Health Promotion

Central Coast Local Health District NSW

Healthy Weight

Say No to Vaping

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The use of e-cigarettes among young people is becoming a growing concern on the Central Coast and indeed across all of Australia. That’s why we’ve launched our Say No to Vaping campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the health risks young people are exposing themselves to by using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

E-cigarettes are not only addictive, but also contain or produce harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause some of the same serious health problems as smoking tobacco. The nicotine found in them is highly addictive and can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression. Despite this, data on teenage vaping in Australia in 2017 indicated one in five students aged 16 to 17 had used an e-cigarette, while nearly one in 10 students aged 12 to 15 had used one. Our work with schools and community groups across the Central Coast tells us that this is a growing concern for them.

Say No to Vaping aims to debunk some of the myths around vaping and empower teens to make informed decisions about whether they should vape. We have produced a number of materials you can use, including animations, social media tiles and printable posters, as well as FAQs and mythbusters. You can download the resources below.

Read the launch media release here.

Say no to addiction, say no to anxiety and depression, say no to being exploited, and say no to the serious health risks. Say No to Vaping.

Downloadable resources
Mythbusters
FAQs



Downloadable resources




 


Say No to Vaping infographic


social tile | poster




Health risks social tile | poster | animation


Addiction social tile | poster | animation


Anxiety and depression social tile | poster | animation


Smoking social tile | poster | animation


Pollution social tile | poster | animation


Exploitation social tile | poster




Mythbusters


MYTH: Vaping is not bad for your health. 


FACT: Despite their appealing flavours, many e-cigarettes contain or produce chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause DNA damage, serious lung damage and cancer. They also contain other chemicals not found in tobacco smoke, and it is not yet known what effects these will have on your health in the long-term – so why take the risk?


What’s more, they can cause physical harm too; there are now thousands of cases of people being injured by faulty e-cigarette batteries exploding.


MYTH: You can’t get addicted to vaping like you can to smoking.


FACT: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – the same highly-addictive chemical that’s in regular cigarettes. What’s more, because you can buy extra-strength cartridges or increase the e-cigarette’s voltage to get a greater hit, many e-cigarette users get even more nicotine than they would from a tobacco product.


This is not good for you. Nicotine can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression. Putting nicotine into your body also increases your risk of other types of addiction in later life. Emerging evidence suggests non-smokers who vape are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking than those who do not vape.


MYTH: E-cigarettes contain less nicotine than regular cigarettes.


FACT: One STIG or Cuvie device contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes!


MYTH: Using a STIG or Cuvie is not as bad for you as using traditional e-cigarettes.


FACT: Using a STIG or Cuvie to vape is just as bad for you as using any other size or shape e-cigarette.


MYTH: Vaping will help you stop smoking.


FACT: There is not enough evidence to prove e-cigarettes are effective at helping smokers quit. That is why they are not an approved product for helping people to quit. Worse, studies have shown high school students who start using e-cigarettes are much more likely to begin smoking regular cigarettes as well.


If you are trying to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a better choice. If you would like help to quit, call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit the I Can Quit website or talk to your parent or guardian, or a health professional.


MYTH: E-cigarettes are not bad for the environment like regular cigarettes.


FACT: Vapes waste is especially bad for the environment for three reasons.


    

  • Many vape devices, pods and cartridges are made of single-use plastic.
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  • They introduce hazardous and toxic chemicals like nicotine into the environment when used and discarded.
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  • They produce electronic waste as they contain lithium-ion batteries and a heating element.
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MYTH: All vaping is legal.


FACT: In NSW, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age, while it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes containing nicotine to all ages. It is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, including:


    

  • Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
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  • Public swimming pools
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  • Spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
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  • Public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
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  • Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
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  • Commercial outdoor dining areas
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From October 2021, you will need a doctor’s prescription to access liquid nicotine for use in e-cigarettes.




FAQs


What is vaping? 


Vaping is inhaling a vapour produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette).


