RAISING KIDS NATURALLY - ISSUE 4 by Raising Kids Naturally

05/14

Children’s Health & Lifestyle

FREE PUBLICATION

Issue 04

Mums: We are the fixers, the multi-taskers and the forces to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting our young. To our children, we are simply “mum.” The title alone is synonymous with unconditional love. As mother’s our contributions aren’t always extravagant — or glamorous. They come in the form of sleepless nights, taxi drivers to ballet, soccer and friends houses for sleep overs, hours spent helping with homework and last-minute school assignments. Raising a family is tough, and whislt we do so to the very best of abilities & intentions, and most important knowledge, sometimes we unknowingly fail them. We expose them to harmful chemicals found in ‘safe’ bubble bath. Feed them dangerous pesticides found in ‘farm fresh’ vegetables, let them play with toys laced with toxic chemicals. Our aim at RKN is to give you the latest research, news and articles that help you make informed choices for your family. One small change can make the biggest difference! Remember as mothers, the health and happiness of our children is typically at the top of our wish list, not only on Mothers Day but year round.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mums!

Deb

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 3 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 alternative therapy program.

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this month 06 books 07 apps 08 nanna’s kitchen 10 get ready for winter 12 treating ear infections naturally 16 celiac disease

19 do you look after your skin

19 10

22 kids in the kitchen 26 30 reasons to drink more water 28 when did it become ok to be ok? 31 why babies first food should be organic

36 salute to mothers 28 taurus child 40 sunflowers - superfood

books

TITLE eat raw not cooked AUTHOR Stacey Stowers Author Stacy Sowers battled with fibromyalgia and chronic pain-until she switched to a raw diet and experienced dramatic health improvements including weight loss and increased energy levels. Now, she shows you how to add more raw, nutritionally rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) to your diet and reap the health benefits without sacrificing taste. From easy-to-make recipes that are naturally delicious, including her popular Happy Shake (which makes spinach taste like chocolate ice cream) raw lasagne, and peach cobbler, even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied! Whether you already eat raw, or just want to add a nutritional boost to your normal eating habits, this cookbook will help you jump-start a healthier, happier lifestyle.

TITLE The honest life AUTHOR Jessica Alba

TITLE gluten free just 4 me, and you AUTHOR Deborah Mitchell

As a new mother, Jessica Alba wanted to create the safest, healthiest environment for her family. But she was frustrated by the lack of trustworthy information on how to live healthier and cleaner – delivered in a way that a busy mother could act on without going to extremes. In 2012, with serial entrepreneur Brian Lee and environmental advocate Christopher Gavigan, she launched The Honest Company, a brand where parents can find reliable information and products that are safe, stylish, and affordable. She shares strategies for maintaining a clean diet (with favorite familyfriendly recipes) and embraces nontoxic choices at home and provides eco-friendly decor tips to fit any budget. Her solutions are easy, chic, and down-toearth: they're honest.

As a mother of a daughter with Celiac Disease, Deborah Mitchell works hard at helping other families that are newly diagnosed, or other families simply wanting to live a healthier life. These books will be available online and in your local newsagency monthly. Every month there is a new focus on recipes, all the latest news on Celiac Disease, hot topics, and all things Gluten Free.

Download these apps for a better and brighter day!

TED TALKS Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world. The official TED app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch presents talks from some of the world's most fascinating people: education radicals, tech geniuses, medical mavericks, business gurus and music legends. Find more than 1,400 TEDTalk videos (with more added each week) on the official TED app -‐-‐ now for both iPad and iPhone.

FOOD SWITCH Food switch includes GlutenSwitch which can tell you if packaged food products contain gluten, and help you find similar foods that are gluten-‐free. This can help people living with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance to make better food choices.

DRINK MORE WATER “Drink more water” has only one purpose and that is to help you consume a minimum of 8 glasses of water each day. The simplicity and functionality of this app will take you only seconds each day to keep track of your water intake.

Access these apps from the App Store or 7 Google Play. Data charges or fees could apply.

nanna’s kitchen

Nanna’s Sponge Cake INGREDIENTS 4 eggs 4 egg yolks 200g caster sugar 200g plain flour (Gluten free flour works well) 65g unsalted butter melted and cooled 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 450ml cream, whipped 200g raspberry jam strawberries - optional

BAKING DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine the eggs, yolks and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and set over a pot of hot water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is very warm to touch. Whisk on high speed for 15 minutes, until very light, foamy and stable. Sift the flour over the surface of the egg mixture, then stir briefly, but do not fully combine. Pour the butter and vanilla over, then fold very gently with a spatula until a smooth batter forms. Pour into a lined 24cm cake tin and bake for 30 minutes, until just firm to touch. Cool briefly in the tin, then invert onto a wire rack to cool. Slice the cake in two horizontally, then fill with whipped cream and jam add strawberries if desired. NANNA’S TIP: By whisking the egg mixture for so long, the proteins are hardened, trapping air. This is what provides the structure of the cake, so if in doubt, whisking. keep

GET

Winter ready for

As the days get colder have you ever noticed that some people catch every bug that’s doing the rounds and other people are always bursting with energy? Although it’s easy to put it down to luck, it’s often down to our inbuilt self-‐defence team -‐ the immune system. And when it comes to keeping your immune system firing on all cylinders through the winter months, it’s essential that you’re getting your daily vitamins and regular Chiropractic adjustments.

To stay healthy and fight off infections big and small, it’s important that your body’s natural killer cells are on top form. Known as T-‐cells, these amazing fighting units go after any virus-‐ infected cells, killing and neutralising them before you even start to sniffle. T-‐cells quickly identify and eliminate enemy invaders like bacteria and viruses. But to work at full capacity, you’ll need to keep those T-‐cells happy.

Eat, Drink and Be Healthy With Vitamins Eat a balanced diet and don't skip meals if you want to nourish your T-‐cells and keep your immune system perky all winter. Choose foods with high antioxidant levels like oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, broccoli, carrots and cabbage.

Many experts believe that antioxidant vitamins, like vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E can help give your immune system a big boost and reduce the risk of serious illness. So go ahead and eat up!

A simple way to get more antioxidant vitamins into your diet is to drink more green tea. People in the East drink green tea regularly and many people believe it to be the secret of longevity in Eastern cultures. It’s an acquired taste, but try taking just one cup a day and building up slowly as they days get colder and the nights get longer.

