On The Coast - Families August/September 2021

on the

FREE

coast ISSUE 113 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

FAMILIES

Constipation in

children

SURVIVAL:

the next generation of global safety

Expectations & mama guilt!

CENTRAL COAST’S FAVOURITE FAMILY MAGAZINE

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Welcome

Inside 9 Constipation in Children 10 SURVIVAL: The next

Wow! Our first edition of On The Coast Families since taking over the reins from the wonderful Debbie and Simone. This is definitely not where we thought we would be personally or as a community, in the middle of another lock down, over a year from when it first begun.

As we sit and write this welcome, our hearts go out to all the families in the community.

generation of global safety

Though this may not be our ideal beginning, we have never been more committed to continuing the legacy that is On The Coast, regardless of the obstacles that stand in our way.

So as we embark on this amazing journey with a passion and desire to provide the families and businesses on the Central Coast with all the support we can, now and for many years to come, we reflect on this stoic saying – “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” ~ Epictetus

12 Supporting your children through tantrums and meltdowns

18 Help! I don’t know if I should remove dairy from my child’s diet

And with that, we are choosing to respond with love and gratitude.

To our wonderful contributors, advertisers and loyal readers, we thank you for your continued support and to all our fellow Coasties, we are thinking of you, keep safe and stay strong!

Hello and welcome to our first edition of On the Coast Families!

Tanzie & Luke 21 5 steps to stop indecision...

Art Director/Editor Tanzie Carpenter tanzie@onthecoastpublications.com.au Production Luke Carpenter luke@onthecoastpublications.com.au Publisher Tanzie Carpenter – Ph: 0414 611 851 Luke Carpenter – Ph: 0405 449 339 trading as On the Coast Publications ABN 52 212 212 482 PO Box 3251, Bateau Bay NSW 2261

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Printing Spotpress Pty Ltd – 9549 1111 Imagery ingimage.com and freepik.com

for good

22 Expectations & mama guilt!

Contributors Dr Samantha Pethen, Alita Blanchard, Clare Marcangelo, Catherine Schasser, Nikki Smith, Jordi Woods, Sam Woods, Vickey Taylor www.onthecoastpublications.com.au

Advertisers and/or advertising agencies upon and by lodging material with the Publisher for publication or authorising or approving of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the Publisher, its servants and agents against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication and without limiting the generality of the fore–going to indemnify each of them in relation to defamation, slander of title, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks or names of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy AND WARRANT that the material compiles with all relevant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the Publisher, its servants or agents and in particular that nothing therein is capable of being misleading or deceptive or otherwise in breach of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974. The views expressed in On the Coast – Over 55 are not necessarily those of the editor or publishing staff. While every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the information in this publication, no responsibility will be accepted by On the Coast – Over 55. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

28 It’s not a “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” approach when it comes to body confidence

30 Winter – Smell the roses AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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THE HEART & MIND COLLECTIVE

Helping the whole person from the The Heart and Mind Collective is a warm and nurturing psychology and allied health practice located in Wyoming.

Their focus is on trauma–informed and relationship–based interventions, with a team who are dedicated to providing high quality mental health support for clients of all ages.

Why The Heart and Mind?

Seeing a mental health professional for the first time can be daunting, but The Heart and Mind offer a beautifully fitted out homely practice for you

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Inside Out

to explore what is important to you.

Experienced clinicians work with you to understand and explore your individual concerns and support you to make choices to move towards change, healing & growth.

What they do?

The Heart & Mind Collective provides treatment for a range of concerns and clinical conditions in children, teens and adults. They utilise neurobiological, trauma–informed and attachment– focused approaches to understand and support you and your family. Their skilled team is trained in a variety of highly regarded evidence–based interventions including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)

and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Their methods engage the whole person, from the inside out, including therapeutic play, sand–tray therapy and body–oriented psychotherapy.

Meet the Team Lindie Nell is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work and over 20 years experience working with children and families. Lindie specialises in developmental trauma, and works with adults and children with attachment difficulties, anxiety and behavioural difficulties.

Leisa Pritchard is a Registered Psychologist who has worked extensively in early intervention. Leisa has

experience working with behavioural issues, complex developmental trauma, PTSD, attachment difficulties, and developmental disorders such as ASD, ADHD and intellectual disability.

Dr Clancy Black is a Clinical Psychology Registrar, completing her Master of Clinical Psychology and PhD in Health Psychology.

Clancy has worked with people who experience anxiety, depression, emotion regulation difficulties, behavioural issues, perfectionism and relationship difficulties, and she has run groups providing parenting training and social skills training

“

Their methods engage the whole person, from the inside out, including therapeutic play, sand–tray therapy and body–oriented psychotherapy.

Sharon Booth is a Registered Psychologist with many years of experience gathered across hospitals, education, community health and private practice. Sharon is experienced in treating depression, anxiety, phobias, panic, adjustment issues, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management and assertiveness skills training.

Rowena Adams, a Mental Health Social Worker, has participated in extensive specialist training and has fifteen years of counselling experience providing play therapy to children and young people. Rowena specialises in the

area of trauma, mental health issues, drug and alcohol intervention and parenting skills training.

Minet Brits runs our group art therapy sessions for adults and children.

She completed a BA in Fine Arts and Psychological Science, and is currently studying her Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The Heart and Mind Collective are currently accepting self–referrals, GP Referred Mental Health Care Plans, and NDIS Self–Managed and Plan–Managed referrals. Get in touch and start your journey today.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.onthecoastpublications.com.au

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CENTRAL COAST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINES

Inspiring and supporting the local community

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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BRISBANE WATERS PRIVATE HOSPITAL

A

hospital experience to remember

When Registered Nurse Adrianne discovered her one year old son would need to have grommets, she was naturally nervous and anxious about what was to come.

While experienced within the nursing field, navigating it as a parent was a completely different experience, according to Adrianne.

“My main concern was making sure that Finley had a smooth journey from start to finish and that he didn’t experience any of the anxiety I was feeling,” she said.

“I really didn’t know what to expect for the procedure or the process but the team at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital walked me through the entire experience so I felt supported and comfortable.”

“I have never seen anything like what they do with the Kid Safari. It was every little touch that added to making Finley feel as comfortable as possible.”

Brisbane Waters Private Hospital’s ‘Caring for Kids’ program is aimed at supporting our littlest of patients and their families who come through for procedures from a range of speciality areas.

All children receive an interactive special children’s admission to a ‘Jungle Safari’ which is jungle themed and includes a welcome pack, safari hat, binoculars and safari map they can use while undertaking a safari tour in a kid– size jeep through to theatre.

Along the way they are encouraged to look out for buffaloes, giraffes, monkeys tigers, flamingos, parrots and other animals hiding along the ward corridors.

