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

Remember there’s a fi ne line between making smart decisions at lightning speed and making impulsive moves that land you in hot water. Th is week will work best if you do something out of character for an Aquarius – think before you speak and act! Hopefully calm Venus and steady Saturn will settle you down. Plus do your best to get the balance right between maintaining the status quo (with things that are working well) and hatching innovative new ideas.

Th e Sun joins Mercury and Venus in your sign. So variety is the buzz word as you tackle a range of projects, juggle roles and multitask like a real pro. On the weekend you’re keen to escape your weekday routine via daydreaming, reading, watching movies, socialising or travelling (in COVID-Safe ways). But don’t neglect serious responsibilities in the process. Keep your feet on the ground and do your best to steer clear of taboo topics and sensitive subjects.

It’s time to cultivate a relationship with a child or teenager, initiate a fabulous new friendship or take up a hobby you’ve always been interested in. But has an old friendship fi nally run out of steam? Or is a fair-weather buddy criticising your behaviour and holding you back? Venus and Saturn urge you to review your peer group, discard negative infl uences, and surround yourself with positive people who nurture your talents and support your dreams. You won’t feel particularly energetic or motivated this week, as Neptune drains the gas out of your tank. Avoid the temptation to get carried away and make unrealistic promises. It will be very easy to over-extend yourself and fi nd you’ve bitten off more than you can actually chew! Use the prevailing astro-winds wisely as you re-calibrate your expectations, pace yourself and look after your health. Regular exercise and nutritious meals are a must!

You’re keen to retreat into your cosy Crab cave as the Sun, Mercury and Venus activate your contemplation zone. So solo activities like yoga, meditation, reading and journal writing are favoured this week. But – if you stumble and make a mistake – don’t let negative self-talk drag you down. Be inspired by actress and birthday great Joan Collins: “Show me a person who has never made a mistake, and I’ll show you somebody who has never achieved much.”

Courtesy of Monday’s magical Sun/ Pluto trine, transformation is the name of the game this week. But don’t worry about trying to change (or control) those around you. Focus on yourself fi rst. Can you reinvent a close relationship, pivot professionally or transform your physical appearance? Your motto for the moment is from Taurus birthday great, entertainer Cher: “Th e only thing in the world you can change is yourself and that makes all the diff erence” . When it comes to professional and fi nancial matters, make sure you are upto-date with current news and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Strive to balance stability with small incremental changes. Slow and steady wins the race as you apply new knowledge within a conservative framework. Worrying about all the work you have to complete this week won’t help matters. Prioritise tasks and pace yourself. Th en you’ll get things done without having a brain snap!

It’s time to shine! Monday’s powerful Sun/Pluto link favours work matters, business partnerships and professional projects, as you combine dazzling creativity with powerful determination. Plus use your fertile imagination to help manifest your preferred future via goalsetting, a practical plan and a patient approach So your mantra for the week is from human rights activist (and birthday great) Malcolm X: “Th e future belongs to those who prepare for it today” .

Have you got stuck in a rut when it comes to unhealthy eating choices and lack of exercise? It’s a good week to revamp your diet and reboot your fi tness routine. Th e more you nurture and repair your body, the better you’ll feel – physically, mentally and emotionally. A close relationship is going through a bumpy patch but Venus encourages you to swallow your pride, slap on a smile, and hold out the olive branch of peace. Feel the love Sagittarius! With unpredictable Uranus moving slowly through your sign, take nothing for granted and avoid being an intractable Bull. Th e more you open your mind to new possibilities and accept change willingly, the less unsettled you’ll feel. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Bertrand Russell: “In all aff airs it’s healthy to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted”. Just make sure you obtain information and news updates from reliable sources.

On Monday you’re full of fabulous ideas but don’t overpromise and then under-deliver. You’re feeling curious and are keen to communicate about a wide range of subjects, but are other people in the mood to listen? Under the infl uence of nebulous Neptune and Mercury (your patron planet) it will be very easy to misinterpret what others are saying (especially on the weekend). So choose your words wisely and your conversation topics carefully, at home and work.

On Monday, the Sun forms a fabulous trine with powerful Pluto (in your sign) so you’ve certainly got the passion and motivation to get things done. But don’t let your desire to micro-manage everything (and everyone) get out of control! Aim to be disciplined and organised, but not obsessively so. Th e best way to approach current challenges and diffi culties is to tap into your inner reserves of patience, resilience and Capricorn creativity.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

FROM THE CREATORS OF

FINAL WEEKS

WITH LAUREN BRAGG ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

Keeping your feet healthy as we head towards the colder months

Just like most things in life, the condition of your feet can also change with the seasons. It is important to look after your feet all year round, and sometimes that means making seasonal adjustments to maintain those healthy happy feet. Below you can find some helpful podiatry tips to ensure come spring, everything is still travelling along nicely.

Continue your regular podiatry visits

Have you ever noticed your toenails grow slower in winter? The reason this happens is because often our blood circulation is changed. Colder temperatures can result in constriction of blood vessels, which results in less blood flow to our hands and feet. HOWEVER, this is not a reason to lengthen the time between your appointments. The cold temperature may slow down your nails, but it also hinders the flow of nutrients to your nails and skin! Often the nails and skin can become dry, thickened and damaged. This is why it’s so important to continue your regular podiatry visits, because your skin may need podiatry debridement.

Cream, cream, cream!

