Features

Keeping An Eye On Blood Pressure Key To Stroke Prevention

July 20, 2017 By editor

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and is a leading cause of disability in Australia. It kills more women than breast cancer, and more men than prostate cancer. The Stroke Foundation website reports that, in 2017, there will be more than 55,000 new and recurrent strokes – that is 1000 strokes every week or one stroke every 10 minutes.

The good news is that more than 80% of strokes can be prevented, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure plays a big part in that.
Throughout May and June, people around Australia took part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, making it a huge success.
During the campaign a record 63,211 checks were delivered by Stroke Foundation in partnership with Priceline Pharmacy across the country. The campaign far exceeded last year’s tally of 56,000 health checks.

Disturbingly, one in three participants was found to have high blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for stroke. The results came as a wake-up call to many, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Those found to have high blood pressure and an increased stroke risk were referred onto their doctor for advice on lowering their blood pressure, reducing their risk of stroke and improving their overall
health.

There are many things we can all do to help protect ourselves from stroke, like managing our blood pressure, getting more active, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking and reducing our alcohol consumption. Sharon McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of the Stroke Foundation, is grateful for the support the Stroke Foundation receives around the country. “Thanks to our incredible supporters,
more Australians are aware of their stroke risk than ever before. But the work doesn’t stop here – it is our mission to prevent, treat and beat stroke. With your help, the Stroke Foundation can continue to run free community health checks to identify Australians at risk of stroke and save lives.

“If we can reduce high blood pressure we will have a direct and lasting impact on the rate of stroke in this country,” said Ms McGowan.
It is important to know your blood pressure numbers, so if you haven’t had your blood pressure tested lately, make a time to see your doctor for a quick check.

The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
• Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms Can they lift both arms?
• Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation. For more information, talk to your doctor, or visit www.strokefoundation.org.au

Save Your Kidneys: Ditch Sugary Drinks

March 16, 2017 By editor

Kids need to ditch sugary drinks to help stem the tide of the growing national obesity epidemic, before it starts to impact on the kidney health of a new generation. Soft drinks are the most frequently consumed sugar-sweetened beverages in Australia, with cola being consumed by almost four million Australians in any given seven-day period.

The Rethink Sugary Drink alliance, an alliance of Australian health and community organisations, has welcomed a report highlighting the link between obesity and chronic kidney disease. “This new report is a stark reminder for Australians, particularly young men, to understand how the foods and drinks they are consuming impact upon their weight and overall health,” said Craig Sinclair, Chair
of the Public Health Committee at Cancer Council Australia.

Mikaela Stafrace, CEO of Kidney Health Australia said the levels of sugar in regular cans and bottles of popular sweetened beverages well exceeded the maximum recommended daily intake of six teaspoons. “Many people would be shocked to know that a regular 600ml bottle of soft drink contains about 16 teaspoons of sugar and a regular 375ml can of soft drink contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar,” said Mikaela.

“Obesity has a direct and dire impact in the development of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease, and an indirect but insidious impact through the development of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure – both of which are leading causes of chronic kidney disease.” Rethink Sugary Drink is urging all Australians, including children, to cut back on sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, sports
drinks, energy drinks and iced teas, and pick healthier, sugar-free, options such as water.

“With 27 per cent of Australian children now overweight or obese, there is likely to be an increase in serious long-term health conditions such as chronic kidney disease in future. It’s time to make a switch and ditch the sugary drinks,” said Mikaela. Handy tips and recipes for delicious, sugar-free, drink options are available here:
• https://livelighter.com.au/Recipe/506/strawberry-and-mint-sparkling-water
• https://livelighter.com.au/Recipe/507/sliced-citrus-water
• https://livelighter.com.au/Recipe/510/frozen-fruit-ice-cubes

Forbes Has A Bowen Therapist

January 19, 2017 By editor

Bowen Therapy, started by Tom Bowen, has been around for more than 50 years. Locally Greg Howell, who runs the Forbes Bowen and Wellness Centre, is the only Bowen therapist in town. Greg has been practising for over seven years. He discovered Bowen therapy when
he developed lupus, which is an auto immune disease. After being treated successfully, Greg decided to look into it more closely. He completed training of more than seven months and set up his practice in Forbes. Every two years, he does further training to ensure he remains up to date with the most relevant new techniques.

Call Greg on 0427 592 771 for an appointment.

