AUTUMN 2017 | EAST LONDON www.momsmatter.co.za Moms Matter East London
Tel: 043 726 2252 email: midfurn@iafrica.com 4 Chamberlain Rd Berea www.midlanes.co.za
Advanced Programme in English
PREPARE YOUR CHILD TO STUDY FURTHER
Grade 10-12 Open to all East London schools starting TERM 2 Contact Susan: 082 493 1015
Charl’s
Jewellers
Manufacturing & Diamond Dealer HOT YOGA comprises of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Performed in a heated room to enable the body to stretch more deeply without the risk of injury. The 90 minute session provides an intense cardio workout and a cleansing detox to the body and mind.
Charl van de Venter T: 043 721 3066 | C: 083 651 7403 email: charlsjewellers@gmail.com Shop 7 | Chamberlain Square | berea
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s Hi Mom A
INSIDE For Mom: Beauty health &
pril to June traditionally is a frenetic stretch of the year, with multiple holidays and celebratory days filling our calendars. In addition to a lengthy first end-of-term school holiday, the next few months also includes Easter celebrations, as well as the always-fun Mother’s and Father’s Day festivities. It is easy, amid all this activity in what seems an ever-escalating pace of life, to drown in simply being “busy”. We rush from one activity to the next, juggling multiple tasks at the same time, trying to spread ourselves as thinly as possible, in order to achieve as much as possible. Amid all of this rush, it’s is fitting to remind ourselves once again that you cannot pour from an empty jar. Simply put, make sure over the next few months, as you scramble to be everything to everyone, from mother and spouse to homemaker and breadwinner, that you also make time just to take care of YOU. It may seem like a luxury or an indulgence, but self-care is vitally important if we are going to be the mothers that our children deserve. And a big part of this self-care lies in being kind to ourselves, making time to treat and pamper ourselves, getting enough rest, and focusing on what’s good and positive, as opposed to obsessing about what’s difficult or challenging. To help you with this, please see The Beauty Clinic advert at bottom of page 5. They are giving away 37 Kalahari Facials to the value of R380 each. It is very easy to enter, and you might just be one of the lucky winners! You certainly don’t need me or anyone else to tell you that being a mom is hard work. Very hard work. But perhaps you need reminding today that you’re doing a great job, that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s OK not to be superwoman, to everyone, all the time. So remember to relax, to put your feet up, to delegate and to ask for help.
Kind Regards Daniele
Publisher: Simon Garrity
Editor: Daniele Spaumer Advertising Enquiries: Daniele Spaumer: 073 074 8274 email: momsmattermagazine@gmail.com Graphic Design & Layout: Workshop12 Distribution: Quarterly – Free
8 000 Copies distributed to selected Play Schools and Creches, Pre-Primary Schools, Primary Schools, Hospitals and Clinics. DISCLAIMER: Neither the Distributors, Publishers, Designers or Editor can be held liable for any damages or consequences of any omissions, errors or use of editorials within Moms Matter, as every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in Moms Matter. We do not guarantee the performance or quality of service of any of the advertisers in this magazine. No part of Moms Matter magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.
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Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
For the Home . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Party Extra’s & Venues . . . . . 14
Extra Murals & Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Family Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Family Events . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Dates to remember: Mother’s Day: 14 May 2017 Father’s Day: 18 June 2017
TO ADVERTISE Please contact: Daniele Spaumer: 073 074 8274 Email: momsmattermagazine@gmail.com Moms Matter East London www.momsmatter.co.za
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ADVERTORIAL
Your child's gut flora impacts his/her future health More and more attention is being placed on “gut” health and the effect of this on lifestyle diseases, mental illness and everyday common symptoms. Evidence is pointing to the digestive system
and its role in maintaining good health. Top quality probiotics and live, fermented foods and drinks are excellent sources of the bacteria needed to maintain this delicate “gut” balance.
