Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 208 i WellBeing

Humans are a patronising bunch. We tend to humansplain the world around us by assuming that we are the pinnacle of evolution, occasionally giving credit to other species when they do human-like things. In moments of humility we admit there may be aliens out there with capacities beyond our own and that we may not be the smartest beings in the universe. In truth, however, we may not even be the smartest beings on the planet. Whales, for instance, clearly have a sense of self, as they show through their refusal to abandon pod members. They also have singular capacities such as sleeping with one half of the brain at a time, allowing the other half to stay awake and take them to the surface every five minutes or so…

“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows,” is one of the core teachings of Nisargadatta Maharaj, an Indian guru of nondualism. When I first heard this quote, it hit me right in the heart. It wedged itself into that deep centre of truth, and since that moment I’ve been trying to understand it. In my meditation, on my dog walks and even while swimming in the ocean, I’ve reflected on this concept of belonging to everything while simultaneously trying to understand that I am not a separate thing. It’s a lot for my mind to grasp; however, the philosophical and spiritual perspective of nondualism is helping to make sense of it. Nondualism emphasises the idea of oneness and…

Spotting corporate psychopaths Yes, "corporate psychopathy" is a thing, and a new paper has looked at the need to identify, manage and (if necessary) remove these people in the context of the finance industry. Approximately 1 per cent of the population are defined as psychopaths, meaning they possess no conscience, shame, guilt or ability to experience love or empathy for others. According to the paper, corporate psychopaths are disproportionately likely to hold senior positions in business and industry. However, their ruthlessly self-serving behaviour has the potential to undermine the very business in which they work. The corporate psychopath’s quest for money, power and control is what drives them, and they are ruthless in gaining them. These principles might extend to the field of political psychopathy as well. The researcher reports,…

Alone vehicle was stopped in a busy lane of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. In the heart of Australia’s biggest city, the freeway that runs under the harbour was full of commuters zipping past, oblivious to what was going on inside the car. Security personnel approached tentatively. The car was seemingly abandoned. No one in the driver’s seat. Potential bomb threat? What they found took them by surprise. Chelsea Pottenger was in the foetal position on the back seat, looking disorientated, and through gasps she told them she thought she was having a panic attack. After calming her down, they towed her car from the tunnel and drove her safely home. This was back in 2013. Fast forward 10 years, and Pottenger stands on stage in front of hundreds of people…

Do you wish you had more self-discipline? If you do, you’re not alone. Research shows that a massive 97 per cent of us wish we were more conscientious, that we could carry out our work and duties more carefully and consistently. In essence, most of us wish we had more grit. More self-discipline. But is this lauded trait really all it’s cracked up to be? A growing body of research suggests otherwise. Defining self-discipline Self-discipline is defined as “the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses”. Sounds great in theory, right? If only we could motivate ourselves to effortlessly choose a salad over a pizza or resist hitting the snooze button when we made an internal agreement to head to work early the night before. Self-discipline is, supposedly,…

Positioned at the forefront of contemporary wellness modalities that unites traditional and modern methods of healing, the innovative Spinal Energetics is a newer modality that has gained significant attention due to the transformational results that it has been reported to deliver. It has even been described by some as being akin to having years of therapy in under an hour. What is Spinal Energetics? The practice draws upon and seamlessly combines both Eastern and Western thought, interacting with a person’s spine, nervous system and energetic field, to harness one’s own innate wisdom to know and heal oneself. At its core is the belief that we are beings of energy. “Energy encompasses each of our aspects: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and soul. It is woven together with our ancestry, experiences, stories,…

Society is always at risk of experiencing substantial disruption from external factors, as COVID-19 demonstrated. There are several ways in which disruption could come about: • Economic collapse, with a recent relatively mild example being the 2007–2008 financial crisis. • Environmental collapse from the breaching of some of the Stockholm Resilience Centre’s nine planetary boundaries, one of which is climate change. • A localised natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, flood or bushfire. • High-tech threats such as cyber attacks. • Less obviously, the breaching of a tipping point through ever-increasing inequality, technological over-complexity or diminishing energy return on investment (the “net energy cliff”). Disruption, or less confrontingly “change”, is inevitable. The question is how we cope with it, and community-based approaches can be both palatable and effective. The…

