PakMag Cairns - March 2014

pakmag MAR 2014

Cairns

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 81

magazine of choice for local families

Home Schooling

When mum's the teacher

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

Event

Guide

Tech

Talk

News & Reviews

Green Cover photo: Cheeky Monkey Photography

living

Complete Guide of March Events

Fun for Tots Local activity guide for our Under 5's

SAVING your wallet and the Planet

win Two night stay in beautiful Mission Beach

Details page 48

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publisher

notes

Hello and welcome to the 81st edition of PakMag. It's Earth Hour this month and thanks to local business A Greener Me, I’ve recently taken the plunge and turned to green household cleaning products and reusable shopping bags.

They're only small changes but as they say, every little bit helps, and it's a good feeling to pretty much miss the whole cleaning aisle these days!

Family life has settled with the new school routine and Jordan is loving “Big School”. He also turns five this month, and my lovely husband Trent is turning the big 30, so a big happy birthday to both of them.

This month is our first event for the year so get your bonnets ready for our Easter Egg Hunt at Stockland Until next time, have a great month and remember to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree pakmag

Photo thanks to Ron Darlington

Contents MAR

parents 02 What’s New 05 Show & Tell 09 Inspirational Mum 10

Home Schooling

kids 27

Kids MiniMag

babies

13 Rewiring Dynamic Brains 15

What's the Rush?

17

Tech Talk

19

PakHealth

20 Nutrition

35 Baby News: Keeping the Cord

things to win

23 PakRecipes 25 What’s On 27

Mini Mag

06 WIN an Aunty Rozzy Prize Pack 28 WIN a That!™ Product Pack

35 PakBaby

48 WIN a 2 Night Mission Beach Stay

39 Fun for Tots

52 WIN a bag of Hill's Pet Food

41 Ages & Stages 42 HOME: Green Living 45 HOME: Get Organised

Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager What’s On/MiniMag: Robyn Christensen Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen Articles: Elaine Seager, Amanda Cranston & submitted writers

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Phone: 4053 3331 Fax: 4053 3350 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Address: Level 2, 68 Abbott Street Virginia House, Cairns QLD 4870 Postal: PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

54 Out & About

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

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TRAVEL: Adventure Travel

48 Island Views 51 BMX Mini Wheelers 52 Fav Pets / Prize Winners

cover Model: Rosemary and Les-Thomas Edwards Photography: Thanks to Cheeky Monkey Photography

53 Cairns Vet Clinics 56 The Dad Diary

Find PakMag exclusively in:

www.pakmag.com.au

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March what’s new

inBRIEF Hairy Maclary

Cyclone Families Workshop SEEING Double This month is Multiple Birth Awareness Month and for those families with twins and triples there are a number of events being held to celebrate the joys of seeing double. They include: 9 March (9.30am) - Family Fun Day at the Pirate Ship 13 March (9.30am) - Coffee morning/Teddy Bear's Picnic at the Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Coast Centre

KINDY Klub

Both events are free to attend. If you would like more information call Nicole on 0439 797 221 or email

Forest Gardens

fnqmba@yahoo.com.au

14 March (9am-5pm) Cairns Regional Gallery

Baseball Sign-On 5 March (4.30pm)

Lynley Dodd, creator of Hairy Maclary, Slinky Malinki and Schitzel von Krumm and friends, is exhibiting her work at the Cairns Regional Gallery from 14 March-18 May. She will also be attending the Free Community Day on 5 April where there will be lots of fun children's activities that relate to the exhibition. Call 4046 4800 for more information.

Martyn Street (Behind NEtball Courts)

The Pier

• Hire of Medela breast pumps (recommended

by Cairns hospitals) • Happy Baby and Holle organic baby foods

If your kids are not yet signed on to a new sport this year, why not give baseball a go? Fun for all ages from

Bullyproof Program

10 April (10am-12noon)

If you live in the Forest Gardens area check out the range of services on offer for families at The Forest Gardens Pharmacy on 6 George Cannon Drive (next to the Mt Sheridan Medical Practice). They include:

six to 16, baseball is a great team sport that helps develop hand eye co-ordination, throwing skills and running speed.

For more information call Paul on 0401 663 672 or email dodgerscairnsbaseball@gmail.com

LITTLE Diggers

Being ready for disasters is a family thing according to the Council’s Disaster Management Team. Since we’re still in the wet season they’re encouraging families to be ready together.

Writing a household emergency plan and preparing a household emergency kit are basic, fun activities that the kids can be involved with even though they serve a serious purpose.

Using this time to discuss what could happen will also reduce their anxiety.

• Free local delivery service

For additional inspiration there is also a free kids and families workshop being held next month. Participants will practise writing plans and creating emergency kits, as well as being able to win their own household kit. To book your spot call 4044 3571 or email reuseandrecyclecairns@yahoo.com.au

For more information call 4036 3745 or email mtsheridan@mtsheridanpharmacy.com.au.

Opening hours: Weekdays 8am-6pm. Saturday opening starts soon.

• Safety Net management • Free expert advice on a range of ailments from pharmacists Melissa, Marie and team

Mondays (9.30-11.30am) 8 March (9am-11am) Brad Hope Family MArtial ARts

Bellies and Bubs Group If you’re new to Cairns and you’ve got a baby or you’re expecting one, why not join the Little Diggers Bellies and Bubs group on a Monday mornings to meet some

Brad Hope Family Martial Arts are running their next Gracie Bullyproof program in March for kid’s aged 5+ and their parents. The program teaches kids how to defuse confrontations and gives them strategies for gaining control in threatening situations. Anybody is welcome to attend. Brad Hope Family Martial Arts has moved to new premises at Unit 2, 7-11 Salvado Drive, Smithfield (next to Pet Café). For info call 4038 2633 or email admin@bradhopefma.com.au

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new people. The Little Diggers Community Centre (3 Jensen St, Manoora) welcomes ADF and non-Defence families from all over Cairns.

They also run playgroups for parents with kids under 5 years. Call 4053 9305 for more information. www.pakmag.com.au

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Show &Tell

THE LATEST Meat-Free Week 24-30 March

The latest news, products and tips in the world of families and kids Get to Know

Did You Know?

• Our consumption of meat has increased 500 per cent in the last 50 years • Australian dietary guidelines recommend no more than 65g per day but we currently eat an average of 158g • More than half of the antibiotics produced in the world are given to farmed animals, which is contributing to the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria There are lots of reasons to minimise the amount of meat your family eats, including the fact that it will help you save a few dollars, so why not start by introducing ‘meat-free Mondays’ in your household and try out some new recipes. And if Dad objects on the grounds he needs meat for strength, just remind him silverback gorillas are vegetarian!

‘Green’ consultant Hannah Robertson, is passionate about preserving the environment for our kid’s future.

[1] Tell us a bit about your business?

[3] What did you want to be when you

A Greener Me is a consulting service that

grew up? A shark researcher like Valerie

helps people at home and in business make

Taylor.

better choices for the planet. The key thing is to make changes slowly so they just become normal quite naturally.

[2] What three simple changes would you recommend to families to be greener? (a) Keep an eye out for different green cleaning and personal hygiene products.

There are lots of alternatives on the market

[4] Who were your teenage pin-ups?

Ahhh, I had whale, dolphin and shark pictures on my walls!

[5] What’s the strangest thing in your handbag? Lip stuff. Not strange in itself but I can’t leave home without it and I have one in every corner of my house!

now that are often cheaper than the

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products we’re used to. (b) Start observing

For more information about how to

how much rubbish you generate and think

make your home and business greener,

about where it ends up. (c) Look at the food

call Hannah on 0437 774 196.

in your trolley – is it real food or ‘food-like’? www.pakmag.com.au

LITTLE Campers

Little Campers by FieldCandy is the beautiful new tent range designed specifically for children.

Available in six different designs, they are modeled on traditional teepees with a contemporary twist.

Available at www.fieldcandy.com for $350. www.pakmag.com.au

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Show &Tell

Virgin Coconut Oil

Got something to share or shout about?

Email us at elaine@pakmag.com.au

Fussy Eaters

GIFT Idea

Many people are switching to virgin coconut oil since it is considered to be a healthy fat with healing properties.

Locally owned business Jimalie Coconut Products source their coconut oil from the Philippines where their family coconut farm is located. Their Fair Trade Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Sugar products are all 100% natural and organic. They can be purchased in health stores throughout Cairns and the region. For more information call 4041 0963 or go to www.jimalie.com.au

NEW Craze Make the alphabet edible!

Developed by musician and author Ros Tesoriero (aka Aunty Rozzy), the Aunty Rozzy range of ‘edutainment’ resources aim to encourage children aged 2-6 years to eat healthy food. With clever rhymes and fun characters, the books, CD’s and DVD’s teach kids about seasonal produce. Great for fussy eaters! For more information go to www.auntyrozzy.com

Rainbow Loom Rainbow Loom is the latest craze sweeping the tween world that is now available in Australia through Shamrock Craft. Rainbow Loom is a kit for making stretchy and super

WIN

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For your chance to win two Aunty

fun rubber band jewellery. It’s perfect for

Rozzy books and a DVD, go to our website

kids aged 8+. Available at Spotlight and

and tell us the name of one of her characters?

independent toy and craft stores.

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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By Elaine Seager

Doublethe

Luck

If you hate making birthday cakes, then spare a thought for Naomi Sullivan. She has the unenviable task of making three separate birthday cakes each year all within a 12-hour period!

After having their first son Lachlan, Naomi and

families with multiples and get some valuable

Naomi is now involved with other families in the

Ashley Sullivan struggled to conceive a second

advice. “It made me more relaxed and gave me a

area with multiples through the Multiple Birth

time and decided to turn to IVF, but the gruelling

sense of not being completely out of my depth.”

