Health & Wellbeing | February 22`

Merewether Baths. Image courtesy of Destination NSW. • HEALTH & WELLBEING

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Sunnies Need An Upgrade?

The advent of summer fills most Australians with a renewed commitment to sun protection.

However, as one Sydney Ophthalmologist reveals, the wrong choice of sun protection for our eyes can mean that we are actually increasing our risk of cancer, with many people confusing polarized lenses (which reduce glare) with glasses that offer UV protection.

"Sunglasses which do not filter out UV light result in an elevated melanoma risk to the back of the eyes," says Dr David Robinson of the

Sydney Laser & Vision Centre.

"Some dark sunglasses, in particular, filter out the visible light meaning that our pupil size increases thus allowing more UV light into the back of the eye, which can increase people's risk of melanoma at the back of the eye."

Whilst not advocating that we ditch our sunnies altogether, Dr Robinson advises that we need to be prudent in our selection - we need to buy sunglasses that 100% satisfy the Australian standards.

Unfortunately, the advent of online shopping, in particular, means that many consumers are now purchasing and wearing sunglasses well below these standards, which can have devastating effects on their health.

Apart from reducing the risk of melanoma to the back of the eyes, effective sunglasses also reduce the risk of many other eye health conditions. For example, cataracts (a clouding of the eye's lens) are generally thought to be caused by long term, unprotected exposure to UVR (with age, smoking, diabetes and family history also contributing factors).

Similarly, pterygium (a fleshy overgrowth of the conjunctiva or membrane on the surface of the eye) is also thought to be caused by too much exposure to UVR. Australia has one of the highest rates of pterygium in the world due to our lifestyle and climate.

Dr Robinson advises consumers to consider sunglasses with appropriate side protection, such as wraparounds, and look for sunglasses with as large a lens as possible to prevent as much UVR from entering the sides of the glasses as they can.

Do your sunnies need an upgrade? Perhaps it's time to get along to your local eye care specialist.

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• HEALTH & WELLBEING

Sensational SUMMER SKIN Skin Wellness intouch contributor

Dr Kathryn Holmes Cosmetic Doctor and Director of the Mayah Clinic

Dr Holmes has followed 15 years in general practice with another 20 years in Cosmetic Medicine, skin health and laser. She is a founding fellow of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australiasia.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO LOOK AFTER OUR SKIN? It sure is! We have a whole lot of skin. In fact, our skin is the biggest body organ. It grows really fast.

Your body gets rid of 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells every day.

And skin performs many important functions to keep us healthy.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF WE DON'T LOOK AFTER OUR SKIN? We all know that we can get sunburnt, which is an immediate result of forgetting to look after our skin. We also know that we can get skin cancer. However, don't think these are all problems only when we get old! Melanomas, in particular, can occur even in kids and young adults. They are the most deadly of skin cancers.

SO, IS THAT THE ONLY PROBLEM UV LIGHT FROM THE SUN CAUSES? Not all all! Many of our common skin problems like acne and rosacea are made worse by the sun. Of course, freckles and other brown spots, lines and wrinkles are all from sun damage.

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BUT IF I AM OUTSIDE A LOT, I CAN'T HELP HAVING MY SKIN IN THE SUN? I think that is a bit of a cop-out.

There is always a choice. Better, healthy, glowing skin is a choice.

But, of course, it IS harder to protect your skin in an Australian summer! So perhaps in Australia, we just need to change our mindset about summer sun and the bronzed Aussie.

BUT WHAT IF I THINK IT'S TOO LATE FOR ME? It is never too late to reduce your skin cancer risk and improve the appearance of your skin. Even reducing sun exposure from now on will help your skin in the future.

VI S I T US 5/149 Ambleside Circuit, Lakelands 02 4954 5044 • www.themayahclinic.com.au

HEALTH & WELLBEING •

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intouch contributor

DR ALEX HUSZTI BelleDental Alex has had a career focused on lowbiologic cost reconstructive cosmetic dental care – common sense teeth for life.

I’VE HAD A RUN OF CONSULTATIONS RECENTLY WITH PATIENTS THAT HAVE REVOLVED AROUND THE TOPICS OF DECAY, SENSITIVITY AND EROSION. THE PATIENTS HAVE STRUGGLED TO MAKE HEADWAY AGAINST THEIR PROBLEMS. THEY HAVE SOUGHT ADVICE REGARDS TREATMENTS AND REMEDIES FOR THEIR AILMENTS, UNFORTUNATELY WITHOUT SUCCESS.

