PakMag Australia – September 2017 Issue 25

ISSUE: Sept 2017

25

AUSTRALIA

ARE YOU A ROLE MODEL OF MOTIVATION?

DADS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MAKE DIY FATHER’S DAY GIFTS WHAT ARE YOUR BOUNDARIES?

FREE www.pakmag.com.au | September 2017 1

CONTENTS 05 The Thing Is...

With Bree James 06 Feature: Dads Making

a Difference 09 Education: What are

your Boundaries 11

Education: Are you a Role Model of Motivation

Hello and welcome to our very special Father’s Day edition of PakMag, dedicated to all the fathers, dads, papas, ayah, chichi, Vater, stepdads, grandfathers and hundreds of other ways to say dad.

This month we interviewed some very impressive dads making a difference in North Queensland. Their stories and goals are very inspiring, and encourages all of us to do more to make a difference. We also cover some great stories on education and man sheds for dad.

15 Education: The Coolest

Careers for Math Lovers

To all the daddies out there, we hope you have a wonderful day, take some time to celebrate you and all that you contribute to your family.

17 Foster Care

Have a great month and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

19 Health 23 Tackling Teething 24 Bump, Bub and Beyond 26 DIY Father’s Day Gifts 29 Healthy Recipes

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief

30 Home with Caro & Kingi:

Dad’s Shed

Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a Po Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 fb facebook.com/pakmagaustralia t #pakmag

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Steph Bartram Janelle May

Operations Manager Rose Foster Graphic Designers Clare Winter Lise Mardon-Smith

Accounts Trent Stievano Media Intern Monique Saggers

Sub-Editor Kate Moloney Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles

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.

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2018

www.pakmag.com.au | September 2017 3

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

This month we are focusing on dads, and I am going to use my space this month to talk about the male species. I could write about how gross, smelly, inappropriate, annoying and high maintenance most of them are, but I’m not. I could write about how amazing, fun, caring, energetic, and protective they are of their family, but I’m not going to write about that either.

The thing is, I am actually really worried about the state of our boys and our men.

Let me start by saying I have a soft spot for those who have XY chromosomes. I always have, and I always will.

I’ve always had a strong bond with the men in my life, my dad, my big brother, and as a Tomboy, I often had male friends over girlfriends. Then I became a mother to two gregarious boys, I also have two dogs and two guinea pig fur babies, and you guessed it, they are all boys too. So, I guess you’d say I’ve had a fair amount of experience with boys.

For some time, I’ve been watching the rise of women, and I think it’s wonderful how much women have evolved over the years, that we are being celebrated more and there is more awareness about gender equality. But I am worried that it has swung too far and that it is impacting our male counterparts. I feel we celebrate women so much now, and it is almost frowned upon to celebrate a male. As an example, to show the difference, just look around at the number of Father’s Day promotions you’ve seen this month and last. Not many in comparison to Mother’s Day, right? I think that is really sad!

Some of you are probably going to knock me down for my thoughts here, but I am starting to worry that women are becoming completely self efficient (which is great) but men don’t know their place anymore. I think a lot of men are really lost. Women are becoming more and more like men with more masculine energy, and men are becoming more and more like women with more feminine energy. I believe this is causing major problems in our family units, thus in society.

I was at a Tony Robbins event the other month, and I learnt a lot about masculine and feminine energy. Do me a favour, do some googling on it, I simply can’t fit it all in my column! But one of my biggest realisations was that as a mother of boys, I have to ensure that, as a strong independent woman myself who has a lot of masculine energy, I don’t emasculate my boys, thus making them behave with more feminine energy. I need to be in more feminine energy around them and encourage them to be in their masculine energy. This has been hard for me, but I know in my heart it’s what needs to be done, even our schooling system is more about being in feminine energy.

In my opinion, we need to have a really long hard look at how we treat men, especially fathers in our society. A lot of them are hurting, a lot of them are lost, a lot of them feel very alone. We need to help them be the men our country needs in the twenty first century.

This first starts with us acknowledging there is a problem. So look around and see if you agree with me, and from awareness, we can start to work out solutions.

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Feature

Dads Making A Difference STORY Rose Foster

For many of us, our dads are the first men we ever loved. They are our heroes, our protectors and our go-to guys. So, to celebrate the fathers and the father figures in our lives, this month, PakMag sat down with three amazing dads who are making a difference in their community.

Mark Allen: Our Cover Star Mark and his wife Belinda live in Malanda with their three children Caden (7), Khy (5) and Mabel (3) who, with 18 months between each, keep their parents on their toes.

When Mark isn’t looking after his own children, he is helping students at Malanda State School reach their full potential.

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Mark is the school’s Principal, in fact, he’s one of Queensland’s youngest Principals, and with his attitude towards his work, it’s clear to see that he’s perfect for the role.

