Be Active & Healthy

Be Active & Healthy 

During my previous work history in child care I became a qualified instructor in the ‘Be Active After  School Project’ a project of ‘The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine at Westmead’ in conjunction with NSW Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation.

As the coordinator of an Out of School Hours Care Service I found the course to be a great tool for our centre and with being involved with the community centre in which our centre was located we were also able to offer the course to local children in the area. It was a great way to provide the kids in our local community something to do after school.

Now that I am no longer working in the child care industry I thought why not share what I’ve learned by blogging all the fun ideas for keeping kids healthy and active.   As an online business owner I spend a lot of time on social media including Facebook and Twitter and recently have seen some pretty crazy things like Weight Loss Companies promoting their products to parents of overweight and obese children and toddlers receiving surgeries to cure their obesity. SHOCKING!

So I’m hoping that I help provide some tools to help give mums and dads some ideas on how to keep kids active with fun games and activities that are inexpensive and simple. I will also share lots of healthy recipes for meals and snacks.   It’s good to have a resource that you can refer to, to get ideas on activities. I’ll sit here and go hmm what can we do and my mind goes completely blank! So I love that I have all of these resources that I can use. 

 So watch this space there’s going to be heaps of activities to help keep kids active and lot’s of healthy recipes to help fuel those healthy bodies.  Time to turn off the tele!  

So How Can our Blogs be of benefit to you and your children?

1.       Help keep children fit, healthy and active.

2.       Keeps kids busy – we all know how bored they get.

3.       Better concentration at home and school.

4.       Anyone can be involved.

5.       It’s FREE

6.       Provides ideas and tools.

Learn More About TheChildhood Overweight and Obesity Epidemic

Never Miss A Blog Follow Us and Receive an Email every time we post a new activity, recipe and heaps more!

Bec x 

Co Sponsored Giveaways

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A great way to offer expensive prizes for a low cost.

If you are interested in participating in one of our Co Sponsored Giveaways then please contact us at aussiemumsunite@bigpond.com or roseykids@bigpond.com



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Time for Flu Vaccinations

                                                                       

It's that time again..... FLU SEASON BOO! :(

Have you had your Flu Vaccination??

Vaccinating against the Flu protects you and others. To state the obvious getting vaccinated reduces your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

Research shows healthy working adults who are vaccinated against the flu have almost half the sick days and doctors visits than compared to those who are not vaccinated. Hence why many employers are now offering the flu vaccination free too their employees.

The Flu

Flu is highly contagious. You can catch the flu from other people anywhere. Just one sneeze can spread it up to a metre!

The flu is a Virus and like many viruses your friends, family and work colleagues could be spreading it to you before they even know they have it.

Like many other viruses the flu is continually evolving so you cannot guarantee natural immunity which is why it is recommended you get a flu vaccination EVERY YEAR.

Your risk of complications from the flu is greater if you are pregnant or aged 65 years and over or if you have cardiac disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, impaired immunity or a chronic neurological condition.

How the Flu Impacts You

It's much worse than a cold, the most common effects of flu are body aches, headaches, fever, chills and fatigue.
Some people are bed ridden and could be sick for a week or more.
Fever may last 3-5 days but cough and general unwellness can up last up to two weeks.
You performance ie work, driving etc can suffer to the same degree as if you had consumed alcohol.

FLU FACT                                                                                               

Each year in Australia the Flu causes an estimated:
18,000 Hospitalisations
1,500,000 lost work days
300,000 Doctor Visits

Need a Reminder for you Flu Vaccination??

Text 'FLU' to 199 99 FLU
                                 358*
A standard SMS Charge Applies (0.55 cents) for initial SMS to enrol. 

Each year you'll receive a Free SMS Reminding you it's time to get your Flu Vaccination.

Find out more at www.flu.com.au





Bec  x

Important Telephone Numbers and Websites for Mums

Sometimes Help is just a Phone Call Away

                                                                                                    

Aussie Mums Unite takes all Mums Health and Well Being Very Seriously!

