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Letting Go of My Inner Fat Girl

2011-04-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

These four women decided enough is enough. After years of struggling with weight issues, they found the courage to make the change, returning their bodies to optimum health. They talk to us about their journey to finding happiness, confidence and regaining their self-esteem.

After years of struggling with their weight, these four women finally found the courage to turn their lives around, making peace with food and returning their bodies to optimum health and well-being.

(Bronwen de Klerk, 33)
“Fasting and prayer helped me to get in touch with my body and find my life’s purpose.”

After years of chasing after the perfect body, Bronwen de Klerk, has come full-circle, now helping others overcome their eating disorders through a mindful eating programme she’s developed.

My fight with food started when I was 13. After braving it in a bikini at a communal swimming pool one day, a friend informed me that one of our friends had commented: “Bronwen actually has quite a big bum,” which devastated me!

From that day, I promised myself that I was going to do whatever it took to get the perfect body.

At first, I cut out fat completely and it wasn’t until I started getting white blotches on my skin that somebody said I might have a deficiency. I was then given a diet, which I followed religiously and watched the kilos just melt off, but I started having sugar cravings. I decided to start baking and rationalised that if I ate the cake or biscuit mixture before I baked it, it didn’t count as eating sweets. Soon, my weight started to climb again and I was terrified that people would notice . . . and that’s when I discovered laxatives. One tablet could erase a whole binge session – or so I thought!

Then, one day I ate so much ice-cream that I actually felt ill and had to physically get sick. I thought this would be a much better way to erase a binge!

This is when things really spiraled out of control. After confiding in my mother, she took me to a dietician, who simply put me on another diet. Diets were easy. I could follow them, but no one seemed to touch on the deeper issues that were causing me to binge and purge.

Even though I was Bulimic, my weight continued to soar. At age 19 and weighing 75kg, I came across a life-changing book, called The Diet Alternative by Diane Hampton that spoke about prayer and fasting – and how having two meals a day can help to become stronger in spirit. Somehow, this spoke to me. For the first time, I decided to let go of dieting. I started to put on weight and got all the clichéd ‘fat’ comments aimed at me like ‘vet-gat’, ‘Little Lotta’ and ‘Ten-ton-Tessie.’ Although difficult, I ignored most of these comments and continued to focus on how I was feeling and dealing with the roots of my emotional eating. I did this through reading books on improving my self-esteem, loving yourself and finding your purpose. I also took time out to pray and started developing more spiritually. When I eventually did weigh myself two years later, I had lost about 15 kilograms.

As I started getting in touch with my inner self, I changed careers, from being a computer programmer to working as a personal trainer, which lead to the discovery of yoga, shiatsu and pilates. I now run my own health and wellness studio in Tamboerskloof, Cape Town and run a course in mindful eating (www.themiddleweigh.co.za). My happiness in life is no longer determined by my weight.

What worked for Bronwen
• Love yourself now. If you are more ‘in love’ with yourself, you are less inclined to damage your body. Do something today to make yourself feel good – don’t wait until you’re thinner. This will take the focus off your weight and body issues. I used to dress in clothing that made me feel good about myself – and I also stopped all negative self-talk.
• Ditch the diet. Let go of the notion of banned foods, as this will only make you want to binge on them later. As you start to get in touch with your body, you can begin to fine-tune the foods which make you feel good and those which don’t.
• Throw out the scale. Your weight will change all the time – it is a fact of life. It has the power to destroy your entire day – if you allow it to. Focus on how you feel inside and when you take care of what’s inside, the outside will take care of itself.

(Lisle Carolissen, 36)
“I swapped yo-yo dieting for a change in lifestyle and found love in the process.”

Every time Lisle, an IT support specialist from Kenilworth in Cape Town, faced a challenge, her tactic was to comfort eat to ease the stress. After repeating this cycle a few times, she realised that in order to make a permanent change, she would need to adopt a new lifestyle.

I never had a problem with my weight until university. This is when the late nights and the stress of studying lead to comfort eating at all hours of the day and night. I remember how we as a group would go to the local campus tuck shop and ‘de-stress’ by eating a few chocolate doughnuts. While other students would be going to the gym to unwind, we would be bingeing on junk food!

On another level, I was also struggling to decide upon the direction my life would take – as I had changed my mind so many times with regards to my university courses. I wanted to go into teaching – and applied for an honours course in Environmental and Geographical Science, but unfortunately, I didn’t get into the course. I felt directionless. I then had to change my career path and focused on pursuing a career in Information Technology instead.

It took me ages to find a permanent job – and I was unemployed for two years, when I was 22 years old, where I gained about 15 kilograms. Although supported by my family and doing odd jobs, I felt hopelessly depressed that I couldn’t find permanent work.

In 1998, the turning point for me was when I got my first job and my circumstances changed. The job exposed me to the company recreational groups which entailed some outdoor group activities, such as hiking and I found joy in the movement of exercise – and started working out more. I found that the more I exercised, the more healthy food I craved – which helped with weight loss.

I then changed jobs in 2000 – and with it came new stress… which meant I picked up weight again. Someone made a comment at the new place and asked me if I was pregnant – and this really hurt, although I doubt it was intentional. Feeling unhappy in my body and having to wear a bigger size also contributed to my depression. I quit my healthy habits and my weight climbed to 86 kilograms. I remember weighing myself and feeling terrified about reaching 90 kilograms. I realised I had to do something before I got there!

I started going to gym again and eating healthily. I viewed what I was trying to do as a lifestyle change – and not a diet.

I also learnt what my triggers were for overeating and bingeing on the wrong foods. For me, it was an emotional issue about being unhappy with my life at the time – and not being as independent as I wanted to be. Also, having to deal with unexpected life changes and upheavals, such as the death of my grandmother, who I was very close to, and my eldest sister leaving to work in New Zealand – all made me feel that I had lost my main support system, which affected me a great deal.

Being content in myself has also given me more confidence – and I am convinced that this also contributed to me finding love and my partner Donovan. It is an ongoing journey about loving the self enough to make a change. There are no quick-fixes.

What worked for Lisle
• Do your research. Be knowledgeable of what you are eating and how it affects your body – because everyone is different. I avoid all carbonated soft drinks such as coke which is high in sugar. Also, I don’t take sugar in my tea and cereal and substitute it with honey instead. I avoid crisps and any form of junk food, but I do allow myself to have a fast food take away once a week if I am really craving it.
• Exercise. This releases the happy hormone serotonin that can help with stress-relief. I suggest finding the exercise form that works for you. Personally, I love hiking and being in the outdoors. Not only does it provide me with physical exercise but I feel a sense of inner peace when surrounded by nature.
• Find your happy space and be content with yourself. If you are unhappy, find the root of your sadness and work on that. Get help if you need to.

(Carol Shaw, 34)
“In yoga and the raw food lifestyle, I have found balance and real joy.”

When Carol fell pregnant at the age of 21, she realised she had a responsibility to the life inside her to eat healthily. After years of yo-yo dieting, anorexia and bulimia, she finally gave herself permission to eat.

At eight, I had been nicknamed ‘Carol Barrel’ and ‘Butterball’ by some children at school. I also grew up in a very traditional family and my parents could often be heard saying; “eat all the food on your plate, there are starving children in Ethiopia!” Food was not something to be loved in our household – it was just a means to survival – and often eaten under duress.

Then, at age 13, weighing 70 kilograms, I found my solution in a lifestyle education class, where we were taught about the dangers of anorexia and bulimia. Instead of putting me off, I happily became an anorexic, bulimic teenager, obsessively living on bags of apples. I was also gymming neurotically and dropped to a dangerous 48 kilograms.

It was in 1998 that I fell pregnant with my first child. Suddenly I now had a responsibility to bring a life into the world, which meant I had to let go of my restrictive regime – and simply eat. And boy, did I eat! I managed to pile on 40 kilograms and weighed 104 kilograms when Tori was born. It was the first time since my teenage years that I had to give in to nourishing myself and my baby.

I joined a slimming club afterwards and managed to lose all the weight I had gained in eight months, following a strict diet. It was fabulous to fit into a size 8, but I was so poorly nourished and at 31, my weight climbed back up again and this time I topped out at 112 kilograms. I had to rock and roll myself out of bed in the morning - it was agony.

I couldn’t get down the stairs of my house because my lower back ached so badly, so I decided to try yoga to stretch it out. Little did I realise how powerful yoga is as a life-changing tool.
Initially terrifying, there were some poses that at my bulk were downright life-threatening. Try doing a plow pose with a pair of double D’s smothering you and the instructor telling you to breathe deeply!

Yoga lead to my food aha! moment in that I began learning about the way the yogis eat and why – and how it improved one’s practice of the modality. It was while searching on the internet for more Sattvic vegan recipes that I came across my first RAW website and it smacked me between the eyes. Since combining yoga and the raw food lifestyle in 2008, I have lost 52 kilograms in nine months, going from a size 18 to a size 8.

I used to be a caterer making wedding and birthday cakes for a living and sitting on my couch in front of the TV at any opportunity – and now I am studying to be a spiritual nutritional counselor.

What worked for Carol
• Drink more water. I firmly believe in drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. I drink up to 3 or 4 litres on most days. Once you increase your water intake, the weight loss will be far more dramatic – after all, we are 70 percent water!
• Own your process. Take responsibility and don’t give your power away by relying on a practitioner to do the work for you. Practitioners are wonderful sources of information and provide guidelines, but you have to be brave and do it for yourself.
• Watch your programming, look at your eating patterns and see where the triggers are. If you sit down on the couch after dinner to watch TV and crave something sweet to nibble, stop sitting down on the couch after dinner! Rather go for a quick walk instead, you will enjoy the double benefit of not nibbling and getting some exercise. You can also take a good look at why you do that, what is the root of the behaviour and work on changing it.

(Safiyyah Ibrahim, 23)
“By getting to the heart of my emotional turmoil, I found peace with food.”

After the death of her mother, Safiyyah, a bookkeeper, took to junk food like a moth to a flame and gained weight consistently through her school years. Feeling judged by others for her ballooning weight, she came across an article that would change her life.

Growing up as the last-born child of seven children in the family, meant that I could often get my way with anything – especially food.

The real problem started when I was 12, after my mother passed away from cancer. My father over-compensated for this loss and used to indulge my every whim, especially when it came to junk food. There was a period of time when he would bring home a chicken burger and coke for me every night. Eating was a source of comfort for me – filling the space my mother had left.

Another time I remember gobbling up everything in the sweet cupboard and taking some with me to bed. Once, lying on my back eating wine-gums, I almost choked to death.

In primary school, I had a friend who used to binge with me. Later, she was hospitalised with diabetes – but this didn’t deter me from eating. I was also bullied about my weight - but I just carried on bingeing unthinkingly.

As a late bloomer in matric, I started comparing myself to the other girls and realised I had to do something. I discovered bulimia – and took comfort in using a toothbrush to force myself to vomit. From there – I kept trying out all the fad diets I could find. I started taking diet pills while I continued searching for other quick-fixes.

I also found that I lost weight when I was under any amount of stress – which I therefore welcomed. The turning point came when I fell off a quad bike, at 21, where someone commented that it was because I was too heavy for it – when really it was because of turning too quickly on a sharp bend. The comment pierced deeply and I hated being judged because of my weight. I realised how detached my body was from my mind - and even though I wanted to pursue my love for the outdoors and extreme sports, I was unable to.

At a staggering 85 kilograms, I came across a magazine article about eating disorders and recording an ‘emotional food diary.’ I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a try – also contacting the person coordinating a programme on mindful eating.

Suddenly I felt free – because there was no diet to follow – only my own. I gained weight through the freedom of knowing I could eat whatever I liked, but continued keeping track of my emotions while eating and getting support. I eventually started substituting junk food with healthier options – without feeling deprived. I also started walking daily.

I now love every bit of my body – even though it might not be what other’s call perfect. I feel fitter, healthier and happier.

What worked for Safiyyah
• Practice mindful eating. When you eat anything, take your time to fully appreciate each bite, so that you can also pay attention to when you are satisfied and can stop eating. Appreciating your food in this way also helps you with living in the moment.
• Say your daily affirmations. Take a good look in the mirror and say “I love and accept myself” – and watch how just this affirmation can start moving mountains for you. Affirmations can be said at any time of the day – while walking, taking a bath or even driving. They can change your life!
• Look at the reasons for your bingeing. Get down to the real reasons on an emotional level for your over-eating – even though this might be scary to explore at first – it is definitely a start on the road to recovery.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Oprah Magazine, March 2011, p66. (Please note that the copy posted above is the unedited version of what was published in the magazine and will differ slightly. To read the edited version of the article, please click on the images for an expanded view.)

Mission Possible: Happy Holidays

2011-04-11T03:59:00.000-07:00

Surviving the silly season? Our ultimate guide to staying sane, slim and active during the festivities will help you through the rough spots!

STAY SANE

• Focus on the intangibles
Acclaimed author of the book Money Alchemy (www.moneyalchemy.com), Kiki Theo, retired a multi-millionaire at age 39 and is credited by entrepreneurs worldwide as being the catalyst for their ongoing success. “I think we need more focus on the non-tangibles in life; fun, laughter, rest, love, leaping, sunshine, eating and being merry. I think we need to change our focus from shopping, creating debt and fat, to eat, pray, love (sorry Liz!),” says Theo. “We need to create a Christmas which also focuses on the non-tangible for gifts; giving hugs, time, love and attention. For shopping, I recommend shopping for a laugh, a kind word, a sexy glance and a new cause to champion. For fun I say laugh, write some jokes, play a prank and wear a hat! For pastimes, I say walk, run, jump, make love, press flowers and look for fairies, and, for indulgence; run through the forest wearing nothing but chocolate and have a moonlit stroll while you munch on cheese sandwiches. We need to give others kindness and a bit of our heart. The rest will naturally and easily follow if we approach things in this way, realising that everything is connected.”

• Love yourself
Teaching others about self-esteem and creativity for the last five years, Amy Morgan, is the director of the Institute of Self-Esteem for Africa, www selfesteemfa.co.za. “We place so much pressure on ourselves – especially during the festive season. The discomfort of reaching another year-end with our goals not fully realised can be a painful experience and the temptation to turn to self-medicating with over-indulgence, over-spending and not getting the exercise that we need, can indeed overwhelm us,” says Morgan. “Also, at this time of the year, people compare themselves to one another and get depressed if they do not measure up. Our workshops help to alleviate that, replacing this habit with accurate self-assessment and helping one to realise their true worth. Learning to recognise your personal achievements and know what you want for yourself alleviates feelings of not measuring up. Focus on upping your self-esteem, realising you are enough and you are on your way to surviving the insanity of the season!”

• The law of attraction in action
“The Law of Attraction suggests that we ‘attract’ what we most focus on – in thoughts, words and actions,” says motivational speaker and clinical psychologist, Reinette Steyn, coordinator of Selfgrow Life Skills Development workshops, www.selfgrow.co.za. “With that in mind, remember to smile! The very act releases stress-relieving chemicals, and brings about feelings of joy, competence, confidence and tolerance. It also decreases stress and reactivity in other people around you, resulting in a more peaceful and enjoyable time for everyone.” Steyn suggests adopting a group mentality when shopping or in crowded spaces over the festivities. “Rather than saying to yourself; ‘I can’t understand why everyone else is doing their shopping so late!’, rather say; ‘We are all so eager to buy gifts for others – how nice that humanity is still so generous!’ This will cause less stress and cholesterol build-up and attract happy experiences to you. Remember: thoughts become things!”

• A little help from energy medicine
“Crystal Elixirs fall in the category of energy medicine. Like flower essences, it’s mindful-medicine and it's all about taking responsibility for life and for your actions,” says owner of Healthy Choice, Markus van der Westhuizen, a crystal healing practitioner and teacher and Reiki Master practitioner, who has been working with crystals for healing since 1992. “I have created a comprehensive range of crystal elixirs, which include essences for depression, weight issues, immunity, meditation and addictions, among others – all issues which arise over the festive season – and which can be obtained online at www.healthychoice.co.za.” Van der Westhuizen suggests the following stones for staying sane over the holidays; “Amethysts help curb over-indulgence and assist with balancing the body and mind, lepidolite is one of the best stones for frayed nerves, amber stimulates a sluggish digestion, kunzite facilitates stress relief and helenite (aka Gaia Stone) helps to induce compassion, while diffusing anger. Taking a few conscious breaths also helps!” Book an energy healing session this holiday with Healthy Choice and receive a 10% discount on your treatment or your purchase of a crystal elixir. To book, email markus@healthychoice.co.za or call 021-447-7604.

• Get stuck in the garden
“Gardening is a deeply therapeutic act. Modern life has the effect of scattering people – and they often find it difficult to hold it together, especially over the holidays. Spending time in nature and engaging in gardening brings the body back into alignment – and I like to think of it as ‘land-therapy’” says Sam Huckle, owner of Plantwize, www.plantwize.co.za, the only organic landscaping company in the Western Cape to focus on permaculture and bio-dynamic farming as a priority. Organic gardening is a method that emphasises the use of composting as opposed to using artificial chemicals on soil and plants –and, Biodynamic farming takes organic farming to the next level. It also places importance on the interrelation between the soil, plants and animals and uses the astronomical sowing and planting calendar to develop the land. Huckle offers workshops on growing edible garden spaces. “Our workshops are about waking people up to real food. They’re about the health factor of growing your own organically and eating it fresh and preferably raw. This is a very calming, slowing, soothing, energising and enjoyable activity and a great help to keeping you sane over the festive season.”

STAY SLIM!

• Plan your meals
“Try your best to plan healthy meals and snacks on those days that you know you will have a festive meal. Don’t starve yourself before the meal, because it will make it more difficult for you to control your eating,” says registered dietician and chairperson of the Gauteng South branch of the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA), Lila Bruk. “Be flexible in that you allow yourself a little of the foods you really want, but keep the portions small, so that you don’t overdo it. Simply put, don’t overindulge to the point that you feel uncomfortably full, bloated and guilty – rather indulge in moderation.” Bruk explains that the key is not to feel deprived, but to still keep your weight in check. “Don’t be afraid to be original this Christmas lunch and celebrate over a low-fat meal, like a fish-braai, or an elaborate salad bar. Another idea is to have a Christmas brunch and serve fresh fruit, eggs and rye toast,” says Bruk. She also recommends eating low-GI foods to stay fuller for longer, so that you are not ravenous by the time of the festive function. “Finally, take advantage of the warmer weather by eating lighter meals, being more active and enjoying the summer fruits,” she says. “By trying to maintain healthy eating habits over this time you can ensure that you start the New Year feeling slim, healthy and energised!”

• Eating mindfully
“When you are always on a diet to try and control your weight, the holiday season can be an absolute nightmare! All the ‘nice food’ is fattening, and it is everywhere you go,” says Bronwen de Klerk, owner of Chi-Netix Health Studio, www.chi-netix.co.za, in Cape Town and facilitator of the Middle Weigh Mindful Eating Programme. “The Middle Weigh is not a diet, it is a programme that will help you get in touch with your body, so that you will know the food and its quantities your body requires. The workshops teach you how to recognise your hungry and full signals through fasting, by eating only two meals a day and drinking liquids and eating fruit between if you get too hungry before your second meal.” The four-step programme teaches love for the self, listening to the body, getting in touch with the emotions and strengthening the bond with the body, which translate into making peace with food and eating and living a happier, healthier life. “It will simply lead you on a journey of self-discovery, so that you can get to the core of your weight and food issues. Since your guidance on eating is coming from within, and not from a diet, you will be able to easily continue with holiday and life events without feeling any restriction,” she says. Chi-Netix Studio is offering readers 10% off the Mindful Eating Programme for the holidays. To book, email bronwen@chi-netix.co.za or call 073-334-7554.

