Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 176 i WellBeing

My sister and I have always had our tattoos done together. It’s a ritual of sorts. But a few months ago, my beloved big sis decided to throw a curveball and travelled down the ink path solo. I was initially very confused by the fact she wanted to shake up our enjoyable experience together for something arguably more painful and isolating. But when she explained that she just needed to do this one on her own, I was able to let go of the “breaking” I associated with our ritual so I could, instead, focus my attention on her experience — more closely, the intention behind her choice of this experience. By honouring her needs and tuning in to the depths of her intuition, she followed through, undertaking her solo…

Eggcellent hearts Researchers from China and the UK set out to examine the associations between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease, major coronary events, haemorrhagic stroke and ischaemic stroke. They used data from 512,891 adults aged 30 to 79 from 10 different geographical areas in China. The participants were recruited between 2004 and 2008 and asked about the frequency of their egg consumption. At the start of the study period, 13.1 per cent of participants reported daily consumption (usual amount 0.76 egg/day) and 9.1 per cent reported never or very rare consumption (usual amount 0.29 egg/day) of eggs. Analysis of the results showed that, compared with people not consuming eggs, daily egg consumption was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Particularly, daily egg consumers (up to…

Chromium is a chemical element — the 22nd most abundant element in Earth’s crust. The colour of rubies and emeralds comes from a trace of chromium. Chromium is used extensively in various industries (stainless-steel manufacture, the tanning industry, among others) and it’s an important nutrient present in the human diet and in human tissues. It’s a transition element and even as a supplement is found in various forms. Trivalent chromium Cr (III) is the most stable form in biological systems and the most abundant in the food supply. It has magnetic properties and has affinities with iron, manganese and zinc. History In ancient times the bronze tips of the crossbows and swords of the Terracotta warriors in China (from 3rd century BCE) were tipped with a protective layer of chromium…

Rudolf Steiner founded Weleda in the 1920s. What was his initial vision for creating an organic skincare range? Rudolf Steiner was a philosopher who viewed the human body, mind and spirit holistically. He believed that natural ingredients provide what a body needs to be vibrant and healthy. Austrian-born Steiner worked alongside Ita Wegman, a Dutch doctor, and Oskar Schmiedel, a German pharmacist. Together, they developed pharmaceutical products using a concept that has formed Weleda’s product philosophy to this day: that medicine should provide crucial stimulus for the body’s own healing powers. The revolutionary idea preempted what complementary medical research proves today: healing can indeed be brought about by holistically formulated products using natural ingredients from plant materials that stimulate the body to heal itself. The organic skincare was introduced later…

When you’re feeling frazzled and run-down as a day unfolds, yearning for quiet and connection, do you ever find yourself reaching for a cup of tea? Have you ever pondered the mystery a bowl of tea holds, the calm, warmth and peace it brings into your day, miraculously gifting you exactly what you have been longing for? Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea, who was born in 733 CE and lived during the Tang Dynasty, referred to tea as “the sweetest dew of heaven”. In his renowned Classic of Tea (Cha Jing), the first known monograph on tea, he wrote: “Tea tempers the spirits and harmonises the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties.” What is…

Chewing is a primitive function of the brain; one that informs the body it is experiencing self-preservation. When eating, your survival instincts can be switched off temporarily and the body can relax. On a physical level, mastication releases the flavours and chemicals of food and mixes it with saliva so the body can create the appropriate digestive enzymes. It also opens up a channel of communication with the nervous system by sending signals to the brain as to what kind of food is on its way, as well as how much. Chew guru “Nature will castigate those that don’t masticate” was the rather extreme catchcry of American dietician and nutrition nut Horace Fletcher. He believed every mouthful should be chewed at least 100 times. It was a belief that earned…

It’s often said that the job of each generation is to challenge the ways of the previous and the current millennial generation is certainly taking that idea and running with it. As a generation that has been handed a world of technology, social media, environmental devastation and an uncertain future, you can’t blame them for wanting a new way. It’s a pretty overwhelming world they are inheriting. And, as one of Australia’s leading authors and rising millennial voices, Melissa Ambrosini is the epitome of this voice. At first glance, Ambrosini’s message could be dismissed as just more “selflove” talk — perhaps just another self-improvement message from a beautiful young girl. Add to that, as a former Moulin Rouge dancer, model and actor, she certainly knows how to command a huge…

