Win 1 of 10 copies of “Food Babies Love” – Winners

“What great news about the prize! It will be very, very useful in providing tasty meals
and snacks for son number two who has just turned one.
Many thanks to Parenthub for organising such a great competition!”
Winner J from QLD

Congratulations to all the winners! We hope the book will be a great source of information for you! We had a difficult time choosing the winners, as there were a lot of very creative, funny and inspiring answers.

Name	Suburb	State
M Fernee	Port Melbourne	VIC
J Hopley	Clinton	QLD
A Ngawaka	Regents Park	QLD
T Lamb	Araluen	NT
J Graham	Clayfield	QLD
B Downey	Samford Valley	QLD
J Vidovic	Omalley	ACT
T Versace	Belmore	NSW
J Morgan	Forster	NSW
M Preston	Toowoomba	QLD

You haven’t won this time? Don’t worry – check out our competition section. We regularly run great competitions and maybe next time you are one of the happy winners!

Please note our competitions are only open to Parenthub members who are Australian residents. If you aren’t a member yet please sign up first. Membership is free and there are great offers and benefits!

Kid sport drop outs at higher risk of mental health problems

Australian primary school kids who drop out of organised sport have up to a 20% greater risk of developing mental health problems within three years than those who keep participating, according to research from University of Wollongong.

The research, conducted by Dr Stewart Vella from the Early Start Research Institute, shows that children who drop out of organised sport between the ages of eight and 10 experience greater psychological difficulties at age 10 than those children still participating in organised sports or did not participate in organised sport at all.

“We know that sports participation has long been associated with better mental health such as through the development of better social and emotional skills and self-esteem,” Dr Vella said.

“We also know that half of all psychological disorders have their onset before the age of 14 years.

“While we were expecting our results to confirm the negative psychological consequences of dropping out of organised sport, we were surprised by the magnitude of the differences, with the total relative increase of risk in mental health problems within three years for kids who drop out between 10 to 20%.

Dr Vella said the projected rate of sport dropouts among Australian children was also concerning.

“Based on the drop out rates per year recorded during our study – if this number was to remain consistent throughout childhood and adolescence – it would translate to approximately 250,000 young Australians dropping out of organised sports every year.”

Dr Vella said kids who drop out of organised sports should be monitored for psychological difficulties.

“Clubs, coaches, parents and health practitioners should also look out for kids experiencing psychological difficulties who drop out of sport, as a higher level of mental health issues may be experienced immediately prior and subsequent to dropping out.”

The research, Associations between sports participation and psychological difficulties during childhood: A two year follow up, examined the mental health of more than four thousand children from the Longitudinal Study of Australia Children, comparing those who participated in sport to those who dropped out of sports or did not participate. The research will be formally presented at Sports Medicine Australia’s be active 2014 conference this week.

(Source: University of Wollongong)

How to sleep when pregnant

Trying to find a comfortable position for a good night’s sleep can be a challenge at the best of times. With a pregnant belly and other pregnancy related body changes, some sleep positions are impossible. Finding the right position, that’s safe for your body and your baby, can be even more difficult.

While sleeping on your back or tummy don’t work with a baby bump, finding the right position for pregnancy sleep is possible with the help of sleep aids like pregnancy pillows and a bit of trial and error. There are plenty of ways you can support your body with pillows, blankets and furniture to make sleeping during pregnancy more comfortable.

Sleeping positions to avoid during pregnancy

During pregnancy it’s best to avoid sleeping flat on your back or flat on your stomach.

Lying flat on your back during pregnancy puts pressure on your intestines and some major blood vessels (known as the aorta and vena cava), because your heavier than usual abdomen rests on them. It’s not recommended during pregnancy after about the 16 week, partly because it’s just uncomfortable, but also because the pressure on your blood vessels may restrict blood flow and make you feel faint. Lying flat on your back can also restrict the flow of blood and nutrients to your baby via the palcenta and your kidney and liver. It can result in complications including:

Low blood pressure, which may reduce the flow of blood to your heart and to your baby;
Backache;
Breathing difficulty;
Digestive problems;
Haemorrhoids.

Lying flat on your tummy will become physically impossible as your pregnancy progresses.

How to sleep comfortably on your side during pregnancy

Sleeping on your side is safest for you and your baby during pregnancy because it lowers the risk of restricting blood flow and breathing problems. Sleeping on your left side is best as it can help increase the flow of blood to the placenta that nourishes your baby. Ultimately that means baby will be getting more nutrients while you sleep.

However you have a whole night to get through and you’ll probably find that you sometimes change positions, and may spend some time lying on both your left and right side. Whichever side you choose to sleep, keep your legs bent at the knees and pulled up towards your chest to balance your body and keep your spine straight.

Avoid supporting your weight with your arms as this may reduce blood circulation and cause pins and needles. Crossing your arms over your chest is one way to avoid placing too much weight on them.