I have compiled a list of useful Contact Numbers and Websites Australia Wide which I plan to keep adding to covering General Health, Mental Health, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, Parenting and Domestic Violence and Abuse. Scroll down if you can't find what you are looking for let us know and we'll help find it for you.  
 Bec x 

 

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 000

​General Health:

​
13 Health - 13 43 25 84 (Queensland)
​
​
Health Direct Australia - 1800 022 222
(All states except QLD)
​
Free health information and assistance from a registered nurse, or medical advice from a doctor.
​
Free from a landline
​
Operating times:
​

• 6pm-8am Monday to Friday
• 6pm Friday to 8am Saturday
• 12pm Saturday to 8am Monday
• and 24 hour on public holidays

 
Nurses on Call - 1300 60 60 24 (Victoria)
​
1300 Medicine - 1300 633 424 (Australia Wide)
​
Poisons Information Hotline - 13 11 26
​

Mental Health:

​
Whether you or someone you know has gone through a rough trot and maybe as a mum you just need someone to talk to or listen. These numbers will assist in provide crisis support in anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse and trauma, suicide and stress
​
Lifeline - 13 11 14
​
Salvation Army Crisis Line - 02 9331 2000
​
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
​

​GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL/TRANSGENDER

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender telephone Counselling and Information Hotline - 1800 18 4527

 PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Being a mum especially a new mum can be quite daunting. Expect to be inundated with advice from everyone.
​
Below are a  list of numbers to health professionals that are there to help. It is a stressful time and bonding with your baby is important. Never feel like you are alone.
​
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Hotline -  1800 882 436
​
Pregnancy Counselling - 1800 777 690​
​
Pregnancy Help Australia - 1300 792 798 (QLD, NSW, ACT & VIC) or
                           1300 655 156 (SA, WA, TAS, NT)
​
Australian Breatsfeeding Association - 1800 686 2686
​
Birth Trauma and Stress Group - 07 3809 0196 (Australia Wide)
​
Or online support at -
​
www.pregnancysupport.com.au
​
www.breastfeeding.asn.au

PARENTING

 
Parentline QLD and NT -  1300 30 1300
8am - 10pm 7 days a week
​
Parentline Victoria - 13 22 89
8am - 12am 7 days a week
​
Parentline SA - 1300 364 100
24 hours a day 7 days a week
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Parentline NSW - 1300 1300 25
24 hours a day 7 days a week
​
Parentline WA - (08) 9272 1466 or 1800 654 432
24 hours a day 7 days a week
​
Parentline ACT - (02) 6287 3833
9am - 9pm Mon to Fri
​
Parentline TAS - 1300 808 178
24 hours a day 7 days a week
​
www.parentline.com.au

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and ABUSE

1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
​
Child Abuse Prevention Centre -  1800 688 009
​
Domestic Violence Crisis Line -  1800 019 116 (NT)
​
Domestic Crisis Service -  1800 608 122 (TAS)
​
Domestic Violence Line -  1800 656 463 (NSW)
​
Domestic Violence Crisis Service - 1800 015 188 (VIC)
​
Domestic Violence telephone Service -  1800 811 811 (QLD)
​
Womens Domestic Violence Helpline - (08) 9223 1188
​

In case of emergency always dial 000

 

Your Feedback is Important. Please let us know if there is anything you'd like us to add to our list of contacts. 

 

Quitting Smoking....Again

Aghh Smoking my nemesis.
I'd hate to know what it feels like to try and get off crack! Whilst I have never even tried or seen crack I swear giving up smoking is harder.

This filthy habit has controlled my life since I was 15, now 31 I have been smoking for more than half of my life!

So here we go again, another attempt to give up this horrid habit that has had a hold of me for 16 years! Cost me thousands of dollars. Since my last official attempt it has been stop, start, stop, start. So here's my next big attempt and after 1 week in I'm still going strong.

I have been to see my Doctor and have started on Champix. This time I'm not going to do it alone and it's ok to get some help.

So here's a little info about Champix....

It can help reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms and smoking while taking Champix will also reduce your enjoyment of cigarettes.

It works by blocking the effects of nicotine in your body. There are receptors for nicotine in the brain. Nicotine attaches to these receptors which sends a message to another part of the brain telling it to release dopamine which gives you a feeling of pleasure which only lasts a short time so the body wanting more of this good feeling makes a person want to keep smoking. Based on research Champix stops nicotine attaching to these receptors.

There are some side effects some of which are very common with anyone quitting smoking whether they are using Champix or not.