“I love teaching,” Mark says. “I’m energised by leading a team of people with a single, productive culture. Working with people is always inspiring; every day I’m surprised by the quality of the work I see. If you’re ever looking for something to brighten your day, come to my school. It’s the happiest place around.”

His passion for helping people extends beyond the classroom and his support for charitable causes has been long-standing.

“For the last 17 years, I’ve volunteered on the Cairns to Karumba Charity Ride (including 10 years on the Board of Directors),” Mark tells us. “I have helped to

raise over one million dollars to help all FNQ children get the best education they can. I’m also part of the Christmas Lights Ride, raising money for Ronald McDonald House.

I’ve given many thousands of hours to charities, helping the people of the Far North.”

Mark’s dedication to his family and his role as dad is second to none and he acknowledges that he owes that to his own father who taught him what it means to be a ‘good bloke’. And it’s his upbringing, as well as his experience with his own children, which inspires his belief that quality time spent with family is one of the most important parts of life.

“Build-in, don’t bolt-on!” Mark recommends when discussing advice that he can offer to other dads. “Take the kids with you to do the things you love doing, and they’ll love doing it with you!

Darren Lewis Darren is a Townsville dad on a mission. His business ‘Fathering Adventures’ equips, empowers and encourages men to be intentional in their role as fathers, and in their relationships with each of their children, through the facilitation of Father-Son and Father-Daughter Adventure experiences.

Darren and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 26 years, and together have raised four sons, Brandon (23) who is now married, Isaac (20) who now lives on the Gold Coast, Joseph (18), and Theo (14).

Born from his passion for helping others, his love for spending time with his own family and his affinity with all things outdoors, Fathering Adventures sees dads and their children travel from all over Australia, and all over the world to join Darren on an adventure.

Through his programs, Darren aims to help foster happier, stronger, and healthier relationships between themselves, and the rest of their family.

Darren sums up the outcomes of Fathering Adventures in one word; growth.

“Dads always make so many profound discoveries, both personally and relationally, during their time with us,” Darren says.

“They discover just how important their role is, that it's so much more than just being a provider and a disciplinarian. They discover what their sons or daughters need to hear and receive from them, and therefore what they themselves needed to have heard and received from their own dads.”

Darren’s aim is also firmly on helping boys on their journey to becoming incredible men.

“Too many parents believe that boys will become good men on their own,” Darren says. “If only it were that easy. Boys need to be prepared for the journey to become a young man, and to eventually become an authentic man. And masculinity is bestowed by masculinity. A boy needs a dad, or in the absence of dad, a significant male other, to be present and involved in his journey.

“Our "Prepared for Manhood" Father-Son Adventure experiences provide a process containing all of the essential elements, for boys, young men, and mature-age men, aged 13 years and older - no maximum age limit, and their dads or significant male others.”

Darren’s desire to help others build their relationships with their family and help young people become amazing adults in a fun environment is as inspirational as it is unique. For more information about how you can have your own adventure, check out www.fatheringadventures.com.au

Henry Leafa Born in New Zealand into a large Samoan family, Henry Leafa grew up as a very shy and insecure child, feeling he had to prove himself continuously. As a result, he began to get involved with the wrong crowd and he acknowledges that his life was definitely headed down the wrong path.

Moving to Australia as a teenager changed the course of his life. Today, as one of the pastors and founders of Rock Church, he is passionate about being a positive influence in the

community and believes we can all make a difference.

Henry and his wife of 25 years, Helen, have five children, a daughter-in-love and a beautiful grandson. He’s passionate about mentoring dads to be a positive influence in their children’s’ lives.

“The Strengths Program is a facilitated program for up to 10 fathers in a safe, supportive and father friendly environment.” Henry tells us. “The program uses Father Mentors who have all previously completed the course to provide hands-on support for the challenge of moving to a greater level of fathering excellence.”

“Dads get to talk openly and honestly about the challenges they face.”

Henry tells us when talking about the positive outcomes that the program has for dads. “Strengths provides a safe and supportive environment for men to be real.”

Henry puts emphasis on the importance of support. “I would like dads to know they are not alone in their struggles.” Henry advises.

“You must have at least one friend or mentor that you can be honest and vulnerable with on a regular basis because the research shows that one of the biggest struggles men face is loneliness. Men tend to bottle everything up then snap when a crisis happens. All of us face challenges but you don’t have to face them alone.”

As advice to mums, Henry says, “Men thrive when they feel valued and it activates a desire to do better. Celebrate his strengths.

Many dads experience feelings of inadequacy particularly as our reference point is our own experience as a son which could have been positive or negative.”

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Education

What are your boundaries?

STORY Kate Moloney

We all want our children to be well-behaved, wellmannered and respectful (especially in public) but how do we go about achieving this dream situation?

yard”, say, “Stay in our yard. The street is busy and you might get hurt”.

There are two extremes in the parenting camps; those who rule with authority and those who are permissive.

Ruling with authority, while it may mean that your child jumps at your instruction and dutifully asks “How high?”, the result of this can be that children don’t develop good judgement or an ability to think for themselves.

