Kids on the coast

After 12 long years debating the safety of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine across the nation, a key paper by an internationally renowned medical journal linking the three-in-one jab with autism has been retracted. The MMR vaccine, usually given to children at 12 months and again at four years, has been given the all clear by a large number of independent researchers from around the world including the World Health Organization. The exact cause of autism remains unknown but brain development, genetics and environmental factors (such as diet) are being investigated Read more

A Current Affair reported families have voted Dreamworld and WhiteWater World as Australia’s best theme parks, with an amazing perfect score. While Dreamworld was voted best theme park, the thrill seekers voted Movieworld’s Superman Escape as the best ride. When it comes to cost, families agreed the water parks were cheaper options because you can take in your own food. And Gold Coasters have all this right in their backyard!
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The year 2009 brought with it a few very interesting celebrity offspring name selections.For a baby girl, what about Petal Blossom Rainbow Oliver (daughter of chef Jamie Oliver)? Or perhaps first names like Mars, Bandit, Seraphina, Bardot, Jara, Satyana or Lou would be more your style?  Read more

For the first time, parents can search the profiles of almost 10,000 Australian state and private schools and see how they compare with the rest of the nation. The federally funded My School website (www.myschool.edu.au) allows and encourages comparisons between statistically similar schools, in a bid to encourage transparency and accountability.  Read more

Lifeline Community Care Sunshine Coast is once again hosting the popular four session course called Surviving Your Adolescents, which has already attracted a large number of dedicated parents with 12+ year olds.  Read more

UnderWater World and the Sunshine Coast Council are joining forces to protect our local waterways, with an interactive display highlighting the need to maintain healthy waterways and healthy marine environments.  Read more

A new study has suggested ‘baby brain’ forgetfulness in pregnant women may be a figment of our motherly imaginations. Researchers at the Australian National University say they have evidence pregnant women perform just as well in cognitive testing as they did before becoming pregnant. Read more

Only half of Australian parents with school-aged children are taking advantage of a tax refund for back-to-school expenses. The Australian Taxation Office figures reveal that tens of thousands of eligible families have not lodged a claim, leaving $500 million in unclaimed benefits.  Read more