The ketogenic diet has been around for decades, recommended by neurologists for epilepsy patients. In the constantly changing landscape of dietary trends, the low-carb diet continues to stand its ground as a favoured dietary approach among health-conscious individuals seeking to manage their weight and optimise health and longevity. This dietary approach has gained significant popularity over the past decade for its potential to not only support weight loss but also foster a range of health benefits including enhancing metabolic health, improving cognitive function, stabilising blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. The merits of a properly balanced low-carb diet are numerous and compelling. Nonetheless, it’s essential to ensure that you’re approaching it correctly to avoid nutritional deficiencies and navigate potential hurdles that can arise when making…

Everything I Love to Cook Neil Perry Everything I Love to Cook by Neil Perry is a culinary masterpiece that combines passion, expertise and creativity in cooking. A renowned chef, Perry shares a delightful array of recipes catering to novices and experienced cooks. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on love for cooking. Perry’s enthusiasm is palpable as he guides readers through diverse dishes from comforting classics to exotic flavours. Perry’s culinary philosophy shines through his emphasis on quality ingredients, techniques and flavours. His recipes celebrate the joy of cooking, encouraging readers to savour the process as much as the result. Everything I Love to Cook is not just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to explore the joys of the kitchen and discover the pleasures of creating memorable…

Sharon McGlinchey, the founder of MV Skintherapy, has been on a quest to create organic, natural skincare with an honest and transparent approach. She has recently added an Active Marine Mist to her line-up of award-winning, potent and revered products. You’ve recently launched a new product: Active Marine Mist. Please tell us more about this. Although I had already created the award-winning and celebrity-adored Rose Hydrating Mist, our hero mist for calming and balancing delicate skins, I was craving something more stimulating. Inspired by nature, as always, this mist was born from the beaches that surround where I live, work and produce MV (on the Northern Beaches of Sydney). I wanted to create something that emulated the feeling of an invigorating dive in the ocean: regenerating, healing, hydrating — and…

Delicious scents make life happy, even if you don’t realise their subliminal power. The smell of fresh bread, soup simmering on the stove, that joyful smell of a baby’s head, the aroma of trees growing and bark and leaves turning back into the soil in the bush … they can revive you, heal you and add a sense of quiet joy. The best way to surround yourself with good scents is to grow them in your garden, at least one strong fragrance for each season, with others to add subtlety and background. The choice of plants will depend on your climate, space and sinuses. Port wine magnolia This is an insignificant shrub with almost unnoticeable bloom until spring arrives and you suddenly meet their scent. Plant it in full sun…

A woman in her late 30s presented with a range of symptoms, so putting them together was like a fascinating jigsaw puzzle. • She had a family history of heart disease and atherosclerosis. • She was having difficulty managing stress. During times of stress she developed quite severe headaches, which necessitated her taking paracetamol almost daily to manage them. • She was prone to respiratory allergies to pollens. • She was prone to alternating bouts of anxiety and depression, but was not happy taking the antidepressants as she generally disliked pharmaceuticals, so she only took them intermittently when she felt she wasn’t coping. • Apart from the paracetamol she was not taking any regular medication. • She experienced stiffness, aches and pains in her muscles and joints. She exercised minimally.…

Since 1955, the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) continues to be a historic, trusted association of highly skilled practitioners, qualified in traditional and natural therapies. We speak to Jim Olds, the Executive Officer at ANTA, to find out more. What is included in ANTA’s free student membership? ANTA student members get access to world-class scientific resources, and the chance to win thousands of dollars in bursary awards … all for free! If you study or have studied at an ANTA-recognised college in the following modalities, you can join ANTA: • Acupuncture • Aromatherapy • Ayurvedic Medicine • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Homeopathy • Myotherapy • Naturopathy • Clinical Nutrition • Oriental Remedial Massage • Remedial Massage Therapy • Shiatsu • Western Herbal Medicine What are some benefits of ANTA membership?…