Association. The association offers many services

process took its toll and they decided to give up trying altogether. Approaching their final round of IVF, they asked the doctors for two embryos to be implanted, just for luck!

close to Lachlan’s birthday, Naomi was faced with many logistical challenges. Breastfeeding the twins at the same time cut down on feed times

including information sessions, hospital visits, grief and loss support and breastfeeding and bottle feeding support. They also hold regular playgroups where parents can get together and meet other families in the same boat.

Given the struggles they’d had previously Naomi

but it meant not being able to do anything else,

and Ashley thought the odds of them having

including changing the TV channel or having

There is growing evidence that getting involved

twins were pretty low. “After all we’d gone

a drink! And, as Naomi assures us, “There is no

in support groups can have real benefits for the

through we laughed and joked about creating

humanly way possible to carry two babies, push

mental health and coping skills of parents. This

an ‘instant’ family but never seriously thought it

a pram and hold the hand of a three year old all

is double the case if you’re expecting or have

would happen. Then, when the obstetrician saw

at the same time!”

multiples and the FNQMBA can be a great place

two heartbeats, we were both overawed and Ashley asked to check the monitor!”

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When the babies finally arrived (Will and Olivia)

The things that made life easier for the family were having a routine, accepting help that was

to find services, practical tips, resources and social events with like-minded people.

The reality of twins arriving in a few months time

offered and ordering groceries online (“wham

without family support nearby soon began to hit

bam, thank you Woolies man!”). Even though

home. “The months leading up to the births were

leaving the house with three small children was

This month is Multiple Birth Awareness

both exciting and scary. Some days the thought

a daunting prospect, Naomi discovered that

Week. For more information about the

of having twins was quite overwhelming.” To gain

getting out of the house regularly for a change of

FNQMBA go to www.fnqmba.org.au

some support Naomi joined the Multiple Birth

scenery helped keep her sane.

Association where she was able to meet other www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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By Michelle Dryburgh A growing number of families are choosing an

son, he has a very high sensitivity to visual and

alternative education for their child, and home

auditory stimulation, which adds a lot of stress

schooling is a popular choice for many of them.

and if a child is experiencing high stress levels,

Petra Creutziger is a home schooling mum and

they’re not in a good space for learning.

she says it’s the best option for her young son, who has Asperger syndrome.

able to interact with people of different ages

special needs. Petra is part of support group

and backgrounds in a safe and less intimidating

which consists of 75 home-schooling families

environment is far more beneficial.”

could be many more.

Employment reminds parents they are required by law to enrol school-aged children in a state or

home schooling is to establish why they want

non-state school, including distance education,

to do it, and admits it isn’t for everyone. “You do

or register them for home education. Deputy

have to consider your intentions when starting

Director-General, Policy and Programs Nick

home schooling, it’s not enough to want it

Seeley says parents are not required to disclose

just to make your mornings easier,” she says.

their reasons for choosing home education

“Some people home school because of religious

when registering with the department.

to travel, or perhaps a mainstream school hasn’t met their expectations. Once you’re clear on the reason why, everything else will fall into place.”

“The Department of Education, Training and Employment neither encourages nor discourages home education, but recognises home education provides choices to parents

Families then need to decide if they will enrol

in determining the appropriate educational

their child in distance education, or provide the

outcomes for their children,” he says. “The

home schooling themselves. Distance education

department can offer guidance and some

provides children with structured class work

resource information to assist parents with the

and deadlines under the same curriculum as

registration process. However, parents who

mainstream schools, as well as interaction

choose to home educate their children are

with teachers and other students by email and

responsible for planning, implementing, and

phone.

evaluating their child's learning.”

Home schooling is led by the parent or guardian

To register a child for home education, it is a

and can follow a range of teaching styles. Petra

condition that parents provide the department’s

has chosen natural learning for her son. “I am

Home Education Unit a summary of the

quite free to provide an education to my child

educational program or learning philosophy to

the way I want to,” she says. “We tried distance

be used for the home education of the child that

education but found it was too structured.

shows evidence of a high-quality education.

Natural learning allows my child to explore topics more freely. For example he loves movies, so we utilise that interest to cross into other

Schooling

The Department of Education, Training and

She says the first step for families considering

reasons, or to provide their family the freedom

Home

classroom of 30 children of the same age. Being

But home schooling isn’t just for children with

from across the region, and she believes there

subjects, like exploring geography by discussing where movies are set.

Choosing the right school for your child can be a difficult decision and mainstream schooling isn’t the only option. Some parents decide against a school environment and take on the role of teacher at home.

“Socialising is not about being boxed in a

Everything I teach him focuses on life skills.

He has difficulty understanding the unwritten rules of society, like facial expressions and body language, as well as the concept of time. So we focus on all of these in a natural way.”

To meet this condition, the parent is required to provide documentation about the proposed educational program or how the learning philosophy will be implemented in the coming year.

Planning and application assistance is available at http://education.qld.gov.au/parents/homeeducation/index.html and Petra’s website www. simplyeducation.com.au

Petra is often asked about the lack of social interaction resulting from home schooling her

Petra Creutziger has also launched a

child. But she says a quiet, private environment

website (www.simplyeducation.com.au)

is most conducive to her son’s learning.

and Facebook page to help guide families

“A crowded, noisy classroom is a very stressful environment for any child, with or without

either considering or already providing education at home.

Asperger’s or autism,” she says. “In the case of my

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By Nia Barnes

Kids Issues

RewiringDynamic

Brains

New developments in brain research are leading to exciting new therapies that are allowing psychologists to address brain related problems right at their core. The implications for children suffering emotional difficulties are enormous.

The brain is the most complex thing known to

is that we can now train or rewire the brain to

commitment. It takes time and effort for a

man and until recently it was believed that all of

transmit more effective brainwaves.

brain to rewire itself but research shows that

its neurons and connections were fixed during childhood. However, in the last 20 years or so, there have been major breakthroughs in brain research with the discovery of Neuroplasticity - the brain’s natural ability to change and reorganise itself throughout life.

brainwave pattern. One or two sensors are placed on the client's head, and two sensors (like clip-on earrings) are placed on their ears. The sensors are connected to an amplifier, which amplifies the

is little tendency for the gains to be lost. In follow up studies, children who had received Neurofeedback training were retested every year for three years and showed no decline in their ability to sustain focus and attention.

tiny (microvolt) signals from the client's scalp.

Neurofeedback is a fantastic new tool that

development of exciting new therapies that

The amplified signal is then sent to a computer

psychologists can use to help children reach

address brain related problems at their core.

that analyses it and divides it into the brainwaves

their full potential but it also works for adults too.

One of these treatments is Neurofeedback, a

we want to train. The Neurofeedback software

Mental health related issues can suck the joy out

technique that is being used to successfully

uses these signals to drive a video game. The

of parenting but the tools are now available to

treat a number of disorders including anxiety,

video game only moves forward (visual display

help parents take control of their emotions and

depression, learning disorders, sleep problems,

changes, beeps are heard, points are scored) if

fully enjoy their children while they’re young.

emotional dysregulation and symptoms

the client increases or decreases the brainwaves

associated with ADHD and ASD.

in accordance with the training protocols. With

disorders show a ‘dysregulation’ of brainwave

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information to a person about his or her own

once brainwaves have been stabilised there

These new discoveries have led to the

We now know that many psychological

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Neurofeedback uses computer software to give

repeated trainings in this way, the brain learns to

Nia Barnes is a Psychologist at Mind

control attention and focus better.

Matters Cairns. For more information about

activity. In other words, these peoples brains are

Given that the brain has taken many years to

transmitting inappropriate brainwaves or too

learn to function the way it does, Neurofeedback

many of a particular type. The important thing

is obviously not a quick fix and requires some

Neurofeedback call 0417 728 804 or go to www.mindmatterscairns.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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By Amanda Cranston

What'sthe

Rush?

Growing up shouldn’t be a race and yet we’ve all come across competitive parents who continually brag about their child’s accomplishments and publicly compare them to their peers.

It is perfectly normal for parents to want their

Listening to a competitive parent can be

fun out of childhood and may even be counter-

children to do well and to feel a sense of pride

irritating, especially if your child is taking their

productive, but how should the rest of us deal

in their accomplishments, it is even okay for

time reaching those same goals and just doesn’t

with them?

parents to share their joy with other parents

seem to be very bothered about winning or

within their circle of friends. However, when the

coming first. And while you may try and console

sharing crosses the line into monopolising the

yourself that it’s not a race and every child will

conversation with bragging comments about

develop at their own pace, it can still irk even the

Little Jonny’s latest and greatest achievements it

most confident of parents.

can cause resentment among other parents and often embarrassment for the child involved too.

competitive parents for honest, real friends,” he says. Competing with competitive parents only brings you down to their level and your child’s

So why are these parents so competitive?

development is not a race to the finish line but a

Contrary to how it may sound, insecurity

journey of discovery and one to cherish.

is usually at the root of this behaviour and

school, sporting events, dance recitals and

unconsciously, they’re looking for reassurance.

birthday parties to almost anywhere where there

In fact they may not even be aware of just

Parenting expert Pinky McKay says

are kids. Many new mums first encounter them

how much bragging they’re doing. Some

as tempting as it is to come up with an

at playgroup, where developmental milestones

parents’ insecurity stems from their own lack

outrageous comeback when a competitive

can become the measuring stick to determine

of achievements so they project their desire to

parent is bragging, it is often best to avoid

just how far your child is being overshadowed

win onto their children whilst other competitive

getting into the conversation at all. “Look

compared to the competitive parents child. Once

parents may be high achievers and expect their

for the quiet mum in the group because

school starts the competition moves to reading

children to be the same.

she probably feels just as inadequate as

whether or not your child has been handpicked by the coach for their sporting club!

www.pakmag.com.au

getting sucked into it all. “Ditch the overly

Competitive parents pop up everywhere from

levels, sight words, grades on report cards and

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Parenting guru Nigel Latta suggests not

Whatever the cause, most psychologists agree that the constant pressure to perform being put upon children with ambitious parents takes the

you,” she suggests. “And remember it’s not a competition and your child is unique and amazing in their own way.”

www.pakmag.com.au

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in

TECH Talk NEW App

Think Before You Click

A recent Telstra Cyber Safety survey of our first generation of adult digital natives has discovered that most of them have regrets about things they’ve posted online and that they didn’t realise what the long-term implications would be.

