RAISING KIDS NATURALLY - ISSUE 5 by Raising Kids Naturally

Issue 06/14 Children’s Health &

Lifestyle

Front Cover:

Grace Mitchell

Location:

KOTB Southport

Photography: Tammy Zarb

Putting together this issue we had winter on our minds, June 1st is officially the beginning of winter, however on the beautiful Gold Coast we are yet to see any sign of winter. So keep the recipes and health tid bits on reference for when the days start to actually cool down! I would like to welcome Rochelle Cook as a contributor. We are excited to have her on board as our raw food expert. She has a fantastic blog full of healthy and tasty recipes and lots of valuable information to get you on the raw food road to health. I would also like to welcome Scott Collins, our resident naturopath. Scott is dedicated to helping us raising our children as naturally as possible. Dr Adam Smith, thank you again for your article. Every month Dr Adam Smith helps educate us on the importance of our nervous system and how that truly is the secret to true health. Our nervous system effects every single thought, and action we have and our bodies innate abillity to heal itself. Once again, I have truly enjoyed putting together this month’s edition and look forward to starting on July’s. Yours in health

Deb

contributors

DR ADAM SMITH Chiropractor SCOTT COLLINS Naturopathe / Homeopath ROCHELLE COOK Raw Food – Chelles Kitchen LAURA McCOSKER Feature Writer

Editorial advice is non specific and readers are advised to seek professional advice for personal problems and situations. No part of the book shall be copied or reproduced in any form or by any m eans without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by individual writers, contributors, editor, and advertisers are not those necessarily of the publishers. The publishers believe all information in this book is true and correct at the time of printing. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions relating to any advertisements, the responsibility is on the advertisers to supply correct details. magazine is intended as a reference only, not as a medical manual. While the information is based on material IMPORTANT: This provided by researchers, the magazine does not presume to give medical advice. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any program. 4 alternative therapy

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this month 06 books

07 apps 08 nanna’s kitchen 12 did you know

42 2

14 In the news 17 Wait don’t wash the baby 20 Active kids are healthy kids 22 It’s simply a case of brain fog 24 Getting raw with the kids 28 Teething naturally 30 Gemini’s child

32 Shall we dance 38 Winter superfoods

42 Recipes

Books……

This interactive board book teaches children numbers and counting with fun, durable sliding panels hiding colorful animals from around the world. Kids will love reading this book and parents will love how their faces light up as they see the animals that appear under every numbered panel. As the kids interact with each page, they'll learn numerals, number words, and the foundations of counting.

Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is awardwinning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Why use toxic and potentially harmful chemicals to clean your home when lemon juice, vinegar, eucalyptus oil and bicarb soda is equally as effective – and much cheaper? Now this bestseller is in its 2nd Edition. Robin builds on existing tips and suggestions, to enable an even cleaner, healthier home environment. 6

Whats app’ening...

NOT LIKE THE OTHERS

GARDEN TRACKER

DR SEUSS SHORT STORIES

This educational game is aimed at 3, 4 and 5 years olds and develops logical reasoning, which is the ability to recognise and classify the important properties of objects. This logic game systematises the child’s knowledge about the world and improves the ability to abstract and solidify concepts.

Garden tracker lets you size and plan your garden, plant your vegetable and then tract your garden’s progress, including days to pick vegetables, days since watered, and days since lastly fertilized. All this info is conveniently referenced in a grid you design.

Dive into 8 exciting Dr. Seuss interactive book apps for young readers! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration. Enjoy short stories from Yertle the Turtle, I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! and Other Stories, and The Sneetches, all in one convenient place.

Na n n a s ’ Kitchen

PUMPKINS

Pumpkin fruit is one of the widely grown vegetables that is incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins. This humble backyard low calorie vegetable contains vitamin A, flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as leutin, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance. Nanna had it right when she used to make pumpkin soup for just about every ailment we ever had! Here are another 9 benefits of eating pumpkins. 1. Pumpkins are an antioxidant and an anti inflammatory food! This means it helps with joint health, organ health, stress relief and soft tissue injuries! 2. Pumpkins can help protect the eyes from cataracts and degeneration with their Vitamin A content. 3. The high levels of Vitamin C help the immune system and encourages collagen production for the skin to maintain its beautiful glow and elasticity. 4. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber to help wash out any toxins and keep your body running smoothly. 5. Pumpkins hold enough carotids to give them their lovely orange color and help prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease. 6. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein and plant based fatty acids, which help regulate cholesterol levels, protect against arthritis, promote healthy skin, and improve brain function. 7. The pulp and the seeds are rich in magnesium required for bone and tooth health. 8. Pumpkin contains lots of potassium and zinc to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). Zinc is also great for the immune system, skin and fertility. 9. The fruit contains L tryptophan, a chemical 8 compound that triggers feelings of well being that aid depression in a smooth and natural way.

