Ridgeview Summer 2014 Newsletter

2 0 1 4

Christadelphian Aged Care S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

RIDGEVIEW Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527

z

The angel reassured them, “Don't be afraid!" he said."I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!

nnn

Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)

Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

z

Welcome to Ridgeview Hi All! My name is Jennifer and I am your recently appointed Facility Manager for Ridgeview Aged Care. I commenced in the role on 29th September 2014 and come to Christadelphian Aged Care with 36 years experience in nursing and health management. My Registered Nurse training was at Wollongong Hospital, completed in 1981 and experience is across all facets of health, being the public acute, private acute and aged care sectors. 24 years of this experience has been in health management in the roles of Nurse Unit Manager, Senior Nurse Manager, Deputy Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing and Executive Manager. My experience in aged care management totals 14 years. My management and care focus is to provide better outcomes in relation to quality care delivery. I led a three member team that won a 2008 NSW Health Award for their quality initiative.

I am very pleased to be a member of the Christadelphian group and will work diligently with the residents, families and staff at Ridgeview and within CAC to uphold the mission and values of Christadelphian Aged Care.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Michelle Megson for the commitment and dedication over her 4 year term as your Facility Manager. I know that myself and the staff wish Michelle well in her new endeavours. Secondly, I acknowledge the incredible efforts of both NUM’s Ciji Jose and Jaina Varghese. Both girls, during the period of Michelle leaving and myself commencing, conducted themselves in a highly professional manner and managed the day to day operations of the facility. I am excited to continue moving forward in the management of Ridgeview with them. I would also like to thank all the staff, our residents and relatives for making my transition into Ridgeview a positive one. It can be daunting to commence in a facility where there has been a stable manager for a long period. I have appreciated meeting you all and look forward to working with you all.

So, my commencement was “hit the ground running”. Our upcoming Accreditation required me to familiarise myself with the operations of Ridgeview quickly. The Accreditation Audit will be conducted over 3 days from the 9th – 11th December 2014. During this time the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency will review all of our systems and processes across the 4 Outcome Standards. The involvement of our residents and relatives in our quality process is paramount. I encourage you to put forward your ideas and concerns to allow us to constantly review our processes and improve the outcomes for our residents. Comment / Concern or Feedback forms are available at reception and throughout the facility.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry and Safe Christmas. A New Year will bring new ventures and I look forward to 2015 working with the Ridgeview team, our residents and relatives.

Cheers, Jennifer Arkwright (RN, BHM, MBA) – Facility Manager

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Message from our new CFO G’day! I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with you all and am excited to be involved in the next stage for Christadelphian Homes.

From day one, the management and staff have been most professional and courteous, demonstrating the true values and mission of the Homes at a practical level. From participating at the recent National Aged Care Conference it was apparent that the Homes has an excellent reputation within the Industry.

This is credit to the dedication of all our staff and volunteers in providing the best possible environment and care for our residents across New South Wales and Queensland.

As you are aware, the Federal Government has recently introduced its Living Longer Living Better (LLLB) legislation, effective 1 July 2014. Christadelphian Homes is well-positioned in this regard and is operating comfortably with the new framework. We have put the necessary resources in place to manage the new admissions process, providing the best range of options for our incoming residents, while ensuring the necessary levels of Government support are obtained. In light of the changing industry demands and expectations of future residents, particularly those of the “babyboomers”, we are also in the process of significantly upgrading our facilities and look for your continued co-operation as we operate our construction zones.

During the past month, we’ve been busy with fiscal year-end compliance matters. I would like to thank the residents and members for your well considered questions and feedback, particularly at the AGMs held. Please continue to provide us with your input and ideas; this is essential for the ongoing improvement in our service to you and the broader community.

In mid-November, we divested the Lakefront Village (NSW Central Coast) to RSL LifeCare in a transaction which settled on 17th November. RSL LifeCare has a large portfolio of Retirement Villages and the Lakefront Village will benefit from RSL’s scale and systems. We wish Geraldine, her team and the residents all the best for the future in what is a most beautiful environment.

My wife Cazz is a music teacher at Mona Vale Public School and in her spare time teaches piano and violin to budding musicians within our community. Cazz is expecting our first child in March, which will no doubt prove to be a life-changing event for all concerned. We’ve found out what it’ll be (boy or girl), but remain tight-lipped until the big day!

