Vehicle brakes provide a great deal of control and security for all vehicle owners. They perform the extraordinary role of keeping you safe and possibly saving your life on the road. It’s time they deserved the respect and break they need!

From emergency stops, to sharp turns, brakes are at the forefront of life-threatening preventions and uncertainties that accompany the on-road experience. “Vehicle owners should understand how their brakes work and how they can be maintained and even improved,” says Chris Lett, Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres. He discusses major ways in which vehicle owners can improve their brake’s performance.

Fitting new brake pads: Brake performance and overall safety can be improved by fitting new brake pads,” says Lett. “This should be done at least once a year or more often if covering more than the average kilometres a year,” he adds.

Upgrading the brake kit: Large brake kits are both the fastest and best ways to improve the braking performance. “The heat takes slightly longer to accumulate on larger disc surfaces, at the same time helping them cool down much faster,” says Lett. “Through cross-drilled and well-ventilated discs, the cooling down process is more effective,” adds Lett.

Keeping the brakes cool: Should new brake pads overheat, this can alter the underlying structure of the brake pad material. “Until brakes are fully bedded down, vehicle owners should prevent heavy braking that could lead to potential overheating. This can include any circumstances, from towing heavy loads, to stopping immediately after high speeds,” says Lett.

Braking properly and often: More braking is better than less, and braking gently is better than heavy braking overall. “For the first 300km, each time the brake pads establish contact with the discs, it increases the contact area surface between the two parts, allowing better braking in the future. Therefore, braking more often and lightly is recommended for the first 300km, after the new pads have been fitted,” says Lett. “Driving slower provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to brake lightly. Braking faster and harder wears out the brakes more quickly. Another precautionary measure is to keep an ideal distance between vehicles, which will also provide you with quicker reaction time, and prevent the unnecessary slamming of the brakes,” adds Lett.

Maintaining the condition of the brakes: A routine maintenance check up should be done every year. At Branigans Tyres, experts will check the condition of the brake pads, the disc and the brake fluid and give you peace of mind.

At Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett and his team ‘go green’ and are experts in the recycled tyre business. Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. Branches are situated at 13 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads, contact number (07) 5535 2660 or 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd, Southport contact number, (07) 5591 8633.

Written and Syndicated by: YDMA News

Irlen Syndrome is a visual perception processing disorder. According to statistics, Irlen Syndrome is identified and treated appropriately, in one in two children and adults worldwide with learning and perception issues. However, leaders in the field of behavioural optometry, like Gary Rodney a fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), are now debating whether these figures really reflect the causes of perception issues or whether they are the outcome of incorrect diagnoses brought on by subpar eye exams.

What is Irlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome is thought to be a neurological disorder that leads to the brain being overactive or overstimulated, which creates a breakdown in communication between the brain and eyes, affecting how people perceive and therefore process what they see. This can cause issues with accuracy and understanding as well as attention deficit, handwriting, and visual distortion when reading. Sensitivity to light, headaches while reading, and seeing distorted images and text on pages are some other signs and symptoms. The patient is thought to have an abnormal sensitivity to certain light wave lengths, thus treatments entail the application of colour filter overlays that block such wavelengths.

Irlen Syndrome According to Subjective Responses

Gary Rodney and a growing number of scientists and optometrists do not dispute Irlen Syndrome’s underlying premise or the course of therapy recommended by Irlen diagnosticians. They do, however, raise concerns about whether the diagnoses and treatments are justified and accurate, given that both are solely based on the subjective experiences of those who are experiencing the symptoms and those who are receiving the treatment, respectively, and that neither is supported by objective data.

The Hawthorne Effect, which contends that individuals behave differently when they are aware they are being observed, may impact the legitimacy of the responses and report-backs in certain situations, according to Rodney.

Is Irlen addressing the root of the problem or just the symptoms

“This subjective approach has had a negative impact on the thoroughness of routine optometric eye exams, leading some optometrists to forego tests and screenings that could result in an accurate diagnosis of eye function anomalies that exhibit the same symptoms as Irlen filters and are amenable to eye therapy,” says Rodney, the creator of the Smart Vision method of optometry.

Furthermore, screening revealed that a significant portion of patients who qualified to get the Irlen Syndrome filter therapy had this undiscovered visual aberration, according to two different investigations on the effectiveness of the treatment. According to Taub et al., the percentages were 83%, and the research by Scheiman et al. found that the figures were 95%.

“Just as crucial as the ability to see is the capacity for accurate perception of what you are seeing and effortless visual focus,” says Rodney.

Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Mosman, provides professional clinical services to best evaluate and treat eye-related queries and visual problems and supports patients to optimise their visual health.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Recent studies have indicated that too much time spent on smartphones or other digital and screen devices can be detrimental to aspects of children’s development. This can include, slower development of social skills, a decrease in physical health, and interrupted sleep patterns.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, discusses ways that indoor play centres can provide alternative activities that can combat the negative influences of too much time on digital and screen devices.

“Studies have shown that the average child can spend up to six hours a day on a digital or screen device, which can cause concerns that parents should take seriously. Concerns can include social isolation, poor physical health, and problems with vision to name a few,” says Kylie. “While there is a lot of educational and entertaining online activity, parents of young children should try to limit online viewing to an hour or two a day. It is also advisable for parents to monitor children’s online activity to ensure they are using devices appropriately and responsibly and to reduce digital device addiction,” adds Kylie.

Offering children alternative options to online activities is healthy and an indoor play centre is an ideal alternative. “Indoor play centres are excellent as they offer activities that can rejuvenate all of a child’s senses,” says Kylie. Importantly, children develop good social skills, and are better able to interact and communicate with others,” adds Kylie.

Spending too much time in front of a digital or screen device can be particularly detrimental to a child’s physical health. Activities at indoor play centres can support the development of children’s agility, speed, and overall athletic ability. “At Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, the enclosed ball pit, triple story slide and jeep rider are three activities that support children’s physical and mental development and help to develop independence in children,” says Kylie.

Expending energy in an indoor play centre environment can be both rewarding and fulfilling for many children. Many of the activities are designed to challenge children’s physical, mental and emotional stamina, thus enhancing their sense of wellbeing. “Activities that enable children to expend their energy and tire them out, can also contribute to better sleeping patterns and happier, more well-adjusted children,” says Kylie.

Whether children are participating in activities in an indoor play centre or spending time on digital and screen devices, parents should ensure that children have access to healthy food and water. Sometimes, children who spend too much time in front of digital or screen devices, can tend to eat unhealthy snack foods high in sugar and sodium as they are readily available and easier to eat in front of the screen.

Understanding the dynamics between children and digital technology is crucial for parents. “While digital technology is educative and entertaining, parents should consider age-appropriate platforms and balance online viewing with other activities that promote and support a child’s physical, mental, emotional and social development. As with everything in today’s world, moderation is the key,” says Kylie.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

The importance of children’s eye health and safety often gets over-looked. It is, however, of major importance and should not be forgotten. As this month is children’s eye health and safety month, it is important to speak about issues on this topic. According to Optometry Australia, one in five children has an undetected vision problem which could be detrimental for their education as well as their self-esteem. The difference between adults and children is that adults will easily identify a problem where children rarely complain.

Gary Rodney, an Australian Smart Vision Optometrist and fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control at Eyes InDesign Mosman, is passionate about helping children pinpoint their eye issues and ultimately resolve their problems.

There are some symptoms to look out for to know if the child has any vision-related issues. There are a few symptoms that can indicate an issue with your child’s vision. These symptoms include; difficulties learning, lack of concentration, coordination problems, red or sore eyes, nausea, unusual body posture while reading or writing, fatigue, as well as headaches. “Many people are not aware that some learning disabilities in children can be heavily contributed by an undetected or untreated vision problem,” says Rodney.

The reason children with vision issues have problems with learning is because vision plays a big role in the process of learning. “Often it is not until children begin to read that we first notice they might have a vision problem. It is also important for parents to understand that even if a child has excellent eyesight they could still have significant vision skills related learning disabilities,” says Rodney.

Some of the main vision skills needed for early readers include; tracking, which is looking from word to word (scanning); focusing, keeping clear focus on a particular point and the ability to move to another point rapidly; sequencing, recognising the correct order of letters or numbers; short term visual memory, recalling information quickly; and visual discrimination, recognising subtle differences between different letters and words. Even though dyslexia is not mainly caused by vision problems, recent research has shown that there could be a connection between vision issues and dyslexia.

There are many ways to treat or solve these vision issues affecting children. The first step is to have the child undertake a Smart Vision Optometry comprehensive vision skills assessment with a Smart Vision Optometrist who will be able to determine what the issue is. A unique and personalised vision therapy program can then be planned for your child. The purpose of vision therapy is to correct visual motor and visual perceptual-cognitive deficiencies. Vision therapy can help with sequencing skills; using two eyes in tandem; visual skills essential for reading; eye-hand reaction time; and many other issues. Vision therapy normally runs over a period of 16 weeks. During the final stages of vision therapy, the patient’s newly learned visual skills are made stronger and become automatic, due to repetition as well as the integration of motor and cognitive skills.

It is important to make sure that children are not suffering from vision skills problems as it can affect their lives in many ways. Be vigilant, and if you think that they might have a vision-related issue, then book an appointment with a Smart Vision Optometrist today.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Contact lenses are a common alternative to glasses. Although contact lenses have been a great innovation there are certain risks involved.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a SmartVision Behavioural Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi wants to educate people on the risks of contact lenses, how to avoid those risks, and how to practise good contact lens health.

