For some reason head lice still seem to have a social stigma, despite the fact that anyone can get them – even the cleanest families. Lice infestations can hit any family: regardless of cleanliness, social status or personal hygiene.

Why the stigma?
Head lice can be difficult to control – which is why so many people recoil in horror at their mere mention. But it’s important to remember that head lice are just as easy to catch as a virus – and they’re nothing to be ashamed of.

Speaking up
Because head lice gets transferred back and forth between children it’s important to speak up and tell other parents when we find head lice on our child. The more we normalise head lice by talking about it as just another childhood condition the less stigma there will be.

Getting educated
Misinformation about head lice also leads to stigma. Some scare stories make it seem like head lice are in plague proportions – and as difficult to eradicate. Which is why so many recoil at the mere mention of the critters. But education can be your best weapon.

Article source: http://www.kidspot.com.au/schoolzone/Head-lice-Head-lice-the-social-stigma+4459+318+article.htm

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Starting school can be a daunting prospect for many children,
so we’ve sourced an article with some great hints for mums & dads! How did you overcome stressful school days?

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Back to school blues often affect primary schoolers aged 5 to 12, and even those who look forward to returning to the classroom can be daunted by the first few weeks of the school year.

Parents play a key role in helping children to overcome the stress that returning to school can bring. Mums and Dads can help their kids to manage their worries and make a confident start to the school year, but knowing what to look for and how to help is vital.

What do kids worry about as they go back to school?
According to Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Charlotte Board, kids worry about all sorts of things when they return to school.

“Despite their excitement about starting school, littlies in Kindergarten still worry about being separated from parents, getting lost in their new ‘big school’ and managing routine tasks like finding their schoolbags and lunch boxes,” she said.

A fear of being left behind at the end of the day is also common amongst kindy students”

Older primary schoolers are often more concerned about social issues. They worry about making friends and getting a good teacher that they like. Some children are anxious about who their classmates will be, where their friends have been placed and how they fit in to their peer group.

Charlotte explained that starting school can be especially hard for children whose previous year at school was difficult.

“Children who received a poor end of year report, low grades or struggled with homework may be unhappy about returning to school. These kids need extra support to put last year behind them and start the new school term with optimism.”

She said that Kindy kids and others who are starting at a new school for the first time also occasionally struggle.

As the big first day gets closer, nerves and unfamiliarity can set in, bringing unexpected behaviours like separation anxiety and tantrums.”

Fortunately, says Charlotte, this phase is usually temporary.

Hints for Mums and Dads
“Sometimes variations to eating, sleeping and play patterns will alert
a parent to a child’s increased stress level,” she said.

Children who are reluctant to go to school, complain of physical complaints like head and stomach aches and who display an uncharacteristic lack of enthusiasm for school may also be worried about some aspect of their new class or school environment.

The first point of contact for concerned families should always be the child’s classroom teacher.

In the first weeks of term one, many schools hold their ‘meet the teacher’ night. This short introduction to your child’s teacher could be crucial to their enjoyment and success at school this year.

“Teachers are used to helping children through a nervous start to the year,” Charlotte said. “If your child is affected, talk to the teacher about the transition strategies he or she is using in the classroom to see how you can support your child at home.”

Charlotte said that parents know their children best and have valuable information about their child that may assist the teacher in planning classroom activities.

“Tell the teacher about your child and the behaviours that you have observed. Often, these details make a real difference and teachers can use these insights to help a child to overcome stress and fear.”

Finally, Charlotte encourages parents to remember that education is a partnership between children, families and teachers.

“Keep talking to your child and your child’s school. If things do not improve, do not be afraid to seek professional help from the school counsellor or another expert, such as your family doctor or a children’s psychologist.

Article source: http://www.kids-first.com.au/article/backtoschoolwithconfidence

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Knowing what you are dealing with can be half the problem, so read on for some quick facts about ‘dreaded’ head lice!! What do you do if your child has head lice?

