Hermanus Family Practice

10/10/2025

Early morning sunshine to prevent jaundice🍊

(Yessss, isn’t he lovely🥹🤩)

But,

Did you know? Gentle morning sunlight is one of the simplest ways to help prevent jaundice in newborns! ☀️

👶 Why it works:
Newborn jaundice is caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. Sunlight helps break it down naturally, supporting your baby’s liver.

⏰ Tips for safe sun exposure:
• Aim for 5–10 minutes of indirect sunlight before 10 AM.
• Expose arms and legs while keeping your baby’s face protected.
• Never leave your baby unattended in direct sun — their skin is delicate, in fact mama, sit with them, it will do wonders for the mood, and how have we been spoiled with beautiful days!

As so many of our patients/followers have asked, this is indeed our latest long awaited practice baby who made his arrival 5 October. Mom and baby both doing excellent and soaking in every minute (also soaking in various bodily fluids but that is part of the deal and luckily transient😆

South African summer seems to finally lurk closer and while we recognise the dangers, it sure has its perks🤩

01/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀
This month, we honour strength, resilience, and the importance of early detection. 💗

Your health is your most important routine and regular check-ups, self-exams, and listening to your body can make all the difference.

At Hermanus Family Practice, we believe in empowering women to care for themselves inside and out. Take a moment this month to prioritise YOU, your health and your wellbeing.

💌 Remember: Early detection saves lives. Share this message with the women you love.

30/09/2025

✨ Pregnancy isn’t just about a growing bump — it’s a full-body transformation. ✨

Every system in your body makes incredible adjustments to nurture and protect your baby. 💛

Here’s how:

❤️ Heart & Circulation → Your blood volume increases by nearly half! This boosts oxygen delivery to your baby, while your heart works harder (hello, faster pulse). Blood pressure often dips a little mid-pregnancy.

🌬️ Breathing → Your oxygen needs rise, your breathing rate may increase, and with your growing uterus lifting your diaphragm, you may feel short of breath.

💧 Kidneys & Bladder → Your kidneys filter more blood (GFR ↑ by ~50%) and the extra pressure means… more bathroom trips.

🔥 Digestion → Hormones slow down gut movement. Great for absorbing nutrients, not so great for heartburn, constipation, and nausea.

🦴 Bones & Joints → The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments to prepare for birth. This, plus posture changes, often brings backaches.

🌸 Skin & Hormones → From that “pregnancy glow” to pigmentation changes (linea nigra, melasma) and stretch marks, your skin tells its own story. Hormones also influence mood and energy.

🤍 Every change has a purpose: to create the safest possible environment for your little one to grow.

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💬 Did you notice any of these changes in your pregnancy? Which surprised you the most?

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23/09/2025

En dis gewoonlik in die kar so duskant 5pm, as ‘n mens se oë net wil-wil skeeftrek en hulle dring OOK aan om iets baie ouditief stimulerend op die radio te luister TERWYL hulle dié storie vertel.

Wat sal ons gee vir so ‘n onuitputbare energiebron en kapasiteit?

Bietjie pret in Afrikaans vandag, baie dankie vir die lag!

18/09/2025

A recent meta-analysis of nearly 50 studies, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, found that gestational diabetes is linked to a higher risk of autism and ADHD in children. The study, which analyzed over nine million pregnancies, showed that children exposed to gestational diabetes in the womb had a 36% increased likelihood of ADHD and a 56% greater risk of autism spectrum disorder. They also had lower IQ scores, with a nearly four-point average decrease. The exact mechanisms are still being studied, but researchers suggest that factors like chronic inflammation and high insulin levels during pregnancy may disrupt the developing brain.

18/09/2025

We are featured in this week’s Hermanus Scoop, the newest online paper that has the town buzzing! Subscribe for free to receive weekly updates about local businesses, properties, events and what the town has to offer.

This week’s we shine the spotlight on Hermanus Family Practice, a space built on heart and collaboration - where families find support that goes beyond medicine. And with the Fernkloof Flower Show just around the corner, we look ahead to the colours and blooms that will soon brighten our town.

10/09/2025

September is Heart Awareness Month ❤️ Your heart health matters more than you think.

When it comes to heart health, four numbers can tell you more than you think:
✔️ Blood pressure
✔️ Cholesterol
✔️ Blood sugar
✔️ Body Mass Index (BMI)

These simple checks can give an early warning of heart disease, often before any symptoms appear. The earlier risks are detected, the sooner you can take steps to protect your health.

The best part? Small lifestyle changes, combined with regular check-ups, can lower your risk dramatically. Eating well, staying active, managing stress, and knowing your numbers all add up to a healthier, stronger heart.

📍 Book your screening at Hermanus Family Practice this Heart Awareness Month, because prevention is always better than cure.

29/08/2025

The Foundation of Whole-Body Wellness.

At Hermanus Family Practice, we believe that true health is built on three essential pillars: nutrition, movement, and rest.

🥑 Nourish your body with whole, balanced foods.
🩰Move daily, not for punishment, but for strength and vitality.
☁️ Rest deeply, your body heals and regenerates when you do.

Small, sustainable habits in these areas can have a profound impact on your long-term wellbeing.

02/07/2025

Stay healthy this winter, the natural way.

As the cold sets in, your immune system needs a little extra support. A balanced diet, quality sleep, and the right supplements can go a long way in helping you and your family stay healthy and energised through the season.
Eat the rainbow – Load your plate with colourful fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants.

🌿 Supplement wisely – Vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics can all give your immune system a natural lift.

😴 Prioritise rest – Your body heals and regenerates while you sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night.

Small habits, big difference.

15/06/2025

To the ones who show up, hold space, and lead with love.💙
Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandfathers, father-figures, and guardians of our community.

12/06/2025

18/05/2025

Why can little children just not have a normal cold without it resulting in an ear infection or even a draining ear if there are grommets in?
The answer to this question is partly answered by this image- note how short and horizontal that eustachian tube is (hellooooo backflow and blockage after a snotty nose!)

Children develop more ear infections than adults primarily due to differences in ear anatomy and immune system maturity. Here’s a breakdown of the key anatomical and physiological reasons:

1. Eustachian Tube Anatomy
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps drain fluid and equalize air pressure.

In children:
Shorter: The tube is shorter, more horizontal and narrower, so this impedes draining.

2. Immature Immune System
Children have an underdeveloped immune system, meaning viruses and bacteria can more easily cause respiratory infections that spread to the ear.

Children are more prone to colds and other upper respiratory infections due to exposure (e.g., daycare) and immature immune defenses.

3. Adenoids
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located near the opening of the Eustachian tube.
In children the adenoids are larger relative to the size of the head, which can block the Eustachian tube or harbor infection.

Summary
Children develop more ear infections because:

Their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal, making drainage poor.
Their immune systems are immature.
Their adenoids are large and can obstruct drainage.
They experience more respiratory infections.

All of these factors make it easier for pathogens to reach and remain in the middle ear, leading to infection.