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“

I have never seen anything like what they do with the Kid Safari and it was every little touch that added to making Finley feel as comfortable as possible.

To provide further comfort, private rooms are individually named and decorated to suit each child including jungle sheet and doona sets that families can take home with them and a selection of jungle themed food menu options.

“It was amazing seeing Finley react to all this adventure and excitement, it put us both at ease,” Adrianne said.

“The kind and caring staff went above and beyond for Finley and I, especially when he went in for surgery, they talked me through the process and allayed any anxiety or fears I had.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more gentle, compassionate and caring experience for my son and I, and would absolutely return for any future procedures.”

“We made an active choice to go private so we could get him in as soon as possible and it was the best decision I could have possibly made.”

Whether it is a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, grommet insertion, dental, circumcision, plastic surgery or hernia repair there are a wide range of specialist surgeons who participate in the Caring for Kids program at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital, Woy Woy.

“

The kind and caring staff just went above and beyond for Finley and I, especially when he went in for surgery, they talked me through the process and allayed any anxiety or fears I had.

All you need to do to book your ticket on the Jungle Safari is, reach out to your GP or specialist to express your interest in participating in the experience. If your specialist is not listed, get in touch and we may be able to assist.

For more information visit: www.brisbanewatersprivate.com.au/patients/caring–for–kids or call 02 4341 9522

All aboard our Jungle Safari What if your child’s first experience at a hospital could be a positive one?

It can be at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital with all our Jungle Safari experience which begins at admission and continues throughout for our littlest patients.

Upon arrival our pint size patients will be equipped with a safari hat, binnoculars, jeep and backpack before embarking on an animal spotting tour at admission, complete with map. It doesn’t end there with jungle themed food menu, animal decorated bed and bravery awards.

We make their first clinical experience a memorable and fun one for all the right reasons. Find out more at: www.brisbanewatersprivate.com.au/patients/caring-for-kids.

21 Vidler Ave, Woy Woy NSW 2256 T: 4341 9522 / brisbanewatersprivate.com.au

Paediatric ad.indd 1

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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Constipation

in children

Wyong Erina

BY DR SAMANTHA PETHEN

A while ago, I wrote an article about constipation in babies under the age of 6 months.

In this article, we will discuss the possibly less cute, and sometimes, slightly more smelly, poos of older children.

Constipation is a problem that will affect one in three children at some point in their lives, so it is not unusual for it to be a reason children are brought to see us. Generally, you only need to worry about the consistency of your child’s poo and how often they are going if it is causing an issue for them, such as causing tummy pain or pain in the bottom. It is less well known that in some cases, constipation can cause soiling of underpants, or new day or night wetting.

As children get older, several things can happen which can contribute to a change in bowel habit and lead to constipation, these include – Ignoring the urge, for example if they are too busy playing Holding on, after a painful or frightening experience opening their bowels, possibly after passing a large stool after they have been ignoring the urge!

A change in toilet environment, for instance, after changing day care or starting school If your toilet trained child becomes constipated, it is important to encourage them to sit on the toilet at least three times a day, setting a timer to encourage them to stay for between 3–5 minutes and rewarding them with a suitably exciting reward or sticker chart!

Sometimes boys need reminding to sit to poo every day if they have started to wee standing up.

The position your child adopts to sit on the toilet can make a big difference. Their feet should be resting flat, maybe on a stool, with their knees above the level of their hips. They should be encouraged to

lean forwards and to push their tummies out, which helps them relax their muscles, helping the poo find its way out.

Diet is less of a factor in treating constipation in children than adults, but increasing fibre intake is important and can help stop it recurring. This can be done by trying to encourage at least three serves of vegetables and two serves of fruits a day, wholemeal bread in place of white bread, and offering less processed cereals for example Weetbix or porridge in place of Cornflakes or Rice Bubbles. High intake of cow’s milk, and not drinking enough water can also contribute to constipation.

If these strategies don’t help, or your child is distressed by their bowel habits, it may be time to seek professional help, which may be in the form of your GP or an Early Childhood Health Clinic. Very rarely do we need to arrange an x–ray or other investigations to diagnose constipation, usually we are able to do this by listening carefully to the history and feeling your child’s tummy.

Sometimes a laxative will be recommended. There are many different types, and the specific one right for your child’s situation will be decided by your health care professional. These medications are very safe and will not cause a ‘lazy bowel’. They may need to be continued for weeks, and maybe even months, and it is important that they are not stopped too soon or too suddenly, or there is a high chance the constipation will return.

So, in summary, constipation is a very common issue that will affect one in three children at one time or another. Usually, it will respond to simple strategies that can be tried before seeing your GP. If medication is needed, it may need to be used for some months, and it is important to be aware that these medications are very safe for children and must not be finished too soon or too suddenly or the constipation may recur.

Dr Samantha Pethen trained as a doctor in the UK after wanting to be a GP since she was at Primary School. She has been a GP on the Central Coast for 13 years. Follow Your Family Doctors at Erina on Facebook and Instagram for great health tips and information!

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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SURVIVAL: the next generation of global safety

In the lead–up to Father’s Day, On the Coast Families has teamed up with SURVIVAL – a family–owned, Coastie business of more than 30 years – to give you the chance to WIN one of their fantastic, fully stocked

Family First Aid Kits.

Head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages to find out more!

Facebook /onthecoastfamilies Instagram @onthecoastfamilies

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O N T H E C OA S T – FAM ILIES

A family–run business based in Erina and started more than 30 years ago, SURVIVAL has become a leader in first aid innovation, education and empowerment for individuals and workplaces around the globe.

Led today by the dynamic duo of Mike Tyrrell and Jordan Green, SURVIVAL has evolved to become an international distributor of its leading first aid kits, an innovator in contact–free workplace safety solutions, and continues to enhance health and safety across all aspects of daily life.

From Pet First Aid Kits to SMART Snakebite Solutions, to working from home resources and a free iFirstAid app to keep you safe 24/7, SURVIVAL is dedicated to continue the legacy of its founders, twin brothers Tim and Jerry Tyrrell, for the next three decades and beyond.

CEO Mike Tyrrell says SURVIVAL has always been about more than just first aid products, with the business’ philanthropic focus seeing them giving away more than 50,000 first aid kits and educating countless individuals in proper first aid practices.

“Dad and Jerry set out to empower and protect as many people around the world as possible and help prepare them for any emergency situation,” says Mike.

“We (Jordan and I and the rest of Team SURVIVAL) want to uphold this legacy and deliver on the promise to take first aid tools, resources and education to all corners of the earth to help create a safer world for us all.”