Exercising in Winter There are many benefits to exercising in the cold. You use more energy in winter, which equates to burning more kilojoules. And as you're burning more energy, you sleep better at night. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to boost your immune system and fend off wintertime colds and other illnesses. Warm-‐up is important at any time, but particularly so during the colder months, as the body's temperature is generally a little lower and the joints take a little bit longer to warm up properly. Stretching is especially important in the winter months when it's easier to cramp up or pull a cold muscle. Drink plenty of water. It's as easy to become dehydrated during the cold months, as in the scorching summer heat, so carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of fluids after your workout. Most people forget the importance of water during the colder months.

TREATING EAR INFECTIONS

NATURALLY WHAT IS A MIDDLE EAR INFECTION? Middle ear infections are one of the most common childhood problems. Let's start by talking about infections. An infection happens when germs like bacteria and viruses get inside the body and cause trouble. Germs can get into the ears. The ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle, and inner. When the germs bother the outer ear, it's called swimmer's ear.

HOW DO INFECTIONS OCCUR? Between the middle ear and the throat there is a passage called the eustachian tube. The eustachian tubes keep pressure from building up by letting air move in and out of your middle ear. When children are young, especially before the age of 3, the eustachian tubes are very small and less able to keep germs out.

The eustachian tubes get longer and usually work better in older kids, but they can still cause problems. If your child has allergies or the flu, the eustachian tubes can get blocked up and let germs get in the middle ear. Then the number of germs can grow inside the middle ear and cause an infection. You can not catch ear infections from other people, though catching a cold can then lead to an ear infection. Ear infections are very painful, can cause a fever, or trouble hearing.

12 Thomas Drive Chevron Island Qld 4211 phone: 0755 399 798 email: spchiropractic@optusnet.com.au www.supachiro.com.au 12

Salt Salt is probably the most readily available h ome remedy. Heat up one cup of salt on a microwave, pan, or d ouble boiler for about three to five minutes. Put the hot salt inside a thick cloth or sock. Seal the open end with a rubber band or tie a knot.When it is bearably hot, lay down and put the cloth on the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes.Repeat this remedy daily as many times as needed. The heat generated from the sock will help draw out fluid from the ear and relieve swelling and pain. As an alternative, you can use one cup of rice in the same manner described above.

Olive Oil One of the main causes of an ear infection is wax in the ear catching some fungal or bacterial growth leading to a blockage in the Eustachian tubes. You can easily clear the obstruction with the help of olive oil. Warm some olive oil slightly. Put a few drops of the warm oil into the infected ear. The oil will cause the wax to soften. Remove the infected wax with cotton-‐tipped swabs. Be careful not to put the swab too far in the ear or you might damage the eardrum. Alternatively, you can also use mustard oil.

Garlic Garlic has antimicrobial properties and n atural pain relieving qualities, making it highly effective in the treatment of ear infections. There are a few ways to use garlic as a home treatment. • Make garlic oil by cooking two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of sesame oil or mustard oil until it turns b lackish. Strain the solution. When it is bearably hot, use two to four d rops of this oil in the infected ear as ear drops. • Alternatively, you can also boil two or three fresh garlic cloves in water for five minutes, then crush them and add some salt. Put the mixture in a clean cloth and place it against the affected ear. Consuming two to three cloves of raw garlic daily also helps speed up the healing process.

Apple Cider Vinegar To get rid of the fungus that may be causing the ear infection, apple cider vinegar is a good option.Mix one part apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water or alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the solution.Put the cotton ball in your ear like a plug and leave it for about five minutes.Remove the cotton ball and lay down on your opposite side to drain the liquid from the ear. Use a hair dryer to dry your ear as much as p ossible.If apple cider vinegar is not available, you can use white vinegar. If the cause of the ear infection is in the Eustachian tubes, try gargling with apple cider vinegar.

Basil You can also use holy basil to treat minor earache and ear infections. It can relieve ear pain as well as reduce infection. Crush four to five fresh holy basil leaves gently to extract the juice. Apply the basil juice on or around the infected ear. Avoid getting the juice in the ear canal. You can also mix a few drops of holy basil oil with an equal amount of carrier oil like coconut oil. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and gently wipe just inside the ear, around the outer edge and behind the ear. Repeat the process twice daily.

Water Bottle As soon as possible, apply some heat to the infected ear. This will quickly relieve some of the pain and will also prevent micro-‐organism infestation.Press a warm water bottle or heating pad against the ear.You can also use a warm compress. Dip a clean washcloth in lukewarm water, ring out the excess water and then place the washcloth on the infected ear. Do not apply h eat to the ear for long periods of time. Start with five minutes, remove the heat for a while and then repeat the process as needed.

COELIAC DISEASE AND LIVING GLUTEN McCosker FREE Words by Laura

Wheat is a staple food in the Western diet, but we are becoming increasingly aware of the significant health problems it (and more specifically, its key protein gluten) can cause. Of particular concern is Coeliac Disease – a debilitating condition which affects up to 1 in 100 Australians, and which underpinned by a damaging autoimmune response to gluten [1]. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about Coeliac Disease and discuss the benefits of living a gluten-free lifestyle. What is Coeliac Disease? Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy body tissue. In the case of Coeliac Disease, the immune system targets the fragile lining of the small intestine. This lining is made up of billions of microscopic folds called villi, which are designed to increase the surface area of the intestine available for the absorption of nutrients. Coeliac Disease occurs in people who are reactive to wheat proteins called gluten. The reason why some people react to gluten (whereas many others do not) is poorly understood – however, it is likely that

both genetic and environmental factors play a role. As part of the digestive process, peptides contained in gluten are modified into a substance which, in reactive people, can initiate an immune response. Following exposure to gluten, the immune system attacks the villi in the small intestine and causes villious atrophy (literally, ‘shrinkage of the villi’). As a result of villious atrophy, people with Coeliac Disease may experience a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, alternating diarrhoea / constipation, abdominal cramping / distention and flatulence. Systemic problems can also result – including, most significantly, malabsorptive problems such as vitamin / mineral deficiencies, but also a wide range of other symptoms from weight changes and skin rashes to psychological problems and infertility. Is Coeliac Disease a wheat / gluten ‘allergy’? As an autoimmune condition, Coeliac Disease is neither an allergy nor an intolerance. To understand this, let’s take a closer look at the definitions of these two terms. Food intolerances typically result from a genetic defect in a digestive enzyme or other metabolic process,

which causes the inefficient digestion of certain food components. People with gluten intolerance typically lack the enzymes required to efficiently digest gluten. Unlike with Coeliac Disease, gluten intolerance does not result in the activation of the immune system.