• Fat-zapping Ozone therapy
“Step into an already cosy, warm ozone cabinet and allow your body to be saturated and surrounded with warm steam to open the pores fully. Ozone or O3 is then introduced into the cabinet via medicinal grade oxygen,” says Kym Eagle. owner of O-Zoned Oxygen for Life at Constantia Wellness Centre in Cape Town. “Ozone is the most powerful and rapid-acting oxidizer man can produce and is able to oxidize all bacteria, moulds, yeast spores, viruses and pathogens. So, whilst you sit relaxed and soothed by soft music, the O3 is at work, penetrating your skin and body tissues, including your cells, blood, lymph and body fat.” According to Eagle, since a majority of the toxins are held in the lymph and fat in the body, this treatment is especially effective in weighty issues. O3 helps to break down the fat into hydrogen and oxygen molecules and releases them easily via the excretory system, through sweat and urine, sparing your liver and kidneys extra work. “In addition, you burn 300 to 500 calories with each session, so not only do you benefit from detoxing your bodily systems, you also get the added benefit of smooth, tight, cellulite free skin,” she says.

STAY ACTIVE!

• How not to tip the scales
“On average, I estimate that people eat four times as much during the silly - or should I say sully season, compared to the rest of the year. If you are consuming more calories than you are burning, it makes sense that you will pick up weight. You need to be burning more calories than using your arm to lift a glass of wine, beer or that last piece of Christmas cake,” says Wellness Facilitator, Andrew Wyllie, owner of Phoenix Wellness Studio in Cape Town. “Admittedly it is difficult to get to the gym if you are away for the holidays, so use the time to try something new, like surfing, paddle-boating, hiking up a mountain, or riding a bike. Explore your holiday surroundings by being active.” Wyllie suggests trying your best to not to fall into a trap of over-eating drinking too much and being inactive. “You will be doing yourself an injustice to all the hours you spent trying to get your beach body in the first place!”

• Nia: joyful, achievable, energising exercise
Brown belt Nia teacher, Simone Bothma, started doing Nia to get back in touch with her body, after working in the field of counselling and psychology. “Nia is a wonderful to stay fit during the holidays because you sweat without effort – and you sweat with joy! For some, it is the first time they have felt happy while exercising because they are guided by their own body’s sensation having fun and being tuned in, so if your knee says ‘no’ – you hear it and you adapt your movement until the knee says – ‘yes, now that I enjoy!’” Founded by Debbie and Carlos Rosas in the US, the couple wanted to find something better than the aerobics ‘no pain, no gain’ era, so they set about studying many different modalities and thus gave birth to Nia (www.niasouthafrica.co.za). It offers a combination of jazz, modern, tai chi, tae kwan do and Aiikido, as well as incorporating the healing arts of the Alexander technique, Feldenkreis and yoga, each bringing awareness to the muscles and the bones, so that the body is instructed to move in its own way. The aim is to create balance and harmony in the body and the overall feeling is one of pleasure. “Nia appeals to all ages, shapes, sizes and ability – as it is taught on three levels, depending on your energy levels at the time of the class.”

• Saluting the sun through Yoga
“Yoga helps your body on all levels - body, mind and soul. On a physical level, the poses (asanas) keep you flexible, supple and strong, the breathing helps you to relax the body taking you to the next level of relaxing the mind, helping you to stay calm, centred and present in the moment,” says Deevya Vasson, Hatha yoga instructor at The Centre Yoga Meditation in Cape Town, www.thecentre.co.za. “It's not easy when the festivities and over-indulgence are all around you. It’s best to stay centred, or learn how to practice staying centred, and do whatever works best for you. I prefer to look at my yoga practice as giving back and sending thanks to my body for looking after me so well. This way it is not a torture, but rather, a treat.” Vasson suggests learning the most popular asana sequence in yoga – the sun salutation as a way to kick-start your energy levels everyday of the holidays. “This will keep you toned and fit. Also, keep your yoga mat in a special place where you can see it, so all you have to do is step on it and move!”

• Live simply, embrace martial arts
“Often what happens during the holiday season is an extreme in emotion – either overly excited or overly sad – and in martial arts we encourage withholding a fraction of this emotion, so as to conserve energy and maintain a harmonious balance,” says Dr Jeff Lan, 8th dan Chinese martial arts and Qi Gong coach and head instructor of the International Kim Loong Wushu Centre, www.kimloong.org, in Cape Town. “Remaining calm and focused this season and not getting too caught up in the moment is emphasised – similarly, when physically active, apply the same concept. Too much physical activity can strain the internal organs, which get strained, thus depleting energy.” According to Dr Lan, martial arts training produces a good physique, sharp mind and defined muscle tone. The body is generally much stronger and youthful and degenerative diseases are less likely to occur as a result. Martial artists become competent, self-assured and confident.”

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, December 2010/January 2011, p15.

Eat Today, Starve Tomorrow

2011-04-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

The newest craze to hit the world is the Alternate Day Diet, otherwise known as the Up Day Down Day diet, developed by New Orleans plastic surgeon, Dr James Johnson. Is this just another fad diet, soon to lose its popularity – or is it for real? We talk to the experts to shed some light on the subject.

Eat what I like on one day, fast the next

After struggling to lose weight – and witnessing his patients’ constant battle with the bulge, Dr James Johnson dedicated his research to finding a way to help himself and others achieve weight loss and overall body health. On up-days you are allowed to eat whatever you like on the diet and the next, you have to limit your intake to 20 percent of what you normally eat, at about 500 calories. Sound easy? According to Dr Johnson it is. By restricting the caloric intake in this way, the body undergoes a mild form of stress and in turn activates a gene called SIRT1, also known as the ‘skinny gene’. According to his research conducted on mice, this gene helps the body to lose fat by releasing it from around the organs. Dr Johnson explains that the diet plan also decreases the risk of disease, such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, asthma, allergies, arthritis and diabetes.

Red, red wine and resveratrol

In conjunction with the alternate day eating plan, Dr Johnson recommends taking his specially formulated supplement, containing Resveratrol, which is a molecule found in red wine, believed to turn on the SIRT1 gene. In 2003, research conducted on the substance showed that resveratrol could boost the lifespan of yeast by 70%, as well as round worms, fruit flies and fish. A later study in 2006 showed that resveratrol could increase the lifespan of mice, reduce their risk of heart disease and other age-related diseases. Presently, Dr Johnson and other scientists are conducting human trials to confirm that resveratrol has the same effects in humans as it does in the other organisms that have been tested.

Professor Louise Warnich of the Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University questions Dr Johnson’s rigorous promotion of resveratrol to trigger the SIRT1 gene. “The SIRT1 gene is one of the approximately 20 000 genes present in the nuclei of human cells. Gene activation or gene regulation is a complex process and not completely understood yet. It has been shown that the SIRT1 gene can be activated by resveratrol, but also by other activators,” she says. “Resveratrol, on the other hand, also activates other targets. Until these complex interactions are elucidated, and the results of proper clinical trials in humans are available, it seems premature to promote the use of resveratrol for the activation of SIRT1, especially since human trials are only now underway to gauge its true effectiveness. It is thus strange that Dr Johnson is promoting his product long before answers to these questions are available.”

According to Professor Michele Ramsay, at the National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, there is a lot more in red wine besides resveratrol – and some of these compounds may cause more harm than the proposed benefits as described by Dr Johnson. “There should be a guard against the notion that everyone will respond in the same way to resveratrol, especially since not enough research has been done to fully understand its effects.”

The good, the bad and the ugly

The alternate day diet would seem attractive since it does not have long-term restrictions on what people can eat, says Bronwen de Klerk, nutritional therapist, who runs a mindful eating programme called ‘The Middle Weigh’ at her Cape Town-based health studio, Chi-Netix. “People are able to restrict themselves for only one day, knowing that they can eat any of their favourite foods on the following day,” she says. “Eating very few calories on each alternate day would have similar benefits to fasting – giving the body a rest from its digestive processes, helping people to get more in touch with sensations of hunger and helping to break emotional attachments to food.”

Registered dietician, Lila Bruk agrees that there may be some advantage to this diet, but suggests that those considering this diet exercise caution in that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. “This diet gives one the opportunity to eat whatever one wants, while still losing weight. Some research has also suggested that this pattern of eating has an anti-inflammatory effect and may slow down aging, but more research is needed to clarify this,” she says. “However, the disadvantages are that it may exacerbate a pre-existing eating disorder or predispose an eating disorder to manifest. In addition, it may not always fit into one’s lifestyle and it is likely to not be sustainable. Also, there are many other genes related to weight-loss that are yet to be discovered – and therefore it is important not to focus solely on the function of the SIRT1 gene for weight loss.”

Just another fad diet?

On down-days, apart from releasing the SIRT1 gene, the body could also release cortisol – a stress hormone – to cope with the very strict diet of just 500 calories on down-days, and in response, the body would then accumulate more fat, says registered homeopath, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner, Dr Debbie Smith. “Dysglycaemic patients could experience dizziness or fainting spells. Stable blood sugar and appropriate portion control are more likely to be healthy for the patient,” she says. “‘Serial’ dieters with eating disorders may binge eat on up-days and are possibly less likely to control their eating on down-days – and so, will not be able to stick to the plan. I feel that bingeing and fasting is not necessarily in line with the normal human dietary pattern.”

Sports and family physician at the Rosebank Centre for Sports medicine and Randburg Medicross, Dr Andrew Shaun Branfield agrees. “The alternate day diet is not based on good science, as to stimulate the metabolic rate, a person needs to eat regularly,” he says. “Conversely, to fast on alternate days, the dieter will find it increasingly difficult to maintain and even achieve a low body weight due to the reduction in metabolic rate.”

Cause for some alarm bells?

Whilst the diet outlines the principles on which it is based, there is very little in terms of a structured day-to-day meal plan that reinforces these principles and the concern exists that people will continue to make poor choices, says nurse, midwife, massage therapist and nutritionist, Enid Hudson. “Any diet that is below 1000 calories a day is too low to get all the essential nutrients. This makes it all the more important to keep a food diary to make sure you top up with the right nutrients on the up-days – and choose nutrient-rich, healthy foods, without over-indulgence in unhealthy options,” she says. “I would also be concerned about people who have to operate heavy machinery or those who have to concentrate for long periods of time, especially on the down-days, as their blood sugar levels will dip considerably.”

Clinical director, Anstice Wright of the Oasis Counselling Centre in Plettenberg Bay is an accredited psychotherapist who specialises in addictions and eating disorders. Upon learning about the alternate day diet, she showed the plan to a few of her clients, living with eating disorders, for their thoughts on it. “They laughed at the plan, saying that they would either not be able to stop eating or would not be able to stop starving – and thought it was a joke,” she says. “For women who are desperate to lose weight, the mixture of a pill, the ‘out of control’ eating followed by not eating and the possibility of losing weight fast – is very attractive. I treat many people who have tried similar ways of losing weight and it has not worked.” The Oasis Counselling Centre aims at helping patients to live a normal, healthy life – and to fit into society seamlessly. “What if you are asked out for a meal on your down-day? And, what if you have children – what are they going to learn from this constant binge and starve behaviour? I would not want to live with the emotional ups and downs that such a way of living would produce.”

Back to basics

Eating only when hungry and not eating until over-full is always the key to losing weight, says de Klerk. “Once you can master that - and you no longer need food as a crutch to deal with emotions – you can start to refine your food selections. You will then be selecting healthier foods from a position of strength and self-respect, not because you have to lose weight,” she says. “Combining balanced exercise is always beneficial to weight loss. Exercise also improves your state of mind, therefore making you less likely to need food to give you a lift. There is no miracle diet out there that is going to solve our weight issues. We all just need to learn how to attain a balanced perspective on food and eating. The answers come from within - when we listen.”

Dr Branfield shares some guidelines to help distinguish a suitable weight-reduction programme, from a fad diet:

• A safe weight-loss programme should be based on the individual’s lifestyle and medical history.

• A sensible programme should meet the dietary requirements from a wide variety of foods from all the food groups, rather than relying on mineral and vitamin supplementation.

• It must meet adequate energy requirements on a daily-basis. The energy must be spread out over the whole day to avoid lethargy ‘spots’ and hunger.

• A realistic goal for weight-loss should be aimed for, that is, approximately half a kilogram to one kilogram per week. Greater weight loss indicates a loss of fluid and lean-body tissue, in addition to body fat.

• Information on scientific outcomes for the diet programme should be presented in a factual and specific manner, rather than via an anecdote (word-of-mouth) and testimonials.

• Permanent weight-loss is achieved through gradual but life-long changes. Avoid programmes that promise dramatic results or guarantee fast success.

• Check that the programme has been developed or recommended by a person qualified in the field of nutrition, bearing in mind that very few doctors are nutritionists.

“Weight loss is a combination of physical, mental and emotional factors – and each of these need to be considered in turn,” says Smith:

• Physical: You need to consider what you eat, how much you eat and the amount of exercise you do. Sensible food choices, portion control, food preparation choices and the variety of food also need reflection.

• Mental: When we are stressed out, cortisol levels are elevated in the body. This would have a knock on effect on the blood sugar and insulin levels. Cortisol also contributes to inflammation and prevents weight loss in the body.

• Emotional: Our bodies might be holding on to weight that helps to make us feel safe. For example, you might be having a difficult time with your spouse, and subconsciously you become fatter to create a physical barrier between yourself and partner. Some people become fat subconsciously to create a power of authority.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, November 2010, p78.

'Now I run for smiles'

2010-10-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

We share one reader’s story of inspiration that lead her to good health and an open heart.

Joanne McLeod considers herself to be an ordinary mum of two boys, Tristan (13) and Ryan (11) and a wife to Justin, her husband of 18 years. Just like any other South African family woman. Full stop. On the surface, one could be forgiven for thinking that’s all there is to this fit mommy, but you’d be terribly wrong. She loves sport, is a sucker for gruelling races on foot or by bike and she cares deeply for children born with disabilities. In particular she has pledged her support to the Smile Foundation, where children with facial deformities receive the necessary surgery they would otherwise not be able to afford, to enable them to smile again.

After Joanne finished her studies in marketing and advertising in 1991, she opened her own conferencing and events company, which she ran for nine years. “I just loved the industry and my company was so successful, winning local and international awards, including the SITE crystal award, the ‘Oscar’ of our industry, judged in New York and worldwide,” she says. “But then I had a moment when I realised that my kids were growing up and I was missing out. Although my business was fun, I realised that it was frivolous and not making a real difference to the world – and I wanted to spend more time with my children. So, I started doing more and more charity work and found it very fulfilling – emotionally and spiritually.”

In March of this year, Joanne took her deep sense of altruism to another level for the Smile Foundation to raise funds for the organisation. She entered Racing The Planet, a 250 kilometre endurance footrace, where competitors carry all their equipment to the finish line through the Australian outback for seven days. Temperatures in the region reach the highest on earth, making the race even more arduous.

“I struggled so much on the first two days to keep going, and I thought of nothing other than ‘why on earth am I doing this?’. That question then turned into something else, when I remembered all the people who believed in me and I felt I couldn’t let them down,” says Joanne. “I thought of all the time I had taken from my children in preparation for the race, and couldn’t let them down either. When the fog in my head began to clear, I realised people had pledged money to the children of the Foundation, based on me finishing the race – which was when my focus became crystal clear again. I knew I had to finish, despite all the pain I was in!”

Joanne shares her memory of the run and summarises it in three words; brutal, humbling and life-changing. “Brutal, because I lost most of my toenails in the race, which have thankfully started growing back again. As Lance Armstrong put it; ‘Pain is temporary, but quitting is forever’. I guess if that works for Lance Armstrong, it can work for me too! Humbling, because you realise how small you are in the great scheme of things – but that you can still work at making a difference in another person’s life. And, life-changing, because when you deal with something so huge, like Racing The Planet, you understand just how silly it is to ‘sweat the small stuff’,” she says. “Lastly, it was also a life lesson for me, because I am a naturally competitive person and I came in near the back of the race – but of all the people who started, I finished in the top half.”

Joanne started running ten years ago, just after the birth of her second child; Ryan, and entered the Comrades. “I have always loved exercise and was brought up with a passion for it – my family growing up were all quite active people,” she says. “It’s something that has also happened quite naturally in my family too. I don’t mind what exercise I do, as long as it tests me to my limit, so it was an obvious choice for me to take on the challenge to race across the Australian outback. It’s never going to be a 5km challenge around the suburbs!” She has also taken part in the Argus in 2008 and 2009 and has also ridden twice in the Cape Epics, Sani2C, Berg and Bush, and the Trans Rockies with her husband. “As I became older, and saw how quickly life was passing me by, I wanted to challenge myself. Instead of just knowing I 'could' - I thought I'd prove it,” she says. “The taste came when I realised I was a good cyclist and so, I applied myself…and then I won the Argus in 2009! That was a huge feather in my cap and when I ran Racing The Planet, I kept thinking ‘but I know I can, so why carry on?’ and then I realised that I had to prove that I could!”

She notes that she wanted her racing to become more than just about endurance, but also to help make a difference to a person’s life by raising funds for a deserving cause. “I have chosen to work with the Smile Foundation for a long time, because they are an exceptional organisation. Every cent is accounted for and they have a solid and honest core. Their work is also very tangible; children are given the opportunity to smile again – as simple as that – and this is important to me,” says Joanne.

Giving, she explains, is extremely therapeutic; “I wake up in the morning feeling great. My body feels good, my mind feels clear, and I feel happy, because it’s not just about me. There is no greater joy than giving back. It sounds so cheesy, but really, there is no other way to phrase it. I believe in ‘paying it forward’ and by putting this in action, we can all make just a small difference, which really does mean the world to someone on the receiving end.”

Balance in all things and setting realistic goals play a crucial role in her successes. Joanne sets herself realistic goals and sets about achieving them in any way she knows how. “There are always challenges, but these must be kept in perspective. And if the downside outweighs the upside, then perhaps the goalposts have to be shifted. If I know I have to take part in a race, I always have a training programme. It helps me get up in the mornings at 4am, when I know I have to. And then, the ‘rest days’ feel that much sweeter, because I’ve earned them. Be it sport or life in general, I think it’s important to have direction.”

As a stay-at-home mother and project fundraiser, her time is flexible, allowing her to plan her life accordingly. “So many people complain because they can’t do what they dream. My life is how it is because I have made it this way. To those who think they can’t do something – I say – just do it,” she says.

From a nutritional health standpoint, the McLeods take the approach of all things in moderation. “We eat anything and everything. But I guess one gets into a cycle. You run, so you feel good, so you don’t eat rubbish, so you feel better, so you go to the gym, so you eat healthy to not undo your workout, and so it goes on. But then, because we exercise, we can eat and drink more too. A wise man once said, ‘I cycle so I can drink more, I don’t drink less to cycle more.’”

Their friends joke that they will all be dead before the McLeod family, because they are just so healthy. However, Joanne says that it is important for her to feel good – and her family agrees. “I think every person should do what makes them happy. I like to be able to just get up and run 10 kilometres, or cycle with the guys, or swim across the ocean, or climb a mountain. It just creates so many possibilities and so many new experiences.”

The Australian outback, she says, pushed her to her limit. “It’s easy to wander through life losing your way and your identity, but when you get pushed so hard, and spend so much time alone, or fighting your pain, it takes you back to who you really are. It gives you perspective you would not otherwise have seen before. I hope that this is instilled in my boys so that they can also face the world with courage in their own lives – and also to stop and think of someone else in need – and what they can do to change the world for the better.”

Awaken Your Altruism
Tanya Vandenberg, a Johannesburg motivational speaker, explains that Joanne has taken an incredibly important step of choosing to be the director of her own life. Joanne’s ability to step back from other peoples’ definitions of ‘success’ – her own company, awards and status – gives her a high level of satisfaction, and that contributes to an overall sense of well-being.

