Mum's Survival Guide SS2015

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Great advice and activities for you and your family

FA MI LY SU RV IV AL GU ID E

SUMMER 2015

www.mumssurvivalguide.net

WIN! SUMMER

a fantastic set of centenary products from Pyrex! – page 3

INSPIRATION Great ways to look and feel your best!

Get fit for life Focus on food allergies

WIN

new d n a r ab rom f e m s! ga y o T d r Orcha 9 p1

Plus . . . much, much more inside!

h from to make the switc When you’re ready , you’ll rmula to cows’ milk breastfeeding or fo at your nce of knowing th want the reassura nutrients still be getting the busy little one will grow and develop. they need as they sh milk, xt generation of fre ne e th to llo he y Sa Big Milk from Arla. with the launch of cows’ first and only fresh Arla Big Milk is the for your essential nutrients milk enriched with rt of a development as pa d an th ow gr ’s ild ch diet. healthy balanced

T&Cs To the Customer: This coupon is redeemable at Tesco stores, on a 2 litre bottle of Arla Big Milk.

Only one coupon can be used per customer, per purchase and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please do not attempt to redeem this coupon against any other product as refusal to accept may cause embarrassment and delay at the checkout. This offer is subject to availability. This coupon has no cash value.

Copied, damaged or defaced coupons will not be accepted.

To the Retailer: Arla Foods Ltd will redeem this coupon at its face value provided ONLY that it has been taken in payment on a 2 litre bottle of Arla Big Milk. Arla Foods Ltd reserve the right to refuse payment against misredeemed coupons (see ‘To the Customer).

For reimbursement please submit coupons to Valassis – Valassis Ltd, PO Box 6199, Nuneaton CV11 9HQ. Valid from 25.05.2015 - 31/08/2015 Manufacturer ID: 0443 Coupon Code: 00764 Face Value: £1.00

* Big Milk was sent to 250 mums who were asked if they would recommend the product to a friend and 91% said yes.

#BigMilk

WIN

WELCOME Welcome to the latest edition of Mum’s Survival Guide!

We love this time of year as spring starts to make way for warmer weather and longer days. This issue is all about making the most of it, with great tips on looking great, getting fit and eating well for a healthy, feelgood summer.

Be sure to enter our Pyrex competition on this page and check out the great things on offer from Tesco Baby Club on page 50!

As always, we’ve put together some must-read features, great offers, tasty recipes, competitions and prize draws throughout the magazine that we hope will help make life that little bit easier. That’s what Mum’s Survival Guide is all about!

Victoria Howdle, Editor

Win one of 10 sets of centenary products from the Pyrexperts!

Pyrex are celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year and 10 lucky readers have the chance to win a trio of centenary products!

The trio of centenary products comprise: u 1 x Optimum Roaster 35 x 23cm – developed for their Centenary year with ergonomic handles, deeper sides and is perfect for everyday cooking.

In this Issue...

P4 IT’S GOING TO BE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER

Look and feel your best this summer!

P7 MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER

The ideal sport for the whole family

P28 TAKE COVER

u 1 x Centenary Jug – a limited edition version of the iconic 0.5L jug with the centenary logo printed in red.

Insurance advice from the Ombudsman

u 1 x Vintage Bowl – a borosilicate glass bowl featuring a wave design on the sides, pouring spout and handles for ease of use with the centenary logo engraved on the base.

For your chance to win simply answer the question below online by visiting: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/pyrex by 30th June 2015 Question: In which year was Pyrex first created? a) 1917 b) 1912 c) 1915 No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 10 names with the correct answer drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 15th July 2015. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, International Cookware or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from International Cookware and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

p36

P30 FOOD ALLERGY Common food allergies

p7 P11 GET FIT FOR LIFE

Fit fitness into your routine

P15 WHAT’S IN A GAME?

Learning life skills through play

P36 THE MILKY WAY

The real benefits of milk for your family

P41 YOGHURT: THE SECRET SUPERFOOD? Yoghurt – healthy, tasty and versatile

P20 BEST FRIENDS FOREVER Welcoming a new pet into your home

P26 MMM…DELICIOUS! Four tasty summer recipes

Published by Lincolnbrody Ltd, 98 Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1JS EMAIL info@lincolnbrody.co.uk EDITOR – Victoria Howdle FEATURES WRITER – Emma Brooks DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Daniel Josty (CREATIVE DPS) ADVERTISING MANAGER – James Martin

Copyright LincolnBrody Ltd No reproduction in whole or part is permitted without written permission. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of any information herein and are unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or any implied warranty related to the promotions in this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to press, prices and offers may be subject to change.

p41 P50 TESCO BABY CLUB P58 SMILE! National Smile Month

p26

P62 COELIAC DISEASE

What it is, the symptoms and how to get help WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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It’s going to be a

BEAUTIFUL

SUMMER

SUMMER BEAUTY Fresh faced Look polished but natural, with easy, breezy make-up that you can sweep on in minutes.

Swap foundation for a CC cream with a good SPF. Does the job of primer, concealer and foundation in one, with a satin-soft finish.

A coral lip stain will do double-duty for cheeks and lips. Easy.

Choose a neutral eyeshadow palette to dust over lids and fill in thin brows.

Waterproof or tube mascara for stay-put definition.

Instead of bronzer, use illuminator on your cheekbones and brow bone. Glorious.

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WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

As the weather gets warmer and the days get sunnier, it’s time to get healthy and have fun, while looking and feeling your best.

Welcome to your most fabulous summer yet

Nailed it Although bright nails are fun for summer, the natural look can be fabulous too.

Get great-looking summer nails

Once a week, slather your hands and feet in thick moisturiser before bed, and sleep in gloves and socks. Try two nights in a row if your skin’s particularly dry or cracked.

Rub a dot of oil over your cuticles before you head out the door to make your nails look summer-perfect.

Adding polish? Have fun with this season’s colours: indigo, aqua, teal and orange.

To tan or not to tan?

According to Cancer Research UK, tanning is actually a sign of DNA damage, which gives you

Survival F un

Illuminate — Body make-up isn’t just for the A-list. Use an illuminator on your collarbone, shins and shoulders for glow without grease, giving skin that subtle healthy sheen.

Hello ankles If you’re buying new trousers or jeans, something ankle-skimming will give your outfit a summery, casual vibe. You can always cuff (roll up) your trousers to just above the ankle for a quick seasonal update.

wrinkles and dark spots, as well as exposing you to the risk of skin cancer. So the official advice is: don’t tan.

If you’re self-conscious about your winterpale skin, self-tan products are really affordable and easy-to-use. Choose a gradual tan body lotion and it’s hard to go wrong.

Protect — Wear an SPF15 or above, reapplying every hour or so as it does wear off.

Summer can be a fashion minefield. You want to stay cool, but if spaghetti straps and belly tops aren’t your thing, what are the options?

A hat is a summer fashion win. Not only does it up the style quotient of any outfit, but by keeping off the sun’s rays, it’s a highly-smart beauty investment too.

Gorgeous summer skin

Black and white

Beautiful summer skin is less about tan and more about texture — that smooth, glowing look that’ll take you anywhere. Here’s how to get it.

Chunky sandals

Black and white prints are easy to dress up or down and also hide smudges left behind by little fingers. Or wear any combo of black and white separates and add a pop of colour with your nail varnish or accessories.

Dainty gladiators are still in vogue, but to freshen up your look, go for something with a chunky sole and square-looking straps. Much more comfortable — and practical too.

Jacket in For a cover-up with an edge, try a denim jacket or cotton moto you can throw on over everything.

Skip expensive designer versions for something fun from the high street. It’s an easy way to add zest to your outfit — and if you do lose them on the beach, it won’t ruin your day.

Max it out

You’re all set for summer!

Buff — use a mitt in the shower or make your own scrub out of salt crystals and olive oil (watch out as it makes the shower slippery).

Focus on shins, knees and elbows if you’re short on time, plus upper arms and thighs to keep them uber-soft.

De-fuzz — If you’re using a razor, make sure you’re not using an old blade as it’ll irritate and dry your skin. Beauty hack: use hair conditioner as a shaving lotion for an ultra-smooth finish.

Nourish — moisturised skin is less about using a particular product than applying it regularly — not easy if you’re racing for the school run. Try moisturising before you go to bed. Put on your favourite product, pop pajamas on top, and you’ll wake up with lovely soft skin.

A cool hat

SUMMER STYLE

Some fashion trends are hard to wear. If you’re not sure about this season’s jumpsuits, a maxi dress in a versatile colour will see you through from the school run to a night out.

Funky sunglasses

Button up The shirt dress is another great summer look. If you’re curvy, belt it in and wear over a vest with an extra button undone. If you’re slim, button it up to the top for a young, hipster look.

Do the stripe thing Stripes in crisp colours feel fresh and never go out of style, as opposed to bright floral prints, which can be hard to wear.

Share those tips!

What are your best summer mood boosters and beauty tips?

Share them on

/MumsSurvivalGuide.net

@MumsSurvival

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Survival A ctive

Make a splash this SUMMER! Swimming is the ideal sport for the entire family because it is accessible to all and provides a whole range of great health benefits for all ages.

Swimming for babies One of the most frequently asked questions by parents is: How old should my child be before they start swimming?

In truth, the earlier you start the better.

While you won’t be able to take them in the

pool for a few months, it is important that you start raising your child’s confidence in water from their first bath right through to their first dip in the pool.

Splashing them with water, but ensuring you are making it into a fun experience, is one great way to get your child started.

The ASA (Amateur Swimming Association), England’s national governing body for swimming and aquatics, recommends that you start your child learning to swim from as young as 6 months. Many leisure centres provide swimming lessons especially for parents and babies.

Swimming for children Swimming is not only named as the favourite family activity amongst children, it is also an essential life skill. Swimming can help improve stamina and posture, build muscles and keep the heart and lungs healthy.

The ASA Learn to Swim Pathway is the national syllabus for swimming lessons in England and takes children from non swimmers through to being fully competent in the water.

The pathway has been adapted to make up part of the national curriculum in primary schools, and all primary schools across England can receive support and resources through the ASA School Swimming Charter.

