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I am thrilled to see that Survival Guide for Families is promoting
people who were united in their grief for loved ones. They also all
natural baby products with an emphasis on natural products that
shared a common philosophy, and that is that ‘The planet is in crisis ’.
are good for baby and show a concern for our world…The birth of
A human tragedy and natural disaster of this scale is an enormously
my son Hugo in 2002 inspired me to think about ‘greener’ ways to
humbling thing and made me acutely aware of how interconnected
live and the consequences of the choices I was making for him. Back
we are, and just how fragile the planet is; I was now resolved that
then, the only alternative on the South African market to ‘disposables’
my passion for raising awareness of the environmental impact
was the ‘Terry nappy’. This just seemed so ‘old-fashioned’ and far too
of disposable nappies was no accident! My business is my way of
much effort. I had seen fitted nappies from friends who had bought
honouring my brother’s life. I believe that Bio-Baba nappies are
them overseas (where they are hugely popular) and wondered why
the best alternative to the billions of disposable nappies dumped
there was nothing like it in South Africa. That is when the Bio-Baba
each year (making disposable nappies one of the biggest waste
‘project’ started! Various nappy patterns and fabrics were duly tested
contributors on the planet). I do not want my children to grow up in
on my son - this was real trial and error!
a waste land and since waste in South Africa is currently growing at 5% faster than the population growth, it truly is our responsibility to
My first production run was done at the end of 2004 with ladies I had
start right NOW with sustainable choices for our children.
trained in Grassy Park, after which I went on the Christmas holidays with family in Durban. Then the most truly awful thing happened, on
In the words of the Archbishop of Canterbury, at a tsunami memorial
Boxing Day of 2004, a tsunami, of unimaginable proportions struck
at St. Paul’s Cathedral: “Love can continue to grow, even on the soil of
the countries of South East Asia. Unfortunately, my brother Justin and
the worst pain and the deepest doubt”... This is so true of life, and of
his fiancée Seda were holidaying on the Thai island of Phi Phi at the
business too. If you love and believe in what you do – it will grow into
time and needless to say, neither of them survived.
something meaningful. I love the fact that moms from 21 different countries have now bought Bio-Babas and are making the shift
Much of early 2005 was spent in mourning and travelling around
towards conscious parenting for the good of our planet!
the world attending memorial services in honour of those who had died in the tsunami. During this time I met many truly amazing
Victoria Penfold
Editor: Thank-you for sharing your deeply touching and inspiring story. It brings to mind the words of Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Enjoy your pampering foot products courtesy of Tip Top!
We love your letters! Let us hear from you and you could win a YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION to Survival Guide for Families Write to jacqui@survivalguide.co.za with the subject ‘Letter to the Editor” PAGE 5
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Tiny Babes 2-6 months Babes 6-9 months Busy Babes 9-12 months
his nt t ese *Pr dvert est r a nea r a fo our at y kshop wor FREE ory ct odu intr lass. c
A play activity programme developed by an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist specifically for babies in their first year
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www.momsandbabies.co.za
his nt t ese *Pr dvert est r a nea r a fo our at y kshop wor FREE ory ct odu intr lass. c
A programme developed for toddlers to enhance co-ordination and perception skills and enrich the mother/toddler relationship
Tiny Tots 12 – 18 months | Toddlers 1 ½ - 3 ½ years Durbanville 076 906 8839 • Fish Hoek 083 487 5446 • Lakeside 083 571 2915 Tableview 083 555 5570 • Rondebosch 082 677 3959 • Somerset West / Stellenbosch 084 688 1556
www.momsandtots.co.za PAGE 11 www.survivalguide.co.za
Green Baby Tips
– Part 2
By Joanne Austin of Mother Nature Products
Use only Natural Skincare on Baby When it comes to babies, the general rule is to keep baby clean
• Wash your new-born baby in luke-warm water or a very mild, natural soapy and water solution.
and dry. To add to this I suggest keeping baby’s skin-care as
• To protect baby’s genitals and bottom use a natural barrier
natural and organic as possible - low on chemical fragrances
balm with olive oil, Shea butter or bees wax as the primary
(some may cause skin irritation or disrupt endocrine function)
ingredient.
and preservatives (such as parabens found in cancer tumours). A
• Use a natural sunscreen on baby.
baby’s skin is much more absorbent than an adult’s and therefore
• Although natural, essential extracts must only be used diluted
more sensitive.
or at very low doses to avoid skin irritation. • 100% natural skin-care is biodegradable and therefore better for the planet. • Read up on baby massage techniques which will help with bonding and are known to reduce the symptoms of colic and new-born dry skin. Natural cradle cap remedy: a combination of sunflower, almond and jojoba oils or plain olive oil.
‘Lemon juice, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are all natural and easily available cleaning agents...’
Greening Baby’s Nursery A green nursery may not be the decorating colour scheme you had in mind, but we all know that a ‘green nursery’ is all about creating a healthy environment! • Reduce your carbon footprint by buying (or borrowing) second hand furniture. If you do buy a second hand cot then we recommended getting a new mattress as the old one may have undetected bed bugs. • Give furniture and walls a fresh new look with a coat of nontoxic and lead free paint. • Clean baby’s room naturally.