Permissive parenting, on the other hand, can lead to children who do not develop self-control or an ability to tolerate frustration as they have never been denied.

Set specific boundaries calmly and effectively by actually getting down and looking your child in the eye’s while you talk to them about what you expect. Use simple language and be clear. By doing this, you can tell if the message has been received.

So how do we raise our children in the middle ground between these two extremes? It is natural for our children to experiment and push boundaries as they develop their own sense of self and understand how this big world works. To deal with this as parents, we need to set healthy boundaries so that children know what we expect of them, otherwise how are they to know how to behave appropriately?

Getting children involved in the setting of some of the basic family rules helps them, not only to understand the rule and why it is necessary, but it also motivates them to comply. Discussing the most important rules for your family together helps the children to understand what they need to do, rather than simply being told what to do.

When discussing these rules, always provide reasons for why that rule has been set, in a way they can understand. Whether it be for safety or showing respect to others, it helps them to accept it without defiance.

This also creates a basis of information about what you might expect in other similar situations, assisting them to develop their ability to set limits for themselves.

So how do we set healthy, effective limits?

Start early Have consistent routines from an early age for daily activities, including meal times, nap times, bath time and bed time. This will not only make your life easier, it also helps children to feel secure. Having these routines established early means children get used to these boundaries and then they can adapt as required.

Use simple, positive language When possible, request the behaviour that you want, rather than the behaviour you don’t want. For example, if you want to set up a limit that your child is not to go out of the yard, instead of saying, “Don’t go outside the

Get down to their level

Make sure it is enforceable When setting limits, always ensure they are enforceable and that you are going to be prepared to stand by your word. If they aren’t and you don’t, your child will just learn to test you in the hope of stretching the limits. You must be consistent, always. They need to know the limit is non-negotiable.

Stay calm This is not always easy, but if you can stay calm, you are less likely to be hit with defiance. Children are amazing mirrors, and faced with your emotion are more likely to reflect your state of upset than to do what you are asking.

Learning a new behaviour takes time and your child will lapse at times, but just remember always to praise when they achieve and avoid nagging when they don’t. Children love to receive your praise so always ensure you show your appreciation when they meet your expectations.

If you find, despite trying all these tips above, that your child is still repeatedly ignoring the boundaries you have set, then you may need to consider implementing logical consequences to motivate them to stop doing the undesired behaviour. These consequences can include quiet time, removal from the situation, or withdrawal of privileges like loss of a toy or their beloved iPad. In every new task our children take on, whether it be learning to talk or riding a bike, they struggle until they eventually master the new skill. Learning that life involves rules and boundaries is no different, they will struggle with this. This is not only fine but also healthy and natural. It is also natural that we as parents struggle to teach them this.

They will eventually master this as well and when they do, all your hard (and often extremely frustrating) work will have been well and truly worth it. You will have a child that is more likely to have respect for others, will have greater self-control, will have an ability to cope with frustration and will be more responsible for their own actions. Pretty great life skills indeed.

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Education

Are you a role model of motivation?

STORY Donna Kitchin, Assistant Principal Religious Education and Debbie McGuinness, Teacher Librarian, St Francis Xavier’s School

As we enter into the latter half of the school year, many students are beginning to tap into their tool box of resources to help them to achieve their goals.

One of the greatest areas in which parents and teachers need to support students is building and maintaining motivation.

Motivation can be twofold, both of which lead to success: •• Intrinsic motivation is sourced from within - a child who is intrinsically motivated finds rewards in their own achievements and successes. This love of learning is what drives them and keeps them motivated to continue achieving.

•• Extrinsic motivation is sourced from external sources - a child who is extrinsically motivated relies on rewards from others for motivation.

Intrinsic motivation doesn’t always come easily, and it needs to be developed and supported. There are many ways parents can help their child become more intrinsically motivated, by supporting their learning style, showing delight in their achievements, acknowledging their feelings and helping them to achieve their goals. Asking open ended questions that lead to deeper and richer questioning and thinking can also nurture and stimulate this type of motivation.

2. Encourage self-reflection.

3. Set achievable goals, track progress and offer feedback.

4. Provide opportunities to experience success.

5. Allowing mistakes to happen and embrace failure as a positive chance to build growth and sustain motivation.

6. Vary the tasks. Routine is important, but sometimes mixing things up a bit can inspire motivation.

7. Support your child’s emotional toolbox: build and nurture resilience, persistence, time management, organisation and problem-solving skills.

8. Know your child’s strengths and weaknesses and support them in developing a positive mind set when the going gets tough.

9. Develop a growth mindset by encouraging dedication and hard work to create a love of learning and resilience.

10. Be a role model of motivation.

Ten tips parents can use to motivate their child to enjoy and work hard at school:

By showing your child that there are tasks that we don’t like doing, but still do anyway with a smile, can be the greatest of all opportunities to inspire motivation.