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Getting head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene, so don’t be embarrassed if your child gets it. In fact, lice prefer clean hair because it allows them to move from hair to hair more easily.

What you need to know about head lice:

• Lice are more a nuisance than a real health problem.
• An infestation of head lice is called pediculosis.
• A sure sign of a lice infestation is a child who is madly itching her head, particularly behind the ears and along the hairline on the neck. But don’t fooled into thinking that if your child isn’t itching that they must be lice-free – some children are fantastic hosts and seem to tolerate lice without noticeably itching (at least until the infestation has hit plague proportions!).
• While long hair is more tedious to deal with during an infestation, cutting the hair will not solve the problem as the eggs are laid at the base of the hair shaft.

REMEMBER!
Because live eggs hatch in 7-10 days, the key to success in getting rid of them is to repeat whatever treatment you settle on every three-four days for a couple of weeks. You can only break the cycle if you stop the newly hatched lice from laying eggs.

Article source: http://www.kidspot.com.au/schoolzone/Head-lice-Head-lice-facts+4631+318+article.htm

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The start of the year can often have some the hottest days, so it’s time to think of being sun-smart at school! What do you do to keep your child/ren’s skin protected during school time? Share your tips with us!

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The first day of school is just around the corner so it’s time to put away the bathers, pack up the beach towels and turn attention to the new school year.

With hundreds of thousands of children across the country heading back to school in the next few weeks, it’s a good time to prepare for a healthy and smooth start.

That’s why SunSmart and Kids – ‘Go for your life‘ have joined forces to come up with some useful back to school tips to ensure a healthy, happy new school year.

Packing the school bag
After holidays it can be easy to forget the school routine, so children may need to be reminded about how to use sun protection. Make sure they have a supply of SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen in their school bag. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, so be generous and take children step-by-step through applying sunscreen on their exposed skin. Remind children to reapply every time they head outside.

• Top tip: Pop the sunscreen in their cooler bag so it can be a nice cool application on a hot day! If you find it difficult to encourage your child to use sunscreen try a spray-on sunscreen or a gel for something new.
• Put in a large bottle of water to make sure that your children stay hydrated during lesson time. Most schools will allow children to keep their water bottles on their desk and will encourage them to drink throughout the school day.
• Top tip: To keep the water cool on a hot day stick the water bottle in the freezer the night before. This way the water defrosts gradually and the water will stay icy-cool for longer.

Healthy food ideas for your child’s lunchbox
Plant fruit and veg in your kids lunchbox. Try vegetable sticks, such as carrot, celery, corn, snow peas and cucumber, with dips. Put in some fruit – either fresh or tinned fruit in natural juice.

• Top tip: Vegetable crisps or chips are best left out of lunchboxes, as they’re high in fat and salt even when baked. Also avoid fruit bars and ‘straps’ as they’re high in sugar, low in fibre and they stick to children’s teeth causing tooth decay.
• Don’t think that all treats are necessarily bad, you can make healthy snacks and there are a few products on the market that are high in fibre and low in sugar. Have a look at the Choice food website for some ideas.
• Top tip: Try making your own healthy muffins and cakes – include lots of fruit and vegetables such as sultanas, carrots, banana and pumpkin.

Ensure your school uniform is SunSmart
Clothing can offer great protection against harmful UV radiation. Look for uniforms that have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 30 or more. Densely woven clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible offers the best protection.

• Top Tip: Look for uniforms that have a UPF rating- the highest protection is 50+ and styles that are loose fitting to keep children cool.
• Encourage children to slap on a hat if they are outdoors during the day. Look for a hat such as a wide brim, legionnaire or bucket style hat for best protection of the face, neck and ears. Baseball caps don’t provide enough protection.
• Top tip: For safe play, try a hat with a safety snap or one that adjusts at the crown.
• If your child’s school allows sunglasses, make sure they are a wrap-around style, labelled Australian Standard 1067 that cover as much of the eye area as possible.
• Top tip: You can also get some eye protection by using a hat and shade.