Lemon juice, vinegar and
bicarbonate of soda are all natural and easily available cleaning PAGE 12 www.survivalguide.co.za
exploration and odd accidents! This puts pressure on the environment through the clothing manufacturing process and laundering. • Dressing baby in the finest second hand outfits is by far the best eco- friendly option. • Buy baby clothes made from natural fibres (bamboo, hemp, wool, organic cotton, leather) or recycled materials (fleece). Choose natural/ bio-degradable dyed clothing. • Synthetic fibres from some baby clothes are inhaled by baby or could irritate baby’s skin. • Use a washing machine with an economic cycle to reduce water and energy consumption. • Cold wash clothes. • Use bio degradable and natural laundry detergents and stain removers. • Recycle your grey water into the garden. • Reduce wasted energy: Line-dry your clothes instead of tumbleagents which, when mixed with a bit of warm water, will make non-toxic cleaning agents for baby’s room. • Be sure that baby’s room has natural ventilation, sunlight and is damp free.
drying. Sunlight is also a natural antibacterial. • Find multiple uses for one item of clothes. E.g. Your Kakoi/ wrap can be reused as a baby sling, quick baby mat, towel and breastfeeding cover.
• Buy less: don’t clutter baby’s room with dust collectors. • Buy local and ethically made furniture and finishes, such as sustainable bamboo flooring and reed storage baskets. • Buy bedding made from natural fibres (linen, bamboo, hemp,
Written by: Joanne Austin - the owner of Mother Nature Products which she started 5 years ago. She is a mom to a six year old boy.
wool, organic cotton). Synthetic fibres are inhaled by baby. • Use a solar powered night light.
Joanne has a keen interest in the out-doors and
• Let siblings share a room. This reduces your living space
sustainable living which she puts into practice at
requirements and is one less room to clean.
home by recycling everything possible, grey water system, growing her own organic vegetables,
Dress Your Nature Lover in Green Baby Clothes
conserving energy and fuel and surrounding her
In the early years baby grows so fast, it is phenomenal how many
family in nature. Although out of practice, Joanne has
items of clothing one goes through. Each outfit is only worn for a few
a Diploma in Nursing, Psychiatry and Midwifery.
weeks or months. Changes are frequent with all the dribbling, messy
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Best in baby care from around the globe! Baby & tot products never seen in SA before, straight from Europe, all the latest trends & designs!
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Bonding Emotionally
with Yourself and Your Unborn Baby The moment you tell your friends you are pregnant, all the most gruesome stories come out of the closet and then you begin to wonder: “WHY AM I pregnant?!” You get free unwanted advice from all the “experts.” Baby shops are filled with goodies and sales staff giving you such good reasons why you can’t manage without whatever is on offer. This goes for prams, nappies, latest gadgets, educational policy and even how to parent!! And to top it all, for the choice of birth! When faced with so many options how on earth do you choose the best option for your baby and you. Roughly 70% of babies are unplanned! So, first things first: are you really prepared for this event? Have you had some time to plan how and where you would like the big event to take place? After all, you plan a wedding and invite your closest friends and family. Just like a marriage this is also a life changing event. Did anyone mention that?!
Now that you know you are pregnant, start PREPARING your mind. The anxious parent might find it helpful to do research into their very
Carrying a new precious life within you to term and giving birth can be
own birth experience to better understand and let go of the cords that
the most AWESOME experience IF YOU CHOOSE it to be. So what am
are “holding them back” from enjoying the new experience. Respect is
I saying in reality? Be sure you are emotionally ready to welcome your
so pivotal to the birthing experience, and it is important not to ever think
new bundle of joy. Research shows that happier moms make more
of yourself as a failure. Embrace your feelings and be honest when you
content babies. More endorphins in daily circulation in the womb
feel you need help. It can be a fearful time and there are professionals
make for a calmer, happier baby.
who can help you along this path. Allow yourself space to expose your fears in seeking to overcome them. It might be beneficial to join some
Also, how tense are you feeling? What can you do to get help, and
antenatal classes near you to prepare you for the big day, where you
what help is available? It might merely be simple advice for unfounded
could also make some life-long friends along the way l!
fears. It could however be deep-seated anxiety that needs professional assessment. Don’t leave it to chance - I encourage you to seek
Most importantly, enjoy the life changing event!
assistance if you are feeling vulnerable. Ante natal depression and post natal depression can be prevented or treated. Ignoring it is like an
BARBARA CHAMBERS RN RM CHILD BIRTH EDUCATOR
ostrich that buries its head in the sand to avoid the situation and thinks:
AND BABYGYM INSTRUCTOR
“it will never happen to me”. Please speak to your professional. If your baby is one of the 30% of planned pregnancies, have you and your partner done some introspection to see if you are really ready for this road? Parenting can really be such fun if the preparations are done and foundations are laid. There are some folks out there who enjoy the ride and have a great learning, positive outlook. In my experience, parents that do well are those who go in with an attitude of learning from the first moment and onwards.
