NEW PROJECTS

e-SAFETY PROJECT with MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES COUNCIL OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Rios

We were invited by Multicultural Communities Council of SA to be part of a research and information project titled e-Safety.

In an attempt to get our heads around on what our teenagers are talking on line and with whom they are connecting, this project is perfect to learn parental control, learn legal aspects and general information about how internet and social media can be an asset to your children instead of a nasty experience.

This project will have a life of about 18 months, we are in the process of appointing network members and gaining information from the communities through a questionnaire for both parents and teenagers, and find out where they are in the scheme of things and then plan information sessions to educate community members on this very important area.

Thank you to our volunteers and project participants who are keen to have their voices heard.

Anyone interested in this topic, feel free to contact me on hwasa.adelaide@gmail.com

ADVANCE CARE DIRECTIVES with ETHNIC COMMUNITIES COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

By Jacqueline Riviere

We were invited by the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA) - a National Peak Body that represents the interest of CALD Communities in Australia to be part of a project focusing on the Advanced Care Directives (ACD) and My Health Record.

Advance Care Directives workshops

The aim of the project was to hear directly from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, to better understand how they are interacting with existing digital services, but more importantly, how those decision-making processes in health can be made easier by online services.

We ran 2 information sessions. Over 50 community members participated on this workshop/consultation to discuss these 4 questions with our Hispanic Speaking communities

1.What do you know about Advance Care Directives (ACD)? or Have you talked to anyone about your future healthcare and making decisions about your health?

2.Why is ACD important? or Do you think it is important to plan ahead when it comes to your health? If yes, who do you involve in that conversation?

3.What is My Health Record (MHR)? or where do you keep your medical information stored or when you or anyone else needs it? Do you often use any online systems/services?

4.Why is it important to add your ACD to your MHR? or If you could draw up a plan for your future health care related decisions and treatment preferences, would you use an online platform?

It was very evident after doing these consultation workshops and receiving feedback from our community members that there was a need for education, information and awareness of the benefits of planning and discussing with our family and loved ones the need to put in place Advance Care Directives and Accessing and Using My Health Record online, in case of an unexpected emergency or fatal accident. Also, that our wishes are respected by family members and medical professionals. These are awkward conversations we need to have in our families and communities.

We are very grateful for FECCA to have provided the financial assistance for us to have these difficult and necessary conversations in our communities as well as the need to learn to navigate digital online services.

Art Gallery Of South Australia

By Jael Rojas

HWASA is delighted to be working and supporting our other Latin American community groups and linking them with the Art Gallery of SA.

As community organisations that value culture and art, we hope to develop a working group that will support future artists from our cultural backgrounds.

We look forward to contribute further with the Frida and Diego: Love and Revolution art exhibition from 24 June –17 September 2023.

As our HWASA member, you are invited to share an article with us.

We are calling it ‘Connections and Reflexions’ Just send it to: hwasa.adelaide@gmail.com and we would love to share it in our HWASA newsletter. It may be a cultural poem, recipe of a cultural dish, or a point of view you feel strongly about.

THE POWER OF SELF-CARE

by Lucy Satisteban

There is nothing more difficult for a woman than accepting that suddenly, she has left herself behind. Yes, life is busy in this modern world, and our multitasking nature makes us forget the importance of self-care. Like many of you, one day, I turned to the mirror to realize that time was never for me but for others around me. I was at the bottom of my daily list of things to do, sometimes by accident, and other times by life circumstances. However, life is wise, and things turn up and down when you least expect them. It is in those moments when life reminds us that not only can one change the pattern, but oneself.

Connections And Reflexions

Self-care is something that no one teaches us, and it has become a more popular topic in recent years. So, before you turn the page, I would like to share the most powerful strategies I have learned to practice self-care.

1.Set boundaries: This means learning to say NO to commitments that drain your time and energy and saying YES to activities that bring you joy and fulfilment.

2.Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. Everyone makes mistakes, and learning to be patient and understanding with you when things do not go as planned makes all the difference.

3.Prioritize rest and relaxation: These are two essential aspects of life for overall health and well-being. It is up to you to make it happen, but my best advice is to remind yourself that it is okay not to be okay. Getting a good sleep is always the best way to restore yourself and taking a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect is always permitted. Nourish your body: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practicing physical activities are all crucial for physical and mental health. Taking care of your body can help you feel more energized and focused throughout the day.

4.Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and fully experiencing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce stress and improve your overall sense of wellbeing. Do not get me wrong, there's nothing better than enjoying the moment!

