Special Interests Archives - Page 109 of 112

Protect From Whooping Cough

June 9, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Whooping cough is an extremely contagious respiratory infection which causes uncontrolled coughing and vomiting. The effects of the disease can go on for several months and is particularly dangerous for babies under the age of 12 months. Until babies have had at least two doses of vaccine aged four months, they are at great risk of this disease as their mother’s antibodies don’t provide reliable protection.

Increasing vaccination coverage has dramatically reduced the incidence of whooping cough among Australian children. However, it remains a highly infectious and dangerous disease. In a household where someone has whooping cough, an estimated 80-90% of the unimmunised contacts of that person will acquire the disease.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with immunisation, which is available at Parkes GP. If you are an expectant mother, you should have a booster during your pregnancy and anyone in the family including grandparents, aunties and siblings can get theirs at any time before the baby is born. For more information, contact Parkes GP on 6862 6668.

Tips For Heating Your House This Winter

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

As the mercury in the thermometer starts to drop, it’s tempting to reach for the heating control and crank it up to high. But there are other ways you can keep warm without facing a huge bill at the end of the month.

A great trick to lock in heat is to invest in some thick curtains. Curtains with a thermal lining are a relatively cheap option and if you don’t want to splash out on new ones you can always line your originals with fleece or even PVC shower curtains. And why should only windows have all the fun? Create a curtain for your door to add another layer of protection.

Let in as much sunlight as possible during the day to make the most of natural (and free) heat. Window shades and curtains should be kept open during the day and shut tight as soon as dusk falls.

Leaving unused rooms’ doors wide open means cold air has more room to circulate. Keep them shut and conserve your heat! Lots of Aussie housing have floorboards which can account for as much as 10% of heat loss if they’re not insulated. Rugs and blankets can help reduce this and have the added bonus of keeping your tootsies toasty.

To Paint or Not to Paint, That Is the Question

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

There are few home-maintenance painting jobs around the home that are as important as exterior painting. Painting is the first line of defence. From the piercing rays of the hot Aussie sun to the icy frosts of winter, decent paint and caulking can make all the difference.

Painting the outside of your home will give you the protection you need to fortress your home against the elements, add vibrancy to your street appeal and increase value too!

The first signs that you need to repaint your home is if you notice cracking, peeling or blistering. If you ignore these signs, you will likely find yourself with a much larger job down the track!

Before you start the job, here are some tips that can help you achieve the best results.

Select the correct paint

There are two types of exterior paints that you can choose from: water-based latex and oil-based alkyd. Latex cleans up with soap and water, dries quickly, has low odour and remains flexible longer.

Alkyd paints require mineral spirits (paint thinner) for clean-up as opposed to just soap and water.

The colour that you choose to paint your house is really a personal preference, however there are many stores in the Parkes area that can supply you with the tools for the job ahead.

Prepare the surface

Should you not prepare the surface, the exterior of your home will not stack up against Australia’s harsh weather. By not taking the vital steps early on in the painting process, the paint will not stick, will look patchy or rippled and its longevity will be greatly diminished.

Pressure washing the house or using a scrubbing brush with soapy water are two very effective ways of removing dust and dirt. Ensure there are no nails protruding from the surface of the area that you are going to paint and using an exterior putty, fill the gaps. Once set, sand the surface.

Take your time, enjoy your project and at the end of it, sit back knowing that you have the best house on the street.

What Makes Western Red Cedar Attractive for Your Timber Windows and Doors?

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Western Red Cedar is a popular and strong timber that is sought after due to its beauty and durability. It is a timber that remains stable under most weather conditions and is not prone to shrinking or swelling. This means it holds its shape and ensures longevity despite exposure to cold, heat, rain and other harsh environmental factors common in Australian weather.

As a low-density timber that offers very good thermal insulation, it helps with heating and cooling efficiency, reducing electricity costs and making a home more environmentally friendly and sustainable.Its versatility enables it to be used for both internal and external applications.

Western Red Cedar is visually beautiful with rich and inviting colours from deep, soft browns to soft caramels tinged with red.It has a fine texture and straight grain with growth rings often visible. The durable yet soft properties let the material take very well to being stained and polished.

Furthermore, Western Red Cedar’s natural preservatives provide resistance to fungus and insects. The wood is protected against termites, woodborers and fungus that can dramatically affect alternative timber options. Western Red Cedar is a stylish and practical material option with natural appeal, superior structural performance and elemental protection.