KOMBUCHA “IMMORTAL HEALTH ELIXIR”
MILK KEFIR
WATER KEFIR
30 - 50 strains of good bacteria and yeast
10 - 15 strains of good bacteria and yeast
High levels of vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate and enzymes
A range of B vitamins, vitamin K and folic acid. Not as high in calcium and magnesium
Folic acid, B vitamins, C vitamins, antioxidants
Cancer fighting, immune boosting, heals IBS, good for allergies and asthma, better for Candida/Diabetes
The regular use can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence and create a healthier digestive system
Detoxification, joint care, immune boosting, improved digestion
Absence of Streptococcus thermophilus - better for people with auto-immune diseases Can be made with coconut or almond milk for a dairy free alternative
Most beneficial when made with coconut water
Higher in probiotics
Lower in probiotics
For more info contact lime fusion on 043 727 1266 All of these products are safe for children to consume, and can benefit their immune systems greatly. However great these drinks are, they are not miracle cures, their cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balanced inner ecosystem for optimum health and longevity, allowing the body to heal itself.
Higher in prebiotics - good digestive aid
HAVING A PARTY AND WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
A wide range of entertainment solutions for Kids.
• Soft play equipment hire (kids 6 mths - 4 years) • crafting parties (sand art, foam mosaics, clay art and more) Ulandi C: 083 415 7813 • E: busyhandsel@gmail.com www.busyhandsel.wixsite.com/kidz • Facebook: Busy Hands Soft Play Hire
NOW AVAILABLE WITH CUSTOM LABELS
043 721 2699
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Easter Breakfast Bun Ingredients 1 kg ready made bread dough – buy from your local bakery/supermarket • • • • • •
250 ml brown sugar 125 ml butter 5 ml cinnamon 250 ml pecan nuts- chopped 1 cup sultanas 1 egg
Method
For rolls:
Place sugar and butter in a small saucepan and melt together. When melted, add the sultanas and nuts as well as the cinnamon.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle to about 1 cm thick. Use a pastry brush or spoon and spread the butter and sugar mixture over the dough.
Preheat oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into 16 balls/buns. Spray an oven-proof dish (rectangular Pyrex) with Spray 'n Cook and pour the butter and sugar mixture into the bottom of the dish. Place the 16 buns on top of the sauce, leaving gaps in between for the dough to rise. Allow to rise for about ½ hour and then bake in oven for 30-40 minutes.
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Roll up from the long side. Once you have a long roll, brush it with egg white(to hold it together) and roll it up into a coil. At the end, just tuck the point of dough underneath the roll. Brush with egg wash and allow to rise. Preheat oven to 180°C and bake for 4045 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
28 Pearce Street, Berea, EL • Tel: 043 726 2200
FAMILY
Where life begins and love never ends 9
embroidery world Tel/Fax: 043 726 6856 • Email: embworld@iafrica.com Cell: 082 673 1795 • Contact: Julie Holl Operating from 10 Vincent Place (Just off Vincent Rd)
Access Control | CCTV | Monitoring
Back to school special on all school bag, book bag name embroideries!!
Rest peacefully knowing we care. Electric Fencing | Alarms | Armed Response
STOCKISTS OF SPURT GOGGLES AND CAPS!
• Protect your children’s health and save money, with GNLD’s Golden non-toxic, earth friendly range of household cleaning products. • Boost your children’s health and immunity with GNLD’s Neolife organic, wholefood derived children’s supplements. No preservatives, colourants, sugar or flavourants.