Over the next few months, I hope to get around to all our facilities to meet as many of you as possible.

In the meantime, happy holidays and all the very best for the festive season.

God bless, Rob Hall Living Longer Living Better graph sourced from www.health.gov.au

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS - DECEMBER 2014

CONCERTS

OUTINGS

3rd - Karaoke Concert (Sunshine Dining Room) 15th - Suzie J Concert (Sunshine Dining Room)

ACTIVITIES

Tues 9th December the Junior We look forward to visiting the Choir from Mt Terry Primary children at St Columba Preschool School will be doing a Christmas in December to see a Christmas performance in Sapphire dining Nativity Play and Singing for our residents. The Preschool have been room. This will be their last visit for 2014. Thank you Mt Terry staff involved in a Pen Pal program this year, making birthday cards for our and students for your support and friendship with the residents. residents.

19th - Keith Murphy Concert (Sunshine Dining Room)

16th, 17th & 18th Dec the residents from each area will be going on a Christmas Lights Tour between 7-9pm. Thank you to our Volunteer bus driver Wayne who will be driving the bus.

Wed 17th December we will be having a special Christmas Afternoon Tea in Sapphire dining room. Our very own Ridgeview Choir will be performing Christmas Carols during the afternoon.

You’re invited to a special

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

4 Bozna

3 Joseph

3 Lucie

4 Ljuba

4 Russell

5 Stoja

7 Dorothy

9 George

14 Vicki

12 Winifred

9 Stella

19 Anne

12 Patricia

9 Eileen

22 Raymond

14 Gina

11 Frank

24 Rosina

17 Helen

11 Jose

25 Sibella

19 Corrie

11 Alice

28 Joseph

19 Hana

14 Dulcie

28 Barbara

20 Ross

16 Noreen

23 Maria

16 Conception

23 Betty

17 Lindsay

28 Maxwell

20 Anna

31 Bernardo

22 Stefan 24 Malcolm

Christmas Carols by The Ridgeview Choir Special Christmas afternoon tea will be served plus a visit from Santa and his little helper!

Bereavements

Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Spring period.

Changes around Ridgeview 1. INTRODUCTION OF REST PERIOD A Daily Rest Period for residents has been introduced & operating since the 3rd November 2014.

The Rest Period is from 12.30pm – 2pm each day. During this time our residents are given the offer to return to their rooms for a rest or alternatively they may continue to stay in the common areas.

During this time however, there will be no planned activities, and the facility noise levels reduced.

The purpose of the Rest Period is to allow our residents to have a nap assisting with the reduction in lethargy, falls and escalating behaviours in the afternoon due to tiredness.

2. RENAMING OF THE AREAS Following on from the 1st July 2014 government changes where there is no longer a difference between the levels of care, being High care or Low care, the decision was made to change the names of the areas to remove any confusion and bring in line with the respective changes.

The areas are now known as the following: • High Care = Amethyst • Hostel or Low care = Sapphire • Sunshine = Sunshine (no change) New signage will be installed in each area 3. LIFESTYLE COORDINATOR Michelle Bonner has been appointed as the Lifestyle Coordinator. Michelle commenced the role for a 3 month trial period on 3rd November. The Lifestyle team are to be acknowledged for their commitment and dedication in the delivery of the Program to our residents. The appointment of Michelle into the Coordinator role will allow for improved planning, improved collaboration between the Volunteers and a full review of the Activities program. The team are currently undertaking a Resident Survey of activities that you would like to see incorporated into the program. Please contribute to the survey to enable us to improve our planning.

Michelle continues in her role as the Volunteer Coordinator & Pastoral Care Coordinator.

4. INTRODUCTION OF RELATIVE MEMO / INFORMATION FOLDER To enable current and effective communication from the Facility Manager, a Memo/Information Folder has been implemented. The folder will be located in Reception where you sign in and out.

Communication from the Manger will be included in the Folder. Please read the folder to stay up to date with issues around the home.

Should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to discuss with the Registered Nurse, Unit Manager or Facility Manager 5. REGISTER OF FOOD FROM HOME A reminder to our families who bring in their own food from home - all food must be recorded in the Register located at reception. This is a Regulatory requirement under the Vulnerable Persons Food Regulations 2010.

Activity Reviews OCTOBER

Roaring 20’s Ball

This year we celebrated our annual event in style with a Great Gatsby themed Roaring 20’s Ball.

