Table of contents for Issue 209 in WellBeing

Our sun is an energetic orb but each parcel of energy that it generates faces quite a journey to get to the Earth. A photon travels a certain distance until it is absorbed and then released by an atom. Being released by the atom sends the photon off in a new direction. To travel from the core of the sun, where it is generated, to the sun’s surface, a photon needs to travel 696,000km, having its path altered continually by atoms along the way. Calculations are that this journey from core to surface takes a photon millions of years. Once it gets to the surface, to travel the rest of the way to Earth takes only about eight minutes. It means that the photon kissing your cheek today is energy…

I am fortunate to have two living grandparents. My grandpa Don, who is my mother’s dad, lives in a small country town in Victoria and is 85 years old. His mind is very sharp, he has a huge, sensitive heart and he’s very wise. He’s always looked at life from an optimistic lens. I often hear him say that, despite numerous health conditions which are slowing his body down, he’s very lucky to still have a sound mind. This outlook has been heavily tested in the past few months with the passing of his second wife and challenging health diagnoses that have left him hospitalised. During our conversations, grandpa always imparts wisdom, offers a new perspective on something, and generously bares his heart. I can always hear the emotion in…

Greening data centres A “data centre” is a physical location housing computing systems and their associated hardware. These data centres typically operate at temperatures between 20 and 25°C. To achieve these temperatures, the centres are cooled via “free-cooling” using ambient air to cool water in the cooling system. To save energy, data centres are often built in colder areas, but new research shows that many IT servers can operate at 30°C, so even in hotter areas data centres could run on free-cooling systems. Now, researchers have built a model showing data centres across climate zones could be nearly 100 per cent reliant on free-cooling when operated at 41°C. Compared to data centres running at 22°C, centres that run at 41°C could reduce the amount of energy they use for cooling…

Saying “I love you” is never an easy thing. Declarations of love are like walking naked onto a stage before a packed auditorium: you hope for appreciative murmurings followed by rapturous applause, but you utterly dread an embarrassed silence or, even worse, stifled sniggering. To say “I love you” is a brave act of self-exposure, so it is no surprise that humans have invented ways to minimise that trauma by using tokens to symbolise love. The token becomes a proxy for the timorous lover and over centuries those tokens have come in a variety of forms. Ring, ring The ring as a symbol of marriage is perhaps the most widespread token of love and commitment. The use of the ring dates back 5000 years to the ancient Egyptians who worshipped…

Traditionally, mental health has been approached through therapeutic interventions or pharmaceutical treatments. But contemporary research illuminates an altogether more straightforward and accessible path to improving your mood — nutritional psychiatry. In this promising field, a captivating premise unfolds that shows the foods we consume possess a remarkable ability to relieve stress, elevate mood and even mitigate depression. Nutritional psychiatry explores the role of the gut microbiome and the effects of specific nutrients and dietary patterns on our mental health. What’s more, researchers have found that diet not only alleviates existing mental health issues, but can, in some cases, prevent their onset. The gut-brain connection One of the most intriguing aspects of nutritional psychiatry is the gut-brain connection. Just like the brain residing in your head, your gut boasts an intricate…

Often described as a spiritual database or library, Akashic records are said to hold every soul’s path, from its many past lives to every future possibility that lies ahead. Whether you lean towards the mystic world of astrology and tarot cards or consider it too woo-woo, divination has certainly gone mainstream. Given the tumultuous landscape we find ourselves in, this is hardly surprising. In stressful times, people are consulting the cosmic realm for guidance and insight into everything from career decisions to relationships. And there’s much more in the mystical vault than just your monthly horoscope. The Akashic records were, until recently, a relatively unheard-of phenomenon but, thanks to the growing movement of online spirituality, they are gaining popularity. If you love to pore over the astrology pages of this…