Food allergies – much like Coeliac Disease – result from an immune system response to a component in food – in wheat, this is typically one of a number of allergenic proteins (including, perhaps, gluten).

stomach and into the small intestine, allowing for the identification of the villious atrophy characteristic of Coeliac Disease. Why is Coeliac Disease on the rise? Cereal grains such as wheat were not consumed by our hunter-gatherer ancestors, but wheat was one of the first wild grains to be domesticated by humans at the beginning of the agricultural revolution in around 12 000 BC. However, since that time the fundamental structure of wheat has been dramatically altered through intensive selective breeding (or ‘hybridisation’) practices. Many believe this underpins the rise of Coeliac Disease in modern society. [2]

The immune system recognises these proteins as a potentially harmful foreign substance. In an allergy, exposure to the allergenic protein results in antibodies – typically IgE, and occasionally others – being activated to attack and remove this potentially harmful foreign substance. So, in an allergy the immune system attacks an allergenic protein, whereas in Coeliac Disease the immune system attacks healthy body tissues. It is important to note that a person with a gluten intolerance OR a gluten allergy may experience many of the same gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms as a person with Coeliac Disease. Therefore, testing for the autoimmune blood markers which indicate the presence of Coeliac Disease is vital. A definitive diagnosis is obtained by a gastroenterologist through an endoscopy, a quick procedure which involves the insertion of a tiny camera and biopsy probe on a flexible tube through the mouth /

Wheat is constantly hybridized to make it more drought-resistant, higheryielding, more immune to pathogens, easier to manufacture and more palatable. However, hybridisation dramatically changes the type and number of gluten proteins a wheat plant contains; for example, one recent hybridisation experiment produced some fourteen new gluten proteins in wheat offspring that were not present in the parent plants. These changes

make gluten increasingly harder for our gastrointestinal systems to digest, and they also make gluten appear evermore foreign to our immune systems – hence the ongoing increases in gluten intolerance, gluten allergies and Coeliac Disease in Western society. [2] So alarming is the effect of the hybridisation of wheat that some organisations are now racing to preserve the beneficial genetic traits of wheat that are lost through intensive breeding. For example, the Global Crop Diversity Trust [3] collects seeds from wild, unhybridised wheat species still grown in remote communities in Asia and Africa; these seeds are stored in cold vaults in Northern Europe for the time when modern wheat species become unviable. Can Coeliac Disease be treated / cured? There is no cure for Coeliac Disease – but it can be effectively managed. For most Coeliac sufferers, adopting a gluten-free diet produces remarkable improvements in both gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. Research indicates that completely eliminating gluten from the diet can result in improvements in villious atrophy within days, and in many cases villious atrophy completely resolves within 6 months [4]. Moreover, many people with Coeliac Disease, gluten allergy and gluten intolerance – and, indeed, many others without these diagnoses – report that they feel significantly better in both physical and psychological terms with the elimination of gluten from the diet.

Coeliac Disease are also reactive with oats due to cross-contamination of gluten proteins). However, unfortunately, adopting a gluten-free diet is not quite as straightforward as it sounds! Wheat-based products can be found in an amazing variety of foods – including tomato sauce, instant coffee, salad dressings, ice-cream, sausages and soft-drinks, to name just a few. Wheat-based products can also be found in toothpastes, in the coating on vitamins and even as a filler in some medications! [5] Therefore, finding reputable suppliers for your gluten-free products is essential. The rise in the rates of Coeliac Disease, gluten allergy and gluten intolerance in Western society have seen a corresponding rise in gluten-free suppliers, restaurants and recipes. Check out the options we’ve researched for you on the following pages! REFERENCES: [1] http://www.gesa.org.au/consumer.asp?id=45. [2] http://dr-holden.com/wheat-belly. [3] http://www.croptrust.org/. [4] http://www.cdd.com.au/pages/disease_info/coe liac_disease.html. [5] http://www.glutenfreegluten.com/wpcontent/downloads/Hidden_Gluten_Sources.pd f. [6] http://www.coeliac.org.au/symptoms/.

A gluten-free diet generally involves switching to staple foods based on corn, rice and oats – grains which do not contain gluten protein (note, however, that many people with

DO YOU Words by Laura McCosker

LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN?

You might be surprised to learn that the skin is the largest organ in the human body – in an adult, the skin can be as large as two square metres and weigh up to five kilograms! The skin and its accessory structures– including hair, nails, sweat glands, oil glands – are referred to as the integumentary system. Like all the other body systems, the integumentary system has a vital role in our health and wellbeing; indeed, without our skin we would quickly succumb to infection, dehydration and hypothermia.

Because it is such a large organ, and because it is constantly exposed to the external environment, the skin comes into contact with a wide variety of chemicals each day. Take a moment to think about the range of cosmetic chemicals you apply to your skin – soap, shampoo, deodorant, moisturiser, make-up … the list goes on! We now know that the skin absorbs many of these chemicals; indeed, perhaps up to 60% of all the cosmetic chemicals to which it comes into contact. Why is this so, and what does it mean for our health? To answer these questions, we first need to take a look at the structure of the skin and its protective mechanisms. The skin is comprised of two distinct layers:

1. A surface layer, known as the epidermis. 2. The deeper layer, known as the dermis. The uppermost layer of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, a layer of dead cells filled with a tough, flexible protein called keratin; this creates a physical barrier against the entry of many toxic chemicals. The dermis contains many different types of enzymes, substances which catalyse chemical reactions; these create a biological barrier against the entry of many toxic chemicals. Additionally, both layers of the skin are lipophilic (‘oil-loving’), and this also has the effect of inhibiting the entry of a wide range of water-soluble chemicals. However, many modern synthetic chemicals – with their highly complex molecular structures – have the ability to bypass the skin’s natural defences and traverse both the epidermis and the dermis and enter the bloodstream. The