E-cigarettes are battery-powered and may look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes, as well as everyday items like pens, highlighters or USB memory sticks. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings and chemicals. This liquid is heated by the battery, producing a vapour that the user inhales, hence the term “vaping”.


Is vaping safe?


No. Despite their appealing flavours, many e-cigarettes contain or produce chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause DNA damage, serious lung damage and cancer. They also contain other chemicals not found in tobacco smoke, and it is not yet known what effects these will have on your health in the long-term – so why take the risk?


What’s more, they can cause physical harm too; there are now thousands of cases of people being injured by faulty e-cigarette batteries exploding.


What’s in an e-cigarette?


Hazardous substances have been found in e-cigarette liquids and in the vapour produced by e-cigarettes, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein, which are known to cause cancer.


The vapour could also be delivering metal particles like chromium, nickel, lead, tin and aluminium into your lungs, and some of these metals are toxic.


I’ve heard the terms STIG and Cuvie. Is this different from an e-cigarette?


No, a STIG or HQD Cuvie refers to vaping using a particular brand of e-cigarette. Both STIGs and Cuvies are shaped like USB sticks and do not look like a traditional e-cigarette. Unlike traditional e-cigarettes that require a battery or charger, many STIGs and Cuvies can be charged by being plugged into a USB drive or any electronic device.


Can I get addicted to vaping?


Yes. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – the same highly-addictive chemical that’s in regular cigarettes. In fact, just one STIG or Cuvie device can contain the same amount of nicotine as an entire packet of cigarettes!


This is not good for you. Nicotine can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression. Putting nicotine into your body also increases your risk of other types of addiction in later life. Emerging evidence suggests non-smokers who vape are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking than those who do not vape.


Can e-cigarettes help you quit smoking?


When e-cigarettes were first available, it was thought they could be used to help smokers cut down and eventually quit smoking regular cigarettes. Since then, evidence has shown they are not more effective, and that is why they are not an approved product for helping people to quit. Even more concerning, studies have shown high school students who start using e-cigarettes are much more likely to begin smoking regular cigarettes as well.


If you are trying to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a better choice. If you would like help to quit, call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit the I Can Quit website or talk to your parent or guardian, or a health professional.


If they’re not safe, why is vaping legal?


The sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine is illegal in NSW. It is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, including:


    

  • Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
    • 

  • Public swimming pools
    • 

  • Spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
    • 

  • Public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
    • 

  • Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
    • 

  • Commercial outdoor dining areas
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Additionally, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age whether the device contains nicotine or not. There is a reason for this: they’re not safe.


Read more about e-cigarettes – the major trends, research and hot topics – on our e-cigarettes page.


Breastfeeding


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UPDATE – Thursday 8th July: Due to the current stay-at-home orders, the drop-off period for our breastfeeding artwork competition has been postponed until further notice.


New dates and times will be announced here, once the restrictions have been lifted.


Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2021


Following the success of the inaugural World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Art Competition last year, the Central Coast Local Health District Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Reference Group has launched another community art competition to celebrate WBW 2021!


Protecting Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility is the theme for WBW 2021. WBW highlights the benefits that breastfeeding can bring to both the health and welfare of babies and their mothers. Breastfeeding supports good nutrition, protection against infection, poverty reduction and food security.


We encourage our Central Coast community to take part and show case their artistic talents.


Artworks must be related to breastfeeding and how it improves the health, development and wellbeing of infants and children as well as mothers, both in the short and long-term.


Entries can be created in one of four categories: painting, drawing, photography and digital art, or mixed media.


Finalists will have their artwork displayed in the exhibition space in the main corridor, level 4 of Gosford Hospital. Competition winners will be offered the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in health services within Central Coast Local Health District for community members to appreciate long term.


Artworks must be submitted in hard copy. Due to current stay-at-home orders, the drop-off period for artworks has been postponed until further notice. New dates and times will be announced here, once the restrictions have been lifted.


So, download the entry form here, get your camera, paints or pencils out and start today.


The entry form can be completed electronically before printing, or completed by handwriting responses after printing.