The wackier the workout, the more I’m keen to try it. So when I saw a group “bouncing” class on my Instagram feed, it piqued my interest. I would normally shy away from bouncing up and down, but the class looked jolly enough to persuade me. Jumping has several health benefits, according to exercise physiologist and corporate wellbeing speaker Angela Lee Jenkins. “Explosive jumping exercises can burn a lot of calories, improve cardiovascular health and help improve bone mineral density,” she says. The exact number of calories burned by jumping exercises depends on factors such as a person’s weight, the length of the workout and how fast they perform the movements. Jumping can also help build muscle strength, improve your balance, rev up your metabolism and relieve stress and pain.…

One of the key benefits of running drills is that they help to improve running technique. By focusing on specific aspects of your running form such as posture, arm swing and foot strike, drills enable you to develop efficiently and biomechanically with sound movement patterns. This, in turn, can help prevent injuries and increase running efficiency. Posture and running drills play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and performance. Maintaining proper posture while running is essential for optimising efficiency and reducing the risk of strain on the body. Good posture is the foundation of successful running. It affects the alignment of the body, the distribution of weight and the overall mechanics of movement. When running, it is important to maintain an upright posture with the head and shoulders aligned over…

Humble yet versatile, noodles are commonly made from unleavened dough using wheat or rice, water and sometimes egg, which is either rolled flat and cut or stretched into long strips or strings. Rarely the main event, they are often used as a canvas for creativity and flavour. Beyond pantry staples like spaghetti and vermicelli, there is a vast array of lesser-known, but equally delicious (and often healthier) noodle varieties. The history of noodles Noodles are believed to have originated in China more than 4000 years ago during the Shang Dynasty. The earliest noodles were made from a simple mixture of wheat and water. The Chinese were among the first to develop the art of making pasta-like products, which were originally shaped by hand and then later with various tools. Chinese…

It’s not as sexy as the latest skincare trend but managing your blood glucose levels is key to achieving healthy, glowing skin. By understanding how diet and lifestyle affect your blood glucose levels, you can uncover a more radiant you — without buying into another product that promises the world but doesn’t deliver results. The impact of glucose stability on skin is multifaceted, involving various physiological processes including: Prevention of glycation: Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to a process called glycation, where sugars bind to proteins such as collagen and elastin in the skin. This process forms advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which contribute to the breakdown of these structural proteins. Collagen and elastin are essential for skin firmness and their degradation can lead to wrinkles, sagging and a…

Although I’m no gardener, with three senior pets, I’d like to grow things I can use for their benefit. I’ll begin slowly, mainly in pots, and pick a few of my faves to see if I can grow them. Aloe Aloe vera (A vera, A. barbadensis) is a hardy perennial succulent known for its healing properties. It requires minimal watering and can be grown from divisions of the parent plant. The clear inner gel contains acemannan, known for its healing and immune boosting properties. To use aloe vera, cut a lower leaf and scrape the clear inner gel. Apply it directly to wounds, stings, bites or inflamed gums. Be cautious with the yellow-green latex near the leaf’s edge as it has a strong laxative effect. Elevate the pot if your…

Pisces You will embrace new strengths and new pleasures, Pisces, from the Pisces New Moon on March 10 through to May. The New Moon brings a potent line-up of four planets in Pisces, backed by strong earthy allies in Taurus. Lucky Jupiter — your ruler — is on the team, which is good news! No dithering or doubting delays your plans. Others respond well, offering help and support. April 9 to 13 requires some caution, since Mars in Pisces means any pushiness will have bad results. Yet April 19 to 21 and May 13 to 18 can be the making of you. Faith and hope deliver healing on many levels. Aries The Aries story is a big one in 2024, with Chiron and the fateful eclipse axis testing Aries. After…