As mentioned in the above point your skin may dry out which can result in dry callus or flakey skin. It’s very important to remember to apply an emollient daily. A helpful tip is to apply cream straight after an evening shower and putting socks on before bed.

Correct fitting shoes

It has likely been 12 months since you last pulled that pair of shoes out of the cupboard. Are they feeling tight? Are there any areas that feel like they are rubbing? Your feet may have changed shape! If you are unsure it is a great idea to have your podiatrist review your footwear for you. An example of this is, in winter, we often see patients with ingrown toenails that would not usually present with them. The reason why is because their shoes are too tight at the forefoot and this has caused compression of the toes. Ouch. WITH DR ERIN SHORT GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE • 4731 3055

How to identify and treat an ear infection on our furry friends

Ear infections are a common problem seen amongst our furry friends, especially those with long, floppy ears. Otitis Externa is a condition that occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed and can cause extreme discomfort and further health problems if left untreated.

There are many types of infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites, and foreign material which might cause inflammation and infection in the outer, middle, or inner ears.

Dogs’ and cats’ ear canals are shaped like a long, ‘L’. They are great for hearing, but this shape predisposes them to collect debris and moisture. The most common causes of ear disease include allergies, heat and trapped moisture, excessive earwax, ear mites, foreign material like a grass seed, or an unknown growth or polyp.

Causes of pet ear infections

Some breeds, particularly those with floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, or Golden Retrievers, can be more prone to ear infections. However, they can occur in any breed. Healthy ears are generally pink, clean, and have an unobtrusive smell. A pet suffering from an ear infection could show a number of symptoms including: • ears appear red/inflamed, • black/brown or yellow/green discharge may be seen • strong odour • constant ear scratching or shaking of the head • swelling around the ear • whimpering due to discomfort If left untreated, more serious problems may arise. This may include: • loss of balance • hearing loss • unusual eye movements (nystagmus) • walking in circles or head tilting

How are pet ear infections diagnosed?

A thorough clinical examination, including examining your pet’s skin, assessing the ear drum to ensure it is intact coupled with taking a small sample of the ear contents and looking under the microscope will allow your veterinarian to determine the cause of the disease.

How are ear infections treated?

In many cases, ear drops can be applied to the affected ear. Your veterinarian will recommend a tailored treatment plan based on the diagnosis.

Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:00pm

WITH CHANTEL CRIGHTON • PREPARE EARLY EDUCATION CENTRE, CADDENS CORNER • 9833 2462

Laying the foundation for learning: Preparing your child for school

The first five years lay the foundations for learning: playing an essential role in preparing your child for school. But the benefits go way beyond their primary years.

A head-start for success

Education in their early years can give your child an extra edge. Research shows that children who attend an early education program are more likely to be more confident learners and have greater success in life.

Inspiring life-long learning

Early education inspires a love of learning. Quality programs offer regular structured play – where the children have fun, but they also learn, explore and create. Early education also promotes literacy and language skills, problem-solving and creativity. A program that offers all these things can help children explore their passions from an early age.

Supported social development

Early education can give children a developmental head start. Not only do children receive the educational and academic benefits of the structured environment, but they can also practice social skills and emotional development. This is one of many great benefits that children receive from early education that continues to support them in the primary years. Building their social skills can set children up for success, while growing emotional intelligence can lead to better results, wellbeing and more fulfilling relationships. When it comes to early education, quality matters. A great program can make all the difference in their future – and support them in their present. To give your child their best start, book at tour at Prepare Early Education Centre, Caddens Corner on 9833 2462. WITH ALEX MCKENZIE FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES • 4704 8585

How this week’s Budget impacts financial planning strategies

The Budget was announced this week and as usual the redirecting of Government spending results in the media nominating the winners and losers. This article will focus on the elements of the Budget that directly impact Financial Planning strategies. An excellent initiative is a focus on increasing the ease of contributing to super for those aged 67-74. Previously those in that age bracket have had to pass the work test to make contributions to super. This requirement has been removed. They are now able to make Non-Concessional contributions, these are contributions where no tax deduction is applicable. They are now also able to salary sacrifice. This is almost redundant as those wanting to salary sacrifice are most likely to pass the work test. Those in the 67-74 age bracket are still not able to make a personal concessional contribution without meeting the work test. This is most relevant to those who may be looking to reduce a capital gains tax liability via a super contribution. They will still need to pass the work test to use this option. Something relevant to low-income earners, the threshold of $450 per month income before an employer is required to pay super has been removed. This results in super being paid to anyone earning an income. Employers need to be aware of this moving forward as well. The First Home Super Saver Scheme, which allows anyone who is yet to own a home to access voluntary contributions to super to purchase a home, has been extended. Previously the maximum anyone could withdraw under this scheme was $30,000, this has been increased to $50,000. This will increase the ability of anyone wanting to save for a house to do so within the super system. There was a minor change to the pension loan scheme. For those unaware the pension loan scheme allows for a pensioner to use the equity in their home to boost retirement savings. In effect it is a reverse mortgage funded by the Government when a pensioner can receive regular fortnightly payments on top of their pension and accrue a debt secured against their home. There is now an option to receive up to two lump sums of up to 50 per cent of the age pension in a 12-month period. This may be useful to someone wanting to fund a one-off expense.

Eat fresh - every day!

At Prepare Early Education Centre, we offer seasonal, nutritionally balanced meals – made on-site. Take a tour of our kitchen and state-of-the-art childcare centre. Visit prepare.nsw.edu.au to book now.