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October 15, 2006

He thought she was me

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I am one of identical twins. My sister and I were so alike when we were younger that we did the usual twin things like pretending to be each other in class, with friends and even with boyfriends.

It was this ability to fool people into thinking we were the other when we needed to that gave me the idea that has become my secret to this day.

I say my secret because Joanne, my twin, died 17 years ago on what was our 38th birthday. Part of me died on that day and I still refuse to celebrate my birthday and usually take to my bed the night before and don’t surface again until the day after.

Although we were physically almost mirror images of each other, Joanne was the more introverted of us. I started dating just after our 13th birthday and, although it pains me to admit, I wasn’t as choosy as I should have been. In fact, I was just plain promiscuous.

Then, when I was 19 and on holiday, I met Robert. I fell for him like a ton of bricks, as he did for me. Robert didn’t even try to kiss me goodnight; he was such a gentleman, he didn’t touch me for the whole two weeks we were together. I showed the first lick of sense I’d exhibited since I was 13 and behaved as demurely as possible; I just knew my usual dating behaviour would have appalled him.

As we said goodbye at the end of my holiday, Robert asked for my address; he was to visit my city in a couple of weeks.

When we saw each other again it was absolute heaven. Robert became a little carried away at the end of the night and castigated himself for being so un-gentlemanly towards me. The next night he proposed. He said he couldn’t wait for long, and could we marry as soon as possible? In record time we arranged our wedding and reception and booked the hotel for our honeymoon night.

This night, of course, I was dreading. Robert might be a gentleman, but he was not stupid, he would soon figure out I was not a virgin. What was I to do? This man was the love of my life, so I deceived him for the only time in our married life.

I asked Joanne to do the biggest favour for me she had ever done; sleep with Robert on our wedding night. She didn’t want to do it. She was saving herself for her own wedding night. But, after 19 years of doing anything for each other, she couldn’t hold out for long, especially as she knew how much it meant to me.

I suppose what I was asking of her was the next worse thing to dying for me, and she would have done that without blinking. So, my precious sister gave up her virginity for me.

Picture posed by model.

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October 12, 2006

Down Syndrome Awareness Week

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By Annette Campbell

Did you know that, although the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome (DS) increases with the age of the mother, most children born with DS are actually born to women aged younger than 35?

Also, although it’s widely assumed people with DS are always happy, they can be hurt and upset just as easily as the rest of us.

This year, Down Syndrome Awareness Week begins on Sunday October 15. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the condition — one of the most common causes of intellectual disability.

“Babies born with Down syndrome will grow up in their family homes, with their brothers and sisters, as valued members of the family, who often bring unexpected gifts to the family,” says Jill O’Connor, Information Officer of Down Syndrome NSW. “Having a child with Down syndrome takes us on a journey that might be unexpected, but it is not the tragedy that we may have anticipated.”

What is Down syndrome?

It’s one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal conditions found in humans. Worldwide, approximately one baby in 860 is born with Down syndrome. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21), and is considered a chromosomal accident — not caused by anything that a parent may worry they have ‘done’ during the pregnancy.

Although the syndrome is recognisable at birth due to some fairly typical physical characteristics, a chromosome analysis will confirm the diagnosis.

Living with Downs

People with Down syndrome live at home and are integrated into the community, schools and the workforce. People with DS do have features in common, but they also closely resemble their parents and family, and share family personality traits. Each person is an individual with unique appearance, personality and set of abilities.

Where can parents go for help?

Each state has a Down Syndrome Association, which can provide vital support and information. Down Syndrome NSW can help you find the group closest to you — their web address is: www.dsansw.org.au or you can phone them on: (02) 9683 4333.

As part of their fund and awareness raising efforts for Down Syndrome Awareness Week, DS NSW is hosting an event called ‘Walk With A Mate’ — a stroll over the Sydney Harbour Bridge followed by a picnic lunch at the Botanic Gardens.