Changes in Mood, Behavior and Thinking including depression, anxiety, agitation, feelings of aggression, mood swings, seeing, hearing or sensing things that are not there, thoughts of self-harm or self harm. Worsening of these symptoms have been reported in people who already had mental health problems. These symptoms are not know if they are associated with Champix. These symptoms can appear as a result of stopping smoking with or without treatment.

Other symptoms may include nausea, stomach or bowel problems, headache, dizziness, sleep problems (difficulty sleeping, sleepiness, abnormal dreams), fatigue, increased appetite, changes in taste.  These are the most common side effects of Champix. They are usually mild,

Anything more serious seek medical attention immediately.

Breaking Free from the Chains of Smoking

So that's a little about Champix and your Doctor can tell you what's best for you.

Anyone else thinking about kicking this filthy habit?

Bec xx 

PS Wish me Luck!!

Keep the Kids Busy this Easter School Holidays

Here's some tips to keep the kids from driving you crazy this school holidays!




Let them Decide - Plan activities in advance and ask the kids for their input so they can take ownership and you can prepare.

Keep the Active - Mix Indoor and Outdoor Activities. Outdoor Activities to keep them moving and drain their energy before bedtime.

Stay on Budget - Picnics in the park, visit art galleries or just a walk. Think of inexpensive day trips that are close to home and take your own snacks to avoid buying over priced food.

Get Creative - Plan a Themed Dinner. Take a trip to Paris in the comfort of your own home. Choose a  country, dress up, cook with the family, even try to speak their language (hey we can sneak in a bit of education too)

Have Fun - Lead by Example and enjoy the time you have with your family. Get involved and connect with your kids. A positive attitude can turn any activity into a lasting memory.



Some Fun Craft Ideas


Easter will be upon us soon. Kids on holidays...again! Quick!!! It's time to get prepared to keep those kiddies busy, there's nothing worse than a holiday filled with "Mum, I'm Bored!"
These are just a few ideas we've come up with to help you keep your sanity and the kids busy. 


1. Melted crayon Easter Eggs
2. Shaving Cream Easter Eggs
3. Have A Easter Bonnet Parade. Paper Plate Easter Bonnets

Paper Plate Easter Bonnets

This is fun cheap and easy to make.

I've been reading a lot of bonnet blogs lately to find some inspiration and they are all requiring me to go shopping and spend money on things that will probably cost a small fortune.

So I will show a few examples but really an Easter Bonnet can be made from anything and is a creation of the individual that's what makes Easter Bonnets so special.

So to start take a good old paper plate, flip it over and let imaginations run wild.

There are a few things you will need

Glue
Scissors
Paper Plate (obviously)
Some Ribbon to secure the bonnet safely around child's neck.
Stapler to secure the ribbon to the plate


Decoration Ideas

Mini Easter Eggs
Easter Chickens
Coloured Pasta
Fake Flowers
Paint
Pipe Cleaners
Foam Shapes
Glitter
Go Rustic and Collect leaves, gum nuts, fresh flowers
Check your craft supplies you'd be surprised at what you can come up with.

HAVE FUN!!

www.kidspot.com.au

 

 

 

 

suit101.com

 

 

Healthy Recipe Search

I have been on the search for Recipes that are HEALTHY without having to completely change the types of food we eat. Eating Fresher is the main ingredient. My pantry is almost empty and that is such a great achievement. Good bye Jars and Packets.

 Firstly A Little About Why I am Doing This?

I have struggled with losing baby weight. With 3 babies in 3 years. I was barely losing one lot of baby weight before the next lot went on. Arghhh! Before bub number 3 I got into walking - it really is the best medicine! Fresh Air, a friend of two to have a chin wag with, burning calories and quiet babies chilling in their pram. Walking about 7kms per day, then coming home doing 30 minutes on the Wii Fit, then another 30-60 minutes on the Wii Fit of a night. The weight was falling off! and I was toned. Then woopsie baby number 3. Thank the heavens I didn't put too much weight back on and with finally being able to get the breastfeeding right this time it quickly came back off until I reached a plateau, still breastfeeding but I think now that his feeds have cut down and he doesn't require so much high calorie filled milk I'm no longer a fat burning machine. I called bub my personal lipo machine now he's more like a maintenance program keeping me from gaining weight I guess but not taking it off. 
So where am I at? Well I want to lose 10kgs all up but first goal is 5kgs and then I'll be comfy again.

