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"Force of nature": Tributes flow for Shannen Doherty

<p>Shannen Doherty has passed away aged 53. </p> <p>The beloved actress, known for her roles on <em>Little House on the Prairie</em>, <em>Charmed</em> and <em>90210</em>, died over the weekend following a nine-year battle with breast cancer. </p> <p>Doherty's death was confirmed by her publicist, Leslie Sloane, who said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."</p> <p>"The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace."</p> <p>Tributes have flowed in for Doherty from friends, co-stars and loved ones, who have remembered her as a "force of nature". </p> <p>"Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion," fellow<em> Charmed </em>co-star Rose McGowan wrote in a tribute shared to Instagram. </p> <p>"Passion for craft is often mislabelled as trouble. Shannen was passion," McGowan continued.</p> <p>"I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live," McGowan added, before praising Doherty's work ethic which was "inspiring to the end".</p> <p>"Shannen's great love for directing, for acting, Holly [Marie Combs], her friends, her parents, dog and her beloved fans was legendary."</p> <p>"Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts," McGowan wrote. </p> <p>"Rest now warrior, we will never forget you dear sister."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9aLxGVvLH_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9aLxGVvLH_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fellow Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano - who Doherty had a complicated relationship with - also paid tribute to her via a statement shared with<em> People</em>. </p> <p>"It's no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of," Milano wrote.</p> <p>"She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her," she concluded.</p> <p>Meanwhile, actress Olivia Munn, who bonded with Doherty over their shared breast cancer battle, shared a lengthy tribute to her Instagram story. </p> <p>"I am absolutely heartbroken over the passing of Shannen Doherty. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I remembered how she bravely let the world into her journey and reached out to her," Munn wrote.</p> <p>"We became instant friends – which I honestly couldn't comprehend at times because watching her on 90210 was everything to me when I was 10."</p> <p>"Looking back on the last text she sent me just a couple months ago, she asked how I was doing and if she could do anything for me.... True to form, Shannen was offering her support even though she was in the final stages of fighting this horrific disease," Munn continued.</p> <p>"Cancer is really f---ing scary and Shannen faced it with such dignity, strength and grace.</p> <p>"I'm sending all my love to her mother who was her best friend, hero and champion every step of the way. Fly so high, my friend 💔💔💔💔".</p> <p>Doherty's <em>Beverly Hills</em> and <em>90210 </em>co-star Jason Priestly described her as a  "force of nature" in an Instagram post. </p> <p>"I will miss her," he wrote.</p> <p>"Sending love and light to her family in this dark time."</p> <p>"Shocked and saddened by news of Shannen Doherty's death," Carol Potter, who played her on-screen mum in <em>90210</em>, wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>"What a journey she has been on! Gone too soon. Throughout, she stayed true to herself and gave us an example of courage and perseverance in facing her own death. May she rest in peace.❤️🙏"</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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How to fall asleep without sleeping pills: 7 natural sleep aids that actually work

<p>It’s 3am and you’re suddenly wide awake. Try these seven science-backed strategies to fall back to sleep fast.</p> <p><strong>Give meditation a try </strong></p> <p>As a mindfulness coach, I’m very aware of the day-to-day anxieties and worries that can interfere with a good night’s sleep. One of the most effective natural sleep aids is a quick meditation session to ease yourself out of those stresses. If you’ve never meditated before, you’ll likely find the meditation interrupted by thoughts flashing through your mind.</p> <p>It’s important for you to know that this isn’t a failure on your part, and that you aren’t doing anything wrong. Thinking is just what the brain does, as naturally as lungs take in air. The point is to be non-judgmental yet aware of your thoughts, bodily experiences and breath, moment by moment.</p> <p><em>Sleep better, feel better! <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/rollers-resistance/27-72435-gaiam-strengthen-stretch-kit?affiliate=GAIAM6O" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This Blackout Sleep Mask from Gaiam</a> will help you feel well rested and renewed. </em></p> <p><strong>Stop wanting to fall asleep</strong></p> <p>It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? Sometimes trying too hard to do something is the very thing that prevents us from achieving it – and that’s never more true than when it comes to falling asleep. Desperately wanting to sleep will only stoke anxieties that will further stress your brain, essentially feeding it the message that it’s not safe to sleep.</p> <p>Throw in those worries about your to-do list at work the following day, and the whole thing can snowball into a panic attack. Try letting go of that feeling that you absolutely must sleep now, and observe your own anxieties for what they are without judgment. When you stop looking at sleep as a goal, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep.</p> <p><em>Before you climb into bed, set aside 10-15 minutes to help relax your body and mind, with <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/restore-massage/27-73353-gaiam-wellness-acupressure-neck-back-pillow?affiliate=GAIAM60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this wellness acupressure neck and back pillow from Gaiam</a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Start a journal </strong></p> <p>If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, pick up a pen and paper (not your phone!), and start writing: simply scribble down an account of what’s going on inside your head. Although there’s no “right” way to journal, you might start by listing the events of your day, and from there, how those events and encounters made you feel.</p> <p>Building this structured picture of your thoughts may help you see that the problem that’s keeping you up at night, and is likely less overwhelming than you thought. Why my insistence on a pen and paper? First off, studies show the simple motor action that’s involved in the act of handwriting has a calming effect. Secondly, the light emitted by laptops and phones isn’t conducive to falling asleep.</p> <p><strong>Find yourself a "3am friend"</strong></p> <p>Some of us are lucky to have a ‘3am friend’, that close confidant you can call up in the wee hours knowing that they won’t hold it against you in the morning. Although it’s great to have someone to talk to when you want to fall asleep, it’s important that the conversation doesn’t just rehash the anxieties that are preventing you from catching shut-eye in the first place.</p> <p>Rather than using the call to seek solutions for those issues, talk about things that calm your nerves, or even have them assist you in deep breathing. It may sound silly, but doing a series of deep, relaxing breaths can help you let go of the troubles that are keeping you wide awake.</p> <p><strong>Take a warm shower</strong></p> <p>Taking a warm shower not only relaxes your muscles and soothes minor aches and pains, but it also raises your core body temperature. As soon as you step out of the shower, your body starts working at lowering that temperature, which is something that normally happens when you’re falling asleep naturally.</p> <p>(That’s why we always feel the need for a blanket when we sleep, no matter how warm it is!) By kick-starting that temperature-lowering process, you’re tricking your body into falling asleep fast.</p> <p><strong>Stretch yourself to sleep </strong></p> <p>Anxiety keeping you up? Research suggests mild stretching can help take the edge off and relax muscles that have become stiff and sore after a long day. We’re not talking intricate yoga poses or acrobatics here, either: Simple stretches like an overhead arm stretch and bending over to touch your toes should do the trick. Ramp up the relaxation potential with a soundtrack of ambient noise at a volume that’s just barely audible.</p> <p>There are plenty of white noise apps that are free to download, but soft music can work as well (so long as there are no lyrics). Just remember, if you’re using an electronic device to play these sleep-promoting sounds, make sure it’s placed screen-down so you’re not distracted by the light it emits.</p> <p><em>Stretching is healing, and this <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/rollers-resistance/27-72435-gaiam-strengthen-stretch-kit?affiliate=GAIAM60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strengthen and Stretch Kit from Gaiam</a> is a great way to start. An on-line workout is also included to get you started.</em></p> <p><strong>Read (or listen!) to something new</strong></p> <p>When you’re struggling with insomnia, it might be tempting to pull an old favourite off the bookshelf. In reality, it’s better to read or listen to an audio book that covers a topic on which you know absolutely nothing. New information, while taking attention away from the stressors that are keeping you up at night, gives your brain enough of a workout to make it tire more quickly than when it’s engaged with familiar subjects and concepts.</p> <p>Again, if it’s an audio book or podcast you’re listening to, make sure the light-emitting side of the device is face down to keep the room as dark as possible. Darkness and warmth play an essential part in the production and maintenance of melatonin, the hormone that plays the central role falling asleep.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article by </em><em>Deepak Kashyap </em><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/sleep/how-to-fall-asleep-without-sleeping-pills-7-natural-sleep-aids-that-actually-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Body

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Our dogs can terrify (and even kill) wildlife. Here’s how to be a responsible owner this summer

