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What is POTS? And how is it related to long COVID?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marie-claire-seeley-1364457">Marie-Claire Seeley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/celine-gallagher-1454881">Celine Gallagher</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> POTS or “postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome” is a poorly recognised condition we’ve been <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/what-is-pots-and-how-is-it-related-to-covid-20230529-p5dc3v.html">hearing more</a> about recently. When people stand up, get out of bed or off the sofa, their heart races and they feel dizzy and fatigued, severely impacting their quality of life. Everyday tasks, such as washing their hair in the shower or working, become challenging because people cannot stay upright. Before COVID, this debilitating condition was not widely talked about. But during the pandemic, we’ve been learning about the strong similarities with long COVID. In fact, our recent research shows more than <a href="https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(23)00402-3/fulltext">three-quarters</a> of people with long COVID we studied had POTS. <h2>What triggers it?</h2> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.12895">Multiple studies</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37338634/">including our own</a>, have shown viral infection is the most common trigger for POTS. Then came the pandemic, with <a href="https://covid19.who.int">almost 800 million people</a> infected so far with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. The World Health Organization <a href="https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition">says</a> 10-20% of people infected with COVID are likely to develop long COVID – when unexplained symptoms persist three months or more after the infection. Now, more research is showing how long COVID resembles POTS. Many people with long COVID show similar symptoms. <h2>What we and others have found</h2> Our recent study found <a href="https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(23)00402-3/fulltext">nearly 80%</a> of people with long COVID had POTS. In people who had both and were of similar age, symptoms were indistinguishable from those who got POTS from other causes. The people in our study either attended a specialist cardiology clinic for people with POTS or long COVID, or came via a long COVID support group on social media. So we cannot generalise our results to people managing their long COVID at home or with their GP. Earlier this year, a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41569-023-00842-w">review</a> said about 30% of people with people with “highly symptomatic” long COVID also had POTS. <a href="https://www.onlinecjc.ca/article/S0828-282X(22)01091-1/fulltext">Most (73%)</a> met criteria for POTS and other types of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Taken together, we can conclude that many, but not all, cases of long COVID can be explained by POTS – a condition we’ve known about for years and know how to manage. <h2>What happens if you have POTS?</h2> We suspect some cases of POTS result from a hyper-vigilant immune response to an invading pathogen, such as a virus. This, or another trigger, affects the autonomic nervous system. This part of the nervous system balances a vast array of functions including maintaining blood flow to vital organs, digestion, temperature control, sweating and even sexual function. Even if the autonomic nervous system is marginally disturbed, it leads to the physiological equivalent of anarchy. The simplest of daily tasks – such as washing your hair in the shower – can result in profound symptoms of dizziness, a racing heart, breathlessness, brain fog and general exhaustion. In other research <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10286-023-00955-9">published</a> earlier this year, we found people with POTS have a poor quality of life – poorer than people with chronic illnesses such as HIV, cancer, or cardiovascular and kidney disease. <h2>A long path to diagnosis</h2> Many patients are also forced to negotiate a diagnostic odyssey littered with tales of disbelief and dismissal by medical professionals, friends and family. Diagnosis can <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.12895">take years</a>. In our <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Sport/LongandrepeatedCOVID/Submissions">submission</a> to the parliamentary inquiry into long COVID, we shared the experiences of people with POTS symptoms and their frustration at the lack of recognition by the medical profession. One health worker said: "I am a nurse myself and specifically brought up that I believed I had POTS after COVID infection. I was treated like a hypochondriac and told I had anxiety, which was absolutely ludicrous as I had physical symptoms […] I had many presentations to [the emergency department] with no help or diagnosis whatsoever." <h2>We can do better</h2> Prompt diagnosis is vital in the face of what we suspect are rising numbers of newly diagnosed cases associated with long COVID. Although many people with POTS report they were referred to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.12895">multiple specialists</a> before they were diagnosed, this is not always necessary. GPs can ask you to do a <a href="https://potsfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NASA-Lean-Test-vFinal.pdf">ten-minute standing test</a> to help diagnose it. They can also exclude other common causes of POTS symptoms, such as lung and heart conditions. There is no known cure for POTS. However, once diagnosed, there are <a href="https://www.ausdoc.com.au/therapy-update/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/">multiple things</a> that can improve and manage the condition. A <a href="https://potsfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Malmo-POTS-Score-vFinal.pdf">questionnaire</a> your GP can give you can help prioritise which symptoms to manage. You then work with your trusted GP to manage these. Increasing fluid and salt intake (under the supervision of your GP), and using full-length compression tights is recommended. These help control heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce dizziness. Avoiding triggers is important. These include avoiding standing still for extended periods, hot showers, large meals high in carbohydrates, and hot environments. Many people also benefit from <a href="https://www.ausdoc.com.au/therapy-update/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/">medicines</a> to help control their blood pressure and heart rate. <h2>How about referral?</h2> If referral to specialist services are required, this can be complex and expensive. There are no specialised clinics for POTS in public hospitals. Instead, POTS is mainly managed in the private sector. Referral options can be overwhelming. People may benefit from referral to a range of health professionals to manage their symptoms, including a physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist or exercise physiologist – ideally ones familiar with POTS. All these barriers means access to diagnosis and treatment largely depends on someone having sufficient money, or being confident enough to navigate the health system. <hr /> If you have symptoms such as those we’ve described, see your GP for assessment. For more information about the condition, see the Australian POTS Foundation <a href="https://potsfoundation.org.au">website</a>, which also <a href="https://potsfoundation.org.au/clinician-directory/">lists</a> doctors and allied health professionals who are “POTS aware”.<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/208280/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marie-claire-seeley-1364457">Marie-Claire Seeley</a>, PhD Candidate, Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/celine-gallagher-1454881">Celine Gallagher</a>, Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/what-is-pots-and-how-is-it-related-to-long-covid-208280">original article</a>.