The following virtual gallery is a presentation of the selected entries from 2020 along with comments from the artists and judges.


 


Why breastfeed?


Breastfeeding is important for mother and baby health. Any amount of breast milk offered to your baby is good.


In Australia, it is recommended that infants are exclusively* breastfed until around six months of age when solid foods are introduced, and that breastfeeding is continued until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.1


*Infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given, not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.






Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that infants need for around the first six months of life. From six to 12 months breastmilk continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs and up to one third of a child’s nutritional needs between 12 months and two years.


Breastfed children are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.


Need help with breastfeeding?


Breastfeeding is a learned skill, which needs practice. The more you feed your baby, the easier it will get. More information and support is available from the following:


Breastfeeding Education Live – online sessions




Interactive breastfeeding education webinar sessions for expectant parents. Learn and practice how breastfeeding works. Click here for more information


CCLHD breastfeeding support clinics


These breastfeeding support sessions for Central Coast residents are run by child and family health nurses to support, protect and promote breastfeeding. Click here for community health centre locations and times.


Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)


Call the Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and staffed by trained, volunteer counsellors.


The ABA website provides a range of resources to support, educate and advocate for a breastfeeding inclusive society. You can hire a breast pump through ABA.


The mum2mum app provides breastfeeding information and support based on your baby or child’s age.


Raising Children Network


An Australian parenting website that provides articles, videos and interactive resources tailored to different ages and stages. Breastfeeding information can be found in the ‘newborn’ and ‘babies’ tabs.


MotherSafe


For women and healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. more information, click here or call 1800 647 848.


Other support for breastfeeding




Five ways family and friends can support a mother to breastfeed


    

  1. Offer encouragement.
    2. 

  2. Help with the baby between feeds, and older children in the family, to allow the mother to rest or nap.
    3. 

  3. Make nutritious meals and snacks to help increase her energy.
    4. 

  4. Help with cleaning and other jobs around the house to decrease these responsibilities.
    5. 

  5. Find breastfeeding friendly meeting places.
    6. 



Dads can sign up to SMS4dads and receive free text messages sent straight to their phone containing tips, information and links to other services to help fathers understand and connect with their baby and support their partner.


Grandparents play an important part in the encouragement and support of breastfeeding. More information for grandparents can be found here.


There are no benefits to starting solid foods before around six months. Starting too early can contribute to a decrease in breast milk production. Starting Family Foods provides current advice on introducing your baby to solid foods.


Support for breastfeeding in public


We are breastfeeding friendlyLook for the ‘We Are Breastfeeding Friendly’ sticker in Central Coast businesses and facilities that are supportive of mothers’ breastfeeding on their premises. There are more than 300 on the Central Coast helping to promote a positive attitude towards breastfeeding in the community.


If you have a business or know of a business that is breastfeeding friendly and would like to participate, contact Nutrition Services, Central Coast Local Health District for free breastfeeding friendly stickers and kit. Call 4320 2251.


References


1National health and Medical Research Council 2012, Infant Feeding Guidelines, Canberra. National Health and Medical Research Council.


Quick Meals for Kooris


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Quick Meals for Kooris is a ‘hands-on’ cooking program, developed to assist Aboriginal people prepare easy, low-cost family meals using available ingredients. Allowing time to cook, eat and share ideas and knowledge is an important part of this program.


 


Check out this short video to find out more about the Quick Meals for Kooris program and how it can be adopted in your organisation. 


“I’ve used the training to show other people how to cook inexpensive meals.”


Lynne Clarke, volunteer, San Remo Neighbourhood Centre.


“What I love about Quick Meals for Kooris is the recipes are simple and easy to make in your home, the ingredients are available in all shops, and honestly, some of the standard ingredients are in your cupboard today, right now.”