Separate your legs by placing a pillow between them or using a full length body pillow.

If you normally prefer lying flat on your stomach or back sleeping on your side may not sound like a comfortable pregnancy alternative. However there are different ways you can support different body parts while lying on your side.

Place a pillow under your belly for extra support. This may be particularly useful if you’re experiencing back pain during pregnancy.
Use a pillow to raise your upper body. Raising the upper body is a good way to avoid heartburn. It can also relieve shortness of breath and snoring.
Sleep with a specially designed pregnancy pillow or bean which offers extra support for your body while you’re sleeping, for example supports the arms, neck and shoulders.
Apply heat packs to areas of your body that are uncomfortable.
Place a pillow at the small of your back.
Use an egg crate type mattress to provide relief to your hips while you’re sleeping on your side.

Pregnancy pillows

There are a range of pillows specially designed to support pregnant bodies and provide support and comfort while lying down. Unfortunately there is little scientific evidence to guide women in the best choice of a pregnancy pillow, or to show whether or not these devices are actually effective in terms of improving sleep or relieving aches and pains that might be worsened with sleep.

A pregnancy cradle is a pillow designed to provide support to the shoulders, neck and arms and help pregnant women maintain a relaxed and comfortable position for sleeping. These pillows come in various densities, depending on whether you like softer or firmer support and are also made to suit women of different heights.

A full body bean pillow provides support to the full length of a woman’s body. It is designed to help a woman sleep comfortably on her side with a baby bump.

Pillows have also been designed which curve to the contours of a woman’s baby bump and sit under the belly to provide extra support while lying on the side. They may relieve back ache and help women get a better night’s sleep.

Alternatives to lying down

If you have days when you just can’t get comfortable lying down, sitting in a supported position which allows you to rest your body and get comfortable might be a good alternative. For example try:

Sitting backward on a chair, with pillows between the back of the chair and your belly to provide support.
Kneeling in front of an armchair or the head of the bed and bending forward, resting your arms and head on the sofa seat or bed head. Be sure to use pillows to support your knees and upper body.
Lying on your side and propping yourself up with enough pillows so that you are almost sitting.

Getting out of bed while pregnant

Thinking about how to get yourself out of bed is also important when you’re carrying extra baby weight. You’ll need to get up slowly and make sure you support your body, to avoid putting too much strain on your back, pelvis and belly.

Roll onto one side to begin, then push yourself up gently using your hands and arms. Lower your legs over the side of the bed as you raise your torso.

References

Pien GW, Schwab RJ. Sleep Disorders During Pregnancy. Sleep. 2004; 27(7): 1405-7. (Full Text)
American Pregnancy Association. Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy. 2007. (cited 25 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
Queensland Health. A physiotherapy guide to staying comfortable and healthy before and after childbirth. 2010 (cited 30 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
Mayo Clinic. Sleep during pregnancy- follow these tips. 2013 (cited 30 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
American Chiropractic Association. Proper Sleep Ergonomics. 2011. (cited 25 September 2014) Available from: (URL Link)
National Sleep Foundation. Pregnancy and Sleep. 2014 (cited 30 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
National Health Service. Tiredness and Pregnancy. 2013. (cited 30 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
Medline. Problems sleeping during pregnancy. 2012. (cited 30 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
Woods M. Pregnancy and Sleep: A contradiction in terms? 2014. (cited 25 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
Thomas IL, Nicklin J, Pollock H, Faulkner K. Evaluation of a Maternity Cushion (Ozzlo Pillow) for Backache and Insomnia in Late Pregnancy (and editorial comment). Aust NZ J Obs Gynecol. 1989. (Abstract)
Cochrane Complementary and Alternative Medicine Field. Ozzlo Pillow for Pelvic/Back Pain in Pregnancy. 2007. (cited 30 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)
Women’s and Children’s Health Service- Government of Western Australian. Physiotherapy Before and After Childbirth.2006 (cited 8 October 2014). Available from: (URL Link)

Induction of labour: Alternative methods

Induction of labour is a procedure to bring on childbirth, which may also be called getting induced or simply induction. The most common techniques for inducing labour involve using medicines or surgical procedures, however some women use alternative methods, either to avoid or in combination with medical or surgical techniques.

If you’re pregnant and particularly if inducing labour is something you’ve been advised to consider (for example because you’re past your due date and your baby is not showing any signs of wanting to leave the cosy cocoon of your womb) alternative methods of inducing labour you may be interested in finding out more. They include:

Herbal remedies;
Sexual stimulation; and
Acupuncture

These techniques may be used either to ripen the cervix (help the cervix soften and dilate so it is ready for labour) and/or induce labour (stimulate uterine contractions).

Herbal supplements

The use of herbal remedies to promote health and treat disease is increasing in general, and their use in pregnancy is no exception. So if you’re looking for information about herbal remedies for induction of labour, you’re probably not alone.