Check the SunSmart UV Alert
Get into the habit of checking the SunSmart UV Alert every day. The UV Alert lets you know when sun protection is required making it easier than ever for you to ensure that your kids are SunSmarter this school year. Whenever the UV level is three and above, protect your children using a combination of the following five steps. Never rely on just one.

1. Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
2. Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen – make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant.
3. Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

The SunSmart UV Alert is available at sunsmart.com.au, in the weather section of daily newspapers and on the Bureau of Meteorology website bom.gov.au/weather/uv/. Download the free SunSmart application for iPhones at the iTunes App Store.

Article source: http://www.sunsmart.com.au/news_and_media/media_releases/media_release_20110112111.html

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The new school year has rolled around already! Here are some handy tips to make the transition to school easier. Share yours here too!

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1. Make mornings smoother
Many kids go to school stressed out from getting ready. Help your kids get organised the night before: pick clothes, pack bags and set them by the door.
That way everyone gets a good night’s rest. Such routines can be especially helpful for children with ADHD.

2. Serve water
Drinking plenty of water keeps mucous membranes moist, providing a significant barrier to germs. A well-hydrated child is better able to ward off illness.

3. Make dinners inviting
Establishing a dinner ritual can bring your family together regularly, creating a sense of safety and belonging that reduces stress. Light candles, turn off the
TV and let the answering machine pick up calls.

4. Pack creative lunches
Packing several small portions of healthy food works better than one big thing.
Try vegetables (like grape tomatoes and capsicum strips) with bean dip or salsa, fruit salad with toothpicks, string cheese, popcorn, peanut butter and whole grain biscuits, or hummus with pita triangles.

5. Take a Walk-Talk
Make a habit of taking a little walk with your child each evening. So often kids come home from school, eat, do homework and go to bed. This is a chance to be active while talking about what’s happened that day.

Article source: http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/family/familyideas/790442/a-healthy-back-to-school-start

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Help keep your teen sun smart with these helpful tips from body+soul! Share your ideas here too!

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PERHAPS your teenager doesn’t think sun care is “cool”, but there are ways you can ensure they cover up.

Little kids know that if they want to have fun in the sun, they have to cover up with a hat, the right clothing and sunscreen. Then they hit their teens, and suddenly rashies are “uncool”, the broad-brimmed hats are “dorky” and sunscreen makes them “break out”.

But here are some sobering facts and figures – for parents at least (alas, adolescents think they’re invincible):

• Melanoma is the most common cancer in 12 to 24 year-old Australians, says Cancer Council Australia.
• Australian adolescents have by far the highest incidence of malignant melanoma in the world.
• Just a couple severe sunburns in childhood or adolescence greatly increases the risk of skin cancer in adult life.
• During adolescence, teens receive the most sun exposure than at any other time of their lives.

And yet on an average summer weekend it’s estimated that one in four Aussie teens will get sunburnt. This compares with less than 15 per cent of adults and only 8 per cent of younger kids.

Appeal to their vanity
Professor Kimlin, skin cancer expert and director of the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, says it’s now widely understood that talking to teens about the damage to their future health isn’t an effective strategy
in building “sunsmart” behaviours.

“They’re immortal at that age and either don’t want to or can’t think about what might happen to their health when they’re 40. They can’t imagine being 40,”
he says.

But he and his team have found the teenage vulnerable point – their looks. Armed with a state-of-the-art UV camera which photographs not how you look on the outside but the damage that’s being done to your skin underneath, they’ve photographed thousands of high school students across Queensland.

“We’ve shown them how being exposed to the sun is prematurely aging them.
That has generally got a fairly big reaction from them because teens are very worried about how they look,” Professor Kimlin says.

He says follow-ups with the students his team has seen has shown appealing to a teen’s vanity may be the answer with many continuing to heed the sun safe message and practicing smarter behaviours like wearing hats and sunscreen and keeping out of direct sunlight during the day.

