Isobel Ramsay Coetzee

ISOBEL'S PORTFOLIO A SELECTION FROM 2018 -2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Table of Contents About me 2 Writing 3 ADHD: Fact and Fiction 3 World Mental Health Day 8 With Friends Like These...Who Needs Facebook? 11 Eat, drink and be merry? The doctor says, “No.” 14 How to pick a medical aid plan 18 S stands for “Sleep.” 21 What are the bene ts of pet ownership? 24 Human lockdown = animal lockdown? 30 Editing 32 Pregnant in the Times of Corona 33 5 Good Companion Plants for Tomatoes: Best Options 36 Betta Tail Biting: A Sign of Boredom and Stress in Fighting Fish 49 A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee About me With a foundation rooted in language and a air for versatility, I bring a unique blend of skills and experiences to the table. My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in language, followed by an honours degree in translation and professional writing. This educational background has equipped me with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of communication nuances. My career has been as dynamic as my academic pursuits. I’ve had the pleasure of editing a wide range of materials—from academic theses and novels to intricate business documents. My curiosity and adaptability have driven me to seize diverse opportunities, including tutoring English and Mathematics, where I honed my ability to convey complex concepts clearly and engagingly. Please note that the vast majority of my work is con dential, so I cannot include it all in my portfolio. All that being said: Welcome to my portfolio! Writing Writing has taken me on some wild rides, from writing medical aid sales copies to doing a mini biography on Mauxies (a plucky toy breed). Luckily, I am versatile and agile enough to handle any assignment! A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Here, you’ll see some of the work I’ve done, most of it for two Namibian medical aid schemes. I wrote both informative and sales copy. Note: None of this was written using AI. It was good old-fashioned research and writing. ADHD: Fact and Fiction October 2021 is ADHD awareness month. To support the movement and promote awareness, RMA presents to you a summary of ADHD: fact and ction. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Myth: ADHD does not exist Fact: From time to time, it is said that ADHD is a myth. Nothing could be further from the truth. Going back as far as 1775, there have been articles (more than 100,000!) in science journals on ADHD (and its precursor labels). To qualify as a disorder, a condition must meet the following criteria: 1. Consist of a failure or severe de ciency in the functioning of a mental ability and 2. This failure or de ciency is producing harm to the individual. Research shows that ADHD meets both these standards, which means it is very real. Myth: People with ADHD just cannot concentrate Fact: A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee While it is true that people with ADHD can be easily distracted and impulsive, someone with ADHD can focus intently on an activity. In fact, there is a state called “hyperfocus”, in which the person focuses their attention so heavily on the task at hand that they lose track of their surroundings! People with ADHD have a di erent mental and emotional system of deciding what to do and when to do it. Mainly, they prioritize tasks according to their emotional importance. As a result, individuals with ADHD more easily concentrate on those things that are challenging, rewarding, and fast-moving. Myth: Only boys have ADHD Fact: While boys are diagnosed two to three times as often as girls, about 4.2% of girls have received a diagnosis of ADHD at some point in their life. That is a fairly big percentage. Boys are also more likely to be diagnosed early in life. Researchers are currently investigating whether there is an actual di erence in the frequency of the condition between males and females or whether di erences in rates of diagnoses are due to other factors, such as gender bias or variations in the types of symptoms that are seen. For example, girls may instead be diagnosed with the Predominantly Inattentive Presentation of the condition. Inattentive symptoms can easily be overlooked or misunderstood and are less likely to lead to the matter being referred to a doctor or psychiatrist. Inattentive symptoms are less likely to cause a classroom disturbance that gets the teachers’ attention, so the teacher is not motivated to deal more aggressively with the problem. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Myth: ADHD is caused by bad parenting Fact: Parents do not cause ADHD. Instead, the disorder results from a whole host of environmental and genetic risk factors. The perception that parents cause ADHD comes from the fact that many children with ADHD misbehave. Misbehaviour is often blamed on bad parenting, but when a child with ADHD is misbehaving, it’s often because his or her condition is not being properly catered to in the classroom. Scienti c studies have consistently discovered that the causes of ADHD symptoms stem from 1) the genes we inherit and 2) the adverse environments that we are exposed to. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Myth: All children grow out of ADHD Fact: While some children may recover from ADHD by their late to early twenties, the symptoms and di culties often continue into adulthood in 50 – 86% of cases. In the 1970s, ADHD was generally considered to be a disorder that was limited to childhood. This was simply because it was primarily identi ed by excess movement or hyperactivity. As we learn more about ADHD and its symptoms, it becomes clearer that these symptoms often follow people into adulthood. Myth: Everyone has a little ADHD Fact: A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Everyone does not have a physical di erence in their brain. So, when someone says that everyone has a “little ADHD” in them, they more likely mean that everyone has moments of distraction. While the statement is not meant to be hurtful, it can end up being dismissive of the real struggles people with ADHD go through every day. The symptoms of ADHD exist within a spectrum of typical human behaviour. There can be many reasons for being late to class, losing keys, or dropping a di cult task for something more fun and stimulating. With ADHD, the reason is neurological. It is not a choice, a uke, or a bad day. People with ADHD need compassion and understanding, and educating ourselves on the condition is the rst step to attaining that. Also, ADHD need not hold anyone back. Several very successful gures identify as having ADHD. That includes the likes of Will Smith, Stevie Wonder and Sir Richard Branson! ADHD: Fact and Fiction – Sources https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org https://www.news24.com/health24/medical/adhd/about-adhd/Ten-of-the-mostsuccessful-people-with-ADHD- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptomscauses/syc- https://www.rmanam.com/adhd-fact-and- ction/ A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee World Mental Health Day This year, Mental Health Day 2021 falls on Sunday, October 10. The WFMH (World Federation for Mental Health) President, Dr Ingrid Daniels, has announced the theme for World Mental Health Day 2021, ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World.’ This stems from the fact that the world is becoming increasingly polarised between the haves and the have-nots. The wealthy are becoming wealthier, and the impoverished are even more so. The theme in 2020 highlighted inequalities regarding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and the lack of respect for human rights in many countries. This includes the rights of those with mental illness. 75% to 95% People in low and middle-income countries have no access to mental health services. The outlook in high-income countries is not much better. Lack of investment in mental health disproportionate to the overall health budget contributes to the mental health treatment gap. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee What is mental health? Good mental health is not simply the absence of diagnosable mental health problems. Mental health is related to several key functions and abilities: The ability to learn The ability to feel, express, and manage a range of positive and negative emotions The ability to form and maintain good relationships with others The ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty Signs of mental illness Possible signs vary from the more subtle to very severe: A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Feeling sad or down Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate Excessive fears or worries or extreme feelings of guilt Extreme mood changes of highs and lows Withdrawal from friends and activities Signi cant tiredness, low energy, or problems sleeping Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia, or hallucinations Inability to cope with daily problems or stress Trouble understanding and relating to situations and people Problems with alcohol or drug use Major changes in eating habits Sex drive changes Excessive anger, hostility, or violence Suicidal thinking When to see a doctor Mental illnesses mostly do not resolve on their own. See your primary care provider or mental health professional if you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness. Where you can get help It is crucial to get help if you are feeling suicidal. Suicidal thoughts do not get better on their own. You can take the following steps: A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Call your local emergency number immediately Call your mental health specialist Use web chat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat Seek help from your primary care provider Reach out to a close friend or loved one Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone else in your faith community Namibia Unfortunately, there is a powerful stigma linked to mental health in Namibia. “Although Namibia on the o cial level appears to subscribe to the popular mantra that ‘there can be no health without mental health,’ a tilt in favour of physical health is still observable in various levels.” (APA, 2017) Namibia still has a challenge with data on mental illness because of a lack of scienti c data collection systems. There is also no formal registry on the country’s prevalence and incidence of mental illnesses. However, the MoHSS reports that in-, 6,436 people with a mental health condition were attended to, of which 613 were new cases (Namibian Sun, 2015). These gures are expected to represent a gross underestimation of the burden of mental health problems in the country because there is a general lack of awareness of mental health, and many people use alternate sources of help, such as traditional healers and religious prophets, instead of the formal health system. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee With Friends Like These...Who Needs Facebook? ‘Nothing in life is more necessary than friendship.’ – Aristotle According to the old Oxford Dictionary, a “friend” is: “A person with whom one has a bond of mutual a ection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations.” But that doesn’t really sound like a friend, does it? It doesn’t explain the joy that friendship brings to your life. To celebrate this amazing phenomenon, the International Day of Friendship is to be celebrated on July 30, 2021. Today, we explore why close friendships are good for you. Ever since researchers began to make links between loneliness and poor health about 25 years ago, the scienti c literature on the value of friendship has exploded. Today, the data make a convincing case: Having people who care about us is good for us. Friends Are Good for Your Physical Health Turns out that having close friendships is good for your body. A close circle of friends can decrease your risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, among others. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Having strong social ties can also decrease feelings of loneliness, which evidence shows can take a toll on your lifespan. According to a 2010 review, people with strong relationships have half the risk of premature death from all causes. On the other side of the coin—loneliness and isolation—myriad health issues may arise: high blood pressure, substance abuse, heart disease, and even cancer. Friends Encourage Healthy Behaviours Friendships can help you make good choices. These can have a direct impact on your well-being. For example, you can start a new eating plan with a friend. Setting and maintaining goals is easier with a buddy by your side. A friend may also be the one to alert you to a problem you have – such as drinking too much. Great friends have the power to mould you into the best version of yourself. They encourage you and push you to do better and be the person you want to be—your “ideal self.” Friends Give You Emotional Support Friends can play a big role in helping you through a hard time. This seems all the more important in the current climate of hardship and doubt. Luckily, research shows that happiness is contagious. For example, one study of high school students found that those who were depressed were twice as likely to recover if they had happy friends. Likewise, kids were half as likely to develop depression if their friends had a “healthy mood.” A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Friends Help Build Your Con dence Nobody can be hundred per cent con dent in themselves at all times. Everyone has self-doubts and insecurities now and then. But having friends who support you plays a big role in building your self-esteem. They o er praise and reassurance when you need it most. They’ll shine a light on you when you can’t do it yourself. Friends Help You Beat Stress If you have people you can count on in the hard times, the hard times might not a ect you as much to begin with. Spending time with friends reduces stress. According to Harvard Medical School, “Social connections help relieve levels of stress, which can harm the heart’s arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.” A lack of friends can leave you lonely and without support, making you vulnerable to other problems, such as depression and substance abuse. A sense of belonging We all want to belong, to know that we matter to others—that our life has a purpose. In fact, belonging needs come in third on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, just after basic needs (food and shelter) and safety needs. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Developing and maintaining close friendships helps foster feelings of belonging. Caring about others also makes life more meaningful. When you care for others, you take on the responsibility of o ering compassion and emotional support. This can make you a stronger, better person. Eat, drink and be merry? The doctor says, “No.” The festive season is on us, and with that goes excesses. Excesses in demands on our minds, bodies, and wallets. This time of year is especially hard on our bodies as we brave year-end functions, bu ets, and Christmas dinners. But what e ect does all this overeating have on us, and what can you do to mitigate the e ects? Most of us have the occasional cheat meal, and that’s ne—if you stick to one meal. When you continuously overeat, you are going to feel the e ects. And quickly. Ilyse Schapiro, R.D., C.D.N. says: “If you’re healthy, occasionally overeating won’t kill you. But regularly overeating, or overeating for an extended period—such as a week or more—may cause changes in health and body composition”. Here are some ways you can be a ected: It may round out your six-pack One day of overeating may not do it, but after a few days, you will start seeing the e ects. The rule of thumb is that for every 3,500 calories you over-consume, you’ll gain a pound of fat. If you consume 7,000 excess calories, you’ll gain two pounds of fat, and so on. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Overeating nudges you closer to diabetes The extra fat that comes about because of overeating does more than make your favourite jeans feel tight. Overeating, even if just for a few days, can trigger insulin resistance – the precursor for diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when cells are unable to convert blood glucose into energy. It disrupts the “full feeling” If overeating becomes your new normal, your body will stop producing hormones that help regulate appetite and weight – e.g. uroguanylin, a chemical produced in the gut that tells your brain you’ve eaten enough. It also disorders your perception of when you’ve eaten enough, and—like a drug—it takes more and more to feel satiated. You will feel tired all the time Overeating before bedtime is a problem because your body needs to shut down for proper sleep, but if it has food to digest, you will not sleep properly. This sets o a vicious cycle because if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, your hunger hormones are altered again, which can trigger bouts of overeating. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Stresses your cardiovascular system After a large, fatty meal, the body is ooded with insulin, which makes it more di cult for the coronary arteries to relax. Eating large amounts can also trigger the release of the stress hormone norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. These reactions can cause a blood clot, which could block a blood vessel, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. The risk of having a heart attack jumps to four times the normal rate in the two hours following a large meal. Prevent or undo overeating damage Relax Don’t beat yourself up. One over-the-top meal is not the end of the world. Also, too much guilt about eating habits can make you deny yourself. This can make you feel deprived and then cause you to binge again in an unhealthy cycle. Instead, decide what you’ll do di erently in the future, especially in the following days. Keep to the not-twice rule The not twice rule states that you will not do anyone “wrong” thing twice in a row. For example, do not miss more than one workout. In this case, it does not have more than one “bad” meal right after the other. So, enjoy that year-end function lunch, but follow it up with a healthy dinner. Take it one day at a time, and you’ll be ne! A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Take a Walk A leisurely walk will help stimulate your digestion and even out your blood sugar levels. Alternatively, go for a bike ride instead. However, don’t overdo it. A real workout could send the blood to your legs instead of your stomach, slowing digestion. Fill up with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To get back on track with feeling full after a normal serving of food, add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains back into your diet. This will help o set the unhealthy food consumed while still helping you meet caloric needs and minimizing the e ects of overeating. How to pick a medical aid plan A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Trying to pick a medical aid is a thorny task. It is a lot of trouble to go to, and it is very important for you and your family. Getting help from family and friends may not be the way to go, as everyone has had a bad experience somewhere. Just remember that you do not necessarily have the facts. But we have some facts for you. Reputation It is advisable to choose a medical aid that has been in the industry for a good long while. Not that it guarantees good results, but it is preferable to the noname brand medical aids advertised on Facebook. No name and promises galore? Sounds suspicious. Do your homework thoroughly and get quotes from more than one provider. Any independent broker should be able to give you information on the solvency of the medical aid in question. You do not want to hear the fund is bankrupt after getting surgery. According to the law, the fund needs to have 25% of its members’ annual contribution in reserve. Budget This is the second thing you need to consider when you pick a medical aid. What is the maximum you wish to spend every month? Of course, you want the best medical aid, but that simply is not on the cards for most people. Draw up a budget, ascertain what you can spend every month, and then start looking at which plan to choose. That is why RMA o ers a wide range of options to choose from. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Look for value for money Higher premiums may mean the medical aid plan is comprehensive (Prestige Care and Status Care, as examples), but it does not guarantee that all your needs are covered. Ensure the plan covers everything you are likely to have to get checked regularly. By the same token, while desirable for monthly expenses, low prices may not cover everything you need. Demographics and Cover The rst step in looking for cover is to be very sure of what you need from a medical aid plan. Are you a young, healthy professional just starting in the world, or are you part of a family with three children? Do you have pre-existing conditions or chronic medication, or do you travel a lot? You cannot plan for future health problems, but taking into account your current status is imperative. All plans have speci ed bene ts and exclusions. Compare page You should nd a page within most medical aid websites that allows you a quick look at the di erent plans on o er and what they will cost. In RMA’s case, this is our contributions calculator. Check co-payment amounts Medical aids do not cover all procedures and treatments in full. Certain amounts need to be supplemented from the patients’ pockets, and you need to take that into account. Co-payments often catch members unaware as they can be expensive no matter your scheme choice. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee “Network” care You also need to note that some medical schemes will only pay in full if you use a doctor in their “network.” At RMA, only Premier Care provides a network option. Investigate gap cover If in doubt, speak to a gap cover provider – a separate insurance product that can be taken out to supplement shortfalls incurred during hospitalization or other major medical expenses. Certain medical aid schemes have a reputation for delaying payments, and, as a result, many medical practitioners shy away from these plans. Ensure your scheme handles payments quickly and e ciently to prevent inconvenience and embarrassment. Bene ts You must understand your bene ts. If in any doubt, call our client services and have a pen and paper handy. Investigate underwriting implications. Ensure you understand how medical aids underwrite a new application. Understand how this applies to you as a rsttimer or when switching medical aid plans, particularly checking the waiting periods during which you cannot claim. Study the plan’s HIV Cover – it is important to assess the bene ts and cover provided for HIV as it is extremely prevalent in South Africa and makes the person more vulnerable to other diseases and infections. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee https://www.rmanam.com/how-to-pick-a-medical-aid-plan/ S stands for “Sleep.” In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of a good night’s rest has fallen dramatically. Think late nights working, and Net ix binges. Sound familiar? But sleep is one of the most essential factors to good health. To highlight this, we have gathered some sleep time information together for you: Schedule Studies have demonstrated that stable bedtimes and rise times –even on weekends – are associated with better sleep quality in young, middle-aged adults and seniors. It maintains the body’s internal clock’s timing and helps you fall asleep and wake up more easily. In addition, regular sleepers have better moods, psychomotor performance, and academic achievement. Even if life sometimes gets in the way of this, there are some minor changes that you can make to improve your sleep dramatically. Avoid ca eine, alcohol, nicotine, and other chemicals that interfere with sleep. Make your bedroom a comfortable sleep environment. Establish a calming pre-sleep routine. Go to sleep when you are truly tired. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Sleepwalking Also known as somnambulism, sleepwalking involves getting up and walking around while in sleep. More common in children than adults, sleepwalking is usually outgrown by the teen years. Isolated sleepwalking incidents often do not signal serious problems or require treatment. Often, sleepwalking is a random, harmless event. It may run in families, so if you or your partner are or were sleepwalkers, your child may be too. Treatment may be required if it occurs often or causes injury. Medication and hypnosis may help. Snoring We often laugh about snoring, but it has potentially serious e ects. Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound when air ows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Nearly everyone snores occasionally, but it can be a chronic problem for some people. Sometimes, it may also indicate a severe health condition. Besides, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner. Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not all snorers have OSA, but if any of the following symptoms accompany snoring, it may be an indication to see a doctor for further evaluation for OSA: Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep Excessive daytime sleepiness Gasping or choking at night High blood pressure Chest pain at night A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Stages There are two basic types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and nonREM sleep (which has three di erent stages). Stage 1 non-REM sleep is the changeover from wakefulness to sleep. Stage 2 non-REM sleep is a period of light sleep before you enter deeper sleep. Stage 3 non-REM sleep is the period of deep sleep you need to feel refreshed in the morning. REM sleep rst occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep. Your eyes move rapidly from side to side behind closed eyelids. Mixed-frequency brain wave activity becomes closer to that seen in wakefulness. Seconds to Snooze Many people have trouble falling or staying asleep. For falling asleep, there are many methods to help you. One is the military method: Relax your entire face, including the muscles inside your mouth Drop your shoulders to release the tension, and let your hands drop to the side of your body. Exhale, relaxing your chest. Relax your legs, thighs, and calves. Clear your mind for 10 seconds by imagining a relaxing scene. If this does not work, repeatedly say, “Do not think,” for 10 seconds. Within 10 seconds, you should fall asleep! A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee If this does not work for you, you may need to work on the military method’s foundations: breathing and muscle relaxation, which have some scienti c evidence that they work. What are the bene ts of pet ownership? Did you know that Rover is more than just a postman deterrent? That your pooch is actually actively helping you be healthier? You may be surprised at how many ways a pet can improve your health. In this article, we’ll list ten good reasons you should have a furry friend. 