Child of the universe positive parenting oct 39 by 2Luni Media

*FREE ONLINE MAG *ISSUE 39 *OCTOBER 2017

VIBRANT PREGNANCY TIPS My Bored Kids are Driving me

Crazy

Yummy HALLOWEEN

Breast Milk Everything you want to know

Simplifying

Single Parenting

MILLION TREE CAMPAIGN FOR SCHOOLS

Child of the Universe Positive Parenting

ed’s letter Hello my lovely readers

ABOUT US www.childoftheuniverse.co.za

PUBLISHER 2Luni Media EDITOR Linda Navon 071 346 8138 linda@childoftheuniverse.co.za OUR “Little Boss” Carmen Ché Jardim SUB–EDITOR, NATIONAL SALES & MARKETING Cj Stott Matticks 082 900 1010 candida@childoftheuniverse.co.za DISTRIBUTION & RESEARCH Lee Coulter

Big welcome to Spring… yay, at last we can pack away the winter woolies for another year, unless of course you are off to the UK for Christmas like me. Luckily my sister lives there so I won’t have to pack too much. You may have noticed that in each edition of Positive Parenting there are duplicate articles that are also in the Montessori magazines, this is because this particular magazine is meant for parent who don’t have children in Montessori schools, but in private and independent schools.

Please read the Conscious Life magazine as well, which is full of articles on natural health and beauty. It does have some ‘unconventional’ topics that we cover, which you may not find in other magazines. It’s only recently that I realised that ‘Parents” are not always happily married couples, so I am introducing articles on single parenting, how to deal with children when divorce is looming, and when a new partner appears on the scene.

PHOTOGRAPHER Edward Jardim

It would be great if you could give us some guidance on what topics you would like us to cover, even if they are not ‘positive’. Life and it’s situations are not always happy, so we like to address topics that relate to depression, suicide and children who are taking drugs and how you can cope with it.

CONTACT NUMBERS TEL: (011) 462-2900 0110 262 643 0110 468 737

On a happier note, there are many new projects, shows, outings and getaways coming up that we can enjoy in the lovely South African sun that we are so blessed with.

DISCLAIMER:

Thank you for all the letters of praise for our magazines from our readers, and please feel free to pass these mags on to your families and friends.

WRITER Dani Jardim dani@childoftheuniverse.co.za

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editor, advertisers or endorsers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are both accurate and truthful, the publisher and editor accept no responsibility for inaccurate or misleading information that may be contained herein.

Much Love

Linda

contents BABIES & BEYOND Mommy Meet-up’s with Lisa Raleigh and baby 6 Steps to a Healthy Vibrant Pregnancy 9 Common questions about Breast Milk The NEW MOM WORKOUT with Lisa Raleigh and baby PEACEFUL PARENTING My Bored Kids Complaining about being Bored is driving me crazy 10 Things I never learned at school 5 Co-Parenting Tips from a Single Dad Single Parents – Find your Tribe Teaching a dyslexic child to write EDUCATIONAL TOYS AND TRAINING Educational fun toys Horse Riding lessons for all ages Summer is here! Learn to swim GREEN LIVING Million Tree Campaign for Schools YUMMY TUMMY ‘Tis the season for Pumpkin Yummy’s The Alkaline Diet: What it is and does it work? Green Monday Recipes ANIMAL WORLD “Sides of a Horn” – Rhino Poaching & a Film REACH OUT Sunflower Fund – help children with leukaemia CHOCH – Children with Cancer The story of Romi the Wolf Wags & Whiskers Rescue Team OUT & ABOUT UPSIDEDOWN Camp at Sugarbay Shows Get-aways and eating out

How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy When it comes to having a baby there’s a lot to think about. Aside from the color of the nursery there are important issues to consider as soon as you know you’re pregnant – or even before you get pregnant. If you want to have a healthy, happy pregnancy and give your baby the best chance for a healthy delivery and life it’s vital to do a few things before you get pregnant or as soon as you find out.

Do no harm. Of course any woman who wants to have a baby automatically knows not to do any harm. But many mistakenly overlook some of the most important points. It’s vital to quit smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeine, using drugs (prescribed or street drugs), or engaging in any other behaviors that aren’t good for you. Once you’re pregnant what you do to yourself you do to your baby. Get rid of the bad habits first and foremost.

Eat real food. Many women look forward to the days of pregnancy when they can eat anything and everything they see. This simply isn’t the best approach for a healthy pregnancy. Gaining too much weight isn’t good for mom or baby.

Excess weight at childbirth can complicate the end stages of pregnancy, delivery, and even the recovery period we refer to as postpartum.

It’s vital when you’re pregnant (as well as before and after pregnancy) to eat a balanced healthy diet loaded with toxin free, natural, fresh foods. This means lots of locally grown fruits and veggies. You should also eat hormone free, free range meats like chicken, beef, and eggs. Eat whole sprouted grains, not processed and refined grains. Opt for nuts, seeds, legumes, and more that Mother Nature has given us to eat. It’s extremely important to avoid all fake or highly processed and refined foods. These are the bagged, boxed foods that line the grocery store shelves and pack the freezer aisles. Choose foods that are fresh and whole, not processed. These fake foods contain additives, preservatives, unhealthy oils, dyes, and more toxins you don’t want your baby to have. Protect them in the womb to give them a healthy start.

Do real exercise.

Many women find if they’re active after giving birth and they breastfeed, the weight slips away painlessly.

If you already exercise then keep going as long as your OB/GYN or midwife says it’s okay. Be honest with her or him about what exactly you do at the gym or during your fitness workout. If they advise you to stop or slow down – do it! This isn’t the time to take unnecessary risks. Like I said, there will be years and years to exercise once the baby is born. Don’t risk it now. Sometimes pregnant women are asked to scale back on certain exercises. If you can’t engage in your tried and true exercise try to alternate with walking or some other mild activity that your doctor gives the okay to do. You may discover something new and different that you absolutely love.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women who are average weight at the onset of pregnancy gain about twenty-five to thirtyseven pounds during the entire pregnancy.

It’s also a good time to consider what type of exercises you can do with the baby once he or she arrives safe and sound. Jogging? Walking? Hiking? Start them now and when baby’s ready bring them along!

Then there are those women on the other side. Those who dread the weight gain and skimp on meals in fear of getting ‘fat.’ This is a huge mistake too. If you’re ready to become a mom (or think you are) now’s the time to stop putting yourself and your own wants first. It’s vital to consider the health of the baby, not your own growing waistline.

However, if up to this point you haven’t exercised, consider beginning a low impact exercise program. Consult with your doctor first then get started. Power walking, easy hikes, or a yoga/Pilates fusion are a great way to get fresh air and some needed exercise while pregnant. Get creative and don’t be afraid to try out activities you previously wouldn’t consider.

Rest.

Take real vitamins.

Spiritual Growth.

During this time of your life your body (and your baby’s) has a greater need for certain vitamins and minerals. Many prenatal vitamins contain exactly what you need. Be sure to take these vitamins but don’t settle for a low quality vitamin. These cost a bit more but are more easily digested and absorbed by the body than their synthetic counterparts.

