SPUR ADVENTURE SPRINT RACE #1 – OAKLANE COTTAGES, GRABOUW

By: Eugene Nel

The farm lands and Lebanon forest outside Grabouw in the Western Cape changed from lush green to colours of the rainbow when more than 500 competitors and their families turned up for the first race in the annual Spur Adventure series

Families, kids, serious athletes, couch potatoes and even a few dogs mountain biked, ran, crossed water obstacles, got muddy and generally had a blast for between 1 and 3 hours. The Adventure took teams of 2-3 along hobbit like trails, deep into the Lebanon forest.

The short course consisted of a 8km mountain bike trail followed by a 2.8km meander along cow paths, along apple orchards and 2 water crossings with a scenic run along a farm dam to the finish. The long course had an awesome 20km mountain bike ride though the forest and along orchards followed by the a 2.8km adventure on foot.

Others competed in the 20km mountain bike adventure whilst the Spur Bush Kids were taken on a guided adventure trail which included various natural obstacles. Back at the finish, the spectators relaxed under the cool shades of the pine forest whilst being entertained by competitors riding, running, walking and crawling over the finish line – amazing what some will do to get their picture taken…

Now in its 10th year the Spur Adventure series is the perfect way for friends, families and pets to get together and enjoy nature. With various categories, activities and different route options, this concept has proved unrivalled and with more families than ever taking part, the race organizers – Quantum Adventures – together with Spur Steak Ranches, are certainly achieving what they set out to do: promoting a healthy, active and out door life style.

The emphasis for the Spur Adventure series is focused on “fun, laughter and togetherness”.

The 2nd event in the series, presented by Quantum Adventures, kicks of on 13 Feb January at Oak Valley Estate, with the final on 27 March at Paul Cluver Estate – all in the Grabouw area of the Western Cape.

For more info on these visit www.quantumadventures.co.za

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Epilepsy and Exercise

Supplied by Epilepsy South Africa

Exercise can relieve stress. As stress can be a common trigger of seizures in some people, exercise may help to prevent seizures for these individuals. Some people with epilepsy are afraid to undertake an exercise programme in case they hurt themselves during a seizure or trigger one. In fact, it is extremely rare for a person to have a seizure while exercising.

Exercise does not have to mean joining a gym or running in the park only. Walking or gardening are easy and safe and most people can do this.

Exercise is good for everyone, but people with epilepsy and their families are sometimes concerned about seizures during exercise. This fear often results in over-protection, feelings of isolation and unnecessary restrictions on activity. Overall fitness and a feeling of wellbeing have been shown to help reduce the frequency of seizures. The key is to find the exercise that feels right for you.

General Safety Considerations:
Before starting any new exercise programme, consult your doctor or specialist.
Avoid exercises that you know will trigger a seizure.
Always take your medication as prescribed by your specialist.
Stay well-hydrated and drink or snack on something with sugar in it.
Don’t continue exercising if you feel faint, lightheaded, nauseous or dehydrated.
Don’t overexert yourself – know your limits.
Make sure your coach and teammates are aware of your condition and know what to do if you have a seizure.
Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or pendant, so people can easily identify that you have epilepsy.
Always wear the protective gear that is required in your sport, such as a helmet, knee pads, etc.
Always wear a life jacket when involved in water sports.
Let family or friends know your walking, jogging or exercise route before you leave and how long you will be out.

Put a “buddy system” in place with someone who is responsible, aware of the epilepsy and is strong enough to carry out the necessary seizure first aid. The “buddy system” is used by adult scuba divers and is simply another precaution to ensure safety.

Adequate planning and precautions can allow persons with epilepsy to take part in a wide range of activities. So don’t limit yourself. Exercise and enjoy it, but remember to be sensible, consult your doctor and take the right precautions.

For more information contact EPILEPSY SOUTH AFRICA on (011) 816-2040, email pro.gp@epilepsy.org.za or visit www.epilepsy.org.za.

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Oral Health Month

As Oral Health Awareness Month draws to a close oral hygienist, Vicky Gowar discusses the benefits of using xylitol for healthy teeth.

Xylitol to the rescue

Eating sugar and foods containing sugar creates a highly acidic environment in the mouth, which causes tooth decay. Fortunately, if you, like me have a sweet tooth, there is a safe, alternative option now available.

