DEPRESSED MOM, DEPRESSED KID

Babies as young as six weeks can sense when their mom is anxious and depressed and auto matically match their mood to their mom’s. A new study by Oxford University psychiatric researchers reveals a mother’s negative state of mind can make her child depressed.

It shows that even at six weeks babies are aware of the way their parents communicate with them and by nine months they can interpret facial expressions. Babies then adapt their mood to their parent’s. It’s important that women with post-natal depression get psychological help before the problem harms both them and their babies.

FREEZE OVA NOW FOR BABIES LATER

New research has made it possible for young South African women to successfully freeze their eggs (ova) for later use. Women whose ovaries may have to be removed or could be damaged by cancer can now freeze egg cells before the procedures so they can still become pregnant at a later stage, says Stellenbosch University fertility specialist Professor Thinus Kruger.

The new technology also means women who reach 30 without finding their knights in shining armour can freeze their ova so they can have babies later in life. The technology to freeze sperm and embryos has been around for some time, and now ova can also be frozen and preserved for an unlimited period.

The eggs are frozen within an hour of being harvested.

Details: The procedure costs between R10 000 and R15 000. Contact Stellenbosch University’s fertility unit at 021-531-6999 for more information.

WRINKLE-FREE WITH STEM CELL TREATMENT

A new rejuvenation treatment that lasts longer than Botox, isn’t as drastic as laser treatment and can be performed in a doctor’s surgery has been developed by Cape Town cell biologist Professor Don du Toit.

It’s called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) mesotherapy and can be injected anywhere in the face, neck or body. The new technique, which involves injecting growth factors obtained from the patient’s own blood into wrinkles, is already being used in medical centres worldwide.

The injected growth factors stimulate stem and fi broblast cells in the skin. The new skin growth is baby-smooth, supple and strong and wrinkles disappear within three weeks. Professor du Toit says PRP is safe, lasts about eight months and is backed up by research.

The treatment is especially suitable for people aged between 40 and 55 and costs about R5 000. The patient can be back at work the next day.

SA GETS TWO NEW VACCINES AGAINST THE NO 1 CANCER IN WOMEN

Two vaccines against cervical cancer, the cancer that claims most female lives in South Africa, have been approved by the Medicines Control Council.

Gardasil, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur MSD, is effective against the four most important strains of the human papilloma virus that cause venereal warts and 80 per cent of cervical cancer. It can be bought over the counter at pharmacies.

The second vaccine, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is effective against two of the four most important virus strains and is available on prescription.

DUMMY HELPS FIGHT COT DEATH

Babies who suck dummies at night are 61 per cent less likely to die of cot death than those who don’t, according to a British study. The same goes for babies who suck their thumbs as opposed to those who don’t.

Cot death is the main cause of death in babies aged between one and 12 months. Its exact cause is unknown but it’s thought taking steps to prevent choking, suffocating and overheating can diminish the risks. Follow this advice:

• Put baby to bed on her back, not her side.


• Don’t smoke during pregnancy, at home or in the car near her. Don’t allow others to smoke around your baby.


• Ensure baby doesn’t get too hot or too cold.


• Don’t leave soft toys, pillows or blankets in the cot while she is asleep.