Stained and weathered like an ancient giant, the Mount Titlis glacier prods the heavens of central Switzerland. Even in this icy, otherworldly realm, surrounded by the Alps of nearby Germany, France and Italy, and 3238 metres above sea level, nature cannot escape the ravages of global warming. Thousands of years old, the glacier is facing its final years thanks to increasingly warmer-than-average summers. Last year was the second hottest year on Earth since records commenced in 1880. The year before (2016) currently holds the record for the hottest year. However, rather than a few random hot years, it’s an upward trend. “Sixteen of the 17 warmest years in the 136-year record all have occurred since 2001,” the NASA climate website informs us. Draped across the ice like gigantic bandages, sheets…

The ancient Egyptians believed in Ba and Ka, two sources of vital life-force energy, which flowed through the human body, similar to the concept of yin and yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ancient Egyptian civilisation is undoubtedly one of the greatest civilisations known to mankind. Their medicine and healing arts were the most respected across the ancient world and among the first well documented. Medicine, religion and magic were intertwined. Disease was often believed to have been sent by the gods as a punishment, similar to the concept of karma, or by evil spirits that had taken hold of a patient mentally, emotionally or physically. Ancient Egyptian healing regimens included magic, spells, incantations, herbal medicines, specific foods and diets, prayer, energy healing, reflexology, massage and occasionally surgery. The ancient Egyptians…

On a slow drive towards Moonlight Head, the Shipwreck Coast’s treacherous swell turns our attention seaward, our heads swirling with imaginary thick fogs that since the 1830s have obscured uncharted, rocky reefs and claimed more than 600 vessels. I picture rising from the deep the mysterious Mahogany Ship, a fabled sand-bound ship thrown from the sea off Warrnambool 500 years ago, drowning its crew of 15th century Portuguese explorers whose very presence on this coastline — long before the arrival of Captain James Cook — could rewrite history… if only it could be found. Reward-hunting archaeological digs in the decades since have only fuelled the Mahogany Ship’s legend, but the sea harbours many secrets and the low tide reveals nothing on our drive but deserted coves of irresistible, out-of-reach sand…

You’ve had a long day at work and you’re craving Indian cuisine, but your recipes aren’t up to scratch. Peering into your spice rack, you feel uninspired and order takeaway Indian from down the street because they get it “just right”. Pushpesh Pant’s new book, The Indian Vegetarian Cookbook, will have you saying goodbye to that scenario faster than your meal will be delivered. In this beautifully photographed book, Pant showcases the unique ways vegetables feature in Indian cuisine, inspiring you to create simple dishes the whole family will love. With an impressive collection of 150 vegetarian recipes for breakfast, drinks, lunch, dinner and dessert, Pant’s ability to capture the diverse flavours from India’s myriad regions will leave your mouth watering. The best bit? Pant’s flavoursome and authentic recipes benefit…

Carman’s Carman’s Kitchen welcomes to the family the newest addition to its Gourmet Porridge Sachet range: Almond, Pecan & Hazelnut. With the goodness of unsweetened Australian oats, the 100 per cent natural porridge is filled with crunchy nuts and takes only 90 seconds to heat up. W: carmanskitchen.com.au Procal Authentic Greek Yoghurt Procal Authentic Greek Yoghurt is based on a traditional family recipe passed down for generations. The smooth and creamy mouthfeel is reminiscent of the Greek yoghurt taste enjoyed in the Mediterranean for centuries. Procal master yoghurt makers use only the finest ingredients with no added sugar, colours or preservatives. W: procal.com.au Pureharvest Quench Milks Range Pureharvest has expanded the Quench Milk range to bring you three exciting new flavours: Almond Quench, Hazel Quench and Golden Quench. These creamy…