We like to call it, ‘Eat the broccoli first’. Make your intrinsic motivation visible.

1. Acknowledge growth and achievement, no matter how small or big.

Find other role models of motivation in the community and talk about what drives them with your child.

Continues on P.16

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Education

Parents are a key source of inspiration for children, and your child could ‘catch’ your positive attitude to learning.

Schools need to embrace and inspire motivation in their students so to better prepare them for success and learning in an ever-changing, fast paced world.

There are lots of supportive programs and strategies that plant the seeds for skills that build motivation: Digital technologies Schools have tapped into digital technologies to support and inspire engagement, motivation and ultimately learning success. Some school students have been using iPads and Chromebooks to access online and interactive learning to create, code, build, explore and solve. Digital technologies allow students to explore virtual realities from the safety of their classroom. The multi-modal aspect of digital technologies engages different senses. Many online learning platforms offer instant feedback throughout the task as well as incentives for completing levels, which allows students to adjust incorrect knowledge, develop skills, and aid their own learning.

Social and emotional learning A student’s well-being, the creation of positive relationships and the student’s sense of self-awareness are critical in helping them to reach their academic potential. Social and emotional learning, Circle Solutions and Buddy Programs can be interwoven throughout the curriculum and school life. Social and emotional learning curriculum aims to increase student’s academic achievement, self-awareness, empathy skills and emotional regulation and overall well-being. With an increased social and emotional understanding, students are empowered to succeed, igniting the motivation sparks.

Differentiation Offering learning opportunities designed to meet individual learning needs and promoting opportunities for students to collaborate are keys to supporting them. Differentiation helps to make things relevant, and relevance makes connections. That is why some schools are exploring contemporary classrooms and encouraging

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their students to have some control over their learning environment, resources, styles and needs. This may include opportunities for students to engage with ‘hands on’ materials, and engage more with the inquiry learning process. A learning program and environment that is flexible, and adaptable to meet their needs can only support to build and maintain motivation levels.

Visible learning Visible learning is another tool that can be used to encourage, promote and maintain learning enthusiasm.

Teachers are committed to providing success criteria to their students, that is making it explicit what they need to do to achieve success. Teachers provide clear, concise learning intentions, provide feedback, encourage and support self-reflection and selfassessment. Students are motivated when they know that they are being successful and that this is recognised and celebrated.

School and home: A collaborative partnership A collaborative, trusting and supportive relationship between home and school is of the utmost importance in supporting student motivation and ultimate success. Parental involvement in school life is a vital demonstration to both staff and students of their interest in the progress and development of the student in particular and of the school in general.

This collaborative partnership shows children that we value their efforts, that we support them, that we celebrate their achievements and especially value their learning journey. There are many different ways to be involved in school life including classroom volunteering, tuck shop helpers, homestay, P&F committee and attending school organised fun family events.

Motivation is our drive to learn; motivation is energising.

It is the key to our success and our enjoyment of and for learning. Adults and students all need support in building and maintaining motivation. However, it all really comes down to relationships. Understanding ourselves, understanding the students, understanding our children and making little adjustments along the way to help inspire, create and energise our love and enthusiasm for learning and growth.

Education

The Coolest Careers for Math Lovers STORY Rose Foster

Maths. Cool. Two words you rarely think about as connected. But in reality, some of the world’s coolest jobs require either a good understanding of, or a qualification in a maths-based subject. Check out our maths-related career ideas and help ignite a passion for maths in your child, or nurture an existing love for numbers in your little one.

Doctor Being a doctor involves more than just knowing the human body. Doctors use maths on a daily basis to determine probability of test results and make diagnosis. From here, doctors can decide on what treatment will be most effective for their patients.

Computer Game Designer If you told your child they could play games for a living, would they think it was cool? I’m guessing they would!

Understanding physics, trigonometry and calculus are extremely important for a career as a computer game designer. For those who love video games, this is a perfect career that is producing more and more opportunities for employment every year.

Animator Animated movies are amongst the highest grossing movies of all time, and being responsible for creating them is the job of animators. Animators use algebra to make objects look, move and be resized in a natural way, making the movie look as life-like as possible.

Forensic Scientist Now Forensic Science is a cool subject indeed. TV shows like CSI have given the general public an insight into this career, and it’s a highly sought-after job. But, did you

know that a great deal of the work involved in being a forensic scientist is maths-related? Determining which weapon was used in an attack, analysing samples in a lab and reconstructing crime scenes all use principles learned in maths.

Maths in Everyday Life Not everyone is going to go into a career that has maths as a foundation but that’s not to say that maths isn’t important. Maths is used in our everyday lives, even if we may not think it.

Building – you don’t have to be a builder to do a little DIY and maths helps with everything from calculating materials to understanding how angles work.

Baking – ever needed to make more of a recipe?

Needed to calculate how long you need to cook a turkey? Understanding ratios and how to approach a maths problem can be invaluable in the kitchen.