INSURANCE APPROVED
www.hhalarms.co.za
043 726 8742
Call Diane for more info: 043 7265937 Independent Distributors
Tel: 043 743 4525 • Cell: 071 608 2821 • rinny@borderflooring.co.za Durable, easy cleanin
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Visit our showroom @
The Ultimate Anti-Bacterial Baby Friendly Paint
No:8 Bowls Road Arcadia, East London 043 722 0745
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ENDOMETRIOSIS
You are not alone, if you experience any of these symptoms, please join our support group on Facebook or get in touch with Rechelle Heldsinger on 076 295 8290 Endometriosis Warriors South Africa is the leading support group for ladies suffering and living with Endometriosis in South Africa. For more info please contact your gynaecologist Dr F K Chimusoro Life Beacon Bay Life 043 7482336 Dr Danie Botha St George’s Hospital, Port Elizabeth 041 373 0771
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KITCHEN TEAS, STORK PARTIES, TEEN DANCES
pi t
FO a m
VENUE HIRE
FO RH IRE EX CLU SIV ET OT HE VE NU E
nd a
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Jungle Gym • Trampoline • Bike Track • Sand Pit Swings • Pony Ride
Cell: 081 391 0471 / Email: debbie@hyperlink.co.za
Newly established support group for fathers in East London Ours is a support group for fathers in the greater East London region who meet twice a month in an informal setting to share mutual experiences, provide support and empower each other as parents. Some of the issues we aim to address include: • responsibilities of fatherhood, including challenges related to single fatherhood; • managing difficult relationships with your child’s biological mother; • raising boys; • raising girls; • raising stepchildren; • knowing your legal rights as a father; and navigating complex relationships with former partners and co-parents once the relationship has ended. Fathers from further afield are also welcome to attend and participate. For more info please contact Singwa Hercules Silinga: Cell: 081 485 8515 email: singwa@herculesbootcamp.co.za www.garyrusch.co.za
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A-Z ENTERTAINMENT ANGELIQUE 078 370 1450
A-Z Entertainment Email: a2zentertainment.sa@gmail.com
Facepainting, Unique balloon decor, games, cupcake decorating, specialty cakes, party packs, draping, gazebo rental, table/chair set up, jumping castle Package #1: Facepainting/balloon modelling: 15kids. R600ph Package #2: Facepainting/balloon modelling/balloon decor (2 themed centerpieces/1 small arch OR 2 themed entrance pillars): 15 kids. R1000 Premium all-inclusive package for 20 kids: Facepainting/ balloon modelling/games/full balloon decor/jumping castle/ themed table and chair set up/themed party packs/20 themed 3D cupcakes: R2850
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All Things Shop no. 1 Saffy’s Corner 20 Pearce Street
parties
BEREA
043 721 0697
Speciality Cakes made to order Cake Decorating Equipment for sale
Classes given
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EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE PARTY VENUE
2 Riverside Rd. Gonubie c: 078 053 8449 e: info@thistlewoods.co.za w: www.thistlewoods.co.za
Merry Go Round • Jungle Gym • Sandpit • Jumping Castle • Trampoline • Fireman’s Pole • Swings • See Saw • Slide • Skateboard/Scooter/ Bike Track
PARTY PACKAGES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS & BUDGET | 2 PARTY AREAS | EVENING PARTY PACKAGES AVAILABLE
BRAAI FACILITIES AVAILABLE 19
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cell: 082 407 6495 | email: photos@wilmabow.co.za www.wilmabow.co.za | facebook.com/wilmabow
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ADD/ADHD Support Group: Lynn 043 726 8394.
SUPPORT GROUPS
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION AMATHOLE: 043 722 4918 | 083 552 4616
AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP: Antoinette 072 678 2452. This is a support group for parents of Autistic children.
LA LECHE LEAGUE BREASTFEEDING: Rensche0782777385 | Michelle 0713868502, breastfeedingel@ gmail.com.
BIPOLAR SUPPORT GROUP: Riccy 072 635 1115.
MOMS & BABES: Shailey: 0832745171, shailey@ momsandbabes.co.za
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT: REACH FOR RECOVERY. Open meetings 2nd Tuesday, bimonthly. Leonie 082 429 4971 | Anne 043 7211220
MOMS & TOTS: Janet: 083 657 6661, janet@momsandtots.co.za
CANCER ASS OF SOUTH AFRICA: 11 Tyrell Rd, Berea. Office hours: 8am - 4.30pm. 043 727 0120
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT: Judy 043 726 9900
COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS (for bereaved parents): Myrtle 043 721 0406
QUADRIPLEGIC ASSN OF EC: Tony 082 290 3764
DIABETIC Association: Anne 043 702 9810 | 071 243 1007, Usha 083 556 0590
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MONTESSORI SOCIETY (EC): Sharon 043 735 2221
REHAB: - For the Blind and Disabled, and PHOENIX: Support group for Disabled: 043 722 1811
3-6 years including Grade R. Mondays - Fridays: 7:30 - 12:30 (term time)
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Rocky Road Squares
Ingredients • • • • • •
100g butter, roughly chopped 300g dark chocolate, broken into squares 3 tbsp golden syrup 140g rich tea biscuits, roughly crushed 12 pink marshmallows, quartered using scissors 2 x Crunchies or Milky Way chocolates, broken up.
