3 Kids and Us

Getting Your Car Ready To Sell

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When it comes to selling your car, there are things that you will need to do to prepare it for sale, making sure that you can get the maximum amount of cash for your vehicle. Check various car websites and blogs for some excellent tips on how to get your car ready to sell. The first place that you will need to start is to get your car in full-working order.

  • Getting It Running

If your car is not already running, it is advisable to repair it before you start the selling process. If your car is running, then it is still advised to give it some basic maintenance first. You will want to check the brakes and all of the lights, and the oil and air filter should also be changed, as well as the spark plugs. It may not be worth your time or money in changing the wheels or tires of the vehicle, but you will want to make sure that the tires are road legal.

  • Sort Out All Of The Paperwork

You will also want to make sure that you have all of the paperwork in order for your vehicle, as without this you may find it tricky to sell, or you may only be able to get a reduced amount for the sale. Make sure that you have the log book and if possible a full-service history is preferable. Make sure the registration information is up to date also, and when you do sell it you will want to make sure that you transfer the ownership accordingly.

  • Give It A Clean

The last step before selling your car will be to get it looking nice and clean, and in a satisfactory condition. You can have this professionally done and have the engine cleaned at the same time, or you can do this yourself. Make sure that the car is squeaky clean and use cleaning products on the inside of the car to get it smelling nice and fresh again. Now that you have everything in order, you can start to contact companies such as https://www.sellmycar.com.au/ and see what they will offer you for your car. All you need to do is give them the make, model, year and engine size, and arrange for someone to come and inspect your vehicle. If you accept the price and have everything in order, you can have cash in your account very quickly!

  • Selling It Quickly

If you do use a company that buys cars online, then there will be some additional paperwork that you will need to supply. As well as all of the vehicles paperwork including registration, you will need to bring two forms of identification, a passport and current driving license will suffice, and also your bank details. With all of the paperwork being in order, they can purchase your car from you with immediate effect and transfer the money to your bank account within 24 hours.

If you need to sell your car quickly, this is the service for you!

Tips and Tricks to Operating an Excavator

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There are many types of excavator, or digger as they are also known, and operating an excavator isn’t something just anyone can take on, but with some basic training and a little practical experience, most people would be able to accomplish basic tasks. Experienced excavator operators can save a lot of time and money on a construction project, and are essential tools for many industries. If you fancy yourself at the controls of a large excavator, or even a bobcat, here is some basic advice to help you get started.

Front Bucket

All excavators will be equipped with a front bucket, which is connected to two large arms that can move up or down, and with hydraulic connections at the bucket itself, the angle can be tilted, and some bucket attachments have a leading edge that can open, which is ideal for dumping soil onto a platform truck. If you are in Australia, and need to move some earth, there is affordable excavator hire by RME, who have a wider range of machines of various sizes. Even a mini excavator can move a significant amount of material in one hour, and with a trained operator at the controls, the job will be done in no time.

Study the Setting

A good operator would survey the location first, looking at height and turning restrictions, or any cables that might be in the way, before starting work. A few minutes contemplating might well save hours, and with experience, the operator can carry out many different actions, keeping the project on schedule.

Levelling

Similar to a bulldozer, an excavator can be used for grading and levelling ground, and the front bucket might have a blade attachment, which allows the machine to be used as a snow plough, for example. The primary function of the front bucket is earthmoving, and some excavators will have several front attachments that can be used for heavy work. Excavator hire companies have all of the attachments, and the operator would be the best person to make the switch, as he knows the machine.

Weight Limits

The excavator will have a maximum weight that it can safely lift, and this should never be exceeded, as the machine could overturn. Large excavators will have a concrete counter weight that balances a heavy front load, and the operator should always be aware of the settings of the counter weight, especially if lifting heavy loads. If the excavator has exterior supports, they must be firmly in place before starting work, and this provides a solid base which is needed when lifting heavy loads.

Private Hire

If you have some heavy work to do in the garden, or are building a double garage, a Bobcat would be the ideal tool. Most reputable hire companies would have a range of earthmoving equipment, and would surely have Bobcat hire, and if you have never operated an excavator, it would be best to “wet hire” the machine, which means it comes with a qualified operator.

There are training schools for excavator operators, and after a person understands the basics, they can begin to get some hands-on experience, preferably with an experienced operator at hand.

