The Special 2019 Sunflower Fund Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

*FREE ONLINE MAG *THE SUNFLOWER FUND 2019 EDITION

Conscious Life Magazine

CONTENTS 13

HERE TO HELP FIGHT BLOOD DISEASES

54

AWESOME SUBSCRIBER GIVEAWAYS

64

DOWN TO EARTH WITH COVER GIRL ZOË BROWN

[

SELF DEVELOPMENT & PERSONAL GROWTH

16

DO YOU TRULY KNOW HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF?

19

HOW YOUR ATTITUDE AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING

23

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALIGNING WITH YOURSELF

R

NATURAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

28

TAKING A LOOK AT BLOOD DISEASES

31

MICROPLASTICS DETECTED IN HUMAN FAECES

38

LIVING A GREENER LIFE IN 2019



SUNFLOWER FUND STORIES OF HOPE

42

ARE WE THERE YET? THE STORY OF RACHEL ANSER

44

YOU, ME AND “THE BIG C”. THE STORY OF MICHAELA SHOEBOTHAM

46

MIRACLES OFTEN HAPPEN WITH ORDINARY FOLKS. THE STORY OF GAWIE MARX

R 50

HEALTHY INTAKE SURIYAKI RECIPE FROM GREEN MONDAY

51

CASHEW CREAM MINI CHEESECAKES FROM GREEN MONDAY

52

ARE YOU ON THE FENCE ABOUT SUGAR CONSUMPTION?

b CONSCIOUS BODY 62

THE 13-MINUTE WORKOUT PROTOCOL & IT’S IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Conscious Life Magazine

CONTENTS H

GREEN LIVING

70

HOW TO LIVE OFF-THE-GRID: EASY STEPS YOU CAN FOLLOW

76

GROWING HEALTH: GOURMET TREASURES FROM THE ORGANIC GARDEN

_ ANIMAL WORLD 84 HOW TO CHECK YOUR PET FOR SIGNS OF CANCER

P

GETAWAYS

89 AWESOME HEALTHY GETAWAYS

62 70

28 41

64

Contributing Team & Experts

ABOUT US www.childoftheuniverse.co.za PUBLISHER 2Luni Media EDITOR/OWNER Candida “Cj“ Matticks 087 802 6102 candida@childoftheuniverse.co.za

LISA RALEIGH

Articles from the late

Fitness & Nutritional Expert

Author/Inspirational Speaker

LOUISE L. HAY

Copy Editor Linda Navon BrainGym

DR CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP

Articles written by the late

BRENT LINDEQUE

DR. WAYNE DYER

The Good Things Guy

HANNA KOK

SALES & MARKETING Sales & Marketing Manager Cj Matticks Sales Linda Navon CREATIVE TEAM Designer & Creative Director Cj Matticks

Author & Motivator

Content & Layout Assistant Linda Navon Digital Manager & Social Media Cj Matticks DISTRIBUTION & ACCOUNTS

Lee Coulter lee@childoftheuniverse.co.za

Articles written by the late

TORSTEN A. LANGE

HEATHER PICTON Founder ADHASA

Author, founder & director Reiki Academy London

LINDA NAVON Deputy Editor

CJ MATTICKS Editor

CONTACT NUMBERS TEL: 087 802 6102 011 026 2643 011 046 8737

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Conscious Life Magazine

Contributing Team & Experts

MARGI McALPINE

PENNI DU PLESSIS

Angel Connection School

Divine Space

MICHELLE LESKE

DR SHAVIT SACHS

Egypt Tour Goddess

Naturopath

SIMON WING-LUN

VERONICA HAUPT

Founder: Unconditional Love Healing

Re-code Your Life

WHAT WE ARE ABOUT We believe in the ‘FIRST DO NO HARM’ principle and we select our content and advertisers accordingly. Our focus is on conscious lifestyle.

We cover topics around natural health & wellness: body, mind & spirit; conscious living for a cleaner planet, healthy recipes and fitness.

TO SUBSCRIBE Subscription to Conscious Life Digital Magazine is free of charge. Simply send an email to subscribe@childoftheuniverse.co.za with the subject line: Subscribe Conscious Life Mag and we will email your mag to you monthly.

ISSUU APP Conscious Life Magazine is published on ISSUU. Please download the ISSUU app via the Android and Apple App Stores. It is free to use. Please follow us on there. www.issuu.com/2luni-media DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editor, advertisers or endorsers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are both accurate and truthful, the publisher and editor accept no responsibility for inaccurate or misleading information that may be contained herein.

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A Monthly Online Free Magazine helping you live your best life. Filled with inspiring, helpful articles on health, wellness, self development, healthy eating, fitness, green living and more.

To Subscribe to Conscious Life Online Magazine for Free, Click Here Your monthly free digital mag will be emailed to you* *by subscribing, you acknowledge that your email address and name will be added to the publishers of Conscious Life Magazine’s database. The publishers are, Vinloco Media & 2Luni Media. You will only receive your monthly magazine and, from time to time, mails related to Conscious Life Magazine and the Child of The Universe Parenting Magazines. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the mailer you receive.

Hello beautiful souls!!

As our regular readers know, Conscious Life Magazine and the Child of the Universe Parenting Magazines have been proud media partners of The Sunflower Fund for many years now and we support them where we can. This special Sunflower Fund edition has been put together to give you, our readers, an idea of how your donations to the fund have helped; the different ways that you can get involved and help the fund; education about blood diseases and more.

We would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the advertisers in this month’s edition. Up to a third of the advertising revenue for their adverts is being donated to The Sunflower Fund in their names, and prizes were donated by others. Thank you to all of you for supporting us and the fund. We would like to ask that you, our reader take a look at their adverts and support them.

We would also like to thank Zoë Brown, an ambassador for The Sunflower Fund, for gracing our cover and giving us an interview.

We have also included some of our regular content. Conscious Life monthly, free, online magazine is filled with on health, wellness, self development, healthy eating, fitness, green living and more.

I would also like to encourage you to register as a blood stem cell donor. It is easy to do and you could save someone’s life. Perhaps ask yourself “What if the patient needing stem cells was my loved one?”

Stem cells are collected through the donor’s bloodstream in a process called peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC). Their blood is passed through a small tube into a machine that collects the stem cells, and then returns the rest of the blood to the body. It’s a very similar experience to giving blood but takes a little longer.

Very rarely, the stem cells are collected from the donor’s bone marrow. It involves a small surgical procedure, using a needle to collect bone marrow from the donor’s pelvis under general anaesthetic. See? Nothing at all to be scared of.

Enjoy this issue and please, if you are not already subscribed to receive Conscious Life Magazine free via email each month, please mail subscribe@childoftheuniverse.co.za

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

Monthly Online Free Parenting Magazine filled with inspiring articles on the conscious parenting, conscious living, wellness, self improvement, fitness &more.

To Subscribe to the Child of the Universe Positive Parenting Online Magazine for Free, Click Here Your monthly free digital mag will be emailed to you* *by subscribing, you acknowledge that your email address and name will be added to the publishers of Conscious Life Magazine’s database. The publishers are, Vinloco Media & 2Luni Media. You will only receive your monthly magazine and, from time to time, mails related to Conscious Life Magazine and the Child of The Universe Parenting Magazines. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the mailer you receive.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

Filled with inspiring articles on the Montessori Method, bringing Montessori into the home; conscious parenting, conscious living, wellness, self improvement, fitness &more.

To Subscribe to the Child of the Universe Montessori Mag-nificence Parenting Online Magazine for Free, Click Here Your monthly free digital mag will be emailed to you* *by subscribing, you acknowledge that your email address and name will be added to the publishers of Conscious Life Magazine’s database. The publishers are, Vinloco Media & 2Luni Media. You will only receive your monthly magazine and, from time to time, mails related to Conscious Life Magazine and the Child of The Universe Parenting Magazines. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the mailer you receive.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

HERE TO HELP FIGHT BLOOD DISEASES The Sunflower Fund is a donor recruitment centre and stem cell registry that is part of a global network, dedicated to creating awareness about blood diseases and stem cell donation, recruiting blood stem cell donors and maintaining a registry of committed donors.

The Sunflower Fund pays for the cost of the tissue-type testing. This is fundamental to saving the lives of South Africans who need a stem cell transplant. The chance of finding a matching donor is 1 in 100,000 – and as ethnic origin plays a significant role in the search for a donor, South Africa’s rainbow nation is at a distinct disadvantage, requiring a large pool of prospective donors.

Should you wish to become a donor, support one of the fundraising projects or make a financial contribution, please contact The Sunflower Fund on toll-free number: 0800 12 10 82. Visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za to learn more or look out for the DONATE button to make a cash donation via the website.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

By the Late Louise L. Hay

I am not a healer. I do not heal anyone. I think of myself as a stepping stone on a pathway of self-discovery. I create a space where people can learn how incredibly wonderful they are by teaching them to love themselves. After years of individual counselling with clients and conducting hundreds of workshops and intensive training programs across the country and around the world, I found that there is only one thing that heals every problem, and that is: to know how to love yourself.

When people start to love themselves more each day, it’s amazing how their lives get better. They feel better. They get the jobs they want. They have the money they need. Their relationships either improve, or the negative ones dissolve and new ones begin.

It’s a very simple premise—loving yourself.

I’ve been criticized for being too simplistic, and I have found that the simple things are usually the most profound.

of myself.” So many of us hide from ourselves and we don’t even know who we are. We don’t know what we feel, we don’t know what we want.

Life is a voyage of self discovery. To me, to be enlightened is to go within and to know who and what we really are, and to know that we have the ability to change for the better by loving and taking care of ourselves.

It’s not selfish to love ourselves. It clears us so Someone said to me recently, “You gave me that we can love ourselves enough to love the most wonderful gift—you gave me the gift other people. We can really help the planet The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

when we come from a space of great love and joy on an individual basis.

The Power that created this incredible Universe has often been referred to as love. God is love. We have often heard the statement: Love makes the world go ’round.

It’s all true. Love is the binding agent that holds the whole Universe together.

To me, love is a deep appreciation. When I talk about loving ourselves, I mean having a deep appreciation for who we are. We accept all the different parts of ourselves—our little peculiarities, the embarrassments, the things we may not do so well, and all the wonderful qualities, too.

