Bluearth Baby Water
13th March 2010

As mentioned in a previous ABC Daily story, I recently visited the Kids InStyle Trade Fair in Sydney where the best of children's products including fashion, toys, shoes and decor were showcased. One of the products that was showcased at this event was the Bluearth Baby Water, the purest water for pregnant and breastfeeding mums and their babies.

Bluearth Baby Water is an Australian first and is the purest water for you and your baby. You will feel safe knowing that this water contains no harmful bacteria, viruses, sodium or chlorine. It is 100% distilled water only. Many paediatricians and health practitioners worldwide have recommended using distilled water for baby formula.

This is the essential water for babies and toddlers, eliminating the need to boil water for formula milk. Boiling tap water does not eliminate toxins, only through steam distillation do you create total purification.

Research has also shown that pouring boiling water into a plastic bottle may release harmful BPA toxins into the bottled milk if you are not using a BPA free baby bottle. There is also no need to boil the water which saves on time and perfect to take out on the run.

Bluearth Baby Water is also perfect for pregnant and breastfeeding mums who need to ensure that their water intake is quite high to carry nutrients through the blood to their baby. Bluearth water contains no pesticides, ground salts, man made contaminants and heavy metals that can be found in most waters.

Bluearth Baby Water comes in 600ml bottles (24 x 600ml bottles per carton), 1.5 litre bottles (12 x 1.5 litre bottles per carton) and a 15 litre container with ceramic well.

To order Bluearth Baby Water or for more information go to www.bluearthwater.com 

NSW Child Restraint Laws
12th February 2010

For those parents who will need to upgrade or purchase a new child restraint as per the NSW Government Child Restraint laws, you don't have long as the laws will take effect as of the 1st March 2010.

Our kids have always been in seat that have their own harnesses and now feel a sense of relief that my son who is six has been in a government approved seat for a while now as having to purchase a couple of new car seats would be a very costly exercise.
Although it may be a costly exercise for now I don't feel you can put a price on your child's safety.
When you hear that there are around 10 deaths of children under the age of seven and around 480 injuries from car annually, it's a small price to pay to lower the statistics. (Nationally almost 80 children are killed and 4000 are injured annually)

With current laws stating that it is only compulsory for children up to the age of one to travel in an approved baby capsule or seat which contain their own restraints, it is no wonder this law is about to change nationally.

Just to re-cap, the new laws now state that;

• Children younger than 6 months are to be secured in a rearward facing restraint.
• Children between 6 months and 4 years are to be secured in a rearward or forward facing restraint.
• Children between 4 and 7 years are to be secured in a forward facing restraint or booster seat.
• Children younger than 4 years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows.
• Children between 4 and 7 years of age cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than 7 years in a child restraint or booster seat.

Drivers will be fined and up to 3 demerit points will be lost if caught not adhering to the new laws.

You can purchase and have your new restraint fitted at Childsafe Hunter Valley which is located at the lower carpark of John Hunter Hospital ( near Ronald MacDonald House). They have a large selection of child restraints at affordable prices.
Steve is the best is advising what seat is perfect for your child as well as having the knowledge and experience in fitting the seat securely for your child.
NB: You will have to book a time in as they are always booked out. For more information phone 4921 3373.

Vege Buddies
8th February 2010

I have to say that I thought my first child was the fussiest eater in the world, hence me taking him to a dietician when he was around 2 years old, but little miss 18 months takes the cake! The food mostly ends up on the floor, not to mention the food on the walls and trying to get a substanial meal into her seems such a hard task. She is quite good with fruit and carrots are the only veggie she will eat but meat seems to be the food she is averse to.

My son was the opposite and fruit and veggies were just not on the menu unless they were hidden. Even today age 6, you have to force fruit into his diet and his veggie component are carrots and beans. Sweets are a major vice of his so his diet is something we need to watch.

A few years ago, I spoke to someone who had a similar problem with her son and pointed me in the direction of Vege Buddies.
Vitarich Organic Vege Buddies provide a natural source of Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants from certified organic vegetable and fruit concentrates all in the shape of a gummy bear.

Vege Buddies are made of 14 of the most useful and highest quality fruit and vegetable concentrates, high in natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and more.
Each gummy bear contains beetroot, broccoli, soy, parsley, spinach, carrot, tomato, green goodness (from root algae, wheatgrass and green barley), papaya, apple, grape and pear.