NANNAS PUMPKIN SOUP Heat

2 tablespoons oli ve oi l, pl us extra to se rve 1 onion, roughl y ch opp ed 2 garli c cloves, roughly choppe d 600g p eele d, ch opp ed p umpkin 1 potato, choppe d 2 carrots, chopped 1 le ek (wh ite part only), chopped 1/2 teasp oon ground nutmeg 3 cup s (75 0ml) ch icken stock 1/2 cup (125 ml) pure (thin) cre am 1 tabl esp oon pumpki n se eds (pep itas), toaste d Dried cranbe rries and finely ch opp ed flat-le af parsley leaves, to se rve.

oil in a larg e saucepan over medium h e a t . Ad d oni on and coo k for 2-3 minutes until s garlic, veget oft. Add abl e s and nutmeg, then to c o a t . Ad d s t o s s t o ck and 2 cups (500ml) water, then bring to the boi l . Reduce heat t o l ow, cove r and coo k for 25 m i n ut e s o r un ti vegetables ar l the e Cool slightly tender. . In batches, t ra blender and w nsfer to a hi smooth. Retur z until n s o up t o t h e saucepan and place over lo w heat. Stir in cream, then season. To se rve, ladle in to bowl s and top with seeds, cranberries a nd parsley, t hen drizzle with extra oil.

o kn

y m m yu

WORLDS LARGEST PUMPKIN RECORDED WEIGHED 921.7 KILOS IN 2013

WAR DO NOT REUSE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES

WHAT’S YOUR PLASTIC NUMBER AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It’s usually on or near the bottom of every plastic container. If your drinking out of one right now it most likely has a 1 or 2 on it.

Different grades of plastics are recycled into different products. #1 plastics or (PET plastics) are often times recycled into products using fleece, jackets, carpet, backpacks, sleeping bags etc.

Recycled #2 plastics are heavier plastics than #1 plastics. The #2 plastic would be a typical milk jug, some juice bottles and even detergent jugs. The # 1 is what an average water bottle sold in the local grocery by the pack would most likely have on it.

#2 plastics can be recycled into heavier more durable products than #1 plastics like plastic crates, outdoor plastic furniture, play sets for children, toys, buckets, and even back into drinking and food grade containers and more.

You may notice the #1 plastic is probably very clear and thinner than the #2 container. Differ

NING #1 Plastics #2, #4 and #5 are the plastics that can be made safest for foods and drinking.

Notice we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mention #1 plastic in the safest for foods and drinking?

Repeated use of a #1 plastic container for drinking or eating can release unwanted and unhealthy chemicals in your food and drink, washing it does not help, washing it does not make it safer and can actually release more chemicals into your food or drink.

While #1 is considered safe enough by the FDA to drink the contents once, most health advocates agree that manufactures should not recycle the #1 plastic back into a drinking bottle again because of bacteria and chemical Breakdown concerns.

grade plastic water bottles. Do not reuse #1 grade plastic bottles, think of the 1 as (one time use) because they are not manufactured or safe for repeated use.

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u o y d id

Oucho UCH!

. … w kno

e l a m e only f e t i b es o t i u mosq

The aver age disp osable n easily las appy sol t well ov d today e r one hund could landfill a red year nd the a s in a loc verage b 7500 nap al aby will p n ie e s e f d rom birt at least h until to ilet train ed.

goats g n i t in as fa ir muscles n w e no t lso k t. Th a n y jus i e s a h f t t a y o d e g onic en th scared an Myot rious wh y get r. ila e h h t e r a ll ove when a f p u lock Most Orange juice is yellow in colour not orange . The natural colour of most cheese is white not yellow. It’s often coloured yellow because that’s what people like to buy. 12

the smallest bones in the human body are found in your ear!

there is no such thing as a naturally blue food

fresh apples float because they contain 25% air

Wearing headphones creates a great habitation for bugs, just like a swamp. In just one hour the number of bacteria in your ear increases by 700 times.

macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs

Think twice before making that next call French scientists are now reporting on a new cohort study showing how extensive mobile phone use can increase one's risk of brain cancer. The study, included in the newest issue of the British journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, found that brain cancer risks tripled in individuals who use their phones for more than 15 hours per month. http://www.naturalnews.com/045170_brain_canc er_cell_phones_radiation.html#ixzz329MUp9zS

Are diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and heart disease hereditary? 85 - 95% may come from food/water/b ad medicine These PREVENTABLE diseases didn't exist in America 100 years ago. The Native Americans lived off organic food from organic soil that wasn't polluted by chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, algaecides, toxic fluoride imported from China (tap water), seeds that contain DNA from insects, genetically modified alfalfa, corn, soy, cotton and sugarbeets and the like. Back then, American Indians didn't die from overdoses from prescription pharmaceuticals and painkillers. They didn't take rat poison for blood thinner. They didn't need blood thinner. They didn't have erectile don’t wash that ne and the tobacco dysfunction from chemical foods, didn't contain 7,000 chemicals.

http://www.naturalnews.com/045180_food_industry_m arketing_ploys_disease.html#ixzz329PB9aKU

The vernix offers so many benefits and protection to a newborn, thus, why the baby is born covered in it to begin with. The vernix needs time to be absorbed into the baby’s skin; it is the best form of moisturizer that, unfortunately, money can’t buy! This combined with the fact that a newborn is not born dirty (contrary to popular belief) and the fact that he/she doesn’t need any type of chemical/additives.

WAIT! DON’T WASH THE BABY

Vernix is produced during the third trimester and it provides a temporary skin barrier for the watery environment babies live in while in utero. According to Cosmetics & Toiletries Sciences Applied, the prenatal functions of vernix include:” waterproofing, since due to the low surface energy, vernix caseosa is highly unwettable; the facilitation of the skin formation in utero; and protection of the fetus from acute or sub-acute chorioamnionitis (an inflammation of the outer (chorion) and inner (amnion) fetal membranes due to a bacterial infection). During delivery, vernix caseosa acts as a lubricant while postnatally, it exhibits antioxidant, skin cleansing, temperature-regulating and antibacterial properties.”