Almost all of those surveyed felt that it was vital to educate children and teenagers about social media and its pitfalls. Many also wished their parents had taught them to think about the content of what they’re posting and consider the consequences before posting it. Other research has shown that teenagers prefer to learn about this from parents and teachers rather than their friends.

Tablets on the Booklist

Helping children to become happy, smart and confident.

Recently launched by Australian business Bizzibrains,

School Readiness & Primary Tutoring Centre

interactions and it has educational features too. For

School Readiness

more about I Imagine go to www.bizzibrains.com

Ages 2-5 yeArs

• Encourage a love of learning • Develop social & emotional skills • Letter names & sounds • Small groups • Numbers to 20 • Full-colour workbooks • Games & hands-on activities • Fine motor & handwriting skills

I Imagine is a unique book app for kids aged 3-8 years. They can engage with the story by putting themselves into it by typing their name, taking a photo and choosing hair and clothing. It has lots of fun

The PEBBLE™ Smartstick portable battery charger is

Primary Tutoring

prep to yeAr 6

moments when you’re

• One on one or small groups • Recognition of individual learning needs • 1 hour classes • Great for children that need to develop more confidence

out and about and your

10/146 Anderson St, Manunda For more info & 4032 1994

It charges your portable

cairns@beginbright.com.au | www.beginbright.com.au

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very handy for those

www.pakmag.com.au

tablet has a flat battery. device on the move without the need for mains power and slots easily into your bag. It charges most popular devices.

It’s not just pencils and exercise books in the school bag this year – a growing number of schools are introducing ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) into the classroom.

And, while tablets and laptops may have positive uses in the classroom, parents need to understand the potential risks too. Recent research by Softlink^ revealed that 30 per cent of all Australian schools encourage students to bring their own devices, while 14 per cent of Australian schools encourage the use of personal mobile devices in and outside the classroom. However, most don’t have a formal BYOD policy in place so parents are expected to ensure that children look after them and understand how they should be used. www.pakmag.com.au

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Health pak

Sit back and enjoy your special event.

FLU Shots

news Let us do the hard work for you.

Epilepsy

Book now

Purple Day – 26 March

At Coral Coast Catering we specialise in providing delicious food and excellent service, so you can relax and enjoy your event.

An epilepsy awareness campaign will be running

We cater for birthday parties, work parties, kids parties, special events and weddings. Packages are available for 15-500 people.

There are heaps of menus to choose from and we even have a pizza oven (all menus and pricing available on our website).

most common brain function disorder and raise

later this month to raise awareness of the world’s funds for research.

Epilepsy comprises a diverse range of disorders with many types of seizures and no single cause. It can be

For more information call David Young on 0437 000 740 or visit our website at www.coralcoastcatering.com.au

caused by structural abnormalities in the developing brain, infections such as meningitis, a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. For young children, genetics also play a part since it appears that some people are more prone to developing epilepsy than others.

There is currently no cure but 70 per cent of those with epilepsy will be able to control their seizures

Between 10-40 per cent of young children are infected with influenza each year, with almost 1500 needing to be hospitalised.

with medication and live a normal life. For the others it can be severely debilitating.

Biological Clock With the average age of people starting a family

And with widespread reports of influenza in

contracting influenza. The vaccine contains

increasing over the last few decades there has

the northern hemisphere winter this year,

dead influenza virus that can’t give you the

been a lot of attention on how a mother’s age

parents may want to consider vaccinations

illness. In rare cases, a person’s immune

can affect the health of the baby. But researchers

in March or April before any outbreaks

system reacts and they may feel a little

are now beginning to see links between a father’s

occur.

off-colour and get minor symptoms during

age and an increased risk of the child developing

the 24 hours after the vaccine but this is not

certain neurological conditions such as autism and

influenza.

schizophrenia.

Children can become very unwell with influenza. They have the highest rates of admission to intensive care units due to

For more information about

having babies earlier since there are many other

spreaders of influenza within households.

influenza and the influenza vaccine

factors that are a greater risk than age. Improving

go to: www.flusmart.org.au or the

diet, getting more exercise and cutting down on

Influenza Specialist Group’s Facebook

cigarettes and alcohol improve the chances of

Page https://www.facebook.com/

conceiving and having a healthy child for both

InfluenzaSpecialistGroup?ref=hl

parents.

The 2014 flu vaccine is different to last year, as is often the case, because influenza viruses change. It is a myth that having the vaccination can result in a person

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This doesn’t mean that couples need to start

the infection and they are also the main

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Nutrition pak

Review Food

Breakfast Bag

KING of Meals

Breakfast Crowned Most Important Meal I’m sure you have heard the age-old saying

fruit and dairy. For those kids that aren’t the

‘breakfast is the most important meal of the

biggest fans of breakfast cereals, there are

day’, but how true is this? VERY! This crucial

lots of other options like:

morning meal packs a punch in regards to childhood nutrition. Aussie kids eating breakfast consume more vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, and less cholesterol and fat, than those going without.

In the last survey of Aussie kids it turns out that one in four are leaving home without eating breakfast but sending an unfed child to school is like not feeding a shark for a

Food

by Haley Cremer

• Fruit smoothie • Home-made wholegrain muffin • Leftovers (i.e. pasta, meat & veggies) – mix with an egg and bake in muffin tin for a fancy frittata

review If your school mornings are hectic Monster Health Food Co. have got the solution for you with their recently released ‘Breakfast in a Bag’ product. You can add milk or yoghurt or just eat it plain, straight from the bag so it’s perfect for the trip to school!

They could also be used as a quick and easy, post school, pre-sport pep up.

The berry, sports, tropical and high fibre options are all good with good levels of energy, fat and fibre (4-7g) and they provide more than 5g protein per 60g serve (without milk/yoghurt).

• Toad in a hole (use egg ring to cut hole in multigrain toast, crack egg in and cook)

month and expecting it to behave with lots

Parents also need to remember to be a good

Haley is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Health

of little fish around!

role model and take the time to sit down

Management Cairns (www.healthmanagement.com.

Healthy breaky options that will give your child a good start to the day typically

and enjoy your breakfast too. Those watchful

au) who specialises in children, and weight loss. You

eyes are taking in everything your do!

can connect with Health Management and ask Haley questions on Facebook.

include fibre, nutrient rich whole grains,

20

www.pakmag.com.au

kfast, lunch and loves fruit and would eat it for brea READER QUESTION: My little one day? I’ve heard have too much fruit throughout the dinner if he could! Is it possible to it has sugar in it? Is this true? some people say it’s bad because in this tropical amount of fruit we consume, especially It’s easy to get carried away with the fruit and two of n datio men with the national recom climate. You are most likely familiar serves two only , tose) (fruc r suga contains natural five vegetable serves per day. As fruit food r othe the all from g eatin little fruit bat is are recommended. In your case, if your them go is in a healthy weight range, then let and ach stom t upse an groups, doesn’t get an make can you t, doub in If ps. of other food grou for it! If not, try to encourage intake appointment with a dietitian.

Q&A

nutritionadvice

www.pakmag.com.au

21

Pakmag Guest

Easter pakmag

Extravaganza FREE EvENt

Eggplant parmigiana

By Hannah Robertson Ingredients 2 large eggplants pakmag 3/4 cup plain flour 3 eggs lightly beaten 2 cups fine breadcrumbs 4 cups tomato passata 1 cup grated parmesan 200g mascarpone 4 anchovy fillets diced for flavour Approx 10-12 square slices of cheese of choice 3/4 cup of chopped oregano and basil leaves

guest recipe

hop along to our pakmag easter extravaganza at Stockland and join in our easter egg hunt • easter Bonnet parade • annual easter egg hunt • Visit from the easter Bunny • great prizeS for the best dressed easter theme

Hannah'sFav "It is meat free week 24 to 30 March and this is the favourite vegetarian meal in our house.

Try it it's delicious!"

METHOD Cut eggplant lengthways into 1/2cm slices, dust with flour, dip in egg then breadcrumbs. Begin frying in batches with a little olive oil until golden. Drain on paper towel. Combine the mascarpone, anchovies and half the parmesan. In a lasagna dish layer 1/3 pasata and sprinkle with 1/2 of the parmesan, then a layer of eggplant and top with a few dolloops of the mascapone mixture, a layer of sliced cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. Repeat these layers finishing with a layer of cheese sprinkled with herbs. Cover with foil. When ready bake with foil 25 mins, remove foil and bake for another 15 mins. YUM!!