March Endometriosis Awareness Month March, Global endometriosisaustralia.org The Water Challenge March, AU waterchallenge.org.au Jump to Cure Diabetes March, AU jdrf.org.au/get-involved World’s Greatest Shave March, Global worldsgreatestshave.com Awaken Festival March 16 Peninsula Hot Springs, AU awaken.net.au International Day of Happiness March 20, Global dayofhappiness.net National Close the Gap Day March 21, AU antar.org.au World Down Syndrome Day March 21, Global worlddownsyndromeday.org World Water Day March 22, Global worldwaterday.org ECHO Festival March 22-24, Swansea, AU echofestival.com.au Earth Hour: 8:30pm March 23, Global earthhour.org.au April IBS Awareness Month April, Global fodmapfriendly.com Newcastle Food Month April, Newcastle, AU newcastlefoodmonth.com.au The Canberra Times Marathon April 5-7, Canberra, AU solemotive.com/pages World Health Day April 7, Global who.int/campaigns/world-health-day Earth Day April 22, Global earthday.org Mornington Running Festival April 28, Mornington, AU morningtonrunningfestival.com May Mindful in May May,…

For a moment, allow your mind to wonder over the sheer size of mountain that is Olympus Mons (we will call it Mons from here on). Mons is situated on Mars at the northwestern edge of the Tharsis region. The Tharsis is a volcanic plateau that is one of the most geologically active areas on the Martian landscape. Mons itself is a volcano and has been formed via a hotspot in the Martian mantle that has seen lava erupting from below for millions of years. As a volcano, Mons has been inactive for a very long time but its size remains mind-blowing. The peak of Mons is 22km above the Martian surface. To put that in perspective, Mount Everest is 8.85km high. Even now, when it is not erupting, Mons…

Snooze rules The snooze button, allowing you a few extra minutes of sleep, has been a feature on alarm clocks and phones for decades now. It has been thought that the snooze feature has negative effects on the brain’s ability to sleep and wake up. To test this, researchers from Stockholm University asked more than 1700 people about their morning habits including how often they use the snooze button. They found that those who use the snooze, sleep, on average, slightly shorter than those who never use the snooze. However, there were no negative effects of snooze use on cortisol (a stress hormone) release, morning tiredness, mood or sleep quality during the night. Indeed, using the snooze button did not reduce morning alertness and, in fact, those who did use…

Moringa is a favourite in Indian food and medicine. It is a drought-resistant, fast-growing deciduous tree that grows in tropical and subtropical climates. The seed pods and leaves are traditionally eaten daily as a vegetable and it is so well known for its medicinal value and health benefits that it has been called “the miracle tree”. Almost all the parts of the plant can be used — leaves, flowers, roots, stems, fruit, seeds and oil. Traditionally, it has been used to treat anaemia, anxiety, asthma, blood impurities, bronchitis and chest congestion, catarrh, cholera and many other illnesses. Active ingredients Moringa is a rich source of bioactive components including a wide range of flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics and polyphenols. It contains all the essential amino acids, carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamins…

In the mosaic of self-worth, societal expectations thread a complex narrative around body image. For the better part of my teens and early adulthood, I carried internalised beliefs that tethered my value to the size and shape of my body. This struggle is not singularly mine, it resonates with countless women who navigate a world where subtle and overt messages dictate an idealised physique often incongruent with reality. According to Dr Zali Yager, a renowned body image researcher, body dissatisfaction can stem from both internal and external influences. Our peers, family and the pervasive media narrative of the “ideal” body shape contribute to our perceptions of what an “acceptable” body looks like. The repercussions of falling short of these unrealistic standards manifest as body shame, an often-silent struggle shared by…

Marlee Silva is a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, a published author, host of multiple podcasts and an accomplished sports reporter and broadcaster. This is her story. “Growing up, even though sport was a big part of my life, it didn’t feel like a place for girls,” says Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman Marlee Silva. “Even though all my friends were on sporting teams, and we were passionate about it, and we loved every single sport we could absorb, it just still didn’t feel like a place for us. But now it does. “And it’s only growing, particularly recently with the Matildas, which is probably the most emotional I think I’ve ever been about any kind of sporting event, because it matters. And particularly for the next generation who’s growing up…