Proven to have such great benefits postnatally, it makes you wonder why we are in such a rush to give newborns their first bath—removing the vernix. Further reading http://birthbliss.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/benefits-of-vernix-itsamazing-stuff/

play LAUGH run

exercise

ACTIVE KIDS ARE HEALTHY KIDS fun FIT power IMPROVE

SKIP

dance JUMP join a team swim FOCUS try BELIEVE

Kids love to be active – and making physical activity a key part of your child’s daily routine underpins their health and wellbeing, both now and in the long-term.

Physical activity promotes the healthy growth of the muscuoskeletal system, the development of a range of gross motor skills (running, throwing, jumping, catching and kicking, etc.), and the maintenance of a healthy weight. Physical activity also has important psychological benefits for children, including improving self-image and self-esteem, promoting healthy social skills and enabling relaxation. Australian Government guidelines recommend that all children aged

between five and twelve years of age undertake a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity each day [1]. However, more is better – and up to several hours of physical activity spread throughout the day is ideal for a child of this age. Younger children also benefit from a degree of physical activity; indeed, the earlier parents establish a daily routine based around physical activity, the more likely it is that this routine will stay with children throughout their lives. So, how do you get your children to be physically active?

The first step is to turn off the television! Not only does TV take away from more active pursuits, a recent study reported that Australian children are exposed to over ten thousand television advertisements each year, with a majority promoting unhealthy foods – alarming, given that a quarter of all Australian children are overweight [2]. Australian Government guidelines recommend that children should not spend more than two hours each day using electronic media for entertainment [1] – this includes television, computers and gaming devices, etc. Working

with your children to establish set times for the use of electronic media – and enforcing these – is a great place to start.

and technological advancement, many children are not naturally physically active and often need to be encouraged to exercise. Lead by example – children love joining their parents in games and outings.

In terms of intensity, physical activity can be classified as either ‘moderate’ or ‘vigorous’. Moderate activities are those that raise a child’s heartrate – such as a game of hide-and-seek, hopscotch, handball, shooting hoops or taking a brisk walk, etc. Vigorous activities are those that make a child ‘huff and puff’ – such as organised sports, swimming, one-a-side soccer, jump-rope or tag, etc.

Why not start with something simple – share a game of frisbee, fly a kite, walk the dog, take a bike ride, explore a local park, weed the garden or even wash the car! Where possible (and safe), walk or bike to school and social outings, and encourage your children to help with active chores (eg. taking the rubbish out, raking the garden or wiping the benchtops, etc.).

Children need a variety of both ‘moderate’ and ‘vigorous’ physical activities throughout the day in order to be exposed to a range of health benefits, experiences and challenges – and also to maintain their interest and engagement in being physically active. In this era of long school hours, city living

Also, tailor family outings around physical activity – why not try horse-riding, sailing, berry-picking, mountain biking, tenpin bowling, laser-tag or hiking?

Remember, it really doesn’t matter which activities kids participate in or how good they are at them – as long as they enjoy them and they are sustainable. Keep it simple – kids don’t need pricey equipment to be active, and indeed physical activity is often more enjoyable when a little imagination and ingenuity is required. Make a variety of fun options available, and children won’t be able to resist engaging in physical activity – indeed they will do so without even realising it! REFERENCES: [1] http://www.walk.com.au/pd fs/DOHA_205465_Parents Carers.pdf. [2] http://www.kidspot.com.au/ familyhealth/HealthyLiving-7-simple-ways-toget-your-kidsmoving+3452+190+article. htm.

words: Laura McCosker

It’s Simply a Case of Brain Fog!! Forgotten your PIN number? Or how about forgetting to pick up the kids or even a friends Name? Or what about just being in a head space that you can’t shake and don’t know why one minute you’re great and the next, you’re all over the shop. It just might be that you have the dreaded brain fog! So if you have a case of the FOG’s, is it possible that your Super Computer (Brain) needs more ram, a bigger hard drive or faster Wi-Fi. Even more simply just more needs nutrients and less stress? When you think about your brain it is on and active 24/7. This baby keeps

you alive while you’re sleeping and needs the right fuel to keep you on top of your game.

Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise can all have an impact on your neurological performance and nutritional balance. In these modern times you would have to live in a cave to not understand the importance of nutrition. Then again if you were living in a cave your diet probably would be healthy. The dilemma for westernised populations is quite frightening, even if you are eating well, you’re probably still not getting enough nutrients/minerals in your diet. So what’s this got to do with Brain Fog!! The key message here is that nutritional balance has a direct impact on neurological behaviour and performance. I am going to say this loud and clear, minerals minerals minerals. I often say to my patients, that vitamins get all the glory and still minerals are a key to making vitamins work. You still need adequate dietary macro nutrients (Vitamins), fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Yet it’s the minerals and trace elements which I believe are missing from our diet that can significantly impact neural function. Before you say “I eat really well”, I will say phooy …..I simply don’t believe that we are getting enough minerals from foods and that includes organic foods. I have read research that was 20 years old which showed that the minerals in our foods supply was declining from the 1940’s through to 1999. I feel that it’s important to understand the relationship to being under nourished and Brain Fog. Many personal development coaches talk about being in “STATE” or “BEING PRESENT”. I like to call this the “Eye of the Tiger”. I describe it as that powerful unstoppable feeling that sweeps over you when a song you love is playing, like nothing is going to stop you.. (see graphic below)

So I know when I am not 100% nutritionally fuelled, I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t operate at my best, I feel more vulnerable and emotional and just plain crappy. I hate to admit it but when I am not taking care of myself as well as I could, I am just not me. As soon as I feel this way I refocus on my nutritionals immediately!!

treasure trove of nutritional goodies and herbal medicines, you get the idea, and looks like Chinese herbal store. I keep a tonne of herbal and nutritionals on hand just to keep me at my best.

