Weekender Living

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com | twitter @JoMadelineMoore | © Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Jupiter and Saturn are still transiting through your sign Aquarius. Which will give you the confi dence and determination to be the authentic you (and let other people be themselves too). As anthropologist (and this week’s birthday great) Margaret Mead reminds us, “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” It’s also a wonderful weekend to tackle a creative solo or group project, as the Full Moon energises your self-expression zone.

Th is week’s planetary patterns emphasise the constant balancing act between personal needs and relationship responsibilities. And the buzz words are companionship and conversation. Be inspired by this week’s birthday great, English author Jane Austen, “My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.” Th e weekend Full Moon (in Gemini) is a wonderful time to spoil yourself with a special treat!

On Monday, Mars (the planet of confrontation) moves into your Internet, education and communication zone. So you could encounter problems at school or with online trolls or other argumentative people on social media. Don’t waste time worrying or retaliating! As birthday great Taylor Swift reminds us, “Haters gonna hate.” Just shake it off and get on with the business of living a positive Libran life. Th e weekend Full Moon highlights aspirations and exploration.

After a stressful year (and in the frantic lead-up to Christmas) are you feeling tired and fragile? Th e Full Moon stimulates your domestic zone, so plan to spend the weekend at home, complete with yummy food, relaxing music and your favourite books or TV shows. Follow the sensible advice of writer (and birthday great) Jane Austen, “Th ere is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” However, you may have to do some urgent DIY and fi x something that’s broken.

You’re keen to daydream the hours away in your cosy Crab cave, as the Full Moon illuminates your solitude zone. But – as you retreat into your private world – make sure you can diff erentiate between fact and fantasy, otherwise you’ll end up in a confusing mess. A joint venture (or romantic partnership) needs to pass the Practicality Test. So try to balance being idealistic with being realistic. And don’t make serious commitments unless you’re 100 per cent certain you can keep them.

Th is week’s Full Moon focuses attention on the resources you share with others. Whether it’s income, property, business or relationships, all joint endeavours must be closely examined. And you also need to be circumspect with personal fi nances. You’re feeling impulsive and won’t require much encouragement to shop up a storm, as impulsive Mars boosts your pre-festive spirits and your spontaneous spending gene. So be careful you don’t blow a big hole in your Christmas budget.

Th e stars boost your restless Aries side. On Monday, Mars joins the Sun and Mercury in fellow fi re sign Sagittarius, which revs up your Ram motor. However, if you are too hasty, you could fi nd yourself in hot water. So slow down and pace yourself. Th e weekend Full Moon is the perfect time for a brilliant light-bulb moment. You certainly have the ideas and passion to get an ambitious project off the ground. Now all you need is the patience and persistence to fi nish it.

When it comes to hopes, wishes, social networking and your peer group, the more versatile and fl exible you are, the better the fi nal outcome will be. A realistic and disciplined daily routine will also help you to pursue your dreams and achieve your goals. Do your best to show extra kindness and compassion towards a friend or family member who’s going through a tough time. Th e things they are dealing with are more serious and complex than you previously thought.

With the Sun, Mercury and Mars visiting your sign, it’s time to be proactive as you shake off the shackles of other people’s expectations and instead, be the authentic you. Plus Venus and Pluto shine a spotlight on self-respect and core self-esteem, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Enjoy being the sassy Sagittarian you were born to be. Your motto for the moment is from singer-songwriter Taylor Swift (who turns 32 on Monday), “Just be yourself. Th ere is no one better.”

Are you stuck in a Taurus rut? With Uranus stirring up your horoscope, some overdue changes to your daily routine will put an extra pep in your step. And the Full Moon urges you to take a close look at your personal values. Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their used-by date? But be careful that your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping. Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-‘til-you-drop kind of week.

Work and home life look lively, as the Full Moon fi res up your career and domestic zones. Th e week will be messy and disorganised (and you might get distracted and make some frustrating mistakes) but try to keep things in perspective. Expect the unexpected, accept changes with good grace and adapt accordingly! So your motto for the moment is from fellow Virgo, entertainer Beyonce, “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.”

