PakMag Australia – July 2016 Issue 12

ISSUE: JULY 2016

12

AUSTRALIA

School Holidays Making MUSIC

THE HEART OF ARTS

Work/Life BLENDING

KIDS STYLISH STUDY

Ready, Set PARTY!

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CONTENTS

P.20

HELLO

ISSUE NO.12 JULY 2016

WIN

04 What’s On Australia July Hello and welcome to the July edition of PakMag Australia!

06 Feature: Parenting Solo

This month we are ensuring you are all sorted for the school holidays, plus we welcome our education series back with some great stories on the importance of the arts and making memories with musical instruments.

09 Education: The Heart Of Arts 13 Feature: Work/Life Blending

We’re also delving deep into the world of cars to celebrate the V8’s heading to Queensland and we’ve got a feature on work/life blending as well as solo parenting. My mum was a solo parent, so I dedicate this edition to all the parents co-parenting and going it alone, it certainly is a tough road.

17 Adult Education: Returning

To School

18 Health

We’ve also got some great tips for making a student study from The Block’s Caro & Kingi as well as some advice for new mums on getting used to your new body after baby.

20 Bump And Bub 22 Craft: Making Music

Until next time, have a great month, and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag Australia.

24 Celebrate: Ready, Set, Party!

Bree x

26 Healthy Recipes: Hello Fresh 28 Fashion With Gerlinda 30 Home with Caro & Kingi:

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER

Kids Stylish Study

PAKMAG P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E admin@grandpublishing.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/PakmagAustralia T #pakmag DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Deluxe Designer Sara

Events Extraordinaire Kelly

Darling Designer Clare

Talented Trent

Grand Poobah Bree

Office Aficionado Janelle

Sales Star Cherie

Rad Sales Rep Jacqui Witty Writer Jenna

www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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WHAT'S ON JULY IN AUSTRALIA National LAH-LAH SING IT LOUD TOUR Where: Throughout NSW, WA & Canberra When: July 2016 MORE INFO

MISTER MAKER LIVE ON STAGE & THE SHAPES Where: Touring Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide & Perth When: July 2016 MORE INFO

NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY When: 22 July 2016 Where: Various locations around Australia MORE INFO

QUEENSLAND LITTLE BIG DASH Where: Brisane When: 24th July 2016 MORE INFO

CASTROL EDGE V8 SUPERCARS When: 8 to 10 July 2016 Where: Townsville Street Circuit MORE INFO

SNOW 4 KIDS Where: South Bank Parklands When: 25th June to 10th July 2016 MORE INFO

NEW SOUTH WALES

DISNEY ON ICE MAGICAL ICE FESTIVAL Where: Allphones Arena When: 13th-17th July 2016 MORE INFO

SOUTH AUSTRALIA BRICK BAROSSA Where: Barossa When: 16th & 17th July 2016 MORE INFO

GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW When: 14 to 17 July 2016 Where: Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Road, CBD, Adelaide

WESTERN AUSTRALIA ZOORASSIC Where: Perth Zoo When: On now – ends 17th July MORE INFO

KIDS WONDERLAND Where: Perth When: 2nd to 10th July 2016 MORE INFO

WINTER TODDLERFEST When: 23 to 31 July 2016 Where: Scitech, City West Centre, Corner Railway Street and Sutherland Street, CBD Perth

MORE INFO

MORE INFO

VICTORIA

ACT

THE BIG FREEZE FESTIVAL Where: Melbourne When: July 2016

PLAYSCHOOL LIVE IN CONCERT HUMPTY’S SHOWTIME Where: Yarralumla Albert Hall, Canberra When: 8th, 9th & 10th July

MORE INFO

LITTLE BIG SHOTS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL When: 1 July to 10 July 2016 Where: Australian Centre of the Moving Image, Federation Square, CBD Melbourne MORE INFO

MORE INFO

DISCOVERY SPACE When: 4 to 15 July 2016 Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent MORE INFO

DISNEY ON ICE MAGICAL ICE FESTIVAL Where: Rod Laver Arena When: 1-5th July 2016 MORE INFO

CINDERELLA Where: State Theatre, Sydney When: 1st July to 17th July 2016 MORE INFO

"Elise picks Castrol Edge V8 Supercars from the 8th - 10th"

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8th - 10th July

V8 Supercars Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 WHEN 8 to 10 July 2016 WHERE Townsville Street Circuit MORE INFO www.v8supercars.com.au North Queensland’s loudest weekend is coming for the V8 Supercars Castrol EDGE Townsville 400, 8 – 10 July 2016.

A weekend full of intense V8 Supercars racing and exciting entertainment. Watch the Stadium Super Trucks as they fly through the air and then rock under the SuperTop on Saturday night with ICEHOUSE and Choirboys.

Stadium Super Trucks will ramp up the ontrack action, making their racing debut in North Queensland.

Rock under the SuperTop with Aussie rock legends ICEHOUSE and special guest Choirboys live on Saturday night.

Great support categories will roll in to the Townsville, including V8 Supercars Dunlop Series, V8 Utes and Australian GTs. There is something for the whole family with the on and off track action, the V8 Supercars Paddock, Disney Zone and more.

Tickets from www.ticketek.com.au. Kids under 12 go free trackside with a paying adult.

M

CK!