Xylitol is a natural, safe sweetener that is found in fibrous vegetables, fruit, corncobs and some hardwood trees. Our bodies also produce up to 15g daily. Although xylitol looks and (almost) tastes like sugar, it actually prevents tooth decay. It is a dental professional’s dream.

Unlike other sweeteners or sugar, xylitol has a five carbon structure which bacteria can’t break down and convert to acid. It is actually alkaline forming, like saliva, which helps to restore the correct pH balance in the mouth. It also stimulates saliva flow.

The mouth contains more than 400 strains of bacteria, both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ kinds. Xylitol is antimicrobial (prevents bacteria growth) and promotes strengthening of tooth enamel.

Today, many dental products contain xylitol. It is recommended that you chew xylitol chewing gum after eating and drinking to prevent tooth decay. Xylitol sweets for children are also now available from your local health shop.

Research has been conducted on xylitol in more than 40 countries worldwide and I find the results astounding. Xylitol is not only tooth friendly but increases bone density, restores hormonal imbalances, stabilises blood sugar, lowers insulin levels, reduces blood pressure, lowers the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, hot flushes, PMS etc. It also heals and repairs within the body, building immunity, protecting against chronic degenerative diseases and reducing ENT (ear, nose and throat) infections. It is even thought to have anti-ageing benefits.

Xylitol is metabolised in the body without the use of insulin. It is low GI (+/- 7) and has 40 % fewer calories and 75% fewer carbs than sugar, and thus can assist with weight-loss and helps to reduce sugar and carbohydrate cravings. This makes it perfect for diabetics.

Also, xylitol doesn’t ‘rob’ the body of vital vitamins and minerals like sugar does. It has no known toxic levels, although if too much is consumed it can cause mild diarrhoea and cramping. It is, however, not recommended for pets. Do your teeth and body a favour – make an informed choice and change to xylitol today. Xylitol is available at many health shops and supermarkets around the country.

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Oral Health Month

Fluoride – the pros and cons

By oral hygienist Vicky Gowar

Tooth caries, better known as tooth decay, is the most common chronic disease known to humankind. Fluoride can be a useful weapon in the fight against caries, as dental studies have shown that by simply introducing the correct amount of fluoride into communal drinking water supplies can reduce tooth decay by 20- 70%.
But how does fluoride help prevent tooth decay? It strengthens the enamel and thus makes it more resistant to the acid produced by plaque bacteria.
Fluoride can either be ingested during the enamel formation in babies and children, or it can be absorbed onto the tooth’s surface if it is present in saliva.
All natural sources of water contain fluoride. It enters the water from minerals in rocks and soil. Each area has different levels of fluoride. The areas where there are high levels of fluoride in the water supply are mostly found in the North West, western and Karoo regions of the Cape, western and central Free State and the northern, eastern and western areas of Gauteng.
Excessive consumption of fluoride has a negative impact on the body, causing Fluorosis. Fluorosis can be mild or severe and occurs as white chalky-like lines or spots on the enamel or, in severe cases, pitted or brown discolouration.
The most critical period associated with Fluorosis is between birth and about seven years of age, and the most common source of ingested fluoride is toothpaste. Children love eating the toothpaste off their toothbrushes, not realising this can harm their teeth rather than help them. This is why children should only use a pea sized blob of toothpaste and be supervised at tooth-brushing time. Children’s toothpastes generally contain lower levels of fluoride than adult toothpaste for this reason. Fluoride mouthwash is discouraged for use by children under six years of age due to their swallowing reflex.
Because some regions of South Africa have fluoride levels that are too low, water fluoridation is one way to benefit the poor who can’t afford dental products that contain fluoride. Fluoridation involves adjusting the amount of fluoride in the public water supply to the optimum level to give the best protection against tooth decay; One part of fluoride in one million parts water. It is a cost-effective way to prevent dental caries in the broader community.
There have been claims that fluoride is poisonous, harms the organs, causes allergic reactions and is associated with cancer – but there is no scientific evidence to prove this. More than 60 major international health organisations, including the WHO (World Health Organisation) support water fluoridation as being beneficial and safe. And as an oral hygienist who sees the impact of tooth decay I believe fluoridation is the answer for South Africa.

