on their findings and share their overall experience.

This simple activity stimulates the development of problem solving, researching, collaboration and thinking abilities – the core skills needed to balance the radical technological developments we face.

Inviting Mother Nature into your classroom is a great way to make learning fun and exciting. A simple math game can be conjured up from leaves and flowers from the same plant, matching the correct leaf to the correct flower. Writing numbers on the leaves and allowing children to match the correct number written on the leaf with the correct number of flowers. Let children morph into little Michelangelo’s by getting them to sculpt their friends using sticks, twigs, mud and leaves. They could even fashion their own little village of leaf men. Drawing from nature allows children to develop keen observational skills.

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Something as simple as putting a bean in cotton wool and water in a zip lock sandwich bag and taping it to the window to show children the bean sprouting and growing is a valuable lesson for any curious little human. Giant hop scotch or balancing on tree stumps will stimulate their pleasure in being outside and working their gross motor muscles.

Climbing trees is becoming a lost art, but it involves thinking, motor planning, balance, estimation of distance and strength needed for each move, as well as resilience when a move doesn’t work out and perseverance when the going gets tough.

Best of all, Mother Nature’s lessons are practically free. Letting children go outdoors and collect objects to display is the perfect way for children to feel that they have had some input in the classroom and their surroundings. The famous Italian Reggio Emilia educational philosophy says that the environment is the third teacher, so let’s use it more and help children to be in touch with nature. Assisting them to display their collections aesthetically, as well as using them in math, literacy and the creative arts, develops children’s appreciation so they are more likely to care for their world later. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2018/07/03 12:03 PM

EDUCATION

Parental Police: Being ‘bad cop’ isn’t shielding kids from on-line threats The risks associated with growing up in an on-line world are not only giving parents a headache, but the time their children are spending on-line is a real cause for concern.

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s a result, a third of parents curb the amount of time their children spend on the Internet to protect them from online dangers. But there are other steps parents can take to minimise the risks and help their children make the most of all the positive things that the digital world can offer.

A reliance on Internet interactions by the younger generation is leading to a third (35%) of parents worrying about Internet addiction. This concern is backed up by figures from Kaspersky Lab and B2B International which found that locally, according to their parents, one in 10 (11%) under 18-year olds are addicted to the Internet. Alongside the worry of their children viewing inappropriate or explicit content (45%) and communicating with strangers (40%), the inability of children to distance themselves from the on-line world is fast becoming a key concern for parents.

With 50% of parents feeling that the on-line threats to their kids are increasing, the time they are spending on-line is a real compounding factor in keeping children safe on-line. These concerns have prompted 35% of parents locally to enforce restrictions on how long their children can spend on the Internet.

However, limiting time spent on-line doesn’t necessarily make children safe from the dangers. In a 12-month period, 39% of children locally were faced with at least one on-line threat, with one in 10 kids

A reliance on Internet interactions by the younger generation is leading to a third (35%) of parents worrying about Internet addiction.

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accessing inappropriate content (12%) or coming into contact with malicious software and viruses (9%).

Educate your children about on-line dangers An alternative option for parents could be to concentrate on supporting their children in other ways, such as through education. 40% of parents locally, regularly talk to their kids to teach them about on-line threats and 36% try to supervise their children when they are on-line, potentially offering opportunities to highlight any threats that may appear and supplement the education effort.

‘Parents want to keep their children safe, but simply restricting access to the on-line world isn’t necessarily the best way to do this. Education and communication both play a huge part in ensuring children use the Internet responsibly and safely,’ says Dmitry Aleshin, VP for Product Marketing, Kaspersky Lab. ‘But it is also imperative to use software to bolster defenses. Limiting time spent on-line is a key part of the process but won’t work in isolation. Technology can help reduce the risks, enabling children to safely explore all the positive aspects of the Internet and develop their digital skills without having to worry about cyber threats.’