“We all need a sense of purpose, a reason to be here, and Joanne’s charity work clearly helps her to feel that she is accomplishing the fulfilment of her place in the world. She has identified the values that mean the most to her, which also makes her confident of what she is passing on to her sons,” says Vandenberg. “She sees herself as being a person who helps others, and acts that out, which means that she is in harmony with her own idea of herself.”

Giving unselfishly, without expecting anything back doesn’t always come naturally, but when we do, we feel energised and fulfilled. Vandenberg points out some other benefits:

Helping others boosts our self-esteem, because we are essentially proving to ourselves that we are needed, that there is a place for us in society and that we are stronger than others.
It reminds us of the good things we have and has a way of putting our own problems into perspective.
When you give, you often receive much more in return and this leaves you feeling invigorated.
Continued altruism makes room for new experiences and relationships and this is what being human is all about!
It gives you an awareness of compassion and awakens a sense of proportion within you, when you see others in the world who are less fortunate and don’t have what you have.

Vandenberg reminds us that charities are not the only conduit for giving. “Some people prefer to create their own personal, intimate giving, like helping a family that they personally know through a bad time, or being involved in their church or other community groups,” she says. “Have a look at the skills you can offer, but don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. Like Joanne running 250 km, sometimes we have to push ourselves beyond anything we’ve tried before.”

Joanne’s Response:
“Start small, but just get out there and prove to yourself that you can do it! I lead a charmed life, and it’s wonderful to give others an opportunity to have a happy life too. It’s a feeling beyond comparison to actually make a difference,” she says. “So many of us are complacent and it’s great to help make things better in South Africa.”

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, October 2010, p18.

Defending My Life

2010-10-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

BLESSED WITH A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM: Michelle Rivera (48), diagnosed at 40
“We are blessed to be alive and to have overcome cancer, with such a strong support system. I never take things for granted now.”

After finding a lump in her left breast, Michelle plucked up the courage to go for a check-up. “When the doctor confirmed my worst fears, I was in complete denial,” she says. In shock, she made another appointment for a second opinion, but this time with a specialist in breast cancer. “I tell everyone to seek out a second opinion – and to have treatment with a doctor you trust completely,” she says. After explaining the different options available to her, she took some time to herself and decided upon a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, to eradicate the chances of the cancer returning in the other breast. “All I could think about were my children – and that I needed to be there for them as they grew up – and so, a bilateral mastectomy was an obvious choice,” she says. Eighteen months later, her sister, Debbie Firer, was also diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently also chose to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure. “It was so hard for me to watch my sister face the same battle I had just been through,” she says. “We are blessed to be alive and to have overcome cancer, with such a strong support system. I never take things for granted now.” Michelle explains how it has made them closer as a family, but has also made them great advocates for the cause, conducting talks through the support group, Bosom Buddies, raising awareness in their area about going for check-ups on a regular basis. “These days, with all the medical advances available, there is no excuse to be an ostrich with your head stuck in the sand!” she says. “Fact is; if you find out early, there is so much you can do and your chances of survival are high.”

BEING OPEN ABOUT CANCER: Nthabiseng Nkache (52), diagnosed at 49
“Before the breast cancer, I was just Nthabiseng. Now, I am so much more – and I try every day to make the most of the time I have been given to value life.”

Nthabiseng Nkache took painkillers to dull the pain she felt in her breasts in the hope that it would just go away. However, when the pain became chronic, she decided she would go for a mammogram. “When the tests confirmed that I had cancer in both breasts, I thought I was going to die – and the pain of leaving my three young children, who had also lost their father in 1999, was just too much,” she says. Her oncologist explained that a bi-lateral mastectomy was the best option for survival for a woman of her age. “Even though I had the support of my colleagues at work, I still felt isolated, because I didn’t know of anyone who had breast cancer in my community in Katlehong,” she says. “There is so much ignorance around this topic. No one ever spoke about cancer because of the stigma attached to it and because it is considered a ‘white person’s disease’.” Nthabiseng decided to get reconstructive surgery after her mastectomy, but last year, the left breast became inflamed with cellulitis and had to be removed. She now uses a prosthesis in place of her left breast. “Before the breast cancer, I was just Nthabiseng. Now, I am so much more – and I try every day to make the most of the time I have been given to value life.” As a nurse, Nthabiseng is passionate about dispelling stigma and often helps other women overcome the initial shock of their diagnosis by sharing her own experiences with them. She encourages others to get tested regularly, not just once every few years. “I don’t have breasts – so what? I am alive – and this is what matters the most to me. If I can survive, then so can anyone else – just take it one day at a time.”

STAYING POSITIVE TO BEAT CANCER: Victoria Pansegrouw (29), diagnosed at 27
“I have conquered so much and no longer fear all the small things in life. I have also learnt that my friends and family, especially my mom, truly are the amazing people I always suspected they were.”

No one in her family had ever had breast cancer before. When Victoria Pansegrouw discovered the lump in her left breast in November 2008, her whole life changed. “Tears immediately started rolling down my face and I went straight into shock,” she says. “After a while, I decided that considering so many people had dealt with cancer and were just fine today, I would follow in their footsteps and deal with whatever curveballs were to come my way. I was going to beat it and give it the best I could.” Further tests confirmed that she had an aggressive ‘strain’ of cancer and that she was HER2-positive. Her oncologist recommended a double mastectomy, because, even though only one breast was affected by the cancer, there was a 30% chance of recurrence in the right side. “I thought it through on the way back from the appointment and told my mom that it wasn’t as bad as losing an arm or leg or something I really needed to function every day,” she says.”I made peace with it then and there and it was an easier decision knowing that I would have immediate reconstructive surgery.” Victoria attributes her survival to being positive and “getting selfish” with her life, instead of being a people-pleaser, which meant avoiding negative people, situations and conversations. “I have conquered so much and no longer fear all the small things in life. I have also learnt that my friends and family, especially my mom, truly are the amazing people I always suspected they were,” she says. “There is just so much love and support out there if you just open yourself up to receive it.”

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Oprah Magazine, October 2010, p74. (Please note that the copy posted above is the unedited version of what was published in the magazine and will differ slightly. To read the edited version of the article, please click on the images for an expanded view.)

Down mammary lane

2010-10-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

How do your breasts change as you age? We talk to five breast specialiasts to find out how the breast ages in every decade, exploring what is healthy, what is not – and when you should worry.

What to look out for in your twenties
Expert: Professor Justus Apffelstaedt is an Associate Professor for the University of Stellenbosch and head of the Breast Clinic at the Tygerberg Hospital. He is a surgeon, with a specialised interest in breast health and is the head of the Tygerberg Breast Clinic in Cape Town.

According to Professor Apffelstaedt, the earlier you start checking your breasts for lumps, the better. Breast cancer screening, he explains, is one of the most important contributing factors to the dropping mortality of breast cancer. “It should be a normal health habit you begin doing once a month, ten days after your menstruation,” he says. “And, if you do find a lump, don’t panic. Most lumps in this age group are benign. Watch out for a painless lump, contour changes, changes in the size of the breast, skin changes such as areas of redness that persist for more than five days, changes of the nipple, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, retraction of the nipple and/or skin and lastly, lumps in the armpits.”

Besides conducting a routine breast self-exam, he also recommends an annual clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional. “Your breasts will be checked for a number of changes, including lumps. Mammograms are not recommended in the twenties, as the breast tissue is too dense,” he says.

During this decade, pregnancy and lactation change the breast – and when women delay family planning until after age thirty, their risk of breast cancer is also increased. Professor Apffelstaedt points out that as with all cancers, breast cancer prevention suggestions include; changing to a healthy lifestyle and sound eating habits, avoiding foods known to cause cancer, and taking prophylactic measures, such as anti-estrogens for women with a very high risk of breast cancer.

"Often women incorrectly believe that they have a very high risk of breast cancer, due to a family history, for example,” he says. “Women with a family history of breast cancer should have this history evaluated by a specialist centre to ascertain if their risk is indeed as high as they think it to be. If it is, modern risk management strategies, personalised to the individual woman’s circumstances, can reduce the risk substantially. This relieves a great amount of stress.”

Professor Apffelstaedt is positive about modern cancer management. “Thanks to constant improvements in this arena, the chance of dying of breast cancer is decreasing constantly.”

What to look out for in your thirties
Expert: Dr Rika Pienaar is a private clinical radiation oncologist for GVI Oncology in the Panorama Mediclinic in Cape Town. She is nationally recognised for her talks on breast cancer and has delivered more than 50 invited lectures at national meetings, colleges, universities and women's organisations.

“All women are at risk for breast cancer, but that risk does not seem very real when we’re young – or in our thirties. Although breast cancer most often occurs in women over the age of 50, about 11,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year,” says Dr Pienaar. “Unlike women over age 40, most young women discover their own breast cancers. One study from Harvard, for example, found that 71% of women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger discovered their breast cancers by self-exam. Most had never had a mammogram at the time of their diagnosis.”

Dr Pienaar explains that younger women diagnosed with breast cancer often experience a more aggressive cancer and a lower chance of survival. For this reason, women in this age group are advised to regularly check their breasts by self-exam. “You may never face breast cancer during your lifetime, particularly before the age of 40, but it is important to understand your risk and to be your own health advocate. Know the landscape of your breasts and alert your doctor right away if they look or feel unusual,” she says.

According to Dr Pienaar, some studies have suggested that use of oral contraceptives results in a very slight increased risk for developing breast cancer, over those who have never taken them. Women who have stopped using birth control pills for more than ten years do not seem to be at any greater risk. Other studies, however, show no such effect. Researchers continue to study the conflicting results in these trials to determine if birth control pills play a role in breast cancer.

“Experts suspect that the more a woman is exposed to estrogen, the greater her risk. That might be one explanation for the rising rates of breast cancer in younger women,” she says. “Compared to 50 years ago, women today have a greater lifetime exposure to estrogen, beginning menstruation several years earlier, sometimes as early as age nine, and starting menopause later in life. Contemporary lifestyles may also expose women to more carcinogenic environments and lifestyle behaviours, which can be modified or controlled, for example, whether or not you smoke, how much alcohol you drink and what you weigh.”

She explains that while most lumps are benign, they are often ignored by younger women – and sometimes their doctors, who often believe their patients are too young to get breast cancer – and so, decide to wait and see what happens. “These delays can adversely affect a woman’s overall outcome, because by the time the cancer is finally discovered, it may have spread to the lymph system and other organs of the body, making treatment more difficult,” she says.

What to look out for in your forties
Expert: Dr Hugo Allison is a general surgeon with an interest in the management of benign and malignant breast disease. He has also been a member of Groote Schuur Breast Clinic for 25 years.

Women in their forties, especially in their late forties and peri-menopausal, can expect changes in their breasts, explains Dr Allison. “Breast tenderness is very common as part of the involuntary changes that take place – and breasts may get larger, especially if there is noticeable weight gain,” he says. “The glandular component starts to atrophy (get smaller) and there is an increase in fat deposition in the breast. In peri-menopausal women, hormone levels may fluctuate, so breast sensitivity may change. This is often normal, however, it is important that the focal areas of tenderness or pain be assessed by a doctor or specialist.”

Breast cancer shows a tendency to be more common in women who are overweight and excessive alcohol consumption has also been noted to have an increased risk of breast cancer. Exercise is important, reducing weight and modifying alcohol consumption are essential, says Dr Allison.

“Breast self-examination is crucial in this age group as malignancy is usually detected by the woman herself,” he says. “If you find a lump or notice a change in anything in your breast, get is seen to and don't go into denial. Most likely it is not serious, but you don't want to miss a more serious problem!”

Dr Allison advises women in their forties to pay attention to changes in the skin, as well as dimpling, thickening or distortion of the breast contour. He also points out that changes in the nipple area are also important to look out for, looking at puckering or retraction of the nipple. “Ulceration of the nipple or spontaneous bloodstained discharge from the breast could be quite serious – and need further investigation by a specialist,” he adds.

He recommends that all women in this decade of age have an annual thorough breast examination and mammogram done, as a baseline, in their early forties. “If there is a family history of breast cancer, then regular annual mammograms are recommended from the age of forty onwards. This mammogram should also be backed up by an ultrasound – as a mechanism to ensure the breast is healthy,” he adds.

What to look out for in your fifties
Expert: Dr Irene Boeddinghaus is an oncologist in private practice specialising in the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous breast conditions. She holds a doctorate in the hormonal treatment of breast cancer, which she obtained from the University of London. She is an author and co-author of multiple papers and books on the subject and has presented breast cancer research at a number of international conferences.

“Women in their fifties should really try to accept routine mammograms as mandatory,” says Dr Boeddinghaus. “Ultrasounds are not always necessary. Some people hope that they can go for an ultrasound without a mammogram, but unfortunately, this way, a lot of cancers can be missed – and we don’t recommend that.”

According to Dr Boeddinghaus, research has been conducted on the link between obesity in post-menopausal women and breast cancer. “The link is frighteningly clear,” she says. “Also, if you drink more than four units of alcohol a week, there is a 1.5 times higher chance of breast cancer development, so restrict yourself to two glasses of wine per week.” She also encourages women to watch their calorie-intake. “It is not about exercise as much as it is about restricting your diet, so that you can keep your weight down.”

Another common occurrence in the fifties age group is that of breast cysts. “Cysts come under the band of aberrations of normal development and involution or ANDI – in other words, they are associated with aging. They are less common in younger women – although they can occur in the younger age group, but are specifically found in early post menopausal women,” she says. “Few cysts are cancerous – but the only sure guarantee that it is benign, is to have it looked at through a mammogram and ultrasound and aspiration biopsy.” Dr Boeddinghaus explains that cysts can pop up overnight and can also disappear within a few days. For people with multiple recurrences, she advises them to wait, but that if there is ever a smidgen of doubt about a lump, it is important to have it examined by a professional and to have it scanned early.

“In the fifties, women can experience leaky breasts. This is when the ducts that carry the milk from the breast gland to the nipple age, and you can often end up with a non-bloodstained discharge,” she says. “It is not a pre-cancerous condition, but it can impact upon lifestyle – as nobody likes leaky boobs. This is normally fixed with a small operation, but when it is blood-stained, it definitely needs to be checked immediately. One in ten women experiencing this condition can have an underlying cancer – but if it is not blood-stained, then it is not cancerous. It is just one of those aging problems.”

In this age group, many women also start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – and this can often affect the breasts. “HRT can definitely cause lumps and cysts, but this is not to say that HRT is negative – only that is has an effect on the breasts. HRT maintains the density of the breasts so that mammograms may be more painful – and can be less effective in pinpointing cancer,” she says. “Short term use of HRTs, that is, less than five years, does not increase the incidence of breast cancer, but prolonged use, that is greater than five years, can.”

What to look out for in your sixties
Expert: Dr Peet van Deventer is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in private practice in Bellville in the Western Cape and holds the post as an extraordinary senior lecturer in the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Tygerberg Hospital and the University of Stellenbosch. He is renowned for developing the internal bra procedure for the Breform company, one of the latest developments in cosmetic breast surgery.

Dr van Deventer explains that as you age, especially in your sixties, all the tissues in the body, including that of the breast, undergo atrophy or wasting. The glandular component and fatty content of the breast decrease in volume, the ligaments weaken and stretch and the skin thins and loses its elasticity. The result, he says, is an ‘envelope’ too large for its contents and loss of function of the supporting structures, causes drooping of the breast, known as breast ptosis. “The attractiveness of the breast may then be lost and affect the person with loss of self-esteem and confidence,” he says. “It can also result in physical problems like the collection of moisture in the fold beneath the breast, resulting in mal-odour.”

According to Dr van Deventer, breast ptosis can be treated by doing a breast lift (mastopexy) procedure. “Excising the excessive skin and reshaping the breast can be beneficial, however, this may be a temporary solution, as the skin will stretch with time – and the breast will droop again,” he says. “In this regard, one of the latest developments in cosmetic breast surgery is the internal bra procedure. It is a non-absorbable biocompatible mesh, used to reconstruct the ligaments responsible for maintaining breast shape and relieving the skin of that function, maintaining the breast shape and reducing the tension on the suture lines with less scarring.”

With a mammogram, breast cancer can be detected before a mass is palpable and therefore there is a better prognosis in the treatment of this condition. “The glandular component of the breast is prone to malignant change with a higher risk in the older age group. Every woman at every age must learn to do breast self-examination and perform it at least once a month. At this age, annual mammograms and ultrasounds are also important. This will ensure early detection of abnormalities, which can be investigated and treated if necessary.”

Dr van Deventer recommends women stay healthy by maintaining a constant body mass index between 20 and 25. “Women who smoke put themselves at higher risk,” he says. “Only moderate use of alcohol is advisable. I also advocate regular exercise and for women to be sexually active.”

Bras that fit like a glove
“Bras do not cause breast cancer, but an ill-fitting bra can lead to a development of what we call an intra-mammary ridge – a thickened area of fibrous fatty tissue on the lower part of the breast, which needs to be distinguished from breast cancer, as it feels lumpy,” says Dr Boeddinghaus. “There is such a wide range of what is considered ‘normal’ in terms of breast size and shape – there is no ‘one size fits all’ – so women need to try out different bras and find the support that is appropriate for them in terms of comfort and preference.”

According to Liezel Morkel, managing director of Lady Chatterley’s Chamber, the online Lingerie Boutique; www.ladychatterleyschamber.co.za, women should pay attention to how their bodies change, because the breast changes constantly, from having a baby, losing or gaining weight and during your period – and so, recommends an annual professional bra-fitting. “It is important to buy according to fit first and sexiness second,” she says. “A bra is the first layer of support and if it fits well, can play an important role in a woman’s confidence and femininity. Don't be afraid to spend a little more on your bra, as the money will be well-spent just to get a perfect fit.”

Arwen Swan, owner of Arwen Garmentry; www.arwen.co.za, agrees. “Don’t cheap out! You can expect to pay more than R600 for a good bra. There really is a reason that they cost as much as they do, a good bra will last you years without distorting, will fit you better from the start, and is made of higher quality fabrics,” she says.

Swan and Morkel share the following top tips for choosing the perfect bra:

Get yourself measured! Don’t be embarrassed by your bra size, it’s just a number and wearing the correct size makes all the difference in the world as to your comfort.
Try on a number of different styles and brands. Remember different bras look good under different sorts of clothing.
D-cups or larger should opt for a corset. Bras take the weight of your bust and hang it from your shoulders and a corset which has vertical boning is designed to take the weight of your bust and put it over your core.
B-cups or smaller can try a bikini or triangle bra. These are designed to give natural support, don’t ride up the body, and are usually not padded which is great if you love your small breasts.
When trying on a bra, move around in the changing room. This will demonstrate the comfort of the bra. Also, make sure that it looks natural from all angles.
There should never ever be extra space in the cups. When buying a new bra, ensure that the cup fits your entire breast, especially when buying under-wired bras.
The new bra should fit perfectly on the first set of hooks. As the bra then gets worn more often, you'll start hooking the bra on the further sets of hooks. This makes a bra last longer.
Bras differ from brand to brand. Just because you are measured to a specific size, for example, 36D, it does not mean that every bra that is marked a 36D will fit you. Always try on a bigger and a smaller size in any bra, as sizing does vary even within brands.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, Special Supplement: Breast Health Guide: October 2010.

