Special Interests Archives - Page 112 of 121

Mums And Dads Can Suffer From Perinatal Depression

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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.

Are Core Stability Exercises A Good Idea?

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Everybody knows the plank exercise, but does performing this type of core stability exercise actually help people with low back pain? Physiotherapists, Professor Peter O’Sullivan from Curtin University and Professor Paul Hodges from The University of Queensland, wrote the book on spinal stability exercises. They did a lot of research into the abdominal muscles in the 1990’s and the focus on Transversus Abdominis came from their work. So what are they
saying now?

The plank exercise involves a person on their elbows and toes while holding their body stiff for a period of time. This is not what core stability means, says Professor Hodges. If you think about most functions, we actually need the spine to move. Core stability is about getting the spine to move. Professor O’Sullivan says many people with back pain are already too rigid. Their muscles have already tensed up as a protective mechanism due to pain. Static
exercises like planking can actually be counterproductive. Tensing up a structure that is already tense doesn’t make much sense. Instead we should be relaxing the muscles around our trunk when we have back pain.

So where does that leave us? Should we be telling the gym instructor to take a jump next time they ask for a plank? If we don’t have low back pain planks are fine. Better still are dynamic exercises that require us to naturally activate our core muscles such as squats. If we have low back pain, core activation exercises along with movement and learning to turn off over active muscles beat planks hands down. The spine is designed to move.

“For the fitness of you”
Linda Reilly

Clearing Sale

November 11, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Home Front

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

First Time Offered In 75 Years
43 Warrul Rd, Forbes
• *4.8 hectares (*11.8 acres)
• 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom brick and tile home
• Private and secluded property on the edge of Forbes
• Lachlan river, rain water and bore water options
• Set up for beekeeping, but would suit a variety of pursuits
• Machinery shed, workshop, hay shed, numerous storage sheds
• Fully fenced, established gardens and lawns
• 2 fenced paddocks, ample space for livestock or horses
• Clearing sale to be conducted the same day
Comprehensive information memorandum available on request

43 Warrul Road will be auctioned, unless sold prior.
Auction: Onsite 43 Warrul Rd, 10:30am, 10th December
Open Homes: 12th Nov – 1pm – 1:30pm, 17th Nov – 6pm – 6:30pm, 26th Nov – 11am – 11:30pm, 3rd Dec – 11am – 11:30pm
Clearing Sale: Start at 11am, 10th December
Ian Simpson: 0417 468 565 ian.simpson@iansimpsonandco.com
Office: (02) 6851 1911 www.iansimpsonandco.com.au

Jemalong Wool Weekly Market Update

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

After recently hitting a sixteen month high the NRI fell 27 cents to finish the week at 1348 c/kg. Again it was the stylish, high NKT, low CVH lots that received the greatest competition and some of these wools, particularly in the finer sector only fell marginally for the week. There was reduced interest in the lower style/spec lots however, and these wools suffered the greatest losses, with some types falling by as much as 50 cents for the week. 19.5 micron and coarser were generally 30-40 cents cheaper, while 19.0 micron and finer were 20 to 30 cents easier. Crossbreds followed suit with all types and descriptions deteriorating as the week progressed, closing 20-60 cents lower, with 26.0 micron the most affected.

Merino skirtings were generally 30-40 cents cheaper, while falls in the oddment market were less severe with
most types and descriptions generally easing between 10 and 20 cents. 51,000 bales are currently rostered for sale next week.

Harvest Priority At Moment Not Stock

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The number of sheep, lamb and cattle into the saleyards this week have started to drop right back. Brendan Mansbrigde of Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon & Co (KMWL) attributed this to the harvesting season starting. “Farmers are making hay and getting ready for the harvest. They do not focus on stock.” Brendan said there was also a lot of feed available so producers were keeping lambs and young cattle for longer.

In combination with these factors, prices have also started to fall in the lamb market as Western Victoria is reaching its peak season with a later spring. “A lot of lambs have hit the market in Hamilton and Ballarat, which is part of the annual cycle,” said Brendan. Prices this week fell the most for old season shorn lambs reaching a top of $163 – about $3 cheaper than previous week. Heavy new season lambs went for $159. Old sheep sold for $3 to $4 dearer, while Merino wethers reached a top of $130 and Merino ewes went to a top of $118.