There’s almost no other experience in life that will put you in awe of the greatness of our Maker. When you experience pregnancy and childbirth even the biggest skeptics begin to believe in a Higher Power and miracles. Childbirth is truly a miracle and getting to experience it first hand is powerful.

Some women have trouble tolerating large vitamins. If that’s the case for you, consider liquid vitamins or individual supplements for folic acid, iron, and the other vital vitamins and minerals needed in pregnancy. It’s also crucial during this time to up your intake of foods containing the specific vitamins and minerals you need. This is actually your best source: •Vitamin A •Vitamin D •Vitamin E •Vitamin C •Vitamin B1 – thiamine •Vitamin B2 – riboflavin •Vitamin B3 – niacin •Vitamin B6 •Beta Carotene •Folic acid •Calcium •Iron •Protein •Zinc

There’s no doubt about it, now’s the time to rest up. You may be in for some sleepless nights in the months ahead so take the time now to nurture and care for yourself. It’s essential to be getting plenty of sleep during this time. Prioritize the items on your ‘to do’ list and put sleep close to the top.

When you’re pregnant you can really begin to nurture your connection to God. It’s during this time that a miracle is taking place within your body. Tap into this and you’ll gain peace, wisdom, and feel surrounded by the greatest love of all. Whether you attend church, synagogue, meditate, or simply spend time in nature connecting with your Creator pregnancy is a great time to deepen this connection or reconnect. Having a healthy, vibrant pregnancy in large is up to you. If you follow these steps along with whatever your health care practitioner advises you it can be the best nine months of your life. Enjoy this precious time, a miracle is occurring.

Body Care MUST-HAVES RAIN CLOUD NEWS by: Juani Walters

Never in the past did we think, we would be spending a good time everyday in grooming ourselves. Owe it to our hectic schedules or a monotonous lifestyle, we have now realized how important it is to look good and more importantly feel good. Be it the university goers, or people in middle and upper middle age groups, we essentially find these body care must-haves in our wardrobe at all times. A good hand cream enriched with essential butters is usually on the top row. Our hands do all the talking during the day and often had to go through rigorous tasks. Keeping them moist and hydrated is very important.

Retaining moisture to the skin throughout the day requires us to cover ourselves with healthy body butter. A must apply when we walk out in the mornings. It keeps us fresh even when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done for the day. Dead tissues and cells should be removed regularly to keep our skin healthy and fit. A body polish session not just helps in cleaning but also restores the damages tissues due to sunny outings every now and then. Thorough cleansing & sanitization is what we need at the end of the day. A shower cream takes away all the dirt and dust, making us ready for the next day. Finally adding a nutrient rich soap or a bar soap in the kit is always a good idea. Staying rejuvenated, soft and deodorized makes us feel good and confident

Breast milk is loaded with exactly the right nutrients in the exact amounts a new baby needs. Research shows that breast milk is not merely nutritious, but it contains a variety of factors with medicinal qualities that have profound roles in infant survival and health. Although the industry continues to attempt to approve infant formula with the addition of compounds, such as fatty acids, oligosaccharides, nucleotides and lactoferrin, breast milk has such far-reaching effects on the infantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune response that optimal development depends heavily on its actions. It contains many hundreds to thousands of distinct bioactive molecules that protect against infection and inflammation and contribute to immune maturation, organ development and promotion of a healthy microbiome. (1) For this reason, all mothers should be encouraged and supported to continue breastfeeding for six months and beyond in order to promote the good health of their infants. Of course, I know most mothers have questions regarding breast milk and breastfeeding, so below I answer nine of the most common questions I hear about breast milk.

9 Common Questions About Breast Milk 1.

How long should I breastfeed?

According to research published in Pediatric Clinics in North America, exclusive human milk feeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding for one to two years of life or longer, is recognized as the standard for infant feeding.

2. What should I eat to boost the nutritional content of my breast milk? Studies have found that the fatty acid profile of breast milk varies in relation to maternal diet, particularly when mothers eat too many omega-6 fatty acids and not enough omega-3 fatty acids. Eat lots of omega-3 foods, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, wild-caught salmon, tuna and egg yolks. Balance your omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid consumption by reducing the amount of meat, dairy products, peanut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil and sesame oil you consume daily. (2)

3. Do breastfed babies need to take vitamins? Vitamin K is typically given to newborns in their first days of life, and deficiencies of other vitamins (except vitamin D) are rare, especially if mothers are nourished adequately. Because the vitamins and minerals in breast milk vary depending on a mother’s diet and body stores, researchers suggest that mothers continue to take multivitamins during lactation. Vitamin D levels are low in breast milk, particularly for moms who get little exposure to sunshine, so pediatricians recommend that breastfed infants are given a liquid vitamin D supplement in order to avoid a vitamin D deficiency. These supplements usually contain large amounts of the water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins that meet the recommended daily allowances for your baby. (3)

4. How do I store breast milk? Many mothers pump when they return to work and nurse at night and on the weekends; some decide to exclusively pump too. Many employed moms choose to use the fresh milk they pump at work for feedings the next day, and they refrigerate Friday’s milk for use on Monday (if they have the weekends off). It’s normal for pumped milk to vary in color, consistency and scent depending on the mother’s diet. You may also notice that stored milk separates into layers, and the cream rises to the top. Before feeding the baby this stored milk, gently swirl the warmed bottle to mix the layers again, but do not shake the bottle.

Small amounts of cooled breast milk can be added to the same refrigerated container throughout the day, but avoid adding warm milk to already cooled milk. When you store milk in the freezer, leave room in the storage bag because liquids expand when frozen, and write the dates on the bags and use the oldest milk first.

5. How long can I store breast milk? It’s safe to store mother’s milk in the following ways:  At room temperature for four to six hours (66–78 degrees Fahrenheit)  In a cooler with frozen ice packs for 24 hours (59 degrees Fahrenheit)  In the refrigerator for three to six days (39 degrees Fahrenheit or lower)  In the freezer for six to 12 months (0–4 degrees Fahrenheit) Storing breast milk this way does not increase the possibility of bacterial contamination and growth of infectious pathogens in stored milk. However, the nutritional value of breast milk may be altered. Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal and Neonatal Edition indicates that store time should be limited to 48 hours in order to preserve the antioxidant activity of breast milk. Freezing breast milk resulted in a greater decrease of antioxidants than refrigeration. Researchers in Spain tested refrigerated and frozen breast milk over a 90-day period. They found that by three months from freezing breast milk, there’s a relevant and significant decline in the concentration of fat and energy content. The modification of total nitrogen and lactose was not constant and at lower magnitudes when breast milk was frozen. (6) Based on this research, I suggest that you use your frozen stash of breast milk for emergencies or to use when your baby begins eating solids that supply her with the nutrients she needs. When your baby begins eating a combination of foods at around six months of age, you can add frozen breast milk to smoothies or purees.

6. Does breast milk lose nutritional value when it’s stored for later use? According to research published in the International Breastfeeding Journal, bottle systems that are used to deliver expressed breast milk may reduce the concentration of vitamin C to less than 40 percent of the recommended daily intake for infant. The study included the analysis of four bottle systems that were sampled after 20 minutes of milk expression. Research published in the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition suggests that there’s a significant difference in the total antioxidant count of expressed breast milk after refrigeration and freezing when compared to the antioxidant count at zero hour. This includes a decline in vitamins C, A and E.

