Sound vision for young tradies

GOOD eyesight plays a vital role in the life of young tradies, yet many fail to protect it on the job.

This is Tradies Health Awareness Month and seasoned tradespeople in Macarthur are warning their younger generation to better protect their eyes and ears from injury on the jobsite.

This comes after research from Specsavers shows that 89% of tradies aged 40+ would tell their younger selves to be more careful with their hearing and eye protection.

Optometrists and Audiology Professionals in Macarthur are echoing this warning. They are calling out laborers and tradespeople in the local area to be vigilant in looking after their eyes and ears on the job to avoid long term, often preventable, and in some cases irreversible, damage to their eyesight and hearing. Currently, there are 52,925 in the Blacktown area that could be susceptible to this damage.

The research found that younger tradies aged,18-34 are already reporting concerns over worksite damage, with:

• 75% of those who work outside are concerned that they could have sun damage to their eyes.

• 37% already incurring a workplace eye injury that required medical attention.

• 53% saying their hearing has worsened over time, with 76% of those affected citing their work environment as a contributor to their hearing loss.

Yet, many younger tradies are still taking a ‘she’ll be right’ approach, with 26% rarely or only occasionally wearing protective goggles or sunglasses onsite, and 70% not always wearing hearing protection.

Local Optometrist Janet Grant said: “We would really like all tradies – particularly those aged 18-34 to understand the importance of taking preventative measures to look after their hearing and eyesight. Once you lose it, there is no getting it back.”

“We often see older tradies come in citing their workplaces as the reason for their hearing being worse than it used to be or attributing work-related sun damage to their eyes. These younger tradies could learn from their older colleagues and start to get serious about ear and eye protection on the job site.

“Taking small precautions like putting on a pair of polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays or safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris and dust and donning earmuffs when working with loud machinery to prevent damage to your hearing can help protect you for years to come.

“These preventative measures can make the world of difference and save you from experiencing a decline in your eyesight or hearing, which are both pivotal to your quality of life.”

Open to dating single parents

A RECENT eharmony survey indicates that online daters are more open to dating single parents. Over 70% of respondents wouldn’t be deterred by a partner having children. 52% of male daters would happily date single moms, while 61% of female daters view single dads positively, seeing them as more committed to relationships. Around 63% of single parents prefer dating someone else with children. 80% of respondents are comfortable being involved in their partner’s children’s lives. Single parents face challenges in dating due to time constraints and budget concerns. eharmony’s Compatibility Matching System helps match compatible partners based on personality and values.

Gamming reform roadmap

NSW Government has formed an independent panel for gaming reform roadmap, combating gambling harm and money laundering. Chaired by Michael Foggo, the panel includes experts from law enforcement, academics, and industry. It will oversee a cashless gam- ing trial and suggest reforms. Privacy protection will be prioritized, with input from Cyber Security NSW and NSW Police. Recommendations for cashless gaming in hotels and clubs will be provided, along with an implementation roadmap by November 2024. Additionally, a ClubGRANTS Scheme review will be conducted. Previous reforms include banning gaming room signage and reducing poker machine entitlements and cash input limits. Political donations from clubs with pokies are also banned.

False climate change claims

THE Climate Council urges Australian Parliament to address false climate claims from fossil fuel giants. In a recent submission, they expose 10 corporations with questionable climate plans. The Council insists on action to cut emissions drastically, highlighting how supposed net-zero targets are contradicted by fossil fuel expansion. They call for a ban on misleading ‘carbon neutral’ claims, requiring genuine emission reduction efforts, and prioritizing total life cycle emission reduction. Parliament must crack down on greenwashing to ensure real climate action.

Need for Red Cross volunteers

AS disasters increase in Australia, the demand for Australian Red Cross emergency services is rising. NSW requires more of the 1,200 volunteers who play a vital role in supporting communities during crises. Volunteers assist locally and nationally, providing aid in evacuation, recovery centres, and disaster preparedness activities. Australian Red Cross offers internationally and nationally developed training in various areas. With over 3,400 emergency services volunteers nationwide, joining as a volunteer means becoming part of a long-standing movement aiding communities since 1914. Interested individuals can find more information at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer

Trial shows cannabis works

A CLINICAL trial using Australian medicinal cannabis oil, Cybis® THC: CBD oil, demonstrated a 38% median reduction in chronic neck and back pain. The trial involved adults unresponsive to over-the-counter analgesics and suffering chronic pain for around 10 years. The oil was well-tolerated and showed significant pain reduction, with improvements in mood, activity, and enjoyment of life. Unlike most studies, this one solely focused on medicinal cannabis, offering promising evidence for treating chronic pain. With opioid-related issues rising, medicinal cannabis could provide a safer alternative for many patients. Demand for quality medicinal cannabis globally is increasing rapidly.

Surge in approvalsbuilding

MAY 2023 building approvals data has shown a 59.4% surge in higher density home building approvals, while detached house approvals remained flat. Master Builders Australia welcomes the increase but warns of the need for sustained recovery and cautions against government-induced cost pressures. Lending figures indicate tough times ahead, with loans for new homes over 40% lower than last year. A sustained recovery in higher density building is crucial to address the rental market’s affordability crisis. The organization urges the RBA to hold rates, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary cost pressures through government regulation, which could hinder progress.

Volunteering with St Christophorus Aged Care

In NSW, over 2 million people volunteer their time for others, equal to 240 million hours annually with over 60 volunteer organisations.

St Christophorus Aged Care is a Not For Profit organisation based in Croydon and Blacktown. Our volunteers provide companionship to German speaking seniors, living in a nursing home or at home. We also provide support and assistance to those in need of accessing services or when transitioning to Residential Aged Care. In 2021 our Alois was awarded “Senior Volunteer of the Year”. Alois and Helga have been volunteering since 1982. Alois: “We enjoy helping others and it brings smiles and happiness to them.”

Many elderly people are vulnerable and feel lonely and isolated. Covid lockdowns and restrictions acerbated these issues. Some may have no family close by and a have no visitors. Feelings of loneliness and depression are very common among the elderly.

Our Volunteers, through their selflessness, dedication, and generosity of spirit are the backbone of our organisation. Language is no barrier. Join us to bring light into the lives of the elderly and share some of your time via visits or telephone calls. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 0493 388 282 or send an email to agedcare@dkg sydney.com