OCT O B E R2020 ISSUE 04
LIFE
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LIFE
E D I T O R IA L
Oh, What a Life! “Life is a question and how we live it is our answer.” Gary Keller
We are living in unprecedented times where what was traditionally the norm is today no longer the norm, where the unconventional has gradually developed into the conventional. What has been coined as “Generation Corona” are living in times where nothing can be taken for granted. COVID-19 is changing us all. The radical shifts we are seeing from the current pandemic include social distancing measures, more people working from home and virtual communication. The only proverbial light at the end of the tunnel at this stage is a collective assumption that ‘this, too, shall pass.’ The fourth issue of LIFE seeks to address key topics related to a specific age segment of society which stretches from expecting parents up to parents of nineyear-old children. This issue seeks to touch on fashion, pediatric, health and social topics, keeping in mind the current times we are living in. I wish you all a pleasant read!
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Omar Vella -
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LIFE
CONTENTS
26.
04.
IN HER
12.
GLUTEN
28.
C
34.
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY
48.
FEEL BEAT
SHOES LIVING WITH
INTOLERANCE
16.
ovid-19 HOW
NURTURING HEALTHY EATERS
ROLE of a PAEDIATRICIAN the
old AND THE new of INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS ...THE
as we know them
22.
A
52.
GIRL’S WARDROBE
THE
UNDERLINES...
MEDICATED PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS DURING LABOUR & CHILDBIRTH
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IN HER
SHOES
INTERVIEW WITH
RACHELLE BORG DINGLI
What is a day like in your heels?
The Harvard Business Review has recently
foremost, I am a mother and a wife. My daughter
well-kept secret: At midlife, between a third and
I’m rarely in heels, that’s for sure! First and
is still very young so she takes up most of my time. Most of my meetings and work are planned
around her. Often at lunch time or during her daily nap time. I have my career and my own business which is very demanding but I love it. I’ve recently decided to also dedicate time for the gym. We will see how that goes.
noted that there is a secret out there—a painful,
a half of all successful career women in the United States do not have children. In fact, 33%
of such women (business executives, doctors,
lawyers, academics, and the like) in the 41-to55 age bracket are childless—and that figure rises to 42% in corporate America. Do you feel that this phenomena reflects local society?
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LIKE OTHER ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTHERS, FOR RACHELLE BORG DINGLI, JUGGLING WORK AND A PERSONAL LIFE, IS NOT AN EASY TASK. SHE IS OFTEN PUMMELED WITH EXPECTATIONS, JOYS, DEMANDS, JUDGMENTS AND REVELATIONS. MOREOVER, SHE IS ALWAYS SHORT OF TIME, YET THE LIST OF GOALS SHE NEEDS TO ACHIEVE IS NEVER ENDING. RACHELLE ADMITS SHE OFTEN FEELS OVERWHELMED. DESPITE THE DIZZYING WHIR OF BUSINESS AND LIFE, SHE HAS A CLEAR MINDSET AND DETERMINED TO ACHIEVE ALL THOSE TASKS ON HER BUSY AGENDA. WE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH RACHELLE WHO OFFERED US A SNEAK PEEK INTO HER PERSONAL LIFE AND WHO SHARED WITH US HER THOUGHTS ON KEY SOCIETAL ISSUES. Photos by Kris Micallef
I am not sure about the exact statistics here in
Malta, but as a society we need to stop giving women deadlines to have kids. Sometimes I feel that there
Are we putting too much pressure on our children?
We will all agree that we are living very hectic
is a lot of pressure to conform with societal rules.
lives. Children today are exposed to so much from
weddings and family gatherings “When are you going
equipped to cope with all the information they
All those questions made by family members at
to find the right man?” “Do not wait any longer, time flies”. Certainly being childless is not something to be frowned upon, many take the decision not to become
a mother. Society should never judge and respect
such decisions. Today women have access to a good education, many are financially independent and
have a successful career. For some this is what they want to achieve.
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a very young age, I sometimes wonder if they are receive, especially from social platforms. I think it all
boils down to us as parents to create a balance in our children’s lives. There is a time for everything.
There is a time to learn and a time to play and there is also a time simply to look around. I often take my daughter for walks. We pick leaves and stones and feed the cats in our neighbourhood. She is still very
young and does not have any pressure from school,
IN HER
SHOES
but I often see mothers on social media who are in constant
competition with other mothers regarding whose child got better grades, who’s a better swimmer, who’s a better dancer and this list goes on. This creates unnecessary
pressure on children. Give them the right tools to thrive and
succeed and always tell them to be their true selves. If we teach them this, then that’s already a whole lot of pressure shoved off their shoulders.
is important to give undivided time to our children, this helps them build better meaningful relationships with others.
Can the COVID-19 pandemic be a catalyst for change in work life balance?
I think many businesses have realised that employees
can work from anywhere. The past months have also shown
that employees are at times more productive working from home. Employees and employers have to be more flexible
Are we giving enough attention to our children?
It’s a hard question to answer. My first reaction would be
‘no’. There are many factors that create a barrier between
parents and their children and technology is one major cause. Everyone has a laptop and smartphone to ‘work
easier’ from home at any time of the day but is this keeping us from spending quality time with our family? Are we making time to have dinner with our children and discuss
and flexibility in the workplace definitely creates a more inclusive environment. Nevertheless, I believe it all depends
on the nature of the business. What I do really hope is that as a society we will have the ability to make the best of the
positive factors the COVID-19 pandemic has offered. From a personal point of view, it was definitely an opportunity to spend more quality time together.
their day at school or play a game together? Life is all about
A word of advise you would give to your daughter?
raise a child and all the other things that life throws at us, it
always be kind.
balance and whilst it is not easy to work, keep a household,
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To never set limits for herself, to have courage and
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A CRUCIAL PILLAR IN EDUCATION:
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY Hon. Owen Bonnici
Minister for Education and Employment
STEM EDUCATION IS, NOT ONLY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR BUT ALSO FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMY BECAUSE WE WANT A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY, WHICH CONTINUES TO REALIZE THE TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL THAT THIS COUNTRY THAT WE LOVE HAS.
T
o advance the use of science and technology,
we
must
invest
in
our
children, in the education of the science
subjects given to our children. We must also help
Education of all students from early years to Primary and Secondary.
The Science Centre is highly committed to
educators and open the door for more people,
strengthening STEM Education on a national
become lovers of science because these are
enhance the educational sector in relation to
parents, and members of our communities to subjects that are the pillar of the economic success that our country will go through. Recently
Minister
for
Education
and
Employment Owen Bonnici together with Malta Enterprise
CEO,
Kurt
Farrugia,
visited
level through 3 main pillars, with the aim to STEM. These three pillars are; STEM Curricula reform, STEM Educator Support and Professional Development, as well as STEM Popularisation.
Initiatives taken in STEM Popularisation are
the
giving promising results. In fact in these last
the annexe buildings within the Directorate
are making their choices, with the various
Science Centre in Pembroke which is one of for
Learning
and
Assessment
Programmes
(DLAP). The Centre hosts a number of Science, Technology,
Engineering,
and
Mathematics
(STEM) Education Officers that are collectively
responsible for the provision of quality STEM
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years we have noticed a change in how students
science subjects now among the top six most
chosen subjects from a wide range of around 24 subjects. This might lead to more students furthering their studies in Science related courses in post-secondary and tertiary levels.
This is not only a positive result for all those
Without Borders Tournament, a tournament that
the commendable efforts of all those at the Science
adequate platform to showcase their exceptional
educators working in the Science sector, and for
Centre, but also for all prospective employers who yearn to have trained and skilled local workers.
In this sector, as a country, we are getting good
results abroad. Malta obtained great results in the
challenges gifted students and provides them an abilities.
The
Tournament
Mathematics
encourages
a
Without
Borders
competitive
spirit
amongst participants and a collaborative team approach.
Europeana Education 2020 competition with seven out of the 30 winners of this competition being
Maltese teachers - the highest number of winners
from the same country. 283 teachers from 18 countries participated in this competition.
Another outstanding performance was achieved
in the Seventh Mathematics Without Borders by TEAM MALTA. The 18 students representing Malta in the Final Round of the Seventh Mathematics
Without Borders attained outstanding results. This
was Malta’s fourth participation in the Mathematics
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During
this
year’s
Mathematics
Without
Borders edition 1,621 students from 19 different countries participated in the final round. Due
to Covid-19, the final tournament was not held
and relevant application forms, can be obtained from the respective Local Council.