Social and comfort implication
SunSmart’s manager at WA Cancer Council, Mark Strickland, says most teens won’t like the pain and discomfort of being sunburnt.

“Not only does severe sunburn hurt and blister, and increase their risk of getting skin cancer, but parents can remind their teens that too much sun will make their skin blotchy, wrinkly, coarser and quickly lead to a loss of elasticity – that usually makes an impact on them,” Strickland says.

And if they get sunburnt, then it will most likely restrict their movements for a few days and stop them from hanging out with their friends.

“There’s no denying that teens are the toughest market segment to get that message across to,” he says. “So it really helps for parents to keep having conversations about why it makes sense to protect our skin against the sun and that research has shown adolescence is a critical time when it’s vital they protect their skin.”

While sun exposure is by the far the main cause of skin cancer, family history has been found to play a role. Strickland says if there is a family member who’s had a melanoma or skin cancer, talk to your teens about it.

Smart answers for parents to have up their sleeve

• They won’t wear a rashie: Maybe they’re happy to wear a kaftan or drape a sarong around their shoulders (if they’re a girl). Boys need to be encouraged to have a (cool) T-shirt on at all times and maybe carry an extra one to swim in. If they insist on swimming without a rash vest then they must wear water-resistant sunscreen while in the water, and cover up with clothing when they get out.
• Sunscreen gives them pimples: There are a lot of different sunscreens on the market – go for ones labelled “non-comedogenic” as these have been specially tested and found not to clog pores and worsen acne. Also remind your teens that clothing – one of the best sun protections – doesn’t cause acne.
• Hats are dorky: Take them to a surf shop where there is a wide range of cowboy-style and slouch hats which look cool while also protecting their beautiful young skin from the sun.
• No hat/sunscreen/clothing, no play: If they’re still young enough to be under parental control, you can always try threats and bans if all else fails. They’ll thank you for it later when they’re boasting smooth and freckle-free skin.

Article source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/parenting+pregnancy/kids+health/four+ways+to+make+teens+sun+smart,15075

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It’s such a short time that little ones are…well…little! But keeping them out of harms way is an important part of the exciting journey that is parenthood! Read on for some tips on how to childproof your home!

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IT’S not long before your little one starts to crawl and then walk, so it’s better to get your home childproofed as early as possible.

The more mobile a baby gets, the more dangerous your home becomes. So during your pregnancy, start to get things around your household in order. More than 50 percent of accidents involving children occur in the home; these include falls, drownings, poisonings, burns and car, pedestrian and choking accidents.

Here’s what to look out for when making your home childproof:

Key safety points

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers within reach of the phone.
• Use child resistant latches or locks on drawers and cupboards, especially those containing dangerous substances or sharp objects.
• Keep all household cleaning products, chemicals, alcohol and sharp objects locked up, out of reach and out of sight.
• Keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your home and car. It’s strongly recommended that parents learn CPR and basic first aid by attending a recognised first aid course.
• Install childproof locks on all doors which lead to outside areas.
• Use finger jams and doorstops on all doors accessible by children.
• Safety gates are essential items in homes with small children. As a starting point they should be used for blocking stairs, steps and the kitchen.
• Use child safety plugs in all unused electrical sockets and ensure smoke alarms are fitted in your home. Make sure your fuse box is fitted with a cut-off safety switch in case of an electrical fault.
• Read all you can about child development so you will understand the things babies do at various ages and the how they could lead to injuries.

And remember to ensure that safety measures are in place wherever your child might spend other blocks of time such as a grandparent’s house.

Inside the home
One of the best ways to spot potential danger for your growing baby is to get down on your hands and knees (i.e. to their level) and see your home the way they do. You’ll be amazed at what stands out. Look for anything dangly or sharp, slippery surfaces, large objects that can be reached and pulled down, or objects and dangerous substances which could be easily swallowed.

Floors
Keep the floor clear of any small items that could get caught in a baby’s throat. Be aware of children around hard surfaces like tiles and mop up any spills immediately to avoid slips on non-carpeted areas. Watch out for children slipping on polished floorboards when wearing socks.