Barbara is a child birth educator and BabyGym instructor. Her life’s passion is babies and their development. She loves to inspire young moms to embrace the power within themselves and their mothering instincts, thus giving confidence to both the new mom and dad. She has retired “young” from the private sector and now expresses her passion as the resident midwife for The Baby Club. Privately she offers “The Powerful Parenting Program” barbara.chambers@babygym.co.za EMAIL midwife@thebabyclub.co.za www.babygym.co.za |www.thebabyclub.co.za PAGE 27 www.survivalguide.co.za
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THE LEGEND OF
THE TOOTH MOUSE F
or over a century the legend of The Tooth Mouse has been handed down from one
generation to the next. This fantasy still brings pleasure to thousands of children across the world. The Tooth Mouse is a friendly, smart, elegant and extremely creative little mouse. He is devoted to collect every single milk tooth that is lost by young children. The Tooth Mouse is the primary trader and keeper of lost teeth! Children in many parts of the world faithfully believe in The Tooth Mouse. When loosing a milk tooth, they very religiously put the tooth under their pillow, or in a slipper in front of their beds. The Tooth Mouse will then collect it during the night, while they are fast asleep, leaving money (or sometimes even a small gift) in return for the beautiful, shiny, white tooth!
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Feeding your
Picky Eater
By Dorothy van der Spuy RD (SA)
Look at the consistence of the food and make sure it is ageappropriate. Toddlers love “finger foods” as they can now start feeding themselves. They have decided that pureed foods are for babies – and they are now past that stage! For more ideas and appropriate ideas for choices at different stages, your dietitian can When you hear your friend say, “Oh my child is such a picky eater”,
give you some advice.
does your heart not go out to her in her distress?! A mother’s job involves nurturing , and feeding our children is intertwined in the
Make sure the child is in a routine of meals and snacks at the same
nurturing process. What can you do if your child falls into this category
time each day. Children like routine – they know what to expect.
– a picky eater?
Milk, juice and tea will fill their stomach capacity and they will be less inclined to eat a good meal if they have filled up on these before a
To start, let’s rule out those children who have the physical problem
meal. Always give the food first and fluid after the food. It may be
“texture sensitivity” or “oral aversion” as a possible reason for poor
easier to avoid sips of these fluids if you get the child off the bottle.
food intake. Some children really have a problem with the texture,
(The bottle is not a good idea for the teeth, either!) This will also make
taste or sensation of food in and around their mouths. We would
it easier to get them off night feeds, and prepare their stomachs for a
usually see the problem developing from the early stages when we
good start at the breakfast table.
start introducing solids and textured foods as a baby. These children need special care, and need attention from a dietitian to make sure they are getting what they need nutritionally, but also need to work
‘Toddlers love ‘finger foods’ as they can now start feeding themselves.’
with a speech and language therapist or occupational therapist who
Create a quiet environment and make sure your child sits at the table
specialises in this problem.
while eating. Don’t run after your child with a spoon in your hand trying to get another mouthful of food in.
There are other possible reasons why children are picky eaters, and these can be varied. The first one may be a normal reaction to any new
Children learn by example, so when they see adults or other children
food. Babies and toddlers need to “meet” a new food a number of
refusing foods, they may start to follow that example. You can’t expect
times before they will accept the food as part of their standard selection.
children to eat their vegetables if you never eat vegetables!
Give them chance to smell, feel and taste the new food. During this “meeting process” a child may take a while to accept the food, but be
The same rule goes for luxuries. If a child sees the adults eating
patient and let the process take place. Don’t just assume the food has
chips before the braai, they will want chips, too. When the meat
been put into the “not accepted” box on the first meeting. Some, less
and salads are served, they will be too full of chips to have a meal.
adventurous children, will need longer for this process to take place.
If there is a long time before the meal is to be served, consider serving some healthy crudités or salads first and the meat later.
The next step is to add variety to the food selection. Children become bored with the same food choices each day. Once the food has been
Avoid emotionally charging food – keep food neutral. Never
accepted, avoid giving it every day, or soon it will be placed into the
bribe, reward or punish a child with food, juice or luxuries.
“no selection” box. Instead, offer the food once or twice a week and
Rewards should be “non-food” rewards to avoid positive or
alternate it with other food choices. This also allows a desirable variety
negative connotations with food.
of nutrients from different foods.
Keep mealtimes pleasant and fun – food is enjoyable, and should
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stay that way. If a child is punished or reprimanded for not eating,
one new food at a time – don’t overwhelm the child by serving all
they may develop negative feelings towards food. If a fuss is made
new foods on the plate.
at the table when a child refuse their food, this may encourage them to refuse the food again, as they are getting “attention”,
Remember that portion sizes are important – avoid dishing up adult
albeit negative attention.
serving sizes, as this will overwhelm the child and they may give up before they begin. Your dietitian can help you decide on appropriate
Avoid force-feeding your child. If the mealtime has come to a sticky
portion sizes for the age of your child.
end, allow the child to leave the table without further remark to avoid the negative connotation with food. Try at the next meal to make it a
Make food fun – food can be served in interesting and colourful ways
pleasant experience.
which are appealing to the child. Food “faces”, smoothies, bite size finger foods are all ways which will help to increase the likelihood of a
Allow your child to help with simple tasks in the preparation
fun and nutritional meal event.
of the food. Let them help choose the vegetables, and start a small veggie garden for each child to get them interested in the
If you have any concerns or questions on child feeding, give your
cultivation of their own crops – they will be much more inclined
dietitian a call and get some ideas and practical advice on meeting
to try something they have grown and helped prepare. Try only
your child’s nutritional needs. www.adsa.org.za
Dorothy is a registered dietitian with 10 years’ experience at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital as the Head of the Dietetics Department. She now has a private dietetics practice in the northern suburbs of Cape Town and has a specific interest in paediatric nutrition. She completed her Masters in Nutrition degree in the field of paediatrics through Stellenbosch University.