The power of one

2010-08-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

“How I regained my speech after suffering a stroke.” – Liesl Mocke, 44, Cape Town

The 7th of July 2002 was the last day of my life as I knew it. I was 36-years old; a psychologist, a mother and a wife. I had been living in London for two and a half years working for the Red Cross in an administrative position, whilst waiting to be registered as a Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, as I had practised in Pretoria before moving overseas. I could speak six languages - English, Afrikaans, Hebrew, Greek, Xhosa and German – and was successful in my career, and specialised in helping school pupils suffering from dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

After experiencing a severe migraine one Wednesday morning, and then daily until the Sunday afternoon, I collapsed and was found paralysed and unable to speak on the bed, by my husband, Daniel. I had been lying there for about one and a half hours after going to lie down. I had suffered a rare type of stroke, where an artery in my neck had ruptured – the same artery that carried blood to my brain.

Suddenly, I could no longer do what I had so often taken for granted; I couldn’t swallow, I couldn’t move the right hand side of my body, I could not read or produce any sound. I was numb, emotionless and in a state of emptiness. My first step was to get out of bed and walk around the hospital. With the help of a physiotherapist, this took me a few weeks to accomplish. Then I had to learn how to produce sound. On the 22nd day after the stroke, a speech therapist spent an hour with me in hospital, showing me how to press my lips together and then to release them, after which I eventually could say a short ‘mah’, with a little voice. I was shown how to touch my throat over the larynx, while breathing out simultaneously with a push of the breath, to make a sound. It was very difficult and extremely exhausting, and all I wanted to do was sleep, which is not uncommon for stroke patients.

After more practice, I could eventually say my first word; mamma. However, I still felt devoid of emotion and did not even know what ‘mamma’ meant. This was when my mother, Mari Mocke, a speech and drama teacher took over with teaching me to speak, practically from scratch, as I only spent two sessions with the speech therapist at the hospital. She began coaching me to speak and write again in English and Afrikaans, immediately after my discharge.

It was not easy-going. I had absolutely no words in my mind, only pictures. For instance, I could picture a fork and a knife and know their function, but I had no idea what they were called. Only after practising with my mother to articulate every speech sound with the tongue and the lips and the outgoing breath, was I able to learn the names of things as she showed them to me, and named them. With the aid of a hand mirror I had to learn to press the tip of my tongue against the palate of my mouth, behind the teeth, to get it into the right position for articulating, for example, the letter ‘n’, before I could eventually say the word ‘knife’.

I practised every morning and afternoon, at first for about ten minutes, then about twenty minutes at a time during the first week at home. Fatigue was the greatest problem, not frustration, because I had very little emotion. Sometimes I was actually too tired for the practices, but then I forced myself to do it, because I wanted to speak.

Once I had mastered the ability to utter a speech sound, I learnt to identify and say ‘pappa’, Daniel (my husband) and Johan, my son’s name. With my mother, I practised saying short sentences, the first of which was, ‘Johan likes juice’.

Eventually, six months after my stroke, I was able to speak full sentences more spontaneously, but sometimes, naming common objects lodged my mind, was difficult. I still experience this challenge, where the name for an image or object gets lost in my mind. I find that a helpful way of getting around this is to use hand gestures, while describing the object. Some days are better than others.

About a year after the stroke, I used to draw the pictures of the items on my shopping list, if I could not bring the word to the fore!

Roughly three years after the stroke, my emotional seat started functioning again. Then, besides working closely with my mother, I went for intensive therapy to help me express the anger and frustration I felt about my situation, but had been unable to communicate verbally as I used to, before the stroke. Especially abstract thoughts. This was hard for me as just three years previously; I had been the one sitting in the psychologist’s chair, helping people overcome their challenges. Now I needed the help.

I used to define myself by what I did, now, free of those constraints, I do what I love - baking, gardening, singing and making bath-salts and soaps. I also love reading and helping my nine-year old son with his homework, which brings me great joy. I live life fully, because I have much to be thankful for. My husband, Daniel is the rock in my life and he has been supportive throughout.

I now understand what a gift communication is – and every day I make progress. I am Liesl, I have a speech difficulty, but I am not the speech difficulty. I have talents and abilities that are unique to me, but they do not make me who I am as a soul or a spirit. We are all so much more than that.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, The Oprah Magazine, August 2010. (Please note that the copy posted above is the unedited version of what was published in the magazine and will differ slightly. To read the edited version of the article, please click on the images for an expanded view.)

The 7-Day green challenge

2010-08-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

How seriously do you take the state of our environment? Challenge yourself to go green in one week, starting Monday!

Day One: Green your eating habits!
Mondays always start off with a new diet to ease the conscience of all the baddies eaten over the weekend. Start your green week challenge with an overhaul of your eating habits that will benefit your waistline, as well as the environment.
Step 1: Go for organic, seasonal greens
“It isn’t necessary to become a vegetarian overnight, but decreasing your consumption of animal protein can definitely help you to become more eco-friendly,” says registered dietician, Lila Bruk. “Eating organic food may improve your health and help the planet, as organic food is less likely to contain harmful additives, which would be added in processing.” Bruk adds that eating seasonal produce can also ensure that you get the maximum amount of nutrients from the food – and this is good for the environment, because a lot of the fresh produce on shop shelves have been imported. Eating seasonal fruit and veg means that the food was grown locally and did not have to be brought in via air travel, which means you lower your carbon footprint.
Step 2: Make a green girly cocktail
Smoothies are a great way to get your daily quota of fruit and veg servings. Dice your favourite seasonal fruits and vegetables and add to a blender with two cups of ice and blend together for about 30 seconds until your reach your desired consistency. Find a perfect spot outdoors where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while sipping on your eco-friendly drink!

Day Two: Clean up your act!
Yesterday’s veggie smoothie binge has left you feeling lighter on your feet and happier about your role in saving the planet. Go a step further and learn about separating your trash and composting in your backyard. Be brave, for worms are involved in the process…
Step 1: Separate your trash
Incorporate the three R’s of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reduce the resources you use, Reuse recources as much as possible and Recycle when you can. Implement a recycling programme in your area by contacting a local recycler who will pick up recyclables of paper, glass, plastics, metals, foil-lined juice boxes (tetrapak) and batteries. “Across South Africa, we are fast running out of landfill space – a waste crisis is looming! We can all play our part,” says Bertie Lourens, MD of Waste Plan. “By recycling we can drastically reduce the waste we landfill. Try a simple exercise at home: separate out all plastics from your rubbish – including plastic bags, bottles, containers as well as polystyrene – and see how little rubbish there is left! And this is just one of the recyclable waste streams.”
Step 2: Make your own vermicompost system
“A vermicompost system is very easy to build – or one can buy a ready-made system, for as little as R150.00, excluding the worms,” says owner of Worms R Us, Denise Cowan. “To make one, you need a sealed black container, shredded paper as bedding for the worms to live in and the leftover food you wish to recycle. Drill some holes in the container and place it onto a catchment container to collect the ‘worm tea’. This is the nutrient-rich fertiliser, which can be used for watering plants by mixing one part to ten parts of water. It’s as easy as that!” Cowan says that most vegetable kitchen waste can be used, but to avoid citrus and onions as it can cause the system to become acidic. Egg shells, coffee grounds, teabags and garden leaves are also good additions to your system. “I find nothing better than making a salad out of my own home-grown produce, as I know what I have used on them and am not putting dangerous chemicals into my body. It is also guilt-free and earth friendly!” she adds.

Day Three: Entertain the earth-friendly way!
It’s time for some mid-week entertainment, so why not invite close friends over for a eco-braai and good coffee. Eating out isn’t always earth-friendly. And, make your party bloom without cut flowers using greener tablescapes.
Step 1: Enjoy a eco-braai
The Swanniebraai uses old newspapers and other paper, crumpled into balls to braai boerewors and meat within six to ten minutes of starting the fire. “So many newspapers that are not recycled end up in landfills, which are polluting the planet. Usually a braai uses charcoal, which is less eco-friendly than paper – and it takes a longer time to get to the point where meat can be placed on the grid. The Swanniebraai cooks the meat through in a much shorter time,” says Willem Landman, owner of the Swanniebraai. A gas braai is often preferred by environmentalists as it emits less pollution than charcoal.
Step 2: Liven up the party
Liven up your braai with colourful, decorative touches such as fruit or vegetables for table displays. About 80% of cut flowers come from Ecuador or Colombia and are grown with about 12 different pesticides, which pollute the earth and water. Finally, don’t forget to buy organic foods for your braai, including organic coffee from a Certified Fairtrade coffee producer and roaster. “Organically produced coffee means that the coffee trees have been farmed and cared for without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides,” says director of Bean There Coffee Company, Sarah Robinson. “Bean There is South Africa’s first roaster of Certified Fairtrade coffee that is of single origin, exclusive, optimally roasted and organic.”

Day Four: Observe the ‘less is more’ rule!
If last night at the braai left you a little tender from slight over-indulgence, it’s time to realise that sometimes, less is better than more. If we could each reduce our carbon footprint on the earth by just a tiny bit, the state of the environment would be greatly improved.
Step 1: Reduce your carbon footprint
Take action to reduce your usage of electricity, water, paper and fuel. “South Africans are generally not too preoccupied with saving natural resources, unless it hurts us financially,” says owner of Recycle Now, Gina da Silva. “Cut down on electricity by, for example, opting for sleeping socks instead of an electric blanket. Change to energy-saver bulbs. Cut down on wasting water by being more mindful of when you use it. Reuse paper where you can and think twice before printing documents. The basics apply to everything you consume, including fuel. Opt for public transport or organise lift clubs. Perhaps even take a walk or cycle to where you need to get to.”
Step 2: Make the change to green fuel
Roy Dibley is an inventive South African of note. He modifies cars so that they can run on vegetable oil, sourced from food outlets that have been filtered of any food fragments. “The system I’ve designed has been fitted to over 70 cars over the past three years and I have been driving on green oil for the last five years. It is very cost efficient as I am using a waste product that would have to be disposed of in another way if I did not use it. Almost everything we consume can be used again or recycled, but most people are too lazy to do this. It’s a conscious choice to move to a green fuel. Stop doing things the easy way and make a small effort for a big difference!”

Day Five: Old is the 'new' new!
Instead of a cocktail party out in the town, arrange a swop night with girlfriends, where you exchange clothing and other items you no longer need in the house. Show them around your place, sharing innovative greening tips, such as using tyres in the garden as pot plants.
Step 1: Implement a funky clothing exchange
“It’s a win-win situation to exchange clothing with friends, because not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, it also means that new items don’t have to be manufactured to satisfy your need for something new,” says owner of the Hermanus Swop Shop, Marilyn van der Velden. So, top up on tea and swop out that funky flower skirt you no longer wear.
Step 2: Change something old into something new
Thinking creatively goes a long way and can benefit the environment in many ways, says van der Velden. “Old tyres are one of the world’s biggest problems for landfill sites. They have been successfully turned into playground equipment and surfacing for roads but I use them for worm farms, planters and aids to conserve water in my garden.” Simply take something old, like blue jeans and turn them into patchwork tablecloths, blankets, skirts, cushion covers, skirts and sofa covers.

Day Six: Go shopping!
Saturday is usually the perfect shopping day to restock the food cupboard. It’s all about considering your purchases carefully, buying in bulk and focusing on greening your pantry.
Step 1: Buy less, buy smart
Farmer’s markets are brilliant for shopping for fresh produce that is locally produced, artisanal and often organic. Another smart shopping tip is to buy green cleaning products like Enchantrix that use ingredients that are not toxic or harmful to the environment. “This also goes for toiletries. The Victorian Organic Skin Care Company has an organic skin and body care range of products recreating recipes from the Victorian era using traditional ingredients from the English countryside, sourced and made in South Africa.” says owner of Green Space, an online shopping information portal, Theresa Wilson. “Reduce is key – rather buy a few quality products that will last a long time than lots of cheap goods that will only last a season or a few years – and that pollute the environment . We also need to add another ‘R’ to the 3 R’s; Respect for all life forms.” Buying local products not only supports the local economy, but also the environment, as they also require less transportation, storage and packaging.
Step 2: Save money, save the planet
One of the latest trends when purchasing a cell phone contract is to upgrade your current phone to one of the newer models on the market. The same goes for car models. “Instead of buying or upgrading to a newer model, stick to the one you’ve got for as long as you possibly can, because more often than not, the old one will end up in the landfills,” says Wilson. Any kind of battery or e-waste rusts and the contents seep into the earth and contaminate the water.

Day Seven: Step out into Mother Nature!
What better to do than spend a Sunday filling your lungs with fresh air, enjoying the great outdoors. The only downside to this is when these areas are polluted or spoilt because of litter or other forms of degradation. Sundays are family days – so go outdoors and make sure those environments are clean for generations to come.
Step 1: Educate the young about cherishing earth
Take young family members out into natural surroundings – either a beach, forest or park and encourage them to value the beauty of the area. Children are the future – and greening the planet continues through the actions of the young. “If everyone picks up three pieces of litter every time you go to a beach, it’ll add up to a huge difference,” says Ocean Minded brand manager, Tim Starke. “Never before has our earth been under so much pressure, the human race is stretching the earth’s resources to all ends. It’s going to be in our generation that we either destroy our earth beyond repair, or protect what is left for our descendants. Education is key to emphasising this to our children. Apart from its life-sustaining nature, we derive so much pleasure and enjoyment from our outdoor environment. It’s essential that we protect our chosen playgrounds.”
Step 2: Get involved; volunteer and clean the planet
“Cleanliness starts at home, so explore your area to see where help is needed. The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa, as well as your local aquarium, zoo, museum and municipality often organise local clean-up programmes which you can volunteer for,” says marine biologist, Siani Tinley. “It is important now to realise that the environment encompasses the world that we live in and that every daily action we choose to make has an effect on our environment.”

Ordinary South Africans doing the extraordinary for the planet

Mary Honeybun (76) collects bread tags for wheelchairs when she isn’t helping her 10-year old grandson with his homework. For one wheelchair to be secured, about 50 kilograms or 141,400 bread tags need to be collected and given to the recycler, which amounts to about R1550 per wheelchair. “This is not just about wheelchairs for the less fortunate – it is also about saving the environment,” says Honeybun. “Service to other people is the rent we pay for our room on earth – and this is what makes living worthwhile.”Contact Mary Honeybun on 021-789-1831 for more information on this worthy project.
Designer, Adri Schütz started the Mielie Workshop in 2002, providing employment to over 40 talented crafters in Khayelitsha and other townships in Cape Town, by handcrafting handbags, accessories, homeware articles and 2010 soccer balls – all made from recycled materials. “We make something beautiful out of recycled materials that are usually thrown away by factories.” Contact the Mielie Workshop to find out more about their innovative products and how you can purchase them at 021-686-2026.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, August 2010, p44.

Herbal revival

2010-08-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

It’s time to get back to your roots – literally! South African roots, stems, leaves and flowers of certain locally grown plants can help you with that ailment that’s been niggling at you for months. So, before that niggle becomes serious, here are some herb-inspired remedies to get you feeling more vital and healthy – the natural way.

Cape Aloe for sweetness
In traditional African mythology, the pungent yellow juice of the Aloe was used to alleviate disappointments and bitterness of the body and mind. A mother who had difficulty breastfeeding her baby was told to sleep with the sap on her body and in the morning, after washing it off, her milk would be sweet and tasty to the child. “Grown abundantly in the South Eastern Cape, the aloe herb can assist with many different ailments, from promoting bowel movements and alleviating indigestion to treating most skin problems,” says herbalist, Letitia Bezuidenhout of Barefoot Herbs. “For swollen feet, put a thin slice of the aloe leaf into the shoe and the swelling will lessen.” Markus van der Westhuizen, herbalist of Healthy Choice, warns that aloe should not be taken internally during pregnancy or if you suffer from disorders of the kidneys or liver. “Aloe vera is a powerful herb, especially when used as a laxative, which has been used for centuries,” he adds.

Buchu for longevity
In 1652, the Khoi-Khoi and San people introduced the first Dutch colonists who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope to this almost magical herb, which was said to cure all illnesses and endow longevity. According to Margie Frayne, herbalist from the North West province, buchu, part of the fynbos plant kingdom, is a most effective natural remedy for kidney, bladder and urinary tract infections. Van der Westhuizen agrees; “It is an excellent diuretic for mild fluid retention, and an antiseptic,” he says. “Steep a few sprigs of fresh or dried buchu in a bottle of brandy in a dark cupboard. This tincture can then be used to soothe inflamed airways of chronic bronchitis internally and externally to treat rheumatism and gout.” Elsabé Baker, divisional director of Complementary Therapies for Healing Hands International adds that buchu is also effective for healing bruises, treating symptoms of high blood pressure and relieving pre-menstrual bloating. She recommends making tea with one or two teaspoons of buchu leaves and drinking it three times a day to alleviate symptoms.

Cancer bush for healing
According to Frayne, the cancer bush herb has undergone intensive research by the Medical Research Council of South Africa and has been proven to have powerful healing compounds for treating diabetes and certain cancers. “It has also shown to reverse the wasting associated with cancer, HIV/AIDS and tubercolosis,” she says. Traditional health practitioner or Igquirha, Peter von Maltitz, founder of Zanemvula Traditional Healing, suggests taking about half a teaspoon of cancer bush dried leaves in the form of a tea. “This drink is excellent for when you can’t seem to get warm – even with warm clothes or blankets,” he says. Bezuidenhout points out that those on anti-retrovirals should be cautious when using the herb, as it might interfere with their therapy. “As always, consult a specialist before you start using herbs to self-medicate,” she says. “It is also shown to be very good in stimulating weight gain, appetite and overall well-being and decreasing anxiety and stress.”

Wild Dagga for strength
Commonly found in many gardens, the wild dagga plant is an attractive, tall herb with tufts of bright orange flowers and is a magnet for sunbirds. It is not of the same plant family as the narcotic dagga plant, nor does it resemble it. “Wild dagga, also known as ‘lion’s ear’ is a great medicine to help alleviate fear and stimulate courage and strength,” says von Maltitz. “It can be chewed, taken as a tea infusion for the heart, or bathed in.” Bezuidenhout adds that the Zulu and Xhosa people use the leaves as a poultice for snakebites, scorpion stings and spider bites. “Some people also smoke the resinous flowering tops and leaves as a euphoriant, but caution should be taken, as it is mildly addictive – although there is no proof to date of this,” she says. In addition, wild dagga can be used externally for the relief of haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes and boils, explains van der Westhuizen. “It can also be used internally for the treatment of hypertension, coughs, fever, headaches, sinusitis, hayfever and other allergies, colds, flu, chest infections, diabetes, eczema, epilepsy, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms and constipation,” he adds.

Blue Mountain Sage for peacefulness
Another plant native to South Africa, the Blue mountain sage can be used as an alternative to the Australian tea tree oil. “Place a few leaves in boiled water and drink as needed,” says Diane Aldworth, herbologist in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. “Alternatively, you can place five drops of oil into a teaspoon of almond oil and massage the affected areas for abdominal cramps, to ease the aches and pains of colds and flu or for skin irritations, nappy rash, shaving rash and scratches.” Baker adds that it can ease sore throats, flatulence, heartburn, colic, and cramps. “It also assists in calming you down mentally and emotionally – and is great to use for pre-menstrual stress and other symptoms, easing menstrual cramps at the same time,” she says.

Rooibos for rest
“Rooibos was first introduced to botanists in 1772 by the Khoi people of the Cederberg region of the Western Cape – and has been cultivated since then,” says Aldworth. “Rooibos contains zero caffeine, a low tannin content and is antioxidant-rich, which may help protect against free radical damage that can lead to cancer, heart attack, and stroke.” Consumed as a tea, it can help as a digestive aid, to alleviate insomnia, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Baker points out that it slows down the ageing process and prevents diseases like cancers and heart conditions, whilst maintaining healthy skin, bones, teeth, and assists in metabolic processes. It is also great for the skin. Bezuidenhout shares her skin cream recipe for skin ailments; “Take one cup of aqueous cream and a half a cup of dried rooibos leaves and mix it together in a double boiler. Once the aqueous cream has melted, allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve and add one tablespoon of honey and pour into jars – and voila! You now have a cream that can help heal a multitude of skin problems.”

