Health & Well Being

happy and safe holiday wishes

HERE we are at the end of another year in the Australian calendar, and the team at the Hepatitis, HIV and Sexual Health Program at the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland thank our communities for their support over the last 12 months.

We also want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

This year has seen us all experience the challenges associated with the ongoing COVID pandemic and natural disasters including floods that have affected us all in different ways. Now as we take time to have a rest and enjoy time with our families and friends, we should also remember to ensure we look after our own health.

THINGS TO REMEMBER: • Everything in moderation

o Maintain healthy eating choices –reduce processed, fatty, fried and sugary foods and drinks. o Limit or avoid alcohol – ensure maintain Australian recommended alcohol consumption limits of no more than 4 standard alcoholic drinks in a day and 3 alcohol free days each week. o Make sure you drink plenty of water- especially as the weather becomes hotter

• Regular physical activity –

o A great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends – go for a walk. Remember to take water with you and be sun-safe – wear a hat and wear sunscreen. o If swimming or enjoying time at the beach – swim between the flags and do take heed of any warnings. • Make sure you keep up with regular health checks – don’t miss any. o Prioritise your own health o If you have any chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hepatitis B etc. make sure you see your doctor and have any tests required as recommended. o If you have hepatitis B – make sure you are seeing your doctor every 6 months – or as advised by your doctor and have the blood tests, ultrasounds and Fibroscan as requested.

New Year’s resolutions – many people make plans to make changes in their lives at this time. You may want to:

• See your doctor for a check-up – we can have some health conditions that need monitoring even if we don’t feel sick, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure. you may also want to have a sexual health screen. • Take better care of your health

o Eat better o Reduce or stop smoking and alcohol o Exercise more (walking is easy and FREE) – 30 minutes a day is recommended o Get more rest – our bodies and minds need time to recover from hard work

For more information about healthy choices and information about hepatitis B and hepatitis C you can contact the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland on (BCHW- insert your details).

For more information, please contact ECCQ:

Website: www.eccq.com. au/bbv

Phone: 07-3844 9166

If you live in Cairns, you can also contact:

Rhondda Lewis

Viral Hepatitis Health Coordinator

Phone: 07-4226 4769

Email: Rhondda.Lewis@ health.qld.gov.au

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

BAthrOOM BeAUtY treAtMent

(splash! splash! relax and have fun in the bath)

Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

BATHROOM Treatment is also very important beauty schedule, As well as a chance to cleanse your body, bath or shower time is perfect opportunity to pamper and polish your skin, and indulge in some beautytreat. Try some of these effective body treat on a regular basis.

BODy LOTIONS AND OILS

Seal moisture into your skin with a lotion or oil, making it soft and smooth. Especially concentrate on dry areas, such as feet, elbows and knees. Oily and normal skins benefit from lotions, while cream and oil give moisture dry skins.

ExFOLIATING SCRUBS

Help combat the rough patches and blackheads that can appear on your skin by using a scrub. Use once or twice a week in the bath or shower, rinsing away the excess with clear warm water.

PUMICE STONE

These stones, made from very porous volcanic rock, work best if you lather up with soap before rubbing at dead skin areas of skin in circular motions. Don't rub too fiercely or else you'll make the rashes on the skin. A little but consistently is the best.

LOOFAHS AND BACk BRUSHES

Back brushes or long loofahs are useful as exfoliators, and their length makes them great for scrubbing difficult to reach areas like the back. Loofahs are actually the pod of an Egyptian plant and need a bit of care if they're to last. Rinse and drain them thoroughly after use to stop them going black and mouldy. Avoid rinsing them in vinegar and lemon juice as this can be too harsh for these once living things. Back brushes are easier to care for; you simply rinse them in cool water after use and leave them to dry.

BATH TIME TREAT

Soaking in a warm bath has to be one of the most popular ways to relax. You can literally feel your cares disappear as you sink into the soothing water. However, you can also use bath time for a variety of other benefits and beauty boosters.

LEARNING TO RELAx

Turn bath time into an aromatherapy treat by adding relaxing essential oils such as chamomile and lavender to the water. Just add a few drops once you have run the bath, then lie back, inhale the vapour and relax. Salts and bubble baths that contain sea minerals that also help to purify your skin

and relaxing your body, too. Bath by candlelight and listen to relaxing music to make it even more of a treat. Put on slice of cucumber as eye pads and relax for 15 minutes.

BE A NATURAL BEAUTy

You don't have to splash out on expensive bath additives- try making your own: 4 Soothe irritated skin by adding a cup of cider vinegar to the running water.