1. Stress relief It only takes a few minutes of interacting with a dog or cat or watching sh swim around to become calmer. This is because your body goes through physical changes during that time. For example, Cortisol, a stress hormone, lowers serotonin, and feel-good chemicals in your brain rises. When these changes occur in your body, your blood pressure also goes down, and oxytocin increases. Oxytocin is the same chemical that is released when mother and baby bond. 1. Depression eases A pet loves you unconditionally; even if you make a huge mistake at work and have a horrible day, they will listen to you as long as you want to talk. Also, taking care of an animal – walking, feeding, and grooming- also helps put things in perspective. They are completely reliant on you for their well-being. 1. Pets boost your activity A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Taking your dog for two walks during the day (15 minutes in the morning and 15 in the afternoon) will make all the di erence. And if you have somewhere to play fetch – even better! Pet owners are more active, even if it lets the dog in and out. 1. Cat owners have fewer strokes Doctors are not sure why this is the case. It is thought to be partly due to the e ects of pet ownership on circulation. But it may be because cats have more of a calming e ect than other animals. Also, the cat owner’s personality may have something to do with it – they (the cats) often become the focus of the owner’s attention, so the bene ts of having an animal could be ampli ed. 1. Allergy suppression and stronger immunity Children who grow up with animals are less likely to have allergies. This applies to both small and large animals (think average suburb houses to farms) 1. Cats and asthma prevention Along the same vein as number six, children who grow up with cats are less likely to develop asthma. Again, it doesn’t seem to make sense, as animal dander is such a big irritant. However, there is a ip side: Children whose mothers have a cat allergy are three times more likely to develop asthma after being around cats at an early age. 1. Blood sugar alert A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Your pup may further protect you – dogs can be trained to sni out any sugar highs or lows a person living with diabetes may have. It is thought that they can detect changes in body chemistry. About one in three dogs living with people with diabetes have this ability. 1. Help with better cancer cures While animals cannot help cure cancer, they may lead us to understand the disease better. This is because dogs and cats can get the same cancer that humans do. For example, prostate cancer in dogs led to a better understanding of how it develops in older men. 1. Autism People on the autism spectrum often have sensory issues. “Sensory integration activities” help them get used to how something feels or even sights and sounds. Horses are particularly used for these activities. The children nd it easier to work with animals, and the animals hold the children’s attention better. 1. Horses have other bene ts as well Some rehab programs for stroke patients use horses. Riding a horse gives them much-needed stretching exercises, especially if one side is weaker after the stroke. It also involves a lot of balance work, so riding helps strengthen their core muscles. https://time.com/-/science-says-pet-good-for-mental-health/ A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-ofdogs.htm#:~:text=Pets%2C%20especially%20dogs%20and%20cats,valuable%20co mpanionship%20for%20older%20adults The Housewife’s Deli – A Delicious New Addition to Waterfall Wilds! An exciting new shop opened in the Waterfall Wilds Centre at the end of November 2020 – The Housewife’s Deli & Co ee Shop. The family-run franchise, which opened its rst store in April 2019 in Montana, Pretoria, continues to grow and, with its latest addition in Waterfall Wilds, now includes four stores. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Lynnette Koen, who has a background in smart utility meters, says she started the shop to help her brother and sister-in-law. Their son has a rare disease that necessitates full-time care from his mother. Lynnette wanted to create an opportunity for her sister-in-law where she could still work but shape her time around her son’s needs. They played around with ideas – maybe a butchery, deli, or co ee shop. Ultimately, they decided to combine a deli and co ee shop – thus, The Housewife’s Deli was founded! When rst asked last year whether she would be interested in opening a store in Waterfall, Lynnette was hesitant. At the time, she only had one shop and was unsure whether she wanted to expand. But when Waterfall contacted Lynnette again in February 2020, she had had time to reconsider. Then lockdown hit, and launch plans were delayed. Nevertheless, Lynnette managed to open two new branches during the lockdown. When she was approached again by Waterfall after lockdown, she agreed and said this time she knew she could handle another shop. “Never in my wildest imagination did I think that I would be able to branch out so quickly, but I truly am excited and believe Waterfall Wilds is such an incredible location with great growth potential,” Lynnette enthuses. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Lynette wanted The Housewife’s Deli to be a haven for housewives and foodies. The deli’s 40-seater co ee shop is home to a well-trained Barista, o ers delectable light meals, and can host events like high teas. “It’s a place where you can enjoy a cup of co ee and a bite to eat with a friend and do all your food shopping for the day, all at the same time. Everything that is served in the co ee shop is available in the deli for purchase. Ours is not simply a meat and cheese deli! The Housewife’s Deli specializes in gluten- and sugar-free products and free-range meats. Besides a mouth-watering selection of cold cuts, cheeses, pates, olives, and yellow fat biltong all the way from the Free State, they stock 14 kinds of homemade speciality boerewors (all pork-, soya- and gluten-free), with Fig & Blue Cheese, Cherry Cheese and Fig & Mustard being the bestsellers! All the boerewors avours are the owner’s own recipes. Nothing has been Googled or taken from Pinterest. The deli stocks many other homemade delicacies – everything from rusks and marmalade to yummy ready-made meals for those days when you just don’t have time to juggle it all.” The Housewife’s Deli favors local organic products. As a start to this vision, they launched a small campaign on Facebook, asking the elderly for their favourite, all-time fool-proof recipes. In this way, they found the best recipes for all their products. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee The franchise is wholly family-run and has all the values that go with that. Care and attention are given to each customer, and no e ort is too great. For example, Lynnette and her team help a speci c client by making biltong and boerewors, especially for him, as his son has severe allergies. They complete his orders rst thing in the morning to prevent contamination from allergens. There are no chemicals or preservatives used in the products. People visit the existing branches from far and wide, and Lynnette says they have several regulars. The store in Montana is the largest at almost 500m2. As the home base, this is where products are assembled and dispatched to their other shops. All branches make deliveries, and you can get more information on their website: www.housewifesdeli.co.za or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/housewifesdeli123/. You can contact The Housewife’s Deli & Co ee Shop in Waterfall Wilds on-. With its focus on homegrown quality products, The Housewife’s Deli & Co ee Shop is a welcome addition to Waterfall Wilds. Human lockdown = animal lockdown? The lockdown has a ected all of us to a greater or lesser degree, but have you ever wondered what impact (if any) our movement and activity restrictions had on animals? We spoke to a member of the Environmental Committee, who told us a bit more about the wildlife on the Waterfall Estate. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee What made a di erence? Lockdown has most de nitely impacted the wildlife; restriction of our movements has meant that the animals had a bit more breathing room. Since we could not go out, we could not disturb them as usual. For example, since the grass was no longer being cut everywhere, the animals could forage more, and some of them even bred more e ectively. Marsh owls actually breed on the ground in the grass. Many chicks would not have survived if the grass were being mown. Maybe the lockdown has taught us to be even more careful. What is going on currently? Many animals are resting at this time of year, and no breeding is going on. You may see things like scrub hares coming closer to gardens for better foraging, and the jackals are still active, but it ought to be quiet for the next few months, although a meter-long water monitor was discovered on the green the other day! There is a wildlife group on which people share photos of the water monitor, for example, and there are also the tortoises. People have recently started posting pictures of them digging holes to lay their eggs in. A picture of a baby tortoise was sent in the other day, so they are establishing themselves. Another animal that seems to be doing better is the baboon spider. They are endangered and have a signi cant problem in that when their den is destroyed, they cannot rebuild it. They lose that ability as they mature. So, if their home is crushed, they will simply die. They are being found and photographed often, so there has been some progress there. Even through all the pressures of modern life, speci cally real estate development, a few gems shine through. “We may not have the big ve, but we have the little ve,” says Kevin. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Reminder tips for residents in terms of protecting wildlife. Exotic animals Do not release ‘exotic’ animals into the environment. This would include things like peacocks, mallard ducks, and even hedgehogs. This is because they may not survive the environment they are put into (hedgehogs will not make the winter), or they threaten existing South African species (Mallards interbreed with our native yellow-billed duck, and this interbreeding is very negative). Also, birds like parakeets may take over the nesting areas used by native birds. Domestic animals Domestic animals can have a massive impact on a system like Waterfall Estate. Luckily, dogs are easy to handle if you stick to the rules of having them on a leash when outside. Cats are not as simple, unfortunately. Cats still have a powerful hunting instinct in them and have been known to bring home rodents, lizards, and birds. Other animals must be kept strictly from the surrounding wild areas. Easy and fun to do: Explore, take part! Children are the next generation of budding conservationists. We have programs where we organize for the children to run around looking for things like snakes, spiders, and scorpions. They are encouraged to release the wildlife they collect precisely where they found them. Do not litter! Even the tiniest scrap of plastic can mean the death of some animals in the habitat. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Editing Editing is actually even more intense than writing! Because you cover so much material, it’s impossible not to walk away with some thought-provoking ideas and new perspectives (and sometimes new interests!). Most of the work featured here is work I did for a company called SDA (Smart Digital Asset). Unfortunately, they closed down sometime after I left. However, the work remains challenging and interesting. Pregnant in the Times of Corona By: Guinevé de Jager The coronavirus pandemic’s impact has reached deep into our hearts and homes. Pregnant moms and expecting families have had to adjust their expectations of what is an already di cult time in terms of adapting to a new little life. However, these days, we no longer have the few constants we thought we could hold onto. You can no longer simply pop out to the shops for some lastminute shopping or have a friend over for a cup of co ee and a vent session. We are, as individuals, families, communities, a nation, and a world, essentially dealing with a loss. It’s a loss of our normal lives, our security, social and work lives, and recreation. It is hard to believe this is our reality. It takes our minds some time to catch up with reality. Here are some ideas to help during this unknown time. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee 1. You don’t have to pretend you are okay. It may look like it from the outside, but no one has ‘got this.’ It is okay to feel scared and confused; it’s okay to be upset or angry or in denial. At this time, any and all emotions are valid. It is normal to go from thinking everyone is overreacting and it’s not that bad to paralyzing fear and anxiety at the severity of what is happening. Try to be compassionate towards yourself and give yourself the grace to experience the ups and downs without judging yourself harshly. 2. Knowing what you can control: You can control hand washing, quarantine as far as possible, wearing a mask when out, and social distancing. You can’t control that baby is coming despite the pandemic. 3. Quarantine has some unexpected bene ts. Try to reshape your thoughts into seeing the bene ts and not just the negatives. After the baby is born, quarantine o ers bene ts perfectly suited to the sacred fourth trimester. Mom and baby are together 24/7, and dad is around more to help; no visitors disturb breastfeeding and less pressure on mom to ‘bounce back’ and run around the shops. 4. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maximize family-centered care. Many midwives can move from planned hospital births to home or birth centre births. This reduces the exposure from a hospital unless essential and can try to avoid many of the hospital restrictions on visiting hours for your partner. If you are birthing in a hospital with a gynae, they can guide you in terms of prophylactic testing so that your partner may be with you during the birth or encourage earlier discharge from the hospital. Policy and procedures are changing almost daily, so keeping in touch with your healthcare provider is important. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee 5. It is a part of your and your baby’s story. Instead of deleting all the pictures of you and Dad in a mask holding a baby, embrace them! While it is still jarring to see family and friends and healthcare professionals in masks, it seems to be becoming our new normal. Being born in a pandemic will surely become a part of their journey and life story. 6. Technology tools such as Zoom/Skype and WhatsApp calls are perfect for introducing your new baby safely to friends and family. It’s a great way to stay in touch and still maintain social distancing. There are even support groups online where you can meet moms in similar situations who are also dealing with pregnancy and birth. Finding support in a time like this is essential. 7. Cancelling of important events – many moms have had to deal with the disappointment of cancelled baby showers and pregnancy/birth/newborn photo shoots. These are important rites of passage that many people look forward to. There are some great websites with tips and advice on having a drive-through baby shower, online get-togethers or tips for taking your own photos until things settle down. 8. Focus on physical well-being – good eating habits, exercise (there are many online resources), and adequate amounts of sleep. Mental well-being is harder to achieve but essential too – limit social media and news coverage, continue with activities you enjoy, and help you to relax and keep up connections with friends and family. Try not to wish this time away. It is a di cult situation that none of us are prepared for, yet welcoming a new little squishy remains one of the most special times in a family’s journey together. Reach out and know this too shall pass! A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee 5 Good Companion Plants for Tomatoes: Best Options By Evergreen Seeds Good companion plants for tomatoes are an essential addition to every vegetable garden. Since companion planting is to help support the growth and productivity of your tomatoes. Not every plant is grown alongside tomatoes, they should be ones that would hold common properties. Below are some good plants you can grow with your tomatoes. Types of Good Companion Plants for Tomatoes 1. Basil Leaves A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Basil is also known as Ocimum basilicum scienti cally, and it is a culinary herb plant from the Lamiaceae family, which is the mint family. They are an addition to gardens to repel insects. Mints are also a widely used household spice, making them functional on two fronts. The sweet basil plant is an e ective repellent against many threats when planting tomatoes. Note that when you have basil and even other mints, they are perfect herbs to plant next to tomatoes. It can help repel mosquitoes and even fruit ies that feed on the tomatoes in your garden. – Bene ts The basil plant repels insects and is grown similarly to how you grow parsley. On the other hand, it also works to improve the avour of your tomatoes due to the chemicals in the air. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Studies have shown that tomato plants accompanied by sweet basil yield healthier and tastier fruit. The basil plant not only repels insects like hornworms and other pests too. However, it also prevents fungal growth, which is what keeps them healthy, and you don’t need to worry. Both basil and tomatoes grow similarly, making them great companions. They are plants best grown in tropical regions and require warmth and moisture. – Planting Requirements While both tomatoes and basil plants have similar growing requirements, there are some things to consider when ensuring they are great companions. If you plan on planting tomatoes with basil, you must remember to give them both the requirements. One of the most common ways of planting basil is by transplanting it from a nursery or an already-grown plant. However, starting from the seed makes a smoother process especially when you want to work with companion plants. You must make sure that your soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as this temperature is perfect for both of the plants that you are growing. Nonetheless, you can always plant them together, and be sure that the basil seed is what to plant with tomatoes in a raised bed. On a raised bed, you can have four to ve basil seeds per tomato. The basil is planted 12 inches away from the tomato. It is placed such that they go around the tomato. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Basils are much shorter plants than tomatoes. Thus, they can be deprived of sunlight. Always plant basil on the south or west side of tomatoes. They get good sunlight for healthy growth. Once germination and development kick o , thinning is required. In this stage, several basil leaves will be reduced from ve to the same pot for e cient nutrient use. 2. Bush Beans The bush bean is also known as Phaseolus vulgaris scienti cally. This bean is herbaceous of the Fabaceae family, just like the sweet alyssum. They are widely known to be short plants with a climbing family when they are thriving, they will vine all over. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee These leguminous plants are grown for their edible seeds and pods. They are also a source of fodder thanks to their straw. Bush beans are great with tomatoes for companion planting. One reason is very distinct, it is because this plant can improve air circulation around the tomato plant. What this does for the tomato is that it prevents dampness which could lead to fungal growth. Fungal growth a ects the taste of the tomato fruit in the long run, but this way, you will be avoiding it. – Bene ts Bush beans attract more bumblebees to tomato plants than they would get without them. Bumble bees are natural pollinators, which means good news for tomato plants. In addition, remember that tomatoes pollinated by bumble bees have better yield, seeds, rmness, weight, and gravity. The relationship between bush beans and nitrogen- xing bacteria makes them an even better companion for tomato plants, and through this, they are heavy feeders of nitrogen. A de cit amount can and will a ect its growth and productivity, as the bush beans help make up for this, and their small size makes them a perfect t to plant with tomatoes. – Planting Requirements A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Bush bean is a good tomato companion, they do not have similar growing requirements. It might mean less competition and more nutrients for each. At the same time, it also limits how much of them you can plant together. In some cases, they can count out what not to plant with tomatoes. There are two ways you can plant tomatoes and bush beans together. Each depends on your growing space and your target advantage from the companionship that would be bene cial for both. If you have limited growing space or growing in a pot, avoid planting or growing tomatoes in the same pot with bush beans; however, their pots can be close to each other so that one would bene t from the other. If you plan to attract more bumble bees, the same pot is best. While tomatoes and bush beans are great tomato companion plants in the garden, it is best to plant them in di erent pots or raised beds. Since these plants grow under conditions best for each of them, the separate pots earn each plant what they need to grow while their close placements work well for both, especially tomatoes. 3. Cucumbers Cucumbers also known as the Cucumis sativus, are a widely utilized vegetable that has made its way into most of our favorite dishes like salads. Cucumbers belong to the gourd family, a widely used ingredient in health and beauty products like bee balm. They would grow little owers in the beginning, and then they would sprout. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee While its fruit is of low nutritional value, its subtle avour makes it a top choice in meals. It is a creeping plant that you plant with support from frames or trellises. – Bene ts Cucumbers and tomatoes work well together in the tomato garden for several reasons. First is the bitter taste associated with cucumbers. This taste is a result of its acidic properties. The concentrated scent from the peels of the cucumber plant is responsible for repelling insects which feed on the tomatoes. These insects can also cause the transfer of pathogens that can infect and damage your tomatoes. Cucurbitacin is the chemical in the peels of cucumbers responsible for the strong smell. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Thanks to the ground cover of the cucumber plant, it also thwarts the growth of weeds, which can compete with the tomatoes for nutrients. It is also one of the best companion plants for peppers, as well, because of their common properties. – Planting Requirements The cucumber is a tropical plant, which is the same as tomatoes. It means you can plant both under similar conditions with similar requirements. Ensure to select disease-resistant soil or plant in treated soil, and basically when it is possible, ensure to plant disease-resistant variants of seed. For the period of germination, tomatoes and cucumbers can be planted indoors and then transplanted after a while. Cover up tomato seeds with a quarter of an inch of soil and cucumber seeds with one inch of soil. After eight weeks, you can transplant the tomatoes outside and they will be helping each other grow. The cucumber only needs about three to four weeks, so the planting interval has to be well calculated. Prepare the cucumber and the tomato rows, with the tomatoes planted adjacent to the cucumbers. With a trellis, grow transplant cucumbers vertically at least 12 inches apart. Transplant the tomatoes deep in the soil, bordering the cucumber plants, at least 15 inches apart with cages for support. 4. Clovers A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Clovers, or the Trifolium repens, is a short-lived legume from subtropical and temperate regions, and it belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is widely used as livestock feed and manure. The clover plant is an e ective cover crop which covers the surrounding soil, preventing the growth of weeds. Clover leaves are three-toothed alternate leaves and are what to plant with tomatoes in a container. It has little owers which grow in a condensed form with spikes and dry fruits. Its beautiful owers attract bene cial insects like bumble bees and top pollinators, which approach and make manners better. – Bene ts A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee The clover plant is one of the few plants that can tolerate shade. This ability makes it a great companion for tomatoes. As the tomatoes grow tall, healthy and lush with many fruits, the shade scarcely a ects the clovers. Its e ectiveness as a cover crop further reduces the growth of weeds that will compete with tomatoes for nutrients in the soil. The clover plant, especially red and crimson clover, provides nitrogen to the soil, a top nutrient demand for tomatoes, and they thrive well. – Planting Requirement Clover plants, especially red clover, thrive well with tomatoes. Some believe that planting them together will cause competition between plants. It does not happen when you do it right. Sow clover seeds in between tomato plants. Since it is a leguminous cover crop, it will outcompete the weeds and take up growth space. You must make sure that you would cut back clover a few times to limit its growth. Do this until your tomatoes have germinated and become sturdy. Once these red fruit have reached a height that towers over the clover, you can reduce the cutting of clover shoots to a few times yearly. The cutting restricts its growth and also returns nutrients to the soil. Its shadetolerant nature makes it a great companion even after your tomatoes are grown. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee 5. Marigold Flowers If you are looking for what to plant with tomatoes to keep bugs away, then the marigold is a top choice. The genus Tagetes is a beautiful, colourful plant that adds pop and vibrancy to your garden. The beauty and colour of the marigold plant bring in bene cial insects like bees and keep out the consuming insects. Tomato and zucchini companion plants also tend to attract slugs and snails. They especially love the tomato fruits and are responsible for the holes you nd when harvesting. The marigold plant can help trap these slugs and snails with its fernlike foliage. – Bene ts A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee The marigold plant also gives o a concentrated scent, which can chase o animal pests like rabbits and cats that see your tomato fruits as their next meal. There are also underground threats to your tomatoes that the marigold can handle. An example is a root-knot nematode, which can cause damage to your plant. The marigold plant contains some toxins that can kill these parasites on contact. If you also happen to be planting your tomatoes in a location with lots of moths, chances are that you will have to deal with a lot of hornworms. The marigold can help save your tomatoes with its strong scent that prevents the laying of eggs on your plant. It also attracts pollinators that are predators of moths, caterpillars, and hornworms. – Planting Tips In companion planting, marigolds are one of the most common companion plants in any garden. They are best grown in warm soil, with their seeds spaced about one inch apart. You can start the seedling phase indoors and then move outside after they germinate. Ensure to generously water it for the next two weeks after planting till it fully blooms. Transplant the marigolds to ll in spaces between the tomato plants. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee When planting the marigold with the tomato plant, ensure to target in between the spaces. This way, you have the best results. You can target areas where you have recorded more insects, animal pests, and wilting tomato leaves. The best way to plant the marigold with the tomato plant comes down to the variety you decide to plant. When you plant the shorter variants of the marigold plant, sow them very close to the tomato plant to form a patch around it. You are to place the taller variants farther away from the tomato plant. The arrangement is such to make an impenetrable border around the tomatoes. Conclusion Companion planting is one of the e ective ways to protect and grow your tomato plant in the garden. When you adopt crop rotation with some plants, they help with pest control in your garden. So when selecting your choice plants to grow alongside your tomatoes, do well to consider the following points: A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Plants come in di erent varieties. When selecting your seeds, you should always consider the plant variety. Some are more disease-resistant than others. The French marigold is a variant e ective against root-knot nematode. Signet marigold attracts pollinators more e ectively. Keep in mind that healthier and tastier tomatoes are the target. When selecting the best companion plant, ensure it helps meet and protect these requirements. All these plants always require boggy or moist conditions. The selected plants are natural companions that grow well with each other with or without any help. Introducing fertilizers or any other chemical substances can immensely a ect the balance. However, treating the soil with organic matter is a good move before planting. Tomato growing is easier when you pick the right plants to grow alongside your tomatoes. It largely determines what you get on the harvest. You can use these everyday vegetable garden plants to help grow tomatoes healthy and tasty. Start by introducing companion planting with any of these tomato companion plants. Betta Tail Biting: A Sign of Boredom and Stress in Fighting Fish Tail biting in Bettas often starts as a funny behaviour that newbie aquarists might nd amusing; however, if this behaviour is left untreated, it could lead to physical health conditions and a degrading in the quality of life of even the most lively Fighting Fish. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee In this article, you will learn everything about this behavioural quirk that Bettas have. You will learn about the environmental, physiological, and even genetic roots of tail nipping or biting in Bettas, as well as how to address this problem e ciently. Why Is Betta Tail Biting? Betta tail biting is because your sh could be under a lot of stress, it might be bored out of its mind, or it might also be dealing with a scale or n disease that you have yet to diagnose. Causes The causes of Betta Tail Biting could be stress, boredom, sickness, and even unexplainable tail damage which is why the sh is tail-biting. In addition, it could even cause due tail n to be lost in the tank due to a ght or an accident. – Stress Bettas that bite their tails could be under a lot of stress; this stress could stem from a change in their immediate environment, the addition or loss of a tank mate, or the presence of a perceived threat. For example, a solo Betta could still su er from severe stress if it sees its re ection in the tank glass and perceives this to be another Fighting Fish that is threatening its security. Alternatively, a Betta that is left to grow in a tank with poor water quality or uctuating water conditions could become so stressed that it bites its tail as a response. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Bettas which are raised in community tanks could also become stressed whenever they encounter a new tank member or when they notice that too many of their neighbours have disappeared from the aquarium. – Boredom Another cause behind a Betta sh biting its tail is that it might be so bored with its current setup. Bettas are highly intelligent sh that need to be stimulated by their environment and sh keepers. Such stimuli are important in keeping your Fighting Fish physically and mentally healthy. – Sickness Another probable cause behind your Betta’s tail chewing behaviour is that it is sick with scale or n parasites. The infection is already unbearable, and your sh wants to remove the irritant in its tail area. Your Betta’s tail might have already become infested with parasites, fungi, or harmful bacteria, prompting your sh to behave strangely. – Unexplainable Tail Damage If you notice that your Betta’s tail n is missing some pieces, or if you see your Betta ns shredded overnight, then your Fighting Fish might indeed be biting its own tail. Try to observe your sh for extended periods to ensure that it has developed that bad habit or if the tail damage you noticed is being caused by another thing entirely. For instance, your Betta might have snagged its tail n on sharp edges of decor pieces, plants, or driftwood. This is sometimes the case for long- nned Bettas and should not be confused with tail destruction or biting. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee – Tail Fin Loss On the other hand, if you notice that your Betta tail ripped or that it is quickly losing parts of its tail and there are no other sh or objects that could have caused such rapid n loss, then you might have an aggressive tail biter on your hands. It is key to remember that this is alarming and should be addressed as soon as possible. A Betta sh devoid of its tail n will su er from other infections, mobility loss, and depression that could lead to eventual death. E ects of Excessive Tail Biting If you are unable to cure your Betta of this bad habit of biting its tail, it will de nitely su er the consequences in the long run. Some of the negative e ects of excessive tail chewing in Bettas include the development of n damage and rot, an increase or decrease in appetite, and, perhaps the most concerning, the development of severe aggression and anti-social behaviours. – Fin Damage or Fin Rot While Betta Fin Rot is caused by harmful organisms present in poor tank conditions, it can also start from open wounds in the tail ns that are the direct result of tail destruction through biting. A damaged tail n is an open invitation to harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites to take hold and put stress on the sh’s immune system. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee – Appetite Changes Once your Betta begins to feel the e ects of infections in its tail n, it will likely also lose its appetite as it struggles to conserve the energy it needs to remain mobile and to heal on its own. Unfortunately, this appetite loss will do nothing good for your Fighting Fish and will only further weaken its body and immune system. – Development of Aggression or Anti-social Behaviors Another possible e ect of tail chewing is that your Betta becomes even more aggressive or anti-social towards other sh. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Bettas are already naturally aggressive, but if they become sick or feel threatened because of their damaged tail ns, then they are more likely to lash out, hide, or treat every sh in its tank as a de nite threat that must be dealt with immediately. This could then lead to your Betta Fish biting other sh, prolonged ghts in the tank, or even fatalities in your aquarium. How To Prevent Betta Tail Biting Now that you know the probable causes and symptoms of tail chewing, you should also learn about the tried and tested methods you can use to prevent your Bettas from continuing this bad habit. The best things to do if you want to prevent your Betta sh from biting its own tail are to remove or address any of its current stressors, make your sh’s life interesting, and change up its surroundings. – Address Present Stressors That Lead to Tail Biting The rst thing you must do when you have a Betta that is continuously biting its tail is to identify the stressors that are causing this behaviour in the rst place. For starters, you might want to recall if you introduced any new tank members into the aquarium recently, if you changed your sh’s diet, or if you moved the tank to a new position in your house. These factors might have led to environmental changes that your Betta is stressing about. You should also check if your Fighting Fish can see its re ection or can see any male Betta near its aquarium, as this is a sure trigger for stress. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee – Interact With Your Betta If you think that your Betta is simply biting its tail because it feels bored, one of the things you can do to prevent this bad habit from becoming a permanent behaviour is to interact with your Fighting Fish for a few minutes every day. Though Betta sh are known for their solitary nature, this does not mean that they will be perfectly happy trapped in an aquarium with nothing to pique their interest. Play with your Betta now and then, or make mealtimes into a small game of chase around the tank. Not only will your Betta feel less stressed or bored, but it will also learn to trust you more. – O er New Tank Decor or Plants If you do not have time to interact with your Betta or it is still hesitant to show its fun side to you, then you can prevent it from biting its tail by o ering it new tank materials. O er your Betta new rock caves, driftwood, plants, and decor pieces to explore so that it has less time to bite its tail. Nowadays, some toys are safe for sh and can prove to be quite interesting and exciting for your Betta. You can shop for these toys at your local sh store or even online. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee Treatment If your Betta is already injured from the habit of biting its tail, then it is best to treat this health condition immediately; some of the best treatments for tail chewing include adding Indian Almond Leaves or powder to the tank water, using a quarantine tank for the a ected Betta, or resorting to strong antibiotics to prevent any secondary infections from occurring. – Indian Almond Leaves The use of Indian Almond Leaves for a Betta’s overall health, but especially its n and scales maintenance, is probably one of the best secrets that any serious Betta sh keeper should know about. These leaves, when dried and added to a Betta tank, release tannins. In turn, these tannins give the tank water a yellowish or brownish tint and enhance the water by giving it anti-bacterial properties. Aside from calming your Betta and providing it with an environment that more closely resembles its natural habitat, these leaves can also help to repair damage to its tail and ns and can even promote proper n growth while improving your sh’s immune system. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee – Quarantine Tank If you think that your Betta is biting its tail because of pent-up aggression against other sh in its tank, then it might be best to rehome your ghting sh in a quarantine tank temporarily. This should hopefully give it enough space to feel safer as well as give it the opportunity to heal without any disturbances from other sh. In addition, you can also make use of a quarantine tank if you suspect that your main aquarium is environmentally unstable and is causing undue stress on your Betta. That is, you can use the quarantine tank to house your Betta and keep it calm while you gure out how to maintain ideal aquarium parameters in your main setup. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee – Antibiotics Antibiotics can serve as your last resort if you think that your Betta’s tail n damage can no longer be repaired by the conservative methods that were previously discussed. There are a lot of antibiotic treatments that are available as over-the-counter purchases from most local sh and hobby shops. One of the most recommended antibiotics for tail n damage is Erythromycin; you can also purchase this medication from local shops and then administer it to your Betta according to the manufacturer’s instructions. FAQ – Do Betta Fish Tails Grow Back? Yes, a Betta’s n can regrow if it is given enough time and nutrients to actually heal properly. You can support the regrowth of your sh’s ns by providing it with a healthy, high-quality diet and by keeping its tank clean and free of health stressors. This is true for all Betta tail types. – What’s the Di erence Between Betta Tail Biting and Fin Rot? In general, a tail n a ected by rot will look slimy and uneven, and it may have holes or rips that make the entire n look jagged. On the other hand, a tail damaged by n biting or nipping will likely look neat or even as your Betta systematically bites one end of its tail n to the other. This kind of behaviour also rarely results in the development of mucus around the tail n. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee – Why Is Betta Biting Another Fish’s Tail? If you notice how your Betta is constantly chasing another sh’s tail, this might be because it feels threatened or it considers the other sh as mere prey. Remember that Bettas are naturally carnivorous; in the wild, they hunted insects and larvae, and they also actively chased smaller sh that crossed into their territories. To address this, you might need to provide your Betta and its tank mates with a more spacious aquarium, or you might need to increase the population of the smaller sh so that it is less likely to be n-nipped by your Betta. Conclusion We were able to tackle several concerns in relation to Bettas biting their tails. Below, you have a quick recap of the key points from this article. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 Isobel Ramsay Coetzee A Betta sh that engages in biting its tail may be doing so because of stress, illness, or boredom. Some of the signs that you can look out for before diagnosing your Betta with the problem of tail chewing include consistent damage to the tail n or missing chunks and pieces of your sh’s tail. Suppose you want to hinder your Betta from biting its tail. In that case, you need to address its primary stressors, interact with it whenever possible, and provide it with new environmental stimuli. If left unaddressed, your Betta’s bad habit could result in the rotting of ns or permanent tail n damage, appetite loss, or even aggression and death. You can easily treat tail n damage by including Indian Almond Leaves in your Betta’s tank, using a quarantine tank to keep your sh calm. At the same time, it recovers, and administering antibiotics if necessary. You should now be more con dent to deal with the problem of your Betta destroying its tail. With the information in this article, you should also be more than prepared to prevent this bad habit from even beginning. A Selection From 2018 - 2025 There You Have It! Isobel is a language major and major linguist with a keen interest in how language shapes us and how we shape language. On a more personal note she likes walks on the beach, sunsets and Yorkshire Terriers. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you enjoyed it! Isobel