Life may always seem to get in the way of what we should do and should eat to stay healthy.

What I observed in when my patients consumed absorbable minerals they started to get better results, such as being emotionally stable or even just seem to be more balanced. Some the parents with Autistic children also reported better engagement/play and interactivity. This is by no means a cure all, but part of the foundations for optimal nutritional wellbeing.

The trick here is to have a plan. Maybe not as full on as mine but some basic steps you can take to your body the best you can. Now take me, my place is a veritable

Over the past 5 years I have had an affinity with minerals and now I blend my own formulas for clients. I discovered through years of research how important minerals really are. Especially for cognitive performance.

The wellness strategies developed for our clients are really about creating the core foundations from which to create the best results. I love minerals and feel that a lot more attention should be given to them especially in cases of brain fog, mental health, for you and those around you. It might just save a few relationships.

23 Â

Getting

RAW with the

KIDS

What is the best way to start eating more raw when you have kids? This is possibly a question that many of you have asked.

Going raw or more raw with a family seems daunting I know. Kids are however, very adaptable. Depending on your reason for wanting to do this and how much raw you want to go I actually think it won't be too difficult. My biggest tip is to take it one step, one meal, one day at a time. And don't try to trick them into eating raw food. There are lots of yummy options that you wouldn't even know were raw. Just explain that you are trying something new.

For those who may not be aware, a Raw Food 'Diet' Lifestyle is where 75% or more of what you eat is raw or uncooked (not above 46 degrees C). Generally a vegetarian based eating style some even go as far as eating no animal products at all.

Get them involved with the meal preparatio n if you can. I always found my kids were more likely to eat something if they made it themselve s or had a helping hand in it.

So as well as no meat there are no dairy products, eggs or animal byproducts. This is called being Vegan or Raw Vegan. Many Vegans do still consume processed foods like bread, biscuits, pasta and rice.

Depending on their age, and what sort of 'diet' you have been eating, your biggest obstacle will be getting them off the processed sugars/foods. ‘The convenience foods’.

You can certainly have cooked meals of vegetables and warm raw food that has not been heated above 46 degrees. It is easy to make raw soups that are warm by continuing the blending process for 5-8 minutes. At home we eat a 85-90% raw food diet with no bread or processed food and no dairy products. We do still eat eggs. I make almond milk and raw bread from the almond meal that is left from making the milk.

This is what causes all the cravings. There are plenty of low GI natural sweeteners available that they will love (and you too) if they need things sweetened up. Rice Malt Syrup, Coconut Nectar, Agave, Coconut Palm Sugar, Maple Syrup to name a few. Fresh fruit with a handful of nuts (whole or chopped) is an amazing snack.

The nuts help to balance the blood sugars and provide lots of amino acids for protein building, so it is more sustaining than just eating fruit alone. Have you ever had a couple of pieces of fruit and felt great and then half an hour later been starving again?

If you have more specific questions you can contact me through my website www.chelleskitchen.com or check out my latest recipe book and meal planner at www.gettingstartedwithrawfood.com With Love and Gratitude, Rochelle

Once they get used to having 50% raw food on their plate at each meal though, you won't have to worry about it. Start removing processed carbohydrates like white rice and pasta, bread if that's possible and replace with salads full of sprouts, toasted pine nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and be creative with dressings. Increase the amount of fruit and vegetable foods that they already like to eat and remove anything processed.

Welcome to my kitchen. My love of food and my journey with it started when I was about 7 or 8. Watching Mum and spending Saturday afternoons with my Aunty baking scones and biscuits and slices. I’ve always loved to nourish those around me. For me the heart of the home is the kitchen. Whether its the hustle and bustle of breakfast before school and work or casual Friday nights with friends spent around the kitchen bench with great food, wine and lots of laughter.

If you need to have a cooked carbohydrate with lunch or dinner then go for roasted sweet potato or pumpkin or roast any root vegetable. Even zucchini and eggplant are great roasted. Also look at brown rice or Quinoa. It really is a matter of having something to follow, recipe ideas that are simple and sweet alternatives that you can make in bulk and have on hand. Being organised and prepared is also really, really important.

What I hope to bring you through Chelle’s Kitchen is a belief and a knowing that truly great food comes from the heart. No matter what it is, if its made with love, it will taste awesome, especially when shared with loved ones. I’ll be bringing you recipes and restaurants, tips and reviews, products and places to experience great food and wines. I hope you will take the time to check out my food partners and be totally inspired to open your heart to the wonders that you can create for you and your family.