Unfortunately, many of us will not love ourselves until we lose the weight, or get the job, or get the raise, or the boyfriend, or whatever. We often put conditions on our love. But we can change. We can love ourselves as we are right now!

We are in the midst of enormous individual and global change. I believe that all of us who are living at this time chose to be here to be a part of these changes, to bring about change, and to transform the world from the old way of life to a more loving and peaceful existence. n the Piscean Age we looked “out there” for our savior: “Save me. Save me. Please take care of me.” Now we are moving into the Aquarian Age, and we are learning to go within to find our savior. We are the power we have been seeking.

If you are not willing to love yourself today, then you are not going to love yourself tomorrow, because whatever excuse you have today, you’ll still have tomorrow. Maybe you’ll have the same excuse 20 years from now, and even leave this lifetime holding on to the same excuse.

Love is something we can choose, the same way we choose anger, or hate, or sadness. We can choose to forgive someone who has hurt us and begin to finally heal. We can choose to be grateful for what we have. We can choose love. It’s always a choice within us.

Let’s begin right now in this moment to choose love.

It’s the most powerful healing force there is.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Importance of Aligning With Yourself

By Simon Wing-Lun, article from the November 2018 edition of Conscious Life Magazine

As you align within yourself, life becomes less and less about what specific action you take, and more and more about the vibration and energy the action comes from.

You can be creating a business. Eating food.

Having sex. Being in conversation. Posting on social media. Exercising. Going for a walk.

Reading a book..

It's not really about if you're doing it the 'right way'.

There is no right or universally successful way to do anything.

• It's about the mix of energies and emotions underneath the action.

• So if I'm eating, is my eating being driven love, fear, anger or anxiety?

• If I'm doing social media or business, am I being fundamentally driven by self-love, authentic passion, unworthiness or fear?

• If I'm having sex, am I transmitting unconditional love, acceptance, reverence, and appreciation, or control, jealousy, unworthiness, or the need to prove something?

Or is it some mix of several of these things?

In most cases for people these energies are actually mixed up and blended together underneath many of their actions.

So it's not just about asking if you're being driven by love or fear.

The reality for most people is that underneath the simple act of eating a meal there might be 63% love, 17% fear, 8% guilt, 7.5% anger, 2.5% jealousy and 2% unworthiness.

This is just an example of the mix and proportions of motivating energies that can be driving your experience of any action.

So sometimes people say: "I know I'm making the best decisions I can, how come I'm still not getting the results and reflections I really want?“ This is because they might be choosing the most loving action available in that specific

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

area, but they're not able to fully align within themselves so that action is fully coming from love.

For example at any given time the best option someone may have available may only be coming from love as 40% of the motivating energy, because this is the limit on love they have within themselves in that area.

The good news is everything is already perfect.

You don't have to have perfect 100% inner alignment to very much enjoy the experiences and fruits of your actions.

However if you just keep trying to choose the most loving action, without looking at the alignment that's beneath it though, you're likely to feel stuck or frustrated at some point.

And if no options feel quite right or are getting the results you truly want, then it's time to look inwards at your deep emotional alignment rather than trying to find an outward action that will work for you.

Looking inward to align and heal is an action within itself, many people simply undervalue this process of aligning, or don't actually know how to do it effectively.

The difference in eating, having sex, or doing business from a place of 60% love, to 80% love is night and day. Getting anything in the 90%-100% range is pure bliss. You'll be in total bliss and orgasmic ecstasy taking out the trash..

The levels of bliss, joy and creative power that can be infused in our actions is almost incomprehensibly huge.

Going beyond just choosing the best actions, and aligning the vibrations and emotions underlying your actions is the path to experience the highest vibrations of joy and bliss while here on earth.

It is the way to grow and brighten your life, and infuse all the power of love into everything you do, not just things that might be labelled as "spiritually valuable".

You are the love. You are the light.

The more you align deep within, the more you'll shine joyfully through every single action you take.

Have a look at Simon’s Website: www.unconditional-love.com

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

*2018-2019 COMPASSIONATE NO ANIMAL-TESTING PRODUCT GUIDE*

2018-2019

COMPASSIONATE NO ANIMAL-TESTING

PRODUCT GUIDE South Africa

Intro edition

Conscious Life Magazine

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Conscious ConsciousLife LifeMagazine Magazine

Article by The Sunflower Fund

Being diagnosed with blood cancer or blood disease can be a stressful and worrying event in an individual’s life. Many people become anxious about an uncertain future, but others can feel a sense of relief that their recent health problems have been recognised and treatment can start. Everybody reacts to this news in their own way and it can take some people longer than others to come to terms with their situation.

You might know someone that has a recently been diagnosed and you’re now looking for information. You may be a concerned partner, family member or friend who is trying to plan ahead for the future. No matter what your situation, there is information available to help answer your questions.

The good news is that there are treatments for blood cancers and diseases that can ease symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing. However, if these treatments are unsuccessful the only other option might be to have a blood stem cell transplant – often also referred to as a bone marrow transplant.

What is Blood Cancer or a blood disease?

Stem cells divide and mature into the different cell types that make up our blood.

This includes red blood cells (for carrying oxygen), platelets (to help blood clot) and

white blood cells (for fighting infections). If you have a blood disease, it’s likely that there is a problem with a stage in this process. This means that some of the cells in your blood cannot properly perform the job they are designed to do.

Some of these problems are hereditary.

However, others, such as myelodysplastic syndromes and autoimmune diseases, are not inherited and can occur without an obvious reason.

There are lots of different blood diseases and they are treated in different ways depending on their type and severity. A few of them can develop into blood cancers over time. Only some people with blood diseases will need a stem cell transplant – usually only if other treatments have been unsuccessful.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

Some of the more common blood cancers and diseases that may need a stem cell transplant include: Leukaemia Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells, usually white blood cells, and bone marrow. White blood cells are an important part of your immune system that fight infection, and bone marrow is where blood cells like these are made.

People with leukaemia have large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually types of white blood cells, which take over the bone marrow and spill out into the bloodstream.

Leukaemia is divided into many different types – some which develop faster (acute leukaemia’s) and others which develop more slowly (chronic leukaemia’s). Each type of leukaemia acts differently, and will need to be treated differently. When you’re looking for information about leukaemia, it really helps to know the proper medical diagnosis so that you can find the right information.

There are four main types of leukaemia • Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) • Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) • Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) Other types of leukaemia include: • acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) • hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) • large granular lymphocytic leukaemia (LGL) • t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (TALL) • chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML)

different types of lymphoma. The symptoms, treatments and prognosis (outlook) depend on which type of lymphoma you have. The main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and nonHodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Myeloma Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. A plasma cell is a type of white blood cell, which produces antibodies to fight infection.

When you have myeloma, too many abnormal plasma cells are made in your bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside your bone where your blood cells are made). This also means there isn’t enough room for normal red and white blood cells, which both play an important role in keeping you well.

Usually the bone marrow is affected in a number of places around your body, which is why myeloma is sometimes known as ‘multiple myeloma’. Myeloma is not usually considered a curable disease, but it is very treatable. Many people with myeloma have a good overall quality of life.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood disorders that cause your bone marrow to produce too many blood cells.

These cells are often unhealthy (dysplastic) and are destroyed soon after leaving the bone marrow. People with MDS feel very tired, weak and bleed or bruise more easily because they cannot produce enough healthy blood cells.

Although MDS are not cancers themselves, they can sometimes develop into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Lymphoma Aplastic Anaemia Lymphoma affects your immune system and Aplastic anaemia is a rare condition in which can cause swellings in your neck, armpit, the body stops producing enough new blood groin, or deeper in your body. There are cells. Aplastic anaemia develops as a result of The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

bone marrow damage. The damage may be present at birth or occur after exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, toxic chemicals, some drugs or infection.

The main cause of developing aplastic anaemia is after an autoimmune reaction, where your immune system targets your own cells. Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly. Fatigue, frequent infections, rapid heart rate and bleeding may occur.

Treatment can include medication, blood transfusions and stem-cell transplants.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) If you have a sickle cell disease (of which sickle cell anaemia is the most severe) your blood is unable to carry oxygen around your body effectively. This is because your red blood cells are an abnormal shape (sickle or crescent-shaped) instead of disc-shaped – so they can’t bind as much oxygen as a normal cell. This will often leave you feeling tired, short of breath and prone to infections.

Sickle cell diseases are genetic. To be affected, both your parents need to have the sickle cell gene. If you get the gene from one parent, you will be a carrier (also known as sickle cell trait), but you won’t have any symptoms. The diseases are more common in people of African and Mediterranean descent.

Autoimmune diseases All autoimmune diseases are caused by an overactive immune system that targets your own cells rather than foreign bodies such as

bacteria or viruses. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases including type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Not all autoimmune diseases can be treated with a stem cell transplant, but they can help people with systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions.

Although autoimmune diseases are more common in some families, they are not inherited directly (like primary immunodeficiency diseases). They can also be caused by environmental factors, and can sometimes develop after an infection.

Thalassaemia If you have thalassemia, you have an abnormal type of haemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This destroys more of your red blood cells than normal, leading to anaemia, which can cause fatigue, headaches and concentration problems. Sometimes it can cause more serious symptoms like shortness of breath.

Thalassaemia is hereditary, meaning that the genes that cause it are passed on from your parents. Roughly 7% of people are thalassaemia carriers (also known as thalassaemia trait) but it’s only passed on to children if both parents are carriers.

For in-depth information and treatment options, it is best for a patient to contact their physician.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Conscious Life Life Magazine Magazine

Microplastics Detected in Human Faeces (Plus, 5 Microplastic Dangers) Article by Annie Price, CHHC, Memebr of Dr Ax’s team

A recent study conducted by the Environment Agency Austria estimates that more than half of the world population may harbor microplastics in their stools. Now, that is some seriously concerning information.

Why are microplastics bad? Researchers say that once microplastics get into the human body and begin circulating, they can endanger health.

Specifically, microplastics may negatively impact the human immune system, digestive system and more.

