Special Interests Archives - Page 108 of 112

Keep On Top Of Diabetes

July 7, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

National Diabetes Week runs from the 10th -16th July, putting the spotlight on Australia’s battle with this disease. Diabetes is a serious, complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self-care and if complications develop, can have a significant impact on quality of life. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Diabetes can be managed well but the potential complications are the same for type 1 and type 2 including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, limb amputation, depression, anxiety and blindness. With 1,250 New South Wales residents set to lose a limb this year due to diabetes, Diabetes NSW urges communities to act now and visit their GP to find out how they can prevent themselves from developing diabetes or how best to manage it. This year, National Diabetes Week is the ideal time to act. “We are urging the local community to help us spread the word about
the seriousness of diabetes, and the complications – such as amputations – that are associated with it,” said Sturt Eastwood, CEO, Diabetes NSW; “There is no such thing as ‘mild’ diabetes and living a life minus a limb has serious consequences.”

Diabetes NSW educators are urging those diagnosed or undiagnosed to pay close attention to any minor cuts or flesh nicks that are slow to heal, as this could be a sign their condition is worsening or is poorly managed. Any concerned residents should visit their GP immediately to seek professional advice. For more information about diabetes and activities and events for National Diabetes Week please visit www.diabetesnsw.com.au.

Meet The Team At McPhersons

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

HAYDEN FLETCHER – SPARE PARTS INTERPRETER
Hayden started his first job working at McPhersons in August 2015. Although he didn’t grow up on a farm, he’s always been interested in agriculture, specifically big machinery. In his role he has to provide professional service to customers by supplying the right part for a particular machine. The parts department is computer linked to the
major suppliers to provide immediate parts sourcing when a part is urgently required. Hayden finds his job very interesting as he has to constantly research catalogues and online to find spare parts. He enjoys being part of the McPhersons team in Parkes.

LUKE DUNN – PRECISION FARMING
Luke started in his role five years ago and was very happy to start his working career in a job where he could use his interest in the auto electrical and technology fields. He looks after clients by helping them to use their machinery and to ensure they are getting the best out of their machines. He also looks after GPS guidance, application control, user interface with machinery, technical and electrical issues with modern equipment and data management. He not only
needs to keep up with the fast pace at which technology is changing all the time, but also needs to stay
ahead. Luke feels that is the hardest part of his job, but he is constantly researching and learning.

JAMES SYMINGTON – MECHANIC
James started at McPhersons about six years ago after completing his training at the TAFE in Dubbo. As McPhersons is an agricultural dealership, he works on any kind of machine from lawn mowers to big agricultural machinery. In his role he also fits ARB bull bars and accessories. He enjoys fitting bull bars, as he works on cars in his spare time at home. Luke needs to be in a constant process of learning to stay up to date with product ranges. He often goes on training courses to be able to service new machinery and use all electronic service tools available from manufacturers. James enjoys gaining experience on so many different types of machinery.

Ostini Wool Pty Ltd Weekly Market Update

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Week ending: 23 June 2016
The second last sale for the season saw 22,108 bales put before the trade, making it the smallest national offering
in 4 years. The market continued on with last week’s rally and lifting the NRI by three cents. The rise came in spite of a firming AUD which increased 2.5% to finish above 75 US cents. InUSD terms the NRI was 27 cents higher.

Buying pressure continued to show in the medium and broader microns which added as much as 25 cents clean over the 2 days on the back of scarce quantity. However most of the volume was in the finer microns and these barely maintained the price levels of the previous sale. The smallest offering of Merino Skirtings in twelve months were also well supported and were generally in line with the previous week.

Crossbreds continued to trend lower, easing 5 to 10 cents this week. The merino carding indicator slipped 5-10 cents despite it being one of the smallest oddment selections on record.

Cutting Edge Design

June 23, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

To me when I think of cutting edge design it conjures up images of a sleek and so-phisticated look that pushes the boundaries of design and style to a new level. It sets you apart from the rest and perhaps creates a space that has you featuring in your home the latest trends and choices available in the marketplace that may have not been fully adopted by the majority of the general public yet due to their newness in the world of design.

It is a constantly changing world with advances in products, building materials and styling finishes happening so often that it takes a keen student to stay in touch with these changes and to embrace them within their own home. I like to think of this approach to design and to including advancements into my work to make my life and my client’s life easier throughout our design process.

Make a style file or Moodboard when you start the process of beginning to style your home and at that point collect all the information about what products are available and how you would like to incorporate them into your design. This allows you to do all your research and evaluation early in the project and you will save valuable time in the long run as when the contractors need speedy decisions you will be ready to go.

