When Good Muffins Turn Bad

Since I started my own business last year, one of my priorities was to find more time to cook. Not only did I want to start enjoying cooking more and try new things, but I also wanted to ensure our meals are as healthy as possible.

I am pleased to say I have had some great successes. I have managed to develop some great recipes for old favourites into healthy nutritious meals (think lasagna, fried rice, curries, etc), but this post is actually about my first spectacular failure.

Last Thursday I baked muffins. I made them from fresh apples, oats and wholemeal flour and the first one fresh from the oven was heaven. Unfortunately the next day I took a bite and was horrified to see my muffins had developed strange green spots consistently spread throughout.

While my husband was at work munching away wondering why I was trying to hide spinach in baked goods now (he wouldn’t put it past me), I hit the internet. Relieved I discovered my mistake, that extra scoop of LSA I added for healthy goodness (linseed, sunflower and almond ground) wasn’t a great idea as sunflower seeds and baking soda react together and turn green. Luckily though, still perfectly safe to eat.

Roll forward a few more days when opening the lid of the container the muffins were lovingly placed in resulting in an extremely unpleasant smell – imagine if you will the odour of socks worn non-stop for a week. Delightful. Pulling apart a muffin I discovered almost a stringy soapy consistency. It appears baking powder and baking soda aren’t the same thing so substituting soda for powder in the recipe – not such a great idea.

Oh well, we live and learn. Hopefully my next attempt will be better and my husband and I will both live to tell the tale. If not, at least I will have plenty more opportunities to entertain my readers with!

Going Bollywood

I posted earlier this week about going Middle Eastern. It seems that's definitely the theme for the week as tonight myself and two close friends are heading to our first class of a six week Bollywood dancing course.

I first hit on the idea when writing a feature for the Mind & Body section in The West Australian a few weeks back. It was about exercise for over 50s and one of my focus was fitness activities for adults that take us back to our childhood. I looked at adult dancing classes, trampolining and surfing lessons. The editor told me afterwards she had dozens of calls from people wanting to know more about the classes on offer, so clearly the ideas hit the mark.

Although I may not be over 50, I am keen to get out of my comfort zone and since the idea of taking up adult trampolining absolutely scares the bejesus out of me, I decided the adult-only beginners class for Bollywood was just the ticket (I couldn't really see myself popping and locking through a hip hop class or wearing a pink tutu and standing on my tiptoes for adult ballet either).

Now I just have to figure out what to wear. I have visions of me rocking up in yoga pants, singlet, sneakers and a sweat towel to a class full of exotic beauties wearing flowing chiffon... Wish me luck!

Support Pink during October

With one in nine women diagnosed with breast cancer before they turn 85, remember to think pink this October and help beat breast cancer.

If you walk into any HBF Service Centre today and purchase any of the pink merchandise, you’ll be helping the Cancer Council fund research into new and better treatments and support services for women touched by breast cancer. There's not much of October left, so time to get cracking!

To find out more about Pink Ribbon Day visit the website here.

Mc Donalds - I Was Lovin It

You have to watch this video. Why? Because I said so. OK, maybe not because I said so but because it is controversial and thought-provoking and it promotes vegetarianism.

This is an ad that is actually running on TV overseas and having worked in the media I have to wonder where they stand on copyright. Basically this ad attacks McDonalds as a cause of obesity and uses their branding to do so.

What do you think? Do you think this this is clever and it's about time someone took a swing at the big M or do you find it offensive and inappropriate? Please share your thoughts with us by clicking on comments under this post.

New book teaches kids about cancer

Regular readers of WA Style will know I had both friends and family members diagnosed with cancer and any opportunity I can get to support a worthy cancer-related cause, I will jump on it.

This is a particular interesting product as both the Cancer Council NSW and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre have pledged support for Susanne Gervay’s book Always Jack. This book highlights the challenges that children face when a parent is diagnosed with cancer.

I have seen how family and friends can be affected when a loved one has cancer and I think this challenge is especially difficult when there are kids involved, so I think this book is a great idea to help explain what is happening to the small people in your life.

Always Jack uses humour to break down the taboos surrounding cancer and encourages parents, teachers and children to discuss the subject openly.

A multiple breast cancer survivor herself, author Susanne Gervay faced cancer when her children were six and nine years of age, again when they were teenagers and yet again just recently. She clearly has firsthand experience of just how alone young people can feel when cancer touches their lives. 