Kaspersky Safe Kids is designed to help parents take a more effective approach to shielding their children from the dangers that lurk on-line. Through the solution, parents can choose to either block children’s access to certain apps and websites, or to help kids become more aware of the dangers for themselves, by warning them that the sites or apps they are about to access are risky and may contain dangerous content.

From imposing time limits through to keeping track of on-line activities, Safe Kids can provide the additional layer of care that parents need to fully protect their kids against the threats that exist and continue to evolve on-line.

Visit the Kaspersky Lab at www.kaspersky.co.za to find out more about the free and premium versions of Kaspersky Safe Kids. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2018/07/03 12:03 PM

EDUCATION

The problem with labelling children in primary school

By Chris van Niekerk, Principal of Founders Hill College

Labelling children, positively or negatively, in any phase of their lives, has a very direct effect on how they view themselves, as well as how they experience the world around them. A useful tool for exploring the effects of social labels on children is “Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development”.

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he developmental phases where children are most affected by social labels are their schooling years when they have high frequency interactions with not only their parents, but other children, teachers, coaches and the like. This impacts on children from of 5-13 years and 13-21 years old, where their psycho social development hinges on being industrious versus feeling inferior and establishing identity versus role confusion respectively.

Create opportunities for positive reinforcement This article focuses on the 5 to 13-year-old phase, the primary school years of a child. The main and desirable outcome of development in this phase is industriousness. The positive and helpful labels relate to promoting a sense of confidence within children, that they can do “real” things and do them well if they are prepared to put some effort into it. Helpful areas to work towards include establishing healthy work ethic habits at home and at school, and then attaching positive social labels to this. For example, assisting a child with a realistic study roster for exams and then positively reinforcing their commitment, dedication and work ethic related to this, for example: ‘I love your commitment to your school work’, or ‘you seem very dedicated to doing well this term’.

It is, however, important to note that the initiative to create opportunities for this kind of “industry” in this age group lies mostly with teachers and parents.

My wife, for example, recently tasked our 11-year-old daughter to cook for the family once a week. She was very excited at the opportunity to engage this challenging task, and with some “industriousness” and support from my wife, she now successfully “cooks” for the family once a week. This initiative,

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EDUCATION taken by my wife, creates the context for excellent verbal and experiential positive affirmations, related to a very “real” thing. We, as parents and teachers, would do well to create these types of opportunities and then follow the experiences through with positive affirmations.

Approximate age

Psycho social crises

Infant - 18 months

trust vs mistrust

18 months - 3 years

autonomy vs shame & doubt

3 – 5 years

initiative vs guilt

5 – 13 years

industry vs inferiority

13 – 21 years

identity vs role confusion

21 – 39 years

intimacy vs isolation

40 – 65 years

ego integrity vs despair

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Stay away from labels aimed at pointing out areas of inferiority The negative labels to avoid in this phase have to do with verbal affirmations or experiences that may lead to feelings of inferiority. Children in this age group are literally, in body and mind, changing daily as they grow and develop. And these kids know they are changing, learning and growing. To them, there are very few absolute truths about what they can and can’t do, because after all, they are still learning.

Parents and teachers will do well to steer away from labels aimed at pointing out areas of inferiority, such as: ‘You are pathetic’, ‘you are lazy’ or ‘you are all over the place’. These types of comments will stifle growth and could become self-fulfilling prophesies if internalised by the child. We need to learn how to put some spin on the negative and find ways to address areas of concern in a manner that honours the developmental aspirations of the child, even if it sometimes feels like an exercise in diplomacy. For example, instead of saying ‘you are pathetic’, rather say ‘this is not the way I know you, you can do much better’. This will potentially reset the child and allow them a chance to redeem themselves as someone more “industrious” and possibly even successful in the end.

We need to learn how to put some spin on the negative and find ways to address areas of concern in a manner that honours the developmental aspirations of the child.