10 Tips on How to Prevent Obesity in Your Child

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Did you know that Trust for America’s Health estimates that by the year 2030, 44% of Americans will likely be obese? Also, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention expects that 42% of Americans will have Body Mass Index levels indicating they are overweight. Further, given that 42% to 63% of overweight high school kids are likely to be obese as adults, as a concerned parent, you would want to learn how to prevent obesity in your kids. Childhood is the perfect time to inculcate healthy eating and exercise habits so that they can avoid obesity and the common medical issues that accompany it into adulthood.

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Causes of Obesity in Kids

To raise healthy kids and potentially fit adults, you must first understand the root causes of obesity. Accordingly, you can work out how to prevent the condition in your family. Results of a study established in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine reveal that kids are most likely to be overweight because of various issues that range from genetic propensity and unhealthy habits to environmental factors.

  • Genetic Factors: Your kids’ individual genetic makeup and the traits they inherit from their parents can affect their propensity to gain weight. They may also inherently have a slower metabolism that results in their body storing fat instead of expending it to get energy. How the body stores fat is yet another factor that genes control.
  • Unhealthy Eating Habits: While genes do play a significant role, your kids’ diet can also affect their weight. Too many sugary foods and beverages and other high-energy items can cause weight gain when kids are consuming more calories than they burn with physical activity.
  • Lack of Adequate Playtime: If your children are spending too much time in front of the television or with other devices like tablets and computers, they could start to gain weight. Eating unhealthy snacks in front of the television and the influence of advertisements that encourage the consumption of sugary foods can also add to the problem.
  • Environment at Home: The typical meals that you cook and serve at home are the first lessons you can give your child on how to prevent obesity. If you regularly exercise and watch what you eat, your child will also pick up the same habits.
  • Accessibility to Parks and Playgrounds: If your neighborhood or community does not have any parks where your kids can play, they may be forced to spend time indoors and consequently, gain weight.

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Tip No. 1 – Protect Your Kids from Obesity Before Birth

Interestingly, you can start caring for your kids’ health even before they are born. Studies have shown that maintaining an optimum weight all through your adult years ensures that you have fitter children. You must also gain only the prescribed weight during your pregnancy and keep a careful watch on your diet and exercise regimens. The precautions you take will help you avoid gestational diabetes and prevent the possibility of diabetes in your kids when they become adults. Work with your doctor and request for a diet program that will help you keep your weight down. Also, ask about any other information on how to prevent obesity.

Additional Tips to Prevent Obesity

Here are some ideas on how to prevent obesity in your kids. Keep them in mind when planning their meals.

  1. Watch Their Diet: Restrict the amount of sugary and high-energy foods that they consume and substitute them with low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats and carbohydrates. Make sure they get adequate protein in their diet.
  2. Watch the Portion Sizes: Serve appropriate portions, but don’t allow overeating.
  3. Have Fixed Family Mealtimes: Get the whole family to be present at dinner. This time is great for bonding with the kids and encouraging healthy eating habits.
  4. Keep Them Hydrated: Encourage them to drink lots of water and restrict a number of sugary beverages they consume.
  5. Encourage the Right Kind of Snacking: Growing kids get hungry all the time so keep healthy snacks handy like fruit and salads with tasty dips like hummus.
  6. Restrict the Time They Spend with Devices: Restrict the time they spend playing video games and watching television. When working out strategies on how to prevent obesity, include encouraging them to play outdoor games and stay active.
  7. Help Them Stay Active: Take them to parks and playgrounds, so they play. You could also encourage them to take part in sports. This approach will need you to make the extra effort and drive them to and from practice, but your kids’ health will thank you for it.
  8. Join Them: Nothing excites kids more than their parents joining them in games and some rough and tumble. Use this fun time to create closer bonds with your kids.

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Tip No. 10 – Get Expert Help to Protect Your Kids from Obesity

The habits you teach your children on how to prevent obesity will help them remain fit and healthy all through their lives. They are likely to continue to follow the lessons even when they are eating in the school cafeteria or out with friends. If, despite your best efforts, you still think your kids are gaining more weight than they should, consult your pediatrician for directions on how to help them.

Under the supervision of your kids’ medical care practitioner, you could consult an expert dietitian for tips on how to prevent obesity in your children. And, create the perfect diet plan that is optimum for the whole family. Such fitness experts will take into consideration your kids’ likes, dislikes, and their lifestyles. They can also prescribe the right exercise regimens that will help your children attain their optimum weight levels and maintain them all through adulthood. The steps you take today will ensure the lifelong health of your children.