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-starling-461103">Melissa Starling</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>In Australia, dog ownership often goes hand-in-hand with a love for the great outdoors. Whether it’s walking on the beach, going camping, or having a barbecue in the park, we tend to keep our canine companions close as we soak up the sun.</p> <p>But many of us forget a key fact about our dogs: they are predators. Even the fluffy little 5kg ball that spends most of its time in your lap derives from an apex predator – and its predatory instincts can kick in at any time.</p> <p>And while many of our dogs don’t have the same hunting skills as their distant ancestors (who had to hunt for a living), wildlife doesn’t know that.</p> <p>The impacts of domestic dogs on wildlife aren’t well studied, and likely vary depending on the environment. Nonetheless, there’s good evidence domestic dogs, when left unobserved, can have detrimental effects in the places they visit.</p> <p>With that in mind, here are some things to consider next time you take your pup out for a bushwalk.</p> <h2>How dogs impact ecosystems</h2> <p>There are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320717305967">five main ways</a> domestic dogs can negatively impact the natural environments they visit. These are:</p> <ol> <li>direct physical harm through predatory behaviour</li> <li>disturbance through chasing and harassment</li> <li>increased exposure to diseases</li> <li>interbreeding, which can alter the gene pool of wild canid populations</li> <li>increased competition for resources.</li> </ol> <p>The good news is the last three points aren’t particularly relevant in Australia. For one thing, there’s little overlap between diseases common in domestic dogs and Australian wildlife. There’s also little resource overlap, except perhaps in some areas where feral or semi-feral dogs live alongside dingoes.</p> <p>And regarding potential interbreeding, while it was once thought this could threaten the dingo gene pool, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mec.16998">recent research</a> suggests it’s not nearly as common as we thought.</p> <p>As such, the main harms Aussie dog owners should focus on are physical harms through predatory behaviour and disturbance to ecosystems.</p> <h2>Dogs can kill</h2> <p>We know dogs are capable of injuring and killing wildlife, but it’s difficult to determine how common this is, because many events go unreported. While smaller animals such as lizards, gliders and possums are at higher risk, larger species such as koalas can also fall prey to dogs.</p> <p><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0206958">One study</a> that looked at wildlife coming into care at Queensland rehabilitation centres reported dog attacks as the cause in about 9% of cases. These cases often resulted in severe injury or death.</p> <p>Dog owners should be especially wary of small, localised populations of vulnerable species. A <a href="https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/bitstream/handle/11336/202640/CONICET_Digital_Nro.29048152-7a5c-4ea2-8068-e73d42cba01d_B.pdf?sequence=2&amp;isAllowed=y">study</a> in Argentina’s Patagonia region details several cases of dogs decimating local penguin populations after gaining access to protected island areas during low tide.</p> <p>Not to mention, dog attacks on wildlife can bring risk to dogs as well. Kangaroos can defend themselves with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-16/mildura-man-fights-kangaroo-to-protect-dog/102983926">their powerful limbs</a>, monitor lizards are equipped with sharp claws and teeth, and many snake species <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/dogs-twice-as-likely-to-die-from-snake-bite-as-cats-research-finds-20200519-p54ufd.html">are highly venomous</a>.</p> <h2>The impact of harassment</h2> <p>You might think it’s harmless for your dog to chase wildlife if it never manages to catch the animals it chases, but that isn’t true. Wild animals optimise their behaviours to meet their needs for foraging, breeding and resting, and being chased by a dog can disrupt this.</p> <p>For example, certain threatened bird species will nest on the beach and find foraging opportunities based on the tides. One dog forcing one bird to abandon this important activity may have a small impact. But if it happens repeatedly throughout the day, it can become a <a href="https://wilderness-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Dogs-as-agents-of-disturbance-Michael-A.-Weston-and-Theodore-Stankowich.pdf">much bigger problem</a>. It may even drive animals out of the area.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2391219/">Research</a> conducted in Sydney has shown the mere presence of a leashed dog is enough to temporarily, yet dramatically, reduce the number of bird species detected.</p> <h2>Keep an eye on your furry pal</h2> <p>Responsible dog ownership involves making sure our dogs have a minimal impact on others, including wildlife. How can we achieve this when our dogs are simply engaging in behaviours that come naturally to them, and may even be rewarding for them?</p> <p>Training your dog to have general obedience – especially to come when called – is worth sinking considerable time and effort into. This can save both your dog and any wildlife they may be after. For instance, calling a dog away from a snake is one of the most effective ways of managing snake bite risk.</p> <p>One <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333344634_Applying_Social_Marketing_to_Koala_Conservation_The_Leave_It_Pilot_Program">pilot study</a> in Victoria found positive outcomes from a program that helped owners train their dogs to be more obedient around wildlife.</p> <p>That said, recall training is an art form, and recalling a dog that likes to run off and chase animals can be a huge challenge.</p> <p>Another solution is to rely on leashes when passing sensitive areas, or where there’s a risk of wildlife harassment. In Australia, many beaches that allow dogs have signs with information about vulnerable birds in the area and how to protect them from your dog.</p> <p>This could mean keeping your dog off rock platforms, leashing them when you see birds foraging on the beach, or keeping them out of fenced areas. Some areas are simply too vulnerable for dogs to run amok, so always look for signs and read them carefully.</p> <p>If you’re hiking, use a long line (a leash that’s more than five metres long) and look for signs of your dog detecting something of interest. Often their ears will come up high and forward, and they will freeze and stare intently.</p> <p>At this point, it doesn’t matter what they’re excited about: take the opportunity to leash them or shorten their leash, and get their attention before they can take off. Investing in a long leash will allow your dog more freedom without putting wildlife at risk.</p> <p>If your dog does injure an animal, you should quickly contact a wildlife rescue organisation or take the animal to a veterinary practice or sanctuary. For small animals, even minor injuries from a dog will usually require veterinary attention.</p> <p>It’s our responsibility to be respectful visitors when we’re out in nature, and to make sure our dogs are too. <!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/214722/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-starling-461103"><em>Melissa Starling</em></a><em>, Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-dogs-can-terrify-and-even-kill-wildlife-heres-how-to-be-a-responsible-owner-this-summer-214722">original article</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Taste depends on nature and nurture. Here are 7 ways you can learn to enjoy foods you don’t like

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-archer-181464">Nicholas Archer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/astrid-poelman-1481227">Astrid Poelman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a></em></p> <p>You’re out for dinner with a bunch of friends, one of whom orders pizza with anchovies and olives to share, but you hate olives and anchovies! Do you pipe up with your preferred choice – Hawaiian – or stay quiet?</p> <p>This scene plays out every day around the world. Some people ferociously defend their personal tastes. But many would rather expand their palate, and not have to rock the boat the next time someone in their friend group orders pizza.</p> <p>Is it possible to train your tastebuds to enjoy foods you previously didn’t, like training a muscle at the gym?</p> <h2>What determines ‘taste’?</h2> <p>Taste is a complex system we evolved to help us navigate the environment. It helps us select foods with nutritional value and reject anything potentially harmful.</p> <p>Foods are made up of different compounds, including nutrients (such as proteins, sugars and fats) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P_0HGRWgXw">aromas</a> that are detected by sensors in the mouth and nose. These sensors create the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZn2PMUWO-Y">flavour of food</a>. While taste is what the tastebuds on your tongue pick up, flavour is the combination of how something smells and tastes. Together with texture, appearance and sound, these senses collectively influence your food preferences.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MZn2PMUWO-Y?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Flavour is the overall impression you get when eating.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>Many factors influence food preferences, including age, genetics and environment. We each live in our own sensory world and no two people will have the same <a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-do-some-people-find-some-foods-yummy-but-others-find-the-same-foods-yucky-77671">experience while eating</a>.</p> <p>Food preferences also change with age. Research has found young children have a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24452237/">natural preference</a> for sweet and salty tastes and a dislike of bitter tastes. As they grow older their ability to like bitter foods grows.</p> <p>Emerging evidence shows bacteria in saliva can also produce enzymes that influence the taste of foods. For instance, saliva has been shown to cause the release of sulphur aromas in cauliflower. The <a href="https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2021/acs-presspac-september-22-2021/childrens-dislike-of-cauliflower-broccoli-could-be-written-in-their-microbiome.html">more sulphur that is produced</a>, the less likely a kid is to enjoy the taste of cauliflower.</p> <h2>Nature versus nurture</h2> <p>Both genetics and the environment play a crucial role in determining food preferences. Twin studies estimate genetics have a moderate influence on food preferences (between 32% and 54%, depending on the food type) in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000291652305027X?via%3Dihub">children</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27385609/">adolescents</a> and <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/twin-research-and-human-genetics/article/dietary-patterns-and-heritability-of-food-choice-in-a-uk-female-twin-cohort/8507AAF01330C599BAC62BCC0EF4CF06">adults</a>.</p> <p>However, since our cultural environment and the foods we’re exposed to also shape our preferences, these <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24452237/">preferences are learned</a> to a large degree.</p> <p>A lot of this learning takes place during childhood, at home and other places we eat. This isn’t textbook learning. <a href="https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/9780851990323.0093">It’s learning</a> by experiencing (eating), which typically leads to increased liking of the food – or by watching what others do (modelling), which can lead to both positive or negative associations.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000291652305027X?via%3Dihub">Research</a> has shown how environmental influences on food preferences change between childhood and adulthood. For children, the main factor is the home environment, which makes sense as kids are more likely to be influenced by foods prepared and eaten at home. Environmental factors influencing adults and adolescents are more varied.</p> <h2>The process of ‘acquiring’ taste</h2> <p>Coffee and beer are good examples of bitter foods people “acquire” a taste for as they grow up. The ability to overcome the dislike of these is largely due to:</p> <ul> <li> <p>the social context in which they’re consumed. For example, in many countries they may be associated with passage into adulthood.</p> </li> <li> <p>the physiological effects of the compounds they contain – caffeine in coffee and alcohol in beer. Many people find these effects desirable.</p> </li> </ul> <p>But what about acquiring a taste for foods that don’t provide such desirable feelings, but which are good for you, such as kale or fatty fish? Is it possible to gain an acceptance for these?</p> <p>Here are some strategies that can help you learn to enjoy foods you currently don’t:</p> <ol> <li> <p>eat, and keep eating. Only a small portion is needed to build a liking for a specific taste over time. It may take 10–15 attempts or more before you can say you “like” the food.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329302001106">mask bitterness</a> by eating it with other foods or ingredients that contain salt or sugar. For instance, you can pair bitter rocket with a sweet salad dressing.</p> </li> <li> <p>eat it repeatedly in a positive context. That could mean eating it after playing your favourite sport or with people you like. Alternatively, you could eat it with foods you already enjoy; if it’s a specific vegetable, try pairing it with your favourite protein.</p> </li> <li> <p>eat it when you’re hungry. In a hungry state you’ll be more willing to accept a taste you might not appreciate on a full stomach.</p> </li> <li> <p>remind yourself why you want to enjoy this food. You may be changing your diet for health reasons, or because you’ve moved countries and are struggling with the local cuisine. Your reason will help motivate you.</p> </li> <li> <p>start young (if possible). It’s easier for children to learn to like new foods as their tastes are less established.</p> </li> <li> <p>remember: the more foods you like, the easier it’ll become to learn to like others.</p> </li> </ol> <p>A balanced and varied diet is essential for good health. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666315003438?ref=pdf_download&amp;fr=RR-2&amp;rr=82a5fd5069821f63">Picky eating</a> can become a problem if it leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies – especially if you’re avoiding entire food groups, such as vegetables. At the same time, eating too many tasty but energy-dense foods can increase your risk of chronic disease, including obesity.</p> <p>Understanding how your food preferences have formed, and how they can evolve, is a first step to getting on the path of healthier eating.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215999/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-archer-181464"><em>Nicholas Archer</em></a><em>, Research Scientist, Sensory, Flavour and Consumer Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/astrid-poelman-1481227">Astrid Poelman</a>, Principal Researcher, Public Health &amp; Wellbeing Group, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/taste-depends-on-nature-and-nurture-here-are-7-ways-you-can-learn-to-enjoy-foods-you-dont-like-215999">original article</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Extraordinary snaps from around the world for the Nature Photographer of the Year awards