Authentic parenting and truthful feedback to our children about their behaviour and their consequences are critical in raising well-balanced, successful adults. We, as parents and teachers, will, however, do well to sharpen our pencils from time-totime, to ensure that the labels we impress upon our youngsters are geared towards empowering them towards success. This may take a bit of thinking and a lot of restraint, but they are certainly worth it in the end. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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EDUCATION

There’s an easy way for parents to avoid unknowingly raising porn addicts

By Andrew Wilson, CEO of Lucidview

In an increasingly connected world, parenting is now more challenging than ever before. Children are allowed access to the Internet and mobile devices from an early age - whether for education, entertainment or communication, the effect is the same. Yet, as useful as Internet access and mobile devices can be, they’re also fraught with dangers for minors, making it critical that access should be supervised.

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ncontrolled Internet access places minors at risk for exposure to inappropriate, harmful and often explicit content like pornography and violence. This type of content has been shown to promote warped ideas about relationships and gender expectations within relationships, as well as endorse self-harm or hatred.

While children tend to be naturally curious, given the ubiquitous availability of inappropriate (especially X-rated) content, it’s not difficult for curiosity to spiral out of control and eventually lead to addiction.

But how can parents know whether they’re raising

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porn addicts in their homes? Like other addictive substances like alcohol, the easiest way to prevent addiction is to remove exposure and temptation.

It’s adult content for a reason According to TechAddiction statistics on pornography addiction, the average age at which children are exposed to pornography is 11 years old. Roughly 200 000 Americans admit to being porn addicts, which means they spend more than 11 hours a week looking at porn. This addiction has led 48% of addicts to lose their spouses, 58% suffered considerable financial

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EDUCATION loss, while one-third lost their jobs. In addition, pornrelated queries make up 25% of web traffic, while “child pornography” has 116 000 search queries daily.

Bearing in mind that South Africa has been ranked one of the top porn-consuming countries on the continent, it’s clear that this is a problem that parents need to address from a young age.

While it might be uncomfortable at such a young age to discuss the topic of pornography and its effect on each gender’s perspective and expectations of sex, marriage and relationships, it is necessary to remove such content to prevent children from accidentally stumbling across it. And stumble across it they will, given that there are more than 24.5 million dedicated porn sites live on the Internet and growing daily.

By providing children with Internet access that is clean and safe, such awkward conversations can be postponed until the minor reaches the appropriate age, and parents can rest assured that they’ve taken the correct steps to protect their children against the dangers that pornography poses to their emotional and physical development.

Clean safe Internet is easier than parents think Until now there was no effective, affordable way for parents to filter and block undesirable or illegal content automatically. Parents no longer have to turn on SafeSearch on their children’s browsers and hope for the best, as there are already local technology providers that have developed the solution to protect children from the dangers of the Internet. Parents will be relieved to know that safe, clean Internet is as easy as plugging a simple software-independent device into the home network. By creating a new Wi-Fi point that manages all connections at the gateway and by diverting all home traffic through the device, parents can block the three major types of unsafe content by default: pornography, gambling, and piracy.

It should be a simple matter for parents to configure these protective devices to block other sites or content types as and when they’re deemed to be unsafe. Thanks to the delivery of monthly automated usage reports, parents are kept in the loop as to what sites users on the home network are visiting, and they’re able to see exactly how much time each child spends on which online activities. In addition to the ability to protect children from accidental exposure to harmful content, parents would do well to look for solutions that extend beyond content control.

By looking for solutions that offer powerful security features, parents will also be equipped to block malware and ransomware phone-home connections, effectively eliminating the dangers lurking on the Internet. This is especially important for children because access to a safe, clean Internet devoid of dangerous distractions means access to a world of information and age-appropriate entertainment - all of which contribute to successfully raising healthy, well-adjusted adults.