You can contact them (see details above) for more info. And to find out about events in other states, contact the relevant DS Association (DS NSW can help!)

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October 10, 2006

Lightening black hair

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Question:

I have been dyeing my shoulder length hair black for some years now, but would like to change the colour. Can I do this with the black? Or do I have to wait for it to grow out and then cut the black out?

? Resli

Answer:

Yes, it’s possible to change the colour of your hair without having to cut it off. This is a total colour change and expert application is essential, so visit your hairdresser rather than doing it yourself at home. After a colour change it is advisable to apply regular hair masques and treatments to keep hair looking healthy and shiny as opposed to dry or ashy.

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October 10, 2006

Exercise and your dog

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By Lucy Hine

If you’re wondering how to lose those few extra kilos, grab your dog and a leash and get walking. Physical exercise is vital to the health and wellbeing of you and your dog.

Exercising together not only develops the bond you have with your pet but also stimulates your mental health, concentration, circulation and prevents you and your dog from getting bored and overweight.

Owning a dog is a great exercise motivator ? straining at their leash, whining and barking are all ways to let you know when walk-time is approaching!

Proper lead etiquette is important, as you don’t want to be that person being dragged along by an over-excited dog while passersby snigger and laugh at your expense.

Ideally you should train your dog to walk beside you without straining on the lead by using verbal praise and treats for good behaviour. This ensures your walk will be comfortable and safe … and less embarrassing too!

Commands like “heel” and “here” or “come” should be taught to ensure your dog obeys in situations where you are approaching a busy road or walking near a mother with a pram.

Aim to power walk or even attempt a slow jog so your dog can easily trot beside you and burn all that energy they’ve been suppressing while lying in the backyard all day. Power walking will also give you a great cardiovascular workout and is good for weight loss.

Walking your dog for 30-60 minutes every day also ensures your dog gets out of the house and is less likely to develop annoying, continuous barking or other boredom-killing habits like digging. Certain breeds like cattle or sheep dogs require a full hour’s walk.

Regular walks also provide your dog with variety and a chance to socialise with people and other dogs. Make sure you vary your walks by going to different parks or dog exercise areas, or spoil your pet by taking him or her to a beach with a designated dog area.

Make sure you also take note of the golden rule of dog walking and take a plastic bag to dispose of any “accidents”.

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October 10, 2006

Loving you is easy ’cause you’re beautiful

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Here is a pic of my baby, Hudson, at 8 weeks. He is a Bichon Frise X Toy Poodle. Isn’t he just adorable? Linda.

This is my 1-year-old boy Binky. He rarely lays any other way, unless it’s curled up in the bathroom basin! He looks like a rug! Shannon.

This is my baby, Crystal. She is a Tebetian Spaniel X Mini Foxy. Jen.

Phang Phang my 4-year-old Persian. He’s got the evil look but he is really good at heart. Lina.

This is our gorgeous little sausage dog. Her name is Pablito! Emma.

This is Ruby with her toy dog Oscar. Ingrid.

Hi, this is my puppy Sergeant (he’s one on October 12) when he was 9 weeks. He’s a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Mim.

Grace

This is my gorgeous girl Spacey Gracey – always happy to play.

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October 8, 2006

Melinda Cruz and her miracle babies

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When doctors told 18-year-old Melinda Cruz that she’d better hurry up and have babies, she was shocked she had been given such a clear ultimatum. But because she had been diagnosed with endometriosis and a bicornuate uterus (where the uterus is shaped like a love heart with two separate halves) Melinda had less time than most women to become a mum.

“The doctor said there will be three possible outcomes,” recalls Melinda, now 29. “Either I wouldn’t fall pregnant, I’d have miscarriages or I would have premmie babies.”

Thinking she was “invincible” Melinda delayed pregnancy until she was 25 but when another doctor told her she would require a second round of surgery on her endometriosis unless she had a baby there was no putting it off any longer.