Kids are pretty switched on when it comes to most things, including food. If you put them in front of a buffet, they will naturally go for the fresh fruit and vegetables first. However, we are the role models so be the very best food role model that you can.

cRochelle 26

TANGERINE AND VANILLA BEAN FROSTING CAKE 2 large organic carrots 1 cup spelt flour / or ½ cup pecan flour * and ½ cup gluten free flour ½ cup almond meal 1 cup dates ½ cup dried coconut ½ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste) Handful of sultanas Place all ingredients except the sultanas into a food processor and blitz until you have a cake batter consistency. You may need to scrap down the side a couple of times. Add the sultanas at the end and process until they are mixed in. Remove the batter from the bowl and pat into a cake pan (you may want to line with baking paper or grease lightly with coconut oil) or using a spoon, scoop into muffin pans. (I placed paper patty pans inside my muffin tin to stop the batter from sticking) Place in the fridge while you make the frosting. It made 10 muffins. CASHEW FROSTING: 1 cup cashews Juice of ¼ lemon 1 tablespoon liquid coconut oil 2 tablespoons coconut nectar or maple syrup ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract 8 drops of doTERRA Tangerine Essential Oil ** Water as needed – I used a little under ¼ cup Place all ingredients, except the water, into a blender or small food processor and blend until you have a smooth paste. Add the water a little at a time as you feel necessary to get the consistency that you desire. Ice the top of the muffins with the frosting and decorate with a pecan nut or other nut as desired. * I made the Pecan Flour by processing raw pecan nuts in the food processor until the desire texture. Take care not to over process and release the oils in the pecans. ** When using essential oils in cooking or raw food recipes always make sure you only use high quality, therapeutic, food grade oils such as those produced by doTERRA.

– NATURALLY:

TEETHING

A baby’s first tooth usually appears at around five to six months of age, and the last appears at around two and a half years. Teething can be a painful and distressing process for young children, and as parents it is our natural instinct to reach for painrelieving medications to help settle our baby.

Regardless of which of these natural remedies you choose to use to support your baby through the teething period, it is essential that your baby be given a variety of items to chew and suck on as this is wellrecognised to assist the teeth to cut. Try natural rubber or wooden teething toys, a cold metal teaspoon, large pieces of frozen vegetables, or even a popsicle made from fruit, breastmilk or diluted chamomile tea!

But have you ever stopped to think about the chemicals present in common teething products such as Panadol and Bonjela? Both of these products have active ingredients that are metabolised by the liver, making them inappropriate for long-term and / or high-dose use in young children.

Because we do want our children to be as comfortable as possible during the teething period whilst avoiding medications (where possible), we have put together a number of safe, natural options for you to try with your baby during the Teething period: The debate about the efficacy of homeopathic

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

remedies is ongoing, however most experts agree that, if used correctly, the extremely low and highlydilute doses in most homeopathic preparations are unlikely to cause harm to a young child. Remedies such as chamomilla may ease the physical discomfort associated with teething, belladonna may mitigate fever and inflammation, and ignatia or pulsatilla may relieve irritability and clinginess. It is always worth seeking the advice of a registered professional homeopath before choosing a homeopathic remedy for your baby, however many health food stores now have a homeopath on staff.

– NATURALLY:

TEETHING

AM BER

KL AC C E N G TEETHIN

Amber is fossilised plant resin (up to 90 million years old in some cases!), and it is found in great quantities throughout the Baltic region of Europe. Baltic Amber it has been used for centuries in this region to support children through the pain of teething. Today, amber teething necklaces are still a popular natural teething product. Baltic amber contains succinic acid, which is released from the amber when it is warmed by a child’s body heat. Succinic acid has a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect; it also accelerates wound healing, stimulates the endocrine system to reduce salivating, and boosts a child’s general organ function and immunity. Many adults also wear amber necklaces to assist with chronic pain and headaches – why not try it for yourself! Amber teething necklaces are not designed to be chewed; rather, they should be placed against the skin of the child’s chest, under their shirt. For safety, purchase an amber teething necklace with a breakaway clasp and a knot between each bead, and ensure that the necklace is worn under constant adult supervision and removed during naptime. Amber teething necklaces can be purchased online, and they are also becoming increasingly available in mainstream baby stores.

words: Laura McCosker

CLOVE OIL Like amber teething, clove oil has been used for centuries in Europe and India to relieve pain associated with teething (and also to ease toothaches in adults!). Clove oil has mild anaesthetic properties, and it also has the effect of warming and soothing a child’s inflamed gums. Additionally, the action of rubbing the oil onto the child’s gums – which can be done with a reasonable amount of pressure – is comforting for many children as it counters the pressure of the descending tooth. Because of its ability to warm the body’s tissues, it is essential that clove oil be diluted prior to application. Mix it at a rate of 1:1 or even 1:2 in a carrier oil (such as olive, safflower or almond oil), and be sure try it on the tender skin of your inner wrist (or even on your own gums!) before you offer it to your baby. Clove oil, including pre-diluted varieties, can be purchased from most health food stores.

