Latest news with #JonathanRedelinghuys
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Zam Buk: The winter go-to
Online, Zam-Buk has attracted a cult following. There are a handful of brands that have etched themselves into South African culture like few others have managed. Chappies, Nkomazi, Snowflake, for example. And then, there is Zam-Buk, the fix-all heal-all. The topical ointment that smells somewhat herbal has a sexy texture and really does seem to work for almost anything and everything skin-related. What would winter be without a tiny tub of the stuff in your back pocket? This, to smooth over chafed and dry lips? Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys said that it is a medicine chest staple. While it is not a total fix-all, the ointment has a myriad of uses. 'These days, lip protection is probably the most widespread of uses for Zam-Buk,' he said. 'But the antiseptic and healing properties of the paraffin and herbal mix can be used for many first aid and short-term treatments.' Originally launched in 1902 When Zam-Buk was first launched in 1902, it was advertised to treat a wide range of conditions, including cuts, bruises, sprains, ulcers, haemorrhoids, and even colds and toothaches. It was also touted as a topical rub to ease muscle pain on the back, legs or feet. 'There is no clinical evidence that it could assist in healing piles, for example. Ingestion of the ointment might create medical complications,' he said. Dr Redelinghuys suggested that topical application to aid healing cuts, bruises, et, would be a safer way to go. ALSO READ: Bye-bye cubicles, hello coffee badging Old wives' tales even suggested rolling Zam-Buk into little balls and swallowing them to ease a stomachache. It's a recipe that's over a hundred years old. It was first formulated and patented by Charles Edward Fulford in Leeds, England, at the turn of the twentieth century and sold by his Bile Beans company. At the time, Zam-Buk soap was also produced and sold as a supplementary treatment. Ad campaigns promised smooth skin, blotch removal, efficacy in treating rashes and eczema, eradicating pimples, and general relief from soreness. And while nobody knows where the name really comes from, the brand was once used to refer to first aiders at rugby matches in Australia and New Zealand. Some point to the name originating in South Africa. It is also not available everywhere. You can only really buy the ointment in South Africa, South East Asia and New Zealand these days. Everyone should have some Zam-Buk, said pharmacy assistant Simone Livie, is something everyone should have in their first aid kits. 'It is also very effective as a drawing ointment for boils, where it not only relieves a bit of the pressure pain in sensitive areas but helps draw out the gunk stuck beneath the skin,' she said and added that it does the same trick with pimples. People have long used it as a chest rub to ease the symptoms of colds and flu. The camphor and eucalyptus oils in the formulation act as decongestants, said Dr Redelinghuys. It can help open up the airways when applied to the chest or under the nose. Some even swear by it for mild headaches, rubbing a small amount into the temples for a soothing and cooling sensation that seems to take the edge off. Dr Redelinghuys agreed and said that Zam-Buk also helps with skin irritations, such as insect bites, particularly the itchiness associated with mosquito bites. 'There is also anecdotal evidence that it helps accelerate healing of cuts and small kitchen-type burns,' he said and added that the moisturising properties can also aid rough elbows and cracked heels. He said that initial treatment with Zam-Buk can ease fungal infections, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot. Not too much camphor for kids However, Dr Redelinghuys cautioned that camphor, one of the ingredients in Zam-Buk, may be harmful to children if used repeatedly. He suggested limiting children under five's exposure to camphor as the body can eventually become poisoned through overuse. Online, Zam-Buk has attracted a cult following. Reddit's a good place to seek out experiences and out-of-pocket advice. 'Zam-Buk could fix a severed head,' wrote one Reddit user, while another claimed, 'Labello feels great for a bit, but Zam-Buk sorts your lips out properly.' A few noted that the balm felt a little spicy when applied, especially on cracked skin, but swore by its effectiveness. Some recommended layering Zam-Buk over aqueous cream to turbocharge the healing of dry or wind-chapped lips or elbows. Livie said that Zam-Buk is also a common go-to for minor sports injuries. 'It is brilliant for bruises and minor sprains too. It will not replace a proper physio, but it is good enough to help manage some of the discomfort until you get there,' she said. NOW READ: Quarter Life – your first existential crisis
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- The Citizen
Of tents, muddy puddles and camping fun