US Environmental Working Group has published a searchable database of chemicals which pose a particular risk for skin absorption [1]. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals are found in the cosmetic products we use each day – and the effects of these chemicals on the human body are largely unknown. We do know, however, that many of these chemicals are harmful. For example, parabens – found in many shampoos and soaps – are recognised to have the potential to cause toxicities to the neurological, reproductive and immune systems when absorbed through the skin in sufficient quantities [2]. Many fragranced products contain phthalates, which can cause significant endocrine disruption and infertility [3]. Formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxanes – known human carcinogens – are found in many soaps and shampoos, including some well-known brands of baby shampoo [4]. Some chemicals in sunscreen have oestrogenic properties, and have been linked to female reproductive cancers [5]. Triclosan, a key ingredient in many antibacterial soaps, is known to contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria – which poses a risk to human health not only in individual terms, but also at the population level [6].

There are a number of important steps we can take to reduce the exposure of our skin to potentially harmful chemicals. Using the US Environmental Working Group’s searchable database of

chemicals which pose a particular risk for skin absorption [1] is a quick, easy and reliable way of assessing the risk your cosmetic products pose to your health. However, scrutinising every ingredient in the bevy of cosmetic products we use daily can be an overwhelming task – so, start with the products to which you receive the greatest exposure:

Products in which you soak, such as bubble baths. Products you apply and do not wash off, such as skin lotions, deodorant and make-up. Products that wash over your entire body, such as soaps and shampoos.

Of course, wherever possible we recommend that you choose products based on natural ingredients. But take care – there are no laws in Australia which regulate the labelling of cosmetic products as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ … and many of these products actually contain harmful chemicals in similar quantities to mainstream cosmetic products [7]! As with everything, always read the ingredients carefully and make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

REFERENCES: [1] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=308 . [2] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=291 . [3] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=222 . [4] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=221 . [5] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=749 . [6] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=734 . [7] http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=225 .

CHOCOLATE PECAN

BROWNIES 100g pecans, coarsely chopped 150g Nuttelex dairy-free margarine 150g Lindt Excellence 70 per cent cocoa dark chocolate, coarsely chopped 35g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder 80ml (1/3 cup) hot water 150g good-quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped 270g (1 1/3 cups, firmly packed) brown sugar 40g (1/3 cup) almond meal 60g (1/3 cup) rice flour 50g (1/3 cup) gluten-free plain flour 4 eggs Pure icing sugar, to dust

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line the base and sides of a square 23cm (base measurement) cake pan with non-stick baking paper, allowing it to overhang. Spread the pecans over a baking tray and bake in oven for 5 minutes or until toasted. Set aside to cool. Combine margarine, dark chocolate, cocoa and water in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan half-filled with simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir for 8 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Add the pecans, white chocolate, sugar, almond meal and combined flours, and stir until well combined. Use an electric beater to beat the eggs in a bowl for 5 minutes or until thick and pale. Use a metal spoon to gently fold half the egg into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Repeat with the remaining egg. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and bake in oven for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside to cool. Dust with icing sugar and cut into pieces to serve.

CHOCOLATE BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING

2 cups almond milk 75g dairy-free dark chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, sifted 3 eggs 1 tablespoon caster sugar 25g dairy-free spread 8 slices (400g) gluten-free fruit loaf, toasted (see note) 1/4 cup mixed dried fruit Gluten-free pure icing sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fanforced. Grease an 8cm-deep, 19cm x 26cm (6-cup capacity) baking dish. Place almond milk, chocolate and cocoa in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 to 6 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar until thickened. Add egg mixture to chocolate mixture. Stir to combine. Spread one side of each slice of bread with spread. Cut each slice in half diagonally. Arrange bread in rows in the base of dish. Sprinkle over dried fruit. Pour over chocolate mixture. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden and set. Stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm dusted with icing sugar.

To make the pastry, place the rice flour, cornflour, almond meal, xanthan gum, sugar and Nuttelex spread in the bowl of a food processor and process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. With the motor running, gradually add the iced water until mixture just comes together. Turn onto a clean work surface and shape into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest. Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and use a rolling pin to roll out to a 3cmthick disc. Line the base and sides of a 25cm round fl uted tart pan with removable base with the pastry and trim the edges. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line the pastry with 1 cup (150g) rice flour 1/2 cup (75g) gluten-free cornflour 1/2 cup (60g) almond meal 1 teaspoon xanthan gum 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar 160g chilled Nuttelex spread, chopped 2-3 tablespoons iced water Lemon filling 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 1/2 cup (75g) gluten-free cornflour 1/2 cup (125ml) lemon juice 1/4 cups (310ml) water 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 3 egg yolks 60g Nuttelex spread (see note) Meringue topping 3 eggwhites Pinch of cream of tartar 1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar

baking paper and pastry weights. Bake in oven for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and weights and bake for a further 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely. Meanwhile, to make the filling, combine the sugar and cornflour in a medium saucepan. Gradually add the lemon juice and water while stirring continuously until mixture is smooth. Place saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Add the lemon rind, egg yolks and Nuttelex spread. Continue stirring until the Nuttelex spread is melted and mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

LEMON MERINGUE PIE

CHO

To make the meringue topping, use an electric mixer to beat the eggwhites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form (see note). Gradually add cream of tartar and sugar. Continue beating until sugar is dissolved.

Reduce oven temperature to 180°C. Spoon lemon filling into the prepared pastry case. Top with meringue. Bake in oven for 5 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.

E BL A A IL 0 TH V A Y2 A M

30 REASONS TO DRINK

W ATER

Water energizes food, and food particles are then able to supply the body with this energy during digestion. This is why food without water has absolutely no energy value for the body. Water is used to transport all substances inside the body. Water increases the efficiency of red blood cells in collecting oxygen in the lungs.

Water clears toxic waste from different parts of the body and takes it to the liver and kidneys for disposal. Water is the best lubricating laxative and prevents constipation.

Water generates electrical and magnetic energy inside each and every cell of the body – it provides the power to live. Water is the main source of energy – it is the ‘cash flow’ of the body. Comparative shortage of water first suppresses and eventually kills some aspects of the body.