7. How do I heat or thaw breast milk? Do not microwave breast milk. Microwaving breast milk changes its composition, and it can cause severe burns to the baby’s mouth because of hot spots that develop in the milk. Thawed milk is safe in the refrigerator for 24 hours, but don’t refreeze milk once it’s thawed. If you need to thaw milk more quickly, run it under warm water or leave it in a sealed container or bottle in a bowl of warm water for about 20 minutes until it reaches body temperature. To warm milk that’s been stored in the refrigerator, it can be kept out at room temperature for three to six hours or placed in a bowl of warm water.

8. Does alcohol affect breast milk? Most mothers can drink in moderation while breastfeeding. According to La Leche League, it takes a 120-pound woman about three hours to eliminate the majority of the alcohol from her blood (and thus her milk) in each serving of beer or wine, so multiply the number of drinks you have by three to know how many hours it will take until your milk is mostly alcohol-free again. There’s no need to “pump and dump” every time you drink alcohol, as long as you’re able to wait before breastfeeding again.

9. Does caffeine affect breast milk? A 2012 study published in Pediatrics suggests that caffeine consumption during pregnancy and by nursing mothers does not have consequences on sleep of infants at the age of 3 months. In the study, infants until 3 months of age were unable to metabolize caffeine when mothers drank about three cups of coffee per day. However, other studies show that some infants can be sensitive to caffeine and display increased irritability and sleep disturbances when exposed to caffeine from breast milk. I recommend that mothers drink caffeine in moderation and make sure they drink plenty of water throughout the day as well — both in order to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine overdose.

Breast Milk Nutrition The first fluid produced by mothers after delivery is called colostrum. Colostrum is one of the most vital ingredients in breast milk, and it’s what is often referred to as “liquid gold.” It’s a thicker, yellowish breast milk that’s made in the later stages of pregnancy. Colostrum is loaded with nutrients and antibodies to give your baby exactly what she needs in her first days of life. After three days or so, the body naturally begins to make mature milk, which contains an ideal combination of protein, sugar, water and fat. Mature breast milk contains, on average, 1.1 percent protein, 4.2 percent fat and 7 percent carbohydrate; it supplies 72 calories of energy per 100 grams. Fat is the most highly variable macronutrient in milk. Hindmilk, which is the last milk of a feed, may contain two to three times the concentration of milk fat found in foremilk, the initial milk of a feed. This is why mothers are commonly advised to empty an entire breast prior to feeding from the other breast. As hindmilk is more energy-dense due to its higher fat content, this recommendation ensures that the infant’s satiety and energy needs for growth are met. Antibodies are also a vital part of the mother’s breast milk. Antibodies protect your vulnerable newborn from both viral and bacterial infections. According to a 2002 study published in Breastfeeding Review, infant formula-feeding is inferior to breastfeeding because human milk enhances the immature immunologic system of the infant and strengthens her defense mechanisms against infective and other foreign agents. Researchers indicate that there are bioactive factors in human milk, such as hormones, growth factors and colony-stimulating factors, as well as specific nutrients. Mother’s milk may also reduce the incidence of disease in infancy, and factors in breast milk promote gastrointestinal mucosal maturation, decrease the incidence of infection, alter gut microflora, and have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory functions. Breast milk also has antioxidant properties. It contains vitamin C and E and enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Research suggests that all factors, conditions and problems affecting infants, especially those born prematurely, are the outcomes of one unifying disease — oxygen radical disease. If there are too many free radicals produced and too few antioxidants, a condition of oxidative stress develops, which may cause serious damage in infancy. A need to reduce oxidative stress and boost antioxidant defenses in these vulnerable infants is essential.

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply Many mothers fear that they aren’t making enough breast milk for their babies and are looking for natural ways to increase breast milk supply. There are some potential causes of low milk supply that should be addressed before you stress out about taking action to increase your supply (which may already be fine). The golden rule when breastfeeding is that nursing is a supply and demand process. If you’re supplementing with formula, then you won’t make enough breast milk because your body doesn’t know that it’s needed. Scheduled feedings may also interfere with your supply and demand cycle and can lead to a reduced supply, so try to nurse your baby whenever she’s hungry. To establish your supply when the baby is very young, nurse her about every two hours during the day and every four hours at night, and use both breasts. Frequent feedings ensure that your breasts are stimulated enough to establish a full milk supply. The more milk that’s removed from your breasts, the more milk your body will produce. Supply issues may be caused by the baby not latching properly (which can be due to sleepiness, being used to the bottle or use of nipple shields), so seek advice from a lactation counselor if you think this may be the issue. Adding pumping sessions after nursing sessions can also be helpful, especially if your baby isn’t eating frequently enough. If you’re working and need to pump milk for your baby, plan to pump your milk two to three times while you’re away from your baby. Each day’s pumping should provide enough milk for the next day’s time at day care or with a sitter. Galactogogues (like fenugreek, blessed thistle and alfalfa) are used to increase breast milk production, but researchers suggest that this should only be done when all nonpharmacologic recommendations are exhausted. The efficacy and safety data regarding galactogogues use is limited, and more studies are needed to evaluate the herbs’ effects on breast milk production.

Flora force fenugreek ad

The folklore that alcohol consumption enhances milk supply has persisted for centuries, but studies show that this isn’t true. In fact, a study conducted at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia suggests that infants consumed, on average, 23 percent less milk following their mothers’ consumption of alcoholic beer relative to the nonalcoholic beer. This decrease in milk intake was not due to a decrease in the number of times the babies fed but because the babies ingested less milk during each feeding. Lastly, don’t overlook your own needs — mothers need to eat healthy and nourishing foods (like these superfoods) in order to produce enough breast milk, and they need to hydrate, relax and get enough rest (whenever possible!). Take time for yourself at some point during the day, and be confident in your body and its ability to make what your baby needs in terms of nutrition.

Final Thoughts on Breast Milk      

Breast milk is loaded with exactly the right nutrients in the exact amounts a new baby needs. Colostrum is loaded with nutrients and antibodies to give your baby exactly what she needs in her first days of life. After three days or so, the body naturally begins to make mature milk, which contains an ideal combination of protein, sugar, water and fat. Antibodies are also a vital part of the mother’s breast milk. Antibodies protect your vulnerable newborn from both viral and bacterial infections. Breast milk also has antioxidant properties; it contains vitamin C and E and enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. There are a number of ways to increase breast milk supply naturally, but the golden rule is that nursing is a supply and demand process. There are certain rules to follow when pumping and storing expressed milk to ensure that you reduce bacterial growth and maximize the nutritional content in breast milk.

Got no time to yourself? No problem! Bring baby along in their carrier and work your muscles with this simple full-body workout. Stand on a step with heels hanging off and a wall or railing nearby for support. Starting with heels lower than toes, rise up until standing on your toes. Pause for a moment then lower back down to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Sit on a step with hands by your hips and heels on the floor in front of you. Lift your hips off the surface and lower your body towards the ground until elbows are bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Stand about a metre in front of a low elevated surface. Step forward onto the step with one foot. Sink down until both knees are bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 2 sets of 8-12 reps with each leg.