And microplastics aren’t just affecting human health; they are also impacting the environment in major negative ways. By the year 2050, the World Economic Forum estimates that the world’s oceans will contain more plastic than fish. The presence of microplastics in the ocean is not just a concern for the environment, because we now know that we’re consuming fish that contain microplastics! Plus, microplastic is effecting non-marine environments majorly as well.

semi-synthetic organic compounds (like polylactic acid from corn). Plastics are generally easy to manufacture, inexpensive to make and versatile. You can mold plastic into almost any shape, which is why you see it so prevalently in food and drink containers, toys, wiring, cars and more.

What are microplastics? Microplastics definition: tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters in size. They can disintegrate from larger pieces of plastic or you can find them in products like exfoliants, food containers and What Are Microplastics? even clothing. How are microplastics created?

Before we get to microplastic, where does Although plastics do not readily biodegrade, plastic come from in general? Plastic is a they will break up into smaller pieces when material that consists of various synthetic exposed to ultraviolet light and physical compounds (like petrochemicals) and abrasion. For example: when larger plastic The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

bottles end up in ocean waters and are then continually exposed to sunlight, they will begin to breakdown.

What do microplastics do? Once in the ocean, microplastics move with currents, wave action and wind conditions and can be found throughout all areas of a marine ecosystem.

When plastic particles become smaller and turn into tiny microplastics, they can then easily be consumed by wildlife, which is a huge problem in our waterways today.

There are five main types of microplastics, including: Fibers: Fibers come from things like diapers, fleece clothing and cigarette butts, and one of the ways that microfibers get into our waterways is through our washing machines. Unlike clothing materials like cotton or wool, fleece microfibers are not biodegradable.

Microbeads: These non-biodegradable plastic particles measure less than one millimeter in diameter, and you can find them in facial cleansers, exfoliating products and even toothpaste. Fish and other marine life often mistake microbeads for food, which is a big problem since plastic is not digestible. When eaten, it then clogs their intestines, possibly leading to starvation and death.

Fragments: These are smaller pieces of plastic that break off from larger pieces and then UV radiation from the sun breaks them down into even smaller pieces. Examples of fragments include pieces of cutlery, lids or single-use items like water bottles.

Just like fragments and microbeads, fish and other marine life can mistake nurdles for food.

Foam: You can find styrofoam in things like coffee cups and food containers. Its chemicals can leach into food and beverages. Reheating food in a styrofoam makes the risk of toxic exposure for humans even greater. Just like fragments, styrofoam breaks down into smaller pieces.

According to a 2018 scientific review titled “Microplastics in Seafood and the Implications for Human Health,” “Since the 1960s, plastic production has increased by approximately 8.7 percent annually, evolving into a $600 billion global industry. Approximately eight million metric tons of plastics enter the oceans annually, and conservative estimates suggest 5.25 trillion plastic particles currently circulate in ocean surface waters. While some plastics enter oceans from maritime operations, 80 percent is suspected to originate from land-based sources.”

Unfortunately, it’s now well-known and welldocumented that animals, including fish, mussels, plankton, corals, seabirds and sea turtles, are ingesting microplastics. When organisms like plankton and mussels consume these plastics, this can likely affect an entire ecosystem since they are found at the base of the food web.

Top 5 Dangers of Microplastics 1. Toxicity in Human Gut, Lung, Liver and Brain Cells The same scientific review published in 2018 took a look at the evidence to date of human exposure to microplastics via seafood consumption and unwanted health effects that may result. Microplastics can come from larger plastics that break down and in that same fashion, microplastics can break down even smaller into nanoplastics.

Nurdles: Nurdles are small plastic pellets used to manufacture plastic goods. Due to their small size, they sometimes spill out of transportation vehicles during delivery and then can end up in storm drains before ultimately emptying into a nearby waterway.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

According to the review, “Following oral exposure, nanoplastics are transported by M cells, specialized epithelial cells of the mucosa, from the gut into the blood where they are carried through the lymphatic system and into the liver and gall bladder.” Because of their tiny size and hydrophobicity (not combining with water), nanoplastics are able to pass through the placenta and blood-brain barrier into the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, which are then two potential areas for harm to occur in the human body. So far, research studies have demonstrated toxicity in vitro to lung cells, liver and brain cells.

Another 2017 study in Scientific Reports starts off by pointing out that you can now find microplastics in oceans, rivers, sediments, sewages, soil and even table salts. Talk about microplastic being all around us! This recent research study confirms that depending on particle size, microplastics (MPs) can accumulate in at least three tissues based on mice subjects: the liver, kidney and gut. In addition, the build up of MPs caused several effects on biochemical biomarkers and metabolomic profiles, which demonstrates the potential health risk to mammals. Overall, the researchers concluded that based on a comprehensive analysis, there is evidence to suggest that exposure to MPs may cause disruptions to energy and fat metabolism, health hazardous oxidative stress and neurotoxic responses, which are responses that are poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue.

2. Major Potential Negative Effects On Gut, Heart, Lung and Reproductive Health Experts believe that we can look at the potential health risks of microplastics, which can turn into nanoplastics, similar to those of engineered nanoparticles. What do we know about the effect of such particles to date?

exposure and bodily accumulation of nanoparticles has been shown to have numerous health effects on the following: • Cardiopulmonary responses (can include heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc.)

• Alterations of endogenous metabolites (the intermediate and final products of metabolism in the body) • Genotoxicity (a destructive effect on a cell’s genetic material, including DNA and RNA) • Inflammatory responses • Oxidative stress (an imbalance between the production of free radicals (diseasecausing) and the antioxidant system, which is in charge of maintaining homeostasis) • Nutrient absorption • Gut microflora/gut bacteria • Reproduction 3. Damage to Marine Wildlife Health and Biodiversity The presence of microplastics in waterways is a major problem that will only likely become worse as time goes on. How do microplastics harm the environment? Microplastics in the ocean and other bodies of water have a direct impact on these ecosystems, because the animals that live in these waters are ingesting them. If an animal is at the bottom of the food chain, they can easily spread that plastic up the chain just as we’re seeing humans consuming plastics via their consumption of seafood.

According to a scientific article published in 2018 in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe, plastics are known to take hundreds of years to break down, but larger plastics can turn into micro- and nanoplastics much faster.

The article highlights how “chronic exposure simply to the physical presence of microplastics has been linked to effects on According to “Microplastics in Seafood and populations, including the negative influence the Implications for Human Health,” oral of micro- and nanoplastics on survival and The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

mortality of different species of zooplankton, which represent a critical energy source in the marine environment.”

Another concern with plastics and the environment is the fact that many plastics contain known or suspected endocrinedisrupting chemical additives and/or contaminants. Experimental research on animals demonstrates how that low-level exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCS) can lead to both temporary and permanent changes to their endocrine systems. EDCs can also mimic, compete with or disrupt the synthesis of hormones, which can lead to impaired reproduction and consequently low birth rates as well as inferior thyroid function and an increased incidence and progression of hormonesensitive cancers.

4. Negative Impact on Terrestrial Ecosystems Microplastics pollution is affecting land environments too. A 2018 articlepublished in Global Change Biology points out the hazards of plastics on terrestrial ecosystems including tundra, taiga, temperate deciduous forest, tropical rain forest, grassland and deserts.

This recent article points out there is growing scientific evidence showing that “microplastics interact with terrestrial organisms that mediate essential ecosystem services and functions, such as soil dwelling invertebrates, terrestrial fungi and plantpollinators.” Research will continue because it seems pretty clear that microplastics are going to continue to have a negative impact on land environments as they have on marine environments.

drinking water today. According to one investigation, 83 percent of water test samples from major metropolitan areas around the world have plastic fiber contamination.

Many people turn to bottled water thinking it’s a safer choice, but in 2018 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a review into the possible risks of plastic in drinking water after an analysis of some of the world’s top bottled water brands revealed that more than 90 percent of them contained tiny pieces of plastic. This analysis specifically reveals that plastic fibers were in 11 of the world’s largest bottle water brands from 19 locations in nine countries. Of these samples, 93 percent of the bottled water tested showed some sign of microplastic contamination, including polypropylene, nylon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Where Microplastics Are Hiding Where else could these microplastics be hiding? Within fish and shellfish themselves!

In 2018, news outlets featured this fact with news headlines like “Hong Kong’s fish are eating plastic — and people could be too.”

According to researchers, fish are ingesting microplastics which then end up in humans through seafood consumption. One group of researchers found 80 pieces of plastic in just one single fish.

Hard to believe? A 2016 UN report documented over 800 animal species contaminated with plastic via ingestion or entanglement. This number is 69 percent greater than a 1977 review that estimated 247 contaminated species at the time.

Would you believe that microplastic may be 5. Drinking Water Contamination hiding in your salt shaker too? It’s scary yet As many people know, tap water toxicity is a true! A study published in 2017 in Scientific concerning health issue in the United States Reports takes a look at the presence of and around the globe. Are microplastics in microplastic in commercial salts from several drinking water? Sadly, plastics are present in countries. The study notes, “the increasing The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

trend of plastic use and disposal, however, might lead to the gradual accumulation of MPs in the oceans and lakes and, therefore, in products from the aquatic environments. This should necessitate the regular quantification and characterization of MPs in various sea products.�

In other words, producers of salt, seaweed and other items derived from the sea should be checking their microplastic content before they sell their products to consumers.

How to Avoid Microplastics Avoiding microplastics today can definitely be challenging. One way to avoid them is to be particular about the water you drink. Do filters remove microplastics? Some options that should remove microplastics include carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems.

Some carbon/activated carbon filters can remove asbestos, chlorine, lead, mercury and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But carbon filters cannot remove arsenic, fluoride, nitrate or percholate. Filters also vary greatly by manufacturer and some may only remove chlorine.

Reverse osmosis filters can trap any molecule bigger than water. They are typically more effective than carbon filters since they can remove fluoride. A reverse osmosis filter is my personal recommendation.

You can also avoid microplastics by not drinking from plastic water bottles, avoiding styrofoam and staying away from any products that contain microbeads. Of course, not polluting is a huge way to stop microplastics from ending up in our environment.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

By Down to Earth

If your resolution for 2019 is to be kinder to the environment, you’re not alone. More and more people are getting to grips with their environmental footprint and it seems we’re developing a selfless need to make changes for the greater good – for all of us.

