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Forbes Phoenix

Jackson Saddlery Have Everything Equine

August 10, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Jackson Saddlery was established by Shirilee Jackson to meet the needs of people involved in equine disciplines in Forbes and the Central West, after she became fed up with the challenges involved in obtaining products and services locally. “Trying to find equine products around here is just impossible. You have to wait for it to be ordered from online, or travel interstate,” she said.

“And sometimes when you do get the goods come in, it’s not what you ordered, or the wrong size. Having a local saddlery and produce store means people can come in and see what they want and make sure it’s right.”

The shop opened four weeks ago, and has had fantastic early success. “It’s taken a while to get it up and running but it’s been open for four weeks now. And we’re doing really well. We have a lot of orders coming in and people wanting products.”

Shirilee also works at the Forbes Veterinary clinic as a veterinary nurse, so when it comes to nutrition and animal health, she knows her stuff. Jackson Saddlery has everything you need for any equine discipline under one roof. To find out more, visit the store or check out the Jackson Saddlery page on Facebook.

MD Steel Fabrication

August 10, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

MD Steel Fabrication Pty Ltd is an independently owned and operated business which has been established in Forbes since 2004. At MD Steel Fabrication we sell, design, manufacture and build galvanised steel buildings, sheds & garages, trailers, ute trays and toolboxes for multiple uses.

Our range of buildings also includes standard designs and we have a range of pre-built trailers on display in our yard on location. We specialise in fabricated sheds featuring powder-coated universal beam columns & galvanised web trusses.

We have a team of qualified and experienced tradespeople who can provide you with quality services and advice required for your next commercial, industrial, domestic, or rural building project.

We provide a range of structural steel fabrication services to our customers who include commercial and industrial organisations, governments, schools, farmers and householders within the central western district and beyond.

MD Steel Fabrication also provide a large range of welding equipment, tools and hardware available from our fully stocked showroom. To contact the team at MD Steel, call 6851 4827, drop in, or visit the website: http://www.mdsteelfab.com.au/

Ooh La La! French Doors are a Stylish Addition

August 3, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

French doors create a sense of luxury in any home. Their lavish styling is complimented by their practicality, with a variety of options available to open up your living area and allow wide access to a courtyard.

At the Glassplace, hinged French doors are available as double or single doors, and come in either aluminium or Western Red Cedar with a full range of matching windows available in either material. If interior wall space is limited, French doors are a great option. Available as both an open in or open out application, French doors have the ability to be a stunning 2400mm high. French doors can be fitted with toughened or laminated glass or with Low E glass for energy savings and more comfortable living.

Full locking options are available for security, safety and peace of mind. You can view various French doors and single hinged door options on display at the Glassplace showroom, where you will see for yourself how Low E Glass can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Visit the Glassplace showroom in Clarke St Parkes, the website www.glassplace.com.au or contact them on 6862 2346 to learn more about the range of French and single hinged doors.

Dental Health Week

August 3, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Snoring? Nodding Off A Lot? Did You Know Your Dentist Can Treat Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a relatively common condition contributing to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, accidents and stroke. It is caused by the muscles in your mouth and throat relaxing and interfering with your breathing while you sleep.

Along with snoring, the first signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) that many people notice is falling asleep in the daytime — in front of the TV, at work or behind the wheel. SomnoDent® devices are an alternative to the traditional Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask. It works by holding your lower jaw slightly forward.

Nine out of ten users say SomnoDent is comfortable to use. They sleep better at night, and so do their partners! See your Doctor or Dentist for more information on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

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

Helping Farmers With Mental Health

July 13, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Farmers are one of the most at-risk groups for suicide in Australia. Gaining and building trust, and talking openly about challenges, is the key to protecting their mental health.

New research from the University of South Australia assessed the difference between farming and non-farming adults to examine what stops them from using mental health services.

“What we really wanted to pin down with the study was, do farmers have a really dif- ferent set of values and circumstances that might put up barriers to getting help when they need it. Evidence suggests rural Australians prefer to seek non-professional support to manage health concerns, and they have a real desire to be independent and maintain pride, all of which may delay or even stop them from seeking mental healthcare or support,” said Melissa Hull. Farming can be a very physically and psychologically demanding occupation, often in difficult and isolated environments.

Communication often becomes a bar- rier in rural Australia where there is a ste- reotype of self-reliance and stoicism. There is also a preference for seeking help from family and friends rather than profession- als. The research recommends that those support people seek professional advice to help them ensure the safety of the person who has approached them for help.

Signs to look out for when someone is facing a mental illness.
Behavioural: inability to achieve tasks, poor concentration, social withdrawal, disinterest in normal tasks, and reliance on alcohol.

Emotional: feelings of sadness, guilt, frustration, defeat.
Thoughts: feeling like a burden on others, worthlessness and a sense of failure.
Physical signs: disrupted sleep, headaches, fatigue and digestive issues.

If you are someone you know is expe- riencing mental health challenges, the most important thing to do is talk about it. Beyond Blue is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. You can also email them at any time of day, or chat online from 3pm-12am, seven days a week.

In an emergency situation, and/or if someone is at immediate risk of harm, you can call the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Together, we can help make it easier to talk about mental illness, and support the people we care about.

Window Myths Busted

July 6, 2017 by Maggi Barnard


Several myths exist when it comes to windows in homes, and we’re here to help you sort the fact from the fiction.

Myth: You need Council or planning permission to replace windows.

Fact: This is not true for most homeowners. Replacement of existing windows and doors (provided the opening size remains the same) does not require a planning permit, unless your home is heritage listed.

Myth: Windows don’t have any effect on energy efficiency.