Shopping – the most obvious advantage here is figuring out whether you have enough money to buy what you’ve put in your basket.

Travelling – there will come a time when you’ll need to calculate the amount of fuel you’ll use for a journey.

A good understanding of maths can also help you quickly determine how long it’s going to take you to get from a to b.

Money-Saving – it’s a fact, if you understand maths principles such as exponential growth and compound interest, you’re more likely to make smart money choices when compared with those who don’t have a firm grasp on this.

Remember: Maths is the only subject that counts!

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FOSTER CARE STORY Rose Foster

It takes a special kind of individual to take in another person’s children and look after them as their own, especially if those children have experienced abuse or neglect in their lives. But that’s exactly what the selfless people who foster children do.

Unfortunately, there are not enough carers to meet current demands, and the awareness of this issue is low amongst the public, including those who would be amazing candidates.

children, understanding how to communicate with them and being sympathetic to the challenges which come with raising them is a basic requirement.

Who are foster carers?

You’re Able To

Foster carers are everyday people, with big hearts and a desire to make a difference in a young person’s life.

They are individuals, couples and families that come from a range of backgrounds and have varying family circumstances. Their personal situations are diverse; they don’t have to live in a big house or be particularly wealthy. The one common factor is that they must be committed to providing for the needs of the children they look after.

If you have the time, you have the energy, or you have the skills to raise a child, you absolutely should consider channelling that to becoming a foster carer. If you’re able to offer a nurturing environment and can be a positive influence in a child’s life, then why not put this into practice?

Why are foster carers important?

Foster carers provide a safe home for children who may not have been afforded this basic necessity on a permanent basis in the past. Many children are placed into foster care after being removed from their current situations where they may have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect of some form.

Foster carers not only provide a stable and loving environment for the children in their care but they also provide a basis for them to repair their trust in adults or overcome challenging behaviours such as aggression, withdrawal or over-compliance.

Reasons you should become a foster carer You Love Kids A love of children is extremely important. You don’t have to be a parent yourself, but some experience with

You’re Empathetic Foster children come from a variety backgrounds and being able to put yourself in their shoes to understand the traumas they may have been through and how they influence their behaviour is necessary.

You Want To One of the biggest reasons to consider becoming a foster carer is simple; because you want to! If you want to be that reason a neglected or abused child smiles again, if you want to show children that they can trust and be loved or if you want to play your part in your community, you should. …And reasons not to become a foster carer If you’re thinking of becoming a foster carer, you should make sure your motives always come down to you wanting to benefit the foster child, not yourself. If giving your own child a friend, experiencing your own loss or money are your main motivators, you should stop and consider whether this is the right option for you.

There are many great organisations who can help you become a foster carer or give you more information on how you can help your community in this way. So if you have been considering fostering, it doesn’t hurt to ask some questions and see if it’s for you.

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Health

HEALTH Combatting Acne STORY Dr Xiaoping Jiang, Apple Tree Medical The big question, so what causes acne?

Basically, it is just skin pores clogged up with grease that gets infected easily! Adolescents are affected most commonly as during puberty, the active production of hormones, make the skin’s grease gland, pump out even more oil. But acne is not a problem only faced by adolescents.

What can you do if you find yourself struggling with acne?

The four basic things that you can do to combat acne are: •• Cleansing – using cleansers specifically developed for acne-prone skin can help. Don’t overdo it. Too much cleansing can cause other skin problems, such as dryness or skin irritations. Try to keep your hair clean and off your face and neck, as oil from the hair can make acne worse.

•• Makeup – choose water-based, oil-free products where possible to avoid worsening acne by clogging the pores with oils or powder. Makeup should be thoroughly removed before going to bed.

•• Don’t squeeze – picking and squeezing pimples can make them worse and lead to scarring.

•• Diet – there is some weak evidence that a low-GI diet may help some people with acne. Many people think that lollies or chocolate cause pimples. Research has not shown any strong link with these foods, but if you notice that eating certain foods causes pimples for you, try avoiding them.

If the above actions are unsuccessful for you and you are not happy, you can consult a doctor regarding medical treatments that can be either applied to the skin or are an oral form of medication.

If you have suffered from acne and have scars, there are treatments available including fillers, steroid injections or laser therapy. Treatment depends on your skin colour, type of scars, the down time you have available and cost of treatment. Always ensure you seek qualified medical consultation if you are considering any of these procedures.

The 2nd most common cancer in young men Statistics from the Cancer Council of Australia show that for men between the ages of 18 and 39, testicular cancer has grown more than 50 per cent in the past 30 years.

The reasons for this aren’t clear. What is clear is that the five-year survival rate is close to 98 per cent. Similar to numerous conditions, caught early, your chances of beating this cancer increases.

The challenge with testicular cancer is that there may be no symptoms. The single most common symptom that often prompts more than a secondary glance is a painless swelling or a lump in a testicle.

