Complete Wellness Guide: Health, Mental & Physical Tips

Health and Wellness

Building better men

How Men of Business is making a difference Today’s young men face a range of challenges that can lead them down troubling paths. Thankfully, the Men of Business (MOB) Academy is offering a lifeline to boys who have disengaged from mainstream education, helping them build better lives. Why MOB Was Created MOB was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to guide young men into adulthood equipped with respect, resilience, and responsibility. With the help of strong mentors and positive relationships, MOB has become a transformative space for boys currently from years 11 & 12 who need a fresh start. It is more than just a school—it’s a place where boys can develop not only academic skills but also life skills. Since opening its doors in 2020, MOB Academy has made a massive impact on the lives of over 600 boys, many of whom would have otherwise fallen through the cracks. The numbers are impressive: Not only have these boys earned vocational qualifications, but they’ve also found jobs. The academy is a place of second chances, where young men can rediscover their potential and set themselves on a path to success. The Growing Need The need for programs like MOB is greater than ever. Youth disengagement, school dropout rates, and youth crime continue to rise, with some boys turning to destructive behaviour simply because they don’t see another way. Did you know that suspensions from’’ school are at an all-time high, and the cost of keeping one young man in the youth justice system can be as high as $680,000? Without intervention, many young men who leave school early face uncertain futures, often leading to long-term unemployment or worse. MOB steps in to break this cycle. By providing vocational training, career guidance, mental health support, and even meals for families in need, MOB is creating real change. It’s a holistic approach that doesn’t just focus on education but on every aspect of a boy’s well-being. The New MOB HQ The next chapter for MOB is the creation of MOB HQ—a state-of-the-art facility in Southport that will open its doors in 2027. This centre will accommodate up to 450 boys and offer education, hands-on vocational training, a wellness hub, and even a community centre. The boys who come through MOB HQ will not only receive an education but will also learn trades and life skills that can set them on the path to a successful, fulfilling future. . The Power of Community None of this would be possible without the help of the local community. Building MOB HQ is a massive undertaking, and it will require the support of people who believe in giving these boys a brighter future. Thats why MOB has launched a major fundraising campaign, asking the community to buy symbolic bricks for $1,000 each. These contributions will help raise the funds needed to build the new centre and expand MOB’s life-changing work When we come together to support programs like MOB, we’re not just investing in the lives of these boys—we’re investing in a better future for everyone. To donate or get involved, contact Marco and the Men of Business Academy team today. Your support could make all the difference. [email protected] Menofbusiness.com.au Note: All donations are tax deductible. What started as a small initiative by Marco Renai, a 2024 QLD Australian of the Year, has blossomed into an incredible program that’s changing lives on the Gold Coast. Now, MOB is launching its most ambitious project yet: the new MOB HQ.

