Simply Naturopathics: Unlocking your health potential
LAUNCHED in May 2024, Simply Naturopathics offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to wellness, blending natural therapies with conventional medicine.
Led by Tania, a registered nurse with over a decade of experience, and a degree in naturopathy, she focuses on treating the underlying causes of health issues rather than just symptoms.
“Whether it’s digestive problems, fatigue, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, or stress, my personalised treatments are designed to provide long-lasting solutions,” Tania said.
“I believe in empowering you to take control of your health.
“While traditional medicine often matches symptoms with medications, I dive deeper – considering your diet, lifestyle, and environment, to uncover the true source of your health concerns.
“My inside-out approach, backed by a ‘test, don’t guess’ philosophy, ensures each treatment plan is tailored precisely to your needs.”
Spring brings unique challenges, from seasonal allergies to fatigue.
Now is the perfect time to strengthen your immune system and optimise gut health.
Consultations are available both in person at 74 Main St, Rutherglen, or online via telehealth, and are thorough and personalised, offering holistic solutions that address your overall well-being – not just a quick fix.
“If you’re unsure how naturopathy can help, book a complimentary discovery call to discuss your needs and see how I can
NATUROPATHIC WELLNESS: Tania and her team at Simply Naturopathics can help you get your health back on track.
best support your health goals,” Tania said.
“With expert care, practitioner-only products, and a focus on preventive health, I provide the tools you need to nurture, nourish and restore your health.”
At Simply Naturopathics, we proudly serve the community in the following areas: Rutherglen, Corowa, Chiltern, Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Wangaratta, Howlong, Albury and Wodonga.
comprehensive telehealth appointments, making our expert naturopathic services accessible to clients across Australia.
Immune
Cardiovascular
Reproductive
Metabolic
Neurodiverse books for everyone
THE neurodiversity book section at Edgars Books & News is a veritable smorgasbord of information for parents, carers, neurodiverse people and teachers.
Some popular titles include Unmasked, ADHD 2.0, I Am Autistic, Unique and We’re All Neurodiverse.
Unmasked by Ellie Middleton, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021, is the go-to book on neurodivergence for anyone looking for a diagnosis, trying to make sense of one, or trying to be a better ally.
World-renowned authors Dr Edward M. Hallowell and Dr John J. Ratey ‘wrote the book’ on ADD/ADHD more than two decades ago with their bestseller, Driven to Distraction.
In ADHD 2.0, Drs Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this ‘variable attention trait’, draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimising the downside and maximising the benefits of ADHD at any age.
I Am Autistic by Chanelle Moriah is an essential guide to understanding autism for autistic people, their families, friends and workmates.
Chanelle found that there was little written from the perspective of someone who is autistic, so created the missing resource.
In Unique, beloved star of ABC TV’s award-winning Love on the Spectrum and disability rights advocate Jodi Rodgers shares stories from her threedecade career working with the autistic community and calls for a more inclusive and accepting society where we are more
NEURODIVERGENT EDUCATION: Find books on all things neurodiversity at Edgars Books & News.
empathetic and curious about all the relationships in our lives. So, if you want to learn about ADHD, dyslexia or other learning challenges, autism, relationships and what is included under the neurodiversity banner, visit Edgars Books & News at 55 Murphy Street, call 5721 3758 or go online when it suits you at https://edgarsbooksandnews.com. au/.
Bring in this article to receive 20 per cent off any neurodiverse book purchase.
“I’m exactly where I want to be”
KATHLEEN Michelini counts herself rich in ways that matter to her.
She’s surrounded by family and delights in being part of the lives ranging in age from two to 15.
The 95-year-old lives in a son’s home in Wangandary.
She enjoys bush views of the
“I do what I want when I want to do it. really.
“I come over to the main house for meals and to spend time with the children. telly.
Family has always been important to the greatgrandmother.
Rutherglen in an encounter she Harry escaped from Yugoslavia before becoming ill and passing away when he was relatively young.
“Ours was on paper platters. bottles on the side of the road to “But all of this made us resourceful and strong and we were raised with what was It is this same rich tapestry of
own brood had left the nest. and couldn’t be happier juggling family.