Would you like to know more about Western Red Cedar? Phone Glassplace on 6862 2345 or visit their showroom at 4 Clarke Street, Parkes to see their Western Red Cedar display and lots of other products to suit every style and type of home.

Come Run With Parkes Olympian

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Entries are still open for the third Northparkes Rotary Fun Run this Sunday and your chance to race with an Australian Olympian runner.

Last week Scott Westcott, who grew up in Parkes, was selected for the men’s marathon team for his debut Olympics. “I am looking forward to the Fun Run on Sunday and will do the 5km and the 2km kids race. I want to give the kids a target and anyone can chase me down,” he said.

As for his Olympic dream, Scott said it was a long wait but a very special moment to hear he had made the team. His road to wearing the green and gold is a remarkable story of persistence. “My dream began when I was 16. I had run qualifying times for three Olympic Games back since Sydney 2000, and for some reason my attempts to retire from competitive running in 2013 were only half hearted. Something kept me going” he said.

Running the Berlin Marathon last year was his 40^th birthday present from his family. His time of 2:15.30 secured his spot on the 2016 Rio Olympic team. According to the Australian Olympic Committee website, Scott will become Australia’s oldest athletics competitor to make his Games debut when he takes the Rio starting line at the age of 40 years and 331 days.

Westcott said having hunger for the sport and wonderful coaches over the years is the secret to his selection at 40.

“Having hunger and desire are essential,” Westcott explained. “I believe I have kept my hunger burning for close to 20 years. I am proud beyond words to represent all the people who have helped me along the long road I have taken. Special mention to my late Dad, Lawrie Westcott, who passed away in late 2014.”

Scott feels he is on track for a top performance in Rio. “I am probably in the best head space of my career. I believe I can lower the Australian Masters record I set last year in Berlin. I will prepare as smartly as I can and run myself into a peak for August 21. Bring it on!”

The Rio marathons will start and finish at the famous Sambódromo, the legendary home of the Rio Carnival parade, with a loop course near the edge of Guanabara Bay. The men’s race will be held on the final morning of the Games, Sunday 21^st August.

This Sunday more than 300 competitors are expected for the Fun Run in Parkes.

The program for the day is as follows:

7:30am – Registrations open at Harrison Park

8:50am – Final call for all 5km and 10km competitors to go to the start

8:55am – Welcome by the Mayor

9:00am – Event start: 10km and Greater 5km

10:00am – Event start: 2km

10:30am – Presentations commence

There will be enough time between the Greater 5km and 10km races for participants to cheer on or run with their children in the 2km event. Runners are to assemble on the start line 10 minutes before the start time.

Thriving Not Just Surviving

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes and Forbes residents are encouraged to sign up for a free Living Well After Cancer session this June. Cancer Council NSW Western is inviting Forbes, Parkes and surrounding community residents who have completed cancer treatment to attend their free, face-to-face Living Well After Cancer program.

Cancer and its treatment can bring a host of challenges. Survivors can face changes in their appearance and body function, and struggle to manage the emotional impact of the disease. Over 45,000 people in NSW are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer this year. The latest data shows that around two in three people diagnosed with cancer in NSW are alive five years later, with many becoming long term survivors. Fiona Marwick, Community Programme Co-ordinator at Cancer Council NSW Western said that Living Well After Cancer offers practical information and open discussion on the possible changes, challenges and opportunities that cancer survivors can experience. “There is often an expectation for cancer survivors to ‘get back to normal’ after treatment, but we know that for many this is far from reality. Living Well After Cancer gives participants the opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey, all within a supportive space. They can share tips, ideas and advice on managing life moving forward, with the aim to thrive, not just survive” she said.

Through Living Well After Cancer you can learn practical skills and information from the presenters and participants. It can be reassuring to know other people may be experiencing similar side effects, fears and anxieties but also gaining positivity from their cancer journey. Living Well After Cancer is open to cancer survivors, their carers, family, friends and work colleagues and is delivered by trained facilitators who have experienced the changes of cancer first-hand. The next Living Well After Cancer program session will be held at Parkes on Saturday 18th June 2016. To register to participate, or for more information call 1300 200 558.

