Dr Marelie Steenekamp Paediatrician

02/04/2026

01/04/2026

When children play, they are not just having fun. Every imaginative activity, game of tag, or fort they build actually boosts their brains in ways that schoolwork alone cannot. Science shows that play fires up the brain’s high-efficiency mode, sending out dopamine and endorphins that help kids feel happier and learn faster. In fact, play can help the brain grow new connections up to 20 times faster than traditional memorization.

If you notice your child building, running, or pretending, know that they are building powerful thinking and problem-solving skills at the same time as their confidence. Countries like Finland let kids play until age seven, and these kids go on to outscore others in reading, math, and science. MIT studies suggest children in playful programs see a 40 percent jump in skills like focus and memory—simply by having more fun with their learning.

Instead of pushing more drills or screen time, give your child the gift of unstructured play. Let them choose their games, create with their hands, or run outside. You might be surprised: The best boost you can give your child’s future is letting them discover joy through play."

01/04/2026

While you get most of your vitamin D from sunlight, you can also get it from food. Top sources include: https://wb.md/4bW9SoE

01/04/2026

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month 💛🌈

At Autism South Africa, we celebrate the diversity of minds and the value that different ways of thinking bring to our communities. There is no single “right” way for a brain to work — and when people are supported, included, and accepted, everyone benefits.

A more understanding world is one where autistic people are not only recognised, but truly belong.

Let’s move beyond awareness to acceptance, inclusion, and support.

🔗 Download out World Autism Acceptance Day booklet 2026 here:https://www.aut2know.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WAAD2026Booklet-2.pdf

01/04/2026

As we approach the Easter travel period, travellers moving from non-endemic to malaria-endemic areas should take personal protection measures seriously to reduce the risk of Malaria.

30/03/2026

and in children and young people is often overlooked or missed.

If you’re a parent, a caregiver or a teacher, familiarize yourself with the symptoms and know what to look out for.

19/03/2026

🚨Today, we are looking at healthcare challenges that may affect your little one and how to prevent them.

🤒Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children. It's a form of acute respiratory infection, that is, an illness affecting the lungs that is caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi so it is easily passed from someone who is sick to another.

💪While most healthy children can fight the infection with their natural defences, children whose immune systems are weaker are at higher risk of developing pneumonia.

🔴A child's immune system may be weakened by malnutrition, especially in infants who are not exclusively breastfed or children who have difficulty with feeding.

🔴Illnesses, such as symptomatic HIV infections and measles also increase a child's risk of getting pneumonia.

There are things in the home that can put a child at risk for getting pneumonia:

⚠️ Indoor air pollution like smoke or fumes from cooking and heating using wood, dung or paraffin.

⚠️ Exposing children to secondary smoke from ci******es and vapes.

The good news is that pneumonia can be prevented - here's how:

✔️Getting your child immunised from pneumococcus and measles is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia.

✔️Exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, if that is possible for you and your baby. Breastfeeding helps to reduce the length of the illness if a child does become ill.

✔️Using clean fuel like solar power or gas to cook, especially in homes where electricity is not easily available or stable.

Children can be protected from pneumonia, and it can be prevented with simple interventions. Let us all play a part in ensuring we protect our little ones from preventable diseases.

16/03/2026

Omega 3: Studies Show Increase in Child's Omega 3 Intake Improves Attention, Focus and Behavior in the classroom. Omega 3's can help learning challenges.

16/03/2026

Behavior may be a child's loudest voice - we just have to be ready to listen...

from Autism Research and Community Network

16/03/2026

Download our free guide to depression in children and teenagers. Kids with depression regularly feel very sad and hopeless. They may also seem listless or easily annoyed.