In General

Do You Touch People Enough? (This will disappoint the mucky-minded!)

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

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Nowadays Social Media has taken over the world! I tend to email pictures of the boys to family rather than take them round to show off over a cuppa, I tweet colleagues and acquaintances on Twitter and no longer attend business networking meetings etc. I text my Mum for goodness sake, she only lives around the corner! Be it because I am ridiculously busy these days working full-time from home, raising two boys, being a wife and running the house or whatever, but I definitely don’t have the same 1-1 contact I used to, and that’s quite sad really when you think about it!

Touch doesn’t need to be sexual or sordid, there are so many different touches, the feel of a newborn on your chest, the soft hair of a sleeping toddler on your cheek, the strength a held hand can give at a funeral, the soft fur of a favourite teddy which brings back so many memories when you touch it…! Touch is a part of everyday life and we need to remember that and enjoy the closeness of others, before we forget what it means and lose ourselves entirely in the cyber-world!

NIVEA recognises this and so have decided to celebrate their 100th birthday (100 years – impressive!), by celebrating closeness in 21st century Britain.

In honour of this 100 year anniversary Nivea have launched the “million moments of closeness” Competition on Facebook, they are urging people to upload a picture that means something to them and that shows a moment of closeness. There are prizes to be won so it’s well worth a go and is a nice way to celebrate a special moment, bond or relationship and show that socia media aside we can be closer than ever!

My entry was this:

A picture of mw and Natalie, my partner in crime! We are both hugely busy Mums, bother working for ourselves but we always make the effort to see each other and it’s paid off, as despite living hours away from each other, we are as close as ever.

The competition aside (see the Facebook page for more info), there is a fantastic ongoing debate that you can contribute to run by Professor Geoff Beattie, live chats, events and more!

Pop along and see what the campaign is really about, visit the gallery and most of all don’t do what I’ve been doing, slowly withdrawing into the social media world and forgetting the importance of touch!

Viral video by ebuzzing

In Guest Posts

10 Reasons NEVER to Use BPA Feeding Bottles – The Facts

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on 2 Comments

This post was written as a guest post by Mums Mall – an online shopping comparison mall dedicated to helping mums get the best deals online when shopping for baby/maternity products, toys and children’s clothing. I find it particularly interesting! I know that BPA is “bad” and in most places banned, but the reasons behind it all had passed me by!  You can also find MumsMall on Facebook and say hello on Twitter, they are so down to earth and easy to chat with!

Nicki x

Most parents have heard about the chemical BPA, or Bisphenol A, in news headlines recently. The most controversial use of this chemical is in the manufacturing of baby bottles. Since your baby’s health and wellbeing is of utmost importance to you, it is vital that you have all the facts regarding the use of BPA in baby bottles. The following information is designed to provide you with these facts so that you can continue protecting your baby’s health.

What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical used in making polycarbonate plastic. This type of plastic is used for a multitude of household products, including plastic baby bottles and toddler sippy cups. There is generally no harm that comes from using this type of plastic in household items such as laundry baskets, trash cans and other products that do not come into contact with food. However, research shows that when this chemical is present in plastic items that are typically heated, such as baby bottles and food storage containers, it can leach into the food itself. This can cause various problems within the person consuming the food. High levels of the chemical are thought to cause problems with brain development. Infants stand to suffer the most harm from the chemical since they are small and are not able to effectively remove it from their bodies.

Ten Reasons to Avoid BPA Bottles

  1. For concerned parents, much information exists regarding the potential harm that can result from the presence of BPA in baby bottles. The following list provides ten reasons why parents should always avoid purchasing bottles that contain this chemical.BPA has been linked to inhibiting brain development, an especially harmful scenario in children
  2. BPA is associated with hyperactivity and related disorders in childhood
  3. Evidence links BPA to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease in adulthood
  4. BPA has been associated with fertility problems once a child grows into adulthood
  5. Some evidence suggests that BPA can increase a person’s risk of various types of cancer
  6. Exposure to even low amounts of the chemical can cause behavioural disorders and impairment of brain functioning
  7. We lack sufficient studies to show whether or not the chemical could cause additional diseases or disorders
  8. The use of BPA in baby bottles has been banned in some countries due to evidence of harm
  9. BPA free bottles are readily available and cost about the same as their potentially dangerous counterparts
  10. Buying BPA free bottles can help parents have the peace of mind that they’re providing safe feeding materials for their children

How You Can Lessen BPA Exposure

BPA is not avoidable in all household items, but a person’s exposure can be lessened by following a few essential tips. Parents who are concerned about the presence of BPA in baby bottles should purchase ones that are labelled as being BPA free. If you are not able to find BPA free bottles in your area, simply purchase baby bottles made of glass instead. Additionally, parents should ensure that the bottles do not become overheated, as this will cause more of the chemical to leach into the milk if it is indeed present in the bottle. Always avoid pouring boiling liquids into a plastic baby bottle. Parents can also reduce the risk associated with BPA exposure by replacing baby bottles frequently, especially if they become cloudy, scratched or discoloured in any way. Finally, avoid leaving baby bottles in direct sunlight or a hot car as this will also cause the plastic to become overheated.

With the information that exists regarding the potential dangers of BPA in baby bottles, it makes sense to avoid it or to drastically limit any exposure to it. This is especially important for infants and toddlers, who are still experiencing rapid brain development all throughout the childhood years. While many bottle manufacturers are working hard to remove BPA from their products, it is important to note that many different brands containing BPA are still sold in stores and online venues. If this is a concern to you as a parent, it is vital that you actively search out BPA free bottles, read product labels closely or simply choose glass bottles instead of plastic versions. While it may take more effort on your part to find and purchase BPA free feeding products, you will feel great knowing you are providing your child with the best possible start in life.

 

 

 

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