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• Epy Derm O Ointment 500g • 3 in One (HEB) • Extensive moisturiser for Eczema and Psoriasis • Can be used as: 1 Basic Moisturiser 2 Dry Cleaning 3 Dissolved in Bath to Cleanse & Moisturise Skin

• Epy Derm G 500g • Plus 10% Glycerine extensive moisturiser • Cetomacrogol • Moisturiser for Dry Skin

• Epy Derm B Cream 500g • Plus 5% Urea • Cetomacrogol • Extensive moisturiser for very dry skin, Eczema. Psoriasis and Cradle Cap • For use on Babies & Adults

• Epy Derm G 500g • Plus 10% Glycerine • Cetomacrogol • Moisturiser for Dry Skin

available from all Pharmacies including Clicks and Dischem

• Epy Derm Bath & Shower Milk 400g • For use in Bath & Shower specially formulated for adults and children with Dry Skin Conditions • Contains Mineral Oil & Benzalkonium Chloride a Mild Antiseptic

• Epy Derm Glycerine Cleansing Bar 100g • Non-Drying Cleanser for Dry and Sensitive Skin • Moisturiser for dry skin

Products used in moisturising of Dry Itchy Skin, Eczema and Psoriasis

ADVERTORIAL

Montessori ‘prepared environment’ caters for holistic development The Montessori classroom environment offers children the gift of a calm, orderly environment and teaches them how to maintain this environment independently. It prepares the child for optimal physical, cognitive, social and emotional development by aligning classroom activities to what each child needs.

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he first three years of life is when the biggest developmental changes take place in a child’s life. It is during these years that the child has an unconscious ‘absorbent mind’ – where he or she isn’t conscious of how they are acting or reacting, but is rather more intent on using their senses to explore the world. This is when it is important to provide a range of opportunities for sensory exploration. The Montessori approach is especially prepared to meet these needs.

From the age of two-and-a-half to three, until about six, a child moves towards gaining independence – a time where you’ll hear a lot of “do it myself”.

It is also during this age that children undergo a series of sensitive periods or ‘windows of opportunity’; a period when it is easier for a child to learn certain concepts that will be more difficult as they get older.

The Montessori approach is holistic and systematic and nurtures the child’s natural drive towards independence through practical, social and intellectual experiences chosen to meet the developmental needs of the children and enable them to grow into adults who are fully adapted to their own contexts.

Activities in the environment range from the most concrete to the most abstract. The open-ended activities allow children to explore new ideas and relationships, providing a foundation for self-expression and innovation.

The Montessori approach encourages individuality and the fact that children all learn at their own unique pace. Through the use of tactile objects children learn to tap into a kinaesthetic learning style. The school day is full of simple, practical rituals that help children develop selfdiscipline. From setting up their workspace to preparing their daily snack; these tasks give them a sense of what it means to independently plan a task, carry it out and clean it up all by themselves.

This is a priceless skill set for success through college and beyond.

Future Nation Pre-schools Future Nation Pre-schools follow the educational method developed by Dr Maria Montessori which seeks to develop an independent, self-directed child and nurture traits such as responsibility, collaboration, co-operation and an enjoyment of learning.

Specially designed didactic materials are integrated with other developmentally appropriate practices to provide the child with progressive learning in the areas of practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language development and cultural activities. Future Nation Preschools also offer a multilingual approach: English and a choice between Mandarin and Zulu are offered as a language of instruction.

Don’t miss our upcoming Open Days at Future Nation School campuses: 21 July – FNS Fleurhof 18 August – FNS Lyndhurst 20 October – FNS Fleurhof 10 November– Lyndhurst For more information visit: • Website www.futurenationschools.com • Facebook www.facebook.com/FutureNationSchools • Twitter twitter.com/futurenationza • Instagram www.instagram.com/futurenationschools/ Schools can also be visited or contacted directly at: • Future Nation Pre-Schools Lyndhurst: 2 Wessel Avenue, Lyndhurst, tel: 011 386 2523 • Future Nation Pre-Schools Fleurhof: Corner Halite and Hyacinth Roads Fleurhof, tel: 011 085 5750 • Future Nation Pre-Schools Randburg: 483 Jan Smuts Avenue, Blaigowrie, tel: 011 027 6496

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Family Fun Winter

Winter fun!

