A Sportron International mother was recently prohibited by a paediatrician from giving her asthmatic 16 month old son Respitron Syrup and duly slapped him on a steroid. Why? Because of the Vitamin A content!

Looking at the facts and figures Sportron have shared the following; 'The percentage of children aged 1 – 9 years with a low serum retinol level (<20ug/dL), meaning that these children have marginal or inadequate levels of vitamin A. Children suffer from severe vitamin A deficiency if their serum retinol levels are significantly low (<10ug/dL).

Vitamin A is needed for a range of bodily functions and for protection from severe infections and resultant death. Deficiency usually occurs where diets contain insufficient amounts of vitamin A. Children with vitamin A deficiency have increased risk of infection and are more prone to diseases. Improvement of vitamin A status is considered one of the most cost-effective health and nutrition interventions for child survival.1

The 2005 National Food Consumption Survey found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of children aged 1 – 9 years had a marginal or inadequate vitamin A status, and about one in seven children (14%) were severely vitamin A deficient. Children living in "tribal" areas were most affected – 17% were severely vitamin A deficient. KwaZulu-Natal had the highest proportion (89%) of children with an inadequate vitamin A status, with nearly half of the 1 to 9 year population severely deficient. Similarly, large proportions of children in the Limpopo (76%), Gauteng (65%) and Eastern Cape (64%) provinces had inadequate vitamin A status.

A marked increase in the prevalence of inadequate vitamin A status in children aged 1 – 5 years is evident: The national rate has nearly doubled between 1994 (33%) and 2005 (65%). Children aged 3 – 5 years are most affected. The NFCS reports that, according to internationally accepted criteria, these high rates indicate that vitamin A deficiency is a serious public health problem in South Africa.'

The information above was written by Lizette Berry & Katharine Hall (CI) & Michael Hendricks (Child Health Unit, UCT) in July 2010 and taken from Deficiency of Vitamin A in South African children.

RESPITRON SYRUP
Babies up to three years: 2 - 3 mills once or twice a day
Children up to 12 years: 5 - 10 mills daily with meals
Adults: 10 mills daily with meals or as directed

Asthma, hay-fever, nasal congestion and sneezing are symptoms of the most common form of allergies in South Africa. In addition to allergies, a person's respiratory mechanisms may be compromised due to other conditions such as lung infection, bronchitis or lung disease. Respitron Syrup contains a number of micronutrients to maximise the body's respiratory defence mechanisms.

What does this product contain?
Vitamin A builds resistance to respiratory infections
Vitamin D aids in preventing colds (if taken with Vit. A and C)
Vitamin E vasodilator and anticoagulant
Vitamin C aids in prevention of viral and bacterial infections
Vitamin B1 aids in the treatment of fever sores
Vitamin B2 helps eliminate sore mouth and tongue
Vitamin B6 fights infections by building antibodies
Pantothenic Acid one of the B vitamins. Fights infections by building antibodies
Bromelian a natural anti-inflammatory agent
Histadine stimulates tissue repair after infections, allergies and damage from smoking
Tyrosine reduces the physical and psychological impact of stress and hence the allergic reaction and the chance of infections
Chickweed has healing properties
Licorice root an expectorant and in alleviating ailments such as bronchitis, sore throat and coughs
Echinacea builds up immune system
Quercetin has, inter alia, anti-viral effects and an anti-inflammatory
Garlic an immune system stimulant and a natural antimicrobial
Hydrastis excellent for catarrh whether in the throat, nose or bronchial passages
MSM fortifies the body's natural barriers against allergens like pollen and food. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent which is helpful in an asthmatic person
Drosera - Honey

RESPITRON SYRUP is a specially formulated liquid nutritional supplement designed to support the nutritional status of the respiratory system. The human body's defence mechanisms are continually compromised by inappropriate food choices, pollution and medication. This has made it essential to nutritionally boost the respiratory system. RESPITRON SYRUP contains;

• no salt, yeast, wheat, soya, artificial colours or flavours
• builds up the respiratory system
• improves and heals allergies
• sinus, hay-fever, asthma, bronchitis (wonderful results)
• emphysema
• wonderful for chesty babies, simply add to bottle of formula.

Sportron have responded with the following, 'The conversion units for Vitamin A can be very confusing. In order to answer your question about the safety of the Vitamin A level in Respitron Syrup for a child of 16 months, I have to take you through some unit conversion calculations. This way, I am able to compare the amount of Vitamin A in Respitron Syrup with the amount recommended by the National Academies of Sciences for the age group 1-3 years.