Kathleen is delighted to be in
a government-funded home
AgeWell.
She sustained a fracture after a fall and receives services to help
for lunch and a social day at the Pinsent Hotel.
and doing what I want to do.
passed on to them.
“Some families grow up with everything handed to them on
people live their best lives at unitingagewell.org/our-services/ home-care.
Maintaining your independence is important to you. Yet some things aren’t so easy to manage anymore.
Whether you need assistance with the basics, like household chores or getting out and about, or require a higher level of care and support through a Home Care Package, Uniting AgeWell’s friendly and experienced local team can help. We provide services across the south and north east Hume region.
Kathleen’s son Kim is proud
DREAM LIFE: Uniting AgedWell helps Kim’s mum, Kathleen Michelini, live her best life.
Prajna Health’s holistic healing to ease your stress
RELEASE stress, reconnect to your inner wisdom and embrace wholeness through meditation/ mindfulness practices.
space, peace, growth, renewal and a true and well self.
Joanne is a Himalayan yoga and meditation teacher who combines ancient eastern wisdom with western techniques to promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The mind and the body are one, what
Joanne helps her clients reconnect to healing within, brings clarity to limiting subconscious beliefs, and encourages opening of the mind and connection to the heart leading to a harmonious and
Passionate about supporting clients to be able to access stillness, feel a sense of calm and expand awareness, despite the ‘busyness’ of the modern world.
challenges, life changes or transitions, grief overwhelm, anxiety or stress expressed through physical symptoms.
By considering the interconnected aspects of an individual’s health, the aim is to support the restoration of balance and help clients thrive, through utilisation of a wide range of truly holistic and gentle techniques combining client centred counselling, body therapies (acupressure),
mindfulness, and energetic practices.
Practising from the beautiful Ardor Albury Wellness Clinic, 1/445 Dean Street
one-on-one sessions, a meditation course as well as customised corporate and wellbeing events upon request.
Bringing together Joanne’s passion for helping others, Prajna Health is also home to an online Artisan Store bringing you beautiful, ethically handmade products from Nepal and India inspired by her travels, which empowers women artisans, supporting their independence and wellbeing.
gifts and accessories from handbags,
Holistic Health Practitioner and founder of Prajna Health
Offering a blend of modalities combining Eastern & Western techniques to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Helping you release stress and reconnect to yourself.
Kinesiologist | Mind Body Medicine Practitioner | Integrative Nutrition Health Coach | Meditation Teacher
Practicing from the beautiful Ardor Wellness Clinic, 1/445 Dean Street Albury and online. One on one sessions | Meditation course | Customised corporate or wellbeing events
Website: www.prajnahealth.com.au
IG: @prajnahealth
Facebook: @prajnahealth
Resolving the irritations to health in
a
holistic manner
WE are presented with a barrage of irritants to our health daily, many of which we are unconscious to, or just accept as ‘how it is’.
Hahnemann healer/trainer and spiritual counsellor, assists her clients naturally and holistically to be able to identify and then deal with these irritants that often are emotionally based and eventually lead to a physical issue.
Homeopathy, a 250+ year old system of free, stimulates the body to self-heal and strengthens immunity.
It is suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly.
and spiritual counselling services that complement each other in how they can change.
“Hahnemann healing is a form of specialised emotional healing, developed by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy,” Lily said.
“The basis is that a large percentage of all physical illness is caused by unresolved emotional issues resulting in energetic
“Through healing sessions, emotions are through using spiritual counselling in addition to homeopathic treatment if required.”
In addition, Lily is also an accredited medium.
A mediumship reading conveys information directly from spirit that can
and patterns in their life and relationships, why they are happening and how to move forward.
Lily’s passion is healthcare that encompasses the physical, emotional and spiritual layers of a person.
“My focus is to help people sort their individual emotional and physical health issues, so they can positively move forward and most importantly feel in control of themselves and their health,” Lily said.
For appointments with Lily or for more information, call 0409 381 128 or visit the Resonate website www.resonatehomeopathy.com.au.
