Now that everyone is working and studying from home, I’m receiving a lot of enquiries on how to help kids and teenagers (and their parents) stay focused. Much of what I have learnt on this topic (beyond the research) I have learnt from my 18-year-old son Manu, who, during his HSC year, put many popular ‘study hacks’ to the test!

The basics of a healthy diet, restful and enough sleep, as well as exercise, are a must. You cannot supplement yourself out of a poor diet; cannot take enough “uppers” to overcome lack of sleep, and you simply cannot get enough blood pumping through your brain without moving your body…

Antibiotics are Too Commonly Prescribed

Ear infections are the most common reason for antibiotic prescriptions for children. The highest incidence is between 6 and 24 months of age, while the immune system and gut flora are maturing, a process antibiotics can negatively affect. In an era of increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, over-prescription, and uncertainty about how much longer antibiotics will be effective in fighting infections, we need to turn our focus to prevention…