As mentioned, contact lenses are a great innovation and an alternative to glasses. However, there are a few issues that can occur if healthy measures are not practised. If burning or itchiness occurs after a short period of wearing contact lenses, it could mean that there is an allergic reaction to the contact lenses. There can also be a feeling of grittiness, as if there is sand stuck in the eye.

Blurred vision is another common problem. If the cornea has a lack of oxygen it can cause blurred vision or something known as corneal hypoxia. This can happen if contacts are over worn. Dryness in the eye can be due to dry eye syndrome, which can be caused by several factors. “It is normal to experience some sort of discomfort when you first start wearing contacts, however if the discomfort becomes unbearable or there is a discharge that is not normal, you should speak to your Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrist,” says Jacqueline.

There are ways to try and minimise issues associated with wearing contact lenses. It is important to have good hand hygiene when inserting contact lenses. “Always wash your hands and dry them with a lint free towel or tissue, there should be no traces of perfumes, creams or hairsprays anywhere near your eyes,” suggests Jacqueline. These kinds of practises are crucial in ensuring that the correct contact lens hygiene is taking place. While burning or itchiness can indicate an allergy to the contact lenses, it might be that there is an allergy to the lens solution. Before visiting your optometrist, try and use other brands or solutions. However, if the burning or itchiness continues, make an appointment with a Smart Vision optometrist. If it feels as though there is a grain of sand in the eye, remove the contacts and rinse both sides with solution then flush the eye with cool sterile water to get rid of anything that might be in there. If there is redness or dryness, the best way to combat this is to practise the highest level of contact lens hygiene. If blurred vision happens, it is likely because contacts are being worn for an extended period and this should be avoided.

It is essential to practise the correct contact lens hygiene to avoid any issues. If severe reactions happen during the use of contact lenses such as discharge or constant burning or blurry vision, contact a Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrist and book a Comprehensive Vision Skills assessment. This way, a clear and unique wellness plan can be designed.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600, alternatively book an appointment online.

Syndicated by: YDMA News

Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS is a name given to eye problems that are caused by prolonged computer use. When people use computers, tablets or mobile phones their eyes are required to converge closely and keep focus for long periods of time. Eye problems are becoming more and more common due to the increase in digital usage in our world.

Jacquie Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, discusses the symptoms of CVS and how to manage problems occurring from digital eye strain as well as how to reduce their effects.

There are signs and symptoms to look out for to know if it’s CVS or not. The symptoms of CVS or digital eye strain include; tired eyes, dry eyes, headaches, glare sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, eye twitching or excessive tiredness towards the end of the day. If a person suffers from any of these symptoms, it is possible that they could potentially have Computer Vision Syndrome.

“CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome has become one of the most common workplace complaints but it is not exclusive to adults,” says Jacquie. There are millions of children and teens who spend hours in front of a computer everyday. This puts stress on their eyes and can affect normal vision development. If these problems are not corrected in younger people, it has been shown to cause shortsightedness or myopia.

There are ways to treat or control Computer Vision Syndrome. Firstly, a Smart Vision Optometry comprehensive vision skills assessment needs to be performed so that a personal wellness treatment program can be designed for them. Depending on the results of their examination, their Smart Vision Optometrist may prescribe them specific computer glasses customised for where their visual system is at and which will help their eyes focus on the screen more comfortably. “Studies have shown that having the correct computer glasses increases productivity and accuracy,” says Jacquie. It is also recommended to have an anti-reflective coating on their computer glasses as it reduces reflections on the front and the back of their glasses, which causes glare and can make it difficult for their eyes to focus.

Besides wearing the correct computer glasses, there are a few more recommendations they can adopt to reduce the effects of CVS. Follow the ’20-20-20 rule’ which states that every 20 minutes they should spend 20 seconds looking at something that is 20 feet (6 metres) away. It is also important to keep blinking as this helps to wash their eyes with tears naturally. The physical position of their computer as well as their own physical position is also important. The computer or laptop should be at least 40-50 centimetres away from the eyes, this is about an arms length away. The person should adjust their screen so that they look slightly downwards at it. It is also important to adjust the brightness levels to a level that is comfortable. The lighting in the surroundings should be correct, direct lighting overhead should be kept to a minimum. Make sure the desk lamp is shining on the desk and not onto the screen. Try and keep the window light off to the side instead of in front or behind as this will help reduce the reflective glare on the screen. It is also important to make sure that posture is correct while sitting by your computer. It is said that for every two centimetres forward a person leans, there are 14 kilograms weighing on their neck!

Finally and perhaps the most important step is for the person to book a session with a Smart Vision Optometrist to have a comprehensive vision skills assessment as this will enable a unique vision wellness treatment to be planned for them.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

A poor diet consisting of highly processed foods with large amounts of salt and sugar can increase the risks of developing diabetes and many other health problems that can lead to blindness.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the importance of healthy food to maintain eye health. “Try adding some eye-friendly food to your diet, it can help improve vision and ward off diseases. While it’s important to nourish the body, adding certain nutrients can improve vision, especially in children. A well-balanced diet can help children develop vital learning skills and prevent vision loss,” Jacquie suggests.

We all know that a child’s development can vary immensely from child to child. It is perhaps not as well known that a child’s vision also develops over time and can also vary from child to child.

“Having a vision problem can affect a child’s academic performance and quality of life,” says Jacquie,” She explains the relationship between vision and learning; and why it is so important for parents to understand the difference between sight and vision. “Often it is not until children begin to read that we first notice they have a vision problem. This is the time when they start using their visual system more intensively to tune into small details. The level of demand on visual skills required for reading increases throughout a child’s learning years.”

 A healthy lunch box is a great start to help boost the nutrients children need to protect them from eye health issues such as the formation of cataracts, and macular degeneration. A good diet can also reduce the effects of dry eyes and other eye problems.

It is often a struggle to get children to eat more fruit and vegetables, but it is these that provide essential nutrients that children need for healthy vision. Including sliced fruit or vegetables in children’s lunch boxes can be a great way to tempt them with easy to eat bite-sized snacks. Some great options include apples, blueberries or strawberries. Citrus fruits deliver powerful antioxidant levels that can help prevent cataracts later in life, so the inclusion of oranges and mandarins can be beneficial. Citrus fruit can also help lower the risk of diabetes and blindness.

Studies have shown that vegetables, such as kale and spinach, can also support healthy eyesight as they contain the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy retinas. “Beta carotene can be found in capsicum, carrots, and tomatoes and helps protect eyes from night blindness. These foods can also be used as tasty snack options and are simple enough to prepare each morning. Beta carotene is also beneficial for protecting children from diabetes-related ocular diseases,” Jacquie says.

Eggs, oily or fatty fish, and nuts are great sources of omega 3, which supports healthy eye function and brain development in early childhood. Essential fatty acids protect the retina from weakening and can reduce the effects of dry eyes and other eye problems. “Excellent options for quick and easy lunches are tuna and crackers or salmon fishcakes,” says Jacquie.

A deficiency in zinc can lead to deterioration in the macula, which is the centre of the retina responsible for central vision. Eating fresh meats and green vegetables can help protect the macula from disease, including macular degeneration. As well as being used in a variety of metabolic processes throughout the entire body, zinc also helps transport other nutrients to the eye. “An easy way to get extra zinc into children’s diets is through zinc-fortified cereals or pumpkin seeds, which have added vitamins and minerals,” says Jacquie.

For more great ideas about how to support children’s healthy vision, talk to a Smart Vision Optometrist soon.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Fun and excitement form the foundation of all play centre experiences, as well as the intuitive, educational aspects that accompany them. What’s at the fore, is the particular environment that play is conducted in. At play centres specifically, there are a number of key areas that act as important venues to foster ideal cognitive and physical development.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, discusses the essential play areas that promote holistic development for children at play centres.

Sensory play areas identify and describe an environment where children’s senses are stimulated and support fine motor, emotional and cognitive development. “Sensory experiences include activities such as, play dough, drawing, and painting, as well as ball pit areas,” says Kylie. As dough is malleable, children can shape and construct objects through tactile means, and can be physically involved in creating, developing and materialising an idea. Drawing, and painting enable children to be creative as they imaginatively guide a paintbrush on paper, creating colourful and creative artworks through both tactile and visual development. Ball pit areas can facilitate fine motor skills development by children learning to throw and catch.

Dramatic play areas are great for children to develop their social, emotional and problem solving skills as well as their oral communication. Themed children’s parties also support dramatic play and skill development “At Jungle Kids, The Fairy, Pirate and Safari themed parties offered, are opportunities for children to creatively develop their imagination through the use of exciting settings and props,” says Kylie. She goes on to add that, “the concept of fun and learning co-exist effectively through dramatic play if the environment and its accompanying elements are conducive.”

A block construction play area supports the development of children’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and also contributes to a sensory play aspect. Block construction also teaches children about balance, spatial awareness, judgement and perception,” says Kylie. Block construction encourages children to use their decision-making skills to fit pieces together and build supported structures as well as encouraging oral communication and learning to share and to co-construct with peers.

Play areas should be fun-filled, yet mentally and physically engaging for children’s growth and development. While there can be a place for children to use technological devices, children should be offered challenging play environments that ultimately support their overall development and health and wellbeing.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

It’s time to shed some light on eye health this month, even though one should focus on maintaining their visual health everyday. Paying close attention to one’s visual health has long term benefits. Regular visits to the optometrist can forewarn individuals of potential health risks, as well as identify notable visual concerns.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, expands on the importance of healthy vision. “There are approximately 2.2 billion people globally with near or distance-related vision impairment. In approximately half of these cases, vision impairment could have been prevented, or identified early with a regular visit to a Smart Vision Optometrist,” says Jacquie.