<p>Every year, the <a href="https://naturephotographeroftheyear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nature Photographer of the Year</a> awards showcase the best that Mother Nature has to offer. </p> <p>For the 2023 competition, photographers from all around the world have captured beautiful snaps of wildlife in their natural habitat, picturesque landscapes and much more. </p> <p>The annual competition is an initiative of Nature Talks, the organisation responsible for the Nature Talks Photo Festival that takes place in the Netherlands. </p> <p>This year, the competition saw entrant from South Africa, Germany, the USA, England, Finland, France, Luxembourg and many more corners of the globe. </p> <p>This year's winner is a photographer hailing from Canada, Jacquie Matechuk, who stole the show with her photo of the Spectacled Bear. </p> <p>Chairman Marco Gaiotti explained why her photo was chosen as the winner, "The Spanish moss hanging from this centuries-old fig tree gives an incredible sense of three-dimensionality while the soft light filtering through the colours highlights the profound connection between species and habitat in this image."</p> <p>"Finally, the pose of this spectacled bear fits perfectly into the texture of the photograph. Congratulations to Jacquie Matechuk for this outstanding photograph of the spectacled bear."</p> <p><em>All image credits: Nature Photographer of the Year</em></p>

International Travel

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Demi Moore flaunts stunning bikini body at 60

<p>Fans have been wowed by Demi Moore's latest Instagram post, after the 60-year-old actress flaunted her bikini body in a series of photos documenting her recent “nature immersion” trip.</p> <p>“Sharing a few precious moments from my recent adventure with @tilliewaltonofficial and @nash2o on #TilliesRiverTrip,”  she captioned the post. </p> <p>"Back in September, I had the opportunity to journey through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River alongside so many beautiful souls. </p> <p>"We laughed, cried and formed lifelong bonds that I will hold close to my heart forever. I will never truly be able to describe the many ways that this recent nature immersion has impacted me," she added. </p> <p>The star shared a photo of her in a black bikini standing under a waterfall, with her arms in the air. </p> <p>"Standing on the banks of the Colorado River as we all took in its magnificence and beauty, I was reminded of the urgent need to preserve and protect this vital lifeline," she wrote before urging her followers to “be the change we want to see.”</p> <p>She added a few other photos and a video of her with some fellow travellers while on their nature immersion trip. </p> <p>Fans praised the  <em>G.I. Jane</em> star for raising awareness and her timeless beauty. </p> <p>“And this Ladies and Gentlemen’s is what 60 year old looks like. Insane," wrote one fan. </p> <p>“You get better with age,” agreed another. </p> <p>“Demi looks amazing! If I look that good at her age I’ll be happy," commented a third. </p> <p>“Yes … had the honour to join @tilliewaltonofficial on a Grand Canyon trip and it’s LIFE CHANGING,” journalist Frank Elaridi wrote, adding, “Thank you for raising awareness to protect rivers ️.”</p> <p>"So much gratitude for dropping deep into nature with you. Your radiant wisdom and effervescence rocks my world!" added one of the travellers she went with. </p> <p>"Incredible Demi what's your secret to staying so young and beautiful 😍" commented another. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Body

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6 natural remedies for tinnitus

<p>As anyone who’s ever experienced will agree, tinnitus is about as fun as repeatedly stubbing your big toe. But the good news is needn’t suffer in silence. There is a range of natural remedies available, and while these won’t eliminate tinnitus completely they may be used to help manage the condition.</p> <p>Before we go through some of the natural remedies, it might be useful to take a moment to understand what tinnitus actually is. Tinnitus is a physical condition that is usually caused by a fault in the hearing system where someone experiences noises or ringing in their ears when there is no external noise presents. It’s important to know tinnitus is symptom, and not a disease. It can be caused by a variety of things including exposure to loud noises, earwax blockages, ear-bone changes and age-related hearing lost. Approximately one in five Australians suffer from tinnitus.</p> <p><strong>1. Gingko biloba</strong></p> <p>Across the board, gingko biloba is generally considered one of the stronger herbal remedies for tinnitus. This widely available herbal remedy is often used to improve blood circulation, which can reduce the ringing sensation and improve the function of your ears. It also contains handy antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate any existing infections.</p> <p><strong>2. Apple cider vinegar</strong></p> <p>Apple cider vinegar provides a particularly useful daily tonic to help reduce the effects of tinnitus. A natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent, apple cider vinegar also works to alkalize your body and help rebalance your internal levels. Again, this remedy is quite helpful when it comes to getting rid of any underlying infections or fungus that may be contributing to your tinnitus.</p> <p><strong>3. Alpha lipoic acid</strong></p> <p>Alpha lipoic acid provides tinnitus sufferers with another handy supplement that can help minimise the effects of this condition. Functioning as an antioxidant, this vitamin-like chemical is known to help treat cell damage and restore natural vitamin levels in your body. Alpha lipoic acid has also been known to help improve neuron function and conduction, which may be contributing factors.</p> <p><strong>4. Holy basil</strong></p> <p>Here’s another natural remedy for treating tinnitus. Holy basil is known to contain a range of antibacterial properties and can be used to help kill the bacteria that may be contributing to the problem. In addition, holy basil can also be used as a way to provide you with relief from more severe forms of ear pain. It won’t solve the problem, but it will make it easier to manage.</p> <p><strong>5. Onions and garlic</strong></p> <p>While they might not make your breath smell the best on a hot date, onions and garlic have been used in the past to provide relief for tinnitus sufferers. Onions contain medicinal and antibacterial properties to help fight infections, while garlic can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, which is particularly useful for tinnitus that is caused by high altitudes.</p> <p><strong>6. Saline solution</strong></p> <p>Here’s another nifty way to treat tinnitus naturally. Saline solution can help clear any blocked nasal passages and ease the pressure caused by excessive fluids that are building up in your sinuses. This simple remedy is a great way to provide effective relief from particular forms of tinnitus. </p> <p>So there you go, six handy ways to help relive yourself of the effects of tinnitus. Ultimately we would recommend that you go to a doctor and get a proper diagnosis if you happen to be suffering from tinnitus, but at the very least it’s handy to know that these natural remedies are around.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Body

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Our planet is burning in unexpected ways - here’s how we can protect people and nature