Health and Wellness

Healthy school lunches

Healthy school lunches are more than just a midday meal; they are a crucial element in shaping a child’s physical health, academic performance, and lifelong eating habits. Research shows a vital connection between a nutritious midday meal and enduring healthy eating patterns in and out of school. Children partaking in well-rounded school lunches exhibit a ripple effect of positive choices, transcending the lunch hour. This not only supports their immediate well-being but also lays the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. As parents and educators, recognising these findings propels us into a multifaceted exploration of the pivotal role that healthy school lunches play in our children’s lives, unravelling insights and guidance for thoughtful and nutritious choices. Understanding Nutritional Needs for School-Aged Children Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the physical and cognitive development of school-aged children. Essential nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals each play unique roles in supporting growth, energy levels, brain function, and overall health. Adhering to dietary guidelines and understanding the nutritional requirements specific to different age groups is fundamental in planning healthy school lunches. The Impact of Unhealthy School Lunches on Students Sugar Highs and Crashes Unhealthy school lunches, high in sugar, trigger energy spikes followed by crashes, impacting students’ ability to stay focused and engaged in class. Cognitive Function Poor nutrition hampers cognitive development, affecting memory, problem-solving skills, and overall brain function in students. Academic Performance and Behaviour Inadequate diets are linked to lower academic achievements and behavioural issues, hindering students’ ability to learn and engage positively in the classroom. Decreased Concentration Sugary, processed foods contribute to decreased concentration levels, impairing students’ focus, information retention, and task completion. Mood and Social Interactions Unhealthy lunches influence mood swings and irritability, impacting students’ social interactions and hindering the development of positive relationships in school. Parents vs. Student Involvement There’s nothing worse than discovering a half-eaten sandwich and bruised fruit in your kid’s lunchbox. But, I’ve come to realise that letting our kids dictate their own lunches is far from striking a healthy balance. As parents, it’s our responsibility to care for and protect our children, even from their own food choices. Involving them in weekly lunch planning, however, has been a game-changer. Collaborative School Lunch Planning Go through the week’s menu together. By embracing the convenience of online grocery shopping, they even get to watch what you do and add each item to the virtual cart. Instead of simply saying “no” to their requests for chocolate bars during recess, make it a collaborative discussion. You could ask, “What could be a healthier alternative to chocolate that you would enjoy? How about trying this muesli bar?” In the end, this collaborative approach not only ensures that my children are making healthier choices, but it also gives them a sense of ownership over their meals. No more disappointing surprises in their lunchboxes – just a balanced and satisfying array of foods that we’ve all agreed upon. By Australian Christian College Moreton teacher, Jason Todio

Health and Wellness

10 Common Myths regarding Hysterectomy

There appears to be a huge amount of misunderstanding regarding a hysterectomy, and therefore this article will attempt to make the operation of laparoscopic hysterectomy easier to understand by exploring the common myths. There are 32,000 hysterectomies performed in Australia each year. The majority are for heavy menstrual bleeding, but other indications might include prolapse, endometriosis, cancer, or fibroids. Most surgeries nowadays are performed laparoscopically through 3 x 5 mm incisions in the abdomen. By Dr Graeme Walker, Gynaecologist & Colposcopist. Founder of the Menstrual Misery Clinic. Myth 1 Will the hysterectomy cause instantaneous menopause with all its devastating side effects? The answer is no. In the majority of cases we only take the womb, cervix and tubes, the ovaries are left behind, which has no immediate effect on hormones and therefore does not result in any menopausal symptoms at all. There are a few rare cases when the ovaries are removed, but this is because the patient has ovarian or endometrial cancer or for other specific genetic reasons. For 95% of the general female population, the ovaries are not