soap box july 2010 by THE HEALTH FACTORY

health ° wellness ° community ° going green products ° magazine events JULY°2010 / soap box July 2010

THE

HEALTHFACTORY’S

www.thehealthfactory.co.za

the voice of healthcare

Serving our

communities while saving our planet

Making love

is good for

your health

Your body

never forgets

To eat or not to eat?

a g o Ydoes it all! We answer the question!

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

THE

HEALTHFACTORY’S

the voice of healthcare THE HEALTH FACTORY’s soap box magazine is part of our holistic approach to healing & living a healthy lifestyle. The publication is a revolutionery concept in that its content is not only relevant to living the healthiest life possible, it is also written by health professionals and wellness experts. This monthly magazine features, among other things: ° real life stories relating to THE HEALTH FACTORY’s community / charity initiatives. ° articles pertaining to health & wellness. ° reviews of relevant products & information on upcoming events in the health & wellness industry. ° delicious, healthy & simple to make recipes endorsed by our in-house dietitians. Every month 5000 copies of the magazine will be distributed into the hands of the target market identified by our marketing team as being the ideal audience for your business, i.e corporate business parks and doctors’ rooms. We will also make an online copy available, thus the opportunities for distribution are endless! We would love to give you the opportunity to advertise your product in our magazine. And if you do not already have a ready to print ad, we will design your advert free of charge.

If you would like to

advertise your product in our print magazine, please e-mail marike@thehealthfactory.co.za or call

011 804 4049

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

“Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.”

contributors Biokineticist Kabelo Sennelo Chiropractors Dr Nadia Carlyle Dr Ronnie Cloete Dr Dylan Herwill Dietitian Niki Urquhart Physiotherapist Andrew van Rensburg Yoga Instructor Geraldine Anderson Psychologist & Mentor Roleen Kaplan Editor & Designer Marike Groot

contact details 011 804 4049 THE HEALTH FACTORY Health & Wellness Centre 2 Stirrup Lane Woodmead Office Park 011 787 8244 Endurance Sport & Wellness Centre 2nd Floor Riverview Centre 98 Conrad Drive Blairgowrie

website www.thehealthfactory.co.za

to advertise

Please call 011 804 4049 or e-mail marike@thehealthfactory.co.za

ow! Time certainly does fly when you’re having fun! Just look at how quickly the month of June has come and gone. It’s hard to believe we’ve almost reached the end of the long-awaited Soccer World Cup. And what a spectacular one it’s been! Even if the results weren’t always what you hoped for, you have to admit that it’s been fun to watch and be a part of. What an amazing time to be a South African! We, as the soap box editorial team, have also been having such a blast putting together a new and exciting issue each month, that we find it hard to believe that this is our third issue. Our third! Time has flown indeed. Our July issue is, as has become the norm, jam packed with fascinating articles from our health and wellness experts. With everything from why good sex is good for your health and what to put in your trolley on your next trip to the grocery store, to what Yoga is all about and how cellular memories affect your health, it’s a real page-turner! Keep reading and you’ll also find tips on how to deal with Runner’s knee, information on THE HEALTH FACTORY’s unique and innovative solution to poverty and pollution as well as amazing products to keep those winter blues at bay. So what are you waiting for? Get reading!

health

Seven Surprising Secrets About Sex For a healthy and balanced lifestyle, all evidence seem to point in the direction of the bedroom...

Weak at the Knees? Runner’s knee needn’t stop you in your tracks. There are ways to both prevent and treat this painful condition.

Deciphering Food Labels “As a general rule it’s a whole lot easier to slap a health claim on a box of sugary cereal than on a raw potato or carrot.” That’s why you need to read the label!

wellness Cellular Memories & Your Health The emotional memories of past events and their triggers, linger in our cells and affect the mind-body-soul energy system.

Yoga & You Practically anyone can benefit from yoga, no matter their age, size or shape – it lets you tune in, chill out, shape up – all at the same time.

community & going green Building for the Future THE HEALTH FACTORY has come up with a unique solution for poverty eradication using sustainable development initiatives.

look what we’ve found!

Sugar & Spice and All Things Nice These tasty treats that and delectable skincare products are perfect for spicing up your life!

14 16

we have lots to tell you!

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

THE

HEALTHFACTORY the future of healthcare Health, it is often said, is our most precious possession. But, according to WHO (World Health Organisation), health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Rather it is

“a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being” – something we all strive for. To achieve this, a holistic approach is needed – an approach that combines feeling good with looking good and doing good.