African Wormwood for courage
It is said that good old Jan van Riebeeck noted the African Wormwood in his diary, writing that it was used for a variety of complaints – from gout to jaundice. This plant is known in Xhosa as umhlonyane which translates as “courage” and is still used as their first aid remedy. “It can be used for a wide variety of conditions, including colds, headaches and bronchial complaints. It is a tonic which contains anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties and can also be administered as an anti-depressant,” says Baker. “It relieves colic, blocked nasal passages, indigestion, loss of appetite and expels intestinal worms, as well as helps to relieve aches and pains, clear acne and boils, and also to disinfect cuts and wounds.” She suggests wrapping some warmed leaves around sprains and swellings – or even on the stomach to relieve aches, pain and discomfort. Aldworth also suggests drinking African Wormwood as a tea, sweetened with a little honey to help feel better. “It is widely distributed in South Africa, and is an ancient medicinal plant that is still widely used by people of all cultures.”

African Potato for immunity
African Potato, otherwise known as Inkomfe or SA’s ‘miracle muthi’ was used in the Zulu tradition as a powerful emetic against nightmares and in Sotho folklore; it was used as a charm against lightning and storms. Today is known for being an overall tonic and proves to be effective in the treatment of reproductive disorders and prostate problems. It can also be used to treat tumors, such as testicular tumors and is also recommended for people living with HIV / AIDS, because of its powerful immune boosting properties, explains Baker. Van der Westhuizen also points out that it can be used for reducing inflammation and also for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rather than making your own home remedy, it is advisable to use a commercial health supplement or herbal remedy that is readily available. Says Aldworth; “As a topical application in a base cream it can benefit eczema, psoriasis and skin lesions caused by the sun.”

All good things in moderation, from the experts…

At a maximum, use a herbal remedy for 5 to 10 days, then skip a few days.
If a herb is taken therapeutically, it must be assumed that this is a drug like any other - and a safe dosage must be consumed.
Always start with the lowest recommended dosage and monitor your response. Should there be any unpleasant side effects such as rashes, dizziness, nausea or headaches, stop taking the herb immediately!
Remember herbal remedies are extremely potent and can have side-effects and that natural medicine does not replace the advice of your doctor.
Should you have any side-effects, stop using the herbs immediately and consult your doctor and herbalist.
Herbs should be treated with respect. ‘Less is more.’ Many are under the impression that because it is natural, it is automatically safe too. This is not true - as some herbs can work against allopathic medicine, or block their activity by adhering to the receptor sites for the drugs. This is especially true of Hypericum that can block off 95% of the receptor sites.
A lot can go wrong if you take the wrong herbs, especially since herbal mixtures are normally concentrated.
Remember that herbs are plants - and as in food, it is not unheard of for allergic reactions to occur. It is best to consult a herbalist if you are not sure.
Each herb will have its own recommended dosage, so do not self-medicate unless you have discussed this with someone knowledgeable in the use of herbal medicines. Your age and vitality also determines dosage.

Hemp, the taboo herb
“Hemp is prized for its medicinal qualities and the omega rich oil in the seeds,” says director of Hemporium, Tony Budden. “It is also useful because of the range of products that can be made from the plant – from textiles, to paper to building materials. There are literally thousands of uses for hemp.” Hemp is made from the cannabis sativa variety, which has no narcotic use – unlike it’s ‘narcotic cousin’, marijuana. “It was only during the last century that cannabis hemp has been associated with the drug dagga and therefore banned in many countries,” he says. “For 8000 years or more before that, it was the world’s largest agricultural crop, producing the majority of our fibre, paper, fabric, lighting oil, medicines, as well as food oil and protein for both humans and animals.” Bezuidenhout adds that cannabis is mentioned in the ancient Chinese pharmacopoeias dating back to the 5th century BC, where it was used for inducing sleep and easing pain. “Today, marijuana is often abused, but is also useful for patients of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and for HIV/AIDS patients to decrease nausea, improve appetite and relieve pain,” she says.

Indigenous massage home recipes
“I believe that using what grows in one’s immediate surrounds is more suited and beneficial to us than something that’s grown in a different climate, altitude and season and had to travel far to reach our shores. We import no oils and rigorously support our local farmers,” says Sue Pugh of Still Pure Essential Oils and Handcrafted Products. “Our flora, indigenous to SA is fairly new to the essential oil arena, so exciting discoveries are being made every day about the properties and uses for each of them.”

Sue adds that when essential oils are used, the air smells wonderful and inhaling it will benefit you on both a physical and emotional level and no harm is done to any animals or plants in the vicinity.

Try out one of these massage recipes recommended by Still Pure to help you move easily through your day:

Ingredients:
Stress Buster: African Chamomile, Lavender and Cape May
Indigestion-go-away: Spearmint, Sweet Orange and Lavender
All smiles today: Cape Snowbush, Grapefruit and Mandarin

Method:
Blends for massage should be mixed in ratio of about three drops of essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil, such as grapeseed, almond, olive or rosehip oil.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Longevity Magazine, July 2010, p34.

Rainy days with kids

2010-08-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

“I’m so bored! There is nothing to do!” Do you dread hearing those words from your kids this Winter? Instead of plugging them into the latest tv-game or DVD movie, remember there are alternatives to keep them occupied. Keep this activity list handy for those inevitable rainy days.

Have a bird cake tea party

Birds sometimes have a hard time finding a good source of nutrients during the colder Winter months when their food is scarce, so treat them to a delicious, easy to make seed cake bird feeder. Take a few empty yoghurt pots and make a small hole in the bottom of each. Thread a string through the holes, with a knot on the inside, so that it can be tied to a tree later. Now, into the kitchen for the fun part! Take turns squishing some birdseed, raisins, peanuts, grated cheese and lard or margerine into a mixing bowl. Once everyone has had a turn at mixing, fill the yoghurt pots with the bird cake mix and place into the fridge to set for about one hour. When the cakes have hardened, hang them outside and wait for all the feathery friends to arrive. Enjoy a pot of tea and a slice of human chocolate cake whilst watching the birds feast!

Funk up your junk

Instead of filling up a landmine with junk – funk it up with these nifty ideas. Make a day of it with other families and ask them to empty out their craft cupboards or recycling bins, and to bring containers, boxes, bottles and any other bits and pieces they have lying around. Provide glue, sticky tape, a stapler, kitchen foil, paint, scissors and a good sense of humour, as you encourage everyone to let their imaginations run wild! You could make anything from a junk Robocop superhero, plastic doll’s house, egg box boat or something completely modern. Even better, combine everyone’s masterpieces into one giant model and get in touch with an art gallery to view your piece! (or not!)

Go on a treasure hunt adventure

Kids love a good treasure hunt, and in rainy weather, it is a great boredom-buster! Buy a few small treats like chocolate or small toys and hide them in interesting places all over the house. Write down clues for each object, and depending on the explorer’s age, you can make the clues fairly simple or quite cryptic. Each clue should lead your little treasure hunter to the pot of gold. This game is also great when played after dark, where the kids can search with a torch. Let them take pictures of their monumentous discoveries with a digital camera, before eating or playing with it!

Have fun with play dough

Ready-made play dough is easily available in toy shops, but it’s just so easy to make – and mixing your own is half the fun you and your kids can have. All you need is a cup of plain flour, a quarter cup of salt, a sprinkle of cooking oil, food colouring, half a cup of water and some glitter to add some sparkle. Take turns with your children to knead this altogether, slowly adding the liquids to the flour and salt, until it’s spongy and feels like scone dough. Bring out some plastic cookie cutters to make interesting shapes and creative doughy objects. Voila! It’s play time!

Create an indoor fortress

Blankets, tablecloths, a few cushions and some torches are all you need to transform a dull evening into an evening spent in a magical fortress from a faraway land – or for the boys - the Batcave! Drape blankets and tablecloths over couches and chairs and create a soft landing with some cushions, or even a mattress. Now that your fort is ready, play some music to add to the mood and snuggle undercover with a book or your imagination, to tell some fantastical stories. Other options include colouring in or playing a fun board game to pass the time. Make sure you’ve got some yummy ‘midnight’ 10pm snacks and juice on the ready and camp out for the night.

Make your own homemade story tape

Being stuck indoors all day is the perfect time to make your own story tape. Get the kids together and ask them to choose their favourite story from off the bookshelf. Once they’ve chosen, sit them down with a tape recorder, a blank tape and some odds and ends to make sounds with, like beans in a box or water that can be poured from one glass to the other. Making a tape can become quite a production if a few kids are also invited over to participate. Each child can read for a while, or can take on the part of a character in the book and can also take turns to make the appropriate noises and sound effects. Make sure the kids sign the tape cover and make a copy for each of them to take home. A homemade tape makes for a great present for elderly members of the family to brighten their day!

Bake some cookies for the firemen

There’s nothing better than the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. Gather your children into the kitchen, making sure their hands are washed and they’re wearing old clothes for that inevitable spill or flour explosion. All you need is one and a half cups of sugar, one cup of flour, five teaspoons of butter, three teaspoons of honey and some oil for greasing the pan. Mixing all the ingredients together, get your hands sticky until you’ve formed a slightly stiff dough. Roll into small balls and place on a tray, baking for about 12 minutes until honey-brown. When the cookies have cooled, divide them between yourselves, making a pile for your local community fire station. Get the kids to each write a card to the firemen telling them how much they’re appreciated for all the hard work they do in putting out fires. Hand deliver this delightful package the next day.

Make your own music with kitchen cutlery and crockery

You have a whole orchestra in your kitchen – you just haven’t realised it yet! Pots and pans make excellent drums when beaten with a wooden spoon. And let’s not forget, glasses filled to varied levels with water and a teaspoon can make a truly magical, tinkling tune, reminiscent of a glockenspiel. If you’re a tenant in a high-rise flat, this activity might upset the neighbours, but just maybe you might be able to impress them with the melodic sounds coming from your kitchen. Add to this your own voice, fun songs, and you have a choir and an orchestra… home-grown!

Have an indoor picnic

Who says a picnic has to be in the great outdoors? It can be just as fun having it inside the house. Perfect for making mealtimes more exciting, kids can get involved moving the lounge furniture out of the way and laying a picnic blanket over the floor. Print out some sunny day pictures from the computer, like a beach or forest scene, and stick them up on the walls to create a picnic mood. Pack a basket with some of your kids favourite goodies – or even better – get them to help prepare the picnic basket, including some cheese sarmies, salads and of course some cake or chocolate for dessert. Eat out of paper-plates to save on washing up, while enjoying a good time with your family. Food just tastes better when eaten on a blanket!

Take a walk in the rain anyway!

Yes, some might argue it’s better to stay inside where it’s warm, but there is so much fun to be had outdoors, enjoying the rain – with a raincoat and wellies on, of course! If the rain is not too heavy and there’s no thunder and lightning, take the dog with you (if you have one) and go for a walk, looking for earthworms and splashing in mud-puddles. Watch the weather, paying close attention to the clouds and see what the little ones want to talk about. After you’ve had your fun, go back inside, dry yourselves off and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, marshmallows and buttery rusks together.

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, July 2010, p66.

Go nuts! Nuts and seeds are good for you.

2010-08-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Feeling guilty about that snack of mixed nuts you just couldn’t deny? Well, believe it or not – there are good reasons to make nuts and seeds an essential part of your everyday diet.

For many years, nuts and seeds have been given a bad name for being high in fat. Thank goodness this myth has been debunked by American nutty professors and scientists alike, in at least five different studies, showing the impact of nuts and seeds on heart health. Here’s the lowdown on our top ten nuts and seeds and why we’re simply nutty about them!

Nutty all-rounder almonds
Not only do almonds have a wonderful flavour, but they also help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease, says Pick n Pay dietitian, Teresa Del Fabbro. “They are also rich in vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that helps to prevent oxidation in cell membranes and other tissues, and are a useful source of calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth and keeps them strong,” she says.

Good night hazzzzzZZZZZZZZelnuts
Hazelnuts are no doubt a firm favourite for chocolatiers, but they are also noted for being a good bedtime snack. High in the amino acid tryptophan, you will be guaranteed more Zs during the night! In addition, although hazelnuts are relatively high in fat, they are also significantly high in anti-oxidants that can protect against several types of cancer.

Lean, mean, green pistachios
“Pistachios are relatively low in kilojoules compared to other nuts,” says Del Fabbro. “They are also a good source of fibre, protein, anti-oxidants and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help to lower cholesterol levels.” For the health conscious, it is best to snack on unsalted, raw pistachios and not the salted, oil-roasted version.

Wonderful walnuts
A study published in the journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2006, showed that eating walnuts after a fatty meal helped to reduce the effects of clogging up the blood vessels. Other studies have also shown that eating walnuts can help your cardiovascular system, help improve brain functioning, protect your bones and even prevent gallstones. They also contain melatonin, which helps to regulate sleep.

Chew on a few cashews
Originating from Brazil, cashews contain iron, which is essential for red blood cell function, as well as magnesium for energy and bone growth, phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, zinc for digestion and metabolism, and selenium, which helps to protect the body from cancer. Cashews also help to promote a healthy heart.

Cancer-crunching pecans
Perhaps best known for their role in the delicious pecan-pie, pecan nuts are also a good source of a variety of vitamins and minerals. “Because they are quite high in calories, pecan nuts should be eaten in moderation,” says Del Fabbro. “Pecan nuts also have anti-cancer effects and are also a good source of vitamin E.”

Marvellous mouth-watering macadamias
Macadamia trees were first grown for their ornamental value, until someone discovered how delicious the nut was! Nutritionally, Macadamias are a rich source of B-complex vitamins, for metabolism, and fibre, for healthy digestion. Even though it has a relatively high kilojoule count compared to other nuts and must be eaten moderately, it contains anti-oxidants, which decreases the risk of certain types of cancer.

Leading little linseed
“Linseeds may help manage menopausal symptoms, and they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids,” says Del Fabbro. “Rich in fibre, they can also help to relieve constipation and regulate the digestive system.” Because linseeds are small, it is a good idea to grind them in order to release the nutrients.

Simply superb sesame seeds
“Sesame seeds help to protect the body from free radicals,” says Del Fabbro. “Sesame seeds are also a source of phytic acid, which may inhibit colon cancer, and also contains magnesium and calcium.” Eating sesame seeds in moderation could also provide relief from arthritis and help to improve vascular and respiratory health.
These seeds should be ground down before they are eaten in order to obtain their nutritional value.

Pretty powerful pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds, best eaten fresh, are very good for men’s prostate health. They also support the immune system, lower cholesterol levels and assist people suffering from arthritis, as they have an anti-inflammatory effect. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc for improved metabolism and digestion.

Don’t go completely nuts! Exercise moderation…
In 2003, the FDA approved the following health claim for a variety of nuts; “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating about 44g per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Pick n Pay dietitian, Teresa Del Fabbro agrees; “Even though the types of fatty acids found in nuts are healthy, fat is still kilojoule-dense and therefore portion sizes must be controlled. Using nuts and seeds as a topping, rather than a snack, can help to incorporate them in the right quantities,” she says.

The lowdown on nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds can certainly add important nutrients, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre to the diet. They also add flavour, texture and interest to dishes.
All nuts and seeds are cholesterol-free as they are plant foods. Plain versions are usually the healthiest option (e.g. plain cashews versus salted and roasted cashews).

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, April 2010, p52.

Sniffle stoppers

2010-06-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the year when your eyes and nose run more than you do! Take up the challenge and get over the sniffles this season the natural way, with these nine little gems to get you back to feeling your healthy self again.

1. Reiki, crystals and a little bit of faith
Usui Reiki Ryoho was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui at the end of the 19th century. Initially taught as a path to spiritual enlightenment, the system spread out into the western world as a healing modality. “Reiki is a powerful system of energy work and having a treatment can help healing to occur at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels,” says Reiki Master and Crystal Healing practitioner of Healthy Choice, Markus van der Westhuizen. “Generally, any illness that occurs in the system is as a result of mental patterns that are kept, repeated and that ‘crystallise’ into physical form in the body, manifesting itself as an illness or ‘dis-ease’. Reiki will flow to the areas of the body that need attention – and help you to overcome anything – even the common cold.” He points out that Reiki combined with the healing effects of selected crystals can work wonders. Science has proven the existence of piezoelectric properties, which is the ability of stones to emit electrical information outwards, in the form of light for healing purposes. “This property, which exists in crystals, has been used by the ancients dating back almost 5,000 years ago,” he says. “Moss agate, green opal and fluorite are excellent for treating colds and flu, and can be placed anywhere on or around the body.”

2. Pins and needles do the trick
“If you can look beyond your fear of needles, acupuncture is the best method to combat your cold this season. It has been practised for about 4,000 years in China and although much of how it works is still a mystery – the proof is in the pudding!” says Dr. Jeff Lan, registered doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture practitioner at the International Kim Loong Wushu Centre in Cape Town. “The common cold results from a low resistance in the body and an invasion of viruses into the body. As a result, the energy flow in your body becomes blocked – and acupuncture can restore the balance and strengthen your immune system.” According to this system of Chinese Traditional Medicine, acupuncture points on the body create an ‘energetic river’, otherwise called meridians, which, when blocked or stagnant, can cause illness. Acupuncture needles are inserted into the body at key points to strengthen the flow of energy, allowing the body to heal itself. “It can also treat other viral and bacterial infections and works well with Chinese herbs,” he says. According to Dr. Debbie Smith, homoeopath and registered acupuncturist, the main acupuncture point for the immune system is behind the neck, so after exercising or if walking into the cold, protect the neck with a towel or a scarf. “Also, try avoiding eating anything cold like ice-cream or ice-water before going to bed. Keeping the body warm is the best way to avoid catching a cold,” she adds.

3. A roll between the sheets
“If your cold symptoms are limited to the neck and above, then there is nothing wrong with engaging in some light exercise,” says Dr. Jon Patricios, Johannesburg-based sports physician and president of the South African Sports Medicine Association. “Research has shown that your levels of the anti-body, immunoglobulin IgA, a protein important for strengthening the immune system and countering viral infections, increases with moderate to light exercise, however, if you have the symptoms of fever, body and joint pains, increased heart rates, or if you coughing - you should avoid exercise completely, as this might make your condition worse.” According to Professor and sex therapist Elna McIntosh, good sexual health also increases this protein in the body. “Since you have to lower your exercise to moderate levels when you’re not well, having sex once or twice a week can help you to feel better and overcome colds and flu,” she says. “And, what better way to get some exercise into the day than through having sex!”

4. Eat, drink and feel better
“There are definitely some foods you can eat to overcome colds and flu this winter,” says registered dietician, Lila Bruk. “Eat all the green veggies you can, because they’re rich in immune-boosting, antioxidant properties. Also, your granny was right, chicken soup has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are important to recover from colds and flu!” Besides supplementing with vitamins and minerals, she also recommends garlic, as fresh as possible, which also helps immunity - as well as the powerful antioxidant, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, which assists with overcoming flu symptoms. “All of the above foods can play a role in boosting your immune system and thus keep you flu- and cold-free. However, these would need to be eaten very regularly to confer any significant benefit,” she says. Bruk also adds that it is very important to not expect these foods to be a panacea for all colds and flu and if you are not feeling better after a few days you should consult your doctor. Dr. Smith, agrees. “Often overlooked is the problem of dehydration. In winter, we tend to consume less water and substitute with coffees and warm sugary beverages. All the body’s systems need water to function properly, including the immune system – and excessive sugar suppresses this.”