Conscious Life Magazine

Stand with feet wider than hip-width, toes turned out and hands on hips. Keeping your torso upright, sink towards the floor until both knees are bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Start standing upright with feet together. Take a big step forward to the side and sink that leg down until the knee is bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

We just know that you will love Lisa’s new platform: MUMENTOES serves as an online hub of content directed towards families of all sizes and ages: primarily women who want to fall pregnant, expecting moms, new parents, and young families – all looking to enhance their physical and mental health, and that of their growing families. https://mumentoes.wordpress.com/ TV Personality, Author, Lifestyle and Wellness Expert www.lisaraleigh.co.za lisa@lisaraleigh.co.za www.facebook.com/LisaRaleighSA-Facebook LisaRaleighSA – Twitter LisaRaleighTV – Youtube

Conscious Life Magazine

My Bored Kids Complaining About Being Bored Is Driving Me Crazy!

My Bored Kids Drive My Crazy! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so bored!â&#x20AC;? For many parents, hearing this refrain all summer is like nails on chalkboard. Should parents suggest activities and try to help their teens entertain themselves? Here a mother and teenage daughter discuss her approach to her bored kids, and our panel of experts has advice on when to let a teen entertain themselves, and when to intervene. MOM | Whitney Fleming Being a tween/teen today is no joke. There are so many opportunities to participate in school activities, athletics, classes, and everything in between. There is a club or organization for nearly every interest, and practices, meetings, and service hours are on the calendar for what feels like every spare moment. Add to that the hours of homework and projects teens must complete. With three tweens, I often feel like I am passing myself on the road taking someone somewhere. 5:00 a.m. on a Saturday: time to get up for a soccer tournament. 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday: orchestra concert. Friday at 4:00 p.m.: art class.

Bored Kids It’s for this reason I want to pull my hair out when I hear these three simple words: “Mom, I’m bored.” Perhaps kids are so overscheduled that they have no idea what to do with themselves when they have a moment of “free” time. Or perhaps in today’s iEverything age, teens don’t know what to do if a screen isn’t in front of them. Or perhaps they still want a parent to point them in the right direction, if even subconsciously. When I hear from my bored kids, I often provide a wide list of responses, including: “Read a book,” “Take a walk,” or everyone’s favorite, “How about cleaning your room?” To which the responses are often, “Nah,” “I don’t feel like it,” or “Never mind.” Boredom is a great thing for tweens/teens. It means they have time to breathe and decompress from the external pressures they face. But figuring out what to do with those 15 minutes between studying and soccer? Well, that’s on them. Whitney Fleming is a freelance writer and social media consultant. She resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, three tween daughters, and her puppy, Jax. She blogs about parenting, relationships, and w(h)ine at www.playdatesonfridays.com

DAUGHTER | Olivia Fleming

I love activities and hanging out with my friends. I take lessons and compete in Saddleback horse riding; I participate in orchestra, the stage crew of the school play, and clubs at school. I also like my “me” time. I have two sisters around my age, and we’re always doing stuff together, but sometimes I need a break. I’ll read a book or play on my phone, and I enjoy being by myself. Other times I feel stuck. If I want to go somewhere or do something, one of my parents needs to drive me. Or if I just want to chill out and watch a movie or play on my phone, they complain that I’m on electronics too much. So yeah, sometimes I really am just bored and feel like I have nothing to do. I think I say I’m bored because I’m looking for some company or just want to chat for a few minutes. It’s my way of trying to see if the other person wants to hang out. Sometimes, it’s probably because I don’t feel like doing whatever it is I’m supposed to be doing, like unloading the dishwasher or studying for a test. (Boring.)

Adults seem to get annoyed whenever a kid says, “I’m bored,” like it’s the worst thing they could ever say and they’re just complaining all the time. I think we are just being honest. I think it’s OK to say you are bored if that’s the way you are feeling. And you never know what someone else may come up with as an idea for doing something fun—like the time I said I was bored and my mom told me to help make dinner for the family. Now I know how to make spaghetti and meatballs all on my own!

Olivia Fleming is 12 years old and entering the seventh grade this year. She enjoys playing the cello, riding horses, reading, and cooking.

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS We talked to the experts about how to respond your bored kids. Here’s how to understand it, and what to do and say about it: Boredom and creativity. Dr. Karen Gaskin, an associate professor of psychology at Penn State University who has researched the connection between boredom and creativity, says not to write off all boredom as bad. “Sometimes a little boredom can be productive, for it can help spark kids’ imagination—encouraging them to see their everyday environment in a new and interesting way.” Don’t ignore boredom. At the same time, Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D., a psychologist in Austin, Texas, and author of Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence, cautions parents not to trivialize boredom, as it can be a symptom of a search for connection. “Passing boredom is okay, but protracted boredom is not,” Pickhardt says. “For the teen who cannot find a positive way to connect with herself, who cannot mobilize resources to get unstuck and positively engaged, parents can be door-openers and activity directors: ‘Since you can’t find a good way to occupy yourself this afternoon, just for 15 minutes, I’d like you to try this.’” What does boredom mean? Amy Speidel, a certified parent coach based in Cleveland, agrees that parents can help young people get unstuck. We can explain to teens that boredom is “the brain’s way of saying, ‘I want novelty; give me something exciting.’” Their brains, Speidel says, “are looking for a boost.” Try to be patient with teen boredom. It’s a natural parental response, but Speidel suggests we try to avoid feeling irritated when teens say they’re bored. It’s part of life, just like feeling hunger in our stomachs. We can coach our kids to ask themselves, “What would my brain like for nourishment?” just as we would encourage them to find something to eat when they’re hungry.

We can coach our kids to ask themselves, “What would my brain like for nourishment?”

Boredom Solutions to Try What to say in that moment to bored kids? Speidel’s advice indicates Whitney was on track when she suggested Olivia help make dinner. “Your brain’s looking for something to do,” Speidel counsels parents to say, and to suggest a few options for the teen. Puzzles, exploring outside, walking a pet, calling a friend, knitting—the possibilities are endless. It’s helpful if parents have a mental “fridge” full of options for “brain hunger,” just like we have a fridge full of options for stomach hunger. (A physical jar full of ideas for activities “to jar the brain” is also a possibility.) Then, the next step is on them.

10 Things Never Learned In School After finishing my three years in college I was excited to jump into the real world and conquer it. I never did. I think that I was ill prepared for the world, as school made me believe I had acquired all necessary skills. However, it soon dawned on me that school had not taught me some very important skills, and here are the 10 things I never learned in school: 1. School never taught me how to love The teachers insisted on the importance of me understanding how to balance equations and prepare gasses in chemistry but they never taught me how to know if I had the right chemistry with someone.

2. How to handle money Although I was taught math it was predominantly calculus and algebra which I never use. I wish they taught me how to budget my finances instead.

3. Embrace my uniqueness School never taught me the importance of celebrating my uniqueness. They made me think that it was better to fit in than to stand out. Now it has come to my realization that anyone who conquers the world first breaks out the preset mold.