Each 180g box contains approximately 80 gummy bears and are available from 'Healthy Life' at Westfield Kotara. Please note that Vege Buddies should not be used to replace fruit and veggies but to add to your child's diet from two years of age if you feel they are lacking in vitamins, minerals etc. It is recommended you seek further advice from the health food store.

Safe-as-Mum
6th February 2010

Recently, everything I seem to be reading focusses around the dangers of BPA (Bisphenol A) and the impact it has on children.  

Experts both here and overseas believe this chemical (BPA) that is found in the manufacture of baby bottles, sippy cups, water dispensers, plastic tableware and food storage containers as well as aluminium cans for beer, mixers and soft drinks, should be banned.

Reports say Bisphenol A is an endocrine disrupting chemical that can be linked to infertility, problems with reproductive development, neural and behavioural development in foetuses, infants and children, obesity, breast and prostate cancer and many more health problems. I wish I had known this when my children were using a bottle. I have more recently decided to buy a BPA free drink bottle as well for my kids to limit this risk.

Environmental Scientist and local Newcastle mother of two, Joanne Hayden, has always been aware of the safety of feeding and storage containers and became increasingly concerned about the use of plastic baby bottle, not only  with the use of BPA but also other toxins found in plastic.

After much research , she came across an alternative  product to plastic baby bottles in the USA that was made from Borosilicate Glass. It is a safer alternative to the plastic bottles and it is made from the same kind of glass used in laboratories due to it's superior strength, durability and ability to resist thermal shock which makes it extra safe for your little one. After purchasing one for her son, she decided to import this product. In Dec 2009 her first shipment of bottles and silicone sleeves arrived making her the sole Australian and NZ distributor of Coddlelife bottles.

The bottles, silicone sleeves and vented bottle nipples are available from Joanne's online business Safe-as-Mum but can also be purchased at Chemist Works at Glendale or at Child Safe Hunter located at the John Hunter Hospital. For more information go to www.safeasmum.com.

Dr Wheatgrass- Skin Recovery Spray
22nd January 2010

As we start another school year, I wonder what illnesses my children may be unfortunate to catch during their school period. Gastro, viruses, coughs and colds are all illnesses that seem to run rampant amongst school children but one little virus we did not know anything about was the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus. About a year and a half ago, my daughter started to get little raised spots on her skin that was diagnosed as Molluscum.

After a doctor's consult we were told that Molluscum is a common skin problem resulting in harmless raised spots caused by the Molluscum virus and is very common in children. We were told that nothing really could be done and it could take up to a year to go away by themselves. So we waited...and waited..and waited and after a year..we went back to the doctors with still the same amount of "bumps" (as we called them) as when we first started.

We were told the quickest way to resolve the bumps were to pop them to irritate the spots, which would result in the body's immune system recognising the virus and destroying the infected cells. After showing us how to do it in the doctors surgery and using our daughter as the volunteer, this attempt would result in never being able to go near her bumps again. .

So after several attempts at trying to negotiate one 'pop' per day and failing, I researched several websites to see if we could combat this virus without having to pop a single bump. Thank you DR WHEATGRASS RECOVERY SPRAY!!!
I was sceptical at first as several medical websites stated that the only way to rid our child of this virus was through, "Irritating solutions", "Aluminium Accetate", " Squeezing the core" (which clearly was not an option), "Liquid Nitrogen Freezing" or other medical creams that could all cause scarring.

Dr Wheatgrass Recovery Spray is a natural, antioxidant solution that has assisted people with eczema, molluscum and many other skin ailments. We sprayed twice a day for a 4-6 weeks and they disappeared completely. 

You can purchase this wonder spray online at www.drwheatgrass.com.au or if you are in the East Maitland area, you can purchase from Organic Feast. The wheatgrass spray is $27 (also comes in a cream RRP-$30) and is well worth the money spent.

Eat it to Beat it Program
Cancer Council
13th January 2010

I have a stack of cooking for kids cook books in my cupboard for inspiration when it comes to cooking for fussy eaters.
My 17 month old is proving to be the worst in the eating stakes and there has been several nights where I have been known to cook three different meals for the five of us which is very frustrating. I try and incorporate vegies in most meals but unfortunately can't use bribery tactics on a 17 month who ends up throwing them all over the floor (all but the carrots). So what is the solution? Education is the key and it all starts now when the kids are so young.