Our first event with Amethyst/Sunshine residents and families and our second event with Sapphire residents and families. There was glitz and glamour, dancing and singing, food and entertainment.

With over 500 gold and black balloons, glitter and decorations, finger food, bubbly, punch and pavlova there was something for everyone.

Our wonderful entertainer for both events, Keith Murphy, took us back to the roaring 20’s whilst staff, residents and families hit the dance floor. We had a beautiful dance display by two talented young ballroom dancers, which absolutely took our breath away.

Thank you to all our staff and wonderful volunteers who helped put together this annual event. A lot of organising and preparation – but worth every minute to see the joy this brings to our residents.

• • • •

“Best night of my life” – Joan Schumacher “It was a wonderful night. The pink shirt girls did a wonderful job” – Anne O’Reilly “Everyone had a wonderful time and the volunteer should be thanked” – Barbara Jolley “I have been to the ball three times now and the team effort is absolutely wonderful. Staff should be congratulated” – Maureen Cook (Volunteer)

• “Ern and I thought the ball was a great night. We didn't know what to expect, but sure didn't

expect it to be as formal as it was. We have the band every Marshall Mt. Dance night, and we love them. The staff did a great job with the residents, giving them such a memorable and fun evening. We were very impressed with their interaction on the dance floor with the wheel chair residents. The supper was very nice. What suggestions can we give you? - None, just keep on doing what you did that night. We felt privileged to have been able to share the night with you all” – Lyn & Ern (Volunteers)

• “We attended both nights and to see the smile on their faces is a reward. Thank you to the kitchen staff and the other staff for all their hard work” – Rhonda & Bill (Volunteers)

Roaring 20's Ball Photos

Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE Residents in Sapphire have been enjoying a range of activities across the week. During the morning we have been going down memory lane with reminisce quizzes – a favourite with the residents.

We have recently started a Euchre Club with volunteer Matt. Every Tuesday, a group get together to battle it out in the Private Dining Room.

The residents are enjoying a variety of table games in the afternoons including table tennis, puzzles and he daily Rummy cup game. We are so thankful for the help of Volunteer James on a Wednesday and Thursday.

Last week, we have been fascinated by the reminisce box on Australian Birds sent from the Australia Museum. This is on display in Sapphire dining room where residents are able to read about the Australia bird life, hear the different bird calls and get ‘up close and personal’ with feathers, bones, beaks etc.

The children from Mt Terry Primary are also visiting the residents in Sapphire on a Tuesday and Thursday morning. This is a much loved activity with the residents as they enjoy being entertained by the children – drawing portraits, reading, iPads, table games, plays and singing.

Activity Reviews AMETHYST The residents in Amethyst have been thoroughly enjoying the tranquil surrounds of the new water feature and courtyard off the dining room. During the morning, residents enjoy this space to relax and enjoy the morning newspaper reading. It is also a great pace to relax and enjoy nature, especially the birds that are in the trees.

A range of activities are being enjoyed during the morning program, including ball and balloon games. Some of the residents have been quite busy preparing for Melbourne Cup day and now making Christmas decorations.

The afternoons have taken on a relaxed atmosphere as we enjoy the soothing sounds of relaxing music with aromatherapy hand and foot massages.

NOVEMBER

Remembrance Day - Every year on November 11th we

pause to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who have died or suffered in wars and conflicts to defend our country.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Activity Reviews NOVEMBER

Melbourne Cup

There was much excitement and anticipation on the morning of Melbourne Cup. Staff and residents dressed up for this annual event, eagerly awaiting the 3pm race and the results of those sweeps. We gathered in the Sapphire dining room for afternoon tea; a glass of bubbly and nibbles in hand as we admired colourful dresses and fancy hats. esidents had already been busy painting caps for the occasion and wore them with pride.

3pm ‌ the race begun ‌ silence filled the room.

Our lucky door prize winners were: Bruce, Ken, Shirley, Alma, Kathe, Sarah and Francis. Our sweep winners were: Sarah, Joan, Marjorie, Liz, Anna, Kathryn, Helen, Ethel, Robert, Anne, Helen, Barbara and Max with a couple of people winning twice!

Thanks to all staff who assisted us on the day and James our wonderful volunteer.