Change can be a challenging process, and can even be overwhelming when you are faced with a task as big as living a more sustainable life. Where do you start? If you look at the state of the planet and the implications of the actions we take, there may be so many areas in which you want to make changes. Our advice is to start small and to tackle one at a time – also, give it a chance to become habit before you move on to the next. Here are a few easy ones you can implement and cross off your list with ease.

Choose non-toxic personal care products You may be surprised to learn just how many harmful chemicals are in main stream cosmetics and personal care products. The list is long, but here a few you will recognise on labels… Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a popular foaming agent used in shampoos, soap and toothpaste, is linked to skin irritation, eye damage and immune system damage.

Petrochemicals such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol found in many topical creams, are also found in anti-freeze and oven cleaners, and are not surprisingly potentially carcinogenic. Mineral oil (yes, baby oil) is known to prevent your skin from releasing toxins – it can lead to cell damage and premature ageing. Parfum or synthetic

fragrances can cause hyperactivity, irritability, and behavioural problems with repeated exposure. Just think of the effect these chemicals have on the environment when you wash them down to the drain and into the waterways. Choosing natural products means choosing potent active plant ingredients which are safe and effective, and which work synergistically with the body and the environment.

Lighten up on the household cleaners Just like harsh personal care products, hardworking household cleaners can be hard on your skin and the environment. Many people are turning to vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice to clean their kitchens and bathrooms – much cheaper and just as effective. You don’t have to be so drastic however. There are the most amazing South African produced natural cleaning products available to replace those you use every day – dishwashing liquid, laundry powder, tile cleaner, disinfectants – all made from essential oils and other natural ingredients. They are non-toxic, child-friendly, biodegradable and ethical – plus they work just as well as the harsher products. Just visit your nearest health store or online store – it’s never been easier.

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Recycle and reuse It is good to take a standpoint to avoid plastic where you can, however the ugly truth is that many of your favourite products would cost an arm and a leg if it weren’t delivered to you in such a cost-effective package. When you do buy plastic make sure that it is recyclable or reusable and make sure you put it in the recycle bin or repurpose it when you’re done with it. Same goes for paper and tin. It could even save you a bit of money. Buying outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic is also a great way to contribute to the recycling process and they’re generally more weather resistant than alternatives too.

Eat more greens Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is not always workable in the standard South African diet but what you can do is to reduce your meat intake. Why not join the Meat Free Monday’s campaign? Not only will you feel healthier but you’ll be reducing your contribution to an industry that has the largest carbon footprint of all. Professor Tim Benton of the University of Leeds said: “The biggest intervention people could make towards reducing their carbon footprints would not be to abandon cars, but to eat less red meat.”

Save your energy Saving precious non-renewable energy is important, especially in South Africa where our main source of power is from a company entrenched in coal and where change and progress comes at a painfully slow rate. So, use energy-efficient lights, switch off lights and televisions when not used, take stairs rather than lifts, boil just enough water for your immediate needs, whisk eggs by hand and start a carpool club.

We are proud to say that Down to Earth products are free from harmful chemicals and that our product packaging is fully recyclable.

Conscious Life Magazine

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The Sunflower Fund Stories of Hope

Are We There Yet?

The Story Of Rachel Anser

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

Dr Marc Hendricks handed me a piece of paper. It was a jumble of letters and numbers that resembled gobbledegook computer code, but that piece of paper represented hope. It was a sign that we - my wife Jean and I were “there”. Or, more accurately, that our daughter Rachel, who had just turned 7, was “there”.

For a year Dr Hendricks had been telling us that “we’re not there yet!”

“There” was the next step of the bumpy road we had been travelling since discovering that Rachel had an extremely rare bone marrow failure disease called Pure Red Cell Aplasia.

“There”, after countless tests, four bone marrow biopsies and more than 50 blood transfusions, was a bone marrow transplant.

But first we had to find a donor - and the lines of gobbledegook were her possible matches.

It was December 2015 when Dr Hendricks, a paediatric haematologist at the Red Cross Children Hospital, showed us the list, and described it as one of the most promising lists he had seen.

Promising was good. Some of his patients had no potential matches at all.

We were counting on the transplant to be the miracle cure for Rachel’s mysterious condition.

Rachel’s bone marrow had gone on strike and wasn’t making red blood cells, the blood that carries oxygen around the body. When her levels dipped her body started to shut down: she became tired, stopped eating and her heart pounded like machinegun fire in her chest. If she didn’t have a blood transfusion “a can of the best,” as Dr Hendricks called it she risked going into heart failure.

After a transfusion she was full of beans again. It was like a switch had been flipped; she suddenly became alive, jumping on the trampoline, riding her bike and flying up and

down the monkey bars.

But the intervals between transfusions grew shorter and she soon became transfusion dependent. That’s when Dr Hendricks told us she needed a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. A donor search was activated, and came up with the promising list of potential donors registered globally.

The odds of finding a donor are 1 in 100,000 and there are only 70,000 people on South Africa’s registry. To become a donor, you just have to give some blood or these days a cheek swab and fill in a form. It’s easy and painless to potentially be someone’s lifesaver!

The candidates on Rachel’s list were good on paper but were ruled out after more advanced tests.

We were becoming increasingly anxious. We didn’t know it but the Registry was beginning to give up hope of finding a match. And then in December 2016, a woman in Poland decided to join the registry. This anonymous woman 14,000km away turned out to be Rachel’s genetic twin. Her magical stem cells would reboot Rachel’s bone marrow.

In March 2017 Rachel was admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital. I was panicking, but on the morning of the procedure Rachel gave me a grin and a big fat wink as if to say, “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve got this!”

This year we celebrated the first anniversary of Rachel’s “rebirthday”. We toasted her donor and all the other donors who save lives and give the gift of hope.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Sunflower Fund Stories of Hope

You, Me and ‘The Big C’ The Story Of Michaela Shoebotham Michaela Shoebotham is a 32-year old wife and mother of 2 gorgeous boys. She is also a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (cancer) patient having been diagnosed with cancer for the third time and after an 8-year long journey has recently undergone a stem cell transplant from a matched unrelated donor.

Here's how it all began....

Until November 2010 Michaela was a healthy and very busy woman, working a full time job with two young children, Joshua and Oliver. She always loved adventure and the great outdoors and it was this passion that led her into the arms of Ian, her husband, a South African game ranger and wildlife photographer. Together they were living the dream, working and raising their children in the African bushveld when life suddenly took a turn for the worst.

Following a healthy pregnancy and a smooth delivery giving birth to her second child Oliver in April 2010, her health took a sudden and dramatic turn only three months after his birth. She lost 20kg in a matter of months, began losing her hair in huge clumps, went as white as snow, was having heart palpitations, night sweats and struggled to stay awake with her newborn.

At first, in September 2010, their family doctor thought she was anaemic (which she

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was) but after more than a month on iron supplements her blood results had further deteriorated. She was immediately admitted to hospital where she stayed for a week undergoing test after test; scans, X-Rays and biopsies. It was terrifying. She was not only worried for her health but also for her husband and their (then) 3-year old and 6-month old boys at home without her.

The diagnosis came back - Stage 3b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cancer. What now?!

After 12 sessions of chemotherapy in 2011, she was briefly in remission (free of cancer) for 2 months.

In 2012, sadly the New Year did not start as well as she had hoped. A scan revealed that the cancer has relapsed and the Lymphoma was again all over her neck, chest and abdomen. She needed another, more intense, course of chemotherapy. Furthermore, she needed a bone marrow/ blood stem cell transplant.

She was referred to a clinical haematologist in Pretoria and her first round of chemo started on the 17 January. It was intense. Four days of chemo makes up one session and she needed 4 sessions in total... and this was just the start.

Michaela has been maintaining a blog for the past seven years, which has followed the roller coaster she and her family have been on through multiple chemotherapy treatments, radiation, an autologous stem cell transplant, experimental Immunotherapy treatment and now a transplanted from a matched unrelated donor.

“The first time around, I wish I could have seen the reality of the process from a patient’s point of view, so I hope that my diary will provide insight to other patients, their families and friends,” says Michaela.

“Having had the disappointment of a matching donor withdrawing, two weeks before my original transplant date and not knowing whether I would find another match, I am deeply appreciative of the many donors that sign up voluntarily to help a stranger for whom they might be a match,” she concludes.

You can read Michaela’s detailed blog of the ups and downs and her fundraising journey to cover the exorbitant costs of treatment.

Blog link www.youmeandthebigc.blogspot.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UC8ZkHKRC5Kp980dfGD68P0w

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Sunflower Fund Stories of Hope

Miracles Happen With Ordinary Folks…

The Story Of Gawie Marx Never Give Up! This statement might sound like an overused cliché but when you’ve been through a battle with Leukaemia watching the disease claim the lives of people in your ward while you are receiving your treatment, it is easy to lose hope. The incredible journey of 52year old Gawie Marx is however a practical lesson that despite the circumstances one must never give up.

Gawie was diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia in November 1997 at the age of 31 and found himself in need of a bone marrow/blood stem cell transplant. He was one of the fortunate few people that had a sibling who was a 100% match and could be his donor. Globally thousands of patients are diagnosed with blood diseases every year and there is only a 25% chance that a sibling might be match.

The remaining 75% need an unrelated matched donor.

despite this he has made a full recovery.

When he was diagnosed, Gawie’s doctor advised him to store his sperm as he would be infertile after his treatment. Upon the doctor’s advice he stored his sperm and 11 years later, he and his wife welcomed twin boys into this world and into their family.

In August this year Gawie celebrated his 20year post transplant anniversary.

On 13 August 1998, Gawie received a stem He is now working as Executive Assistant cell donation from his brother, Johan. His Manager at The Taj Hotel in Cape Town. treatment involved 3 courses of 7 days inhospital chemotherapy, which took 8 months Gawie is also a keen tennis player and has to complete. At first all seemed to go well represented the South African transplant with until he developed graft versus host team at 6 World Transplant games winning 3 disease, which has left him blind in one eye, medals.

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

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Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

Suriyaki

By Amy Hopkins, Courtesy of Green Monday

Photographer: Micky Hoyle

Ingredients

Method

• • • • • • •

•

• • • • •

1 cup mirin 1 cup sake 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 cup tamari or wheat-free soy sauce 3 spring onions, sliced 1 tbsp coconut oil 2 handfuls shimeji mushrooms (not all separated) 2 handfuls pak choi, rinsed 2 handfuls sliced Napa or Chinese cabbage 1/2 packet Vermicelli noodles Fresh coriander 1 lime

• • •

• •

Heat one large deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Combine the mirin, sake, soy and sugar in a bowl and set aside.