• parent & kids lucky door prize

SUNday 30 MaRCH

Meet at Stockland Shopping centre centre Stage at 9.30am Sharp

22

For more info call www.pakmag.com.au

4053 3331 or visit www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

23

Dutchy'S PICK "Check our Brad Hope's Bullyproof Program on 8 March (9am-11am)"

MARCH 2013 DATE 1/3/14 1/3/14 1/3/14 1/3/14 1/3/14 2/3/14 3/3/14 2/3/14 3/3/14 3/3/14 3/3/14 3/3/14 4/3/14 4/3/14 4/3/14 4/3/14 4/3/14 4/3/14 4/3/14 5/3/14 5/3/14 5/3/14 5/3/14 5/3/14 5/3/14 5/3/14 6/3/14 6/3/14 6/3/14 7/3/14 7/3/14 7/3/14

VENUE Stockland Events Cinema Babinda Munro Theatre Barbary Coasters Cairns Indoor Sports Yorkey's Knob Boating Club AJ Hackett Relationships Australia FNQ Impy Hotel Innisfail Little Diggers Community Centre Relationships Australia FNQ Smithfield Library Fusion Fight and Fitness Lil Scribblers Craft n Sewing Studio Earlville Library Cairns Indoor Sports Manunda Library The Cairns Potters Club Gordonvale Library Lil Scribblers Lil Scribblers Fogarty Park Mt Sheridan Tavern Craft n Sewing Studio Manunda Library Martyn St Baseball Diamond Edmonton Library Manunda Library Smithfield Library Mt Sheridan Tanks Art Centre (Tank 4) Cairns Civic Theatre

pink = family

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Brave Philomena Innisfail RSL Tiny Tots Hillbilly Goats Sunday Arvo - Live Music from Justfakick Poppers - Children's Group 6- 9 years Hillbilly Goats Bellies and Bubs Group (Newborns to 18 months) Popstars - Children's Group 10-13 years The Monday Read Club Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program 6-8 year old weekly Art Class Kids Craft Club Baby Rhyme Time Tiny Tots Classroom Canines Children's Pottery Classes Story time 9-12 year old weekly Art Class 2-5 year old weekly Art Class Mumbalates Trivia Night After School Learn to Sew Story time Dodgers Baseball Sign on Story time Email Basics Google Basics - Smithfield Face Painting Night Josh Pyke Sweet Satisfaction The Hit Tour

eventGUIDE green = kids

TIME 7.30pm 6.30pm 9.00am 1.30pm 1.00pm 3.30pm 1.00pm 9.30am 3.30pm 3.30pm 4.15pm 3.30pm 3.30pm 10.30am 9.00am 4.00pm 3.30pm 10.30am 3.30pm 10.45am 9.30am 6.00pm 3.30pm 10.30am 4.30pm 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 6.00pm 6.30pm 7.00pm

blue = adults

FOR MORE INFO 4054 3066 www.babindacentre.com.au 0408 183 032 4032 2844 4055 7711 1800 622 888 1300 364 277 innisfail@theimpy.com wwww.littlediggerscairns.com.au

1300 364 277 4044 3711 fusionfightandfitness.com 0400 646 327 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

4044 3766 4032 2844 4044 3781 0448 119 957 4056 1365 0400 646 327 0400 646 327 0411 027 883 4053 3331 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

4044 3781 0401 663 672 4044 3735 4044 3711 4053 3331 www.tanksartcentre.com 1300 855 835

COST $8 $8 Free $7 Free Free Free Free Cost Free Free Cost Cost Cost Free $7 Free Cost Free Cost Cost Free Free Cost Free Free Free Free Free Free Cost $89

School holiday ProgramS 3 hour Sessions plus 1 & 2 day riding camps

• Group/Private Riding Lessons for Children and Adults (beginners to advanced) • Pony Rides for Children under 5 years of age

BookingS eSSential CALL 4039 3143 Lot 626 Intake Rd, Redlynch • www.crystalcascadeshorsepark.com.au

24

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www.pakmag.com.au

25

MARK'S PICK

Kids MINI MAG

"Lynley Dodd's Exhibition at the Gallery is a must see for families from 14 March."

March 2014

MARCH 2013 DATE 7/3/14 7/3/14 7/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 9/3/14 9/3/14 10/3/14 10/3/14 10/3/14 11/3/14 11/3/14 11/3/14 11/3/14 12/3/14 12/3/14 12/3/14 12/3/14 13/3/14 13/3/14 14/3/14 14/3/14 14/3/14 14/3/14 14/3/14 15/3/14 15/3/14

VENUE Trinity Beach Tavern Cairns Indoor Sports Smithfield Library Brad Hope Family Martial Arts Botanic Gardens Dunwoody's Tanks Art Centre (Tank 5) Stockland Events Cinema Shangri-La Hotel Cairns Indoor Sports The Pirate Ship at the Esplanade AJ Hackett Cairns Little Diggers Community Centre Relationships Australia FNQ Relationships Australia FNQ Cairns Central Stratford Library The Cairns Potters Club Cairns Indoor Sports Fogarty Park City Library Earlville Library Mt Sheridan Smithfield Library City Library Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Cairns Indoor Sports Mt Sheridan Tavern Innisfail RSL Trinity Beach Tavern Stockland Events Cinema

pink = family

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Nikki The Clown Face Painting Milo IN2 Cricket Classroom Canines Bullyproof Program for kids 5+ and parents Kids Workshop: Hairy Maclary Craft Dogs for 6-12 years Nikki The Clown Face Painting Women in Song The Little Mermaid Cairns Regional Council Women's Day Breakfast Tiny Tots Multiple Birth Family Fun Day Sunday Arvo - Live Music from Funky Love Tank Bellies and Bubs (Newborns to 18 months) Poppers: Children's Group 6-9 years Popstars: Children's group 10-13 years Mummy Central Storytime Children's pottery classes Tiny Tots Mumbalates Storytime IT Hour Trivia Night Baby Rhyme Time Computer Basics Milo IN2 Cricket Lynley Dodd Exhibition (creator of Hairy Maclary) Tiny Tots Face Painting Night Class Act Karaoke Nikki The Clown Face Painting Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs

green = kids

TIME 6.00pm 5.00pm 3.30pm 9.00am 10.00am 6.00pm 7.00pm 7.30am 9.00am 9.30am 1.00pm 9.30am 3.30pm 3.30pm 9.00am 10.30am 3.30pm 9.00am 9.30am 10.30am 10.30am 6.00pm 10.30am 10.30am 5.00pm 9.00am 9.00am 6.00pm 5.30pm

blue = adults

FOR MORE INFO

COST

0408 183 032 4032 2844 4044 3711 4038 2633 4046 4888 0408 183 032 www.tanksartcentre.com 4054 3066 1300 855 835 4032 2844 0439 797 221 1800 622 888

Free Cost Free Cost $18 Free Cost $8 Cost $7 Free Free wwww.littlediggerscairns.com.au Cost 1300 364 277 Free 1300 364 277 Free 4053 3331 Free 4044 3733 Free 0448 119 957 Cost 4032 2844 $7 0411 027 883 Free 4044 3720 Free 4044 3766 Free 4053 3331 Free 4044 3711 Free 4044 3730 $3 4032 2844 Cost shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au Cost 4032 2844 $7 4053 3331 Free 4061 1601 Cost 0408 183 032 Free 4054 3066 $8

Slurp Island

Visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au and facebook.com/ThatSnack

MARCH FUN Activities Colour in and you could WIN a That!™ Product pack!

26

www.pakmag.com.au

FUN

Try out our fun fruit skewers recipe!

WI N! Colour in and you could WIN one of 10 That!™ Product Packs

ter go to page 28 27 To en www.pakmag.com.au

colour IN & Win!

Fruit Skewers with That! Dairy Snack Dip

Colour in & you could WIN one of 10 That!™ Product Packs – that’s 18 pouches of That!™ Milkshake & That!™ Dairy Snack $32 RRP

Ingredients:

Method:

• 4 Grapes

[1] Use the cookie cutters to cut shapes out of

• 4 slices of Watermelon (2cm thick)

• 4 slices of Banana (2cm thick)

[2] Place one grape on a skewer, then one

• 1 Chocolate/Banana/Strawberry That! Dairy Snack

You will also need: • 4 wooden skewers or lolly pop sticks

That!™ is fun-packed goodness in a handy pouch that needs no refrigeration. Made from the goodness of Aussie milk, That!™ is low in fat and high in calcium.

Available in 3 great flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana. That!™ Dairy Snack is available at Coles and Woolworths in the dessert aisle alongside the jellies and puddings. That!™ Milkshake is available exclusively at Woolworths in the chiller with the flavoured milk. Visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au

To enter colour-it-in & mail to:

Name:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in March 2014

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 & you could WIN one of 10 That!™ Product Packs $32 RRP (Comp Closes 18/03/14)

28

www.pakmag.com.au

Address: Phone:

Email:

the watermelon slices.

watermelon shape and then one slice of

banana. Do the same with the other 3 skewers.

[3] Squeeze That! Dairy Snack into a small bowl.

[4] To eat, dip the fruit skewers into That! Dairy Snack and enjoy!

• Cookie cutters e.g. star, heart, flower etc

Tip: You can choose any flavour of That! Dairy Snack you like and any of your favourite fruit too e.g. strawberries, rockmelon, pineapple, blueberries etc.

Age:

Visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au and facebook.com/ThatSnack

www.pakmag.com.au

29

Crackles "JOKES"

A. Nacho cheese!

Q. If a crocodile makes shoes, what does a banana make?

A. A pork chop!

A. Slippers!

Q. How do you make a strawberry shake?

Q. What kind of keys do kids like to carry?

A. Put in the freezer

A. Cookies!

www.pakmag.com.au

"Take the kids along for some fun at the Pier on 6 March at 9.30am"

Q. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?

Q. What do you call a pig that knows karate?

WIN!