removed. Myth 2 Will I still get a period after a hysterectomy? I am pleased to say that although patients may experience spotting for up to 6 weeks post-surgery, patients will never have a period again, which is excellent news for women in general, but more so for those women requiring multiple iron infusions due to heavy periods. Myth 3 After a hysterectomy, is there a hole created in the pelvis? The uterus is usually quite small, certainly less than 10 cm in diameter, and the space created by removing it is filled almost instantly with the small bowel, which quite happily fills the very small space generated by a hysterectomy Myth 4 Does the cervix have to be removed? No, it can remain. However, there is no difference in prolapse, sexual function, urinary incontinence, or complications if we leave or remove the cervix, but if left behind, it may lead to annoying spotting, and you will have to continue to attend for pap smears. Myth 5 A hysterectomy results in a long and difficult, restricted recovery: This is absolutely not the case. Most people go home either on the day of surgery or the following day. In my private practice, I review all of my patients seven days post-op, and interestingly, for the majority, you cannot tell that they had surgery a week ago. There are however, certain rules to follow post-operatively, as there are for any surgery, and these include no swimming, taking baths, or going to the gym for up to4 weeks, although showers are perfectly fine. In addition, no sex for 8 weeks. Myth 6 For those patients who have HPV identified during a pap smear, a hysterectomy will get rid of it: Absolutely not. The virus can live in the cervix or the vagina. Getting rid of the cervix via a hysterectomy will remove the cervix but not the virus. You will still require a pap smear of the vagina, potentially for several years. Patients who are HPV negative at the time of hysterectomy and are on a 5-year recall will never require another pap smear though! Myth 7 Hysterectomy is the only treatment for heavy periods: False. There are many other treatment options for heavy periods, and these include fairly basic options such as the contraceptive pill, Mirena, endometrial ablation, Ukraine Artery embolization and, in some cases, a drug called Zoladex. However, there are a certain number of patients who have tried a selection of the above options to no avail. When they comment during the consultation, “I am over it,” you know that the patient has reached the end of their tether and is essentially requesting a hysterectomy in the knowledge that post-procedure, these patients will join a growing band of women who state that “hysterectomy is the best thing that they have ever done.” Myth 8 A hysterectomy will result in a prolapse: There are mixed results in the published literature, and the conclusion really is that prolapse is likely to be multifactorial and increased by multiple factors, including the presence of pre-existing prolapse, age, menopausal status, surgical technique, and the number of pregnancies. In my experience, prolapse following a hysterectomy is not at all common. Myth 9 Sex will be worse following a hysterectomy: Again, no definitive conclusion is reported, but most women seem to report improved or better sexual function after a hysterectomy, perhaps because those who suffer from chronic pelvic pain or discomfort from other conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids have that source of pain removed, therefore enhancing overall sexual wellbeing. For those women with profound, uncontrolled, heavy irregular periods, there are obvious benefits to having no uterus! Myth 10 A hysterectomy is a risky surgical procedure: Thankfully not. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks, but serious ones are rare. Most commonly, there are superficial wound infections, maybe a UTI or constipation. Risks such as bleeding, damage to the bowel or bladder or clots in the leg are minimised due to advances in laparoscopic surgical techniques and improvements in theatre efficiency and vast improvement in the clarity of laparoscopic vision. If you have any questions, please contact our team at [email protected] Dr Walker has performed well over 1000 laparoscopic hysterectomies with a highly selective dedicated team performing each operation resulting in exceptional efficiency and minimal complications. He is the only surgeon in Australia that routinely allows patients to go home on the same day of surgery if that is the wish of the patient. 250 patients have chosen that wish of day case hysterectomies as their first choice, with the patient’s journey being published in the peer-reviewed RANZCOG journal.