While she found Always Jack an emotionally difficult book to write, Susanne is passionate about reaching children, parents, schools and the community. As a result, she is donating a percentage of her royalties to Cancer Council and NBOCC.

Always Jack also includes details of the Cancer Council Helpline for families and children in need of support. The book will be available from October 1 for the price of $14.99. For more information about cancer related issues visit www.cancercouncil.com.au or call the helpline 13 11 20.

My first experience of Bikram Yoga

When a friend invited me to try a Bikram Yoga class last Saturday, I have to admit I was really nervous. For those of you who don’t know anything about Bikram Yoga it is basically a 90-minute yoga class which takes place in a room heated continuously to 40 degrees.

As someone who hides inside on the couch with the aircon full blast when the temperature hits 35, it was a big mental challenge. I have to admit there were times I thought I was going to die, where I had to fight the overwhelming urge to run screaming from the room in to the now welcoming winter air, but I persevered.

So what was it like? It was hot. It was very very hot. I don’t sweat when I exercise, but I think their estimates that you lose around 1.5 litres per class is about right. I actually had sweat drip of my forehead mid-pose (sorry maybe too much sharing). Not to mention the fact I spent a good portion of the day in the bathroom after attempting to drink the three litres of water recommended before undertaking a class (definitely too much sharing).

After what seemed like hours, but was most likely only 30 minutes, I started feeling light headed and had to sit out for a few poses. I actually think my decision to sit out for five was a welcome one to others as several people followed by lead. I struggled to get back to my feet as I felt I was light-headed but soon the class moved to poses that were mainly in a seated or lying down position and this helped get me back in the game.

I found a lot of the poses very difficult to achieve, but the way the class was run everyone was encouraged to try as best they could and do what they could. I found that really positive and I didn’t feel anyone was pushed beyond their own abilities.

So did I enjoy it? I have to say no, that while I was doing it I didn’t enjoy it but I did find the benefits noticeable. I was able to stretch far further than I could normally and I felt I had a challenging workout – both physically and mentally. I have never been a sweaty person, but I have to confess it was pouring off me within minutes (By the way I chose a picture of what I think everyone looks like after the class instead of a glam yoga pic).

So would I do it again? Tentatively I am saying yes, I think I will give it another go this weekend. Although I found the class a mental challenge, I had the best nights sleep of my life afterwards and I have found myself feeling calmer and more relaxed since. These are very good things for me.
I will keep you posted of the experiences after class two. They say it gets easier each time, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Share your experiences with Bikram Yoga Perth. Did you love it or hate it or like me are you somewhere on the fence?

Men don't understand postnatal depression

Post-natal depression, like most forms of depression, is a topic few people talk about. Beyondblue the national depression initiative has discovered men actually know very little about Postnatal Depression (PND).

According to the new study, fifty per cent of men believe women get postnatal depression because they have unrealistic expectations of motherhood and 25 per cent of men believe having PND is a normal part of having a baby. A whopping 28 per cent of men think that PND will go away as the baby gets older compared to 17 per cent of women.

Likewise 24 per cent of men believe that looking after a baby comes naturally to women, while only 14 per cent of women thought this was true.

Deputy CEO of beyondblue Dr Nicole Highet says the recent research indicates men need more information about mental illness during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby – especially ante- and postnatal depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety are not a ‘normal’ part of parenthood, they are illnesses – but with the right treatment, most people recover.

To help address this issue beyond blue and Ngala have launched a booklet HeyDad – Fatherhood – first 12 months, aimed at increasing awareness around issues new parents are likely to face.

“This booklet will get critical information to new dads during this important stage of their lives – the advice and practical tips are invaluable. New parents often get used to the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety - such as lack of sleep, irritability and the inability to cope – and too often it’s put down to the ‘baby blues’ and treated as if it’s a normal part of parenthood,” Nicole says.

Ngala CEO Rae Walter adds: “The whole family is affected when one member of the family has depression or anxiety. Ngala encourages parents to seek support and work as a team to minimise the impact on their children.

“Early brain development, changes in relationships, the importance of attachment, play, sleep and breastfeeding are all issues that fathers may not have explored before the birth and this booklet provides a ‘toolkit’ to help new families manage change.”

Find out more about the booklet here.