STEM Education in Malta is evolving in the
in Nessebar Bulgaria as in previous years.
right direction. The Science Centre supports the
who made it to the final sat for the final test in
approach that promotes learners’ engagement,
Consequently, while the Bulgarian students
Nessebar, the other students from the other 18 countries competed in their homelands. In our
case, the final test took place at the Science Centre Pembroke on the 17th August 2020.
The performance of all 18 Maltese participants
was remarkable throughout this journey with
Shanel Cassar awarded the title of Maths Star of
the Tournament as she was the most successful participant for Malta.
The Directorate for Learning and Assessment
Programmes has recently launched the 6th edition
of
the
Junior
Science
Club.
This
after-school programme will be held in five different localities in collaboration with Għarb,
curricular pedagogical shift to an enquiry-based learning and achievement. In this context, the role of trained professional teachers is pivotal to mentor and nurture the next generation of
STEM innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. The extent of national priority and investment in STEM Education will eventually be reflected in
the degree of innovation in society and in public economic prosperity.
This Centre collaborates with a range of
stakeholders
ranging
from
schools,
Local
Councils, industry partners and NGOs to foster scientific literacy while nurturing learners’ skills and competences.
It is our commitment to see to the strengthening
Marsaxlokk, Mosta, Pembroke and Safi Local
of all that has been achieved in the past years
Junior Science Club within different localities
students, the educators and also our country.
Councils. Further details about the specific
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in this educational sector, for the benefit of the
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LIFE
G
luten Intolerance can develop at any age, depending on various genetic factors.
The effects could be any combination of
bloating, abnormal bowel movements, abdominal pains,
headaches,
tiredness,
skin
issues,
depression, unexplained weight loss, anaemia (iron
Disorders can happen anytime from within minutes
to hours from ingestion. Ignoring the condition can result is permanent organ damage, and over time even with fatal consequences.
Diagnosis is initially carried out by testing the
deficiency), anxiety, autoimmune disorders, joint
presence of tTG-IgA tissue (transglutaminase
fogging.
containing diet prior to test. Further examinations
and muscle pains, leg or arm numbness, and brain
antibodies) in the bloods. Patient must be on a gluten
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GLUTEN LIVING WITH
INTOLERANCE GLUTEN INTOLERANCE IS LATELY BECOMING QUITE A COMMON CONDITION DUE TO INCREASED TESTING AND AWARENESS. THE CONDITION IS MAINLY CHARACTERISED BY ADVERSE REACTION TO GLUTEN. GLUTEN IS A PROTEIN FOUND IN WHEAT, RYE, BARLEY, AND THE MAJORITY OF PROCESSED FOODS. THERE ARE MANY LEVELS OF INTOLERANCES AND THE MOST SEVERE IS CELIAC DISEASE.
are performed through endoscopies and intestinal
A very common and serious misconception is
biopsies. Celiac subjects need to adhere to strict
that using Gluten Free ingredients make up for a
minimal amounts (like contamination), can damage
preparation area, utensils and anything else used
gluten-free diets. Any gluten ingestion, even in the small intestine, causing nutrient deficiencies,
malnutrition, and malfunction of the immune
system. The subject would then become immune-
deficient and unable to fight even the simplest infections.
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safe Gluten Free diet. This is wrong as the food to prepare the final product needs to be totally
free from any type of gluten contaminants and dedicated exclusively for gluten free food. The raw ingredients need to also be certified as gluten free.
G
HEALTHY DIET
EOFFREY AXIAK HAS BEEN WORKING AS A REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST SINCE 2003, PROVIDING PERSONALISED DIETS TO CLIENTS WITH VARIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS, SUCH AS DIABETES, HEART PROBLEMS, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND OTHERS. HE REGULARLY DELIVERS TALKS, SEMINARS, LECTURES AND COURSES ON NUTRITION TO VARIOUS AUDIENCES OF PEOPLE INCLUDING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND HE ALSO ORGANISES SEMINARS, COURSES AND CONFERENCES ON THE SUBJECT. HE HAS ACQUIRED A LARGE EXPERIENCE IN THE AREA OF FOOD ALLERGIES. HE ALSO HAS A VAST EXPERIENCE IN ON THE MEDIA AND IN CARRYING OUT NUTRITIONAL SCREENING OF ALL AGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE, WORKING WITH CATERING ENTITIES AND PERFORMING NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS, MENU PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS AND OTHER MATTERS. HE HAS OFTEN PARTICIPATED AND EVEN SPOKEN IN CONFERENCES BOTH LOCALLY AND ABROAD ON TOPICS RELATED TO NUTRITION. HE ALSO TOOK PART IN THE FORMULATION OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE WHERE HE FORMED PART OF THE TEAM DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL OBESITY STRATEGY AND HE HAS ALSO WORKED WITH VARIOUS ENTITIES, HOSPITALS AND CLINICS TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN THE MALTESE PUBLIC. HE PRESENTLY OFFERS HEALTHCARE COURSES INCLUDING IN NUTRITION, LEADING TO ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS OF VARIOUS LEVELS, FOR LAY PERSONS AND FOR QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
GEOFFREY AXIAK
M.Sc. Nursing (Manchester), B.Sc. Nursing, P.G. Dip. (Nutrition & Dietetics).,
Registered Nutritionist Mobile: (+356) 99822288 Website: http://gaxiak.yolasite.com Email address: axiakg@yahoo.com Primary Health - Floriana
A healthy diet, based on the new Food Guide
stress endurance levels. This is crucial so that once one
in order to stay healthy and to complement a healthy
on will be taken to mean any man or woman) will not
Pyramid, advocates daily exercise. This means that lifestyle, it is crucial to include a routine of exercise. Before one starts doing some regular exercise it is very
important that he seeks the guidance of a doctor and undergoes a thorough medical check-up. This should include an assessment of one’s heart condition and
starts undertaking regular exercise, he (which from now
over-exert himself and hence be doing more damage to his health than benefit.
When one comes to start doing exercise it is
important that one starts with a slow and small degree
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of exercise and not with a full-blown intense type of
As a final point it is important that before
exercise. Exercise can take any form and can range
doing any exercise, the person takes a supply
exercise equipment and any other form. It is important
Carbohydrates provide a source of slow-release,
from walking to jogging, running, swimming, using of that any kind of exercise will be tailor-made to the
particular person. For example, it is dangerous for an
obese person to use a treadmill or to walk briskly or run as the excessive weight would be putting a large strain
on the person’s joints in his legs and knees. In such
cases it would be wiser for an obese person to use an air-walker or a bicycle which are smoother or to swim.
Swimming is the best exercise for obese persons as it places no strain on the knee joints and is still useful to
of carbohydrates, such as a fruit or a cereal bar. long-lasting energy, which would provide energy for
the person to spend throughout the exercise session. This would increase his stamina and give him the
strength to exercise for a longer time. Proteins, on the contrary, would provide a source of short-lasting,
fast-release energy which would increase strength but not endurance.
Performing daily exercise is one of the most basic
help him lose weight. It is also useful for any person
elements constituting a healthy lifestyle, but as can
person and/or a gym instructor or personal trainer. At
planned and the person needs to be adequately be
doing regular exercise to be guided by a qualified
the same time it is important that such persons also keep a regular contact with a qualified nutritionist who can monitor their weight and weight-loss programme.
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be concluded from the article above, this needs to be supervised by qualified personnel in order to make
sure he is safe and the benefit obtained from the exercise is the maximum possible.
C
ovid-19 HOW
UNDERLINES...
old AND THE new of INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS ...THE
as we know them
KAREN BISHOP Systemic Family Psychotherapist. She works in private practice and is Co-Director of the Institute of Family Therapy – Malta (IFT-Malta) www.ift-malta.com, a privately run institute at the forefront of training in Psychotherapy. Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
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AS A FAMILY PSYCHOTHERAPIST DURING THE LAST MONTHS I HAVE HAD MANY PEOPLE APPROACHING ME ASKING ME HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED THE LIFE OF FAMILIES. OF COURSE, IT HAS, AS WORRIES RELATED TO ILL HEALTH, FINANCIAL STABILITY, HOME SCHOOLING AND OTHER DISRUPTIONS CERTAINLY TOOK THEIR TOLL ON FAMILY LIFE. WE’VE HEARD AMPLY ABOUT THESE SO ALTHOUGH IMPORTANT I WILL SPARE YOU FURTHER THOUGHTS TO THE MATTER.