No stranger to overcoming adversity, Mike is a survivor of the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami that hit Thailand in 2004, and has witnessed first–hand the need for first aid education and proper safety tools and practices in all corners of the globe.

“After running for my life to survive the tsunami, I spent the next few days working with other survivors to free people from the debris and help transport anyone who was capable back to safety,” adds Mike.

“This is an experience I will never forget and one which has instilled in me more than ever that we need to all do what we can to enable every individual and community to live happier, safer lives wherever possible.”

Director of Marketing & IT, Jordan Green, is the digital mastermind behind SURVIVAL’s transformation who is ensuring this vision becomes a reality.

“We are continually looking at ways we can make first aid more accessible for more people,” says Jordan.

“We’ve just launched the latest release of our free iFirstAid app, which features step–by–step instructions and educational video resources to guide people through common emergency situations and help them remain calm and in control.

“It also includes international emergency contacts, immunisation records, find my family tracking and direct emergency services notifications, to help keep people safe wherever they are.”

Jordan explains that revolutionary resources such as the iFirstAid app come from constantly listening to customer feedback about how to adapt and improve in the first aid space.

“We are always listening to feedback from our customers and the broader community about how we can grow and develop to best cater for people’s changing first aid needs,” Jordan adds.

“This has helped us adapt to offer PPE and personal safety equipment such as masks and sanitiser to individuals and businesses throughout the COVID–19 pandemic and collaborate with people like former Ironman Guy Leech to encourage the widespread up–take of

“

We are continually looking at ways we can make first aid more accessible for more people. lifesaving defibrillators.

“It has also led to the development of some of our most popular first aid products including the SMART Snake Bandage and Snake Bite Kit, the SURVIVAL SWAP audit compliance program for workplaces, and most recently, the Pet First Aid Kit to make sure every member of the family is safe and protected.”

SURVIVAL celebrates the launch of its Family First Aid KIT this month.

For all the latest in first aid innovation visit survival.net.au or be part of the SURVIVAL community on socials at: Facebook /SurvivalFirstAid Instagram @survivalfirstaid or Search ‘SURVIVAL’ on Pinterest and LinkedIN. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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Supporting your children through tantrums and meltdowns

BY ALITA BLANCHARD, PARENT COACH

One of the most difficult and challenging parts of early parenthood is when your sweet baby hits the toddler stage and starts to have some BIG feelings. These are commonly called ‘toddler tantrums’ and as they grow, those tantrums can become intense ‘meltdowns’.

As much as this stage can take many parents by surprise and trigger fear, pain and anger, your child is NOT ‘terrible’.

They are not ‘bad’ or ‘naughty’. They are a young child with an underdeveloped brain that needs to be supported and listened to.

Tantrums and meltdowns are a communication When a child is crying, having a tantrum or a meltdown it is likely related to: A feeling of disconnection Unmet needs Lacking information Painful feelings, stress or unprocessed trauma

When you can understand these emotional releases are simply a form of communication, you can start building tools to meet their needs, increase connection, acknowledge their feelings and help your child.

Learning to listen to their feelings The most powerful tool is learning to stay present with your child while they release their emotions and simply listen.

AND this can be the hardest thing to do for many parents because it is not part of our conditioning.

You were likely raised in an environment that never listened to your feelings – your tears, anger and upset – and so now as a parent your natural tendency may be to stop your child’s big emotions. This might look like punishment, time out, distraction with food or TV or walking away.

The problem with these tactics is that they can set up your child to have even bigger tantrums as their needs are not being met. Their painful feelings are being ignored and suppressed and will possibly come out in the form of even bigger meltdowns.

Time outs and other forms of punishment may work in the short term but long term can have considerable

impacts on a child’s attachment, belief system and sense of acceptance and belonging.

Taking a holistic approach to supporting your child If you are facing regular meltdowns and challenging behaviour in your home, there are some things you might want to consider from a holistic perspective.

1.

Increasing nutrient dense food.

More vegetables, fruit, good fats, proteins, fermented foods and limiting sugar – follow @jokate_nutrition on Instagram.

2.

Toxins in your home – cleaning products, shampoo, common household sprays, scented candles can have toxic impacts on our children’s brains. Follow @lowtoxlife for insights. It needs to be a small steps journey as this can feel overwhelming.

3.

Try holistic care – find a kinesiologist, chiropractor, osteopath or occupational therapist who is supportive and knowledgeable in children’s development, brain science, vagus nerve and releasing suppressed emotions.

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ON T H E C OA S T – FA M ILIES

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I can empathize with how difficult it is finding support for your child when you may yourself be struggling with exhaustion, sleep deprivation, lack of emotional support and financial resources. Just take that one next step forward.

What is your biggest struggle when it comes to big emotions like anger and rage in your home? Do you have a support system in place? If not, I suggest making a basic action plan based on the above and starting to find support people. We are not meant to raise children in isolation.

4.

Less activities – children don’t need lots of structured adult led activities especially under the age of 7. They need more nature, more slow, more unstructured play, more presence of adults to listen and guide.

5.

Special time – one on one time to connect and release big feelings through connected play – refer post @alitablanchardspace on Instagram.

6.

Rest – sleep is critical. If you are struggling, this is where I advocate for Aware Parenting, listening to big feelings and attachment play as a component of improving sleep. #awareparenting #cryinginarms.

7.

Listen to big feelings – this is the core of the work I am so passionate about. Guiding you, the parent, to understand why you get so triggered,

why you resort to punishment, time outs, threats and reward systems, why you yell scream and rage. So that you can find more capacity to listen to your child’s big feelings.

8.

Support systems – to be able to listen to our children’s feelings we MUST have someone to listen to ours. If you don’t have a partner or friend who can hold this sort of listening space for you (many people can’t), try therapy, counselling, listening partnerships, mothers circles, parent coaching, emotions coaching or listening time.

“

When you can understand these emotional releases are simply a form of communication, you can start building tools to meet their needs, increase connection, acknowledge their feelings and help your child.

Alita Blanchard is a mother of 4 young boys (including a stillborn son Remy) on the NSW Central Coast. She is a trauma informed Conscious Parent Coach, Emotional Release Coach, Women’s Circle and Rites of Passage facilitator. She provides regular mothers circles, workshops, events, listening time and parent coaching programs. Alita is passionate about creating a safe space for mothers to feel heard and seen in the intensity of their motherhood journey. She supports and guides mothers in their transformation through motherhood and helps to bring awareness to their own needs and emotions so they can feel more aligned, aware and connected to themselves and their children. www.theawaremama.com.au Socials: @alitablanchardspace Email alitablanchard@gmail.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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Smile, DENTAL AT LAKE HAVEN

With Dental Health Week held in the first week of August each year, our teams at Dental at Lake Haven, Dental at Kanwal wand Dental at ATUNE would like to promote this year’s theme, “keeping your smile for life”.