We live in the Information Age. Leaving aside the issue of “disinformation” for a moment, we have access to incredible amounts of information. It has been claimed, for instance, that a single edition of the New York Times contains more information than the average 17th century English person would have encountered in a lifetime. In many ways, that is a problematic assertion, because how do you compare written information with the information gathered through conversation, observation and interaction with the world? Nevertheless, it highlights the perception we carry with us as 21st century humans that we are bombarded with information 24/7. The question is, can we handle it? In 2016 researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, undertook research which revealed the brain’s memory capacity…

Supporting spiders Spiders may be a little creepy but they perform vital ecological functions. They feed on flies, moths, mosquitoes and cockroaches, and eliminate parasites and many other vectors of disease in the process. A key to supporting spider populations is to maintain diversity in our tree species. For a new study, researchers had plots of ground each measuring 35 metres square. In each plot they planted 255 trees, but in one all trees were of the same species while in the others they planted between four and 12 different species. After two years they sampled 540 trees across the different plots, counting the spiders in each tree. They found that plots containing four to 12 different species supported either 23 per cent or 50 per cent more spiders than…

Picture this scenario if you will: I am walking towards you and when I see you my eyes crinkle a little at the sides, the corners of my mouth turn upward and I expose my teeth to you. How do you interpret this? Do you cross the road to avoid me because I am clearly contemplating eating you? Of course you don't, because you have recognised my facial contortions as a "smile", and smiles are good. At least, we have come to accept that a smile connotes amiable feelings, but how did we come to be smilers and are we the only species to do it? An examination of the human smile reveals just how much we are creatures not only of our evolution but also our society, and it…

The beauty industry produces billions of dollars in revenue annually. As an industry that thrives on innovation, new “must-have” products seemingly pop up every week. While the allure of these products can be hard to resist, it’s important to take a step back and assess what you truly need and the holistic impact of your daily beauty routine on both your health and the health of the planet. Many of the cosmetics people use daily eventually find their way into our oceans, contributing to the pollution of these vital ecosystems. Non-organic shampoos, sunscreens, creams, make-up and perfumes are often loaded with harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on marine life when they wash away in our showers and sinks. These chemicals can disrupt ecosystems, damage coral reefs and harm aquatic…

Kicking back with an alcoholic bevvy symbolises the end of the work day, relaxation, social bonding, events and celebrations. At the same time, the health risks of alcohol — at least two important scientific reports conclude the only safe level is none — the hip pocket and other factors mean many of us want to cut down. Almost one in five of us reported drinking less in the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of alcohol consumption. Aligning with our changing times, manufacturers have come to the party. Without fanfare, alcohol-free versions of beer, wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages have crept into the shelves of supermarkets, bottle shops and bars and into the menus of eateries. The rise of teetotalling In a scene crowded with options, the new booze…

“People don’t apply enough sunscreen and they don’t apply it frequently enough. If you’re swimming or outdoors, it needs to be reapplied every two hours.” Don’t forget the back of your hands, neck and ears. Every 30 minutes, roughly the time it will take you to read this article, someone in Australia is diagnosed with melanoma, says Professor Richard Scolyer, co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia. “It’s a big deal in our country.” Australians are more likely to develop the deadly form of skin cancer than anywhere else in the world. About 1300 of us die from it each year — it’s our third leading cancer battle. New Zealanders suffer from similar rates of the disease. Everyone should protect against the sun At the heart of most melanoma and…