W
hat I would like to invite you to reflect about is what stripping away much of the busyness, social obligations,
marathon of activities has unearthed about what is
happening at home right beneath your nose. Once all the make-up and glitter has come off, what is your
bare face telling you? When you brush off all the
‘noise’ around your relationships with your partner, children, significant others what were you able to notice? By force of circumstances we needed
to slow down and take stock of the quality of the relationships we participate in.
So in this sense, the pandemic did not teach us
anything new, rather it underlined what already is, what lies behind the white smoke screen. If right now you are complimenting yourself on the quality
of your relationships, hats off to you. If like most of us you feel that things could be better, well read on to think about ways to bolster your relationships’
well-being. Positive and satisfying relationships are essential towards our emotional and physical health, and we all could do with more of that right now.
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HOW COVID-19 UNDERLINES THE OLD AND THE NEW OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS AS WE KNOW THEM In my practice I’ve seen possibly hundreds of couples
We’ve heard it countless times, but it will never grow
over the years. People come forward to tell me what they
stale: Communication is key. Yet many prioritise talking
their needs are not met in a relationship. Many are quick
want to say out there. Effective communication is more
need out of their partners to make them happy, when to point out the shortcomings of their husband or wife and can quickly list what they think is wrong with their
significant other. Yet when I ask “What does your partner need from you?” more often than not I’m met with blank stares and silence. Maybe you can ask yourself that question right now, and if the answer escapes you maybe it’s time to sit with your partner and listen in earnest to their reply. Because taking care of the other’s needs
over listening. Communication is not just getting what I about actively listening to what the other is saying. Many
superficially hear their partner speak, thinking already
about the next rebut line. That is not listening. Listening is about doing your best to suspend judgement, truly trying
to understand and digest what the other person is saying before replying. That makes it truly a conversation.
The background of an intimate and
satisfying conversation is safety. By
means that our own will be taken care of to if we
safety here I mean the safety to be
foster reciprocity and openness between the
vulnerable, to talk about one’s intimate
two of us. When ‘what do I want?’
feelings
changes into ‘what do we need as a
of
insecurity
or
upset
without fear of rebuttal or rejection.
couple?’ then we’re certainly moving in the right direction.
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Safety is not magically constructed within the space
through life’s trials and tribulations. You do not need to
relationship. In everyday life it means having our partner
here and there helps keep the spice alive as does a good
of a conversation, rather worked for throughout a
know we have their back. An important value that goes hand-in-hand with safety is respect. Respect means
talking to our spouse with kindness as opposed to being quick to offer judgment and deride them. It means trying to maintain a positive relationship with in-laws and family,
not necessarily because we like them but because it’s important for our partner. It means asking our husband
engage in grand gestures, although a nice date night laugh together. In Covid times it might just mean lighting
a few candles and opening a bottle of wine together, and actually talk and look at each other rather than at a screen. Making space for togetherness will make the other feel important creating intimacy and closeness.
So as our lives slowly repopulate with busy schedules,
or wife about their day and actually waiting to hear them
activities, and hectic days I invite you to think about how
mean watching their favourite TV show with them even if
during Covid times
out before moving on to something else. It could even
your relationship showed up
you don’t really enjoy it.
and commit every day to be really
Safety and respect are built with the little things of
there for each
daily life. They allow us to stay connected to our partners
other.
Photo by Jopwell from Pexels
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PAIN MEDICAL REASON?
FEELING AND CANNOT FIND A When we feel pain it means that our body is calling out to us. It is telling us to check out the source of a problem in order to put things right again. Taking medication to temporary kill the pain is not solving the problem but making it worse. At Amrita we do not only tackle the symptoms but most importantly also the source of the problem. Our podiatrists carry out a bio-mechanical examination and a foot scan from which they conclude a diagnosis. The body posture is then corrected and aligned by creating a pair of custom made insoles to help the body function properly. Foot pressures are distributed, joints released & stability & comfort given, thus helping to eliminate any previous pain or discomfort.
Many aches and pains are caused by bad body posture and disalignment. Problems like knee pain, back & hip pain, ankle pain, arch pain, bunions, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, flat feet and many more can all be solved by just fitting a pair of custom made orthotics in shoes. The insoles can be easily fitted and transferred into different shoes. There are many different types of materials from which the orthotist can choose to create a pair of insoles while taking in to consideration the diagnosis of the podiatrist, the weight and age, lifestyle, type of shoes and occupation. Amrita Footcare & Wellness Centre is equipped with the latest technology and its professional staff is dedicated to the health and welfare of their patients and clients.
Contact Amrita on 21223665 / 21223951 or 79223665. 6271, Giovanni Papaffy street, Ta’Paris,B’Kara Bypass.
MOVE YOUR NEXT STEP PAIN FREE Foot Insoles Are Crucial For Your Body Comfort & Performance • Customised Insoles • Fast Customised Service • Foot Scans • Consultation with a Fully Qualified Podiatrist • Orthotic Technician In Attendance Any Person With A Foot Problem Will Benefit From Orthotics • Knee Pain • Lower Back Pain • Flat Feet • Bunion • Arch Pain • Ankle Pain • Heel Pain • Hip Pain • Metatarsalgia • Achilles Tendonitis • Sport Injuries • WARTS • Ingrown Toe Nail Pain
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www.amritamalta.com
Article by Claude Calleja – Executive eSkills Malta Foundation
Today, everyone wants Artificial Intelligence as it is finding its way into everyday business and government. The idea of AI is not new, but what is different is that today’s hardware and software is bringing the various concepts underpinning AI to a mass market. In fact, today’s technology can easily manage and extrapolate trends from large amounts of data.
When someone tries to develop AI in a business context, the biggest problem one faces is the data that is needed and managed. The best AI companies always put together top teams that work well together. When building an AI department, it is important to know that a successful AI requires multiple roles with different skills. Ultimately, assembling the right artificial intelligence development team is about selecting talented people who know how to work together. One must find out if their AI group needs data engineers to organise data, data scientists to study data, and software engineers to implement applications. What skills does one need to cope with the introduction of AI and machine learning? The idea is that the data scientist must understand the analysis layer and the software engineer to implement the applications. They must be associated with a broad spectrum of data science, analytics, and machine learning. A few years ago, when analytics and artificial intelligence began to attract mainstream interest, many companies thought they could just hire a few data scientists and that would suffice. They have access to experts who create models, interpret findings and use new AI skills. We have learned that many of the supporting elements, from data science to data visualization, must be in place before one can conduct a successful analysis project. The use of artificial intelligence raises ethical questions, as AI tools offer companies a range of new functionalities. AI systems, for better or for worse, will reinforce what they have already learned. This can be problematic, because machine learning algorithms, which underlie many of the most advanced AI tools, are highly sensitive to the data they are trained to use. As a result, the potential for machine learning distortions is inherent
and needs to be closely monitored in order to use data to train AI programs. These distortions can be fairly reduced if taken in consideration in the AI algorithms (e.g. gender distortions due to unavailability of data). Anyone who wants to use machine learning as part of their AI production system must incorporate sound ethics into their operations and strive to avoid prejudice. The Ethics issue may compel organisations to have a designated role (e.g. Ethics engineer) Before assembling a team, one’s company might want to join the AI community to find developers who want to join a new AI project. Many developers in the open source community are available for specific projects, making them an excellent fit for one’s team. Open AI Inc is a non-profit laboratory that conducts research in the field of AI with the stated goal of promoting and developing friendly AI in a way that benefits humanity. There are also technologies such as machine learning that make the development of hard technologies a breeze, such as deep learning and neural networks, as well as open source projects. The next step is probably a conversation to have with one’s technical team. With just one or two knowledgeable people within a firm to manage this process, one can start small and explore how analytics and AI can streamline a business decision process. From there, you can assemble your team and scale your efforts at a manageable pace. This article was prepared by collating various publicly available online sources. Follow us on: eskills.org.mt jew Facebook: www.facebook. com/ESkills-Malta; www.facebook.com/ CodeEUMalta/ or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/eSkills_ Malta or send us an email on: info.eskills@eskills.org.mt eSkills Malta Foundation
eSkills
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A
GIRL’S WARDROBE Francesca Pace, owner of Gaia & Nina
K
NOWING WHICH CLOTHES TO BUY FOR YOUR GIRL CAN BE CHALLENGING, PERPLEXING AND AT TIMES FRUSTRATING. THERE IS AN AMAZING SELECTION OF CLOTHES FOR GIRLS AND THIS CAN MAKE IT OVERWHELMING TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFIT. WHEN YOU ARE CHOOSING CLOTHES FOR YOUR GIRL, YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT STYLE, FUNCTION AND CONVENIENCE. IF YOU KEEP THESE THREE FACTORS IN MIND WHEN SELECTING CLOTHES, YOU WILL NEVER GO WRONG. FRANCESCA PACE, OWNER OF GAIA & NINA OFFERED US A FEW TIPS HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLOTHES FOR YOUR DAUGHTER.