If your school is struggling to provide swimming lessons, get them to sign up at www. swimiming.org/schoolcharter or alternatively they can email schoolcharter@swimming.org for more information.

If you are looking for a fun activity over the summer holidays the ASA, in partnership with the RNLI, run Swim Safe which teaches beach and water safety to children for free at some of the countries busiest beaches. You can find out more at www.swimming.org/swimsafe Swimming is also a great gateway sport. It allows children to become confident in water and opens up possibilities across a range of aquatic sports. There are four aquatic disciplines; swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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swimming, but also other aquatic activities such as sailing, surfing and much more.

If your child is already a pretty good swimmer and would like to take swimming further, there are over 1,200 ASA affiliated swimming clubs across England which provide opportunities for young swimmers to train and take part in competitions across the country.

Swimming for parents Swimming is a great all round workout. It uses most of the body’s muscles and requires excellent core strength. 30 minutes of swimming can burn more calories than any form of land based exercise and lower cholesterol at almost double the rate.

It also reduces stress and can have a positive effect on mood, so decreasing the effects of depression and anxiety.

You can take to the pool and swim lengths to practice your technique, or get involved in classes or programmes designed specifically for adults looking to improve their fitness levels.

Things like ASA Swimfit, Aqua Jogging and Aqua Zumba are just some examples of the type of activities available.

If you are looking to swim regularly, Masters Swimming Clubs provide a great way to meet other like minded people, swim in regular training sessions and even enter Masters Competitions. Masters swimming is suitable for anyone between the ages of 18 to 100 and over, and is

the perfect way to keep in shape.

While it is great for health and wellbeing, swimming is also the perfect way to spend some time as a family, whether that is in a fun session at your local pool, or entering mass participation events like Swimathon or Open Water swims.

Swimming is for everyone The best thing about swimming is that it is suitable for all ages and abilities. It is a great way to recover from long term illness or injury as it is a non-impact sport.

When you are in water, up to 90% of your

bodyweight is supported. This makes swimming ideal for disabled people looking to get involved in sport, or just wanting to get out and socialise.

Water provides a freedom for disabled people to do things that they may not otherwise be able to do on land.

Swimming increases confidence and helps to improve concentration and to build on motor skills, so if you have a child who is learning disabled, taking to the pool or getting involved with swimming lessons can help to give them an outlet. M Find a pool near you, visit www.swimming.org/poolfinder

Relax, get fit and lose weight

D

id you know that even a gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in half an hour? And because water is about 800 times denser than air, you can work harder and burn more calories in a pool than out of it.

Better yet, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) have developed your very own way to make the most of your time in the pool with easy to follow Swimfit® Activate session cards.

With female swimmers shown to experience significantly less tension and stress after exercising than before, Swimfit® could not only be your perfect workout solution but also the ideal time to take a break.

It’s as easy as this: pick up a card, follow the water-based workout and reap the rewards.

Whether it’s squeezing in a few lengths before you pick the kids up from school, upping the ante for your pre or post-work workout or just making the most of your me-time, consider these cards your poolside personal trainer.

Taking you through the optimum warm up, stroke development, workout and warm down, this card is your ticket to burning calories without taking to the treadmill.

What’s more, if you like it, Swimfit® Activate have 30 session cards available at your local pool which allow you to tailor

your pool-time to your individual fitness needs.

Simply pick the number of lengths you want to do and either follow the hour-long training plan on your own or as part of a group with a qualified instructor.

The instructor led sessions are an exciting social experience delivered by a fully qualified Swimfit® Activator. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your individual goals to ensure you are getting the most from your swim as well as lots of motivation from your Activator and other like-minded Swimfitters.

The ASA has also launched an exciting new addition to the Swimfit Activate+ programme - Swimfit® Gym. Led by an instructor, this high calorie-burning, circuit style exercise programme is aimed at those looking for innovative ways to get fit in the water. The Swimfit® Gym cards combine lane swimming with popular gym-style exercises to create a natural bridge between the gym and the pool.

Swimfit® Activate or Activate+ members also receive online support at swimfit.com, with a Myswimfit dashboard, coach zone, challenge zone, get fit and get motivated programmes, nutritional and technique advice via social media.

With programmes to suit every need, there has never been a better time to get back in the pool so this summer, recapture your love of swimming with Swimfit®.

To find out more or to find your nearest session, go to Swimfit.com now.

WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Survival A ctive

Above: Kelly has found a distinct way to fit exercise into her life since she had her third child – by working out at home, with her children

Get FIT for LIFE

Mums have to be one of the most active groups around — when does it ever stop? But making time specifically for exercise is a great way to boost your mood, as well as your metabolism. You don’t have to run a marathon, or even join a gym. Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign has lots of ideas on fitting fitness into your routine. Why not try some this week?

T

his Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It’s a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets. For more about This Girl Can, go to www.thisgirlcan.co.uk where you can find

out more about the women in the campaign, get tips on how to get active and which sports might best suit you, and join the national debate.

The campaign comes as research, carried out by Sport England, reveals that by every measure, fewer women than men play sport regularly - two million fewer 14-40 year olds in total. Despite this, 75 per cent say they want to be more active. In some other European

countries, this disparity doesn’t exist. Further research into what’s stopping women turning their ambitions into reality found that a fear of judgement - on appearance, ability or how they chose to spend time on themselves - puts women of all ages off exercising. The findings were the driving force behind the campaign’s creation, which aims to empower women and encourage more to get active.

A taster of the sports you can try are here: www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/discover and range from badminton to surfing, and from horse riding to wheelchair rugby.

You can also find some video clips of Kelly here: www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/girls-who-can Kelly, 31, is a single working mum of three from Bury, near Manchester. Kelly has found a distinct way to fit exercise into her life since she had her third child – by working out at home, with her children.

WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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What’s the campaign about?

It’s about celebrating active women everywhere so we can give girls and women of all shapes, sizes and abilities and ages the confidence to be more involved in sport and exercise. Some girls and women worry about how they look when they exercise and whether they’re any good at it – they’re worried about being judged for that. Mums even worry that people will judge them for spending a bit of time on themselves. All that worry puts women off doing more sport and exercise. But the reality is that none of that matters - It doesn’t matter what you do or how you do it, the important thing is that you’re doing it in the first place.

On Test!

It’s important to feel comfortable whatever activity you choose to take up and Mum’s reader Charlotte, 28 from York, put the Anita Active dynamiX star bra and Cupid Fine Sporty Edgies through a vigorous workout!

Charlotte said. ‘I loved the briefs; they were so comfy it didn’t even feel like I was wearing any. There was no VPL so I didn’t feel self-conscious wearing yoga pants and they didn’t ride up when running. Recommended. The bra is the best sports bra I’ve ever worn – incredible support!’

Cupid Fine Sporty Edgies p Brief or Hipster available, Black or White, S-XL, £14.95 each

What made you decide to get involved in the campaign?

What this campaign stands for is really close to my heart and I wanted to be part of something that could make a real difference and really give women more confidence to get involved in more sport and exercise.

What has been your biggest triumph?

My biggest triumph has been returning to the dress size I was before I had any of my three children, a goal which I never thought I could achieve as a single mum with no time to exercise. It’s not been an easy journey but I’ve worked exercise into part of my family life and it’s really paid off.

Sold exclusively in the UK through www.shapewear.co.uk t Anita Active DynamiX Star Colours: White or Peacock, RRP £52, Matching briefs available www.anita.com

How do you balance the conflicting needs of children versus personal fitness?

Get them involved! They love it too, especially my exercises that involve the big stability ball!

It’s a fun activity we often do together and means I get quality time with them too.

What difference has it made to you physically?

Do you think it’s important to be a role model for your children?

I am now back down to my original dress size and feel happy, confident and positive. I have the energy to fit extra activities into my day like go out with my children after work instead of always feeling tired, it’s great.

Absolutely! It’s part of our family routine and I think it’s really important that exercise is incorporated into their life from a young age.

My youngest, aged 23 months, knows the word “exercise” and bobs up and down when I say it so she’s getting the hang of it already! I think balance in life is important and I really hope I’m a role model they can be proud of.

How often do you work out and what’s your usual routine?

I work out three times a week the majority of times from my living room using an exercise video I download online. You don’t have to go to the gym to be able to be active. Once a month when the children’s grandmother looks after them I go for a swim.

FITNESS TIPS

Do you think everyone can be a ‘sports woman’?

Yes definitely – it’s a state of mind that you have to overcome first and once you’ve done that you’re set. I used to do absolutely nothing and little by little started working it into my life – I really believe any girl can.

“If you work, go for a brisk half an hour walk in your lunchbreak. Listen to a podcast or audiobook makes it a break for body and mind.”

What does This Girl Can mean to you?

It means the world! Whenever I think about This Girl Can it brings the biggest smile to my face.

My absolute passion is living a healthy, active lifestyle and if I can inspire 1 or 10 or 100 girls to also be brave and give it a go then that means everything to me. This is my life now and This Girl Can is the icing on the cake.

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Great family workout tracks

“Buddy up with another mum for fitness playdates and do something active together.”

“Set targets and reward yourself – a new top if you work out twice a week for a month.”

Start small and build it up little by little. You’ll soon feel positive and motivated and wonder why you hadn’t always been doing this - trust me the start is the hardest part!

What’s your secret to keeping fit while juggling busy family life? Do you have a great getting in shape story? Share your tips on

“Make a fitness date for yourself. Find a regular slot when family can look after the kids, and do something active that inspires you.”

“Get a free pedometer app on your phone and see how many steps you can take.”

Best piece of advice you could give somebody?

YouTube Workout Channels ❶ BeFIT ❷ Blogilates ❸ The Daily Hiit ❹ FitnessBlender ❺ XHIT Source: Healthista.com

C Everything is Awesome – Tegan & Sarah C Happy – Pharrell Williams C Tinga Tinga Tales Theme Tune – CBeebies C I Like to Move It Move it – Will.i.am C Kung Fu Fighting – Cee Lo Green WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Give your baby a head start in life!

Gymbabes classes are tailor made for babies from 6 months who are just discovering their own bodies and all the wonderful things they can do with them.

• A fun filled session of exploration in a safe, secure and caring environment • Exercises and colourful equipment to encourage your baby to sit, crawl, stand and eventually walk!