5. Poke your nose into the neti pot
Nasal irrigation in Eastern cultures is as routine as brushing one’s teeth and has been practiced for centuries. With its roots in Ayurveda, the technique, known as Jala Neti, which translated means ‘nasal cleansing’ uses a neti pot to flow a saline solution into one nostril, through the sinus cavities and out through the other nostril. “I strongly believe in the efficacy of sinonasal irrigations, and recommend this to all my patients,” says Dr. Chris Hofmeyr, Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist of the Milnerton Medi-Clinic. Dr. Smith concurs this. “The best way to prevent sinusitis is to make sure that the nasal passages are clear of mucous blockages and the use of neti pots or any other nasal irrigation device alleviates congestion, facial pain and pressure and reduces the need for antibiotics and nasal sprays,” she says. According to Dr. Tinus van Wyngaardt, private medical integrative practitioner from Cape Town, there are less invasive ways to clear the sinuses, such as having a warm bath or standing in a steamy shower. “Humidifiers or cool mist vaporisers also help symptoms,” he says. “Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the bath water or humidifier can provide rapid relief for irritating symptoms.”

6. Feel-good vibrations
The ETA-scan device, launched in 2002, has its roots in the Russian space programme and is based on the scientific discoveries of Nikolas Tesla and others in the field. It is an electronic software programme that a patient would attach to their body so that a reading can be taken. The programme contains an extensive database which contains recordings of specific vibrations affecting every organ in the body – which, simply put, measure which organs are out of sync (or not vibrating at their optimum levels) – and why. “The ETA-scanner is a wonderful tool for finding out exactly where the imbalances in the body are, pinpointing them and finding ways of overcoming the problems. Colds and flu can be as a result of any number of imbalances in the body – and those are the problems I look at – the root of the issue,” says Naturopath, Anthea Grobler. “After the scan, clients are then given a ‘resonator’ treatment to balance out the vibrations in their bodies – to start the process of overcoming their illnesses.” The treatment, she says, help with detoxification and stimulates healing to take place. “You would be amazed at the number of ailments this non-invasive machine has helped to cure – the common cold and flu are no exceptions!”

7. Avoiding others like the plague!
It might sound offensive to say that you should stay away from people who are sick, because colds and flus are just so contagious – but this is good advice, according to
Dr. van Wyngaardt. “It is not the cold weather that causes a cold, but the fact that chilly weather causes people to congregate in small, stuffy spaces, which makes transmission of the virus easier,” he says. “Fresh air is essential and keeping your immune system as strong as you can. Public gatherings, such as the 2010 Soccer World Cup, might increase the spread of the virus – so make sure you take every precaution to protect yourself.” Dr. Hofmeyr points out that direct contact with unwell people or high-risk places should be avoided. “Of course this is not always possible – and might also be considered quite anti-social behaviour, so it’s important to make sure your immune system is strong enough to begin with,” he adds.

8. Flush out your pipes
Enemas were recorded as early as 1500BC in an Egyptian medical document; the Eber Papyrus. And, in later years, famous surgeon and brainchild of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Dr. John Harvery Kellogg argued that 90% of disease is due to improper functioning of the colon. It is no surprise then that he created All Bran Flakes to encourage healthy colon functioning. “Enemas help remove excess acid from the body and toxic waste, which builds up in the cells and weakens the immune system,” says colon hydro-therapist from Somerset West, Nicola Day. “It’s always a good idea to have a colonic irrigation, unless you have bleeding haemorrhoids, ulcers or cancerous tumours. Cleansing out the system will not only provide relief from colds and flu, but will also leave you feeling lighter and more alert and have more lust for life.” A colonic, she adds, will also confirm if you have parasites and candida, which usually comes as a shock to most people – but at least it can be treated afterwards. Dr. van Wyngaardt adds that it’s important to take a good pre- and pro-biotic once you’ve had a colonic irrigation, to replenish the good bacteria for a healthier immune system.

9. Floating the flu away
When you’re sick, the last thing you’d think of doing is lying in a tank, soaking in Epsom salts. However, according to Cape Town Medispa Director, Ian Macfarlane, this is exactly what you should consider trying out. “Flotation therapy, known as Restricted Environment Stimulation Technique (REST), might at first accelerate all the symptoms of colds and flu, and may make you feel worse before you feel better – but this is a good sign of an accelerated detox, cleansing and a restoring of homeostasis, indicating a healing from your illness,” he says. “It is an extremely simple form of hydro-therapy, but profound in its simplicity. It relaxes all the muscles, balances the hemispheres and layers of the brain, and assists one to enter into a deep meditative state, where healing naturally occurs.” The function of the Epsom salts in the water reduces or eliminates acute pain, which can be permanent after one session. Other benefits include; lessening of oedema, an increased range of movement in skeletal joints, lower perceived levels of stress, reduced feelings of fatigue and insomnia, a lower blood pressure, assistance in weight control and restoring energy levels. “To lie on your back and float in an isolation tank filled with Epsom salt water, induces deep and pleasurable relaxation, producing a flood of endorphins and other beneficial chemicals to your body, while boosting the autonomic immune system – essential for overcoming colds and flu, through balancing body, mind and soul.”

Old Wives vs The Experts
Weird and wonderful old wives tales for overcoming the sniffles...What the experts say:

Warm your feet in hot water, then soak a thin pair of socks in cold water, wring them out and put them on. Over that, put on a pair of thick, dry socks and then go to bed, allowing the socks to do their trick overnight.

Dr. van Wyngaardt: Rather than destroying a perfectly good pair of socks and most likely, your bed too – take a warm steamy bath or shower that will moisturise your upper airways and relax you!

Dr. Smith: There is no logical reason for this to be effective, but the world often defies logic!

Apply a poultice to the chest made of fried onions and garlic to ease inflammation and loosen and break up hardened mucous.

Dr. Hofmeyr: I do not feel that a poultice is medically beneficial, but would not discourage its use as the placebo effect cannot be underestimated!

Dr. Smith: A poultice is a good idea for immediate effect but using this with a homoeopathic cough mixture to break up the mucous will ease the effects of the mucous as well.

Dr. van Wyngaardt: Although this will not cause you any physical harm, it may destroy your social life! This might be beneficial, but you can get much better results from ingesting a small portion of raw onion and garlic – this will help fight the virus, relieve symptoms and boost your immune system. Take as much of the raw onion as you can tolerate with the onset of the cold and add some garlic – this combination works very well.

Drink some delicious, healing lizard soup.

Dr. Lan: All medicine started in a backyard once upon a time and sometimes we must take our minds out of the backyard and move on to see the new view. Chinese medicines have many superstition-based remedies, which are no longer used as much in modern society. Ancient medicines have evolved. Back in the old days, many remedies would be used to fix ailments, but today we have a more sophisticated approach to old remedies; scientific proof!

Dietician Lila Bruk: Lizard soup is claimed to help boost the immune system, as well as help to decrease stress, however there doesn’t appear to be any scientific evidence to back these claims.

Eat Vicks Vapour Rub – it goes straight to the problem.

Dietician, Lila Bruk: Although a lot of people do swear by eating Vicks, there is no evidence to show that it confers any additional benefit than using it in the traditional way. In addition, the label does specify that it should not be eaten and therefore could be detrimental to one’s health to eat!

Dr. van Wyngaardt: Vicks Vapour Rub should never be ingested, especially by children. You could get better results with fewer side effects by just inhaling it. There are some cold remedies commercially available with the same active ingredients that you can ingest.

Drink a hot toddy, made from hot water or tea, lemon, sugar or honey, and rum, brandy or whiskey.

Dietician, Lila Bruk: Alcohol is a diuretic and therefore will cause dehydration, which can in fact make a cold last longer! Ginger has expectorant and decongestant properties and therefore helps to break down mucous and treat sinusitis and bronchitis. Ginger is also excellent for managing nausea and other stomach upsets. Honey has an anti-inflammatory effect and is soothing for coughs and sore throats. Therefore, if one wishes to add ginger and honey to a hot toddy, it would be more advisable to have the ginger and honey in hot water and omit the alcohol!

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Published in Longevity Magazine, June 2010, p30.

Health Check: Curbing Cholesterol

2010-06-16T04:49:00.001-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, March 2010, p42.

Slice of Life: Spirit of giving

2010-06-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, December 2009, p50.

Quiz: Know thy home, sweet home

2010-06-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, December 2009, p82.

Getting to know... Jane Badham

2010-06-16T04:40:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, October 2009, p98.

Kids Page: Playtime

2010-06-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, July 2009, p92.

My Favourite... Helen Zille

2010-06-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, January/February 2009, p98.

Christmas Cheats

2010-06-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, December 2008, p46.

Slice of Life: Second time around

2010-06-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, October 2008, p70.

My Favourite... Madam and Eve

2010-06-16T04:16:00.001-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, September 2008, p98.

My Favourite... Vernon Koekemoer

2010-06-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Fresh Living Magazine, August 2008, p98.

Copywriting Examples for QVC UK

2010-06-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Copywriter: Charlene Yared-West for QVC UK in 2005. Visit www.qvcuk.com for more information.

Bus tour looks at history through Makana's eyes

2010-06-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published online at mg.co.za, 27 June 2003.

South Africa's Transport Giants

2010-06-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in The Construction Review, June 2004.

Emeson... the music, the man

2010-06-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Emeson, a self- taught songwriter, is singer, composer and producer of Gone, which is taken from the album Audiocentricities, to be released later this year. Swerving from the well-trodden path of the norm, Emeson creates a sound that is uniquely Bittersoul, offering people an alternative, with a completely different style of delivery. Born in the

, Emeson of Nigerian parentage was raised in Manchester, Nottingham and

Nigeria

. From listening to eight-track cartridges in his father ’ s Volkswagen hatchback, to DJing in the UK, Greece, Holland, Turkey and Spain, Emeson ’ s personal influences stem from the lyrical genius of SteelyDan, the strings of Gene Page, the sheer audacity of George Clinton, the angst of Bobby Caldwell, with an admiration for Jill Scott, Maxwell, Omar and Liz Fields. Says emeson, “ Whatever you do, do it well, because life ’ s a stage with no rehearsal! ” By Charlene Yared Produced, lyrics, music and vocals by Emeson Recorded and mixed by Eddie Emeson Nwolie at Lab Soulphonica © 2005

profile...
emeson… The music, the man…
It's always been about the music for emeson…. Right back to the edges of Manchester, the boulevards and avenues of Lenton, Nottingham, the journey to Nigeria right through to the South of Londinium.

''Playing, making, creating…it's always been the same for me'' says emeson. “I try and get the song to come out exactly the way I feel it in my mind.” “When it comes to making a song - there are no rules. I don’t want to restrict my creativity so I don't always follow a certain structure, for me it's okay to deviate.” emeson says.“I like to gauge what people think of my music. I would like them to notice that my style of delivery is different - and that my approach doesn’t necessarily fit a norm'

The fruition of endeavour came about after meeting kindred spirit, Uzo Madu from which the releases of ‘Is This The World We Live In?’ and ‘Awake’ came on Gangster Records. Being a part of Lifesize honed his writing and vocal skills and led to his contributing to the singles 'Awake' and 'Is This the World We Live' with Uzo Madu and Steve Jerome. ''We always wrote from the heart and of our perceptions. All our experiences, hopes and dreams helped to make us what we are and what we stood for'' Listening to those songs makes me wonder what much has changed in the world, but within it all there must be the ingredient of hope…. It's essential'' says emeson. Whilst the tenure of the label was short-lived, the love of music was not and emeson continued to write and compose material, scoring for short films such as 'A Look To Kill' (dir. Obinna Nwosu), and 'Madam and The Census Man' (dir. Hash Brown). The tracks Lenton Park and Son of Nemesis featured on the Bacardi Internet site.

''I feel am offering an alternative - a swerve from the well-trodden path of the norm, with a very different style of delivery. It is also different because of the content matter. I do not lay it all out at once, I like the build up, giving the listener something to imagine, as opposed to letting it all out without any escalation.” He says.

A considerable record collection and a musical background, partly explains his expansive taste in music. It leads to an admiration for past, present and future genius. “I admire people who’ve followed their own path, without fear, regardless of their artistic field'' Deejaying has taken emeson around the world, allowing him to experience beautiful moments and amazing people.

''I'm not a tourist when I'm away, I like to get involved, in as much as time and business will allow.'' The instrumental tracks 'Star of Atlantis' and 'Ixia' taken from the 'Audiocentricities ' set were borne of time spent on the beaches of the island in Greece.

Inspiration for his lyrics comes from his own personal experiences, past, present and dreams of the future. His early memories of music include hanging out with his father, Emeka, playing eight-track cartridges in his dad's Volkswagen Hatchback and cruising along the streets on summer days, listening to music as varied as Jimmy Cliff, the Upsetters, Pioneers and James Brown right through to Don Williams, The Beatles and Miles Davis.

Bittersoul - The Lab Soulphonica Sessions, self-financed and handed out as an EP, signalled emeson's solo pursuit and foray into the arena. Composed, written, performed, produced and engineered entirely by emeson, one has to question whether this is his way of working from now on. ''Mmm, it certainly keeps me busy'' he laughs. ''But no, I have done everything else on 'Audiocentrities', but the mastering I left to EPM Mastering, this time''

Which leads us to Audiocentricities. A fifteen-track soulphonic sashay through bittersoul electronica and nu -psychedelic boogie (Track 3.Dream Weaver). The name Audiocentricities came about from experimentation with sound at his indoor recording studio apartment, in London.

Incidentally, this track 'Dream Weaver' formed part of the freethreemp3 - Audiothentic- EP released on the Internet. Dreamweaver and one of the other tracks 'Check for Static' from the EP feature on the album soon to be released on sale as an initial mp3 download album.
Is it Retro-Neo? ''It's my experiences, my influences, nuances, mood swings, my difference and indifference...it is what it is'' ''It's real, it's part electronic - part human, but essentially the whole being of 'Audiocentricities', charts an emotional rollercoaster of the past few years and has taken me the best part of eighteen months to open up, lay down and record'' answers emeson. Having had his music described as a samurai dawn battle of shaolin electronica versus tiger claw soul (ruckerson). emeson is about to wield his uncompromising Hattori Hanzo sword of music...

Visit: www.emeson.co.uk for more information about the artist.

South Africa in Full Colour

2010-06-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 1.

10 Years of Democracy

2010-06-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 9.

Big Five

2010-06-14T09:19:00.001-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 23.

Western Cape's Hidden Meeting Gems

2010-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 30.

Splashy BMW Launch

2010-06-14T09:11:00.001-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 38.

Propak Africa 2004 Celebrates Its Best Year

2010-06-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 40.

Securex Aims for Continued Success

2010-06-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 41.

South Africa's Golden Heartland

2010-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 48.

Savannah Splendour

2010-06-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 53.

Incredible Incentives

2010-06-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Meetings SA, Issue 4, 2004, p 59.

Milan catwalk for city girls / Stick-thin fashion icons a poor role model for teenagers, says dietician

2010-06-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 14 July, 2001.

Church opens its doors to the homeless

2010-06-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 19 July, 2000.

World's oldest Boy Scout turns 100

2010-06-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 19 July, 2000.

SA team attends international maths olympiad

2010-06-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 18 July, 2000.

Another cold snap coming

2010-06-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 18 July, 2000.

Japanese adventure for 16 young SA envoys

2010-06-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 15 July, 2000.

250km...to bring us hope, light and love

2010-06-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Author: Charlene Yared-West, Published in Pretoria News, 14 July, 2000.

Life in the raw

2010-05-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

So what’s all this fuss about the raw food diet anyway? While some might say it’s just a passing fad for tree-hugging hippies, otherwise known as rawists or raw foodists, others say it’s the best rediscovery of the millennium and that it’s good news for everyone. Even so, are our bodies designed to cope with eating only raw food products? How good is this regime for pregnant mothers? Does this way of eating go beyond simple nutrition? We questioned the experts to bring you these raw food facts to chew on.

What is the raw food diet?
Followers of the 100 percent raw food diet eat uncooked fruits and vegetables, avoid meat, dairy, cereal grains, salt and sugar. Similar to the rabbit’s eating habits, going raw means no cooking. However, this doesn’t mean that food has to be plain or boring, or feel as though you’re a rabbit stuck in a pen – in fact, it’s quite the contrary. Silwood-trained chef and co-founder of Kwalapa Organic Wholefoods Store, Restaurant and Deli in Cape Town, Emily Moya, asserts that raw food is full of flavour, colour, nutrition, creativity and it is absolutely delicious. It has become so popular that her restaurant has weekly ‘Raw Food Wednesdays’, where raw foodists converge to indulge in tasty titbits. “I was blown away by its versatility. Rawism has totally re-inspired me as a chef,” she says. “If you go raw you don't suffer the usual cravings, because your body gets all the goodness from the food and is therefore not looking elsewhere for that 'quick fix’.”

Although traditional cooking methods aren’t used, food can be prepared in a dehydrator, which circulates warm air to dry, rather than cook the food. Other methods include using the most natural sources of all – the sun for heating and drying – and water for soaking and softening certain foods. In this manner, all the foods maintain their nutritional value – keeping the food ‘live’.

Why go raw?
According to Peter and Beryn Daniel, co-owners of Soaring Free Superfoods, raw food educators and co-authors of Rawlicious, SA’s first gourmet raw food recipe book, initially the benefits of raw food are in the nature of their cleansing ability. Says Peter Daniel; “Toxins are released from the body, removing blockages, which allows healing to occur. The in-tact nutritional building blocks in raw food then work to nourish the body at a deep cellular level, often providing nutritional elements that have been missing from a person’s diet for many years,” he says. “These are elements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, living structured water and the biologically active plant compounds; phytonutrients, which in their natural form provide great healing effects.”

Not only does it satisfy your appetite, but eating raw also gives you a sense of lightness and of clarity, he explains. “Emotions become more stable and a calm, centred confidence and a feeling of connectedness results.”

On a physical level, many chronic health conditions show a remarkable improvement. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Yvonne Ward-Smith, owner of Sprouts Kitchen in Pretoria took charge of her health and chose to heal herself in a holistic way – of which diet played a significant role. “As I needed to maintain an alkaline state in my body, I became a vegan and raw foodist, eating only raw, organic foods, abundant with life energy,” she says. “Through this life-changing experience, I developed an enormous knowledge on nutrition and what cleanses, nourishes and heals the body. I learnt the importance of consuming food full of life-force energy, enzymes, vitamins and essential minerals.”

As raw food is much higher in potassium, magnesium, folate, fibre and phytonutrients - all of which are well-known and researched factors in preventing and healing disease, the raw food diet can help with; heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, strokes, breast, colon and prostate cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and kidney disease, to name a few. And, according to Peter, there is also a marked decrease in the need for sleep. The quality of the skin, nails and hair improve, recovery time from exercise is reduced and stamina and strength also increase, he says.

And, if that isn’t enough to convince you, eating raw is also good for the environment. Far less rubbish is produced, as all the waste can be used for composting purposes, and, less preparation time means less electricity is used.

So, what’s wrong with cooking my food?
Rawists argue that as human beings we are the only species on earth known to cook our food before consuming it. They also argue that before the discovery of fire, there was only raw food, which was - and is today, still in harmony with our genetic make-up.

Scientific studies have proven that when we consume cooked food, white blood cells rush to the mouth or stomach in order to protect us from what is perceived as ‘invader food’. Therefore, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise that this leaves the body and immune system vulnerable to attack, because its defence system is put under pressure every time we eat something cooked. Also, enzymes, which are essential for cleansing and rebuilding the organs and tissues of the body, die when cooked at temperatures higher than 45 degrees Celsius.