We also have three minor prize packages (valued at $690 each) including a Family (2A2K) Trackside Pass of the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 and a $50 Disney merchandise pack. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au

PRIZE PA

WIN

OR

We have four V8 Supercars prize packs to give away to our PakMag readers. Valued at $2640, our major prize giveaway includes a Family (2A2K) Trackside Pass to the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 and a meet and greet for the family with Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom.

AJ

pakmag FEATURE

Parenting Solo

It takes two to tango but raising children isn’t always a joint venture.

STORY Jenna Gallina Most couples go into a relationship and have a child with a strong intention of remaining together but sometimes this simply doesn’t happen. Whether it’s due to a separation, a death, a divorce, a career move or another circumstance, many parents will find that they are the sole provider for their children, either every day, or most of the time.

Parenting is an amazing journey no matter how you do it.

But there are always going to be hard times, situations when you feel like you are failing and instances when you simply need to take a time out.

These tips may be directed towards parents who are doing it solo but they relate to every parent out there.

Because, the truth is, whether we co-parent or solo parent, whether we are single, married, separated, in a relationship, re-married or divorced, our mission as a parent remains the same – to provide a positive, happy and safe environment for our children.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE Regardless of the past journey, it’s the future pathway that matters now. Don’t forget about that part of your life – after all, it led you to this position. But instead of dwelling on it or attempting to find a way to fix it or change it, remember it and move forward. Your past is a chapter in a book – it doesn’t define the entire story.

HAVE FUN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Even if you don’t have a partner, you have something better - a best mate for life in your child. Be silly often; indulge in childish adventures together; and make the most out of this precious bond.

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF EMBRACE YOUR ROLE Yes, being a single parent is scary and overwhelming but always trust that you are doing a great job. Find your inner confidence to believe this and know that the decisions you are making are the right ones for you and your family.

Most of the time is good enough.

Yes, going to the gym, going for a walk or going out for a drink with a friend can help but what about when you have the kids 24/7? All you need is ten minutes. Ten minutes to close your eyes and reflect at the end of each day; ten minutes to write your thoughts in a diary; ten minutes to do squats or stretch in the backyard.

USE WHAT IS AROUND YOU

CELEBRATE THE LITTLE VICTORIES

You don’t have to rely on a partner to be a pillar of support.

Parents, friends, siblings, neighbours and especially your children can provide you with all the support you need. Involve your children in the daily tasks such as making dinner, folding laundry and cleaning the house. You are a team and you need to work together. Teaching your children this lesson early will provide them with an invaluable life experience.

Everything isn’t going to go according to plan. It never does, regardless of the household dynamics. But there will always be small pleasures to celebrate each and every week – a gold star on your child’s homework; a successful dinner where the children actually eat everything on their plates; a funny moment at the park. These are the things that should drive you forward, regardless of your situation.

DON’T TRY TO BE PERFECT ALL THE TIME

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Your children are first. But if you are overtired, overstressed and unhappy, then you cannot be the best parent. It’s so easy to write, “Take time for you” but it can be next to impossible to actually put this tip into play.

JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

FEATURE

pakmag

Family Values Families come in all shapes and sizes and this is something that modern day society instils on a regular basis. Some children grow up in a household with a mum and a dad. Some children don’t. Some grow up with mum or dad away for weeks at a time; some grow up with only one parental figure or some grow up with step-parents, two mums, two dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and so much more.

One of the things that makes a family is having a set of values in place. Values are things that are important and while everyone will have different values, there are some categories that tend to be similar.

One of the reasons why families do separate is because the values of Mum and Dad differ. It is okay to have different ideas and even differing values, as long as you can come to a compromise and have a general understanding and acceptance.

HERE ARE A FEW VALUES TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR FAMILY:

WHAT MAKES A FAMILY? We asked some of our youngest PakMag supporters what makes a family and what family means to them. And we were blown away by the responses: Jacob, 6 – “Families are people that stick together.”

Social values (things like peace, justice, freedom and bettering the community)

Moral values (what you think is right and wrong)

• Not hurting one another

• Being brave

• Being respectful and honest

• Never giving up

• Sharing and being generous

• Adding value to the world

• Showing compassion and empathy towards others

• Helping those in need

Sianah, 4 – “Love make family.”

• Taking personal responsibility

Work values (things like finances, how you spend money, career choices, household duties and responsibilities)

Recreational Values (anything that involves fun and play)

Ashton, 6 – “People who love each other.”

• Always try your best • Work as a team

• Being honest and trustworthy

• Providing unstructured play time • Allowing all family members to have their own interests

• Being proud of your achievements

• Spending time together inside and outside

• Understanding how hard work results in positive outcomes

• Communicating with one another

• Taking holidays together

Jesse, 4 – “Cuddles!”

Madi, 14 – “Family stands for Fun times, Always loving, Many helping hands, Infinite hugs, Lots of laughing and Year round love.”

Liam, 6 – “Family means when mummy cries we make her feel happy. We care for our family.”

Kirily, 9 – “Love, respect, friendship, kindness and responsibility makes a family.”

Ben, 10 – “Fighting but staying friends, having cakes on birthdays and knowing someone always has your back.”

Caelen, 5 – “Family means happiness.”

Josh, 8 – “Family is love and kisses.”

Katie, 8 – “Kindness, love, joy, happy, laughter, sharing and caring.”

