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Essential oils

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Question:

I use essential oils in an oil burner in my home but was wondering how else I can use them?

Tara, via e-mail.

Answer:

Essential oils can be a great pick me up. Read the labels of aromatherapy oils to look for “pure essential oil”. Synthetic oils are very strong and instead of soothing, they can give you a throbbing headache.

Use essential oils for massage by mixing them with carrier oils – essential oils are too concentrated on their own and can harm skin. The best carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot and hazelnut oils.

Add up to eight drops of essential oil to 20ml of carrier oil, then massage in a circular motion over temples, forehead, scalp, shoulders and neck.

You can make a reviving air freshener by adding a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle.

Lavender, chamomile and neroli essential oils are good for stress; neroli, orange and grapefruit for depression; rosemary if you’re tired. Lavender and marjoram can be used if you can’t sleep, and chamomile and frankincense are recommended for anger.

Never take essential oils internally or apply undiluted to the skin. The only oils that can be dabbed on neat are tea-tree and lavender, which soothe burns and act as an antiseptic. Don’t use lavender products on your skin if you’re pregnant – if you are pregnant or on medication, consult a doctor or aromatherapist before using essential oils.

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Lessons in life

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Lessons in life

By Annette Campbell

Alana Ziebell learned a lot in her last year of high school — and it wasn’t all from textbooks and classes.

Her mother Pauline died from breast cancer on September 13 last year, only weeks before Alana was due to sit her final exams. But amazingly, this determined 18-year-old from Melbourne persevered with her studies and passed with flying colours.

“Mum taught me all about strength and never giving in,” she says. “I just thought about how proud she’d be that I kept my head down and did it.”

Pauline was first diagnosed with cancer in her left breast about seven years ago. Throughout the course of her battle, she underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the cancer returned, in her bones and then her liver.

Finally, on that day in September, she died in hospital, only an hour after Alana had been to visit.

“You can’t simply block it out … and trying to is the worst thing,” Alana explains. “I know I could have asked about some sort of exemption from the exams, but I didn’t want to use what was happening with Mum as an excuse.”

Alana, who lives at home with her dad and three sisters, admits she couldn’t focus 100 percent on her studies: “But I tried to channel all my thoughts and use what was happening for some good. All the time I was studying, I knew Mum was downstairs in pain. Even so, she still made it clear that she was there when any of us needed to talk.

“Anyway, I knew getting a good mark would put a smile on her face. I thought about what she would have wanted — me sulking in my room or getting a great grade?”

Alana is now studying legal practice at Melbourne’s Victoria University and is keen to encourage and support other teenagers who might be in the situation she was in.

“For anyone going through the same thing, I really want to give them a message of hope. It’s important to be able to talk with someone about what you’re going through, either friends or family.

“Cancer is not just a disease, it’s a learning experience. I’ve learned so much about natural medicines, spirituality and science. It has given me a whole other perspective on life. And the way Mum dealt with it has taught me about strength and perseverance. That you never just give up.”

Daffodil Day

Friday, August 20, was Daffodil Day, the largest national fundraising event for the Cancer Council Australia’s research, education and patient support services.

Throughout August, merchandise, including silk ribbons ($2); lapel pins ($5); pens ($2); and magnets ($3), is available from the following national supporters:

Coles Supermarkets, First National Real Estate, HIC network of Medicare offices, ANZ, Amcal, QUIX, Rockmans/BeMe, Millers Fashion Club, Katies, 1626, Crossroads, Silhouette and Ezibuy.

For more information, visit www.daffodilday.com.au or phone the Daffodil Day info line: 1300 65 65 85.