Sadly, however, not all vision-related issues can be detected from a standard eye test from your local optometrist, and that’s because there is a difference between sight and vision. “As a Smart Vision Optometrist, we conduct a Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment with each patient on their very first appointment. This thorough examination takes about an hour, and because of the techniques and equipment used, this type of examination is not available from your local optometrist,” says Jacquie.

“It is important that we understand the difference between sight and vision,” says Jacquie. “Eyesight essentially refers to the physical attributes and performance of the many organic components involved in the visual system. 20/20 vision is a commonly quoted measure of normal vision, yet it simply describes the sensitivity of the eye to see fine detail in the distance,” Jacquie says.

“Unlike eyesight, vision is a thought process, which emerges as an understanding of what is seen, where it is and how to react to it. It combines information from many sensory systems to create a perception of reality,” says Jacquie. “Vision describes a more dynamic and interactive process, essentially a whole information processing system developed through experience to understand the external visual space world.”

For example, “vision is what directs the cricket player to swing the bat at the exact right moment and place in space to make contact and hit a six, right over the fence,” Jacquie explains.

The primary causes of vision impairment and blindness are, uncorrected refractive, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, corneal opacity, trachoma and age-related macular degeneration. The majority of individuals with vision impairment tend to be over the age of 50, however vision loss is possible in all age groups. “Children’s vision should be tested continually throughout their school years to ensure vision-related issues do not affect their ability to learn,” Jacquie said.

Uncorrected myopia and presbyopia alone were estimated to be $352 billion and $36.8 billion respectively, in terms of productivity losses within the working world. “The gravity of not addressing visual problems creates a domino effect of unwanted health issues, as well as financial burdens,” says Jacquie.

Vision impairment impacts the quality of life, especially as one ages. “Should vision impairment progressively deteriorate, the significant detriments include, higher risks of falls and fractures, difficulty walking, and social isolation, among many,” says Jacquie.

While many eye diseases can be prevented, not all visual problems are as easily treated. Thus, every single eye condition requires a specific and timely response. “Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are effective interventions to both address and facilitate the needs of individuals with vision impairment or eye conditions,” says Jacquie.

“Treatments are available for various eye conditions that do not cause severe vision impairment like: conjunctivitis, dry eye, and blepharitis, commonly known as inflammation of the eyelids. While pain and discomfort can be incurred with these eye conditions, the treatments aim to alleviate the symptoms and prevent more severe conditions or diseases,” says Jacquie.

It has been proven that the rehabilitation of one’s visual health has a high effective rate in improving irreversible vision impairment from severe eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

With any eye condition, it is important to make an appointment with an optometrist or preferably a Smart Vision Optometrist. The earlier a condition can be addressed, the better the outcome. A Smart Vision Optometrist can address symptoms with a tailored wellness treatment program.

Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Bondi, provides professional expertise to best evaluate and treat eye-related queries and visual problems and supports patients to optimise their visual health.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is estimated that over 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, but 50% are undiagnosed. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect one’s vision.

Glaucoma is a condition of the eye where the optic nerve is damaged due to inadequate blood supply. The most common cause is raised pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) of the aqueous humour.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the fundamental signs of glaucoma to look out for.

“There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. With open-angle glaucoma, eye pressure builds gradually over time, but with closed-angle glaucoma, it’s far more sudden, requiring urgent treatment in most cases,” Jacquie says.

Peripheral vision loss is a common symptom of glaucoma. It does not affect the central vision, which is often caused by a condition known as macula degeneration, and is usually only experienced during the later stages of the disease.

The earlier the damage is detected, the better the prognosis. The damage to the optic nerve can lead to progressive and irreversible vision loss. “Most early changes cannot easily be noticed in normal life, simply because people are used to how they see out of their eyes, and, unless they can compare their vision to a healthy vision range, they would be none the wiser. That is why regular eye examinations are important in order to detect then treat glaucoma,” Jacquie says.

Some people are more susceptible to glaucoma than others. “A family history of high myopia and high blood pressure levels are known to increase a person’s chance of developing glaucoma,” says Jacquie. “Ageing and certain medication usage can also increase the risk profile of glaucoma,” she adds.

Annual eye examinations should be a priority for everyone, as it is the best way to detect glaucoma quickly. “Smart Vision Optometry uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and monitor eye conditions such as glaucoma,” says Jacquie. “Fortunately, early treatment for this condition can help stop its progress,” she adds.

Glaucoma can happen at any age. When glaucoma occurs in babies, children, and teenagers, it is called paediatric glaucoma. There are different classifications of the condition, and each type has a different age when it appears.

Congenital glaucoma occurs when a baby is born. It can also be caused by the development of an infantile eye. Congenital glaucoma occurs in babies at birth. Infantile glaucoma is usually diagnosed in babies who are less than one month old. Juvenile glaucoma normally refers to the condition in children under the age of three.

Although rare, congenital, infantile, or juvenile glaucoma are still considered uncommon. The Glaucoma Foundation states that about one in 10,000 births results in congenital glaucoma. Most babies with congenital or infantile glaucoma have vision that’s good enough to see clearly. However, if they are not treated correctly, their vision maybe lost over time.

Symptoms of paediatric glaucoma include, cloudy eye, dull appearing iris (coloured part of the eye), sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. Although these symptoms may not be noticed at first, they can be detected through an eye examination. In most cases, they can be triggered by factors that are not yet apparent.

“Intraocular pressure reduction is one of the goals of treatment for glaucoma. By lowering the pressure gradually, it can help preserve vision,” says Jacquie.

A comprehensive vision skills assessment takes about one hour and is a key examination for the detection of glaucoma.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

The concept of structured and unstructured play has always intrigued the play centre industry, and in addition, has riddled the industry with the question of which one is better than the other. The truth is, both structured and unstructured play equally present their own vitality for a child’s wellbeing.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre and proud mother, discusses the importance of structured and unstructured play, and their key benefits for children’s development.

Before analysing the key benefits of both, it is important to contextualise and define structured and unstructured play. Structured play is synonymous with goal-oriented play and primarily utilises logic to systematically solve problems, whereas unstructured play, also known as free play, is both open-ended and highly creative. “For children to develop logical and creative thinking capacities, cultivate life long learning skills and enrich their development, both structured and unstructured play activities should be presented to children regularly,” says Kylie.

There are many examples of structured play. They include: following a particular set of rules to reach a particular goal; toy assembly instructions and directions when building a particular toy, playing board games and organised sports like soccer, netball and football among many others. In terms of unstructured play, examples include: drawing, colouring, painting (essentially art); inventing games and stories; and block-building among others.

The importance of structured and unstructured play is pivotal for introducing both purpose and curiosity-driven learning in a child’s developmental phases. “With structured play activities, children are learning how to best recognise patterns to meet pre-conceptualised and established goals as efficiently as possible. Unstructured play, on the other hand, teaches children how to become inventive, as well as explore the possibilities of what could be,” says Kylie.

Structured play has proven to be highly beneficial for children in active listening, problem-solving and reaching results-driven goals. Children can develop resilience, confidence, effective communication and team-building skills.

Unstructured play promotes important qualities such as empathy, imagination and creativity. Children are given a sense of freedom, control and creative abilities in a pressure-free environment. This can allow children to develop an ‘out-of-the box’ perspective in situations, as well as showcase their expressive self.

In terms of balance, it is of utmost importance to have both structured and unstructured play co-exist in a manner in which both elements are equally presented and effective. This can highly affect a child’s wellbeing and development within an educational/play centre environment. “Activities conceptualised thoroughly by play centre owners should equally channel and challenge both the logical and creative thinking skills in children, ” says Kylie.

There are ways in which unstructured play, for example, can lend its qualities to structured play and vice versa “Should children lose focus on a particular structured task, an unstructured activity can be utilised to help children refocus,” adds Kylie.

Many interchangeable and helpful ideas can include the following: themed play structures that foster creative and imaginative play to achieve a pre-established learning goal, decision-making tasks, and the task of delegating as a means of structured play to complete a creative task in unstructured play. These are just a few ways in which the elements of both structured and unstructured play are both ideal and important in children’s play and learning development.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre has dedicated its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Play centres promote fun and fair play for children that in turn stimulates healthy growth and physical and mental development. Play centres also support children to explore their physical surrounds and inspire their creativity.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, proud mother, and owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, advises parents on how to support their children’s exploration at play centres. “The best, and healthiest way to support children’s exploration is to encourage, facilitate and interact in ways that stimulate children’s thought processes as opposed to just reciting facts,” says Kylie. Including children in conversation and asking probing questions such as, ‘Why do you think…?’ or, ‘I wonder what would happen if…?’ inspires and motivates children to draw thoughtful predictions and conclusions based on the evidence from their own explorations. “Co-exploring with children also promotes additional excitement and stimulates mental and physical development,” adds Kylie.

Using well-facilitated exploration strategies as opposed to directing children’s play, promotes deep conversations that are pivotal to developing children’s understanding, observations, and experiences as well as promoting creative ideas related to their experiences. The concept of questioning and commenting can also be an ideal motivator for children to make sense of each experience, as they learn to constructively respond to questions about how they feel and what they enjoy at a play centre.

“As children embark on their phase of exploration in play centres, they can be guided by parents as initiators and then be encouraged to explore on their own and with their peers, enabling them to communicate their experiences and understandings of play with other children and adults,” says Kylie.