Th e Full Moon’s activating your wellbeing zone, so jump off the comfy couch and get moving! Nutritious meals are also on the celestial menu, as you take more interest in your health and more pride in your appearance. If you have the confi dence to listen to your wise inner voice, then it will point you in the right direction. Mercury, Venus and Pluto are also moving through your sign, as this power-packed trio boost communication, creativity and concentration.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Precision Medicine is a game-changer for modern medicine.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Precision Medicine is revolutionising the way we diagnose and treat the most pressing health issues of our time. Precision Medicine means that every person is truly treated as an individual, with tailored medicine improving health outcomes, and giving every person the best chance of living as full and healthy a life as possible. Precision Medicine promises an end to ‘one size fits all’ diagnostics and treatments. The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is pioneering Precision Medicine, however your help is needed to fund essential medical research. Be part of the revolution – you don’t have to be a researcher to make a difference. All philanthropic support helps make a difference in saving lives.

To make a difference, please donate at www.westmeadinstitute.org.au or call us on 02 8627 3000 to speak with the WIMR Foundation team.

WITH JULIE SHELDRAKE • NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE & EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL • 4730 8900

A special Christmas gift to consider

The past two years have certainly been challenging, but there have also been some pretty interesting learnings and shifting of priorities as a result. Slowing down where possible, simplifying life, questioning if we really need all the extra purchases that usually accompany this time of year, seeing trees and decorations going up early to create a festive feel and make this season feel less rushed all seem to reflect the lessons learnt during 2020 and 2021.

For me, this Christmas needs to be stressfree, less about multiple or large presents under the tree, and all about spending time with loved ones, and people that we have been separated from by restrictions.

It is very important this year that the gifts I exchange with family are meaningful, not whatever I could grab during my usual last minute dash to Westfield in the weekend before the big day. A gift that will not end up discarded by New Year’s Day. A gift that will make a difference or bring joy to the recipient. A gift that will promote long lasting confidence, skills or a memorable experience.

As a swim school we are dedicated to helping families discover the joy of swimming but swim industry experts are concerned about an increase in drownings this summer, as research revealed 54 per cent of children are not learning to swim, with 27 per cent forced out of lessons due to COVID restrictions and 28 per cent unable to find class availability at their local swim school. Other families have not returned to swimming due to the lockdown impact on the family budget, with only 37 per cent of parents planning to enrol their child in official lessons within the next six months, and 29 per cent planning to teach their child themselves.

With over half of Aussie kids currently not attending swimming lessons, denying them the basic skills needed to safely experience all of the aquatic activities on offer in the Australian summertime, what could be a better gift than swimming lessons? Last year drownings in the most at risk under fives increased by 108 per cent. Learning to swim is a major preventative measure parents can take. We are already seeing a surge in requests for gift vouchers from grandparents particularly, but also aunties, uncles and friends of the family, being organised from as far afield as interstate and overseas.

Swimming lessons are a gift that require no storage space, promote health, physical activity and safety, are fun, and teach a skill that will last a lifetime.

Karen Bentley, owner of Nepean Swim and Fitness agreed: “Many children missed out on time in the water during lockdown, and lots of families are facing increased pressure on their household budget as we continue to recover from the difficulties of this year. However the dangers of the water remain, so gifting swimming lessons for Christmas is both a thoughtful and practical gift for all ages”.

Contact me directly to arrange a gift voucher at julie@nepeanswim.com.au.

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WITH AMY MEEKINGS • ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

Signs of edema to keep an eye on

Summer is here and so is the sunshine, late nights and swimming that comes with it. But also arriving is the sweating, flushed skin and swollen legs also known as edema.

There are many causes of lower leg and ankle swelling and whilst some are minor, others are a means of concern. A common reason swelling presents in the lower legs and ankles is largely anatomical. The feet are the furthest away from the heart and in addition, gravity causes the excess fluid to pool closer to the ground. i.e. at the feet.