A range of herbs have been used to induce labour, amongst which evening primrose oil is probably the most commonly administered by midwives. Although it has a long history of use as a labour inducing agent, there is no clear evidence how evening primrose oil works, or if in fact it does. There is also no information about the potential risks of using it. And yes, even though they occur naturally, herbal remedies often come with risks just like medicines.

There is also limited evidence about the effectiveness and safety of other herbs used for induction of labour, including:

Black haw and black cohosh: both of which are said to have a uterine tonic effect, that is it helps tone the uterine muscles;
Blue cohosh: which is thought to stimulate uterine contractions (labour contractions).
Red raspberry leaves: which are also thought to encourage uterine contractions but only after a woman has started labour.
Castor oil: which is sometimes used for ripening the cervix or inducing labour.

Sexual stimulation

Sexual stimulation including intercourse and stimulation of the breasts and nipples are commonly recommended techniques for inducing labour. Stimulation of the breasts and nipples promotes the release of oxytocins – the same hormone which is released (or administered by doctors in medical induction of labour) to stimulate uterine contractions.

Having actual intercourse stimulates the lower uterus which releases chemicals called prostaglandins, another substance produced naturally by the body and administered artificially in medical induction of labour to prepare the cervix. If the man ejaculates, the semen he releases provides an additional dose of prostaglandins. A woman’s orgasm causes uterine contractions, which also occur during labour.

While it sounds reasonable that the hormones your body releases while you’re getting sexy induce labour, there’s no evidence that women who have lots of sex have gone into labour any earlier than those who don’t. But if you’re waiting for your baby and you’re in the mood, it could be a great, intimate way to pass the time.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine procedure which involves inserting fine needles at particular points in the body. Different points are targeted for different conditions. There is a belief in both Chinese and Western medicine that the process of inserting needles, which stimulates nerves, may trigger the release of prostaglandins (which prepare the cervix for labour) and oxytocin (which stimulates contractions). However no scientific studies have yet been conducted to produce evidence of whether the process actually helps induce labour, or whether or not there are any risks involved.

Other techniques

Hot baths and enemas have also been proposed as techniques for preparing the cervix and/or inducing labour. There’s no evidence that a bath or an enema actually works when it comes to ripening to cervix or inducing labour. Some doctors recommend avoiding baths all together as they increase the core body temperature, which isn’t good for the baby and baths may increase the risk of infection.

Alternative techniques for inducing labour

There are a number of alternative techniques that have been used traditionally and may still be recommended for inducing labour. Unfortunately there is no scientific evidence to show that they work, and little is known about the risks these techniques may involve. While having sex or a relaxing hot bath are probably safe, herbal remedies and acupuncture may involve risks. If you’re considering using herbal remedies to induce labour, have a good chat with your doctor before you do.

References

Queensland Government. Queensland Clinical Guidelines: Induction of labour. [Online, last updated Jan 2014; cited 7^th June 2014] Available from (URL Link)
Tenore JL. Methods for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Am Fam Physician 2003; 67(10): 2123-2128. (Full text)

Induction of labour

Induction of labour is a common procedure used to start the process of labour and childbirth. You may have heard it referred to simply as induction or getting induced. It is a way of artificially starting the process of childbirth, for babies who are physically ready to enter the world, but aren’t interested in leaving the cosy cocoon of mum’s womb.

But induction of labour does involve some risks for mother and baby, so will only be performed when the benefit of the procedure outweighs the risks.

How common is induction?

More than one in four pregnant women end up getting induced because:

Their baby is overdue but needs a little bit of coaxing out into the world;
They have a medical condition (most commonly diabetes) or pregnancy complication (most commonly premature rupture of the membranes) which creates health risks if they continue the pregnancy; or
There is something wrong with the baby for example it is not growing properly, and may be in danger if the pregnancy continues.

However even in these situations, the doctor may not induce labour. If, after having the risks and benefits of induction of labour explained, the pregnant woman does not agree to be induced the procedure will not be performed.

When is induction dangerous?

There are also some situations when labour will not be induced because it is too dangerous (no matter how much mum is ready and willing to do just about anything to get baby out of there). These are usually situations in which a vaginal birth is not possible, and a caesarean section is the recommended method of bringing baby into the world.

Labour will not be induced unless the baby is doing everything just right. For example, if baby is not in the right position for vaginal birth (malpresentation) or the position of the umbilical cord poses a danger during vaginal birth, induction of labour is contraindicated meaning it’s a big no-no in doctor speak.

Similarly if the placenta or umbilical vessels are covering mum’s cervix, (conditions referred to as placenta praevia and vasa praevia respectively) getting induced is out of the question. If baby experiences sudden changes that indicate it may be distressed, for example if its heart rate slows down or it is not getting enough oxygen, induction is too dangerous.