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What are the main trends in girls’ clothing this
And what about accessories for your collection?
autumn?
I am currently collaborating with Flowertist on a
I feel we are moving away from following trends and
more towards purchasing timeless items which are made to last. This is contrary to fast fashion, which encourages
a high turnover of disposable products. 2020 presented a shift in mentality, people now more than ever are putting
trends aside to focus on more timely pieces, the kinds of pieces we are producing. We are currently introducing
more items made by hand as opposed to machine made
- knitted items, crochet items, items that could be handed down by our daughters to their daughters.
What about the colour trends for this season?
This season is all about subtle neutrals, a comfortable
relaxing palette to get cosy in, but brightened up with pops of colours, lively neons and rich jewel tones.
Any must have jacket you would recommend for a girl this autumn?
This season we are producing three jackets, all are
timeless, unique designs that can be heirloom pieces.
Our Pink Sienna Coat with a white lace collar and hand
crocheted rosette details on it - the perfect jacket for any
special occassion around the Christmas Period. A winter floral short jacket, smart yet casual - lined with soft,
warm fabric, beautiful and chic, yet super comfortable to wear. Our Mdina Cape, which is available in both Blue and red and accented with a lace trims and perfect for Maltese Autumn evenings.
What would you consider to be the perfect dress for that special occassion?
The most important thing to me along with the
asthetic, is that the dress is practical and allows movement. Comfort is so important and the fabric we choose for our
dresses is a big part of the sampling process. We strive to use natural, breathable fabrics that are comfortable and
soft to wear. I feel like any Special Occassion dress that is
not comfortable will lead to an unhappy child and ultimately a less than special occasion.
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range of floral head pieces which accent our collection beautifully. The pieces are all handmade, and unique and reflect the same elegant aesthetic of Gaia and
Nina. They will also be available on the Gaia & Nina website.
A GIRL’S WARDROBE
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Are there any trends for shoes to look out for?
When it comes to shoes for kids, every childs winter
wardrobe should have a good pair of boots to take them
through the winter. There are so many options out there -
from a pair of laced-up DMs to wear on jeans and leggings to a colorful pair of wellies for those rainy days. I also love
a smart pair of shiny boots all tied up with a velvet bow for special occasions.
Any final word of advise when choosing girls’ clothes? Yes! Where you can, chose natural fibres, choose
organic, what you put on your kids skin is just as important as what you feed your kids. Be responsible when it
comes to clothing and choose sustainably and ethically
made clothing that are not full of chemicals. We are lucky nowadays to have the option to buy clothing that is both environmentally friendly and visually pleasing.
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NURTURING HEALTHY EATERS Why is it important to eat healthy from so young?
What nutrients do children need?
food choices will nurture their bodies and fuel their
they need is by choosing a wide variety of healthy foods
Offering children the right nutrients through healthy
brain development. Food preferences start to develop in infancy. Early childhood is also a critical time to
An easy way to ensure that children get the nutrients
for them to eat.
With meals and snacks it is important to include
learn about recognizing and responding to hunger
vegetables and fruit. Whether fresh, canned or frozen
habits and nutritional knowledge that can be applied
without added fat or sugars. Choose wholegrain/
cues and establishing a foundation for healthy eating throughout life.
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they are all good options, just make sure they are wholemeal foods such as breads, cereals, pastas and
AN IMPORTANT ROLE AS
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
IS TO ENSURE THAT FROM AN EARLY AGE OUR CHILDREN ARE GETTING THE RIGHT
NOURISHMENT FOR THEM TO GROW HEALTHY AND STRONG. THE REASONS WHY ARE PLENTIFUL
AND THE STRUGGLES
MAXINE ZERAFA Registered Nutritionist and Dietician
WITH INTRODUCING
HEALTHY CHOICES CAN
Her purpose is to promote healthy eating and living. She mainly works privately in one-to-one or group sessions to provide education and nutrition advice, personalised meal plans and dietary management for those with chronic conditions. Get in touch with her through https://www.facebook.com/mnutritionmalta/ where she shares information and recipes.
BE OVERWHELMING BUT
DEFINITELY WORTHWHILE.
BELOW IS AN INTRODUCTION OF WHERE TO START.
resource found online that can offer further informative advice and tips to help meet your children’s dietary requirements.
Tips and ideas for making healthy choices as a family
Don’t just do but teach - presenting healthy and
tasty meals and snacks to children is a large part of the equation, but teaching them about it and involving
them in the process influences their whole mealtime
experience and their habits in the long run. The more children understand about nutrition, the more excited they will be about eating healthy.
Nutrients are important, but portion size matters too
– half a child’s plate should be fruits and vegetables. If faced with a picky eater, try to mask them in the form of rice since they are higher in fibre. Offer your child two
pies, patties, bakes, dips and sauces.
How you cook and prepare foods can affect the
to three servings of milk products with no added sugar,
nutritional value. For example, try grilling, steaming,
lean protein from sources such as poultry, eggs, beans,
them. It’s not just food that’s important. Encourage your
preferably those lower in fat throughout the day. Opt for legumes, seafood, nuts and seeds.
It’s also important to limit added and refined sugars,
refined grains, sodium, trans, fats, saturated fats, and foods that are low in nutrients.
Dietary Guidelines for Maltese Children is a
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baking, or broiling vegetables instead of frying or boiling
child to drink water or low fat milk instead of sugary, sweetened drinks.
Speak to your child’s paediatrician or a qualified
nutritionist for any questions or concerns regarding your child’s diet.
ROLE of a PAEDIATRICIAN the
Interview with Dr. Robert Cassar MD MRCPCH (Paediatrician)
What are the challenges of treating children and developing a rapport with families?
Treating children is definitely more challenging
How frequent should a parent take their child to a paediatrician?
It all depends on the age. I like to meet new
than treating adults. Often they cannot tell you
babies at 2 weeks of age, at this visit the doctor
most young children will do their best to put you
such as rashes, feeding issues, persistent jaundice,
what they are feeling, and to make matters worse off examining them by crying, and trying to get
away. When listening to an adult’s chest, they may be asked to hold their breath so one can focus on the heart sounds, with children, the paediatrician
has to filter the breathing, the crying and any other nasal sounds from what you are really trying to
hear. Sometimes some parents can also be quite challenging too.......
gets to meet the family, address common issues perform a thorough physical examination and to
give new parents the opportunity to ask questions
about issues that might have arisen over those first
weeks. It is also a good time to discuss vaccination. Then babies should be seen at 2, 3 and 4 months
(with vaccines given at each visit) and then every 2 months until age 12 months, in the 2nd year of life, toddlers can be seen quarterly).
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AS SOON AS A CHILD IS BORN, PRIMARY IMPORTANCE IS GIVEN TO ITS HEALTH AND WELLBEING. TODAY’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES LIVE IN A PERIOD OF RAPID SOCIAL CHANGE WHICH HAS INEVITABLY LED TO KEY HEALTH ISSUES SUCH AS OBESITY, DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH LEVELS OF INTENTIONAL AND UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES, EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, BEHAVIORAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF INAPPROPRIATE CARE AND EXPERIENCE, MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND POOR SCHOOL READINESS. IN THIS CONTEXT, THE ROLE OF A PAEDIATRICIAN IS IMPORTANT MORE THAN EVER. LIFE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH DR. ROBERT CASSAR WHO SHARED WITH US WHY DOES A CHILD NEED PEDIATRIC CARE, HOW DOES A PAEDIATRICIAN TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILD, AND THE WAY PARENTS CAN HELP TO ENSURE A VISIT TO A PAEDIATRICIAN WILL BE SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE.
DR. ROBERT CASSAR MD MRCPCH Paediatrician Robert Cassar graduated from the University of Malta in 2003. He specialised in Paediatrics in Malta and later trained at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and University Hospital of North Staffordshire were he worked on the neonatal intensive care unit. Since returning from the UK in 2011, Dr Cassar was one of the first doctors at Veduta Clinic. He subsequently went on to working full time in private practice.
