Gift-giving can be both a joy and a challenge. Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, or just because, finding the perfect gift can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But worry not; we’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the ideal gift for your loved ones, tailored by age, recipients, and occasions. Gifts by Age For Kids (0-12 years) • Babies (0-2 years): At this age, it’s all about stimulating their senses. Soft toys, colourful board books, and sensory play items like rattles or textured blankets are perfect. Outside the box: A customised storybook featuring the baby’s name. • Toddlers

Breastfeeding—it’s one of those magical, messy, and utterly human experiences that many mums look forward to, and for good reason! It’s an incredible way to bond with your baby, offering comfort, connection, and nourishment. It’s like having superpowers, right? But let’s be honest, as beautiful as breastfeeding can be, it’s also a rollercoaster ride of emotions, late-night feedings, and some unexpected challenges. So, as we celebrate Breastfeeding Month, let’s dive into the beautiful, sometimes wobbly world of breastfeeding. The Beauty of Breastfeeding There’s no denying that breastfeeding has some incredible perks. For starters, it’s an intimate bonding experience between you and your baby. Those quiet

Let’s chat about something that’s at the heart of every strong relationship: communication. Whether with your partner, family, friends, or even colleagues, how we talk (and listen) can make or break our connections. So, let’s dive into some tips and techniques to boost your communication skills and build stronger bonds! Why Communication Matters Effective communication isn’t just about talking. It’s about understanding and being understood. When we communicate well, we can express our needs, share our thoughts, and connect on a deeper level. Misunderstandings, on the other hand, can lead to conflicts, hurt feelings, and a whole lot of frustration. Tips for Better Communication 1.

Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a running queen, or a strength-training superstar, what you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform. Let’s dive into some practical nutritional strategies to help you get the most out of your workouts.  Pre-Workout Nutrition: Power Up! Think of your pre-workout snack as a little pep talk for your body. Here’s what to focus on: Carbs are Your Best Friend Carbohydrates are the quickest way to get that energy boost. They help you power through your workout without feeling like you’re dragging. Opt for complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and veggies. A few yummy

Abuse manifests in various forms, and non-physical abuse can be equally damaging. Recognising the signs and understanding the impact of non-physical abuse is crucial for identifying and addressing abusive relationships. What is Non-Physical Abuse? Non-physical abuse, often termed coercive control, includes patterns of manipulation, intimidation, and threatening behaviour used to terrorise the other party. While physical abuse is more widely recognised, emotional abuse can be just as debilitating. Emotional abuse starts subtly, with small, infrequent incidents that may not initially seem abusive. Over time, these actions escalate, creating a state of constant fear and control. Common Forms of Non-Physical Abuse Recognising the Signs and Finding

Let’s explore something incredibly empowering today: the incredible mind-body connection and how holistic health practices can do wonders for our overall well-being. Ready? Let’s dive in! The Magic of the Mind-Body Connection First off, what exactly is the mind-body connection? Think of it like this: our thoughts and emotions can have a huge impact on our physical health. Ever notice how a stressful day can lead to a pounding headache or a tense neck? Or how a relaxing walk in nature can make you feel on top of the world? That’s the mind-body connection in action—everything is beautifully intertwined. Holistic Health Practices: Your Wellness Toolkit

Reaching sexual climax isn’t just about feeling good; it’s a well-coordinated dance that happens inside us, involving our whole selves. It all begins with a rush of blood to the genital area, which makes the erectile tissues there swell up. And yes, this happens for everyone, not just guys. This is a big reason why things feel so intense and why we’re all particularly responsive in those moments. As we get closer to the peak, it’s as if our body turns up the dial on everything. Our heart beats faster, our blood pressure rises, and we start breathing more quickly. Every part of us is