Are you feeling the dread of pending Spring and pollen induced hayfever? Don’t be anymore! Using individually chosen homeopathic remedies can help you beat the sneeze in a non-suppressive, natural, effective and immune stimulating way that will give you health benefits now, as well as long term!
, e:
SPIRITUAL HEALING: Lily Kennedy takes a holistic approach to dealing with the waves of life’s challenges.
HOLISTIC HEALING: Joanne works with a wide range of people to help them deal with their stress.
The path to your dream smile: What to expect at evolve orthodontics
AT Evolve Orthodontics, they believe no two smiles are the same, and your treatment plan should
when your smile is perfected, their highly trained, caring team ensures that every step of the
with one of their dedicated treatment coordinators, who will take the time to listen to your
Whether you’re concerned about appearance, timing, or budget, they incorporate every aspect of
Your treatment will be personally designed by specialist orthodontist, Dr Seerone, using the latest technology to create a precise, custom treatment plan
Conveniently located in Albury, Wangaratta, and Yarrawonga, they strive to make your journey to a perfect smile as seamless as
Their caring and experienced team of orthodontic therapists works closely with Dr Seerone to deliver your treatment plan with
One of the standout aspects of
treatment at Evolve is their dental
This allows them to track your progress remotely, meaning fewer unnecessary visits to the clinic and
Their weekly monitoring meaning they can keep your treatment on track from the comfort of your own home,
This meticulous attention to detail in planning means your treatment is not only more
At Evolve Orthodontics, their goal is clear: to provide you with
journey is carefully managed by a specialist and a dedicated team that is focused on one thingcreating beautiful smiles every
So, why wait?
Meet with one of their treatment coordinators today to discuss what they can do for you and experience
PERFECT SMILES: Oral health therapists, Bec and Nikki, are part of the team who can help you achieve your perfect smile at Evolve Orthodontics.
MHA Care: A beacon of support for our community
MHA Care Home Care Packages (HCP) allow people of 65* with higher-level care needs to continue to live independently in our local shires.
Our services include
Respite care
Personal care
Minor modifications to your home such as hand rails or ramps
Transport
Meals
Household jobs such as cleaning
Light gardening
Assistive equipment
Social activities
Nursing
* Available for over 50s if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
New director of Vic Hub to focus on rural communities
and bred in the
appointed director of Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub (Vic Hub) Dr Sara Hely is a self-proclaimed country kid.
Dr Hely has significant and wide-ranging experience in leadership roles in both state and federal government, as a company director of a not-for profit farmer group, and as a senior manager in large investors of agricultural research, development and extension.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
Stepping up as director, Dr Hely said this new leadership role will allow her to be a bridge between research and regional communities while still having a local and national impact.
“The roles I’ve had with the government, scientific research and investors previously
has given me an idea of what motivates them and working in a not for profit has given me an awareness of what farmers and their communities need,” she said.
“I was able to get these unique perspectives from all sides.
“My work in funding, research, and implementation will help me in this role to get the impact we are looking for and give communities something tangible to work with.
“This role is very much about relationships
and collaboration, and taking research through to impact, really developing knowledge that communities and farmers can use and adopt.” Having grown up in a regional area, Dr Hely said she had a passion for the environment from a young age.
Dr Hely studied in Canberra, completing a Bachelor of Science with first class honours and a PHD studying climate change and the effects on native and agricultural plant systems.
■ Continued page 6
BORN
Hunter Valley of NSW, the newly
What to do if pet bitten by a snake
THE weather is warming up and unfortunately that means snake bite season.
We’ve seen several of them this season already.
Australian venomous snakes have the potential to be lethal to all types of domestic animals, but we most commonly see snake bites in dogs and cats as they are more likely than livestock or horses to try to interact with a snake.
Signs of snake bite in dogs often include an initial vomit, followed by collapse or difficulty walking.
Excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and red urine may also be seen.
Dogs may appear to temporarily recover after an initial collapse but will then deteriorate again.
Signs in cats are initially a crouching gait or weakness, which then progresses to an inability to stand and walk.