We love hearing how you’re going to spend your summer, the memorable moments you’ll be enjoying and, of course, the delicious food you’ll be consuming. Share in over $10,000 worth of prizes and win one of 14 fantastic prize packs to make this summer one to remember. Major prize includes: • Vitadrop Hydrate Daily + Nightly Bundle • Natio Lustrous Light Gift Pack • Natio Sun Collection • Vitamix A2300i High-Performance Blender including 2L Low-Profile Container, Recipe Book and Tamper • Mazzetti’s Italian Art of Dressing Collection • Tucker’s Natural Tastes of Australia Gift Pack • Emile Henry 32cm Tagine in Ocean Blue • Lindt LINDOR Gift Pack • Nature’s Cuppa Organic Tea Range • Organic Formulations Shampoo & Conditioner • Three-Month Lyka Dog Food Subscription How to enter To…

A wander here helps to fill in some of the blanks, weaving the threads of my sublime natural experiences into a larger, more meaningful picture of all that this destination truly is. The carpark is empty when we hit the trail, climbing gently above a gully of Darwin woollybutt trees still dusted with early morning mist. Anbangbang’s sweeping rock art galleries tug for my attention, but I’m chasing the rising sun — and my daughter too — towards Gunwarddehwarde Lookout, high above on the escarpment edge. The heady, honeyed scent of fern-leaved grevilleas hangs potently in the air, and treading softly, a black wallaroo and I startle each other around a bend. Finally, we are standing atop the rocky bluff known as Burrungkuy and peering out across Kakadu’s rugged stone…

Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking is an ode to the wholesome beauty of traditional Japanese cuisine. Penned by cookbook author Emiko Davies, who hails from both Australian and Japanese culinary traditions, it invites readers into her childhood kitchen. This is soulful cuisine, meticulously crafted with affection to nourish the body and promote wellbeing, but also to forge a profound connection to the essence of home. Within the pages of the cookbook, you’ll discover a treasure trove of Davies’ cherished recipes, and those she lovingly prepares for her own children. From tamagonogohan and soba noodle soup to yakisoba and miso soup, the collection spans a variety of Japanese culinary delights. This is an edited extract from Gohan by Emiko Davies, published by Smith Street Books, distributed by Thames & Hudson Australia, AU$49.99…

Bonus Gifts when you SUBSCRIBE RRP $19.95 EACH Power Habits for Ageing Well In Power Habits for Ageing Well, you’ll discover ways to feel and look better each birthday. The actionable, evidence-based guidelines will help you to feel in good shape all the time. By incorporating small changes, you can make big differences to your physical and psychological wellbeing. Wellbeing Astrology 2024 This issue is the “all about you” edition, brimming with articles that will quench your astrological thirst. If you’re an astrology enthusiast who just wants to read your horoscope, or a seasoned professional craving some in-depth insights, you’ll find exactly what you need within these pages. To receive this offer, call 1300 303 414 and quote the code WB208, or visit universalshop.com.au. HURRY! Offer ends 14th March, 2024…

In the pursuit of beauty, it is often thought that skincare products and hair treatments are the answer. But what if I told you that one of the most potent beauty secrets lies within your diet? Adequate dietary protein is a cornerstone of both internal and external beauty, contributing to the health of your skin, hair, nails and overall wellbeing. There are several ways that protein contributes to your skin’s health and appearance. • Collagen production: Collagen is a protein that forms the structural foundation of your skin. It provides elasticity, strength and firmness, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adequate protein intake supports collagen production, contributing to youthful-looking skin. • Wound healing: Protein is essential for the regeneration of skin cells and the repair of…

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is derived from the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa. Recreational users like to differentiate between sativa and indica varieties for their different effects. Botanists consider that there is a single species, Cannabis sativa L, with a number of subspecies. From a medical perspective, we’re more concerned with the amount of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in the plant, its effects and how it can be used safely. The endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system (eCS) is a regulatory system involved with multiple body functions. The eCS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes. There are cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. The two most well-researched are CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor is mainly found in the brain and nervous system, especially in the areas of the brain involved in pain…