30

CHRIS'S PICK

Submit your best joke and you could WIN a "Student Money Saver" account with an opening balance of $15 to kick start your savings. Email your joke to: competitions@pakmag.com.au

DATE 15/3/14 15/3/14 15/3/14 15/3/14 16/3/14 16/3/14 17/3/14 17/3/14 17/3/14 18/3/14 18/3/14 18/3/14 18/3/14 19/3/14 19/3/14 19/3/14 20/3/14 20/3/14 21/3/14 21/3/14 21/3/14 21/3/14 21/3/14 21/3/14 22/3/14 22/3/14 22/3/14 22/3/14 22/3/14 22/3/14 23/3/14 23/3/14 23/3/14 24/3/14 24/3/14 24/3/14 24/3/14

VENUE Brothers League Club Cairns Regional Council Cairns Indoor Sports Craft n Sewing Studio AJ Hackett Cairns The Pier Shopping Centre Little Diggers Community Centre Relationships Australia FNQ Relationships Australia FNQ The Cairns Potters Club Cairns Indoor Sports Smithfield Library Babinda Library Smithfield Library Mt Sheridan Tavern Fogarty Park Stratford Library Earlville Library Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Trinity Beach Tavern Tanks Art Centre (Tank 5) Mt Sheridan Tavern Innisfail RSL Tanks Art Centre (Tank 5) Dunwoody's Cairns Regional Gallery Cairns Indoor Sports Yorkey's Knob Boating Club Craft n Sewing Studio AJ Hackett Cairns Spurwood Springs Mena Creek Courthouse Hotel Port Douglas Relationships Australia FNQ Playgroup Australia Relationships Australia FNQ Little Diggers Community Centre

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME I'm Still Standing - Ultimate Elton John Experience Jacqueline Scotcher Interior / Exterior Exhibition Launch Tiny Tots Card Making Sunday Arvo - Live Music from Vikarious Sunday Funday Bellies and Bubs (Newborns to 18 months) Poppers: Children's Group 6-9 years Popstars: Children's Group 10-13 years Children's Pottery Classes Tiny Tots Storytime Storytime Family History Trivia Night Mumbalates Baby Rhyme Time Facebook 101 Milo In2 Cricket Tiny Tots Nikki The Clown Face Painting Morrison Brothers Big Band Face Painting Night Carrizma UMI Soundz Nikki The Clown Face Painting Make a book with Author/Illustrator Jacque Duffy (8-14 yrs) Tiny Tots The Taste ( Band) Beginners Mosaics Sunday Arvo - Live music from Dave Cooke Bendigo Bank Bush Poetry Competition and Breakfast Hillbilly Goats Poppers: Children's Group 6-9 years World's Biggest Playgroup Day Popstars: Children's Group 10-13 years Bellies and Bubs (Newborn to 18 months)

eventGUIDE TIME 8.30pm 2.00pm 9.00am 9.30am 1.00pm 9.30am 9.30am 3.30pm 3.30pm 3.30pm 9.00am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 6.00pm 9.30am 10.30am 10.30am 5.00pm 9.00am 6.00pm 6.30pm 6.00pm 6.30pm 6.00pm 1.00pm 9.00am 1.30pm 9.30am 1.00pm 5.00pm 3.30pm 3.30pm 9.30am

FOR MORE INFO

COST

www.brotherscairns.com.au

Cost shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au Free 4032 2844 $7 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost 1800 622 888 Free 4053 3331 Free wwww.littlediggerscairns.com.au Cost 1300 364 277 Free 1300 364 277 Free 0448 119 957 Cost 4032 2844 $7 4044 3711 Free 4067 1112 Free 4044 3711 Free 4053 3331 Free 0411 027 883 Free 4044 3733 Free 4044 3766 Free 4032 2284 Cost 4032 2284 $7 0408 183 032 Free www.tanksartcentre.com $55 4053 3331 Free 4061 1601 Cost www.tanksartcentre.com Free 0408 183 032 Free 4046 4800 $18 4032 2284 $7 4055 7711 Free enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost 1800 622 888 Free 0459 900 067 Free Free 1300 364 277 Free www.playgroupqld.com.au Cost 1300 364 277 Free wwww.littlediggerscairns.com.au Cost

www.pakmag.com.au

31

eventGUIDE MARCH 2013 DATE 25/3/14 25/3/14 25/3/14 26/3/14 26/3/14 26/3/14 26/3/14 27/3/14 27/3/14 27/3/14 27/3/14 28/3/14 28/3/14 28/3/14 28/3/14 28/3/14 28/3/14 28/3/14 29/3/14 29/3/14 29/3/14 29/3/14 29/3/14 29/3/14 30/3/14 30/3/14 30/3/14 30/3/14 31/3/14

VENUE The Cairns Potters Club Cairns Indoor Sports Manunda Library Centacare Cairns Stratford Library Mt Sheridan Tavern Fogarty Park Smithfield Library City Library Earlville Library Mt Sheridan Cairns Indoor Sports Warrina Lakes Innisfail Tanks Art Centre (Tank 5) Jute Theatre Cairns Indoor Sports Mt Sheridan Tavern Innisfail RSL Glenoma Park Trinity Beach Tavern Cairns Indoor Sports Sugar Museum Gallery Mourilyan Earth Hour Innisfail RSL Stockland Shopping Centre AJ Hackett Cairns Innisfail Main Street The Pier Shopping Centre Cairns Civic Theatre

pink = family

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Children's Pottery Classes Tiny Tots Baby Rhyme Time Dealing with Teens Internet Basics Trivia Night Mumbalates Conversation CafĂŠ Computer Basics Storytime Affirmation Workshop Tiny Tots International Food Fair Ash Grunwald Sentinel Chickens Milo In2 Cricket Face painting Night Deluge Earth Hour Fun Run Nikki The Clown Face Painting Tiny Tots Feast of the Senses Art Exhibition Earth Hour - Lights Out ABBA Celebrates 40 years PakMag Easter Extravaganza Sunday Arvo - Live Music from Tall Poppies Australian Bananas Market Day Extravaganza Sunday Funday The Leading Man - Morning Melodies

green = kids

TIME 3.30pm 9.00am 10.30am 3.30pm 10.30am 6.00pm 9.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 6.30pm 9.00am 5.30pm 6.30pm 5.00pm 6.00pm

5.30pm 9.00am 6.00pm 8.30pm 7.00pm 9.30am 1.00pm 12.30pm 9.30am 11.00am

blue = adults

FOR MORE INFO 0448 119 957 4032 2284 4044 3733 4044 0130 4044 3733 4053 3331 0411 027 883 4044 3711 4044 3730 4044 3730 donna@innatepd.com 4032 2284 0459 900 067 www.tanksartcentre.com 4050 9444 4032 2284 4053 3331 4061 1601 0450 324 637 0408 183 032 4032 2284 0459 900 067 4061 1601 4053 3331 1800 622 888 0459 900 067 4053 3331 1300 855 835

COST Cost $7 Free Free $3 Free Free Free $3 Free $40 $7 Free $30 Cost Cost Free Free Free Free $7 Free Free Free Free Free Free Free $19

Go to pakmag.com.au for more events and market info

32

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www.pakmag.com.au

33

By Shannon du Plessis

Baby Issues

Keeping the

Cord

Shannon du Plessis discovers why many families are choosing to store their baby’s umbilical cord During pregnancy, expectant parents spend

that these cells are immediately available if ever

network of trained obstetricians, midwives and

many months planning ahead for when their

needed. There are two ways to collect and store

healthcare professionals available to perform

new bundle of joy arrives. While all parents will

cord blood: public and private.

the collection. If you don’t choose to store your

consider items for the nursery, car seats and packing a hospital bag, there are some parents who are also considering what they will do with their baby’s umbilical cord.

baby’s cord blood to a government funded, nonprofit, public bank for use by anyone needing a

waste after the birth. There are currently three main organisations offering private cord blood collection and storage (Cell Care, Cryosite and StemLife).

transplant. Unfortunately they are both in South

in your baby's cord and placenta after the birth.

Queensland so women who have their babies in

The chance of a child needing therapy using

The cord blood contains a potent mixture of

NQ only have private options available to them.

his or her own stem cells is around one in 2700,

cells, including stem cells, which are the “building

These allow you to retain ownership of your

while the chance of an individual needing stem

blocks” of all cells in the body.

baby’s cord blood, but there is a fee for collection

cells (either their own or from someone else) over

and storage.

the course of their lifetime is estimated to be

haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which have the

The reasons for storing cord blood vary and can

unique ability to develop into all of the different

include having a family history of disease, having

blood cell types, as well as other types of stem

a baby of an ethnic minority or mixed race

cells. Cord blood is also a source of unique

where there may be great difficulty in finding

populations of immune cells, called regulatory

a matching donor through the public banks,

T-cells, which are important in controlling the

or as insurance for their child’s future health.

immune system and may have therapeutic

Cord blood stem cells are a perfect match for

potential in the treatment of immune disorders.

the baby that they were collected from, so the

Collecting the umbilical cord blood is not harmful to the baby or mother and ensures

34

in Queensland where parents can donate their

baby's cord blood, it will be discarded as medical

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains

These include specialised stem cells such as

www.pakmag.com.au

Currently there are only two public cord banks

risks of rejection are eliminated. Private cord blood collections can take place at any time

about one in 217. For most parents, storing cord blood is a luxury they cannot afford, but if money is no object, cord blood collection and storage is something you might want to consider before baby arrives.

For more information on private cord blood collection and storage in NQ contact Cell Care, Cryosite or StemLife.

and in most hospitals Australia-wide with a www.pakmag.com.au

35

Baby

NEW BOOKS

GREEN Babies

Reviews

MARCH 2014

Spider Sandwiches

LITTLE Backpacks

By Claire Freedman Bloomsbury Publishing RRP $14.99

Baby NEWS

Boys will especially love this book as it is all about the disgusting treats that Max the Monster likes to eat including beetle biscuits, slug milkshakes, moon-goo globs and lice rice. His absolute favourite is spider sandwiches.