Cats often try to hide when they feel unwell, so if your cat goes missing check under bushes and sheds as they may have crawled somewhere and be unable to move.
Snake bite signs in cats can sometimes not be evident for several hours or even more than a day after the envenomation.
It is very rare to see a snake bite mark on pets, so don’t waste time looking for one.
It is not important to identify the snake as vets use a multivalent antivenom which covers all our local venomous snake species.
Don’t try to catch the snake for identification.
with RSPCA - kb.rspca.org.au
Australian snake antivenom is very effective, but it must be given as soon as possible in order to have the best result.
If you see your dog or cat in close contact with a snake, take them to a vet immediately.
This is important even if your pet is not showing any symptoms, as sometimes the signs can be delayed.
Ring ahead to let us know you are on your way.
Time is of the essence, so do not take a wait and see approach, particularly if you live out of town.
If your pet isn’t showing any symptoms, we may admit them to hospital for observation or run blood tests to give us more information.
Most dogs show symptoms within the first half hour of a snake bite, but the occasional one may have a delayed onset of up to 24 hours.
Cats are more likely to become unwell slowly.
Most pets can be saved with antivenom and intensive care if they receive treatment early enough.
If you need us for a possible snake bite after hours call 5721 7177 and the recorded message will tell you the mobile number to ring for whichever one of us is on-call.
(Remember the mobile number will be different each night.)
This Day in History, 1906
DEATH OF RICHARD WARREN
THE long serving editor of the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Richard Warren, died on this day in 1906.
Warren, a Cornishman, had been associated with printing all his working life.
He had arrived in Melbourne in the first days of the gold rush.
He worked on the Morning Herald, and after two years, moved to Castlemaine.
It was from there that he was brought to Beechworth to produce the Ovens and Murray Advertiser.
He stayed with the paper form its inception, first as a printer, then as a proprietor and editor.
At the time of his death at age 75, he was considered to be the oldest active newspaper proprietor in the state.
GONE FISHING
Few on the bite, but still need warmer weather
WE’RE still waiting on some decent warm weather to really fire the fish up, however there are a few fish biting around the place if you know where to go.
Last week I headed over to Tocumwal to fish the Murray River.
I had to go to Tocumwal as the Murray River is closed to all fishing between Yarrawonga and Tocumwal during the spring months.
I was fishing with two fishing rods, both baited with worms.
I managed to catch half a dozen carp of varying sizes, before catching a Silver Perch and a Golden Perch (yellowbelly) right on sunset.
The fish were actually very active and I had a lot of action.
I fished the Ovens River in Wangaratta early one morning during the week.
Again using worms as bait, I
managed to catch one carp and a number of Murray Crayfish.
I am catching a lot of crayfish on my fishing rods in the Ovens River at the moment, which may be a sign that the water is still very cold.
All crayfish have been released as the crayfishing season is now closed.
On Friday morning I headed to Lake Hume to go fishing with a couple of mates.
Sandy and Andrew headed out in the boat at 6am, but I chickened out and decided to sit on the bank drowning worms until I warmed up. It was a bitterly cold and windy morning up there on Friday.
Sandy trolled a nice 56cm brown trout in front of the wall on a Tassie Devil lure.
Andrew caught nothing and I caught nothing angling off the bank. At 9am I jumped in the boat and the three of us went out chasing redfin and yellowbelly. We caught no yellowbelly and three small redfin.
Two were caught on a soft plastic and one was caught on worms. That was it, it was very quiet. I feel as though great fishing is only a few 25 degree days away at the moment.
with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA
◆ GOTTCHA: A nice Silver Perch caught on worms in the Murray River at Tocumwal last week.
Green Tree Frog – the full story
A LOUD ‘werk, werk, werk‘ call can mean that you are lucky enough to be host to a Green Tree Frog.
These large frogs can grow up to 10cm long and have been known to live for 16 years in zoos and wildlife parks.
After rain on a hot day, the Green Tree Frog will emerge.
You may find them in your house, your water tank, your drainpipe, toilet, pool, or even mailbox, in search of a cool moist spot.