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FACE THE FACTS…
The truth about head lice! Face the facts… • Head lice are small, wingless, six-legged, highly specialised insects with flattened bodies. They live ONLY ON HUMAN HEADS and feed extensively on human blood. • Live eggs (nits) are opaque while clear nits have already hatched. Live nits near to hatching may “pop” if squeezed. • Live nits are usually found 1.5cm from the scalp, hatched nits will be found further away. • Head lice CANNOT JUMP OR FLY. Infestation occurs through direct contact (shoulder-shoulder / head-head) or through sharing hats, combs, brushes and other clothing items with someone who is infested. • Lice must suck blood or they die. Most lice die within 24 hours if they don’t secure a meal of human blood! • Head lice do not live on pets! • It’s easier to get rid of living lice, compared to getting rid of their nits. • The easiest way to tell if someone has head lice is to spot the tiny, white nits in their hair. • Using just a regular shampoo will not have any effect on the scoundrels.
thoroughly to find the head lice. It cases where itching is present, resultant scratching could cause a bacterial skin infection. The
Who gets head lice?
standard method of diagnosing head lice is to find a live louse on
Head lice infestations can occur during any time of the year.
the head. This can be difficult because the creatures are mobile
However, head lice are more active in warm weather. As a result,
(they can crawl 6-30cm per minute!) and also have the cunning
infestations are more frequently reported in summer. Head lice
ability to hide when they experience disturbances in the hair. The
are not a health hazard or a sign of uncleanliness and they’re not
nits are easier to spot (especially empty nit cases). To locate them,
responsible for the spread of disease. They infest people practising
look carefully at the hairline in the neck or behind the ears, within
both good and bad hygiene, live on short and long hair and
1cm of the scalp. It is important not to confuse nits with dandruff,
could infest the dirty as well as squeaky clean hair of both adults
dirt, hair product residue or other insects. Nits are more difficult to
and children.
remove and can’t be brushed off. If you are not sure the object you find is a nit, try sliding it down the hair shaft using your fingers.
Anyone can get head lice…However, girls are infested more often
If it is a nit it will not move easily.
than boys and kids more often than adults. How to treat head lice How do you know if a child has head lice?
Your child has head lice – what now?!
Although the most common symptom is itching, it is not always
DON’T PANIC . . .
present during an infestation. You therefore have to search
While there is no reason to panic, taking action quickly is the best
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e!
way to prevent the infestation from spreading to other family
Lice also tend to get resistant to pesticides. This means that in some
members. It is also important to remain calm because parents
instances formulas become ineffective and subsequently need to
need the cooperation of children in order to successfully treat
be used on a more regular basis or have to be formulated stronger
the problem.
to keep the lice at bay. In the case of Controlice, its complex plant molecular composition makes it close to impossible for the lice
The following useful tips on getting rid of head lice should
to work out a way to neutralise it. It stays effective and it means
help you fight the battle:
that you don’t need to use any chemicals or potentially harmful
• Treatment must commence as soon as possible after
pesticides on the head of your child.
discovering the head lice. • Very important: Repeat the treatment after 7 days of first
Is a second treatment necessary even when no live lice are
application. Nits take about 7 days to hatch. If you have missed
present after the first treatment?
a nit or louse with the first treatment, this second application
YES… You HAVE to treat again on day 7. In almost all cases a
should get rid of them.
second treatment is needed since no head lice treatments kill
• It is a good idea to treat all potential contacts with infestation at
100% of the nits. So, if the first treatment killed all the climbers, at
the same time – e.g. affected members of the family & children
the second treatment one would expect only juveniles, hatched
in the school/class, otherwise re-infestation might occur.
from eggs during the 7-day period, and no adults.
• It is imperative to treat the lice with a product to remove them AND to comb out the nits. Combing the hair is the only way
Prevention of head lice infestation
to get rid of the nits. However, combing alone will not solve
It is impossible to totally prevent head lice infestations. Young children
the problem!
come into close head-to-head contact with each other frequently.
• Check the hair regularly for nits, especially if you know there has been an outbreak at school. • Lice do not have a specific preference for long hair and it is therefore not necessary to cut the hair. Girls with long hair should rather keep their hair plaited.
There are, however, a few things that you should consider: • Children should be taught not to share personal items (brushes, combs etc.). • Sanitise hairbrushes, combs and hair clips and bands at least once a week.