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-kelly-159658">Luke Kelly</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-bowman-4397">David Bowman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ella-plumanns-pouton-1470045">Ella Plumanns Pouton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/grant-williamson-109967">Grant Williamson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-shawn-fletcher-99786">Michael-Shawn Fletcher</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>People have been using fire for millennia. It is a vital part of many ecosystems and cultures. Yet human activities in the current era, sometimes called the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/did-the-anthropocene-start-in-1950-or-much-earlier-heres-why-debate-over-our-world-changing-impact-matters-209869">Anthropocene</a>”, are reshaping patterns of fire across the planet.</p> <p><a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-environ-120220-055357">In our new research</a>, published in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources, we used satellite data to create global maps of where and how fires are burning. We calculated about 3.98 million square kilometres of Earth’s land surface burns each year. We also examined research spanning archaeology, climatology, ecology, Indigenous knowledge and paleoecology, to better understand the causes and consequences of fires.</p> <p>Our international team found strong evidence fires are burning in unexpected places, at unusual times and in rarely observed ways. These changes in fire patterns are threatening human lives and modifying ecosystems.</p> <p>But the future does not have to be bleak. There are many opportunities to apply knowledge and practice of fire to benefit people and nature.</p> <h2>Here’s how fire patterns are changing</h2> <p>Exploring multiple approaches and scales enables a deeper understanding of where, when and how fires burn.</p> <p>Satellite data provide evidence of changes in fire patterns at a global scale. <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2020RG000726">Annual fire season length</a> increased by 14 days from 1979 to 2020 and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04325-1">night fires</a>, which indicate fires that cannot be quickly controlled, increased in intensity by 7.2% from 2003 to 2020.</p> <p>Other changes are apparent only when we look at data from particular regions. An increase in fire size and the frequency of large fires has recently been observed in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2103135118">forests and woodlands of the western United States</a>. Meanwhile fire-dependent grasslands and savannahs across <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.14711">Africa</a> and <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2019GL082327">Brazil</a> have experienced reductions in fire frequency.</p> <p>It’s also important to consider the timescale and type of fire when interpreting changes. In Australia, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-27225-4">satellite records show</a> the frequency of very large forest fires has increased over the past four decades. At longer time scales, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13280-020-01339-3">charcoal and pollen records</a> indicate the frequency of low-intensity fires <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2395">decreased in parts of southeastern Australia</a> following British colonisation in 1788.</p> <h2>Changes in fire affect air, land and water</h2> <p>Many animals and plants have evolved strategies that enable them to thrive under particular fire patterns. This means changes to fire characteristics can <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abb0355">harm populations and ecosystems</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/conl.12905">Large and intense fires</a> are reducing the available forest habitat preferred by the greater glider. But a <a href="https://theconversation.com/research-reveals-fire-is-pushing-88-of-australias-threatened-land-mammals-closer-to-extinction-185965">lack of fire can be problematic too</a>. Threatened species of native rodents can benefit from food resources and habitats that flourish shortly after fire.</p> <p>There is evidence that emissions from recent fires are already modifying the atmosphere. The historically exceptional 2019–20 Australian wildfires produced <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe1415#:%7E:text=Intense%2C%20widespread%20bushfires%20in%20Australia,from%20a%20moderate%20volcanic%20eruption.">record-breaking levels of aerosols</a> over the Southern Hemisphere, as well as substantial carbon emissions.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-00610-5">wildfire smoke-related health costs</a> of the 2019–20 wildfires in Australia included an estimated 429 smoke-related premature deaths as well as 3,230 hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.</p> <p>Changes in fire patterns are modifying water cycles, too. In the western United States, <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2009717118">fires are reaching higher elevations</a> and having strong impacts on <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2200333119">snow</a> and water availability.</p> <p>New studies are revealing how the air, land and water that support life on Earth are connected by fires. Smoke plumes from the 2019–20 Australian wildfires transported nutrients to the Southern Ocean, resulting in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03805-8">widespread phytoplankton blooms</a>.</p> <h2>Humans are responsible for the changes</h2> <p>Human drivers such as climate change, land use, fire use and suppression, and transportation and extinction of species <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-environ-120220-055357">are causing shifts in fire patterns</a>.</p> <p>Increasing global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves and droughts increase the likelihood of fire by promoting hot, dry and windy conditions. A pattern of extreme fire weather outside of natural climate variation is already emerging in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.15388">North America</a>, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-014-1183-3">southern Europe</a> and <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac1e3a/meta">the Amazon basin</a>.</p> <p>Humans modify fire regimes by changing land use for agricultural, forestry and urban purposes. Until recent decades, large fires in tropical forests were uncommon. But <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03876-7">deforestation fires</a> used to clear primary forest for agriculture often promotes more frequent and intense uncontrolled fires.</p> <p>Humans have transported plants and animals across the globe, resulting in novel mixes of species that modify fuels and fire regimes. In many parts of the world, <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1908253116">invasive grasses</a> have increased flammability and fire activity.</p> <p>Social and economic changes propel these drivers. Colonisation by Europeans and the displacement of Indigenous peoples and their skilful use of fire has been linked with fire changes in <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2395">Australia</a>, <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2116264119">North America</a> and <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2015.0174">South America</a>.</p> <h2>Using knowledge and practice of fire to achieve sustainability goals</h2> <p><a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-environ-120220-055357">The pace and scale of these changes</a> represent challenges to humanity, but knowledge and practice of fire can help to achieve sustainability goals.</p> <p>This includes:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2015.0174">good health and wellbeing</a>, by supporting community-owned solutions and fire practices that increase social cohesion and health</li> <li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479718314658">sustainable cities and communities</a>, by designing green firebreaks and mixed-use areas with low fuels, strategically located in the landscape</li> <li><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aam7672">life on land</a>, by tailoring use of fire to promote and restore species and ecosystems</li> <li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-021-00867-1">climate action</a>, by applying low-intensity fire to promote the stability of soil organic matter and increase carbon storage</li> <li><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/8/3921">reduced inequalities</a>, by allocating resources before, during, and after wildfires to at-risk communities and residents.</li> </ul> <p>As the world changes, society as a whole needs to keep learning about the interplay between people and fire.</p> <p>A deep understanding of fire is essential for achieving a sustainable future – in other words, <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-environ-120220-055357">a better Anthropocene</a>.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/213215/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-kelly-159658"><em>Luke Kelly</em></a><em>, Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-bowman-4397">David Bowman</a>, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ella-plumanns-pouton-1470045">Ella Plumanns Pouton</a>, PhD candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/grant-williamson-109967">Grant Williamson</a>, Research Fellow in Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-shawn-fletcher-99786">Michael-Shawn Fletcher</a>, Professor in Biogeography, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-planet-is-burning-in-unexpected-ways-heres-how-we-can-protect-people-and-nature-213215">original article</a>.</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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6 natural seasickness remedies

<p>Don’t let motion sickness stop you from enjoying a cruise. While there are lots of over-the-counter medications available to stop sea sickness, these natural remedies also work wonders.</p> <p><strong>1. Ginger</strong></p> <p>Ginger is loaded with health benefits but it has been proven to be highly effective in preventing seasickness. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, include ginger into your diet the days prior to leaving on your cruise and while you are out at sea. Drinking ginger tea is an easy way to incorporate the powerful herb into your diet.</p> <p><strong>2. Herbal tea</strong></p> <p>Herbal tea is a great beverage that will help settle your stomach and prevent vomiting that is caused by seasickness. Herbal teas are also packed with antioxidants which are effective anti-ageing agents and they also improve digestion.</p> <p><strong>3. Apple juice</strong></p> <p>Drinking a glass of apple juice before departure can help settle your stomach. Although sugary foods are not always good for motion sickness, non-citrus juices will help feelings of queasiness.</p> <p><strong>4. Ice</strong></p> <p>Ice has been found to help queasiness for motion sickness – it’s even a remedy that works for morning sickness. The ice is cold, refreshing, hydrating and the water dilutes excess stomach acid. You can also opt for an ice block if you are in the prevention stage of motion sickness.  </p> <p><strong>5. Peppermint</strong></p> <p>Having peppermint either through tea, lozenges or peppermint oil, can help prevent nausea. If you are travelling with family, peppermint is great to prevent children from getting sick due to its pleasant taste.</p> <p><strong>6. Dry crackers</strong></p> <p>Dry crackers are an easily digestible snack that can help prevent nausea and vomiting. Crackers are high in starch and help absorb gastric aid. Crackers eliminate hunger without having a strong smell or taste that could increase the nausea.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Cruising

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Naturally combat the onset of diabetes