This process can be achieved by encouraging children, asking open-ended questions about their experiences, observing attentively and listening, inspiring them through language, and lastly, encouraging children to participate in peer discussions. These strategies aim to develop language, decision-making, creativity and communication for children through a manner that is not tedious, but exciting and cultivating.

Importantly, once children’s play exploration has been initiated by parents, going forward, parents can lead from the side, giving children the opportunity to start learning and experiencing things on their own. “Parents can lead on the side by supporting their child’s problem-solving and decision-making skills by asking probing questions such as ‘How do you think we can/could…?’ or, ‘What do you think would happen if…?’ to best develop the analytical and logical aspects of children’s thought processes,” says Kylie. “Parents can also encourage their child to use all five senses as a means of describing their experiences. As an example, parents can ask how it felt climbing the monkey bars, or jumping into the ball pit,” adds Kylie.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre has dedicated its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

July is Eye-Injury Prevention Month, an important time to shine a light on the rather serious aspects of eye injuries. Daily, there are an estimated 2000 workers experiencing eye-related injuries on the job, costing businesses and insurance companies millions of dollars annually; let alone the pain and costs to the injured. Of course, the major cost is one’s eyesight. Luckily 90% of eye injuries can be prevented through utilising safety eye wear. A simple precaution, yet one that goes unacknowledged by many.

Gary Rodney, Founder of Smart Vision Optometry and a leading Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign, Mosman, emphasises the key importance of Eye Injury Prevention Month, and what individuals need to prioritise, when it comes to eyesight safety.

Many eye-related injuries can become serious should they go untreated or if the injury deteriorates, which can lead to life-changing effects such as blindness. “It is of the utmost importance that individuals, both at home and in the workplace, equip themselves with preventative measures to avoid eye-related injuries,” says Rodney.

“In workplaces such as laboratories, workshops, timber yards, hardware stores etc, or when undertaking particular work-related activities, it is highly advised that employees utilise safety eye wear. Safety goggles should be on employees, or at least always within their proximity for easy access,” says Rodney.

It is also important to wear protective eye wear during sporting or recreational activities where there can be the possibility of injury to the eyes. “Also, wearing sunglasses that give 97-100% UV protection and preferably wrap well around one’s temples should be prioritised,” says Rodney.

Some recreational activities where fire or fireworks are used can have disastrous consequences should events get out of hand. It is always important to be alert when around open fires, gas barbecues, etc or at festivals where fireworks are being used.

“The early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases is pivotal to both visual maintenance and health,” says Rodney. Where there is a family history of childhood eye conditions or diseases, it is imperative that children are screened for eye problems, ideally before the age of five.

“If a child experiences excessive tearing or dryness, visual changes, or flashes of light, they should visit their nearest optometrist,” adds Rodney. Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign, Mosman, specialises in attending to these symptoms, providing  expert diagnosis and solution by experienced behavioural optometrists.

“Adults between the ages of 40 and 65 should book and attend an eye exam every two to four years to monitor eye health,” says Rodney. He goes on to say that, “adults over the age of 65 should attend an eye exam at least once every two years.” Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign, Mosman, can also evaluate and treat numerous eye conditions like Refractive Errors, Pink Eye, Cataracts, Glaucoma, etc, while helping patients to promote optimum eye-health.

“At Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign, Mosman, we promote Eye-Injury awareness and prevention 365 days a year, but July is the month where we encourage everyone to think about the health of their eyes,” says Rodney.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047. Alternatively, book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Eco-friendly buildings in general have attained widespread recognition over the past few years. With a range of benefits, eco-friendly constructions have become a primary choice in the global aim to reduce carbon footprints. Kit homes have jumped aboard the eco-friendly express and, in doing so, can provide a selection of environmentally-conscious materials, designed to cater for clients’ living needs, while putting the planet first.

IdeasWood owner and veteran kit shed specialist, Brian Best, discusses the importance of utilising eco-friendly materials for kit home development.

Recycled and renewable building materials can reduce the environmental footprint. “Eco-friendly kit homes emit fewer carbon emissions, reducing the stress on landfill and utilising less of the global natural resources,” says Best.

Conventional building materials are inclined to attain moisture buildup, leading to mould and toxic mildew. This can result in serious health-related issues from respiratory problems to cardiac arrests. “When selecting eco-materials, one can ensure that their kit home is free of potential environmental pollutants and harmful chemicals,” says Best.

Building an eco-friendly kit home can save people time, energy and money. “With a huge reduction in on-site construction hours and a faster completion process, coupled with the use of energy-efficient alternatives like photovoltaic cells and solar panels, can ensure savings for kit homeowners,” says Best.

Sustainable eco-friendly materials such as aluminium and fibre glass batts are also ideal energy efficient options for kit home building,” says Best. They stand with various eco-friendly items such as ceramics, timber, glass and steel, all of which promote high energy efficiency in a kit home.

In terms of ventilation, kit homes are often designed with wide hallways, and high ceilings. Sliding stacker doors and windows located on all sides of the house serve to promote natural airflow and circulation. “The use of eco-friendly window furnishings is also beneficial to promote natural air circulation,” says Best.

“Smart” homes have also become a notable force in the kit home industry, ensuring eco-friendly living and efficiency. “Sophisticated thermostats are installed to stabilise water temperatures and, with smart water-saving gardening capabilities and smart shower heads, help reduce water bill costs and water consumption,” says Best.

“Kit homes provide the exceptional choice and opportunity for eco-friendly living, primarily because kit home development has advantages over traditional and mainstream building techniques,” says Best. With mass-produced pre-cut materials that fit well, kit homes can be built faster, refraining from unexpected weather delays and therefore saving money.

Innovative, bespoke designs for cabins, villas, children houses and many more kit home options, combined with simplistic living conditions are easily attained when the selection is an economical and environmentally conscious kit home. At IdeasWood, customers are invited to design their eco-friendly kit home with the help of experienced and friendly staff.

IdeasWood specialises in the construction, financing and licensing of kit home materials and options. Browse through their wide range of standard and bespoke affordable kit home designs and services. IdeasWood specialists are keen to work with you and incorporate any kit home ideas you have in order to design the perfect kit home for you. IdeasWood- Simple living made easy!

Written and syndicated by YDMA News

The kit home experience is one that accommodates various lifestyles, with convenience, simplicity and quality. As opposed to modular homes, kit homes are the ultimate time saver, transferring one’s dream design into a stress-free reality in an amazingly reduced time frame. What is strikingly surprising is that kit homes were once plain old sheds with minimal style. So it’s important to best understand the interesting history of facts about kit homes, and how far they have come.

Brian Best, owner of IdeasWood and a 30-year shed kit specialist delves into the kit home facts that one should know and should familiarise themselves with to best understand the history and development of this extraordinary building type.

The first kit home was manufactured in London in the early 1800s, and was erected in Australia. With all the prefabricated material being shipped and reassembled, the very first cottage was created, attaining popularity and in essence, providing the foundations of the Kit Home industry in Australia. “With nearly two centuries of kit home presence, the designs of pre-cut houses or catalogue homes evolved and began to arouse the interest of the rest of the world,” says Best.

After the first World War, kit homes became popular in America as a means for the middle class to purchase and construct homes in affordable stages as mortgages were not readily available. Kit home orders officially commenced in the 1920s via mail in where one could order the entire kit home from a catalogue, and then have all the pieces delivered for assembly, thus, the name “Mail-order Homes” was coined.

Kit homes were originally comprised of non unique designs that reflected the architectural styles of its particular time. “The only additional touches that kit homeowners provided were extra windows, fireplaces and general colour scheme adjustments,” says Best. Kit Homes have now evolved into various custom-made designs and styles such as granny flats, log cabins, sauna pods, pavilions and an endless list of even unique kit home designs to cater for the human living experience conveniently and resourcefully.

As technology progressed in both building methods and materials, it led to a massive resurgence in kit home popularity. With an abundance of tailored designs, particularly in Australia, kit home manufacturers like IdeasWood specialise in taking a client’s design and giving them exactly what they desire in a kit home.

Kit homes have been expertly designed to be cyclone, termite and fire resistant, while still being environmentally friendly, and suitable for all climates. “Kit home materials have been designed with versatility to combat even the harshest, most turbulent and unfavourable conditions of their surroundings,” says Best.

The Kit Home industry has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry. For homeowners, it is budget friendly and enables the client to have creative freedom over designs, and reduced labour costs due to the availability of prepared materials that can positively affect construction timeframes. Overall, the emphasis is on simplicity.

IdeasWood specialises in the construction, financing and licensing of kit home materials and options. Browse through their wide range of standard and bespoke affordable kit home designs and services. IdeasWood specialists are keen to work with you and incorporate any kit home ideas you have in order to design the perfect kit home for you. IdeasWood- Simple living made easy!

Syndicated by YDMA News

It is critical for drivers to inspect their tyres on a regular basis. Tyres are a crucial component of a vehicle and play an important role in vehicle stability. Literally, they are the car’s only point of contact with the road.

Australian Tyre Recycler and founder of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett emphasises and expands on the importance of Tyre Checks.

Worn out or bald tyres critically affect the braking force of a vehicle. When the brakes are applied quickly, the vehicle is more prone to slipping, especially in wet conditions, due to the poor condition of the tyres.

According to one of Australia’s leading tyre experts, Chris Lett from Branigans Tyres, “Hard braking can trigger the ABS system unnecessarily, and each time there’s wear on that system, its lifespan is shortened and the tyres are subjected to greater demands. If the tyres are worn out, it impairs the handling of the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to lose grip on the road.”

It is also necessary to ensure that the tyre pressure of the tyres on a vehicle is correct. Tyres with incorrect tyre pressure will wear out faster and will also reduce fuel economy.