5.Engage in activities that bring you joy: Yes, anything and everything is fine, as long as it brings you joy and fulfilment.

This can include hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or taking part in activities that nourish your spirit.

6.Seek professional support: Sometimes self-care means asking for help. Whether it is talking to a trusted friend, seeking out professional support, or joining a support group, there are many resources available to help you navigate life's challenges. Do not wait more and remember you must be your own priority.

Finally, just stand in front of your mirror and look at the beautiful and unique woman you are! Remind yourself that you are worthy, and you don't need approval to conquer your own world.

Go for it!

DID YOU KNOW STRESS CONTRIBUTES TO WEIGHT GAIN?

by Patricia Lozano, Nutritional Coach

https://www.healthynaturalways.net/.

When we are in stressful circumstances, we tend to increase our consumption of sugary and fatty foods that often contain many refined carbohydrates. Our appetite increases due to the augment of grehlin, the “hunger hormone” which stimulates food intake, which is why many people under stress use comfort food consumption as a coping mechanism.

Additionally, we probably limit the time spent shopping, preparing and cooking healthy meals, which results in higher consumption of fast, convenient and ready-to-eat plates. We also reduce our time dedicated to planned physical activity and disrupt our sleep onset and quality, which reduces energy levels and increases the desire for sedentary activities.

Stress also stimulates cortisol release, the main “stress hormone” which upsurges bloodstream sugars, increasing the risk of chronic conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity due to fat build-up principally around the abdomen.

Being mindful, active and maintaining a healthy diet, can prepare you to manage daily challenging situations and avoid long-term stress that can lead to depression and anxiety.

If you are interested in learning more or need support to improve your lifestyle, visit our web page:

CREAMY RISE PUDDING (COLOMBIAN DISH)

by Estrella Avila

This rice pudding is the best I have ever tasted, and it gets great reviews from everyone who tastes it! Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. For creamier pudding, use short or medium-grain rice.

Rice Pudding:

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this classic rice pudding recipe:

· Rice: This creamy rice pudding recipe starts with white rice cooked normally until tender.

· Milk: You'll need two cups of milk, divided.

· Sugar: The rice pudding is sweetened with white sugar or Condensed milk a quarter or half a jar to your sweet taste.

· Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavour of the other ingredients, but it won't make the pudding taste salty.

· Raisins: Raisins lend bursts of fruity flavour.

· Whipping Cream: Cream adds even more moisture and richness.

· Vanilla: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavour of the rice pudding.

Ingredients

 1 ½ cups cold water

 ¾ cup uncooked white rice

 2 cups milk, divided



⅓ cup white sugar or a medium can condense milk

 ¼ teaspoon salt

 ⅔ cup golden raisins

 200mL whipping Cream

 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat; stir in rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Combine cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, condensed milk, and salt in a clean saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thick and creamy, about 15 minutes.

Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk and raisins; cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir with vanilla until combined, sprinkle with cinnamon; serve warm or cold according to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 mins.

Cook Time: 40 mins.

Total Time: 50 mins.

Servings: 4 ENJOY!!!

MY LIFESTYLE TRANSFORMATION by

Dr Tihui Cervantes

As a woman and as a mother, I am delighted about sharing the most significant experience of my life, the vegan lifestyle, which has become my passion. But, how did I turn vegan overnight you may ask? The answer lies in the love for my son. Let me explain…

Ander, my second son who is now 19 years old, became a radical vegan at the age of 14 influenced by his best friend. At home, we did not understand what Ander was doing, and he felt rejected. He would fight and get angry because there were eggs, meat, fish, ham and cow's milk in our fridge. He had become an activist and became involved with some of the most renowned international activists. One day, he came home from school and told me that his classmates had thrown pieces of meat at his face when he entered the classroom. That episode broke my heart, even though he seemed to cope quite well with that. It is then when I reflected that if my son had been influenced by veganism and not by alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction or gambling, it was a good thing.

In that moment, I decided to support him. We would be in that together and no one would make fun of him or hurt him because mum would be on his side. I shared with him my decision about going vegan and told him that I wanted to learn from him, and that we both would walk this path together and that he would never be alone.

It was from then that a beautiful bond emerged between mother and son. Ander instructed me on the subject, shared information with me, and taught me the most amazing things about life. I realised that motherhood and love meant the world to me since my son became my best friend. It is clear to me what mothers are capable of doing for our children and how much we can learn from them when we cultivate such special connection.