Lounge and dining room
Corner protectors are a great idea if you have hard edges on furniture. Isolate steps and staircases and seal off with safety gates. Table mats are much safer than tablecloths which can be pulled down by exploring hands. Never leave hot drinks where they can be easily reached by little ones.

Keep children away from blind cords and open windows or balconies. Make sure there is no furniture placed near balcony railings. Open fires and heaters are very attractive to babies. A sturdy fireguard will stop baby from getting too close.

Another danger point is the television. There have been many accidents where children have pulled down a television onto themselves. Make sure televisions, stereos, etc. are firmly secured within an entertainment cabinet.

Kitchen, bathroom and laundry
These three rooms are high danger areas when it comes to child safety. Safety gates are the best option to stop unwanted access to the kitchen. If they’re not used, make sure your baby is in a high chair or play pen out of way when you’re cooking or preparing food. Use locks on oven and fridge doors and make sure appliance cords can’t be grabbed. Stove guards are a great idea too. Always turn saucepan handles inwards and use rear hot plates. Remove stools and other objects which could be used to climb.

Keep regular kitchen objects like scissors, matches, detergent, knives, plastic bags, etc well out of reach. It’s best to put safety locks on all cupboards/drawers with anything poisonous or pointy and sharp in them. Rubbish bins are also a top attraction for little people, so keep them locked away also. Keep children away from dishwashers — they love to eat leftover powder out of the door. Get a safety lock if necessary.

In the bathroom, the major danger is water. Keep your child well away from baths, nappy or washing buckets (use firm fitting lids) and even the toilet. Children should always be supervised near water. Slipping in the bath can be an issue so use a bathmat or specially designed bath seat when bathing your child. Always test the temperature of the water. Ideally all taps should be fitted with a valve to control water temperature to a preset safe locked up and out of reach.

Never leave the iron or other appliances plugged in — always put away after use. If you’re ironing for any length of time while your baby is awake, it’s a good idea to place them in a playpen out of the way of danger.

Bedrooms
In the nursery most injuries involve falls from cots, bouncers and change tables. Never leave babies on high surfaces unattended — you’d be surprised at how fast and far they can wriggle around even when tiny. Ensure the cot is placed away from blinds, cords, heaters and windows and that the cot rail is up when not in use. Ensure all nursery furniture meets Australian Safety Standards.

In your room and any spare bedrooms, make sure baby can’t reach things like perfume and jewellery which could be easily swallowed. Never leave them on your bed and remove objects which they could use to climb to higher places. Watch out for dry-cleaning bags in the wardrobe which are a suffocation risk.

Outside the home
Ensure all play areas are fenced off from the road, driveways, pools, ponds, water features and barbecue areas. Watch out for things in your garden that a child might try to swallow. Keep outside toilets locked and most importantly make sure your gate to the outside can’t be opened by a little one.

Pools and spas should be surrounded by an Australian Standard approved fence with a child restraint gate. It’s best to keep the shed locked or put dangerous tools and substances out of reach.

Playtime
Babies and children should always have toys and equipment that comply with Australian and International Safety Standards. It’s best to use toys appropriate for your child’s age and make sure you supervise them at all times.

Pets
Animals should always be watched when around children. Even a trusted pet can turn on a child especially if they are being poked or prodded by a little one! Before buying a pet consult a vet or breeders association to see how a particular breed of dog or cat will suit your family.

Article source: http://health.ninemsn.com.au/pregnancy/parenthood/694476/childproofing-your-home

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Just as sun protection is top priority for adults, it is also important that kids get into good sun protection routines too. It’s never too early to learn about the effects of our harsh sun!

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PROTECTING a child from sunburn and long-term overexposure to the sun reduces their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Encourage your child or teenager to be SunSmart and use a combination of sun protection measures – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life determines to a substantial degree the lifetime potential for skin cancer, while sun exposure in later life determines the extent to which this potential is realised. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer before 70 years of age.