Kerry Groves, volunteer, San Remo Neighbourhood Centre


Quick Meals for Kooris is designed to be run by Aboriginal health workers or Aboriginal community members. This versatile program can be adapted to suit participant needs, resources and capacity of leaders. Program ‘leaders’ will not need extensive nutrition knowledge or food preparation skills as the Quick Meals for Kooris – Trainers Manual provides detailed guidance.  Recipes included in the program are in the Quick Meals for Kooris – At Home book. It is intended that all group participants are given a copy of this book. This book is also a stand-alone resource and can be provided to people who do not attend a program.




 



 


*NEW* Quick Meals for Kooris recipe videos


You can watch how to prepare four of the quick, easy and low-cost recipes from the Quick Meals for Kooris at Home book.


Watch the videos below and download the recipes and methods.



Thank you to Mitch Ella, Steve Ella, Tyra McEwen and Jenni McEwen for featuring in the videos.




Tell us what you think of these videos here!




Download the video recipes below:




Family Mince





Chicken Pasta





Vegetable Slice





Fruit Crumble




For more information, hard copy resources or support with nutrition training contact Lesley Marshall on (02) 4320 3691 or email [email protected].


School Gardens


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School Gardens


Having a garden can help your school to promote environmental and sustainable learning as well as encourage healthy eating and physical activity. It is a fun way to learn outside and provides students with a hands-on opportunity to prepare, eat and share the food they have grown.


Participation in a school garden program has been shown to help improve knowledge and confidence in relation to growing, preparing, cooking and eating a diverse range of fresh foods among Australian children.1


Can my school have a kitchen garden?


Any school can have some sort of garden or kitchen, regardless of their site, size, resources, gardening experience or classroom space.

How to start a kitchen garden




Kitchen gardening for sustainability




 
Patch to Plate is a free recipe book developed by the Central Coast Health Promotion Service that includes healthy and simple recipes that local teachers have made with their students using fresh ingredients from their own school gardens. Check out and download below to try these tasty recipes at school or at home.


You can also watch and share how to prepare four of our delicious recipes from the Patch to Plate book in the videos below!


Watch the videos below and download the recipes and methods.
Tell us what you think of these videos here!






Beetroot Hummus 



Rice Paper Rolls 



Fritters 



Gozleme 


Central Coast School Garden Interest Group


The Central Coast School Garden Interest Group (CCSGIG) aims to share ideas and connect Central Coast schools with an interest in school gardens and cooking. Healthy eating, encouraging physical activity and providing an interest for students rather than using small screen technology underpins the group’s philosophy.


The group meets twice each year, with a different school hosting the meeting and sharing its experiences. This year, we are considering new ways to connect as a group – if you have any suggestions, get in touch!


Next workshop – Term 3, 2021


Primary schools can now register for our Term 3, 2021 workshop. Check out the workshop program, including details on how to register, here.


Join the School Garden Interest Group for information on workshops, events and new resources.




You can also join our Facebook group.




If you have a question for our team or would like information on the next workshop, please complete the form below. 









References


1Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au


Refresh @ Home


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Welcome to Refresh @ Home




The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has changed the daily lives and routines of people living and working on the Central Coast.


To help you during this time, our Refresh – Kids & Families page has become Refresh @ Home. Here you’ll find a collection of our resources, as well as information and advice on a number of topics, from exercising at home, to cooking healthy meals, mental health support, activities and games.


Please continue to check this page for further updates. New updates are marked *NEW* so you can quickly spot them. You can also subscribe to our new Refresh newsletter to stay updated on new resources and programs from the Central Coast Health Promotion team.


We’re now also on Facebook. Give us a like and a follow to receive the very latest from our service.


Last updated: 17 September 2021


Activities and Games

Exercise

Healthy Eating

Older Adults

Alcohol Reduction


Activities and Games


Looking for games and activities to keep the kids occupied? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with a number of resources and programs to help keep you and your family both active and entertained.