While summer is the perfect time for barbecuing, the cooler moths are when we need some serious wellness feasting with friends and family. The perfect warm and comforting dishes are soups, curries, stews and, of course, beautifully baked desserts. For your next wellness feast, I’ve got the perfect menu to knock the socks off your guests. If hosting overwhelms you, just remember it’s OK to accept help from others. It makes the night easier and more fun when you share the load. I look to Ayurveda to help inspire my meal planning. In Ayurveda, winter is the season to increase your digestive fire. It’s time to include spicy and bitter foods that are warm and light yet comforting. Including spices such as garlic, turmeric and ginger can help increase digestive…

Every pet with kidney disease will be unique, so there’s no one approach to support. Some present as the typical older cat with slowly progressing kidney deterioration. Others are younger with congenital disease or acute infection. Many older pets have co-existing health conditions, which also need help, such as cardiac disease, degenerative joint disease, dental disease, high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism. Although there is good information online, it’s better to discuss any treatments with your vet, or a vet trained in complementary medicine. One of the things I do object to is sites that send out natural kidney tonics, which may not be suited to your dog or cat. Integrative care is individualised to suit a particular pet. Many dogs and most cats are not fans of too many herbs…

Capricorn Having Saturn “back home” in Capricorn after 29 years is big news; the threeway Earth harmony it forms with communicator Mercury and change-agent Uranus is “bigger news”. From Sep 6–8, things pop! A New Moon in your adventure sign and a Sun/Pluto Earth extravaganza on Sep 10–16 could seal many a deal. This also supports travel. Consider the vocational potential of Sep 23–Oct 22. Consolidate contacts, finish creative projects and improve your presentation style when Venus is retro from Oct 6. Taurus Venus is your ruler and you may be torn between two polarities when she passes through your opposite sign of Scorpio from Sep 9 to the year’s end. From Sep 11–14 Venus alerts you to a new way of doing things, perhaps flagging a structural change as…

You know it when you feel it. It’s not something you hear, nor is it something you see. But it’s very innate and intrinsic, like the depths of the ocean. You might identify it as a feeling in your gut, a subtle signal from your body to trust what you’re feeling in that moment. You most likely refer to it as your intuition. When was the last time you had a gut instinct? Perhaps you were deciding what movie session to go to and felt a gentle pull towards the matinee, which conveniently only had one spot left, smack-bang in the centre of the theatre. Or maybe you just knew you weren’t supposed to date that person and then later found out from a friend of a friend that they…

Did something resonate with you in this issue of WellBeing? Tell us! Write to WellBeing, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde, NSW 1670, email wbletters@umco.com.au, comment on our Facebook page or Instagram account: @WellBeing_Magazine. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Connected and calm I’ve always enjoyed savouring your beautiful magazine at the library or at a friend’s home. I don’t have much money and put off subscribing to WellBeing for a few years, but I’ve now subscribed after contemplating how your magazine calms me no matter what else is going on in my busy life. I also feel connected with the other readers through your magazine. Thank you. Elizabeth Brawn Earth lover I never do this (I’m usually a silent praiser), however I feel compelled to express my gratitude…

Love hurts A fight with a spouse may end in hurt feelings but, for those with chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes, those arguments may have physical repercussions as well. Researchers used data from two groups of subjects for the study. One group comprised 145 patients with osteoarthritis in the knee, plus their spouses. The other included 129 patients with type 2 diabetes and their spouses. Subjects kept daily diaries about their moods, how severe their symptoms were and whether their interactions with their spouse were positive or negative. Within both groups of participants, subjects were in a worse mood on days when they felt more tension than usual with their spouse, which in turn led to greater pain or severity of symptoms. This suggests that looking beyond the illness…

Kefir is produced from white “grains” formed from a specific and complex mix of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts living in a symbiotic relationship. These “grains” are inoculated into milk — mainly cow, goat or sheep milk. Traditionally, kefir was made in goatskin bags hung near a doorway where the bag would be knocked by those passing through; which would help keep the milk and kefir grains well mixed. It’s known by many names, including “Prophet’s millet”, as it’s said the Prophet Mohammed gave the grains to a tribe as a symbol of eternal life. Modern studies have shown regular consumption of kefir is associated with improved digestion, improved tolerance of lactose, as well as cholesterol-lowering and blood-pressure-lowering effects. It also regulates blood sugar and is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and…