How to Help Your Child with Sports Injuries this Season

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If your kids love to take an active part in sports, that’s awesome! Playing games encourages the development of discipline, team spirit, and sportsmanship. Above all and most important, it cuts back on the time kids spend with devices. However, playing sports carries the very real possibility of injuries. While acute sports injuries are commonplace, chronic injuries can affect the growing musculoskeletal structure of a child’s body.

In the year 2012 alone, more than 1.3 million kids reported to the emergency room with sports injuries ranging from ankle sprains, ligament tears, and head trauma, among others. As a parent, you must do the best you can to protect your kids from such injuries. And, since they are unavoidable, use the best treatments possible to help them recover quickly and get back in the game, one of them being PRP treatment for sports injuries.

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Prevention is Better than Cure

Avoiding getting sports injuries is always preferable than treating them and going through the long and sometimes, difficult rehabilitation process. So, what you can do to help prepare your kids for playing sports?

  • Make sure your children have all the protective gear they needincluding knee guards, elbow pads, helmets, and shoes with proper grips, to name a few. Talk to the coach for information on the right kind of gear that can help prevent sports injuries.
  • While your kids might have a particular interest in a specific sport, having them play different games can help lower the risk of chronic injuries. Think baseball, soccer, lacrosse, football, and basketball.
  • Talk to the coach about having your kids practice a range of different movementsso that repetitive motions don’t stress a particular joint.
  • If your children are playing a single sport all through the season, make sure you get them physical therapy to prepare their bodies before the start of the season.
  • Before the academic year begins, kids go through the preseason physicals to assess their fitness levels. Depending on the sport they’ll play, request your pediatrician to take a close look at their muscles and joints. For instance, if your child has been preparing to pitch in a baseball game, have her shoulder muscles examined thoroughly. But, if she’s on the cheerleading squad, you’ll need to pay particular attention to her lower back and core muscles.
  • Talk to your kids about the importance of warming up their muscles before playing a game to prevent sports injuries. Warming up can include dynamic and static exercises such as touching the toes, jumping, stretching, and other moves that help loosen the muscles.
  • Insist that your kids get complete rest and adequate sleep so they can recover from the stress of the sport.
  • Consult with the pediatrician and coach andwork out a healthy, balanced diet plan that includes lots of nutritious foods including lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure your child eats regular meals and takes adequate fluids to remain hydrated.
  • Explain to your kids that they must carefully follow the instructions and guidelines that their coach outlines. Ensure that they understand the importance of safety when playing.

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Watch Your Child Carefully

An important factor to keep in mind is that kids become so engrossed and focused on playing that they may overlook any sports injuries they get on the field. As a parent, you must keep a sharp lookout for any signs that indicate your child is hurt. These symptoms can include swelling of the joints, pain, and soreness even after resting well and consistent pain while playing or when at home. If you notice your child limping or indicating that the joints are “giving way,” get medical attention immediately.

Caring for Your Child

If you think your child is hurt, consult the primary care physician right away. In case your child needs specialized treatment, she will refer you to the best sports injuries doctor or orthopedist that can help you. Here are the typical treatment steps you might have to follow;

  • Avoid letting your children play until the injury has healed completely. This factor is especially important if they have limited movement in any joint. When you see them walking or using a shoulder normally, you’ll know that they are ready to go back to playing.
  • If they insist on continuing to exercise, check with the doctor for movements that will not stress the injury further. Get a trainer to supervise the workouts.
  • Make sure your kids gets the right nutrition that will help them heal faster.
  • Help your child do all the exercises that the therapist recommends. These movements will help restore the complete range of motion and functioning of the injured joint or ligament.
  • Your orthopedist might give your kids weight training exercises to do or any other workouts that can help build endurance but don’t aggravate the injured joint. Assist them in every way you can.
  • With your doctor’s recommendations, you can do your bit at home by applying hot and cold packs, compression wrapping, and keeping the injured joint immobile and elevated.

Dealing with Major Injuries

Given the young age of your kids and the fact that they’re still growing, most doctors will not recommend invasive measures to treat sports injuries that can alter their tissues and anatomy. Unless the damage is very severe, doctors prefer to avoid surgery that often involves long rehabilitation and the need to stay away from sports. Add to that is the possibility that the surgery could go wrong and cause permanent disability. As a last resort before surgery, your orthopedist might ask you to consider getting PRP treatment for sports injuries.

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What is PRP Therapy?

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can help your kids recover from their injuries without the use of foreign implants and chemical injections like cortisone. The PRP serum is created from a small sample of the patient’s blood and has no additives save for epinephrine that is an anti-allergic medication. After creating the serum, doctors insert it into the affected area where it sets off a healing cascade. PRP contains a concentration of mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, and other healing agents that are a natural part of the body’s regenerative systems.