Less common symptoms include: •• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

•• Swelling or a lump in the testicle.

•• Change in the size or shape of the testicle.

•• Feeling of unevenness.

•• Pain or ache in the lower abdomen, testicle or scrotum.

•• Back pain.

•• Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue (due to hormones created by cancer cells).

If you notice any of these symptoms see your doctor who will then undertake diagnostic processes, generally an ultrasound, to confirm a mass and blood tests for tumour markers. The results from these determines the next course of action which can include removal of the testicle itself if cancer is strongly suspected.

Testicular cancers are treatable, and most testicular cancers are successfully treated providing you seek medical advice of your physician or another qualified health provider.

Make sure you or the men in your life are aware of these symptoms and that they speak up and seek advice regarding this medical condition.

TEST YOUR DNA At Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy, the team knows that each person is unique.

Get your DNA Test Kit from Calanna to find out how your body will respond to what you eat and drink, how you exercise and the medicines you take.

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au | | September 2017 19

Bump, Bub and Beyond

TACKLING TEETHING STORY Monique Saggers

Your baby’s first teeth are a big ‘smilestone’ for both your baby and you. When they first show off that big toothy grin, you won’t be able to help but smile back as this joyful moment is one you will treasure forever.

Babies are born with a full set of 20 teeth, but these pearly whites usually won’t start to show until five to six months of age. For some, they may start appearing from as early as three months to as late as twelve months of age. Your baby’s lower front teeth will be the first to come through, followed by the upper front teeth, one to two months after.

There are many telling signs that your little one is going through teething and these are a few of the most common ones: •• They are biting and chewing on anything they can get a hold of.

•• Drooling; it’s extremely common for teething bubs to drool excessively as it is believed to help cool their inflamed gums. Make sure to wipe away excess salvia on the face as this can turn into a rash if not treated.

•• Grabbing of their ears or rubbing of their cheeks.

•• Refusing to feed.

Teething can be an arduous time for both bub and parent. You hate to see your baby in pain and sadly teething is a time where you just have to wait it through as there is no instant cure, just time.

To help get you through this period here are some helpful tips that can be used to try to ease their pain (and yours): •• Let them chew on something cold like a clean, wet cloth. This also creates a cooling sensation for their inflamed gums.

•• Feed them cold foods like fruit purees or yoghurts straight from the fridge.

•• Rub a small amount of teething gel on your little one’s gum to numb the area for 20 minutes and reduce the inflammation (Please note: do not use around feeding time as this can be a choking hazard for your child).

•• Let them chew on teething rings as these assist the teeth to cut through the gums; some can be chilled or frozen.

The care of your baby’s teeth starts the moment they start teething. Start wiping your little one’s gums with a damp clean cloth once a day to reduce food and liquid build up. When your baby’s first teeth pop up, try not to put them to bed with a bottle anymore as formula can pool in their mouth at night which can later lead to tooth decay.

Make brushing your baby’s teeth a fun part of their nightly routine to help support a healthy dental hygiene practice in the future. Using a soft baby toothbrush, lightly brush their teeth at least once a day, slowly building up to twice a day by their second birthday. By the age of three, your child should have or be close to having their full set of primary teeth.

Teething can be painful however your baby shouldn’t be experiencing substantial amounts of pain. If your baby has signs of teething, but also appears to be in huge amounts of pain and is crying inconsolably, please see your doctor.

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au | | September 2017 23

Bump, Bub and Beyond

BUMP, BUB AND BEYOND Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win!

Protect-A-Bed® RRP $89.99, www.protectabed.com.au If the ultimate goal is to secure a healthy, safe sleep, both for parents and children, then the Protect-A-Bed® range of products are every parents’ dream. Number one in the world for a reason, a quality assured Protect-A-Bed® mattress protector is like an insurance policy for your mattress. Protect-A-Bed® is passionate about making ordinary products extraordinary and delivering the ultimate sleep experience as a result.

Dreambaby® On-the-Go Denim-Look Strollerbuddy® Bags RRP $29.95, www.dreambaby.com.au These new on-trend bags from Dreambaby® in black or grey have been designed with both form and function in mind. Attractive and versatile, they are made with handy mesh and fabric pockets plus storage for two drink holders/bottles and much, much more. You will be able to fit all the essentials needed for life with little ones from nappies to bottles to wipes plus a change of clothes with room to spare!

The On-the-Go Dreambaby® Strollerbuddy® Bags are are perfect for running mums as well as mums on the run!

24 September 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Traditional Cotton Quilted style; best for everyday comfort.

Protect-A-Bed’s® Miracle Layer™ is soft and comfortable yet waterproof and breathable.

Machine wash and tumble dry.

Boasting a fitted sheet style that is easy to fit and remove for regular washing.

Approved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice Program and Red Nose (Sids and Kids).