Cancer Council's NSW 'Eat it to Beat it' program launched in the Hunter Region is aimed at developing awareness of the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable intake to help prevent cancer. Evidence suggests a link between cancer and lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and being overweight. Eat it to Beat it aims to provide parents with simple and practical ways to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables they and their families eat every day.

In conjunction with Westfield Kotara, The Cancer Council will be running cooking demonstrations where parents can pick up handy hints on cooking delicious family friendly, healthy meals. Healthy eating need not be expensive-let the experts show you how.

Come along to Centre Court at Westfield Kotara shopping centre between 10am-2pm daily on Sunday 17th -Wednesday 20th for some great advice on healthy family meals, sample free food and be in the running to win a prize if you are lucky!

Jungle Sports-Registrations now open
11th January 2010

With a new year, many parents may start to be thinking sports enrolment for their child/children. If you are anything like our family, we are still trying to work out what sport would be best for our children. Our son is currently enrolled in Nippers but soon winter sport registration will be upon is and this is where everything comes unstuck.

We aren't league followers, love rugby union but as a mother would hate to see my son involved and soccer has never really been of interest to my son. So what do you do?
If you aren't sure about a particular sport, Jungle Sports is the perfect environment to test out a selection of sports. Jungle Sports is an environment where a selection of sports are learnt outside of the club sports programs. Jungle sports have programs for children 18 months to 3 years in Newcastle and the Hunter. You can choose from Jungle CUBS on weekdays or Soccer, Rugby or multisports on weekends.

You now have a choice of three venues, Newcastle (The Forum), Lake Macquarie (PCYC) and now Maitland (PCYC). Registrations are now open for Term 1 (starting from the 30th Jan). Free trial sessions will be held in Maitland and Newcastle (Saturday 23rd Jan) and Lake Macquarie (Sunday 24th Jan). Bookings are essential so hurry as sessions will fill up fast.

For more information on what Jungle Sports has to offer or to register in one of these free sessions go to www.junglesports.com.au or phone 49452221.

Clued on Food-Fussy Eater?
16th November

Having trouble getting your child to eat good food? I did with my first child and may now be coming up against the same barrier with my 14 and 1/2 month year old.

My husband calls it the 'night of the knives' but it was purely a meltdown after serving up three different meals to my 18 month old toddler (he is now 6) who refused everyone. Being my first child, I felt helpless and thought I was doing something wrong. I ended up giving up, having a meltdown and going to bed in tears for fear that my child who had had nothing but yogurt to eat for dinner in the end would starve overnight. (This wasn't the case at all). This behaviour changed from a child who couldn't get enough rockmelon and other meals to a chld who kicked an screamed when trying to feed him anything that remotely looked healthy.

The refusal of fruit, vegies and meat continued on so in the end I ended up booking my son with a dietician at 'Clued on Food'  to ensure that he was getting substanial levels of nutrients he was refusing in every quality meal I served.  As a first time mum it was just what I needed. The dietician put everything he ate into a computer (we went through meal by meal) and in the end it worked out that he was getting enough nutrients through the copious amounts of cheese sticks, yogurt etc that he did eat. She was great in putting my mind at ease and my stress levels lowered knowing that we weren't different to a lot of families that came in daily. She also put it into perspective when she said don't offer a number of meals, they won't starve to death if they go to bed without anything (this I couldn't do as I always ended up giving him toast). But she was right...I was giving him too much choice.

2009- another toddler who is becoming very fussy in her eating habits. This time we are far more relaxed. Don't get me wrong, there are nights I could scream but we now know that as long as she eats fruit, vegie and dairy, she is getting enough for the moment. I would highly recommend a paediatric dietician  just to put your mind at ease if you are  a worried parent. For more information go to www.cluedonfood.com.au. Clued on Food is located at 8 Denison St Newcastle West.

Asthma Friendly Schools
10th November

As many children are finishing their first year at their selected school, many children are heading off to Kindergarten orientation. This is a big moment for the children but even more important for the parents needing confirmation that that school, will be the right school for their child.
This not only includes the academic reassurance that your kids are getting the best education but also that this school will provide the the assistance and support needed for kids with special health requirements.

Australia has one of the highest Asthma rates in the world with 2.2 million Australians being affected by Asthma. Approximately 15% of primary school children in Australia have currently been diagnosed with Asthma, so choosing a school where strategies are adopted to manage Asthma sufferers is important in the selection.