• Learning how to use specific exercises to enhance your child’s muscle development • Being given the opportunity to play with other babies of the same age range, helping the development of social skills

The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is Britain's leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 years • A structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills • Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment • Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age

Find out more about Tumble Tots, Gymbabes or Gymbobs classes by calling: 0121 585 7003 or visit

www.tumbletots.com

Established

1979

Survival F un

What’s in a Game?

One of the most hotly contested categories in the Rainbow Awards is always the Games & Puzzles category. We get a huge variety of entries and each one has its own merits

P

laying a game with the family has an array of benefits for children.

ing self-esteem are important lessons that the youngest of children can be taught through simple game play.

Sharing and Turn Taking

Learning actual skills

This is one of the best benefits of board game play. Learning to take turns plus waiting for their own turn teaches patience and that things have a natural order to them.

There are a huge amount of games on the market to teach everything from colours and shapes to reading and writing. Learning real life skills through play is proven to be one of the best ways to ensure success.

Social Skills Social Skills are learnt as your children interact with other children and adults during game play. It’s a good time to relax and enjoy playing together.

Winning and Losing For a game to work it needs to have rules, structure and boundaries. As children learn to play games they set their own boundaries for sharing and turn taking but an important lesson is winning or losing. There must be a winner for a game to have relevance and meaning.

Learning to win gracefully or lose without los-

By Helen Davis from the Rainbow Toy Awards www.rainbowawards.co.uk

Decision Making Children learn at quite an early age to strategise, taking decisions that will have a clear effect on the game. Children will want to win and learning how to make the right decisions is an important part of that process and an important skill in life.

Wise Words on Winning A family game night can be a relaxing and fun way to spend quality time together, and when you look at all the skills that can be learnt it will WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Mum’s Top Tip! Play is vital to children’s early learning and development, as well as being fun!

Children develop physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills through play. By playing games, children learn to co-operate, take turns and follow instructions as well as learn key educational skills.

Orchard Toys’ new game Frog Party, for children aged 4 and over, provides hours of fun, teaching children about recognising numbers, counting, and carrying out basic addition, as well as learning about game-play

be a productive evening too. However, what if you put off playing games due to temper tantrums and bad behaviour?

Your children will take game playing very seriously and winning will be enormously important to them. Your role as parent is to guide them through the game, managing any frustrations with kind words and offers of help dependent on the age of your child.

For 3, 4 and even 5 year olds winning is critical, so a little helping hand to ensure they win more times than not is OK at this age. However, by age 6 children should be understanding fair play and be able to play by the correct rules. This is not hard and fast for each child though, so take your time with game play and don’t let anyone get put off play in the early stages (children or parents!).

Time for Play We all know life is hectic, and making time for play can be a tough ask on mums. We asked the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) for a few ideas for play and just general ‘being together’ time;

and taking turns. Similarly Pizza, Pizza!, game from Orchard Toys helps develop children’s shape and colour matching skills.

Orchard Toys manufacture a wide range of games and jigsaws, which cover all aspects of early learning and provide a fun way for children to learn and develop.

For your chance to win either of these games, see page 19!

10 minutes to spare Read a book together Do the washing up and play with the bubbles ave a mad five minutes dancing to the H radio Empty the dishwasher and make it a counting game

An hour to spare Play cards Put on your aprons and do some painting Have a competition outside, throwing a ball at a target Bake a cake getting them to read the recipe Sit down and play a board game Watch a DVD together

More than an hour to spare Play an old fashioned game in the park, like ‘Peep Behind the Curtain’ Host a doll’s or teddy’s picnic indoors or outdoors Build a den together with sheets and pegs

Once a week Set aside a family game night one evening per week WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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The Rainbow Awards recommend their Personal Favourites The Rainbow Toy Awards are tested by children and so any company that wins knows that their toy has been chosen for an award by their actual target audience – the children themselves!

Over the years we’ve seen some top games, they include; Pig Out! By John Adams is an hilarious game to play! Each player pops on their piggy snout to hog the trough and try to gain pieces of fruit and veg by getting them stuck in their snout. A really easy game for youngsters to play.

Accentuate by Accentuate Games is aimed at much older children and adults.

Players have to read a given quotation aloud in one of the 30 randomly chosen accents and see if your team mates can guess which accent it is. As if there was not enough pressure, the team only has 30 second in which to guess!

Jumbo ZIP-IT by Bananagrams is an exhilarating, high speed word race that uses 24 beautiful wooden cubes for play. The 2” square letter cubes pack into a handy carry pack that also doubles as the score card. Great for young readers to practise their skills.

In Hotel Tycoon by Esdevium Games adults can re-live the classic 3 dimensional board game Hotel in this new refreshed version. Jet around the board snapping up title deeds, building and developing your hotels. Welcome your guests, hoping that they will stay long enough to bankrupt themselves when it’s time to pay the bill. The last remaining player wins.

Silly Moo by John Adams Leisure is the game where kids get to milk the cow!

When they pull the udders will she drop a pint of milk or a cow pat? When Silly Moo is fully milked her eyes will pop out. Very young gamesters will love this game and it is a gentle way to introduce winning and losing depending on what the Silly Moo delivers.

In Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Who Shook Hook by Esdevium Games Captain Hook is snoozing in his hammock, surrounded by all the treasure he has nabbed from Jake and the Pirate Crew. By using the sword, fishing pole, tweezers or shovel children can pluck back the missing treasure.

Steady as she goes though – the loot needs to be grabbed before Hook tumbles into the water. Whoever collects the most treasure wins!

Boom Boom Balloon by Spinmaster is the game where you take turns at trying not to pop the balloon. Roll the dice and carefully push in a stick until it clicks. Watch as the balloon changes shape, in one more click it could pop!

It is the ultimate game of anticipation. Even the youngest of children can have a go but it might be a bit too nerve wracking for mum!

It’s not only the children who benefit from playing games. Adults who take time to play with their children will find it relaxing and stimulating, they’ll understand their children much better and notice their talents. Game playing together will further strengthen the family bond.

What’s more, there is nothing like kicking off your shoes, sitting cross legged on the floor and laughing till your belly hurts to give you a break from being a grown up! M

A Fantastic New Game from Orchard Toys!

Leaders in educational games and jigsaws, Orchard Toys, are giving two lucky readers the chance to win one of their brand new products.

Pizza, Pizza!, a hilarious colour and shape matching game; use the spinners to select the slices to make up your pizza, but beware of some unwelcome toppings! This is a great way to encourage observational skills and develop colour and shape recognition in 3 to 7 year-olds.

Frog Party, a fun first addition game, aimed at children aged 4 and over who are learning to count and add numbers up to ten.

Children can use the lily pad counters or the number line to count their way across the lily pads and help their happy frogs hop along to the pond party.

For your chance to win Pizza, Pizza! or Frog Party, simply enter online at: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/orchardtoys by 30th June 2015.

Designed with support from educational advisors including teachers, Early Years professionals and children themselves, Orchard Toys produce games and jigsaws, which are fun and appealing as well as enhancing learning and educational development in line with the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage.

No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 2 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 15th July 2015. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Orchard Toys or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Orchard Toys and Lincolnbrody.

If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

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Survival Pets

BEST FRIENDS

FOREVER

Adaptil Diffuser Adaptil Diffuser releases a synthetic copy of the ‘dog appeasing pheromone’, a natural product proven to comfort puppies and adult dogs. The diffuser supports; settling new puppies in the home, helping settle dogs after a house move and during house parties or fireworks. The diffuser covers an area of 5070m2 and should be plugged into the room where the dog spends most of its time. www.adaptil.co.uk

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Introducing a pet into your home really can bring the most amazing benefits but you need to be fully prepared and ready to welcome your new arrival into a safe home suitable for their requirements.

So, let’s use the arrival of a new puppy into your home to illustrate the importance of preparation.

Walkies Taking your puppy for a walk is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, however, you may come across several new objects and noises that could startle and worry your puppy, i.e. farm animals, tractors and lorries. Using an Adaptil Collar will ensure that the pheromone is constantly with your puppy so they are able to cope better when experiencing these new objects and noises.

Adaptil port can sup y pp u p your ntially te o p life, during s in its n ituatio s car, l e fu s th s stre ing in ll e v a tr loud such as ts or kennels, e v ew g n visitin eting and me s als, e im is n o n other a d n a e people iding th by prov g in s a pe ‘dog ap one’. m ro e h p

R

emember, that the experiences your puppy has during the first few months of his life will have a major influence on his future temperament and character so always take the time to get things right for you and your new canine companion.

Socialisation Socialisation covers a variety of key learning experiences including mixing with other dogs and puppies, enabling them to develop social skills.

Make sure your puppy is also introduced

It is vit al the Adapt il Colla is in c r lose c with t ontact he pu p times and ca py’s skin at n be w all four w orn fo eeks. r u T p to h ere ar puppy e two /small s iz es: d og up to 37.5cm s (fits neck ) , med large d ium/ ogs (fi ts ne up to 62.5cm ck ).

to everyday objects in your home like vacuum cleaners and even rustly plastic bags so they are comfortable in their surroundings from an early age.

Get them used to cars, traffic noise, other animals and people of all ages in different settings – from towns to the seaside and countryside - and ensure they are accustomed to travelling by car.

If this is tackled early on you really could look forward to many years of happy travels with your four legged friend, both at home and abroad.

Feeding a good balanced diet from the

offset is also very important as it can help guard against health problems later on in life. The best way to provide all the nutrients your puppy needs is to feed a specially formulated pet food for puppies.

Remember that up until a puppy is around 17 weeks of age is the best time to socialise them as they are extremely receptive to new experiences.

Puppy Parties!

An easy and fun way to socialise your new arrival is to take them along to a puppy party hosted by your local veterinary practice or dog training club.

Here they will meet all kinds of people and fellow puppies in a relaxed and controlled setting where they can explore and develop at their own pace. You, as an owner, will also pick up lots of really useful hints and tips on your dog’s behaviour and how to continue their socialisation.