It really worries me that there has been two major studies released this week showing how widespread and misunderstood depression and mental illness can be. Have you experienced a mental illness in your life and if so how did you deal with it?

Frightening figures on mental disorders

One in four young Australians aged 16–24 years had a mental disorder in 2007, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. I find these statistics terrifying, particularly in regards to the lack of help sought for these conditions.

Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 15% of young people, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the most commonly experienced anxiety disorder (8%).  Substance use disorders affected 13% of young people with harmful use of alcohol the most common substance use disorder (9%).

Around 6% of young people had an affective disorder with bipolar affective disorder and depression (3% each) the most common affective disorders.

Almost one-third of young women had a mental health disorder compared with around one-quarter of young men. Young women were more likely to have anxiety or affective disorders while substance use disorders were more common among young men.

Young people with a mental disorder were more than five times as likely as those without mental disorders to use illicit drugs or misuse legal drugs; twice as likely to be current smokers and around 1.5 times more likely to drink alcohol at least weekly.

Around 17% of young people with a mental disorder had a severe level of impairment, with the remainder having a mild or moderate level of impairment.

While the prevalence of mental illness is relatively high in young people, they have a relatively low use of mental health services. Just less than a quarter of young people with a mental disorder had used mental health services in the previous year. General practitioners were the service most frequently accessed by young people with a mental disorder (15%) followed by psychologists (10%).

Of young people that did not access services, most (85%) did not feel that they had a need for any type of assistance.Young people with a Substance Use Disorder were the least likely to use mental health services.

I'm at a loss here, what do you say to statistics like these? If you or your loved one suffers from a mental disorder - don't be too afraid to seek help. There are people who can help from your GP to a range of dedicated mental health practitioners. www.beyondblue.org.au

Celebrating 100 posts of WA Style

Although this is technically the 101st post, I wanted to take this moment to celebrate reaching this pivotal first milestone. I hope you have been enjoying WA Style and will keep sticking with us for the next 100 posts and beyond. If you like the site, I hope you will show your support by becoming a follower by clicking on the icon on the right hand side of the page and by commenting on the articles. Don't forget to tell all your friends about us as well!

Bananas slimming friend or fattening foe?

Did bananas in pyjamas lull us all into a false sense of security as children? Are bananas actually contributing to the battle of the bulge or are they as healthy as the industry would have us believe?

I have seen the banana get a bad wrap in a lot of health magazines of late and it seems a lot of us are confused as to whether bananas are good or bad for us, so I did a little investigation.

According to www.calorieking.com.au - my go to source to check out the good and bad of my food choices – a medium sized banana (170g with the skin on) has 99 calories and contains just .1g of total fat. However, it also contains 21.8 grams of carbohydrates. On the plus side it contains 12% of a recommended daily intake of dietary fibre.

So what does this mean? In comparison a medium sized orange (230g with the skin on) has just 68 calories, contains .2g of fat and 13g of carbohydrates with 16% RDI of dietary fibre. A 170g apple has 83 calories, contains 0 fat and 18g of carbohydrates with 16% RDI of dietary fibre.

So really the outcome is if you are on a strict calorie or carbohydrate controlled diet an apple or orange is better than a banana, but despite its creamy texture bananas really aren’t the source of all evil. Interesting though they actually do have about the same number of calories as a Tim Tam – although naturally the Tim Tam has 25 times the amount of fat… a shame really.

On behalf of the Australian Banana Industry accredited nutritionist Glenn Cardwell says: “Bananas don’t make you fat. In fact, bananas contain virtually no fat. They contain protein, and are packed with a variety of other nutrients including carbohydrate for energy, fibre, vitamin C, and the wonderful B group vitamins such as folate and vitamin B6.

“A ripe banana will have some fruit sugar, but it comes with plenty of fibre and essential nutrients. The sugar in fruit is not unhealthy or fattening because fruit, especially bananas, are one of the most filling foods you can eat.

“Sugar needs to be kept in perspective. Sugar, in sensible amounts, is not bad; it’s an energy source. Many processed foods can be singled out as not good for you because they contain high levels of sugar. But for most people, having small amounts of sugar is not harmful, and naturally occurring sugar in fruit is part of a nutritious diet.”

So that’s that then. No need to shield your children’s eyes from the horror of bananas dancing around in their nightwear. Like most things, bananas are healthy in moderation.