Indoor games for the entire family It’s another cold, windy and rainy day and you’re running out of ideas about how to keep your restless kids active. Here are some ideas to cure that cabin fever.

Magical Mama (or Papa) Be your kids’ very own Harry Houdini - without the locks, chains and water tanks of course. Simply place a coin under one of three cups and shuffle the cups around. Then ask your children to guess under which cup they will find the coin. Sneaky parents can place the cups near the edge of a table and secretly drop the coin. Watch your tots’ eyes light up in amazement when they learn the coin is gone!

Puzzles Exercise those creative, cognitive and problemsolving muscles with a good puzzle. You can use a

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store-bought variety or have the kids make their own.

Have your children draw a picture on a sturdy piece of cardboard. Then use a pencil to outline puzzle pieces directly on their drawing. Cut out the pieces with a good pair of scissors, mix them up and get solving.

Card games Card games are great for challenging young minds and creating hours of indoor fun.

Freeze!

Choose some of your kids’ favourite tunes and turn up

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Family Fun Winter

the volume. Ask them to dance until the music stops.

When it does, they must freeze in whatever position they find themselves in – even if they have one leg up. To make the game more challenging, ask the kids to freeze in specific poses: animals, shapes, letters or even yoga postures. Toddlers love this game.

Paper-bag skits This game is ideal for larger groups — a sleepover favourite. Divide the kids up into groups. Give each group a bag filled with props, such as a spoon, toy jewellery, a sock, ball or ribbon. Then give them 15 minutes to construct a skit using the props. This game is so much fun that it doesn’t have to be competitive.

If the kids want, though, they can all vote on a winning skit.

Hide and Seek No list of indoor games would be complete without Hide and Seek, now would it? In this classic game, one person (“It”) covers his or her eyes and counts aloud while the other players hide. When “It” is finished counting, he or she begins looking for the hiders. The last hider to be found is the next “It”.

Families with older children might want to take things up a notch and play Hide and Seek in the dark. Just to be safe, make sure there are no loose items on the floor. If you want to, allow “It” to carry a flashlight or turn the lights on once “It” finishes counting.

Treasure hunt Kids love finding hidden objects — especially when there’s a prize at the end. Simply write your clues on some slips of paper and get creative. Place the first clue somewhere easy to find, like inside your child’s snack or cereal bowl. Then leave as many clues as you like around the house, making a trail to the final clue. Instead of a prize, the treasure hunt can lead to various coins around the house. This way the kids get to collect all the coins and put them in their piggy banks in the end. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Indoor bowling This is a great way to reuse water bottles, or you can purchase an indoor bowling set. Line six to ten water bottles up at the end of your passage or living room.

Place a line of duct tape at the starting line. Grab a medium-sized indoor ball and start bowling! If you want to, keep score and give out trophies at the end. (Note: if you need to stabilise the water bottles or make the game more difficult, simply fill them up with some water. Don’t forget to screw the tops on tightly!)

Simon Says This traditional favourite will never get old. To start, choose one player (probably a parent for the first round) to be Simon. The rest of the players will gather in a circle or line in front of Simon as he calls out actions, starting with the phrase: “Simon says”. For example: “Simon says…touch your toes”. The players then must copy Simon’s action, touching their toes. If Simon calls out an action without uttering the phrase “Simon says”, the kids must not do the action. If a child touches his toes when Simon didn’t say, he or she is out of the game. There are lots of great ways Simon can trick players into doing actions when Simon didn’t say: Simon can perform an action without uttering a command, or he can perform an action that doesn’t correspond with the command.

Fun! The last player left in the game wins and becomes the next Simon.

Indoor basketball You can’t be too little for this version of basketball.

