The Little Guru

Author: Nicole – The Little Guru

  • Getaway: Wawielpark

    Getaway: Wawielpark

    SA is such a beautiful country with so much to see and discover .So the campers that we are, we found a gorge spot on the banks of the Vaal River in Free State side of town.

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    Wawielpark is a perfect place to unwind and compelety let your hair down. It offers a wide range of activities for the young and old, from fishing to paddleboating to even having heated pools- which was my favourite. We parked our tents right on the river bank, which I was complaining about at first because we would freeze at night being so close to the water, but after witnessing the first sunset of the day, we couldnt have asked for a more perfect spot- it was absolutely breathtaking.

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    Through out the weekend we toured the facility and fell in love with it even more with every new piece of ground that was discovered. Can you believe that we found a mini zoo in the facility!
    I couldnt have asked for more. It was just the best weekend that was well needed.
    The weekend was spent huddled around the fires sharing stories, playing games, sneaking off in the night to the heated pools and of course fishing.

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    Falling asleep to the sounds of the wilderness around has never felt so good.
    Wawielpark is definately a place to visit.

  • I Am Nikon

    I was spoiled by my love with an amazing D3200 Nikon camera. Its literally a masterpiece at the touch of your hands. Its an amazing piece of equipment and the images it can produce is magic.
    The Nikon Headquarters is beautiful and professional. Awesome abstract pictures and structures are displayed throughout the space with comfy lounges to relax when we had our breaks.
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    Our trainer was the ever so funny Nathan. He himself is a professional photographer. With his dry sense of humour and wicked camera tricks, we all walked out of there already feeling like professional photographers.
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    Nikon offers free training courses and  workshops throughout the year.
    You can get all the booking info here.  Overall the training session was super informative and so much fun!

    Nikon has really proved that they are the best optical instrument on the market!
    I am so proud to be part of the Nikon family.

    I am Nikon

  • Getaway to: Howick

    Getaway to: Howick

    Last year was a year of weddings. We are at that time in our lives where our friends and friends of friends are getting married and our weekends are filled with attending them- (Sho, Im getting old)  I absolutely love weddings and was quite excited to head to our cousins wedding in the Midlands Meander.

    Travel is the ultimate for us, so we make the most of our journey’s. So we pick places that we have also wanted to see and thats why we landed up in Howick Falls. The journey to the Howich Falls Hotel is so gorgeous. The town has so much history and beauty is all around.
    The Howick Falls Hotel is a short walk away from the Howick Falls and there is plenty of little craft stores and restaurants to keep you interested along the way. The Waterfall is beautiful. The view from the top, in particular, is pretty inspiring, and the volley of water quite mesmerising. But thats not all thats on offer, there are a series of interesting walks and trails, some to the bottom of the falls. We didnt have much time to do any of the trails and it was a rainy dya but Im sure they are quite beautiful.
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    The weekend was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the view all around us was magnificent.
    Howick – you are beautiful.
  • Getaway to B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp

    Getaway to B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp

    I was suprised with an awesome weekend getaway by my love and what a weekend it was.  Ive always wanted to experience a tented camp or as I like to call it- “Glamping”.

    Only an hour away from JHB – this hidden gem is the perfect trip for a quick getaway. Its really a place where you enjoy nature at its best. Apart from the hiking, mountain biking and running trails, there isnt much more to do other than to sit around the fire and relax.

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    Luxuary Tented Camp

    Arriving at about 8.30pm that evening. We had our dinner and lit a fire. We sat for about an hour then had to rush inside as the rain came down. The stillness of the night is actually breathtaking. Its really the ultimate getaway for relaxation.

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    The Safari Tents are quite spaced out, so it is very secluded from other “Glampers”. Everything you possibly need is supplied. All you have to bring along is your own food and drink. I thought we would freeze through the night, but to my suprise the Tent got extremly hot! So no extra blankets are needed, unless you go in winter, of course.

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    The hiking trails are gorgeous. Walking through the bushveld and spotting the odd Game here and there . I didnt prepare for a hike so I didnt have the right gear on but I would reccommend comfortable shoes as there is gravel paths that you walk through.

    Its really a place for the ultimate relaxed getaway.
    B’sorah is a nature lover’s paradise, a place to unwind, relax and get in tune with nature again.

    I sure did.

  • Supporting Pulmonary Hypertension.

    Supporting Pulmonary Hypertension.

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    So the month is over and so end my awareness month for PH.

    Lets keep the light of hope alive and reach out and help.
    There is so much to learn about this disease so educate yourself and others. In the end, its all for you.
    The Pulmonary Hypertension Association offers valuable information and have tons of survival guides to help the newly diagnosed. You can find all the information here.
    Thank you you for your support
    #PHaware #PHSA
  • Are you #PHaware?

    Are you #PHaware?

    Know the facts- Be PHaware
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  • Health Management Basics with PH

    Health Management Basics with PH

    Pulmonary Hypertension patients take alot of medications, some more than others, to help manage their disease. Its to help prevent the disease from worsening and to treat the side effects caused from the drugs that arise.

    Taking ownership is probably the most important regimen apart from all the others that come with PH. Its so important to know as much as you possibly can about your disease. Its scary, I know, but the more you know about it, the easier it becomes to deal with.

