Features Archives - Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Public School Growing In 2020

November 29, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Next year Forbes Public (FPS) school will continue to be an exciting place to be for teachers, students and the parent community, operating under a philosophy that encourages high expectations, healthy relationships and promotes a really positive learning environment.

Next year FPS will have three kindergarten classes which is the most they have had for a long time. Kindergarten teachers will be Emily Gersbach, who has lots of experience in teaching infants, Tegan Davidson who comes from an early childhood background and Wendy Nicholls will continue as Assistant Principal as well as take on the third kindergarten class. Wendy has lots of experience in leadership as well as with teaching the early years and setting a solid learning foundation.

The school continues to maintain a focus on delivering a high-quality curriculum as well as wonderful sports programs. Other curriculum opportunities like the Enrichment and Engagement Program (EEP) which continue to give Forbes Public School students hand on science, mathematical and critical thinking-based learning opportunities..

Principal Meg Staples said, “We are all looking forward to returning together to continue the team effort and collegial approach to ensuring every student is known, valued and cared for at our school.”

Forbes North Public School’s 2020 Vision

November 29, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Kindergarten students couldn’t wish for a better start to their schooling life at Forbes North Public School with two dynamic, energetic, dedicated and highly experienced teachers to lead them through the very first stage of their educational journey.

This is exactly what is in store for new kindergarten students commencing school at Forbes North Public School in 2020. The 2020 Kindergarten kids will have the benefit of two outstanding teachers in Melissa Karaitiana and Dell Welsh focussing on their every learning need. Kindergarten students will also have the benefit of a full-time Learning Support Officer in their classrooms as well as access to a fully qualified and highly skilled school Speech Pathologist. Additionally, Forbes North Public School students are able to take advantage of a full-time Learning Support/ Intervention teacher who is dedicated to supporting students from kindergarten up to year two.

At Forbes North Public School, they believe it is absolutely vital that kindergarten students have the strongest possible foundation on which to build their future learning. Their holistic and community minded approach to enhancing the experience of Kindergarten in 2020 will provide students with just that.

Signs You’re Struggling With High-Functioning Anxiety

December 20, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Despite it being the most common mental health condition in Australia, there are plenty of misconceptions around anxiety.

Sufferers are typically thought to be paralysed by panic attacks and withdrawn from the world but this isn’t always the case. While it’s not an official diagnosis, “highfunctioning” anxiety is something many people identify with.

SANE Australia Psychologist, Suzanne Leckie says that anxiety can affect different people in different ways and that high-functioning anxiety is an alternative manifestation of the condition, rather than an alternative condition.

“Sometimes people with anxiety inadvertently shrink their own world by avoiding activities that trigger their anxiety. Other times anxiety can motivate people to try harder across all aspects of their lives.”

She says that those living with high-functioning anxiety can be perceived by others as achievement-oriented, perfectionistic and highly motivated.

“Their own reality is likely to be one of racing thoughts, restless bodies and a sense that they are never doing enough.”

The usual symptoms of anxiety are present for those living with high-functioning anxiety, including catastrophic thinking, excessive worry and irritability.

“The difference with high-functioning anxiety is that people experiencing this may feel the desire to achieve more as a way to manage their fears and doubts,” Leckie says.

If this sounds like you, here are some of the other signs you might be struggling:
1. People describe you as a “Type A” perfectionist: You strive for perfection in everything you do.
2. You exhibit controlling patterns: This “perfectionism” can manifest in controlling habits and strict routines.
3. You’re constantly busy: Your to-do list is a kilometre long and your weekends are packed with plans.
4. You’re not sleeping well: All that tossing and turning during the night can be a true reflection of what’s going on in your head.
5. You have aches, pains, repetitive habits or ticks: There can often be physical manifestations of your mental state, like that constant knot in your stomach or unexplained neck pain, biting your nails, chewing your lip, tapping your foot or cracking your knuckles.
6. People have a hard time reading you: You’ve been described as stoic and unemotional but you know that couldn’t be further from the truth.
7. You have a crippling fear of letting other people down: Obsessive and intrusive negative self-talk is a big indication of high-functioning anxiety.
8. “No” isn’t part of your vocabulary: The dread of letting people down leads you to taking on more than you can handle.

If this sounds like you, contact the SANE Help Centre on 1800 187 263 or email helpline@sane.org for information, support and guidance from mental health professionals.

Source: WomensHealth by Lauren Williamson.

Flannery’s Pharmacy…Here’s To A New Year

December 20, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The teams at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies would like to wish all their customers a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year.

“It’s been a great year and we’ve really enjoyed providing professional services and giving health and beauty related advice to all our lovely customers,” said Debbie Prior, Business Manager at Flannery’s. “Thank you all so much for your continued support of our pharmacies,” continued Debbie.

Flannery’s Pharmacy would also like to inform their customers of a slight change in their trading hours.

“Flannery’s Pharmacy will commence trading till 5:30pm each weekday from 2nd January 2019,” said Debbie. “Recently we have found that not as many people are accessing the pharmacy between 5:30pm and 6pm,” said Debbie. “We will continue to open at 8:30am and Life Pharmacy will be open until 6:30pm each week day.”

Over the festive season the trading hours will be:
Flannery’s Pharmacy
Christmas Eve: 8:30am to 6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
Thursday, 27th December: 8:30am to 6pm
Friday, 28th December: 8:30am to 6pm
Saturday, 29th December: 9am to 12:30pm
Sunday, 30th December: Closed
Monday, 31st December: 8:30am to 6pm
New Years Day: Closed
Tuesday, 2nd January: 8:30am to 5:30pm

Life Pharmacy
Christmas Eve: 8:30am to 6:30pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 10am to 1pm
Thursday, 27th December: 8:30am to 6:30pm
Friday, 28th December: 8:30am to 6:30pm
Saturday, 29th January: 9am to 1pm
Sunday, 30th January: 10am to 1pm
Monday, 31st January: 8:30am to 6:30pm
New Years Day: Closed

Keeping An Eye On Blood Pressure Key To Stroke Prevention

July 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

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 Maggi Barnard

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 Maggi Barnard

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 Maggi Barnard

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 Maggi Barnard

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 Maggi Barnard

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.