• Cirieco Design
  • World Radio Switzerland
  • Alzheimer's Association

pregnantwoman

If you're expecting a baby in the coming months and are finding that you just don't have the time to prepare for it as well as you would like, or you simply just don't know where to begin preparing for an event as big as this - then BabySteps may be just what you're looking for!
 
Created by local mom, Florence Helg, BabySteps provides a comprehensive baby planning service, which will guide and support you through every step in the process, so that you can enjoy those magical moments when your baby arrives!  Passionate about all aspects of maternity, and knowledgeable about the world of perinatal care in Western Switzerland, Florence will help you take those first baby steps in the process of planning for the arrival of your baby and will even offer guidance and support in the months that follow if necessary.
 
Florence told knowitall.ch, "Married for 3 years, and a mom of two, I have always been curious about all aspects of pregnancy, even before falling pregnant myself. I spend a lot of my time perusing magazines, books on nursing and childcare, and scientific articles concerning pregnancy and babies."

dog

If you own a pet but are concerned about its health, chances are you will take it to a vet, who is specialised in treating animals.  If, like in humans, the illness is a routine one, then your pet should be able to receive a standard treatment and recover fairly quickly.

However, in the same way that human illnesses are not always so easy to diagnose or can sometimes resist treatment, animals may also experience a number of symptoms that make it difficult for a vet to diagnose or treat the condition.  These can include:

childrenGWS_web

If you’re new to the region and are finding it difficult to settle in, then you may like to try out Gwen’s Workshops.

Set up in February by former speech therapist, Gwen Delforge, Gwen’s Workshops have been designed to help you find your way more easily in this French-speaking corner of the world, and provide you with a range of services including personalized French lessons and relocation coaching.

Gwen told knowitall.ch, "I created Gwen's workshops primarily for spouses and children of expats, who often find themselves alone after the first rush of a big move is over. I felt it would be nice for them to find a friendly, homely place where they can get help with their first steps in French, and receive information on basic needs such as how to deal with administration, how to communicate with schools and where to find sports lessons for children.

“After witnessing the experiences of local expats, I came to the conclusion that coaching lessons covering family harmony, “self-settling”, and self-confidence would also help them on their journey towards settling in, as would the opportunity to meet other women who have also just arrived in the Geneva area.  Since English-speaking parents often have a difficult time helping their children with homework, I decided "Gwen's workshops" should also be there to provide first steps in French and help with homework.  These workshops can also give children a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and share their experiences about their new life."

mopheads_web

ESCA, the English-speaking cancer association for Geneva, Vaud and neighboring France, is looking for people to join its dynamic volunteer team in supporting—emotionally and practically—those who have cancer.  They also need people who can help in planning special events, fundraising and outreach.  

At the heart of the volunteering team is Kate Marx, Vice President for volunteers.  A regular visitor at ESCA’s Drop-In Center in Grand Saconnex, she lights up the place with a hug here, a laugh there, and a smile for everyone!

But Kate’s first encounter with ESCA ten years ago was not so joyful, when her husband was diagnosed with cancer and needed the ease of his mother tongue to discuss the attendant emotional issues.  Through a friend they were introduced to ESCA and its services, both professional and volunteer.  Not long after his death Kate learned she had breast cancer herself.  Once again she leaned on ESCA for support.

talkchavannes

If you missed the recent series of free talks on "Stress and Hormones" by Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and CHEK Practitioner Jennie Delbridge, don't worry as you now have another opportunity to find out more about this interesting subject for women.  Following popular demand, two more free talks will be held at The Best Western Hotel, Les Champs-Blancs, 1279, Chavannes-de-Bogis on Tuesday 27th March from 10h to 11h30 and 19h30 to 21h.

A new 10 week workshop on Stress and Hormones for Women will also start on Tuesday, 24 April at 10h00 at the same venue.  Click here for more details on this website.

"Stress is involved in every common health complaint," says Jennie, who has studied chronic stress related disorders for the last 5 years. "Stress affects the adrenal glands which affect your hormones," and, according to Jennie, women are often frustrated by the lack of clear medical answers.

Common symptoms such as low energy, foggy thinking, sleeplessness, weak muscles, weight gain, depression, mood swings, blood sugar issues, skin and hair problems, osteoporosis, PMS, premature aging, loss of libido and hot flushes can all be attributed to chronic stress, adrenal malfunction and hormone imbalance. Yet, often only the symptoms are treated.