    Take charge of your health by following these simple steps:

    Learn how your medications work:
    Educate yourself about all your medications and what each is doing for your PH.
    Organize your health information
    Keep your medical information together at all times.
    I started a medical journal from when I was first diagnosed. I write every detail related to my condition, from doctor appointments to decrease in medication, even days where I have felt something other than the norm. It has helped me communicate better with my doctors and in turn help them understand better on how I am feeling and to where my condition stands to it worsening or improving.
    Purchase a Medic Alert Bracelet
    These bracelets are here or a reason- to save lives. A medical bracelet is an indicator to the practitioner to search deeper for the other information they need to treat you adequately. Minutes make a difference.Go to ICE ID for further information
    Be Confident
    A Pulmonary Hypertension diagnosis is a curve-ball regardless of age, medical history of gender. Take a deep breath, ask for help when you need it and, above all, believe in yourself. No one knows your body better than you do. Listen to it.

    Each of the drug classes used to treat Pulmonary hypertension have several side effects and drug interactions. Medical professionals share some of the most common problems encountered by PH patients. Talk to your PH doctor before starting any new medications.

    Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
    This type of medication has been associated with birth defects and liver damage.  Monthly Liver function (LFT) tests have to be taken to prevent irreversible liver damage. Patients on Tracleer must have monthly LFT tests.
    PDE- 5 Inhibitors
    Should not be taken in combinations with nitrates , nitric oxide donors or alpha blockers. Taking these in combination can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which could result in loss of consciousness or even death.
    Warfarin 
    is designed to minimize blood clot formation in the pulmonary blood vessels, a benefit that can be dangerously enhanced by addition of a long list of medications and supplements, including some antibiotics; over the counter medications like Tylenol, Advil and Aleve; Vitamins and herbal supplements and green leafy vegetables. If you notice any unusual bruising or sign of bleeding- Call your Doctor.

    Remember that you have to look after you- no one else. Its important to keep your medical records up to date and know when something is wrong- When in doubt call your Doc.

    If you would like more information on a specific topic go to PH Association or if you need someone to talk to drop a comment below with your email address and I’ll get in touch. Theres comfort in knowing that your not alone out there.

    #PHaware #PHenomenalHope



  • Awareness Month for PH

    Awareness Month for PH

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    Show your support by spreading the word via instagram, twitter and facebook
    #PHaware and tag it to nicolef_coutinho so that we can make special mentions to our supporters!

  • Day- to-Day Living with PH

    Day- to-Day Living with PH

    Being diagnosed with PH is very daunting. I remember in beginning researching on the disease and being shocked about each new fact that I learnt about it. There is so much to absorb you cant help but feel completely and utterly depressed. Its like you’ve reached your crossroad and have no idea where to go.

    Life with Pulmonary Hypertension  is an ongoing lesson in flexibility. You may need to let go of some of the daily details that seemed to be important to you before you were diagnosed to make room for some of the new responsibilities that come with PH. Simple tasks like  getting out of bed can be the most exhausting task you will do the entire day. This is why we need to find ways to make ourselves feel good about what we can and cant do.
    Here are some tools to help:
    Priorotize your Activites
    Make a list of what is important and what isnt.
    Set Goals
    Make a list of how long it takes you to do a specific task and work around it accordingly.
    Pace yourself- you’ll get there.
    Turn to Family and Friends for Help
    As someone who is quite independent, this one was difficult for me but I had to do it. I always felt that I was a burden but I was constantly reminded that it wasn’t an issue to ask for help if I needed it. A great support system is key to the well- being a PH sufferer, so don’t be scared to ask for help.
    Stay Active
    It is important to pursue activities that are unrelated to your illness. Having things to plan for and look forward to makes life meaningful and fun. Aside from medical appointments, make some time for you and what you love to do.
    It takes time to find your feet but you will. Stay positive- It will only get better and remember that, you may have the disease, but the disease doesn’t have you.
    #PHenominalhope #PHaware PHfighter
  • The Basics of Pulmonary Hypertension

    The Basics of Pulmonary Hypertension

    In short, Pulmonary Hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs. It is a chronic and rare disease which has no cure. If not treated in can lead to right -heart failure. (Scary right?)
    In most cases, the disease is so often mistaken for asthma and therefore patients worsen due to misdiagnoses.

    There are many different types of PH.

    Primary Pulmonary Hypertension- No Known cause
    Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension – Caused due to other health factors, eg: connective tissue failure, HIV, Liver Disease, Sickle cell disease and or Inherited.

    This is why it is essential to go for your yearly check ups with the doctor to make sure your in check. I have changed my way of thinking completely since I have been diagnosed. I was one of those people that often left aches and pains but I quickly learnt that If your body is in pain, its telling you that there is something wrong, don’t ignore it, listen to it.

    PH displays the following symptoms:

    Shortness of Breath
    Chest Pain
    Dizziness/ Fainting
    Loss of Energy
    Swelling of arms, legs or ankles
    Blue Lips and/or fingernails

    Who is at Risk of PH:
    People of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds are diagnosed with PH. Even though anyone can be diagnosed with PH, certain risk factors make some people more likely to get the disease.

    Family History
    Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea -Oxygen Levels fall while sleeping
    Gender -PH is more common in woman then in men
    Altitude
    Other diseases
    Drugs and Toxins

    Treatment therapy in South Africa is unfortunately not as advanced as in other countries. With little knowledge of the disease in SA, treatment is either imported or in most cases combination medication is tried and tested until a certain combination drug can  help that specific patient.

    In the beginning of my ordeal, we visited a few hospitals to help motivate the SA Medical board to bring a certain drug for patients with PH into SA. There were 12 patients in my group that were all listed to trial the drug, unfortunately most of the patients had passed as the disease progressed too quickly. I count my lucky stars that I was blessed with a loving family who stopped at nothing to get me the treatment I needed to live.

    More and more cases of PH are becoming known in SA and for that reason we need to make PH known and hopefully get effective treatment for those affected with PH.

    Lets educate ourselves and others and help fight PH.
    #PHaware