Our team of warm, friendly, knowledgeable staff are dedicated to the health and well–being of their patients.

We also believe in taking a holistic approach to health care as we know that good oral health is integral to good general health. We like to ensure that every patient that enters our care has a wonderful experience as we understand that dental phobia is real, so we try to help minimize anxiety related to visiting the Dentist.

We know that mouth is the ‘window to the rest of our body’ and scientific studies have demonstrated strong links between oral health and chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, just to name a few.

So…When was your last dental check up?

Did you know that you and your family should aim to visit your friendly Oral Health Care Practitioner at least once every 6 months for a preventative dental examination? During this screening we not only carefully examine

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ON T H E C OA S T – FA M ILIES

because happy looks good on you!

your teeth and gums, but we also screen for oral cancer, assess your breathing, check for any malocclusion, identify risk factors for oral disease and provide extensive oral hygiene education. Don’t wait for a toothache, prevent one!

FACT: Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth!

We have many patients often asking us if baby teeth are important. The answer is, YES! They play a crucial role in guiding permanent teeth into position, as well as for speaking, eating and smiling.

The Australian Dental Association recommends that kids have their first visit to the dentist by 12 months of age.

Early detection and prevention of oral disease is essential for helping keep our children happy and healthy.

We pride ourselves in making your child’s oral health a priority and early intervention is the key.

We also love making your child’s visit to the dentist light–hearted and fun, helping reassure your child that coming to the dentist is not something to be fearful of. We love making our paediatric patients balloon animals and rewarding them for being brave.

Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common disease in childhood and it is entirely preventable?

It is advised to start brushing your child’s teeth from the moment your child’s first tooth erupts.

Aim to brush your child’s teeth at least twice per day for 2 minutes with a small, soft–bristle toothbrush.

Assist your child with tooth brushing

4 KEY MESSAGES FOR GOOD ORAL HEALTH

brushing twice per day, we you to help your children floss daily also. You can floss your child’s teeth as soon as there are two teeth touching together.

until they reach the age of at least 9 or 10 years of age.

Which toothpaste should we use?

It is encouraged to use a small amount of low dose fluoride toothpaste from as early as 18 months old. When your child is approximately 6 years of age, swap them to a regular dose fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride in toothpaste helps strengthen your child’s enamel. We encourage children to spit out toothpaste but not to rinse it off their teeth.

Children love to imitate us so set a good example and brush together.

Should I floss my child’s teeth?

If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 35% of tooth surfaces! In addition to

What else can I do to help keep my child’s smile healthy?

Offer your children a healthy and balanced diet and limit sugar intake.

Water is essential to help our bodies function properly and feel healthy.

Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks are not recommended for children at all. Try to avoid foods that are sticky or sweet or prepackaged. Grazing or snacking too frequently can lead to increased acid attacks and subsequently an increased risk of tooth decay. Remember in this heavily processed world, fresh food is always best!

A smile is the best thing that you can wear!

We can’t emphasise enough about how important good oral health care habits are. By practicing these good oral health care habits at home, you’ll be making sure that your child has a bright, healthy smile that will last a lifetime!

Come and see us today at one of our three locations and our amazing team will take care of all of your oral health needs.

Dental at Lake Haven

PHONE 4392 6466

Dental at Kanwal

PHONE 4393 0020

Dental at ATUNE

PHONE 4089 2800

Smile, because happy looks good on you!

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www.dentalatlakehaven.com.au FOLLOW US ON @DENTALATLAKEHAVEN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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Help! I don’t know if I should remove dairy from my child’s diet.

BY CLARE MARCANGELO

This is a common issue for many parents these days, it seems. With many children having varying issues with dairy, it is important for parents to know the facts, so that they can build their child a diet that will serve them best.

One of the biggest problems parents may come across is not really understanding the cause for their child’s issue. Often they cut out dairy, switch to A2 milk, or just to lactose free products without really knowing what would be the right option.

You see, issues with dairy can come

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O N T H E C OA S T – FAM ILIES

in more than one form. If need be, your paediatrician or Immunologist will be able to diagnose your child with either of the following: Your child may have a full dairy allergy. This is the trickiest to manage, as care must be taken to completely avoid any products that may even have traces of dairy, and unfortunately, this is a long list. Symptoms for this condition can range from tummy aches, bloating, and diarrhoea all the way to full anaphylaxis.

You will be happy to hear though, that unlike many allergies, a large percentage of childhood dairy allergies do resolve over time, so be sure to work with your immunologist to revisit dairy when and if this becomes an option.

The other option is lactose intolerance, which is quite different as it means a lack of the enzyme Lactase – responsible for the breakdown of lactose. Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar within cow’s milk. In this case, people may choose to still completely avoid dairy, however it is possible to consume “Lactose–free” milk products without any discomfort.

Many parents report this to be a game changer for their children, but again, it’s essential to check in with a health professional to determine if this is indeed the case. As we now know the potential effects of gut health on the rest of the body, continually consuming a potential allergen will keep contributing to an imbalance within the gut and could begin

to really start a cascade of other health issues, so its best to know what our child needs.

In addition to this, many families find that just switching to A2 milk has resolved their child’s minor digestion issues. This may be because they had trouble digesting A1 casein – the protein in most cow’s milk. Jersey cows are seldom farmed for milk currently, however they produce a different “casein” or milk protein, called A2. If you would like to try this, there are other options in addition to branded A2 milk, Harris farm stocks a jersey milk, as does Johnson’s Farmgate – an independent farm who run a stall at the Gosford Farmer’s market containing jersey milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Again, although this is a wonderful option, it is best to seek advice if your child suffers from significant symptoms as merely changing to A2 will not help someone experiencing lactose intolerance or milk allergy.

“

One of the biggest problems parents may come across is not really understanding the cause for their child’s issue. Often they cut out dairy, switch to A2 milk, or just to lactose free products without really knowing what would be the right option.

The next question that parents have is this – if I remove dairy my child will miss out on their daily calcium, wouldn’t it be better to just keep it in? The answer is always, no, and no. If we consume something our body cannot tolerate and continue to increase damage to our gut lining, we increase our chances of nutrient malabsorption. So then, no matter how terrific your little one’s diet is, they may start to not absorb all of the nutrients from their foods, and they need every last one to help with growth, development, learning and mood.

I often see diets where either the parent is easing back on dairy to not cause too much upset, or the child is intuitively avoiding it, and in these cases they may only be consuming one slice of cheese or half a cup of milk a day. Both of these each only amount to ½ serve of dairy for children, and as the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend children consume 1 ½ serves a day, many children

are not meeting the mark anyway.