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Calcium counts

Calcium is important not only for the growth and development of our skeleton but to help maintain bone strength throughout our lives.
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Calcium is important not only for the growth and development of our skeleton but to help maintain bone strength throughout our lives. This essential mineral is also vital for muscle contraction and nerve transmission and if we don’t get enough from our diet to meet our needs, our body will withdraw calcium from its storage sites – our bones and teeth. So if we want to minimise the risk of developing osteoporosis we need to ensure that as well as doing weight bearing exercise on a regular basis we crank up the calcium. So how much calcium do we need? Well that really depends on where we are in our lifespan. Children aged 1 to 3 need 700mg, those aged 4-7 need 800mg per day. Boys aged 8-11 also need 800mg while girls of the same age need 900mg. This is to help girls with their growth spurt which generally occurs earlier than boys. Boys aged 12-15 need an additional 400mg bringing their requirement to 1200mg per day, while for girls of the same age the need is 1000mg. As boys aged 16-18 tend to still be growing calcium needs are still high at 1000mg but as most girls aged 16–18 would have already reached their growth potential, their calcium requirements drop back to 800mg. For men and women aged 19 –54 years it’s still 800mg while post menopausal women need a bit extra and the calcium requirement jumps up to 1000mg. If a women is pregnant or breastfeeding, she needs an extra 200 and 300mg respectively. Where do we find it? One of the best and most available sources of calcium is dairy foods and now with the vast array of low-fat choices, especially with yogurts and milk, it’s much easier to load up on calcium without being weighed down with the saturated fat. You should aim for at least 3 serves of dairy foods a day. Next month we’ll bring you a detailed calcium counter to help you keep your calcium levels on track. Your bones will support you for life!

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Swiss ball bounce

It appears that the Swiss ball was actually invented in Switzerland by a Swiss doctor nearly 100 years ago but it is only in more recent times that this ‘posture corrector’ has become popular as a training tool for many sports people and fitness fans.
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Put some bounce into your life with a Swiss ball! It appears that the Swiss ball was actually invented in Switzerland by a Swiss doctor nearly 100 years ago but it is only in more recent times that this ‘posture corrector’ has become popular as a training tool for many sports people and fitness fans. Five good reasons for us all to do the Swiss ball bounce: 1. Good posture When we slouch we’re compressing all the structures in our lower back and we are not activating our anti-gravity muscles. These are the muscles between our lower ribs and the top of our pelvic bones and are used to support our spine and hold in our abdominal contents. Sitting on the Swiss ball forces us to sit up straight in order to have better balance and prevent us slipping off. This in turn improves our posture both on the ball and off it! 2. Less back pain Back pain is often caused by the increased pressure on the joints and other tissues of the spine such as the discs if and when there is no support from the back and abdominal muscles. Sitting on an unstable surface such as the Swiss ball otherwise known as the Fit ball, activates the muscles that protect your back from injury. 3. Better core control Research has recently shown that in gravity free environments such as space capsules, astronauts are unable to activate their core muscles. As these muscles are not being used they rapidly lose size and strength contributing to severe back problems upon their return to Earth. Even for those who have their feet firmly planted on the ground while sitting at a desk all day, weak abdominal muscles can still be a reality. So by swapping your chair for a Swiss ball for periods during the day, you’ll be improving your core control and spine stability. 4. Increased flexibility It’s amazing how inflexible we can become as we age or become inactive. The Swiss ball allows you to do a number of effective stretches which can vastly improve flexibility. It’s important to remember to breathe while you hold your stretches and never do anything that feels uncomfortable or causes pain. It’s a good idea to read Swiss ball instructions carefully and if you are in a rehab program discuss your individual requirements with a qualified instructor.