“I think it is accurate to say that by de-evolution we have lost the strength of our digestion. Raw foodism is a step forward – and not back and fortunately our digestive system can be healed over time,” he says. “Common forms of cooking such as steaming, boiling, baking and frying are destructive to the sensitive molecular structure of our food – and most food is cooked at well over 160 degrees Celsius. At such high temperatures, up to 80 percent of the nutritional value of the food is lost.”

Nutritional therapist, Adele Pelteret concurs; “Cooking – especially frying and char-grilling can create high levels of free-radicals aka ‘the bad guys’, which cause oxidative stress in your body, leading to cellular damage, inflammation and even cancer,” she says. “However, on the flip-side, in some foods, cooking helps to release essential nutrients, not available in its raw form - like lycopene in tomatoes, and, beta-carotene in carrots.”

Is this for fad dieters?
“If people are following a raw food diet for the right reasons such as improving their health and longevity, or even because of moral beliefs – and are doing it correctly by making sure they get the right mix of nutrients, then this lifestyle can offer tremendous health benefits,” says nutritional therapist, Frances van Reenen. “Unfortunately, with every eating plan where weight loss is a ‘benefit’ as is the case with the raw food diet, many people see it as a rapid slimming gimmick and tend to jump on the dietary band wagon. In this instance, these people may be at risk of developing deficiencies of key nutrients such as B12, vitamin D and iron. You really need to be nutritionally well-informed and committed to this way of eating to gain all the benefits."

Says nutritional therapist, Hannah Kaye; “The reality is that making the shift to being a raw foodist is not easy – and requires a long-term effort. It has the potential to be a healthy way of life – even if you replace only part of your diet with raw food – and don’t become complacent,” she explains. “However, if you are looking for a quick fix, this is not for you.”

Raw food, naturally rich in nutrients, means that you feel satisfied faster than you would eating nutrient-deficient foods, which ultimately means you’re consuming less calories. Also, by limiting the amount of calories you eat, less time and energy is spent on digestion, which means you’ll probably have boundless energy to spend elsewhere!

What’s the downside?
“Our body’s nutritional requirements are unique to each and every one of us – much like your finger print is unique! Some people respond very well to a 80 to 100 percent raw food programme and others don’t,” says Pelteret. “There are also some dangers to be aware of, such as overeating of certain foods, for example acid fruits and dried fruits, can cause dental problems, stomach upsets and blood-sugar imbalances, and overeating on nuts and seeds can also cause digestion difficulties for some people. Nutrients like B12, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin D can also become deficient if not eaten knowledgably and carefully.” But in general, she says, most of these issues can be resolved with proper nutrient supplementation, where an expert should be consulted.

Kaye points out that it also might not be the most convenient route to better health. “It requires that you be extremely prepared in terms of what you’re going to eat, but with today’s hectic lifestyle, that isn’t always possible,” she says. “It can also be very limiting in a social context, especially when so much of our socialising today happens around a dinner table.”

Changing dietary habits is often met with resistance from friends and family who prefer you to be as they are, not different.

What’s organic got to do with it?
When going raw, it is essential that you go organic as well, says Yolande van Papendorp, owner of NumNum Whole Food Shop in Knysna. “My grandpa used to say; ‘if a worm doesn’t want to eat it - why should I?’ and I agree with him fully,” she says. “Organic food is meant to be sun-ripened, free of pesticides, hormones, and chemicals and grown in healthy soil. It should therefore also taste better and be better for you.” Ben Jochanan Getz, permaculturist and managing director of Urban Harvest Edible Gardens agrees. “I take the fact that freshly harvested organic food is often host to small insects, as a great sign – because it means that the food is edible!” he says. “Fruits and vegetables sitting on shelves, in refrigerators, or being cooked progressively, lose their vital colour, fragrance, taste and ultimately, their life energy.”

According to medical experts and nutritional researchers, sprouts come as close to being a "perfect food" as anything available. The raw food diet requires you to find alternatives to meat and dairy products – and find new ways to supplement your protein intake. “Beans and grains are a time-honoured way to get plenty of protein with low fat, high fibre and no cholesterol,” says Joseph Feigelson of Kitchen Garden, “The most powerful enzyme-rich foods are sprouted seeds, grains and legumes. Sprouting increases their mineral, vitamin and enzyme content as much as 400 times more than non-sprouted seeds. The enzymes in sprouts help our bodies digest nutrients and also help to boost the life-giving activity in our body – and are delicious as part of the raw food diet.”

Organic olive farmer and owner of Blue Sky Organics, Liz Eglington, urges raw foodists to be particularly aware what fruits and vegetables they buy and where they are sourced from. Her twelve years of experience in organic farming have shown her the huge difference in nutritional transfer from soil that is rich, full of microbial life and fully balanced, compared to food that is grown in agro-chemically farmed soil, which is microbially dead, completely out of balance and full of chemicals. “It is the billions of microbial life in the soil that breaks down the nutrients that make them exchangeable or available to the feeding roots of the plants and trees,” she says. “So without this microbial presence in the soil, the nutritional transfer is minimal, if not zero. Agro-chemically grown fruit and vegetables are ‘fed’ agro-chemicals in huge doses – which are watered into the soil and the plant is forced to take up, through its water roots. This happens whilst its feeding roots become totally redundant and in most cases are destroyed by the chemicals and burnt by the sun.”

Is there more to being raw?
It has been said that rawism goes beyond simple nutrition – and is a way of life that changes behaviour. So, does this mean a generation of weirdoes will emerge from this movement? Peter laughs at the idea. “Every religious text refers to food as a gateway to higher spiritual connectedness, and this is a commonly reported effect of a largely raw diet,” he says. “When your body is clean on the inside and fed with the correct nutrition, all the bodily systems begin to function properly. This is clearly seen in the mental effects, where thoughts are clearer and the choices one makes reflects connectedness and thoughtfulness.”

Women planning to conceive should also take a second look at the raw food diet, but should embark on it before falling pregnant, says independent midwife and Aware-Parenting facilitator, Marianne Littlejohn. “A raw food organic diet during the pregnancy ensures that mother and baby draw the correct nutrients from the diet and will not gain excessive weight,” she says. “On average, women gain 10 to15 kilograms during pregnancy! More than a 15 kilogram weight gain may be excessive and can lead to larger babies and more difficult births. A raw food diet will help a pregnant woman stabilise her weight gain and increase her health and radiance during pregnancy.”

Littlejohn also credits the raw food diet as a way to teach the unborn baby healthy eating habits from an early stage in life. “The baby will grow into a child who gravitates towards healthy foodstuffs and avoid sweets and other toxic foods.”

Ok, so how do I start?
Peter Daniel’s advice to aspiring rawists is to start slowly. “Gradually increase the amount of raw food and decrease the amount of cooked food you eat,” he says. “Just by adding in a small handful of goji berries or cacao nibs to your daily intake, can change a dismal diet into a promising one,” he says. “Taking responsibility for your health is essential to success! It’s a path that will bring you closer to your true self, without any hazy gauze blocking out your authenticity. Raw food presents you with a whole new world that will satisfy you on so many levels.”

Chocolate that’s good for you… honestly?
You could be forgiven to think you could only imagine the possibility of a guilt-free chocolate that doesn’t land on your hips the moment you put it to your lips, but finally there is an alternative out there to satisfy even the most hardened of chocolate-lovers: raw chocolate – totally organic and sugar, dairy and GM-free. “We hand-make our bonbons with the finest raw organic cacao, rich in magnesium and which is loaded with anti-oxidants. To sweeten the taste, we only use organic agave nectar, which has a low-GI and is 1.7 times sweeter than regular sugar, so we use much less,” says Anthony and Michael, owners of Honest Chocolate based in Cape Town. “It is our passion to make chocolates rich in nutritional value and enzymes, which is devoid in the average chocolate bar. Our chocolate, simply put, is amazingly good for you!”

Rawists report the following advantages of the raw food diet:

Increased energy levels
Stronger nails and glossier hair
Clear skin
Reduced PMS symptoms
Improved eyesight
Strengthened immune system
Better digestion
Weight loss and stabilisation
Improved taste
Emotional balance and mental clarity
Decreased need for sleep
Smaller carbon footprint

Celebs in the raw

“I noticed that when I began feeding my family high life-force food, especially organic food, their energy shifted. My two sons became sweeter and more loving, and developed an awareness of their physical and emotional well-being. Now that they’re adults living on their own, they continue to eat healthfully.” - Doreen Virtue, internationally acclaimed spiritual doctor of psychology.
“I just think that we're not getting nutrition from the foods we're eating because we're cooking it, we're processing it and we're radiating it. We're not feeding our bodies, and the problem is we are hungry all the time. We're hungry. Everybody stops at 4:00 in the afternoon and eats candy bars. You choose the foods you eat, and you need to choose the correct food, and understand how this food goes into your body. I eat raw food.” - Carol Alt, Supermodel
“I completed a 38-day green juice fast - It was great, I really got charged from it. I definitely felt my electro-magnetic field expanding… My whole journey with food started as an energetic quest. Once I was vegan, I felt like I had a lot more energy and then I turned to raw foods. Sometimes I go on a cooked-food bender, and I really feel different.” – Woody Harrelson, Actor
“I love swimming in the ocean and appreciating the warm, clean, blue water. My idea of paradise is a sandy beach with fresh fruit growing all over the area. I love mango and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. I love the We Care Spa in Palm Springs, where we fast, do yoga, have nutritional classes and rest our minds. It changes my spirit.” - Alicia Silverstone, Actor

‘Life is designed raw. Out of trillions of organisms that were alive at the beginning of time, are alive now and will be alive at the end of time, only one tampers with its food. You do not want to bet against those kind of odds.' – David Wolfe, Sunfood Diet Success System

USEFUL CONTACTS:

Birthrite Midwifery Services, Marianne Littlejohn, Independent Midwife and Aware Parenting Facilitator, +2782-498-7622
Blue Sky Organics, blueskyorganics.co.za, +2721-715-1953
Honest Chocolate, honestchocolate.co.za, +2782-829-3877 / 082-736-3889
Kitchen Garden, kitchengarden.co.za, +2782-820-9646
Kwalapa – Organic Wholefoods Store, Restaurant and Deli, kwalapa.com, +2721-687-9314
NumNum, Knysna Whole Food Shop, barnies.co.za, +2744-302-5752
SA Association for Nutritional Therapy, saant.org.za: Adele Pelteret, Nutritional Therapist, lifestylenutrition.co.za, +2721-531-3589, Frances van Reenen, Nutritional Therapist, +2779-999-6821, Hannah Kaye, Nutritional Therapist, hannahkaye.co.za, +2783-601-1750
Soaring Free Superfoods, superfoods.co.za, 086-100-0976, +2721-702-4940
Sprouts Kitchen, sproutskitchen.co.za, +2712-346-4369
Urban Harvest Edible Gardens, urbanharvest.co.za, +2772-475-2977

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Published in longevity Magazine, May 2010, p. 82.

Unuka Skincare Range

2010-04-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

In 2009, I worked as part of a creative team as the copywriter for Unuka Skincare products. From thoroughly researching each product, to interviewing the creator of the line, copy was written according to specific requirements and creative guidelines.

What follows is the brochure for the skincare range, featuring product copy and introductory poetry pages. Please click here for more information and further copy examples for this skincare range.

Enter Basia’s sanctuary,

where the delicate balance of your skin takes precedence.

Free from harmful substances such as artificial additives and preservatives,

Unuka and Verdure will

nourish, protect and nurture the skin.

Anti-aging. Regenerating. Youthful.

Working hand-in-hand with Nature,

Basia infuses only the purest plant extracts and essential oils

with Unuka and Verdure,

proven for centuries to assist with the

self-healing capability of your skin.

Unique. True. Beauty.

Unuka, for her.

Verdure, for him.

Created with love by Basia.

Unuka and Verdure. Nature’s gift to you…

Nature’s essence mysteriously blended in the tranquil peace of the early morning.

The earth’s ultimate gift…Her splendour. Her truth.

Fresh from her sacred core, the richness and fullness of her garden.

Love and respect for her delicate balance.

Nature’s luminosity harnessed.

Her nourishing kiss, the essence...

Unique. True. Radiance.

Unuka.

Secret blending, mystery, beauty; love infused with refreshing tenderness.

Nature’s fragrant gift of love, drawing you near.

Capturing the earth’s richness and fullness, its rhythms and elements.

Love at the centre of my being…

Unique. True. Balance.

Unuka.

The earth…

I fly to her for balance, revival, regeneration.

Held deep in her heart is the secret to youthfulness.

It’s there I feel the tingle of life. It’s there I take refuge in her leafy arms.

Health is reclaimed and vibrancy restored.

Her beauty enters mine through her gifts.

High vibrational essences made manifest.

Esoteric, enigmatic, living earth…

Unique. True. Healing.

Unuka.

Slip away to a silent, sacred ceremony.

A place to reflect, calm down, be peaceful.

There resides the elusive beloved, her fragrant healing petals quiet and comfort you.

Feel pampered in her sumptuous embrace.

Mystical waves of fragrance transport you far, faraway.

There in the soil, she whispers.

Everyday luxury imbued with the elements of nature…

Unique. True. Experience.

Unuka.

Care for your precious self.

Uplift your spirit into the ether.

Enliven your soul. Close your eyes.

Relax. Rejuvenate. Rebalance.

Here, delight in nature’s healing gifts, picked from the earth’s treasure chest.

Rooted in raw earth, there’s love stored there…

Unique. True. Love.

Unuka.

Copy: Charlene Yared-West, Design: Markus van der Westhuizen, TreeFrog Media, Design & Training.

Giving Back

2010-04-12T05:27:00.000-07:00

Want to spread the love this festive season? Here are some organisations across the country, which need your support…

Beds of Hope Campaign
The Beds of Hope Campaign seeks to raise R15 million by the end of 2010 for purchasing and equipping ICU and High Care Units for the Universitas and Pelonomi Academic Hospitals. At present, these hospitals function with outdated equipment sorely in need of being replaced or updated. “Many newborn babies face death due to the unavailability of adequate facilities in hospitals,” says head of the department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of the Free State, Professor André Venter. Children and babies from the Free State, Northern Cape, Lesotho and North West Province are all treated by the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at these hospitals. Contact: T: 051-405-3181, E: turnaround@telkomsa.net, W: http://bedsofhope.ufs.ac.za

Engender
Engender is focused on changing patterns of violence and inequality in South African society and transforming victimhood to agency. Through workshops and in-depth research, the organisation covers areas such as genders and sexualities, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, human rights, justice, as well as conflict resolution and peace, Engender works with the most marginalised of communities and is need resources from funds to time. “Although our focus is on the Western Cape, we have strategic collaborations across the country, the continent and internationally,” says director, Bernadette Muthien. “In helping people empower themselves, we contribute to the general social wellbeing.” Contact: T: 021-447-6290, E: info@engender.org.za, W: www.engender.org.za

NOAH
Neighbourhood Old Age Homes (NOAH) is a programme of the Catholic Welfare and Development agency, which provides an integrated package of communal homes and services to pensioners who rely on the government grant to meet their needs. Run independently, these are ordinary homes in communities that are safe and affordable. NOAH also hosts weekly social clubs which have become a meeting place for companionship, support and sharing of ideas. “As a result of our work, elderly people feel secure and happier,” says programme manager, Dee Wills. “They stay connected to their communities, while retaining their dignity and independence and also remain healthy and active for as long as possible.” Contact: T: 021-447-6334, E: noahhse@noah.org.za, W: www.noah.org.za

Khulisa
Established in 1997, Khulisa is dedicated to preventing crime in South Africa. Amongst the many programmes they run are the ‘Ubuntu Clubs’ based in Gauteng, North West, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape. “The clubs offer youth-at-risk a safe, warm and friendly space for interaction, personal development and a sense of belonging,” says managing director, Lesley Ann van Selm. “Between 1,000 to 5,000 youths are reached through each club, where they learn the age-old values of responsibility to the community, brotherhood and compassion.” Meetings are held after school hours, on weekends and during school holidays. Khulisa is in need of T-shirts, stationery, transport money, gardening equipment and opportunities to provide hiking or camping excursions. Contact: T: 011-788-8237, E: info@khulisaservices.co.za, W: www.khulisaubuntuclubs.co.za

DARG
The Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) assists abused, injured, and abandoned cats and dogs find new loving and caring homes. “DARG is not only for neglected and abused animals, but also an adoption centre with many loving animals patiently waiting for new homes, as well as an educational facility for the community,” says director, Joy Giovanni. “We are pro-life and provide animals with the gentle alternative of a safe haven.” DARG invites people to visit the centre and perhaps even give a pet a home, or leave a donation in the form of cash or pet food. Contact: T:021-790-0383, E: info@darg.org.za, W: www.darg.org.za

Edmund Rice Camps
Edmund Rice Camps give children from marginalised backgrounds the opportunity to have a holiday with an emphasis on having fun, ensuring safety and building self-esteem. Using a mentoring ‘leader-buddy’ system for the duration of the holiday camp, the programme offers children the opportunity to explore, find hope and reach beyond their circumstances and limitations. “The volunteers create an atmosphere of safety and love to which the children, so used to fear and disadvantage in their lives, respond and blossom like flowers to rain,” says volunteer camp mentor, August Kamara. The project is in need of sponsors for the holiday programmes and children, volunteers and donations in kind, such as towels, blankets, sport and art equipment. Contact: T: 021-880-0795, E: edmundricecamps@yahoo.com

Karabo – I Am The Solution
Established in 2004, Karabo – I Am The Solution helps disadvantaged 5 to 8 year olds in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape schools learn about and make informed decisions about HIV/AIDS. “We are unique in that we focus on the very little ones who can still be influenced, instead of teenagers who are already sexually active,” says managing director, Handa Blake. “The children then go into their communities and educate teenagers and adults about HIV and Aids.” The programme requires individuals to sponsor a child at R190 per year. Contact: T: 011-726-1397, E: uw@worldonline.co.za

Adopt a School Foundation
The foundation focuses on the provision of basic facilities for the creation and improvement of the school environment – for good quality learning and teaching to take place. To date, the foundation has adopted 50 schools in the seven provinces of South Africa and has built classrooms, administration blocks, ablution blocks, libraries, science labs, multi-media centres and provided grade R facilities. “The project has benefited disadvantaged schools and their communities through creating temporary job opportunities, as well as assisting over 50,000 children since its inception,” says executive director, Stephen Lebere. “Presently, 135 schools are waiting for adoption.” The programme is in need of funds, time or expertise and the adoption of schools for a minimum of five years. Contact: T: 011-305-8900, E: slebere@shanduka.co.za, W: www.adoptaschool.co.za

GRIP
The Greater Rape Intervention Project provides humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and empowerment to all survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. Rendering a holistic service focusing on each and every aspect of the survivor going through the criminal justice system, GRIP provides police, hospital and court interventions as well as HIV support intervention. The organisation has extensive pre-court training, ensuring more convictions of perpetrators. “Our survivors give us hope,” says CEO, Annesta Hofer. “Hope that as a community, when we stand together, we can overcome our fear - and in our togetherness, we can give one another courage to take action against any form of violence, especially against our women and children.” GRIP is in need of soft toys, which give comfort to the survivor during the reporting process, especially for children survivors. Care packs, which contain the basic toiletries, are also needed, to help the survivor feel emotionally and physically clean once the medico-legal examination has been completed. Contact: T: 013-752-4404, E: info@grip.org.za, W:www.grip.org.za

Algoa Bay Council for the Aged
Algoa Bay Council for the Aged provides supportive services to older persons in the Nelson Mandela Metro, aiming to keep them active in the community for as long as possible. The organisation has three service centres and offers midday meals, where the elderly are able to enjoy social interaction with others. Counseling and advice services are also offered, as well as a home-care referral service, a sponsored home care project, a medication delivery service for house-bound aged and a low-cost rental housing facility. Not only does Algoa Bay Council for the Aged provide the elderly with a skills development programme, they also educate the public on issues around elder abuse. “I was so happy to help these wonderful people, who are so deserving of love, with my fabric painting skills,” says volunteer helper, Nobubele Mbiyo. “I gained so much from spending time with them and it gave me great satisfaction to bring some joy to their lives.” The council is looking for donors who will volunteer of their services, sponsor an elderly person, or even give donations-in-kind to help with home care, meal ingredients, furniture, household products and groceries. Contact: T: 041-368-8434 E: ceo@abca.co.za W: www.abca.co.za

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Published in the Clicks ClubCard Magazine, December 2008.