And this is where

THE HEALTH FACTORY comes in. Our unique combination of health and wellness services is focused entirely on helping you live the healthiest life possible: The practitioners in our

health depot work together to get you feeling good and functioning at your

optimum level. Looking your best is taken care of by our wellness depot. Our food depot ensures that all your nutritional needs are met. And our community depot gives you the opportunity to do

something good

and promote the health and well-being of others.

Our services are not for the individual only but extend to our

tailor made corporate health and wellness solutions packages. From cholesterol testing and

chiropractic treatment to massages and manicures, we offer everything you need to take care of your company’s most important assets – your employees. Because, at the end of the day, healthy employees ensure a healthy bottom line! And, best of all, you needn’t even leave your office. THE HEALTH FACTORY comes to you. Our exciting innovations such as Medics on the Move™, Wellness on Wheels™ and Corporate Chillout ™ means our specialised team of health and wellness professionals can take care of you and your employees in your place of work. And our

follow-up programmes guarantee that your health and well-being is constantly monitored and maintained.

So, isn’t it time that you got started living your healthiest life? Phone us on 011 804 4049 to book an appointment with our biokineticist, chiropractor, dietitian or wellness therapists at 2 Stirrup Lane, Woodmead Office Park. For more information on our corporate health & wellness solutions, please phone Dr Dylan Herwill on 073 381 9408. Alternatively, visit our website at www.thehealthfactory.co.za

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

Woman to woman

seven surprising secrets about

sex

Making love can be beneficial in many, many ways ...

hile sex may not be a popular topic of discussion around the dinner table yet, the lucrative sex industry certainly proves that people are becoming more and more comfortable with this once taboo subject. There is an obvious need to talk about it honestly and openly – the good, the bad and the ugly. And that’s exactly what we plan to do. For starters, did you know that sex is not only neccessary but healthy too? Well, the secret’s out! Aside from the need for procreation, sex is physiologically beneficial for both men and women. Our team investigated the health benefits of a good sex life, and the results may surprise you!

www.webmd.com; photo: wordpress.com

Sex improves the immune system Having sex regularly (but not too often!) can improve the levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA.) This antibody aids in fighting off colds and flu. Scientists at Wilkes University conducted a salivary test for IgA levels in 112 people who reported the frequency of their sex lives. The results reflect that people who have sex once or twice weekly have higher levels of IgA than people who abstain from sexual activity, have sex less than once a week or have it very often (three or more times weekly).

Sex is good for the heart A study conducted in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health showed that men who have sex at least twice a week have a 50% less chance of a heart attack than men who have sex less than once a month.

Sex reduces pain and improves sleep A hormone called Oxytocin is released during sex. This hormone is responsible for the urge to nurture and bond and raises the levels of the body’s natural endorphins. This raises the pain threshold. In other words, ladies, sex will help those ‘migraines’. Oxytocin has also been linked to an improved quality of sleep.

Sex aids in weight loss Sex can burn up to 85 calories in half an hour reports Patti Britton, PhD, a Los Angeles sexologist and president of the American Association of Sexuality Educators and Therapists. And while this may not seem like much, it does add up!

Sex reduces the risk of Prostate cancer Regular sexual activity is also very beneficial for the men in our lives. Australian researchers reported in the British Journal of Urology International that regular ejaculations reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men in their twenties. Another study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older men who ejaculated an average of 21 times a month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated an average of 7 times a month.

Sex reduces stress levels According to the Biological Psychology journal, a recent study was conducted to investigate the effect of regular sexual activity on blood pressure readings and stress responses. People were placed in stressful conditions in order to monitor their stress responses. The results reflected much lower blood pressure readings and overall better stress responses in people who engaged in regular sexual activity.