This is where I suggest the silver lining – when we restrict a diet we pay attention to it. For example, its so common for children to regularly only have a slice of ham or two bites of chicken as their meat for the entire day, whereas a parent who finds themselves with a newly vegetarian child will most likely obsessively tally up their child’s zinc, iron and plant–based protein sources to make sure they stay healthy.

The same can be seen in a dairy–free diet– there are so many options we can use to fill the gaps.

Examples of calcium rich foods (other than dairy) – are chia, sunflower seeds, pea protein, kale, butternut pumpkin and sweet potato, sesame seeds, mustard greens, broccoli and rocket to name a few.

So if your child does need to exclude dairy for a time, don’t panic, just think outside the box.

Clare Marcangelo is a local registered Nutritionist and former Early Childhood practitioner who specialises in children’s health. As a mum herself, she knows how hard it can be to make even the smallest of changes to a family diet.

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19

Enrolling Now for 2022 and Beyond ET Australia Secondary College is an independent Years 7 to 12 high school which equips students with the literacy and numeracy skills to be successful in employment and/or future study by delivering the mainstream curriculum in a safe and supportive learning environment.

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With over 94% of graduates engaging in further studies or a career, you can be confident ET Australia Secondary College will equip your child with the skills to be successful in ongoing studies and employment.

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20

ON T H E C OA S T – FA M ILIES

5 Steps To Stop Indecision…

FOR GOOD

BY CATHERINE SCHASSER

Gone are the days of only cows milk, juice or water to drink, a baked dinner on Sunday and extra–curricular activities that equal playing in the street.

Today we’re blessed with options of milks (anyone for almond, soy, coconut, rice, oat or lactose free?), snacks, shops, ways to connect, a zillion activities for children to undertake and so much more.

From apps to oils, television shows to characters on children’s clothing, choices are available at every turn. But is the impact of these choices more than just financial? The research says yes, and it’s called Decision Fatigue.

Medicinal News Today describes decision fatigue as “the idea that after making many decisions, a person’s ability to make additional decisions becomes worse. The psychological effects of decision fatigue can vary, potentially leading to difficulty in making right decisions, impulse buying, or other avoidance behaviours.”

If you rate yourself between 1–10, one meaning you experience severe decision fatigue to ten, feeling confident to make efficient and effective decisions, what would your number be? If you rated yourself a seven or above in decision making, you can stop reading now. If however, you struggle with decision making I offer the following five tips to bring clarity and confidence to your life. Recently a coaching client shared she’d been agonizing over a decision for months. We talked through her scenario using these strategies as a guide, and in 15 minutes, she’d come to a decision about a topic that had previously seemed impossible to make.

Let’s start: 1. What area of life is this decision related to? For instance, is it family, finances, health, career, goals or something else?

Gaining clarity over the most impacting area this problem relates to will help you remain focussed on what’s relevant to the issue and your decision making.

1. 1. .

2. Brain dump ALL the thoughts you have related to this decision. The good, the bad, the strange and the seemingly unimportant. It all matters. Set a timer and keep writing until you’ve jotted down EVERY possible idea, issue or scenario you can think of.

3. Determine your values, that is, what REALLY matters to you about this decision. Be aware, your default values might be influenced from your childhood, society or your current ‘tribe’ (think friends, family or colleagues).

To make a decision – even if it’s not the ‘right’ decision – you must gain clarity over what matters to you in this situation.

4. In contrast to the previous point, do you need to consider anyone else with regard to this decision? Why or why not?

For instance, is this a decision that will impact your family or workplace? Will you require support from others? If these factors are not already stated in your brain dump, add them now.

5. Explore your personal thoughts about a ‘right’ decision compared to a ‘wrong’ decision. Coaching 101 is the understanding that your thoughts create your feelings. If you are putting a large and negative perception on making the ‘wrong’ decision, this will prevent you making any choice at all.

“There are no wrong decisions, only feedback.”

“Making any decision is better than continued procrastination.”

“I have the ability, free will and choice to change my mind if something doesn’t work.”

“I am resourceful, thoughtful and capable. I will be ok no matter what.”

“I trust myself.”

“I’m supported.”

Finally, your indecision is in fact, a decision in itself. It is a decision not to choose. This back and forth of pros and cons, what ifs and second–guessing, is causing more anxiety and fatigue than making a decision and monitoring the result for feedback. In short, choose something. Anything.

The more aligned you are to your life values, the easier decision making becomes (see step 3 above). Practice decision making with simple choices everyday to increase your decision– making muscle which in turn will reinforce your confidence, increase self–trust, develop competence, decrease fatigue and model effective decision– making to those you care about.

“Enjoy the right choices.

Trust the wrong choices.

Stay grateful for both.”

The best decision you’ll make is the choice to trust yourself.

Sincerely, Catherine

Through these 5 steps, you’ve explored your thoughts. Now it’s time to make your thoughts work FOR you, not against you. Examples of this could be:

Catherine Schasser is a qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher, Life Coach & NLP practitioner, Catherine uses her skills, passions and experience to empower others. Catherine is co–owner of Developing Dreams, an award–winning company helping mothers and early childhood leaders maintain their mindset and create a life they dream of.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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Expectations & mama guilt!

MAMA GUILT, WE ALL EXPERIENCE IT!!

Guilt – Some mamas say they never live a day without it.

We worry. Did we give enough of our time today? Did I feed him well enough? She hardly slept today and yesterday, is she cutting her day sleeps or was it because I met my girlfriend for a coffee?

We feel overstretched by the demands of a busy household, the juggle of work and our kids. Spending time with friends and your partner. There are days where we might think to ourselves ‘is this it? Is this part of some divine plan to have me feeling like a nervous wreck!?’

Motherhood introduces us to so many varied mind states, such extremes of

BY NIKKI SMITH

emotions that can feel so unfamiliar and at times disturbing. We will swing from one to the other. Revisiting old wounds, and hurts.

We also try to hide all of these feelings due to undulating pressure on ourselves and from our friends and family, society as a whole. Because we are supposed to feel ‘good’ about being in this place called mamahood.

We are so quick to judge each other too for feeling all of this and some. Then those mama guilt feelings come up again because we shouldn’t be feeling this way.

Most harshly though, we will judge ourselves.

Anxiety can creep in ever so slowly, along with feelings of despair and loneliness, boredom and restlessness. All of this along with feelings of more guilt for feeling this way and feeling anything but ‘blessed.’

As a parent there are so many ‘should do’s,’ ‘I should be more patient’ I should be more organised.’ Often this word tends to activate the disobey button in us & we do exactly what we ‘should not!’