Vaccination However, before you embark on this adventure with your new pet or take them on a walk to meet fellow canines it’s vital to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated pups run the risk of contracting serious infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus so please always get your dog booked in for their injections. Vaccination primary courses are most commonly given as two injections two to four weeks apart with the final dose being administered at 10-12 weeks of age and it really is very easy to get this arranged through your local vet so don’t delay.

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F it an Adaptil puppy collar today, and give your puppy the best start in life!

• Proven to help puppies settle into new homes and adapt to new environments • Supports improved learning and socialisation

Ceva Animal Health Ltd Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks HP7 9FB Tel: 01494 781510 Fax: 01494 781519 www.ceva.co.uk

Top Ten Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership

1 Think carefully before getting a pet and 2 Ensure your pet is sociable and well learn about its special requirements.

3 Provide a nutritious and well balanced trained.

4 Provide suitable housing and bedding.

5 Clean up after your pet and worm it diet.

6 Protect against disease. Your vet can regularly.

7 Prevent unwanted litters and neuter provide you with advice.

8 Groom your pet regularly.

9 Control your pet and ensure it is your pet when appropriate.

0 Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, properly identified.

Positive Experiences It’s so important that all your puppy’s experiences are extremely positive as a nasty experience really can make him fearful for life.

Start by introducing your pet to friends, family and people that regularly visit your home as much as possible, including those that regularly post through your letter box such as the postman or newspaper delivery person.

To ensure your dog gets used to travelling by car early on start by taking him on short journeys and then gradually build up the length of these trips.

Take your time and every step of the way monitor your puppy’s reactions to all of these new experiences. By doing this you’ll avoid overwhelming the youngster as at this stage he is taking in so much.

Reduce Stress

Remember, if you put in the work during his early development you really will be laying the foundations for a well behaved and socialised dog with hopefully many, many happy and rewarding years ahead for you.

rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.

National Pet Month Last month’s National Pet Month (April 1-May 4, 2015) provided us with the perfect opportunity to talk about responsible pet ownership but the charity’s work is ongoing throughout the year and always needs the support of UK pet owners.

can Adaptil pies p u p help ew their n adapt to y from a w a r’s ments n o ir v mothe n e tes and a og ‘d rm e e g th their litt releasin ich y h b w t r ’ o e supp romon e h p g in upports appeas t and s eir comfor st as th them ju . ld u o rw mothe

Stress reduces the body’s ability to cope with infections and disease. Minimising stress can help puppies maintain their health. Adaptil reduces the stress levels of puppies thereby supporting their recovery from illness and helping them fight disease. For this reason most veterinary practices will have Adaptil Diffusers in their kennel area as well as their consulting and waiting rooms. www.adaptil.co.uk

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ure Make s your e k ta you to outside puppy te as la s a lf itse ave the relieve le re you fo e b ke sure n ed. Ma you ca b to o or g ing you house e first th this is th ou get up in ny do whe rning! e th mo co.uk p da til. www.a

National Pet Month Now in its 26th year, National Pet Month is a registered charity in its own right but works to help other UK pet charities raise much needed funds for their vital work as well as promoting responsible pet ownership.

F To become a supporter go to

www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/ portal/admin/create-account.php It’s free and only takes a minute.

t You can find out loads of information

about National Pet Month at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk Follow National Pet Month on Facebook www.fb.com/NationalPetMonth or on Twitter @NatPetMonthUK and Scratching Post for cat owners www.fb.com/JoinScratchingPost and Park Bench for dog owners www.fb.com/JoinParkBench

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This year’s sponsors of National Pet Month are Agria Pet Insurance and the Medivet Veterinary Partnership.

Both companies will work closely with National Pet Month in the next year, helping to encourage the nation to look after their pets responsibly and by providing plenty of pet news, views and expert tips.

You can follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/Agriapetuk and www.facebook.com/MedivetUK and on Twitter @Agriapetuk and @Medivet_UK

Not only does NPM encourage people to raise money for UK pet charities during the month itself, it also works tirelessly to encourage pet fans of all ages to look after the pets in their care in the best way possible as well as promoting responsible pet ownership.

So, if you are looking to bring a pet into your home then always think really carefully about the type of pet you are considering taking on. Whether it’s a cat, dog, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, snake, fish or something else, take your time, do your homework to ensure the pet you are considering adopting is right for you and you right for him or her.

At this stage and in the months and years to come always have a copy of National Pet Month’s Top 10 Tips close at hand as they will provide you with all the basic ingredients for a happy, healthy pet. M

Adaptil Spray Adaptil Spray is fantastic for helping puppies cope with traveling in the car on vet visits, holidays or to kennels, and can be used in conjunction with Adaptil Collars. The spray can be applied to bedding, crates and blankets and owners are advised to wait 15 minutes before introducing their puppy to the sprayed area.

The spray can also be used alongside a diffuser if your puppy has multiple resting areas in the home or in their safe ‘den’ areas. www.adaptil.co.uk

Great times are

homemade

100 YEARS

Whatever delights you are planning on baking with the family you’ll find your perfect Pyrex dish at stockists nationwide.

#pyrex100 For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com

Pyrex is a trademark of Corning Incorporated used under license by International Cookware.

of innovation

Mum’s Kitchen

Mmm... Delicious!

With thanks to our friends, the ‘Pyrexperts, here are four tasty treats that are simple to make and guaranteed to make your mouth water...ENJOY!

Layered Salad Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Equipment: Pyrex Glass Vintage Bowl Ingredients 2 medium carrots, grated ü 2 yellow peppers, thinly sliced ü 100g baby spinach leaves ü 4 medium tomatoes, sliced ü ½ cucumber, sliced ü 60g pack mixed seeds (available in ü the snack section in supermarkets)

Dressing: 100ml Olive oil ü 50ml White wine vinegar ü 1-2 Tsp Wholegrain mustard ü Pinch of sugar ü Salt and pepper to taste ü

Method 1. Layer up the vegetables in the Pyrex bowl and scatter the seeds over the top.

2. P repare the dressing by mixing all of the ingredients together in a jar, shaking really well. Serve with the salad.

TIP: It is really easy to make this salad into more of a meal by incorporating cooked chicken, sliced ham or sliced mozzarella.

Any leftover dressing can be kept in the fridge for future use. M

Roasted Vegetables with Chorizo Sausages Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 55-60 minutes Equipment: Pyrex Optimum Rectangular Roaster 35 x 23cm Ingredients 4 peppers, seeds removed and ü cut into large pieces 2 red onions, peeled and ü quartered 3 medium potatoes, washed ü and cut into 2cm dice 1 whole 390g chorizo, sliced ü thickly ü4 tomatoes, halved

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Method 1. P reheat oven to Gas 7, 220 C. Put all of the vegetables, except the tomatoes into the Pyrex roaster and drizzle with oil.

2. C ook in the oven for 35-40 minutes, then turn the vegetables over and top with the chorizo and tomatoes and cook for a further 15-20 minutes until lightly browned. M

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Baked Nectarines and Raspberries with Crispy Almond Topping (Gluten Free) Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time 30-35 minutes Equipment: Pyrex Optimum Square Roaster 23cm Ingredients 4 ripe nectarines, halved and ü stone removed

2 medium egg whites ü 100g ground almonds ü 150g caster sugar ü 1 tsp almond essence ü 150g fresh raspberries ü

Method 1. Preheat the oven to Gas 4, 180 C. 2. P lace the nectarines into the Pyrex roaster. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, fold in the sugar, ground almonds and essence.

3. P ut a few raspberries onto each nectarine and then spoon the almond mixture on top.

4. S catter the remaining raspberries around the nectarines and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until light golden brown and crisp.

TIP: Use peaches instead of nectarines if desired. M

Apple and Raspberry Charlotte Serves 8 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Equipment: Pyrex Glass Vintage Bowl Ingredients 4 large cooking apples, ü

Method 1. Put the apple slices into a large pan with the sugar, lemon rind and juice and water. Cook with the lid on until soft but still holding some shape.

Add the raspberries and stir in.

Leave on one side.

2. Preheat the oven to Gas 4, 180 C.

peeled, cored and sliced 150g Caster sugar ü Grated rind and juice of ü 1 lemon 2 Tbsp water ü 300g fresh raspberries ü 150g Butter ü 400g white breadcrumbs ü 75g Demerara sugar ü 50g flaked almonds ü

3. M elt half of the butter in a large frying pan, fry half of the breadcrumbs until golden and crisp.

Remove, stir in half of the sugar and then repeat with the remaining butter and crumbs and the almonds, stir in the remaining sugar.

4. P ut half of the fruit into the base of the bowl, top with the crumbs (without the almonds), then add another layer of fruit and finally the crumbs with the almonds.

5. C ook in the preheated oven for 1015 minutes and serve with cream or custard. M

P

yrex are celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year! Trusted in kitchens since 1915, more than 75% of British kitchens are home to an item of quality kitchenware from this iconic brand. Pyrex are very well known for their borosilicate glassware but as time has moved on their range has expanded to include ceramic oven to tableware, metal bakeware and even pots and pans.

The ‘Pyrexexperts’ strive to develop superior quality products which are guaranteed to provide smart solutions for all cooking needs. From cooking and baking to food on the move, the collection has evolved to offer a vast choice of quality products.

For further information about Pyrex visit www.pyrexuk.com

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y Survival Mone

Take Cover

If your eyes glaze over as soon as someone mentions insurance, then you’re not alone. It’s a necessary evil that see’s us shopping around for the best deals and knowing that while we really should read that small print, we never will.

T

o make the insurance maze a lot clearer, we spoke to the ombudsman, the people who can help you sort out your insurance woes, to get their top tips to avoid the main problems that

might crop up:

Ensure your insured Buying insurance can often be a last minute purchase, and wrapped up in the excitement

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of going on holiday, buying a new car or even a new home. As much as we know we should all read the small print, who can really find the time (or the patience) to go through all 57 pages? The good news is that all insurers should provide you with a key facts document which has all of the important terms and restrictions of the policy clearly defined. But if you know you need cover for something specific, for instance if you’re going abroad while pregnant

or you have a particularly expensive piece of jewellery, speak to your insurer directly to check that you’re covered.

