As families prepare for the new school year, many parents work through the usual checklist: new shoes, new pencils, sticking labels on everything. But there’s one important item that’s often over­looked: an eye test.

Children’s vision plays a crucial role in learning, behaviour and confidence at school. Yet many kids don’t realise they have a vision problem. To them, the way they see the world is “normal,” even if the board is blurry or reading is uncom­fortable. That’s why parents need to be strong advocates for their children’s eye care.

More children are becoming shortsighted than ever before. Compared to previous generations, today’s kids spend far more time doing close work, particular digital devices and far less time outdoors. This shift is contributing to a rise in vision problems at younger ages.

Undetected vision issues can quietly affect a child’s ability to concentrate, read, follow instructions and participate confidently in the classroom. They can also impact behaviour, as children who struggle to see may become frustrated, tired or disengaged. Often, these prob­lems aren’t obvious, and it takes more than a parent’s keen eye to pick them up.

The good news is that early detec­tion makes a real difference. Identifying vision problems early allows for timely treatment and better long-term out­comes, particularly as a child’s eyes are still developing.

We recommend a comprehensive eye test before starting kindergarten, and then every two years throughout school or sooner if concerns arise. As part of your back-to-school routine, adding an eye test to the checklist is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on your child’s learning and wellbeing. Book your child’s eye appointment on 6963 5577 or www.hansenoptom.com

Health services in Forbes have been bol­stered with Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) wel­coming two new experienced pharmacists to Flannery’s Pharmacy.

LPG pharmacists Chris and Brooke Young, together with their daughter Lily, have relocated to Forbes where Chris is the newest Pharmacist in Charge at Flan­nery’s Pharmacy. Brooke will join the team this year.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the pharmacy, and continuing to grow the services we offer, as well as being a part of the Forbes community. Hopefully I can get involved with the local Rural Fire Service, Landcare and church organisations,” Chris Young said.

It has been a busy period for Chris and Brooke, who have relocated from Canberra, via a stint at Life Pharmacy Orange. Hav­ing grown up in a farming family, Chris is no stranger to the region, having worked with LPG in Forbes and Parkes in the early stag­es of his career.

“Farming is still certainly my happy place, I’ve still got my wool classers stencil and sheepdog,” Chris said.

Partner at Flannery’s and Life Pharma­cies, Sarah Hazell, has welcomed the Young family to Forbes and says they are a welcome addition to the local community.

“We are so pleased to have Chris, Brooke and Lily here in Forbes,” Sarah Hazell said.

“Both Chris and Brooke bring a wealth of pharmacy experience and expertise to Flan­nery’s, they’re such a wonderful addition to our team. They’re both country people who work hard and appreciate the importance of their role.”

Chris and Brooke are both so engaging and approachable so if you see them in store, don’t be afraid to say hello and wel­come!

Church lawns fill with folding chairs for car­ols, kids rehearse their nativity lines with tea towels on their heads, and once again we pause at the old, beautiful story of a baby born in a stable — God choosing the simple and the small to show us He is with us.

At Kerin Health, the lights are still on. The tinsel on the front desk is slightly crooked.

Someone’s brought in shortbread. The tree in the corner is looking a little droopy after a month of being “reorganised” by many tod­dlers – mostly my own two-year-old, a tiny interior decorator with very big opinions.

Most mornings begin the same way — a deep breath at the door, mustering energy for another day amidst the juggle of school presentation nights and Christmas parties.

We wouldn’t have it any other way. Be­cause between the carols and the chaos, there are quieter moments. A farmer com­ing in straight from the paddock, hat in hand, finally making time for his sore shoul­der. A Mum in thongs and a messy bun, baby on one hip, whispering that she’s not just tired, she’s overwhelmed. An older gent who “hates a fuss”, leaving his appointment standing taller, with a joke for the girls at the front desk.

These are the stories of this year. Of bodies worked hard and hearts stretched thin. Of neighbours checking in. Of country people doing what they’ve always done — showing up for each other.

Christmas, for Kerin Health, is less about perfect tables and more about full ones.

Less about having everything “sorted” and more about being together, sharing food, stories and second helpings.

Our team will be taking a break over Christmas to rest with our own families, so the clinic will be closed for appointments during that time, reopening in early January refreshed and ready for a big year ahead.

Behind the scenes, there are plans on whiteboards, new faces joining the staff, and some exciting announcements coming in the new year — more support for rural families, more women’s health and preg­nancy services, more ways to care for the bodies that carry our stories.

From all of us at Kerin Health: thank you for trusting us with your aches, your tears, your hard days and your hopeful ones. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.

With the festive season approaching and cost-of-living pressures continuing to af­fect households across the country, Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia have launched a new free resource to help people manage their finances and look after their mental health.

The Money and Mental Health Toolkit in­cludes practical tips for managing thoughts and emotions, budgeting, having conversa­tions with banks or utility companies and finding the right support when you need it.

Its launch comes as demand for finan­cial support via the National Debt Helpline phone service remains high, with almost 170,000 calls and chats in the 12 months to the end of October.

Recent results from Beyond Blue’s Aus­tralia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found financial pressure was the leading cause of distress for nearly half (46%) of all respondents.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said the festive season could be a par­ticularly challenging time for many people, when financial and emotional pressures of­ten intensified.

“There are so many expectations around this season and that can bring added pres­sure, especially when money is tight,” she said.

Ms Harman encouraged those experienc­ing distress not to wait. “There’s always a way forward. Talking to someone can help lighten the load and give you hope that you can get through this.”

The Money and Mental Health Toolkit is available now on the Beyond Blue website beyondblue.org.au

Mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regular Ladies Catchups in Forbes at the Ski Dam, this Sunday, 9 November, from 7:30am. The Ladies Catchups are cas­ual gatherings specifically designed to bring women together to re­connect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections.

This Sunday’s Ladies Catchup provides mental health support through relaxed conversation, breathwork exercises, ice bath ex­periences, and authentic connection in a safe, non-judgmental en­vironment. All elements of the session are optional. Participants can do as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.

This gathering offers an opportunity for any women seeking stress relief, wanting to try new wellness practices, or simply looking to connect with other like-minded women in Forbes.

Women from all walks of life are welcome, whether attending alone or with family members. Register at talk2mebro.org.au

If you’re one of the estimated 20% of Aus­tralians that suffer with hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your al­lergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities to evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly wash­ing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little al­lergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief for the symp­toms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid us­ing the “red eye” drops. These temporar­ily hide the redness without addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabi­liser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your al­lergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optom­etrists where we can formulate a personal­ised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eligi­ble women from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book a free mam­mogram, with 42 per cent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years, through a population based screening program like BreastScreen NSW, is still the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt.

Deon Adamson Manager, Breastscreen NSW (Greater Western), said with more than 250 local women expected to be diag­nosed with breast cancer this year, women need to put themselves first and book a screening.

“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed,” Ms Ad­amson said. “Early detection significantly increases a person’s chance of survival and can greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is encourag­ing clients, staff and the community to Tell a Friend about the importance of regular screening and how to book an appointment.

A record 36,500 women booked their breast screen in October 2024. This year, the Be A Friend, Tell A Friend promotion will encour­age more conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.

For more information and to make an ap­pointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.