by Dr Nadia Carlyle– chiropractor

Sex strengthens the bladder During sex, the pelvic floor muscles are exercised which leads to improved bladder control. Very useful information as the incidence of urinary incontinence increases with age. Need we say more, ladies? For a healthy and balanced lifestyle, all evidence clearly points in the direction of the bedroom! sb

health

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

If you would like to

advertise your product in our magazine, please e-mail marike@thehealthfactory.co.za

or call

011 804 4049

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

Weak at the knees? Runner’s knee can be a real pain. But there are ways to both prevent and treat it

photo: www.the-perfectshape.com

ne of the most complex joints in the human body, the knee, is prone to a variety of sports related injuries – one of the most common being Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS), also known as Runner’s Knee. This term usually refers to pain under and around the knee cap, in either one or both knees, which tends to worsen with activity such as descending stairs or after long periods of inactivity. It is often mistaken for chondromalacia, a condition which describes damage (typically softening) of the articular cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. While the exact cause of patellofemoral pain isn’t known, it most likely has something to do with the way the patella tracks along the groove of the femur. The patella can move up, down and side to side in the groove, as well as tilt and rotate. All this movement means that the patella can have contact with many of the articular surfaces of the knee depending upon a variety of factors such as muscle strength and balance, overuse, and incorrect tracking. In other words, the cause of the pain may be from a variety of different factors.

beat the pain

Although the cause may be uncertain, there are specific things you can do to combat patellofemoral pain: ° Rest is one of the first lines of defence. ° Icing the knee(s) has also been shown to decrease the

inflammation and pain in the joint. ° Turn to non-impact exercise, such as swimming, to keep your fitness level while allowing your knees to heal. ° While dedicated individuals can manage their own rehab program, a physician or physical therapist can optimally coordinate your specific treatment plan. ° Choosing the correct footwear is also an important factor in recovering from PPS. High quality shoes should be replaced every 600 to 800 kilometers for a runner as shoe breakdown can result in more knee pain. Orthotics and arch supports may also be advised in cases with severe structural problems. ° A physiotherapist specialising in sporting injuries can determine whether a muscle imbalance exists. Depending upon the results of your diagnosis, there may be additional strengthening and stretching exercises you will need to add to your routine. You would most likely have to adopt strengthening exercises that help the quadriceps group build the muscles that are responsible for the way the kneecap tracks. One patient described the following in regard to his own knee pain: “In my case, tight ITBs (outer thigh) and overall muscular tightness contributed. But the most significant factor was the imbalance between my strong vastus lateralis (outer thigh) and weak vastus medialis (inner thigh) and adductors (inner thigh). Fortunatley, various exercises and weight training options can help (and in my case, have helped) to nullify this imbalance fairly quickly!”

be patient

Patellofemoral pain can be hard to treat, and it may take considerable time (up to six weeks) to fully recover. So ease back into an exercise routine and maintain quadriceps strength, wear appropriate footwear and rest at any signs of overuse. sb

by Andrew van Rensburg – physiotherapist

health

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

Deciphering

x Some foods are not all they’re cracked up to be!

ood labels are often used as a marketing tool, designed to make you want to buy the food. The producers want you to think their product is best so you couldn’t possibly walk past it without putting it into your trolley! Manufacturers are generally more worried about selling their product than its nutritional content. They only add the label because it’s law. So it falls to you to decipher the information given (and they don’t always make it easy) and decide whether or not it should end up in your trolley.

you have to read the label!

It may surprise you to learn that foods labeled with words such as diet, low fat, 99% fat free, sugar free, diabetic, lite, low kilojoule and slimmer’s choice are often not the best choice. The perception that they are healthy is often simply due to clever marketing. Let’s take a look at what these words really mean: ° By law lite should mean that the fat content is at least 30% less than the standard product. But this is not always the case! Among others, lite could stand for fewer kilojoules, lighter in flavour, lighter in salt, lighter in colour or lighter in fat. Lite olive oil, for example, is lighter in colour than regular olive oil. This indicates that it is more refined and therefore actually worse for you. And because Lite crisps do not contain less than 10g of fat per 100g, they may be lighter in fat than regular crisps, but they certainly are not low fat! You have to read the label! ° The standard for low fat is less than 3 grams per 100 gram product. Thus, even if something is 80% fat free it may not

health

“

As a general rule it’s a whole lot easier to slap a health claim on a box of sugary cereal than on a raw potato or a carrot, with the perverse result that the most healthful foods in the supermarket sit there quietly in the produce section, silent as stroke victims, while a few aisles over in Cereal the Cocoa Puffs and Lucky Charms are screaming their newfound ‘whole-grain’ goodness to the rafters. Watch out for those health claims. – Michael Pollan