<p dir="ltr">Pre-diabetes is the period before diabetes is officially diagnosed. Progressing from pre-diabetes to diabetes is not imminent. There are plenty of ways you can get on top of it to reduce the risk of diabetes. </p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>1. Cut out sugar and refined carbohydrates </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Eating foods high in refined carbs and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which could lead to diabetes over time. Examples of these foods are white bread, potatoes and various breakfast cereals. Limit sugar and choose complex carbs like veggies, oatmeal and whole grains.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. Quit smoking</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you’re a current smoker, cut it out! Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. Portion control</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Avoid large portions as they can contribute to the increase of insulin and blood sugar levels. Eating too much at one time can lead to higher blood sugar and insulin levels in pre-diabetics.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>4. Exercise</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. You don’t have to strain yourself, you can take a walk, go swimming or dance around the house, but make sure you stay on top of it and practise these activities at least five days a week. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>5. Drink more water</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Drinking water over other beverages may help control blood sugar and insulin levels. Drinking primarily water will stop you from over consuming beverages that are high in sugar and preservatives, in turn reducing the risk of diabetes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>6. Eat more fibre</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Getting an adequate amount of fibre is beneficial for gut health and weight management. Having a good source of fibre at each meal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

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6 natural ways to improve your memory

<p>It’s a common concern that as we age our mind will start to slip, and the first thing to go can be your memory. But there are some easy, natural things you can do to keep your brain sharp, no matter how old you are.</p> <p><strong>1. Sleep!</strong></p> <p>This has to be the most-simple memory-boosting trick of all. Everyone has found himself or herself forgetful, irritable or fuzzy after a poor night’s sleep. That’s because your body uses sleep time to restore brain function and solidify the connections between neurons, which will help you remember more of your tasks. Aim for at least seven hours a night, though you’ll be pleased to know that naps also count towards your total. To ensure a good night’s sleep, stick to a regular bedtime schedule, don’t use your gadgets in bed and avoid stimulants (like coffee) in the evening. You should wake up feeling bright, refreshed and ready to face the day.</p> <p><strong>2. Jog your memory, literally</strong></p> <p>Physical exercise is great for your whole body, including your brain. Every time you perform a physical activity your brain’s massive neural network is stimulated. Raising your heart rate gets more blood flowing to your brain, enlarges the hippocampus (the most vital part of the brain for memory), and increases the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein necessary for long-term memory. Work out in the morning to spike your brain activity and prepare yourself for the mental stresses of the day. Look for exercises that combine coordination with cardiovascular activity, such as dance classes, to really stimulate your brain.</p> <p><strong>3. Find your inner Zen</strong></p> <p>Meditation has been proven to improve memory and overall brain function. Research has shown that it can actually change the physical structure of the brain, such as a thickening of the cerebral cortex through improved blood flow. The cortex is responsible for important brain functions like concentration, learning and memory. Meditating regularly can delay cognitive decline and prevent neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. And it’s easy to do at home – there are plenty of apps that will take you through guided meditations to suit any mood or time of day. Or you can simply take some time out to take deep breaths, focus on your breathing and clear your mind.</p> <p><strong>4. Puzzle it out</strong></p> <p>Essentially, the brain is like any other muscle – you need to use it to keep it in top form. Mentally stimulating games like Sudoku, crosswords or chess will improve your cognitive function and keep your memory sharp. Keep your brain engaged with stimulating activities, like learning a language or instrument, or test yourself by taking on new challenges. Working your brain like this stimulates the short term memory and, once the cellular machinery is in motion, it will keep working on your long term memory.</p> <p><strong>5. You are what you eat</strong></p> <p>A varied diet with plenty of antioxidant rich vegetables, colourful fruits and lean protein will have a positive impact on your brain, but there are also number of foods that have been shown to directly improve brain function. Oily fish like salmon or sardines are rich in omega 3 DHA, a fatty acid that’s essential for brain performance and memory. Eggs are a great source of choline, an important nutrient used to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, another type of omega 3. Turmeric has also been shown to reduce inflammation and can reduce the plaque on the brain that leads to Alzheimer’s.</p> <p><strong>6. Have fun</strong></p> <p>Laughter and love can be two of the most enjoyable ways to improve your memory. Both release oxytocin and dopamine (the happy hormones) and reduce the presence of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Excess cortisol can damage the hippocampus and eventually impair learning and memory. Studies have shown that children retain more information when learning in a fun, playful atmosphere as opposed to a stressful one. So have a laugh with your friends, hug your partner or put on that classic comedy – it’s good for you!</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/04/ways-to-make-decisions-when-indecisive/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Are you indecisive? Here are 6 ways to help you make decisions</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/04/tips-to-being-more-assertive/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>4 tips to be more assertive</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/03/benefits-of-cultivating-mindfulness-in-your-life/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 benefits of cultivating mindfulness in your life</strong></em></span></a></p>

Mind

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Natural wonders you must see before they disappear

<p>While we don’t mean to alarm anyone, you’ve likely heard the grim timelines: if global warming continues, the Great Barrier Reef will be bleached by 2030; glaciers in the Swiss Alps, on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and in Glacier National Park will disappear in under 40 years; and Arctic ice melt will send polar bears into extinction. It’s a sad state of affairs.</p> <p>So while we sit and hope for a miracle, make sure you travel and see any of the precious places on your bucket list before it’s too late.</p> <p>While you might be thinking that tourism will add stress to these already distressed areas, in actual fact it can also provide income, which in turn can help preserve these wonders. Here we look at our top seven areas – some that are lesser know than others – and all of which can be visited responsibly.</p> <p><strong>Belize barrier reef</strong></p> <p>One of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world is home to whale sharks, rays, and manatees, as well as sturgeon, conch and spiny lobsters.</p> <p>The Danger: Sadly, like the Great Barrier Reef here in Australia, the Belize Barrier Reef leads a fragile existence. A section of the nearly 700-mile-long Mesoamerican Reef that reaches from Mexico to Honduras, the Belize reef suffered a severe bleaching in 1998, with a loss of 50 percent of its coral in many areas, including much of its distinctive staghorn coral. Since the bleaching, its decline has continued, due to global warming of the world’s seas, agricultural pollution, development, and increasing tourism, which has given rise to more coastal development and an invasion of cruise ships.</p> <p><strong>The Congo Basin</strong></p> <p>Tropical rainforests like the Congo Basin produce 40 per cent of the world’s oxygen and serve as a vital source of food, medicine and minerals.</p> <p>The Danger: At more than 1.3 million square miles, the Congo Basin has the world’s second-largest rainforest. According to the UN, up to two-thirds of the forest and its unique plants and wildlife could be lost by 2040 unless more effective measures are taken to protect it. Extending across six nations, 10 million acres of forest is degraded each year due to mining, illegal logging, farming, ranching and guerilla warfare. Roads cut by loggers and miners have also enabled poachers and bushmeat hunters to prey on endangered animals like mountain gorillas, forest elephants, bonobos and okapis. As the forest shrinks, less carbon dioxide is absorbed, and rain decreases, adding to climate change.</p> <p><strong>The Dead Sea</strong></p> <p>It’s the lowermost spot on earth (1,312 feet below sea level to be exact), has 10 times more saline than seawater (meaning that you would float like a cork does in water), and is believed to contain therapeutic minerals.</p> <p>The Danger: In the last 40 years, the Dead Sea has shrunk by a third and sunk 80 feet, stranding formerly seaside resorts and restaurants nearly a mile from shore. The Jordan River is the lake’s sole source, and as surrounding countries increasingly tap its waters, little reaches the Dead Sea, which could disappear within 50 years. Further pressure is put on the sea by the cosmetic companies and potash producers who drain it for minerals.</p> <p><strong>The Everglades</strong></p> <p>This 2.5 million–acre wetland in Florida encompasses cypress swamps, mangroves, sawgrass and pine savannahs. It's the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators share territory.</p> <p>The Danger: A host of dangers are putting this delicate wetland at risk: pollution from farms, invasive species, and encroaching development. As a result, The Everglades is now half the size it was in 1900. Worse still, this is the sole habitat of the Florida panther, and there are less than 100 of the creatures left in the wild.</p> <p><strong>Madagascar</strong></p> <p>More than 80 percent of Madagascar’s flora and fauna are found nowhere else on Earth, thanks to millions of years of isolation in the Indian Ocean off of Africa.</p> <p>The Danger: If nothing is done to save the world’s fourth-largest island, its forests will be gone in 35 years (once 120,000 square miles, they're now down to 20,000), and their unique inhabitants along with them. Forest ecosystems are being destroyed by logging, burning for subsistence farms, and poaching.</p> <p><strong>The Maldives</strong></p> <p>The nation is rich in coral reefs and endangered fish — such as the giant Napoleon wrasse, leopard shark and some 250 manta rays (most with wingspans of 10 feet).</p> <p>The Danger: If global warming continues to melt the ice caps and raise sea levels, scientists don’t hold much hope for the Maldives. Its 1,190 small islands and atolls (200 of which are inhabited) scattered across the Indian Ocean rise a mere eight-feet above sea level. In 2008, the President of the Maldives announced the government would start buying land in other countries, including India, for future homes for citizens displaced by rising waters. In 2009, he held a cabinet meeting underwater to stress the islands' vulnerability.</p> <p><strong>The Poles</strong></p> <p>The natural phenomena here are unique and inspiring: towering icebergs, Aurora Borealis, and majestic animals (penguins, polar bears, whales).</p> <p>The Danger: The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the world’s largest non-profit ocean research group, has predicted that 80 per cent of the emperor penguin population of Antarctica will be lost, and the rest in danger of extinction, if global warming continues. As sea ice disappears at the poles, so do entire ecosystems: the phytoplankton that grows under ice sheets feeds zooplankton and small crustaceans like krill, which are on the food chain for fish, seals, whales, polar bears and penguins. Studies predict that with continued warming, within 20 to 40 years, no ice will form in Antarctica.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Immerse yourself at the Lakemba Ramadan Markets