Lisa Dunbar Solas T: +61 478 059 550 E: drdunbarsolas@ancientexplorer.com.au W: ancientexplorer.com.au For me, creating art serves as a portal into the state of bliss. I first began to paint in my late teens after I inherited my grandfather’s oil and acrylic paints. Not long after, I discovered watercolour and became enchanted by its magical properties. My love affair with this medium has endured for more than 15 years. My art is inspired by my connection with nature and also my experiences in the Central Andes, where I have been working as an archaeologist. A common theme of my creations is Pachamama, Mother Earth. In modern Andean art, Pachamama is often depicted as an anthropomorphic dome-shaped mountain. While living in Peru several years ago, I was blessed to learn about…

Beauty trends come and go. What is deemed the hottest ingredient one moment is soon surpassed by another that’s said to be even better. However, the latest star of the skincare industry, blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum), looks set to become a mainstay due to its ability to calm inflamed skin — and emotions. For the skin, its anti-microbial, antifungal and anti-allergenic properties are making it a go-to flower for those suffering from inflamed conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. For the emotions, blue tansy is, in fact, from the chamomile family (think Roman and German chamomile), so you can expect it to be calming; yet its sweet smell is also uplifting. Sometimes called “Moroccan chamomile” or “Moroccan tansy”, the essential oil extracted from it is at the centre of…

Good posture involves developing an awareness of how your body exists in space and then training it to stand, sit, lie and exercise in a way that puts the least amount of strain on your muscles, ligaments and joints. Standing up straight sounds simple enough; it makes you look taller, slimmer and more relaxed. Correct posture takes the strain off the joints of your neck and shoulders as well as aligns your hips, knees and feet. But on a deeper level, it can also improve your breathing, digestion, mood, energy levels and how well your internal organs function. A recent study from San Francisco State University showed that “slouchers” reported increased feelings of depression, while a Harvard study showed that when people adopt a powerful posture (shoulders back and upright…

You create spaciousness by being in the moment, connecting with yourself and your world and resisting the urge to pick up your phone and other devices. One afternoon I was at a cafe with my husband when he went off to do some shopping. Only a few seconds after he had left, I reached for my phone and started scrolling through social media. This was nothing new. What was new was the realisation that I didn’t actually want to be doing this. My brain felt so full and scrolling was only making it fuller. What I actually wanted was the ability to sit and just watch the world go by. When faced with moments of nothingness, I didn’t want to automatically spend all my free time and headspace being a…

It has been said that in order to discover your true passion and meaning in life, you should try to recall how you spent your time when you were 11 years old. At that age, you had the independence to make your own choices about your activities, before social and family expectations directed you towards good grades and life skills. Indoors as an 11-year-old, I loved to be engaged with words, shapes and colours, but my greatest joy was to be outside in the garden or nearby parks, revelling in the wonder of nature. I loved identifying a tree from its leaf and seeing how the leaf’s shape often resembled the shape of the full-grown tree; watching the development of a tadpole into a frog; moulding a handful of clay…

When Marlene, 66, couldn’t find her car keys for the second time that week, she chalked it up to simple forgetfulness. But then daughter Cassie noticed her mum had the occasional memory slip and was acting out of character. The once health-conscious business owner quit her weekly social tennis and lost interest in her business. After being diagnosed first with depression and seeking the help of various health professionals, tests eventually showed Marlene had dementia. Dementia is a degenerative brain disease; its most common form is Alzheimer’s. In 2017 it became Australia’s biggest killer of women and second biggest killer of men, behind heart disease. According to Dementia Australia there are more than 413,106 Australians living with dementia, which is tipped to rise to around 1 million by the middle…

What is it about penguins that makes people laugh, cry, go weak at the knees and brave crossing the roughest sea in the world to stand in a freezer just to be near them? Everything. They’re funny, loyal, curious, brave and caring. But they’re also much more. Penguins are the marine sentinels of the south. “By observing the population of penguins, it tells us what’s happening in the ocean,” says Catie Fooley, a young research scientist with Oceanites, a non-profit organisation committed to studying the Antarctic region. “Penguins spend time on land with their chicks so they’re easy to spot.” So how do dedicated researchers like Fooley work out how many penguins there are? They count them. We’re standing overlooking Fooley’s next mathematical challenge. Speaking above the cacophony of humming,…