GEMINI CHILDREN

Born between May 21st and June 21st, Geminis are charming, intelligent and dynamic, whether as adults or children. Kids born in this zodiac however thrive best when their inherent inconsistencies are creatively channeled. Here is how you can understand and raise your Gemini child better. An easy way to pick out a Gemini from a group of kids is by his/her insatiable curiosity. It is as though they begin their quest for knowledge right from the cradle. Everything fascinates them and they have a question ready to follow your every explanation. It could be hard coming up with answers to their varied queries the whole long day but the worst thing you could do while brining up a Gemini child is to stifle their curiosity. Give them enough books to read, introduce them to music, sports, science as soon as they are old enough to express interest in them and take them outdoors to study nature. Initially you may find your Gemini kid dabbling in a bit of this and a bit of that. This is an indication of their inherent inconsistent natures but instead of getting exasperated, continue to give them enough freedom to explore and learn. Gemini children are like sponges soaking up bits and pieces of information everywhere they go. As a parent try to get involved in their thirst for knowledge; when you go out to the playground, ask them to notice anything unusual about the changing season or when they come home from school ask how many new things did they learn that day. Remember that by feeding their minds, you are actually feeding and enriching their souls. Strong streak of inconsistency Gemini children are marked by their varied interests – they want to try a bit of everything. One day your Gemini son may announce that he has taken up drama in school only to change his mind a fortnight later and sign up for chess classes. This flitting from one interest to another often expresses itself as a strong bias towards inconsistency. Geminis are not happy living out their today exactly like they did yesterday; some days a Gemini will lead the neighborhood kids into anarchy; the next day he or she might keep company with a book, microscope or pet. This is not so much a sign of fickleness; it’s just that they enjoy spreading themselves wide so as to learn and absorb more from life. As a parent however you need to guide their incredible energy and curiosity through the correct channels. While it is alright for them to dabble in a range of hobbies, help them to understand that school projects and other serious commitments must be followed through. A love for the dramatic One of the great joys of bringing up a Gemini child is watch them entertain you with their dramatic stories and funny actions. Gemini kids are born actors and will probably amuse you at every turn. They are perfectly capable of talking your ears off with stories of make-believe and take huge pleasure in keeping friends and adults hooked to their incredible takes. This is actually a consequence of their rather early realization of the power of words – a lesson that they remember and use to ample advantage throughout their adult lives. They usually learn to communicate sooner than other kids so that they can share ideas, information, and pursue better their quest for knowledge. Sometimes however you might need to rein in your kid’s fantastic flights of imagination and conversation. Help your Gemini child to understand that there is a time and a place for everything. A time to discuss ideas and a time to be quiet and give others a chance to speak. While Gemini adults equipped with better social skills know that listening to others constitutes an equally An incredibly curious natureessential part of effective communication, this fact has to be taught to young Geminis or they might be carried away by their own importance.

Running into impatience It is easy for the Gemini child to begin to feel superior to others because of their vast knowledge and their quick minds. When they find that other kids cannot keep up with them, either in imagination or words, they might display a strong streak of impatience and be ready to dismiss their playmates. Their tendency to impatience is evident even when they are not in company; for instance a Gemini kid cannot be bothered to learn to crawl but will try to walk as soon as he believes his legs are strong to support him. However it is when they begin socializing with friends and playmates that their impatience has the most potential to hurt others. Here as a parent you will need to show your kid that not everyone has their quick minds and that some people cannot handle rapid-fire conversations like they can. So rather then get upset with others for not being able to verbally keep up, they would fare much better if they make an effort to communicate with the slower, more methodical thinkers. Help your child to understand that there is a wealth of information within those deeper minds and it is worth your Gemini’s time and effort to wait patiently for the message.

THE TWINS MAY 22 – JUNE 21 RULED BY MERCURY A tendency to manipulation Unconditional loyalty towards loved ones, even parents, is difficult for Gemini kids. This evident in the way that they learn early to manipulate adults and other children to their favor, often through their communication skills or attractive personality. This tendency to manipulation is probably the result of their belief that love is not really unconditional. You have to behave properly, think properly, dress properly and win accolades in school in order to be loved. Therefore in order to make their way about in the larger world, these precocious kids believe that they need to work things to their advantage. However in order to modify this notion, the most important thing you could do for your Gemini child is to give unquestionable proof that you do love them unconditionally. Society might have its rules and preferences of conduct for logical reasons, but that has nothing to do with love. Once they understand that you really do love them even if they behave like jerks sometimes, then they will not only be more open towards embracing the rules of social conduct but also feel more confident of your affections and therefore feel no need to be manipulative

An easy way to pick out a Gemini from a group of kids is by his/her insatiable

Shall we DANCE The three secret C’s of beautiful ballet

Having worked with many dancers in the past I can tell you that there are 3 secrets that can create huge leaps forward in your physical ability to train and learn your craft. Three things, that when implemented have the potential to change you for the better as a dancer, but are the three things? Number 1 – is a concept that I call ‘centreing’. It is a combination of perfect posture and core stability. Imagine that your abdominal muscles are like the ribbon on your ballet shoes. These wonderful muscles wrap around the front and sides of your body and offer support, while allowing graceful movement. Your ‘core’ consists of your abdominal muscles, your obliques, your main back muscles (erector spinae), the long thoracic muscles and your diaphragm (breathing muscle which in under the lungs). There are other muscles that play a minor role like the upper back muscles (lats and traps) and the gluteus maximus (your bottom muscle). Posture is generally considered to be the position of your body in a perfect neutral maintaining ideal joint alignment. In ballet and other forms of dance posture is seen as how you present yourself to your audience.

So how do you improve your ‘centreing’? Core training is not all about sit-ups (crunches). Mix things up regularly by doing things like a ‘plank hold’ or ‘abdominal twists’ – you can look both of these exercises up on YouTube easily. The plank should be able to be held for 2 minutes to achieve a good degree of core stability. If you can’t get to two minutes straight away do 30 second intervals and work up to it. Posture training is about being aware of your body position in space and being in neutral alignment. Get someone to check your posture by using the following sequence: Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart. Close your eyes. March on the spot for 3 -5 paces then stop and hold still. Your partner now checks to see if you are balanced from the front with your eyes, shoulders and hips being level with the ground. From the side your ear, centre of your shoulder, and hip should be in vertical alignment with your knees and feet directly underneath your hip (or in some cases slightly behind your hip line). A good tip is to take a photo from the front and side to show you later what is right and wrong.