So here are my favourite ways to incorporate great design into your world:
• Adopting a minimalistic approach to your design will always give you an amazing result that has cutting edge design all over it.
• Introducing different building materials into your mix will give a designer edge to your final style.
• Metallic finishes scream designer chic at the moment.
• Incorporating a true eco friendly element to your home’s design is a must in making your home cutting edge in design and proactive in saving the impact we have on the environment.
• Embrace the theory that true cutting edge design allows us to incorporate old with new seamlessly.

Decorating and styling your home can really give you an opportunity to express your own inner style in a really tactile way. And I think true cutting edge design is discovering and combining the things that you treasure into a home that you absolutely love.

What Makes a Splashback?

June 23, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Glass splashbacks are a sure way to enhance the appearance of your new kitchen layout. And not only do they look great, splashbacks also make the job of cleaning in the kitchen heaps easier and much faster.

When the staff at Glassplace measure a kitchen for a new splashback, we check the size of cupboards, benches, work areas and windows. Most splashbacks are made from Low Iron toughened 6mm glass or from special mirrored glass. It’s toughened to handle the heat from the cooktop. And we use low iron glass because ordinary glass has a very slight green tint, which is not noticeable until it is painted, but it can slightly change the appearance of the splashback when installed, especially if using light or white colours.

The colour choice is totally yours. Some customers want a very plain colour to blend in with walls and cupboards, while others like to have a bold colour to enhance the look of their new kitchen. So after we have the size and shape of the splashback pieces confirmed, it’s up to our glass supplier to cut the pieces to size and shape, polish the edges, do cut outs for power points and then toughen each piece in a furnace. When the glass has cooled it goes through a chemical wash, gets dried and has 3 coats of paint applied on the back surface.

When the glass comes to our workshop we unwrap it, check it for size and imperfections. Then we take it to your place and carefully fit each piece and seal it all to the wall with a sanitary grade silicone. That’s it – finished!

That’s when you get to see what you have planned and dreamed of for a few weeks and show your friends and neighbours and enjoy what is often the focal point of your new kitchen. Call Glassplace on 6862 2346 and we can advise, measure and quote a glass splashback for you.

By Col Lamrock

Be A Fire Starter With Parkes Landscaping

June 23, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

If you have a wood burner or stove in your house, you’ve probably started the perfect fire only to find it’s completely burned out a few minutes later. A few methods to burn wood efficiently can help you get a roaring fire crackling and keep you warm this winter. It’s essential that your wood heater is cleaned, particularly the flu that draws smoke form the fire. Pay close attention to the wood you burn too, there’s no point carefully stacking logs if they’re wet, green or rotted! Therefore it’s important to also have the right materials.

A combination of softwood and hardwood kindling and firelighters will provide your base. Conventional wisdom suggests you start burning underneath your logs however there’s good evidence that you should build your fire from the top down layering smaller pieces on top of a base made layer.

This way, the fire grows hotter and hotter, gradually working down to consume the wood. When being a fire starter many things can go wrong such as insufficiently seasoned wood that has been dampened by snow or rain. This sort of wood will keep on smoking until it becomes charcoal. Even good wood can be arranged so a fire never reaches its full potential so make sure you have the basics to get your fire started today with wood and kindling now in stock at Parkes Landscaping Supplies at Lot 1 Back Trundle Road.

Now’s The Time To Buy

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Rural Property Specialist, Ainslie Toole at Landmark Harcourts Forbes, has sold 10 Rural Properties in just three months, which has led to a shortage of listings in the district. Talking to the leading national agents in all states across the country at a recent national conference it was found that there is a shortage in most areas.

This means there has never been a better time to buy a rural property. The combination of record low interest rates and a great season with strong commodity prices is rarely seen. In almost 20 years of specialising in rural property sales this is the first time Landmark Harcourt have ever had less than 10 rural properties listed. Properties that have been sold recently include Brotherony & Everton at Condobolin, Overton in Forbes, Ingaladdie in Grenfell, Valhalla at Grenfell and Happy Valley in Forbes, all of which were sold within an extremely shorttime frame.

With record low interest rates investors are also looking at rural properties as part of their portfolio. Rural properties can be leased at 4-5% – a significantly better return than current bank interest and they have the potential for capital gain.

Landmark Harcourts Forbes have qualified buyers that are ready to buy broad-acre cropping country, irrigation and rural properties in the Forbes, Grenfell, Condobolin, Eugowra, Gooloogong, Parkes and Trundle districts. Landmark Harcourts is the only national company with international offices throughout China, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and America.

For a free confidential appraisal, contact Ainslie Toole at Landmark Harcourts Forbes on 0407 946 838 or email ainslie.toole@landmarkharcourts.com.au to take advantage of the exclusive and very affordable National and International Marketing Programs.