5 Co-Parenting Tips From a Single Dad

by Jane Parent

Parenting after divorce – it isn’t easy. Parenting teens and tweens is challenging enough without the added stress of co-parenting with your ex after an acrimonious split. Your Teen caught up with Jeff Meshel, a divorced father of two from New York City, and co-founder of DivorceForce, an online community and resource for divorced parents, to talk about tips for parenting after divorce. Tips for Parenting After Divorce 1. Get Support. “Divorce is the second most stressful life event there is,” says Meshel, “and when you are going through it, you are confused, reactive, hurt, and your judgment isn’t always great. Your friends want to help you, but they probably aren’t divorce experts and are more likely to give you their opinions than concrete legal advice.” Connecting with others who are either going through a divorce, or have experienced a divorce, says Meshel, helps divorced parents receive the support and advice they need.

"Connecting with others who are either going through a divorce, or have experienced a divorce helps divorced parents receive the support and advice they need."

2. Do Your Best to Stay Out of Court. Matrimonial and family court foster hostility and conflict. If you are having issues communicating with your ex, ask parents or a trusted source to mediate and help you both overcome the hostility so you can move towards an amicable resolution. Litigation is expensive and stressful on your children. “Both parties must be willing to stay out of court, so if your ex isn’t cooperating, find someone close to him or her who can point out all the negatives of litigation.”

3. Don’t Disparage Your Ex – Ever! As much as you may dislike your ex, remember that person is the mother or father of your kid(s). “If you have two intelligent people who are committed to putting their kids first, it’s much easier than if you have a hostile divorce with lots of adversity where the kids are very emotionally affected,” says Meshel. Even when your ex is trying to alienate your kids, or physically or emotionally separate you from them, Meshel recommends learning to “deflect it and not react emotionally in front of the children.” Stay positive and affirming. Don’t lie to your kids or try to shield them too much, but be open and honest, even when it’s painful. “I’ve been an open book about the good and the bad with my 19-year-old,” says Meshel, “and it has really helped to empower him to make good decisions.”

4. You Are Never Fully Divorced. You share the most valuable possession in the world, and are responsible to raise your kids to the best of your abilities. This will keep you connected forever. “As hard as it may be, and as emotional as you are right now, keep in mind that your ex is a crucial part of your child’s lives, and being able to co-parent is paramount to your child’s happiness.”

5. Don’t Use Your Kids as Messengers. Avoid unnecessary stress on your kids by using them to talk to your ex. The most common abuse of this is discussing parenting schedules. “Kids don’t need to relay this information, not when you have a host of calendar and scheduling options. We all have phones, sync up with your ex and alleviate the back and forth over simple items.” Less conversations with your ex could lead to a smoother relationship moving forward.

Single Parenting: Find Your Tribe

By Renee Brown

This parenthood thing is quite the journey. I found that once I got the hang of how to handle something, when BAM … a new problem surfaced and I’d be back to square one.

I think everyone can agree having a tribe is a great idea. The problem is, how do you find your people? After my sons and I lived in Lincoln, Nebraska for five years, we moved back to our beloved Minneapolis. I assumed I would pick-up with my girlfriends without a hitch. And I did, for the most part. But I’m not going to lie, it was difficult.

Without the other parent in the home to weigh out pros and cons, making decisions – both large and small – can be an exhausting, tedious and frustrating endeavor to do alone. I found myself second-guessing my rationale and often felt like it was all too much.

Most of them were happily married and didn’t have much time or space outside of a lunch or happy hour here and there. We would definitely share parenting challenges, but since they had a solid relationship with their kids’ dad, they had him to strategize with. I didn’t have that, so I began to deliberately look for other single parents.

Luckily, not long after my divorce, I decided I needed a tribe. I needed other single moms to spend time with. People who understood my struggle much more intimately than my married and/or childless friends could. Friends who knew of the delicate struggle I lived with every day as a single mom.

Looking back on my life I can see how some friends were only around for a certain season of my life.

I struck gold at a large church that had not only terrific youth groups for my boys, but also a single mom’s support group that met at the same time as my kids’ activities. In a flash, I was meeting weekly with 20 or more other single moms who all needed support, love, and encouragement. I found that I was far enough along in my journey that I could serve as a mentor of sorts at times. It was in this group that I made some really great friends, including one of my best friends. We saw one another weekly, but really carried the friendship on during the week. Pretty soon, we were getting together on a regular basis for potlucks, walks, movies and of course, happy hours. In between were plenty of emails, texts and phone calls. They rallied around me when I had to go to family court. These women made all the difference in the world for me. They understood my walk, they praised me (which – let’s be honest – filled up my bucket in a huge way), and they made me laugh, hard, all the time.

Sometimes the women you meet will be friends for just a short period of time, and that’s OK, too. Looking back on my life I can see how some friends were only around for a certain season of my life, and I am able to see how we were there for a particular reason. Others will be a huge part of your life for many years to come. Don’t force anything; the best friendships happen when both parties have an itch that needs to be scratched. My tribe has shifted and evolved over and over again, especially now that my sons are young adults. One of my best friends is single with no kids, but she provides me with terrific perspective. I love her advice because it’s practical and always from her heart. I always know she wants the best for me and, what can I say, that’s a pretty amazing friend.

I met some other really lovely single moms too. I met one sitting at the same table during a professional awards banquet. We got to chatting and I laid out the line about raising boys alone and learned she was in the same situation. We exchanged business cards, then met for lunch and have been friends ever since.

All of this is to say, single moms are everywhere, and we all need one another (and single dads, the same holds for you too). Don’t be shy about letting people know of your situation. You never know who else is on your journey, or maybe has a sister or good friend who needs a tribe. Think of what a win-win this can be!

I needed a tribe. I needed other single moms to spend time with.

Renee lives in Minneapolis and has two young adult sons, Sam and Zachary, plus three obstinate felines. She is a senior account executive in advertising and an avid reader, creative writer, and yoga enthusiast.

HOW TO TEACH A DYSLEXIC CHILD TO WRITE

by Hannah Roberts Children with dyslexia spend a lot of time and energy learning to read and write. These are not passive learning activities for children with dyslexia. Frequently, parents and educators believe dyslexia affects predominantly reading and comprehension. However, the ability to write is affected by Dyslexia. A difficulty in writing is referred to as dysgraphia. These difficulties can come in pairs because they are simply different expressions in differences or weaknesses in the components of learning. These weaknesses or differences cause difficulty in language processing and writing is a part of language processing. Much can be done to strengthen these components. To find our which are affecting you take our learning difficulties quick analysis.

As a teacher discovers the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning achievement, she will see a discrepancy in the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oral abilities versus how the student expresses themselves on paper. Every child with Dyslexia displays different symptoms and severity of symptoms.

The Yard on Third wants to keep the passion in horse riding alive. We love horses as much as you do and want you to continue to love riding and caring for your horses. We have seven beautiful and unique school horses for all age groups to enjoy our lessons. We promote the art of horsemanship and teach our riders to care for their horses, this includes everything from cleaning out a stable to jumping in your very first horse show. We also offer fun and exciting training shows that are open to the whole family to enjoy, these take place every two months. We also offer pony camps, outrides, outings and day clinics to all of our riders. Join our mailing list to be sure you are up to date on the shows that take place at the Yard and come experience for yourself the passion and love that is radiating from our Yard, to our riders and especially to the horses.