Melinda and her husband Chris, 30, had no problems falling pregnant. The troubles started at 29 weeks when Melinda could feel a tightening in her stomach. She was having contractions but she was determined not to deliver the baby just yet. Young Elijah was lying in the right side of her bicornuate uterus and there wasn’t much room to move.

“They gave me steroid injections to help his little lungs develop and I spent two weeks in hospital,” says Mel, who was allowed to go home. But at 32 weeks while watching Skithouse on the telly she laughed so hard her waters broke. She spent another two weeks flat on her back in Sydney’s Liverpool Hospital until Elijah, now three, arrived at 34 weeks, weighing 2.2065kg and was taken straight to newborn care.

“Thankfully after three weeks in neonatal care he had no complications and was soon a thriving little boy,” says his mum.

It wasn’t long before Melinda was pregnant again. This time the baby chose the left-hand side of her womb to set up camp. Then one day while at playgroup with 18-month-old Elijah, five-and-a-half months pregnant Melinda started feeling serious pain. She knew a 26-week-old baby had little chance of surviving and she wanted to give her new son every possible chance.

“I lay in agony on the hospital ward for four days. They said I wasn’t contracting but I was. When a nurse finally gave me an internal examination she realised I was 10cm dilated and the baby was coming any minute. There was no chance to warn the neonatal unit that a 27-weeker was threatening.”

Tiny Dillon was born weighing 1.185kg, resuscitated and rushed straight to the newborn care unit. The doctors told Melinda and Chris the first 24 hours were the most crucial.

“He was born at 2.20am and the next morning I was sitting by his crib looking at all these tubes coming out of him and I looked up at the clock as it ticked over to 2.20am and I knew he had a chance,” says Mel. “The floodgates opened and I sobbed for what seemed like hours.”

Dillon wasn’t out of the woods for nine weeks and while spending so much time in the neonatal care ward of Liverpool Hospital it got Melinda thinking what she could do to help the “wonderful doctors and nurses” and the parents of premmie babies.

“I started Miracle Babies which is dedicated to supporting parents and families of premature and sick newborns born at Liverpool Hospital by providing emotional and practical support,” says Mel, who along with a bunch of other like-minded mums raised $35,000 in the first annual Miracle Babies dinner dance.

While she was setting up Miracle Babies, Melinda fell pregnant again but this time the doctors acted early.

“At 12 weeks they stitched up my cervix,” explains Melinda, who was lucky the procedure held because at 24 weeks she felt those same pains again. “Thank God for that stitch!”

It saved Jasper from entering the world until he was 37 weeks and a healthy 2.8kg and now the Cruz family are happy they have done as Treasurer Peter Costello has asked and had one for mum, one for dad and one for the country.

For more information on Miracle Babies contact Melinda Cruz on: 0412 707 139 or e-mail [email protected] or check out the website www.miraclebabies.com.au

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October 4, 2006

The Borzoi

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By Lucy Hine

The Borzoi is an elegant dog that is also known as the Russian wolfhound. Bred for wolf hunting by the Russian aristocracy, its name comes from the Russian word “borzii” which means swift.

The method of hunting the Russians used with the Borzoi was quite unique. Russian hunters rode on horses in a wooded area that wolves were known to live in. They kept their Borzois on leads until the wolf was driven out of cover by a pack of hounds called “beaters” and then they let the Borzoi off their leads and sent them after the wolf.

The Borzoi is tall and agile, making it a very fast runner. Built similarly to a greyhound, the Borzoi has a slim, long head, long legs and a deep but narrow chest. However, it is taller than a greyhound and has a long, silky coat. Their colours are white, golden, tan or grey with black markings.

Affectionate and devoted to its owner, the Borzoi can be shy and cautious with strangers. Exercise is a must with this breed, preferably jogging for an hour or running alongside a bike and ideally lots of time spent running around and playing. Keep in mind this dog has a hunting instinct, so obedience training is a must if you don’t want yours to run off to chase another dog or animal.

