On the Coast – Families Issue 104 I February/March 2020 | Page 4

Inside 6 Deciphering breast rashes 10 I promise to accept my body 12 2040 fact-based dreaming to create a better future Welcome A new year always gives me renewed energy and optimism but not so this time around. Like so many of you, I’ve felt out of rhythm, with a heavy heart and a great sense of loss and grief for the lives, wildlife and homes lost in this beautiful country. I truly feel that these major bushfires come with a message. For too long now, we have lived happily, not being accountable for this earth. I’m the first one to admit that our family haven’t made enough changes …. we do small things but we must do more! 14 Your child and their ability to focus at school? 18 Pre-conceptual care do the males have to do it? 22 What’s your vision looking like this year? 24 Composting 26 Young carers Mother Earth is asking us to be kinder and live in harmony with her ~ so we’ve researched for ways to make a difference. Here are some easy changes that will have a large impact if we all do it together: • Compost at home • Reduce water usage • Reduce plastic use & less food packaging • Buy in bulk • Switch electricity and gas to Green Energy • Plant a vegie garden • Recycle everything you can • Eat less dairy • Limit red meat • Print as little as necessary • Start cycling, leave your car at home where possible • Carry your keep cup in the car for take away coffees • Visit local farmer’s markets & eat produce in season • Use eco friendly cleaning products • Ditch disposable products • Gift wrap in fabric and tie with ribbons (both can then be reused) • Join a library instead of buying new books • Use low phosphate washing up liquid & washing powder • Turn off electrical goods instead of switching them to standby • Buy pre owned clothes instead of new • Own less items and share more with family & friends I read an article last week that was titled ‘Many small people, in small places, doing small things can change the world’. Such true words. Let’s make changes in the way we live life, both big and small and reduce our own personal carbon footprint. Simone Editor Simone Evans [email protected] Photographer – Cover image Cloud Nine Photography www.cloudninephotography.net.au Art Director Debbie Elliott [email protected] Cover Models Alana and Betty taken at Yarramalong Publisher Phone: [phone] Debbie Elliott – Ph: 0421 026 915 Simone Evans – Ph: 0413 186 431 trading as On the Coast Publications ABN 66 765 066 257 54 Hills Street, North Gosford 2250 Imagery ingimage.com Contributors Dr Mary Ling, Sam Woods, Jordi Woods, Sarah Tolmie, Catherine Schasser, Diana Arundell,, Nicole Saliba, Clare Marcangelo, Adrienne Garside Printing Spotpress Pty Ltd – 9549 1111 28 Mini nutrition facts 30 Helping kids manage their feelings 4 ON T H E C OA S T – FA MILIES Warranty & Indemnity Advertisers and/or advertising agencies upon and by lodging material with the Publisher for publication or authorising or approving of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the Publisher, its servants and agents against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication and without limiting the generality of the fore-going to indemnify each of them in relation to defamation, slander of title, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks or names of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy AND WARRANT that the material compiles with all relevant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the Publisher, its servants or agents and in particular that nothing therein is capable of being misleading or deceptive or otherwise in breach of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974. The views expressed in On the Coast Publications are not necessarily those of the editor or publishing staff. While every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the information in this publication, no responsibility will be accepted by On the Coast Publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.