    

  • *NEW* Following the success of our animated storytelling of the Magic Lunchbox, we’ve brought another one of our popular children’s books to life. Written by Central Coast author Angela Barrett, Jack’s FUNtastic Day is a story about a boy named Jack who leaves his screen behind for a day to embark on an adventure. Watch the animated reading of the story below. You can also visit our website to download a copy of the book and other resources such as activity cards and teaching materials for early childhood and primary school educators to promote active play to children aged 3–6 years old.
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  • *NEW* COVID has unfortunately meant organisers have been forced to cancel this year’s 5 Lands Walk. However, there will be a virtual celebration on Saturday 25 September 2021. The 5 Lands Virtual Experience will feature contributions from the artists and musicians of the 5 Lands Walk – its Aboriginal community. It will also feature the film Stories of Place, a special project featuring 12 stories that celebrate our spectacular coastline by older members of the community, illustrated by 12 school-aged children. More details about the virtual event will be announced over the coming weeks – keep an eye on the 5 Lands Walk Facebook page and website.
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  • Looking for a sport or activity on the Central Coast to help you get active? Then check out the newly-launched Sports Hub. It’s a comprehensive local online directory that enables you to search for sports and recreation activities by location and interest, and filter by categories such as age group suitability, activities that are accessible and inclusive and providers that accept Active Kids Vouchers. The Hub has been developed in partnership by Sport Central Coast, the Office of Sport and Central Coast Council as part of their Activate Central Coast initiative to encourage community participation in sport and active recreation.  The directory already features more than 100 local sports and active recreation providers covering a wide range of activities, so check it out and find an activity for you.
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  • We’ve created a series of videos of our Family ACTIVation games. Family ACTIVation is a fun-packed resource to help parents and carers of 5–12-year-olds get active with their children. It’s full of quick and easy games to play at home, in the park, or wherever. Games that reinforce the fundamental movement skills like throwing, catching, hopping and skipping… the same movement skills being learnt at school. Watch the video to play Tricky Catches below – it’s a game of coordination. You can also download the Family ACTIVation resource pack and watch the full set of videos here.
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  • Kids Health has compiled a helpful page with a number of play ideas for children, including indoor and outdoor games and educational and sensory activities.
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  • Reducing screen time can be a challenge. Watch this video full of handy tips to help your family sit less and move more. Check out NSW Health’s screen time page for more guidance and tips.
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Exercise


Exercise is important for both our physical health and mental health. Here are some great ways to exercise, covering all ages and abilities, to ensure we continue to give our body and mind the work out it needs.


    

  • *NEW* Residents of San Remo, Blue Haven and Budgewoi, we want to hear from you! Tell us what you think of the shared pathway and new park at John Pete Howard Reserve and go into a draw to win one of five $50 food hampers or petrol vouchers. Click on the image below to complete this quick survey and help us find ways to improve future opportunities for the San Remo and surrounding communities to be more physically active. Photo by Lauren Tierney.
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  • If you’ve been inspired by our Aussie Olympians and Paralympians this past month, or simply have a spring in your step (see what we did there?) now that the warmer months are upon us, then why not take on your own physical activity challenge in September? STEPtember challenges you to walk, run, swim, ride, wheel or spin your way to 10,000 steps per day during the month of September. Getting our steps in is a great way to improve both our physical and mental health. You can take part as an individual, challenge friends or get involved with colleagues by signing up as an organisation. The month is all about raising money to support people living with cerebral palsy, so step to it – click on the image below to sign up and improve your wellbeing, along with the lives of children and adults who live with cerebral palsy.
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  • NEW! Exercise Right has a number of home workout videos organised by strength and fitness, stretching and mobility, active ageing, pregnancy and kids.
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  • NSW Health’s new Healthy Eating Active Living website has some simple exercises to do from home or outdoors. You can view and download a range of workouts, from beginner, low-intensity and high-intensity workouts.
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  • The NSW Institute of Sport has put together a High Performance at Home page containing a selection of videos by some of Australia’s top athletes to help us exercise at home, including improving your running technique and full body 30-minute workouts. Check out its 15-minute full body workout for beginners or daily flexibility routine for working from home.
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  • *NEW* The Department of Education School Sport Unit and The Arts Unit have produced a range of videos called [email protected] to teach kids a range of fundamental and sport-specific skills using items found at home in their living rooms, in a fun and engaging way. Watch the video on overarm throwing, aimed at children ages 3–6, and check out the rest of the episodes here.
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Healthy Eating


Spending more time at home is a great opportunity to cook fresh and healthy meals every day. Avoid the temptation to snack and starting experimenting in the kitchen. And if you’re not sure what to prepare, don’t worry, we’ve listed a number of resources with helpful recipes and advice to ensure you eat healthily at home.