1. 10ml Respitron Syrup contains:
Vitamin A: 750 µg RE
Betacarotene: 1500 iu
Note: Both these ingredients contribute to the total amount of Vitamin A in the product.
10ml is the recommended adult dose.

2. To convert 1500 iu (international units) Betacarotene into micrograms (µg) of Betacarotene, the following conversion factors are used:
1 iu Vitamin A = 3.3 µg Betacarotene
6 µg Betacarotene = 3.33 iu
Therefore, 1500 iu is divided by 3.33 iu (=450) and multiplied by 6 µg = 2700 µg Betacarotene in 10ml of Respitron Syrup.

3. Now, this 2700 µg Betacarotene has to be converted in Retinol Equivalent Activity (RE). The following conversion factor is used:
1 RE = 12µg Betacarotene.
Therefore, 2700 µg Beta-carotene divided by 12 = 225 µg RE of Vitamin A is coming from Beta-carotene in every 10ml dose of Respitron Syrup.

4. So, the total amount of µg RE of Vitamin A in 10ml Respitron Syrup is:
750 µg RE plus 225 µg RE = 975 µg RE.

5. The recommended doses for Respitron Syrup for the various age groups are as follows:
Infants 1-2ml per day
1-3years 2.5ml once or twice a day
3-6years 5ml once or twice a day
6-12 years 5ml twice a day
Adults 5ml twice a day

6. The recommended dose for a 16 month child is 2.5ml once a day. Therefore the amount of Vitamin A per dose is 975 µg RE (in 10ml) divided 4 = 244 µg RE.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) set by The National Academies of Sciences for the age group 1-3 years is 300 µg RE.

The Academy has also set a Tolerable Upper Safe Level (UL) of 600 µg RE Vitamin A for this age group.

Based on this information, is clear that the amount of Vitamin A in Respitron Syrup, when used at the recommended dose for a 16 month child, is within scientifically recommended safety limits.'

Marian van der Westhuizen is our local Sportron representative.

Martin de Scally started Hilton Veterinary Hospital in 2010. He has been practising as a veterinarian for over 21 Years. Martin specialised in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine at Onderstepoort. He receives many referrals from other vets in the area and from other parts of the country. Martin is also involved in continuing education locally, nationally and internationally. He has presented at South African Veterinary Congresses and World Veterinary Congresses. Martin is currently the chairman of the South African Veterinary Association KZN branch, he is a member of the Rabies action group in KZN and 2012 he was elected on to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association committee.

Martin is married to Lauren and they have 2 sons. Nicholas is 11 years old and Christopher is 9 years old. They both enjoy playing soccer, running, cycling, swimming, playing the piano and singing. They have 2 dogs, Jane and Josie.

Martin enjoys seeing difficult cases and is passionate about doing ultrasounds.

In his spare time Martin enjoys running, cycling, playing soccer, playing the guitar, singing with his sons and being a Dad.

Click here to read more about Hilton Veterinary Hospital.

TO celebrate its refurbishment and an exciting new, cosmopolitan menu, Mirror, Reflections of Little Poland, formerly Little Poland restaurant, held a cocktail party recently.

Mira Staszowski, proprietor of the new-look Mirror restaurant and bistro told representatives of the local business community and long-time patrons that the renovation coincided with the eatery's 12th year serving the midlands community. In addition to old favourites like porcini mushrooms and Eisbein, Staszowski has added a selection of modern "fusion" cuisine. A qualified graphic designer, Staszowski created the new interior look herself, going for neutral colours of beige, chocolate and baby blue to give the outlet a "fresh, brighter look, but without losing the cosy ambience for which we are known," Staszowski explained.

Photagraphed at the opening, above from left is Glynis proprietor of Mundees of Hilton with Juanita and Jane from local travel agency, Hilton Travel.

Pictured below, at the recent launch of Mirror, Reflections of Little Poland, formerly Little Poland restaurant (from left to right) are: KZN Finance MEC Ina Cronjé, Mira Staszowski, proprietor of Mirror restaurant and bistro, and Pierre Cronjé.

Story and photographs by Julia Denny-Dimitriou.

Applause is appropriate for local specialist educationalist Jenni Underwood, her school Brain Train has taken a big stride in launching a new brand Capulum College, now in their expanded new premises in prize position on the corner of Quarry Road and Hilton Avenue. This school has grown from 18 to 42 learners and adds a colourful dimension to Hilton's main street, with a vibrant new badge and the joyful sounds of children enjoying their education in a somewhat less conservative environment.