For generations, adults have corrected children’s posture. “Don’t slouch!” parents have scolded. “Sit up straight!” teachers have cried. Even when I was young, before we had smartphones to exacerbate our slumped shoulders, it was drummed into us to have good, or neutral, posture where the bones, joints and muscles are stacked in a balanced way. This is because when our posture is anatomically neutral, the body is in harmony with all parts working together. With this stature, we maintain wellbeing, prevent pain and improve breathing. Physical impacts Today, both adults and kids alike are fighting an uphill battle to maintain neutral alignment. The overuse of mobile phones, gaming, sitting at desks all day and staring at television screens all evening mean we consistently slump. As we hunch, the head drops,…

Getting kids to complete simple tasks often feels like an epic struggle. They tire and distract easily, flitting from one thing to another, forgetful, fidgeting, making mistakes, seemingly unable to control their thoughts, impulses and emotions. Far from an isolated issue, the inability to hold sustained focus is a growing global problem, says Johann Hari, author of Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention. “We are in an enormous crisis of attention,” he says. “And it is particularly acute for children.” The success of Hari’s multi-award-winning book, published in 2022, suggests short attention spans are something many resonate with. One survey of public opinion by Kings College London in 2021, found two-thirds of participants believed young people’s attention spans were worse than in the past; about half felt their own…

One of the most common family members, there’s a pet in almost 70 per cent of households. According to the 2022 Pets in Australia: A National Survey of Pets and People report, dogs are our most popular choice. Forty-eight per cent of us have one pooch or more, followed by cats (which are occupants in a third of our households). Fish and birds are quite popular too and, to a lesser extent, small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and ferrets, reptiles and farm animals. There are more pets in Australia than people, reveals the report, which is by AMA (Animal Medicines Australia) and SEC Newgate Research. In fact, we’re more likely to have a pet than our own human offspring! Making it an almost universal experience, it’s estimated…

Joseph Abboud shares his take on modern Middle Eastern food at Rumi, his restaurant in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs. In his cookbook, titled the same name, you’ll find food that has been cooked with an egalitarian ethos and soul. Regulars of Abboud’s restaurant will be happy to see classics also featured in his cookbook, such as the three-cheese Sigaras, the Rumi Meatballs and the famous Lamb Shoulder. And everyone new to Abboud’s cooking has the joy of discovery ahead. The celebrated chef is wary of sharing the 60-plus recipes in this book, not for fear of divulging secrets, so much as exposing how simple his cooking is. Enjoy this beautiful gift of heart, food and community. Images and text from Rumi by Joseph Abboud, photography by Armelle Habib. Murdoch Books…

Late last year, I packed my bags for a two-day escape in Mudgee, NSW, with my sister-in-law, Lauren. We checked into Zensi, a new retreat 15 minutes from Mudgee town centre. I had no expectations for the retreat, but I did have plenty of intentions. I wanted to deeply relax, spend quality time with Lauren and sit in circle with other women. The name Mudgee, derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi, which translates to “nest in the hills”, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the charming region. Paying homage to this, Zensi offers its own version of a nest — a sanctuary where one can feel embraced, nurtured, safe and free to explore. It is these qualities that founders Ruby Chapman and Ray Tayoun weave beautifully into every moment of Zensi.…

In the whirlwind of our fast-paced lives, we must all find time for pockets of pleasure. One way to carve out joy is by creating (and indulging in) a homemade dessert. Not only does it treat the tastebuds, but using your hands to make something, from start to finish, is a grounding and gratifying exercise that can bring you back from the brink of overwhelm. As well as being delicious, indulging in a tasty dessert should be a conscious choice for your wellbeing. This recipe combines dark chocolate, succulent berries and crunchy macadamias for a heavenly blend with a powerful nutritional punch. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and has the power to elevate your mood. Aim for varieties with at least 70 per cent cocoa to maximise the health…

Digestion, like breathing, is a process we take for granted. We eat, mostly for pleasure, unfortunatley often unhealthy foods that are rich in fat and sugar, an insidiously corrosive habit that is exploited rapaciously by the barons of the food industry. Sadly, this unconscious pattern is what sets us up for the diseases of ageing. But it could all evolve so differently. The foods you place in your mouth, your capacity to break these down optimally and extract the vital nutrients your body needs to look after your heart, brain and the rest of your essential organs and the balance of germs in your gut are fundamental to how well you age and the diseases you manifest as you negotiate the tribulations of getting older. Four pillars of health In…