<p dir="ltr">The night markets in celebration of the holy month of Ramadan have once again hit the streets of Lakemba from 5pm till late. </p> <p dir="ltr">Popular for the street-long stalls filled with delicious dishes from different countries, the culturally diverse event is open to everyone. </p> <p dir="ltr">The markets run for a month, until the end of the Ramadan. </p> <p dir="ltr">A must go-to event, the markets are spectacular for a night out with the family and friends to culturally immerse yourself. </p> <p dir="ltr">The most talked about meal is the camel burger – which you would likely have to wait a while for, thanks to the line stretching literally hundreds of metres. But, it is totally worth it. </p> <p dir="ltr">If it’s something that you’ve always wanted to try and you want to skip the queues, then here’s a hint: head over at 5pm before those who are fasting slowly make their way over.  </p> <p dir="ltr">Other main meals could include rotis with beef or chicken curry, satay chicken skewers, or murtabak – which is a thin dough filled with eggs and onions, </p> <p dir="ltr">Of course, at every event there are chips on a stick which are a favourite for the kids. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you’re a sweet tooth, you are not short on options with stalls and stalls of knafeh, a decadent sweet cheese dish topped up with pistachio and rose water. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can also get simple desserts such as chocolate dipped strawberries, or turkish ice cream rolled through pistachios. </p> <p dir="ltr">To freshen up, you must try the fresh lemonade, or if you want something on the warmer side then try the milky drink sahlep, which is also topped with rose water. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can of course find Turkish coffee at a few stalls but otherwise, the world is your oyster at Haldon St in Lakemba. </p> <p dir="ltr">The best way to get there is by train, as there’s a stop conveniently just around the corner. Do not drive as you won’t be able to leave for a while. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sahar Mourad</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Losing the natural world comes with major risks for your super fund and bank

<p>As the economist Herman Daly pithily said, the economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment – not the reverse. Nature makes our lives possible through what scientists call <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-humans-really-need-other-species-185171">ecosystem services</a>. Think healthy food, clean water, feed for livestock, building materials, medicine, flood and storm control, recreation, and attractions for tourists. </p> <p>Despite this, Australian businesses and financial institutions have so far failed to track how their activities both rely on and affect nature. This means our investments and superannuation could be exposed to <a href="https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0667/">hidden financial risks</a>because of nature loss – and may also contribute to the destruction of nature. </p> <p>That’s set to change. The private sector is <a href="https://theconversation.com/taking-care-of-business-the-private-sector-is-waking-up-to-natures-value-153786">waking up</a> to nature’s value (and the risks of losing it). The world’s biodiversity rescue plan <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-historic-cop15-outcome-is-an-imperfect-game-changer-for-saving-nature-heres-why-australia-did-us-proud-196731">agreed to last year</a> could help motivate governments and businesses to clean up their investments by directing more money to protect nature and less towards <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/28/banks-lent-1-9tn-linked-to-ecosystem-and-wildlife-destruction-in-2019-report-aoe">bankrolling extinction</a>. </p> <p>There’s one crucial plank we’re missing though – mandatory reporting of how businesses both depend on and impact nature.</p> <h2>Nature and financial health are inextricably linked</h2> <p>Fully half of the world’s total economic activity – <a href="https://www.weforum.org/press/2020/01/half-of-world-s-gdp-moderately-or-highly-dependent-on-nature-says-new-report/">around A$61 trillion</a> – is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. </p> <p>In Australia, that figure is very similar: <a href="https://www.acf.org.au/the-nature-based-economy-how-australias-prosperity-depends-on-nature">around half</a> of our GDP – $896 billion – has a moderate to very high direct dependence on ecosystem services provided by nature.</p> <p>What happens when we breach nature’s limits? Ecosystem services seize up or collapse, eventually disrupting these sectors. The tireless pollination work of honeybees, for instance, is <a href="https://www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Karasinski-JM-2018_The-Economic-Valuation-of-Australian-Managed-and-Wild-Honey-Bee-Pollinators-in-2014-2015.pd">valued at</a> $14 billion a year. Or take Australia’s wheatbelt, where poor soil health is <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ldr.3130">now costing</a> farmers almost $2 billion a year in lost income. </p> <p>Ecosystem services are not hypothetical. They have real value – and we will absolutely notice if they are gone.</p> <h2>What does this have to do with my super?</h2> <p>Australia’s super sector is responsible for the retirement savings of around <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/research-and-statistics/in-detail/super-statistics/super-accounts-data/multiple-super-accounts-data/">12 million Australians</a>. Super funds are directly exposed to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/sustainability-blog/nature-risk-is-the-next-challenge-that-demands-a-global-solution">financial risk</a> from nature loss through their investment portfolios. </p> <p>Just as farmers can’t grow crops without healthy soils or pollinators, developers can’t build apartments without timber or environmental permits. In turn, that has implications for their value as investments.</p> <p>And because so many sectors are exposed, classic investment strategies such as <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest/diversification">diversification</a> may no longer protect your super from losses. </p> <p>So what are our super funds and banks doing about it?</p> <p>To find out, we <a href="https://www.acf.org.au/risky-business-report">surveyed</a> ten super funds and ten retail banks about their responses to nature-related risks. The survey – commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation – is the first time this has been done in Australia. </p> <p>The findings? Not ideal. Every participating super fund and bank agreed the loss of nature now presented a serious risk to investment returns. They all agreed it was part of their responsibility to members and customers to measure and manage these risks. But only 20% of super funds and 10% of banks had attempted to assess how exposed they were.</p> <p>Again, this is not abstract. Super funds often have large holdings in the big four banks. Together, these banks have $170 billion in exposure to agriculture, mining, fisheries, and forestry – sectors directly reliant on a functioning natural world. </p> <p>So why isn’t it a higher priority? One issue may be that many financial institutions are currently focused on climate change, given how rapidly impacts are mounting. But climate change and the breakdown of natural systems are twin crises. Nature offers far and away the largest method of taking carbon back out of the atmosphere, for instance. But that only works if salt marshes and wetlands and forests are intact. </p> <p>Net zero targets for our banks and super funds are not fully credible unless there is a commitment to end the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/high-level-expert-group">financing of deforestation</a>. Only one organisation, Australian Ethical, had made such a commitment.</p> <p>You would think Australia’s super funds and banks would be interested to find out how exposed their investments were to this growing risk. Tools to do this such as <a href="https://www.ibat-alliance.org/">IBAT</a> and <a href="https://encore.naturalcapital.finance/en">ENCORE</a> are readily available. </p> <p>But to date, our survey findings don’t indicate banks and funds will do this <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/article/why-more-firms-think-mandatory-biodiversity-risk-reporting-needed">voluntarily</a>. </p> <h2>Banks and super funds may soon have to report these risks</h2> <p>The biodiversity rescue plan agreed to last year – known as the <a href="https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-04-en.pdf">Kunming-Montreal agreement</a> – is intended to set expectations for responsible finance and business globally, as the Paris Agreement did for climate change. </p> <p>That means Australia will be expected to introduce disclosure requirements. If this comes to pass, banks, super funds, and the businesses they invest our savings in will have to measure and publicly report their impact on nature – as well as how much they rely on nature to make a profit.</p> <p>First, though, the Australian government must introduce mandatory nature risk reporting. It’s already moving ahead with plans to make climate risk disclosures <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2022-314397">mandatory</a>. </p> <p>Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated nature is <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/speeches/address-australian-sustainable-finance-institute-sydney">also on his radar</a>.</p> <p>The question then will be whether making this information public will actually do what we hope it will and use money to help natural systems rather than extract from them.</p> <h2>What happens next?</h2> <p>Since taking office, the Labor government has pledged to take action on the perilous decline of the natural world with plans such as bringing the value of nature into our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/16/cop15-australia-us-commit-to-measuring-value-of-nature-and-reflecting-it-in-national-accounts">national accounts</a>. </p> <p>While positive, the real action won’t happen until nature risk reporting is mandatory, <a href="https://theconversation.com/complete-elation-greeted-pliberseks-big-plans-to-protect-nature-but-hurdles-litter-the-path-196287">environment laws with teeth</a> are introduced, and until both governments and private industry direct <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/conl.12682">serious money</a> into helping nature, not harming it. Risky <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-government-hopes-private-investors-will-help-save-nature-heres-how-its-scheme-could-fail-193010">nature credit markets</a> aren’t going to cut the mustard. </p> <p>You don’t have to sit back and wait. Why not ask your super fund and bank what nature-related risks they are exposing your money to?</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/losing-the-natural-world-comes-with-major-risks-for-your-super-fund-and-bank-198669" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Retirement Income