• Lice on bedding and chair backs are usually injured or dying
• In environments where children are together, adults should
(remember they need human blood to stay alive) and won’t
be aware of the signs and symptoms of head lice infestation,
easily climb over to another host. It is advisable though to
and affected children should be treated promptly to minimise
machine wash bedding, towels and clothes in hot water and dry it by using the hot cycle of the dryer for at least twenty minutes.
spread to others. • Tying back long hair can help prevent the spread of head lice, and weekly inspection of the hair will help you detect any head
Send them packing with Controlice!
lice early and minimise the problem. CHECK HAIR REGULARLY
Controlice Natural Hair Hygiene Spray is a non-pesticide, essential-
WHEN INFESTATIONS ARE REPORTED AT SCHOOL.
oil spray based on natural active ingredients such as coconut-, aniseed-, and ylang-ylang oils. The formula has insecticidal, antiseptic, parasiticidal and anti-fungal properties. Because this is a natural product it has the advantage that head lice cannot develop resistance against it – which makes Controlice not only effective, but completely safe as well! Clinical studies established efficacy at between 91.3% and 95.2% for the Controlice Spray formula. A 60ml pump spray bottle contains four applications – enough to treat two adults twice in the prescribed seven day period. Advantages of Controlice Controlice contains no chemicals, so you don’t need to worry
Controlice products are available at all leading pharmacies. For more information on Controlice Natural Hair Hygiene, phone our Customer Care Line on 0860 628 482 or visit www.nativa.co.za
about the potential harmful effects of pesticides on your children. PAGE 39 www.survivalguide.co.za
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We provide the following for all breeds: • • • • • • •
Behaviour consultations Puppy classes Obedience (clicker) training Individual lessons Tellington Ttouch™ Gun Dog Training Talks & Workshops Non-confrontational techniques, based on positive reinforcement. Dogs of all ages welcome!
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New Owners
with BIG Plans! interim, to ensure continuity in development while the new owners concentrate on production and quality, the services of the original owners have been retained to focus on new designs as well as modifications to the existing product range. The new owners are truly excited at the prospect of growing the business while maintaining the high quality standards. In addition to production related development they have also embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign including a new website, updated catalogue and additional product and service offerings. The beauty of the product lies in its quality and safety - the “plug in” system along with the fact that all sharp edges and fixtures are concealed minimizes any chance of a mishap. What is also fantastic
K
about the Kidbuddie product range is that it is so versatile and
idbuddie was established in 1993 and has up until recently
adaptable, besides the standard designs which can be linked together
been operating from a small factory in the Wilderness area,
or customized to suite your child`s age or needs, Kidbuddie is also
developing, designing and manufacturing what can only be
able to develop custom designs to suite your environment or available
described as the “Rolls Royce” of children’s playground equipment
space. Along with a few of the numerous outdoor toys or world
and accessories. The primary focus of this business has always been
famous ‘Pony Rockers’ or ‘see-saws’ you can create the perfect play
to create an extensive range of child-friendly products to develop
area for your kids and their friends.
essential motor skills, co-ordination and confidence in children of all ages with zero compromise in quality and safety.
In this new “electronic age” kids just do not seem to spend enough time outdoors. It is common knowledge that fresh air and physical
The business has over the years created an extensive network of
and mental stimulus are imperatives to the development of our
clients with a large demand from the overseas market. As a result,
children. Why not provide your kids with a safe, physically constructive
earlier this year, the owners decided that their operation was not
environment in the comfort of your own back yard?
doing their product justice and looked for someone to “take over the reins”. Gareth Tanner and Dave Simpson, local business owners in Knysna with, collectively, in excess of 30 years’ experience in the timber processing and manufacturing business, immediately saw the potential of this unique and cleverly conceived product and jumped
Kidbuddie has been designing, testing and manufacturing playground equipment since 1993, supplying a wide range of products to private homes, schools, housing developments, hotels, shopping centers and public parks all over the country and as far afield as Mauritius. Our equipment is made from the best quality timber in the country - Cape Pine, treated to stringent SABS specifications. For more information contact us on 044 877 1825 or via email info@kidbuddie. co.za. Alternatively, visit our website at www.kidbuddie.co.za.
at the opportunity, realizing that by applying their knowledge and experience to this business, they could take it to new heights. The Kidbuddie business was relocated to the Knysna industrial area into new, much larger, premises in May 2011 and focus has been on introducing more efficient production methods and systems to not only speed up production, but to also maintain and enhance the quality of the product for which it has become so famous. In the PAGE 47 www.survivalguide.co.za
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LESLEY MATTHEE - 082 578 0629 Eina Serious Security Spikes Western Cape Head OfďŹ ce 8 Section Street, Paarden Eiland,7420 Fax: (086) 572 1202 PAGE 50 www.survivalguide.co.za
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W
ith Spring in the air again, our kids will soon be shaking off their winter clothes and shoes and heading outdoors
to play in the sun! It won’t only be the kids who come out of hibernation in Spring. Warm weather and new blossoms will also bring out bees, wasps, spiders, ticks and other crawlies that can spoil the fun.
Stings, Bites Poisons & Spikes
Tom van der Zee, author of Stings, Bites, Poisons and Spikes, talks to us about bees and wasps and gives a few pointers from the book. Both bees and wasps sting to protect themselves or their community, not because they are aggressive, so it is sensible to teach our children how to avoid triggering a sting. The easiest way to do this is to teach them how NOT to unintentionally attract bees and wasps.