The cattle market did not see much change this week, except old cows were 5 to 6c per kilo cheaper compared to the previous week. Looking ahead, Brendan said prices were still good – it had just come off the recent record prices. Numbers should increase again by March next year.

Stay Safe This Grain Harvest

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

As grain harvest begins across the cropping districts of NSW, machinery operators need to remain vigilant when working near overhead powerlines and power poles. Regional manager Essential Energy, Mark Summers, said harvest machinery should be kept at least 3m clear from the electricity network to ensure the safety of agricultural workers.

“Last season there were numerous incidents of machinery contact with the network resulting in significant costs to individuals, loss of production, damage to power infrastructure and inconvenience to the wider community due to loss of supply.” Maps of Essential Energy’s overhead electricity network are available by calling 13 23 91 or visiting essentialenergy.com.au/overhead. “If your machinery does contact the electricity network, stay in the cabin and call 13 20 80,” Mark said. “Bystanders should always remain at least 8m away and treat powerlines as if they are live.”

To report an incident call 13 20 80 or Triple-0 (000) if the situation is life-threatening.

Be Prepared And Minimise Bushfire Risk

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

With the 2016-17 Bush Fire Danger Period declared in 26 local government areas across the State, property owners need to minimise fire risk around homes and farms. The NSW Rural Fire Service was expecting above average bushfire activity this season. “Basic things such as mowing lawns regularly, clearing any leaves and debris from
gutters and ensuring wood piles are stored away from homes can help to protect your property from fire,” said regional manager Essential Energy, Mark Summers.

Download and complete a Bushfire Survival Plan and Farm FireWise Checklist from the Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. “We recommend vegetation be kept at least 15m clear from powerlines. If you notice any potential hazards contact Essential Energy for a safety assessment before attempting any trimming.” Keep your mobile charged during high risk days and consider access to back-up power if there is a need to pump water.

In the event of a bushfire, watch out for damaged infrastructure, burning poles and fallen powerlines. Keep at least 8m away from fallen lines and call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.

Business As Usual At Achesons Home Timber And Hardware

November 3, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

You may have heard that the Home Timber and Hardware Group have been acquired by the Metcash Group, which also owns Mitre 10. Both groups are similar businesses, strongly committed to their brands, their customers and supporting the growth of the independent hardware market. The acquisition represents a merger of two successful
independent hardware groups and will deliver significant scale and growth for the combined business. The objective is to continue to build up successful independents and support and grow a vibrant independent hardware sector for the long term.

Aaron Acheson, from Acheson’s Timber and Hardware said: “This will enable us to have a better range of products at a better price due to the increased number of stock items we will be carrying. It is business as usual here at the store – we are open every day of the week.”

Three Cheers To Karen’s New Book

November 3, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Last week was very exciting as we launched my latest book, Home Sweet Home, at a gala party at the Parkes RSL club with over 150 people in attendance to support and cheer us on. This book is very special to me for two main reasons. Firstly after working with clients over the last few years I felt there was a real need for a handbook filled with simple to follow, step by step advice that would give you all the answers to the questions constantly asked of you while undertaking a renovating or decorating project. So hopefully with this handbook the next project you embark on won’t be nearly as scary or stressful.

And secondly, the book allowed me to collaborate with some amazing national brands, fantastic retail stores and a bevy of skilled tradesman and contractors from around the Parkes and Forbes region that are represented in the pages of the black book directory at the end of the book. Not only do you have the answers to many renovation questions, but you also have all the contact details of the people who can literally bring your building and renovating dreams to life. I think this is what is going to make this publication very helpful.

Home Sweet Home has pages for notes as you go through each step of your project. I would love to think that it would become your best friend throughout your next project. It is available at newsagencies around the region, from my own store in Parkes Furniture One and online at www.karencreith.com.au with free shipping available.

I hope you grab your copy today and enjoy reading it!
Love Karen x

Subscribe