The beauty of camping for kids starts with the anticipation. There is something about camping that brings out the inner adventurer in everyone. It unwinds and de-stresses parents. For kids, well, it's another story altogether. There's something about the great outdoors that calms kids, encourages real play and buries urban fears of bugs and thugs where they belong. Far, far away. The beauty of camping for kids starts with the anticipation. It's real, just like any other holiday that a youngster might look forward to. Except, they get to participate in the packing, the prepping, deciding on menus, and watching YouTube to learn how to fish. Because in my instance, dad has no idea which end of a rod goes where. Camping, the excitement of packing the trailer, the prospect of roasting marshmallows on a wood fire that junior lit by himself. My kids start counting down the days well before we head off. Usually, when setting up the tent on the last day of a trip, my two boys are already planning the next one. Already planning the next trip But never expect your kids to help set up the tent. When you park at your allocated site, the first items on the ground are the bicycles. Then, they are usually off to explore the entire site, and importantly, to find the pools —both cold and heated —the super tube slides, and whether takeout pizzas are available. Should they want to help hammer in tent pegs, beware that you'll be there all day waiting. That's because the pegs become warships, the hammers turn into cannons, and suddenly there's a battle sans tents, time and delaying the beer that makes the tent-sweat so very much worth it. ALSO READ: Go first-class all the way with MSC's Yacht Club When kids are not in the pool, sliding or making muddy puddles or smore-making, they're inventing games of their own. Interestingly, they do not even ask for their devices until bedtime, because outdoor fun and imagination trumps games like Minecraft and Roblox. It's only the boredom of going to bed, following a good scrub in the ablutions, that turns internet desire on. Outdoor play important for kids Psychologist Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys said that outdoor play is a critical ingredient in childhood development. 'Children are wired to explore, to get their hands dirty, and to engage their senses fully. The outdoors provides an open-ended learning environment that no classroom or iPad can replicate.' He said that, from school pressures to the overstimulating digital environment of modern childhood, stress is creeping into young lives earlier than ever. 'Nature and activities like camping,' he said, are a built-in antidote. 'Studies show that time outside lowers cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress and creates a natural rhythm that resets the nervous system. Camping, with its lack of rigid schedules and screen time, allows children to move freely, breathe deeply, and recalibrate in ways that artificial environments simply cannot.' Kids who camp regularly, he said, often display better emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. And Dr Redelinghuys is right. Because I see the change in my kids. It's often instant, from the moment we arrive and the impact lasts for days, even weeks, after we head home. It also seems to boost their confidence. There's nothing quite like a child learning how to pitch a tent, getting to climb trees, light a fire, or just getting to wander around safely. The outdoors reduces anxiety Dr Redelinghuys said that the outdoors, particularly camping, presents just enough challenge to push kids slightly outside their comfort zone. 'In a world that shelters children from discomfort, the outdoors provides a safe space to develop resilience,' Redelinghuys said. 'They gain confidence that translates into other areas of life. 'Nature stimulates curiosity and creativity in a way that structured toys and digital entertainment simply cannot. 'Children who engage in outdoor play show enhanced cognitive flexibility, which means they're better at adapting to new situations and thinking outside the box.' It's when the giant rock at the pool becomes a military lookout, a dead tree a submarine, or picking up beetles, learning about birds, or even, as has happened more than once, seeing another camper or ranger catch and move a snake back into the bush from underneath a car or cosy tent. There have been so many instances, and since my family is still novice campers, my kids have absolutely astounded me. Not only are their appetites better, but their desire for junk food also fades, albeit not entirely. Ergo, finding pizzas is always a priority. Pizza remains a priority though What I always find fascinating is that there are just no cultural barriers between kids. If they want to make new friends, which always happens, they do. Race is never an issue. And for some reason, language seems not to be a barrier either. It fascinates me that two kids, one English and the other, let's say, Afrikaans, can play together and communicate without each being able to do much more than count to ten in a different language. Camping is a kid's ideal playground for imagination, development, and so much more. I could probably wax lyrical about it across reams and reams of paper. But this is where it comes to a hard stop, because we're about to load up and head out to the bush, again. Now Read: Tau Lodge and Madikwe: What an adventure