Method 1. 2. “I dance to teach to inspire the next generation to teach love through dance, to dance with their hearts and to dance with joy!”
3.
Gently melt the butter, chocolate and syrup in a large pan over a low heat, stirring frequently until smooth, then cool for about 15 minutes. Stir the crushed biscuits and sweets into the pan until well mixed, pour into a 17cm square tin lined with non-stick baking paper and spread the mixture to roughly level it. Chill until hard and then take out of tin and remove paper. Cut into fingers. Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe by Lauren Goodger @ foodnetwork
A Brighter future when you start with
FREE ASSESSMENT
call: Arelina / Anthea
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4 3 2 K6
3
or
(Grades 1 to 12)
1
www.kipmcgrath.co.za
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Give your child a head start and enrol them at the beginning of grade 1 to prevent potential problems.
For English Gr 4 - 12 Reach your potential with Lesson Lab • Lessons structured around your needs • Friendly tutors • Small classes • Additional resources Lesson Lab -
Improving grades, empowering minds
Contact us on 043 726 4274 Address: 72 Devereux Avenue Vincent
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• • • •
Learn to ride or develop your skills Lessons from Monday - Saturday Horses / ponies available to lease Bus transport avail Monday-Thursday 1 or 2 way trip to/from EL
Safe Friendly Outdoor Environment for children to interact with horses.
Hillcrest Equestrian
Make your own
BUNNY Mask
What you need • small paper plate • pink card • scissors • elastic • craft glue • white card • large fawn pom-pom • 3 x white chenille sticks (pipe cleaners) • pink koki pen
Let the little ones join in and help!
SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY LESSONS FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Activity Step 1: Put the paper plate up to the face and mark the eye holes and those required at the sides for the elastic. Cut out the eye holes. Cut small side holes and then thread and tie the elastic. Step 2: Cut out some long bunny ears from the white card and glue to the top of the mask. Then cut smaller ears from pink card and attach them to the centre of the white ears.
DOOR
D POOL
S IN
Step 3: Twist the three chenille sticks together in the centre and glue to the mask for the bunny’s whiskers. Then glue the pom pom nose on top. Draw a mouth using the pink koki pen. Have fun wearing your cardboard bunny mask!
HEAT E
@
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Tel: 043 738 5297 | Cell: 084 514 4621 Operating Hours: 16:00 till 23:30 Mon- Sunday (Closed on Tuesdays)
5% discount on presentation of this ad (no copies accepted)
Corn fritters
Barefoot Café in Chintsa East – enjoy our delicious pizzas and burgers in a relaxed atmosphere – a genuine East Coast experience! A great side dish or snack that will convince even the fussiest eaters to finish their vegetables! done. Serve with dollops of yoghurt, • plain yoghurt, to serve Ingredients tomatoes and extra coriander on top. • 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, halved • 500ml self-raising flour • • • • • • •
3 eggs, beaten 410g tin creamed sweet corn 410g tin sweet corn 375ml baby marrow, grated 1 garlic clove, crushed handful coriander, chopped + extra olive or avocado oil, for frying
Method 1. Mix the flour, eggs and creamed sweet corn together. Add the sweet corn, baby marrow, garlic and coriander. Season. 2. Heat a thin layer of oil on medium and cook tablespoons of the mixture, in batches, for 2-3 minutes each side until
HOTEL & SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION
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OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Maz ep p a Bay H o tel
Tel: 047 498 0033 / 082 575 9656
Come and experience our little piece of paradise.
email: mazeppabayhotel@sainet.co.za www: www.mazeppabay.co.za Enjoy a well earned break at the family friendly Morgan Bay Hotel, just 45 minutes from East London. Nestled between a mile of unspoilt beach and breathtaking cliffs, you will be spoilt for choice on ways to spend your day. We offer special discounted childrens rates, comfortable family suites and child minding services, as well as beach and river activities, a beauty spa, beach boutique, four course evening meals and an a la carte restaurant and pub.
It’s like coming home!