“Under-inflated tyres can affect the rolling resistance of a vehicle by 10 per cent”, says Lett. Different types and makes of vehicles require different tyre pressures, therefore, it is important to check the vehicle’s manual to determine the proper tyre pressure. Motorists should be aware of tyre degeneration. It is important to check the condition of tyres regularly.

Lett says, “When driving over corrugations, there is a temptation to go faster since the ride feels a little smoother, but the faster the vehicle goes, the greater the impact of surface debris on its tyres. There’s a big difference between hitting a stone in the road when taking it slowly compared to hitting it at speed – the tyres take the hammering.”

Indicators of tyre degeneration include; cracks, deep cuts, bulges, tyre tread deformation, and split or perished rubber. Tyre degeneration requires tyre replacement.

Ensuring a vehicle has the correct wheel alignment is particularly vital since incorrect wheel alignment compromises the integrity of the tyres. As a result, tyres will wear unevenly and have a much shorter lifespan. Uneven or quick tyre wear indicates a problem with wheel alignment.

No matter how a vehicle is driven, it is important to note that all tyres should be replaced after 45 000 km or 10 years from the date of manufacture. Even if a spare tyre has never been used, it is still recommended that it is replaced every ten years.

It is incumbent on all drivers to ensure that their vehicle is in functioning order. Incorrect wheel alignment, worn out tyres and general tyre degeneration can influence the performance and running costs of a vehicle.

Lett says, “Investing in good quality tyres should be seen as an investment in safety rather than just a necessary expenditure.”

Branigans Tyres in Burleigh and Southport not only sell high quality second hand tyres at excellent prices but offer services that support safety and peace of mind. The qualified and helpful staff will perform a tyre health check, help motorists choose the correct tyres for their vehicles, check the tyre pressure and undertake a wheel alignment.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team for Branigans Budget Tyres Service Centre at either Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

People fundamentally understand that physical fitness is crucial when it comes to their body’s health and welfare. Well-catered environments like gyms are ideal to facilitate such activities. For children, the environment many would least expect could be the most beneficial in the pursuit of their physical wellbeing.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, and proud mother, discusses and expands on the importance of promoting physical fitness for children at play centres.

“Play centres are the perfect environment for encouraging children to explore and develop their mobility skills in both a fun and educational way”, says Kylie. Play centres provide a wide range of physically stimulating activities. Each fun-filled activity encourages children to do a myriad of movements including, jumping, climbing, running, catching, and skipping, and effectively targets all muscle groups, providing excellent benefits for children of all ages.

Essentially, children receive an entire body workout, which is imperative for their development. Both the physical and entertaining activities available at play centres are designed to optimise children’s physical health and wellbeing. “Play centres are specifically constructed and equipped to cater for children to realise and channel their energy productively”, says Kylie.

Play centres are fundamental in promoting inclusivity and removing the idea of competition to allow children to enjoy the activities and challenge their minds. “Children should always have fun in the process of learning as it is necessary for their mental health as well”, says Kylie. Play centres provide children with the platform to be themselves, acknowledge others’ differences, socialise with others and help to develop strong healthy minds and bodies.

Another essential component of play centres is that they enable children to connect with other children. To promote mental and physical health and wellbeing, children socialise with each other effectively through physical activities, and help each other to overcome physical challenges. Children develop frameworks of understanding and how to collaborate with other children. “Children thrive when they work together, and that’s where the magic happens”, says Kylie.

Ultimately, children have high levels of energy that need to be expended, therefore the benefits of play centres are critical to a child’s physical and mental development. Physically active children generally perform well at school, with improved concentration and a longer attention span. Equally as important, children develop better sleep patterns, which is ideal for their muscle recovery and development. “Play centres are the superlative choice for children to be exactly who they are, and challenge them holistically in the hopes of developing the best, and healthiest versions of themselves” ,says Kylie.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre has dedicated its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5.00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Not only do play centres have the ideal and necessary resources and physical environment for children to explore, socialise and learn, they also enable parents to develop closer bonds with their children. The child-parent relationship is a bond that can be facilitated effectively within play centres and often helps to improve child-parent relationships.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre and proud mother, advises on the importance of play centres and parenting, and how both aspects work simultaneously.

“Families have significant roles and duties in the personality development of children,” says Kylie. Parents stand as the first socialising experience and agents for their child. This particular experience can affect the way a child perceives their surroundings, basing their initial communicative contact as a method of response. “At Jungle Kids, we inform parents on the importance of supervising their child during play centre fun,” says Kylie. Play centres allow for healthy and effective communication between parent and child. “Parenting in play centres should be fun and educational,” says Kylie.

Play centres can present a wealth of benefits for parents. Parents can be informed and learn about what a play centre is and what benefits it can have for their children’s physical, social and emotional development. In addition, parents are given the opportunity to meet other parents and share their experiences. Play centres can also inform parents and support them to understand emerging techniques in child-rearing and training, giving them the ideal platform to nurture their child’s social and educational development.

“Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre strives to ensure that parents connect intimately and informatively with their child, promoting a rich, nourishing and entertaining experience that flows from their play centre experience, straight into their homes,” says Kylie. “An unbreakable and natural bond in parent-child relationships sets the positive foundation for a child’s character, and also enables the parents to communicate more effectively.”

The involvement of parents within a play centre presents many key ideals. These include; being more positive, and less critical of children; not making comparisons between their child and other children; and the advantage of being a good listener and encouraging good communication skills. “Parents should allow for optimism in their experiences and learn to be the best example they can be for their child in play centre environments,” says Kylie.

When communication is given and received with sincerity and love, the bond between child and parent can be strengthened. A play centre can play a leading role in supporting parents to enrich the child-parent relationship and is an ideal environment to help develop natural and sincere communication.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre dedicates their expertise and delight to serving Australian families within the town of Wallan, Victoria. Checkout their full range of services and current featured promotions. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Indoor play centres are one of the most popular leisure destinations for families with young children. However, play centres can become a hazard to public health and safety if not properly maintained. Owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, and proud mother, Kylie-Jane Shannon, shares the essential components of promoting safe and hygienic standards at play centres.

The first essential component for play centres, is to ensure that all resources, play equipment including indoor and outdoor toys, swings, bikes, etc, as well as the physical areas are thoroughly disinfected and sanitised regularly. Ensuring that everything is well-organised everyday is another essential component for promoting safe and hygienic standards.

“As a well revered play centre, Jungle Kids ensures that sanitising meticulously and arranging the play centre before the very first customers step in, and after the last customer steps out, is of utmost importance and is regularly exercised by staff,” says Kylie.

With numerous children using the play centre’s equipment and resources daily, disinfecting surfaces regularly, allows for greater control of the hygiene standards that assures parents that their young ones can enjoy themselves in a safe and sanitary environment.

Another essential component of a safe and hygienic environment is to enlist the participation of both the children using the centre and their parents. Through good communication, play centres can implement hygienically beneficial protocols that set the hygiene standards for the centre. Examples include, ensuring that everyone thoroughly washes and sanitises their hands before they enter the play centre, and if directed to do so, adults wear a mask. “If everyone is aware of, and maintains safe and hygienic standards, we can help keep both kids and parents safe and healthy, and communicate our standards in a fun and informative manner,” says Kylie.

Another essential component is to ensure that parents adhere to the rules and regulations of the play centre. “For example, at Jungle Kids, the play centre strictly advises that all children must wear socks when they’re in the play centre, and that parents supervise their children’s activities,” says Kylie. Following the rules and regulations assist play centres highly maintain a safe and orderly environment.

The final component is to ensure that all play centre equipment is well maintained and safe for daily use. “At Jungle Kids, all play centre equipment is safe, regularly serviced and versatile to cater for all age groups,” says Kylie. All surface areas in the play centre should be preserved well, and show no signs of wear and tear.

The essential components discussed above should serve as the most informative and frequently practiced etiquette to best deliver and uphold the ideal play centre experience for children and parents.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate their expertise and delight to serving Australian families within the town of Wallan, Victoria. Checkout their full range of services and current featured promotions. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News

Play centres encapsulate the image of fun and adventure for children. Another benefit is that they are the perfect environment for children to develop different aspects of their well-being, brain development, gross and fine motor skills and social skills.

Idea development is about implementing different ways of exploring ideas and finding solutions that best solve problems in the most effective manner. Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, and proud mother, elaborates on how play centres are the perfect environment for children to build optimum idea development, and frameworks for a structural thought-process.

Play encourages and stimulates emotional, motor, social and cognitive growth that children require during their initial and most fundamental stages of development. “When children have fun, their experience of play is productive for their brain development as they begin to ascribe meaning to their surroundings”, says Kylie.

Play centre activities stimulate brain development as well as functions. Each activity aligns with a certain part of the brain to promote growth and facilitate the child’s cognitive development.

“At Jungle Kids, every activity aims to challenge and grow children”, says Kylie. Each play centre activity is created to task children in an entertaining manner; the advantage is that children then begin to formulate their thought-patterns and abilities to construct both ideas and resolutions to overcome each challenge presented before them.

Play Centres ultimately build children’s imagination, language patterns and intelligence. “Children interact, engage, communicate and socialise with each other, allowing them to express themselves, build friendships and, more intuitively, share ideas”, says Kylie. Children begin to build and exchange ideas to complete challenges, and navigate between both good and bad ideas, understanding what works and what doesn’t.