A healthy UV balance is important
A healthy balance of exposure to the sun’s UV radiation is important for everyone’s health. Too much UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Too little UV can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood and is essential for healthy bones and muscles and general health.

Getting the right amount of sun
The amount of time in the sun needed for most people to help with vitamin D levels depends on the UV Index:

• When UV levels are 3 and above – most people require a few minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms and hands (or equivalent area of skin) outside peak UV times on most days of the week.
• When UV levels are below 3 – most people require two to three hours of sun exposure (over a week) to their face, arms and hands (or equivalent area of skin).

People with naturally very dark skin need three to six times these exposure levels.

Understanding UV levels and risks
We can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but we cannot see or feel UV radiation. The UV Index can reach 3 and above even on cool, cloudy days. UV radiation comes directly from the sun. It can also be scattered in the air and reflected by surfaces such as buildings, concrete, sand and snow. UV radiation can also pass through light cloud.

To see what the forecast UV levels are for the day and when sun protection is needed, look for the SunSmart UV Alert in the weather section of your daily newspaper. You can also visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website or the SunSmart website. There is a SunSmart UV Alert for over 200 cities across Australia.

Protecting young children from UV damage
Whenever the UV Index reaches 3 and above, remember to use a combination of five sun protection steps – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

Slip – on a shirt
Use cool, loose-fitting clothing to cover as much of your child’s skin as you can. If possible, choose fabrics that contain full percentages or blends of heavyweight natural fibres. These include cotton, linen and hemp or lightweight synthetics such as polyester, nylon, lycra and polypropylene. The tighter the fabric structure, whether knitted or woven, the better the sun protection.

Slop – on SPF 30+ sunscreen
Some tips when using sunscreen with children:

• Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before your child goes outside.
• Apply sunscreen on all parts of your child’s body not covered by hats or clothing.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, as it can come off. Never use sunscreen as the only form of sun protection, as it does not offer complete protection.
• Never use sunscreen to prolong the amount of time you or your child spends out in the sun. You can still get sunburnt if you stay out in the sun for a considerable period of time, even when you are wearing sunscreen.
• You do not need to spend a lot of money on sunscreen – just make sure it is broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB), is labelled ‘AS/ NZS 2604:1998’, is rated SPF 30+ and is water resistant.
• The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends the use of a sunscreen ‘at any age when there is unavoidable exposure to the sun’ and states sunscreen is safe to use on babies. Many brands have a gentler baby’s or toddler’s formula. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide reflect the UV radiation away from the skin and are less likely to cause problems with sensitive skin.
• Store sunscreen in conditions under 30C and watch the expiry date.

Slap – on a broad-brimmed hat
To protect the neck, ears, temples, face and nose, children should wear a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hat.

Broad-brimmed hats should have a brim of at least 7.5 cm. The brim width for children under ten should be proportional to the size of the child’s head and ensure that their face is well shaded.

A legionnaire hat should have the front peak and the long, back flap meet at the sides to protect the side of the face, neck and ears.

Bucket hats should have a deep crown and a brim of at least 6 cm (5 cm for young children).

Baseball caps and visors offer little protection to the cheeks, ears and neck and are not recommended.

Seek – shade
Try to use shade to protect your child whenever possible. However, even when your child is in the shade, UV can still reach them so it is important that children continue to wear a hat, appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

Slide – on some sunglasses
Where practical, children should wear close-fitting, wraparound sunglasses that cover as much of the eye area as possible. The sunglasses should meet Australian Standard AS1067 and preferably be marked EPF (eye protection factor) 10. There are also swimming goggles with EPF 10.

Be a SunSmart role model
Children copy other people. Research has shown children are more likely to use sun protection measures if you do!