It’s worth reading up on what’s expected of you under the policy as well. Some insurers expect you to notify them within 24 hours of an incident taking place. But if the insurer refuses to pay a claim based on a reason that wasn’t in the key facts document or mentioned during a phone call, and you don’t think it’s fair, then give us a call and we’ll see if we can help.

Take care Some of the problems we see from consumers could be easily avoided by a few simple steps.

For instance, a lot of insurers require you to take reasonable care, and if it thinks you haven’t done it might refuse to pay a claim.

It might sound obvious but be careful when leaving your windows open in the summer months if you’re going out – it could be too tempting for passing opportunists. The same is true for leaving your car windows open while the car in unattended.

Less obvious things to look out for could include sharing information about yourself on social media. While sharing that you’re away for a fortnight’s holiday is exciting, if you also have your home location on social media it can also be an invitation for trouble. Check your security settings regularly to make sure your profile can only be seen by the people you want to see it and make sure you’re not giving too much away.

Double trouble There’s nothing worse than paying for something twice – but so many of us do it with our insurance. Yes, having breakdown cover is a great idea – particularly if you do a lot of driving, but is this something you already have with your motor insurance or as part of your bank account? The salesman may make mobile phone insurance sound like a necessity for your new toy but check that it’s not already covered under your home insurance.

If you do find that you need to buy insurance, give yourself time to shop around for the best deal. Often insurance that is “auto-renewed” could leave you paying over the odds – so don’t just assume that the company you were with before is giving you the best deal now.

We hope these tips help give you a bit more insight into insurance expert this year, but if you do have a problem with the paperwork, when trying to make a claim or with the time the insurer is taking to do something, give the ombudsman a call: 0300 123 9 123. M

FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN Get in touch to share your own stories of insurance issues, and we’ll see if we can help sort them out.

Email yourstories@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

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th Survival Heal

FOOD ALLERGY

There is now a growing awareness and interest in allergy, and here Nurse Advisor for Allergy UK, Amena Walker, addresses allergy to some of the most common foods.

T

he Greek physician, Hippocrates first described adverse reactions to food over 2000 years ago. Over recent years media reporting of food allergy has risen, although the true incidence of severe allergic reactions remains low, adverse reactions to food is increasing, so that now many parents know or have heard about somebody who has been affected by food allergy. This may make parents fearful of what to feed themselves and their families and how to manage allergy.

Allergic Reactions in Children The most common foods that are responsible for the majority of food-induced allergic reactions in children are cow’s milk, hen’s egg,

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wheat, soya, peanut, tree nut, sesame and fish.

Many children with food allergy are allergic to more than one food. Babies that have cow’s milk or egg allergy are likely to lose this allergic tendency during later childhood, whereas peanut, fish or sesame allergy are more likely to be lifelong. New treatments for peanut allergy are being developed but are currently still in the research phase.

IgE mediated allergy Food allergy can be broadly divided into IgE mediated and Non-IgE mediated allergy. Both types involve an inappropriate response from the immune system in that it thinks that a food is harmful to the body, instead of ignoring it as a harmless food protein. It is important to know whether or not it is IgE mediated (when IgE an-

where other members suffer from allergies.

This is called atopy, when the immune system is primed to potentially develop allergy. Babies with severe eczema are particularly at risk, as are children with uncontrolled asthma. If your child displays either eczema or diarrhoea it is really important to access medical treatment and regularly use this, until it becomes under control. Once under control, preventative types of treatment should be used to then keep it under control. Your GP or Health Visitor will be able to advise you on this.

Milk and Egg Allergy

tibodies are made) or non-IgE mediated (when other components of the immune system drive the reaction), as this has important implications for the management of food allergy. IgE mediated reactions occur rapidly, soon after the food, usually within half hour, and the symptoms are reproducible, i.e., symptoms occur every time there is exposure to the food. The clinical history is vital and blood (specific IgE) and skin prick tests that can support the diagnosis. These are available in all NHS Allergy services, although not all hospitals have an allergy service.

Non-IgE mediated allergy Non-IgE mediated reactions are delayed and can take hours or days to occur. In babies one of the first things that may be noticed is eczema or diarrhoea. Treatment is the same, avoid the food that causes the problem, which is not always as easy as it sounds, so dietary advice is required in children to ensure adequate nutritional intake. Food allergies are more common amongst children from families

Most serious food allergies start in infancy. Milk and egg allergy are the most common and these tend to disappear during early childhood.

If you suspect that something in your child’s diet is causing more delayed symptoms such as eczema or reflux, then it can be helpful to keep a food diary to show your doctor. This can show consistently so that when the food is eaten there are symptoms, even if the symptoms aren’t instant. If you are breast feeding it is still possible for your child to react to foods in your diet, such as cow’s milk, so you would need to keep a food diary of all the foods you have eaten and your child’s symptoms. See your GP if you think you or your child may have a food allergy. Your GP may refer you to an allergy specialist for further assessment and diagnostic testing, especially for the more severe or persistent allergy symptoms. It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis before any expensive or excessively time-consuming changes are made to the diet as this may restrict nutritious food groups, resulting in deficiency, which is why it is important to consult a dietician who has experience in providing advice to people with food allergy. NICE Guidelines state that all children with food allergy should be referred to a paediatric allergy specialist.

Children who have cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and are on a cow’s milk restricted diet can have inadequate calcium and vitamin D

intake. They can also be smaller and lighter for their age, so it is very important that they receive a cow’s milk substitute of adequate nutritional value up to 2 years of age, as CMA can persist beyond the age of one year.

Foods to Avoid New EU legislation for food labelling of the 14 most problematic food allergens came into effect in December 2014. This means that allergen information has to be made available on all food products and dishes that are sold or supplied by an outlet, such as a restaurant or hotel. This information helps customers with allergies to assess whether there are dishes that are suitable for them to eat. If you or your child has a food allergy, it is always best to ask for the list of ingredients of the foods you may be thinking of eating, so you can avoid accidental

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exposure to an allergen if you have had previous allergic problems or have been told by an allergist to avoid particular foods. The 14 foods are; peanut, tree nuts, fish, milk (and milk products), egg, wheat, soya, lupin, celery, shellfish, mustard, sesame seeds, cereals containing gluten and molluscs (mussels etc.). Packaged foods now must have all 14 allergens boldly stated within the ingredients’ list.

Allergy symptoms With IgE allergy, the symptoms happen very quickly after exposure to the food and symptoms such as a raised, itchy, red rash (urticaria) can appear around the mouth/ face/ body. There can be swelling, most commonly of the lips, face and around the eyes, it can also affect the tongue. There may be sneezing, itchy/ runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cough, wheeze, chest tightness. Often, an antihistamine given promptly as soon as any symptoms occur is all that is required to resolve an allergic reaction. If the reaction affects the child’s breathing or the child is floppy, dizzy, pale or unresponsive then this is called anaphylaxis and urgent help is required and the parent or carer should immediately call a paramedic ambulance, stating “anaphylaxis”.

If ever this happens to your child, after the emergency has been dealt with and the child is well again, ask your GP for a referral to an allergy clinic, so future risk can be assessed and a management plan and medication for you to have at home/school can be given.

The delayed symptoms of Non-IgE mediated allergy are eczema, itchy, red skin, loose or frequent stools or even constipation, blood or mucous in stools, abdominal pain, colic, pallor, tiredness, reflux, faltering growth in conjunction with any of the above gastric symptoms. Referral may be needed to a paediatrian if symptoms do not resolve by changing to a special formula milk for babies with cow’s milk allergy.

Peanut Allergy The results of a 5 year research study called Learn Early about Peanut Allergy [LEAP] have shown evidence that babies exposed to peanuts are at less risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life.

When weaning has successfully been commenced at approximately 6 months of age, you can give your baby a very tiny amount of smooth peanut butter on the tip of a spoon and increase gradually over the next week

or two until the child can enjoy the smooth peanut butter on a softened piece of bread. It should be noted that if the child has early onset eczema, asthma or any allergies, then they should be under the supervision of an allergist /

Snacking is good!

Forget what you might have been taught – regular snacking is essential for growing toddlers.

Little tummies can only manage small meals so energy rich snacks are important to stop your toddler getting tired and grumpy.

Guidelines recommend two to three snacks planned between meals, not constant grazing.

If your little one has an allergy or follows a special diet then the experts at Kiddylicious have produced a guide to help you choose the right snacks from a wide range with lots to choose from – you can find the guide at Kiddylicious.co.uk

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immunologist to introduce peanut. Remember to only give babies and children smooth peanut butter, not whole peanuts until they are at least five years, due to the potential risk of choking.

Oral Allergy Syndrome Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also known as Pollen Food Syndrome (PFS), usually occurs in people who are allergic to pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. It has been shown that pollens from trees, grasses and weeds contain proteins of similar structure to those present in many different fruits, vegetables, nuts and even spices. These proteins, which have essential roles in plant growth and defence against disease, are recognised by the immune system of a hay fever sufferer, and can trigger an allergic reaction in a susceptible person.

This condition therefore usually affects people who get spring or summertime hay fever, but can occur in people who do not have hay fever but test positive to pollens. Fresh fruit, raw vegetables and raw nuts are common causes of PFS. Some people are affected by only one or two foods and others can react to a wide range of foods. The most common foods involved are usually apples, peaches, kiwi, hazelnuts and almonds, but just about any fruit vegetable or nut can be involved. Fortunately, in most cases the allergens are easily inactivated by cooking, processing and digestion. The result is the symptoms tend to be limited to the mouth and throat and only occur with the raw fruit or vegetable, although some people do react to both raw and roasted.

Antihistamine taken promptly can treat this in most cases.

Allergy UK Allergy UK is the leading national patient information charity that provides advice, support and information to allergy and intolerance sufferers

in the UK. The charity has an extensive website with over 130 factsheets covering a wide range of allergy triggers as well as useful advice on how to receive a diagnosis and how then to manage your condition. For more information please visit www.allergyuk.org or call the Allergy UK helpline on 01322 619898.

The charity also provide useful resources such as translation cards which can help put an allergy sufferers mind at ease when travelling abroad. The charity oversee various online channels where those living with allergies and intolerances can come together to share advice and support one another, these channels include the forum and Allergy UK’s Facebook page and Twitter.