Dancing for Health at Twinkle Toes Dance Studio

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Dancing has long been recognized as a good way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Dancing can improve muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness, and is now available for children and adults at Twinkle Toes Dance Studio. Twinkle Toes Dance Studio has had a fabulous start to the dance year, with many new and returning students enjoying their dance classes in the new studios. New students are always welcome throughout the year.

The Studio is located at 370 Clarinda Street, not far from Cunninghams IGA, and boasts two dance spaces with air conditioning and heating, mirrors, sprung wooden floors, professional grade Tarkett dance flooring and a reception area for parents. Principal Breanna Kingham is thrilled with the number of young dancers attending the studio. “We have already had a very successful Hip Hop workshop, and a number of our dancers are now performing at the regional Eisteddfods as well as local performances.

We are now preparing for our performances at Parkes Show.” Twinkle Toes Dance Studio offers a wide range of classes to students aged 2.5 years to adults. With classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Acro and Performance, there is a class to suit every dancer. The staff at Twinkle Toes Dance Studio are focused on providing technical, fun and safe dance tuition to the people of Parkes, so that they can share their love of dance with the local community.

The studio is open from 4pm to 7:30pm each afternoon and Saturday morning 9am– 11am during term time for classes and enquires. Twinkle Toes Dance Studio can be contacted via phone on 0439 229976, by email -ttdsparkes@gmail.com and via their Facebook page twinkletoesdancestudioparkes, or call into the studio in person during the opening times.

Dental Health During Pregnancy

June 9, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant families and along with many other changes in your life you can also expect some changes in terms of your oral health. Good dental health is an important part of your overall wellbeing, particularly during pregnancy. Most mothers are aware of the benefits of eating, drinking and staying well whilst they are pregnant and sometime overlook the significance of keeping a healthy mouth.

A commonly quoted myth is that ‘a mother loses a tooth with every pregnancy’ and some suggest that mothers lose teeth due to loss of calcium during pregnancy. The fact of the matter is that the changes that truly effect the mouth are due to the surge of hormones and how the gums react to plaque during pregnancy.

When pregnant, women are much more likely to experience some form of gingivitis, or gum disease. The gums become red, inflamed and often bleed during brushing or flossing. If left untreated the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place such as ligaments and jaw bone can be effected resulting in periodontitis- a more serious stage of gum disease.

Diet
Diet plays a major role in maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can result in expecting mothers craving all kinds of different foods they potentially would not usually eat. Frequent snacking, particularly on high sugar foods significantly increases the risk for tooth decay. The bacteria in the mouth form a sticky layer (plaque) over the tooth surface, the bacteria convert all sugar and starch in the mouth into acid that attacks the tooth enamel breaking it down. The longer the sugar remains in the mouth the longer the acid attacks the tooth, thus resulting in tooth decay.

Morning Sickness
Unfortunately, morning sickness is a part of pregnancy. The acid from regular vomiting coats the teeth causing erosion of the tooth enamel. Expecting mothers can use a fluoride toothpaste to help counteract this, as well as simple strategies such as remembering to rinse the mouth with tap water after the vomiting occurs and waiting at least 30 minutes afterwards before tooth brushing. (The acid weakens the enamel and if scrubbed while it is compromised, it can wear away causing further destruction)

At Home Care
A few simple strategies at home can make the world of difference to your mouth during your pregnancy.
• Brushing and flossing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Drinking tap water (fluoridated)
• Daily fluoride mouth rinses if suffering frequent morning sickness or pregnancy reflux
• Limiting frequent sugary snacks
• Waiting at least 30 minutes after vomiting before brushing

Pregnancy is different for each person and indeed with each baby. Healthy teeth and gums are an important start for you and your baby. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health during or after your pregnancy, we encourage you to contact the staff at Richardson Dental Surgery on 6862 1261.

Keep Your Feet Healthy

June 9, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Having problems with your feet? If you’re struggling with movement, injury or anything at all , you can visit the Podiatry Clinic every Wednesday in Parkes. Sreenathudu Arshanapalli (B.H.Sc Podiatry) has been practicing in Parkes for 16 years and has recently moved to his new premises at 118 Clarinda Street from Court Street.The Podiatry Clinic specialises in all aspects of podiatry including diabetic foot care, children’s feet, sports injuries and orthotics.

If you are not sure if you should see a podiatrist, the Australian Podiatry Council has defined the scope of podiatry as: Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory disease. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above, which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.

No referral from a GP is necessary; although you would need a GP management plan for extended primary health care for a chronic medical condition that needs treatment. If you’d like to know more give the Podiatry Clinic a call!

Subscribe