Each year, Trevor and Courney Smith, own­ers of Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery celebrate the birthday of their business by raising awareness and funds for rural men­tal health. This year they are celebrating 16 years in business and will host their sixth Big Birthday Bash.

Trevor Smith said, “16 years in business feels like I’m not getting any younger, but I am becoming wiser and more grounded in community.”

Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery moved into their new shop in Clarinda St, after being in business for 10 years and the big move combined with the milestone an­niversary inspired them to start running an annual celebration.

“It kind of just happened organically. A flash day and a few cars turned into a big turn up out front. We knew we had a solid platform to do more than just tattoo and we had to use it to make a difference locally.

“I’ve lost friends and clients through the years to suicides that, had most of them known I was here for them to open up to during any of our sessions or in general, could have been avoided,” said Trevor.

Trevor anticipates that each year the event is going to get bigger and better. “Thanks to this year’s community support and our amazing sponsors we can guarantee more free family fun, more music, more markets and more mental health education!”Everyone is invited to come along and celebrate the Inkredible Experience Tat­too Gallery 16th birthday bash at the street party on 3 May from 9am-4pm in the Parkes Main Street.

“Enjoy free family entertainment, markets, cars, bikes and live music while we cel­ebrate another great year of business and raise much needed funds and awareness for local mental health. We are not alone!” concluded Trevor.

World Glaucoma Week 9-15 March

Believe it or not, you may already have glaucoma and not know it. In fact, around half of all people with glaucoma are una­ware they have the condition. Glaucoma usually causes no pain or discomfort, and vision loss occurs slowly from the outside in, affecting side vision first. Because of this gradual change, many people do not notice a problem in the early stages. By the time people realise something is wrong, signifi­cant vision loss has often already occurred.

Unfortunately, any vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, and if left untreated the disease can eventually lead to blind­ness.

Who Is at Risk?

Around 1 in 50 Australians will develop glau­coma, but you are up to 10 times more likely to develop it if you have a close relative with the condition. Other risk factors include:age over 50, diabetes, migraines, high or low blood pressure, a strong glasses prescrip­tion (particularly for short-sightedness).

Treatment

While treatment cannot cure glaucoma or restore vision that has already been lost, it can significantly slow the progression of the disease. For this reason, early detec­tion and treatment are critical to protecting your sight. Treatment is mainly aimed at re­ducing the pressure inside the eye. This is most commonly done using prescription eye drops, but laser treatment or surgery may sometimes be recommended.

How Is Glaucoma Detected?

Everyone over the age of 40 should have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years to screen for glaucoma, particularly if you have risk factors for the disease.

At Hansen Optometrists we use advanced technology to help detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, including:

• Visual field testing to detect subtle chang­es in your side vision

• OCT scanning to measure microscopic retinal nerve fibre changes

• Digital retinal imaging to monitor the ap­pearance of the optic nerve over time

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is with regular comprehensive eye examinations. For more information visit: www.hansenoptom.com.au. www.glaucoma.org.au

This morning, I got a message from Dad.

Not the usual “You home later?” or “Need anything from town?” message. This one was different. He’s finally coming across to my work… to do some exercise. (Not just sit down for a cuppa & a yarn… which, hon­estly, is usually his preferred therapy.)

Dad’s had knee pain for years. YEARS.

The slow, stubborn kind that rural blokes quietly carry like it’s just part of the deal.

He’s been told he needs a knee replace­ment, but you know how it goes… there’s always another season, another job, an­other “I’ll be right”.And he’s tried it all. Fish oil. Magical oint­ments. Every tonic sold by a bloke in a hat at the farm quip field days. If it came with a promise and a free sample, Dad’s probably given it a crack.

But now it’s started taking more than just comfort. It’s impacting his sleep. His move­ment. His day-to-day. And when pain starts stealing your rest… it doesn’t just make you sore. It makes you tired in the bones.

So today, today he’s doing something different. He’s coming over to build some strength back into that knee. To get some movement happening again. To give his joint the support it’s been begging for, quiet­ly, for a long time. Because sometimes the next step isn’t a miracle cure. It’s strength.

It’s movement. It’s doing the basics, con­sistently, with good support around you.

Which brings me to this… We have a new service: Knee & Hip OA Exercise Group (Osteoarthritis). Got achy or stiff knees or hips? Been told you have osteoarthritis and not sure what to do next? Waiting for – or recovering from – a joint replacement?This class is for you. Fridays at 9:30am — Kerin Health. Only $15 per session.

Small, supportive group. Why join?

• Strengthen the muscles that support your hips and knees

• Reduce pressure on your joints

• Move with more ease and less pain

• Stay active with like-minded people (the kind who understand what it’s like to hobble out of the ute)Regular strengthening exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis and improve everyday function — and even 8 weeks can make a real difference.

Dad’s proof that it’s never “too late”. Sometimes it’s just finally time. Move Well.

Age Well. Interested in joining or want to learn more? Get in touch with our team at Kerin Health — we’d love to help you get started.