The Wombats Go On Camp

By Roland Harvey Allen & Unwin

'I Immunise' Campaign Vaccinations are back in the news as a new health campaign was recently launched in areas of the country with low vaccination rates.

This is in response to concerns about

percentage of the population being

Australia’s decreasing immunisation

immunised against it. If the rate drops

rates. We have now fallen behind many

below the herd immunity threshold, there

developing countries in terms of the

is a greater risk of disease outbreaks with

percentage of the population vaccinated.

newborn babies most at risk.

Public health policies depend on

Australia’s immunisation rate has fallen

achieving a vaccination threshold to

behind those of many developing

maintain ‘herd immunity’. In other words,

countries and members of the medical

the community’s widespread protection

community believe that we are taking

from disease is dependent upon a certain

widespread immunity for granted.

RRP $24.99 These gorgeous little backpacks by Woddlers are the perfect size for 0-3 year olds. Made and designed in Australia, they come in 10 different designs and so far they are the only brand that is PVC free and lead safe. They are also machine washable so they’re very easy to clean. For more info go to www.thekinderplatz.com

BABIES Need Books

Later this month Earth Hour will be focusing our attention on what we can do for the environment but most families find that the pitter patter of little feet leads to a big ecological footprint.

Bigger cars, more washing and hundreds of

[2] Give modern cloth nappies a go – and, if

dirty nappies heading to the nearest landfill

you can’t afford to buy a whole set

all generate a big hit to the environment,

upfront, buy a couple to use at home

and also your wallet.

Reading to your baby from a young age is enormously beneficial and sets them up for pre-reading and school later on. If your child doesn’t seem particularly interested in books yet, check out the personalised books now available to buy online. Well-known stories are reprinted using your child’s name so they become the start of the story. Hearing their name repeatedly is guaranteed to keep them interested. Try www.identitydirect.com.au or www.tinyme.com.au

[4] Avoid plastic toys – babies love to put

Follow these tips so your baby makes less

everything in their mouths so avoid

impact on the planet:

products made from PVC and BPA

[1] Only buy what you need, accept hand

[5] If you’re switching appliances, choose

me-downs and buy second hand items

[3] Switch to less toxic cleaning products –

babies are more vulnerable to toxins

energy efficient models

[6] Go solar and do your washing in the day

This is the first book in a new series by well-loved writer Roland Harvey.

Follow the Wombats as they go camping and have the time of their lives building, cooking, climbing, performing and scaring each other.

The Shape of my Heart

By Mark Sperring Bloomsbury Publishing RRP $14.99 paperback Children will love spotting all the different shapes on each page as they follow the rhyming story about all the different shapes that make up our lives, that we see every day and that we love.

Redlynch

KINDY

CCB Approved • EnroL today • 3-5 yeAr olds

VotEd “Best Childcare Centre” in PakMag’s Best of Cairns awards

Learning through Play each & every day

For more information visit www.redlynchkindy.com.au or call 4055 1814 or email redlynchkindy@bigpond.com

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37

Fun for Tots

By Elaine Seager

Looking for something active and fun for your under-5 year old to do?

Check out the huge choice of classes and activities available around Cairns.

[1] Swimming

[5] Kindergym

[8] Kindy Cheer

Most swim schools offer baby swim classes that progress through to learn to swim classes.

• Barron Valley Gymnastics - Classes run 9-10am Monday to Friday and 10-11am Tuesday-Friday for children aged 18 months up to 5 years at Barron Valley Gymnastics.

Cost: $10 per class. Call 4055 1711.

Awesome Cheerleading’s Kindy Cheer Program for 2-5 year olds combines singing, dance and fitness. Cost: $10 per class. For more information call Tamara on 0402 225 630 or go to www.awesomecheerleading.com

• Southside Gymnastics - Kindergym classes in Bentley Park for kids 2-5 years run every weekday (9.30-10.30am). For more info go to www.gymsportsfnq.com.au

[9] Martial Arts

• C-Me Swim – Babies can start from five months of age in Edge Hill. Call them on 4053 2549 or go to www.cmeswim.com for more information.

• Little Snappers – free introduction to water classes available in Smithfield for babies 2-3 months old, which progress into baby classes with a maximum of 4 per class.

• Woree Sports & Aquatic Centre - Lil Stingers Learn-to-Swim classes run year round in the heated indoor pool. For more information call 4056 6964.

[2] Music Classes Kindermusik with Nicole has music and movement classes for children aged 0-7 years everyday except Sunday in an air-conditioned studio in Brinsmead. Cost: $140 a term, $265 a semester. Visit www.kindermusik.com/nicole to book your free trial or call 0418 772 258.

[3] Art Classes • Tiny Tacker Tuesdays at the Regional Gallery Cost: $12. Call 4046 4800 or email programs@carisnregionalgallery.com.au • Lil Scribblers – Art Classes for 2-5 year olds call 0400 646 327.

[4] BMX Riding Cairns BMX Club has ‘Mini Wheeler’ coaching programs on balance bikes for kids starting from aged 2+. Go to www.cairnsbmx.org.au for more information.

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• PCYC – Kindy Kidz classes run Monday to Thursday mornings for kids aged 1-4 years (times vary according to age). For more information call 4053 1532.

[6] Dance • Backstreet Dance – Classes available for 3, 4 and 5 year olds that introduce kids to different dance styles. Call 4032 1384 or 0407 995 182 for more information.

• FNQ Dance Academy – Classes start from the age of two. Call Sarah on 4051 4888 or go to www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au • Dancehouse – Mummy & Me (2+), Dance & Play (3+) and Angelina Ballerina (4+) classes available. For more information go to www.dancehouse.net.au or call Julie on 0409 577 350.

• Turning Pointe Dance – Baby Ballet (3+) and Kinder Ballet (4+) classes available.

Cost: $9. For more info call 4031 3390 or go to www.turningpointe.com.au

[7] Cairns Indoor Sports Tiny Tots sports sessions run on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings (9am-12noon). Cost: $7 per child. Call 4032 2844 for info.

• Brad Hope Family Martial Arts – Remarkable Me classes (parents and babies (0-18 months), Jumping Joeys (18 months-3 years) and Tiny Tigers (3-5 years) classes available. Call 4038 2633 for more info.

• Nexus Combined Martial Arts – Little Dragons classes for 3-5 year olds every weekday at 3.30pm. Dragon Hatchlings classes also run twice a week for toddlers.

Fore more information call 4038 3348.

[10] Kindy Futsal Kindy Futsal for 3-5 year olds runs at Redlynch Central Sports Stadium. Cost: $99 (9-week term) plus a $50 registration fee and $30 for the uniform. Contact Sandra on 4039 4378 or email Sandra@rcss.com.au

[11] Ready Steady Go Kids Multi-program for kids aged 2-6 years at three venues. Cost: $16.75. Free trial class available.

Call 0409 639 455 for more information or email Brenda@readysteadygokids.com.au

[12] Tough Mama Take your baby or toddler along with you to Simone Kay’s Mumbalates and Tough Mama classes. Go to www.fitnesscairns.com.au for more information.

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39

Ages &

Addicted to Gaming

by Denise Bewert

Stages TEEN Workshop

26 March & 17 April (3.30-5.30pm)

PakMag Teen Expert Denise Bewert will be presenting a two-hour workshop later this month that is being offered for free by Centacare Cairns. Designed to help improve communication between parents and their pre-teens and early teens, it will give parents strategies to help guide their children into making safe and healthy choices throughout their teen years.

Denise has worked as a high school teacher, guidance officer and university lecturer. She is the author of Tackling Teens and Troubled Teens.

NEW Book

Many parents have become very concerned about the amount of time their pre-teen and teenagers (boys particularly) spend playing computer games.

The computer games that our young people spend so much time playing these days are very different from the isolating, non interactive games of the past. Most games are now both creative and interactive.

Gaming has become a different form of social networking. Online multi-media playing provides young people with the opportunities to compete alongside their mates. Many games help develop co-operation, complex planning and delegation skills. In some ways, the fact that these teens are interacting with other people while they’re playing computer games can be regarded as a positive.

However, as with everything in life, it’s all

about balance. If you feel that your child’s ‘addiction’ to computer games is becoming harmful or problematic to them in some way you may want to identify your concerns and have a chat with them about it. Ask them if they see any negative effects on their life from the amount of time they spend gaming.

There are various ways you could help reduce time spent gaming – discuss and plan a reduction in the hours of the day spent gaming, move the computer to a location where they have less ready access to it and suggest alternative activities that will meet the needs currently being met by playing video games.

Banding Together

Fit for Birth and Beyond

by Suzy Clarkson This new book is a practical guide that takes readers through suitable exercises for each trimester. The information is based on the latest research, and is endorsed by leading specialists in obstetrics and fertility. It has been described by one as ‘Excellent… likely to become the defining book of exercise in pregnancy.’ RRP $29.95

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Motorised hamsters, animal cards and rubber bracelets may seem like a waste of money to you but to 5-6 year olds who are easily influenced by TV and their peers, these fads can help grease the wheels of social acceptance in the playground. Not surprisingly, some of the biggest crazes for kids of this age are novelty items that are meant to be traded.

Before you veto every request for these gimmicks, here are a few things to consider: • Is this the time to explain that advertising on the TV is designed to sell and the products may not be that good in reality?

• Is this an opportunity to teach them about the value of money? If they really want it, they will be happy to do a few chores to earn the money.

• If your child is shy, would these products make it easier for them to make friends?

Would they be at a disadvantage socially if they didn’t have them? www.pakmag.com.au

41

Home edition

Going Green

MAR 2014

TIP For more info about sustainable living go to www.livinggreener.gov.au.