Rhino horn: part 2

Apparently Elle Macpherson has now come out and said her comments about consuming rhino horn was just 'banter'. I should have known because advocating the use of a product involving the cruel slaughter of endangered creatures is thigh-slapping funny. In case you missed it, that's sarcasm people!

Elle has confirmed she does not use rhino horn and has stated that she does not believe in promoting the use of products derived from endangered animals. Read more here.

What do you guys think? Should we give her the benefit of the doubt?

What on earth is the Dukan Diet?

Aitkens was all the craze and so was the South Beach Diet, but now it seems we’re all wanting to know about the Dukan Diet. According to Google Trends, it is one of the fatest growing web searches here in Western Australia.

It always disturbs me when a diet 'trend' begins to gain traction. People begin to climb on board the bandwagon without any clue on what the diet is or if it will suit their lifestyle or their physique.  I personally feel ‘diets’ are dangerous and lead to yo-yo weight loss/gain.

I believe the key to successful weight loss and maintenance is not to follow a diet, but to find a system of healthy eating that you can live with for the rest of your life that balances your needs, your lifestyle and your goal weight. I am proud to say using this method I (slowly) lost 12 kilos.

The Dukan diet first came to my attention when my husband asked me about it as several colleagues were following this system. When I was asked again just a few days later what I knew about it by a friend, I thought it was time to know more.

It turns out the Dukan diet is based on the teachings of Pierre Dukan and focuses on ‘losing weight naturally. The premise seems to be that French people don't get fat so this diet is really revealing the secrets to how French people really eat...

Here’s the skinny (sorry, bad taste) straight from www.dukandiet.co.uk - so don't hold me accountable for the grammar or spelling:

Losing weight when there is an abundance of food around you is not natural, is difficult and often unsuccessful. The Dukan method recommends losing weight naturally, with a return to the foods that founded the human species, those eaten by primitive man, the hunter-gatherers, proteins and vegetables, 100 foods including 72 from the animal world and 28 from the plant world. This offer also features the magic words: "AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE".

Slimming advice for losing weight naturally

One of the major advantages of our slimming method is its strong integrated support structure. If you follow our slimming advices to the letter, you will lose weight regularly.


A method for losing and stabilizing your weight in 4 phases

4 phases which occupy the dieter from day one so that they never again feel like abandoning the diet.

4 phases, from the strongest, most supported and effective, to the most open and stabilizing. 

4 phases to be carried out successively in order to reach the ideal weight target: lose weight naturally, rapidly and stabilize for good 

.

1 – A brief and headlong ATTACK phase with immediate results. During this phase, the diet is made up of 72 high-protein foods.


2 - A CRUISING phase leading to the ideal weight. During this phase, the diet alternates Pure Protein days (PP phases) and Proteins accompanied with 28 recommended Vegetables (PL phases).
3 - A CONSOLIDATION phase of 10 days per kg lost which prepares for the return to a balanced diet. Monitored freedom with a target of establishing this freshly conquered and still vulnerable ideal weight. This phase sees the gradual return of pleasurable foods with two festive meals.
4 - A definitive stabilization phase based on 3 simple, concrete, easy but non-negotiable measures. This phase is both the easiest and most essential in our slimming method because 95% of people who follow a diet put back on the weight they have lost.

By the way, if you want it in layman's terms the first 'attack' phase has you eating only protein for the first week. The second phase means you can introduce vegetables every second day. If you manage to survive these two stages you can then start to introduce odd other items back into your diet. If you make it to the final stage you can basically eat what you like as long as you have one protein only day. Sounds impossibly challenging, expensive and needlessly complicated to me!

What do you guys think? Are you an advocate of the Dukan Diet? Is there a diet you've used that worked well for you or was a complete disaster?

The foods destroying your teeth

I remember a few years ago being absolutely horrified when I saw a mum pushing her baby in a pram, while the baby was sucking whole-heartedly on a baby bottle full of what looked like Coke.

Yes, I drink Coke Zero more often than is probably healthy. I even have the occasional Red Bull, but I am also an adult and make my own choices about my body and my health – even if they are bad choices. Babies and small children rely on their parents to make the right decisions for them.

I am not a parent myself so perhaps I shouldn’t judge, but I just can’t think of a situation where it is excusable to feed a baby or even a toddler foods that is so obviously unhealthy for them.