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EDUCATION

pakmag

The importance of music, drama, art and physical education There is no denying the importance of literacy and numeracy in education but attention should also be given to the arts and humanities. Why? Because it is through these disciplines that children learn how to express themselves.

STEMMING OUT FROM STEM The STEM subjects – Science – Technology – Engineering - Maths, along with literacy, are often considered the most important parts of the school curriculum. Yes, it is critical that you are helping your children in these disciplines but it is also important to include the arts.

One of the biggest advocates for the arts and humanities is educationalist, Sir Ken Robinson who states, “Imagination is the source of all human achievement. The arts, science, humanities, languages and maths have equal and central contributions to make to a student’s education.”

Gary Hall, Catholic Education Services Principal Education Officer on Student Wellbeing, echoes this notion. “There is a premise that [the arts] are less valued for employment purposes. You hear statements such as, ‘Don’t do music, you’ll never be a musician’, or, ‘Don’t do art, you’ll never be an artist’. Strangely you don’t hear statements such as, ‘Don’t do maths, you’ll never be a mathematician’.”

Swapping STEM to STEAM (with Arts added in) is something all schools now encourage due to the creative expression and holistic education that the Arts promote.

“Education is personal and should support individuals to identify their talents and make them creative and confident learners. Education is also cultural and the arts are a great vehicle for transferring cultural beliefs,” Gary Hall explains.

KEEPING UP TO A CREATIVE SOCIETY Times have changed and our world now nurtures more creative expression, especially in terms of career paths.

“We are living in a world where diversity is the norm. In our society diversity is encouraged, rewarded and celebrated,” Gary Hall tells us. In the past a linearity approach to education may have worked, especially for the industrial revolution. “However, this approach is outmoded and there is a need to make education personal and creative.”

The modern educational framework, while still somewhat linear, is also focused more on creativity.

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Teaching creativity is all about encouraging, mentoring and coaching. It’s about helping students identify what their talents are, fostering their passions and encouraging them to do the very best they can with what they have, - Gary Hall.

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THE ‘ART’ IN ARTICULATE LEARNING All subjects in the arts and humanities help to build confidence in children as well as promote social interaction and collaboration with other students interested in the same subject.

They can also help develop the skills for children to handle anxiety and nervousness.

We all have to face nerve-wracking situations in adulthood, anything from public speaking to job interviews.

Playing a sport (especially in front of a crowd), performing in a concert or showcasing paintings in an exhibition can help children come to terms with this nervousness.

Speciality programs provide a sense of achievement outside the traditional framework. They encourage perseverance and help develop the understanding that hard work and practice will pay off.

They can also help keep children, especially creative learners, engaged in school and improve academic performance as a whole. The arts don’t only develop a child’s creativity—the skills they learn because of them spill over into academic achievement. The arts allow students to express themselves better than in the math or science areas. If children have to practice thinking creatively, it will come more naturally to them both in the present and in their future careers.

Children need to know more about the world than just what they can learn through text and numbers. Art education teaches students to interpret, criticise and use visual information, and then to make choices based on what they have learned.

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pakmag EDUCATION

THINKING OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK As Dr. Seuss writes, “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try.”

Shifting focus outside the traditional educational box of literacy and numeracy allows our children to nurture their individuality, build their confidence, understand their world and encourage their passion, whatever path they choose.

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Music is the art of thinking with sounds.

MUSIC CAN:

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• develop language, creative thinking and reasoning

• encourage a passion for healthy living, nutrition and exercise

• promote craftsmanship • increase coordination

• assist with mental wellbeing

• develop pattern recognition

• keep children strong and fit

• fine-tune auditory skills

• develop coordination

• help with mindfulness and relaxation

• encourage teamwork and pride

• build imagination and intellectual curiosity

• instil the importance of practice and hard work

• promote responsible risk-taking and a healthy way to tackle fear, anxiety and nervousness that come with performances

All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.

DRAMA CAN: • build confidence and develop team building • help with concentration, memorisation, sharing, taking turns and other valuable social skills • develop language, communication skills and emotional intelligence • encourage cooperation and friendship • help children understand the world around them • encourage an understanding of emotions and how to express these feelings in a healthy way

P.E. CAN:

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• help children to understand the importance of staying active

• help in the mastery of memorisation

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An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body.

• assist in an understanding of general anatomy

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The world is but a canvas to the imagination.

ART CAN: • improve oral and written communication • allow children to exercise the right (creative) side of their brain • develop a global perspective by studying cultures throughout the world • deepen an understanding and appreciation of cultural expression • support and strengthen the local arts community • provide a sense of achievement and creative expression • promote a different way of looking at the world • inspire the next generation by exploring some of the greatest minds and works of the past

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FEATURE

pakmag

STORY Jenna Gallina

Can busy mums and dads really have it all? Is it possible to find the happy medium between your personal and professional worlds? Or is this work/life balance a myth?

According to many business experts, the theory of finding the happy medium between work and life is not only fictional, but also incredibly outdated. Rather than focusing on finding a balance, we should be looking at ways to blend these two worlds together.

Welcome mums and dads, to the new world of work/life blending.

Work is a part of life, whether you work full-time, part-time or at home. While in the past we have always aimed to keep these two separate, the new trend is to blend rather than balance.