Cabot Health Increase energy, improve mood, burn fat and boost immune function! These are just a few reasons for doing the Dr Cabot 15-Day Cleanse, a three-powder program that improves liver and gut function and alkalinises your body. It was designed by Dr Cabot to make your cells healthier. W: drcabotcleanse.com Aware Environmental A stylish and beautiful range developed in Australia, Organic Choice delivers a little luxury to your everyday by sourcing products from sustainable, naturally derived ingredients. Certified organic aromatic essential oils provide a relaxing and calming tranquillity to your home. The range includes air care, dishwashing liquid, laundry and cleaning products. W: awareenvironmental.com.au Did you know? In Australia, we throw out more than 30 million toothbrushes each year, most of which are made of plastic. The Environmental Toothbrush…

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional coach? Coaches help people gain clarity in their situation and needs, formulate a forward direction, get motivated to make the changes they know they need to make and feel better about their lives and work. Problems that seemed insurmountable become obstacles to overcome. Goals that seemed so far away get closer. Clarity and self-awareness replace doubt and indecision. Action replaces inaction. Coaching enables thinking about a situation from a different perspective, leading to behavioural change. However, before you can change your behaviour, you often need to change your mindset. This requires thinking positive thoughts, celebrating the “magic moments” and avoiding thoughts, people and feelings that drag you down. Coaching provides an uplift to transport yourself into a…

Whether this is your first curious dive into this gorgeous magazine and thinking more holistically about the way you live, or you have a friend you want to help who’s new to it all and is worried about everything and finding it hard to do anything, I want to share 10 things you could do in literally the time it takes for the kettle to boil. These simple things will help you to increase your toxin-reducing, eco-conscious, wholefood-loving mojo. 1. Breathe Once upon a time before all the tech, before the 50 million after-school activities, back-to-back meetings and all the after-work catch-ups, we had space to chill several times a day. You and I both know that these days if you don’t carve it out, you simply don’t get it.…

Your gut is pivotal to the health of your brain and heart in that malfunction can trigger a range of afflictions, from anxiety and depression to weight gain and even heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a smorgasbord of unresolved gut symptoms including, diarrhoea, constipation, poorly formed stools, bloating and pain, is widespread, affects as many as 11 per cent of the world’s population. Science has yet to uncover what causes this troubling condition, so once we’ve tried the various restrictive diets, ingesting the newest megawatt probiotic and taking digestive stimulants that give our indolent bowels a kick up the proverbial, we’re floundering. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), an excess of potentially harmful germs in the small intestine, has emerged as the new candida or gluten. It’s…

A midwinter break on an island in the Whitsundays was just what I needed. I worked hard in my business and holidays were few and far between. But major abdominal surgery and two weeks in a hospital interstate were not supposed to be on the agenda. White clouds drifted by the window of our small plane while endless turquoise water merged with a blue horizon below. After a bumpy landing, my husband grabbed our bags and broad grins filled our faces as we boarded the water taxi to our island home. After check-in, we decided to catch the sunset over the ocean. A short walk behind our villa led to the top of the island, giving us idyllic views of a tropical paradise. As darkness settled, we headed back down…

On the way to school one morning, totally unprompted, my younger daughter offered the thought, “I wish we didn’t have money.” “Why?” I asked, in full parental focus-on-getting-to-school-on-time mode. “Money can help us do things.” What I was thinking was, “It can help you go on that excursion for one thing, and it can help pay your dance fees.” Daughter, though, was in no mood to deal with my myopic thoughts; she was in expansive mode. She returned to her theme. “No, I mean everybody. If we all didn’t have money, then a farmer could give people things that he grows and they could give him something in return. People do silly things for money. It would be nicer if we all didn’t have money.” Buckled up, hair in a…

Many times, my intuition has kept me safe from harm. It has navigated different pathways and highlighted different aspects in nature to keep me away from potential human threats that could have ended very differently had I not listened to that inner voice. I keep my intuition intact by utilising it daily like a muscle. I do this by meditating, listening in, connecting to my surrounds and trusting that the inner voice speaks the truth. Caterina Morrison The last time I relied on my intuition was six months ago. I had seen five doctors who all told me I was suffering from “women’s problems” and sent me away with pills and potions. My intuition was telling me it was more. I was ready to give up, but I kept going.…