When I engage the patients in a discussion around diet, I almost invariably arrive at the same culprit: Soft Drinks. Of course, there are the traditional cola drinks, energy drinks (both fizzy and still), even juices such as orange and pineapple that can cause erosion – but the one that catches so many patients by surprise is fizzy water.

You would think that sparkling mineral water is a harmless drink. But unfortunately, even carbonated waters contain carbonic acid. Then add lemon juice to the fizzy water, and you’re topping it up with citric acid.

The most destructive acids can frequently not even appear as an acid on a label – and that’s because buffered acids are used as a

THE NUMBER 1

{Fizzy} Cause

preservative in drinks. These buffered acids ensure that the product maintains a high acidity (i.e. low pH) for an extended period, which equals a long shelf life. Furthermore, the combination of sweet, sour (acid) and fizzy in a drink has a wonderful “refreshing” taste! (sound familiar?).

When these acids are ingested, their buffering capacity is still present. This means that as your saliva attempts to neutralize these acids, they (in a diminished but active capacity) continue to “feed-in” acids in an attempt to maintain a low pH (acidic/erosive) environment (in your mouth) – which is their preservative role in the product.

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? I will frequently sit down and discuss options for patients who present with these issues. It is not always “one remedy fits all”. Switching to alternatives such as tea, coffee, or water is an integral part of the solution – becoming more alkaline (i.e. raising your pH), for example, by consuming more greens and possibly the use of alkaline water as well as topical remedies such as remineralizing agents. Decay and erosion will often demand restorative measures, but without addressing the number 1 cause - you’re on the acid merry-go-round.

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They often require modifications to your bite to accomodate your new smile.

Direct Resin Veneers have a multitude of uses – they can be used to improve function, enhance the colour and shape of teeth, modify tooth position as well as in this case, restore teeth that have suffered trauma. Direct Resin Veneers can do this without cutting teeth – all in one visit.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING •

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Getting to Know...

Skyy Crouch POLLET’S MARTIAL ARTS

Hi Skyy! Thanks for talking to us about Pollet’s Martial Arts. Pollet’s is a true family studio, so can we start by asking you to introduce yourself and Danny and tell us a little about your roles and who else makes up the Pollet’s team? My husband Danny is the Head Instructor of our Newcastle locations (Adamstown, Medowie, Valentine and Edgeworth). His Karate title is “Shihan”, given to him by our Pollet’s Karate Master Hanshi Ian Pollet & Okinawan Grand Master Kiichi Nakamoto. I manage the administration, marketing and school program liaison. Our Instructors who complete the Pollet’s team are Sensei Layton, Sensei Jess, and Sempai Masha.

What exactly are martial arts, and what classes do you offer at Pollet’s? How many different types of martial arts do you teach at Pollet’s – and what are the differences?

Martial arts are a system of combat styles used for self-defence. At Pollet’s, we offer six martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, Boxing, Okinawan Kobudo (Tradition Weapons), Kempo Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). To see how our disciplines vary, we encourage everyone to take advantage of our free trial and enjoy unlimited disciplines under all our membership options to find the best fit for both enjoyment and achieving your goals.

For those of us who have never experienced a martial arts class before – what could we expect during a lesson? What ages and skill levels do classes cover? We offer everyone a free trial to try unlimited disciplines of interest.

We have a specialised Little Tigers class for 2.5 – 6-year-olds. Ages 7 right through to adults of all ages have Karate, Muay Thai, Boxing, Kobudo, Kempo Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. We have no fitness level or experience level requirements.

You will very quickly feel part of the Pollet’s community in our friendly, supportive, nonintimidating atmosphere. Our classes cover skill levels from absolute beginner through to competitive athlete.

How do you think martial arts benefits participants? What do the Pollet’s team do differently to help students achieve their goals? They include improvements in confidence, cardiovascular health, muscle mass/tone, agility and flexibility. Students feel empowered, have improved discipline, judgment and reflexes - assisting to both avoid confrontation and protect themselves when absolutely necessary. Pollet’s is one of the few Dojos in Australia that can offer you internationally recognised and reputable grades. We encourage families to train and grow together. Families only pay for two students, and everyone else in the family trains for free!