Mums also needs to be just right to undergo induction of labour and vaginal delivery of their baby. Doctors won’t induce women with cephalopelvic disproportion (which means there’s not enough room for baby’s head to pass through their pelvic bone). For those with viruses (like HIV and genital herpes) that may infect their baby during normal medical procedures carried out for induction of a vaginal delivery such as breaking the waters, , induction of labour also poses too great a risk.

Ripening the cervix for induction of labour

But mum’s cervix also needs to be just right, or to use the correct medical term, the cervix must be ripe. The cervix is the entrance to the womb and it’s usually closed off to prevent all but the tiniest of particles (think sperm) entering the womb. However before the baby can move from the uterus through to the vagina to be born, the cervix needs to open up, or dilate to make room for baby’s head to pass through. The ripeness of the cervix is assessed by calculating the Bishop’s score.

As the cervical canal becomes wider it shortens and softens in preparation for baby’s passage. If all’s going well and baby’s in the correct position, this means the cervix is ready for childbirth, and labour can be induced.

If the cervix is not ripe, induction of labour is not out of the question. But the cervix must be ripened, by applying a gel or pessary containing chemicals called prostaglandins which help the cervix dilate, or by transcervical foley catheter, a procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the cervix to encourage it to soften and dilate. That usually takes at least six hours with prostaglandin gel and 12-18 hours with a transcervical foley catheter.

Induction of labour

Once the cervix is just right (ripe) and the woman’s bladder empty, induction of labour can begin. There are two techniques; artificial rupture of the membranes and administration of the hormone oxytocin, which may also be used in combination.

Artificial rupture of the membranes is a procedure in which a small cut is made to the pregnancy membranes, the amnion and chorion, causing them to rupture. When labour occurs spontaneously, these membranes rupture without intervention, in a pregnancy event often referred to as the ‘waters breaking’. Once the membranes are ruptured doctors may wait for labour to start spontaneously, induce labour with oxytocin or use augmentation of labour techniques.

Oxytocin is a hormone produced naturally by the human body which stimulates contractions of the uterus (those same contractions which help move baby out into the world during childbirth). So administering a bit of extra oxytocin is an effective way of stimulating labour contractions. If this hormone is administered, the woman will be attached to a monitor which track her uterine contractions and her baby’s heart rate.

Childbirth after induction

Sometimes there are complications, for example uterine contractions fail to start or gain sufficient momentum for labour, uterine contractions occur too quickly or the baby’s heart rate changes. In these cases the hormones used to induce labour may be withdrawn, and sometimes an emergency caesarean section needed.

However, most women go on to deliver their baby vaginally after induction of labour. It is a common procedure performed in more than one in four pregnancies. As the procedure will only be performed when the benefits for both mum and bub outweigh the risks, you can rest assured that there’s a good reason, if your doctor asks you to consider induction of labour.

References

Queensland Government. Queensland Clinical Guidelines: Induction of labour. [Online, last updated Jan 2014; cited 7^th June 2014] Available from (URL Link)
King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia, Clinical Practice Guideline section B 5.1 Induction of labour. [Online, last updated Apr 2011; cited 7^th June 2014] Restricted access guideline.
King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia, Clinical Practice Guideline section B 5.1.5 Vaginally administered prostaglandins. [Online, last updated Apr 2011; cited 7^th June 2014] Restricted access guideline.
King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia, Clinical Practice Guideline section B 5. Intrapartum care. [Online, last updated Aug 2013; cited 7^th June 2014] Available from: (URL Link)
King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia, Clinical Practice Guideline section B 5.1.13 Oxytocin infusion. [Online, last updated Aug 2011; cited 7^th June 2014] Available from: (URL Link)
Li Z, Zeki R, Hilder L & Sullivan EA 2013. Australia’s mothers and babies 2011. Perinatal statistics series no. 28. Cat. no. PER 59. Canberra: AIHW. Available from: (URL Link)
Women’s and Children’s Health Network. Caesarean Section. 2014. (cited 26 September 2014). Available from: (URL Link)