A common way to approaching health and wellbeing is focusing on a health concern after the symptoms have appeared, rather than looking at your being holistically. This is the key principle to natural medicine — looking at the person as a whole, not a specific health condition, as people are incredibly complex, nothing is a simple fix. Natural medicine offers a preventative approach, improving your health and wellbeing takes time and cannot be done overnight. By understanding this and implementing daily measures to support yourself, you are setting yourself up for long term success. To help you understand what natural medicine is, how it works, the different types of therapies available and how they can support your health, we’ve put together a guide on how accredited practitioners across Ingestive Therapies,…

Autumn and Winter Vegetables Asian greens (buk choy, choy sum, gai lan, wombok), beans (butter, green and snake), beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, celery, chilli, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, leek, lettuce, field mushrooms, okra, olives, onions (brown, red and spring), parsnip, peas, potato, pumpkin, shallot, silver beet, spinach, squash, swede, sweet corn, sweet potato, taro, tomato, turnip, zucchini. Fruit Apples (Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Red Delicious), avocados, banana, breadfruit, cumquat, custard apple, fig, grapes (Muscat, Purple Cornichon, Sultana and Waltham Cross), guava, kiwifruit, lemon, lime, mandarins (Imperial), melons (honeydew and rockmelon), nashi, orange (Valencia), papaya, passionfruit, pears (Beurre Bosc, Howell, Josephine, Packham, Red Sensation and Williams), persimmon, plum, pomegranate, quince, rambutan, raspberry, rhubarb, tamarillo.…

The Hittites were a group of people living in what we now call Türkiye and Syria. Their civilisation began around 1600 BCE, reaching a height around 1300 BCE and then splintering from approximately 1180 BCE onwards. The Hittites were famed for their manufacture and use of iron as well as the chariot. Yazilikaya is a site of Hittite rock carvings about 1.5km northeast of the Hittite capital Hattusa. The site at Yazilikaya consists of two open-air chambers where the rocks are intricately carved with mostly male figures to the west and female figures to the east. For centuries, historians, archaeologists and philosophers have attempted to find an explanation for the unique and relatively hidden sanctuary that is Yazilikaya. Recently, a team of astronomers, archaeologists and historians believe they have come…

One Sunday evening, our family all landed at home, hungry but without the energy or desire to cook. What happened next was shocking but beautiful. We don’t always do this but, on that day, we looked at each other and, almost simultaneously, there was a groundswell of support for having “fish and chips” for dinner. By “fish and chips”, I mean any of the burgers and deep-fried foods that can be found at the local takeaway. It’s interesting that I prefaced this with a phrase to suggest this is a rarity, probably because as editor of WellBeing, I presume you want to think of me as some sort of emblem of the pure life. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m as prone to unhealthy indulgence as the next person and the…

Opposites do not attract It is often said that opposites attract romantically… but do they really? A new meta-analysis looked at 199 studies ranging from 1903 to the present day on opposite-sex pairs. More than 130 life choices were assessed, and millions of couples were involved. The choices in question were things such as political leanings, age of first intercourse and substance-use habits. The results showed that for approximately 89 per cent of the traits/choices analysed, partners were more likely than not to be similar. Traits such as religious attitudes, political attitudes, level of education and some measures of IQ showed very high correlations among partners. Even traits such as height, weight and neuroticism showed positive correlations. Some minor traits such as being a “morning lark” or a “night owl”…