Play centres allow children to also establish an independent mind set. While socialising provides its benefits, developing independence is equally as important. When a child plays alone, they are given the opportunity to observe other children playing and learning what the norms are within that group. Thereafter, when they want to shift toward group play, they’re more aware of the rules expected of the participants. In addition, playing alone helps stimulate children’s creativity and imagination, and ultimately helps them develop independence. “Children generally thrive socially with other children, however the true testament is when a child can single-handedly accomplish each challenge”, says Kylie.

Holistically, play centres present a balance of fun and education to best equip children in every developmental phase, ensuring that their ability to construct and execute solid ideas is well challenged and commended. Play Centres are the definitive launchpad for children to make sense of the world and its diverse setting, and be introduced to a multitude of obstacles, but more importantly to learn how to best combat them.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre has dedicated its expertise and delight to serving Australian families within the town of Wallan, Victoria. Visit the Facebook page to view all the activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

True alkaline simply means the body has the ability to neutralise an acid and buffer bodily fluids. Dean Kesarlal, is the founder of Safe Soda and internationally recognised educator and is an expert in bicarb. Dean believes that the first step towards a better and healthier life begins with getting the body back to its natural alkaline state. This can be achieved by using Safe Soda products derived from nature itself.

Alkalinity versus acidity

It is widely accepted that Alkalinity occurs when a fluid has a pH higher than 7. “However, pH and Alkalinity are measured on two separate scales and therefore fluids with high pH does not necessarily mean it’s alkaline or have any ability to neutralise any acid at all,” says Dean. “The same can be said for acid.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to digest and break down food. Hydrochloric acid and vinegar both have the same pH however Hydrochloric acid will burn a hole through your skin however vinegar will not. Even though they have the same pH, this scale does not measure how corrosive the acid is. This is a separate scale again” says Dean.

The body works hard to neutralise acids, but requires assistance in maintaining the acid alkaline balance. This assistance can come in the form of Superior Soda, specifically meant to improve your body’s level of alkalinity. The human body produces bicarb to neutralise and alkalise the effects of acid in the body however when the body doesn’t produce enough then acid and toxins build up inside the body and acid based disorders overtake the body.

All organs of the body, tissue and body fluids need to be alkaline to maintain your healthHowever due to changing diets, over eating and consumption of processed sugars , the human body can only do so much on its own before excess acid builds up which may cause many acid based health issues.. This is why alkalising agents, made from nature, are required to assist your body in maintaining the right alkaline balance, ensuring that your body is not too acidic.

Too acidic is dangerous

If your body is too acidic, then it creates the perfect environment for a variety of health problems to occur. Research and hundreds of scientific studies reveals that cancer cells proliferate in acidic and use unprotected sugar and protein to create an acidic environment. Furthermore, research shows that many diseases thrive in acidic environments.

High acidity has been linked to chronic conditions such as inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain, to name a few.

Symptoms of high acidity

Symptoms you need to be on the look out for which could signal that your body may be too acidic include the following:

• Yeast infections

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Acne

• Allergies

• Cavities

• Premature ageing

The above are only causes of mild symptoms of acidity. The longer your body stays acidic, the more severe the conditions become.

Alkalinity means life

Dean says, “life and all living things rely on bicarb in maintaining the right pH and alkaline levels and everything in nature produces bicarb. Every plant, animal, the ocean and every part of the human body including kidneys, pancreas and liver to name a few.” Having the right pH and more importantly Alkalinity levels ensure that the metabolism is regulated, enzymes in the digestive system are optimised and ensures that the immune system is functioning properly. Too much of anything is bad, so when our bodies become too acidic, it may lead to a variety of chronic diseases and illnesses.

Dean says “consumers can determine their body’s pH and more importantly Alkalinity  by using Safe Soda’s pH and Alkalinity strips to do a simple saliva test.” For best test accuracy, the test should be performed first thing in the morning before you eat or drink or brush your teeth. These tests measure the level of alkalinity in parts per million or lack of in the body. All Safe Soda products can be ordered online and shipped to your door.

“There are many products which purport to be alkaline on the market, which is sadly no more than marketing spin,” says Dean, “more people need to know that naturally sourced bicarb such as Superior Soda, is what the body needs”, Dean continued.

Dean is passionate about providing his customers with a safe and effective product that helps maintain a healthy balance in the body. Superior Soda is made from the purest pharmaceutical grade sodium bicarbonate.

Safe Soda flagship product Superior SodaTM is the top-level Pharmaceutical Grade Sodium Bicarbonate sourced from nature itself. One of the most significant health claims of this is that it helps maintain and support healthy acid/alkali balance in the body. The product is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and Registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and classed as a Listed Medicine.

For more information on these health benefits, follow Dean’s free Live presentations and webinars.

Syndicated by: YDMA News.

Nitrogen gas is a non-combustible gas that does not damage the tyre’s rubber and has been used in race cars and other industrial vehicles for a long time. Aside from the apparent advantages of filling up your vehicle’s tyres with nitrogen, there are other reasons to do so.

Australian tyre recycler and founder of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides insight into the benefits of nitrogen gas in tyres. It is crucial to consider the safety and benefits of nitrogen gas when it comes to road safety. There is evidence that nitrogen tyre inflation is better for road safety.

Lett explains the benefits of nitrogen in tyres. “The key benefit of nitrogen is that it can escape through the inner lining of a tyre at a slow rate, allowing it to cool down the vehicle’s running a temperature,” says Chris. An increase in nitrogen content in a tyre can help prevent its pressure loss.

Nitrogen-inflated tyres have a cooler running temperature than those with air. This benefit can increase their tread life and improve road handling. “It could take up to six months for a tyre to lose its pressure after being filled with nitrogen,” says Chris.

READ: Nitrogen Versus Compressed Air: The Better Option for Tyres

As the temperature rises, the tyre’s footprint gets smaller, reducing the grip they have on the road. In addition, “nitrogen helps reduce road corrosion because it doesn’t contain moisture,” adds Chris.

The most common reasons for a blow-out are poor condition, overloading, and under-inflation. Nitrogen can help retain pressure for a long time.

Having a regular check of tire pressure is also important to prevent excessive wear. “It is also important to maintain the proper tire pressure to prevent the wheel from losing its grip,” says Chris.

Nitrogen tyres are more durable and maintain their pressure for longer. “Nitrogen has a molecular structure that allows it to escape through the tyre’s tubular structure,” says Chris. This allows the nitrogen to maintain its pressure for a long time.

READ: 10 Vital Tyres Facts

When the tyre gets hot, its inflation pressure increases. This causes the part that touches the road to shrink. When the temperature rises, the pressure builds on the tyre. “This causes the tread to get smaller, which can affect the grip of the car,” says Chris.

Availability & Affordability

Until recently, the practice of filling vehicle tyres with nitrogen was not widely practiced. This is mainly due to the cost involved in doing so. Today, machines that are used to store and inflate tyres are becoming more prevalent.

Changing to nitrogen involves taking off all the air that’s already in the tyres and re-inflating them with compressed nitrogen. This procedure is similar to the process of changing tyres.

Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package starts at $7.97 and helps motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 located at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.

Syndicated by: YDMA News.

Sodium Bicarbonate, also known as bicarb, is a perfect natural remedy for numerous health issues. Some medical studies reveal that bicarb contributes to good health by combating cancer acidity, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis and gout. It also provides natural relief for common ailments, such as flu, cough, sore throat, urinary tract infections, muscle pain, fatigue, and heartburn.

Dean Kesarlal, the founder of Safe Soda and an iconic Australian health educator, explains how bicarb is a natural remedy for many chronic acid based diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and gout by neutralising the acid and replacing bicarb into organs and fluids that have become depleted in bicarb. Cancer, viruses, bacteria, mould, fungi, and parasites are all acid-based and low pH-dependent. Therefore “acid is the common denominator in these diseases, and are triggered by acid, created by acid, or they use acid within the body” says Dean.

Sodium bicarbonate helps neutralise acidity and thus can improve many ailments and diseases. Bicarb is essential in oxygenating the body and acts as a buffer in the blood and all bodily fluids to help with the alkalinity and pH levels, crucial for one’s health.

Dean encourages a healthy lifestyle and found that sugar fuels many diseases as disease ferments unprotected sugars and proteins, creating a more acidic extracellular environment. “Cancer cells create and require acid, have no oxygen (anaerobic), and are positively charged,” says Dean. The cancerous cells or tumours thrive in acidic/anaerobic environments. Acidic environments breed diseases, and an alkaline environment would foster health.

Cancer is often treated with chemotherapy. If people choose this treatment route, studies have shown that creating a more alkaline extracellular environment allows the cells to unlock allowing chemo to work more effectively. Natural bicarbonates neutralise the acid, alkalises the body, and buffers all bodily fluids.

It is important to note that alkalising diets and substances are NOT actually alkalising, as they are NOT pure alkaline and have no ability to neutralise an acid. To gauge if a food is acid forming or alkaline forming they burn the food and turn it into ash. They then place that into some distilled water and measure the pH. Measuring pH does not measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, says Dean. They are two separate scales. This is very important to know what scale we are talking about when it comes to health. High pH does NOT neutralise an acid only Alkalinity. We are all taught that anything above 7 on the pH scale is Alkaline. This is simply NOT the case and this is one of the major flaws with the current health system. ALL being based of high pH and not Alkalinity.

Safe Soda flagship product Superior SodaTM is the top-level Pharmaceutical Grade Sodium Bicarbonate sourced from nature itself. One of the most significant health claims of this is that it helps maintain and support healthy acid/alkali balance in the body. The product is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) Register with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and classed as a Listed Medicine.

For more information on these health benefits, follow Dean’s free Live presentations and webinars.

Syndicated by: YDMA News.