Water increases greatly the efficiency of the immune system in the bone marrow, where the immune system is Water is the main solvent for formed (all its mechanisms)-‐including all foods, vitamins and its efficiency against cancer. minerals. It is used in the breakdown of food into small Water prevents DNA damage and particles and their eventual makes its repair mechanisms more metabolism and assimilation. efficient-‐less abnormal DNA is made. Water prevents DNA damage Water is the bonding adhesive in the architectural design of the cell structure.

and makes its repair mechanisms more efficient-‐ 26 less abnormal DNA is made.

Water prevents clogging of arteries in the heart and the brain. Water helps reduce risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Water is the main lubricant in the joint spaces and helps prevent arthritis and back pain. WATER IS USED IN THE SPINAL DISCS TO MAKE THEM ‘SHOCK-‐ABSORBING WATERS CUSHINONS’

Without water, nothing lives.

Water increases the bodies’ rate of absorption of essential substances in food.

Water integrates mind and body functions. It increases the ability to realize goals and purpose! Water decreases premenstrual pains and hot flashes. Water is absolutely vital for the immune system. Water helps prevent glaucoma.

WATER MAKES THE SKIN SMOOTHER AND HELPS DECREASE THE EFFECTS OF AGING.

Water helps reduce fatigue – it gives us the energy of youth. Water restores normal sleep rhythms.

WATER HELPS REDUCE STRESS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.

Water is a better pick-‐me-‐ up than any other beverage in the world-‐and it has no side effects. Water can help prevent attention deficit disorder in children and adults. Water gives us power and electrical energy for all brain functions, most particularly thinking. Water is essential for the body’s cooling (sweat) and heating (electrical) systems 27

words by Dr A dam Smit h

When did it become OK to be ‘OK’? Seriously! What the hell happened? Somewhere along the way the western world became obsessed with mediocrity. Everyone is doing it! From American to Australia, and all the way round too, people are just, OK…… How depressing. If you ask most people in the street ‘So Miss Person, how are you today?’ you will likely get a response like ‘Fine.’, ‘Not bad’, or ‘Yeah, I’m OK.’ – not

exactly awe inspiring is it? Really though, what do we expect? There is an absolute avalanche of mediocre messages out there today: ‘Feeling some slight pain? Take a painkiller and you’ll feel fine.’ ‘A bit sad? That’s depression! You need this and you’ll be OK.’

‘Your kid is a bit enthusiastic and doesn’t sit still like the other kids?’ It’s ADHD, ADD, A-some-otherletter-meaning-bad-D, etc – Answer? More drugs. 28

But it’s not just medications that aim us toward the middle of the road, how about fitness? Geez, talk about mediocratising! ‘Work out in 5 minutes every other day and get fit with this shaking weight bar ` thingy.’ ‘Buy this gizmo and look like this fitness model’ (the one who learned how to look pretty on that same machine about 3 minutes before the cameras started rolling). ‘Use this ab-cruncher do-dad to get abs of steel.’ Regular sit-ups are clearly too easy.

And food? Wow, here is where the real nastiness begins. In America they have massive food corporations who’s loyalty is only with profit for their share holder. They make ‘products’ not food. Anything that resembles actual food that is sold by them is just that, a resemblance.

diet soft drinks (diet soda for the Americans) and margarine. The low fat diet recommendations of establishments like the Heart Foundation and others are at best no longer accurate, and at worst down right dangerous. When the body is starved of fat bad things happen (2) and the diets don’t actually work. If you look at the general trend of weight statistics since the low-fat, high-carb diet advice started, it has steadily trended upward. In our personal habits it is also deemed to be ‘ok’ or ‘average’ too. In things like energy consumption, pollution creation, carbon gas emissions, and resource usage it is fine, as long as someone else is worse (America is currently the worst) (3) It is currently considered fine to be OK. Being OK has to stop now. The future of the human race and our planet depends on it. So how can I stop being so mediocre I hear you ask…. I’m sure I heard someone ask that…

The craziness extends right back to the crops themselves. Genetic modification of plants and animals in order to sell more, grow more quickly, or require less processing. On of my personal favourites is a product (they call it corn) that actually produces it’s own insecticide. The trouble is it also produces organ failure in the rats that ate it. Yummy. (1) Other rank ok-ness producing foods are things like – meal replacements shakes, low-fat products (all of them),

Top Ten tips to be

Terrific 1 – Master the basics. Turn off the light when you leave the room (like your Dad always said), have a brief shower, turn the tap off while brushing your teeth, use energy saving devices, and only use what you absolutely need. 2 – Consider bigger energy saving steps like solar power, a water tank to collect rain water, and wind power if appropriate. 3 – Take control of your mind. Focus on positive thoughts every day. Try projects that focus on happiness like ‘100-days happy’ (4) but above all simply decide to be the very best version of you that you can be. Learn a new skill constantly (it doesn’t matter what it is, but make it exciting for you). 4 – Write a journal. It doesn’t have to be long or detailed, but simply record something everyday that you are grateful for. There are heaps of great products out there to help with this. Hunt around until you find the right thing for you, but at least start with a blank notebook, and write 2 things that your enjoyed that day. That’s it, two. You can do that, and you know what? It’ll be two more things that all those people out there that are just ‘ok’. 5 – Get more sleep. You can’t catch up on it later, and you will certainly sleep when you are dead, but do you want that dead sleep sooner rather than later? The human body needs a certain amount of sleep to survive, more to function at a good level, and

more still to thrive. 7 hours or more is widely accepted as the amount required for good things to happen to our physiology. Sleep does need to be good quality though, so remove all electronics from your bedroom, switch your phone off (yes off ‘But no-one can get in touch then, even in an emergency!’ YEP, that’s right. They will call back!), turn off Wifi at night so the brain can rest (it saves electricity too), and make your room dark and cool – all this equals a great nights sleep. 6 – Drink more clean water. Simple right? Bong, thanks for playing! Clean water means water without fluoride, chlorine and other nasty stuff in it. While fluoride may be seen to be good for teeth, the fluoride in drinking water is not that great for the body. Let’s face it, water doesn’t stay on the teeth for long does it? ‘Down the hatch!’. Chlorine kills the bugs in water, but does the same thing to your good, healthy gut bacteria. Filter your water of these pollutants, and while you are at it, look at alkaline water as a good next step. 7 – Learn to be responsible for your health. Health is an inside job, and natural health starts in your brain, extends to your body and out to the skin. You could say it goes from Above, Down and Inside, Out. This is where your nervous system comes into its own. You see your nervous system controls and co-ordinates every single function in your body, but you can’t physically check to see how it is working, but others can. Call your local Chiropractor today and ask them to check your nervous system function. Just like you can’t tell what your blood pressure is without measuring it, you can’t tell how your spine and nerves are functioning without a check-up.