Children are often anxious about going to the
understand why they go to the doctor, and some
worse than what’s actually going to happen. Do
be Dr Robert (giving vaccines to the unfortunate
doctor. They often imagine something much
even get their very own doctor set and want to
you feel that laying out how the appointment will go step-by-step will help?
Again it depends a lot on the age. The very
nanna and nannu).
Older children come into the examining room
scared, but if I explain what is about to take place,
young are obviously oblivious, but as they grow
this always helps.
older first they start to realise that the situation is
If parents are truthful prior to the visit I find
not normal (prodded and poked by a stranger while
that the children will be more relaxed the following
between 12-24 months most kids just scream even
the appointment is for someone else, or that they
mummy and daddy just sit watching), and later when they pass by the clinic.
After that when all the vaccines would have
visit. If on the other hand, parents tell their kids
will not be getting an injection and then they do, then they lose trust thus making the problem
been done, children would have enough sense to
worse!
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THE ROLE OF A PAEDIATRICIAN To what extent do you feel that parents’ anxiety can easily rub off on kids?
This definitely happens, and the older the
child is, the more they notice their parents are
anxious. But generally this is not only a problem with the situation at the time, often an anxious
parent is anxious every day, making mountains out of mole hills so kids would be conditioned into the same anxious behaviour.
How can parents manage their own anxiety during a visit?
It is normal for parents to be anxious about
their first visits to the paediatrician. Often
because they don’t know what to expect or
because they are afraid of bad news. However
once they visit a few times, and find out it’s not
that bad after all, most parents relax. Often I ask
going to happen, they often cry a bit BEFORE
the injection, but once its done (and it really is
not that bad.....) they calm down quickly. Babies react to music, colourful characters. A soothing voice and a smile always helps. Older children
feel better after a joke and most children prefer to sit on a parents’ lap during the examination and vaccine.
Is a child’s favourite game or book useful during a visit to a paediatrician?
Yes of course. Better than showing them a
YouTube video! Many parents nowadays produce their phones as soon as babies start crying.
Sometimes babies are as young as 2 months and I believe it’s unfortunate to rely on silly YouTube videos from such a young age.
questions unrelated to the visit (current affairs,
Dr. Rachel Busman, a clinical psychologist at
them feel as comfortable as possible.
it comes to shots, a healthy dose of honesty
hobbies etc) to break the ice and hopefully help
A lot of doctors who work with children have tricks to help kids feel more relaxed, but not
the Child Mind Institute recently noted, “When — and perspective — is the best way to go.” To what extent do you agree?
100%. There is nothing better than explaining
all of them work. How can parents help?
what is about to take place (from home) and to
with their children. If they know exactly what is
not believe a caregiver again if they are told
There is nothing better than being honest
never lie about the reason for the visit. A child will they are going for just a check up and end up getting a vaccine instead!
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What should be done if a child’s anxiety seems excessive?
It depends on the situation. Rarely some
children at ages 2-4 and again ages 8-12
are really anxious. These are very difficult to
console, and often if they need a vaccine, I start with the vaccine. Once its done, nearly all of
them stop crying and they calm down. Really its fear of the vaccine that fuels their anxiety and once its done and dusted, they will let me get
on with the history and examination. One thing
I would never do is let them go with postponing the vaccine, as the child will unconsciously repeat the whole act next time!
It is often said that when treating young
patients who can’t explain their symptoms,
pediatricians must also be good detectives. Is that correct?
Definitely correct! But with experience a
good paediatrician will be able to ask parents
the right questions and this together with a good examination will lead the clinician in the right direction.
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Debbie’s Baby Centre, Triq id-Duluri, Zejtun 27694815 • 99809825 • dbc@onvol.net • www.debbiesbabycentre.net Find us on www.facebook.com/DebbiesBabyCentre
10% ON CHILDS FARM OFF AT OUR SHOP ON PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT.
WITH EVERY 150€ SPENT ON THE HOSPITAL LIST WE GIVE A €20 VOUCHER (T&C APPLY)
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WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY I THINK OF A CHILD’S MIND AS A BLANK BOOK. DURING THE FIRST YEARS OF HIS LIFE, MUCH WILL BE WRITTEN ON THE PAGES. THE QUALITY OF THAT WRITING WILL AFFECT HIS LIFE PROFOUNDLY.
I
Walt Disney
ndeed, children are some of the most
unique, misunderstood, and infuriating creatures on the planet. One moment
they’ll astonish you with words of wisdom beyond their years, and the next, they’ll
exasperate you with their stubbornness. Life recently met Isaac, Kaitlyn, Yasmeena, Damion and Emma Marie to hear their own point of view about life.
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KAITLYN MUSCAT
AGE 9 ZURRIEQ ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL, COSPICUA What makes you feel happy?
I am happy when I am with my family, especially with my parents. I enjoy it when we go out together, I enjoy our
pizza nights (I really love Pizza Capricciosa but without artichokes and mushrooms) and I enjoy other activities we do together.
What would you do with a 1,000 Euro? I would give them to my family.
If you could write a book, what would it be about? I would write a book on animals. I would write a book on how to take good care of animals.
What superpowers do you wish to have?
I wish to have the power to fly. It would certainly give me
How do you best like helping others?
fast especially when I am late.
help my grandmother.
the possibility to see places from high above and to be
I help mum in the kitchen. I help my friends. I also
What makes you feel brave?
If you were a photographer for a day, what would
I manage to cope with all my work both at school and
I would take photos of families. I would also take
I feel brave when I help others. I also feel brave when other activities.
What makes you feel loved?
I feel loved when I am with my family. I feel loved when
I remember all the sacrifices my parents do for me. I am
you take pictures of?
photos of places in Malta and abroad.
What do you want to do when you grow? I want to become a doctor.
lucky to have such parents. I appreciate the late hours my
father spends at work and appreciate mum’s sacrifices so she can spend more time with me.
EMMA MARIE VELLA
AGE 8 ZEBBUG ST. JOSEPH, MATER BONI CONSILII,SCHOOL, PAOLA What makes you feel happy?
What superpowers do you wish to have?
and friends.
Flying would give me the possibility to see high places and to
Dancing and being around my family
I wish to fly or to have the ability to move things with my mind. move fom one country to another. Moving things with my mind would give me the possibility to handle heavy things.
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ISAAC AQUILINA
AGE 8 SWATAR ST. PAUL’S MISSIONARY COLLEGE, RABAT What makes you feel happy?
If you could write a book, what would it be about?
Art and robots.They help me be creative.
I would surely write a book on my family. It is such an interesting story which people would enjoy reading.
What superpowers do you wish to have?
The money I would earn from the book, I would give
Electricity. It would give me the possibility to
to the poor.
make sure it works better.
How do you best like helping others?
What makes you feel brave?
I try to help in people’s needs. At home, I try to help
Helping others. I feel so happy when I can help
my parents cook. I help others in their needs and
my parents, my brother or my friends.
maybe also with money.
What makes you feel loved?
If you were a photographer for a day, what would
what I want and they make me feel so proud of
I would cetainly take pictures of robot and art.
you take pictures of?
Every action from my parents. They give me everything I do at school and at home.
What do you want to do when you grow?
What would you do with a 1,000 Euro?
I want to be an electronic inventor. Electronics are
I would buy things I need and I would also give
something which I love.
some money to the poor.
How do you best like helping others?
I try to help mum by keeping my toys in order
What makes you feel brave?
and by taking care of my sister. I also help my grandparents.
The support from other people. What makes you feel loved?
If you were a photographer for a day, what
I appreciate the fact that my parents give us things that other
I would take pictures of nice places in other
I feel lucky that my parents do so much for me and my sister. children might not be so lucky to have.
would you take pictures of? countries around the world.
What would you do with a 1,000 Euro?
What do you want to do when you grow?
give the money to those who are more in need.
has to do with science. Science also gives me the
I want to be a scientist. I really like everything that
I feel my parents already give me a lot so I would prefer to
possibility to help others by finding new medicines
If you could write a book, what would it be about?
and cures.
I would surely write about my life.
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YASMEENA SAMMUT AGE 10 RABAT SAN ANTON SCHOOL What makes you feel happy?
What superpowers do you wish to have?
and reading, dancing, cooking
environment. We should take care of our environment. We should stop cutting
I like playing the piano, singing
and swimming in summer. I like shopping and helping others. I
also love spending time with my family and friends.