Early Cars: A Rough, Slow, but Exciting Journey

Early cars certainly weren’t comfortable. Shock absorbers were only invented at the start of the twentieth century, and pneumatic tyres, though patented in 1845, only became practical in 1888. “It’s probably fortunate that most early cars didn’t go particularly fast,” says Chris. “The combination of poor roads, hard wheels, and no suspension would have made for a bone-shaking ride. Nevertheless, it must have been hugely exciting to experience the advent of self-propelled vehicles.”

The history of cars is peppered with weird and wonderful snippets of information. For instance, electric cars were early contenders, but they quickly faded from the scene owing to their short battery life and the sheer size and weight of the batteries. After that, the debate between steam and electric power became, quite literally, heated with each camp saying that the other’s preferred type of engine was likely to explode. 

In truth, the chance of either engine exploding was quite low, but the thought must have added a bit of fear-factor for passengers and drivers. The internal combustion engine eventually won out, if only because it could be started and driven right away, instead of needing the half hour it took for boilers to be heated and gain enough pressure to power the vehicle. 

The Wheels Keep Turning: a More Comfortable Ride

Necessity is the mother of invention, and with self-propelled vehicles taking to the roads and going progressively faster, the development of wheels, tyres, and suspension for a more comfortable ride would keep pace with the new technology. 

Charles Goodyear was the first to discover vulcanised rubber, which made the material better able to withstand exposure to the elements, and soon after, Robert Thomson patented a leather-covered tyre containing a bundle of “inner tubes.” It never went into production, and it would be over 40 years before John Dunlop invented the basics of the pneumatic bicycle tyres we know today. 

Tyre technology still needed a further step in its development before it would be suitable for use on automobiles. Andre and Edouard Michelin became the inventors of the world’s first pneumatic car tyres thanks to their development of a detachable tyre in 1891 and the company formed by the brothers invented the first radial tyres in 1946. “Radial tyres were a huge leap forward,” explains Chris. “They made a big difference to the handling and fuel efficiency of cars. Bias tyres still exist, but radials are by far the most popular.”

Cars of the Present and Future

It’s a huge jump from the debate between steam power and internal combustion to today’s move towards electric and hybrid cars. Most people don’t even realise that electric cars were around before there were internal combustion engines. However, there is now technology to make electric cars practical, and that technology has only recently become available.

Motorists have changed too. From simply being delighted by the ‘miracle’ of a vehicle that could power itself along to expecting fuel efficiency, comfort, and high-tech features, car owners expect more of their vehicles than ever before. 

As in the past, tyres are changing too. “Run flat tyres that can hold up for a while despite being punctured are a relatively new development.” says Chris. “Now, tyre makers are looking at eliminating flat tyres altogether, making tyres with longer-lasting tread, and reducing the environmental impact of tyres.”

At Branigans, Chris is doing his bit. Although he isn’t working on the latest tyre designs, he’s making sure that end-of-life tyres don’t end up in landfills and that perfectly good tyres don’t get discarded. “It’s not what the latest advances are targeting,” says Chris, “but being kind to the environment is something that can be done now while we wait for the new materials, designs, and ideas that will be keeping folks on the road in decades to come.”

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Military Precision

Chris was just 16 when he joined the army as an apprentice automotive engineer. Discovering a love for all things mechanical, he soldiered through his apprenticeship, rose through the ranks, and ended up teaching other young apprentices the skills of his trade. “I know a reasonable amount about vehicles,” says Chris, who certainly made the most of his 20-year army career to acquire knowledge and then pass it on. 

Sporting Excellence

The next chapter of Chris’s career had nothing to do with his love of cars, but it did involve something else that Chris loves: sport. With a first-class rugby career to back him up, Chris brought his love for developing people’s potential to the sportsfield as a development manager for a New Zealand rugby team. 

“It was a very exciting time,” says Chris. “Jonah Lomu and three or four other famous All Blacks were on the team at the time. It reached the finals and had a massive following.”

But rugby wasn’t the only sport to enjoy Chris’s attention. For five years, he managed a top Auckland golf course, managing its attendant club and overseeing the redevelopment of the course which is still recognised as one of the best in the country. 

Finding Inspiration

Influential figures feature in many success stories, and it was during his time managing the golf club that Chris encountered the person who inspired him to move towards an adventure in entrepreneurship. “He had a lot of business knowledge, and it was time to gain new skills to fill a knowledge-gap. Getting an MBA seemed like the best option – it was a great challenge and a massive commitment, but very enjoyable.”

After completing his MBA, new horizons beckoned – both in terms of his career and the country he calls home. He admits that thanks to his qualifications and experience he could easily have entered the corporate world, but the idea didn’t suit his goals or his spirit of adventure, so Chris moved to Australia and began casting around for opportunities. He found them.

“There was a little business in a shed in a back alley in Southport. It was a tyre workshop with an unprepossessing exterior and what seemed like very little stock.” Chris bought the business. That was nearly 20 years ago, and Chris’s business interests have expanded with an additional branch in Burleigh Heads and the acquisition of a steady supply of new and nearly new tyres to keep both branches well-stocked and ready for the cars that come rolling in. 

The environment in which a tyre business must operate is very competitive with large franchises constantly seeking to take over the market, but Chris and his family are holding their own. “Branigans remains competitive in its pricing, and being a local business rather than one of a big chain gives it character, appeal, and close control over the service offered,” says Chris.

As for the future, he’s confident that Branigans has a long life ahead of it – and it will still be a family business. His son, Shane, is playing an active role in running the business, and there’s even a grand-daughter showing interest in the concern. “It has the potential to last for several generations,” says Chris. “It will be up to the family to decide whether Branigans will give them the careers and personal growth they want.”

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

The Development of Family Businesses Through the Ages

It probably all began before history was recorded. Bands of hunter-gatherers consisting of one or more family groups would have worked together, bartering resources with one another during times of plenty. Fast-forward to the advent of agriculture, and the picture becomes more familiar. Family units would have worked the land together, sharing produce within the family, and no doubt trading surplus produce with other families. 

Later still, as people began to become urbanised and different types of trades emerged, family businesses continued to be the driving force in economic activity. Specialised skills were jealously guarded against potential competitors, with proprietary information being passed from one generation to the next. Families were fiercely proud of their trades. The evidence is still with us today in the form of a legacy of trade-related last names like “Cooper,” “Fletcher,” or “Baker.”

Although the industrial revolution was a game-changer in the way we work, powerful industrial families ruled the roost, and although a greater number of people became employees, family businesses were still the rule rather than the exception. 

Today, people have much greater freedom of choice. They don’t have to follow in their parents’ footsteps in order to do well, yet family businesses, both large and small, continue to flourish. “Family businesses are generally stable, long-lived, and closely-knit,” says Chris. “There’s a greater level of commitment and a stronger motivation to do well, because the people you care about most are relying on you.”

Branigans’ Tyres: Three Generations at Work

Although he has no plans to join the ranks of the most powerful family-owned businesses, which include big names like Walmart, Chris has first-hand experience of running a multigenerational family business. 

There have been times when Branigans has considered expanding and developing a franchise, but Chris feels that it’s preferable to keep things smaller and maintain full control over quality and service. The family-led team is Chris’s ideal, and it’s an environment that has attracted talent from within the family. Chris’s son, Shane, returned to Australia from the United States specifically to help his dad in the businesses, and now a grand-daughter is putting her skills to work for the family concern too. 

“Unlike people in past centuries, who had little option but to continue in the family business, it’s the next generation’s choice,” says Chris. “They’re welcome to pursue any career that they want with the full support of the family. However, Branigans is stronger because they’ve chosen to be here instead. The business has been operating for nearly two decades, and with the younger generations devoting themselves to its success, it will survive for decades to come.”

The family businesses of today have many faces, but Branigans represents the type of family business that most people know and love. It’s down-to-earth, local, and dedicated to providing a specialised service that everyone needs. With family values very much a part of its fabric, it’s personal, customer oriented, and very much a part of its community. “Just as there will always be families, there will always be family businesses,” says Chris.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Protecting Wheels

Nowadays, tyres do much more than just protecting wheels, but the very first “tyres” were made for no other reason. Wooden wheels could easily get damaged or split while navigating rough roads, so they were strengthened by a strip of leather (and later iron) that helped them to last a little longer. 

This state of affairs continued for centuries until the self-taught chemist, Charles Goodyear, discovered and patented the vulcanisation process that makes rubber more durable. Contrary to urban legend, he didn’t go on to invent the pneumatic tyre, but solid rubber tyres were already a notable improvement and Goodyear’s invention made them possible.

Nine Million Bicycles

The number of bicycles involved in the 19th century cycling craze is a matter for conjecture, but no matter how many of them there were, the fad led to several important inventions and innovations. Clothes that allowed women more freedom of movement were one, and the pneumatic tyre was the second. 

A Scottish inventor had already patented a pneumatic tyre some decades previously, but it was impractical and the idea was abandoned and forgotten until John Dunlop, also a Scot, lit on the idea of pneumatic tyres as a means of making his son’s tricycle ride better. Observing that his pneumatic tyres rolled much better than the regular wheels, he saw their potential for bicycle racing, and the rest is history. 

Cars Get Pneumatic Tyres from Michelin

Up to this point, car wheels were basically just like carriage wheels. It would take two inventions to revolutionise them. First, the invention of wheel rims over which pneumatic tyres could be fitted, and second, the development of a tyre that could fit snugly onto them. 

