So many families rely on the professionalism, care and support of neonatal intensive care units - and that kicks-off our 3 things to do this week. We round-it off with a family outing and a new treat for dogs and a yoga festival.
1. Tuesday: Thank U NICU Day
Every year in Australia around 45,000 newborn babies require the help of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN). 25,000 of these babies are born premature and up to 1000 babies lose their fight for life.
For families, the experience of having a baby come into the world not as expected or planned is life changing. Without support, this overwhelming and traumatic experience can have lifelong effects on the emotional wellbeing of these miracle families. It affects the entire family unit.
Australia is home to 22 state of the art intensive care units designed to meet the unique and critical needs of our earliest and sickest babies. Working with health professionals on the joint agenda of better outcomes for families, the Miracle Babies Foundation provides informative education and insight on a family’s experience and funding for equipment, resources and research.
Tuesday is THANK U NICU day – a day to thank and acknowledge all Australian NICU staff and the miracle families they help to create.
Celebrations include morning teas for NICU staff, visits by graduated families and gifts for all babies in a NICU that day.
If you know someone who works in a NICU, or who has used their loving support and care, show your gratitude by submitting Thank U NICU messages through the Miracle Babies Foundation Facebook page.
2. Saturday: For you and your family’s best friend
Dogs and their owners are invited to Bondi Beach on Saturday to see a giant frozen bone to launch – wait for it – a new refreshing icy treat for dogs, in time for summer.
Known as Ruffs Ice Bones, the new treats will keep dogs refreshed throughout the hot summer months and keep the family company when you’re enjoying something cooling also.
Head to the Bondi Beach Pavilion (beach side), Bondi Beach from 9am – 3pm with your pooch to check out the giant ice bone and test the new treat.
And if you want to tweet about it, the hashtag is #ruffsicebones
3. Sunday: Ain’t no country club, Ain’t no disco
Want to visit Santa Monica Boulevard and you're into yoga?
Once again, at the Bondi Pavilion – where you can back-up after the giant ice bone on Saturday – the Bondi Yoga Festival is launching an Instagram contest to win a ‘wellness vacation’ to Santa Monica, a premier beach yogi destination.
But you don’t have to be at the Festival to enter the competition. To enter, follow these three simple steps:
1. Follow @SeeSantaMonica on Instagram
2. Snap a picture of you in your favourite yoga pose and post on Instagram tagging @Seesantamonica and hashtag #santamonicayogi
3. Head to www.santamonica.com/bondiyogafestival and register your details
The lucky winner receives two roundtrip economy flights from Sydney to Los Angeles, five nights' accommodations at Wyndham Santa Monica at the Pier, bike rentals, dinner at one of Santa Monica's farm-to-table restaurants, spa treatments and fitness activities showcasing the latest fitness trends.
For those who can get along, the Bondi Yoga Festival also includes yoga classes, music, wellness activities and a choice of delicious foods from local vegan, vegetarian and raw cafes.
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