Cancer The Moon’s own sign is freshly invigorated by December 27’s Full Moon in Cancer feeding inspirational guidance into 2024. With ever-increasing numbers of planets and a New Moon illuminating your partner sign between January 5 and 23, relationships and partners dominate. Yet a Water/Earth dance between Saturn and Jupiter from January 24 to February 20 is a perfect pick-me-up for serious personal interests. High spots are January 28 to February 2, February 8 and 14–16. Then February 28–29 resuscitates a creative interest and imaginative breakthroughs can occur. Leo Being able to shine fully as a Leo is linked with people you love in January and February. Important relationships are reinvigorated from January 21 when Sun and Pluto meet in your partner sign. Deep concerns also demand to be addressed.…

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Summer Vegetables Asparagus, beans, capsicum, celery, chillies, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, potatoes, radish, sweet corn, watercress, zucchini. Fruit Apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, figs, grapes, melons, limes, lychees, mangoes, mangosteens, nectarines, oranges, papaya, passionfruit, pawpaw, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, rambutans, raspberries, red and black currants, strawberries, tomatoes. Autumn 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…

The conversation I am about to report happened exactly as told in my household recently. An argument had taken place between my wife and 15-year-old daughter. Nothing existential and nothing malevolent, but enough to send reverberations into the ether of the house. When things had quietened down, I made a waffly remark about arguments being dangerous because things could be said in the heat of the moment that can leave scars. I suppose in some fantastical region of my imagination I had expected my observations to be greeted with nods of agreement acknowledging the wisdom imparted. Instead, both wife and daughter rolled their eyes before my darling wife gently corrected me. “That’s what our relationship is now. We argue,” she remarked jokingly, referring to her relationship with my daughter. “No,…

Golf, walking and brains For a new study, healthy golfers aged 65 and above participated in three different sessions of “acute” exercise. On one occasion they played an 18-hole round of golf, on another they completed 6km of Nordic walking and on another they did 6km of brisk regular walking. After each exercise session, cognitive function was assessed and blood samples were collected to measure blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB). These chemicals have been established to reflect the benefits of exercise in the brain. Results showed that a single session of any of the exercises resulted in improved cognitive function measures. There were no significant effects on BDNF or CTSB. The findings emphasise the importance of age-appropriate exercise in maintaining and improving cognitive function…

Cucumbers are members of the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family, which includes melons, including bitter melon, squash and pumpkins. There are over 30 species of cucumber, Cucumis sativus having the most economic value. Cucumber is an annual, easily grown vine with the fruits being technically classified as berries. The three main types are classified as slicing, pickling and seedless. Cucumber’s fruits are a major food worldwide but the peel, leaves, flowers and seeds also have medicinal properties. Cucumbers have a very low glycaemic index (GI) ranking and they are consumed fresh in salads, fermented as pickles or eaten as a cooked vegetable. Actiue ingredients Cucumbers contain cucurbitacins (a class of triterpenoids), apigenin, glycosides, antioxidants, lignans, flavonoids, vitexin, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and phenolic compounds. They are a nutritious food with a high…

When you think about leadership, managers and CEOs might come to mind first. But what exactly is a leader? In her book, Dare to Lead, Brené Brown defines a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential”. Simon Sinek, in his book Leaders Eat Last, says, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” You don’t need a title to lead. Leadership is about the relationships you’re in and your desire to support people and ideas. Chances are, you might be in a leadership position, either in your team at work, in your community and in your family, especially if you’re a parent. People-first…

Moulds are amazingly resilient and persistent, thriving in dark, damp places and in people with microbiome imbalances or compromised immunity. Did you know that the Earth’s largest organism is a fungus? Oregon’s Malheur National Forest is home to a humongous honey mushroom, Armillaria ostoyae, which is heavier than 200 blue whales. Moulds are amazingly resilient and persistent, thriving in dark, damp places and in people with microbiome imbalances or compromised immunity. Though household cleaning bleach kills mould on hard surfaces such as tiles, Queensland Health clarifies, “Bleach may not be effective in killing mould on porous≈surfaces.” According to Nicole Bijlsma, renowned building biologist, “The best way to remove mould is a ‘HEPA sandwich’, which involves vacuuming the affected surface with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter, then wiping…