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Award Winner
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T
he Autism Awareness Bike Park was inspired by Garryck Webber who is 11 years old and lives with Autism. Autism or Autism spectrum disorders refer to a range of conditions, characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and non-verbal communication. Garryck only acquired the skills to ride a bicycle when he was 9, although his parents started teaching him from the age of 6.
Children who live with Autism often battle with team sports, so being able to ride a bicycle provides a lot of pleasure and healthy physical exercise. Against this backdrop Garrick’s parents started looking around for a safe environment for him to ride. In desperation they would take him down to Hamiliton Sports Club to ride on their abandoned tennis courts. This sparked the idea of transforming the old tennis courts into a bicycle track for beginners.
With this in mind Garryck’s mom, Fiona, approached friends, Tina Luckoff and Luca Fanicci of Eastern Wheelers Youth Cycle Club. Hamilton Club kindly granted them permission to renovate the space and Luca Fanicci designed the track and marked it out. This was followed by several months of levelling the track, filling in cracks and painting. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the kind donations of the greater East London community. Donors include: Hamilton Sports Club, Eastern Wheelers Youth Cycling Club, Charles Glass Society,
College Street Primary School, Synergy Signs, Eugene Stapelberg, Vincent Hardware, Casgal Construction, Headway Salon and Jenny Mcconnachie. They recently acquired 2 beautiful park benches from the Rotary Club of East London. The bike park has become a wonderful place for children to develop their bicycle skills in a safe environment. We hope to further expand the track in the future with an off-road section for the bigger, more advanced kids as well as some some ramps for variation. We would appreciate any donations as the track needs to be maintained going forward. For more information on the Bike Park as well as autism in general, please contact Fiona on 082 557 9680.
eginner riders a A ll b r helmets and e welcom e! Ple r y ou r most ase remembe impo rtant ly... have fun!
BILTONG SPREAD 100g sliced beef, ostrich or game biltong (reserve some for garnishing) 1 x 250g smooth low fat cottage cheese ½ cup (125 ml) mascarpone cheese, or cream cheese Place the sliced biltong in a blender or food processor and chop until very fine. Add the cottage cheese, mascarpone cheese to the biltong and blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning. Garnish with a few extra biltong flakes and serve with bread sticks. Serves 6
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FAMILY FUN EVENTS 1 Apr. Bonza Bay Rotary Anns Easter Bonnet morning tea at Berea Gardens from 9am. Come join the Bonza Bay Rotary Anns for our Easter Bonnet Morning tea and Fashion show! Sweet and savoury edibles as well as hot and cold refreshments will be available, raffle and lucky draws with fabulous prizes to be won! Guest Speaker and MC: Nerina Le Roux. Tickets: R100, contact: Murna 082 558 7616 | Charne 082 772 4621
Collect your FREE route map and discount voucher at the Information Centre at the Crossways Shopping Complex on Schafli Road from 9am on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April 2017. More info: marketing@ wildcoastjikeleza.co.za
1 Apr. Miniature Fairy Garden Shows from 11am. Family fun, fairy gardening, and raising much needed funds for the elderly. View three gardens (3 Pinewood Road, 17 Riverview Place & 55 Bonza Bay Road) for R50 (kids) which include a miniature fairy garden workshop at 3 Pinewood Road. 55 Bonza Bay Rd will have facepainting and 17 Riverview will host a picnic with spot ice cream vouchers. Tickets available from Vincent Family Restaurant (VPC) – adults free, donations welcome. 1 Apr. Gonubie High School & Community presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 7pm at Alexander Playhouse. Tickets: R80 adults, R40 students, scholars and pensioners. Book at Lee Gold: 043 735 1412 or Gonubie High School 043 740 5228. 1-2 Apr. Art & Craft Weekend on the Jikeleza Route. Pop up galleries, original artworks, wine tasting and more. Entry to all events and venues other than the wine tasting is free.