8 - Develop a health care team to help you achieve your goals, because after all, they are your goals. As mentioned in point 7, a Chiropractor can help you get your nervous system in order, but there is so many more stresses on our daily life these days. A great massage therapist is always a good team member, as is a great holistic focused GP, and a naturopath, even an acupuncturist could be a part of the team. The thing about a team is they need a Captain, and that Captain must always be you. 9 – Eat real food. The closer to the way nature made it, the better. Vegetables and fruit should be in whole form when you get them. Meats should be organic, or pasture raised – do not buy processed, mechanically reclaimed, or feed-lot raised meats. Animals not only deserve fair treatment, and humane farming practices, but when an animal is stressed (just like when you are) it produces stress hormone which you would then ingest from its meat. Unhappy animals make for unhappy tummies. This could honestly make up the whole ten points alone, but do your research, and read you labels. Get back to natural, raw and wholesome – your body and your family will thank you for it. 10 – Move your body. When did it become ok to sit all day, then sit all night watching TV. A friend of mine calls the TV ‘Devil-vision’ and maybe he is right. On current estimates people are watching more TV than ever, while health problems escalate. If the TV wasn’t there what would you be forced to do?

doing some half squats, and push-ups against the kitchen bench, then that’s what you do, but keep working at it until it is second nature to move. Some of your exercise needs to be strenuous too, push your limits, then set new challenges. If you want to get really fit join a gym like your local CrossFit (5) centre or find a functional fitness gym near you and go regularly. When you truly break free from mediocrity and blast through all ten of those steps, you can expect a life of wonderous abundance, ever improving health, life-long learning and knock-out energy. Be great, be the best you, but above all, commit to no longer being ‘ok’ – next time someone asks you how you are, reply with something like ‘Amazing thanks!’, ‘Really excellent’, ‘Fantastic’ or ‘Awesome’ – AND MEAN IT! By Dr Adam L. Smith – Vitalistic Chiropractor, Husband, Father of 3, CrossFit Addict, Life-Long-Learner, World Traveler, Team Chiro for Erebus V8 Supercar Team, and a guy having an awesome day! References: (1) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ 2010/01/12/monsantos-gmocorn-linked_n_420365.html (2) http://authoritynutrition.com/dolow-fat-diets-work/ (3) http://public.wsu.edu/~mreed/3 80American%20Consumption. htm (4) http://100happydays.com/ (5) http://www.crossfit.com

Move probably, or sleep – what a novel concept. Exercise each day with functional full body movements that challenge you. If a challenge currently consists of walking for 20 minutes and

why babies first food

Words by Laura McCosker

Many parenting experts now recommend that a baby’s first solid foods be organic – that is, produced without the addition of artificial chemicals. But are organic foods really better for your baby, and is the increased cost of organic foods justified? The simple answer is – yes! Well over 300 different artificial food additives – including synthetic colours, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers and stabilisers, flavour enhancers, sweeteners and thickeners – are approved for use in Australia [1]. Add to this the myriad of pesticides, fertilisers, growth hormones, antibiotics and genetically-modified substances to which your food is exposed to in the growing process, and you will realise that each mouthful of food you give to your baby is a veritable soup of artificial chemicals!

DID YOU KNOW? Mainstream baby foods are generally made from concentrated vegetable preparations, and therefore they often have alarmingly high levels of artificial chemicals. Food Standards Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) rigorously tests the chemicals present in foods, including baby foods, for safety. However, products can slip through FSANS’ net; in 2010, Australian consumer group Choice found Bisphenol-A (BPA) in 87% of the canned foods it tested, and unsafe levels of BPA in 76% of these samples – including in a number of leading canned baby food brands [2]. BPA can have a wide range of serious, negative health effects if ingested in sufficient quantities.

should be organic

Many have identified links between the development of allergies in young children and over-exposure to artificial chemicals, specifically pesticides and their components. Allergies result when our immune systems react to the presence of foreign substances within our bodies – so it follows that we are prone to allergic responses to synthetic chemicals, the most foreign substances of all. This is a particular problem for babies, whose immune, gastrointestinal and nervous systems do not develop fully until they are at least six months of age. Many also suggest that exposure to artificial chemicals in foods underpin a variety of other serious health problems in children – including asthma, cancer, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and a range of other behavioural and learning disorders.

For all of these reasons, it is important for your baby’s first solid foods to be organic. But there are also a variety of other important benefits to feeding your baby organic solids! Organic foods are naturally tastier, making them more palatable and interesting to fussy youngsters. Additionally, organic foods are known to be more nutrientdense, meaning that it’s possible to get more goodness into your baby with each mouthful they take. The main reason that many parents balk at the idea of purchasing organic produce is its cost, and organic foods are undeniably more expensive. But it’s important to ask yourself, does the cost of organic produce outweigh the risk posed to your baby by non-organic foods rich in artificial chemicals? REFERENCES: [1] http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-andtests/food-and-health/food-anddrink/safety/food-additives.aspx

Helping Your Child’s Self Esteem When you look at your child, what do you think is the best indicator of his/her future success? IQ? Academic record? Personality? While all of these certainly contribute to one’s success in life, perhaps the most important single ingredient to success is the way in which your child views himself or herself – his/her level of self-esteem. Since your child’s self-esteem is largely influenced by experiences that begin at birth, as a parent, there are certain things you can do to improve your child’s self-esteem.