”

be low fat at all. It means that 20% of the product’s energy is coming from fat – it still contains 20g of fat per 100gram product. Not nearly low fat. You have to read the label! ° Reduced by is another popular phrase. But reduced from what level? If a cheese contains 30g of fat per 100 grams and the fat content is then reduced by 30%, it still contains 20 grams per 100 grams. Not low fat. You have to read the label! ° One of our favourites is the cholesterol free claim. Cholesterol is found in animal products only. And though certain plant oils claim to be cholesterol free, they did not contain any in the first place. No food product obtained from a plant source can ever have cholesterol in it naturally! But even though plant oils are cholesterol free, they are still 100% fat (and often high in saturated fat) and some do still cause an increase in cholesterol if used in excess. You have to read the label! ° The sugar free food claim is often misunderstood to mean healthy, and because of this many people believe you can

by Niki Urquhart – dietitian

Sources: L. Delport & G. Steenkamp (2003): Eat Smart and Stay Slim. The GI diet; P. Holford (2005): The Holford Diet; P. Holford & F McDonald Joyce (2007): Smart Food for Smart Kids; N. Dippenaar & L. Delport (2006): The South African Fat & Protein Guide; photo’s: everystockphoto.com

food labels

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

eat these products in excess. But sugar free may just mean it doesn’t contain any added sucrose (table sugar). It may, however, still contain sugars such as dextrose, maltose or maltodextrin. These are in fact worse for blood glucose control than sucrose as they have a much higher GI (Glycemic Index). This explains why many sugar free items are actually high GI. Others are bad for you because they contain high levels of fat to compensate for the lack of taste. Look out for these other words that simply translate to sugar: fructose, lactitol, malitol, lactose, grape juice concentrate, and sorbitol. Remember that these substances all add calories to the product. And though some products really are sugar free, they are often very high in artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, cyclamates and saccharines. Try and avoid over-consuming these as the long term effects of these are not yet known, and although currently proven to be safe in moderate doses, they may cause carbohydrate cravings. You have to read the label! ° Diabetic foods are normally sucrose free but have no fat restrictions. Sometimes these products are high GI and even higher in fat than the standard product, as is the case with diabetic biscuits. They are definitely not suitable for diabetics or people wanting to lose weight. You have to read the label!

signs & symbols

To help you decide which food products are healthy and which aren’t, here are some symbols to look out for: GIFSA: this indicates the product is low GI and lower fat (not more than 10 grams per 100 grams of the product).This is a good choice even though many products that fall within this category are not yet endorsed. The heart foundation: this indicates the product is low (or lower) in fat, low (or lower) in saturated fat and low in sodium. This mark does not indicate GI. Unfortunately many products that meet this standard have not applied for endorsement. Weigh-less: this indicates the product is generally lower in calories and by default also usually lower in fat (not always). However, this mark doesn’t indicate the product’s GI. While these marks may help you make better choices, the fact that they may be present on one brand but not on another equally suitable one, you still have to be able to read labels and judge for yourself.

a crash course

We’ve simplified the reading of nutritional labels (usually on the back or side panel) into a few easy steps. Check the total weight of the product. Decide how much you would eat as a portion (calculate the weight of a portion). Sometimes a serving size is given – check if you think that is the right amount for you. See how much fat it contains per 100g (the nutritional information is usually given per 100 grams) ° Remember < 0.5 g is considered fat free ° < 3g is considered low fat ° < 10g is considered lower fat (always aim for this or below ) ° For drinks low fat is considered < 1.5g per 100ml Now calculate the fat per portion (according to the portion size calculated in step 2). E.g. if a portion is 50g, divide the amount above by 2.

3 4

by Niki Urquhart – dietitian

women should aim for between 3- 5g of fat per portion men should aim for less than 7g of fat per portion The type of fat is also important. If these values are not listed on the label, look at the ingredients. ° Saturated fat should ideally make up less than one third, but never more than half, the fat in the product. ° Ingredients which are all types of saturated (bad) fat include: milk solids, milk, cheese, butter, cream, lard, marine fat, hydrogenated vegetable fat, eggs, meat and chicken. ° Ingredients are always listed in descending order from the major ingredient. Thus, if one of the above ingredients is listed as one of the first three ingredients, it means the product is mainly saturated fat. Gauge the GI of the product. To do this, look at the ingredient list. If one of the following ingredients are listed in the first three ingredients, it is probably high GI: ° flour (wheat, cake, bread, potato, rice, corn flour, nutty wheat etc) ° modified starch ° starch ° maltodextrin ° maltose ° dextrose ° glucose ° pasta (unless mentioned that it is durum wheat or durum wheat semolina) ° potato ° pumpkin ° rice di ° breadcrumbs If y d yo uk sug ou di v a of f r (in g ide th now e o ? by od or rams) amo fou un i n d the r, the rink y the p t of num ans ou’r orti ber wer e ha on tha of te is equ ving t po asp a rtio oon l to s in n. °