Place spring onions and coconut oil in the pan. Sauté for a minute, then add one cup of the sake mixture.

Add the mushrooms, pak choi and cabbage to the pan. In the meantime, soak the vermicelli noodles in water for 5 minutes. Then add to the pan with the vegetables.

Add the rest of the sake mixture and cook for a further five minutes.

Serve noodle mix with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime juice.

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Cashew Cream Mini Cheesecakes

By Amy Webster, Courtesy of Green Monday

Ingredients

•

Crust • 1 cup pitted dates • 1 cup raw nuts (walnuts or almonds)

•

Filling • 2 cups raw cashews, soaked 4 hours to overnight • 1/3 coconut oil, melted • 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp coconut cream • ½ cup agave nectar or maple syrup • ¼ cup lemon juice • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Extra flavoring • Chocolate = add 5 Tbsp cocoa powder to filling and ½ cup crushed dairy-free chocolate chips for the topping • Blueberry = add 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (or use blueberry jam) to the filling + whole blueberries for the topping

• •

•

•

•

Add nuts to the food processor and mix until fully ground. Add the dates back in and blend until a crumbly mixture forms.

Place a heaping spoonful of crust mixture to each cupcake paper and press with fingers.

Place pan in freezer while you make the filling.

In a blender or Vitamix, add the filling ingredients. Blend on high until silky smooth.

If flavoring with blueberry, add the blueberries to the blender and mix until smooth. Or, add blueberries (or blueberry jam) to plain cheesecakes in the pan and swirl in.

For chocolate cheesecakes, add the cocoa powder to the blended mixture and swirl in crushed chocolate chips once poured into cheesecakes.

Pour cheesecake filling into cupcake tin, dividing evenly.

Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and place into freezer until completely set—about 4-6 hours.

Enjoy frozen or remove from freezer for 10-15 minutes to allow cheesecakes to thaw before eating.

• Method • Make the crust first: Place cupcake papers in a 12-slot muffin pan.

• • Add pitted dates to a food processor and mix until it is ground and forms a ball.

Remove the dates from food processor and set aside.

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By Nature’s Choice, article from the November 2018 Conscious Life Magazine

Are You On The Fence About Sugar Consumption?

Many people can agree that sugar is not healthy, but often they believe that going cold- turkey is not a realistic option. “It looks innocent enough, and surely a little bit won’t hurt?” For many, consuming sugar is an on-going compromise.

But the real problem is that even if you don’t add sugar to your food or drinks you are probably consuming way more than you think.

Sugar in any form, be it corn syrup, honey or even fructose, still has a powerful impact on the body; and one thing is for sure, we are consuming much more than we need.

In 1915, the national average of sugar consumption (per year) in the US was around 6 to 8 Kgs per person. Today the average person consumes his/her weight in sugar, plus over 8 Kgs of corn syrup. The human body cannot tolerate this large amount of refined carbohydrates. The vital organs in the body are actually damaged by this gross sugar intake.

Still Not Convinced?

Here are a few more points you may want to consider.

Sugar contains: • No nutrients • No protein

• •

No healthy fats No enzymes

Added sugar: • Increases bad Cholesterol • Contributes to Leptin Resistance, and then weight gain, cravings, sleep trouble, etc.

• Doesn’t fill you up and instead encourages you to eat more • Creates a cascade of negative hormone production • Starts a positive feedback loop in the body to encourage more consumption Dr. David Reuben, author of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Nutrition says, “white refined sugar is not a food. It is a pure chemical extracted from plant sources, purer in fact than cocaine, which it resembles in many ways…

For all practical purposes, the difference is that sugar is missing the “N”, or nitrogen atom.”

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Understanding Sugar: When we talk about sugar we are generally talking about a mixture of glucose and fructose.

Dextrose, fructose, and glucose are all monosaccharides, known as simple sugars.

The main difference between them is how your body breaks them down. Table sugar is half glucose and half fructose. Basically, anything ending in “ose� is sugar.

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, and erythritol are neither sugars nor alcohols but are becoming increasingly popular as sweeteners. They are incompletely absorbed from your small intestine, for the most part. They provide fewer calories than sugar, but can have a laxative effect and therefore need to be consumed in moderation.

What About The Naturally Occurring Sugar In Fruits and Vegetables?

Naturally contained sugars in fruit and vegetables are balanced by the fibre, vitamins, enzymes and other properties of the fruit/vegetable.

Honey is about 53% fructose, but is completely natural in its raw form and has many health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Stevia is a highly sweet herb derived from the leaf of the South American stevia plant, which has been shown to be completely safe.

Children and Sugar It is especially important to cut out sugar in children’s diets because they are still developing their nutritional foundation, metabolism, and hormones. It is really essential that you do your best to stick to natural whole foods and avoid any processed foods like packaged biscuits, fizzy drinks, bottled sauces and flavoured crisps.

Make the good foods readily available, and put all your nuts and healthy snacks in clear jars where children can see them, and make the unhealthy snacks few and far between.

Lastly, whatever changes you decide to make one thing is for sure, cutting out sugar is one of the most important moves you can make for your health!

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GIVEAWAY TIME FOR SUBSCRIBERS Win One Of 5 Beautiful Hampers Of The Full Baocare Range, Valued At R830 Each.

Follow these easy steps to enter: 1.

2.

3.

Answer this question: According to the article The Beauty Of Baobab & Uses For Baobab Oil in the November Edition of Conscious Life Magazine, How long does a baobab flower last for?

Email your answer to competitions@childoftheuniverse.co.za, Subject: Baocare Hamper Elect 3 friends to receive Conscious Life Magzaine free online by copying them as recipients of the email.

By entering the competition, you agree to be subscribed to receive Conscious Life Online Magazine via email, from Vinloco Media and 2Luni Media each month for free.

Terms & Conditions: The Competition Ends on the 1st of January 2019. Winners will be announced in January and will receive their prize shortly thereafter. The judge’s decision is final. The competition is not open to directors, agents, employees or consultants of Eco Products and Conscious Life Magazine. The competition is not open to readers who reside outside of South Africa and those who have won a prize with us in the last 6 months.

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The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

GIVEAWAY TIME FOR SUBSCRIBERS Win An Mpower Menstrual Cup Hamper Valued At R500.

Follow these easy steps to enter: 1.

2.

3.

Answer this question: According to The Sunflower Fund Article: Taking a Look At Blood Diseases, What is Myeloma?

Email your answer to competitions@childoftheuniverse.co.za, Subject: Tibb Hamper Elect 3 friends to receive Conscious Life Magazine free online by copying them as recipients of the email.

By entering the competition, you agree to be subscribed to receive Conscious Life Online Magazine via email, from Vinloco Media and 2Luni Media each month for free.

Terms & Conditions: The Competition Ends on the 1st March 2019. Winners will be announced in March 2019 and will receive their prize shortly thereafter. The judge’s decision is final. The competition is not open to directors, agents, employees or consultants of Mpower and Conscious Life Magazine. The competition is not open to readers who reside outside of South Africa and those who have won a prize with us in the last 6 months.

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The Mpower Menstrual Cup is a menstrual management solution for all women and is made in Cape Town, South Africa.

The menstrual cup (MCup) is a non-absorbent reusable barrier cup that collects menstrual blood. It comes in 2 sizes and is made from medically approved, 100% pure silicone (which means no impurities like colour) in an FDA certified factory. Local design and manufacture ensures that safety and design standards are monitored and controlled by the owner.

The storage bag provided with each Mcup is made by a community project based in Ottery, Western Cape.

One Mcup is the equivalent of 1200 pads.

Cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to pads and tampons.

Reusable so no need for regularly purchasing, using and disposing of traditional pads/tampons. Does not contain latex.

Nothing to throw away, or to run out of.

Easy to clean as the lining is totally smooth and the tab is flat.

Odourless and entirely invisible with no strings.

Provides more reliable protection as it opens to form a seal that resists leakage. Non porous and nonabsorbent.

Holds up to three times more fluid than the average tampon or pad. Can be used before first sexual intercourse and in conjunction with an IUD or contraceptive diaphragm. Safe to use before the onset of menstruation so ensures maximum preparation.

Available in 2 sizes.

Comfortable as it is made from soft flexible silicone rubber. Ideal for an active lifestyle eg: running, gym, yoga, swimming etc. and can be worn overnight. Needs to be changed less frequently than even the highest absorbency tampons.

Convenient to carry in your bag.

Order your own Mcup or donate money towards The Mcup Movement, schoolgirls outreach.

R210 = 1 Mcup for 1 girl, which lasts up to 10 years. No amount is too small.

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GIVEAWAY TIME FOR SUBSCRIBERS Win An Awesome Hamper of Tibb Health Sciences Products to Help You Stay Healthy, Valued At R1000.

Follow these easy steps to enter: 1.

2.

3.

Answer this question: According to The Sunflower Fund Article: Taking a Look At Blood Diseases, What is Myeloma?

Email your answer to competitions@childoftheuniverse.co.za, Subject: Tibb Hamper Elect 3 friends to receive Conscious Life Magazine free online by copying them as recipients of the email.

By entering the competition, you agree to be subscribed to receive Conscious Life Online Magazine via email, from Vinloco Media and 2Luni Media each month for free.

Terms & Conditions: The Competition Ends on the 1st March 2019. Winners will be announced in March 2019 and will receive their prize shortly thereafter. The judge’s decision is final. The competition is not open to directors, agents, employees or consultants of Tibb Health Sciences and Conscious Life Magazine. The competition is not open to readers who reside outside of South Africa and those who have won a prize with us in the last 6 months.

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The 13-Minute Workout Protocol & Its Impressive Results Article by Jillian Levy, CHHC, Member of Dr Ax’s team

A busy schedule may have kept you from getting to the gym in the past, but it’s hard to argue that you don’t have just about 15 minutes to spare for a workout.

If you’re not the type of person who either has the time, or wants to devote the time, to working out for hours each week, a recent study uncovered a finding you’ll be happy to hear about: just three 13-minute workouts per week should be enough to build significant strength and endurance!