All you need is a bucket and a rolled-up sock, or a small, light ball. Each player takes a turn at throwing the sock-ball into the bucket. When a player scores a bucket, he or she takes a step back and throws again, until he or she misses the bucket. The player who shoots the ball into the bucket from the farthest distance wins.

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promising products

PURITY Pouches

PURITY Pouches are a convenient on the go breakfast, snacking OR meal option which moms can feed baby with or just encourage their little one to self-feed with.

As with all PURITY products these pouches are free of preservatives, artificial flavours and colourants. Our new introductions to the pouch range is full of flavour and baby will definitely love!

Recommended retail selling price: R9.99

PURITY Baby Cereal (NEW & IMPROVED)

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and a great way to start a baby’s day is with PURITY Cereals. Our new and improved PURITY Cereals are convenient and flavoursome. As with all PURITY products all our cereals are free from preservatives, artificial flavours and colourants.

Recommended retail selling price: Baby Cereal with milk (regular) – R29.49 Baby Cereal Banana – R20.49

PURITY & Elizabeth Anne’s everyday bum spray Applying a nappy rash cream to a baby’s bum can be both painful and uncomfortable. It can also be quite messy for moms as most nappy rash creams leave a white residue under their nails and on their hands. We are officially introducing our NEW PURITY & Elizabeth Anne’s bum spray with zinc oxide. A quick burst of cream sprayed onto baby’s bum means less pain for baby and easier application for mom! The spray is suitable for babies from birth and will help prevent nappy rash.

Recommended selling price: NEW PURITY & Elizabeth Anne’s everyday bum spray 125ml - R50.49 PURITY & Elizabeth Anne’s everyday bum cream tub 100ml – R40.49 PURITY & Elizabeth Anne’s everyday bum cream tube 50ml – R33.49 At PURITY we know that becoming a mom is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, and the rewards their little bundle of joy can bring are endless. For all the amazing moments on the parenting journey, PURITY is there to help and support mom’s along the way, helping her child reach his full potential.

For more about PURITY and our range of products, visit www.purity.co.za.

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promising products

BaoCare Tissue Oil

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aoCare has recently launched a new Tissue Oil that synthesizes Baobab oil, combining the exceptional quantities of Omega 6 and 9, with organic wild harvested Baobab oil and natural Vitamin E. These essential fatty acids are known to maintain elasticity, soften and smooth the skin as well as naturally regenerating new skin cells. Baobab oil has been clinically proven to deeply moisturize and hydrate the skin as well as reduce trans-epidermal water loss – making BaoCare™ Tissue Oil excellent for treating very dry skin, scarring & stretch marks.

Pure Beginnings Baby & Kids Natural Chest Rub

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his 100% natural chest rub with eucalyptus & lavender is the perfect addition to your winter medicine cabinet. Free from petroleum and menthol, and with 100% of the ingredients from natural origin, the chest rub is safe to use on babies as young as 3 months old. Incorporating the powerful healing properties of eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender and frankincense, the chest rub provides a gentle and effective way to ease congestion.

Retail price: R69.99 Available at Baby City, Wellness Warehouse, Dischem, Takealot and Pure Beginnings and Faithful-to-Nature (online) as well as numerous leading independent health shops.

Naturals Beauty Skin Care

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aturals Beauty, a local, affordable and quality natural skin care brand, was founded in 2007

by Tanya du Bois after her son was diagnosed with Autism. Scouring the market for toxin-free alternatives for her family, Tanya became aware of the harmful ingredients found in commercial skin care products and decided to produce a natural beauty and body alternative, including the R&R Baby and Kids Range.