Stillness can be defined as the absence of movement and sound. But does such a place exist? In a world full of chaos and a mind constantly whirling, finding such a realm is no easy task. The globe, and the mind, will continue to turn, because that is their job. But if you want more ease and joy in your life, it is your job to find a still, quiet place in the centre of that ever-moving, constantly changing landscape. Yogic practices don’t make the stormy world, or your thoughts, go away. Rather they lead us to connect with our centre, the eye of the storm. Finding that refuge deep inside you and feeling it regularly allows you to access a part of yourself that cannot be battered by the…

Every living being is not merely a physical entity but also an amalgamation of energy. You vibrate at a certain frequency, which ties in to your physical and mental state of health and how you experience the self and the world. Similarly, your brain is wired in specific ways that become an external and internal compass to navigate with. Whether you look through the lens of Eastern or Western philosophies, age-old belief systems or contemporary inquiry, honouring the interconnectedness between various aspects of your being — from the spine and nervous system to your energy field and neural circuits — may be the key for deep healing. Bridging the gap In the Indian tradition, the ancient philosophy of Samkhya translates from Sanskrit as “enumeration, empirical, rational, numbered”, yet can be…

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest and recovery in maintaining optimal body health. We often push ourselves to the limits, engaging in rigorous physical activities without allowing our bodies the necessary time to recuperate. This lack of proper rest can lead to fatigue, injuries and a decline in overall performance. However, by incorporating rest, recovery and the use of a foam roller into our fitness routines, we can enhance our wellbeing and achieve our fitness goals more effectively. Rest is an essential component of maintaining a healthy body. When we rest, our bodies can repair and recharge. During sleep, our muscles undergo a process of regeneration, allowing them to recover from the stresses of daily life. Additionally, rest plays a crucial role in mental…

Go Kakadu National Park is located 250km southeast of Darwin via sealed roads. Some destinations within the park are restricted to 4WD vehicles. Visit Kakadu is at its best during the cool, dry season months (May to September). Arrive after the last of the wet season rains (April to May) to see Kakadu’s waterfalls in spectacular flow. Stay Close to Yellow Water Billabong, book an Outback Retreat Villa at Cooinda Lodge from $409/night (peak season). Back-to-nature campsites at Ubirr’s Merl Campground, Djarradjin/Muirella Park (close to Burrungkuy/Nourlangie Rock) and Mardukal Camp (for Yellow Water exploring) cost $15/adult and $7.50/child. Pack Hiking shoes, a hat, swimwear, a refillable water bottle, natural mosquito repellent and waterhole-friendly sunscreen. Park fees During the May–October peak season, entry costs $40/adult, $20/child, $100/family and $30 for concessions…

For something raw and relatable Something Bad is Going to Happen Jessie Stephens Do you ever have that niggling feeling that, even when things are going well, something bad is going to happen? If so, this novel might speak to you. The protagonist Adella is spending her late 20s in a psychiatric ward after a mental breakdown. A time-hop reveals that she started the decade full of optimism but instead finds her 20s littered with unhealthy relationships, dysfunctional family dynamics, financial worries and career uncertainty. This book is a raw, honest and sometimes painfully accurate depiction of depression and the impact mental illness has, not only on the individual but on those who love them. Despite the heavy themes, Jessie Stephens writes with an element of relatability and humour, and…

My skincare journey has evolved significantly over the years, largely dependent on what’s going on in my life. During my early 20s, I regularly scrubbed my vulnerable skin with an exfoliant containing plastic microbeads. This was not only harmful for the planet and its aquatic life, but also abrasive on my skin. I didn’t wear sunscreen as much as I should, I wore make-up too often and, I’m ashamed to admit, I didn’t always wash it off before bed. I sure didn’t spend my money on natural or organic products as my income was mostly spent on the things university students spent their money on: cheap noodles and music tickets. When I was about 27, I really started taking notice of my skin. A little disclaimer: I’ve had clear, healthy…