The rain brings Austral-
ian native frog species out in droves – and if you don’t see a Green Tree Frog, you may hear them.
Green Tree Frogs love to get into downpipes and tanks during the mating season in spring and summer.
These locations act like a microphone to increase the volume of their low, slow
‘brawk, brawk, brawk‘ call.
Your outside lights attract the frog’s favourite food –moths.
Green Tree Frogs are a great garden helper.
They eat moths and other insects, as well as spiders, mice and other small animals.
They catch their food in their strong jaws and use a hand to force it down.
Green Tree Frogs are very docile amphibians that love to climb.
They are well equipped for
it, using the large gripping pads on their fingers and toes to scale smooth, vertical surfaces. They can even climb directly up glass.
After scaling a great height, they’ll often wait around near an outdoor light.
When an insect comes to bat against the globe, the Green Tree Frog will powerfully launch itself and catch it.
They are excellent night hunting predators – they can even catch small bats as they fly out of caves.
The Green Tree Frog is one of the most widespread Australian frogs.
It lives in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia.
It is also one of Australia’s largest frogs, and grows up to 10cm long.
Green Tree Frogs can scream when they are in danger, in an attempt to scare off a predator.
Did you know?
Although frogs have lungs,
they absorb oxygen through their skin.
For this to occur efficiently, the skin must be moist. The problem with this is that when there is pollution in the area, a frog absorbs it through its skin
Tip
Avoid using chemicals or insecticides in your garden, and especially near water sources –or it could harm our native frogs.
Planting native species and having a pond in your garden can encourage frogs and other native animals to your backyard.
with Backyard Buddies FNPW
◆ NATIVE FROG:
The Green Tree Frog are widespread across mainland Australia.
New director of Vic Hub to focus on rural communities
■ From page 1
“I’ve come from a sustainability slant studying climate change but the link between needing to protect our environment while having sustainable farming and food systems is key,” she said.
“Often the value of farming communities isn’t seen, yet without them we would be in a really difficult situation, farmers are the lifeblood of regional towns.
“You can’t have a healthy environment without a sustainable food system, and you can’t have a sustainable food system without a healthy environment.”
Dr Hely said small communities, farmers and big industries are facing challenges like energy transition, climate volatility, when does a farmer or community make structural changes to deal with these climate variations and to do that through providing evi-
dence and education.
“The impact of climate volatility does affect regional communities in terms of their social and mental wellbeing as equally as it affects them economically and environmentally,” she said.
“We are about visible impact for regional communities, so we can see, touch and feel the impact of this hub in terms of preparing for future climates, floods and droughts.
“People need to know they can access the tools, knowledge and resources they need to be resilient under those conditions.
“We want to support communities through the challenges that are coming.”
As regional and rural farming communities prepare themselves for the coming environmental challenges, Dr Hely’s advice is it seek
evidence and get educated.
“We know how hard it is to get good information, trusted providers like the Vic Hub and our farming systems groups are a great place to go,” she said.
“These issues are complex which is why providing evidence and education is the best strategy for supporting regional communities.
“We see our role at Vic Hub as linking communities through our farming systems groups to the right support services.
“At Vic Hub we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact on regional communities that climate extremes can have and we hope we can be identified as people can come to in tough times, to get the help they need.”
For more information on Vic Hub, visit https://vicdroughthub.org.au/.
LOOKING FORWARD: Dr
Create the ultimate cleaning routine
IMPROVE your cleaning routine with the Kincrome K16254 2100W Electric HighPressure Washer that offers optimal performance for a variety of cleaning tasks.
It comes with a robust 2,400 PSI max pressure and a dependable 1,600 PSI rated pressure to offer reliability while cleaning.
The model includes an onboard 8m pressure hose and reel assemble to extended reach and hose management.
Soap or detergent application is also effortless with a 1L litre soap dispenser capacity.
The onboard hose and power cable storage also allows you to keep everything neat and organised during every cleaning session.
TOOL TALK
What is MyMedicare and why sign up?
◆ DEEP CLEAN: Mason Sharpe from North East Fasteners recommends the Kincrome K16254 2100W Electric High-Pressure Washer to help you improve your cleaning routine. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
With this power washer you are also guaranteed longevity thanks to its integrated inlet filter which safeguard the pump from debris.