Salvia miltiorrhiza (a member of the Lamiaceae family) is also known as red sage, redroot sage and danshen. It is a perennial sage, highly valued for its roots in Chinese and Japanese medicine. Native to these countries, it grows in grassy places in forests and along streams at 90 to 1200m above sea level. Active ingredients The root and rhizomes are used and the main bioactive ingredients in danshen are water-soluble phenolic acids and the lipophilic tanshinones, including salvianolic acids, rosmarinic acid, aldehydes and caffeic acid. The salvianolic acids are the main antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic with cardioprotective activities, while the taninones have more antitumour, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and analgaesic activities. Therapeutic uses Cardiovascular By removing blood stasis, danshen plays a major role in cardiovascular health as it protects vascular endothelial…

The universal pursuit of beauty across the globe has given rise to a fascinating array of natural beauty methods that are as diverse as the cultures from which they originate. Often using pure and potent resources found in local environments, alongside traditional practices that reflect cultural values, traditional beauty methods offer a treasure trove of inspiration and insight. In the quest for fewer wrinkles, lustrous hair — or whatever your beauty kryptonite — look to the bounty of wisdom found in time-honoured natural methods. From ancient rituals to contemporary practices, we explore the varied tapestry of natural beauty regimens. Australia Beginning on home soil, Australian Aboriginal women have been harnessing the power of the native Kakadu plum for skincare benefits for centuries. This potent fruit is the highest bioavailable natural…

Many informed observers consider jail a blunt instrument that doesn’t work particularly well for most prisoners, while also a necessary evil for managing crime. In their view, spending more money on keeping more people locked up is not a solution. One common theme in the area of criminal justice is punishment or retribution, especially where the type of offence committed arouses strong feelings. This ties in with a belief in some quarters that jails should be unpleasant places, creating a second layer of punishment on top of the basic deprivation of liberty. Another view is that jail itself should be the punishment and that alienating, violent or unpleasant prison conditions generate more problems than they solve. A prison sentence acts like a wrecking ball in the life of a person…

Dietary principles that reduce brain inflammation include controlling blood sugar levels, identifying food allergies and prioritising omega-3 fats. Inflammation can affect the brain, just like any other part of the body. The brain does have its own distinct immune system and protective mechanisms. However, when it comes to brain inflammation, it is your body’s way of protecting your brain from harmful toxins, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. It’s important, however, to recognise the seriousness of chronic ongoing brain inflammation as it can affect brain health, inhibit brain function and increase the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of brain inflammation Chronic inflammation of the brain can lead to symptoms including brain fog, mood swings, inability to focus, poor memory, chronic pain or headaches, irritability,…

It’s time to honour the women who offer unconditional love and care. What better way to express gratitude than by gifting something that enhances your mum’s health, like these hand-picked gifts from WellBeing? 01. Rainbird Clothing Wrap your mum in warmth this Mother’s Day with a Rainbird Lyra Parka. Designed to provide her with the luxurious comfort and uncompromising style that she deserves. Rainbird’s Parkas are beautifully lined with a soft inner fleece and finished with a velvety peach waterproof shell to ensure she remains warm, dry and protected from the elements. rainbirdclothing.com.au 02. endota Signature Blend Soy Candle Breathe in the aroma of endota’s signature blend of 100 per cent natural ylang-ylang, bergamot, orange, patchouli, lavender and rose geranium essential oils and experience the wellbeing benefits of aromatherapy. endotaspa.com.au…

There’s a lot to love about Perth’s favourite beachside town. Built on a solid bedrock of old-school farming and big-wave surfing, Margaret River’s cool, ocean-loving culture feeds a soulful food scene that’s organic, biodynamic and makes it oh-so-easy to have a sustainable holiday. Music festivals and surf contests gather the town together and fill the beds of its many eco-certified retreats. There are yoga classes aplenty, permaculture workshops and organic tasting sessions in dozens of vineyards. But “Margs”, as locals affectionately call it, offers quite a bit more. A few years ago, Margaret River become WA’s first certified Eco destination, one of only seven Australian regions now recognised for a community’s collective efforts to foster local sustainability. An entire town pulling together for the planet is a big tourism drawcard…