Conscious Life Magazine

Events & school activities Sign up your school today so that Grow Group can motivate kids to grow indigenous tree seeds. Each child will receive a grow kit to take home, which encourages your kids to grow trees for years to come. The lesson begins with growing a tree seed, soon after 9 months of patience, persistence and participation; the child plants their baby tree in the ground. To top it off, we ask you to send us the trees co-ordinates. This is how you can become part of the million-tree campaign! Its Grow Groups plan to save Earth.

OUR VISION Grow Group wood like a million people to grow a tree seed, eventually planting the tree in the ground. We started recording all the Co-ordinates of planted trees in 2010 and soon weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll launch the tree map. This tool will help you view your tree on Google Earth and hopefully youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to view the time lapse over the years as too how the tree grew. We are also striving to include the good practice of growing a tree seed in the school education system. Imagine if every Grade 1 learner would grow a tree seed, plant it in grade 2 and by the end of their school career have a decent size tree to call their own.

'Tis the season for pumpkin everything.

BY PINCHOFYUM

Healthy Maple Glazed Pumpkin Muffins

5 Ingredient Pumpkin Alfredo

BY HALFBAKEDHARVEST Pumpkin & Kale Chicken Noodle Soup

RECIPE

Pumpkin Fudge Brownie Pancakes

The Alkaline diet: What is it and does it work?

The alkaline diet is making news headlines. Why? Because the modern diet is increasing the acid content of our bodies. threatening our pH levels – the delicate but vital balance of alkali and acid in our systems. Let’s discuss the alkaline diet, how it works and if it’s worth it.. If you’re getting through your day on coffee, sweets, snacks, fast foods and after-work wine or beer (come on, we’ve seen those queues!), think twice. Your amazing body is, as they say, ‘a finely tuned machine’. It’s quite capable of maintaining that fine-tuning, and that includes the delicate job of balancing the levels of acid or alkaline (the pH levels) in its fluids and tissues. Your body needs a tightly controlled pH level of 7.365 to 7.4 in its blood to function properly. If you eat poorly, the levels of acid in your system increase. That weakens your body’s defenses against degenerative diseases such as bone loss, arthritis and muscle wasting, and even tumours. ‘Even very tiny alterations in the pH level of various organisms can cause major problems,’ says natural health practitioner Dr Josh Axe.

So what is an alkaline diet?

We are what we eat

An alkaline diet helps balance the pH level of the fluids in your body, including your blood and urine. Your pH level is partially determined by the mineral density of the foods you eat, so eating an alkaline diet can help to:

In the past two centuries, mass industrialisation of our food supply has disturbed the mineral balance in our diet. So the food we eat contains less potassium, magnesium and chloride, but far more sodium (salt) than before. Normally, our kidneys keep our levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium stable. But a diet of overly acidic foods places a strain on this function. We’re simply eating too many refined fats, simple sugars, sodium and chloride. And the result? We’re ageing faster, our organs are battling to work properly, our muscle strength is declining, and we’re losing bone mass. High acidity levels are robbing our bodies of vital minerals. And you know what? These conditions are avoidable…

Improve the ratio between potassium and sodium, which may benefit bone health, reduce muscle wasting, and ease other chronic diseases such as hypertension and stroke. • Increase magnesium – needed to activate vitamin D. • Improve the production of growth hormones and vitamin D absorption, which also help protect bones and ease other chronic diseases. Growth hormones also promote cardiovascular health, memory and cognition. • Help fight inflammation, and possibly help benefit certain chemotherapeutic agents that require a higher pH.

Take our advice to alkalinity in your body: • •

Wonder what ‘pH level’ means? What we call pH is short for the potential of hydrogen, and is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of our body’s fluids and tissues. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 14. The more acidic a solution is, the lower its pH (battery acid is 0; bleach has a pH of 13). The more alkaline, the higher the number is. pH levels vary throughout the body (the stomach is the most acidic area), but the optimal human body tends to be around 7.4.

•

• •

•

improve

Get fresh. Eat seven to nine servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. (You’ll find a comprehensive list here.) That includes all our favourites: avocado, baby potatoes, broccoli, bananas, ginger, garlic, lemons (yes!) and olive oil. Look to that perennial favourite – the Mediterranean diet. Raw foods are the best. Most fruit and veg can be used fresh in salads – in fact, cooking depletes foods of their alkalising minerals. Tired of salads? Try steaming foods lightly. Juicing is good too, especially when you add fresh or powdered grasses – they’re a great source of chlorophyll, which helps alkalise the blood. Up your intake of plant proteins. Eat nuts, especially almonds, seeds such as raw pumpkin seeds, and beans. Exercise daily, but don’t spend hours at the gym. Breathe deeply. You inhale oxygen and exhale acidic carbon dioxide. And relax too!

Take our advice to improve alkalinity in your body: • •

•

• • •

Foods to avoid These foods contribute most to acidity and inflammation – cut them out if you already have acidity related conditions, or eat them in moderation to support your wellness: • • • • •

High-sodium foods such as processed meats and cheeses. High sugar / refined carbohydrate containing processed breakfast cereals such as corn flakes, rice crispies, etc. Eggs. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Pasta, rice, bread and packaged grain products. All grains, whole or not, create acidity. (Although barley and oats are only mildly acidic.)

• •

Artificial sweeteners. Trans fats, sugar, refined salts, refined foods, fast foods, takeaways, alcohol, tobacco, pizza, chips, chocolate, ice cream. You know the drill!

Chronic stress, not enough fibre, lack of exercise (or over-exercising), pesticides and pollution can also increase your body’s acid levels

Support your body with wholeherb products Whole-herb products may help balance your body naturally – in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and the recommendations listed above. Turmeric may help alkalise your body, and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps your liver, digestion and metabolism. Get Turmeric capsules here. Cayenne is highly alkaline, with natural anti-inflammatory properties. Get Cayenne capsules here. Turmerynne™ combines both turmeric and cayenne with a shot of black pepper to aid absorption – perfect if you’d rather take just a single capsule. Get Turmerynne™ capsules here. Ginger has a pH of 5.6 to 5.9, similar to that of figs, fennel, leeks, parsnips and romaine lettuce. Ginger also improves digestion and boosts blood flow. Get Ginger capsules here

Flora Force wishes you a healthy, energetic spring! CAUTION Consult your health practitioner before taking any herbal supplements. Always consult your health practitioner before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you are taking other medication, and especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. References Axe, J. Alkaline diet: The key to longevity and fighting chronic disease? https://draxe.com/alkaline-diet/ New Life Nutrition. Schwalfenberg, G.K.The alkaline diet: Is there evidence that an alkaline pH diet benefits health? Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC319 5546/

Green Monday Beet Fennel & Fig Salad Adapted from Candle 79 Cookbook: Modern Vegan Classics from New York’s Premier Sustainable Restaurant

Cranberry Sage Dressing Ingredients: • 1⁄2 cup (115ml) extra-virgin olive oil • 1⁄2 cup (115g) finely chopped shallots • 1 cup (225g) fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen) • 1⁄4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves • 1 fresh sage leaf, chopped • 1⁄3 cup (75ml) water • 1 tablespoon maple syrup / sugar • 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt

Salad Ingredients: • 450g fresh beets • 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and halved • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling • sea salt and freshly ground pepper • 115g nuts • 225g baby arugula (rocket) • 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced (optional) • 6 fresh figs, cut into wedges.