I wish to have powers which will give me the possibility to protect the
trees, we should stop using plastic bags, we should stop littering everywhere
and we should stop using plastic bottles. At home, we do not use plastic bags, we recycle and avoid wasting food. We also try to reuse as much as possible. What makes you feel brave? When I can help others.
NEIL MUSCAT
AGE 8 ZEJTUN ST. BENEDICT’S COLLEGE, BIRZEBBUGIA What makes you feel happy?
What would you do with a 1,000 Euro?
I like to be with my cousin. I really enjoy the time I
I would give half to those in needs and the rest to my parents.
spend with her.
If you could write a book, what would it be about?
What superpowers do you wish to have?
I would write a fairy tale on how a person’s dreams can come
I wish to have Flash superpowers. It would give
true
me the possibility to create a tornado which would eliminate all the bad people in the world.
How do you best like helping others?
What makes you feel brave?
help at school when someone is in need.
I help my parents in the kitchen and in the cleaning. I also
I feel brave when I am with my family.
If you were a photographer for a day, what would you take
What makes you feel loved?
I feel loved when I am with my family and when they involve me in cooking and other activities at home.
pictures of?
I would take pictures of different things around me. What do you want to do when you grow?
I also feel loved when they play with me and when they share time with me.
I want to become a soldier.
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What makes you feel loved?
How do you best like helping others?
games, watching a film and sharing many other activities
help dad and my brothers and sisters.
I feel loved when I am with my family cooking, playing together.
I try to help mum in the kitchen and in the cleaning. I also
If you were a photographer for a day, what would you
What would you do with a 1,000 Euro?
I would keep some for my family and the rest donate to
the poor. We are lucky to have a house and all we want. We should appreciate more what we have and should
not take money for granted. We should keep in mind that
money is important for food and water but sometimes we waste it on not really useful things.
If you could write a book, what would it be about? I would surely be an adventerous book.
take pictures of?
I would definitely go outdoors, perhaps take a walk in the
countryside and take pictures of nature to capture its beauty, different wild flowers and trees. I would also take pictures of the rubbish people leave behind in the countryside.
Hopefully seeing the natural beauty of our countryside and pictures of what people leave behind when they visit these nice areas will raise awareness.
What do you want to do when you grow?
A paediatrician as it is a profession which gives me the possibility to help others.
DAMION SAMMUT AGE 12 RABAT SAN ANTON SCHOOL What makes you feel happy?
If you could write a book, what would it be
when I get good results. I also enjoy playing with our dog.
How animal cruelty affects the world.
I am happy when I am with my family and friends. I am happy
about?
What superpowers do you wish to have?
How do you best like helping others?
to have his senses which gives him the possibility to have full
when someone is in need.
I wish to have the powers of Peter Parker (Spiderman). I wish control of his surroundings.
I help my parents at home. I also help at school
If you were a photographer for a day, what
What makes you feel brave?
would you take pictures of?
I feel brave when I am with my family.
I would take photos of animals in different locations and see the differences in their
What makes you feel loved?
I feel loved when I am with my family and friends. I enjoy the time we spend together watching films, playing games and organising other activities.
behaviour
What do you want to do when you grow?
I see myself as programmer or a vet. I would like to be a vet as I like animals and I can be a voice
What would you do with a 1,000 Euro?
for them. On the other hand, programming is one
I would save the money for when I will be in need.
of my hobbies.
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Gaia & Nina Photography: Nadette Claire-Talbot Everlasting Headbands by Flowertist Clothing and Headbands Available at www.gaiaandnina.com
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VITAMINS AND MINERALS DURING PREGNANCY The importance of folic acid, iodine and iron supplementation. Yvette Sciberras B.Pharm. (Hons.), M.A.
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Eating a healthy, varied diet will help you in obtaining most of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, but if you are pregnant, or there is a chance you might get pregnant, you should consider taking supplements. This is because a lack of vitamin and mineral intake during pregnancy might have adverse effects on both mother and baby. Furthermore, the growing fetus may develop abnormalities, in case that there are low levels or lack of particular vitamins and minerals. Folic acid The link between neural tube defects and folic acid deficiency is highly recognized in scientific journals. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects causing disabilities. Over 50% of neural tube defects are preventable by adequate folic acid intake during the critical period of baby’s internal organ formation. Evidence suggests that if a pregnant woman does not get enough folic acid she may be predisposed in developing anemia. Additionally, her baby may be at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Furthermore, folic acid deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes and it is thus advisable to maintain regular folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy. Demands for folic acid also known as folate increase during pregnancy because this nutrient is required for growth and development of the fetus. An easy way to avoid having insufficient amounts of folic acid is by taking supplementation, especially if you know you are, or there is a chance that you could be pregnant. Dietary folate is a naturally occurring nutrient, found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes such as lentils, egg yolk, liver, avocado and asparagus. Most international guidelines recommend that women should take folic acid supplements at least 12 weeks before conception since this dramatically reduces the probability of developing devastating birth defects that may be permanent throughout baby’s lifetime. Iodine Deficiency in other minerals such as iodine, magnesium and calcium have also been associated with complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation during childhood. Iodine deficiency used to be a major public health problem before the introduction of iodized salt, back in the 1990’s. The results for this intervention have brought spectacular improvements. Pregnant women are
amongst the most sensitive group in the population to the effects of iodine deficiency. The requirement of a mother for iodine increases during pregnancy, and due to this; the recommended dietary intake of iodine during pregnancy is higher than values recommended for non-pregnant adults and adolescents. Iron Iron deficiency with its resultant anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Pregnant women are particularly at a higher risk of iron deficiency. Many women have dietary iron intakes below current recommendations. Consuming lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts may assist in preventing iron deficiency anaemia since these foods contain iron. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron and are good sources of this important mineral too. Taking a multivitamin supplement during pregnancy that includes iron is an excellent alternative to prevent deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation during pregnancy, has been proven to be of benefit for both mother and baby. Common problems that discourage pregnant women from starting and continuing prenatal iron supplementation are gastrointestinal symptoms and side effects. Selecting a multivitamin preparation that is gentle on the stomach is important. Materna DHA® is a multivitamin preparation specifically designed to meet the requirements of expecting mothers as well as lactating women. Multivitamin supplementation should be part of preconception planning and every woman that is trying to conceive should take folic acid. Women that are pregnant should start supplements as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Materna DHA® provides all the recommended vitamins and minerals in one small easy to swallow capsule. Making the necessary dietary adjustments to meet these nutritional requirements and taking supplementation is a step worth taking. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
References: Müngen E. Iron supplementation in pregnancy. J Perinat Med. 2003;31(5):420-426. doi:10.1515/JPM.2003.065 Amitai, Y., & Koren, G. (2015). The Folic Acid Rescue Strategy: High-Dose Folic Acid Supplementation in Early Pregnancy. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(12), 1083–1084. https://doiorg.ejournals.um.edu.mt/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.2235 Delange, F. (2007). Iodine requirements during pregnancy, lactation and the neonatal period and indicators of optimal iodine nutrition. Public Health Nutrition, 10(12), 157180; discussion 1581-3. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ejournals.um.edu.mt/10.1017/S1368980007360941
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WHEN TO INTRODUCE COW’S MILK TO YOUR CHILD?
Yvette Sciberras B.Pharm. (Hons.), M.A.