‘The bee will most likely buzz around them until it works out that they are not a flower and then fly off’
Both are attracted to flowers and sugar as this is where they normally find their food, and both can detect smells and tastes very well. So children should avoid wearing colognes or perfumes and avoid brightly coloured clothes - especially with
By Tom van der Zee
flowery designs. Open cool drink cans are a favourite source of sugar for bees, which sometimes crawl into the can, so kids should always cover their cans and check inside before taking a sip. The same goes for spilled juice and cake crumbs. Most stings happen to barefoot children who step on bees which are investigating a fallen flower on the ground. Kids should try to wear flip flops whenever possible, and avoid the ground underneath Jacaranda trees in full bloom. Teach your kids to check the swimming pool bricks for bees before they lie down on their tummies to warm up after a swim. If they accidentally lie on a bee there is only one likely outcome. Parents, wipe up after your kids have spilled anything, and keep lids on dustbins too. And Dad’s, rather call a professional if you want a bee hive or wasp nest removed. A DIY attitude here can lead to serious and even life-threatening stings.
haking
The second aspect to avoiding a sting is to teach children what
utdoors
to do if there is already a bee or a wasp on their body or flying around them.
sooner. A severe allergic reaction (called Anaphylaxis) occurs
Spring.
t bees,
If a bee or wasp flies in to our children’s airspace, their first
in less than 5% of bee and
un.
reaction is usually to wave and flap their arms madly, and then
wasp stings, but this can
run around the garden trying to outrun their ‘attacker’! Explain to
be fatal. Some people know
es, talks
your kids that the correct thing to do is to stand absolutely still. The
from experience that they are prone to this type of reaction but
om the
bee will most likely buzz around them until it works out that they
it can also happen out of the blue, so look out for the following
are not a flower and then fly off. A flapping arm will only trigger
signs:
a protective reaction from a bee, and this could lead to a sting. • itching all over the body
or their
sible to
So what should you do if your child is stung?
• hives or swelling that spreads from the site of the sting
easiest
If it is a wasp, remember that wasps can sting more than once, so
• itchy/watery eyes
tionally
take the child away from the wasp. If it’s a bee, it is now harmless
• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
and will soon die. Wasps will sometimes leave a sting behind, but
• shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing
this is not common. Bees usually leave a sting behind with the
• stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
venom sack attached.
• light-headedness, fast heart rate, low blood pressure
To remove a bee sting, be careful not to squeeze the sack as
• sense of panic or metallic taste in the mouth
or passing out this will only pump more venom into your body. Adults with big
re they
fingers (yes Dads) should not try to pinch the sting and remove it
If you detect these signs take your child to the nearest hospital
ls and
as this will also squeeze the venom sack. Rather use fine tweezers
casualty centre immediately.
gnes or
or scrape the sting away from the skin with the blade of a knife,
ly with
or something similar. Be careful to scrape it away from the angle
Multiple stings can also be dangerous and may warrant medical
source
that it entered the skin!
attention, especially in small children.
so kids
aking a
‘... remember that wasps can sting more than once, so take the child away from the wasp’
For more information on snakes, spiders, scorpions, bluebottles, and many other animals, email tomvanderzee@yahoo.co.uk to order a copy of the book Stings, Bites, Poisons and Spikes for only R80.
s which
ould try
ground
Pain from a sting usually only lasts a few minutes, and there is usually some swelling around the sting which does not last long. Itching and redness can last for a few days. However, swelling
or bees
can sometimes be much worse if there is an allergic reaction and
after a
the pain from swelling can sometimes last longer than the pain
ne likely
from the actual sting. Be especially careful of stings around the mouth and throat - both
ything,
inside and outside - and see a medical expert or casualty ward if
her call
swelling develops after a sting.
WIN!! We have two copies of Stings, Bites, Poisons and Spikes to give away! To enter: Send the title of Tom van der Zee’s book to stings@survivalguide.co.za.
sp nest
us and
To treat a simple bee or wasp sting, elevate the site of the sting, apply a topical cream for stings and apply a cold cloth containing ice to the site. The pain should stop within half an hour if not
Entries close on 29 September 2011
THE GREEN LINE By Michelle Garforth-Venter
S
ometimes you come across a fact that is so powerful it
our trigger point to learn more about the impact of our lifestyle. Our
changes your entire outlook. If people emotionally respond
starting point was litter because we saw so much of the damage it
to these trigger points, we will be the generation that halts
does to marine animals from sharks to dolphins. This lead quickly to
environmental destruction.
understanding waste management practises at home & the office,
1897: Thomas Edison wrote ‘I’d put my money on the sun & solar
and then the research on devastating facts about landfill sites in South
energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait ‘til oil
Africa. And suddenly the doors on a responsible existence burst open
and coal run out before we tackle that!’
– living with endangered species at the fore of our daily decisionmaking, without sacrificing convenience or development.
The more Riaan and I studied ecological conservation, witnessing firsthand the tragic decline in species populations in our fast-dwindling
Being green is obsessive and contagious. One small change leads to
‘wild spaces’, the more we cared and wanted to help. Animals
another and before you know it, you are well on the way.
worldwide, from indicator species to large mammals, exist under extreme pressure from human decisions. Decisions we’ve made from
Pick any page in The Green Line book, and you will see that being
the wrong perspective of thinking we live at the apex of a pyramid
green is really easy. We hope our first green book will have you dog-
governing all living creatures, and rather decisions that should have
earing the pages and making notes – so this book really becomes your
been made from the perspective of humans living within a functioning
own as you live and grow into green.
eco-system.
‘Never before have Riaan and I felt so passionately that so much dramatic change is possible, with what is available right here at the end of our fingertips!’