Resident Story - Ken C Ken was born on the 17th October, 1924 in Kempsey, one of 9 children. My dad was a Postmaster with the PMG and could be sent anywhere to work. He was transferred to various towns in NSW Bowraville, Nerandah, Thirroul, Tamworth, Warren, South Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Woonona and Corrimal. During this period, I worked in the post office in Wilcannia, Bourke and Woonona.

My experiences in the west of NSW were exceptional. It was in 1941 that I met Betty Coltman, who became the love of my life. Her parents owned a milk bar in Woonona.

In 1941, I worked at Kiama before returning to Woonona where I was Postman until November 1942, when I enlisted in the RAAF; going to Point Cook for training as a wireless telegraphist. I served at Tocumwal, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville before going overseas in 1943, serving in New Guinea and some of the islands off the cost before landing at Labuan Borneo where I remained till late 1945.

When I returned to Australia, I was sent to Wagga Wagga as a fireman until discharged in mid 1946. I returned to work in the Post Office as a Postal Clerk until my marriage on 3rd April, 1948 to Betty at Bulli Catholic Church. Following the wedding, I worked as a Postal Clerk in Milton and Nowra until I resigned in 1949 and started working with the Steelworks in the Plate Mill, Coke Ovens, General Office, Clerk to Executive Officer and finally as Supervisor at the Spares area until my discharge in 1982.

During our married life, we travelled extensively in New South Wales, Queensland and the other states either by car, train, caravan or plane. We also visited New Zealand and some of the Pacific Islands.

We had 5 children (4 boys and 1 girl) and now have 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, whom we see regularly.

In 1950, we built our own home in Port Kembla and remained there until entering Ridgeview in April 2014.

Betty and I celebrated our 66th Wedding Anniversary in April 2014.

Thanks Ken for sharing your story with everyone at Ridgeview.

Happy 66th Wedding Anniversary Ken & Betty

Staff Profile - Ciji Jose

Hi, I am Ciji Jose, the Nurse Unit Manager of Amethyst here at Ridgeview Aged Care for the past 12 months.

I flew all the way from Ireland last year. I had been residing in Limerick, Ireland for 4 ½ years working as the Nurse Unit Manager of a 60 bed aged care facility. I was born in India and had been brought up in New York for the first 12 years of my life. My mother was a RN in New York.

Because there is no Aged Care Facilities in India, we then as a family went back to India to care for my grandparents. While there, I completed my nursing degree with honours. I taught Medical Surgical Nursing in a nursing college for 2 years there.

I love cooking Indian food - that’s my hobby. I love caring and helping others. I like drawing and I love to run, often entering races.

My family consists of my husband and two boys, Ryan and Kris aged 6 and 2 ½ years. My children are really being helped by other children and teachers to speak better English. They go Mt Terry School and once my son Ryan came to visit the residents at Ridgeview. He was very proud to visit because his mum worked there.

Coming to a new country like Australia is really difficult and I was very homesick. I feel privileged to be a part of the Ridgeview family and have been welcomed so warmly by all my dear staff from the cleaners, the caring staff, all the way to the management during my first year here in Australia.

I am really content in my role at Ridgeview and as the opportunity arises in a few more years, we would love to have another child, hopefully a girl and see more of this beautiful country. Thank you - Ciji

PERKS OF REACHING 50 OR BEING OVER 60 AND HEADING TOWARDS 70 OR BEYOND! 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you 2. In a hostage situation,you are likely to be released first 3. No one expects you to run - anywhere 4. People call at 9 pm (or 9am) and ask, 'Did I wake you?

5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way 7. Things you buy now won't wear out 8. You can eat dinner at 4pm 9. You get into heated arguments about pension plans 10. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge

11. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room 12. You sing along with elevator music 13. Your eyes won't get much worse 14. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off 15. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service 16. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either

Pastoral Care TRYING TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS How often has there been a problem between 2 people because of a lack of understanding? We see it happen time and time again. It’s an age old problem – me not understanding you and what happens as a result. We call it a breakdown in communication.

Understanding is actually one key for us to live in harmony and peace with each other. The lack of understanding can have great consequences. War happens because nations do not understand each other.

Racial discrimination, broken marriages, crimes happens because people are misunderstood or people misunderstood other people.

We can be so quick to jump to conclusions about other people, especially people who are a bit different in some way to ourselves. There is so much we can learn from others when we stop and take the time to really get to know and understand them. When we stop and walk alongside someone for a while we can gain a whole new understanding of them, and are able to see their gifts and talents and those things that make them unique.