The Gautrain is on Track

2010-04-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

The question on everyone’s lips is whether we will be ready for the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup. From soccer stadiums to road upgrades, South Africa’s sectors are coming together to host one of the biggest events the African continent has ever seen. One such project, the Gautrain, has been running since 2000 – four years before the announcement was made to hold the games in the country.

Building the Gautrain
The Gautrain system, with a fleet of 24 state-of-the-art train-sets, will cover 80km of dual track, with 15km of tunnel, 205 bridges and ten brand new stations. In time for the World Cup, phase one of the project will be completed by May 2010, with stations at OR Tambo International, Rhodesfield, Marlboro and Sandton. The second phase, to be completed by April 2011, will include lines to and from Pretoria, with stations at Hatfield, Pretoria City Central, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, Sandton, Rosebank and Park. There will also be links to this line leading to Sandton, Rhodesfield, Marlboro and OR Tambo International.

As a priority, security will include 450 CCTV cameras spread across the trains, stations and parking areas, as well as 350 patrolling security personnel. The project is currently finalising negotiations with the SAPS to base a police station at each of the train stations. “We are confident that from a personal security point of view, we can safeguard people using this mode of public transport,” says Project Manager of the Gautrain, Jack van der Merwe.

Spending up to R3 million per hour, with an overall budget of R25 billion, the construction spans 52 sites simultaneously. Not without its challenges, the project faced a near-disaster crisis with a recent sinkhole in Oxford Road. “When something like that happens, it is important to see that your safety systems worked – and in that situation, they did,” Van der Merwe says, explaining that the tunnel boring machine was removing more material out of the tunnel than it was supposed to. After investigating, the team discovered that an old water pipe had burst, which caused the soil to move down. Once they had filled the sinkhole with gravel and constructed a concrete slab over it, they were able to continue with construction after 36 hours..

Reliable and eco-friendly
“We can’t keep building ourselves out of congestion,” says Van der Merwe. In Los Angeles, in an attempt to overcome congestion, more roads were built. Today, the city covers over 100km of space with 20 to 30 lane freeways – and has some of the worst pollution statistics in the United States.

After conducting an environmental assessment of the project, it was found that if
135 000 people used the Gautrain per day, about 19 000 tons of carbon monoxide pollution would be prevented every year. “Not only will the Gautrain be the more environmentally friendly option, it will also be the more reliable choice,” says Van der Merwe. “A trip by car from Pretoria to Johannesburg takes about 60 to 180 minutes, depending on the level of conjestion and delays, but on the Gautrain, it will take you only 38 minutes.”

Part of the Gautrain marketing strategy is to make public transport a mode of choice, rather than a mode of force. “Currently, people are using public transport because they have no other option,” Van der Merwe explains. “Rather, we want people to view using public transport as an intelligent choice of commuting.”

The Gautrain will run every 10 minutes during peak hours and in the off-peak periods, at a maximum of every 20 minutes – from early in the morning until late at night.

Cost to the man on the street
At the time of conducting a feasibility study, the cost of fuel was at R4 per litre with the perceived cost of motoring at about 60 cents per km. This calculation translated into about R20 per ticket between Pretoria and Johannesburg and about R12 between Rhodesfield and Sandton, using the Gautrain. Since then, petrol prices have soared to over R10 per litre. “The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is currently upgrading all the freeways in Gauteng,” Van der Merwe says. “Once this is completed, all cars will have transponders installed to be tolled automatically when using those roads,” Once this system is up and running, the average person can expect to pay about R1 000 extra – on top of the R100 each day in fuel costs between Pretoria and Johannesburg. “These developments make using the Gautrain a far more viable option,” emphasizes Van der Merwe.

Skills development and transfer
“The Gautrain project has been beneficial to ordinary South Africans, in that skills development and skills transfer programmes have been put into place,” says Van der Merwe. The project has, since its inception, created 21 600 jobs with training programmes and apprenticeships for about 2 000 people. The Concessionaire has also set up an office in London in the hopes of recruiting the skills needed for the project. To date, 51 South African engineers, who were working overseas, have since returned to work on the project.“We are bringing something that is comparable on an international level, to South Africa,” Van der Merwe says. “The project has brought in a wide range of new technology, created many jobs and has put South Africa on the map in terms of public transport.”

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Go Gauteng, September 2008.

Greening the City

2010-04-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, Joburg is the world’s largest man-made forest
When you think of forests, you think of lush trees, birds twittering on fresh breezes and the feeling of soft ground underfoot – a far cry from the concrete jungle of Joburg, right? Wrong. In 2005, the world discovered that Johannesburg was home to the world’s largest man-made forest. Comparative research was carried out in leading cities and satellite images of the earth showed that Johannesburg was the most densely forested city on the globe.

Originally savannah, Johannesburg started its greening transformation about 100 years ago, strangely enough with the growth of the mining sector in the city. “In those days, mostly affluent people lived in the city centres,” says spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks, Jenny Moodley. “Tree cover expanded as more people settled in the city and wealthy immigrants brought with them varied species of trees – which is why many of the trees in Johannesburg are not indigenous.” Tree cover also spread through natural means of pollination and through people planting more trees themselves. Today, Johannesburg boasts as many as 10 million trees in both private and public spaces.

“But the southern part of the city remains a dust bowl,” says Jenny. “Johannesburg City Parks is planting more trees all over Johannesburg, but specifically in the far southern and northern areas, as part of our 2010 Greening the City campaign.”

This campaign has not been without its challenges. “In Johannesburg, space is at a premium, so we need to ensure that even though our priority is to plant trees, we retain space for pedestrians to walk,” Jenny explains. “Another challenge is that the cost of planting a tree has escalated from about R350 to R1 000 for an 80mm, 2m high indigenous tree.” To overcome this problem, Johannesburg City Parks has been lobbying for companies in South Africa to adopt greening campaigns and many of them have responded positively.

The ‘green team’ has also had to deal with the loss of trees to bad weather and vandalism. Jenny says that they lose two of every ten trees planted. As a result, they are now insisting that the service providers who care for the trees maintain a 95 percent survival rate – and should they drop below the 95 percent mark, the service providers are compelled to replace the damaged trees.

In line with the 2007 mayoral aim of planting 200 000 trees before the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, Johannesburg City Parks have planted more than 93 000 trees, in the past five years. But to meet their objective, Johannesburg City Parks still has to plant 300 trees a day.

The ‘green team’s’ work is easy to see. Jenny urges visitors to take a drive down the main roads, such as William Nicol and Old Potchefstroom Road. She says to keep an eye out for the water features and large pots they are also installing as part of the city’s greening and beautification plan.

Johannesburg City Parks has also been involved with restoring old parks to their former grandeur. “Once you’ve restored the dignity and integrity of a space, there is a greater sense of community ownership,” says Jenny. “This impacts positively on the social, economic and ecological state of the city, reducing concerns such as littering, vagrancy, vandalism and illegal dumping.”

Jenny emphasizes that greening the city has incredibly positive spin-offs. She encourages more residents to plant trees – and not just indigenous types. They should look at planting fruit trees, she says, taking into consideration the global food shortage and the need to attract and retain urban biodiversity such as birds and butterfly species. www.jhbcityparks.com.

A breath of fresh air: OZONE DAY
This year’s International Ozone Day, celebrated on September 16, has the theme of ‘Montreal Protocol – Global Partnership for Global Benefits’. “Even though we stopped the production of CFCs in 1987 with the Montreal Protocol, we are still seeing the nasty effect of those gases on our planet,” says Specialist Scientist for the South African Weather Service, Casper Labuschagne. “Only within 60 years will the planet be effectively healed from CFC gases, provided we don’t pollute the air any further – and continue with the greening programmes.”

Tree of life: ARBOR DAY
Celebrating Arbor Week from September 1–7, Johannesburg City Parks aims to plant over 60 000 trees in the southern parts of the city this year. The organisation has invited 15 corporates to adopt streets in the southern dust bowl, where they are each to plant 1 000 trees, marking the start of Arbor Week 2008. South Africa is slowly making climate change a priority as it realises the effects of pollution.,The trees absorb a lot of the pollution in the air, acting like natural atmosphere scrubbers.

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Go Gauteng, September 2008.

Women of the new world

2010-04-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

Igniting Progress
“Equal power and glory to the Women of South Africa!” Words spoken by former President Mandela in 1996, at a speech commemorating the 9th of August 1956, which has become South African Women’s Day. On this day, 52 years ago, over 20,000 women from all over South Africa united in their cause to protest against the pass laws of the time, by marching onto the Union Buildings in Pretoria, singing “Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo; uzokufa!” [Strike a woman, Strike a rock!] This phrase has become synonymous with the inner strength, resilience and courage of South African women, in the face of severe circumstances. Not only were these women contending with racism, they also had to overcome the challenges of being female in a white man’s land, within a misogynist mindset.

What was it that made these women so angry? Angry enough to come together in what is known as the biggest mass gathering of women ever to be held in South Africa? Throughout history, this anger has spurred millions of women the world over to stand up and fight for equal rights in a patriarchal society. Yesterday’s woman was confined to a life of housekeeping, child-rearing, keeping her man happy and even seeing to the agricultural responsibilities of the homestead. Today’s woman can proudly claim her position on the social, political and economic ladders of success, with or without a male counterpart in her life.

The Cost of Freedom
A peek into the history books will show how a fighting spirit, partnered with fury over a social cause, has moved mountains, triumphed over wars and won the vote for the ‘meeker’ sex. We can go as far back as the 14th century, where Joan of Arc, as a peasant girl, was able to convince whole armies to fight according to the divine guidance she received. Even though the French army won many of their battles under her leadership, it did not end well for her, as she was burned at the stake as a witch in 1431. Another woman, Florence Nightingale, otherwise known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’, was not only influential in the fields of nursing and mathematics, but also fought for women’s rights, writing a book about the over-feminisation of women in the later half of the 18th century.

The 19th century saw even more women leaving dishcloths, gardening tools and motherhood behind and instead becoming more involved in the running of their countries. From the burning of the first bra in 1968 in the USA - in sheer defiance, to the 1980s in South Africa, where many women suffered police detentions or were forced into exile for their indignation and refusal to stay detached from the torment of the times. One of the first women to fight for freedom from unequal conditions for African women in South Africa was Charlotte Maxeke in 1913, the first president of the Bantu Women’s League, an earlier version of the ANC Women’s League. Around that same time, esteemed writer and feminist Olive Schreiner wrote on the topic of equal rights for women in the country, in her widely acclaimed book, The Story of an African Farm. She also campaigned for the rights of black people in South Africa, befriending Mahatma Ghandi, who shared similar views on unity of the people.

Without these brave forerunners, South African women would still be fighting as fiercely as before. Now, with the South African Constitution of 1996 in place, women can scale the same heights as men – and even surpass them, as equal contenders in all spheres of life.

International Women’s Day
In the prefect scenario, women from every corner of the globe would be free, living in an equal society. Sadly, women in the Middle East, various African countries and other parts of the world, continue to suffer horrendous violations of their basic human rights. International Women’s Day, held annually on 8 March, since 1909, celebrates the rights wrought by women throughout history and also generates awareness around the plight many women continue to face. The day also commemorates the Triangle Fire of 1911, in New York City, where over 140 working women lost their lives. This devastating incident resulted in many changes to the labour legislation and working conditions in the USA and acted as a catalyst for change internationally.

Challenges Overcome
Women of today are more assertive, more demanding and more ambitious than ever before. Today we have women in space, female presidents and prime ministers. We also have university graduates, career moms and female pastors. Celebrate South African National Women’s Day with pride and remember the words in the petition presented to the Prime Minister in Pretoria on 9 August, 1956; “We shall not rest until we have won for our children their fundamental rights of freedom, justice, and security.” Thanks to their persistence, women now control their own choices, as a result of the hard-won triumphs of the past.

Notable Milestones in the History of Women

1491 - Queen Isabella of Spain funds Christopher Columbus' voyage, which leads to the discovery of America.
1786 – Astronomer and scientist Caroline Herschel of Germany becomes the first woman to ever discover a comet.
1895 – Annie Londonderry of America is the first woman to bicycle around the world in 15 months.
1905 - Charlotte Maxeke becomes the first black South African Black woman to receive a Bachelor's degree.
1908 - Cecilia Makiwane becomes the first Black professional nurse in South Africa.
1912 – Canadian Mary Dawson develops the concept of minimum wage.
1915 – Audrey Munson of America is the first woman to appear nude in a motion picture in Inspiration.
1926 – American Gertrude Ederle is the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
1930 - White women in South Africa get the vote.
1947 - Mary Malahlela-Xakana becomes first female black doctor in South Africa.
1955 - Patricia Jobodwana becomes the youngest black woman in South Africa to enrol at a university, at age 14.
1956 – 20,000 march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, to protest against passes for women.
1963 - Russian Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman to go to space.
1975 – Japanese Junko Tabei becomes the first woman to summit Mount Everest.
1979 – Margaret Thatcher becomes the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
1974 – Isabel Perón of Argentina, is the first woman with the title of President.
2006 - In celebration of National Women’s day 50 years before, women again march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where they hand a memorandum of grievances to President Thabo Mbeki.

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Published in Go Gauteng Magazine, August 2008, p. 12.

Destination Kyalami

2010-04-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Not all memories stand the test of time, but a visit to Kyalami will leave you with a feeling of nostalgia, as you remember the beauty of the Lipizzaner horses, the quiet tranquillity of the Kyalami Country club and the tearing zoom of a Grand Prix kart as it swerves its way around the track. Kyalami a word meaning ‘my home’ in Zulu, promises an unforgettable experience for young and old, ensuring all visitors enjoy her adventurous hospitality and wide open spaces, and leave with glorious stories to tell…

The Fast and the Furious
Kyalami is synonymous with the world of Grand Prix motorsport, since its founding year of 1961. Situated north of Johannesburg, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit remains the most famous strip of tar on the African continent and from 1967 to 1985, hosted the South African Grand Prix, as well as other international events such as the legendary 9-hour race. The circuit was remodelled in 1987 and again in 1992, when it hosted two further rounds of the World Championships in 1992 and 1993. World Superbikes visited Kyalami between 1998 and 2002 with the inaugural round of the GP Masters held at the circuit in 2005. Kyalami continues to host national motorsport events with exciting international events planned for 2009 - and in 2011, will celebrate its 50th birthday. Also located in the Kyalami racing circuit is the Kyalami Kart Circuit, just waiting to give you the driving experience of a lifetime, from R200 for 12 laps. Step into Schumacher’s shoes as you whiz around a track run by motor-sporting enthusiasts, the Piazza-Musso and Wentzel brothers.

A stroll on the Greens
In 1954, a fraternity of Jewish golfers decided to open their own country club to cater for the needs of the Jewish community in Johannesburg. After finding the perfect spot, they started laying out the plans for their dream course and in 1955; the Kyalami Country Club was officially open for business. Today, with 1300 members, the course caters for all levels of golfing skill and boasts its own Pro Shop. At R375 for non-members, the green meandering fairways, challenging hazards and conversation with a worthy opponent, make for a perfect day spent in the sunshine. Celebrate your win with sundowners at the clubhouse.

Get on your High Horse
Kyalami is also home to South Africa’s foremost equestrian venue, the Kyalami Equestrian Park, which extends over 21 hectares of land. The park is host to major events on the equestrian calendar, including the South African Derby. Performing every Sunday at the park are the South African Lipizzaners at 10:30am at the price of R80 per ticket. Brought to South Africa in 1944 by Count Jankovich-Bessan, the Lipizzaners are descendants of horses that were reared in the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna, 430 years ago. Witness these majestic beauties as they gracefully showcase a classical dressage performance with accompanying music – a magnificent outing not to be missed.

Eat your Heart out
Whether it’s traditional Indian, Italian or even a tender T-bone steak your tastebuds crave, Kyalami has it all and more. The Raj Indian Restaurant promises a spicy north and south Indian food adventure cooked up by authentic chefs and caters for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Try their freshly baked naan breads from their traditional clay oven, as well as their aromatic tikka masala, khorma and vindaloo dishes. If you’re a lover of all things Italian, then Casa di Paglia, owned by Vincenzo Incendiario is the place for you. Serving Italian cuisine for the last 25 years, the food is meticulously prepared by Vincenzo and his team, treating guests to original recipes of fish, meat, chicken, pasta and pizza. For a more exotic dining experience, Blueberry Grill serves speciality sushi dishes, scrumptious grills, seafood and salads, accompanied by a range of cocktails to ease you into the wee hours of the night. For the most succulent prawns in Kyalami, turn into Jimmy’s Killer Prawns and taste a variety of seafood, harvested off the coast of Africa. In the mood for something light and healthy? Try Kyalami’s Foxglove Herbs and Delicacies, serving only the best in organic and natural foods, where guests can shop or relax in the adjoining coffee shop.

Shopping Spree
Kyalami is host to an array of interesting shopping nooks – but first, drop the kids off at Earth Kids Play Patch, a supervised kids play-park and playground, so that you can browse Kyalami’s two shopping centres at your leisure. Stroll around the Crowthorne Centre or the Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre, where you can shop until you drop, perusing clothing, jewellery, adventure, toy and hobby shops.

Useful Contacts

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit: 011-466-2800
Kyalami Kart Circuit: 011-466-3678/9
Kyalami Country Club: 011-702-1610
Kyalami Equestrian Park: 011-702-1657/8/9
South African Lipizzaners: 011-468-2718
The Raj: 011-468-1861
Casa di Paglia: 011-466-2618/42
Blue Berry Grill: 011-466-2664
Jimmy’s Killer Prawns: 011-466-9502
Foxglove Herbs and Delicacies: 011-466-9977
Earth Kids Play Patch: 083-233-7806

Author: Charlene Yared-West. Published in Go Gauteng Magazine, July 2008, p.6.

Donor Directory for Development

2010-04-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

In 2007, I was part of the Development Works creative team to edit the 2006/2007 edition of the Donor Directory for Development, a resource for the non-profit and development sector of the Western Cape.

Please click here to read the PDF of the Donor Directory.

2010 Website for the Western Cape

2010-04-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

In 2008, I was part of the Development Works creative team to write content for the Western Cape 2010 website, containing information relevant to the 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM).

Please visit: http://www.wcape2010.co.za/ to view the site.

Development Works Newsletters

2010-04-12T03:24:00.000-07:00

In 2007, 2008 and 2009, I worked for Development Works as a writer, editor and content manager. I wrote and edited articles for Development e-News, a bi-monthly e-newsletter. I also edited research papers, tender proposals and annual reports for clients of Development Works.

Here are examples of Development e-Newsletters composed in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Click on the edition you would like to view to open a newsletter:

DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 1 (May 2007)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 2 (October 2007)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 3 (December 2007)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 4 (April 2008)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 5 (July 2008)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 6 (September 2008)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 7 (October 2008)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Newsflash (November 2008)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 8 (December 2008)
DEVELOPMENT e-News, Edition 9 (June 2009)