Game of Things RRP $39.95, www.talkintoys.com.au Game of Things is the ultimate “Who-said-what” game with attitude that presents players with provocative questions such as “THINGS… you wish grew on trees” or “THINGS… your parents forgot to tell you”. The game asks each player to write down the first thing that comes to mind! Simply pick a topic, have all players write a response, then read them out loud and guess who said what. There are no right answers…

There are no wrong answers. Just a whole lot of laughs!

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Pacifier or thumb sucking concerns?

It’s all in the name

STORY Dr Lyndon Walker, Principal Orthodontist at Walker Orthodontics, Mackay & Whitsundays.

Deciding on what to name your child can be one of the hardest decisions a new parent has to make. The pressure is on as you, and your child, will have to live with that name for at least the next 18 years, when they can, if they want, change it by deed poll. But let’s face it, that is not what we are hoping for when we are choosing a name.

Parents often express concern over the long-term effects on children’s teeth from using pacifiers or of thumb sucking. It is a valid concern. A thumb sucking habit or reliance on a pacifier after the front teeth have erupted can definitely impact a child’s teeth; pushing the front teeth forward or possibly creating an open-bite.

It’s important to note though that there are usually no ill-effects from thumb sucking or pacifier use in early childhood and most children naturally give up the habit somewhere between two to four years of age.

However, if thumb sucking (in particular) continues past the age of six or seven (when adult teeth are coming through), there can be a misalignment of front teeth and narrowing of the upper jaw which could lead to the need for orthodontic treatment to correct the problems.

It does, therefore, become a priority to stop a thumbsucking habit while children are still young. If the use of praise and rewards for giving up the habit do not work, orthodontists can design an appliance that can be easily fitted and will prevent further thumb sucking and the consequences of it. This is a process worth considering if it is proving difficult to break a thumb sucking habit.

If you are concerned about thumb sucking and the possible ill effects, it is recommended that you seek an assessment from a specialist orthodontist when children are between seven to ten years of age. No referral is necessary to see an orthodontist, and many orthodontic problems can be corrected easily if treated at an early age.

STORY Kate Moloney

For some, choosing a name is easy as the perfect names have long been picked out in preparation for this day. Some will follow family traditions, some have names that are vetoed due to childhood memories, but for most, it is an exciting but arduous job with many hours spent perusing numerous baby name books or websites.

Baby names tend to go through trends that change each year and are affected by popular culture, and parents’ desire to come up with unique and rare names or spellings. These days names can range from car brands right through to fruit, and it seems that adding pregnancy hormones to this decision can sometimes lead to some rather interesting names.

Celebrities lead the way with some of the craziest names, but they are most certainly not alone. The world of form filling has become much more complicated as every name now really does require that a person ask, “How do you spell that?”

BabyLove nappies launched a radio campaign in June, #UncomfortableBabyNames, a fun and irreverent look at the more unusual, obscure and embarrassing baby names. To hear the campaign, you can check it out at www.soundcloud.com/babylovenappies

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au | | September 2017 25

Craft

DIY FATHER’s FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

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Imagery and inspiration thanks to: 1. www.papernstitchblog.com 2. www.saltandpeppermoms.blogspot.com.au 3. www.tomfo.com

26 September 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Hand Stamped Hanky This DIY handkerchief for dad is both practical and creative!

What you’ll need: •• Self-adhesive foam sheet for the stamp •• A cork or bottle cap to stick your stamp on •• A piece of felt and a plastic lid, as your stamp pad •• Fabric paint (this will be the colour of your stamp) •• A plain handkerchief How to: 1. Cut out your design from the self-adhesive foam sheet, peel off the paper back of the foam symbol and stick on top of your stamping device (cork or bottle top).

2. Using the plastic lid, place a large paint drop onto the lid. Place a piece of felt over the paint drop to create your stamp pad.

3. Using your stamp continuously stamp the felt until the paints starts to bleed through. Start stamping! Get creative and create different patterns and designs as you go.

Rock Cactus These rock cacti are the perfect gift for Father’s Day as they are simple to create, so even the littlest ones can join in.

What you’ll need: •• Mini pots •• Lucky rocks •• Craft paint •• Paint brushes How to: 1. Once you’ve found your desired rocks, clean them to ensure no dirt is left on them before painting.

2. Paint each of your pots and leave to dry.

3. Paint each rock a different shade of green, making sure to add little details to make them resemble cacti. Once the paint has dried, arrange the cactus rocks in the pots.

DIY Bamboo Wrapping Paper Jazz up your Father’s Day gifts with this creative wrapping paper.

What you’ll need: •• White butcher’s paper •• Your desired leaf •• Black paint •• Flat tray How to: 1. In the flat tray, mix the paint with some water, so it has a runny consistency.