An Asthma Friendly School adopts the Asthma Friendly Schools program strategies to support the whole school community in understanding and managing Asthma. To be recognised as 'Asthma Friendly' a school must achieve the 8 essential criteria and submit the recogntion checklist signed by the principal.

Criteria include;

• Asthma eduction is provided for all school staff
• Asthma action plans and/or asthma student records for each student with asthma are actively encouraged and kept in a central location.
• Asthma first aid posters are on display
• Students with asthma are encouraged to have their medications readily available and safely stored at all times.
• A blue reliever puffer and spacer device(s) are available for emergency use
• A plan is in place for managing asthma during school sporting activities, excursions and camps.
• Asthma friendly schools program teaching resources are used as part of  the school's health curriculum.
• Asthma related information is provided through the school to parents/carers that contributes to the quality of life, health outcomes and well being for their children.

To find an Asthma Friendly School and for information on the Asthma Friendly Schools program go to www.asthmafriendlyschools.org.au

The Dreaded Bug (of the itchy, scratchy variety)
9th November

I've always thought about writing this story but got too itchy everytime I sat down to research it to put it to the bottom of the pile, however I heard a terrible story tonight of a poor 8 year old girl whose parents have had to shave her head as the headlice infestation was so bad. (I'm now itching as I type).

It bugs me (pardon the pun)  that these days there seems to be a larger outbreak than when I was at school. Unfortunately, the Education Department now is unable to go to the methods they used to with anti-discrimination laws more prevalent. In the days I went to primary school, you were not allowed to come back to school with a single nit or egg in your hair and the principal had to check you before you returned. These days, you only have to be treated and can return to school..no wonder the headlice cases are increasing. And some parents are less than enthusiastic in going through the elimination process causing further outbreaks!

To date, (knock on wood) we have been very lucky in our school and pre-school years with avoiding the lice outbreak. In saying this, our motto has always been 'prevention is better than cure' and so we have been very vigilant in practicing preventative methods to avoid this nasty bug. I dread the day the kids come out out 9pm at night with itchy heads. Hopefully it won't get to this stage with our preventative methods;

• Check hair after school attendance every couple of days
• Use Quit Nits Defence Spray daily (can be purchased from any Supermarket or pharmacy). Some Chemists have their own natural defence sprays such as Scott Dibben at Westfield Kotara and is around $15.00
• Wash kids hair in Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner nightly (Lice have an aversion to Tea Tree)
• Have conditioner and metal lice comb in cupboard for any unexpected visitors

You may think this is extreme, however, I know how distressed my children would get in the elimination process of headlice so we will stick to the motto of 'prevention is better than cure'. (And I don't want the nasty little critters). A great website that reviews each of the headlice products and give pure facts on headlice is http://www.choice.com.au/Reviews-and-Tests/Food-and-Health/General-health/Conditions/Headlice-treatments/Page/The%20lice%20lowdown.aspx.

Child Safety-Summer
5th November

It only takes one email or Facebook post to snap you back to reality about how precious life is whilst you have it.
Tonight my friend sent a link to the postcard above reminding us how important it is to be vigilant about child safety in the home and outdoors.

Ava was a three year old girl who snuck off to find lollies in the car on an overly hot day when she was overcome by heat and fell asleep. 30 minutes later she was found but it was too late. Ava's parents ask that you ensure that this does not happen to you by locking your car and keeping your keys out of reach, ensure your kids never enter a car unsupervised and actively seek out sheltered locations to park your car.

With the temperatures increasing, there are many dangers lurking with the hot weather including backyard swimming pools. Each year there are child drowings in backyard swimming pools and this year will not be different. Although the statistics have reduced over the years with good preventative education including 'Kids Alive', we still see a number of small children enter swimming pools via their own means.

It is imperative that we as parents try to prevent childhood fatalities by accidental circumstances.  Although some accidents may be unavoidable, we can prevent situations occuring by limiting risk to our children. Please keep a strong eye on your children this summer.
This email tonight will encourage me to remain alert on childhood safety in our home but also spare a thought for parents such as Ava's who should never have to go through a terrible tragedy such as this one.