4 A cup of powdered milk will soothe rough skin. *Add a cupful of oatmeal or bran to cleanse, whiten and soothe your skin. 4 Sleek skin

Smooth your body with body oil before getting into the bath. After soaking for 10 minutes, rub your skin with a soft washcloth- you will be amazed at how much dead skin you remove.

4 Boosting benefits

If you pat yourself dry after a bath, it will help you to unwind, whereas briskly rubbing your skin with a towel will help to invigorate you.

4 SHOWER TIME TREATS

Shower are a wonderful opportunity to cleanse your body quickly, cheaply and to wake yourself up. Here are some of other benefits.

4 Circulation booster

Switch on the cold water before finishing your shower to help boost your circulation. Strangely, it will also make you feel warmer once you get out of the shower. It also work well if you concentrate the blasts of cold water on cellulite-prone areas, as this stimulates the sluggish circulation in these spots.

Turn a daily shower into a real power shower. Keep smiling by Nimisha of Hetvi Hair and Beauty Mobile 0412350013

NOMINATIONS for the 2023 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards are now open. The annual event recognises the incredible individuals in our community who make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke, by building on the Stroke Foundation’s work.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the Stroke Awards are open to survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers.

“We are so lucky to have so many inspirational members of our community who are doing amazing things to raise awareness of stroke and demonstrate there is a life after stroke,” Ms McGowan said.

“The Stroke Awards provide us with an opportunity to honour these inspiring individuals and their efforts.”

A stroke strikes the brain and can change lives in an instant. It is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. There are more than 445,000 people with stroke living in our community.

Ms McGowan said this year’s awards were an opportunity to celebrate the courage, creativity and achievements of the stroke community.

“If you know someone who has demonstrated courage in their recovery, artistic talent after stroke, fundraising flair or has made any other significant contribution to improving the lives of people with stroke, then tell us about them so we can celebrate them,” she said.

There are six award categories this year (listed below). Visit the Stroke Foundation website and nominate now.

2022 Stroke Warrior Award winners Sophie and Elliot Clayton.

STROkE AWARDS CATEGORIES:

• Stroke Warrior Award - Recognises the significant contribution of a person under 18 in stroke awareness, fundraising or advocacy. • Courage Award – Recognises the indomitable courage and hope shown by a survivor of stroke or carer in facing stroke recovery. • Creative Award – Celebrates a survivor of stroke's contribution to creative industries including writing, photography, music and fine art. • Fundraiser of the Year Award – Recognises a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia. • Improving Life after Stroke Award – Celebrates those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community. • Volunteer of the Year Award – Celebrates those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community.

Nominations close on February 17. The winners will be announced at Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday, May 4.

$2million boost to cancer research announced

RECENTLy, Cancer Council Queensland announced a $2 million boost to cancer research at their annual Accelerating Collaborative Cancer Research (ACCR) Grant presentation. 2022 marks the fourth year of the ACCR grants. This year, in partnership with The University of Queensland, Cancer Council Queensland will invest $2 million over four years to Lead Researcher Professor Andrew Barbour for his project titled Assessment of tumour phenotype for precision medicine in oesophageal cancer via deep learning analysis of medical images.

The highly competitive Accelerating Collaborative Cancer Research grants aim to:

• Stimulate innovative, collaborative cancer research to make major advances in areas of need. • Accelerate the translation of research findings into improved prevention, outcomes, clinical practice or health policy to improve the survival and well-being of cancer patients, and • Develop the capacity of high-quality cancer research groups in Queensland by encouraging effective research collaboration between universities, health services and medical and scientific research institutes.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Andrew Donne congratulated the successful research team at the event, “Thanks to Call: (07) 3192 5188 our generous supporters, Cancer Council Queensland is proud to accelerate Professor Andrew Barbour’s project and provide hope for the 31,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year."

Professor Joanne Aitken, Head of Research at Cancer Council Queensland added, “Cancer is a major burden to the health system in Australia and across the world. Investment in innovative, groundbreaking research in Queensland is vital for reducing the burden of cancer in our community.”

Professor Barbour expressed heartfelt thanks to Cancer Council Queensland and its supporters on behalf of the research team, which brings together clinicians and researchers from across Queensland.

“Oesophageal cancer has a poor prognosis and there are few treatment options,” Professor Barbour said.

“We aim to extract information from medical imaging to support better treatment decisions and outcomes for patients through a precision medicine approach.”

“I am grateful to Cancer Council Queensland for this grant and for their initial support that set my research off back in 2007,” he said.

Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, communitybased charity, the achievements of which are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.

AriEs ( 21st mArch to 20th APril )

The transit of Venus and Mercury will work in your favour. Singles would have the opportunity to receive a successful partnership proposal. This month, you may experience a sudden shift in your love and marriage relationship, which would bring you joy. Marriage and love relationships would bring you good fortune this month. The career would also be fine, and the project is supposed to be in your hands. This month you may earn planned financial gains from increments, as well as tips from your friends for a successful financial investment. This would provide you with an anticipated return. Professionally, you can experience some relief from workload and stress. A small family gathering would bring fun and the company of family members. You should prepare budget for this month's expenses because the stars forecast that you may spend money on travel, shopping, and car maintenance. There is a chance of an increase, but savings would be not be much as anticipated. This month may provide some relief from the workload as well as the expected financial benefit from your job. The sensible financial decision you make would significantly assist you in accumulating a successful profit this month. There could be unplanned expenses associated with travelling with siblings as well as a small celebration with them. In general, this month's well-being would be average. However, a weakened immune system can cause you to experience unexpected health problems. Fever and colds can cause health problems. To maintain good health, try to avoid cold drinks and stick to a balanced diet regularly.

This month, your accomplishments and income would improve your morale, according to your monthly horoscope. The location of the planets in the zodiac means that you can meet new love interests. You can also be very vocal when it comes to expressing your feelings to your love companion. The horoscope also predicts that your friend circle is likely to expand this month. Your father's support for your career would lead to professional success. According to the horoscope of Dec, your violent behaviour can cause problems in your marriage. For a more harmonious relationship, be considerate of your spouse's feelings and control your temper. The monthly horoscope also predicts health problems. To stay fit and engaged, improve your eating habits and exercise regularly. The horoscope of Dec brings positive indications of personal and professional growth and development. You are likely to be presented with numerous opportunities and open doors. According to the monthly horoscope, you are a self-made person who would amass wealth through hard work and concentrated effort. Your financial position appears to be in good shape, and there is a good chance that you may close a lucrative deal this month. On a more serious note, you might be distressed by your father's illness. Nonetheless, your relatives and family members would be extremely helpful during the month. It is advised to stay calm and composed when dealing with stressful circumstances. Avoid quarrels and disputes with your loved ones.

You should be settled into a new job or assignment at the start of this month. A businessperson can explore new avenues and add new products/services to their product/service list. About the middle of this month, your career may pick up steam. During this process, business people would be able to secure some significant projects. The beginning of this month, you may feel overly optimistic, forcing you to take unnecessary risks that could land you in trouble. As a result, you must proceed with caution this time. Your income are likely to remain stable as the month progresses. The middle of this month suggests some significant financial transactions. You are likely to face very complicated problems in the latter part of this month, affecting your financial situation if you make rash decisions. Starting of this month would be very perplexing for your personal life and relationship. You may be emotionally charged and more temperamental about the middle of this month. You would gradually realise the equations that may help you understand the complexities of your relationship in the latter section. Any distractions could affect your academic performance at the start of this month. As the month progresses, you should learn well enough and impress your mentors with your perfect understanding of complex subjects. During this month, you are likely to have much better fitness levels and recover vitality. Your awareness of the latter part would be more beneficial to your wellbeing.

cAncEr ( 22nd junE to 22nd july ) tAurus ( 21st APril to 21st mAy )

The month of December 2022 would be filled with exciting events. However, it is possible that it would be average for some of you. Furthermore, since they would be surrounded by health and financial difficulties, there could be some uncertainty this month. The planetary combination is severely afflicting your zodiac sign and its governing king, so you should remain vigilant and cautious. Praying to the Sun and Jupiter would be helpful. You can be a valuable resource in all aspects of life. Furthermore, trips taken during this period do not seem to yield any benefits. As predicted, you may receive few benefits, but your health conditions are likely to worsen. Be well-prepared and pack your belongings before embarking on a trip. Respect the women in the family; they are likely to have some valuable advice for you. And if some of you are either stressed or upset about something. Seek the assistance of your closest friends and family members in this regard, and address your dilemma and difficulties. This is when you must find the ideal function required to solve problems that have gone unaddressed for a long time. Now is the time to show your appreciation for all that you have done to achieve your dream. Simply staying focused shall ensure your success in all aspects of life. This is your moment, and the last month of the year would be advantageous to you.