T
he type of nutrition provided to infants, as well as the timing for introducing solid foods, have a profound impact on growth and development, with potential effects on lifelong health. Recommendations for the types of foods, and weaning ages are frequently evolving but there is a consensus about the recommended age to introduce cow’s milk. The World health organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods after 6 months. Cow’s milk does not provide the right balance of nutrients for infants and thus, not recommended for children under 1 year. The nutritional composition of milk is highly complex. It contains a mix of most of the nutrients that the human body needs. Cow’s milk provides a blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and an extensive array of vitamins and minerals and is a highly nutritious food. The nutritional balance of cow’s milk varies and not all cow’s milk varieties, provide the same nutritional content. For instance, the composition of full fat milk is different compared to skimmed milk. Which milk to choose for a child that just turned 1 year old? The child may be, introduced to cow’s milk once he or she turns 1 year old. A young child should, only be given whole cow’s milk because skimmed milk is not recommended for children less than 2 years of age. You might want to consider milks specifically made for your toddler that meet all the nutrition demands of children. Main reason being that cow’s milk is still not a good source of nutrients like iron, and Vitamin D and certain essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are necessary for human health but the body cannot build them, so these may, solely be obtained through diet. These fatty acids play a crucial role
in brain function, as well as normal growth and development. Children fed whole cow’s milk receive inadequate amounts of these essential fatty acids, vitamin D and iron through milk and foods rich in these nutrients, must be, identified in compensation. Studies suggest that replacing cow’s milk with growing up milk results in an increased likelihood of adequate intakes of vitamin D and iron. This is because cow’s milk might have insufficient quantities of certain nutrients a toddler needs and excessive amounts of other nutrients. In fact, given that cow’s milk may contain excessive amount of protein, and growing up milks have the right balance and amount of protein, these milks are preferred to decrease the intake of protein in toddlers since excessive protein intake, is associated with obesity in children. ESPGHAN, a well-recognized society in the medical field, suggests that growing up milks are, recommended to increase the intake of iron, vitamin D, and other nutrients. The amount of growing up milk consumed should be limited to no more than two to three servings of milk during the day as otherwise he/she may not have appetite for other foods. So if your toddler is thirsty, get him in the habit of drinking water throughout the day. Nan 3 and Nan 4 are growing up milks specifically made for toddlers and provide a mix of unique protective ingredients and essential building blocks to help with optimal physical and mental development. Nan 3 and Nan 4 also contain a range of important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, selenium, calcium, iron, and zinc which work together to support the growth and development of your active toddler and at the same time, not overburdening the body with excessive protein that may predispose your toddler to obesity later on in life. Nan 3 and Nan 4 are convenient milk drinks to help make up for any shortfalls in your toddler’s diet and support the transition between baby food and regular family meals.
References: Hojsak I, Bronsky J, Campoy C, et al. Young Child Formula: A Position Paper by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(1):177-185.
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www.bebravelittleone.com find us on Facebook Be Brave Little Ones 99193695 LIFE
THE
FEEL BEAT
F
INTERVIEW WITH
ROM A VERY TENDER AGE, AMY CAREFULLY FOLLOWED HER MOTHER’S INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DANCE FLOOR. EVERY STEP SHE MADE DEVELOPED IN HER A STRONGER INTEREST AND PASSION TOWARDS DANCING. TODAY, AMY CONTINUES TO PURSUE HER DREAMS IN THE WORLD OF DANCE AND SEEKS TO INSTILL THAT SAME PASSION IN EVERY STUDENT THAT ATTENDS THE DANCE COLLEGE STUDIOS. LIFE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH AMY WHO SHARED WITH US HER PASSION FOR DANCE, HER MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST YEARS AND HER PLANS FOR THE
A
MY SPITERI
FUTURE.
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What attracted you to the world of dance?
are at the dance studio for your lessons or rehearsals
Alicia Joy, herself a well-known dancer/teacher, who
of passion, feelings and emotion. The world of dance.
I was born in the world of dance. My late mum was
taught me to dance before I could walk! I was already
for a performance, you are in another world, the world
performing with my mum’s dance group, the Alicia Joy
What does dance mean to you?
I was 9 years old, but I do know that those few years
out dance, without teaching dance. It is a great joy for
Dancers, at the age of 3 years old. I lost my mum when with mum, instilled in me the love and passion to dance
and to perform. Today, I cannot live without my dance, performing or teaching.
It means everything to me. I cannot imagine living withme to try new choreographies, to think of new dance ideas and to feel free of all the daily problems we face in todays’ world.
Martha Graham once noted, “Dance is the hidden
In what way is dancing a means of expression?
agree?
you are planning a dance, in reality you are showing
language of the soul.” To what extent do you
Totally agree. No matter how much pain you are in, no matter how bad your day was at work, once you
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When you are choreographing a dance piece, when and expressing that feeling you want to project out to your students or audience.
FEEL
THE
BEAT
“
I cannot imagine living without dance, without teaching dance.
“
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Why dancing isn’t just for girls?
What were your major achievements over
ing this kind of question in the year 2020. Sure,
I have been very busy in the last few years
Dancing is for everyone. It hurts my ears hearmore girls practice dance then boys, but I do firmly believe that all sports and activities, are
open to everyone, irrespective of gender, colour or race.
How can dance help connect despite the limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
We have just reopened our Dance College
Studios, after a few months closed due to
Covid-19. And I could see and notice the happiness, smiles, the enjoyment of the kids now that they are back at their dance classes. It
is not only learning the dances, but meeting socially and free from all the stress, is what dance is also all about.
What does the Dance College Studios stand for?
From the days of Los Boleros and Reno and Benita, to Alicia Joy Dancers and my loving
the past years?
at University in Scotland and in Malta. I have obtained a Masters in Health Psychology and Masters in Counselling Psychology. Today I am very happy helping out others in my line of
work, working as a Counselling Psychologist.
When it comes to dance, my major achievements would be the various amount of opportunities I had to perform abroad. Having performed in China, Italy, Cyprus and the United Kingdom, I consider myself lucky to have been
able to show my talent to a foreign audience.
Moreover, being able to participate in several dance classes abroad from top choreographers allowed me to gain new knowledge,
skills and talent in the area of dance. By doing
so, this has enabled me to give back to my students and continuously help them to grow as better dancers.
mum Alicia Joy, to the present Dance College
What’s next for the Dance College Studios?
experience. So experience helps, but I believe
everyone coming to our Studios, enjoys the
Studios, we have over 60 years of story and that at Dance College Studios we aim to have
our students genuinely love the art of dance,
and teach them above all, that dancing is and should be lots of fun.
In what way do you build positive self-esteem and confidence in each of your students?
You build confidence in your students by teaching them how to be positive, how to enjoy
being in a group, in a class. That it is not impor-
tant to be the best of the best in everything, but to enjoy the simple things in life, like enjoying your dance lessons, and looking forward for your next dance performance.
We plan to be better, and to make sure that
experience of dance. We do hope that we can
go back to normality after this COVID-19 situation. At this point, we would like to thank the
local Health Authorities for what they are doing for all of us, especially all the Hospital doctors,
nurses and staff. We hope that we can continue growing as a dance school, welcoming
new students of all ages starting from the age of 3. We look forward to continuing producing dance productions, shows and events and give the opportunity for all Dance College Studios
dancers to perform on stage in front of local
audiences, as well as giving them the opportunity to travel with us, perform and take dance classes abroad.
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MEDICATED PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS DURING LABOUR & CHILDBIRTH by Dr. Juanita Galea
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LET ME START BY
INTRODUCING MYSELF. I AM A 37 YEAR OLD ANAESTHETIST, WIFE AND MOTHER OF 3
MISCHIEVOUS BOYS, BORN WITHIN 5 YEARS OF EACH OTHER. ADAM IS 6, NOAH
JUST TURNED 5 AND JACOB IS 1 AND A HALF. YES, YOU
GUESSED RIGHT, THEY KEEP
ME PRETTY BUSY BUT THAT’S A NO-BRAINER, ISN’T IT?! I AM CONTRIBUTING BY
COMBINING MY EXPERIENCES AS AN ANAESTHETIST WITH
PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE IN OBSTETRIC CARE WITH MY
EXPERIENCES AS A MOTHER. WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, FEW THINGS TAKE UP AS
MUCH SPACE IN YOUR MIND
AS THE PROCESS ITSELF OF
ACTUALLY GIVING BIRTH, AND WHAT MOST MOTHERS-TO-
BE WORRY ABOUT MOST IS
WHETHER THEY CAN HANDLE THE PAIN OF CHILDBIRTH.
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MEDICATED PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS DURING LABOUR & CHILDBIRTH Now, just to make myself clear, I am in no way about
ENTONOX (NITROUS OXIDE)
magical powers that make all the pain disappear.
labour. One method, is the famous gas and air, also
once I’ve been called to assist a mother in labour
is nitrous oxide, which is mixed with oxygen, in a
to tell you that, as anaesthetists, we have some
You will hear much about pain relief during
That is what I always say after introducing myself
referred to as laughing gas. Chemically, the gas
and I will say it here. However, the good news is
50/50 ratio, to result in entonox, which is then given
that we have a pretty good track record in managing
by inhalation during labour. Many do very well with
to reduce the pain of childbirth to discomfort. After
it but in a few others, it does not provide adequate
assessing each particular case, we proceed to offer
pain relief or it gives too much side effects, such
any of the methods available to us in order to make
as nausea and vomiting, to be useful. Hence, other
your experience a more positive one. Safety, of
options may need to be explored.
both the mother and the unborn baby, is our top priority, so you will never be offered something that
ANALGESIC DRUGS
trained to assess risk and we will not offer you any
herself is the administration of pain relief drugs
you or your baby in danger. That said, like anything
pethidine or morphine). Whilst this takes the
we believe is too risky for either of you. We are
Another drug often administered by your midwife
method of pain relief during labour that might put
such as paracetamol or opiates (most commonly
else, pregnancy itself included, there is always the
edge off the pain, it might be more effective in
risk of complications and side effects, as tiny as
the beginning rather than towards the end of the
that risk may be, but these are carefully balanced
process of labour. If given towards the end, one
against the benefits you will gain from any said
has to keep in mind that it might cause transient
intervention.
effects on the newborn, until its effect wears off.