The pressure washer comes with a number of settings and different coloured nozzles that each serve a different purpose from high impact cleaning to rinsing glass and vehicles.
•
There are also many accessories that can be purchased alongside the K16254 2100W Electric High-Pressure Washer including the 1L Professional Snow Cannon and 4pc PRO Home Pressure Washer Accessory Kit to enhance your cleaning.
The pressure washer and its accessories are all available now at North East Fasteners.
YOU may have recently received a text or email from your medical centre inviting you to register for MyMedicare or have seen various posters in the waiting rooms at your regular clinic.
This new program aims to formalise your relationship with your doctor while having access to additional Medicare benefits.
So, what exactly is MyMedicare, and is it worth your time to sign up?
MyMedicare is a free, voluntary patient registration program launched by the Federal Government to strengthen Medicare.
By registering, you can officially choose your clinic and preferred GP, which aims to allow you access to extra Medicare items.
If you visit a clinic with multiple doctors, you can still see any GP at that clinic.
This program is open to all Australians who hold a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs card.
To be eligible, you must have had two or
more face-to-face appointments at your regular practice within the last two years, or one visit for those in remote locations.
MyMedicare is separate from My Health Record and does not store any clinical information only details about your regular GP.
While you can still visit other clinics, the benefits of MyMedicare will only apply at your registered practice.
You can also change your preferred GP or clinic whenever necessary.
Signing up is quick and easy- you can sign up through your Medicare online account, the Medicare app, or directly at your chosen clinic.
with Teresa McMahon SOUTH WANGARATTA MEDICAL CENTRE
◆ EASY ACCESS: MyMedicare allows you to easily access your preferred GP.
with Mick Seymour NORTH EAST FASTENERS
Spring into shape: How weight loss and exercise can help to transform your health this spring
By Christos Miliankos, North East Naturopathic Group
With Christos Miliankos, North East Naturopathic Group
AS spring blossoms around us, it’s the perfect time to reset our bodies and minds.
With warmer weather and longer days, many of us feel an urge to get outside and embrace a more active lifestyle.
This is the season of renewal, making it an ideal time to focus on health goals, like weight loss
One method that continues to in shedding pounds and improving well-being is the ketogenic (keto) diet, particularly when paired with a springfriendly exercise routine.
Why keto works
At its core, the ketogenic diet is a low-carb approach that forces your body to switch its fuel source.
Instead of burning carbohydrates for energy, you shift into a state called mild ketosis, where fat becomes your primary fuel.
This metabolic switch can lead to faster and more sustained weight loss compared to traditional calorie-cutting diets.
But it’s not just about the
NEW SEASON, NEW DIET: Spring is the perfect time to try out new diets for your health.
kilograms; people on keto often report increased energy, reduced cravings, and improved mental winter’s sluggishness.
What makes spring such a great time to start or continue with keto is the availability of fresh, seasonal foods.
You can load up on nutrientdense vegetables like leafy greens,
asparagus, and many other seasonal veggies.
the keto plan but are also packed with the vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system and keep you energized as you increase your activity levels.
Pairing keto with exercise
To maximize your weight loss results this spring, combining the
keto diet with regular exercise is key.
And with the weather warming up, outdoor workouts become much more enjoyable.
Walking, hiking, cycling, or even bodyweight exercises in the park can be excellent ways to get moving outdoors.
A ketogenic diet also works well with moderate-intensity exercise,
as fat is a more sustained energy source.
Unlike quick-burning carbs, the fat you consume and burn on keto supports longer, endurance-based activities.
Just remember, during the initial transition to keto, your body might need some time to adjust to the new fuel source, so be patient as you build your stamina.
Fresh start for a fresh season
Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings.
Embrace this season as an opportunity to refresh your health goals.
With the ketogenic diet and a renewed focus on exercise, weight, but gaining energy, on the months ahead.
Whether you’re starting fresh no better time than now to spring into shape.