Allergy UK holds an annual awareness week each year. This year’s week that began

on 20th April, focussed on the severe end of allergy, such as, anaphylaxis. The charity is highlighting the lack of awareness around potentially lifesaving techniques, and how this is leaving lives at risk for those living with severe allergies such as those to food and venom.

According to Allergy UK, almost half of allergy sufferers in the UK are living in daily fear of a reaction, that’s why the charity is asking you to show support in their #LivingInFear social media awareness campaign. All you have to do is admit to what you’re scared of, write it on a piece of paper alongside the hashtag and share on social media, nominating a friend to do the same.

To find out more about how you can get involved, visit www.allergyuk.org/LivingInFear. M

Treat yourself to a £50 Boots voucher with Kiddylicious!

Kiddylicious have fantastically tasty snacks for babies from 6 months onwards. From Wafers which are an ideal finger food for weaning babies, through to family favourites Smoothie Melts, their snacks are little bags full of great textures and tastes.

Healthy snacks are an important part of the daily diet for busy, growing tots. They need constant refuelling throughout their busy days to keep them going. Their recipes are developed especially for little ones, removing nasty

additives but never compromising on taste.

Our friend’s at Kiddylicious are offering you the chance to win £50 Boots vouchers to treat yourself when you get some well-deserved me-time!

For your chance to win a £50 Boots Voucher, simply enter online at: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/kiddylicious by 30th June 2015 No purchase necessary. The winner will be the first name with the correct answer drawn at random. The winner will be notified no later than 15th July 2015. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, The Kid’s Food Co. or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from The Kid’s Food Co. and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

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Could you taste the difference?

Koko Dairy Free Original tastes remarkably similar to semi-skimmed cow’s milk, yet it’s totally free of dairy, soya, and animal fats.

Made from freshly pressed coconut milk its 2% fat content provides medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are more easily digested than saturated animal fats.

Fortied with calcium and vitamins, it not only looks like ordinary milk, but you can use it in just the same way. In tea, coffee, with cereals and in cooking. The light, fresh taste won’t dominate the foods you make, so you’ll nd you can use it as a direct replacement.

Koko Dairy Free – a no sacrifice alternative to cow’s milk.

CUK-M-123

www.kokodairyfree.com

Tesco Dairy v Arla Big Milk Say hello to the next generation of fresh milk with the launch of Big Milk from Arla.

Made just for children aged 1-5 years, it’s the first and only fresh cows’ milk enriched with essential nutrients to support your child’s growth and development, as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Arla Big Milk is whole cows’ milk finely filtered for freshness. Topped up with iron

for cognitive development and vitamin D for healthy bone development, it’s also naturally rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth.

Whether it’s a beaker at bedtime, poured over breakfast cereal or used to make a delicious healthy smoothie, Arla Big Milk is fresh, real milk and isn’t a hassle to make up.

Yazoo w Take natural milk goodness, shake it up with everyone’s favourite flavours and what have you got? YAZOO… milk with a bit more bottle.

We take all of milk’s best bits, like calcium, protein and the important vitamins that help maintain a healthy, nutritional balance. Then we make them taste extra great.

Available in a variety of sizes, there’s always a YAZOO for every occasion.

v Koko Dairy Free Milk – Dairy Alternative Koko Dairy Free milk is a unique dairy free alternative to cow’s milk made with freshly pressed coconut milk.

It is palatable and versatile either as a refreshing drink, or can be added to tea & coffee without curdling. With a light fresh flavour that is remarkably close to ordinary cow’s milk Koko Dairy Free can be used in savoury or sweet cookery without dominating the flavour of the dish being prepared.

With only 2% fat and a high ratio of medium chain fatty acids, and only 27 calories

per 100ml, it also represents a healthy option.

It is suitable for anyone suffering from lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, or who is simply seeking to reduce or eliminate animal based products in the diet. Being soya free as well it’s especially useful when soya (an allergen) needs to be excluded in addition to cow’s milk. It allows individuals and families to eat a normal, balanced diet.

1 Litre packs are available in both long life and fresh milk aisles at Tesco.

Available in store or at www.tesco.com

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th Survival Heal

The Milky Way We have all grown up being told how milk will help you grow up big and strong, accompanied by the many nursery rhymes and songs to help us remember – but what are the real benefits of milk for your children, and the whole family?

Babies and toddlers As all mums will know, children grow very quickly during their first five years of life. They have high energy needs but only small stomachs, so they need nutrient-dense foods for optimal growth and development.

Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

After this, solid foods can be introduced gradually. Pasteurised milk and dairy foods can be introduced as your baby’s first foods alongside breast milk or formula. However, cow’s milk solely as a drink should not be introduced until Baby’s first birthday.

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Toddlers need a lot of their energy to come from fat sources - whole milk and full-fat dairy products provide them with enough energy essential for rapid growth. Children who are eating and growing well can have semi-skimmed milk from the age of two onwards. Skimmed or 1% fat milk are not suitable for children below the age of five.

Three toddler sized portions of dairy alongside other foods will provide enough calcium and iodine for growth and development. Milk also provides protein and phosphorous which are both needed for normal bone development in children.

Primary school children School age children can be impressionable so it is important for them to learn about eating the right types of foods and physical activity. Their diets can often be peer influenced but they should be growing out of the ‘fussing eating’ phase by now.

Milk continues to provide essential nutrients for growth and development, and can help protect teeth against dental cavities. Children should be offered milk at school to help them meet their nutrient needs. A 189ml carton of semi-skimmed milk can provide: Nutrient

% of children’s RDI

Protein

24%

Calcium

42%

Riboflavin

47%

Iodine

53%

Phosphorus

41%

Recommended dairy portion sizes for this age group are; 1/3 pint or 3/4 glass of semi-

skimmed milk, a 150g pot of low-fat yogurt, or a small matchbox-size piece of hard cheese.

Teenagers Teenagers are well known for their irregular eating habits, however it is at this stage in their lives that their calcium needs are the highest!

Around 80% of the skeleton has formed by the age of 18 years. Bones develop quickly as they grow in length and density, so it is important for teens to consume foods rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus. A good diet in teenage years promotes healthy bones for later in adult life. Unfortunately many teenagers fall short of their recommended intake of nutrients, including calcium.

The recommended daily portion sizes for milk and dairy foods to meet calcium needs for teenage girls include; 1 glass semi-skimmed milk, a 200g pot of plain low-fat yogurt and a matchbox-size piece of hard cheese. Teenage boys need bigger portions (or an extra portion) to meet their daily calcium needs.

National Diet & Nutrition Survey (2014) revealed that amongst young people aged 11-18 years, milk contributes: Nutrient

% of teen’s RDI

Energy

4%

Calcium*

21%

Iodine**

31%

Adults

Vitamin B12

26%

Bones are still developing up to the mid-thirties, after this we begin to lose bone minerals and so it is essential to maintain calcium intake.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women particularly need to make sure they are meeting their nutritional requirements, especially because they are also passing on this nutrition to their develop-

* this is of particular importance as the latest nutritional data in the UK shows that 14% of this age group does not meet the recommended calcium intake **15% of this age group do not meet their recommended iodine intake

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A 200ml glass of semi-skimmed milk can provide: Nutrient

% of adult’s RDI

Protein

31%

Calcium

31%

Riboflavin

36%

Iodine

41%

Phosphorus

28%

Potassium

16%

Older people (65 years and over)

ing baby. Although there is no need to increase consumption of calcium during pregnancy, demands are higher during breastfeeding (an additional 550mg of calcium per day is needed).

Women, and some men, over the age of 50 could be at risk of developing bone diseases.

During the menopause and hormonal changes, bone stores of calcium can be lost leaving bones at risk of becoming thin and fracturing. Osteoporosis begins to develop during teenage years as a result of poor nutritional intake but may not present itself until later in life.

Some older people may be at risk of muscle or bone diseases and malnutrition as a result of illness, prolonged hospitalisation or mobility issues.

Milk and other dairy foods can be very useful for adding nutritional value to the diets of older people due to their nutrient density, flavour and palatability and can help protect muscles against sarcopenia (age related muscle loss).

Recommended portion sizes for male and female adults over 65 years for milk and dairy foods to meet calcium needs are:

✓ 1 glass of semi-skimmed milk ✓ A 150g pot of plain low-fat yogurt ✓ A matchbox-size piece of hard cheese It is clear to see the nutritional benefits of milk for growth and development throughout the lifespan as it contains nutrients that are essential to people of all ages, and it also has

a practical role to play after exercise. Milk is an excellent choice as it contains nutrients which are particularly important for those engaged in all levels of sport and physical activity. Specifically, milk contains carbohydrates which contribute to the recovery of muscles after exercise, electrolytes (sodium and potassium) that are lost through sweat during exercise, as well as high quality protein which can contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

The Dairy Council is a non-profit organisation with a remit to provide evidence-based information on how to include milk and dairy products in a healthy, balanced diet. If you would like some further information you can download resources for all life stages via: www.milk.co.uk/consumers/publications/ default.aspx Or if you would like to request a print copy, please email: info@dairycouncil.org.uk M

Survival H ealth

Yoghurt: the Secret

Superfood?

W

hat could be easier? Peel off the lid of a pot of yoghurt, then spoon it out or pour it over your food, and you have a great pudding, snack or topping. But while we love yoghurt for its cool, creamy taste, our bodies love it too — for proven scientific reasons.

Packed with protein Protein’s usually found in meat and fish, making it potentially one of the more expensive nutrients on your shopping list — but yoghurt has all the amino acids (the building blocks of protein) your body needs.

❝

I t is easier to digest yoghurt protein compared to milk protein due to the fermentation process of producing yoghurt.

Sonal Limbachia, British Dietetic Association

❝

Not just a healthy pudding or snack, it turns out there’s more goodness in yoghurt than meets the eye. With the help of Sonal Limbachia from the British Dietetic Association we find out why yoghurt deserves a place in every family fridge

A vitamin feast While the exact vitamin and mineral content in yoghurt depends on how it’s produced, most yoghurt contains B vitamins Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Vitamins A and E. We asked Sonal what that means for our bodies. “Thiamine supports your brain and heart, and helps you release energy from the carbs you eat. Riboflavin also helps release enWWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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ergy from food, and keeps cell membranes and skin healthy. Vitamin A is good for your eyes, and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your immune system.”