Never before have Riaan and I felt so passionately that so much dramatic change is possible, with what is available right here at the end of our fingertips! South Africa is simply blossoming with green industry, with ecopreneurs clearly seeing the gaps & starting businesses. www. ecopreneur.co.za is an SA based site offering job opportunities and government projects 114, 000 jobs will be generated in greening by
Eco-systems created on a planet that is the right distance from the sun
2015.
for the only-known atmospheric conditions in our discovered universe to support the existence of Life.
I say become an everyday activist and motivate legislations to be changed, like the long-awaited ‘National Climate Change Response
Urgently we felt the need to re-think how we were living, and coupled
Green Paper’ compiled by the Department of Environmental Affairs,
with the evidence of climate change heating up the atmosphere,
which was available for public input on-line. The revised Green Paper
we soon learned that our re-thinking was no longer negotiable but
has been amended into a White Paper for promulgation to parliament.
a necessity. Educating the children, which is important, was not an
Government has indicated it would have a legislative, regulatory and
option as we only have a very small number of years left to fail or
fiscal package dealing with climate change by 2012. Plus, the next
succeed in providing a sustainable future for our species.
Climate Change World Summit, COP 17, is to be held in Durban at year’s end 2011 – widely touted as the next ‘Kyoto’ moment.
You & I have to think up the solutions our environment so desperately craves. And the point is we can’t blow it….good planets are hard to
One of the facts that really got me was this heart-felt story, which is
find! Our own personal experience of animals in tough places was
echoed off our coastline with African Penguins who are in the same
PAGE 54 www.survivalguide.co.za
critical place. Off-shore sea ice is melting & polar bears must swim
IF WE ACT TOGETHER.
further out in search of food - some expend all of their energy and end up drowning. Scientists first noticed this deadly phenomenon in 2004. A female bear, with a yearling cub on her back, was fitted with a tracking collar to see the extent of her travels and how much trouble
‘You & I have to think up the solutions our environment so desperately craves.’ her kind were having hunting in a warmer Arctic. She swam a continuous 232 hours over 687km, thru waters 2 to 6 degrees C - an epic journey in search of food. Mama bear survived, she lost 22 percent of her body fat during a crucial time of year for fattening up before a long winter’s hibernation. But her cub was not so fortunate. At Aliwal Shoal off the east coast of SA, researchers have noted, that since 1965 when records began there was a consistent temperature rise till 2003, then dramatically water temperatures below 10metres dropped by 5 degrees C. This coupled with increased North East winds is playing havoc with animal biology & ecology, specifically Ragged-Tooth sharks. Traditionally, they would start their journey
WIN!
from Port Elizabeth as sexually mature adults (8 to 10 years old, 1.7metres), move thru Aliwal northwards to Sodwana Bay. But due to temperature changes in the currents large populations of juveniles (1 to 2 years old, 1.1metres) have just hanging out at Aliwal Shoal for an extended period of time. The sharks are simply not getting the
One of 3 copies of The Green Line … to enter, send the name of Michelle and Riaan’s book to greenline@survivalguide.co.za. Entries close 20 October 2011.
cues from the water to prompt their movement north-wards, and the raggies are departing the Eastern Cape at a very young age & small size – in fact, 6 years before they normally would have left. We should not dismiss the signs nature is giving us. Albert Einstein said some wise words: “Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” The production team at Greenline TV feel this is the key we have been missing over past decades. While you’ve been reading this, more carbon dioxide is being pumped into the atmosphere, more acres of oxygen replenishing forest is being felled and more species have been lost to extinction. Every minute that we fail to take action, creates more stress for the eco-systems…and more stress for the world our children will live in. WE CAN ONLY MAKE OUR COUNTRY A GREENER PLACE
Photo’s by Danie Jansen van Vuuren PAGE 55 www.survivalguide.co.za
PAGE 56 www.survivalguide.co.za
What Makes A Product or Project
“Green”?
By Brett Baldwin (EFP) and Helen Buchanan (Plan4Green)
• Products made using industrial by-product - Products that have been manufactured using by-products (waste) of existing manufacturing processes reduce the use of resources and impact of the waste on the environment. • Products made from agricultural waste material – Agricultural waste, like industrial waste, is used in the manufacture of products that have benefits for the environment. • Recycled products – Products created by recycling our existing waste or old products, either to create new products or to adapt old products to new applications, reduces the depletion of our
I
t is not that simple... During construction, a great many materials
natural resources.
and products are used. These days many of the products available
• Low maintenance, high durability products – These products
are green, however that doesn’t mean that the project will be
require less replacement, and hence material, and reduces
environmentally friendly in the long run.
the environmental impact of ‘maintenance’ products, such as cleaning chemicals.
The inverse is also true, in that many products that are not necessarily green could be used in a way that reduces the overall impact on the
• Certain wood products - Wood products can be included if they are sustainable, or are using alien trees.
environment, making the project ‘green’. For example, a window
• Products that save energy or water – Energy or water
may not be green, but when used in the right position, it capitalises
saving products on a project will decrease the reliance on
on the available sunlight, and thus assists in making the project green.
natural resources. • Products that improve light quality - Natural light is essential for
So, how do you determine if a product is green?
good health and productivity, so should receive due consideration
Where a product comes from, what is used in its production and the
when designing the project.
product benefits are key determinants of a green product. • Salvaged products – Reused, existing products reduce the need
Ultimately a Green project or environment is created with careful
to produce new from raw materials - this saves on resource use
design, and by making use of the available materials and resources in
and energy.
such a way as to have the least possible impact on the environment.