Heat is a common cause of edema as when the body temperature rises due to elevated environmental temperatures, it attempts to lose body heat to prevent hyperthermia. The body does this by vasodilation of the blood vessels leading to fluid accumulation. Heat induced edema is relatively sporadic and resolves itself with controlled temperature, elevating the legs and adequate hydration to control elevated salt levels.

What about when it is something more?

If one leg presents with sudden swelling coupled with pain, redness and heat, there can be concerns of a blood clot. This is a condition that needs prompt medical attention to ensure the clot does not dislodge and travel to the lungs.

If both legs persistently swell irrespective of temperature, it raises concerns conditions including but not limited to, congestive heart failure, chronic venous insufficiencies or underlying kidney disease. All these conditions need prompt and appropriate intervention to ensure successful treatment is obtained. In summary, any abnormal or non resolving edema needs to be appropriately assessed by your GP to obtain a diagnosis and then the allied health team at OnePoint Health can assist in management where suitable including massage therapy, general treatments, footwear assessment and fittings and supervised exercise activity prescription.

The 2021 Western Sydney Women Awards are proudly sponsored by:

WITH DR ERIN SHORT • GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE • 4731 3055

Should I take my pet on holidays?

As a pet owner, there is a lot to consider when planning a holiday. Should you leave your pet at a boarding facility, arrange a pet sitter, or even bring them along with you?

Whichever option you decide this holiday period, there are a few basic must-do’s before you begin your holiday: • Vaccinations – Ensure your pet is up to date with their vaccination. Boarding facilities request that your dog has had a Kennel Cough vaccine at least two weeks prior to their stay. • Heartworm prevention – Monthly preventatives or even a Proheart heartworm injection that lasts 12 months is a great idea. • Flea and tick prevention – Apply / administer flea and tick preventatives at least two weeks before you travel, especially if you are going into known paralysis tick regions. Remember to reapply at correct intervals. • Microchip details – Just in case your pet decides to escape or take a holiday of its own, ensure that their microchip details are up to date. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag that includes your mobile phone numbers.

Research your destination: When planning your holiday, learn about your destination and accommodation. Check that your accommodation includes secure fencing and search for access to dog-friendly areas such as beaches, parks and walking tracks. Don’t forget to read local council regulations and make sure you have the contact details of the closest Vet should your pet require medical attention. Make yourself familiar with the local hazards, especially paralysis ticks and known snake regions.

Travelling in the car: Get your pet ready for car travel well in advance. If your pet is anxious during car rides, it is best to be prepared. If your pet is drooling, panting, yawning or trembling they may be uncomfortable. Start with very short trips, praising them when they show calm, relaxed behaviour. As they improve, progress to longer trips. If you have a pet who dislikes car trips, you can get them used to the car environment by feeding them treats or their meals near the car while it is parked – make it fun and slowly but surely build them up to the travel experience. Praise them when they show calm, relaxed behaviour. Other tips include: • Not feeding your pet for approximately 4-6 hours prior to travel (water is fine) • Plan regular, short breaks for your pet to get out the car, ensure they have fresh water • Ensure there is plenty of fresh air • Remember that pets have sensitive hearing, so limit loud music in the car • Talk to your Vet if you feel your pet would benefit from calming medications. This will need a trial run before you head off on your holiday, so prepare this well in advance. Travel safety: Restrain your pet in the car. Unrestrained pets are distracting to the driver and are a potentially dangerous projectile if the car suddenly swerves, stops, or is involved in an accident. Cats or small dogs should be placed in a secure carrier and seat belt harnesses used for medium or large breed dogs. Place animals on the back seat or cargo area if you have a wagon, never the front passenger’s seat due to airbags. Pets shouldn’t be allowed to stick their head out of the window due to the risk of injury especially to their eyes.

Penrith’s stories — told by the people who made them. On The Record Returns February 2022