Dressing Preparation: • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the cranberries and continue

to cook, stirring, until they are softened and begin to pop (about 5 minutes). • Set aside to cool, then transfer to a blender. Add the vinegar, rosemary, sage, water, maple syrup/sugar, salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and process until smooth.

Salad Preparation • Preheat oven to 180 C. • Wrap the beets in aluminium foil and put them on a baking sheet. Put the fennel on a separate baking sheet, cut side up, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. • Roast the beets and fennel in the oven until fork-tender (about 30 minutes for the fennel, and 50 to 60 minutes for the beets). • When cool enough to handle, peel the beets and cut them into thin slices. Cut the fennel into very thin slices. • Meanwhile, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted (about 5 to 8 minutes). • Put the arugula (rocket) in a large bowl; add the beets, fennel, nuts, and optional pear, and gently toss together. Drizzle with the dressing and scatter the figs over the salad.

Conscious Life Magazine

Green Monday Overnight Oats By CTVeganista

Ingredients: • ½ cup rolled oats • 1 cup nut milk • 1 mashed banana • 4 dates, chopped • 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional) • 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds (optional) • Toppings: fresh fruit, granola, maple syrup, nuts, peanut butter

Directions: • Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well-combined. • Place the oats mixture in a glass jar with closed lid overnight. • Transfer your oats mixture to a bowl the next morning, add your favourite toppings and more nut milk if you prefer and enjoy hot or cold.

Conscious Life Magazine

We Welcome You To Our Lovely Guest House And Conference Venue In The Magaliesburg Area. Just 50 minutes drive from Johannesburg and 60 minutes from Pretoria. This thatched Guest House is an ideal "getaway" from the busy city life, and we are in ease reach of the World Heritage Site - the Cradle of Mankind. We offer 14 luxury en suite rooms with TV's, restaurant, conference facilities and we are fully licensed. Our reception facilities include : sparkling swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, big chess set, volleyball, trampoline, walks, bird watching. Our games room, includes a pool table, card games ,darts and dominoes. We can organize game drives, hiking and horse riding in the nearby area. We cater for all your needs from weddings to private functions and we are children and wheelchair friendly. Our cosy bar offers a warm atmosphere with fireplace in the winter months or on cold rainy days. Should you wish to view our guest house and conference venue, please do not hesitate to contact us. The most important fact is that we make sure that you get the best attention at all times.

174 Ebenhaesar St Magaliesburg, Gauteng, Phone: (014) 577-0054 Mobile: Lulu 082-945 4829 Johan 082-708 0929 Email: office@swallowsinn.co.za Web: www.swallowsinn.co.za

Conscious Life Magazine

IN HONOR OF WORLD ANIMAL DAY, GENEROUS WILDLIFE SUPPORTER AGREES TO MATCH ALL DONATIONS TO BRING RHINO POACHING WAR FILM TO THE SCREEN LOS ANGELES, CA (October 4, 2017) – Today, in honor of World Animal Day, a generous donor has agreed to match all contributions to a crowd funding campaign for the film SIDES OF A HORN. Based on actual events, this dramatic film details the rhino poaching epidemic from the perspective of the three characters most directly affected: the ranger, the poacher, and the rhino. The short film is set to begin filming on location in South Africa in early-2018, and a feature-length adaptation is to follow. It is the first film to present an unbiased narrative of South Africa’s rhino poaching war. “The rhino poaching crisis is complex and the conversation around it must go beyond simple right and wrong,” notes the film’s writer and director Toby Wosskow. “That is why our story is crafted in a non-didactic way, exposing both sides of the struggle.” Wildlife crime is the world’s fourth largest illegal industry, and it is at an all-time high. A single rhino horn can fetch up to three hundred thousand U.S. dollars on the black market in China and Vietnam. By weight, it is worth more than gold or cocaine, and this demand in the Far East is fuelling a war on the ground in South Africa. The human death toll is rising, but it is the rhino that faces extinction. “It is a multi-billion dollar trade run by highly-organized international crime syndicates," explains Emmanuel Castis, South African Producer and Conservationist. “But it is the communities on the ground in South Africa that are being torn apart and, for the first time, their story will be told.”

Game Reserve

Location Scout

Emmanuel Castis and Toby Wosskow

Township

SIDES OF A HORN will expose the social impact of the rhino horn trade in a similar way that BLOOD DIAMOND did for the diamond trade—humanizing those on the ground, creating awareness, and catalyzing positive change. The team of U.S. and South African filmmakers are partnering with influential conservationists and global organizations to release the film around the world with a direct call to action. The project will be filmed in the townships impacted by the crisis and in the game reserves that combat poaching on a daily basis. Months of research, countless hours on the ground, and relationships with local community leaders aid the team in keeping authenticity at the forefront of the project. Although the film is fully prepped for production, it is missing one key element: financing. The Kickstarter campaign launched 2 weeks ago on World Rhino Day and was shared by thousands across social media, inspiring a large amount of donations. It has since been awarded the prestigious 'Project We Love' badge and has been highlighted as the 'Featured Project' in Kickstarter's film category. However, funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing, meaning that none of the donors will be charged and the filmmakers will not receive any funds unless the project reaches its entire goal. With 16 days left in the campaign and with the project being 41% funded, the filmmakers are hoping that today, in honor of World Animal Day, they can inspire a whole new wave of backers and reach their target. “This is a global problem, which is why we’re coming to a global community to raise the funds,” notes Wosskow. “The strength of the short film medium is the ability to tell vital, urgent stories and capture the public’s attention quickly on the Internet. And this story is as urgent as they come. We can stop this war and save this species, but the first step is awareness, so what better way to begin this journey than by inviting people from around the world to join our team.” To find out more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to the film, visit: www.rhinomovie.com

DOES YOUR PET SUFFER FROM STRESS AND ANXIETY? Our lives can often be very stressful and our pets are not excluded from this byproduct of our modern lifestyle. Some of the common causes of fear and stress in animals are: Unusual noises (thunder), unknown places (relocation), travelling, unusual places (visit to the vet or dog parlour), unusual odours, crowding, extreme temperatures, inconsistent handling, absence of their owner, excessive feeding etc. ECO-FEAR and ECO-TRAVEL have been lovingly designed to assist your furry friend when they are faced with anxious and fearful situations. It is completely natural and have not side-effects because we love animals, Naturally.

ITCHING & SCRATCHING? There is no doubt that dogs in particular have huge problems in relation to skin disease. There are many reasons why this is so. Some dogs have allergies to colorants and other additives in dog food; including the expensive brands, some have specific allergies to gluten, in particular, which is found in many cereals. Some dogs such as Staffies and Bull terriers have such a fine skin with very little hair to offer them as protection against external irritants including grasses, shampoos and the sun, that they are more seriously affected than many other breeds. Eco-Vet has a range of products that deal with various skin conditions. Please visit our website to see our full range, varying from skin conditioners to heart medication. Email us and we can assist you with choosing the right medicine for his condition. www.ecovet.co.za 0860 326 838 ecovet@ecovet.co.za

EVERY HOME NEEDS A LOVING PET! THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS WAITING TO BE ADOPTED â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PLEASE REACH OUT! WE ALSO ENCOCURAGE YOU TO REACH INTO YOUR HEARTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE AND REALLY NEED OUR HELP.