It’s always advisable to consult with your health care provider about your level of ketosis and to monitor your progress depending
At the NE Naturopathic Group we run the highly successful UltraLite Weight Management Program - call us on 03 5798 3344 for more information.
NORTH EAST NATUROPATHIC GROUP
Years of operation: 23
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
Who’s in your business:
Christos Miliankos -Naturopath, Bowen Therapist Tayla Adams -Naturopath
Adam Beswick - Bowen Therapist, Weight Loss
Lauren Da Silva , Heather Champlin & Jae Tait - Receptionists
Describe your field of expertise:
Helping people and families live healthier, happier lives.
Did you know?
We also specialise in weightloss with the Ultralite Weight Management Program.
As someone who has lost over 20kg, I understand how important it is to manage and keep it off.
What’s a product or service that’s new to your business?
Immune boosting supplements to help build up our immune defenses to not only ward off illnesses, but help our fight them off so they don’t keep coming back.
Supporting local is important because?
By supporting local businesses it keeps us all connected,
Communicating during COVID-19
WITH Diana Bienvenu, Audiologist, Wangaratta Audiology
HOW did COVID-19 change our people with hearing loss? our hearing?
Many people recognised that they had
Sometimes these changes made
NEW NORMAL: COVID-19 changed the way we communicate with each other.
Switching to a natural deodorant is a game changer
THE shift toward natural deodorants is growing, fuelled by concerns over harmful chemicals in conventional products.
Traditional deodorants often contain ingredients like aluminium, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which have been linked to health risks such as hormone disruption, breast cancer, skin irritation, and even reproductive issues.
These chemicals are absorbed through the skin, particularly in the underarm area, making long-term exposure a potential health concern.
alternative by using plant-based ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils to neutralise odour while allowing the body to sweat naturally.
Sweating is a vital process for regulating temperature and eliminating toxins, and blocking it with chemicals like aluminium interferes with your body’s natural function.
Additionally, natural deodorants are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
traditional deodorants is their inclusion of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
These substances can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to serious health issues over time.
Given the proximity of the underarm area to the lymphatic system, there’s an increased risk of these chemicals being absorbed into the body.
even during intense cardio workouts or the hottest days of summer, providing reliable odour protection without harmful additives.
Our top recommendations at Wholefoods include Miessence roll-on and Woohoo long-lasting performance.
Choosing a natural deodorant isn’t just about avoiding harmful chemicals; it’s a step toward better health, supporting eco-friendly brands, and embracing a more natural lifestyle. your body and health.
TO NATURAL: Kacey O’Callaghan recommends using natural deodorants.
DITCH TOXINS: Wholefoods has a wide range of natural deodorants for you to choose from.
Care based on lived experience
AFTER experiencing what life is like with a disability, Belinda Curro decided to start Belinda’s Better Care to allow those who need extra care to have more agency.
tumour in 2008 and had to be operated on to get rid of the cancer while she was 25 weeks pregnant.
“I had 10 minutes to decide whether to not have the operation, give birth to my child and pass during childbirth, or whilst in my second trimester, have the surgery to remove the tumour and live but possibly lose my unborn child,” she said.
“In those 10 minutes, the thought of my two other children at home growing up without their mother was devastating.”
In the surgery, they were able to remove 80 per cent of the tumour and help Belinda become cancer free and her child was able to survive the surgery.
Despite this, she was still left with an acquired brain injury when she woke up from her two week coma and is currently in remission.
From there, she started
years ago, which caters for NDIS and aged care clients, with their youngest client 10 years old and their oldest 95 years old.
support from cleaning, meal support, transport, respite and personal care through to community engagement, across NDIS and aged care. Belinda, alongside her
Wangaratta, Benalla, Moyhu and Baddaginnie, take a unique approach to disability care.
“We are advocates for our clients who often don’t have a voice to achieve their
goals,” Belinda said.
“We are problem solvers when funding is limited.
“These include packages man or how we engage
a young girl to have the home.”
Belinda does not hide from her disability but has used it to build a business that understands their clients.
“We are a unique team because we work in a business built by a person who has lived and experienced the impacts of a life changing disability, it gives the team insights that are unique on a daily basis time,” Belinda said.