    

  • *NEW* It’s National Nutrition Week from 10–16 October, so we’ve got a challenge to make sure you and your kids eat plenty of fruit and veg. Take part in our Vege Adventure and try and eat a rainbow of different fruit and vegetables over the week. Designed to promote fruit and vegetables as part of the Crunch&Sip® break at primary school, you can download fillable Vege Adventure cards to track your progress. The aim is to encourage everyone to try different fresh fruit and vegetables by eating a variety of colours over the week. Click on the image below to visit the Vege Adventure page on our website and see if your family can eat the rainbow!
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  • Changing your routine and getting the whole family on board can seem like a challenge. But there are small steps you can take that will have a big impact on you and your family’s health and wellbeing. NSW Health’s new Healthy Eating Active Living website is full of great resources, tips and helpful information on how you can live a healthy lifestyle. Check out its ‘Getting started’ page for some simple changes that could become part of your day-to-day routine. And if you’ve ever wondered just how healthy your lifestyle is, you can also take the healthy habits quiz. The quiz will identify where you might be able to make changes to lead a healthier lifestyle, as well as signpost you to any further help and support that’s out there. Click the image below to take the quiz.
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  • *NEW* Patch to Plate is a recipe book boasting a collection of tasty and healthy recipes from primary schools on the Central Coast, curated by our Central Coast School Garden Interest Group. Now, not only can you download the recipe book, but you can also watch a series of videos showing how to prepare and cook the meals. Check out the video below demonstrating how to make beetroot hummus.
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  • *NEW* Looking to brush up on your cooking skills during lockdown? Check out the video below of one of our Quick Meals for Kooris recipes that will having you whipping up a delicious mince for all the family in no time. And if that’s got you in the mood for more, check out the rest of our video series, or select your own recipe from our Quick Meals for Kooris home cookbook. Quick Meals for Kooris is a program that supports Aboriginal people to prepare easy, low-cost family meals using available ingredients. But the recipes can be made and enjoyed by anyone! Visit our website to learn more about it and check out additional recipes.
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  • The latest video in our Make Their Meals Count series demonstrates how to cook a tasty pumpkin, pea and mushroom frittata – check out the short video below. Make Their Meals Count helps parents and carers prepare healthy meals for children aged 4–8 years. The recipes are basic everyday meals that are easy to make, with ingredients that are inexpensive and readily available. You can also download the original pictorial resource and check out the full set of recipes and videos here.
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  • We’ve launched a new Thirsty? Choose Water! website that has loads of great resources and tips to help you and your family drink more water. Download factsheets, check out mythbusters, use our sugary drink calculator and download our awesome new Aqua Sprint game, available for free on the App and Google Play stores. Click on the image below, which features our new Thirsty character, to visit the new site, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram.
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  • Want to help improve your diet and stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic? NSW Health’s Get Healthy program is a free telephone-based information and coaching service that sets personalised healthy lifestyle goals on health eating, becoming more activity, achieving a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake and achieving healthy weight gain in pregnancy. Watch the video below for more information.
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  • NSW Health’s guide to healthy eating while working from home contains recipes, advice on grocery shopping and other tips ans tricks to eat healthier.
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  • Nutrition and dietetics experts at the University of Newcastle have launched the website No Money No Time. It aims to improve the eating habits of young Australians and includes quick, cheap, easy and healthy recipes. You can even take its Healthy Eating Quiz and get a personalised report on your eating habits along with recipe suggestions and ideas based on the information you provide.
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Older Adults


There are a number of tailored resources for older adults that can help them stay active, healthy, connected and safe at home.