PAGE 57 www.survivalguide.co.za
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Reconnecting with Nature by Stephanie Maurel
emotionally-spiritually resilient, and developmentally advantaged in terms of cognitive and intellectual abilities. So get out there, with the family, if you can do it barefoot, even better. Here are some ideas: • - Have picnics in the garden • - Lie on a blanket and look at the clouds • - Go for regular walks in the forests • - Walk on the beach • - Get your kids to collect items from the garden and then discuss what they are • - Plant herbs, or any plant, and learn how it grows and what it needs to grow best • - Let your children climb trees, and balance on walls, and do those things that you are scarred about them doing- they
W
e are arriving at the time of year where the weather starts to
need to learn these physical skills.
change: become warmer, become lighter. It is then when
• - Let your children play in mud- give them a bucket of water
most people start to venture forth into nature more. Looking around
and a piece of your garden that is theirs for messing around
me in the professional circles I am seeing a lot of articles and talk about the importance of nature. From Maggie Dent to Deepack Chopra
in… • - Camp in your garden for the night….
there is a growing awareness creation of how connecting with nature is important for our health and well-being.
There really is SO much that you can do.… now you write down 5 activities that you can implement into your family life NOW.
So what is all the fuss? Well, the thing is that we come from nature, its rhythms and flows are our rhythms and flows. And as we become increasingly disconnected from Nature in the dominance of the virtual reality world, we fall prey to more stresses, have less opportunity to use
Stephanie is a consulting Family Wellness Specialist, Parenting coach, and Mom who is passionate about creating families that function WELL- Wonderfully and Energetically Loving Life. She is excited about introducing her innovative Family Wellness Coaching Programmes
the balancing force of nature to reconnect and rejuvenate, and we
to South Africa. Stephanie is highly regarded for her Authentic Self
stifle a healthy balance of sensory input. When our children spend
Empowermenttm coaching methods, for her goal and solution focused
less time outdoors, they spend more time indoors, more time being
Family Coaching, and for her dynamic monthly workshops. She believes
less active. And As Tracey Ellis mentioned in an article recently: we are
that all families and the individuals therein are capable of moving from
seeing “ a concerning correlation between the decreased outdoor
surviving to thriving, when they are provided with proper guidance and
activity and the increase in childhood obesity, ADHD, depression, and
support along the way.
other physical and mental disorders”. Nature is also one of the greatest healers “There is a healing in the wind, the sun, the moon, the starts, the ocean, the stones, the songs, the birds and the flowers. It is only for us to trust this is so and allow ourselves to receive” Linda Kaholokai
steph@familywellnessconsulting.co.za www.familywellnessconsulting.co.za 083 567 5572
Nature is the perfect environment to stimulate the physical and mental growth of our children, helping them grow strong healthy bodies and minds. It has been shown that playing in nature, along with all the dirt and sounds and sights and smells and textures promotes families that are happier, healthier, less stressed, more confident, more physicallyPAGE 59 www.survivalguide.co.za
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A History of Chai Simply said, (masala) chai is a combination of spices which are ground and boiled; then tea is added to the mixture to steep. The mixture is strained and then mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar or honey. Recipes may differ but there are some essentials: Traditional masala chai is a mix of sweet and savoury spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom (which is a base spice in almost any masala chai), peppercorn and ginger, which are ground and boiled in water. Black tea is added to the spice mixture, strained, then combined
C
hai’s history is over 5 000 years old, with its creators enjoying
with cow, goat or buffalo milk and sweetened with sugar or honey. A
it both hot and cold. Legend has it that chai was invented by
sweetener is necessary in masala chai to bring out the robust flavours
a royal king in the ancient courts of India and Siam who protected
of the spices.
the recipe as one of his treasures. However, its roots can be traced unmistakably to the Hindu natural healing system Ayurveda, in which
My T Chai is authentic masala chai, made simple. Based on ancient
combinations of spices, herbs and sweeteners are used to cure bodily
Indian and African traditions, our teas are a blend of natural flavour,
ailments. The original recipe was created out of the need for a remedy
health and enjoyment, free from additives and synthetic compounds.
to combat minor discomforts for those without access to medical care.
Our recipes have been refined over time to yield a delicate balance of
As such, chai became available to the general populace who drank
sweet and hot flavours in every cup, certain to tantalize your palette,
the beverage daily for its cleansing and regenerative qualities.
stimulate your metabolism, soothe and relax, leaving you feeling at peace with yourself and the world.
Originally chai was made without the addition of tea leaves. It was the English in the 1900’s who began to encourage Indian factories
My T Chai www.mytchai.com
and mills to give their employees tea breaks. Originally tea was served
Email: info@mytchai.com
in the English style, steeped with a little sugar and milk to cut costs. But soon vendors (known as chai wallahs) began to spice their drinks and add lots of sugar and milk. The English were not happy with the diminished profits, but workers liked the drink. Thus, masala chai tea was born! Since its beginning, chai recipes have varied, and today, they differ by region, neighbourhood and even by household. Recipes are handed down from generation to generation, so that having a cup of chai does not simply mean enjoying a relaxing beverage, but also experiencing a family tradition.
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