“Many aged care and disability clients experience isolation, lack of community connection, lack of opportunity, we do this job as it is important that they live a life that is valued and respected.”
Belinda said they are excited about the recent the Federal Govt into the aged care system and the more of our clients at home where they want to be.
“It provides an opportunity for potential expansion on our part enabling us to support more clients in the regional North East area,” she said.
At Belinda’s Better Care (BBC) we’re people who care. Our focus is for customers to receive services that are designed to meet their everyday needs and supports to achieve their goals.
BBC was established in 2019 by Belinda, who states; “Living with an acquired brain injury and a disability myself, I understand how important it is to receive person-centered and self-directed supports. Supports that allow me to feel respected and valued, while choosing how I want to live my life”
How We Can Support You
Community Participation is about how you want to access the community, whether it be for health appointments, going shopping, or for entertainment and fun.
You may choose to head out for activities such as going to the movies, bowling, swimming, or hydrotherapy or it might be to do an art or music class.
You may choose to meet up with friends, go to sporting events, or even go to the gym. We can help you!
Community participation is about supporting people to achieve their personal goals and live their lives how they choose.
Personal Care Supports: We can provide assistance with your daily personal activities such as showering, dressing and assistance with meals, providing support with mobility and transfers, ensuring safety and comfort, and helping with medication management and attending medical appointments.
Transitional Assistance Program (TAP): We can provide short-term services and support if you need extra help at home after a public hospital stay. We will tailor these supports to your individual needs alongside the direction of the TAP Program. (Formally Post Acute Care)
AGED CARE SUPPORT: Belinda Curro (left) and Judi Walker (right) help Maxwell Taylor live his best life.
BETTER CARE: Belinda Curro and her team help clients like Joshua
Thunderstorm asthma: When weather and allergies collide
WITH Teresa McMahon, practice manager and pharmacist, South Wangaratta Medical Centre
HAVE you ever heard of thunderstorm asthma?
It’s a peculiar phenomenon that occurs high pollen counts, creating a potentially dangerous situation for many people.
Let’s dive into what it is, who’s at risk, and how to stay safe.
Understanding thunderstorm asthma
Imagine this scenario: It’s a warm spring storm is approaching.
As rain begins to fall, the droplets crash into pollen grains, causing them to break apart into tiny fragments.
These microscopic particles can travel deeper into your lungs than intact pollen, potentially triggering severe asthma symptoms even in people who’ve never had asthma before.
Who’s most at risk?
You might be vulnerable to thunderstorm asthma if:
• You have a history of spring allergies or hay fever
• You’re allergic to grass pollen (especially ryegrass)
• Your asthma symptoms worsen in spring
• You have asthma but aren’t using a preventer medication Interestingly, even people without
thunderstorm asthma if they have strong pollen allergies.
Recognising the symptoms: It’s crucial to know what to look out for.
Symptoms can start as typical hay fever signs like itchy eyes and a runny nose.
However, if you notice coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, these could indicate a more serious asthmatic reaction.
Staying safe: Your action plan Prevention is key when it comes to thunderstorm asthma.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
Leading up to spring:
• Consult your doctor for an asthma review
• See your pharmacist to ensure your inhaler technique is correct
During spring and early summer:
• Keep an eye on pollen counts and weather forecasts
• Stay indoors during windy periods before thunderstorms
• Always carry your reliever inhaler
• Consider wearing a mask when outdoors on high-risk days
For those with hay fever but no asthma diagnosis, similar precautions apply. It’s also worth discussing treatment solutions are available.
The takeaway
Thunderstorm asthma is a serious condition that can escalate quickly resulting in someone needing emergency care.
By understanding the risks and taking reduce your vulnerability.
Remember, it’s not just about protecting yourself – spread the word to friends and family who might be at risk.
Knowledge and preparation are your best defences against this weather-induced respiratory threat.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and breathe easy knowing you’re equipped to handle whatever the spring weather throws your way.
STAY SAFE: It’s important to know how to protect yourself from Thunderstorm asthma.