CHILDHOOD CANCER Awareness & Early Detection CHOCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awareness Programme It is estimated that currently less than half of children with cancer in South Africa are diagnosed, and many of those who are diagnosed are in advanced stage of illness. One of the reasons for this is a lack of awareness and knowledge in parts of the health system regarding the early warning signs of childhood cancer. As a result, CHOC initiated an Awareness Programme to disseminate the early warning signs that the South African Childhood Cancer Study Group drew up. The objectives of the programme include ensuring that all children with cancer in South Africa are diagnosed as early possible and that the early warning signs of childhood cancer are well known in all parts of the health system (including primary health care clinics and all hospitals).

Cancer Facts Cancer incidence Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing. According to a 2014 report by the American Cancer Society, it is now estimated that one in 408 children worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 15. Yet with early detection and treatment in paediatric oncology units, globally the survival rate can be as high as between 70% and 80%, with variance depending on the type of cancer.

Common childhood cancers Cancers in children tend to be different from those found in adults, most often occurring in the developing cells like bone marrow, blood, kidneys and nervous system tissues. Life-threatening blood disorders include aplastic anaemia, thalassaemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Despite being relatively rare, in Western countries childhood cancer is the second most common cause of death in children aged 5 to 14 years, after accidents, whilst in Africa it does not make it into the top 10 common causes.

According to the most recent South African Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cancer Study Group (SACCSG) registry statistics, for 2009 to 2013, the five most common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, followed by lymphoma (tumours that begin in the lymph glands), then brain tumours, nephroblastomas, or Wilms tumours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cancer of the kidneys - and then soft tissue sarcomas, which are tumours that begin in the connective tissue.

The Saint Siluan Early Warning signs These early warning signs were drawn up by the South African Childhood Cancer Study Group and they have been adopted by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. St Siluan was a monk who prayed for humanity ceaselessly.

If you detect any of the warning signs in your child please contact your nearest CHOC region contact your nearest treatment centre or SMS the name of your province to 34486, at a cost of R2. A CHOC representative will contact you shortly thereafter.. There is also a TOLL-FREE HELPLINE: 0800 333 555 that sisters and doctors at the primary healthcare clinics can call (hosted at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital) for advice on whether to refer the child for further investigation and to which unit. http://www.choc.org.za/regions.html

Conscious Life Magazine

Keeping more than hope alive for nearly four decades

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation was established in 1979 as a support group to parents of children with cancer, by parents of children with cancer. Having experienced the immense emotional and financial toll that cancer takes they recognised there is more than one victim in the family of the child with cancer. Their aim was to ease the burden on parents facing the same journey by providing access to relevant, accurate information, as well as emotional and practical support. From the onset CHOC provided support in the hospital wards, hence the name Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haematology Oncology Clinics, or CHOC. Gradually parent groups were set up in other key centres, where the major state-funded academic hospitals are located and paediatric oncologists practice. In 2000, these regional entities merged into a national organisation. CHOC now has a head office in Johannesburg, six regional offices, two branches, and 13 accommodation facilities close to treatment centres. With occupancy steadily increasing our budget for maintenance and running costs of the accommodation facilities in 2015 will amount to R7.132 million, with each facility costing over half a million and we have a total capacity of 66 030 bed nights per annum.

We do not receive funding from government but rely heavily on donations from caring corporates, individuals and parents of children with cancer. Funds raised are used to provide all-encompassing support â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from direct practical help to the children and their families and those involved in the treatment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to necessary equipment.

Donate to CHOC The support of corporations and individuals is vital to the ongoing work of CHOC.

HUSKY ROMI WOLF SANCTUARY HuskyRomi is a non-profit organization providing a safe haven for abandoned and abused huskies and wolves in South Africa. We provide a home to all huskies and wolves that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be kept as pets because of their complicated nature. Many of the animals arrive in a poor condition, some not even knowing what grass is. They are rehabilitated with loving care by Larry Paul. This website was started to provide support to the HuskyRomi project and to promote the protection of wolves and other wildlife. The sanctuary is open for the public to come and learn about wolves. We do appreciate donations and sponsorship for the buying of food, for veterinary bills and doing maintenance to the enclosures. We currently take care of more than 200 huskies, wolves and hybrids in 54 enclosures.

Get Involved We are working towards getting a formal volunteer program off the ground at HuskyRomi. This is available to both local (South African) and international volunteers. Should anybody be interested to become a volunteer or to assist with the program please contact Larry on the number or email below.

Sponsorship and Donations Name a Wolf. Should you wish to name a wolf, for instance in remembrance of a loved one or pet, you may arrange it with Larry. We just request that you then will be prepared to do a full monthly sponsorship of that wolf for a period of at least two years.

Get in Touch: Mobile: 071 679 5141 larry@huskyromi.co.za http://huskyromi.co.za/wp/ Conscious Life Magazine

About Wags & Whiskers Rescue Team We are a small group of people who are dedicated to helping all furr-kids. Located in Fourways & Midrand JHB. Email wagsandwhiskers7@gmail.com Robyn: 084 593 1292 of Cheyna 082 307 2377

NEVAEH NEVAEH (Heaven spelled backwards) is being looked after by Robyn herself until she can find her forever home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is beyond amazing. Can be skittish with strange men but she has been amazing with all the kittens, puppies, kids and whoever else comes through my door. Please someone offer her a forever home.â&#x20AC;?

PAWS R US (SA) is looking for INVESTORS – help us BUILD THE DREAM of our “HAPPY PLACE”! After 6 years in animal welfare/rescue, PAWS R US (SA) has moved into the LINBER KENNELS facility out in the Tarlton area, JHB. It is time to spread our wings, create a permanent home, and contribute more effectively to both the cause and effects linked to animal welfare/rescue in SA. Our dream is to build the LINBER KENNELS facility into a top-notch rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming haven for rescue dogs. We also want to establish a home-base for our EDUCATION campaigns, so that we can work with the youth in returning to the core value of COMPASSION and RESPECT for Self and All Life. To make this dream a reality, we need to BUY the LINBER KENNELS site. And to get that done, we need to find INVESTORS and PARTNERS who want to contribute to something greater than themselves, and help make a real, immediate and practical difference in a world that has lost its way. The PAWS R US (SA) TRUST has been created as a legal entity – and we now look to spread the net open wide and “go on the hunt” for kindred spirits who want to help build something GOOD. We need INVESTORS of the HEART and MIND – those who want to protect the vulnerable, educate the youth of tomorrow, and know that their investment has directly uplifted lives and communities. CONTACT: For all enquiries and details related to this search for INVESTORS, and the implications for each INVESTOR within the Trust, please email us on woof@pawsrus.co.za

with much appreciation to our advertisers, contributors, endorsers and our readers namaste