Guaranteed to make bath time enjoyable, the R&R Baby and Kids Range varies from R80.00 – R305.00 per product and is available for South Africans to purchase via their website, www.naturalsbeauty. co.za, or their stockists and agents nationwide: Faithful-To-Nature | Wellness Warehouse | Zando | Fabricate | The Beautiful Store | Lime Fusion | The Sleep Collective For more information, visit their website on www.naturalsbeauty.co.za or follow them on social media, Facebook: @naturalsbeauty1 | Instagram: @naturalsbeauty | Twitter: @Naturals_Beauty

To have your product featured here and online at a cost of only R4 500.00 excl. VAT

Please contact: Elroy van Heerden on 021 424 3625 or editor@babysandbeyond.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Give your feet Chocolaticas

Tilla & Jacob for unique designer shoes Phone: 056 2122517 20 Hill Street, Kroonstad Online Store: www.tillaenjacob.co.za 18_BABJuly2018.indd 88

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Grab some grub

Curried Sweet Potato & Lentil Soup Serves 4

We used Kara Orange sweet potatoes which give a lovely colour and are very rich in Vitamin A. If you can’t find them, use regular sweet potatoes and add another teaspoon of turmeric to lift the colour. If you prefer a milder flavour opt for our Butter Chicken Sauce.

You will need

3 T (45 ml) canola oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 t (5 ml) Ina Paarman’s Green Onion Seasoning 1 t (5 ml) ground turmeric 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 kg sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed 1½ T (22.5 ml) Ina Paarman’s Chicken Flavour Stock Powder 3 cups (750 ml) hot water 400 g tin coconut milk 1 x 200 ml Ina Paarman’s Tikka Curry or Butter Chicken Coat & Cook Sauce

Garnish

400 g tin of lentils, drained 3 T (45 ml) Ina Paarman’s Coriander Pesto 1 T (15 ml) olive oil fresh coriander freshly ground black pepper

Method

Use a large saucepan, heat the oil and add the onion, Green Onion Seasoning and turmeric.

Sauté until the onions are glazed. Add the garlic and sweet potato cubes. Stir-fry for one to two minutes to develop the flavour and coat the vegetables with oil. Add Chicken Stock, hot water and coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are soft. Add the Tikka Curry Sauce or the Butter Chicken Sauce. Remove the pot from the heat and, using a hand-held electric blender, purée the soup until smooth. Soup can be made to this stage and reheated for serving.

Garnish Toss the drained lentils in a micro safe container with the Coriander Pesto, heat for 1 – 2 minutes in the microwave. Stir in the olive oil. Dish the soup into warmed bowls. Add a few spoonfuls of the lentil mixture. Garnish with fresh coriander and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Recipes and pictures courtesy of

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Grab some grub

Pork Chops with Thyme Butter Sauce Serves 4

Inspire the man in your life with the video and allow him to cook these chops or a T-bone steak in the same way. Homemade is happiness!

You will need

4 x 2 cm thick bone in pork loin chops or 2 T-bone steaks Ina Paarman’s Garlic Pepper Seasoning 2 T (30 ml) olive oil 1 T (15 ml) thyme leaves, stripped off the stems 3 cloves garlic, finely sliced 3 T (45 ml) butter fresh thyme for garnishing

Method

Season pork generously with Garlic Pepper Seasoning, then rub with olive oil. Heat a dry medium size heavy based frying pan. Stand the chops up on their fatty sides and skewer them through with two kebab sticks (see pic). Cook the fatty sides, standing up, first. Remove the kebab sticks and pan-fry the

Papino Pavlova

pork chops lying them flat in the pan until the first side is deeply browned, ± 4 minutes. Turn pork chops and cook until second sides are browned and cooked through. About 5 minutes. Remove the chops and cover with foil. Cook the remaining chops in the same way. Leave to rest for 7 minutes before making the sauce. Add thyme, garlic and butter to the pan.

Swirl the sauce while cooking over medium heat.

Wait until the butter just starts to brown. Return the chops and any juices that might have leaked out, to the pan. Turn the chops in the flavoured butter sauce. Carve chops on a wooden board by cutting along bones and slicing across meat into 1 cm thick slices. Drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the chops. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Serves 6

Pavlova can be enjoyed year round. Simply vary the fruit according to the season.