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5 natural ways to eliminate fruit flies

<p>Houseguests don’t come much more unwanted than fruit flies. But how do you show them the door, without having to empty half a can of Mortein in the process.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nowtolove.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Australian Women’s Weekly</strong></span></em></a> has outlined several all-natural solutions:</p> <p><strong>1. Detergent trap</strong></p> <p>Simply add a drop of detergent to a quarter of a glass of wine and leave it overnight next to your fruit bowl. The fruit flies will drop in for a little tipple, and die in the process.</p> <p><strong>2. Apple cider vinegar</strong></p> <p>One to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl near your kitchen bench will attract any pesky fruit flies, and trap them in the process.</p> <p><strong>3. Fruit trap</strong></p> <p>Make a DIY fruit trap with a few pieces of fruit combined with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, piercing a few holes with a fork. The flies will be attracted to the fruit, sneak in the holes and be trapped.</p> <p><strong>4. Essential oil spray</strong></p> <p>A homemade solution with a few drops of tea-tree or eucalyptus oil combined with oil will prevent future fruit flies from coming (and smells a whole lot better than Mortein).</p> <p><strong>5. Sink drain</strong></p> <p>Pour a bucket of boiling water mixed with detergent down your sink. This will kill any fruit fly eggs, and eliminate any fruit flies living in that area.</p> <p>Do you have any all-natural ways to get rid of fruit flies?</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Australia’s ‘most isolated’ property could be yours

<p dir="ltr">A parcel of land in Tasmania is up for grabs, but unlike other vacant lots on the market right now, this one offers seclusion and undisturbed ocean views.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 100-acre lot is located on the western side of King Island, Bungaree, overlooking the Southern Ocean.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/253-buttons-road-bungaree-tas-7256-2017573996?gclid=Cj0KCQiAg_KbBhDLARIsANx7wAw9ka8CM9bZOC-j1ZlJxaoSebxdZwvNNYs1NYPIUosFh-7dIBZZF5waAr97EALw_wcB?utm_source=nine.com.au&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=editorial-content" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>, made through Circa Heritage and Lifestyle Property Specialists, the block serves as the perfect opportunity “to create an oasis” fit for nature lovers, environmentalists or “anyone in search of seclusion and privacy”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with its proximity to the ocean, the property includes a heart-shaped dam and creek that runs into the ocean.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are no other properties in sight either, so if its new owner builds their dream home they will just have the birds, fish, and kangaroos to keep them company.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is said there is 'something special' about the water quality on this acreage with it's heart shaped dam and permanent creek running to the ocean where thousands of crayfish were released by the Tasmanian Government and where the locals say the crayfish from these waters gown three years faster than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere!” the listing says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Add to this abalone fishing at your fingertips, an enormous array of fish and bird species passing through throughout the year from the Northern Hemisphere, a private sandy swimming and surfing beach, a well-protected bay for launching your own boat safely and easily and even a cray fishing licence available and you have what can only be described as a nature lover's paradise.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The property has potential for cattle, sheep and goats, while abalone and cray fishing are on its doorstep.</p> <p dir="ltr">While it is isolated and private, the property’s future owner can still socialise, with the island offering golf courses, cafes and restaurants at its heart and Melbourne at just a 45-minute flight away.</p> <p dir="ltr">“'253 Buttons Road' offers the opportunity to create a stunning and secluded family home, holiday retreat, boutique tourism venture or off-grid, eco-friendly haven in a pristine and unspoiled location,” the listing reads.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-44452fc6-7fff-76eb-236a-da39fb763056"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Circa Heritage and Lifestyle Property Specialists</em></p>

Real Estate

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15 facts (and pictures!) that prove penguins are the world’s most adorable animals

<p>Every day is a good day to appreciate these tuxedo-wearing birds.</p> <p><strong>Nearly all penguins live in the southern hemisphere</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/01-can-penguins-Shutterstuck-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Contrary to media representations of the North Pole, no penguins live up there. The 17 penguin species (some scientists say there are 20) are spread out between Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. The only exception is the Galapagos penguins, who live close to the equator on the Galapagos Islands and occasionally venture into northern hemisphere waters.</p> <p><strong>Penguins have been around for a long time</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/02-emperor-penguins-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>An amateur fossil hunter discovered the bone of an extinct penguin ancestor, and scientists say it’s 61 million years old. That means it probably outlived the dinosaurs that went extinct 65.5 million years ago. Fossils also suggest that this prehistoric bird could fly and could grow up to 150 centimetres tall.</p> <p><strong>They eat a lot</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/03-penguin-eating-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Penguins are carnivores, and their diets consist of fish, krill, crabs, squid, and other sea creatures. According to Smithsonian Magazine, they can eat over one kilogram of food every day during summer months, but eat only a third of that during the winter.</p> <p><strong>They sneeze</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/04-sneeze-penguin-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Their sneezes serve an important purpose, though. Because they eat so much seafood, penguins also consume a lot of saltwater. To get rid of all that salt, their supraorbital glands above their eyes filter it out of the bloodstream, and then, the penguins excrete it through their bills or their sneezes.</p> <p><strong>The littlest penguin may be the cutest</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/05-little-penguin-wildlife-park-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Little blue penguins (also called fairy penguins) really are little. They only grow to be 33-38 centimetres tall, and adults only weigh one kilogram.</p> <p><strong>Emperor penguins are the largest species</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/06-emperor-penguins-sliding-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>They’re around 120 centimetres feet tall and can weigh up to 40 kilograms.</p> <p><strong>Penguins are expert swimmers</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/07-swimming-penguin-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>No, these adorable birds can’t fly. Instead, they use their wings to fly through the water (so to speak) at speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour.</p> <p><strong>They can’t help but waddle</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/08-gentoo-penguin-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Penguins’ bodies are shaped to easily glide through water, with a long body and short legs. So when they walk, the result is a clumsy-looking waddle. Penguins also get around on land by hopping and tobogganing, where they glide on their bellies and use their feet and wings to gain speed.</p> <p><strong>They spend most of their time in the water</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/09-gentoo-penguins-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>According to Ocean Conservancy, penguins spend about 75 per cent of their lives in water. They go on land to mate, lay eggs, and raise their babies.</p> <p><strong>Speaking of penguin babies…</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/10-emperor-penguin-chicks-Shuttersetock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>They’re called chicks or nestlings. They form little groups called crèches to look out for predators and keep each other warm while their parents look for food.</p> <p><strong>Penguins are romantic</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/11-shutterstock_516711187-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Some penguin species mate for life, like the macaroni penguin. These guys and gals show their affection by performing an ‘ecstatic display,’ in which they swing their heads back and forth and cackle loudly.</p> <p><strong>Birds of a feather mate together</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/12-king-penguins-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>Most penguin species breed in large groups called colonies (only two species don’t) for protection. Those groups can range from a couple hundred to hundreds of thousands of penguins!</p> <p><strong>Daddy penguins keep their eggs warm</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/13-dad-penguins-incubate-eggs-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>At least, male emperor penguins do, but not by sitting on them. These dads balance the eggs on their feet and cover them with feathered skin called a brood pouch. They stay like this for two months – without food and with no protection from the Antarctica weather – until the mums come back with food for the young ones. Talk about parents of the year!</p> <p><strong>Their feathers keep them camouflaged</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/14-king-penguins-1-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></strong></p> <p>When penguins swim, their black backs keep them invisible from predators up above, and their white bellies blend into the bright sunlight coming through the waves. We bet your tuxedo can’t do that.</p> <p><strong>Feathers also keep them warm</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/15-imperial-penguins-colony-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /></p> <p>Penguins don’t have blubber like other sea animals, but their many feathers serve the same purpose. (In particular, emperor penguins have 100 feathers per six square centimetres). The feathers trap a layer of warm air next to their skin, and their surface feathers get colder than the surrounding air to keep their bodies warm.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-d01c285d-7fff-1863-8624-cd52bd052f15">Written by Claire Nowak. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/animal-kingdom/15-facts-and-pictures-that-prove-penguins-are-the-worlds-most-adorable-animals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Natural spaces linked to better health – especially for poorer areas