For example, drinking a glass of wine on a Monday night when we have said to ourselves ‘Ah I really shouldn’t!’

When we are tired from all of the ‘should do’s’ that we ‘should’ be doing we tend to take it out on our little ones, and we will snap. Instead of thinking to yourself, ‘I really ‘should’ have more patience’ perhaps it would be a better alternative to look at the ‘why’ for your reaction.

What’s coming up for you to allow your never ending to do list to create stress and disharmony, therefore taking it out on your child/ren because you lack in energy??

Is this an opportunity for you to take

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O N T H E C OA S T – FAM ILIES

that 10 minutes out for yourself and STOP the mama guilt and the ‘I should be doing this list?’

Because in the end, who is that really benefiting? Yes, your laundry’s done, your dishes are clean, your house is tidy, dinners cooked, and the cars been washed, but could at least one of those ‘should do’s’ be completed later or even tomorrow?

Could you have taken that opportunity for YOU and then felt better for doing that therefore more able to connect with your little people rather than get short with them?

“Parents aren’t perfect people. They’re people being perfected.” LR Knost.

We as parents need to start dropping the expectations we place on ourselves and open our hearts up as non– judgementally as possible to whatever is happening for us at that time.

Because in those moments of sacrifice, when we are always putting our children’s needs before our own. In those sleepless nights and the ‘trying to keep calm’ throughout a long tumultuous tantrum. It is when the housework is piling up, the never–ending list of your ‘Should do’s’ has begun, it is in these moments that we need to be kind to ourselves, we need to show ourselves some self–compassion because we are doing it, and we are amazing!

This brings me to Self–Compassion; We have already discussed the fact that we all will likely experience some form of mama guilt on the daily. You may notice though that you’re feeling angst and guilt about the same things day in and day out. Could it be that feeling guilty and letting that ‘feeling’ in isn’t working for you? Guilt creates so much frustration and self–loathing it is a repetitive attack upon yourself as a human being– not just as a parent.

To practice self–compassion is to ultimately encounter oneself– to look at you and see your own unique daily struggles. Know that they are OK. Take responsibility for your ‘reactions’ know that it is normal to ‘react’ to your child/ ren rather than to ‘respond’ sometimes,

apologise for your ‘reaction,’ try not to take it too personally.

This opens up a completely different discussion for me, but it needs to be elaborated upon, so let’s talk briefly about YOUR ‘reactions.’ In owning your OWN ‘reactions,’ for example yelling and/or smacking. Knowing that it is unnecessary to ‘react’ and so much more empowering to ‘respond’ (responding may look like you getting down to your little one’s level, or hugging them to then reconnect) to your little one’s behaviour, this is you OWNING your ‘reaction.’

A simple but effective way to OWN your reaction can be as simple as to apologise, to go down to your child’s level and apologise for the way that you reacted. This alone can be incredibly empowering for your child. BUT also empowering for you. This is ultimately about you taking responsibility for your own actions, AND you teaching your child to do the same.

It’s an important part of your unique parenting journey learning tools to better handle upset in intense situations, so

“

Parents aren’t perfect people. They’re people being perfected.

LR Knost. that you are able to create less tension and a more harmonious home. By doing so it will also allow for a discussion to take place, and ALWAYS create the space for renewed connection, as well as an opportunity for positive role modelling.

Your actions & words as a parent, as an adult, create far more meaning than the ‘lectures’ and discussions that you will ever have.

We ALL feel somewhat guilty for how we have reacted to a situation with our toddler but by staying stuck in your guilt it is like saying “I am all mighty and powerful I make everything turn to chaos all by myself!”

Therefore, the mistake, the reaction and/or action that has taken place, is just a small part of your story. It doesn’t define you. Your mistakes are not the definition of who you are as a person. As a parent. Forgive yourself and let it go.

Your child has come to teach you and allow you to grow as a human being.

Parenting will bring you to the core of your ego, always. Our children trigger us because they are ours. “I will be the best parent,” “ I will be the best mother,” every time we fall short of these expectations our children then trigger us – but what our children are really doing is showing us a mirror to our underdeveloped self.”

Dr Shefali Tsbary.

As a mum, no matter where you are on your parenting journey the new reality with your precious child/ren can make you feel like you are ‘losing’ yourself. In fact, it is the complete opposite, being a parent gives us the opportunity to find more of ourselves.

It can give us a chance to seek out the depth of who we are or who we were, so that we can reach that aspect of ourselves and become MORE of who we are now, more of who we want to become, today.

Nikki Smith, is the founder of The Earthway Approach and mother to 3 beautiful, sensitive, and boisterous little women. She has been a Registered Nurse for the past 12 years with a 4-year hiatus in between so that she could focus on being a mum. Nikki also has a Postgraduate in Maternal Child and Family Nursing and has been working and supporting families on the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and now Central Coast of NSW Australia over the past 5 years. She is currently studying counseling and is the author of her newly released book ‘Honest Motherhood- Words of comfort and musings into motherhood.’

Nikki’s expertise is in early infancy and toddler behaviour, she is passionate about maternal and infant mental health and well-being as well as providing wholistic conscious parenting support with a whole family approach. You can find further inspiration, support and information on her upcoming workshops from her socials and website - https://www.instagram.com/the_earthway_approach/ https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthwayApproach/?ref=pages_you_manage https://www.earthwayparenting.com.au/ AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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‘LOVE LOCAL’ in lockdown The extended COVID–19 lock down currently in place for the Central Coast is the perfect time to take advantage of the latest round of Love Local online guides.

The Love Local guides feature an extensive range of Central Coast businesses to make it easier for community members to buy local and support exceptional operators in our region during this challenging time.

Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley said the Love Local guides are featured on the Love Central Coast website and have continued to grow since their launch in 2020.

“Our Love Local online guides highlight the quality, creativity and breadth of businesses that call the Coast home,” Ms Cowley said.

“Shopping locally delivers a substantial boost to our local economy and during difficult times such as the current required lock down this is more important than ever.

“Love Local makes it so easy to connect with local providers and once you’ve made the switch to buy locally you won’t look back.”

Three new Love Local guides are featured on lovecentralcoast.com: Shopping – boutiques, bespoke retailers and local makers and creators who offer home delivery Produce – local producers that offer home delivery Food and drink – restaurants and cafes that offer takeaway and home delivery Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the development and promotion of the guides were an important channel for Council to provide support to local businesses impacted by measures to

control COVID–19.

“Stay at home orders can make it extremely difficult for small businesses to continue to operate and it is vital that local communities rally to support local operators,” Mr Hart said.