Calcium and more Yoghurt also contains a wide range of minerals, including zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, selenium, chloride — and of course, calcium. Sonal’s quick to point out that while calcium is essential for kids, we need it throughout our lives to help our bones and teeth grow and ward off osteoporosis as we get older.

Something for everyone It’s really important that kids get the calcium they need, so if they’re not keen on one type of yoghurt, why not try another? There’s plain or flavoured, ones with seeds or fruit pieces, even squeezy tubes or small pots perfect for little hands. Packaging with child-friendly characters can make it extra fun. Sonal emphasises it’s important to read the packaging and make sure you’re getting the best nutrition in every spoonful. “Several brands fortify their yoghurts with Vitamin D which works hand in hand with Calcium to enhance absorption.”

The proof on probiotics Probiotics are the “healthy bacteria” found naturally in yoghurt, but what are they, and what do they do? “These live microorganisms help to keep the intestinal tract in balance and also support the immune system,” explains Sonal.

“Evidence shows that abdominal pain is significantly reduced with probiotic intake.”

Apparently there are lots of reasons we can get stomach twinges and pains, including physical and mental stress, tummy bugs or as a side effect of certain medicines. Ageing and the menopause can also play a part. Sonal says there’s proof that probiotics help, although scientists still don’t know the exact amount we need or which strain is best.

Good for antibiotics Antibiotics are great for certain illnesses, but they also play havoc with your gut bacteria,

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which can give you diarrhoea. According to Sonal, “research shows that taking probiotics before commencing antibiotics can avoid or reduce the chances of having diarrhoea. They should be also taken one week after the course has finished.”

Healthy holidays Did you know yoghurt can also protect you from traveller’s diarrhoea? If you’re visiting a country with iffy hygiene, Sonal confirms “a review of studies showed that overall, probiotics can reduce the risk of getting diarrhoea during travelling.”

IBS and IBD In the UK, one in ten people suffer from IBS, which means dealing with digestive problems and tummy pain on a regular basis. Stress can trigger it, as well as certain foods, although yoghurt can help. “Probiotics found in yoghurts and yoghurt drinks may help to reduce symptoms of IBS, however larger and more rigorous studies are required to confirm this,” says Sonal.

“Although probiotics don’t help everyone, if trialling it is advised to take probiotics daily and consecutively for at least 4 weeks. If this doesn’t help, trialling a different strain of probiotic could be useful.”

What about inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease, aka other illnesses that affect your gut bacteria?

Apparently, “some probiotic strains have helped people with ulcerative colitis however more research is required to test their effect on people with Crohns disease”.

Milder than milk Yoghurt’s also good news if you’re lactose intolerant. That’s because it has less lactose than milk and cheese, making it easier to digest.

The Dairy Council thinks this could be down to

How much calcium do you need? u The average recommended requirement for adults is 700mg calcium per day. u Yoghurt is a good source of calcium thanks to its high calcium content. u One serving (150g) of plain natural yoghurt contains over 40% of the calcium you need.

Source: British Dietetic Association

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the live bacteria, or because it’s thicker. Sonal agrees. “From a dietitian’s perspective, yoghurt provides more choice and enhances calcium intake in patients with lactose intolerance.”

What about plant stanols and sterols?

Some yoghurts are fortified with plant stanols and sterols. While those varieties aren’t for kids, they can be useful if you have high cholesterol. Sonal explains why. “As plant stanols and sterols have a similar structure to cholesterol, they help to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. They’re found naturally in food but in such small amounts that it’s difficult get enough. Stanol-fortified yoghurt can be more expensive so look for supermarketown versions as well as branded.”

Watch the fat and sugar Although we think of yoghurt as healthy, some varieties can be as high in fat as cream, so

choose a 0% fat free or low fat variety if you’re eating yoghurt every day. Low fat yoghurts have the same amount of calcium as regular yoghurt, so you’re still getting all the goodness.

Sugar’s another one to watch, says Sonal.

“Some fruit yoghurts are high in sugar, with

What is lactose intolerance? u Lactose is the main carbohydrate in all milk and dairy foods. u To digest it, our bodies use a special enzyme called lactase. u Some people don’t have enough lactase, so can’t digest milk properly. u This causes pain and stomach upsets, typical signs of lactose intolerance.

Source: British Dietetic Association

more than 22.5g sugar per 100g. If you have diabetes, try plain yoghurt mixed with a small amount of fruit instead.”

Just add yoghurt Did you know you can use yoghurt as an ingredient too? Here are some of our favourites.

Raita Raita is an Indian yoghurt dip made with plain yoghurt, mint and chopped red onion. Spoon onto children’s kebabs or curry for a cool and refreshing garnish.

Tzatziki For a great, low-fat dip, try making tzatziki, Greek yoghurt dip made with yoghurt (use fat free or low fat) chopped garlic, diced cucumber and either parsley, dill or mint.

And for pudding…

Love sundaes? Layer chopped fruit in a glass, top with Greek or plain yoghurt, then sprinkle with chopped nuts, mixed berries or chocolate shavings. M

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Tesco Dairy

Tesco Goodness Tesco know how important it is that your children have a healthy balanced diet and the Tesco Goodness offers a range of healthier products for children that have been tasted and approved by kids before they go into the shops!

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❝

Tesco Goodness provides convenient, tasty and nutritionally balanced meal solutions which includes a range of

❝

Check out the range of fomage frais pots and pouches and whole milk yogurts. They contain no artificial preservatives, flavours or colours, are made with real fruit and veg puree (no bits!) and are only £1!

healthy snacks, chilled prepared meals and lunchbox fillers all developed to

meet your children’s nutritional needs.

❝

❝

The Goodness range

contains no ar tificial colours or flavours and many have added vitamins or calcium.

❝

Every product carrying the Goodness logo has

❝

been created in line with the Food Standards

Agency guidelines and meets their strict criteria for saturated fat, sugar and salt.

Available in store or at www.tesco.com WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Weaning made EASY with HiPP Organic

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eaning is exciting for both you and your baby. Up until now, they’ve only been used to the taste and texture of milk where most of your baby’s nutritional needs are still being met. From around 6 months when weaning begins, mild and simple tastes with a smooth texture will give them the gentlest start but don’t worry if they don’t accept very much food – after all, they still need to get used to taking food from a spoon and the texture of food.

Moving your baby on from these smooth purees to more advanced flavours and lumpier textures can be challenging. It is an important skill to develop for your little one and should be encouraged from around 7 months as they need to learn how to control lumps in their mouths and break them down before swallowing.

Don’t worry, babies are born with a ‘gag’ reflex which prevents food being swallowed whole and enables your baby to cough if the food hasn’t been chewed well enough. They will learn to chew a little more until it is the right size to swallow and digest.

HiPP Organic’s nutritionist has some advice on introducing lumps… ❤A lways supervise your baby around food ❤ Make sure your baby is sat upright and able to support themselves ❤ All lumps should be small and soft enough to be swallowed in one go ❤ Expect screwed up faces, some babies take time in accepting new textures ❤ Stay calm, it’s important that they don’t feel wary about introducing new textures ❤ Encourage your baby with praise and reassurance HiPP Organic’s NEW Stage 2 Savoury Pouches contain soft lumps which help develop this skill.

They are made with the finest organic vegetables and meats with added Omega 3 (from organic rapeseed oil); essential for the development of brain and nerve tissue.

Pouches are just one offering within HiPP Organic’s wide range of baby foods. Further details can be found at www.hipp.co.uk as well as all the latest HiPP Organic news, tips, advice and competitions.

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mambaby.com

MAM Silk Teat® with silky skin-soft surface

Look! It feels like mum.

MAM Silk Teat®: a silky, skin-soft surface that babies like at once, because it feels familiar.

Babies instinctively like MAM soothers and bottle teats. That’s because both have the MAM Silk Teat®. Thanks to its silky skin-soft surface, the teats on all MAM soothers and MAM bottles feel familiar and are loved by babies. This is confirmed by several global market research studies: 94%* of babies accept the MAM Silk Teat®, which is why the change from breastfeeding to bottle is especially easy with MAM. *18 Home-Use Tests in 7 countries with 2,585 babies from 2009 to 2014.

Our MAM Silk Teat®: Available with bottle teats, soothers and nipple shields.

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All MAM bottles are BPA free according to Regulation (EU) No. 321/2011

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Discover a world where the very finest organic ingredients are carefully hand-selected to create 42 tantalising recipes perfect for an exciting weaning adventure. There’s a pouch for every milestone of a little food explorer’s weaning journey: from smooth and mild for those magical first tastes, through to lumps for more adventurous taste buds.

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Feminine Care

from Tesco

v Tesco Ultra Towels

U ltra absorbent core for maximum security C otton-like feel for comfort As absorbent as the leading brand*

r Tesco Non Applicator Tampons

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Applicator & Compact Tampons also available

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v Always Infinity Always Infinity is the world’s 1st SmartFoam pad. It absorbs 10x its weight and twice as much as you may need. It has micro holes that pull liquid deep down for a dry feeling and channels for leakage protection and flexibility.

Try Always Infinity. Until you try it, you won’t believe it.

Lil-Lets Teens w Lil-Lets Teens is a range of sanitary products designed with younger girls in mind so your daughter will feel confident and reassured from her very first period. The products are smaller and narrower offering a better fit for younger girls and their bodies but without compromising on comfort or protection. The range includes day and night towels and SmartFit tampons both with and without an applicator.

v Tampax Compak Pearl Tampax Compak Pearl Tampons are for comfort, protection & discretion. With a discreet, smooth plastic applicator with a rounded tip and an Anti-Slip Grip, Tampax Compak Pearl Tampons give you a comfortable smooth insertion. Its Pearl tampon gently expands to fit your unique body shape, and its LeakGuard braid helps to stop leaks before they happen.

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Survival H ealth

SMILE! The British Dental Foundation tell us about the aims and successes of National Smile Month

S

ince the very first National Smile Month in 1977, improving children’s oral health has been at the very forefront of our campaign. It is remarkable to think that back then, as many as nine in every ten 12-year olds suffered from tooth decay. Thankfully, we have seen a significant improvement since then. Even since 2003, we have seen tooth decay in children in the United Kingdom reduce significantly.