Remember you’re a role model -‐ Because your child often mirrors your behaviour and feelings about yourself, self-‐ acceptance and a positive attitude is key here. Avoid comparisons – Each

Avoid comparisons – each child is unique. Avoid the urge to compare your children to one another – remember how that felt when you were a child? Love each child’s individuality unconditionally. Remember that your words can have a profound effect – Don’t say, “You’ll never get that right!” Say instead, “I am confident in your ability to work through this problem until you get the right answer. Can I help in some way?” Keep your expectations of your child right-sized and realistic – Don’t expect that your four-year-old can do what your seven-year-old can do. Negative messages make your child feel unloved and less-than-perfect. It is especially important today, in this era of gangs, teenage substance abuse and early sexual activity to raise your child in an environment where he or she can feel safe, secure and good about himself or herself – your child’s future success in life depends on it!

Furuha Ya Mama Siku! Feliz Dia de las Madres! Frohe Muttertag! Happy Mother’s Day!

MOTHERS Words by Laura McCosker

Mothers

have been

revered around the world throughout the ages. Many early civilisations – including the ancient Greeks and Romans – celebrated a variety of mother goddess figures. However, the concept of Mother’s Day is believed to have developed from Mothering Sunday – an ancient Catholic holiday where, on the first Sunday after Lent, people throughout Europe returned to their mother church (the largest church in their district) to worship. The first modern Mother’s Day was celebrated in the southern United States in 1908, and by the 1920s the practice had spread throughout Europe. Today, a form of Mother’s Day is celebrated in the vast majority of countries around the world.

In most Western countries, Mother’s Day is still traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after Lent – however, many other countries have adapted this date so that it is more consistent with their own traditions. Bolivia, for instance, celebrates Mother’s Day on 2 May, the date of a historic battle in the Bolivian War of Independence in which women took a key role. Argentina is the only country in the world to celebrate Mother’s Day on the third Sunday in October because this coincides with the traditional date of the Catholic celebration, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In Nicaragua, Mother’s Day is celebrated on 30 May, because this is the birthday of the mother-in-law of one of the country’s first presidents. In Indonesia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on 22 December to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the Indonesian Women’s Congress. Russia doesn’t celebrate Mother’s Day at all, and instead commemorates mothers on International Women’s Day. Slovakia celebrates both Mother’s Day on the traditional post-Lent date, and also International Women’s Day! Regardless of the date on which Mother’s Day is observed, most countries celebrate mothers in a fundamentally similar way – with gifts, a shared meal and, most importantly, some welldeserved time away from the day-to-day grind.

Remember: for mothers to be able to effectively take care of their families, they must first take care of themselves – and Mother’s Day is the ideal time to start establishing a dedicated routine of ‘mum’s time off’.

This year, in Australia, Mother’s Day falls on 11 May. On this date, make an extra-special effort to celebrate the amazing mothers in your life – and, if you happen to be a mother, why not celebrate yourself too!

USING LEMONS IN THE HOME

STOP OXIDATION Mashed avocados or fruit salad turns brown quickly, but a dash of lemon juice keeps then fresh and tasty.

D ISINFECT

Apply to minor cuts and use them to disinfect your chopping boards and other utensils.

DEODORISE Wash your hands with a wedge of lemon after chopping garlic, or leave a strip of peel close to your bin, bathroom or humidifier for a few hours to freshen the air.

NATURAL PEST CONTROL Spray lemon juice on edible plants, or in areas of your house where unwelcome bugs are trespassing.

SHINE From grime to shine on your stainless steel appliances, plugholes and sinks.

The zodiac sign of Taurus includes those born from April 20th to May 20th. As a fixed earth sign, life for Taurus individuals is all about physical p leasures and material rewards. Here are a few things to keep in mind when bringing up a Taurus child. Love of the familiar A Taurus child likes things to be peaceful and comfortable around him/her. They thrive best in a familiar environment, amidst people who they have known since their early childhood. It is thus important to surround your Taurus child with familiar things and everyday routine that impart a sense of security. Sudden and unannounced changes upset them which is why you should introduce a new family ritual or event gradually and p repare them beforehand for it. One important reason for this love of the familiar is that they are quite sensitive even though they may not wear their hearts on their sleeves. And once they find a system that works for them, they want to maintain the status quo so as not to create chaos and mess it all up again. They are quite certain about not wanting things to change because they simply liked things the way they were. The best way to get them to embrace a new concept or idea is to give them enough time to mull it over in their heads. This approach will help them to think things through in advance and understand for themselves that a change can be a positive event. Preparing for change One of the negative fallouts of a love of the familiar is that Taurus children usually don’t take well to moving house or changing schools. This can be quite a problem in families which move frequently like in the military. Leaving behind all their old friends and the comfortable security of their old bedroom is really hard on Taurus kids. The only way to go about this is to give them lots of time to adjust to the idea of the move before actually changing houses or schools. If it is possible, show them the new school a few times before the first day or let them meet the new neighborhood kids before shifting h ouse. These sorts of steps make it so much easier for them rather than to make an abrupt change. Sense of commitment A person born in the zodiac of Taurus takes his/her commitments very seriously and you can see this tendency quite clearly in a child too. They don’t usually flit from one object of interest to another in rapid succession. It may take some time for your Taurus child to get hooked to a hobby or activity but when they do, they are likely to give their all towards pursuing it. This make Taurus kids hard-‐working and diligent in activities they have decided to take u p. This sense of commitment expresses itself most delightfully in a deep connection to family and friends. Your Taurus son and daughter will love you with an unflinching devotion while towards friends and playmates he/she will display a d eep loyalty. It is quite usual for Taurus kids to be perfectly content with two or three very meaningful friendships rather than have a whole gang of pals. However sometimes this sense of commitment may express itself as a kind of possessiveness since your child may want to be loved back by their friends with the same void compons – Each a ffection as he/she loves them. intense and exclusive