Patients typically report seeing a marked improvement in the pain and ease of movement within a few weeks of getting the treatment.  Considering that many top athletes of the world like Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, Hines Ward, and others have used the therapy with amazing results, you can rest assured that it is safe for your kids also.

To help your kids with sports injuries, you might want to opt for natural treatments that are not only highly effective but also unlikely to cause any permanent changes that may affect their future growth and normal living. PRP therapy can shorten the recovery period significantly and have your kids back in the game in no time.

Choosing Your Child’s First Computer

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Are you wondering if it’s time to buy your five-year-old a computer? If you’ve been noticing more and more cartoons and coloring games on your work-assigned laptop or desktop monitor lately, now would be a good time to get your child’s first computer. But, is this move right for her, and is she old enough? Yes, absolutely!

Did you know that in the year 2013 alone, around 79% of kids were using their home computers? Further, kids aged 3 to 17 years or 6 out of 10 kids were adept at using digital devices including mobile phones and tablets. By the first or second grades, when kids are already using computers in school, it’s a good idea for her to have one at home so she can learn while playing games and other child-friendly activities.

Whether or not to buy your child’s first computer is an easy decision. But, as a parent, you need to put a lot of thought into the right device to buy. Here are some basic considerations you must keep in mind.

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Get a Family Computer

As your kids grow older, they’re going to need a computer for homework as well playing games. Choose a device that you can set up in the family living room where you can supervise the kids’ activities. Given that they can inadvertently stumble on inappropriate YouTube clips, videos, and other material, you’ll want to keep a careful watch on what the kids are doing. Some parents also prefer a laptop computer so that they can put it away when they’re not present to watch their kids. Not only can you find affordable laptops, but choosing a refurbished device as your child’s first computer can bring your costs down.

Check for the Latest Software

Even if the refurbished computer is a bit worn down, your kids are going to be so thrilled at the prospect of having one; they won’t notice it. However, you must make sure that it has the latest software. Such software installed in the newest operating systems give you the most advanced of parental controls. You can also verify that the computer has all the security measures that can protect you and the family from phishing and other threats. Create folders that have your child’s favorite games and websites that you’ve approved. They’ll find accessing them so easy that they won’t feel the need to surf and search. Limiting internet access is another strategy you can use to protect your kids.

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Get Your Child Her Account

When buying your child’s first computer, look for one that supports Windows 10 so you can set up an individual account for your child. Create an account on account.microsoft.com/family with the appropriate age restrictions and also fix time limits. You’ll also be able to restrict the websites your child can visit and allow her to play only those games and use apps that are appropriate for her. Getting a Microsoft account that is an extension of the family has another advantage. Your child can use it to sign into any other device aside from the computer and the settings you’ve set will apply to the device. Every week, you’ll receive an email informing you of the websites your child has visited, the time she spent on each, and the total time she spends on the computer.

Added Accessories

You’re going to need a bunch of accessories for your child’s first computer. These can include software that can charge the child’s first computer quickly. Look for other add-ons like a new storage device or a RAM memory upgrade along with a new battery, and you’re good to go. Lowering the loading times will ensure that your child spends the minimum amount of time on the computer. Give her creativity an added boost with the help of DVD or CD burning device, scanner, and digital camera.

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Should You Opt for a Refurbished Computer

Buying your kids an inexpensive, refurbished computer is a wise choice. You can ensure that in case they have spills and accidents and cause significant damage to the CPU or keyboard, it’s not a major loss. Look for a manufacturer-sourced refurbished device as your child’s first computer. Such products are sold after strict quality control measures and extensive checking. Look for a recently released device as your child’s first computer, and you might be able to find one that is practically new or hasn’t been used at all. It could last her a good long while.

The Right Time to Buy a Computer

In an increasingly tech-savvy world, digital literacy has become very essential. You’ll want to expose your child to various devices so she can adapt and learn to deal with them in a professional setting later in life. However, it is also understandable that you’re concerned about the right age for exposure and if this move is good for her. Given the rising number of cases of obesity among children, you’ll want to ensure that she does not spend too much time indoors glued to the computer. At the same time, giving her access to additional study material is an advantage you’ll want to make available to her.

When making your decision, assess how mature your child is and if her psyche is developed enough to manage devices. As a parent, you’re the best judge of whether or not it’s time to choose your child’s first computer and the perfect device for her.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!