Poor posture can lead to serious health concerns later in life, but also to pain and dysfunction at any time. If your core strength is lacking and your posture is poor, you cannot express your potential well while dancing and your form will suffer greatly. Number 2 – Cool-down While expert opinion is often divided on the best time to stretch, mine is that stretching to cool-down provides good injury prevention. After a good rehearsal you will be quite warm and flexible, so use some time afterward to stretch as you cool down. Muscles are basically great big groups of rope like fibres. Your brain tells them to pull together when they are turned on, and then they should relax and stretch back out when not being actively used. You can help your muscles to recover and repair quickly by adopting a regular stretching routine after activity.

But what do I do to warm up then? Your warm up should consist of the same movements you will be performing in your routine, just in smaller quantity or smaller range (that is not as deep in a squat, or not as far in the splits, etc). As your body becomes warmer and the muscles get used to what is required of them your full range and depth of movement becomes easier and more comfortable. Listen to your body signals, and warm up according to how you feel that day. Each day is different, and depending on the movements required for each piece, a different warm-up routine will be better for each day. There is no one standard dance warm-up that suits all dancers for all routines. Ask your coach for more targeted movements you can use. Number 3 – Chiropractic care As a chiropractor who works with elite athletes and dancers I see my fair share of accident and injury. What I have noticed over the years is that those people who maintain their spinal movement and health with regular exercise, stretching and chiropractic checks that have longer, and more injury free careers in their chosen discipline. Chiropractic care is safe, gentle, and super effective in helping you perform at your best. Chiropractors are university trained experts is detecting under performing joints in the body and then correcting that movement, to allow optimal healing to occur.

Your brain is the master controlling and co-ordinating system of the body and it communicates along a super fast network of delicate nerves that travel all around your body. When all is aligned and functioning well, these nerves can effectively communicate the brain’s messages with the body, and vice-versa. This system is so important that your brain is housed in a bony box (your skull) and your spinal cord is wrapped in bone too! On either side of each spinal bone there is a nerve that branches off the spine, like smaller roads off a highway, and these nerves carry information to a very specific part of the body from just that level. If you continue to think about these nerves as roads, what happens if the road becomes blocked by a tree, or some other problem? A traffic jam happens right? In the body, these traffic jams are known as areas of nerve stress called ‘Subluxations’. They don’t always cause pain, but they do affect the amount or quality of the information getting through to the specific part of the body. Sometimes a little bit of info is affected, sometimes it’s a lot. So just like removing the tree from the road gets the traffic moving properly again, chiropractors are able to remove the pressure from the areas of nerve stress and allow the body to get the information flowing along the nerves once more. When your brain and body are working together in harmony you can perform at your best, more often, and with less injury. So, in summary, prioritse your core strength and stability, get your posture checked, stretch as a cooldown, and see your local Chiropractor for a spinal health check-up.

Use these three secret ‘C’s’, but…. Please don’t keep them secret. Spread the word and get your friends and colleagues involved, so that they too can benefit. Written by Dr Adam L. Smith – Gold Coast based Chiropractor. Dr Adam practices at Surfers Paradise Chiropractic, Health and Wellness Centre on Chevron Island. If you would like to know more about anything mentioned in this article get in touch with the practice on spchiropractic@optusnet.com.au or call 07 5539 9798.

THE most basic and effective cleaners: baking soda and vinegar. These two items, along with a little elbow grease, is all you need to clean even the grimiest of ovens.

What to do: 1. Coat the bottom of your oven with baking soda. 2. Pour or spray white, distilled vinegar on top of the baking soda – don’t flood it, use just enough to moisten the baking soda and get it bubbling. You can dilute the vinegar with water if you wish. 3. Close the door and let that sit for about 4 hours.

5. As far as the rest of the oven, scrub any grease spots withe the baking soda and vinegar. You can always use a razor to scrape any hard to remove spots from the glass part of the door, but I have never needed to do this. 6. Marvel at your clean oven and make something healthy and delicious to celebrate!

Echinacea

Contains double the antioxidants of green tea and four times that of vitamin C. has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic action.

Traditionally used for infections and wounds, Echinacea has become a favourite herb of choice where immune support is required.

Olive leaf extract

08 Soup

Tea Tea is a natural source of antioxidants called flavonoids, which help strengthen the body's immune system.

Not only do most soups provide a number of 38 vegetables, they also provide water which is often forgotten about during winter.

It has been shown to improve the immune system's ability to fight infections. It also has a warming effect on circulation which helps to reduce fever.

Ginger

Citrus Fruit These nutrition-packed fruits are a great source of vitamin C, which has been shown to help fight infection by enhancing immune system function.

Tea

W inter S uperfoods

The distinct smell can be attributed to allicin which has been shown to have an antibacterial and antiviral power. In its raw form, eating garlic regularly can help to prevent a cold taking hold.

Garlic

Pumpkin and sweet potato

39 Both are an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene that helps to reduce oxygen's damage to body cells.

beetroot

Whether you roast it whole, blend into a classic soup or drink as juice like the Olympians do - beetroot is low in fat, full of vitamins and minerals and packed with powerful antioxidants - a health-food titan.

Beetroot is of exceptional nutritional value; especially the greens, which are rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. Beetroots are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of fibre, manganese and potassium. The greens should not be overlooked; they can be cooked up and enjoyed in the same way as spinach.

