Agricultural ministers around the country discussed a range of issues facing the sector during this COVID-19 crisis last week.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said: “The Federal Government sought agreement from the states to adopt the strict protocols for infection of staff found to have COVID-19 and for food processing under the standards set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand or FSANZ.”

“State ministers were asked to agree to the livestock saleyards and wool auctions protocols so that they can continue. This is an important link in the supply chain and the confirmation will reduce anxiety among the sector and producers. The saleyards and auctions standards are both practical in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and allowing those who need to attend to do so. The standards include limiting attendance to essential saleyard staff, accredited livestock agents and genuine buyers.”

This is to let you know that Matthews Williams is continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and, based on advice from government and health authorities, we are taking all required action to protect the health and wellbeing of our clients, the public, staff, and anyone accessing our offices.

We have implemented hygiene policies and practices such as no body contact and regular cleaning of surfaces in our offices.

In order to protect our clients, we can adapt, which may include our clients to email or telephoning instructions. We propose to continue to operate in providing legal services as far as the situation allows. There may be disruptions to our office opening hours, but as yet we are not at that stage.

These are unprecedented times for all of us and we thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and always seek ways to support our clients and our communities.

We will continue to follow Government health advices as they unfold.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Very young children may have had little to no exposure with the viruses that cause colds and flu, which means they may have low resistance to infection. Children become sick much more quickly than adults.

Follow these five easy steps to keep your kids healthy and less likely to spread or catch virusses in school or day-care.
• Tip 1: Wash hands frequently at home and at school.
• Tip 2: Get active! Kids should get regular, moderate exercise to boost their immune systems.
• Tip 3: Get plenty of sleep – children should have between nine to 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase chances of becoming sick.
• Tip 4: Try and eat a well-balanced diet with lots of colourful fruit and vegetables.
• Tip 5: Avoid germ sharing – no sharing of cups and straws, scarves and caps or anything else that comes in contact with their mouths and faces.

Most importantly, when kids do get sick, keep them home and take steps to prevent germs from spreading to other young children. Day-care centres and schools have guidelines on when and for how long sick children should be away to minimise the risk of colds and flu spreading to the other children.

If your child does become sick this flu season, don’t panic, they’re just building up their immune system. Rest, warmth, nourishing foods and plenty of fluids will help them fight against any cold or flu.

If you want more information and treatment options, contact our friendly pharmacists today.

Unlike many diseases that affect the human eye, glaucoma lacks symptoms and warning signs in its early stages. When left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness – this is currently one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia today. It’s astounding to think that two in 100 Australians are unaware that they are experiencing serious optic nerve damage, resulting in loss of vision within a matter of years. Hansen Optometrists believe it is vital for over 50s to have their eyes tested for glaucoma every year. Using the absolute latest in retinal imaging technology, the experienced optometrists will provide you with accurate, fast and sometimes sight- saving results. Sixty minutes of your time each year can save your vision – book your appointment online, or call 6362 2222.

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