Jackson School Newsletter

Health & Wellbeing News

Hi, my name is Rose and I am a fourth-year speech pathology student at La Trobe University. I grew up in Tasmania and have lived in Melbourne for the past 3 years, I enjoy going for walks with my friends, cooking, and sewing. I’m excited to be completing my placement here at Jackson School, and getting the opportunity to work within a diverse and supportive team. I have really loved studying speech pathology, I’m very excited to graduate at the end of the year and help people along their communication and swallowing journeys! 

Hello my name is Sofia, and I am one of the student Speech Pathologists at Jackson School this term and next term! I’m in my final year of my degree, and I’m very excited to be graduating soon! I can’t wait to begin helping people with communication and swallowing difficulties. When I’m not at uni or placement, I really like walking my dogs Winnie and Milo, trying different cafes with my friends and going to the beach. I’m very happy to have gotten my placement at Jackson School and have enjoyed meeting all the lovely staff and students here!

 

 

www.getactive.vic.gov.au

 

The Get Active Victoria website is an incredibly valuable resource for individuals and families alike.  The Get Active Victoria website is full of useful ideas for getting active, information about parks and outdoor recreational facilities, and expert advice. It’s also the place to access our Kids Voucher Program. When you join Get Active Victoria, you unlock free tools to help you be active and a huge library of guided home workouts. That’s not to mention joining a community of more than 99,000 people all using Get Active Victoria to inspire more active choices. The following article taken from the website, is one such example.  Jackson School is a member of the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER Victoria) Active Schools Program and has been a recipient of Active Schools funding for the last three years.  Jackson School is committed to developing the health and fitness of its students by providing a range of specialist programs to all of its students.

 

PRACTICAL EXERCISE TIPS FOR BUSY PARENTS

Even with little ones at home, you can find ways to incorporate physical activity into your routine. 

 

In this article, we’ll explore the incredible benefits of exercise for busy parents with dependent children. We’ll also provide practical tips to help you integrate physical activity into your daily life!

 

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

Staying active as a busy parent offers a world of physical benefits. Boosting your energy levels, increasing stamina, and enhancing cardiovascular health can be achieved without fancy equipment or a gym membership.

Instead, simple activities like brisk walks, short stretching sessions, or bodyweight exercises at home can improve muscle strength and flexibility. Prioritising regular exercise also supports healthy weight management, strengthens bones, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

 

MENTAL WELLNESS

Physical activity is a powerful tool for nurturing your mental well-being as a busy parent. It’s not just about physical fitness—it’s about finding moments of respite in your hectic schedule. Taking time for yourself through physical activity can be a natural stress reliever, helping you release tension and regain a sense of calm. The endorphins released during exercise uplift your mood, alleviate anxiety, and combat feelings of depression. By carving out space for exercise, you provide yourself with valuable self-care and nurture your mental health.

 

TIPS FOR BUSY PARENTS

Finding time for exercise amidst a hectic schedule can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some practical tips to help you incorporate physical activity into your daily life:

  1. Break it up: if finding a continuous block of time is challenging, break your exercise routine into smaller chunks. Aim for three 10-minute sessions throughout the day, such as a morning walk, a game with the kids, and a post-dinner stretch.
  2. Capitalise on nap time: when your little ones are napping, use that time for a workout session that suits your preferences and available space. Get Active Victoria has a large range of online workouts including Pilates, yoga, dance, low impact and more. Most are just 10 minutes so they can be squeezed into a busy schedule.
  3. Find support: connect with other busy parents who prioritise exercise. Join online communities or local groups to share experiences, gain motivation, and find workout buddies.
  4. Make it a family affair: if your children are old enough, get them involved. Play tag, go for family bike rides, or have a dance party in the living room. Get Active Victoria also has some short workouts to do with your children that have been designed to entertain the kids while you get your physical activity too.

Being a busy parent doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health goals. By embracing an active lifestyle, you can experience the remarkable benefits of physical activity while caring for your children. Being a mum and prioritising your health are not mutually exclusive. You have the power to be a strong, active, and inspiring role model for your children.

BEEF BURGERS WITH SWEET POTATO CHIPS

The humble hamburger (the homemade version, not the popular fast food version that instantly springs to our children’s minds) has long been touted as the perfect, well-balanced meal and a great activity to have the kids work with you in making.  The following recipe is once again taken from the Resource section of the Get Active Victoria Website.

 

Try these homemade beef burgers with sweet potato chips as a takeaway alternative!

 

Serves 4

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 sweet potatoes.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil.
  • ½ brown onion.
  • ½ medium carrot.
  • 2 cloves garlic.
  • ¼ cup flour.
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs.
  • 1 egg.
  • 250g beef mince.
  • 4 wholemeal bread rolls.
  • 4 lettuce leaves.
  • 4 slices tomato.
  • 4 slices cheese.

 

METHOD

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
  2. Wash sweet potatoes under cold water. Cut into pieces.  Arrange on a large baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Cook for 25 minutes in the oven. Turn the potatoes over and roast for another 15 minutes or until browned and crispy.
  3. Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic cloves. Wash and grate the carrot. Add onion, garlic, and carrot to a large bowl.
  4. Add flour and breadcrumbs. Mix until flour and breadcrumbs are coating the vegetables. Add egg and beef mince. Mix with hands until combined.
  5. Shape mixture into 4 burgers with hands.
  6. Heat a frypan over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Fry beef burgers for 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. The burgers should be brown all the way through when cooked, not pink.
  7. Place beef burgers on a bread roll with lettuce, tomato slices and cheese. Serve with sweet potato wedges.