The theory behind work/life balance is simple. Imagine that work and home time are placed on a scale. We try to keep our time evenly spread between work and home activities.

And, when one side of the scales is heavier than the other, we suffer.

Working too much can lead to lost time with the family, to relationship breakdowns and to feelings of stress, anxiety and guilt. However, not putting enough effort into work can lead to a lack of fulfilment, potential lost opportunity and, once again, stress, anxiety and guilt.

The mission is to think of your life as a cocktail rather than a set of scales. Instead of attempting to balance the two sides of the scale, we should look to find a blend that we love the taste of.

Jeffrey Greenhaus and Gary Powell, business researchers from Catalyst, explain, “Work and personal life should be allies and participation in multiple roles, such as parent, partner, friend, employee, can actually enhance physical and psychological well-being — especially when all of the roles are high quality and managed together.”

Why Blending is taking over Balance In the past, before the wonderful world of technology took over, it was a lot easier to leave work in the office.

Nowadays, however, most of us are constantly connected to work at home via email, Facebook or a simple phone call.

And, when at work, you are usually only a phone call or a text away from home.

With technology bridging this gap, work and life priorities are able to ebb and flow as needed.

For most of us, our work and home lives are not in tidy little compartments anymore. I will be the first to admit I am guilty of checking work emails on my phone at 10pm and writing late at night after the kids go to bed.

Work-life balance comes from the assumption that work is outside of your life. You work to live but work doesn’t intersect with life in general. This shouldn’t be the case.

Work and life are inextricable – the work we do determines the money we make, and the money we make helps us live the lives we want.

“Even in the busiest of schedules, the most practical and effective way we can live is by aligning our personal priorities of work, family, health and well-being,” explains Jeffrey Greenhaus and Gary Powell. “Such realignment can bring huge gains in emotional and physical energy, not to mention greater clarity and focus at work.”

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pakmag FEATURE

Live to work or work to live?

Here are our tips to finding a mixture between work and life that tastes delicious and works for your family:

1.

Start with your key ingredients. What are your top priorities? What makes you fulfilled? What makes you proud?

How would you feel if one ingredient was no longer a part of your life? Start by assessing your situation to determine the right blend.

2.

Don’t just focus on your children and your career. What other things make you happy? Spending time with friends? Exercising? Travelling?

3.

Focus on your own blend, not others. Unlike the work/life balance theory, there isn’t a certain amount of time on each activity. If working long hours makes you happy, then this is what matters, even if others believe you should be spending less time on the job.

4.

Give up on the idea of time. Focus on achievement instead. We’ve all heard the cliché “It’s about quality, not quantity” and this certainly holds true when you think of how your hours are spent.

5.

Reassess and re-evaluate often. Blending is all about reassessing each and every week or even day by day.

Some weeks you may need to double up your amount of work; other weeks your main ingredient may be your kids.

6.

And, most importantly, communicate! Your focus should be on creating a blend that works best for you, your family and your employer. This means you need to keep these lines of communication open so your flexibility is suitable for every party.

A good employee is one that is happy at home (and vice versa) and most employers want their employees to find this perfect blend, even if it means thinking outside the traditional 9-5 work week whenever possible.

Some days you may be more employee than mum. Other days you may be all mum and barely even think about work.

Blending puts you in the driver’s seat at home, at work and in life in general.

The Work/Life Blend by Numbers According to a recent survey by Samsung: 32 per cent of those surveyed believe that work/life blending makes them less stressed 38 per cent of those surveyed believe that work/life blending helps them get more work done in the same amount of time.

41 per cent of those surveyed use personal smartphones for both work and personal use with the average surveyor having 10 work-related apps on their personal phones.

75 per cent of those surveyed will spend up to an hour during each work day on personal errands (online banking, paying bills, etc.)

63 per cent of those surveyed spend up to 45 minutes checking social networks during work time.

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EDUCATION

pakmag

Returning to School The Rise in Adult Education

Is it time for you to consider a career change and return to school? Here is what you need to know.

Gone are the days of maintaining the same career for your entire life. The national average tenure in a job is three years and four months which equates to 17 different employers in a lifetime (McCrindle). What this means is that we are constantly learning, changing, evolving and gaining new skills in the workforce.

With these figures in mind, it’s no wonder adult education is on the rise and why so many parents are considering a change in career after having children.

While returning to the schooling environment can be scary, especially if you have been out of the study regime for a long time, it can be incredibly beneficial and rewarding. It can also provide you with the opportunity to expand your skills without having to put your family second. Distance education, online education and part-time schooling opportunities all cater to the flexibility that defines busy parents.

Having your own study space will minimise distractions and help keep you focused on the task at hand.

CHART YOUR PROGRESS Visual charts, to-do-lists and checklists can all provide you with a sense of achievement and help you stay focused.

FIND A STUDY BUDDY Even when studying online, there are social media outlets to help you connect with other students. Sending a quick text or message to a mate who is also struggling to get through the weekly reading can sometimes be what you need to get back into it.

Another common concern for parents is motivation.

While some of us are experts in multitasking and staying motivated, it’s completely natural to lose your mojo every now and then (especially when the couch is calling even though you have an assignment due in the morning). Here are our top tips on staying motivated when studying.

INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY Talk about what you are doing, what you are learning and what you are enjoying about the course. Not only is this good for you, but it also shows your children that yes, it is possible to balance both study and family and hopefully will encourage them to do their own homework as well.

SET GOALS Find a safe study zone - away from the washing that is piling up, the television that is showing your favourite program or the children’s play area that is just begging to be organised.

REWARD YOURSELF And, finally, make sure you are giving yourself incentive with small rewards. We could all use a big block of chocolate every once and a while, especially after an exam.

CHOOSING YOUR CAREER PATH

WHAT ARE THE BEST CAREERS FOR MUMS?

Are you the hands-on, creative, crafty type?

Try a course in graphic design, teaching, marketing or beauty therapy where you can work with your hands and nurture this creative desire.

According to Forbes Business Magazine, some of the best careers for balancing work and family include the following:

Are you passionate about healthy and active living?

A course in nutritional medicine, natural therapy or personal training can allow you to bring this passion outside the household and into the lives of others.

• Freelance writer

Are you a master of multi-tasking and organisation?

Try a course in event management, media planning or business administration where you can use these organisational skills outside the home.

• Teacher / Teacher Assistant • Life Coach • Nutritionist and homeopath • Interior designer • Childcare worker • Personal trainer • Small business owner

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+ HEALTH Decoding Diabetes It’s a condition that impacts around 1.7 million Australians with a new diagnosis every five minutes. It is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia, increasing at a faster rate than heart disease and cancer. It can also come with many complications.

But what is diabetes, what are the different types and how can you manage it?

There are three different types of diabetes – Type 1, which accounts for 10 percent of all diabetics and is increasing; Type 2, which accounts for 85 percent of all diabetics and is also increasing; and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy and, again, is increasing, according to Diabetes Australia.

TYPE 1 DIABETES Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. Without insulin, the body’s cells cannot turn glucose (sugar), into energy. Type 1 diabetes is common in children and symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.

Diabetes Australia reports that there is no cure and it cannot be prevented but there is a strong genetic connection.

Those with Type 1 diabetes will need to monitor their blood glucose levels and require insulin injections every day. Without this insulin, the body burns its own fats as a substitute which releases chemical substances in the blood and then cause a complication known as ketoacidosis.

TYPE 2 DIABETES Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/ or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. Symptoms include being excessively thirsty,

passing more urine, feeling tired, blurred vision, increased hunger, mood swings, leg cramps, weight gain, headaches and itchy skin.

It is suggested from Diabetes Australia that Type 2 diabetes risk factors include lifestyle and genetics. While Type 2 diabetes normally impacts people older than 45, this isn’t always the case. Other risk factors include if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or have had gestational diabetes when pregnant.

So how do you manage Type 2 diabetes? A combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating, weight reduction and lifestyle changes are recommended; however, many will also require oral medication and/or insulin injections as well.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES Known as gestational diabetes mellitus (or GDM), this type usually goes away after bub is born but it can have health complications to both mum and bub and will require management during pregnancy. It can also lead to Type 2 diabetes in some instances.

All mums-to-be will be asked to take a gestational diabetes test as part of their pre-natal care, usually around the 24-28 week mark. It is estimated that between five to 10 percent of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes.

It is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy and you may be more at risk if you are over the age of 25, have a history of Type 2 diabetes, are overweight, have previously had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or have previously given birth to a large baby.

If you are diagnosed with GDM then you may need to change your lifestyle to involve light physical activity, healthy eating and blood glucose level monitoring. In some instances insulin injections will be required as well.

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HEALTH

20 Healthy Lifestyle Swaps

pakmag

Keep track of you and your family’s health online The Australian Government is giving everyone in North Queensland a My Health Record - a secure, online digital health record. You can control what goes into it, who is allowed to access it, and what information you share.

Taking drastic steps to change your lifestyle is not always easy which is why many parents will turn to ‘swapping’ rather than cutting out completely. Swap these foods and choices for their healthier alternative and reap the nutritional benefits:

THE WAY YOU COOK AND SHOP:

Parents have enough to keep track of on a daily basis, so having a health care record for everyone in the family makes it much easier to stay on track on any health concerns, prescriptions and so much more.

Find out more about My Health Record at www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or call 1800 723 471.

• Swap your frying pan for a grill.

• Swap buying supermarket veggies for local produce.

• Swap eating takeaway for freezer cooking. That way you always have a few meals on hand to heat up if you’re home late.

• Swap grocery shopping when you’re starving to grocery shopping on a full stomach. You will be surprised at the healthier decisions you make when your stomach isn’t screaming “rip open the bikkies” from inside.

THE FOODS YOU CHOOSE: • Swap processed salad dressings for olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

• Swap lettuce for spinach.

• Swap a sprinkle of sugar for cinnamon.

The Burden of Back Pain Back pain is a common problem for Australians with an estimated 14 percent reporting a back problem per year.

That’s three million people!

What’s more is that lower back pain is ranked first in Australasia in terms of burden (according to the Global Burden of Disease).

Back pain can occur for a number of reasons but the problem is often rooted in the nerves.

• Swap icy poles for frozen grapes.

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN INCLUDE:

• Swap soft drink for sparkling water.

• The large nerve roots that go to the legs and arms may be irritated

• Swap white pasta for whole grain pasta.

• Swap chips for popcorn.

• Swap white rice for brown rice.