The Borzoi has a quiet, gentle nature and loves to live as part of the family, although it is more suitable for homes with older children and may need supervision around small pets and young children. They are an intelligent and proud dog, extremely loyal to their owners and affectionate with people they know well. However, owners must be aware that this breed is less willing to please people than some other breeds, so may ignore your calls while out walking.

Borzois like to keep themselves clean, so regular baths and grooming are important. They are a quiet dog and rarely bark, which makes them popular with the neighbours! They have little to no territorial instinct and are good with other dogs but should be supervised with small pets such as cats and rabbits. If Borzois are socialised well with cats and other pets at a young age, they can learn to live well with them.

The Borzoi can get along fairly well with children but is not really suited to be a children’s companion, because it doesn’t enjoy rough play and enjoys its quiet time and rest. During their growing stage, the Borzoi needs a highly nutritional diet to help keep its energy levels up.

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October 4, 2006

October food plan

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By Judy Davie

For further information about food and nutrition, visit Judy Davie’s website at www.thefoodcoach.com.au

A diet plan free of all processed carbs, high in fibre, antioxidant rich vegetables and fruit and protein for satiety, is the perfect start to improved health and weight loss before summer kicks in.

While not a “detox”, this meal plan is free of coffee and caffeinated tea — the only drinks allowed being herbal tea and water. That way you can spend valuable energy (kilojoules) on delicious and nutritionally valuable food instead of wasting it on milky coffees and fruit drinks.

Throughout the day make sure you drink at least two litres of water.

Day one

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast:

½ cup blueberries

1 kiwifruit

2 tablespoons rolled oats

1 tablespoon bran

½ cup low -at natural yogurt

½ tablespoon flaxseed

2 teaspoons sunflower seed

Morning snack:

Herbal tea

Lunch

1 cup rocket lettuce

½ small double chicken breast

4 thin slices of Spanish onion

10 capers (rinsed)

¼ cup coriander leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium tomato

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 raw almonds

Dinner

1 large flathead fillet

½ cup haricot beans

1 clove garlic

150g steamed broccolini

½ cup low-fat yoghurt

1 tsp sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

Day two

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast

Poached eggs with sautéed mushrooms and silverbeet

Morning snack:

Herbal tea

Lunch Pasta salad made with:

1 cup cooked wholemeal pasta

1 small can red salmon

6 cherry tomatoes

½ cup fresh basil leaves

1 clove garlic

½ cup parsley

1 cup green salad

fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 raw almonds

Dinner

BBQ Steak with mushroom and chickpea salad

½ cup low-fat yogurt

1 tsp sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

Day three

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast:

½ cup blueberries

1 kiwifruit

2 tablespoons rolled oats

1 tablespoon bran

½ cup low fat natural yoghurt

½ tablespoon flaxseed

2 tsp sunflower seed

Morning Snack: Herbal tea

Lunch

Spinach and ricotta frittata

Italian green salad

2 medium slices sourdough bread

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 raw almonds

Dinner

3 small lamb chops, grilled

1 tablespoon mint jelly

½ cup dry baked sweet potato

1 cup steamed bok choy

1 small steamed carrot

½ tablespoon olive oil

½ cup low-fat yogurt

1 tsp sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

6 medium strawberries

Day four

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast:

1 cup baked beans (salt reduced)

2 slices wholegrain toast

3 slices avocado

1 small tomato

Morning snack:

Herbal tea

Lunch

1 cup rocket lettuce

½ small double chicken breast

4 thin slices of Spanish onion

10 capers (rinsed)

¼ cup coriander leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup low fat cottage cheese

1 small wholemeal pita bread

5 cherry tomatoes

½ small carrot (grated)

½ tablespoon currants

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 raw almonds

Dinner

½ cup low-fat yogurt

1 tsp sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

6 medium strawberries

Day five

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast:

½ cup blueberries

1 kiwifruit

2 tablespoons rolled oats

1 tablespoon bran

½ cup low-fat natural yogurt

½ tablespoon flaxseed

2 teaspoon sunflower seed

Morning snack:

Herbal tea

Lunch

Falafel wrap with humus and tabouleh

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 raw almonds

Dinner

1 medium salmon steak grilled

1 cup mixed green salad

3 slices avocado

1 tablespoon oil and vinegar dressing

½ cup low-fat yogurt

1 teaspoon sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

6 medium strawberries

Day six

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast:

Poached eggs, with sautéed mushrooms and silverbeet

2 slices wholegrain toast

Morning snack:

Herbal tea

Lunch

Tuna salad

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 almonds

Dinner

Barbecue lamb and mushroom with lemon

1 cup salad with lemon juice

½ cup low-fat yogurt

1 teaspoon sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

Day seven

On rising:

Warm water and lemon

Breakfast:

Strawberry and ricotta bruschetta

Morning snack:

Herbal tea

Lunch

Pasta salad made with:

1 cup cooked wholemeal pasta

6 cherry tomatoes

10 capers (rinsed)

½ cup fresh basil leaves

1 clove garlic

½ cup parsley

1 cup green salad

fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Afternoon snack

Herbal tea

10 raw almonds

Dinner

Baked kingfish with mushrooms

200g broccolini

½ cup sweet potato

½ cup low-fat yogurt

1 teaspoon sunflower seeds

½ cup rockmelon

6 medium strawberries

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October 3, 2006

Tyre chaser

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Question:

I have a six-year-old Doberman who likes to chase the car tyres whenever we drive out. We have tried everything. Can you help us please?

— Sam

Answer:

Tyre chasing is quite a common hobby of active dogs, particularly those of a territorial nature. The movement sets off some sort of predatory behaviour inside the dog, and is reinforced each time — after all, the car goes away. And your Dobi would be convinced that he’s so tough he scared it away. Just for safety reasons alone, it would be a good idea to try and discourage this risk taking behaviour.

I would suggest you invest in a Kong toy, which is made of indestructible rubber, with a hollow core that you can stuff full of treats and keep him busy for ages. Only get it out when you are going in the car and give it to him as far away from the car as possible. Make a huge fuss about how exciting and special it is.

Also, make sure he gets an hour of good exercise a day (running off leash if possible) where he can get out, sniff things, let off nervous energy and be a dog.

In my experience Dobermans do tend to be highly-strung, sensitive (and very intelligent) dogs, but if big boisterous breeds don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation they definitely get up to all sorts of no good.

Some obedience training might be useful to help communicate with him what you want from him and give you better control (e.g. asking him to sit, drop and stay).

If this doesn’t help, or he shows other signs of anxiety or overly territorial tendencies, a visit to your vet to discuss other treatment options may be called for.

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October 3, 2006

Cuties

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I wanted to share this photo of my English Pointer Lou Lou with you. She’s in her most favourite place of all (on mum’s bed). Janelle Collins

Things that shouldn’t be seen! Caught unawares! Maree

This is my dog Harry, he is 6 weeks old. He is a Shitzu cross Lhasa Apso. He is so adorable. He loves sleeping in my handbag whilst I do the shopping. He is my one true love. Amanda

My dog Pookie is a human caught in a dog’s body. He is 20 months old. Cheryl

Bath time is a little scary when you’re as small as Nikky, my Yorkshire puppy. Tracey Shelley

Our 14 year old Harley Davidson, a Shit-zu. She just loves going motorcycle trike riding in her jacket with her own honorary Trike Friends membership pin always attached, and of course her eye protection doggles! Noelleen

Here’s a photo of our cat Ziggy. He’s 10 months old. He’s a Caramel stripped oriental Siamese. Erin

This is my dog Chloe! We think she is adorable. Not only is she cute, but smart too! Tracey

Our clever boy Maximus can fetch, sit, shake hands and beg. He thinks he’s a DOG! Ryan and Rachel

Champers

This our adorable Lhasa Apso x Poodle named “Champers” who loves boating and fishing around the Whitsunday Islands. Leonie

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