do the numbers

But what is a little and what is a lot per 100g? A lot

A little

10g of added sugars

2g of added sugars

20g of fat 5g of saturates

3g of fat 1g of saturates

3g of fibre

0.5g of fibre

1.25g of salt 0.5g of sodium

0.25g of salt 0.1g of sodium

keep it simple

To end off, here are some helpful tips from Michael Pollan: “Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce. “Avoid food products containing ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in their pantry (THINK: xanthan, ammonium sulfate, acidifiers, etc).” “And if it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, DON’T!” sb

health

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

and your healt h

Cellular memories Part I

“According to some theorists, the cells of the body retain memories independently from the brain. This phenomenon is known as “cellular memory,” and it has attracted a number of supporters in various communities around the world.” – What is cellular memory?

There’s more to health & wellbeing than meets the eye

www.wisegeek.com; photo: everystockphoto.com

any of us are inclined to go to a psychologist or a psychiatrist to sort out our emotional and relational problems. And without doubt, talking things through with a professional who will listen and who knows where to draw the boundaries between what belongs to him/her and his/her patients, is indeed an excellent form of staying aware and eventually letting go of issues that no longer serve a purpose. An understanding above and beyond the logic of psychological analysis and into the realm of emotional and spiritual intelligence, however, suggests that there exists something more than just the rationale, or logical reason, behind an emotion. Some emotions seem irrational: without a frame of reference or solid foundation. Over the past few years, the idea of cellular memories has sparked interest accross the globe, in both alternative and mainstream medicine. Much like muscle memory, the world of metaphysics tells us that we all carry cellular memories. These memories play a vital role in our perceptions, why we feel the way we do emotionally and physically, and our general health and wellness. After many years’ experience and research, I say without doubt that cellular memory must be given a voice as being part of the integrated network required for practicing preventative medicine and the therapeutic process. Memories remain in the body’s cellular mind and continue to drive behaviours, fears and anxieties that keep us trapped, repeat-

ing the same patterns. Our current existence demands from us consistent awareness of ourselves on all levels in order to remain strong and healthy. To do this effectively we need not only to think positively, but also, importantly, release negative energy. Accessing negative cellular memories and letting them go on a cellular level is a crucial key to health and wellness. What we have tended towards in the past is a type of compartmentalisation, focusing on one aspect to help us feel better in all of who we are. We have attempted, for example, to analyse and logically understand the emotional pain we feel and simply take medication or to avoid the emotion completely by exercising ourselves into physical exhaustion. And, yes, physical exercise, eating healthy foods, positive visualisation, meditation and the like are all extremely beneficial forms of helping us to be healthier, more positive, relaxed and focused. Still, the emotional memories of past events and their triggers, still linger in our cells, stay in the body and affect the mind-body-soul energy system. So in addition to our general strategies of staying healthy we now need to add the cellular release of negative energy. For unless these memories and reminders are addressed on a cellular level we will never reach optimum health and well-being. In Part II, we’ll discuss negative and positive energy in-depth, as well as techniques for the recognition and release of negative cellular memories. sb

by Roleen Kaplan – psychologist & mentor

wellness

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

Yoga & You

Yoga makes you feel better.

healt hier in body, spirit. Yoga lets you tune in,

Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you

mind and

chill out, shape up – all at the same time.

he word Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning Yoke or Union – combining breath (breathing exercises), body (asanas / postures) & mind (relaxation). Yoga is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body’s posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps one to relax. You will feel fitter, be more energetic, happy and peaceful. Hatha Yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or posture) and sequences of asanas designed to align your skin, muscles and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many different channels of your body – especially the main channel, the spine – so that energy can flow freely and self-healing can start. Hatha Yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It helps bring attention to your breathing, which will in turn help you to still the fluctuations of your mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

wellness

Anyone can benefit from doing Yoga

any questions?