• Swap butter for avocado.

• Swap fried eggs for hard-boiled eggs.

THE DRINKS YOU CONSUME: • Swap fruit juice for a piece of whole fruit.

• Swap white wine for red wine (or no wine).

• Swap an energy drink with a nap.

THE WAY YOU MOVE: • Swap the elevator for the stairs.

• Swap the wait at school pick up and drop off with the street two blocks away (and walk to your child’s school).

• Swap your car for your bike when going to work.

• The smaller nerves in the discs may be irritated • The large paired back muscles that support the spine may be strained • Any of the bones, ligaments, or joints throughout the spine may be injured First things first – you need to see a doctor to discuss what exactly is causing the back pain before you can treat it.

Treatment can include simple lifestyle changes such as including stretching, yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy and massage into your routine. Light exercise can help but it can also hurt it more in some instances.

Sometimes you may require pain medication or prescription medication to help alleviate the pain and other times you may need steroid injections or even surgery.

Every single situation is different but anyone who has experienced back pain knows how awful it can be which is why it is important to speak to a health professional about your options for treatment and management.

www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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BumUBp

AND B WIN

www.pakmag.com.au FOR YOUR CHANCE TO Win!

VISIT

CH AR LI BI RD LIT TL E CH IC KS PO NC HO S WEB www.charlibird.com.au RRP $79.95 – $99.95

li Bird Little Chicks Super stylish for any occasion, Char ed over a sweater in layer atile vers Ponchos are incredibly warmer with a cute tee. winter or worn when the weather is

tchy feeling, these plush Soft like cashmere without that scra l blend. With seven woo ble dura a from e ponchos are mad e including; dove grey with sweet colour combos in the rang and pale pink with grey trim h lemon trim, mauve with peac lable in three sizes avai are hos ponc eous trim, these gorg for girls aged two to 12.

MUMASKIN

WIN

WEB www.mumaskin.com RRP $89.00

Mumaskin's beautiful maternity shapewear (pregnancy compression short) creates a

perfect silhouette with no visible panty lines.

Available in black or nude, sizes 8 - 18.

Mumaskin's shapewear relieves pressure and provides back and belly support. It improves

circulation and reduces swollen ankles. Perfect to wear under skinny jeans, tights, gym pants and body-cons. There is an open gusset for easy

bathroom access. Made from comfortable non itch fabric which is machine washable.

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JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

WIN

LAMAZE DEVELOPMENTAL TOYS WEB www.tomy.com/lamaze INSTAGRAM @tomyaustralia RRP $120.00 Lamaze Developmental baby toys are the finest toys around.

Designed in conjunction with child development experts, the collection leads the way in design, play value and your babies development. Enter for your chance to win Flip Flap Dragon, Musical Inchworm and the Space Symphony Motion Gym.

EAR CONCERNS IN BABIES AND TODDLERS STORY Dr Ben Ireland Ear complaints are quite common in young children, especially when living in the Tropics. Below are a few of the common conditions and what you can do about them:

Excessive Ear Wax Skin on the ear canal produces wax which helps protect the ear. Wax usually comes out by itself but if this does not occur the ear can be cleaned with a damp cloth. It is advisable not to use cotton buds as they can damage the ear and push the wax further in the canal.

Outer Ear Infections Infections can occur in the outer ear (known as otitis externa). There is usually pain, tenderness, itchiness or discharge from the ear. If these symptoms occur, a review with a GP is advisable as ear drops may be required to resolve the infection.

Foreign Body Occasionally toddlers can put beads or small objects in their ears. If this occurs do not try and remove the object.

Instead seek a GP or Emergency Department.

Middle Ear Infections The middle ear is filled with air and contains tiny bones situated behind the ear drum.

Middle ear infections (known as otitis media) can occur if the Eustachian tube is blocked. Bacteria/viruses can build up as they are unable to drain out of the ear.

Symptoms include ear ache, fevers and reduced hearing. If these symptoms occur, consult a family doctor as it may be necessary to obtain a prescription for antibiotics.

Important Points to Note When you have an infection in the ear it is best to keep water out of the ear using ear plugs or cotton wool coated with Vaseline.

Encourage children not to poke things in ears.

If you are ever concerned with your child’s ears please consult with your family doctor.

APGAR TESTING EXPLAINED Every hospital will have a different procedure after bub is born but all will use a scoring system known as the APGAR score to assess your baby. What does this stand for?

There are five criteria in the APGAR test and each one is scaled from zero to two. Babies between seven and ten are considered healthy while babies under six may need assistance breathing or require time in the NICU.

A is for Appearance If bub’s oxygen has been restricted during birth, then he may be a bluish or grey colour which will score a zero. If bub has bluish hands or feet but the body is a good colour, then this will score a one. If baby has good colouring all over, then he or she will score a two.

P is for Pulse Pulse is the heart rate of bub. No heart rate scores a zero; a heartrate lower than 100 scores a one; and a heartrate of 100 or over scores a two.

G is for Grimace Grimace refers to the reflexive responses that your baby gives out. No reaction will score a zero; grimacing will score a one; pulling away, coughing or sneezing will score a two.

A is for Activity Is bub moving or limp? If bub is limp, then this will score zero. A baby flexing his arms and legs will score a one and a moving baby will score a two.