2. Place the leaf into the paint, using your finger to tap down the leaf ensuring it is fully covered by the paint.

3. Carefully stamp the leaf onto the paper. Repeat steps to create a unique wrapping paper design.

Healthy Recipes

HEALTHY RECIPES

Four Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Cake

Maple Toasted Rawnola

Recipe by Bianca Slade @wholefoodsimply

Recipe by Loni Jane @lonijane

Ingredients

Ingredients

400g 70% dark chocolate, roughly broken into pieces 1 cup of full fat coconut milk 1/3 cup maple syrup 4 eggs, bring to room temperature

2 cups of pitted medjool dates 2 cups of rolled oats 2 cups of raw dried coconut flakes 3 tbsp pure maple syrup

Method

Method

Preheat oven to 150°C. Grease and line a loaf tin (approx.

19.5cm x 9.5cm). Bring a jug full of water to the boil.

Preheat oven to 180°C. In a high speed blender or food processor add dates first, then the coconut and add the oats on top (don’t add maple syrup yet). Pulse rather then blend until mixture is combined together. Spread mixture evenly onto an oven tray then pour on the maple syrup.

Lightly toss to ensure the mixture is well coated.

Place chocolate, coconut milk and maple syrup into a medium sized saucepan and continually stir over low heat until the chocolate has melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Whisk the eggs until the yoke and white are well combined. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until well combined.

Pour the mixture into prepared loaf tin. Place loaf tin in a deep roasting dish. Pour the hot water into the roasting dish until the water level is half way up the sides of the loaf tin. Bake for one hour.

Leave to cool to room temperature then place in fridge overnight. Remove from tin. Slice. Serve. Enjoy!

Note: this is a very sweet cake, a little goes a long way!

Place tray into the middle of the oven for 10 minutes.

(Keep an eye on the mixture and toss it at least once in that time, if it is browning too fast then toss it and turn the heat down).

When the mixture is done allow it to cool slightly and then add it to a glass jar and store it in the fridge, better yet put the warm mixture on icecream or your smoothie bowl straight away and enjoy.

Note: To make plain (untoasted) rawnola - drizzle a small amount of maple syrup while pulsing to taste.

Store for up to two weeks - if you can keep it that long!

Recipes bought to you by The Source Bulk Foods. You can pick up quality, fresh ingredients for these recipes from The Source Bulk Foods. For more gorgeous recipes pick up The Source Bulk Foods free Winter Recipes cook book in store. Check them out on Facebook: /TheSourceBulkFoodsCairns

www.pakmag.com.au | September 2017 29

Home

Dad’s SHED With the Block’s Caro and Kingi Every dad needs a place to unwind, relax and escape to every now and then. This Father’s Day why not make your dad his very own ‘den’ where he can entertain his friends or watch one of his favourite classics on the big screen all in the comfort of his own home?

Choosing the space: When making your dad’s den, it’s important to choose the correct space. Whether it’s built in the garage, spare room or a purpose-built backyard shed, this sanctuary should feel inviting and comfortable with plenty of room to entertain.

Decorating: Once a room is chosen, start mapping out what the room will look like beforehand, from comfy furniture to memorabilia, make sure to include things that interest your dad. We suggest choosing a theme to help narrow down accessories and make the room feel more personal for your dad.

There are countless ways to theme your dad’s den, from a games room to somewhere he can work on his car;

the options are endless. Does your dad enjoy sports?

Why not display his favourite team’s jersey on the wall?

Movie buff? Try hanging his favourite movie posters around the room for a cinematic design.

As much as every dad would love the largest TV screen for his den, this isn’t always an option for the family budget. Instead, it’s important that the TV size suits the chosen space. If you do want to go for a bigger screen, without the price tag, then try a projector, they are both affordable and perfect for a movie night in.

Seating: Make sure to have plenty of seating for all of your dad’s mates or even a family movie night. Try adding a bench behind the lounge to create an effective seating arrangement, allowing everyone to be able to view the TV while staying comfortable.

We suggest a leather lounge as it’s durable and easy to clean for unexpected accidents as well as creating a classy touch to the room.

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1. Wine and Spirits Rack - RRP $165.00 - Etsy store: APT8ecodesign 2. HIS Natural Soy Wax Candle by Urban Rituelle - RRP $39.95 www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 3. Pegboard Storage - www.houseandhome.com 4. www.blog.westelm.com 5. Amalfi Hunter Tray Table RRP $260.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. R&F Steel Buildings Cairns - 4033 2233 - www.rfsteelbuildings.com.au 7. www.dumpaday.com 8. Zakkia Concrete Jar Natural - RRP $57.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 9. Coconut Shell Bowl - RRP $12.95 The Source Bulk Foods 10. La La Land Plate Victorian Wars Familiy - RRP $16.95 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

30 September 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

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Mini-Me

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11. Ivy Muse Plant Stand - RRP $168.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 12. Workshop Objects Wall Bike Rest - RRP $880.00 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 13. www.viralnova.com 14. Original Babiators - RRP $27.95 - Just Ace Raglan Tee - RRP $34.95 - Summer Boardshorts - RRP $47.95 - The Sorrento Fedora - RRP $27.95 - www.hello-miss-poppyseed.myshopify.com