Fact: Experts estimate that up to 70 percent of energy is lost through windows and doors, and that 90 percent of this heat loss occurs through the glass. There are several products and options that can impact positively on the energy efficiency of your home.

Myth: Double-glazed windows work best.

Fact: This is not true. While double-glazed windows can work well in both hot and cold climates, reflecting energy back into the room, Low-E Glass works very well in our climate.

Also known as Pyrolytic, Smart glassTM, or Comfort PlusTM, Low-E glass works in three ways. Firstly, it reduces direct heat radiation from the sun. Secondly, it reduces the hot and cold energy transfer between the inside and outside of your window. Finally, if you choose the tinted version (grey or green), it also cuts down glare. Low-E glass is also cheaper than double-glazing.

Myth: Anyone can install windows.

Fact: While technically this is true, not everyone can install windows correctly. Window installation is an acquired skill, so the more expe- rience an installer has, the better the result will be. Issues that can arise from a poor installation can include leaking, drafts, and difficulty opening and closing. It is always recommended that you use the services of a professional window installer. If you are not confident installing windows, or are not sure where to start, the team here at GlassPlace can help you find a licenced professional installer to help with designing and installing your new windows.

New Podiatry Services For Forbes

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Flannery’s Pharmacy is happy to announce a new podiatry service available at the pharmacy. Adam Debenham, who is originally from Forbes, and Bill Devanney will be visiting Flannery’s Pharmacy commencing 19th July to provide easy access to podiatry services for Forbes residents.

Our feet do an amazing job getting us from A to B throughout our lives and endure a lot of punishment in between. Often this pun- ishment can leave us with small deformities, callous, corns or difficulty to manage nails that impact greatly on our day to day lives. Doctors Choice Podiatry can offer a multitude of solutions to many of these disabling problems.

Biomechanical abnormalities can also cause issues with our gait, which can lead to pain and injury. Not all abnormalities require treatment with orthotics. Following a thorough assessment, Doctors Choice Podiatry can offer appropriate therapies ranging from simple stretching or strengthening exercises right through to prescribing custom-made orthotics.

Unfortunately, diabetes can have a major impact on our feet, especially circulation and sensation. Doctors Choice Podiatry can provide specialised nail care, corn and callous debridement, padding, offloading, along with vascular and neurological assessments.

“Flannery’s Pharmacy is very happy to be able to provide a podiatry service to the local community in one of the brand new consult rooms,” said Business Manager, Debbie Prior.

If you would like an appointment or more information please contact Flannery’s Pharmacy on 6852 1111 or call into the store.

Commercial Property In Prime Spot

June 15, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

This 2,023m2 commercial zoned property at 23 Dowling Street is on the western side of Dowling Street in the northern portion of the Central Business District of Forbes. It is also located near the BP service station, a building supply shop, Holden and Nissan dealer- ship, McDonalds, Caltex service station and other businesses in a high traffic area.

The location is fit for any type of business looking to develop with prominent highway frontage. The property is fenced with rear lane access and cement footpath at the front.

Council DA approved and traffic plan completed, for a car wash, details of which are available.

Access is available via Dowling Street, which is a two lane bitu- men sealed road carriageway with concrete kerb and gutter and concrete footpath.

Services available include electricity, town water, sewer, natural gas and telephone.

Individual inspections can be arranged by contacting Ian Simp- son on 0417 468 565. This is an opportunity to look at the block, get some more information and ask any questions you might have.

An auction will take place on Saturday, 24th June onsite at 23 Dowling Street. Registrations commence at 9:30am, and the auc- tion starts at 10:00am sharp.

Bidders can register as a phone bidder or register and bid on the day in person.

The vendors of this property need to make a sale and will consider all offers prior to auction.

Located on the Newell Highway, Forbes attracts customers from far reaching Western NSW and visitors from all over the state.

Call Ian Simpson on 0417 468 565.

 

When Was Your Last HIV Check?

June 15, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Health is encouraging people to have their HIV status checked with testing now easier and faster than ever before.

Manager of HIV and Related Programs (HARP), Ann Ryan said around 10% of people with HIV in NSW may be unaware they have the virus, a statistic NSW Health hopes to change.

“As well as risking their own health, people with undiagnosed HIV infection are at risk of passing the virus on to others without know- ing,” Ann said.

However, the statistics are improving. The number of HIV tests done in NSW continues to increase with over 500,000 tests conduct- ed last year, a 7% increase on the number of tests in 2015.

Nursing Unit Manager Dubbo Sexual Health, Margie Crowley said HIV testing was easier and faster than ever with a high quality, safe and innovative HIV testing ser- vice. To make testing for HIV easier, the NSW Government has launched the Dried Blood Spot HIV test – a free, easy, private and accurate way to test for HIV at home.

“We need people in groups at risk of HIV to test regularly so they can receive early treatment and prevent transmission of HIV to others.”

Most (82%) new HIV infections reported last year were in gay and homosexually- active men, with heterosexual people ac- counting for 15%. One third of people newly diagnosed with HIV were diagnosed with signs of late infection, which could have been avoided with earlier testing.

Margie said heterosexual people who may be in an at risk group should also be tested. “This includes people from African and Asian countries, and/or those who have had previous sexual partners from one of these countries. Anyone who has had unprotected sex should also be tested.”
“All pregnant women should be tested irrespective of risk, as treatment during pregnancy is very effective in preventing infection from mother to child.”

People can request HIV testing at their GP or at their local sexual health service: Dubbo Sexual Health at 203 Brisbane Street, contact number 6841 2489 or Orange Sexual Health at 96 Kite Street on 6392 8600.

Information on Dry Blood Spot self-sampling test at https://www.hivtest.health.nsw. gov.au/. To find out where to get tested go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/ pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx.

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