43 calories

A 100g serving of raw beets provides: 2g protein 0g fat 10 carbohydrate 3g fibre

Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals in foods that counter the negative impact of free radicals in our bodies.

superfood

Eat beetroot raw, grated through salads, on burgers and sandwiches. Add orange juice or a little vinegar and enjoy as a dip. Raw beetroot retains its antioxidant content. Roast, steam or boil beetroot for 30 to 40 minutes. Leave it whole to retain its goodness. Allow to cool, rub off the skin with gloves under cold water, then slice or dice. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or add to spinach, pumpkin and ricotta. Try beetroot soup or make your own pickles. Raw beetroot also makes a good juice, with carrot, celery, apple and ginger.

CRISPY chicken AND bacon

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 15g butter 2 chicken breast fillets, skin on 1 onion, finely chopped 4 bacon rashers, rind removed, chopped 1 tablespoon gluten free plain flour 150ml chicken stock Juice of 1 orange 100g frozen peas, defrosted 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley Mashed parsnip, to serve Preheat oven to 200°C. Heat oil and butter in a large frypan over medium heat, add chicken skin-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. Transfer to a baking tray (skin-side up) and roast for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, return pan to heat, add onion and fry for 1 minute. Add bacon and fry for 2 minutes until onion is golden and bacon crisp. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add stock and juice and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Season, add peas and heat 1 further minute, then stir through parsley. Return chicken to pan to coat in sauce. Serve on mashed parsnip. Spoon over remaining sauce.

Recipe by Valli Little

Photography by Steve Brown

pea ANDpears ham ASOUP POACHED ND berries 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 15g butter 2 chicken breast fillets, skin on (see Notes) 1 onion, finely chopped 4 bacon rashers, rind removed, chopped 1 tablespoon plain flour 150ml chicken stock Juice of 1 orange 100g frozen peas, defrosted 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley Mashed parsnip, to serve Log in to add to My Shopping List

1 tablespoon olive oil Method 1 brown onion, chopped Notes garlic Step 1 P1reheat oven clove, to 200°C. crushed Heat oil and butter in a large frypan over medium 2 add carrots, chopped heat, chicken skin-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. Transfer to a baking tray (skin-side up) and roast for 10-15 minutes. 2 celery sticks, chopped Step 2 M1eanwhile, pan toham heat, add onion and fry for 1 minute. Add (aboutreturn 500g) hock bacon and 3 fryteaspoons for 2 minutes until onion is Chicken golden and bacon crisp. Add flour and Vegeta Stock 1/3 cup caster cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Addsugar stock and juice and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes Powder until thickened. Season, add peas and heat 1 further then stir juice through 2 cups apple, cranberry and minute, raspberry 8 cups water parsley. Return chicken to pan to coat in sauce. Serve on mashed parsnip. Spoon 4 medium packham pears, peeled over remaining 1kgsauce. frozen peas 1 vanilla bean, split 150g frozen raspberries Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Double cream, to serve

Add onion and garlic. Cook, uncovered, for 5 to 6 minutes or until soft. Combine sugarcelery, and juice inhock, a saucepan over medium Add carrots, ham stock powder and heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until sugar has water to saucepan. Cover. Bring to the boil. dissolved. Place pears in the bowl of a 5 litre slow-cooker. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partiallyPour over syrup.for Add Cover. Turnmeat slow-cooker to covered, 1 vanilla hour 45bean. minutes or until high. Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes or until pears starts to come away from the bone. Remove are almost tender, turning halfway through ham hock from saucepan and set aside cooking. to cool. Add raspberries. Cook for 15 minutes or until pears are Recipe by Emma Braz Photography byand Cath cream Musca . tender. Serve pears with syrup, Add three-quarters of the peasraspberries to soup. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool.Shred ham from bone. Blend soup in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan. Add ham, remaining peas, and salt and pepper. Stir over low heat until hot. Serve.

Recipe by Alison Roberts

Photography by Steve Brown

WINTER salad

400g each of orange, purple and white baby carrots, peeled, trimmed, very thinly sliced (a mandoline is ideal) 1 firmly packed cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped 1/2 cup (75g) toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional) Dressing 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the dressing, combine garlic, cumin seeds, lime juice, olive oil and 2 teaspoons sea salt in a mortar and pestle and pound until a coarse paste. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. Cut carrot slices into thin matchsticks, then place in a bowl with the parsley and chopped hazelnuts. Pour dressing over the salad, then toss everything together with your hands until combined. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with cayenne, if using, and serve.

Recipe by David Prior Photography by Brett Stevens

ROASTED winter VEGETABLES

with HOMMUS

750g small desiree potatoes, washed, unpeeled, cut into 2cm pieces 750g pumpkin, peeled and deseeded, cut into 2cm pieces 750g sweet potato, peeled, cut into 2cm pieces 2 red onions, cut into wedges 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt & freshly ground pepper 500g tub hummus, to serve Small pita bread rounds, to serve Preheat oven to 240°C. Line two large roasting pans with non-stick baking paper. Place potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potato, onion and oil in a large bowl. Toss well to combine. Season well with salt and pepper. Divide the vegetables between the lined pans. Roast, turning twice, for 40-45 mins or until tender, golden brown and crisp. Divide hummus among serving plates. Serve with roasted vegetables and bread. Alternatively, you can heat the hummus in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Recipe by Alison Roberts

Photography by Steve Brown