While this progress is certainly substantial, there is still more work that needs to be done. A recent report identified 12 per cent of three year olds and more than one in four (27 per cent) of five year olds have visible tooth decay. The good news is that it is completely in our (and your) power to change this for the better and give our children healthy smiles for life.

That is why National Smile Month, taking place from 18 May to 18 June, remains an important event in the calendar. At the forefront of the campaign our three key messages for good oral health form the cornerstone of a healthy routine, providing children the very best start to life.

They are: your teeth last thing at night and ü at Brush least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Cut down on how often you have ü sugary foods and drinks.

Visit the dentist regularly, as often as ü they recommend.

Helping Mums At the British Dental Health Foundation we are dedicated to helping mums and mums-to-be to improve the oral health of the nation. Your child’s oral health plays a key part in their early years’ wellbeing, and your help and support will go a long way to ensuring they remain on the right path. National Smile Month brings those messages home through the thousands of health and education workers who get involved in the campaign.

In the past, taking care of your child’s teeth might have slipped under the radar when it came to their general up-bringing but arming them with knowledge now can prevent many complications and unnecessary treatments in the future. Figures

show that not all parents are aware of how important good oral health is. Children who lack basic oral hygiene need to be educated on how and why they should brush their teeth. Taking bad habits into adulthood is more likely to result in decay, tooth loss and gum disease, which has been linked to a whole manner of serious conditions such as diabetes, strokes, heart disease as well as dementia. It all means that making sure the child’s mouth stays healthy is about far more than achieving and maintaining a pearly white smile.

When growing up, children are constantly subjected to change and new experiences can occur on a daily basis. And just like their first tooth or word, their first step, haircut or birthday, their first dental visits are extremely significant. Dental visits should be a regular part of every child’s life and we all realise that it is important to introduce the role of the dentist to them at a young age. What’s more, with one of our recent surveys showing that almost one in four of the population suffer from dental phobias, it is vital to create an understanding among children that dentists are not to be feared but are there to help.

Therein lies the problem. If you are afraid of the dentist, it’s only natural that you are less likely to take your child along for crucial regular check-ups. Our advice for WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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parents afraid of the dentist is ask your partner or a close family friend to help out. At the age of 16 children can sign their own NHS form if they wish, but this is far too late for them to be making their first visits.

Maternal Care and Infant Quite often expectant mums experience bleeding gums during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes, so more visits to the dentist and a high level of oral hygiene are needed.

Make sure you take extra care with your oral hygiene regime brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss.

During your term do bear in mind that your baby is more likely to have poor teeth if you smoke due to the enamel not being formed correctly. In general, good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in order for baby’s teeth to develop. Adult teeth are developing in the jaws below baby teeth at birth, so care starts from the word go!

Once the baby has arrived, expect teething to begin around six months and last until all 20 baby teeth arrive at around two and a half years old. Signs of teething include swollen or red gums where the tooth is coming through, the cheek on the side of the mouth where the tooth is appearing may be red and disrupt sleeping patterns for both you and baby.

Dental treatment is perfectly safe during pregnancy, but do inform the dentist before treatment. Pregnant mums are entitled to free NHS dental treatment, including check-ups and prescriptions, if you are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.

Toddler The British Dental Health Foundation stress that from an early age all children should visit the dentist so they get used to the sights and surroundings. We believe parents are the first line of education when it comes to teaching children good oral health practices.

There’s always a temptation to lick a spoon, teat or dummy before passing it on to your new-born, but by doing so you are passing on your saliva and potentially tooth-decay causing bacteria. There is a wealth of evidence to suggest if you have poor oral health, there’s a chance you can pass it on to your child. A 27 year research project carried out in New Zealand of more than 1,000 children discovered that mums with poor oral health are likely to have children who also have poor oral health when they reach adulthood, which highlights the need for good early oral health practices.

The next step is to ensure cleaning your baby’s teeth becomes part of their daily hygiene routine. As a parent you may find it easier to stand or sit behind your baby, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily. When the first teeth start to come through, try using a children’s toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste. Once all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular movements

and try to concentrate on one section at a time.

Numerous studies have shown that children who learn good habits early are far more likely to carry them into adulthood and the ability to pick up a solid oral health routine is no different. Make sure you are supervising their brushing until they reach seven. The most important point to emphasise is arguably to ensure your child brushes for the full two minutes, as children are often renowned for their short attention spans so this may require more observation. It will help their development if you use a toothbrush with a small, medium soft head on it and should brush their teeth using a pea-sized blob of fluoride toothpaste. All children over the age of three should use toothpaste with a fluoride level that contains 1,350-1,500ppm (parts per million).

Toothpaste fluoride levels for the under three’s should have 1,000ppm plus, take your dentist’s advice. Encourage your child to spit out any toothpaste and not to rinse after brushing.

Diet Another aspect that needs careful attention from the point of view of oral health is the child’s diet. The UK in general has developed a worryingly unhealthy food environment, where sweets and sugary foods and drinks have become the norm. The main point to remember is that it is not the amount of sugar a child may eat or drink, but how often they consume it. Sweet foods can be allowed, but try to keep them to mealtimes. After all, sugary foods can also contribute to a range of health problems including heart disease and obesity. Children should have no more than three meals and two snacks a day and sugary foods and drinks should be confined to these times.

The growing amount of sugar in food has made improving the dietary habits of people, especially children, increasingly difficult. Your child isn’t born with a sweet tooth – they often develop this when they are offered sweets as rewards. Keep sweet treats to mealtimes, and in the meantime consider offering healthier

rewards instead – it will reap benefits for both dental and general health of the child.

It is an unrealistic expectation to hope that children will give up sugary foods and drinks entirely. The important thing is to cut down on how often they have sugar in their diets.

One way to do this is to encourage them to pick snacks and drinks which are healthy for their mouth and teeth. Healthy foods include cheese, raw vegetables, seeds, bread, crackers, breadsticks and fruit. When it comes to which drinks are healthy for teeth and gums, milk and water are the healthiest by far.

A child’s first cavities set the tone for their oral health for life, so it is important to get them into a good dental hygiene routine from the offset. By caring for their teeth and giving them little bits of information as they grow older, you can watch as your child develops good eating and tooth-care habits into adulthood.

For more information please visit www.nationalsmilemonth.org M

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th Survival Heal

COELIAC Awareness Kathryn Miller, Coeliac UK’s Food Policy Lead tells us what it is, the symptoms, and how to get help What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is not a food allergy nor a simple food intolerance. When someone with coeliac disease eats food containing gluten their immune system attacks the body’s tissues causing damage to the lining of the gut. This results in malabsorption of nutrients from food, and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a range of symptoms.

How common is it?

Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people in the UK. However, if someone in your immediate family has the condition the chances of you also having the condition are significantly increased to 1 in 10. Your immediate family being a first degree relative, parent, child or sibling.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of coeliac disease vary widely and can be mild or severe. Common symptoms of coeliac disease in adults and older children include bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, constipation, tiredness, mouth ulcers, sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases), hair loss and anaemia. In younger children and babies, symptoms include failure to thrive, diarrhoea, muscle wasting, poor appetite, lethargy and behavioural change.

How do I get diagnosed?

If you suspect you or your child has coeliac disease, it is important that you discuss your concerns with your GP. While you may suspect gluten is causing your symptoms, it is extremely important you do not remove gluten from your diet until all tests have been carried out.

The first stage of getting diagnosed is a simple blood test to check for antibodies which can indicate coeliac disease. If the blood test is positive or there is clinical suspicion of coeliac disease, your GP will then refer you to a gut specialist (a gastroenterologist) for an endoscopy with biopsy. This is a simple procedure which looks for damage in the gut typical of coeliac disease. It involves passing a thin flexible

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tube (an endoscope) through the mouth and into the small intestine where tiny samples of the gut lining are collected.

For children, a biopsy may not always be necessary. New guidelines have been published

by Coeliac UK and the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) recommending that children with symptoms of coeliac disease whose blood test shows a high level of antibodies and who also have the genes for coeliac disease, may not need to have a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the treatment?

The good news is that treating coeliac disease does not require medication. Currently, the only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Gluten is found in the grains wheat, rye and barley and some people also need to avoid oats. Common foods that contain gluten include bread, pasta, pizza, cakes and biscuits. It is also found in some processed foods like ready meals, cooking sauces, sausages and stock cubes. However, while there are a large number of foods and food products that contain gluten, there are plenty that don’t, including: u

meat, poultry, fish

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rice, beans, pulses

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fruit, vegetables

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eggs, cheese, butter, milk, plain yoghurt and cream.

Today you can find a wide range of specialist gluten-free foods in the supermarkets such as gluten-free pasta, bread and cakes. There are also EU-wide rules on the way allergen information has to be provided to consumers on labels of packaged foods and in meals served by caterers. This means that even if a food is not labelled gluten-free you can find out if a glutencontaining ingredient has been used.

Where can I turn for help?

Coeliac UK is the national charity for people with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.

They provide a wide range of information including their Membership magazine ‘Crossed Grain’.

Coeliac UK is able to provide help and advice every step of the way from getting diagnosed to advice for starting school, children’s parties, packed lunch ideas, leaving home and much more.

How do I join the coeliac disease community?

Joining Coeliac UK is easy, just visit www.coeliac.org.uk/join for information on how to join and the benefits of becoming a Member. As well as information and advice, Membership of Coeliac UK includes access to a valuable network of Local Voluntary Support Groups who can provide you with local support and information. M

Coeliac UK Coeliac UK is the national charity for people with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. They provide support for people with the condition, campaign on their behalf and fund ground breaking research into the condition.

Visit their website for more information: www.coeliac.org.uk The Coeliac UK Helpline, manned by dietitians and food experts is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0845 305 2060.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoeliacUK Twitter: @Coeliac_UK

Awareness Week Coeliac UK’s Awareness Week ran from 11-17 May 2015. This year’s focus is on finding the half a million people in the UK who have coeliac disease, but who have not been diagnosed.

For more information visit www.coeliac.org.uk/awarenessweek2015

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