<p>We know wealth is a huge decider of public health, with people in wealthier neighbourhoods enjoying longer life expectancy. Now a new study has suggested that natural spaces can reduce this inequality.</p> <p>Published in the Journal of Epidemiology of Community Health, the research suggests that the amount of green and blue space in an area lengthens the lifespans of people under 65: and, critically, narrows the lifespan gap between richer and poorer areas.</p> <p>Fighting for green space is nothing new to many people, like those in places like Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, but this new understanding will add weight to their arguments that it needs to be retained.</p> <p>The researchers took data from the 2016 Scottish Burden of Disease study, which tracks health in the Scottish population at a local level.</p> <p>Examining data from people aged under 65, the researchers tracked “years of life lost”, or YLL, to get an idea of the chance of premature death.</p> <p>The researchers then used the Ordnance Survey Mastermap to examine area of natural space or private garden. This included woodland, marshes, open water, natural and semi natural grassland (such as grass on sports pitches, roadside verges, and farmland), agriculture, and bare rocky ground or sand and soil.</p> <p>Comparing these two showed that areas with the highest income deprivation had smallest amount of natural space and gardens, as well as the worst health.</p> <p>But, even when wealth was controlled for, natural spaces were still linked with improved health.</p> <p>Every 10% increase in natural space was associated with a 7% fall in premature deaths.</p> <p>Because the study is observational, the researchers can’t show that natural spaces are causing better health: even though income has been taken into account, there may be other factors at play.</p> <p>But, since this result is similar to other studies which have found a beneficial effect of nature, the researchers are hopeful that natural spaces have an “equigenic” effect: they can help to equalise the effects of wealth inequality.</p> <p>“An increased amount of natural/green spaces within local areas has the potential to reduce the disparity in YLL between the most and least income deprived areas,” write the researchers in their paper.</p> <p>An accompanying editorial points out that we still don’t fully understand why natural spaces are good for our health.</p> <p>“Why is green space beneficial? An obvious explanation is that interaction with the natural environment drove our evolution; thus, we prefer biologically diverse environments and derive mental benefits from them,” write the editorial authors, who weren’t involved with the research.</p> <p>“Physical activity, facilitated by green space, is an established contributor to better health,” they add. They also suggest that more time in green space improves the diversity of our microbiome and immunity, but advocate for more research in the area.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/natural-space-health-inequality/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Ellen Phiddian.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

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7 natural ways to make your home smell better

<p>Nothing makes us feel more productive than whipping out our scrubs and subjecting our home to a deep cleansing session. Conversely, nothing makes us feel unhealthier than breathing in the chemical-laden scents that seem to linger for days. While cleaning often is paramount to maintaining a germ-free home, these harsh cleaning products can be hazardous to your health and also leave your home smelling like a hand sanitiser rather than a comfortable environment.</p> <p>It’s time to deodorise your home the right way to make it fresh for entertaining guests. That’s why we’ve concocted a few natural formulas below that will not only leave your home clean but smelling sweet.</p> <p><strong>1. Cutting board</strong></p> <p>You’re likely aware of the all-purpose benefits of coconut oil, but what you might not know is that it has natural antibacterial properties, making it the perfect ingredient to introduce into your cleaning routine. If you own a wooden cutting board, you know they require a bit more care. Not only should you regularly clean and sanitise it, but you’ll need to condition the wood at least once a month to keep it from cracking.</p> <p>They’ll also hold up longer and harbor less germs with a regular cleanse, which can be accomplished with coconut oil. First, spray your board with a little vinegar before washing well with warm soapy water. Once dry, gently massage coconut oil into the wood to condition the cutting board and leave it with a shiny finish.</p> <p><strong>2. Microwave</strong></p> <p>If you rely on your microwave to heat leftovers, the mix of aromas from various cuisines can create quite a stench. The stale air from the small, enclosed space in the machine doesn’t help either. Fortunately, deodorising it is incredibly easy. Fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water, and squeeze in one whole lemon. Heat the bowl in the microwave for five minutes, and then let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool. When you open the door, you’ll be met with a clean, fresh scent.</p> <p><strong>3. Garbage disposal</strong></p> <p>Your garbage disposal can be a deep, dark, scary place. It can also smell pretty horrific after mixing up a bad combination of old food. Get rid of offensive scents by tossing two cups of ice and one cup of salt down a clear disposal and run it with cold water. The ice, salt and water will negate the smell, but if you want to leave a fresh scent, follow this combo up by running it again with half a lemon.</p> <p><strong>4. Cookware</strong></p> <p>Even if you wash your pots and pans regularly with dish soap, they could still use an extra deep-clean in between meals to remove the buildup of excess grease and grime. This natural combo will clean, sanitise and deodorise your cookware and cutting boards with just two ingredients. First, squeeze the juice from one half of a lemon onto the surface; then sprinkle with a generous amount of coarse sea salt, and squeeze the second half of the lemon on top.</p> <p>Use the halved lemons as your sponges to scrub the salt into the board. Finish by removing the salt with damp paper towels. The lemon removes the potent scents of garlic and onions, and the salt works to sanitise the surface.</p> <p><strong>5. Glass and mirrors</strong></p> <p>Before there was Windex, there was vinegar. This throwback trick works just as well now to create a crystal-clear, smudge-free reflection in your glasses and mirrors. Simply mix distilled water with white vinegar in equal parts. While there’s vinegar specifically created for cleaning, you can also use a white vinegar from your cooking cabinet. If you’re not a big fan of the strong vinegar scent, mix in a couple drops of your favourite essential oil (we’re big fans of lavender) to dilute the sourness. Wipe down your windows and glass surfaces with a lint-free cloth for exceptional shine.</p> <p><strong>6. Oven</strong></p> <p>While cleaning out your oven might feel like an enormous feat, it’s imperative to make sure you don’t leave old food or grease laying around in fear of bad odours, or worse, a grease fire. Spritz your oven with water to wet (but not soak) the surface; then coat with baking soda to make a paste. Close the door and leave the paste on overnight or for a few hours during the day. Then scrub out all of the baking soda with some water. The paste will turn brown from all the grease and grime.</p> <p>Be sure to wipe off all of the baking soda before using the oven. You can also top it off with a vinegar-water mix from before to add extra shine.</p> <p><strong>7. Bathroom</strong></p> <p>The bathroom is a cleaner’s worst nightmare due to the endless list of places to clean – the tiles, the tub, the toilet, oh my! But just a few simple formulas can have the room spick-and-span. A sprinkle of baking soda mixed with water will take on tough stains on grout.</p> <p>Baking soda can also be used to freshen, clean, and sanitise the toilet: Coat the bowl, and scrub with a mixture of vinegar diluted with water. To tackle the tub, shower, and sink, use the 50/50 water and vinegar solution (mixed with essential oils if you prefer a sweeter scent) to remove scum from soap and shampoo.</p> <p>Do you have a nifty trick for keeping your home smelling great that you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Meghan Rooney. First appeared on <strong><a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au.</span></a></strong></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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5 of the best national parks in Australia

<p>There are more than 500 national parks in Australia covering some 28 million hectares. These are some of our favourites.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the most spectacular images from these national parks.</p> <p><strong>1. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania</strong></p> <p>Tasmania is incredibly beautiful and Freycinet might just be the most beautiful place in it. For starters, there’s Wineglass Bay, a picture-perfect spot where aquamarine ocean meets white sand meets green forest. Then there are the pink granite peaks of the Hazards mountain range that seem to glow from within at sunset. Add to that great walking trails, incredible eco-friendly lodges and delicious local food and wine, and you’ve got an unbeatable park.</p> <p><strong>2. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria</strong></p> <p>Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area covers more than 50,000 hectares and is made up of lush wetlands, forested valleys, imposing granite mountains and beaches with sand so clean it literally squeaks beneath your feet. The park is threaded with walking tracks that will take you up close to a huge range of wildlife, like kangaroos, emus, wombats and echidnas. You can even feed brightly-plumed rosellas right from your hand.</p> <p><strong>3. Carnarvon National Park, Queensland</strong></p> <p>A lush oasis in the semi-arid centre of Queensland, the park is centred around Carnarvon Gorge. This steep-sided canyon rises up above Carnarvon Creek and is dotted with inviting swimming holes, hanging gardens and huge boulders. It’s home to an abundance of birdlife as well as many species of plant you won’t find anywhere else in the region. Explore one of the narrow spears off the main gorge in search of ancient rock art sites and the largest ferns in the world.</p> <p><strong>4. Royal National Park, New South Wales</strong></p> <p>Australia is home to the second oldest national park in the world and it’s just outside of Sydney. The Royal National Park was established in 1879 and is a spectacular mix of bushland and beach. The park was originally designed as a place for Sydneysiders to relax, rather than as an environmental preserve, so it’s one of the most user-friendly parks in the country. You could spend weeks walking the paths, picnicking in picturesque clearings, kayaking along the river or swimming in quiet coves.</p> <p><strong>5. Purnululu National Park, Western Australia</strong></p> <p>It’s hard to believe that the outside world only discovered the jawdropping sandstone landscapes of the Bungle Bungles in the 1980s. Purnululu, home to the unique rock formations, is one of the country’s newest national parks and was formed in 1987. Walk through long narrow chasms and huge gorges large enough to host a full scale symphony, with walls rising up to 300 metres. The Bungle Bungles are an incredible sight from the air, so think about a scenic flight from nearby Kununurra.</p> <p>Have you visited any of the national parks mentioned above? Is there any that you think we should add to our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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