The Citizen
22-04-2025
- The Citizen
Camping makes kids come alive
Nature stimulates curiosity and creativity There is something about camping that brings out the inner adventurer in everyone. It unwinds, destresses parents. For kids, it's another story altogether. There's something about the great outdoors that calms kids, encourages real play and buries urban fears of bugs and thugs where they belong. Far, far away. The beauty of camping for kids starts with the anticipation. It's real, just like any other holiday that a youngster might look forward to. Except, they get to participate in the packing, the prepping, deciding menus, watching YouTube to learn how to fish. Because in my case, Dad has no idea which end of a rod goes where. The excitement of packing the trailer, the prospect of roasting marshmallows on a word fire that junior lit by himself. My kids start counting down the days well before we head off. Usually, when striking the tent setup on the last day of a trip, my two boys are already planning the next edition. But never expect your kids to help set up the tent. When you park at your allocated site, the first items on the ground are the bicycles. Picture: Kylie Kaiser Then, they are usually off to explore the entire site and, importantly, to find the pools – the cold and heated – the super tube slides and whether there are takeout pizzas available. Should they want to help hammer in tent pegs, beware that you'll be there all day waiting. That's because the pegs become warships, the hammers turn into cannons and suddenly there's a battle sans tents, time and delaying the beer that makes the tentsweat so very much worth it. When kids are not in the pool, sliding, making muddy puddles or smore-making, they're inventing games of their own. Interestingly, they do not even ask for their devices until bedtime, because outdoor fun and imagination trumps games like Minecraft and Roblox. It's only the boredom of going to bed, following a good scrub in the ablution block, that turns internet desire on. Psychologist Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys said that outdoor play is a critical ingredient in childhood development. 'Children are wired to explore, to get their hands dirty, and to engage their senses fully. The outdoors provides an open-ended learning environment that no classroom or iPad can replicate.' From school pressures to the overstimulating digital environment of modern childhood, stress is creeping into young lives earlier than before, he said. 'Nature and activities like camping,' he said, is a built-in antidote. 'Studies show that time outside lowers cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress and creates a natural rhythm that resets the nervous system. 'Camping, with its lack of rigid schedules and screen time, allows children to move freely, breathe deeply and recalibrate in ways that artificial environments simply cannot.' Kids who camp regularly, he said, often display better emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. And Redelinghuys is right. Because I see the change in my kids. It's often instant, from the moment we arrive and the impact lasts for days, even weeks, after we've headed home. It also seems to boost their confidence. There's nothing quite like a child learning how to pitch a tent, getting to climb trees, light a fire or just getting to wander around safely. Redelinghuys said the outdoors, particularly camping, presents just enough challenge to push kids slightly outside their comfort zone. 'In a world that shelters children from discomfort, the outdoors provides a safe space to develop resilience,' Redelinghuys said. 'They gain confidence that translates into other areas of life. 'Nature stimulates curiosity and creativity in a way that structured toys and digital entertainment simply cannot,' Redelinghuys said. 'Children who engage in outdoor play show enhanced cognitive flexibility, which means they're better at adapting to new situations and thinking outside the box.' Picture: Kylie Kaiser It's when the giant rock at the pool becomes a military lookout, a dead tree a submarine or picking up beetles, learning about birds or even, as has happened more than once, seeing another camper or ranger catch and move a snake back to the bush from underneath a car or tent. There have been so many instances – and my family are still novice campers – that my kids have astounded me. Not only are their appetites better, the want for junk food also fades a bit, albeit not entirely. Finding pizzas is always a priority. What I always find fascinatingis that there are just no cultural barriers between kids. If they want to make new friends, which always happens, they just do. Race is never an issue. And for some reason language seems not to be a barrier either. It fascinates me that two kids, one English, another let's say, Afrikaans, can play together and communicate without each being able to do much more than count to 10 in a different tongue. Camping is a kid's ideal playground for imagination, development and so much more. I could wax lyrical about it across reams of paper. But this is where it stops, because we're about to head out to the bush – again. Info