What is Yoga? Unlike stretching or fitness, Yoga is more than just physical postures. Physical exercise is just one aspect of Yoga. Yoga is unique because of the connection between the movement of your body and mind to the rhythm of your breathing. Connecting your mind, body and breathing helps you direct your attention inward and become more aware of your experiences from moment to moment. Is Yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion. It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practise Yoga. I am not flexible – can I do Yoga? Yes, you are a perfect candidate for Yoga. Yoga will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, co-ordination and enhanced cardio vascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being. What do I need to begin? You only need your body, mind and a bit of curiosity. Wear comfortable clothing and no shoes. As you progress you might want to buy your own Yoga mat.

the benefits There are many physical benefits from practising Yoga: ° Your pulse rate will decrease ° Your respiratory rate will decrease ° Your blood pressure will decrease ° Your cardiovascular efficiency will increase ° Your respiratory efficiency will increase

by Geraldine Anderson – yoga instructor

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

Your flexibility will increase Your range of motion will increase ° You’ll be able to hold your breath for longer ° Your grip strength will increase ° Your eye-hand coordination will improve ° Your reaction time will improve ° Your posture will improve ° Your strength and resilience will increase ° Your endurance will increase ° Your energy levels will increase ° Your weight will normalise ° Your sleep patterns will improve ° Your immunity will improve ° You will experience a decrease in pain ° Your steadiness will improve ° Your balance will improve ° The integrated functioning of your body parts will improve ° Your dynamic and static movements will improve ° Your muscle tone will normalise ° Your risk of injuring muscles and ligaments will be lower ° Your calorie consumption will be lower ° Your effort will be minimised and relaxed ° You will achieve balanced activity of opposing muscle groups ° It is entirely non competitive, progress-oriented There are psychological benefits too: ° Your mood will improve ° Your self esteem will improve ° Any anxiety & depression will decrease ° Your concentration will improve ° Your memory will improve ° Your social skills will increase ° Your well-being will increase ° The possibilities for growth in self-awareness are limitless You’ll even experience biochemical benefits: ° Your glucose levels will decrease ° Your total cholesterol will decrease ° Your total white blood cell count will decrease ° Your total serum protein will decrease sb °

photo: everystockphoto.com

wellness

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

Building for the future sustainable development and poverty eradication go hand-in-hand

ust five minutes from the wealth and sophistication of the Sandton CBD are the shebeens, shacks and shantytowns of Alexandra. This township is only one example of the worrying trend becoming apparent in countless South African communities: the complete disintegration of physical and psychological structures. All around us we see communities in need. Communities where widespread hunger, unemployment (four in 10 adults), polluted water and the lack of proper sanitation, “clean” energy sources and proper housing (four in 10 people live in shacks) are faced daily. The lack of adult supervision (resulting in children roaming the streets), moral grounding and respect for self, others and the environment, also add to the dire situation – community values have all but disappeared. Environmental issues are also a grave concern. Unfortunately, living “green” is generally impossible for members of a community where thinking about the next meal is much more important. But according to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD): protecting the future of the earth and its inhabitants while ensuring that its present becomes much better for those in need, is the key challenge to combating poverty. Sustainability and environmental initiatives are therefore essential processes when dealing with the typical issues found within a typical impoverished community. With that in mind, THE HEALTH FACTORY has come up with a unique solution for poverty eradication using sustainable development initiatives. With our Eco-Village project we’re not simply promoting sustainable development, we’re re-establishing the ideals essential for community life and functioning within society as a whole.

community

the eco-village

The idea of an Eco-Village was born through a vision to better serve the community and save our planet: conservation of natural resources, the elimination of waste, respect for other people and our planet, the mutual sharing of information and any surplus together with non-polluting energy systems will not only improve the lives within the community, it will also improve the future of our country and all of its people. Our Eco-Village will be based on the traditional South African tribal system which inherently promotes the ideals of Community and Society. Within this structure a decrease in crime, the promotion of the family structure, improved health and better value systems will be notable. With a strong sense of community, essential moral foundations will come naturally. We envisage a communal area where people will be able share ideas, learn essential skills and benefit from a community way of living: ° Community Clinic Purpose-built by the community and serviced by volunteer staff, this clinic will ensure that various Health and Allied Health Professionals provide health services to previously disadvantaged communities where people have never had access to these services before. For the most these medical services will be provided free of charge, with potential state subsidies. We’ll also train students/interns in healthcare as well as provide the means and access for them to receive proper education and training. ° Community Centre This will be a place to showcase the various skills, products, habits, etc. essential to sustainable living. ° Workshops: Education/ skills development etc