But what about foods we think are healthy? Working with the Australian Dental Association's Victorian Branch, consumer association CHOICE has compared the sugar content and acidity of 85 processed foods and drinks and categorised them as high, moderate or low risk.


CHOICE spokesman Brad Schmitt says the survey found some surprising results. "While it's no surprise the usual suspects such as fizzy drinks and lollies are in the high risk category, unfortunately a number of products that are promoted as healthy snacks for kids' lunchboxes are also high risk and can contribute to tooth decay and erosion," he says.

“These products aren't only full of sugar, they also have high acidity levels which can directly damage the enamel surface of teeth."

According to CHOICE examples include Kellog's Nutri-Grain bars, Uncle Tobys Apricot Muesli bars, Golden Circle Orange Juice and fizzy drinks such as Pepsi and market leader Coca-Cola.

Making the high acid category are two caffeine-loaded sugar-free energy drinks Red Bull and V Energy and several sports drinks including Powerade (no sugar) and Staminade Lemon Lime Fusion. Such products may be free of sugar but all have a higher acid reserve than most other fizzy drinks.

"Tooth decay is on the rise and dentists rightly blame our increasing consumption of sugary snacks and drinks, including fruit juices and fruit drinks," Brad says. "But there are many other foods and drinks that are potentially harmful for our teeth, so the advice is consider high-risk foods and drinks as a once-a-week treat and regularly brush and floss your teeth.

"And if you really want to avoid a visit to the dentist, try drinking milk or water instead of Coke or Pepsi."

WA Women needed for breast cancer prevention

Last year I was devastated to find out a close friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer. It truly is one of those things you just never think will happen to you or the ones you love – but unfortunately they do. Even young healthy women can be affected by breast cancer.

In Australian women, breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer diagnosed and the leading cause of death from cancer. Approximately 240 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every week and every week 50 die from this disease.

That’s why I’d like to ask all WA Style readers, heck all WA women, to support breast cancer research in any way they can. At the moment The International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS-II) is seeking postmenopausal women aged 40 -70 with a family history of breast cancer to take part in this study to find out if breast cancer can be prevented.

To be eligible for the study women need to be at increased risk because of a family history of breast cancer, or other risk factors such as certain non cancerous breast conditions. Women must not have already had invasive breast cancer.

IBIS-II is the first trial to investigate whether the breast cancer treatment drug anastrozole can prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women at higher risk of developing the disease. Women joining the study take a tablet a day for five years. They have a bone mineral density scan and regular mammograms, as well as clinical check-ups twice a year in the first year of the study and once a year in the following four years.

Worldwide the study is seeking 10,000 women. Over 5,400 women have already joined, including over 660 Australian and New Zealand women, but more volunteers are needed.

For more information phone 1800 640 709 or register at www.anzbctg.org

PHOTO CAPTION: Director of Research at the ANZ BCTG and IBIS-II Study Chairman, Professor John F. Forbes, and his fellow researchers are working towards a world without breast cancer.

When football meets fashion

This is the first (and most likely last) time I have written about football on my blog and I am only doing it now because it involves my absolutely favourite design house Louis Vuitton (and supermodel Naomi Campbell for good measure).

Just a short while ago in Paris, Louis Vuitton unveiled their latest special order piece – a travel case designed to hold the FIFA World Cup Trophy. I am sure the footballers don’t feel the same way, but if I won the world cup I’d be far more excited about the travel case than the trophy! That said the trophy itself weighs just over six kilos and is made of solid 18-carat gold with a base of semi-precious malachite. Who knew footballers had good taste?

Commissioned by FIFA the travel case was made in Louis Vuitton’s original workshop in Asnieres near Paris and is covered in monogram canvas and fitted with the company’s signature brass lock and corners.

Louis Vuitton head of communications Antoine Arnault says: “We are very proud to have been chosen by FIFA to create the case in which the world’s ultimate sporting prize will in future travel the globe. This exceptional commission truly honours Louis Vuitton’s 150-year tradition of craftsmanship and savoir-faire.”

FIFA marketing director Thierry Weil adds: “The travel case is an (sic) fundamental element in the appearance of our most important asset. It not only underlines the exclusivity and personality of the FIFA World Cup Trophy but guarantees safety and protection on its travel around the world.”