You work closely with youth experiencing mental health challenges. What types of mental health issues can be helped with martial arts training, and how can your programs benefit people experiencing these issues? 1 in 5 Australians (AIFC) experience a mental or behavioural condition. Psychology studies have proven that martial arts students benefit immensely from the structure, focus, discipline, and physical outlet it involves, with student’s showing improved self-concept, self-esteem and emotional regulation. Pollet’s can help students of all ages with anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, ADD, Asperger’s, Autism, PTSD, OCD, and ODD develop improved concentration, confidence, and composure. Pollet’s has decades of experience providing resilience and empowerment programs to people of all ages, genders and education levels.

Who else makes up the Crouch family (and does everyone practice martial arts)? What else do you, Danny and the kids enjoy doing outside the studio? Danny and I have three daughters and two sons. Four out of five are currently practising martial arts. Other activities enjoyed are horse-riding, acrobatics, football and creative writing. We enjoy fishing, especially on our cousin (and Pollet's Sensei) Paul’s fabulous boat. We love holidaying, day trips, exploring new areas/attractions and brunch on the beach. We love taking Leo, our Belgian Shepherd, out to exercise and socialise.

We also own a kiosk at Stockland Green Hills where we have Gold Buyers Newcastle and Hunter, providing the service of purchasing scrap metals from the public and Cocoa Fleur, which sells gourmet coverture chocolate products and hampers.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY •

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intouch contributor

On Tour With the Kid CHLOE O'SULLIVAN

My wish for you As I write this, I am waiting for a friend I have known for over twenty years to have a baby. My own child (and the inspiration for this column) asleep next to me. My friends' older children are sleeping in the spare room. I am still one of those people who are amazed, even though I have been through the process, that this bump you have been carrying around for months is just about to become a fully-fledged tiny human with all their own hopes and dreams. Their own fears. Their own happiness and heartbreaks.

Their own life to lead.

No matter how much you plan, it never seems to be enough. You have a million things going through your head that you wish you had done better in the lead-up to bub's arrival. You wish you had made different choices. You wish your house was more organized. You wish you were closer to (or further away) from your own family, depending on your relationship with them. You wonder if the left-over nuts and bolts that came with your cot are really important?

I am an anxious little thing at the best of times but giving birth really kicked that into 36

• FAMILY & COMMUNITY

high gear. I found myself googling all the things that can go wrong during childbirth. None of which is calming for someone as highly strung as I am. I remember saying to my mum that I had changed my mind, and I didn't actually think I could go through the birthing process as I was in active labour. She smiled at me the way she had since I was a kid. Just to let me know that she would be right by my side, but this was something my body had to go through. Having me alone in the mid-1970s changed the whole course of her life, and now it was my turn.

None of your fears matter at all as they hand you this new tiny human—this little person who will call you mum for the rest of your time together. For me, this moment was pure joy.

Given my general chemical makeup, I was on the lookout for signs of post-partum in the following weeks. Thankfully I was spared that particular issue, which I can only imagine is heartbreaking and confusing at a time that should be filled with excitement.

I sometimes wonder if having a baby at a young age allows you to focus only on the joy.

I chose to have my little one later than most.

By then, you have lived a life. You have cried with friends who have lost their children before they made it into the world. You have seen the longing of friends who, for one reason or another, can't have children of their own even though it's all they have ever wished for. You have spoken to friends who don't want children and are sick of the pressure from family and strangers to have them. You have seen friends outlive their own babies - brought into the world with the same hopes and dreams that you have.

Something about human nature allows you to see past all those fears and focus on this perfect person that you made from scratch. You close your eyes for the first time since they were born, and you make a silent wish. A wish for you, for them, and that the world, as screwed up as it seems, is kind to them.

Good luck, my friend, for the journey to come. I love you, and we will always be part of your village.

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FROM GRANDMA

to Grey Nomad intouch contributor

Live Your List KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON For more than six years, this Belmont woman has intermittently hit pause on her grandparent role to travel and explore the diverse landscapes of Australia. She has seen many wonders in the eastern states. Still, nothing prepared Rhonda Bennett for the raw and ruggedness of Standley Chasm in the Northern Territory.

“It was magnificent. I can still see the vividness of the colours and landscape from flat, dull brown to steep, vibrant orange.”

It was only by chance she found this “pretty place” that is burned into her memory.

In June last year, Rhonda and her husband Rex were in Alice Springs as part of an outback caravan tour with another couple.

“We were looking for places around Alice to see. But, then, it popped up; we decided to go and check it out the next day.”