As the warm spring days roll into Malta, they bring vibrant blooms and longer sunshine. Unfortunately, many of us end up battling hay fever instead of enjoying the gorgeous weather. The season transforms landscapes beautifully but brings a host of sniffling and sneezing. Whether it’s the foggy days or the dusty gusts from the South, hay fever can really dampen our spirits. Not to worry, though! Here’s a friendly guide to natural remedies for hay fever that will help you manage those pesky symptoms with some easy and natural solutions. A Sticky Solution: Petroleum Jelly This common ointment, famous for healing chapped lips, is also excellent

Malta has welcomed its new president, Myriam Spiteri Debono, who brings a wealth of experience and a record of many firsts. As a seasoned politician and a longtime advocate for gender equality, she has made history as the 11th President of Malta and the first Gozitan woman to hold this prestigious position. Her journey marks a significant milestone in the ongoing narrative of women’s leadership on the island. From Victoria to Valletta: The Making of a President Born in the historic town of Victoria on the island of Gozo, Myriam Spiteri Debono’s journey to the presidency began at the University of Malta. There, she delved

‘Mum, do you remember me?’ ‘Dad, what are the names of my children?’  ‘No, my mum doesn’t understand us’. ‘You can order pizza for lunch; she does not like fish’. This scenario is seen and heard all too frequently within the community, in care homes, and even on social media. As a speech-language pathologist working with adults and the elderly, I am pained each time by the look of confusion and desperation in the individual with dementia, who is often unable to reciprocate or understand a conversation. ‘Why?’ one may ask. The answer is that we should preserve one’s dignity throughout the disease’s progression. One

In our fast-paced lives, the noise of the mundane often drowns out the beauty of the world around us. Dacher Keltner’s research gently reminds us to pause and soak in the awe of our surroundings, highlighting the benefits of awe. His recent discussions on HuffPost and in-depth exploration shared by the University of California highlight a simple yet profound action we can all take. To enrich our lives, we should seek out awe in our everyday experiences. Who is Dacher Keltner?  Dacher Keltner is a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. He has spent

Let’s explore the world of online dating, a realm where Cupid has traded in his arrows for algorithms and where the quest for love is just a swipe away. Whether you’re a seasoned swiper or new to the digital dating scene, our essential online dating tips will guide you through navigating these modern waters of romance. The Digital Meet-Cute: Finding Love in a Swipe Remember the days when meeting someone meant accidentally bumping into them at a bookstore or locking eyes across a crowded room? Well, welcome to 2024, where finding a date can be as easy as ordering a pizza – convenient, but with

Featuring brave women’s #metoomalta experiences to raise awareness about the extensive psychological damage that sexual assault causes to its victims. Trigger warning: sexual assault, rape. When Francesca Fenech Conti, administrator of the group Women for Women (Malta) on Facebook shared a personal disclosure of sexual assault, she wasn’t prepared for what happened next-message after message flooded her inbox with real, raw experiences from women who have experienced sexual assault and rape in their lifetimes. Many women finally found the courage to open up anonymously about their own painful experiences from the past, some of which were childhood sexual traumas, with some of the women speaking up about

Each and every one of us harbours a series of thought patterns that shape our reactions to life’s circumstances. This internal dialogue, also known as personal commentary, influences our view of the world and emotions. A valuable approach to nurturing optimism, hope, and joy is by intentionally embracing positive self-affirmations on a daily basis. As we grow older, many of us may become aware of these ingrained negative self-talk patterns. We often recall criticising remarks from our upbringing, whether from parents, siblings, or teachers. Additionally, negative interactions with peers may have further lowered our self-esteem. These negative messages echo in our minds over time, fostering

In contrast to the majority of European countries that have liberalised their abortion laws, allowing terminations within the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy, Malta maintains exceptionally strict legislation. Abortions are only permitted in cases where the mother’s life is at grave risk, as outlined in the 2023 amendment. Global Context: A Comparative Overview Meanwhile, countries like France have taken proactive steps to safeguard reproductive rights, recently embedding the right to abortion in their constitution as a response to the erosion of such rights in the United States, particularly following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This has sent a strong message across the world and