The kids aren't alright – supporting children when a parent has cancer

The children of parents who have cancer can feel anxious and isolated when well-meaning parents withhold information about their health, says Professor Kate White, Chair of Cancer Nursing at the University of Sydney.
“Children often get excluded from conversations about what’s happening to a parent who has cancer,” says Professor White.
“Parents exclude children from conversations about cancer for a range of reasons, but the unintended impacts are that children can feel isolated and anxious.”
“Most parents withhold information because they want to protect their child. Others withhold information because they simply don’t know what to say, or they fear that becoming emotional would be distressing for their children.”
“The fact is that cancer isn’t a solitary experience, especially for parents – it impacts one’s children, partner, family and wider social network,” Professor White says.
“A diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent impact of hospital admissions and complex treatments have a huge impact on the normal functioning of a family,” Professor White says.
“Managing day-to-day family life, one’s own emotional journey, as well as the needs of our children can be an enormous task. Children’s emotional and practical needs can be overlooked during this time.”
Claudia Bonifer has been mindful of sharing age-appropriate information with her daughter Ella since her treatments for breast and ovarian cancer in the past three years.
Now aged 11, Ella was eight when Claudia was first diagnosed with breast cancer.
“My husband and I thought it best that Ella knew I had cancer and that the treatments would bring a lot of physical changes. We also wanted Ella to know that the doctors thought I had a very good chance of surviving the cancer.”
Claudia was given Cancer Council resources by her breast care nurse and oncologist about how to talk to a child about cancer. “The information has been helpful and now that Ella is a few years older, we’ve changed what we share and how we talk about cancer with her.”
Professor White says that “Parents are encouraged to keep the conversation going with their children about what is happening, and to provide opportunities for children of all ages to explore what this diagnose means to them.
“Kids are intuitive, they will know something is wrong, and may imagine things to be worse than they are when not included.”
Claudia Bonifer agrees: “Ella is a clever child and can read social and family situations – she knows when something is going on – and it would have been wrong to withhold information from her. Also, if my health deteriorated, I didn’t want her to be shocked or unprepared for bad news.”
Research shows that teenagers who have a parent with cancer have increased levels of emotional concern that can last well after treatments have completed. Researchers from CanTeen and Sydney Nursing School are testing a resilience-based intervention to assist this vulnerable group.
“When a parent is undergoing cancer treatment, it is a challenging time for children and young people – they may need additional support from the people communities that are best known to them,” said Professor White.
“It’s when families, schools and communities work together to help build resilience in our children and young people that they can gain the tools to cope with this difficult situation.
“This concept of building resilience can be expanded to be relevant to the diagnosis of any life threatening disease and its impact on the family.”
(Source: The University of Sydney)

The kids aren’t alright – supporting children when a parent has cancer

The children of parents who have cancer can feel anxious and isolated when well-meaning parents withhold information about their health, says Professor Kate White, Chair of Cancer Nursing at the University of Sydney.

“Children often get excluded from conversations about what’s happening to a parent who has cancer,” says Professor White.

“Parents exclude children from conversations about cancer for a range of reasons, but the unintended impacts are that children can feel isolated and anxious.”

“Most parents withhold information because they want to protect their child. Others withhold information because they simply don’t know what to say, or they fear that becoming emotional would be distressing for their children.”

“The fact is that cancer isn’t a solitary experience, especially for parents – it impacts one’s children, partner, family and wider social network,” Professor White says.

“A diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent impact of hospital admissions and complex treatments have a huge impact on the normal functioning of a family,” Professor White says.

“Managing day-to-day family life, one’s own emotional journey, as well as the needs of our children can be an enormous task. Children’s emotional and practical needs can be overlooked during this time.”

Claudia Bonifer has been mindful of sharing age-appropriate information with her daughter Ella since her treatments for breast and ovarian cancer in the past three years.

Now aged 11, Ella was eight when Claudia was first diagnosed with breast cancer.

“My husband and I thought it best that Ella knew I had cancer and that the treatments would bring a lot of physical changes. We also wanted Ella to know that the doctors thought I had a very good chance of surviving the cancer.”

Claudia was given Cancer Council resources by her breast care nurse and oncologist about how to talk to a child about cancer. “The information has been helpful and now that Ella is a few years older, we’ve changed what we share and how we talk about cancer with her.”

Professor White says that “Parents are encouraged to keep the conversation going with their children about what is happening, and to provide opportunities for children of all ages to explore what this diagnose means to them.

“Kids are intuitive, they will know something is wrong, and may imagine things to be worse than they are when not included.”

Claudia Bonifer agrees: “Ella is a clever child and can read social and family situations – she knows when something is going on – and it would have been wrong to withhold information from her. Also, if my health deteriorated, I didn’t want her to be shocked or unprepared for bad news.”

Research shows that teenagers who have a parent with cancer have increased levels of emotional concern that can last well after treatments have completed. Researchers from CanTeen and Sydney Nursing School are testing a resilience-based intervention to assist this vulnerable group.

“When a parent is undergoing cancer treatment, it is a challenging time for children and young people – they may need additional support from the people communities that are best known to them,” said Professor White.

“It’s when families, schools and communities work together to help build resilience in our children and young people that they can gain the tools to cope with this difficult situation.

“This concept of building resilience can be expanded to be relevant to the diagnosis of any life threatening disease and its impact on the family.”

(Source: The University of Sydney)

After-school exercise program enhances cognition in 7-, 8- and 9-year-olds

A nine-month-long, study involving 221 children found that those who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day after school saw substantial improvements in their ability to pay attention, avoid distraction and switch between cognitive tasks, researchers report in the journal Pediatrics.