Convincing teenagers that sun protection is important
It is often difficult to convince adolescents of the dangers of too much sun, as they may be more concerned that using sun protection isn’t ‘cool’. Here are some tactics you can try:

• Focus on the health and beauty effects of sun exposure – such as premature ageing, wrinkles, blotches, freckles or burnt, peeling skin. Teenagers are very conscious of their appearance, so this may convince them to take precautions.
• Give them a choice – allow your teenager to choose clothing and sunglasses they will be happy to wear and will provide protection from the sun. Some surf clothing companies produce excellent bucket hats and wraparound sunglasses that will offer good sun protection and pass the ‘cool’ test.
• Work with your child’s school – encourage your school to develop and implement a comprehensive SunSmart policy that includes relevant curriculum programs. Cancer Council Victoria’s Schools Program can provide you and your school with the resources and support you need.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your local community health centre
• The Cancer Council of Victoria Information and Support Line Tel. 13 11 20
• Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria Tel. (03) 9209 0169

Things to remember

• Protecting your child from sunburn and long-term overexposure to the sun can reduce their risk of developing skin and eye damage and skin cancer later in life.
• Check the UV level each day and whenever the UV is 3 and above, use a combination of sun protection methods – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide for all outdoor activities.
• Encourage your child, whatever their age, to be SunSmart and maintain a healthy balance of UV exposure.

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Skin_cancer_children?open

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With warm weather on the way and a trip to the local pool or beach (or lake!) it never hurts to brush up on what’s important when children are near water!

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CHILDREN should always be supervised at the beach and near water, no matter what age they are. And it is important to teach children good safety practices when they are at the beach.

Start by setting a good example, being aware of the dangers and always following safe practices.

While most days at the beach go by without a care in the world, it is important that you and your children recognise the hazards that the beach can bring: waves, rips, sharks, bluebottles, stingers and of course, sunburn. By avoiding them or knowing how to deal with them, swimming and playing at the beach should pose no problem.

Surf safety
Ensure your children know to always swim between the red and yellow flags. This is where the lifesavers (lifeguards) patrol and can help if you have problems in the surf. If there are no flags, ask a lifeguard if there is a safe place to swim, and if there is no lifeguard, find another beach!

Waves:
Avoid plunging waves or “dumpers” as these break with tremendous force and can easily throw you onto a shallow sand bar beneath the wave, which can in turn, cause serious injury. Waves can be deceptive — it is safest for children to always swim with an adult.

Rips:
If you happen to get caught in a rip, the most important thing to remember is don’t panic. Rips form where water moves over the sand bars towards the beach, returns back to sea via the channel between the sand bars. Never attempt to swim directly back to shore, but go with the rip and it will slowly take you across the beach. Raise your arm to indicate you are in trouble, float and wait for assistance from a lifeguard.

Sharks
Although sharks rarely approach swimmers, lifeguards keep a watch and will sound a warning siren over the loudspeaker if a shark is sighted. In the unlikely event of this happening, explain to your kids what to expect, to make sure they are aware that they must go ashore immediately if they hear the warning siren.

Bluebottles
Bluebottles, with their transparent blue sac and long, trailing tentacles invade some beaches periodically, particularly over the summer months. They can appear very attractive to inquisitive children, who should be warned they can give a very painful sting. Children should avoid them in the water and on the beach and be advised never to pick them up. Lifeguards will warn swimmers, usually with a sign, if bluebottles are prevalent, and will treat anyone who is stung. The easiest remedy is hot water (cold will do) but it will take a little while for the sting to subside. They are not deadly.

Box jellyfish (stingers):
In tropical north Queensland a nasty stinger called the box jellyfish, can be deadly. They are only found from November to April, so during this time, do not swim at a beach in this region unless it has a netted area for safe swimming.

Sunburn
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Not only that, sunburn will certainly cut into your summer enjoyment. Make sure you and your children use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 plus and apply it often, especially after being in the water. Always wear a hat, shirt and sunglasses when you are not in the water.

Article source: http://travel.ninemsn.com.au/holidaytype/kidsfamily/654366/beach-safety-for-kids

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If your baby suffers from eczema, you know how sore, red, angry and itchy they get and it’s hard to watch when often you don’t know what has triggered it. Have you discovered the triggers to flare-ups?  What are your tips?