Capulum College offers children the opportunity to receive a multi-sensory, specialised education that caters to their individual needs.

The classes are small which allows each child to learn in their own way and at their own pace in order to allow for a greater understanding.

The Capulum College vision is to, "Open the doors of learning for all children who find the learning process difficult."

Capulum College's mission statement as held by all the staff members includes:
• Striving to reach each child at their individual level of learning
• To teach children through their strengths and individual learning styles
• To provide a fun learning environment
• To provide our students with the highest quality of service and to provide it with integrity
• To assist each child in achieving their own goals
• To assist each child in regaining their self-esteem on a personal and academic level
• To work holistically with other therapists and therapies
• To strive to work in cooperation and beside other schools
• To always work in cooperation with those who feel they are in competition to us

'Would YOU risk influencing your child's potential because of your reservations concerning remedial intervention?', asks Jenni.

Click here to find out more about Capulum College.

Dee Davis is has stepped into the gap left by Linda Hill at Cowan House. Many will know of Linda's choice to follow her dream in joining Julie Hay at Singakwenza Non-Profit, Public Benefit Organisation providing primary health care and early childhood education primarily to the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We wish Linda well.

Cowan House's intuitive new marketing manager says: 'Linda and Julie share a real passion for the work they do. They make a formidable team.'

The St Peter's Schools in Johannesburg were blessed with Dee's attention for 12 years and now it is Cowan House's turn. Dee describes herself as a storyteller and a natural connector of people with integrity. Change is something Dee embraces, believing it to bring abundant opportunities.

During her interview process Dee was captivated by the magic of Cowan House. The friendly welcome she has received in these first few days has proven that her first impression will endure. Dee is the third newcomer to Hilton who has, in the last little while, told me that Hilton is a friendly and welcoming village. So, accolades to all who have crossed Dee's path. Your warmth has made an impact on this lady, who is looking forward to exploring Hilton's depth and breadth!

Do you have a Company or Close Corporation? Is it still registered or has it been deregistered? Thousands of Companies and Close Corporations will be automatically deregistered at the end of March 2013.

If your company or close corporation has been deregistered this has fairly disastrous consequences for you if your home or the building from which you work is an asset in that legal entity. It now belongs to the State!

There is an obligation on Companies and Close Corporations to render annual returns to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Failure to do so may render that legal entity subject to deregistration with the consequences outlined above. It could mean that:

• You lose the property which you call your home
• You lose the property from which you conduct your business
• Contracts entered into by your company may be null and void. You would not be able to enforce contracts as the company would have no legal status.

If you want to check whether your company or close corporation is still "in business" then follow this link and enter the legal entities name in the block at the bottom of the left hand column of the page http://www.cipro.gov.za/2/home/

All is not lost as the new Companies Act (section 82(4) read with Schedule 3, Part 8) provides that application can be made to reinstate the registration of both a company and close corporation if it was deregistered as a result of non-filing of annual returns. Such a reinstatement will have the effect of reviving the company or close corporation's rights and obligations.

However, when such an entity is the owner of immovable property, additional requirements are laid down: the written consent of both the Departments of Treasury and Public Works are to be obtained prior to lodging the application.

Since the process of transfer of any property owned or purchased by such entities are effectively stayed until such entity is reregistered, significant delays are to be expected when a deregistered entity is involved.

You would therefore be well advised to verify the status of your Company or Close Corporation with CIPC, as well as that of any entity you intend to transact with prior to entering into a contract for the sale of immovable property.

Thank you Mike Forsyth of MGF Attorneys in Hilton for sharing this important alert.

On Monday, 14 January, Hilton College welcomed 120 new boys and their families to the school. It is always an exciting day as well as one filled with a little nervousness. The 120 New boys come from 41 different schools and 4 different countries. Boys have come from various countries in Africa and Dubai. Many Grandparents came a long way to wish their grandsons well at the start of their high school career. One granddad came all the way from Scotland!

We have no doubt that these youngest Hiltonians will make their mark on their new school.

Pictured on the left are Larry, Lawrence and Funmi Umunna.

Judy Bell of the Winterskloof Conservancy has shared that a Directive from the Planning and Development Act (PDA) Appeals Tribunal that has been set up for the Hilton-Mondi development.