In fact, if you commit to just three short but high-intensity workouts each week, you can expect to experience fitness-related improvements that are similar to those achieved with a substantially greater time commitment. (1)

The men were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: 1. A low-volume group that performed 1 set per exercise per training session, 2. A moderate-volume group that performed 3 sets per exercise per training session, or 3. A high-volume group that performed 5 sets per exercise per training session. All workout routines consisted of three weekly sessions performed on nonconsecutive days for eight weeks.

At the end of eight weeks, what did the researchers find? Surprisingly, results showed that all men experienced similar increases in strength and endurance (no significant differences were found between the three groups). Despite the fact that the low-volume group was only performing 1 set of each exercise, they achieved results that were on par with the group performing five times as many sets!

What Is the 13-Minute Workout?

The “13-minute workout” is based on results from an August 2018 study that was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. The purpose of the study was to evaluate muscular adaptations between low, moderate, and high-volume resistance training protocols. The effects of varying levels of high-volume resistance training were evaluated in 34 healthy adult men.

Men from all groups experienced muscle The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

hypertrophy (increased muscle size), but the higher-volume group was found to have the greatest increase in the size of the elbow flexor, mid-thigh and lateral thigh muscles.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that “muscle hypertrophy follows a dose-response relationship, with increasingly greater gains achieved with higher training volumes.”

13-Minute Workout Protocol Conventional strength-training advice has long told us that we should be completing several sets of exercises each workout, aiming for between 8 to 12 repetitions per exercise during each set.

But now that you know it’s possible to experience increased strength in less time, with as little as three brief workouts per week, let’s talk about how to make the most of a 13-minute workout.

1. Keep the intensity high Because you’re doing as little as one set of each exercise during a workout (a set is a given number of repetitions of an individual exercise), you want to go “all out” in terms of effort.

The goal should be to “lift to failure,” which in weight training means you repeat an exercise to the point that your neuromuscular system can no longer produce adequate force to keep going. In other words, you try so hard that your muscles couldn’t keep lifting even if you wanted them to. (2) Research suggests that training to failure, especially during the last few reps, increases lactic acid production which stimulates muscle growth, including of your larger muscle fibers.

2. Focus on compound movements that engage multiple, large muscle groups Compound exercises are “multi-joint movements” that work several muscles or

muscle groups, such as your chest, back, core, quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings and calves.

Some examples of exercises that the men in the study mentioned above completed included the bench press, lateral pull-down, machine leg press and others. Other compound exercises include: reverse lunges with overhead press, weighted squats and squat jumps, loaded carries, pull-ups, and push-ups. (3) 3. Do 8–12 reps Rather than using a high rep range, during each set the men completed 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise. Lifting heavy weights during compound lifts can lead to widespread muscle growth, improved performance, and better balance and coordination, all in less time. (4) 4. Full-body workout 3x a week for 8 weeks Complete a full-body workout three times a week, aiming for a minimum of eight consistent weeks in order to see results. Do your workouts on non-consecutive days; in other words, take a rest day between workouts to allow your muscles to recover.

Because you’ll only be doing one set of each exercise, expect the whole workout to take less than 20 minutes.

5. Add in some Burst training When it comes to efficient workouts, one way to achieve great results in little time is to do burst training style workouts, which can be done at the gym, on a track or field, or at home.

No gym membership? No problem — try burst training at home. This will involve exercising at 90–100 percent of your maximum heart rate for 30–60 seconds, followed by 30–60 seconds of lower intensity exercise or resting.

Pick a handful of exercises and “burst” for 10– 20 minutes total, 3–5 times a week. Try including: running in place, jumping jacks, high jumps, squat pulses, jumping rope, pushups and burpees.

Down to Earth with ZoĂŤ Brown

The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The Sunflower Fund Team spent some time with one of their ambassadors, our beautiful cover model, the lovely Zoë Brown. Host of the popular early morning show, “Feel Good Breakfast Show” on SABC3’s Expresso, voice-over artist and model with her own radio show on KFM. Zoë is one multi-talented and busy woman.

Cj, Editor of Conscious Life Magazine, caught up with Zoë to get to know her a little better, talk about her involvement with The Sunflower Fund, and find out how she fits all this and an active, healthy lifestyle into her day.

Cj: How did you get involved with The Sunflower Fund?

Zoë: I’ve only heard incredible things about The Sunflower Fund and all that they do for patients and their families. When the opportunity came about be part of the Sunflower Team, I couldn’t wait to join the team.

C: What inspired you to register as a Donor?

Z: It costs me nothing to become a registered donor, yet it could mean the world to the recipient and their families one day. Should one of my family members ever be in need of a stem cell donor, I hope more strangers would take up the courage to register and help someone in their hour of need.

C; What is your message to fellow South Africans regarding registering to become a stem cell donor?

Z: I would love for registering to become a stem cell donor to be as important as registering to vote! With your vote, you change an entire nation, now imagine if more people were registered to save a life and the impact that could have on the world.

C: What other initiatives are you involved in?

Z: I am an ambassador for the Children’s Hospital Trust as well as an ambassador for WWF South Africa. The one campaign we’re heavily focusing the spotlight on is saying no to single-use plastics, like plastic straws, plastic cutlery and unnecessary plastic bags.

Getting to know Zoë C: What does a day in the life of Zoë Brown look like?

Z: It is crazy! No day is ever the same. My mornings start bright and early. I arrive at work around 04:30 every morning for hair and make-up to be on set and ready to go live with Expresso at 6am. We are then live till 9am. Every live show is followed by a style photo and video, which takes about 15 minutes. I’m usually booked for shoots for Expresso, which commences after the live show. The days where I am not booked for any additional shoot – I have the morning all to myself. I then meet up with my radio team at 1:30pm for a meeting and we do the Flash Drive every weekday from 3pm till 7pm. I see my personal trainer in the evenings, so the days that I see him, we meet at 7:30pm till 8:30pm. Then only can I head home and relax before starting it all over again the next day.

C: How did you get into TV, radio and modelling and what inspired you to do so?

Z: Modelling was a pure coincidence. My sister entered a modelling competition and at the registration desk I was asked to consider entering too. I ended up winning that competition which opened many catalogue shoot opportunities. Radio on the other hand too more work. I started on campus radio and moved from there to commercial radio. It was during my radio days that the idea of TV was planted in my head. I ended up on Expresso

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through the competition.

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C: What advice and encouragement do you have for others looking to follow that path?

Z: It’s a very interesting industry and it is one that you can make or break for yourself. If you’re only doing it to gain fame and popularity, you’re setting yourself up for failure. If you set yourself goals and keep to the plan, you can thrive in this industry.

C: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Z: I hope to have filled my passport in 5 years!

C: Are there other dreams that you are pursuing?

Z: Always, however some take longer to manifest than others!

C: How do you create balance in your life?

Z: I have learned the art of knowing when to say “no” – that’s the only way I can maintain balance in my life.

C: I understand that you enjoy hiking in the mountains, park runs and cycling on the promenade. What else do you do to stay fit and healthy?

Z: I currently have a trainer that I see twice a week and he makes sure I stay challenged, healthy and fit! He is wonderful in adjusting my workouts the days where I have no energy.

The key is to never stop or give-up on those tough days.

C: Any fitness goals that you are currently pursuing?

Z: I would like to participate in the full (16km) Discovery Tough Mudder obstacle course! I tried the half this year, and loved it! Although it was much easier than the full!

C: In what ways do you live consciously? (e.g. recycling, saving energy, using environmentally friendly products etc) Z: I am super water-wise at home! My showers are super quick and I find many purposes for my grey water. I am always super conscious of plastic pollution – and use alternatives where possible.

C: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Z: I love spending my free time outside! From going hiking to going for walks with friends. I also love the occasional wine tasting experience!

C: We understand that you are a cat person, please tell us a little about your kitty cat.

Z: His name is Sailor and he is such a character. He was adopted off Instagram, he is completely black and wears a bowtie! He’s recently been named CFO (Chief Feline Officer) of the new cat hotel (At Frits) in Cape Town. He is an advocate for other black cats, to prove that they are just as deserving of a loving home and capable of doing anything like any other Ginger, Persian or Burmese.

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C: Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Z: Telling a white lie that I’ve got a meeting, to go home and take a nap.

C: Any lesser known talents/hobbies?

Z: I’m really good at DIY (using a drill and all kinds of DIY gadgets) and sowing!

C: What are 4 of your favourite things in life and why?

Z: My cat, he’s the cutest My passport, which allows me to travel Eating popcorn and Smarties for breakfast Calling both Cape Town and Durban home!

C: 3 items on your bucket list and why?

Z: To Interview Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep – they’re my favourite actresses (My ultimate favourite movie is The Devil Wears Prada) To see molten lava – I have a weird fascination with Volcanoes and I’ve gone as far as hiking up Mount Liamuiga, a dormant stratovolcano, in St Kitts Island in the Caribbean.

To kayak through ice glaciers – I can’t think of a more spectacular way to be in nature C: What are you currently reading and what are your 4 favourite books?

Z: I’m currently reading Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming.

My four favourite books are: Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers); Any Jodi Picoult book, Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code and Malala Yousafzai’s, I Am Malala.

--------------------------------------------We would like to thank Zoë for her time in speaking with us and making time for a special photo shoot for the Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Edition of Conscious Life Online Magazine. Zoë we wish you all the success in the world, keep shining that beautiful light of yours brightly. We will be cheering you on!

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How to Live Off-The-Grid: Easy Steps You Can Follow

By Abdul Rahman Mahayni, Courtesy of From Greenpop. Article from the November 2018 edition of Conscious Life Magazine.

In a world dominated by consumerism and the achievement of wealth, many have taken it upon themselves to adopt a lifestyle in which they’re wholly responsible for themselves. As humanity has scarred Earth with its carbon footprint and their greedy consumption of resources, a new trend has set, in which people live off-the-grid. This helps promote a healthier lifestyle that encourages less pollution, better health, as well as cost effectiveness.

Many people have adjusted their lifestyles in order to participate in this movement that aims to help preserve our world. These adjustments include reducing plastic waste, composting, recycling, and many more. For others, however, minor adjustments are not enough. These determined individuals have decided to adopt a lifestyle independent of the utilities provided by public services, therefore, becoming self-sufficient to their needs.