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SKIN rashes in babies are quite common. They can suddenly appear out of nowhere and then be gone again. As a parent though, it can be quite disconcerting to see skin rashes on your baby.

One of the most common skin rashes in babies is eczema, or otherwise known as atopic dermatitis. According to The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), eczema occurs in around 1 in 5 infants starting in the first 6 months of age but usually improves significantly between the ages of 3 to 5 years. The prevalence of atopic diseases like eczema, are on the increase but we are unsure why. According to research, primary prevention is needed to reverse this trend.

What is Eczema?
Eczema is a common non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that has numerous possible causes and no known cure. It’s an atopic condition, which is a form of allergy in which a hypersensitivity reaction may occur in a part of the body not in contact with the allergen.

What does Eczema in babies look like?
Eczema in babies appears as a red skin rash that’s dry. It may be scaly and when scratched, can weep and become infected. Eczema appears on the cheek first, then can spread to the forehead and the backs of arms and legs, and eventually spread to the rest of the body.

How does a baby get eczema?
There are many possible causes to why a baby might develop eczema. Some of which include:

• Family history especially of asthma and hay fever, which can increase the chances of developing eczema.
• Babies have hypersensitive skin therefore can more likely react to environmental allergens like dust mites, pollens, animal fur, feathers, woollen or synthetic clothing and chemicals in cleaning solutions for the house or personal use.
• Food allergies or food sensitivities, which are triggered by eating certain foods or passed through a mothers breast milk. Whilst food is not the cause of eczema, the most common foods that can trigger an eczema flare up include cow’s milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanuts and shellfish.
• Nutrient deficiencies for example some breast-fed babies may not be getting the required vitamins and minerals through breast milk, as their mother may not getting enough. And some formula-fed babies may not be able to utilize the vitamins and fats in baby formula.

Can nutrition help prevent and treat eczema in a baby?
As there is no known definite cause or cure for eczema, research suggests that primarily supporting the immune system can help reduce the chance of your baby developing eczema, as well as alleviating its symptoms.  The best way to support your baby’s immune system is nutritionally. This can be done by:

• Mothers taking probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding or given to the baby to take orally.  Research shows that probiotics help to restore beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help better digestion and absorption of food, as well as support the immune system. Beneficial bacteria can be found in foods for example yoghurt, as well as supplements. The best strain of bacteria that works more effectively than others in eczema is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG otherwise known as LGG. Please see a healthcare practitioner trained in nutrition that can advise you on the right probiotic to take.
• Changing your diet whilst pregnant and breastfeeding or your baby’s diet, as certain foods can trigger eczema to flare up. This may involve allergy testing or an elimination diet to see which food is the culprit. If you suspect food allergies, get tested or see a paediatrician for your baby. As well, see a nutritionist or dietician when doing an elimination diet so to limit the risk of nutrient deficiency.

In addition, other useful nutrition tips include:

• Increasing essential fatty acids (EFA’s) in the diet either by food, which includes fatty fish for example salmon, ocean trout, mackerel and sardines, as well as nuts such as pecans, walnuts and almonds, or supplementing with fish oils and evening primrose oil. Research shows that EFA’s help to regulate inflammatory conditions in the body, as well as support skin health. Eczema is a dry skin condition therefore supplementing with EFA’s can help moisturise the skin. Again get professional advice from a nutritionist or dietician in the best foods and supplements.
• For formula fed babies, make sure your baby is getting the right vitamins, minerals and EFA’s it needs.

The most important and effective treatment plan for eczema is to treat the root of the cause, rather than the symptom. This involves getting professional advice. Once you have worked out what causes the flare-ups in your baby, you can confidently help minimise the triggers and start your baby on the road to
healthy skin.

Article source: www.essentialbaby.com.au/baby/baby-health/baby-eczema-and-nutrition-20110419-1dmay.html

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