Half of the study subjects were randomly assigned to the after-school program and the rest were placed on a wait list. All participants underwent cognitive testing and brain imaging before and after the intervention.

“Those in the exercise group received a structured intervention that was designed for the way kids like to move,” said University of Illinois kinesiology and community health professor Charles Hillman, who led the study. “They performed short bouts of exercise interspersed with rest over a two-hour period.”

The intervention, called FITKids, was based on the CATCH exercise program, a research-based health promotion initiative that was initially funded by the National Institutes of Health and now is used by schools and health departments across the U.S.

The children in the FITKids exercise group wore heart-rate monitors and pedometers during the intervention.

“On average, kids’ heart rates corresponded with a moderate-to-vigorous level of exercise intensity, and they averaged about 4,500 steps during the two-hour intervention,” Hillman said. The children were active about 70 minutes per day.

As expected, fitness increased most in the intervention group over the course of the study.

“We saw about a 6% increase in fitness in children in the FITKids intervention group,” Hillman said. Fitness improved less than 1% in the wait-list control group, he said.

Children in the exercise group also demonstrated substantial increases in “attentional inhibition,” a measure of their ability to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand. And they improved in “cognitive flexibility,” which involves switching between intellectual tasks while maintaining speed and accuracy. Children in the wait-list control group saw minimal improvements in these measures, in line with what would be expected as a result of normal maturation over the nine months, Hillman said.

“Kids in the intervention group improved two-fold compared to the wait-list kids in terms of their accuracy on cognitive tasks,” he said. “And we found widespread changes in brain function, which relate to the allocation of attention during cognitive tasks and cognitive processing speed. These changes were significantly greater than those exhibited by the wait-list kids.

“Interestingly, the improvements observed in the FITKids intervention were correlated with their attendance rate, such that greater attendance was related to greater change in brain function and cognitive performance,” Hillman said.

The study did not distinguish improvements that were the result of increased fitness from those that might stem from the social interactions, stimulation and engagement the children in the intervention group experienced, Hillman said.

“Other research at Georgia Regents University led by Catherine Davis has actually used social and game-playing as their control group, and showed that the cognitive effects of their physical activity intervention are above-and-beyond those that are gained just through social interactions,” he said.

The FITKids program is designed to get children socially engaged in exercise, which is part of what makes it an effective intervention, Hillman said.

“The fact is that kids are social beings; they perform physical activity in a social environment,” he said. “A big reason why kids participate in a structured sports environment is because they find it fun and they make new friends. And this intervention was designed to meet those needs as well.”

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health funded this research.

(Source: University of Illinois, Pediatrics)

Win 1 of 10 double in-season passes to LOVE, ROSIE

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View the winners of this competition.

Thanks to STUDIOCANAL we are giving away 10 double in-season passes to LOVE, ROSIE, each valued at $38.

Best friends Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin) are destined for one another, and everyone seems to know it but them. They decide to go to America together to attend University but fate has other plans for them and one mistake sends them in opposite directions. Over the next twelve years, their lives change dramatically but the undeniable question remains – what if fortune had taken another turn and they were meant to be more than just good friends?

Based on the hugely successful romantic novel Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern (author of PS. I Love You), LOVE, ROSIE is a funny, heartwarming and very modern tale about getting more than one shot at true love.

View trailer here.