You can estimate your ecological footprint at www.myfootprint.org

Design Tips

Solar

Recycled Timber

Create airflow [1] Energy Sense

GreenLiving Story thanks to Elaine Seager

Reducing your carbon footprint can have a positive impact on your wallet as well as the planet. And while some strategies for sustainable living require some investment, there are many things you can do that cost little or nothing.

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Even though energy bills are going through the roof, Australians are using more and more energy due to the fact that we’re building bigger homes and filling them up with more appliances.

• Change your households energy habits: - Teach the kids to switch lights and fans off in rooms not being used - Take shorter showers

Ideas for reducing your energy bills:

- Switch appliances off at the power point (inc. phone chargers)

• Invest in LED light bulbs – The initial outlay may be more but LED light bulbs will last for 25 years

- Wash clothes in cold water and don’t use the clothes dryer

• Go solar – the rates for feeding solar electricity back to the grid have been slashed but it can still seriously reduce your bill. Even replacing your hot water system to solar can reduce your hot water bill by over 60% • Replace old appliances – old antiquated outside fridges and plasma TV’s burn a hole in your pocket. Switch to more energy efficient models.

Shady Micro-Climate

For more ideas on ways to save on your energy bill go to www.ergon.com.au [2] Hot Tips for Cooler Homes The cost of relying on air-conditioning to cool your home can be substantial across the summer months but there are a number of less costly ways of preventing your house turning into an oven: • Top priority - Keep direct sunlight off

glass windows and doors (this is why older homes had wrap-around verandahs or wide roof overhangs) • Airflow – Maximising airflow through your home can prevent you needing to use air-con. Plan new homes so they’re in the best position to capture breezes.

Place living spaces in the cooler parts of the house. Use floor to ceiling windows to prevent hot air pockets developing • Shady Micro-Climate – Trees, shrubs, awnings, screens and pergolas can be used to create shade around your home.

• Roof ventilation - Prevent your roof space turning into a sauna by installing a cyclone rated ventilation system.

Reflective foil insulation in the roof is also effective in the tropics.

• Concrete – Keep to a minimum around your home and keep the sun off it

• Colours - Use light coloured paints on both external and internal walls.

Reflective roof paints are also now available.

Wrap Around Verandah

[3] Greener Renovating • Windows – Up to 40% of your cool air conditioned air can leak from windows so look for energy efficient versions • Paints – Use low-emission paints to reduce toxic fumes. Some paints are now available that contain all-natural ingredients.

• Timber – Source from certified sustainably managed forests but research the many other eco-friendly options available • Use recycled materials – Building materials account for a substantial amount of waste in landfills www.pakmag.com.au

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Home edition

EcoStyle

MAR 2014

Get Organised

Made from sustainable wood this awardwinning family organiser is finished in water lacquer, making it better for the environment.

Available from www.tidy-books.com.au RRP $129.00

If you’re painting a nursery for a new baby or you just want to avoid the usual harsh paint smells when you redecorate, check out Eco Style Paints at Cairns Wholesale Paints. They are 100 percent non-toxic and free of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) found in traditional paint products. And, importantly, they don’t compromise on quality or price since they come with a 15 year guarantee and they’re reasonably priced. For more information pop into Cairns Wholesale Paints.

Keep up the Good Work

WET Season Clean Up It’s coming to the end of the wet season soon and time to start spring cleaning that mould away! Two good environmentally friendly products for getting rid of mould are: •

if it needs painting, we have the paint. automotive, house, industrial, marine, texture Coatings, timber Finishes, trade Paint & sign suPPlies markets

Inside – Clove Oil can be bought in chemists and health food stores. Add ½ teaspoon to a spray bottle, spray on affected areas, leave for a few hours and then wipe off.

• Outside – Enviromart on Aumuller Street sell a product called WET&FORGET® which can be sprayed on all your outside surfaces to kill mould and prevent regrowth without causing harm to the environment and it’s effective.

Homework may be a more enticing prospect with the contemporary design of this desk and drawers from www.mocka.com.au. It will fit neatly into any room and match with any décor. Team it up with drawers for extra storage. Available in two colours.

Desk RRP $89.95, drawers RRP $89.95.

Quality built with pride

See us, the paint experts, before you buy paint anywhere else. (note: Men – please bring your wifes permission slip to purchase paint without her being present.) oPening hours monday to Friday 7am-5pm • saturday 8am-1pm

Wholesale Paint Cairns

80 Aumuller St • Phone 4035 2000 • Email sales@cwp.com.au

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• 16 years local building industry experience • FREE QuotEs to the Cairns and FNQ region Call 4056 3089 or visit www.ashleejoneshomes.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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Travel edition March 2014

Kylie Stokes

Personal Travel Manager T: 1300 724 199 E: kylie.stokes@travelmanagers.com.au www.my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

Specialising in family holidays worldwide License No: QLD: 3168806 ACN: 113 085 626 Member: IATA, AFTA, ICCA Accredited Consultant

Travel

ideas

AdventureTravel

By Kylie Stokes (Travel Managers) Family friendly holidays often include beaches, amusement parks and cruising but have you ever considered exploring the jungles of Asia or South America, hiking mountains in Europe or, for something really special, visiting Africa?

You don’t have to sacrifice a lifelong passion for adventurous travel when you become a parent. In fact sharing an adventurous holiday with your kids can be extremely rewarding for both you and them. Many travel providers now offer itineraries specifically designed for families that take the hassle out of planning and provide peace of mind and safety while on the ground. These trips are usually slower paced with carefully chosen accommodation and activities. You can travel with a group of like-minded families or choose a customised holiday with private guides, which is perfect if you’ve got multiple generations travelling together.

Most adventure holidays, depending on the destination and activities offered on an itinerary, will have a designated minimum age. These can range anywhere from five through to 11 years. Here are a few ideas for adventurous family holidays: Borneo – spend a night in the wild at a jungle camp and get up close and personal with some gentle orangutans.

Nepal – get active hiking the Himalayas, experience the culture of local communities, camp in an area surrounded by snow capped peaks and witness the mighty Mt Everest.

Africa – spot the Big Five animals on a safari and learn about rural life in small villages and farms.

Europe – experience spectacular trails and charming alpine villages on a guided walk through France, Italy and Switzerland.

You only need to carry day packs - mules are used to transport bags, supplies and sometimes tired children!

America – explore the Wild West, land of Cowboys and Indians, sit under the stars by a campfire on a working ranch and visit the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

South America – learn about the history of the Incas at Machu Picchu in Peru. Mixed with the thrill of white water rafting and sand buggy rides, this make for an unforgettable holiday.

Call 4031 6300 or visit www.franklandislands.com.au Visit: www.my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

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47

Travel edition

Weekender

NEWS

March 2014

Dunk Island View Caravan Park has a new Café and newly renovated cabins. Book now for your next family school holiday escape.

The Park

Beach The View

Photo thanks to Ron Darlington

Island Views Story thanks to Angelina Mortley

concerned, the choices range from renovated

The Park sits within its own haven of landscaped

one and two bedroom units to powered and

gardens with an attractive pool looking out to

non-powered caravan and tent sites, all set out

the ocean. The pool has a shallow wading area for

amongst newly landscaped gardens.

younger children and there are wonderful lounge

We stayed in a two-bedroom unit and the first thing we noticed was the space! In fact, that

If you’ve been dreaming of an island holiday it may be closer and more affordable than you think. Dunk Island View Caravan Park at Mission Beach is perfectly packaged for a family getaway with all the benefits of an island escape.

is how I would describe every aspect of the

accommodated six people. This type of unit is especially perfect for families with small children or a dog because it has a semi-enclosed grassed area and covered veranda making it very much

along what seems to be an endless stretch of stunning coastline from South Mission Beach all the way up to North Mission Beach where some great rock-hopping awaits. Or you can just sit back trees, swim in the safe netted swim area, collect shells and, well, just be kids.

If that is not enough to satisfy you, there are lots of fun activities you can do nearby if you decide

Whether for a weekend or week-long escape, Dunk Island

very welcome and metal dog bowls are provided

to get out and about. You can take a trip over to

View Caravan Park’s perfectly positioned location offers

on the veranda of every unit.

Dunk Island or explore local walking tracks like the

fantastic family getaway.

Unlike traditional caravan parks, the sites at the Park allow you to really spread out, and those towards the front of the Park also provide ocean

By the end of our trip we felt as though we had been on an island escape but it was so much easier to get to and far more economical.

Dunk Island View Caravan Park is located at 21-35 Webb Road, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach. For bookings or more info call 4068 8248 or go to www.dunkislandviewcaravanpark.com

and enjoy the magical views while the kids climb

being dog friendly so your furry friends are also

and lots of great climbing trees for the kids, making for a

www.pakmag.com.au

with self-contained kitchen would have easily

the 50 metres across to the beach, you can walk

your own private retreat. The Park prides itself on

sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning sunsets

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Park – spacious! Our fully air conditioned unit

recliners for mums and dads. If you decide to stroll

of restaurants within walking distance of the Park.

one to Lacey Creek, which is great for kids with a 45-minute walk plus a swimming hole. Or for those who like to get a little sporty there are water sports, bicycle hire, kayaking, paddle boarding,

The Park’s new management have given it a fresh new

views. The fully equipped camp kitchen is set out

look with some great improvements including an

more like a restaurant and as well as the fridge,

impressive café that’s able to cater for all your meal needs,

stove, oven and microwave, there are two large,

Nearby there is a local shopping centre with a

as well as providing some grocery items, great coffee

gas barbeques for guests to use as well as a large

Woolworths just a five-minute drive away and if

and home baked cakes. As far as the accommodation is

laundry.

you don’t feel like cooking, there is a good choice

Win a 2 Night Stay!

