Neryl Jackson and other residents at an adult fitness class in Parkes last week. Make sure to sign up for the Neighbourhood Central Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Program.

The new Neighbourhood Central Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Program for older people is now up and running.

Clients have signed up to the 20-week program where they are enjoying a variety of relaxing and fun modified activities to increase health and wellbeing. We under- stand that each person is different, and we are accommodating to all levels of ability.

Activities are taking place in Parkes and Forbes, with some selected sessions in Peak Hill and Condobolin. Transport will be offered to selected events for people living in other areas such as Trundle and Tullamore.

Sessions include hydrotherapy, Tai Chi, yoga in a chair, older adults fitness group and music and singing groups. We are also holding information workshops that will help increase health awareness and promote falls strategies – all of which aim to prevent or delay further entry into the aged care system, make you feel good and keep you living in your home for longer.

It’s not too late to register! If you are aged over 65, or 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, please call Louise 0409 372 742 or Rachel 0456 800 328. Alternatively drop in or call our Parkes office on 6862 3757.

A $20 registration fee applies to cover all activities – that’s only $1 per week! There are limited numbers for each session, so call now to join in the fun.

A warning has been issued to the public to take care against mosquito-borne viruses following recent heavy rains and associated flooding.

The increase in rain and flooding may result in an increase in mosquito breeding, particularly where there is pooled water, according to the Western NSW Local Health District.

Whilst being bitten is irritating, mosquitoes can carry disease such as Ross River, Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis. These infections can cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints.

There has been no increase in the number of reported cases of mosquito-borne viruses so far. It is however important to take steps to eliminate the risk of mosquitoes breeding around the home.

Protect yourself by: Screening all windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out; Sleep under a mosquito net in an unscreened house or when camping; Take precautions outside at dusk and dawn using a repellent and/or wearing a loose fitting long sleeved shirt and trousers; When mosquitoes are inside the room, use spray, especially behind furniture and dark places; Air conditioning, fans and mosquito coils are also effective; If your septic tank was inundated with flood water, have it professionally pumped out; Ensure there are no containers around that store water; ensure mesh is in place on septic vents.

From heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates to sticky gummy bears, sweet treats are often the gift of choice on Valentine’s Day.

While these sugary treats are sure to delight your sweetheart, their teeth could be getting a sour deal.

Say, “I love you” and still ensure your significant other gets a great dental check-up by opting for treats that don’t cling to the teeth. Avoid those gummies as well as hard candies because both types of treats stay on your teeth longer.

Show your sweet side with treats such as dark chocolate that have some health benefits as well as less sugar, in many cases.

for example, are delectable and lower in sugar. Consider candies sweetened with Xylitol as this natural sweet substance may reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Encouraging your Valentine to get regular dental check-ups is a wonderful way to show you care!

For all your dental needs please call Riaz Dental on 68621261 or visit www.riazdental.com.au

Margaret Robinson