“You become much more aware of the sun and the wind because you need it to power yourself.”

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WHAT DOES LIVING OFF-THE-GRID ACTUALLY MEAN? Off-the-grid living can be described as many things. There is no strict definition of what it means. It means different things to different people. It is a lifestyle. To many, living offthe-grid means moving to the countryside and having a simpler life by reducing the number of resources consumed while participating more in the preservation of the environment through various activities.

Many off-grid houses are independent of the water supply, electrical, sewer, or other utility services provided by the government and instead, produce these services themselves. Moreover, many off-grid dwellers grow their own food instead of purchasing them from groceries or supermarkets.

“It is the living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities�

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE OFF-THE-GRID? Environmental Benefits There are many environmental benefits that accompany living off-the-grid. This lifestyle allows you to become more in touch with your surroundings. People who choose to move away from society to surround themselves with nature find themselves living a healthier life.

Healthier Lifestyle Living off-the-grid could mean reverting back to a more primitive lifestyle. This includes walking or biking as a main form of transportation instead of using cars.

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Rebellion Some people choose to rebel against society and therefore defy all that society has become. These rebels move out to the wilderness and disconnect themselves from a system they perceive as corrupt and greedy, thus making a statement that represents liberty and independence.

Cost Efficiency Cost efficiency is one of the more common reasons as to why people decide to go offthe-grid. By reducing the resources being consumed and instead, producing these resources, cost-effectiveness will have been achieved. For example, some rely on solar power as a source of energy instead of purchasing electricity.

Smaller Carbon Footprint For environmentalists, a smaller carbon footprint is an important factor and therefore they choose a lifestyle that reduces the damage done to our environment.

Lower Stress and Anxiety Leading to Better Health Becoming more in touch with nature and living a healthier lifestyle is an improvement for both physical and mental health.

EASY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO LIVE OFF-THE-GRID IN THE CITY If you choose to participate in the off-grid living but feel like you are not completely ready to immerse yourself in it, then there are many steps you can take to become a partial off-grid member. And even though it feels easier to live off-the-grid in the countryside, with a little hard work you could implement this lifestyle in the city. All you need to do is follow these simple steps: Grey Water Instead of using clean water to water the gardens or flush the toilet, you could use the The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

leftover water showering.

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Rainwater In addition to grey water, rainwater could vastly help with the reduction of costs. Even though rainwater could be contaminated, it could be very effective for the use of the other daily functions such as laundry, gardening, or toilet uses.

Take Advantage of The City Instead of driving to work, you can walk, bike, or use public transportation as a substitute method. The use of these facilities could help save some money that can be further used for other more important necessities.

RECYCLE! Recycling should be the first step towards living off-the-grid. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that gets sent to landfills and incinerators.

The chemicals released from the waste in these landfills are very harmful towards the environment and thus, recycling genuinely helps with preserving the environment. In addition, recycling helps slow down global warming, reduces pollution, and helps conserve energy.

COMPOST! Compost helps maintain the quality of the soil by enriching it with nutrients from the decomposed organic material. It helps maintain moisture and therefore reduces the need for water. In addition, composting protects plants from potential diseases and overall results in the growth of healthier plants.

UPCYCLE! Upcycling is the reusing of unwanted or used objects into an object of higher value. Similar to recycling and composting, upcycling helps reduce the number of chemicals released into the atmosphere by landfills and incinerators, as well as reduces the need to produce new materials, which also helps maintain resources.

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The above steps are only the introductory steps you can take to become off-the-grid. Of course, people who choose to completely go off-the-grid totally disconnect themselves from public utilities and instead try to sustain themselves by finding alternative sources to satisfy their needs. For example, solar power has become an increasingly popular source of energy and people have chosen to rely only on solar power instead of purchasing electricity. Moreover, many people grow their own food in gardens they’ve set up in their homes instead of buying food from supermarkets or groceries. Living off-the-grid helps promote a healthier lifestyle as well as helps preserve the environment and therefore, if these practices have been implemented into your life then you are on your way to enjoying a happier, healthier, and greener life.

Growing Health: Gourmet Treasures from the Organic Garden

by Jenny Slabber of Talborne Organics

White brinjals with violet trimming, scarlet and green chillies, and a palette of green and brown crunchy salad leaves. These are jewels that delight the passionate organic gardener. Besides their stunning beauty, they promise a profusion of flavor and goodness when we harvest and eat these treasures from the earth.

Researchers at the University of Oslo list the following 7 plant foods as “Super foods”: Spices, Herbs, Berries, Nuts, Seeds, Vegetables and Fruits.

These “Treasures” are loaded with plant-compounds with magical qualities to promote health, boost the immune system, resist chronic disease and keep us bright, supple, strong and most importantly youthful! And the good news is they can all be homegrown in your organic garden to ensure the abundant supply of beneficials in freshly harvested food.

Why drink pills when you can eat berries?

Berries and fruits contain a large number of vitamins, minerals, fiber and anti-oxidants to lower cholesterol, promote digestive and urinary health, and prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Berries are a “must have” in all gardens, and easy to grow.

Freshly picked Health Vegetables and Herbs contain generous quantities of beta carotene in the green and orange parts. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in our bodies. It’s a powerful anti-oxidant which mops up free radical waste in the body. Yes your grandmother was right when she told you to eat The Sunflower Fund 2018-2019 Special Edition of Conscious Life Magazine

your veggies and protect your eyesight!

Send the flu virus packing by building a strong respiratory system with infection fighting vitamin C in rich supply in all freshly picked fruit and vegetables. Best sources are citrus, guavas, tomatoes and strawberries.

This will stimulate men’s gardening skills! Plant a nut tree and add some zip to your sex life.

Zinc from nuts promotes sexual health, fertility and vigor!!

Lycopene from tomato and bright colored vegetables prevents prostate cancer.

Leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and cabbage contain a plant chemical, indole-3carbinol (I-3-C) that can program cancerous cells to “commit suicide” and die before the cancer spreads in soft tissues of the breast, colon and prostate. A good enough reason to eat broccoli!

Garlic, onions, leeks and chives from the allium family contain natural sulphur, allicin and allixin to boost the immune system. They are natural antibiotics and protect against candida and cancer. To keep the peace in the home, share the ‘garlic meal’ with your partner.

The fiery burn of chillies, stimulate the body to release the happy hormone endorphin, which is a natural counter to stress and depression.

Summer is the ideal time to plant a garden of healthy edible treasures which will be ready for harvest just in time to prepare healthy summer meals and salads for your loved ones!

Enjoy.

10 Tips for Growing Organic Vegetables: 1.

2.

VEGETABLES ARE SUN LOVERS - Choose a spot in the garden that gets full sun all day for best results.

VEGETABLES ARE SEASONAL – Select vegetable varieties according to season and climate of the area you live in. Most seed packets detail prime planting periods per variety.

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3.

PLAN STAGED PLANTINGS TO ENSURE VARIETY AND CONTINUIOUS SUPPLY FOR THE KITCHEN – Plant a few seeds of each variety every week to ensure harvests over the full season.

4. PREPARE BEDS AND DIG IN COMPOST BEFORE BUYING SEEDLINGS – Seedlings lose vigour and health if they stay unplanted for a period out of the ideal conditions of nursery care.

5. OLD SEEDS EXPIRE – To ensure successful germination purchase fresh seeds each season.

6. PLANT EDIBLES THAT YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO EAT – There are a lovely variety of novel, tasty, and colourful vegetables to choose from, but if your family does not eat “frilly kale” do not plant it.

7. FOR SUCCESS FERTILIZE VEGETABLES ACCORDING TO VARIETY - Root and Bulb vegetables need good phosphates to develop strong roots and bulbs so plant with Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) Leafy vegetables need nitrogen and potassium for green growth so feed with Vita Veg 6:3:4(16) - Fruiting vegetables need nitrogen and more potassium to stimulate flower and fruit so plant with Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) and feed before flowering with Vita Fruit & Flower 3:1:5(18) 8. WATER VEGETABLES REGULARLY – Be water smart in dry, warm weather. Water at least 3 times per week and preferably in the morning to protect against the heat of the day 9. MULCH VEGETABLE BEDS AFTER SEEDS GERMINATE – To prevent weed growth, retain soil moisture and maintain a constant soil temperature.

10. DO NOT SPRAY POISONS ON VEGETABLES – The Biogrow range of non-toxic organic pest and disease solutions stocked by leading Garden Centre’s are gentle on nature and effective without using poisons on food.

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TALBORNE ORGANIC FERTILIZER GUIDE Talborne Organics developed the VITA organic fertilizer range as a convenient, easy to use, complete plant food which supplies all the nutrients required to grow wholesome crops and a healthy family.

HOW & WHEN TO USE VITA FERTILIZERS Vita fertilizer is easy to apply and releases sustainably to feed crops over 4 months, which slots conveniently into most short crop cycles from planting to harvest.

For longer term crops, apply a top dressing after 3 months to ensure continued cropping.

Leafy Green Vegetables & Herbs • • • •

Spinach, Cabbage, Lettuce, Rocket, Kale, Herbs Need nitrogen and potassium for green growth and strong cells Plant with: Vita Veg 6:3:4(16) @ 100g per m2 Top dress with: Vita Veg 6:3:4(16) @100g per m2

Fruiting Vegetables, Trees & Berries •

•

• •

Tomato, Brinjals, Pepper, Chilli, Pumpkins, Citrus & Soft Fruit Trees & Berries Need phosphate & calcium to grow strong roots & structure, nitrogen for leaf growth and high potassium to stimulate flowers and fruit.

Plant with: Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) @ 100g per m2 Top dress: before flowers develop with Vita Fruit & Flower 3:1:5(18) @ 100 per m2

Root and Bulb Vegetables • • • •

Potato, Carrot, Beetroot, Sweet potato, Onion, Garlic Need high phosphate & calcium to grow strong roots and bulbs Plant with: Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) @ 100g per m2.

Top dress with: Vita Green 5:1:5(16) @ 100g per m2

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Pods, Seeds & Legumes • •

• •

Peas, Beans, Mielies, Broad beans, Need phosphate and a little nitrogen to grow sturdy plants, then potassium to ensure many flowers, pods and seeds.