Deanna Has A Good Eye For Detail

January 19, 2017 By editor

Phil Wells, of Phillip Wells Optometry is sad to farewell Michelle Churchill, his receptionist for 12 years. However he is happy to welcome Deanna Gamble. Deanna has been travelling both overseas and around Australia but has come home to Forbes to stay. Phil said when he advertised Michelle’s position there were many wonderful applicants, however Deanna was the successful candidate not only for her happy disposition and sound administration skills but because she has had previous experience working alongside an optical supplier.

Welcome Deanna! And best of luck with your future endeavours Michelle!

Outdoor Living Made Easy At Parkes Bricks And Pavers

December 1, 2016 By editor

The outdoor season is here and you might have some projects to complete in order to enjoy summer. Visit Parkes Brick and Paver to revamp your existing pool or get ideas for a new pool. They are agents for bricks, concrete blocks and pavers. Do you have plans to start a veggie garden? Parkes Brick and Paver have a variety of attractive border options available for you to choose from to not only organise your veggie patch, but make it look attractive too.

Do you enjoy entertaining al fresco? They have an amazing range of products to help you create a welcoming environment under your outdoor awning or bbq area. Make the most of summer’s beautiful evenings by transforming your outdoor entertainment to the envy of your friends!

Call Parkes Brick and Paver on 6862 2253.

Planning Your Holidays? Don’t Forget Your Pets!

December 1, 2016 By editor

The holiday season is almost upon us, but for those with pets there are a few extra things to organise before you can go away: who will be taking care of your furry friends? Boarding kennels are a good option; your pets will be safely confined and have regular attention. Your pet will require up-to-date vaccinations to stay at commercial boarding facilities.

Unfortunately, most kennels require advance bookings for the busy Christmas-season with most booked out by August. Keep this in mind if you need to make last-minute plans. Also, boarding kennels might not be suitable if your pet is easily stressed by other animals or strange environments. If you decide to leave your pets at home, and don’t have a trusted friend or neighbour to help, a pet-sitting service might be appropriate.

The pet-sitter would visit your house daily to provide food, company and enrichment. Some pets are stressed by changes in their routine so it’s important to keep an eye on them to ensure they are eating, drinking, toileting and are otherwise okay in your absence. Still, you might prefer to holiday with your pets. There are lots of hotels, home-stays and camping sites that are pet-friendly and can be easily found online. However, you might need to book in advance. If your lucky pup is holidaying with you, there are still a few extra things to plan.

Make sure that your dog’s vaccinations, worming and flea treatment is up to date. You might also need to arrange paralysis tick prevention, depending on your destination. Don’t forget to pack their leash, food, doggy bags, and water bowls. If your pet takes any prescription medication take enough to last the holiday.

Also, make sure your pet is safe while travelling in your car. Use an appropriate restraint, such as a harness or a crate. Your pet should be able to sit or lie down in a natural position while restrained. Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Dogs can die very quickly from heat stress, even in mild weather. Whether you are leaving or taking your pets with you, ensure your pets are microchipped and your contact details are correct on the microchip register so you can be contacted if need be. There are six microchip registers across Australia, so make sure the one
your pets are recorded on is recognised nationally. Also, attach an ID tag with your contact details to your pet’s collar. For more advice contact the RSPCA.

Health Benefits: Use it or Lose it

November 24, 2016 By editor

It is not something you would probably like to focus on this time of year when life seems to go into top gear as year-end approaches. While we get organised for Christmas and make plans to welcome in the new year, you will also be saying good bye to your health insurance benefits for the year on 31st December. Make time to check with your health fund to see what benefits you have and what you did not use during the year. Most health funds do not roll over the benefits that are left unused as at 31st December. So the portion of your benefits not used by the last day of the year is lost on 1st January the following year. These are benefits for which you have already paid and are entitled to.

None of us want to pay for something that we don’t use. It might be a good time to go for a dental check up if you did not during the year. Or do you need an eye test, would you benefit from a pair of reading glasses, or prescription
sunglasses or consider getting contact lenses. What about your annual physical, or prescription refills or any other check up you did not get around to during the year.

Don’t delay and make appointments today to ensure you get an appointment before year end to capitalize on the benefits you have already paid for.

Mums And Dads Can Suffer From Perinatal Depression

November 17, 2016 By editor

This week is Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week and beyondblue has urged parents to visit its Healthy Families website. The website provides information and advice for new mums and dads from pregnancy
to 12 months after birth. Up to one in seven women experiences postnatal depression and one in ten experiences
depression during their pregnancy.

About one in twenty dads feels anxious or depressed during their partner’s pregnancy, while one in ten experiences a mental health condition after the birth of their baby. “We’ve come a long way, but unfortunately when a new parent is having a tough time, some people can still be very judgmental. No one should feel ashamed or be discouraged
from asking for help,” said beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman. Visit healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au
or call mental health professionals 24/7 on 1300 22 4636.