They must remain optimistic because they will undoubtedly succeed sooner or later. Investors in the stock market would be very fortunate. They are free to take some calculated risks. Any lottery ticket purchased has a chance of becoming a winner. Students who have worked hard for their exams or tournaments would be praised this week for their efforts. People in sports may do well in their respective competitions. They may be more energised and enthusiastic. You can expect a healthy month. You do not need to be concerned about any sickness. This week would bring you good fortune in love and romance. Your bond would get more vital and more profound. You would also get a supportive response from your partner. This week you are likely to have a pleasant time with your loved one. Single people can await a exciting week. They are likely to meet new people and possibly form new relationships. This week, keep children and the young healthy. They are more likely to have minor mishaps, slips, deaths, and so on. Keep them indoors and away from areas where they could hurt themselves. Those looking for work should prepare to attend some interviews. They may get some calls leading brands. They may also bring their dream job. Business people may have a good month. They can gain new clients or enter into new contracts. They can also anticipate a busy but enjoyable month. In this month, negative comments made by parents or teachers can harm students, emotionally.

During this time, the planetary position would be favourable to the commercial partners. You would get along well with your partners, and things are likely to be excellent between the two of you. You may seek advice from one another, which would be extremely valuable to your business. The period following the 15th of the month would be the most favourable for you. This would make you a clever competitor, and you would be able to outperform your competitors at this time. Rahu would go to your Courage house, enhancing your self-assurance and willpower. You are likely to have more energy and would be able to focus better on your tasks. Your curiosity in research may be piqued. However, you may need to put in more effort if you want to see positive results. This month indicates that you keep your calm even in difficult times. There is a possibility that you may organise auspicious programmes in your home and become active in charitable activity. Others may criticise you because you are firm despite being a lady. With the separation of your children for further education or a career, you may experience depression. The approaching days are predicted to restore your spirits. You would be relieved of a sickness that has been bothering you for a long time, and you would feel calmer. You may begin to rely more on your doctor's advice. Travelling would cause money to slide through your fingers like quicksilver without you even realising it.

lEo ( 23rd july to 22nd August ) gEmini ( 22nd mAy to 21st junE )

This month, you must regulate your aggression and rage to achieve the desired results. A job-related career would be fine, with planned raises, but if you are expecting help from your superiors, more hard work and commitment is needed this month. You have a favourable time to invest in the stock market, but you should seek professional advice as well, as Jupiter's power will provide you with sound advice. Learning spiritual awareness and visiting religious sites can be costly. Relationships can demand attention while avoiding ego clashes. There may be disagreements on ideas that must be addressed. This month, you would see a spontaneous get-together with in-laws. A short trip with them will provide a fun time for the whole family. Your spouse's manner of expressing love for you can astound you. This would help to reinforce your bond. Many of you who were committed to your relationship would have the opportunity to spend more time with your partner. You could have average savings this month. You would have a consistent source of revenue, but there may be unplanned and unexpected expenses. Because of a lack of understanding of the issue, school education may be disrupted. You should seek assistance from your parents. The student can experience stress as a result of receiving all of the information at once. Make an effort to eat a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables at breakfast and dinner. Overthinking can cause tension, which can lead to health problems. Consume light, healthy foods and maintain a routine that includes light exercise and meditation.

virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd sEPtEmBEr )

You may not be able to find simple ways to meet your goals at the start of this month. As the month progresses, you would be given more tasks at work, and you would most likely be multitasking. There would be more opportunities for development in the second half of this month. Businesspeople must concentrate more on current programmes and goals to keep the company running. Overall, you would be able to focus on your financial management this month. The only thing to look out for is that any investment made in haste does not turn out to be a dead investment. Your effective financial management, on the other hand, can assist you in overcoming obstacles. The latter half of the month may be an excellent time to implement a long-planned strategy to improve your financial prospects. Multiple thoughts affecting your mind can cause a lot of uncertainty in your personal life during this month. Do not get irritated for no reason. During the latter half of this month, there would be opportunities to improve the relationship further. This month's planetary alignment may aid your academic success. There may be some challenges to overcome in the middle of this month, but your efforts would bear fruit as the month progresses. Any minor health issues can bother you at the start of this month. Gradually, your health would improve, and, as a result, your vitality will also improve.