R is for Respiration Respiration, or the breathing patterns of your bub is the final test. A baby who is not breathing will score a zero; a weak cry gets a one while a strong cry or normal effort to breathe will score a two.

www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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pakmag CRAFT

COLOURFUL WOODEN INSTRUMENTS

Thanks to: www.hellobee.com

Looking for some easy ways to bring music to your little ones? We've uncovered some great ways to make musical memories at home. Introduce your kids to the world of music, here's how to do it:

PerCUSSION BLOCK WHAT YOU NEED Wooden block • Flat wooden dowel • Sandpaper • Paint • Paint brushes • Glue • Drill and a saw.

TO MAKE Saw your wooden block and dowel down to the right size and use the sandpaper to remove any roughness.

Paint the wooden flat pieces, let dry and then glue to the top of the block.

Next carve out a hole in the back of the block using a large drill bit.

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JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

MINI MANDOLIN

BELL SHAKERS

WHAT YOU NEED

WHAT YOU NEED

Embroidery hoops • Sandpaper • Paint • Paint brush • Polycyrlic finish • Foam brush • Rubber bands

Dowel • Pencil • Drill • Pipe cleaners • Paint • Paint brushes • Polycrylic Finish • 12 jingle bells

TO MAKE

TO MAKE

Separate your embroidery hoops and lightly sand before painting the outermost rim. Let dry, paint again, apply a layer of Polycrylic finish with a foam brush. Wrap the rubber bands around the inner circle of the hoops, nest inside the outside hoop so the bands are perpendicular to the screw and tighten the screw.

Saw your dowel in two and drill three holes in each dowel. Paint dowels, dry and coat with Polycrylic Finish.

Thread pipe cleaners through the holes, attach a bell and twist the pipe cleaner to hold in place. Repeat for all the bells so there are six on each dowel.

Thanks to: www.abeautifulmess.com

LITTLE Tin Can Drum WHAT YOU NEED Tin cans • Leather • Decorative fabric • Leather laces • Crop-a-dile • Wooden dowel and ball • Hot glue gun • Cotton

TO MAKE Cut your fabric to fit around your tin can and glue in place.

Lay out your leather and trace around the can. Use a Cropa-dile (or large needle) to punch holes out, then run the lace through the holes. Repeat the steps until the drum is complete. Insert wooden dowel into the wooden ball and glue cotton over the ball to create your drum sticks.

www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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R E A D Y, S ET, PA R T Y !

With the V8’s zooming into Townsville this month, we figured it’s the perfect time of year to host a car-themed party for the little racers in your life.

Red and black are two of the most popular colours for race car themed parties. Look for black and white checked buntings and flags to hang around the food area and pair it with red tableware. Black, yellow and red balloons can also add some racing flair to the party area.

Here are some more ideas on food, games and lolly ideas. www.sportsmomsurvivalguide.com

• You can make plenty of different ‘car’ themed treats such as apple cars with

grapes as the wheels, lamingtons cars with Smarties as the wheels (and add a Tiny Teddy to the front as the driver) or brownies with marshmallows as the wheels.

• Create spotlight brownies (brownies cut into rectangles and topped with red, amber and green M&Ms) or spotlight kabobs using a red strawberry, yellow banana slice and a green kiwi fruit.

• Red, amber and green (spotlight) jelly will also be a huge hit with the kiddies.

• Pick up some plastic trophies and fill them with different snacks (popcorn, chips, crackers, etc).

• Or, use a circle cookie cutter to create “sandwich wheels” and spread with Nutella to give them the tyre look.

• Top your cupcakes with miniature flags or stop signs.

• For a fun backyard game pick up a box of race car toys and set up a racing track. You can race the cars down a hill or down a slide.

• Or, create an obstacle course using old tyres and red pylon cones for the kids to manoeuvre through.

• Add a toy race-car to each lolly bag. Other things to consider include racing stickers, rubbers and pencil sets.

Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

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GOKI - Roadster Red www.earthtoys.net (RRP $195.00)

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JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

Woodie - CandyLab www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $40.00) www.raisingwhasians.com

Maverick Thunderlane - Playforever www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $90.00) Automoblox - X9 Sports Ute www.earthtoys.net (RRP $54.95)

www.ramblingsfromutopia.com www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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HEALTHY RECIPES

Fig an dH

y one

Try these scrumptious recipes brought to you by Hello Fresh. They deliver delicious recipes and the exact required ingredients to your door every week.

alian Soup t I c i w us t

ons INGREDIENTS 8 sheets filo pastry 1 1⁄2 tbs butter, melted 1⁄2 cup almond meal 2 tbs honey 1 tsp cinnamon Pinch salt 4 fresh figs, halved

R

PREP TIME 10 MINS COOK TIME 30 MINS SERVES 4

HOW TO MAKE

INGREDIENTS

Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

1 packet bacon, rind removed and diced 1 red onion, finely diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2 tins diced tomatoes 2 cups water 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp vegetable stock powder 1 tin borlotti beans, drained and rinsed 1 block parmesan cheese, grated 1 bake-at-home ciabatta 1 bag baby spinach, washed HOW TO MAKE Preheat the grill or oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan-forced. Heat a lightly greased large saucepan over a low heat. Fry the bacon for 3 minutes or until slightly crispy at the edges, then add the red onion and celery. Cook on a low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the celery has softened.