I am the worlds No.1 diet hater! All these fads that come and go. Drink this! Pop that! The weight will just fall off!

 Fit and Healthy is the new SEXY!

So I will be sharing good healthy recipes that I have made and tried and include some of my personal tweaks. Sometimes recipes just over complicate themselves. I like simple and I like meals that the whole family will eat.

So I thought there has to be heaps of people that think the same as me. They want to eat healthier without actually committing to a particular 'DIET' and without eating lettuce leaves all day everyday. We all know diets don't work! Why do you think Weight Loss Companies are so rich! If they truly worked we'd all be skinny and they'd be out of business. The fact is it's about making life changes. I am not going to drink diet shakes for the rest of my life and well sometimes it just has to be said but WE NEED TO GET OFF OUR ASSES!! Burn More than what we put it.

First Recipe........
Spaghetti Bolognaise - Yes it can be healthy!


So, I wrote this blog about  a month ago and for some reason didn't publish it. But I am happy to report I have lost 4kgs since writing this and without dieting! I am 2 days short of my goal which was 5kgs but I'll take 4kgs.  I have recently stopped breastfeeding so I guess it's time to get back on that Wii Fit.

So here's what I have changed in the last 4/5 weeks.

1. Started having a boiled egg for brekky. Going from no breakfast to a boiled egg has given me a kick start to the day and whilst it may not sound like a substantial breakfast (I'm not a morning eater) it is certainly better than nothing and a protein and nutrient packed googy egg has made a huge difference to my day. Check out one of my previous blogs about Keeping Chooks - Which shows the nutritional content of the humble googy egg
2. More Water - Everyone is right! You need to drink more water, it's true. The more water you drink the less fluid you retain.
3. Eliminating Jars/Packets from out diets. Like I said I will never 'diet' but I will make healthier choices by getting rid of all the convenience foods and cooking from scratch using fresh produce makes you feel better and you lose weight. My biggest excuse has always been that it is more expensive to cook from scratch but there are ways around it like plant your own Herb Garden, they don't require much work and you have fresh herbs on hand for every meal, thinking of a new family pet? What about a couple of chooks great pets, super cheap to feed and care for and free eggs! Buy bulk when you can. Take a trip to the butcher instead of purchasing meat from the supermarkets, grow you own veges. Always fresh, free and organic.
4. Swapped white bread for multigrain.


Still lots of changes to make but I've made a good start. I'm not starving and still enjoying good wholesome food even the occasional treat. 
A few other benefits of this change for our whole family is hubby is losing weight too and my kids are eating healthier without all the added crap.  I know what is going into their food because I am making it.

Bec x

Melted Crayon Easter Eggs

There are many ways that you can do melted crayon art for Easter and other occasions. Here's just one spin on this really fun art.

Firstly what you will need.

Crayons in different colours

a sharpener

Hard Boiled Eggs

hairdryer

and something to catch the mess :)


How to Make It



1. Pick out your colours
2. Once your eggs are boiled quickly take them out and place in an empty egg carton or prop them up on bottle tops
3. There's a few ways to create your masterpiece. The heat of the boiled egg will melt the wax so you'll need to work fast but you can simply draw on the egg letting the heat melt the wax and create different patterns. Try the pencil sharpener and sharpen the crayon over the egg to create different textures and then use the hair dryer to melt it further and create a dazzling effect.
Let it dry for about an hour and Voila! Your own Melted Wax Egg Masterpiece.


Just to be sure we don't recommend eating your masterpiece.

Easter Melted Crayon Art

Shaving Cream Painting

Shaving Cream Painting Easter Eggs

Things you need to do Shaving Cream Easter Eggs

• A roasting tray, under the bed plastic storage container or even the bath tub will do
• a spatula or ruler but if you have a squigee laying around you can use that
• shaving cream
• a skewer or plastic fork what ever you have around the house
• cardboard, cut out into egg shapes
• paint in various colours

How to make Shaving Cream Easter Eggs

1.  Spray shaving foam into the tray or whatever you have decided to use.

2.  Get the kids to smooth the foam over just using their hands so it’s relatively flat on top.

3. Squeeze the paint onto the foam  (little dots and splotches is perfect).

4. Use the skewer or plastic fork to swirl the paint around to create a pattern.

5. Place the cardboard down on top of the paint and leave for a few seconds.

6. Remove and let it sit for a bit while you watch the kids play in the left over shaving cream be warned this is messy but the kids will have so much fun and so will you.