For something mysterious Earth Cakes: The Witchcraft Jana Brunclikova Earth Cakes: The Witchcraft transcends the realm of cooking. Led by Jana Brunclikova, the story takes you on a mystical journey into the world of cooking as she shares more than 30 enchanting recipes. Prepare to embrace your inner sorcerer, explore herbalism and unlock your taste buds to the rhythm of spells, sweets and all things delicious. In Earth Cakes: The Witchcraft, each chapter unveils a realm of vegetarian and vegan delights. You’ll find recipes for Black Bean Brownies with Cinnamon, No-Bake Cheesecake with Basil and Lime, Easy Chamomile and Coconut Panna Cotta and so much more. Using the gifts of Mother Nature, you’ll create magic in your heart and in your home. KH For something nourishing Gwinganna Gourmet, Delicious Whole…

What was your initial vision for Smitten Merino and has that changed over time? Over 16 years ago, we had a dream to create locally made, Merino clothing here in Tasmania. We had recently moved from WA and were feeling very chilly. When driving up the Midlands we saw all the sheep and wondered where the wool was going (to Italy to make Zegna suits it turned out!). We realised that there was no-one making Merino wool clothing in Tasmania anymore, so we set ourselves the challenge to do it. Our vision was to help support Australian wool growers and ensure local manufacture of our garments. Nothing has changed in that time: we still demand ethical and local manufacture and are very proud to use Australian superfine Merino, a natural…

I grew up in the era of flexible hoses and sprinklers attached to taps of endless water, but this won’t be the world my grandkids inherit. Our earth now faces wild and unpredictable weather, including many droughts. Humans tend to adapt well, though. We will learn to recycle our house water and create “green walls” to grow our own vegetables, with no transport except from plant to plate. We might adapt our diets to fewer water-hungry plants. And we might change the way we garden, too. Wicking gardens rarely need watering, nor do “farms” grown in greenhouses that harvest their evaporation to use again. But we’ll still probably mulch. Mulch doesn’t just stop moisture evaporating — it increases the moisture-holding capacity of the soil and encourages roots to grow larger,…

A 68-year-old male presented to the clinic with severe back pain radiating down his side. He had been to his doctor with similar symptoms previously and had been diagnosed with kidney stones. The doctor had treated him and he had been symptom free for some time, but was now experiencing his third episode of the same problem. As he was in such severe pain, I sent him back to his doctor to disintegrate any stones using a procedure called lithotripsy (the stones are disintegrated by lasers or shock waves, a relatively non-invasive treatment. I requested he then come back and we could work on reducing his risk for further attacks. We needed to check his blood and urine tests for clues as to the type of stone so we could…

01. Eco Tan Your summer tan has never been easier! Eco Tan’s luxurious buttery cream Invisible Tan moisturises without being sticky, never comes out orange and doesn’t transfer to clothes or sheets. ecotan.com.au/collections/tan/products/invisible-tan 02. Sanctum Indulge in a moment of self-care with Sanctum’s HY C Intense Repair Cream. This rich formula, packed with thoughtfully selected actives, deeply nourishes your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Restore moisture, promote cell renewal, and protect against the effects of environmental ageing. sanctumaustralia.com 03. Coco Health Unlock peak cognitive performance with Coco Health’s Premium Nootropics, featuring Lion’s Mane + Kakadu Plum blend or Neuro Octane (Noo) Oil. A powerful brain tonic in an easy-to-use dropper, it enhances memory, cognition and mental clarity naturally. Crafted to Australian standards and packed with natural ingredients, Coco Health’s…

Don’t get caught up on it, both octopuses and octopi are acceptable plurals of octopus, we are just using octopuses here because it is more grammatically manageable. Think of octopuses and the first thing you think of will be their eight legs, as the “octo” portion of their name invites you to do. In fact, however, the eight legs of an octopus are just where the mathematical extravagance of these creatures begins. An octopus, for instance, has three hearts. Two of those hearts work to move blood beyond its gills and the third heart keeps circulation supplied to the vital organs. Not content with that mathematical excess, octopuses also have nine brains. There is one main brain where all the analysis and decision-making take place but there is also a…

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