Stir through the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Add the diced tomatoes, water, sugar, and vegetable stock powder. Bring the soup to the boil and then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the borlotti beans and a bit more water if needed and simmer for another 5 minutes. Use a hand-held blender to pulse the soup just a couple of times to thicken it up. Alternatively, blend one batch of the soup at a time.

Meanwhile, cut the bake-at-home ciabatta in half horizontally and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Put the halves on a lined baking tray and slide it under the grill for about 5 minutes until crunchy. Set aside to cool then slice into thick croutons. When you are ready to serve the soup, stir through the baby spinach until wilted. Top with the cheesy croutons. Enjoy!

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Filo Tart

r mesan Cro a P ut ith

JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

On a chopping board, lay out the sheets of filo pastry.

Roughly cut one end off so that the laid sheets resemble a square where all sides are equal (rather than a rectangle).

Discard the off-cuts.

Place the first sheet of filo pastry onto the lined baking tray, brush with the melted butter, then top it with another sheet of filo pastry. Repeat until all sheets have been laid.

In a small bowl, combine the almond meal, honey, cinnamon and salt. The mixture will be thick and gritty and you might need to use your fingers to ensure the mixture is well combined.

Crumble the almond meal mixture into the middle of the filo pastry in the shape of a small square – make sure you leave a 7cm gap on each side of the pastry. Top the mixture with the halved figs, laying them closely next to one another.

Fold each edge of the pastry in and onto the figs, one at a time, leaving a nice hole in the middle for the juicy figs to shine through.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

When cooked, feel free to drizzle with extra honey. Best served with Greek yoghurt or vanilla gelato RECIPES BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Use the code PAKMAG50 to get 50% off your first Hello Fresh box!

pakmag FASHION

STRIPES, BRIGHTS,

CHECKS & MESH Winter is Coming - and it's all about bringing out the warm and fuzzy clothes for mums, dads and even kids. One of our favourite trends of the season is flannel which can be paired with a simple white tee and a pair of jeans.

Darker tones and monochrome are also trending this season as are royal blue hues, shades of greys and clunky jewellery. Another trend to watch for is patterns, especially checks which brighten up any outfit and add another dimension to your look.

Ankle boots are a personal favourite for winter but this season we're seeing more clunky heels, which, when paired with pencil skirts or skinny jeans, really complete the look.

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1. Blue check shirt, $59.95, Just Jeans 2. Black Mesh top, $49.95, Dotti 3. Check pant, $59.95, Dotti 4. White rip and repair skinny jean, $89.95, Just Jeans 5. Stripe top, $29.95, Valley Girl 6. Cobalt Love Affair Peplum top, $39.00, Target 7. MYJS Concentric Mini Circle Pendant, $19.99 8. MYJS Fidelity Blue Bubble Drop Earrings with SwarovskiÂŽ Crystals, $24.99 9.

MYJS Stone Mini Bangle Gun Metal Plated with SwarovskiÂŽ Crystals, $39.95 10. MYJS Black Diamond Crystal pave Ring of circles, $19.99 11. Chime white flat, $59.95, Novo 12. White skirt, $9.95, Valley Girl 13. Dannii Minogue High rise skinny Jean, $59.00, Target 14. Sweet Pippi Bruise Blue heel, $59.95, Suna 15. Rosedale black heel, $59.95, Novo 28

JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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pakmag HOME

Stylish Study WITH THE BLOCK’S CARO & KINGI

Getting your kids to study or do their homework isn’t always the simplest of tasks. Providing them with their own study space can help motivate them and teach them good study habits for the future. Here are our top decorating tips: Choose lighter colours – bright, bold colours are always fun but they can provide too much stimulation for this space. Stick to pastels, neutral colours or monochrome patterns to provide a comforting and serene study zone.

Design a vision board – get crafty with your child and design a vision board (or collage for younger kiddies) that features images, quotes, photos and other items that inspire them.

Shop with your child – hit up the homewares and office shops with child in tow and let them choose a few key pieces (canvas prints, file systems, book ends, faux plants, candles, etc) to help them create a calming environment with their personal touches.

Keep the space stocked – if everything has a home, your child will spend less time searching for scissors, glue, a calculator or a pencil and actually do what is required. Have storage containers of scrap paper, note pads and invest in containers for pens, pencils, scissors and everything else they need to get their work done.

Include a comfy spot for you too – Grab a beanbag or an extra chair so you can join in on study sessions and offer help (and an extra push) when they need it.

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World Globe Night Light www.earthtoys.net (RRP $59.95)

Be Brave Banner Etsy store: RaRaandRubyBanners (RRP $30.00)

Natural Sling Bookshelf www.earthtoys.net (RRP $129.95)

com

tmagazine.

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Pot with Silver leaf accent.

Available in S, M & L. facebook.com/bespokedesignerliving

JULY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

Wooden Stacking Rainbow www.earthtoys.net (RRP $49.95)

Dachshund Pencil Holder Etsy store: jaukudesign (RRP $24.26)

Freckle Felt Rug www.earthtoys.net (RRP From $349.95)

Pencil Case: Vänskap www.kikki-k.com (RRP $14.95)

Free OK original pen when you spend $10 or more OK Gift Shop Cnr Abbott & Spence St Cairns. www.pakmag.com.au JULY 2016

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