The planetary placements this month are promoting a happy love life for inhabitants of your pick. You must show your mate love and affection. You are going to spend quality time with your lover. This is an excellent opportunity to surprise your lover by doing something that would make them pleased. Single natives may also discover their ideal partner this month. Saturn's placement and transit may cause some difficulties in your life, but you would easily overcome these difficulties. The beginning portion of this month's Marriage Horoscope would be excellent for married couples, but there is a potential for disagreements. However, this is only a passing phase. You would address all outstanding conflicts and emerge as a happily married couple. Spend time together and try to be more understanding and caring. You should avoid becoming aggressive when dealing with challenging situations. The beginning of the month may be unfavourable for your family life throughout this month. There is a chance of disagreements among family members, which would keep the household atmosphere disrupted. You may have verbal spats with your family members. As a result, you must keep your words under control. This is not the time to talk about ancestors' money or possessions. Be cautious of your buddies since they may attempt to take advantage of you. Separately, your parents would be very supportive, and it offer you strength. When it comes to your health, you should avoid junk food during this month. Going for a morning stroll or jog might help you stay fit and healthy. Avoid anything that could harm your health.

liBrA ( 23rd sEPtEmBEr to 22nd octoBEr ) scorPio ( 23rd octoBEr to 22nd novEmBEr )

cAPricorn ( 22nd dEcEmBEr to 20th jAnuAry )

You are generous to achieve anything beautiful and harmonious and would be willing to lavish money and energy on it. Self-improvement is likely to be your self-imposed motto in the coming days. Friends and relatives would be there for you with a helping hand. This month you would find yourself relentless and driven in your struggle towards achievement, at times, driving you as well as those around you crazy. Generous and warm qualities in you may lead to many joyful experiences in the family. Your commitment to the family would help you to gain the love and care you seek. Confidence and mental preparation to achieve the best would boost up your energy. Your inner self will always act as a good guide for you. You are so cautious, secretive and generally suspicious more than any woman used to be. So you tend to be more watchful and scrutinised before getting committed to anyone or anything. Undue criticism, excessive worry and fear would be the factors that restrain your sense of freedom and spontaneity. You may feel dull by the aloofness of your coworkers. You need a lot of encouragement and motive. An energetic and rejuvenating month ahead for you. You may feel ready for accepting new challenges relating to your work or new enterprises. Your freshness may bring harmony to your whole family. The main menace to your physical situation would be your emotions, which in the form of repressed anger and grudges can even lead to a mental syndrome.

AQuArius ( 21st jAnuAry to 18th fEBruAry )

Your feelings of insecurity would cause you to be worried, indecisive, depressed, and afraid. For a short while, this would hold the beauty and harmony in your life at bay. Your perception of the future may be altered in various ways. Your participation with friends may be thrilling and refreshing. You may battle with individuals or institutions, but you are likely to be rewarded with a job or a well-executed deal. The approval of a new project by the authority may provide you with the opportunity to grow and implement new ideas that were previously only in your thoughts. You are sure to gain much from what comes in quest of you these days since you have the critical essential, a sense of survival and the expertise to make a lot from a little. Consider it once or twice before expressing your feelings to the person you are drawn to. Before concluding, conduct a thorough examination of all the good and negative aspects. People who associated with you would regard you as trustworthy because of your loyalty, sincerity, and consistent support. Unwarranted criticism, excessive concern, and dread may limit your sense of freedom and spontaneity. The aloofness of your coworkers would bore you. You require a lot of motivation and encouragement. Consider your personal development opportunities more carefully, as it is time to live for yourself and your family. Work is your source of excitement, and you would not consider resting, even though you are fatigued.

sAgittArius ( 23rd novEmBEr to 21st dEcEmBEr )

PiscEs ( 19th fEBruAry to 20th mArch )

To attain the required results this month, avoid hostility and strive to be patient. Jupiter is ready to shower you with good fortune, but you must be careful with your communication and avoid being harsh with others on both a personal and professional level. For the rest of the month, try to avoid arguing with your boss or any government officials. This month may include unforeseen travel connected to work, which would be beneficial. You might obtain a positive reaction from this month's interview. Jupiter is ready to provide marriage blessings. The transit of Venus and Mercury can bring positive news about children as well as love relationships. Try to spend quality time with yourself and your family; this may help you to feel rejuvenated in life. Mars' transit indicates that there may be disagreements with family members, so exercise patience and avoid excessive dispute. Romantic relationships improve gradually, so be patient and allow your lover some space. Saturn may favour foreign investment as well as domestic land-related businesses. There would be a success in obtaining the anticipated savings. There may be expenses for a party and friends. You may incur costs if you purchase gifts and clothing for a celebration or party. Precautions should be taken when travelling. Avoiding tension and pointless arguments with those around you will provide you with mental tranquilly. Saturn's transit can cause leg discomfort or indigestion. There may be teethrelated disorders; therefore, a routine exam may prevent you from poor health.