Judy says, 'This is for the rezoning of Mondi land to offices, office parks, regional shopping centre (the size of the original Liberty Mall) and gated housing complex. It will involve the felling of the Mondi Plantations, construction of more offices and removal of our open spaces, destroying our current peri-urban sense of place. We should have a say in how WE want our village to develop, not have it imposed by outsiders who do not have our interests at heart. Apparently this will generate lots of jobs, but it is more likely to develop lots of debt and change the face of Hilton forever.'

Important dates:
1. On Tuesday the 15th January 2013 at 10h00 parties will assemble at the Hilton Hotel car park prior to the site inspection to finalise the route. The municipality will lead the inspection pointing out relevant locations and which shall include relevant locations requested by other parties to the appeal.

2. The appeals shall be heard over a period of 2 days. The hearing dates are 31 JANUARY 2013 and 1 FEBRUARY 2013 at 9h00 in PIETERMARITZBURG. The Office of the Registrar shall inform the parties at least 14 days prior to the hearing date of the venue for the hearing.

For more information contact Judy on 033 343 4752.

The storm whose effect we are still feeling in Hilton also ripped out a beloved old oak tree on the St Anne's Diocesan College grounds last Sunday, the tree fell across a road.

Despite all the damage Hilton's community spirit has been bouyed by emapthy, support and humour shared. Hot showers have even been offered by local Bed and Breakfasts who have space, their only requisite being that you call first so they can switch their geysers on.

Images supplied by St Anne's Diocesan College.

If you are looking for a new food shopping experience you won't have long to wait or far to go. "The Village Grocer", due to open tomorrow, will be everything you ever wanted in a food store.

Quality products at very competitive prices, innovative and tasteful decor and old-fashioned service and smiles, will make your food shopping a unique and happy experience.

All your needs will be provided for: the freshest fruit and vegetables, a full range of dairy products, a deli offering a variety of scrumptious meals and a bakery and a butchery second to none. Fully-packed shelves will offer a wide range of grocery products at very competitive prices. This, together with the well-stocked bottle store adjoining the food shop, will mean that customers will be able to do all their food shopping under one roof.

The owners have had 15 years in food retail and are Hilton born and bred. Store manager Grant Seaward says "Our emphasis at 'The Village Grocer' will be on family values, old corner-store service and value for money."
All of this in the heart of tranquil Hilton Village who could ask for more?

Pictured here from left to right: The owners Darrell and Bruce Lourens with store manager, Grant Seaward.

Well done to the following girls whose equestrian talents, and immense hard work and general dedication, were rewarded at the end of last year

Dani Spall  is the 2012 South African Junior Eventing Champion, Kirsten Wing was awarded the 2012 South African Junior Dressage Champion as well as the 2012 South African Show Hunter Champion while Geordi Byrne won the South African Junior Novice Equitation Riding.

Pictured here is Kirsten Wing with Hakahana Angus Og.

News and image supplied by St Annes, a private girls high school in the heart of Hilton, KZN which offers full boarding and day scholar options.

Grace College had the pleasure of welcoming new teaching staff and interns to the school on Wednesday, 16 January 2013. We trust that their stay with us will be a blessed and productive one.

Pictured here:

Back, left to right; James Cuenod, Thomasin Quibell, David Ebert, Ron Jury, Alice Krusekopf (Acting Head) and James Thomas

Front, left to right; Judith Brown, Carolyn Clelland, Lieschen Harrison and John Hutton

Absent; Busisiwe Mshengu

Grace College pupil, Jack Perrett (Gr 11), went on a short term Rotary Exchange to Quelianes Saint Gault in France in the December holidays. He was hosted by the Royer family, whose son Emilien, was on exchange in South Africa in August 2012. Jack attended the Laval School in Pays de la Loire for three weeks. He particularly enjoyed meeting exchange students from all over the world, with whom special bonds were formed.

Other highlights include skiing, visiting the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower as well as spending time on a foie gras farm, where duck liver pate is produced.

Jack had a great experience as a Rotary Exchange student and counts himself very blessed to have been afforded this opportunity.

Pictured below is Jack Perrett in his Rotary Exchange Blazer.

Read more about Grace College.

ZAMBIAN-BORN entrepreneur Patrick Greenaway has led a charmed life in the build-up to finding his true calling as a business coach.

After moving to South Africa at a young age, his initial training was as a fitter and turner.

Greenaway is the owner, master coach and franchisee of business coaching and training company ActionCOACH KZN.

The Hilton-based firm has won several business awards and Greenaway has capitalised on the recent growth in popularity of business coaching.

Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas has proved to be a lucrative market.

"I've battled to get out of Pietermaritzburg. The demand here definitely exceeds the supply," Greenaway said.

"Coaching is in vogue. The Australians were the pioneers around people coaching. After reaching other countries, it has finally become popular in South Africa."

Greenaway warned that coaching should not be taken up by "people with nothing else to do", as it was a specialised area of expertise.

"The perception that only businesses that are not doing well should resort to coaching is not correct. In the past quarter, about 88% of the businesses we coached were not battling. Sometimes it takes a coach with a baseball bat and the skills to take you up to the top of the mountain."

Greenaway is well-known in local business organisations and his path to coaching has been interesting.
"In my professional career, I was always 'Mr Fixit'. Coaching was the vehicle I identified to give something back to KwaZulu-Natal."

He went to school in Winkelspruit and studied engineering in Durban, where he also completed an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner.

However, he soon departed from this field, completing various courses in psychology and enrolling in a psychology course in Scotland.

Becoming a sales engineer with packaging firm Metal Box and moving to a job at a bottling firm (later known as ABI) in Pietermaritzburg set him up for a career with multinational Coca Cola that spanned three continents.

It was a move to Ireland that marked his entry into entrepreneurship in 2001.

It is worth noting that Greenaway puts his money where his mouth is: he also has a coach. "My coach is David Holland, who is based in France."

This bears testament to the fact that coaching is not solely for struggling businesses and executives.

Published with permission from the Witness.

Grace College extends a hearty welcome to all the Grade 8's and other new pupils, with their families, to our School. We trust that their stay will be a happy and successful one.

Pictured her are the 2013 Grace College Class of Grade 8's.

Grace College is a private school situated in Hitlon, KZN.

The annual Ronnie Davel Race sponsored by Moffatt Optical and hosted at Laddsworth Primary School by Hilton Harriers, took off smoothly once again as the bagpipes sounded.

After a couple of rainy days, the organisers and runners were blessed with good running weather, overcast and mild. The fun run route was quite wet and muddy which all took in their stride and enjoyed.

Runners commented that this is one of the most well organised and generously sponsored races in the road race calendar, so cheers to all involved. Runners also shared that they found this year's 16km route was great without the big hill they had endured last year.

Click here to see the results.

The new term at Toptots Hilton starts 21st January. Toptots is a Mother and Child workshop for little ones aged 3 months to 4 years. The focus is on all aspects of development, bearing in mind that by the age of 2, your toddler's brain is at 80% of it's adult size!

Foundations for learning are set now, not when they start playschool, and at Toptots you will learn how to make the most of each stage through stimulating and age-appropriate activities. For your little one PLAY = LEARNING, so for them TOPTOTS = FUN, and quality time with mom. For more info, please contact Ashleigh on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Morné Booysen completed his under graduate degree in Sport Science at Stellenbosch University. After graduating in 2003, he continued to do his Honours in Biokinetics at Zululand University in 2004, under the father of Biokinetics in South Africa, Professor Marius Coetsee. In 2005 he completed his internship year in Rivonia, Johannesburg under Biokineticist Stephan Muller. During this year this year he also worked for DBC, a spinal rehab company. Morné worked for them for two years on a consulting basis.

In 2006, after competing his internship year, Morné started his own practice, which grew steadily over the following years. When he finished consulting for DBC, he began a weekly group exercise class for severely brain injured persons, at an amazing non-profit organisation called Headway Gauteng. He carried on with this program for three years, while he ran his private practice. He says, 'It was a wonderful experience, where I was taught important lessons about patience, empathy and humility, by my patients.'

Morné turned over the class to another Biokineticist in February 2009, just before he was married in March to Kaylee, a Neuro Occupational Therapist, who specialises in adult Neuro rehab. She has her own practice in Howick.

Kaylee and Morné decided to relocate back to KZN after 8 years in Johannesburg. She moved down to KZN in August 2011 to set up her Neuro practice, and Morné followed her down to KZN in April 2012. He opened his practice in Hilton on the 3rd of May 2012. The response Morné has had has been very positive. The physios (Mike Denton and Karen Laubser) and chiropractors (Dr Caroline van Lingen, Dr Rowan White and Dr Melissa Taylor) from PMB and Hilton have been very supportive, referring many patients his way. With their help Morné has managed to set up a very successful practice in Hilton and is really enjoying serving the local community.

Read more about the practice here.