Today, we’re delving into a topic that’s on the minds of many parents: the adventure of raising pre-teens. Ah, the tween years! It’s a time of growth, change, and a fair share of emotional rollercoasters—both for kids and parents. Let’s unpack this exciting and challenging phase together in this tween-parent guide. The Tween Transformation: What’s Happening? Pre-teens, typically between the ages of 9 and 12, are in a fascinating phase. It’s like one foot is still in childhood while the other steps towards adolescence. They’re growing quite fast, both physically and emotionally. This period is marked by significant changes: Navigating New Waters: Conversations on Sexuality

I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Ms. Elaine Borg, a General Surgeon with a sub-speciality in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery. She is highly qualified and experienced surgeon who has spent the last few years working both in Malta and in the UK. A lovely, very down-to-earth person. We chatted about women’s health issues, travel, food, cooking, children, COVID, her PhD, and the inevitable guilt of motherhood. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her in person because, although Ms. Borg is very busy, she tells me, “I appreciate face-to-face contact even more since COVID!” I had a lot of questions for Ms. Borg because I’m always

Anyone who’s ever been through the gruelling hunt for a job can confirm how the whole song and dance of applications, several interviews, and long-winded tests can be rather unforgiving and cutthroat. Putting yourself out there in the hopes of being ‘the chosen one’ is no easy feat. This is why it’s important to be able to market yourself and play on your strengths, so your interviewer can see your potential. The Application Process Laborious and tedious as it may be, it’s necessary and all part of the game. I’m by no means an expert, of course. But I’m simply sharing my own experience based

Each and every family has a member who stands out from the rest and conforms to traditional expectations. The member who does not seem to fit within the family’s norms and behaviours may be labelled as the “black sheep”. Being the black sheep of the family can often lead to a lonely and challenging journey, yet it gives rise to an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. Let’s explore ways to navigate the challenges of being the black sheep and form a unique, strong identity during your healing journey. Being the black sheep in the family can present challenges while offering opportunities for growth and

Why wait for a special occasion to celebrate the joys of yoga? Any day is the perfect excuse to whip out those yoga pants (not like we need an excuse, right?). Whether you’re a yoga guru or just curious about starting, this day is a celebration of balance, health, and inner peace that yoga brings into our lives. Why Yoga Isn’t Just Fancy Stretching Yoga, an ancient practice with roots stretching back thousands of years in India, is much more than just a series of stretches. It’s like a BFF for your body and mind, combining poses that make us feel like pretzels, breathing that

Well over a decade ago, I remember attending a meeting with a recruiter, and when I say she massacred my CV, I’m putting it mildly. Understandably, I felt upset and disillusioned. Could she have gone about it with a bit of grace and worded her feedback more constructively rather than destructively? Most definitely. But my key takeaway from this experience, albeit its poor message delivery, was this: she was right. My CV was an absolute mess. Different font sizes, irrelevant information, possible typos. You name it. As inconvenient and harsh as this truth may have been, it was an eye-opener. I needed to swallow my

Let’s talk about something that’s a big part of our lives – periods. It’s high time we shed the awkwardness and embrace this topic with openness and a touch of humour. Why Period Talk Matters First things first, why is this conversation so important? Because, believe it or not, this natural bodily function has been cloaked in unnecessary mystery and stigma for way too long. Talking about it means we can share tips, laugh over our period blunders, and just feel…normal. “What’s Happening to My Body?!” Our menstrual cycle is like a monthly report card, giving us insights into our overall health. One minute, you’re

In a world where we’re always racing against time, trying to keep up with the hustle and bustle of life, being able to incorporate the much-coveted work-life balance has never been so crucial. Gone are the days when a household can have children and live on ‘just’ one salary, unless it’s an excellently paid job. Of course, even for those who are childless, the need to be able to juggle work-related duties with familial or personal ones still remains. And let’s not forget time to ourselves, which, let’s face it, is more often than not, overlooked. This is precisely why everyone dreams of having a