FEBRUARY 2017
This Is Me...
… is a Shine group for anyone between the ages of 11 and 18 who has Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus.
Try Something Different
Something Different for 2017… How are your 2017 resolutions going? This year I decided I would stop nibbling at biscuits whilst working, so far I have resisted temptation! I also plan to go swimming on a regular basis starting soon, one evening every week. Here are some ideas for other fun and rewarding things to try…
Eat well, feel well
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As a teenager, your body is going through many physical changes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you get the energy and nutrients you need, so that your body can grow and develop properly. Here are some tips to help you:
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Get your ‘mins and vits’! Minerals and vitamins are vital. Especially important are: • iron – for energy. Feeling tired? You may be low on iron. (Teenage girls are especially at risk because they lose iron during their period.) Good sources are red meat, fortified bread and breakfast cereals, cashew nuts and dried apricots.
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1. Ice skating or archery – you can do these whether you are a wheelchair user or not. Contact your nearest rink or club, or www.iceskating.org.uk and www. british-wheelchair-archery.org.uk
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• vitamin D – for healthy teeth and bones. We get most from the sun (remember your sunscreen). Good food sources are oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified low fat spreads and breakfast cereals.
2. Visit a museum or art gallery – many are free! 3. Volunteer – check out vinspired. com for ideas and opportunities.
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4. Start ‘upcycling’ – turn an old pair of jeans into a bag or make a phone case from a sock! It’s amazing what you can transform! Look at Teen Upcycled on Pinterest for inspiration. 5. Hold a board game night with drinks, pizza and popcorn. It makes a change from the Xbox or PlayStation!
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• calcium – for strong bones and teeth. Good sources: milk, low fat cheese, leafy green vegetables and almonds. Almonds are high in vitamin E – great for your skin too!
6. Try fundraising and hold a Shine Quiz night with friends and family. 7. You could also learn how to play a musical instrument – it can be brain-boosting, relaxing, aid coordination, memory, creativity, listening and even your maths skills! (Perhaps one day you’ll hold a performance in aid of Shine!) Our This Is Me network is growing! We now include every member aged 11-17 with SB/H – so welcome all you TIM newbies!
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