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine

Public Square: Recreation, entertainment, activities, etc Market and Shops: “Green”-products, low energy products, tourist shops, etc ° Crèche ° Spiritual/ Elders Corner (tree) ° Soup kitchen & feeding scheme ° Co-Operatives We’ve done a fair amount of research and believe that the establishment of a number of Co-Operatives will be the best way to ensure the longevity of our Eco-Village by creating a self-sufficient and ecologically friendly community for all. ° EcoConstruction Co-op - Examples of various building methods used for all Com munal Buildings ° EcoTourism Co-Op - Traditional Village (upon which the Eco-village will be modelled) ° EcoEnergy Co-Op - Alternative Energy Centre ° Organic Co-Op - Nursery - Soup Kitchen Garden ° Youth Environmental Initiative Co-Op ° Waste Management Co-Op - Paper Art - Crafts ° °

why build an eco-village?

photo’s: everystockphoto.com

Even though gains will essentially be small in material terms in the beginning, the effects on the community are sure to be remarkable. Quite a number of jobs will be created in the process of building and maintaining the village, securing a firm foundation and structure to build on. Even more exciting will be the psychological changes amongst people – a “let’s do it for ourselves” -mentality. The learning of essential skills will not only help people establish decent livelihoods, it will also instil a sense of community, significantly reducing the costs for and expectations of government. According to Johannesburg mayor, Amos Masondo, sustainable development will have widespread implications for the city. The merging of “green” (ecologically friendly ways of living) and “brown” imperatives (economic elements which underpin wellbeing, including economic development and job creation) in a time when public resources are limited, but needs seem infinite, is essential. And this is exactly what our Eco-Villages will be doing.

If you would like to

advertise your product in our magazine, please e-mail marike@thehealthfactory.co.za

or call

011 804 4049

If you have any comments, suggestions or resources that could help us make this idea a reality, please e-mail us at window@thehealthfactory.co.za. Every bit helps!

going green

soap box magazine / JULY 2010

If you would like to have sticky ’n sweet Gingerbon Ginger Candy is totally addictive! We at THE HEALTH FACTORY just cannot get enough! But be warned ... this genuine ginger based candy’s strong aroma is nothing compared to its powerful taste. Each Gingerbon is individually wrapped to seal in the Spicy & Sweet Ginger Flavour – delightful anytime of the day! Be sure to keep a few Gingerbons in your car or at work for when that ginger craving hits. But not only does it taste great, the benefits of ginger are fantastic too. Studies on extracts of ginger show anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic activities, among others. Researchers also proposed that ginger may have migraine relieving and preventive properties without any side effects. It can also be used as an anti-nausea or anti-motion sickness agent. Need any more reason to tuck in to this delightfully spicy sweet? Available at Dis-Chem and specialist stores.

your product featured in this section, please e-mail marike@thehealthfactory.co.za or call

011 804 4049

“ancient grains” meets modern convenience

Another office favourite is Yogi Cereals and and Granola Crisps. These crunchy flakes are made from ancient whole grains. As the name implies, ancient grains have been around a long time. Dating back thousands of years and have remained virtually untouched by modern plant science. They are often a richer source of nutrients than modern grains. Yogi’s range contains an exclusive blend of five of these whole grains: Nutritious Oats contains soluble fiber; Barley is rich in antioxidants, complex carbohydrates and fiber; Spelt is higher in protein than modern wheat and is also rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, and vitamins B1 and B2; Quinoa helps sustain energy and promote vitality; Amaranth contains vitamin E for a healthy circulatory system. This unique blend works together to enhance the body’s ability to ward off disease. Low fat diets rich in whole grains may help lower your risk of heart disease. Emerging research also suggests that whole grains may also reduce the risk of diabetes. No wonder our dietitian loves the Yogi range so much! Visit www.yogiproducts.co.za to read more about the tasty options Yogi offers. Available at Woolworths.

look what we’ve found!

spice for life

Ayurveda – “science of life” – is an ancient system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent and is known for its use of, among other things, herbs and spices in the healing process. Nature’s Essence beauty products are not only, as the name suggests, completely natural, but also Ayurvedic. The innovative use of spices and other natural compounds makes Nature’s Essence products not only safe to use, but also highly effective. In fact, our beauty therapist swears by them! Their Saffron Care Creams contain natural ingredients such as almond oil and orange oil and have antioxidising properties which help to protect, moisturise and nourish skin cells. These creams protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun and improve complexion by stimulating epidermal tissues for a natural glow. Visit www.naturesessence.tradeindia.com to find out more.

JULY 2010 / soap box magazine