Journey complete Several Grampians Community Health staff members chose to give up something addictive in February to improve their longterm health and wellbeing.Wimmera Drug Action Taskforce co-ordinator Sally Pymer, alcohol and other drugs outreach counsellor Laura Lourensz and alcohol and other drugs team leader Caleb Lourensz all participated in FebFast, a month-long health challenge and fundraiser. The Weekly Advertiser checks in with Mrs Pymer, who gave up coffee, Mrs Lourensz, who gave up coffee and sugar, and Mr Lourensz, who gave up alcohol, to see what they learnt from the challenge.
Caleb Lourensz: So, Febfast is over, and what an interesting journey it has been. While I did successfully last the month without alcohol, it did prove to be more of a challenge than I originally thought. Upon reflection, the thing that makes FebFast the hardest is just having to say no. This got me thinking about harm-minimisation principles versus abstinence. Both have their benefits and downfalls and I think this depends on the person. At times, forcing someone to quit and remain abstinent can actually increase pressure, which leads a person to use again rather than support them to make a positive change. I think if people who are substance users have the opportunity to speak about their use with someone closest to them – and that person gains a better understanding of the situation and best ways to offer support – it can be a significant difference between success and resuming use. As I thought, the wedding I attended had its challenges because there was plenty of beer and wine available, plus many toasts to the bride and groom.
Despite many offers for drinks and the occasional stir from friends who knew I was doing FebFast, I stuck to water and soft drink. Since the end of FebFast I have had a few beers with some friends and family, but I’m certainly more conscious of how much I am drinking. Participating in FebFast has given me an opportunity to think about alcohol consumption on a personal and community level. I would highly recommend anyone giving it a go to really challenge their own thoughts and routines regarding alcohol and give them an insight into remaining sober in a culture where drinking alcohol at most social functions is the norm.
Sally Pymer: Participating in FebFast has definitely been an experience. It has been a month of discovering withdrawal, cravings and finding a lot about myself and habits. It has definitely been very valuable in understanding drug dependence and the different triggers that encourage drug taking. Even though I lost four kilograms and felt a lot better in myself, there were times I still
felt like coffee, but even more times when I felt like sugar. Telling myself how good I felt now and how silly I would be to eat sugar or drink coffee often didn’t make things easy. There were times I thought, ‘I have been so good up until now, a little bit won’t hurt’. These are the things we often hear – having one piece of chocolate, which then turns into the whole block because you have ruined it now. So what now? I have decided to stick with the peppermint tea rather than go back to coffee. I have also decided to continue with my limited sugar diet but include a few treats when I feel like it.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
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Sides of Two Tooth $699kg Laura Lourensz: I found doing Febfast to be a good challenge for me to think about my habits and how they affect my health and my life. I discovered a number of things, not least of all the degree to which I comfort eat when I’m stressed or generally unhappy. I also discovered how difficult it is to try to give up two things at the same time. Although I’ve gained a number of insights into my habits and behaviour, the change to both has been minimal. I have resumed my standard coffee and sugar regime – which tells me that unless someone really wants to give up something and is committed to the process, they will not achieve the results they desire. I think FebFast is a great initiative and a challenge everyone could benefit from.
Building arts opportunity Wimmera people with disabilities can create and showcase visual and performing arts through a new Art Matters project group. The Collective Swab project will culminate in a series of performances during Horsham’s Art is… festival in June. Horsham Rural City Council cultural development officer Jillian Pearce said Wimmera visual artist Anthony Pelchen, dancer Amy Anselmi and videographer David Bowe would lead the project group. The group will meet on Mondays from March 21 in Jubilee Hall in Roberts Avenue, Horsham, from 4pm to 6pm. Ms Pearce said the aim of the initial project was to build a permanent arts group for residents with disabilities by the time the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolled out in 2017. The Art Matters group evolved from consultations during the 2015 Art is… festival, after people identified a
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Flake ~ Ling ~ Flathead ~ Butterfish ~ Blue Grenadier Crayfish ~ Oysters (please order) ART MATTERS: The Collective Swab painting-drawing, created by Wimmera artists with disabilities. need to increase meaningful arts participation opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. “This project would not have happened if it were not for support from Horsham Rural City Council, Wimmera Rural Access and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria,” Ms Pearce said.
She said the project group would be guided by a reference group, comprising representatives of agencies such as Wimmera Health Care Group, Woodbine, Cooinda and Wimmera Uniting Care, as well as regional residents and artists. Ms Pearce said people could call her on 5382 9594 or email jillian.pearce@hrcc.vic.gov.au to register for group.
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