Have you ever finished an extra-long day with a kind of sad and lethargic feeling? Then suddenly you find yourself standing in front of the fridge or pantry gobbling down the entirety of its contents. Often this includes the foods we shouldn’t be eating in copious amounts like chocolate, potato chips, cookies or chocolate. We often tuck into these foods because they give us temporary emotional highs. They make us feel good and keep us wanting more. Science plays a bigger role in our cravings than we might realise. Those “melt in your mouth” foods, like chocolate and marshmallows, give you a happy sensation when you eat them and then you tend to crave them more. This feeling signals to your brain that you’re not eating as much as you…

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment offers to flood your body with 100 per cent oxygen, a payload that has all sorts of anti-ageing advantages. With the emergence of spas all around Sydney that offer this treatment, I thought I’d avail myself of the wonders of hyperbaric oxygen and had half a dozen sessions at the beginning of this year. Although I didn’t instantly acquire the adroit dexterity of a virtuoso savant, I did feel calmer and possibly fleetingly sharper. This is because the benefits of delivering so much oxygen to your tissues accrues over time, and you need a number of these treatments before these gains are realised. How hyperbaric oxygen works Augmenting angiogenesis Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels. Ageing involves a dwindling in the blood supply to…

I couldn’t believe it. I was utterly numb and shell-shocked. It was 2016 and I was barely holding onto my phone while staring at an email. I needed my fifth open-heart surgery at 33 years old. Then came the flood of memories of the four other surgeries, the umpteen catheters, the hospital stays and the recovery. I collapsed into a sobbing mess. Logically, I knew I needed the surgery to stay alive and have any kind of life. But I couldn’t bear the thought of what I’d have to go through to get there … yet again. I remembered all too vividly the long dark days waiting for the surgery where I’d go over and over things. That led into the sleepless nights. I was lost for words when trying…

January 37th Illawarra Folk Festival January 19–21 Bulli, AU illawarrafolkfestival.com.au Fringe World Festival January 19–February 18, Perth, AU fringeworld.com.au Chinese New Year January 22 February Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month February ovariancancer.net.au FebFast February febfast.org.au REDFEB February, AU heartresearch.com.au/redfeb Luminate Festival February 1–5 New Zealand luminatefestival.co.nz World Cancer Day February 4 worldcancerday.org Valentine’s Day February 14 Wanderlust True North February 10, Melbourne, AU February 11, Sydney, AU February 16, Perth, AU February 18, Adelaide, AU wanderlust.com.au/event/truenorth-feb24 Feastival February 16–18 Falls Creek, AU fallscreek.com.au/feastival March Endometriosis Awareness Month 1–31 March endometriosisaustralia.org The Water Challenge 1–31 March waterchallenge.org.au Jump to Cure Diabetes 1–31 March jdrf.org.au/get-involved World’s Greatest Shave 1–31 March worldsgreatestshave.com What we’ve been up to Beauty found at Palm Beach Editor Kate stayed at the stunning Crane Lodge in Palm Beach. There,…

Monarch butterflies might be beautiful, but they are also tough. The migration of monarchs takes them from Canada to central Mexico, and the journey is so long that it outlasts a monarch’s lifetime. So along the way the butterflies lay eggs, and it is a multigenerational effort to make the trip. That is incredible in its own way, but it’s not the most amazing thing about this journey. As part of their journey the monarch butterflies fly across Lake Superior. Of course, since this is a body of water this part of the journey must be done in one unbroken flight. That is already a big ask, but the butterflies make it even harder for themselves. They fly south across the lake, then at one point they all turn east,…

At the state of our current knowledge, the universe is made up of around 50 billion or 50,000,000,000 galaxies. In a normal galaxy there are between 100 billion and one trillion (that’s 100,000,000,000 and 1,000,000,000,000) stars. In our galaxy, the Milky Way, astronomers estimate that there are between 800 billion and 3.2 trillion planets, and of these at least 500 million are in a “habitable zone”. Is it likely that this Earth is the only planet in the universe, or even our galaxy, bearing life forms? The sheer mathematics of it suggests that, surely, we are not alone. Is it likely that this Earth is the only planet in the universe, or even our galaxy, bearing life forms?…