Health and Wellness

When Positivity can become toxic

Who believes if you always have a positive outlook, everything will be ok? Bully to that. There’s a reason there’s day and night, yin and yang, black and white, up and down. And everything in between. Having been through an incredibly challenging time recently, I’ve had some of those so-called pesky negative emotions. Anger. Rage. Sadness. Grief. Disappointment. I went to the dark side for a while. It was awful. Truly awful. I’ve not felt so down and lost for a long time. I got really dark. While some outright avoided me. Others stepped up to hold space. But some, with the best intentions, encouraged me to let it go, move on, be positive, and be grateful for what I’ve got. One bright spark suggested my current situation was my choice, as was happiness. Or… Being told to smile (even when I didn’t want to). Being told to ‘Think positive’ or ‘Be optimistic’. ‘Don’t be so negative’. ‘You have nothing to be stressed about’. ‘Other people in the world have it worse than you’. Hashtags on social media like #GoodVibesOnly or #PositiveVibesOnly There’s a line between finding the silver lining in an experience and toxic positivity. Having a positive outlook on life is good for our mental well-being. The problem is that life isn’t always positive. We all have painful emotions and experiences. While often icky and uncomfortable, those emotions need to be felt and dealt with openly and honestly to achieve acceptance and greater psychological health. Instead, we’re tiptoeing around, scared we’re going to trigger someone with our experiences. Or not expressing how we feel, because who needs a Pollyanna telling you the sun is shining when for you, it’s dark and you just want someone to hold space for you? Toxic positivity is dangerous. It’s gaslighting. It’s not helpful or makes you a more enlightened person because you always see the good. It makes me question someone’s mental health, because if you’re skipping over the bad bits in life, you’re not living fully. Toxic positivity minimises and even denies any trace of human emotions that are not strictly happy or positive. It’s an avoidance of unpleasantness, and I don’t believe that’s healthy. It avoids authentic human emotion, which causes guilt and can be shaming. We have so much knowledge at our fingertips to understand how the brain works, which can give us an understanding of psychology and mental health. Yet, we live in a time where we are ‘cancelled’ if we go against the virtue of the masses. We get shut down for differing opinions. Other people’s emotions make us uncomfortable. We avoid those who are negative. It’s why people don’t share their thoughts. Because the peanut gallery will tell you how and why you should be feeling instead of letting you feel the feels, so you can move through it. The pressure to appear ‘OK’ invalidates the range of emotions we all experience. You’re not defective, weak, or inadequate when you feel distress or sadness. These are transient emotions. If we’re encouraged and supported through them, we learn, grow, and heal to come out the other side. Reality is painful. There are a lot of people doing it tough right now. How many of them are quietly living in pain because they feel they have no one to turn to? If they do express themselves, how long before they’re told to not be negative? There’s a difference between positivity and optimism. Optimism can be good and nurturing and allow us to believe that we will heal and survive the difficult moments. It acknowledges when times have been tough while also holding hope for things to change. The pressure to be productive, upbeat, and happy leaves many feeling inadequate and ashamed that they’re not okay because they can’t make it through the day without a panic attack or tears. Humans are not designed to be positive all the time. When we dismiss other people’s concerns, it’s because many of us are uncomfortable with difficult feelings. Sadness, anger, and fear aren’t inherently bad. They are part of our human experience spectrum that helps us identify things that are threatening, upsetting, or need attention, like a blinking light on your fuel tank when it’s almost empty. When someone disregards those feelings, it’s harmful to our mental and physical health. Emotions aren’t positive or negative. They are only emotions. Stop denying the ones that make you feel shit. They’re there for a reason. You may just have to trust you’ll find someone who’ll hold space so you can express yourself. It’s undeniable that being positive is a good thing. Excessive positivity is harmful. Sometimes life can just flat-out suck. By pretending we’re “positive vibes all day,” we deny the validity of our human experience. A mentor once told me that it’s ok to feel mad, sad, and down as long as I’m only renting the space. Don’t take a mortgage out on it. Feel the feels. Learn from the experience and grow. By Annette Densham

Health and Wellness

5 Foods to Balance Your Mood

In our fast-paced, always-on world, stress has become as ubiquitous as smartphones. While there are many strategies to manage our mental health, one powerful tool might be hiding in plain sight: your fridge. It turns out that Mother Nature’s pantry is packed with stress-busting superfoods that can help tame your frayed nerves. The age-old adage “you are what you eat” takes on new meaning as science uncovers the intricate dance between our gut and our mind. Ready to add some culinary calm to your life? Here are five powerhouse foods that could transform your plate into a mood-enhancing masterpiece. Salmon Wild-caught, sustainably sourced salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. These fats can lower blood pressure and improve circulation, which helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, omega-3s have been shown to lower stress levels and promote a positive emotional balance. Alongside salmon, other omega-3-rich fishlike sardines and mackerel are excellent for maintaining both physical and mental health. Eggs Eggs are a 5-star source of choline, a nutrient crucial for producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and support nervous system function. Choline also aids in memory and mental clarity, making eggs a great choice for reducing stress and enhancing cognitive performance. With their additional omega-3 content, eggs can further support emotional wellbeing. Olive Oil Olive oil, especially high-quality extra virgin olive oil, is a fantastic source of healthy fats. It’s loaded with polyphenols, brain-protective antioxidants that help shield your cells from oxidative stress. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can support healthy cholesterol levels and promote longevity. Studies show that replacing other fats with olive oil can contribute to a longer life, making it a smart choice for both heart and brain health. Beef Liver Beef liver is a nutritional powerhouse, especially when it comes to supporting gut health and mental wellbeing. It’s rich in vitamin A, which helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining and supports immune function. It also contains B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism and neurotransmitter production, directly influencing mood and emotional stability. The connection between gut health and mental health is becoming increasingly clear, with the gut often referred to as the “second brain.” A healthy gut microbiome supports the production of serotonin, with up to 90% of serotonin being produced in the gut. By nourishing the gut with nutrient-dense foods like beef liver, you can support a more balanced mood and better mental health overall. For those who are squeamish or often on the move, I like to keep a bottle of Cell Squared Organic Beef Liver capsules on hand. This gives me a daily dose of fresh, freeze-dried organ goodness that I know I can trust. Avocado Avocados are packed with healthy fats, fibre, and magnesium, all of which help stabilise mood and support overall well-being. Magnesium is known for its calming properties and has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression. Meanwhile, the fibre and fats in avocados keep blood sugar levels stable, promoting a steady mood throughout the day. Including avocados in your diet can provide lasting energy and emotional balance. By Steph Lowe, The Natural Nutritionist