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Crochet shopping bag

An environmentally friendly crochet shopping bag Crochet Shopping Bag - worked in trebles
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Download the pattern for the environmentally friendly crochet shopping bag Crochet Shopping Bag – worked in trebles MEASUREMENTS Bag (incl handles, before make up) measures 46 x 46cm Note: Wash bag in hot water after finishing to achieve these measurements – bag will measure approx 49 x 46cm before washing. MATERIALS Twilleys Lyscot (2 x 100g balls) One 4.00mm crochet hook or THE REQUIRED SIZE TO GIVE CORRECT TENSION; knitter’s needle for sewing in ends. TENSION This bag has been designed at a tension of 18tr and 10 rows to 10cm over treble fabric, using 4.00mm hook and double yarn, before washing. ABBREVIATIONS beg=begin/ning; ch=chain; cm=centimetres; cont=continue; dc=double crochet; lp/s=loop/s; rep=repeat; sl st=slip st; st/s=stitch/es; tog=together; tr=treble; yoh=yarn over hook. ‘Dec’=(yoh, draw up a lp in next st, yoh and draw through 2 lps on hook) twice, yoh and draw through all 3 lps on hook. BAG (worked in one piece) NOTE: Count 3ch at beg of rounds as 1tr throughout. Using 4.00mm hook and double yarn, loosely make 176 ch, join with a sl st in first ch to form a circle. 1st Round: 3ch, 1tr in each ch to end, sl st in 3rd ch at beg … 176tr. 2nd Round: 3ch, 1tr in each tr to end, sl st in 3rd ch at beg. Rep last round until work measures 32cm from beg. Divide for Handles: 1st Row: 2ch, 1tr in each of next 18tr, ‘Dec’, turn. 2nd Row: (1dc, 1ch) in first st, 1tr in each of next 18 sts. Cont on these 19 sts for handle. Rep last row 13 times. Fasten off. Miss next 37tr and join yarn with sl st in next st. Rep from to . Miss next 9tr and join yarn with a sl st in next st. Rep from to . Miss next 37tr and join yarn with a sl st in next st. Rep from to . TO MAKE UP With wrong sides tog, fold each handle in half lengthways, continuing fold to lower edge of bag; with right sides tog, bring folds tog at side of bag (see diagram). Using 4.00mm hook and working through all 4 thicknesses, join top of handles tog by working 1 row dc across folded handles. Fasten off. Using 4.00mm hook and working through all thicknesses, work 1 row dc across lower edge of bag. Fasten off. Designs and images provided by Panda Yarns www.pandayarns.biz

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Cushion cover

MEASUREMENTS To fit cushion insert: 36 x 36cm MATERIALS Panda Woolbale 8 ply (50g balls) Quantity 5 One pair of 3.75mm knitting needles or...
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MEASUREMENTS To fit cushion insert: 36 x 36cm MATERIALS Panda Woolbale 8 ply (50g balls) Quantity 5 One pair of 3.75mm knitting needles or THE REQUIRED SIZE TO GIVE CORRECT TENSION; 36 x 36 cm cushion insert; knitter’s needle for sewing seams. TENSION This handknit has been designed at a tension of 24 sts and 32 rows to 10cm over patt (slightly stretched), using 3.75mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS cm=centimetres; K=knit; P=purl; patt=pattern; rem=remain/ing; rep=repeat; st/s=stitch/es. SIDE ONE Using 3.75mm needles, cast on 86 sts. Beg Patt: 1st Row: K13, P12, K12, rep from to last st, K1. 2nd Row: P13, K12, P12, rep from to last st, P1. Rep last 2 rows 7 times. 17th Row: As 2nd row. 18th Row: As 1st row. Rep last 2 rows 7 times. Last 32 rows form patt. Work a further 80 rows patt. Cast off. SIDE TWO Using 3.75mm needles, cast on 86 sts. Beg Patt: 1st Row: P13, K12, P12, rep from to last st, P1. 2nd Row: K13, P12, K12, rep from to last st, K1. Rep last 2 rows 7 times. 17th Row: As 2nd row. 18th Row: As 1st row. Rep last 2 rows 7 times. Last 32 rows form patt. Work a further 80 rows patt. Cast off. TO MAKE UP Join 3 edges. Insert cushion. Join rem edge. If desired, make a tassel and attach to centre as illustrated. Designs and images provided by Panda Yarns www.pandayarns.biz

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Family lies

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My grandmother on my mother’s side passed away before I was born, so I never had the privilege of meeting her. She died after a long battle with cancer and my mother and her siblings were devastated by her death.

Just six months later, my grandfather remarried. The woman he married was a lot younger and the family was shocked by how soon he moved on, but they tried hard to be supportive.

His new wife, Cathy, had a child from a previous marriage, a young girl named Lucy. When Lucy was five, Cathy and my grandfather had a child of their own, Sarah.

Throughout Sarah’s life, Cathy and my grandfather decided that they would tell her that Lucy had the same father, even though this was a lie. They lied about their wedding anniversaries to keep up the pretence and even asked Lucy to vow to keep the fact that she and Sarah were only half-sisters secret.

They wanted so much to uphold the ideal of the perfect family, but they were tearing the family apart instead. My mother and her siblings began to distrust their father and resent Cathy.

At a family gathering several years later, I made a frustrated remark to my brother about the tension and sense of secrecy that came from the lies and deception within the family. Sarah overheard my comments and demanded to know what I was talking about. Upset by the situation, I blurted out that it was something she needed to ask her parents about.