For your chance to win a two night stay in a spacious two-bedroom unit at the newly refurbished Dunk Island View Caravan Park in Mission Beach, simply go to our website and tell us which big bird you might expect to see in Mission Beach?

boat or beach fishing and the list goes on!

www.pakmag.com.au

49

BIZDirectory

BIZDirectory ads from ONLY $60/MONTH!

Services

entertainment

entertainment

Ready for the next step in Music Education? or Beginner Lessons?

Advertise here for as little as $60/month

By Fiona Mundie

Piano Lessons

& 4053 4145 or 0438 818 668

BMus, GDipMus, MTAQ (Prof)

timmycanning@gmail.com

IT’S PARTY TIME! PH: 4032 2844

164 MAYERS STREET MANUNDA

7146 Ad.indd 1

MM7146

BOOK YOUR CHILDS NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY AT CAIRNS INDOOR SPORTS

Call 4034 3331 for more information

Manunda EarlvillE WorEE EsplanadE CEntral rEdlynCh sMithfiEld City GordonvalE innisfail

Cairns BMX Club have been running a programme for children from as young as two years and these little ‘mini wheelers’ are rocking the track

Portsmith, 2/79 Fearnley St PHONE: 4035 5054 Trinity Beach, Cnr Aropa St & Cook Hwy PHONE: 4057 8218 OPEN: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm & Sat 8am-2pm

Charity

Mini day spa theme created for 4-13 year olds Pedicures • Manicures • MakeuP & hair www.tropicalbeauty.com.au & 0402 482 025

clowns

Flip ripley

Backyard Magic Show

www.pakmag.com.au

childcare Services

If you think BMX riding is strictly for older kids

to enable young riders to develop balance, gross

if you’re looking for a fun sport that the whole

and teenagers, think again. Thanks to the Mini

motor skills and independence to begin riding

family can enjoy, BMX could be for you!

Wheelers program introduced at the Cairns BMX

a bike. These skills allow children to seamlessly

Club just over a year ago, children as young as

progress onto more traditional BMX bikes with

two are now able to enjoy the thrill and fun of

pedals, without the need for training wheels.

riding around a BMX track on their balance bikes (yep, bikes with no pedals). And not surprisingly, they love it!

Cairns BMX Club is located on Scott Street.

For more information go to their website at www.cairnsbmx.org.au or contact Mini Wheeler

The Cairns BMX Club has one of the largest

coach Fiona Mundie on 0448 155 240 or

memberships in Australia and is lucky enough

fmundie@bigpond.net.au

to have a national standard facility with a track

BMX has been one of the fastest growing sports

that’s been ridden on by several State, National

in Australia since it debuted in the Olympics

and World Champions. Since operating the Mini

• Bigger ShowS • Themed CharaCTerS • Jumping CaSTle • Balloon SCulpTing • Juggling • uniCyCling • mini-golf • ComiC Singing TelegramS

in 2008. In order to develop future stars of the

Wheelers programme they have been heavily

sport, the ‘Sprocket Rocket’ coaching program

involved in supplying feedback and results to

for kids aged 3-7 was put into place to ensure

BMX Australia. They’ve got two and three year

& 0410 510 095 www.flipripley.com.au

children entering the sport learnt correct bicycle

olds who participated in the programme and are

skills as early as possible. The new BMX Mini

now successfully riding a BMX bike with pedals

• Long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks,

Wheelers programme is now the earliest entry

around the track. Parents have commented on

enclosed shoes

point and takes this one step further by giving

how amazing it is to watch the improvement in

small children a strong foundation to easily

the kids’ balance and spatial awareness skills.

• Face Painting • Puppets • Balloons • Games • Music • Other costumes available

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KIDS Sports

BMXMiniwheelers

21/11/12 1:31 PM

2 Convenient LoCations:

For more info call Rachel 0431 213 971 or visit www.pupstars.com.au

Photo by Jodie Buswell

with Tim Canning

4057 8019 or 0408 183 032 www.nikkitheclown.com

progress into the Sprocket Rocket program.

BMX is one of the few sports where all members

BMX Australia introduced the Mini Wheelers

of the family can get involved with riders from

programme as an introduction level to the sport

the age of two right up to the Over-50 class. So

What do you need for BMX Mini Wheelers?

• Balance bike (no cranks or pedals)

• Gloves (woollen mittens or gardening gloves) to protect their fingers • Bicycle helmet (full faced helmet preferred)

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51

Pets fav

Fav Pet Shot of the month will WIN a bag of Hill’s Pet Food donated by Hill’s and sponsored by Cairns Veterinary Clinic

Cairns Veterinary Clinic

March entries

Cairns Veterinary Clinic Pet Weight Loss Club Kayla loved by Jaime

Rosie loved by Hunter

With 41.5 per cent of dogs and 32 per cent of cats overweight or obese, obesity is fast becoming the most common form of malnutrition in Australian pets today.

PRIZE winner

While age and medical problems can contribute to obesity in pets, it is mostly caused by too Milo loved by Emerson

DeRenzie chilled out

much food and too little exercise. Dogs will eat whatever they’re given but cats are generally better at regulating their own food intake, even

Email your photo, name/s & address to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 March for the April 2014 edition of Pakmag.

then many still eat more than they need.

Why is obesity a problem for pets?

Apart from reducing their enjoyment of life, overweight pets suffer more ailments and they tend not to live as long. Some of the health problems caused or worsened by obesity include: • Arthritis, hip dysplasia, back or spinal disc problems and ligament rupture.

Winners prize

To claim your prize drop into our office on Level 2, 68 Abott Street between 9-5pm Monday to Friday and collect your prize from reception.

Colour In & Win

Join the Dots

• Cameron Ackroyd

• Patrick Maher

• Finlay Curnuck

• Hannah Drage

• Milla Flinn

• Zion Forrester

• Ella- May Ryan

• Ryley McKelvey

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• Lung, heart and liver disease • Diabetes

• Skin disease • Mental irritability • Susceptibility to infectious diseases

areas and when family members are eating.

Those puppy dog eyes will get you every time!

• Feed overweight pets separately from your

• Exercise intolerance

other pets.

Is your pet overweight?

• Do not feed them anything other than the

All pets have an ideal weight for their size and breed and your vet or veterinary nurse will be able to tell you what this is.

A good guide, other than the general appearance

amount of food prescribed.

• Exercise your pet regularly.

• Sign your pet up to Cairns Veterinary Clinic’s weight loss club.

of your animal, is the amount of fat cover over the ribs. If your pet is thin or normal, the ribs will be easier to see but in overweight animals they

Fully supported by our Veterinary Nurses,

are difficult to feel. Some overweight animals,

our complementary weight loss club is an

especially cats, may have a pendulous abdomen.

individualised program for safe and gradual weight loss for your pet. Combining Hills

• Constipation

Ways to manage obesity

• Increased risk of problems with surgery

• Reduce your pets calorie intake by feeding

and anaesthesia

them a low calorie, high fibre diet specially

• Heat intolerance

• Keep your pet away from food preparation

formulated for losing weight.

Prescription Diet products, exercise and behavior modification, we’ll have your pet back to a healthy weight in no time. Contact one of clinics for more details.

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53

out&about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

avan Park Emily & Leia at Dunk Island View Car

Livvy at Sugarworld

Mercedes at Go Bowling

y Central Gabriel at Cairns Central's Mumm Jada, Anna & Zoe at Go Bowling

Fun at Cairns Indoor Sports

Man & Hannah at the Esplanade

Email your photo, name/s & location to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 March for the April 2014 edition of Pakmag

Jai Jassar on his first day of prep

Kane & Pria at Bramston Beach

Mason at Cairns Central's Mummy

Out & About at Muddy's

Central

Patrick at Kewarra Beach

Email your photo, name/s & location to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 March for the April 2014 edition of Pakmag

100% edible

Handmade decorations

for your cakes

Our icingbits turn your cakes into works of art!

For info call 0410 107 722 or visit www.icingbits.com

54

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55

Give me a Baggy Green!

As a dad, the biggest challenge for me over the summer has been the juggling act of parenthood and watching the cricket!

While Mitchell Johnson was appealing like crazy

happy? Or is watching the first session of play

was too busy watching the cricket to check on

for English wickets, I was in front of the TV with

and then doing a chore during the lunch break

her progress? Or with the language barrier will

three kids hanging off me appealing like crazy for

good enough? Of course there is also the option

she misunderstand and think watching cricket

attention.

of just having a lunch break yourself and not

involves staring at a small chirping grasshopper-

doing a household chore at all, but this is risking

like insect and is therefore not a justifiable

the possibility of being cleaned bowled middle

excuse?

Before I can even think about watching the cricket there are a number of factors that must be considered and a threshold that must not be breached. These include the weather (gardening

stump and causing a major batting collapse later in the evening.

There are so many decisions to be made - when to attack, defend, field placements (one kid on

can wait), wife’s current mood (must be very

What if a wicket falls while you’re changing a

computer, another riding bike outside, a third

good), how distracted the children are (anything

nappy? Is it okay to momentarily turn away to

drawing on wall with a carrot etc). And finally,

less than tearing each other’s hair out is okay)

catch the replay? Probably not if your baby is a

after a long day of play, I must make the difficult

and how many household chores require

boy, otherwise you may find yourself suddenly

decision of when to declare or simply concede

attention (anything less than the roof blown off

catching something (of the yellow liquid variety)

defeat and turn over to the Bananas in Pyjamas.

in a cyclone is also okay).

yourself.

When the cricket’s on, questions constantly race

What about my daughter’s piano practise? Will

through my mind. Should I do a household chore

her Japanese piano teacher be sympathetic

and get it out of the way to help keep my wife

to her practise being poor this week because I

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I’m doing a tougher job than Michael Clarke here; give me a Baggy Green!

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