It was once written “Let us strive to understand others, than to be understood”. It’s a great statement, because we all have to learn how to get on with others, to understand them, even if that is difficult and challenging.

One of the problems is that we don’t listen to one another carefully anymore… Listening. What a lost art. Jimmy Buffett covers a song originally released by Fred Neil in the 60’s, called “Everybody’s Talkin’”. The first line of the song is a good description of today’s society, it says “Everybody’s talkin’ at me… can’t hear a word they’re sayin only echoes of my mind” Do you agree with these words? How often do you walk away from a conversation, meeting, or phone call thinking, “why won’t they just listen to me?” Or here’s a scary thought – how often do people walk away from you wondering if you listened to a word they were saying? You see it works both ways.

Maybe as we go through this life we need to slow down and listen to people’s life stories before we jump to conclusions about them. We need to try to understand people before we make judgements about them. We must hear what they’re saying – to listen carefully, Actually, listening does not come naturally to most of us – we need to work hard at it – to stop ourselves from jumping into the conversation and giving our own opinion. We all like to be listened to and understood, we feel affirmed and validated”.

Jesus is a great role model as He went around listening to and caring for others. You may know the story recorded in John 4:1-27 where He met up with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. It was midday, the hottest part of the day: Jesus sat down, weary, and a Samaritan woman joined I need to be heard…

Him to get a drink of water from the well. Jews traditionally did not speak to a Samaritan, but Jesus broke the rule and asked her to get Please don't try to comfort me by Him a drink – He opened up a life changing conversation which led telling me, "You'll be better in time.” her to realise Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ. The disciples returned I need to be heard… to the well and were surprised to see Jesus talking to the woman. She Please don't pacify me by trying to didn’t have a good reputation – broken marriages – but Jesus didn’t "top it" with a hurt of your own. condemn her – He showed an incredible ability to look past her façade or mask, but He knew this woman. He observes her actions, her life, I need to be heard… her words, and He really hears what she is saying. Like Jesus, we really Please don't look away when need to have His eyes and ears to hear and see what people are saying.

I mention that precious name!

If we do carefully listen and try to understand others, we may hear I need to be heard… hurt, anger, disappointment, loneliness, longings for comfort and Can't there be anger among sadness desires for purpose in life. In what way can we give our time, words and and misery? heart to help someone else?

Express empathy – this means to feel into someone’s pain – it’s I need to be heard… focused on the other person, instead of yourself. It’s deeper than Meet me where I am, and listen to me sympathy – understands feelings and tries to do something to Until I don't need to be help. In Brazil, they have a saying “if you’re stuck in a hole, a heard, anymore. sympathetic person will get into the hole with you. The empathic person will give you a rope to get out”.

Source: Chris Witts

POEM I Need To Be Heard

Volunteer Corner … from little things, big things grow

As I think of what to write a quote came to mind ‘from little things, big things grow’. At Ridgeview, we are so blessed to have an amazing team of volunteers who come in each week. From our humble beginnings with a handful of volunteers, this vital program has grown and developed to be such an important and integral part of our daily life at Ridgeview.

We have such a variety of volunteer assistance and activities including: bus drivers, knitting group, library and library trolley, bingo, hand massages, kiosk, lolly trolley, pool, resident ironing, 1:1 visits and chats, activities assistants, choir, guitar/piano/singing, euchre/card games, admin assistants, gardening, pet therapy, photography, school visits, pen pal program, special events (men’s/ladies group, annual balls, happy hour, birthday afternoon tea), resident birthday cards, editing articles, nursing assistants, Church 1:1 visits and Church services. As you can see our program covers a wide range of areas, talents and interests.

As we come to the end of 2014 I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to our team of Volunteers at Ridgeview. On behalf of Christadelphian Aged Care management, staff, families and residents … THANK YOU. Whether it is an hour here and there or many hours a week, together we make a BIG difference at Ridgeview. Your willingness, enthusiasm, smiles, encouragement, support and assistance is greatly valued and appreciated.

I would like to welcome James, Matt, George and Kay to the Volunteer team at Ridgeview.

Knitting Display residents, families and staff enjoyed a special knitting display and afternoon tea to celebrate all the hard work the Ridgeview Knitting Group has done this year.

To date the Knitting Group has made an impressive 35 Knee Ru g s WOW!!