Giraffes surprise biologists yet again Giraffe populations have declined by 40 per cent in the last 30 years and there are now thought to be fewer than 98,000 individuals remaining in the wild. New research has highlighted how little we know about Giraffe behaviour. It is accepted that group sizes of animals increase when there is a risk of predators, since larger group sizes reduce the risk of individuals being killed. These researchers investigated the grouping behaviour of Giraffes. Habitat had some effect on group size, but the main effect on group size was in the behaviour of adult females, who were found to be in smaller groups when they had calves. This is contrary to another popular belief that female Giraffes form large groups to communally care for their…

How have you celebrated traditions? What rites of passage are you preparing for? What initiations are awaiting you? These questions are on the spiral rune card I have just drawn from a tarot deck. It’s a Sunday afternoon and I’m sitting in a circle with 12 other women. I can hear the rain falling softly on the metal roof and I’m mesmerised by the sunlight dancing across the curtains. I take a deep breath in, noticing a subtle smoky aroma join the top of the breath. I smile and look around, feeling a profound sense of connection to the women around me, who, just three days ago, were complete strangers. Turning inwards, I close my eyes and begin to reflect on the journey I’ve been on. I arrive at Byron…

Could the colours you love say something about the kind of person you are? Can colour affect you emotionally and could you even harness a colour to promote your wellbeing? Science and ancient wisdom suggest that colour can indeed influence your mood and reveal your personality, as well as heal your mind, body and soul. In every moment you are bombarded by a plethora of seven million colours, as this is how many shades of colour your eyes are able to distinguish. This electromagnetic light hits the retina of your eye and is interpreted by your brain as colour. When you see a blue object, you actually see an object absorbing all the colours of the spectrum except blue, which is reflected back to you. There are 120 million rods…

Did you know you’ve got one to three kilograms of bacteria (that’s trillions of ‘em!) residing in your large intestine? Collectively known as the gut microbiome, these micro-organisms are central to every aspect of your health. Fibre from organic, plant-based foods plays a major role in nutrient absorption and gut and digestive health. Having the right amount of good gut bacteria is also known to reduce bowel inflammation, better regulate blood-sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels and even improve mood. Prebiotics are soluble fermentable fibres that you’re unable to digest in your gut. They move into your intestines and act as food for probiotics, creating the environment that beneficial bacteria need to thrive. Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) that exist inside your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They aid digestion. Including…

Expectations lead you to each moment, interaction, action, judgement and emotion of your life. Whether they are high or low, your expectations are predictions of what it is you think or hope is going to happen. They can set you up for great joy and for terrible disappointment, for surprise and for disillusionment, for success and for failure — but are you aware of how they operate at every level of your functioning? While you may be familiar with the idea that each one of us has a natural tendency towards positive or negative expectations, your beliefs are more complex than simply whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist. Your expectations determine your reality, but what are they based on? What determines the way you approach a situation, goal, event…

Have you ever been mesmerised by a Full Moon in the sky as it exudes beautiful, cooling light? What are the forces that draw you in? Going a little deeper, are you aware of the influences the Moon has on your physiology, energetic body and mind? A Full Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are opposite from each other, gravitationally influencing the Earth. With its pull, it changes the tides of the ocean, signifying fulfilment and completion. It also calls for reflection and gratitude for the abundance in your life. “Full” is the term describing the Moon as it reflects light from the Sun. It denotes an abundance of acquired goodness, heightened energy, receptivity and strength, but this fullness can also manifest in the overflow of emotions, erratic behaviour…

Cities are complex and intriguing places that combine the advantages of concentrated habitation with its inevitable downsides. Dating all the way back to 7000 BCE, they rose to greater prominence as a result of urban migration following the Industrial Revolution, starting in the early 18th century. More recently, the percentage of humans living in cities rose from 39 per cent in 1980 to 54 per cent today, with further urbanisation predicted for the future. Cities are set to play an important role in the future direction of human settlement and will be pivotal in tackling climate change. Some cities that were once viewed as unappealing and polluted are now clean and attractive, aided by people-centred urban planning. What are they doing right and what mistakes were made in the past?…