And Naomi’s involvement? That’s anyone’s guess; perhaps she just was itching to have her picture taken with the trophy.Or perhaps she is hoping LV will make her a trophy case of her very own?

Female circumcision by Aussie doctors

I was really taken aback this morning when listening to the radio to hear that Australian doctors are considering offering female circumcision.

My initial reaction was to be appalled to hear such a thing was being considered here in Australia, rather than in a third world country. However, it is a fact that this practice does occur in Australia – just in some backroom in unhygienic conditions rather than in a hospital or doctors office.

In an article in today’s The West Australian entitled ‘ritual nick’ for girls on agenda it says: “It comes after the bio-ethics committee of the Academy of American Paediatrics suggested “tokenistic surgery” could build trust between hospitals and immigrant groups, save girls from disfiguring surgery in their native country and eventually eradicate female circumcisions.”

This issue has me in a quandary. Is it better for doctors to offer this service to prevent the even worse result of this taking place in some dirty back room? Or will offering this service mean more women are pushed in to this painful and unnecessary procedure? I even have to ask the question, why do some people feel this procedure is the right thing to do?

What do you think?

Going nuts

It’s amazing to me so many people still don’t know the nutritional value available in the humble nuts. People think nuts are fattening, unhealthy or unnecessary. I eat a handful of nuts every day as part of my nutritional plan (focused on staying healthy and shedding a few extra kilos). Nuts are the perfect way to combat ‘3.30itis’ and keep you feeling full for longer.

No idea where to start with nuts? This may be a long post for this site, but the topic warrants it as here is the skinny on 10 different types of tree nuts and the benefits. Keep in mind in general nuts have been found to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, plus can help manage blood cholesterol and weight.

ALMONDS

Origin: Almonds are traditionally grown in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, but like many nuts with oversea origins now grow in Australia (NSW, Vic and SA).

What they’re good for: Healthy fats and vitamin E. A handful of almonds provides 85% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for Vitamin E, the fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. It’s important to eat foods rich in healthy fats such as nuts to maintain heart health.

What’s a handful? 20 almonds.

Did you know: You can get bitter almonds? While we eat sweet almonds, the bitter variety was once used medically as they contain prussic acid (also known as hydrogen cyanide). In large doses hydrogen cyanide is deadly.

BRAZIL NUTS

Origin: The name gives it away. Brazil nuts are grown in the jungles of the Amazon Basin of Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.

What they’re good for: The heart! Just two Brazil nuts can provide you with your entire daily intake of the antioxidant selenium, a vital trace element which has been found to help keep hearts healthy.

What’s a handful? 10 Brazil nuts.

Did you know: It has been documented that a Spanish colonial official collected Brazil nuts for his hungry troops back in 1569? They recovered quickly most likely due to the energy levels, healthy fats and range of other vitamins and minerals these nuts provide.

CASHEWS

Origin: Like Brazil nuts, cashew is a native of Brazil, but has migrated around the world and is now found in Vietnam, India and Africa. Catching on to the popularity of the creamy cashew, northern Australian farmers have established experimental orchards.

What they’re good for: Strong bones! Cashews contain magnesium, essential for strong bones.

What’s a handful? 15 cashews.

Did you know: You will never see cashews sold in the shell. The nut is surrounded by a double shell that contains a caustic phenolic resin, urushiol, a potent skin irritant and toxin also found in poison ivy.

National jelly baby month

Did you know May is national jelly baby month? This joyous occasion is thanks to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation who strives to find a cure for type 1 diabetes by encouraging all WA women to put a little jelly in your belly during May.


Jelly Baby Month raises funds for research to find a cure, which is desperately needed. Did you know Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world?


Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease. People with this lifelong disease need up to six insulin injections every day or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump, just to stay alive. Diabetes can lead to devastating long term health complications, like blindness, kidney failure and heart disease. 
 


Jelly babies can be a lifesaver for people with type 1 diabetes because they can’t control their own blood sugar, so a quick sugar fix is essential in an emergency when blood glucose falls dangerously low.
 
Unlike type 2 diabetes, the causes of type 1 are not related to everyday diet or lifestyle. So please, put some jelly in your belly for the 140,000 Aussies with type 1 diabetes in May. 


Jelly Baby products are available from Woolworths and Safeway supermarkets, Amcal pharmacies, online or from volunteers. For more information, visit www.jdrf.org.au.