7. Gently wipe off the shaving cream with the ruler, spatula or squeegie, leaving the pattern on the cardboard.  Leave it to dry. Once your shaving cream painting is dry they are read to decorate around the house with. Punch a hole with a holepunch and loop a piece of ribbon thru to make them hangable or glue onto easter baskets that the kids have made or make easter cards out of them many uses you can also use the shaving cream as bath paint at bath time for something different.
  Have fun and enjoy xx
 

5 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mould

So having experienced Queenslands best that mother nature has had to give. Most of us are probably experiencing the dreaded Mould!

Mould has many health related issues associated with it including respiratory distress, asthma, sore eyes and sinus congestion.

So how does it affect us?
Mould growths give off mould spores that our bodies are generally allergic to. Our bodies generally exhibit mild allergic reactions such a wheezing, irritated nose, eyes, throat or lungs through to even triggering asthma attacks. There is a percentage of moulds that can contain a toxin called Mycotoxin that can cause a range of illnesses.

So what can we do to prevent and eliminate mould.

The best way to prevent mould is to remove moisture sources such as leaky taps, pipes and roofs and open windows and blinds whenever possible.

You could hire a professional to treat your home. Probably a good idea if you have a serious mould problem.

Then there's your supermarket/hardware store cleaners.

or why not try a natural cleaner and make it yourself?

1) Tea Tree Oil - A little expensive but is a broad spectrum fungicide and appears to kill all moulds. Smell is very strong and will take a few days to clear. Whilst it is expensive a little goes a long way. Try2 teaspoons tea tree oil and 2 cups of water. Use a spray bottle, shake to blend and spray directly on affected areas. Do not rinse. Will last indefinitely so you can always have a spray bottle on hand.
.
2) Grapefruit Seed Extract, also expensive but has no smell.
Try 20 drops grapefruit seed extract, 2 cups water, combine in a spray bottle and shake. Spray affected areas and do not rinse. Lasts indefinitely.

3) Vinegar - The cheapest and has a strong smell that takes a few days to clear. Simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted Distilled Vinegar in a spray bottle and spray affected areas. Do not rinse. Vinegar kills 82% of moulds.

4) Baking Soda -  Mix with vinegar and water or alone with water, baking soda is effective at removing mould naturally. Dissolve baking soda into water or water-and-vinegar solution, and spray onto surface. Let it sit, then scrub and wipe with a damp cloth. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and very mild, so this solution will clean mould without leaving behind a scent.

5) Hydrogen Peroxide - Spray three percent hydrogen peroxide from a bottle onto the moldy surface and leave on for about 10 minutes. Scrub clean, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove residual mold spores. You can also use hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together, and then store the bottle in a dark area (as light breaks down the potency of the hydrogen peroxide).

Bec x 

Quick Simple Fondant

If you have ever wanted to try Fondant then this recipe is perfect. The best thing is it tastes delish!! and it is cheap and simple to make. 

 What You'll Need

1 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp. butter or shortening
1 tbsp. milk or water

Method

Mix all ingredients together until very firm, then use a rolling pin, and roll the fondant out on wax paper, then put on cake when done.


Bec Tips

Add a few drops of Food Colouring/Natural Colouring.  You may need to add some extra icing sugar.
Just add more icing sugar to get it to a workable dough like consistency.
Use cookie cutters, I stole some of the kids playdough cutters (hehe) to make different shapes and letters.

Should look like playdough

Outdoor Cheese Grater Lanterns

This is too easy!!                                                           

Buy a simple cheese grater, all metal.

Place your grater on a drop sheet or newspaper

Using spray paint, paint in your colour of choice. About 3 coats for best results.

Place an LED Candle inside and watch it sparkle or even tie an LED Tea Candle inside and hang from a tree. Don't use real candles the metal will get too hot.

A Rustic Look - Great Up cycling!