Special Interests Archives - Page 105 of 121

CENTRAL WEST STUD SALES

August 17, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Choice Angus Inaugural Bull Sale

The 2017 Choice Angus Inaugural Bull Sale will be held on 1st September 2017 at 1pm on farm at “Inglewood”, 128 Norah Creek Road, Molong. There will be 50 yearling bulls on offer for sale.

The 2017 sale will be the first time Choice Angus will be using the Helmsman auction system. “We believe that yearling bulls, rather than 2-year-olds, are a better purchasing option for the majority of our customers. They carry the latest genetics, and being younger they settle into their new environment easier. In addition, being lighter they are often a better choice for joining heifers,” said Tim Brazier.

For sale information call Tim Brazier 0427 625 996. The sale is being run by Elders Bathurst – David Simpson 0427 399 362 and interfaced with Auctions Plus. For more information check out the website www.choiceangus.com or find them on Facebook.

Coota Park Blue-E 2017

The Coota Park Blue-E 2017 Annual on property production sale will be held on Tuesday 5th September at 2pm in Woodstock, near Cowra. On offer this year are 50 bulls and 20 cows and calves.

Coota Park Blue-E cattle are known for their hybrid vigour, efficient conversion of grass to meat, low methane and growth yield marbling efficiency. Blue-E’s are a line of Angus x Shorthorn cattle that have been developed by Jon, Harvey and Barbara Wright of Coota Park, Woodstock, NSW. The Blue-E concept was initially conceived by Jon after many years working as Cattle Manager at the Trangie Research Centre in NSW. The research considered the value of feed conversion to the beef industry.

After seeing firsthand the enormous value in selecting for feed conversion, Jon returned to Coota Park and initiated the Blue-E cattle and built their own Efficiency Testing Facility on farm.

Southern Star Rural

Southern Star Rural (SSR) a Senepol stud based in Canowindra have on offer a number of Senepol, Senepol x Angus and Senepol x Charolais bulls for sale on farm. This year a number of SSR bulls will be sold through the 5 Star Senepol Sale at the Gracemere Saleyards near Rockhampton, QLD on Monday 18th September at 11am. For more information please contact Clayton Maynard on 0439 029 204 or visit the website www.southernstarrural.com.au

Solve Your Lambing Problems

August 17, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

For over 20 years Felix Rams has focussed on producing efficient and profitable prime lambs by breeding high performance, structurally sound meatsheep rams.

Felix Rams’ commitment to collecting good accurate performance data is second to none. Since first weighing lambs at birth in 1996, they have weighed more

than 22,500 lambs within 12 hours of birth. It is little wonder that a Felix client recently claimed, “You’ve solved our lambing problems”.

Birthweight records go into Sheep Genetics –Lambplan. “We use Lambplan breeding values for birthweight and lambing to help eliminate the production of rams that sire lambs with excessively high or low birthweights,” said Rodney Watt.

The priority is quick early growth, and maturity, not maximum adult ram size. Felix Rams will efficiently produce a 22-28 kg lamb.

The majority of Felix Rams hit the sweet spot for birthweight asbv of between 0.1 and 0.5 and pfat asbv between -0.8 and +0.5. At the same time, these rams are consistently in the top 25% of terminal rams for growth rate and eye muscle.

Felix Rams will offer around 140 Poll Dorset and 45 White Suffolk rams at their annual on-property sale at Greenethorpe on September 5th.

Catalogues are available at www.felixrams.com.au from August 25, or call Rodney 0417 499 204 or the selling agents, Allan Gray and Co Cowra 02 6342 2377.

Heart Foundation’s Mymarathon Hopes

August 17, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Up to 3.6 million Australians are not doing any exercise at all and over half say they mostly sit on a typical work day, according to new research from the Heart Foundation.

Alarmingly, couch potatoes are starting young, with almost one in five parents saying their child was inactive, and a third blaming a lack of interest and a preference for electronic games.

The Heart Foundation asked 1,001 adults about their weight and exercise patterns, and the activity levels of their children. The findings, published earlier this month in the Heart Foundation’s National Physical Activity Plan report included:

Only 20% of adults meet the national guidelines for enough exercise (30 minutes, five times a week).

One 7% of children get the recommended one hour a day of exercise, meaning 600,000 children are inactive.

Older Australians are more active than younger Australians.

Adjunct Professor John Kelly, CEO – National of the Heart Foundation, said: “Physical inactivity is one of the most significant global health crises. Our survey shows that levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour in Australia remain worryingly high, which is a serious threat to our heart health and increases our risk of early death.”

The Heart Foundation survey found that people who did no exercise – about 3.6 million adults – said the main barrier was lack of time, followed by a lack of enjoyment of exercise and a preference for doing other things. Those who did exercise were motivated first by the desire to lose weight, followed by concern for their appearance, and then concern for their health.

The preferred exercises were walking, going to the gym, jogging or running.

“Making physical activity easier and more accessible for all is vitally important if we are to reduce ill health. That’s why we have launched the MyMarathon challenge – an ideal way for people of all fitness levels to increase their exercise and improve heart health, while raising funds to fight heart disease,” said Professor Kelly.

The MyMarathon challenge runs during October and encourages people of all fitness levels to run or walk the equivalent of a marathon (42.2 kilometres) in their own time over a month. Money raised will help to fund life-saving research to fight heart disease.

Equivalent to just 20-30 minutes of brisk walking each day, it’s an achievable goal for most people, helping them reach the recommended physical activity levels and improve their own heart health.

The challenge was initially run in the UK by the British Heart Foundation. This year the aim is to get 10,000 Aussies off the couch and into their trainers to raise $800,000 for life-saving research.

To find out more visit https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/mymarathon

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.

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