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Fertility Show

Africa takes place on 23 and 24

July at the Focus

Rooms in Sandton, Johannesburg, and on Hopin online. Last year, participants from 22 countries listened to talks from leading fertility authorities, experts and clinicians, took part in Q&As, attended panel discussions and met the exhibitors. The experts will address topics including fertility treatment in Covid, PCOS, endometriosis, eating and lifestyle for fertility, low-dose IVF, male infertility, surrogacy legalities, oncofertility, single parenting options and HIV-positive surrogacy.

Visit fertilityshowafrica.com to book the ticket option that suits your needs best.

TOUGH ENOUGH FOR THE SOFTEST SKIN

Put some pineapple on that bum! Who would have thought that tough pineapple plant fibres could become soft nappies? Candy Androliakos from Bathurst, that’s who! A beauty therapist by profession, Candy figured out that pineapple leaves can be processed into a soft cotton-wool-like substance. She started experimenting, and the result is Leafline, a range of products including nappies, sanitary towels, breast pads, as well as chair and bed protectors with lining made from pineapple leaves. The products are reusable and washable – a South African and world first. The fibres also have excellent smell, moisture and bacterial absorption properties. Inner linings of the nappies are wrapped in cotton or waterproof outers, and the end results are discreet and practical products that are more affordable and kinder to the environment than their disposable counterparts. Linings are easy to wash for re-use. They require soaking overnight, and then hand washing at 40°C. They are also machine-washable. The project has a positive spin-off on the economy of the local community in that it employs five people from a local non-governmental organisation, Enkuthazweni Skills Training College, which supports and empowers persons with disabilities. Check out the nappies on leafline.co.za.