You will need

3 extra large or jumbo eggs Filling & Topping 1 cup (250 ml) fresh cream 2 T (30 ml) Ina Paarman’s Lemon Flavour Cheesecake 1 papino, peeled and sliced 3 - 4 granadillas

Method

Adjust oven rack to middle position. Preheat the oven to 140°C. Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper and draw a 22 cm circle on the paper.

Separate the 3 eggs. The whites go into a spotlessly clean, medium size glass (not plastic!) mixing bowl. Reserve the yolks to make an egg custard, mayonnaise or to add to scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes. Beat the egg whites with the electric beater on high speed. Beat until the whites stand up in soft peaks. Do not add Meringue Mix until the soft peak stage. Now gradually add the Meringue Mix little by little while beating on high speed. You will end up with a snow white, thick and shiny meringue.

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the meringue out for a further 1 – 1 ½ hours. Switch off the oven and leave the meringue to cool down in the oven. Before serving, half whip the cream and add the Cheesecake dry mix. Beat until firm. Spoon cream over meringue and top with papino slices and granadilla pulp.

Variations Any fruit in season can be used e.g. kiwi fruit and orange segments in winter and berries in summer.

Ina’s tip

For an egg-free variation using canned chickpea liquid, check the recipe on the inside of the Meringue Mix sleeve.

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KICKS FOR KIDS

babys beyond and

a family lifestyle magazine

Interesting facts about Springboks The Springbok is South Africa’s national animal. These antelope are medium-sized and are found in the dry areas of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and parts of Angola.

Springbok have a body length between 1.2 to 1.4m, a shoulder height between 74 to 89cm, a tail length between 15 to 30cm and weigh between 30 to 48kg.

Springbok have reddish-brown hairs on their backs, white hairs on the sides of the body and belly and dark brown horizontal line down the middle.

Join

the dots

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Draw a line from dot number 1 to dot number 2, then from dot number 2 to dot number 3, and so on. Keep going until you’ve joined all the dots, then colour in the picture.

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Spot

the differences

Find

KICKS FOR KIDS Can you find the 8 differences between these two pictures?

the route

Help the little snail to get to her mother.

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BOOK REVIEW

That’s not my bee…

Series: That’s not my…

By Fiona Watt Cost: R150.00 Meet five busy bees in this adorable addition to the much-loved, ‘That’s not my...’ series. Babies and toddlers will love touching the textured patches as they meet bees with sparkly wings, fuzzy tummies and shiny eyes. The bright pictures and textures are designed to help develop sensory and language awareness.

The House with Chicken Legs

By Sophie Anderson Cost: R150.00 ‘My house has chicken legs. Two or three times a year, without warning, it stands up in the middle of the night and walks away from where we’ve been living.’ Marinka dreams of a normal life, where her house stays somewhere long enough for her to make friends. But her house has chicken legs and moves on without warning. The only people Marinka meets are dead; they disappear when her grandmother, Baba Yaga, guides them through The Gate. Marinka wants to change her destiny, but her house has other ideas.

Trouble in New York

Series: The Travels of Ermine (who is very determined)

By Jennifer Gray Cost: R130.00 Meet Ermine. She may be small but she’s on a BIG journey around the world. Ermine the Determined is off to explore NEW YORK. She can’t wait to visit Central Park Zoo, ride in a yellow taxi, and zoooom to the top of the Rockefeller building! But when her suitcase is switched, Ermine finds some robbers are hot on her tail… Ermine: one fabulously funny and furry heroine who can’t help but find adventure wherever she goes. First in a new series from best-selling and award-winning Jennifer Gray, with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations from Elisa Paganelli throughout.

Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes?

By Holly Bourne Cost: R170.00 Welcome to Camp Reset, a summer camp with a difference. A place offering a shot at ‘normality’ for Olive, a girl on the edge, and for the new friends she never expected to make - who each have their own reasons for being there. Luckily Olive has a plan to solve all their problems. But how do you fix the world when you can’t fix yourself?

Available at all good bookstores nationwide.

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