Dr Claudia Gray

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Dr Claudia Gray

Realistic paediatric and parenting information which has been researched and experienced

02/04/2025

Wow! This lightbulb has been burning in a fire station in San Francisco for 124 years and is still going strong!

The reasons for its longevity?
1. Low wattage
2. An extremely strong filament

We can take a lesson from this- if we want to keep our lights burning, keep contributing, keep giving, keep shining, we need to:

1. Become resilient, practice self care, look after our health with sufficient rest, exercise, healthy foods and emotionally nurturing connections ... to strengthen our "filaments."

2. Burn at a lower wattage- if we try to shine too brightly, please everyone, strive too hard, work excessively, then we will simply burn out!

I've been there. Life is about pacing, not racing. It's about honouring your seasons.

burning brightly
# slow, steady, strong

19/02/2025

Unpacking Protein Powders...

#"Real food" protein sources are first prize, as they are packed with other nutrients.
if we are super busy/ battling to get sufficient protein/on a plant-based diet, protein powders can can be super useful
# Aim for 20-40 g of protein daily from your protein powder. Make up the rest of your requirement with whole foods.
sure your protein powder contains all 9 essential amino acids ("complete" protein), including branched chain amino acids like leucine.
# whey protein (cow's milk based) and soya based protein (plant based) are both compete.
out for an excess of other ingredients eg sweeteners, sugar, thickeners, flavourants... generally, the fewer ingredients,, the better.
# there is concern over excess heavy metals (especially lead) in some unregulated brands of protein powder- ideally get one from a reputable source which has been tested by a third party.
# make sure your protein powder specified that no ingredients are disallowed for professional sport people.

08/02/2025

In Brussels 2025 for this European Forum meeting.. what an honour to be sitting with the "best brains" in allergy from all ends of the globe, discussing the unmet needs in allergy care and education. Take home messages:
- respiratory allergic diseases are inflammatory diseases- treatment with anti-inflammatory action is essential!
-"prophylactic" treatment in advance of allergen exposure is always more effective than "rescue" treatment
- Medicine will increasingly become more "personalised" as we understand genetics and molecules better- one size does not fit all
- We need better access to certain "Personalised" treatments- currently very expensive and not routinely covered by medical insurance
- Prevention, prevention, prevention: we need to find more strategies to prevent allergies or prevent the progression of allergies: and institute such measures at an early age!!
- Such measures are being investigated! However, we know that these things can help :
good skin care,
avoiding harsh products,
prompt treatment of childhood eczema,
diverse diet,
earlier introduction of allergens (unless already very worried about allergies- then see a specialist first)
Creating a healthy microbiome (breastfeeding, fewer antibiotics, fewer anti acids, healthy outside exposure, "whole" foods, minimising highly processed foods)

The modern lifestyle of:
- harsh skin produces and over cleaning
- sedentary indoor lifestyle
- eating too many processed foods
- sugar-rich diet
Is NOT doing our immune systems any favours!!

09/01/2025

Yesterday, I witnessed a potentially tragic accident between a delivery driver on a motorbike and a car driven by a young man, probably not much older than my recent matriculant. As we drove past, the biker appeared lifeless on the road, his bike shattered, several people gathered around. "That doesn't look good," I said to my daughter- who was in the car with me heading for the gym. "But there are loads of people there to help." " Mom!" she pleaded, "go and help- you may save a life!"
I couldn't argue against that! I hopped out of the car, ran to the scene, introduced myself as a doctor, was welcomed so gratefully, and took charge. A cursory examination showed him to be- miraculously- ok, with mostly minor grazes. Together with willing volunteers who ran to get towels and blankets, we logrolled him off the road to a safe area, gathered his belongings, called an ambulance, called his brother. It was a young foreign delivery driver- imagine how petrified he must have been. But wow- what a proudly South African display of love, helpfulness, team work, concern. Within minutes several other delivery drivers had gathered to ensure their "brother" was Ok. The father of the young man driving the car in the accident arrived, and calmly put his arm around his son, no shouting, no blaming. Just love. A potentially tragic moment turned into a display of Ubuntu. I am so glad my daughter encouraged me to help. I am so proud of each and every good person who stopped to help during a busy rush hour. I am so grateful that the father of the young man involved in the crash was so gentle. At times such as these I am reminded about how Proudly South African I truly am.

25/08/2024

Hi all! My account has been cloned, and in addition I'm receiving some really misinformed comments in response to scientifically researched posts- so sadly I am going to stop posting to FB and concentrate on my Instagram account to spread REAL, sincere, researched and experienced info on paediatrics, allergies and parenting.

IF you are interested in real information- please follow my Instagram Page:

dr_claudia_gray

Thanks all!

03/07/2024

Congratulations to this special patient of ours, Anja Theunissen, who has won the "Panado Lion" colouring in competition which we ran from March-April. This is so well deserved - in her short 7 years, Anja has battled many, many allergies and medical setbacks, but she remains resilient and positive. What a great example you are to us all, Anja! ❤️

17/05/2024

With flu season here, it's essential to stay updated on the viruses making the rounds.

These are the 3 most common viruses I've seen doing the rounds.

16/05/2024

Bringing you part three of the microbiome. Let's chat about the gut - the microbial hot seat.

07/05/2024

Reminders of how to optimise the skin microbiome for your little one.

03/05/2024

Here is Part 2 of The Microbiome Series:

The miraculous microbiome and the skin!

30/04/2024

Part 3 of the series on antihistamines on the Expresso Morning Show - SABC 3 with Sanofi

Choosing medicines in children (and adults!)- safety comes first!

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