Active and Healthy


    

  • If you’re 60 or older, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 45 or over, you can get Healthy and Active for Life thanks to a FREE new 10-week online program from NSW Health. You will receive weekly online exercise videos to do at your own pace, healthy eating and lifestyle tips, as well as telephone support from a trained coach at a time that suits you. And all from the comfort of your own home. The next program starts on Monday 4 October 2021, although places are limited – so book now to avoid missing out. To register or for more information, visit the website or call Health Promotion on 4320 9700.
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  • NSW Government has produced factsheets to support seniors in staying healthy and staying connected at home that include some handy and practical tips.
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  • Over 70? Do the 7! Click the thumbnail below to download and print a poster with advice on how to stay COVID safe.
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  • Our nutrition booklet for older adults and their carers, Eating Well, includes heaps of advice from nutritionists to help you eat the foods you need to maintain weight, muscle strength, bone strength and independence.
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  • NSW Health’s Active and Healthy at Home booklet includes practical tips and information for older adults to stay active, healthy, and connected at home, and includes available services for the elderly. You may also wish to download and print this Active and Healthy at Home flyer, which has some handy tips you can keep close by.
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  • Developed by physiotherapists across Australia, Safe Exercise at Home is a simple-to-navigate website with helpful information and exercises.
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  • The Exercise at Home section on NSW Health’s Active and Healthy website has heaps of simple exercises to improve balance and strength, along with images and videos to demonstrate.
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Falls Prevention


While we spend much more time at home than usual, home safety awareness, such as avoiding fall risks and hazards, becomes even more important. The following resources contain advice and information on how you can stay safe in the home, along with some fun games too.



Alcohol Reduction


As we all come to terms with the challenges presented by COVID-19, it’s important we avoid potentially harmful coping strategies such as excess alcohol consumption.


There are a number of health impacts caused by drinking too much alcohol, which you can read more about in the Alcohol section of this website.


There are some helpful resources out there to support you if you’re struggling during the COVID-19 situation.


    

  • Want to drink less? Changing your drinking habits is easier with someone in your corner. Did you know you can get support over the phone from your own FREE health coach through NSW Health’s Get Healthy Service? Coaches are friendly and trained to help you change your drinking habits. They will give you practical tools and support you, without judgement, helping you to set achievable goals, make a plan (starting with small steps), and overcome barriers that stand in your way. They will work as a team with you and celebrate your successes with you. To sign up, call 1300 806 258 or click on the image below and complete the simple online form. And if you want to find out more about the dedicated service for pregnant women, click here.
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  • Want to know more about how alcohol impacts your health? Check out Get Healthy at Work’s Alcohol and your Health factsheet. It includes tips on low-risk drinking, information for women pregnant or breastfeeding, advice for men, as well as a number of support and treatment services.
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  • NSW Health has produced a handy document with tips to reduce your alcohol consumption while working from home. There’s also a version for employers too.
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  • Check out this page on Your Room – a joint initiative by NSW Health and St Vincent’s Alcohol and Drug Information Service – which has information, advice, a risk assessment tool and helplines to support you.
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  • The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has a Coping with Coronavirus page that contains a range of helpful links with advice on a number of topics, from relapse and withdrawal, to resources and support services.
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  • The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) has created an online resource with tips, strategies and information on how to limit alcohol use, and groups you can turn to if you need support.
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Family ACTIVation


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Family ACTIVation is a fun-packed resource to help parents and carers of 5 to 12-year-olds get active with their children.


It’s full of quick and easy games to play at home, in the park, or wherever…


Games that reinforce the fundamental movement skills like throwing, catching, hopping and skipping… the same movement skills being learnt at school.


Family ACTIVation game cards  DOWNLOAD



Tell us what you think of these videos here!


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At Central Coast Local Health District, the Health Promotion team is always on the look out for GREAT games to get families active.


If you have a game, we would love to hear about it so we can share it with families across the Central Coast.


TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY GAME