Health and Wellness

Do you not know how to say ‘No’?

In a world where social approval often feels like currency, many of us find ourselves entangled in the web of people pleasing. But what exactly is people pleasing, and why do we do it? More importantly, how can we break free from this exhausting cycle? Let’s delve into these questions and explore 3 techniques to reclaim our happiness. Understanding People Pleasing People pleasing is a behavioural pattern where we prioritise the approval and acceptance of others over our own needs and desires. It can stem from a deep-seated fear of rejection, criticism, or conflict that drives us to seek validation by doing or giving to others, even at the cost of our own wellbeing and true feelings. The action of people pleasing often leads to resentment, burnout, and a loss of self-esteem. Like white ants in a house that chew away a house’s foundations, people pleasing erodes our confidence and self-worth. Why Do We Do It? The roots of people pleasing may be traced to childhood, where conditional love, praise, and acceptance trained us to believe that only by meeting others’ expectations, we wouldn’t endure the pain of rejection. Rather, we replaced fear with the desire to fit in and the sense of security that gives us. The challenge comes though when we people please and put others needs and wishes above our own. This can lead to underlying feelings of resentment, being unfulfilled in relationships, and not feeling respected. One of the most profound realisations that can jolt us out of the habit of people pleasing is understanding and feeling the following truth deeply: No one respects a people-pleaser! Ironically, the very reason we engage in people-pleasing behaviour is because we crave respect. If hearing that wasn’t enough to create an instant change in your psyche, then consider these 3 techniques to break free: 1. Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries is crucial in combating people pleasing tendencies. Practice saying ‘no’ when a request compromises your values, energy levels, or wellbeing. Communicate your boundaries assertively yet respectfully, i.e., “I appreciate you trusting me enough to babysit your son. Unfortunately, that date does not work for me.” You don’t need to provide an explanation for your reasoning or overexplain anything. Make a decision and find a way to say no with ease and grace. 2. Practice Self-Compassion: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you offer others. Acknowledge that perfection is unrealistic and that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Self-compassion strengthens resilience and self-esteem, therefore reducing the need for external validation. An easy way to create self-compassion is to ask yourself, “If this were my child or best friend in this situation, what advice would I give them right now?” 3. Seek Support: Find a therapist you feel a rapport with who can not only provide encouragement and perspective but can pass on their professional wisdom and workshop ideas that are comfortable for you. In the end, breaking free from people pleasing isn’t just about asserting yourself; it’s about honouring your inner voice and embracing the power of feeling good. This is your one true precious life, and it’s your time now to flourish. How to Break Free By Justine Williams Justine is a multi-award-winning clinical Hypnotherapist and children’s author.

By Justine Williams

Health and Wellness

Have you heard of Weaponized Incompetence?