The first breakthrough was once again bicycle-related. Cyclists loved pneumatic tyres, but mending punctures was hard work since the tyres were glued onto the rim. A bit of lateral thinking on the part of the Michelin brothers, Eduard and Andre, and a wheel rim that allowed tyres to be slipped on snugly without presenting too much difficulty to remove was the result. The year was 1891, the technology was now in place, and the world was ready for the pneumatic car tyres that have made the name “Michelin” famous to this day. 

Further Advances Follow Fast

With pneumatic tyres now being used on automobiles, though with limited success, advances in tyre technology gained momentum. The first tubeless tyres were patented, mountable rims made it possible for drivers to change wheels, and in 1908, American inventor and cofounder of the Goodyear Company Frank Seiberling introduced the concept of tyres with tread to improve traction. 

Meanwhile, Benjamin Goodrich, whose name lives on in the American tyre company BF Goodrich, discovered that adding carbon to rubber would make tyres last much longer, introducing his tougher tyres to the market in 1910. However, there were still durability issues, and yet another American inventor, Phillip Strauss, would be the man who finally solved the problem with his 1937 tyre design which consisted of a hardened rubber and fabric tyre with an inner tube. 

But Michelin wouldn’t remain in the background for long. In 1948, the company patented radial tyres which had fabric cords placed at 90 degrees to the direction of travel to strengthen them. The Makers of the Packard Marque decided to go a step further in 1954, fitting tubeless tyres to their car, and Pirelli introduced wider radial tyres in 1974. 

The 80s and Beyond

Run flat tyres, first invented by Michelin in the 30s, but not widely used, underwent further development in the late 70s and early 80s with Bridgestone tyres introducing sidewall reinforcement in the early 80s. But, despite sounding advanced to those of us who still need air for their tyres, innovation didn’t end there. 

The quest for motor racing advantages has been a big driver in the development of better tyres, and the advent of the ultra-high performance (UHP) tyre for better handling, braking, and cornering at speed was the inevitable result. 

But with environmental concerns on the rise, fuel efficiency, and the ways in which tyres could contribute to it provided a new focus. Next up may be a non-pneumatic tyre (NPT) which can’t go flat and will be fully recyclable. If this sounds far-fetched, think again! Hankook has already made its latest development, which features a honeycomb-like internal structure to support it, public.

“Branigans is looking forward to the new concept in tyres,” says Chris Lett. “The impact of tyres on the environment has always been of concern – and the added element of safety inherent in a tyre that can’t blow out could turn out to be a lifesaver.” Meanwhile, Branigans is keeping its clients safe on the road while caring for the environment by ensuring that tyres remain in service within the limits of safety and that end-of-life tyres are put to use in one way or another rather than being sent to landfills.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

“Branigans specialises in tyres,” says owner, Chris Lett. “There’s much more to tyres than most people know. The website strives to share interesting and useful information that will help consumers to get the most out of their motoring experience, and particularly their tyres.”

Understanding Tyres is the First Step Towards Understanding One’s Car

To some, understanding the inner-workings of engines or the new technologies that turn ordinary cars into “smart” cars may seem like the most important things to know, but Chris says that understanding one’s car begins with the wheels themselves. 

“Your wheels and tyres have a major role to play in everything from fuel economy to the comfort of your ride,” says Chris “and although they might look simple, a lot of high-level technology goes into producing them. Even tyre treads are fascinating. There’s way more to tread design than just a few grooves and squiggly lines. Then there’s the whole construction of tyres – including the parts you don’t see. You probably don’t need to know everything about tyres, but if you want to understand your car, wheels and tyres are a good place to start. The Branigans website tells you what you need to know and more.”

A Resource for the Motoring Community

Branigan Tyres has taken its new website to the next level as a resource for the motoring community, says Chris. It could be just a matter of telling people what Brangans does and how to find the stores, but the family business decided to create a resource base that offers interesting and informative reads for its customers. 

“Maybe you’re getting ready for a long trip and want to get a checklist for preparing your car. Or perhaps you’re wondering whether it’s worth following the trend towards nitrogen in tyres instead of using compressed air. Whatever you want to know about your wheels, Branigans has the information. You could ask a Branigans technician, or you can visit the website – you may even find answers to some questions that never occurred to you because you never really thought about your tyres before.”

Basics and Beyond

There are a few basics that absolutely everyone needs to know about their wheels and tyres – like how much tread they should have or how to recognise wheel balancing and alignment issues. Tyre rotation, a basic maintenance task that helps to extend tyre life, is among these basics, though the importance of having it done is often overlooked. But apart from telling folks about tyres, Branigans hopes to contribute towards a better overall motoring experience for its Southport and Burleigh Heads clients.

“Branigans works for its community, and sharing information is part of that,” says Chris. “Readers will soon see even more knowledge base resources appearing on the website. It’s a work in progress. Informed consumers are empowered consumers, and providing that information is part of what Branigans does.”

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast | Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Z-Tyres’ Limited Edition Gold-Plated Tyres

It’s no joke. Somewhere out there, gold-plated tyres really do exist. They were made by Dubai-based Z-tyres and were auctioned off for charity, raising around $195,000 AUD per tyre. The sidewalls of the tyres are picked out in gold leaf with a diamond-encrusted “Z” representing the brand. Who bought the tyres and whether they’ll ever be used on the road, remains a mystery. “It’s crazy,” says Chris, “but at least the money went to a good cause.”

Letourneau L-2350 Front-loader Tyres

If someone is a fan of huge yellow machines that get down and dirty doing big jobs, they’re almost sure to fall in love with the biggest earth-mover out there. Needless to say, the tyres are equally heavy-duty: they’re over 4 metres tall. This 260-tonner is used in surface mining, and replacing just one tyre costs in the region of $82,000 AUD. 

Caterpillar 797 Dump Truck Tyres

Muscle machines are still dominating the rankings for the most expensive tyres in the world, and Caterpillar Dump truck tyres are up there with the costliest. Needless to say, this is a big Cat: the largest dump truck out there, and a sheer monster that would dwarf a regular quarry runabout. On the off-chance that someone owns one, they can expect to dig deep for those tyres: it’ll cost about $44K AUD to replace a single one.

Bugatti Veyron Tyres

Described by enthusiasts as the “greatest car ever made” there’s nothing cheap about the Veyron. Then again, for those willing to fork out the $2.7m AUD it’ll cost to own one, they won’t be too fussy about the tyre price. That’s a good thing, because they probably won’t get away with paying less than $52K AUD to replace a tyre. To put this in perspective, let’s see what’s next on our list.

Space Shuttle Tyres

For those who have been buying tyres for a Veyron, a space shuttle tyre might look like a bargain at just about $7K AUD. But these masterpieces by Michelin have to take quite a punch. The rear tyres are only good for one landing, and the front ones must be replaced after two landings. All things considered, they’re probably better off with a Veyron!

If Tyres Seem Expensive, Check out Branigans

By this time, there might be a feeling of relief for those who drive a mundane Mazda or a straightforward Toyota, but if they’re feeling the pain of buying tyres, it’s time to shop around. Branigans Burleigh Heads, and its branch at Southport, offer budget-friendly prices and even a subscription service that allows vehicle owners to pay off their tyres in advance the easy way. 

Meanwhile Chris has decided that he won’t start working on a subscription service for space shuttle tyres just yet. “I don’t think the market is altogether ready for that,” he says with a grin.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Chris Lett, owner of Branigans Tyres, a family business with outlets in Burleigh Heads and Southport, says he’s come up with a solution to the problem: a subscription towards annual tyre replacements. 

“The company workshops often see clients arriving with tyres that are well past the level of wear that should be on the road. In most instances, consumers say that even with budget-friendly prices, attending to tyre replacements places strain on household finances. That’s why Branigans decided to take the pain out of tyre replacements with its subscription model.”

Subscribing to Tyres

The model is a simple one, and its sole aim is to make it easy for motorists to attend to wheel and tyre maintenance. Motorists sign up to the service which requires a small weekly subscription payment. After a year (52 weeks), they qualify for four roadworthy tyres plus wheel balancing and alignment. 

In setting up the tyre subscription service, Chris hopes to help households that have either been inclined to delay necessary car maintenance, or who have become accustomed to using some form of credit to cover costs for which they haven’t budgeted. “It’s unlikely that ‘replacement tyres’ is a line item in most household budgets, but thanks to subscriptions, it can be one that’s small enough to be all-but-negligible. When it’s time to claim their tyres, they’re already paid for and it’s just a matter of popping in to collect,” explains Chris. 

Hassle-Free and Without Extra Charges

To make offering the subscription possible without having to levy extra admin charges and without any need for prospective subscribers to visit Branigans Tyres’ physical locations, Chris has harnessed the power of automation. 

“Everything happens automatically from the time when a customer visits the Branigans website and signs up,” explains Chris. “The system keeps track of the subscription, manages payments, sends out receipts, and notifies clients once they’re eligible for their set of tyres and associated services.”

“With wheel balancing and alignment included in the deal, the overall effect is that subscribers get more for less. They don’t have to think twice about replacing their tyres, and they end up getting a great deal at the same time.”

Thanks to its tyre subscription service, Branigans has found one more way to benefit its clients – and another way to differentiate the company from similar ones serving Gold Coast. “Branigans has always worked hard to give its customers great deals and services they can rely on. Tyre subscriptions make wheel and tyre maintenance a household budgeting breeze, and it’s hoped that clients will find this service both helpful and convenient,” says Chris.

For further information, visit or call Chris and his team at Second Hand Tyres Gold Coast |Branigans Budget Tyres by contacting the Service Centres in Burleigh Heads (07) 5535 2660 or Southport (07) 5591 8633.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.