Did you know the average person takes around 2.5 million steps in a lifetime? It starts with that all-important first step a baby takes from as young as 10 months of age. It makes sense, then, that taking care of your baby’s feet puts them in good standing for a lifetime. Newborn tootsies When a baby is born, one of the very first things most parents do is count their little fingers and toes. Their tiny toes (like the rest of them) will probably be covered in goop, which is a mixture of amniotic fluid and vernix. Their skin will have a pale blue hue and will be soft and a little wrinkly after floating in fluid for nine months. In a very short time a baby’s feet will be…

Screens LOVELESS Directed by ANDREY ZVYAGINTSEV Starring MARYANA SPIVAK, ALEXEY ROZIN BREATH Directed by SIMON BAKER Starring SIMON BAKER, ELIZABETH DEBICKI, SAMSON COULTER, BEN SPENCE A trenchant critic of Putin’s Russia, director Andrey Zvyagintsev pulls no punches in Loveless, the gripping story of a child who has fallen through the cracks in a broken marriage. The year is 2012 and, while the radio prattles on about the Mayan apocalypse and the TV runs pictures of war and misery in the Ukraine, Zvyagintsev’s bourgeois Muscovites post selfies in fancy restaurants. Two of them — Boris, a tired corporate hack, and Zhenya, a vain beautician — are in the throes of a bitter divorce. Each has a new partner and their apartment is up for sale but their 12-year-old son Alyosha (Matvey…

EverEscents EverEscents Organic Lavender shampoo and conditioner are specially designed for the harsh Australian climate and are perfect for helping alleviate conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis and itchy or flaky scalp. The beautifully rich and soothing formulas are suitable for dry, damaged or coloured hair. W: everescents.com.au Weleda Weleda Natural Body Oils are all-over nourishment for the mind, body and soul. Containing only pure natural ingredients, they moisturise deeply and are available in eight unique fragrances including regenerating pomegranate, pampering wild rose and relaxing lavender. RRP $26.95 to $33.95 W: weleda.com.au i-Care Eyewear i-Care sunglasses are designed and manufactured to exceed Australian standards while providing 100 per cent UV protection for the family. i-Care styles are on trend, with the latest designs and colours giving you the confidence to step…

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through an incredible transformation. The influx of hormones can cause everything from changes in vision and sense of smell to fluid retention and weight gain. For some, the first changes they notice can be on their skin surface and in the texture of their hair. Ever heard of the “pregnancy glow”? Well, it’s no myth, as naturopath and nutritionist Alison Cassar explains: “Skin oils usually increase during pregnancy, contributing to the pregnancy ‘glow’. For some, this results in increased acne and oily skin, but for others it’s a wonderful glow.” Your health is intimately linked to your gut, so it’s important to prep the body for pregnancy by eating nourishing wholefoods. Research also suggests that seeding the gut with beneficial bacteria both before and…

There are Elizabethan beauty aids you would wish to avoid, like lead-based foundation to smooth pock marks in your skin, or, for the wealthy, a mix of crushed pearl and whipped egg white that gave similarly smooth skin as well as a fashionably white hue. Add poultices of crocodile dung (popular only months’ travel from the nearest crocodile, so either fake or by then the dung had lost its pungency), belladonna drops to enlarge pupils (warning: death is a possible side-effect) and eating arsenic to ward off wrinkles (which it does if taken in large doses — it will also ward off life). Added to these, however, were a few total delights, like goldenrod lotion for chapped hands, rossoly (rose oil) dabbed around arms and lips as moisturiser and a…

A woman with a reasonably common, albeit severe, problem presented at the clinic. She had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease several years earlier and had a long history of pharmaceutical medication, which had helped for a while, but, despite increasing doses, her condition was deteriorating and her doctor was recommending a powerful drug that would significantly alter her immune system. As she had read up on the sideeffects, she had become concerned and finally decided to try something different to see if she could manage the condition in some other way. Crohn’s disease is one of a group of autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases that can have severe symptoms, such as abdominal spasms and pain, severe diarrhoea and constant fatigue. It can also manifest in other parts of the body —…

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