An array of colourful rugs was put on display to admire and appreciate all the hard work, hours of knitting and not to mention chatting. This year the Knitting Group wanted to give these rugs to each resident at Ridgeview. If you haven’t received one yet one will be coming your way shortly.

Volunteer Corner Herb Garden our raised garden bed in Sunshine Courtyard received some much needed TLC and new herbs. Kaitlyn (Volunteer), Vikki, William, Elsie and Nadia enjoyed an afternoon planting an assortment of herbs. Many of the residents are enjoying watching the herbs grow and smelling all the various aromas this garden has to offer.

Ridgeview Choir the choir gave a wonderful performance during October – their first performance. A little nervous a first, they soon got into the swing of things and took us all on a journey down memory lane. The Choir is now preparing for their next performance on 17th December at the resident Christmas afternoon tea where they will be doing a repertoire of Christmas Carols.

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER Bill & Rhonda Johnson

Bill & I have been married for 47 years. I was born and bred in Albion Park. Bill and was originally from Canowindra near Cowra.

We have two children; Alison is a nurse at Bluehaven and has two girls, Ashleigh 20 and Kaitlin 18. Our son Darren lives in Goulburn and owns a livestock carrier business. He has two boys, Pacey 12 and Cooper 6.

Bill was a truck driver before retirement 8 years ago. I worked as a school assistant for 29 years and left work to be a full time carer for my parents.

Dad passed away in 2000 and Mum in 2009. My only brother suffered a stroke on Melbourne Cup Day 2009 and we have looked after his needs until he moved into Ridgeview 4 years ago.

Bill loves fishing, gardening and golf. I have been a member of Albion Park Hockey Club for 55 years and had to stop playing two years ago to have knee replacement. Bill and I belong to the Garden Club and Probus. I am also a member of U3A and love cooking.

- Regards, Rhonda

Men’s Room is now completed!!! On the far lounge area in Sunshine, we have transformed this lounge area for a space the men can go to and enjoy activities or just chill. Foosball, puzzles, table games, sports magazines/books and table tennis can all be accessed and enjoyed in this area. Come and visit – enjoy a game of table tennis or relax ready a quiet book.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Michelle Bonner on 0434 421 617 or mbonner@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Read, Rest & Relax!

TIPS TO “BEAT THE HEAT”

• Try to plan activities that require going outside during non-peak hours when it might be a little cooler.

• Move exercise indoors. Consider walking on a treadmill, or “corridor walking” instead of outdoor walks or activities.

Swimming and water aerobics are good options as well.

• Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic, caffeine-free as these ingredients have a diuretic effect). Talk with your doctor if you take medications that affect fluid intake.

• Consume food and drink with sodium and potassium to restore electrolyte balance when losing fluids and drinking a lot of water: broths or soups (contain sodium); fruit juice, soft fruits, vegetables (containing potassium); sports drinks that contain electrolytes.

• Stay indoors in cooled spaces as much as possible.

• Be aware of signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

I used to be great when it came to word play. Once a pun a time.

I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.

I used to be addicted to lunch meat but I quit cold turkey.

Little Gingerbread Cakes • 125g butter, chopped • 2/3 cup golden syrup • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar • 2/3 cup milk • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 2/3 cups plain flour, sifted • 1 tablespoon ground ginger • 1 teaspoon mixed spice • Lemon zest, to serve LEMON ICING • 2 cups icing sugar mixture, sifted • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 teaspoons boiling water Makes 8

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease an 8hole, 3/4 cup-capacity mini loaf pan.

2.Place butter, golden syrup, sugar and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes or until butter has melted and sugar dissolved (do not boil). Remove from heat. Add bicarbonate of soda. Stir to combine.

Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

3. Add egg. Whisk to combine. Add flour, ginger and mixed spice. Whisk until smooth. Spoon mixture into pan holes until half-full.

4. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre of 1 cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make icing Place icing sugar, lemon juice and boiling water in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Spoon over cakes. Stand for 5 minutes or until icing starts to set. Top with zest. Set aside until set. Serve.

Word Sudoku

18/11/2014 11:22 am

Word Sudoku adds a twist to the usual sudoku which makes the puzzle a little more interesting. 6 different letters are used instead of numbers.

The basic goal remains the same: every row, column, and 2Ă—3 square has to contain one of every letter used in the puzzle.

Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions. about:blank

Page 1 of 2