“So many exceptional local businesses on the Coast have created ways for us to continue to access their services online and through takeaway and home delivery – so I’d encourage everyone to explore and use the local operators featured in our Love Local online guides.”

Local consumer facing businesses can sign up for a free listing on the Love Central Coast website and benefit from free promotion to Central Coast locals and visitors to the region.

Community members can explore the diverse range of local businesses and the ways they have shifted to safely provide their goods and services online or through takeaway or home delivery at lovecentralcoast.com/lovelocal

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25

ALEX BAILEY – a trailblazer for young women in criminal law

I

t’s hard to believe that Alex Bailey, the winner of the 2021 Lawyers Weekly ‘30 under 30’ Award in the criminal law category, only graduated with a Bachelor of Laws three years ago.

Up against hundreds of applicants from all over Australia, Alex was shocked to be named a finalist, let alone the winner of the award, particularly after noting that finalists and winners in previous years either owned their own firm or were employed by high profile city– based law firms. It was only through the encouragement of the leadership team and her mentors at regional law firm, Conditsis Lawyers, that Alex submitted her application for the award. However, once you understand Alex’s passion and commitment to excellence, which has resulted in some extraordinary outcomes for her clients and the firm over the past twelve months, you appreciate why this talented young lawyer stood out to the judges.

Alex didn’t always aspire to be a lawyer and she freely admits that achieving academically at school didn’t come naturally. Growing up in a modest household in Newcastle as one of seven children, Alex, like many teenagers, had no real concept of what she wanted to do when she left school. A talented dancer, she attended a performing arts school and dreamt of becoming a professional dancer. But she also had a strong desire to contribute to society and couldn’t see a meaningful way to fulfil that desire in the performing arts. The idea of becoming a lawyer was born after her father suffered a severe stroke when she was in Year 11. In need of urgent legal assistance, the family enlisted the

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O N T H E C OA S T – FA M ILIES

help of a respected local lawyer. “My father owned a business and was the breadwinner of our family and we lost everything when he fell ill. So, to see that lawyer come to my dad’s hospital bedside and reassure him that everything would be okay and that he would look after him, and just seeing that sense of relief from my family struck something within me that made me want to be someone like that,” said Alex. From that moment, she made it her mission to knuckle down and earn the marks for entry into law school. Alex was also inspired by her mother, who completed the required studies to work in juvenile justice after twenty years of being a full–time parent.

“My mum, who is of Aboriginal heritage, never had the opportunity to study growing up. In fact, I’m the first female in our entire family on mum’s side to go to university and complete a degree,” she said.

Alex commenced work with Conditsis Lawyers as a legal secretary on the family law team while completing her university studies. Juggling full–time work with full–time studies was a challenge, however it was important to Alex to gain first hand experience.

Inspired by the firm’s directors, Manny Conditsis and Michal Mantaj, both Senior Trial Advocates in criminal law, Alex’s interest in criminal law grew and, twelve months after graduating, she took the initiative to ask Manny if she could transfer to the criminal law team. “Manny said, as long as you have the passion, I will teach you the ways.

And that’s precisely what he has done. I have been very lucky to have him as my mentor,” said Alex. Since the transfer, she has been given many opportunities to learn and develop her skills as a criminal lawyer. A highlight was when she acted as instructing solicitor to Manny on a serious alleged sexual offence case. “My challenge was to collect, document and cross–check the substantial volume of evidence and statements to help convey our client’s case to the Judge,” said Alex.

“I left no stone unturned and took every opportunity to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, which proved integral in our client being acquitted.”

After two years of practising as a

criminal lawyer, Alex has taken some of the firm’s younger secretaries and paralegals under her wing while they complete their tertiary studies. “Having walked that path before, I am actively mentoring them by taking them to Court to learn through observation and giving them exposure to the cases I am working on to help them understand the process, something you don’t get at university,” she said.

Proud to be a young female Indigenous lawyer, Alex has a particular passion for fighting for the underdog, something for which Conditsis Lawyers is renowned. “I think everyone deserves legal representation, but I think at our firm, we go above and beyond to fight for people who genuinely deserve a second chance,” she said. As for the future, Alex is keen to follow in her mentors’ footsteps and become a trial advocate one day but realises she still has a long way to go and much to learn. “It would be great to be a female trial advocate, you don’t see many. I see my mentors and the outcomes they achieve for our clients in really serious cases and I’m hopeful that one day I’ll be able to do the same.

My mum always encouraged all of us to work hard, have a plan and always strive to achieve our dreams”. Now recognised as Australia’s top young criminal lawyer, Alex is on the right track to fulfilling her ambitions.

NEW campaign aims to tackle TEEN VAPING on Central Coast Central Coast Local Health District has launched a campaign to combat the growing problem of vaping amongst teenagers on the Central Coast.

Say No to Vaping aims to raise awareness of the health risks young people are exposing themselves to by using electronic cigarettes (e–cigarettes).

The awareness drive coincides with World No Tobacco Day (Monday 31 May) and highlights how e–cigarettes are not only addictive, but contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause some of the same serious health problems as smoking tobacco.

As part of the campaign, information and resources will be provided to local schools and community organisations who work with young people.

Data on teenage vaping in 2017 indicated one in five students aged 16 to 17 years old had used an e–cigarette, while nearly one in 10 students aged 12 to 15 had used one1.

There are fears this number is growing and Dr Lyndon Bauer, a local GP and health promotion officer at Central Coast Local Health District, hopes the campaign will help debunk some of the

1

myths around vaping.

“We know from engaging regularly with Central Coast high schools and community groups that vaping is a rapidly emerging issue for them,” Dr Bauer said.

“Part of this problem stems from a number of myths around e–cigarettes that they’re harmless and less addictive – this is simply not true.

“Many e–cigarettes produce or emit vapour containing chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause serious lung damage and even cancer. They can also contain large amounts of nicotine, the same highly– addictive chemical that’s in regular cigarettes,” Dr Bauer added E–cigarettes are battery–powered and can look like everyday items like pens, highlighters, asthma pumps, lipsticks or USB memory sticks, as well as traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes.

They have cartridges filled with a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals. This liquid is heated by the battery, producing a vapour that the user inhales, hence the term “vaping”.

“Because of their sweet flavours, e–cigarettes make it easy for teens to put large amounts of nicotine into their body without even realising it,” Dr Bauer said.

“This is not good for a young person.

Nicotine can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression.

“Putting nicotine into your body also increases your risk of other types of addiction in later life.”

In NSW, it is illegal to sell e–cigarettes or e–cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age, while it is illegal to sell e–cigarettes containing nicotine to all ages. Retailers can be prosecuted after having products seized and can be fined up to $1,100 per offence.

It is also illegal to use e–cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, such as outdoor play areas, public swimming pools, public transport and outdoor dining areas.