Sarah confronted her parents and they told her the truth about their family. The unnecessary lie tore them apart and she still struggles to understand why they insisted on deceiving her for no apparent reason.

Sarah now has a beautiful four-year-old son and is trying to mend her relationship with Lucy. However, she hasn’t seen her parents since that day. The lies most certainly weren’t worth it.

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Bad breath

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Question:

Does your cat have bad breath?

Answer:

I have found that letting your cat or kitten nibble a few sprigs of parsley helps with their halitosis.

Vicki, via email.

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Three ways to get instant calm

Taking a brief time out, even during the most frantic day works wonders, calming your thoughts so you feel more grounded and capable.
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Taking a brief time out, even during the most frantic day works wonders, calming your thoughts so you feel more grounded and capable. Try one of these easy meditations the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, your mind is like a puppy – it can be trained! None of these techniques require special equipment, money, or even a lot of time; they are all easy habits to learn. It’s important to practise consistently – you’ll receive the greatest benefits if you meditate daily. 1. Three deep breaths Inhale through your nose, and then out through your nose. Inhale again, a little deeper this time – then exhale. The third time, inhale even more slowly and deeply, focusing on the way your lungs feel as they fill with air – then exhale. If you begin to think of other things, bring your attention back to your breath. Repeat this technique at the beginning of every hour or use memory joggers – like going to the toilet or stopping at a red light – to remind you to breathe consciously. 2. Walk away If you’re feeling agitated, nothing beats a 15-minute walking meditation – go round the block, take the dog to the park, or just walk up and down the corridor at work. Begin by walking at a brisk pace; after five minutes, slow your speed by half, then after a further five minutes, slow to a steady, purposeful walk. Think of your feet and your steps all the time, bringing your attention back to your deliberate movements if your thoughts wander. 3. Create a tranquil moment This technique is ideal for women who ‘think too much’ or have an overactive brain and a too-vivid imagination. The idea is to train your brain to visualise peaceful, restorative images and thoughts, rather than the usual helter-skelter of fragrances, sounds, lists and physical sensations that beset you. First sit quietly, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Recall a special moment when you felt absolutely at peace, e.g. listening to a brilliant piece of music, climbing up to a lookout. Use all your senses to visualise that moment and hold it in your mind, lovingly noticing every detail. Keep coming back to the image if your mind wanders. After a minute or two, let it fade until the next time you need it.

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Cats and collars

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Question:

My six-month-old kitten Lucy absolutely refuses to wear a collar. Every time we put one on her, she goes absolutely mental, running around and acting bananas.

I’ve not been brave enough to let her outside yet, as I don’t want to let her out without a collar. I’m also not sure how to go about letting her outside without her running off. Can you help?

Meri-ann

Answer:

Meri-Ann,

I can totally relate to this experience, both of my cats reacted in a similar way when I first put collars on them. Don’t worry, they do get used to it, it just takes a bit of practice and pussycat psychology…

Start by making the collar a bit bigger so you can quickly slip it over her head and only leave it on for a few minutes so she can get used to the feeling of it. Start playing a game or feeding her straight away so she is distracted. Next time, leave it on a bit longer and keep repeating this until she doesn’t react.

You can then adjust the collar to the right size — not so loose that she can get it off, not so tight that it strangles her: you should be able to get a few fingers underneath it. Cat collars also have an elasticised section, so if it’s caught on something, it has enough give that your cat can wriggle free. You’ll have to expect to lose a collar occasionally. My neighbours used to find Scooter’s and put it in my letterbox!

It is important your kitten wears a collar with an ID tag, with her name, your contact number (preferably a mobile you have with you all the time) and your vet’s number on the back in case of emergencies. A bell is also a good idea to protect wildlife.

On the subject of going out, let her out for short periods when you are out with her to supervise and gradually she can stay out longer once she gets to know her territory (so she doesn’t get lost). Start by only letting her out when she’s hungry, so she doesn’t wander far and will come when called for dinner.

Always reward her with food and praise when she comes when you call her name. This teaches her it’s worthwhile returning home! She might get into a few scraps while trying to get her own piece of territory, so listen out for cat noises and call her in before dark. Cats fight more at night.

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