Standley Chasm, in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is traditionally known as Angkerle 38

• FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Atwatye, which means “Gap of Water”. Over millions of years, the sandstone slopes have been transformed by water to be sculpted into a dramatic landscape, which includes a gorge three metres wide and 80 metres high. The Arrernte people consider it a sacred site of women’s dreaming.

“The big V at the end of the walk was the biggest surprise. You looked down the vertical columns to a little gap – it was incredible. It was blowing a gale; the temperature dropped by 20 degrees. So, hauntingly beautiful.”

So impressed by the natural sculpture, Rhonda urged fellow travellers to follow the trail to the end while walking back to the car.

“Although there were a lot of people visiting the area, it felt spiritual – calm and relaxed.”

Rhonda is still stunned that she had never heard of the place, and it was sheer luck she visited on her birthday. The Chasm gave her the gift of awe, wonder and joy, which she still feels when she shares her experience there.

“I’m so glad we did it. Everyone needs to go there – it is truly amazing.”

Although she advocates for people to go and see places, she does not have a bucket list.

“I don’t need one as I am not going to die - so it is alright!”

Rhonda says they semi-plan their trips with significant places to stay, then looks up the sightseeing spots on arrival.

With this carefree attitude, she has seen most of NSW, Queensland and Victoria in three major trips that spanned five to seven weeks.

With a strong family connection, longer trips only commenced when the five grandchildren were school-age. However, Rhonda admits it was hard to leave the family on the first trip to southwest NSW and the Murray River.

Since then, extended trips have taken her west to Mount Gambier and Coober Pedy, north to Currumbin across to Cooktown, and down the Eastern Seaboard along the Great Ocean Road to Port Ferry and many places in between.

She admits that it becomes a little easier to leave the family with each trip, and facetime has made it less stressful.

This year, there are plans to go to Cape York via outback Queensland, back along the coast from Cooktown to Yeppoon, and travel home via the Queensland and NSW’s tablelands. Then in 2023, head to Darwin, Western Australia and South Australia.

“I LOVE TOURING IN THE CARAVAN. IT IS A GREAT WAY TO SEE OUR COUNTRY.” When asked if she is a Grey Nomad, the resounding answer is, “Oh God, yes!” As a part of this community, Rhonda has met amicable and interesting people that tell the best yarns.

“When I was younger, I never thought of being one. In fact, I used to say look at those old farts taking up the road and, when stuck behind a caravan, would wish they get lost. But now I am proud to be a Grey Nomad."

The Joy of Cooking and its benefits for seniors

WORDS Nik Adamson And Kate Mcdermott Accredited Practising Dietitians | Anglican Care

There are countless reasons to get busy in the kitchen.

Here are just a few of our favourites.

It is excellent for your Health We know that people who cook at home eat a greater variety of foods than those who primarily eat out.

And even better, we also know that when compared to people who predominantly eat out or opt for pre-prepared meals, those who cook their food at home eat meals in portions more aligned to their health and lifestyle goals.

The benefit of eating a broad and varied diet is that it stimulates our senses and encourages us to consume a more comprehensive range of nutrients.

It can be Relaxing Aside from being delicious and fuelling us, food can also be therapeutic. Cooking and baking can help relieve stress and provide us with an enormous sense of joy and purpose. In addition, taking the time to prepare a nutritious meal in your home prioritises your health and well-being, positively impacts your memory, and boosts confidence in the kitchen.

It creates Connection Cooking is an expression of love in numerous cultures around the world. Cooking with or for another person like your partner, family or friends can strengthen your bond with them. Collaborating in the kitchen to prepare a dish or sitting together to enjoy a meal supports emotional connections and improves mental well-being.

If you would like to get back to cooking homemade meals but lack the confidence to do so, Anglican Care's Meals Made Easy Program could be your solution. The Meals Made Easy Program aims to educate, train, and re-skill seniors in preparing and cooking a meal in their own homes. This program is funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

The program includes: • Assistance with preparing and cooking a meal in your home.

• Advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian on food preparation, storage, safety, and nutrition lessons and training.

There are moments in life’s journey when you need to turn to

someone you can trust.

Like the moment you realise you need a little care and support to continue living independently in your own home.

When it comes to home care, you can trust in Anglican Care.

Let’s discuss your Home Care needs today on

1800 733 553 www.anglicancare.com.au

To learn more about the Meals Made Easy Program, call the friendly Customer Support Team at Anglican Care on 1800 733 553.

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