One In Five Suffer From Pollen Allergy

August 18, 2016 By editor

Pollen from grasses, weeds or trees can trigger symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. Pollen seasons can last for several months and exposure is difficult to avoid. Pollen grains can be spread by birds, bees or wind, with airborne pollen causing most allergies.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms are the body’s immune response to inhaled pollen, resulting in chronic inflammation of the eyes and nasal passages. Symptoms include runny, itchy and congested nose; irritable, itchy, watery and red eyes; and itchy ears, throat and palate. Allergic rhinitis affects around 1 in 5 people in Australia and can lead to frequent sinus infections.

Pollination times vary with the plant variety and its location. For example, trees pollinate in late winter and early spring. Grasses flower next, and the weed ‘Plantain’ flowers from August to May.

White Cypress (Murray) Pine is the only Australian tree that produces highly allergenic pollen. Its growth extends from the western slopes and plains of Eastern Australia to Western Australia, and it flowers from late July to the end of August.

Many species of Casuarina produce pollen throughout the year and may cause allergic rhinitis symptoms at any time.

Tips for reducing pollen exposure
• Stay indoors until after midday, if possible.
• Try to avoid going out on windy days or after thunderstorms.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Do not mow the grass and stay inside when it is being mown.
• Consider planting a low allergen garden around the home.
• Keep windows closed both at home and in your car.
• Do not picnic in parks or in the country during the pollen season.
• Try to plan holidays out of the pollen season or holiday at the seaside.
• Remove weeds or trees outside your bedroom window you are sensitive to.
• Research plants less likely to trigger allergic rhinitis or asthma to plant in your garden.
• Shower when you arrive home and rinse your eyes frequently with water.

Medications or treatments will relieve symptoms, but do not cure allergies.
• Antihistamine tablets or syrups (nonsedating) help to reduce symptoms, but they are not as effective in controlling severe nasal blockage and dribble.
• Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays (INCS) have a potent action on inflammation when used regularly.
• Combination medications containing an antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray offer the combined advantages of both medications.
• Decongestant sprays unblock and dry the nose, but should not be used for more than a few days.
• Decongestant tablets unblock and dry the nose, but should be used with caution.
• Natural products such as salt water nasal sprays or douches can be effective in relieving symptoms.

Source: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Between The Sheets

July 21, 2016 By editor

Bedrooms are no longer just a place to lay your head after a long day of toiling. Whether we work outside of our home or inside its walls raising children, our bedroom can be a room of great importance and significance to our wellbeing. A bedroom can be a private sanctuary that we can retreat and withdraw to when needed. By escaping from the outside world for a while, a beautiful bedroom can allow us to relax and unwind, taking pleasure in the fact that we are safe and secure in a tranquil space that we have created for ourselves.

By surrounding yourself with items you love and cherish, your bedroom can become a true reflection of your own personality. Because your bedroom is a private space you can really express your own personal style in a much more dramatic way.

A bedroom is not on show to the world like the main entertaining areas of your home, so decorating choices can be bolder. Get daring and express yourself with colour, prints and patterns. When choosing your bedding and curtaining don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints as well as incorporating different textures into the choices you make.

Purchasing a quality mattress and bed will ensure that you will have that sensational night’s sleep you have been longing for. But for an instant update, just change your bedding. A new quilt cover can work miracles in changing the overall look to a room. Throws and cushions add texture, warmth and bring the whole theme together.

And in my opinion the more cushions you pile on the bed, the better the effect. This is a design rule that I follow to the letter, as all my friends will attest to when they see my own bed. Remember to decorate with pieces you love and that hold special significance to you, as well as incorporating photos of loved ones to really create a story about your life. I personally love groupings of photos arranged in block formations with the same framing to give a really designer look to our everyday family photos.

A well-placed rug in a bedroom will have maximum impact in giving your private space a really luxurious feel. Imagine placing your feet on a soft shag rug each morning when you step out of bed.

Making sure you have enough storage is also critical to gaining maximum efficiency from how you are going to use your bedroom. There will be no solace sought in the space if clutter is intruding on your life. Lamps and soft lighting will give the space an intimate feel, add an armchair and your room is ready to go. So grab your latest copy of my magazine or the current novel you are reading, curl up in your favourite chair or lay on your new bed surrounded by cushions and start enjoying the fruits of your labour.

By Karen Creith
www.karencreith.com.au