PWood Fire Artisan Pizza PFresh A la Carte Menu PSunday Carvery PWeddings, Kids Parties, Tea’s & Events PBeautiful Child Friendly Garden Book your year-end function! Floradale Nursery, Old Gonubie Road Tel: 043 748 4840 info@countrybumkin.co.za www.countrybumpkin.co.za
99 Wood Fire Artisan Pizza 99 Fresh A la Carte Menu 99 Weddings, Kids Parties, 99 Tea’s & Events 99 Beautiful Child Friendly Garden
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FAMILY FUN EVENTS 2-3 Apr. Public Running Day at Gonubie Farmer’s Hall from 10am. Miniature train rides for the whole family to enjoy! The train rides are weather permitting so the event will be postponed if it rains. Contact: 082 355 5445. 8 Apr. Create for a Cause – Dotty Daisies at Vincent Park Centre from 9am to 1pm. R250pp. Contact: 072 601 7587. 8 Apr. Almost New Baby & Children’s
Non-stop entertainment for all bike enthusiasts East London welcomes you to the biggest free biking event in Africa register on-line for free entry and stand a chance to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle ®
END G E L OUR 17
LIVE– 3Y0 April 20 27
Register online at www.africabikeweek.com
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Market at Beaconhurst School Hall from 8am to 11am. Entry R10. Contact: Tessa 083 411 9876. 8 Apr. The Fabulous Easter Gift Market at Princes Lodge (7 Princes Rd) from 12noon to 3pm. Entry: R10 adults, kids free. Contact: 083 784 1558. 8 Apr. King’s Mall Easter Market from 4pm to 7pm. King’s Mall in conjunction with the Gonubie Lions Easter Market! Singer/DJ Rick Earth will also perform. There will be a special egg hunt for the kids 14 Apr. Easter Egg Hunt at EL Zoo from 10am. R30 per child, plus standard entrance fee. To book: 074 603 3864. 18 Apr – 30 June. 2017 Annual Copper Drive. Simply pop your change into a Copper Drive Bottle at your school and make a difference in someone’s life. Contact: Marchel 043 721 0051.
Tea in the Trees: 072 611 2367
s ’ o d i Gu Win a
Mini Moto GP Bike
Beachfront
Kennaway Complex, Esplanade
043 743 4441
Check Facebook for details
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ny benefits a m e of regular Th
ExercisE
W
hen most adults think about exercise, they imagine working out in the gym, running on a treadmill, or lifting weights. But for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they play at school during recess, while riding their bikes, or simply playing tag.
The Many Benefits of Exercise Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Kids who are active will: • have stronger muscles and bones • have a leaner body • be less likely to become overweight • decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes • lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels • have a better outlook on life Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better. They're also better able to handle physical and emotional challenges . The Three Elements of Fitness • endurance • strength • flexibility Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all three elements. Endurance develops when kids regularly get aerobic activity.
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During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly and for extended periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body's ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells. Aerobic activities include: • cycling • rugby • soccer • swimming • tennis • walking • jogging • dancing Improving strength doesn't have to mean lifting weights. Instead, kids can do push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises to help tone and strengthen muscles. They also improve their strength when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids get chances every day to stretch when they reach for a toy, practice a split, or do a cartwheel. The Sedentary Problem Being overweight or obese in childhood has become a serious problem. Many things add to this epidemic, but a big part of it is that
kids are becoming more sedentary. In other words, they're sitting around a lot more than they used to. Kids and teens now spend hours every day in front of a screen (TVs, smartphones, tablets, and other devices) looking at a variety of media (TV shows, videos, movies, games). Too much screen time and not enough physical activity add to the problem of childhood obesity. One of the best ways to get kids to be more active is to limit the amount of time spent in sedentary activities, especially watching TV or other screens. Put limits on the time spent using media, which includes TV, social media, and video games. Media should not take the place of getting enough sleep and being active. Limit screen time to 1 hour a day or less for children 2 to 5 years old. Discourage any screen time, except video-chatting, for kids younger than 18 months. Choose high-quality programming and watch it with your kids to help them understand what they're seeing. Keep TVs, computers, and video games out of children's bedrooms and turn off screens during mealtimes.
How Much Exercise Is Enough? The following can serve as a general guideline for parents. Kids and teens should get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Toddlers about 1½ hours per day, 30 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play). Preschooler should get around 2 hours per day, 60 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play). Raising Fit Kids Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle. • Help your kids participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities. • Establish a regular schedule for physical activity. • Make being active a part of daily life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator. • Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself, so you’ll be a positive role model for your family. • Keep it fun, so your kids will come back for more.
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