Big Changes To Brows At La Bella

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

La Bella Medispa are now a Brow Artist International trainee clinic! The clinic has been hand-selected out of a group of beauty pros worldwide to participate in Brow Artists International’s one-of-a-kind program. The dedicated team are currently working hard to learn this amazing craft of the Natural Brow Restoration and Design System™.

Over the course of the next 6 months, you will see a change in our brow services at La Bella as we grow and offer the Natural Brow Restoration and Design System™ to perfection. Our new brow service is no longer a brow wax, as our goal is not merely to remove hair, but to create soft, flowing, beautiful brows, enhancing your beauty instantaneously. Brow Artists International™ Artists work meticulously with the brow to reveal its natural true potential through soft, flowing lines. Every woman can be restored naturally to a gorgeous set of brows regardless of what, or who, has unwittingly ravaged them before.

We are offering a limited time introductory price of $49 for your first design using Brow Artists International Natural Brow Restoration and Design System™. That’s almost half off the regular price for what the beauty industry is raving about – a soft brow naturally restored to its original potential. So beautiful. So you.

Heart Health

May 12, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Pharmacy are encouraging all those who wish to learn more about their risk of heart disease to go to the pharmacy on 23^rd May. Three pharmacists will be available to answer any questions and assess your risks, just turn up or call to make a booking.

The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. There is no single cause for heart disease, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing it.

What is my risk of heart disease?

Sometimes a heart attack will be the first sign that something is wrong. This is why it’s important to know your chance of having a heart attack or stroke- so you can take the steps to prevent one. It’s recommended that your overall risk be assessed to determine your personal heart and stroke risk score. Our Health Heart Check will look at some of your risk factors and give you your own risk score which you can share with your doctor.

What’s involved in the health heart check?

Our Health Heart Check involves a sit down consult with your pharmacist to check your absolute risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Your absolute risk is your chance, as an individual, of getting cardiovascular disease which includes all heart disease, stroke and heart failure.

To assess your risk our pharmacist will conduct the following tests and measurements:

Total cholesterol
Blood pressure measurement
Assess your smoking and diabetes status
Calculate your cardiovascular disease risk score

All results can be provided in a report for you to share with your doctor. Many of these tests and measurements can be provided as an ongoing service to our patients and results recorded and tracked over time. Be sure to make the most of the 3 pharmacists who will be available on the 23^rd May!

Why Autumn’s The Best Season To Sell Your Home

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Spring is traditionally known as a bustling, busy time where everything and everyone gets a new lease of life, so surely it’s the best time of year for a house sell? Well, apparently not. According to real estate agents autumn is the season in which you’re far more likely to sell your property.

While it’s true that people become more active as the weather begins to warm, potentially leading to a larger amount of buyers, a lot of other sellers have the same idea and the market can become flooded with listings, drowning yours out in the process.

Real estate agents are often more successful at converting a listing into a sale in autumn rather than spring thanks to quality over quantity, fewer listings mean more chance of a sale. December and January are the months where people take holidays and have time to research the market so by the time they’re ready to make a decision autumn is upon them. It’s a good idea to prepare you property advertising in the lead up to this season and don’t forget to play up to your outdoor assets if you have an outdoor yard or garden. Autumn is a beautiful season with lots of colour so a few trees with changing leaves and well placed ornaments can really make your house stand out from the rest.

Tapeworm Trouble

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Sheep farmers are being warned to stay alert for the tapeworm Taenina ovis, otherwise known as sheep measles. The worm is a parasite in which the adult stage can be found in the intestines of dogs whilst the intermediate or larval stage can be found in the muscles of sheep. Sheep can be infected by grazing pasture contaminated with eggs that have been shed in dog’s faeces.

The intermediate stage in sheep is characterised by small cysts in the muscle tissue. Lesions can then ooccur in the sheep’s heart and diaphragm usually resulting in the animal being condemned. In general many producers are lax when it comes to worming their farm dogs regularly, meaning they fail to break the lifecycle of the tapeworm. Farmers are advised to treat all dogs on their properties with a tape wormer that contains Praziquantel once a month as the parasites lifecycle is 35 days, which is more frequent than the original recommendation of worming every six weeks.

Economically, sheep measles can cost the industry millions of dollars per year so it’s within those who work in agricultures interests to try and keep this to a minimum. This information was provided by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

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