Weaponized Incompetence, it’s more common than you think! Weaponized incompetence, often seen as a form of passive manipulation, is a harmful behaviour where individuals feign ignorance or incompetence to avoid responsibilities. This tactic is prevalent in various relationships—whether at home, in the workplace, or among friends—shifting the burden onto others. By pretending they can’t perform tasks effectively, these individuals manipulate situations, making others feel obligated to take over. What actually is it? At its core, weaponized incompetence involves intentionally underperforming or pretending to be incapable. For instance, a partner might insist they “don’t know how” to clean the house properly, forcing their significant other to take on the bulk of the chores. Similarly, in a professional setting, a colleague may claim not to understand a task, leaving others to pick up the slack. This deliberate avoidance of contribution creates frustration and resentment, leading to an imbalance in relationships. Some Examples Weaponized incompetence can manifest in various ways. Household Tasks: One partner may claim they cannot cook or manage chores, pushing their partner to handle these responsibilities alone. Childcare: A parent may pretend they don’t know how to change a diaper or help with homework, leaving the other parent to take on these duties. Work responsibilities: An employee might feign ignorance about completing a project, resulting in colleagues taking over to meet deadlines. In all these scenarios, the manipulator benefits by avoiding tasks, while others bear the burden of increased workloads. Why It Happens The motivations for weaponized incompetence often stem from laziness, a desire for comfort, or a reluctance to learn new skills. Sometimes, it reflects an unwillingness to challenge traditional power dynamics, such as when a man avoids housework, believing it to be “women’s work.” Other times, it’s merely a strategy to evade work by exaggerating one’s inability to perform a task. This passive manipulation can lead to significant strain on relationships, as it allows individuals to dodge direct confrontation while appearing to “try” but fall short. It complicates the ability of others to address the behaviour without sounding accusatory. Impact on Relationships The repercussions of weaponized incompetence are damaging. In personal relationships, it leads to an unfair distribution of chores, causing one partner to feel overwhelmed and undervalued. In the workplace, it can disrupt team dynamics, leaving others feeling burdened and frustrated by taking on someone else’s responsibilities. Addressing the Issue To combat weaponized incompetence, clear communication and boundary-setting are crucial. In personal relationships, have open discussions about the division of labour and express frustrations about imbalances. In professional settings, holding colleagues accountable for their tasks and refraining from consistently picking up their slack is essential. Addressing the issue directly ensures responsibilities are clearly assigned and that everyone is held to the same standards. Weaponized incompetence is a form of passive manipulation that allows individuals to shirk responsibilities while burdening others. Recognising and confronting this behaviour through open communication and accountability is vital for maintaining healthier, more balanced relationships. By addressing this subtle manipulation, individuals can work towards equitable partnerships and improved dynamics at home and work. By Andrew Harmer

Health and Wellness

Selfie, snapshot or security threat?