Taurus Child April 20 – May 20 Strong streak of obstinacy Like the sign of the Bull that they bear, Taurus men, women and children are known for their legendary obstinacy. When your Taurus child plays, he/she probably has fixed ideas about how the play should p roceed. They have their own way of doing things and won't be persuaded to change it u nless they understand the reason why and agree that a n ew way might be a better way to play the game. When taken to an extreme, this streak of obstinacy may manifest itself as problems with authority at home or school. You may h ave ordered a ‘time out’ for your Taurus child only to find that he or she is perfectly capable of 'outwaiting' you. Then again they’ll never tire of wanting what they want. They're not likely to give up easily, even if their attachment is one that is completely unhealthy for them. So instead of ordering your child to do or stop doing something, a far better idea would be to explain what it is that you object to and why, after which you can ask for a promise not to repeat the act again. A fearsome temper While on the whole Taurus kids are happy to left to themselves, if they are incited or unable to get their way for long, they can explode in a fearsome temper much like the popular notion of the bull in a china shop. At such times, it is almost always useless to threaten with authority or punishment. Rather help them to dig into their logical and keen minds in order to find the most effective and rational way of finding a solution to whatever has been bothering them. On the other hand, if you give into their anger and bullying, then they will automatically assume that it is an effective way to solve p roblems. Taurus children benefit greatly from exposure to the rhythms of nature. Simply being outside or better still, engaging in a physical activity will help your child to let off excess steam and relax mentally. When a Taurus child gets tense, it shows up in the neck area which is why physical exercise or massage are usually found to be of great help. Craving for physical love Like adults of the same zodiac, Taurus kids are easy to please when given lots of p hysical affection. Big hugs and smoochy kisses are the b est way to make your Taurus child feel loved and cared for. Little kids will enjoy sitting in your lap and relish the cozy warmth of a parent’s love when physically h urt or just feeling down. With lots of bear hugs and a steady family environment you will find Taurus children easy to raise and see them transform into wonderful adults.

SUNFLOWERS NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS • Vitamin E (76% RDA in one ounce/30g): Research suggests that most American diets-up to 97% of women's diets and 89% of men's-are deficient in this essential vitamin. Sunflowers are the best whole food source of vitamin E, which acts to slow the effects of aging, boost the immune system, repair damage to cells, and prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. • Folate (17% RDA in one ounce 30g): This essential nutrient is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth, such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate prevents changes to DNA that increase the risk of cancer. • Ideal Fat Profile: Sunflower seeds contain high levels of "good" fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) and low levels of "bad" (saturated) fats. Almost 90% of the fat in sunflower seeds is the healthiest type of fat for the heart. Additionally, sunflower is naturally free of harmful trans-fats which raise "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and lower "good" cholesterol (HDL). • Antioxidants: Sunflower seeds contain four times more antioxidants than blueberries, walnuts, and peanuts. Antioxidants destroy free radicals, which cause cell damage. As a result, antioxidants boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, prevent heart attacks and stroke, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and promote eye health. • Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals (chemicals derived from plants) benefit health and play an active role in the prevention of disease. Sunflower seeds' phytochemicals include: betaine (protects against cardiovascular disease), phenolic acid (an anti-oxidant and anticarcinogen), choline (promotes memory and cognitive function), arginine (benefits heart health), and lignans (protects against heart disease and cancer and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides).

the latest

Super Food The addition of sunflower is a tasty way to help meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E, folate, iron, vitamin B6, thiamin, copper, magnesium, and fiber, thereby preventing or delaying: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Cardiovascular Disease Stroke and Heart Disease Prostate Cancer Motor Neuron Disease (ALS) Alzheimer's Onset of Aging

SCIENCE MIMICKING NATURE

A Gecko's Grip Geckos can walk along walls and ceilings, because their feet contain dense clumps of projections, each thinner than a human hair, that end in tufts of tiny fibers called spatulae. A new adhesive is under development that mimics how gecko feet stick to and release from a surface. Made of millions of plastic fibers, the adhesive can support almost a pound of weight, and the material gets even stronger with use. Possible applications include climbing equipment and medical devices.

Strong as Spider Silk

Even outside Spider-‐Man comic books, spider silk is known to be one of nature's strongest materials — five times stronger than steel by weight. Silk is both stretchy and lightweight. It must be sticky in some places to catch prey, and not sticky in others so that the spider can scuttle across it.

Scientists have created a medical product that mimics this property: a flexible tape that can be peeled off a wound without damaging the tissue underneath. The sticky material could be useful for attaching tubes or sensors to the delicate skin of newborns and the elderly. Traditional medical tape is made by applying a sticky substance onto a thin backing material. To make the silk-‐inspired tape, researchers applied a silicon-‐based film to the backing material first, and used a laser to etch a grid pattern onto the silicon. The grid makes some parts of the material sticky and other parts non-‐sticky, just like a spider's web.

Flesh-Grabbing Worms

A new technique for attaching skin grafts— transplants used to treat wounds or burns — takes its design from a parasitic worm, of all things. The spiny-‐headed worm Pomphorhynchus laevis pierces the intestines of its hosts with a razorlike spine, then inflates its cactuslike head inside the tissue to latch on. Similarly, the skin graft adhesive consists of a patch of tiny needles whose tips swell up when exposed to water, keeping the graft in place. The material is three times as strong as surgical staples, researchers say.

The Sheen of Butterfly Wings

Researchers developing color displays for e-‐ readersare taking inspiration from an unlikely source: butterfly wings. Qualcomm MEMS Technologies created the first full-‐color, video-‐ friendly e-‐reader prototype based on the way butterfly wings gleam in bright light. The display, known as Mirasol, works by reflecting light, instead of transmitting light from behind the screen the way LCD monitors do. The new type of screen can be read in bright sunlight and has longer battery life. Ref: University of Southhampton

atnip: Relaxing, helps bring deep sleep. Chamomile: Calming, relaxing, and said to keep bad dreams away. Hops: Relaxing and brings peacefulness. Lavender: Soothing, relaxing and eases headaches. Lemon Balm: Relieves stress,

Sleep pillows are great for all ages and for those who have a difficult time falling asleep. For a blend that encourages

deep sleep, blend any of the following organic herbs: anxious and nervous feelings, insomnia, stress, and headaches. Rose petals: Brings warmth and love. Rosemary: Traditionally used to bring deep sleep and keep away bad dreams. Sweet Marjoram: Calms restlessness and nervousness.

Dream pillows are for those who want to enhance their dreaming or wish to remember their dreams. To create a blend that encourages dreaming, blend any of the following organic herbs: Cloves: Brings warmth and an exotic feeling to dreams, add only 2-4 per pillow. Lemon Verbena: Uplifting, used to add “lightness” to dream blends. Mugwort: Greatly enhances lucid dreaming and helps with remembering of dreams. Peppermint or Spearmint: Enhances clarity and vividness in dreams. Rose petals: Brings warmth and love, may be used to evoke46 romantic dreams.