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Guest blog: Oral Health Month

In the second installment of our oral heath month guest blog by oral hygienist, Vicky Gowar, we look at the difference between alcohol and alcohol-free mouthwashes.

Alcohol or alcohol-free? That is the question!
By oral hygienist Vicky Gowar
Many of us use mouthwash on a daily basis to freshen our breath but not many people realise that most mouthwash on the market contains more alcohol than beer or wine! Some contains up to 26% alcohol. It is added to mouthwash to act as a preservative and a carrier agent for the active ingredients. But when we use mouthwash we rinse for at least 30 seconds, far longer than a sip of alcohol stays in our mouth and this increases the exposure of the soft mouth tissue to alcohol.
When the mouth is dry it can worsen a bad breath problem. Saliva is nature’s way of flushing away bacteria from the mouth. When alcohol dries out the mouth it reduces saliva flow allowing the bacteria to multiply.
It is the alcohol present in many mouthwashes that give them that burning or stinging sensation. Some people think this means the mouthwash is doing its job, but in reality it is actually a destructive process affecting good, as well as bad bacteria, upsetting the delicate balance in the mouth.
Alcohol has also shown to have a negative impact on dental resin materials by shrinking them. And a combination of nicotine (smoking) and alcohol further increases the risk. Unfortunately it is often smokers and heavy drinkers who use mouthwash to freshen their breath.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes – like GUM Paroex and Dentyl pH – have been clinically proven to work as effectively or more effectively as those containing alcohol. GUM Paroex is a chlorhexidine based mouthwash, used post-surgery, for inflammation and other oral health problems. Because all chlorhexidine mouthwashes leave brown stains on the teeth if used long term they are recommended for short term use only. Dentyl pH is a two-tone oil-based mouthwash recommended for everyday use. It has the same pH as saliva and contains fluoride.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes won’t burn or dry out the mouth, are soothing and gentle. As alcohol can be absorbed by the oral lining (mucosa) of the mouth alcohol-free products are particularly suitable for recovering alcoholics, children, pregnant women etc.
Do not forget, even though mouthwash can assist with bad breath, a proper oral hygiene routine, with correct brushing and flossing on a daily basis is far more important. Don’t neglect the basics just because you are using mouthwash.

Tip: use mouthwash and toothpaste separately as they neutralise each other. The interval should be at least 30 minutes.

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Guest blog: Oral Health Month

September is national Oral Health Month and the perfect time to brush up on your dental routine. Fitness magazine has invited oral hygienist, Vicky Gowar to contribute a regular blog post to the Fitness website throughout September, so check back here every Monday for a new update.

Prevention is better than cure
By oral hygienist Vicky Gowar
Brushing only removes about 50% of the plaque in your mouth. Flossing removes plaque below the gum line and in-between the teeth by roughly 20%. Rinsing with mouthwash is an added advantage but can never replace flossing or brushing.
It is also vital to go to a oral hygienist twice a year for a thorough clean, polish and a fluoride treatment, and to the dentist for a check up at least once a year. These are the basic steps to achieve and maintain a healthy mouth. After all, there’s no point in working hard in the gym to have a gorgeous body if you have decaying teeth and bad breath!
Here are a few key steps to improve your oral care:
Brushing: It’s important to brush correctly. Brush at a 45 degree angle in a circular motion along the gum line so the bristles can reach under the gum line. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day with a soft, small toothbrush. Sonic toothbrushes are even better – doing all the work correctly for you while you simply hold them along the gum line. Be sure to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Don’t forget to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper as a lot of debris and plaque accumulate there.
Flossing: A daily floss is essential. Use a gentle sawing motion from side to side to get in-between the teeth. Don’t snap the floss down and cut the gums. Curve the floss around the tooth and move it up and down going gently under the gum line. If flossing with your fingers is a mission don’t give up. There are lots of products on the market that can make your life easier, such as Soft-Picks, floss brushes etc.
Poor oral hygiene doesn’t only damage your teeth and gums but it is also detrimental to your overall long-term health. Oral bacteria can enter the blood stream (via bleeding gums) and can travel around the body. This can lead to an increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, aggravation of diabetes and premature labour.
Many people only go to the dentist when they have a problem. Then the treatment often ends up costing them more than if they had gone for their routine check up and cleaning at least once a year. Prevention is definitely better than cure!

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