In 2020–21, the NSW Government is investing $17.3 million on tobacco and e–cigarette control. This includes public awareness and education campaigns, quit smoking support, compliance and enforcement of strong smoke–free and retailing laws, and targeted programs for vulnerable groups with high smoking rates.

For more information about the Say No to Vaping campaign and to access resources, visit www.healthpromotion. com.au/SayNoToVaping

www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e–cigarette–young–people.aspx AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 113

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VIBRANT CONCEPTS

It’s Not A “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” Approach When It Comes To

Body Confidence I have found most people have challenges when it comes to feeling confident in their own skin and dressing their body shape. Sometimes it is the challenge of finding clothes that fit properly, knowing where to shop or learning how to illusion dress in order to enhance or hide certain features on our frame.

13 years of styling and dressing clients, one common denominator I have discovered is that no matter someone’s size, shape or age; their body confidence (or lack of) often comes back to their outlook and mental approach towards themselves.

As a personal stylist I do not take a “one size fits all” approach during a styling session. As everyone has their own concerns when it comes to their body confidence I always start my session listening to my clients concerns, challenges and what they do/don’t feel comfortable wearing.

As a young female in a highly image

BY JORDI WOODS

driven industry it has taken me years (it is still a work in progress) to be confident in my body. However there are three things that have made a huge difference in my life and I want to share them with you!

MY (GENERAL) TIPS TO FEELING CONFIDENT IN YOUR BODY. 1 Focus On You & Only You. The first

thing I tell clients at a VC Body Analysis Session is “stop comparing yourself to ANYONE ELSE and focus on you!”. This comparison includes your mum, sister, friends and especially what you see in the media! Did you know, the worse the media makes us feel, the more we buy… let me repeat that… the worse the media makes us feel, the more we buy. Many companies profit from our insecurities. These may include; appearing more youthful, being slimmer or curvier, looking stylish and feeling attractive. By focusing on you and only you, you stop the comparison process and eliminate spending unnecessary money and negative energy. Instead you can start accepting your own natural beauty and discovering ways you can enhance it.

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2

Wear What Is Right For Your

Shape, Not Because It Is “In Fashion” & “What Everyone Is Wearing”.

Discovering what your Body Balance is and how to highlight and illusion dress is the second most important thing in achieving body confidence. Don’t wear something because it is “trending” if it is not right for your body balance!

When we talk Body Balances here at VC we are talking about a client’s vertical and horizontal measurements – these measurements come from your bone structure, not your size or weight!! We like to start by measuring someone’s head to hipbone and hipbone to floor and continue from there with appropriate styling advice.

List What You Like About Your

Physical Appearance. I understand this can be a hard one, but it is of utmost importance! SO allow time, grab a pen and paper, sit down in a place that makes you happy and approach the below exercise with a kind heart.

The Exercise: Write down 5 things you LIKE about your physical appearance.

This is an exercise about love and embracing who you are, it is not being vain (in the end we want you to love yourself and be confident). This exercise is something I do on a regular basis and I encourage you to do the same. The reason being, our bodies and minds are constantly shifting, so the more we feed those shifts with positive reinforcement the better we feel.

TIP If listing five things is hard, start with one this week, then next week add another, then another and so on.

I would like to add… being confident

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is not something you work towards, it is something you constantly work ON! Baby steps and lots of them are the secret to body confidence!! Depending where you are on your “style journey” take a moment to pause and ask yourself “what do you need most at the moment to feel confident?” is it a pep talk to yourself, help understanding your Body Balance or maybe a social media detox of users that no longer uplift you?

Whatever you may be needing right now to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin I hope you allow yourself the time and make the investment in yourself and your future self. Hopefully this article has encouraged you to get started and please know that you can feel confident in your body, you just need to put in the ground work and be kind to yourself. Don’t forget, we are always here to help if you need it!

Vibrantly yours,

Jordi x

If you start to list negative things, be kind to yourself and start again. If sitting down and writing is too much of a challenge I encourage you to take a step back and try the below: When you get up in the morning look in the mirror and say something nice to yourself about your body. If you feel a negative thought about your body coming on, pull yourself up, make yourself accountable and apologise to yourself for talking negatively and proceed to say or instead say something positive. For example, if you look in the mirror and think “look at all my cellulite, I wish I had smooth legs” stop yourself, apologise and turn it into a positive comment i.e “Body, I am sorry I spoke negative about you. I may have cellulite on my legs, but my legs are strong and beautiful; they give me the freedom to walk throughout my day, they allow me to dance and enjoy life and for that I am thankful”. Once you have done this practise a few times and broken the negative self talk, go back and give the above exercise another go.

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BY VICKEY TAYLOR

Roses come in an amazing range of f lower forms and sizes – from tiny singles to fully double blooms and fragrances vary from soft to heavenly rich scented scents.

Fertiliser Roses are hungry plants, so apply organic rose food twice in spring, summer and autumn, and water in well. In winter, apply a 40mm layer of composted manure to condition the soil and feed.

Position Roses need plenty of sunshine – about six hours or more each day. Northerly and westerly aspects are usually the sunniest spots.

Climate Most Aussie climates are suitable, Bare–root roses need to be planted in winter when they are leafless, but potted roses can be planted all year round.

Soil Roses will happily grow in many soil types, but good drainage is essential.

Preparation is the key before planting, add at least half a 30–litre bag of compost and aged manure per rose, and fork in. For heavy clay soil, use a liquid gyp.

New plants like to be watered , so use your finger to test the soil. Once established, roses will enjoy a weekly soaking, but need more in the dry summer months.

Maintenance Neutrog Who Flung or sugar cane are all great mulches for roses. Apply a 50mm layer in spring and top it up in summer to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Roses respond well to pruning, Mid to late winter is a good time to cut back established roses (leave spring – only bloomers and most climbing roses until after flowering in late spring). A mid–summer tidy up will help reinvigorate tired roses and encourage autumn blooms.

You ring, we bring!

ERINA HEIGHTS

443 The Entrance Rd, P: 02 4365 5396

KINCUMBER

30 Empire Bay Dr, P: 02 4368 2220

Contactless delivery or Kerbside pickup

Call us with your order, and pay over the phone... it’s so easy!

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ON T H E C OA S T – FAM ILIES

Open 9am-4.30pm Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm Sunday. Closed pub hols.

Burbank house & garden www.burbankhg.com

Bulk Kerbside Service Every household gets SIX FREE collections every year.

Book a collection BEFORE you put your rubbish out!

Don’t just leave your waste on the kerb.

1m etr e

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For more information and to book in a collection visit www.1coast.com.au or call 1300 126 278.

coast

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