IN CINEMAS November 6

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b) submit an answer to the questions asked, and
c) submit all required contact details
Prizes. There are 10 (ten) prizes. Each consists of a double in-season pass to LOVE, ROSIE, valued at $38. Total prize pool RRP $380.
Tickets are valid from opening day at participating Hoyts Cinemas, Village Cinemas, Reading Cinemas, EVENT, Greater Union, Birch, Carroll & Coyle Cinemas, Australian Multiplex Cinemas, Wallis and participating independent cinemas. Not valid for Gold Class; Special Event sessions or VMAX at Village Cinemas. Not valid for Gold Class and VMAX at EVENT Cinemas. Not valid for Gold Class and VMAX at Greater Union and Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas. Not valid for La Premiere, Directors Suite, Bean Bag Cinema, Xtremescreen or IMAX at Hoyts Cinemas. Not valid at Gold Lounge or Titan XC at Reading Cinemas. Not valid for Regal Twin Graceville, Ace Gold Lounge Cinemas and Hayden Orpheum Cinemas. Not valid at Dendy Premium or Lounge Cinemas.
The tickets are not valid Tuesdays (or cinema discount days), after 5pm on Saturdays or Public Holidays. Valid even when “No Free Tickets” restrictions apply. This ticket must be taken as offered & is not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash. Seating is subject to availability. This pass does not guarantee admission.
Winners: The winners of the competition will be the people who submit an entry that the judges regard as the best in terms of creativity and originality. Chance plays no part in determining the winners. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding their decision.
Incomplete, illegible or incorrect entries or entries containing offensive or defamatory comments, or which breach any law or infringe any third party rights, including intellectual property rights, are not eligible to win.
Notification: Winners will be notified by email and asked for their postal address to send the prize to. The prize sponsor will then send the prizes to the winners’ contact addresses. The winners may also be posted on parenthub.wpengine.com (including their name, suburb and state).
Change of address: It is the entrants’ responsibility to inform the Promoter if their residential address, email address or phone number changes during the Competition Period. Prizes will only be delivered in Australia.
Unclaimed prizes: In the event that the Prize has not been claimed by 12 noon AEST 07 November 2014, subject to any directions given by State and Territory gaming departments the prize will be awarded to the next best eligible entrant as chosen by the judges.
General Conditions
Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and are not redeemable for cash. All other costs associated with a Prize are the responsibility of the winner. The Promoter shall not be liable for any Prize that may be lost, stolen, forged, damaged or tampered with in any way before it reaches the winner.
If the Promoter is unable to provide a winner with the nominated Prize, the Promoter reserves the right to supply an alternative prize of the equal or greater value, subject to any written directions given by State or Territory gaming departments.
Entries will be deemed to be accepted at the time of receipt by the Promoter. No responsibility will be taken for lost, late or misdirected entries. The Promoter is not responsible for technical difficulties with the entry mechanism and does not warrant that the entry mechanism will be available at all times.
If, for any reason, the Promotion is not capable of running as planned, including due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failure or any other causes beyond the control of the Promoter, which corrupt or affect the administration security, fairness or integrity or proper conduct of this Promotion, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to take any action that may be available, subject to State and Territory regulations.
The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify entries in the event of non-compliance with these terms and conditions of entry. In the event there is a dispute concerning the conduct of the Promotion, the decision of the Promoter is final and binding on each entrant and no correspondence will be entered into.
The Promoter reserves the right to request winners to provide proof of identity, proof of residency at the nominated prize delivery address and/or proof of entry validity in order to claim a prize. Proof of identification, residency and entry considered suitable for verification is at the discretion of the Promoter. In the event that a winner cannot provide suitable proof, the winner will forfeit the prize in whole and no substitute will be offered.
The Promoter makes no representations or warranties as to the quality/suitability/merchantability of any of the goods/services offered as prizes. The Promoter or prize sponsor shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or any personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with this promotion, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
By entering the competition, each entrant agrees to the use of their 25 word statement for printing, broadcast, publicity and promotional purposes, without compensation, and agrees that the Promoter will own all intellectual property rights, in any such material.
The personal information provided by participants to the Promoter may be used by the Promoter for the purpose of conducting the Competition. The Promoter is bound by the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988.

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Just Pop to Swap! Win 1 of 4 Pillow Pets Popables!

Sorry, this competition is now closed.

View the winners of this competition.

Enter our competition to win 1 of 4 Pillow Pets Popables!

Thanks to Funtastic Limited we are giving away 4 Pillow Pet Popables (2x Caterpillar/Butterfly Popables, 2x Monster/Alien Popables), valued at $29.99 each.

When entering the competition please note which one you would prefer to win.

JUST POP TO SWAP, PILLOW PETS POPABLES

The new PILLOW PETS Popables transform from one character into another!

At first glance, you have a pillow that’s also a very cute Pet. Pop open its head, flip it over and you’ll find the surprise waiting inside… another, very different, very cute friend.

The reversible PILLOW PETS Popables are two Pets in one.

Available in two designs, PILLOW PETS Popables come in Caterpillar/Butterfly and Monster/Alien.

pillow-pet-butterfly-caterpillar — Caterpillar/Butterfly

pillow-pet-monster-alien — Monster/Alien

Flip the adorable Caterpillar’s head and watch it transform into the beautiful Butterfly. Or pop the cute, but scary Monster into the funnily gruesome Alien!

It’s a Pillow. It’s a Pet. It’s two-Pillow Pets-in-one!

Competition details:

Prizes: 4 Pillow Pet Popables (2x Caterpillar/Butterfly Popables, 2x Monster/Alien Popables) valued at $29.99 each
Who can enter? Members only
How often? Once a day
Promotion starts: 10/10/2014
Promotion ends: 31/10/2014

How to enter

Provided you are a Parenthub member (sign up here) simply fill in the form below and answer the question.

Can’t see the form?

Then you’re not yet a member! Our competitions are only open to Parenthub members who are Australian residents. If you aren’t a member yet please sign up first. Membership is free and there are great offers and benefits! Then log in, come back to this page and fill out the form.

For your chance to win tell us your funniest childhood memory! (in 25 words or less)

Please also note in the answer field which of the two Pillow Pet Popables you would love to win.

[PHcompetition expire=”2014-10-31″ email=”sylvia@virtualmedicalcentre.com” subject=”PILLOW PETS POPABLES – Competition Entry”]

[toggle title=”Terms and Conditions”]

Participation in the Parenthub Competition (Competition) indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions of entry set out below.