How safe are you on social media? You may be shocked to learn just how revealing your happy snaps really are writes Get it’s Hayley Bogaard I’m sorry Madonna, but we are no longer living in a material world. We are living in social media world. And in social media world, the saying goes: picture or it didn’t happen. No longer is it enough to simply eat your brunch, you must photograph it, filter it and post it. And if you don’t post a mirror selfie in your Lorna Jane tights, did you even work out? So in a world so consumed by images, how much do you really think about what you’re posting? You may be surprised at how these seemingly innocent photos, could be revealing a whole lot more than you ever intended! Boarding Pass Look up #boardingpass on Instagram and you’ll find over 109,000 posts. Who knew it was a thing, right? While you may be tempted to post a photo of your boarding pass to brag about your adventures, think again. With your boarding pass details, savvy users may be able to access your full itinerary, frequent flyer logins, and even credit card details. Think covering up your personal details will solve that problem? Wrong. The barcode on your boarding pass also contains all your personal booking details and can be read easily using an online barcode reader. You’ve been warned! Your Workspace It’s a Thursday morning, you’re on your second cup of coffee and productivity is at a peak. You take a quick photo of your workspace with your cute notepad, laptop and kitschy coffee cup and post it online. Perfectly innocent, right? Well, one blogger found out how dangerous this can be when, after posting a picture of her home office set up, her followers quickly pointed out that by zooming in on the photo, her diary and post-it notes were clearly visible – featuring phone numbers, personal information, client names and invoices being chased. Gulp! School Uniforms The kids are heading back to school and look adorable in their school uniforms – complete with oversized backpacks and dorky straight-brimmed hat – so you take the traditional back to school snap and post it to Facebook. You’re a proud mumma! Well, you’ve just announced where your child will be seven hours a day, five days a week. Does that sound safe to you? No, me neither. Sold Sign Recently, a popular blogger shared a photo that showed her standing with the auction sign out the front of the house she had just purchased. The street number was visible, as well as the name of the real estate agent. One simple Google search using these details, delivered her full address and the price she paid at auction. You wouldn’t announce these details publicly, so don’t inadvertently post it in your photos! Gift Cards and Credit Cards Learn this valuable lesson from those who have learned it before you. In 2016, a Perth woman decided to sell an unwanted makeup voucher online to make some extra cash for a holiday. She took a few snaps, uploaded them to Facebook and within minutes the $94 value was stolen. Avoid posting any images that include barcodes or reference numbers, as these can easily be used in an online store. Oh and when it comes to posting a photo of your credit card, the rule is simple: don’t. Have you discovered the magic of Google Maps Street View? The Google feature provides real life, panoramic views from positions along streets all over the world. Want to see what the house you grew up in looks like? Punch in the address to Google Maps Street View and you’re whisked right back to your childhood home. Amazing! But this technology is loved by more than just the nostalgic. Criminals around the world are utilising the technology to ‘case a joint’ from the comfort of their own home. No longer do they need to sneak around in the shadows of the night to assess your home or business for a potential break in. By using Google Maps Street View, they are able to see potential entry points to your home, if you have a dog, if any security systems or gates are present and find good hiding places around your property. Scary, right?! While there’s not much you can do about this one, it just goes to prove how technology can be used for both good and evil and how aware you need to be about your safety online!

Health and Wellness

Who says you can’t eat ice cream on a diet?

While most people assume losing weight means cutting back on everything you love, according to wellness and weight loss expert, Kitty Blomfield, that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, according to Ms Blomfield, adding ice cream to your diet can actually help. “Starving yourself is not sustainable and your body shuts down,” Ms Blomfield explains. “The only way forward is to achieve body transformation through improved metabolic functioning. “I encourage women to eat ice cream every night. The key is balance, food composition and movement. Getting this right not only helps you to get the body you want, it also helps to solve a raft of other health and body issues, such as hair loss, painful periods and low sex drive, just to mention a few.” Ms Blomfield’s passion for health and wellness started in 2015 when she decided to turn her life around and focus on holistic health. “Just like so many other women, I had spent well over a decade yo-yo-ing blindly between periods of motivation and depths of despair. Between dieting and bingeing, I was never happy with my body. That is until the stars aligned, and I met two very important people in my life,” she said. “I met my now partner, Craig McDonald, and he taught me the importance of strength training and building lean muscle to achieve a toned and athletic-looking body. I also met Emma Sgourakis, who introduced me to a totally new way of nutrition. I learned that by supporting my metabolic health, I could achieve my body composition goals. She taught me what nobody else did: that carbs are not the enemy, that I could enjoy all the delicious foods I love and nourish myself and support my hormones. Improved wellness through metabolic health “Using my lived experience and learned expertise, I formulated a program to help women kick start their health and wellness journey and I called it the Eat More, Train Less, and Get Results 7-Day Challenge,” Ms Blomfield said. “It improves metabolic health and by doing this women experience more energy, better moods, improved sleep, digestion, hormone regulation and long-term, sustainable body composition change. Your body, your focus, your goals It’s about more than just weight loss though. “So much of what women experience every day is considered ‘normal’. But I’m here to tell you that it’s not normal to have poor sleep, painful periods or experience bloating. “These are, in fact, generally a symptom of a down-regulated metabolism. With our metabolic health assessment, we’ll help you pinpoint the key metabolic issues, so you’ll know what needs focus when you’re working on your health and body goals,” Ms Blomfield continued.