For a heartfelt plea by Ava's mother go to http://www.sheyerosemeyerphotography.com/blog/ or for more information on the Kids Alive program go to www.kidsalive.com.au

New Child Restraint Laws
4th November

 Each day at school pick up, I am surprised to see how many families pile their small children into their vehicles without child car restraints. I was horrified to see a very young child travelling in the front seat of a vehicle using an adult seat beat.
What is even more appaulling is that until now, it has only been compulsory for children up to the age of one to travel in baby capsules or seats that contain their own restraints.

On Wednesday, the NSW Government announced new safety rules that mean children aged up to seven will have to be strapped into car restraints. The regulations which are part of national reforms, means that children younger than 6 months must be placed in a rear-ward facing restraint. Those aged 6 months to four years must be secured in a rear or forward facing restraint, while children between four and seven must use a forward facing restraint or a booster seat.
The laws have recently changed due to a parents campaign that lost their 3 year old daughter in a low speed accident whilst in a booster seat using an adult seatbelt.

The new rules come into effect on March 1st 2010 with a four month amnesty to allow parents to get used to these changes.

For us, we would not think to use anything in our car other than fitted child restraints.
Having a third child, meant we needed to upgrade our car to fit three child restraints. Upon researching many vehicles, we were suprised to see the limited number of cars that could comfortably fit three car restraints in width. 

However, after purchasing our vehicle we headed up to Steve at Child Safe Hunter Valley to fit the three car seats. He is the best in knowing what seats will fit your vehicle and has a range of different approved child restraints for you to purchase at very affordable prices.
NB: Steve is always fully booked so you will need to ensure you phone and book your car in a few days in advance.
For more information on what seats are best or to have restraints fitted, call Steve at Child Safe Hunter Valley (based at the Lower carpark or John Hunter Hospital) on PH: 4921 3373.

Genetics Fitness Childminding
3rd October

Each Saturday morning when I head to Woolies bright and early, I see many a yummy mummy in their gym gear. I think to myself that that should be me and I need to start getting into shape as I can't keep using the 'Oh I've just had a baby' excuse any longer as she is now 13 months old.

As we now come into summer, the clothes become smaller yet the body gets bigger. Time to get an action plan!
Call me a baby but I always hate the beginning of summer when the flies start to come out to play. They seem to be sticker than ever and 10 times more than the end of summer. Problem is when the flies settle down..the mossies heat up.
This rules out any outdoor fitness activities for me. So I guess I need to start looking at Gyms. Airconditioned and indoors which are two great factors for summer.

Did you know that Genetics Fitness centre in Warners Bay has a child minding facility? As a family owned business they recognise the importance of family. Their safe and fun facility gives members the opportunity to focus on their fitness knowing that their children are in excellent care.
The childminding service is located downstairs and adjacent to reception. The childminding caters to a wide variety of ages and kids can watch TV, play boardgames, do arts and craft or just socialise with the other children in the facility.
This service operates Mon-Fr 9am-11.30am and 4.20pm and 7.20pm and costs $2 per child or $3 per family.

This sounds great! I now only need to get off the computer and do something about it! For more information go to www.geneticsfitness.com.au.

Make sure you check out the kids fitness class at Genetics in our school holiday section on the 14th October.

GP Access-PH:1300 130 147
16th July 2009

With winter now set in for the next couple of months, the coughs and colds seem to be on the increase in pre-schools and schools.
The Swine Flu epidemic has hit our region and although we are not worried at this stage, (even though our GP surgery has a large sign on the front door to apply a  mask before entering if you have a cough or fever symptons) it is still at the back of our minds should our kids start getting flu like symptoms especially late at night when the surgerys are closed.
We have used the services of GP access several times across a number of years and cannot speak highly enough of it. The GP access phone number is kept on our fridge for a quick reference should we need to seek medical advice.

GP Access After Hours provides comprehensive after hours primary medical care for patients of the Hunter Urban Region. Telephone Advice is provided by Registered Nurses who will help you decide what to do if you or someone you know has a medical problem after hours. The nurses will ask a number of questions about the patient you are calling about and based on the symptoms will either offer medical advice or tell you to come to a GP access clinic to see the  GP on duty  if the patient seems critical.

There are five clinics operating in Hunter New England Area Health Service facilities. Each clinic is staffed by a GP and a registered nurse with clerical support. The clinics are located at Maitland Hospital, Belmont Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, Westlakes community health centre, Newcastle community health centre.

Remember that GP access should only be called if the situation is not an emergency. All medical emergencies should be phoned through to 000.
PHONE : 1300 130 147