Plant with: Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) @ 100g per m2 Top dress: before flowers develop with Vita Fruit & Flower 3:1:5(18) @ 100g per m2

TIP: If you want a simple “one size fits all” fertilizer, the Vita Veg 6:3:4 (16) was specially formulated for non fussy gardeners as a general fertilizer for mixed vegetable plantings.

A sure way to reconnect to nature is to get with it and plant a garden of edible treasures!

Visit www.talborne.co.za for more information on Growing Health

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By Dr Karen Becker, Courtesy of Dr Mercola. Article from the November 2018 edition of Conscious Life Magazine

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the ACVIM Foundation and the Chase Away K9 Cancer campaign are urging dog owners to take 10 minutes on the 14th of each month to check for cancer signs from head to tail.

The 14th was chosen in honor of Chase, a black Labrador retriever born September 14, 1999, who died in 2006 of nasal carcinoma. She hadn’t yet reached her seventh birthday. Chase was the inspiration for Chase Away K9 Cancer.

“One in three dogs will develop cancer,” says Chase’s owner, Cera Reusser. “Early detection may affect treatment and prognosis.”

According to Veterinary Practice News: “The ACVIM encourages dog owners to keep a record of any growths, watch for unusual behavior and schedule a follow-up exam with a veterinarian if anything suspicious or worrisome is found.”

If you visited the Chase Away K9 Cancer website, you saw pictures of the campaign’s namesake, the beautiful black lab ‘Chase.’ Perhaps you read a little of the story of this young dog lost to cancer.

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There are few things as heartbreaking to a pet owner as losing a deeply loved companion animal, especially at such an early age.

You feel cheated because his time with you was so short. And often, you feel panic at the thought that a new pet could be ripped from you just as quickly and unexpectedly.

Most animal lovers eventually take the plunge again, but some are never able to get past the pain. They live in fear of growing attached to another pet.

Cancer and Its Causes Cancer, in a nutshell, is abnormal cell growth.

A healthy immune system is able to keep this process in check. It’s when the immune system doesn’t respond appropriately to abnormal cell growth that cancer gets a foothold.

There are lots of reasons cancer develops in companion animals. Some have yet to be discovered, others we know about or suspect, including: • Genetics • Environmental toxins in the water, ground and air, including cigarette smoke • Vaccines • Too-early spaying and neutering • Processed commercial pet foods; diets deficient in cancer-fighting nutrients • A compromised immune system coupled with an inflammatory condition like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)

Symptoms to Watch For

• • • • •

Bleeding or discharge from any body opening Changes in bowel or bladder habits Lameness, stiffness, or other movement difficulties Exercise intolerance Offensive or unusual odor

Make a Difference Where You Can, Starting with Your Pet’s Diet As a pet owner, you have limited control over the genes your dog or cat inherits. However, you have the opportunity to exert a great deal of influence over your pet’s environment, the medical care she receives, and certainly her diet.

There is ample evidence connecting the consumption of complex carbohydrates and accelerated tumor growth in humans.

In dogs and cats, there is data pointing to longer cancer survival rates in animals fed a diet high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates.

Cancer needs glucose to grow, and carbs are a rich source of glucose.

Cancer has no use for protein and fat, but healthy cells use both as energy sources.

Feeding companion animal cancer patients a biologically appropriate diet – high in protein and healthy fats, with very low or no carbs -effectively starves out cancer cells.

Perform Routine Wellness Exams Choose the 14th or another meaningful day of each month and write reminders on your calendar.

To recognize signs of ill health, you must know your pup and keep an eye out for changes in her behavior or appearance.

Check your pet from head to toe each month, • Difficulty eating or swallowing not only for telltale bumps, lumps and • Sores that don’t heal swellings, but also for any other signs • Loss of appetite something is wrong or just ‘off’ with your dog • Lumps or swellings anywhere on the body or cat’s body.

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If you haven’t already done so, watch my video on how to perform an at-home wellness exam on the four-legged members of your family.

This is a great way to stay on top of your pet’s health and overall physical condition on a monthly basis. The earlier any type of health concern is noticed and addressed, the better.

Be Your Pet’s Healthcare Advocate Partner with a holistically-oriented veterinarian whose focus is on helping you maintain your pet’s good health.

Carefully consider all options for vaccinations and procedures like sterilization and discuss your concerns with your integrative vet.

Do the same with medications prescribed for your dog or cat. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are vastly overprescribed in many veterinary practices today. Both classes of drugs can devastate your pet’s immune system, leaving him without the resources his body needs to fight cancer or other serious disease.

Talk with your holistic vet about safe parasite control for your pet. Chemical flea and tick products should be used sparingly if at all, and with a great deal of caution, as they carry the risk of potentially deadly side effects.

Your holistic vet can also help you with detox agents in the event your pet is put on a course of medication, as well as homeopathic and other natural remedies -- for example pet probiotics -that can be used in lieu of or in conjunction with traditional therapeutic tools.

Learn whether your dog’s breed is predisposed to cancer, and if so, what type(s). If you suspect your pup may have cancer or you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing she doesn’t, ask your vet about the new blood test that detects cancer in dogs.

The earlier a problem is detected, the better your dog’s chances of survival.

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FIND & BOOK ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA lovetostay.co.za is your green heart guide to eco-friendly accommodation throughout beautiful South Africa. We partner with all kinds of accommodation establishments that operate in an eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible way. So whether you opt for a luxury boutique hotel or rustic tree house, you can feel good knowing your holiday supports a place that serves the environment and community in a positive way. To help you make these good choices, we are committed to growing a wonderful selection of urban and country, luxury and rustic green accommodation options where you will love to stay!

Search for your next green getaway on www.lovetostay.co.za by location or type; the Check Availability & Book Online green button will enable you to check real-time availability, make a booking & secure online payment through the Nightsbridge booking system at no extra charge.

WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION? Eco-friendly accommodation is defined as a lodging establishment with structural features that minimize the impact and footprint on the environment; as well as well as those that follow green living, sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

WHAT ARE GREEN HEARTS? Look out for the Green Hearts Seal of each establishment. We are proud to showcase all of our members and love to highlight their specific efforts to protect and conserve the environment. Seals display between 1-5 Green Hearts as awarded to them for their positive Green Acts. Here`s more info!

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The Beautiful Hopi Indian Labyrinth at Thirsty Falls Guest Farm

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The Antbear Drakensberg Lodge is a thatched, whitewashed lodge built high on a natural platform overlooking the Bushman's River and Giants Castle.

Antbear Drakensberg Lodge offers various Drakensberg accommodation options in en suite double rooms, luxury suites, family units and also boasts a luxury cave too.

Antbear Drakensberg Lodge is one of those smaller intimate kind places which has been lovingly put together. The natural setting of the accommodation is stunning and we have managed to encase all this beauty with an atmosphere of comfort and ease.

The cottages are smartly appointed and individually designed and the fact that we are a small place makes for an intimate and personal accommodation experience. Each of the accommodation units are different and are decorated with uniquely eccentric and artistic wooden furniture.

It is a bit off the beaten track and is more of an insider tip than just another bed and breakfast. We cater for small intimate groups and never have more than 45 guests at a time. It's a laid back, lovingly cared for kind of place where you feel a sense of happiness and peace. Honeymoon stays turn into anniversary commemorations just as guests become friends. Even foreign tourists return for a second and third taste.

Attractions Drakensburg Hiking Trails Bushman Rock Art Giant’s Castle Kamberg Weenen Game Reserve Royal Natal National Park Drakensburg Boys Choir

Horse Trails Injasuti Nature Reserve Monks Cowl Natal Midlands Tugela Falls Sani Pass Fly Fishing

Retreats The Antbear Drakensberg Lodge is the ideal retreat venue where we can provide all the services and accommodation for your retreat. Situated 4 hours from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Durban with easy access from the N3 Antbear Lodge is easy to get to but has the feeling of being far from the madding crowd. This wonderful place for group retreats offers spectacular views, vast spaces, wild winds, rain, sunshine, clouds and rainbows and in all of this – silence and peace.

Retreat groups can book the whole lodge for their exclusive use.

The Lodge can accommodate 44 persons in 15 separate accommodation units Antbear Drakensberg Lodge has a spacious dining room with a wood-burning fireplace, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace and spectacular views, a breakaway meeting room, a large veranda and a large meeting room for retreat, team building or training activities. We provide excellent meals and will fit our menu to your expectations.

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Because food is an important part of your stay Meals are part of the real surprises that the Antbear Lodge has to offer where home grown cooking is part of the deal. We like to use our own home grown organic vegetables and if we haven’t got, then we lean heavily on those local providers with similar attitudes to our own. Conny and Andrew both like cooking and are up to changing just about anything to suit tastes or philosophies. Our cooking experience is in part a journal, a record of events and memories expressed in recipes. In the course of our travels we have filed away many recipes and with them images of people and places and their lives. How food tastes has much to do with the associations we make and if you would like to hear the tales of our meals we would love to tell them.

Sustainable & responsible tourism is our social responsibility and what we do to give something back to our community and environment We believe in sustainable tourism and social responsibility. We live is a spectacularly beautiful place called the Drakensberg and our standard of living here is exceptional.

But around us lie contrasts of poverty and lack of development. If we are to keep our way of life then it surely follows that we must do everything in our power to contribute to the upliftment and prosperity of this rural area. We believe that the future of South Africa is linked to the prosperity of the people, and that upliftment is linked to education. And as such we have chosen to support our local primary school called Vulakani Primary School.

Pet friendly accommodation Drakensberg One of the few pet-friendly places in the Drakensberg. Beautiful, vast views of the Drakensberg with plenty of ground for my dogs to roam. Walk for hours.

Your dogs will be happy with lots of dams to swim in and horses to discover. One of the accommodation units at Antbear Lodge is fenced in so its really easy to leave your dog behind if you would like to explore some of the sights where pets are not that welcome. If country life is for you and you would love to take your pet with you then Antbear Lodge is a great accommodation choice. Your hosts will advise you on all the activities available. Antbear Lodge prides itself on being both family-friendly and petfriendly.

CONTACT Mobile 076 441 2362 Email: reservations@antbear.co.za Web: www.antbear.co.za

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