ENTONOX (NITROUS OXIDE)
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REGIONAL BLOCK (EPIDURAL BLOCK)
There is much more to say, and that is without having
The epidural block, or as it is more
gone into birth by Cesarean section.
commonly referred to, ‘the epidural’, is a
procedure where the anaesthetist injects
Childbirth is a process that leads us to meet
a local anaesthetic into the space around
those little beings we love with all our hearts before
epidural line is inserted and lasts until
experiences for each of my three boys. I can say
the spinal nerves in your lower back. An
we actually hold them. I have myself had different
needed. This anaesthetic usually blocks
neither was like the other but one piece of advice
the pain from the contractions and during
is to face child birth with positivity. Being somewhat
the birth very effectively. It often does
anxious is completely normal, even for a medic like
not block the sensation of pushing so
me who knows exactly what to expect. However,
well. If the adequate dose is given, you
trying to remain calm and focused, whilst trusting the
can usually move and can push your
professionals taking care of you and your little one
baby out when you need to. As any other
is the best way to approach it. Be informed, make
intervention or medication, there are a few
your choices and do not be afraid to ask questions or
possible side effects and complications,
change your mind at any point during your pregnancy
most commonly a low blood pressure,
or childbirth.
nausea and vomiting, and the possibility of a subsequent strong headache.
There are more methods of providing pain relief
during childbirth but I have skimmed through the
commonest ones used for normal deliveries in Malta.
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YOU WILL BE FOREVER CHANGED AFTER YOU GIVE BIRTH. MAKE IT A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE! IT IS THE BEGINNING OF AN ADVENTURE THAT NEVER ENDS!
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Foundation for Social Welfare Services Here for you
PARENTING Children
do
not
come
with
an
LUANA AQUILINA Family Therapist & Manager, HBTS, FSWS
instruction
feel confident in the face of destructive criticism?
spontaneous, free-spirited human beings, comes with
whom we would gladly collaborate, what are those
manual attached. Parenting children – vulnerable, its challenges. They observe us and get to know us
so well. They need us to be there for them as adults – responsible, self-sufficient and mature. But let’s face it, raising children is an intricate task to master, and adult life can be draining and heavy at times, leaving
us limited energy to brave parenting challenges. When children push our buttons, they bring out the
worst in us, and we often end up throwing tantrums.
If we had to think of our safe circle of people, with qualities encouraging our motivation to cooperate? Pouring love and kindness into such relationships,
as opposed to antagonism or grudges, supports
the development of trust and safety. Furthermore, fostering such positive relationship maximizes the chances for children to cooperate with adults.
How do we get there? After understanding and
But how do you contain this? How do you resist the
acknowledging its importance, we need to move to
it towards the source of frustration? We need to first
we are feeling, puts us in a position where we can
temptation of expressing that anger and channeling understand why this is important.
The relationship between parents and children
is instrumental in children’s development. Our
attitude is key. Who would warm up to a boss who shouts at them when making a mistake? Who would
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the action phase. Being calm, and mindful of how
be conscious of our reactions and supports our relationship with children. Ultimately, practicing the pouring of love and kindness towards ourselves,
through our actions and thoughts, can also support
us to replenish and sooth ourselves. In turn, we can be in a better position to care for our children.
Malta’s Malta’snewest newestHospital. Hospital. Right Right atatyour yourdoorstep. doorstep.
Malta’s newest Hospital. Right at your doorstep. Now Now Open. Open. Call Callusus onon 2121 482 482 482 482
St St Thomas Thomas Hospital Hospital Valletta Valletta Road Road Qormi Qormi LIFE
THE OPENING OF...
THE NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICES On Friday the 2nd of October,
as Minister for Justice, Equality,
and Governance, I inaugurated
the new Attorney General Offices, in South Street, Valletta. The
event
did
not
simply
mark the inauguration of this new and
more
functional
building,
but also highlighted the current wide re-structuring which is being
implemented within this important
institution. Last year the role of the
over all prosecutions, whilst the
State Advocate will serve as the Government’s Attorney. Whilst
the
new
Attorney
General, Dr Victoria Buttigieg, was recently appointed, the same office is now in a phase of an aggressive
recruitment process, which will lead to doubling the number of lawyers employed.
This confirms my resolve as
Attorney General was split into two,
Minister for Justice, Equality, and
the State Advocate. This change,
our country’s institutions, and to
which led to the setup of the role of which was also recommended by the Venice Commission, will now
see the Attorney General taking
Governance, to keep strengthening continuously
enhance
Malta’s
reputation not only at a European, but also at an international level.
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&
DUCK MANGO SALAD
INGREDIENTS ▶ 350grms duck breast ▶ 1 whole mango
▶ 1 whole Chinese cabbage ▶ 8 leaves of fresh mint ▶ 4 spring onions ▶ 100grms pea shoots ▶ 30grms peanuts
METHOD: ▶ Cook duck breast in a frying pan, skin down to your liking
(recommended medium) and set aside. Shred the Chinese cabbage, chop the spring onions and mint leaves. Toss
with the peanuts, pea shoots and mango. Add the fried and sliced duck breast, drizzle with lime juice, sesame seed oil, fish sauce and serve.
▶ 2tsp lime juice ▶ 2tsp sesame seed oil ▶ 1tsp fish sauce
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GLUTEN-FREE SPINACH RICOTTA GNOCCHI
&
AARON’S KITCHEN
INGREDIENTS
METHOD:
▶ 250g ricotta ▶ 180g gluten-free flour
▶ Place the ricotta in sieve and allow to drain from any liquid. Cook
▶ 100g fresh spinach ▶ 2 cloves garlic
▶ 1 finely chopped onion ▶ 1 tsp butter ▶ 50g grated pecorino ▶ ½ tsp grated nutmeg ▶ 2 egg yolks ▶ Extra virgin olive oil
▶ Handful cherry tomatoes ▶ Few basil leaves ▶ 2 tbsp pine nuts ▶ 2 tbsp butter
the onion in a knob of butter over low heat until soft, add the garlic and spinach and cook until wilted, transfer to a sieve and allow
draining. To knead the gnocchi, mix the ricotta, spinach, egg yolks, nutmeg, pecorino cheese and gluten free flour. Combine and
knead into smooth dough. Cover with cling film and allow to rest
for 30 minutes in a refrigerator. Roll the dough onto a lightly dusted surface and cut into 2 cm pieces. Boil the gnocchi in plenty of
boiling salted water. ▶ To serve, remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and toss together with the cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, basil leaves, butter and grated Pecorino, adding a little of the cooking water to the gnocchi to bind the ingredients.
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TURKEY & VEGGIE
MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS
METHOD:
▶ Parchment paper ▶ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▶ Preheat oven to 180˚C. Finely chop
▶ 1 large onion ▶ 1 large red bell pepper ▶ 2 carrots, peeled ▶ 250g ground turkey
▶ 1 egg, lightly beaten ▶ 1/4 cup ground oats
▶ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ▶ 1/2 teaspoon salt ▶ Freshly ground pepper as desired
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onion, carrots, and bell pepper in a food
processor. ▶ Sauté chopped vegetables with olive oil
on a medium - high heat for 8 minutes (or
until it starts to browning). ▶ In a big bowl mix the rest of the ingredients plus sauté vegetables. ▶ Using hands shape up desired size
meatballs. ▶ Place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. ▶ Bake for 30 to 40 minutes and serve.
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Gaia & Nina Photography: Nadette Claire-Talbot Everlasting Headbands by Flowertist Clothing and Headbands Available at www.gaiaandnina.com
Swanky Boutique is an online store bringing you High Quality children’s products from beautiful brands around the world in one magical place. Deliveries available throughout Malta & Gozo.
www.swankyboutique.com | info@swankyboutique.com | Tel: +356 79430351
Gaia & Nina Photography: Nadette Claire-Talbot Everlasting Headbands by Flowertist Clothing and Headbands Available at www.gaiaandnina.com