The Promoter is Virtual Medical Centre.com of Level 2, 541 Hay Street, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008. Postal address is PO Box 531, Subiaco WA 6904, Australia. ABN 12097593587. Phone: +61 (08) 9388 0344. Fax: +61 (08) 9388 0611. The prize is sponsored by Funtastic Limited.
Promotional Period. The Promotion will be open from 2pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Friday 10 October 2014 until 5pm AEST on Friday 31 October 2014.
Eligible Entrants. Entry is open to all Australian residents, aged 15 years and over, who are new or existing members of Parenthub, except employees or contractors of the Promoter or prize sponsor, and members of their immediate families. Entrants under the age of 18 must obtain the prior permission of a parent or guardian to enter.
To enter you must:
a) be a new or current Parenthub member
b) submit an answer to the questions asked, and
c) submit all required contact details
Prizes. There are 4 (four) prizes: Each consists of one Pillow Pet Popable, RRP $29.99. Total prize pool is RRP $119.96.
Winners: The winners of the competition will be the people who submit an entry that the judges regard as the best in terms of creativity and originality. Chance plays no part in determining the winners. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding their decision.
Incomplete, illegible or incorrect entries or entries containing offensive or defamatory comments, or which breach any law or infringe any third party rights, including intellectual property rights, are not eligible to win.
Notification: Winners will be notified by email and asked for their postal address to send the prize to. The prizes will then be sent to the winners by Australia Post. The prizes will be sent directly by the prize sponsor. The winners may also be posted on parenthub.wpengine.com (including their name, suburb and state).
Change of address: It is the entrants’ responsibility to inform the Promoter if their residential address, email address or phone number changes during the Competition Period. Prizes will only be delivered in Australia.
Unclaimed prizes: In the event that the Prize has not been claimed by 12 noon AEST 11 November 2014, subject to any directions given by State and Territory gaming departments the prize will be awarded to the next best eligible entrant as chosen by the judges.
General Conditions
Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and are not redeemable for cash. All other costs associated with a Prize are the responsibility of the winner. The Promoter shall not be liable for any Prize that may be lost, stolen, forged, damaged or tampered with in any way before it reaches the winner.
If the Promoter is unable to provide a winner with the nominated Prize, the Promoter reserves the right to supply an alternative prize of the equal or greater value, subject to any written directions given by State or Territory gaming departments.
Entries will be deemed to be accepted at the time of receipt by the Promoter. No responsibility will be taken for lost, late or misdirected entries. The Promoter is not responsible for technical difficulties with the entry mechanism and does not warrant that the entry mechanism will be available at all times.
If, for any reason, the Promotion is not capable of running as planned, including due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failure or any other causes beyond the control of the Promoter, which corrupt or affect the administration security, fairness or integrity or proper conduct of this Promotion, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to take any action that may be available, subject to State and Territory regulations.
The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify entries in the event of non-compliance with these terms and conditions of entry. In the event there is a dispute concerning the conduct of the Promotion, the decision of the Promoter is final and binding on each entrant and no correspondence will be entered into.
The Promoter reserves the right to request winners to provide proof of identity, proof of residency at the nominated prize delivery address and/or proof of entry validity in order to claim a prize. Proof of identification, residency and entry considered suitable for verification is at the discretion of the Promoter. In the event that a winner cannot provide suitable proof, the winner will forfeit the prize in whole and no substitute will be offered.
The Promoter makes no representations or warranties as to the quality/suitability/merchantability of any of the goods/services offered as prizes. The Promoter or prize sponsor shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or any personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with this promotion, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
By entering the competition, each entrant agrees to the use of their 25 word statement for printing, broadcast, publicity and promotional purposes, without compensation, and agrees that the Promoter will own all intellectual property rights, in any such material.
The personal information provided by participants to the Promoter may be used by the Promoter for the purpose of conducting the Competition. The Promoter is bound by the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988.

[/toggle]

Sleeping positions to avoid during pregnancy

How to sleep comfortably on your side during pregnancy

Pregnancy pillows

Alternatives to lying down

Getting out of bed while pregnant

References

Herbal supplements

Sexual stimulation

Acupuncture

Other techniques

Alternative techniques for inducing labour

Read more…

References

How common is induction?

When is induction dangerous?

Ripening the cervix for induction of labour

Induction of labour

Childbirth after induction

Read more…

References

Sorry, this competition is now closed.

Competition details:

How to enter

To enter, tell us about the most important person in your life and why he/she makes life that extra bit special! (in 25 words or less)

Sorry, this competition is now closed.

Enter our competition to win 1 of 4 Pillow Pets Popables!

Competition details:

How to enter

For your chance to win tell us your funniest childhood memory! (in 25 words or less)

Christmas craft