Body

Man charged with murdering his mother with a pot plant

A 56-year-old man From Tumbi, on the NSW Central Coast has been charged with murder, after allegedly killing his 82-year-old mother. Police allege the man assaulted the woman on the morning of the 28th of July, using a pot plant in home they shared together. He then left the premises, and later returned to ring emergency services. Police say they received the call around 5:15 pm and rushed to the scene to conduct a welfare check. Upon arrival they found the woman dead with head injuries. The man was arrested at the scene and taken to Wyong Police station where he was charged. "The man has been charged with murder," a statement read. "He was refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court later today." The home remains a crime scene as police investigate. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit <a href="http://1800respect.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1800RESPECT.org.au</a>. In an emergency, call 000. Image: Nine News

News

Ten gardening tips for beginners

Wondering how to start a garden? You can find your confidence to do it with these expert gardening tips. Site it right Starting a garden is pretty much all about location. Place your garden in a part of your yard where you'll see it regularly because if it’s out of sight, it’ll be out of mind. This way, you'll be much more likely to spend time in it. Follow the sun Misjudging sunlight is a common pitfall when you're first learning to garden. Pay attention to how sunlight plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. Most edible plants, including many vegetables, herbs, and fruits, need at least six hours of sun in order to thrive. Stay close to water One of the best gardening tips you'll ever get is to plan your new garden near a water source. Make sure you can run a hose to your garden site, so you don't have to carry water to it each time your plants get thirsty. The best way to tell if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that's about one knuckle deep). If it's dry, it's time to water. Start with great soil When starting a garden, one of the top pieces of advice is to invest in soil which is nutrient-rich and well-drained. You can buy garden soil from hardware stores and mix this in with existing soil to make it more nutrient- dense for your plants. Consider containers When space is at a premium, look to containers. You can grow many plants in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. When gardening in containers, use a pot that's large enough for the plant it's hosting, and fill it with some potting mix. This will help the plants to thrive and it will also protect against over and under watering. Choose the right plants It's important to select plants which match your growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants into a sunny spot, choosing heat-tolerant plants in warm climates, and giving ground-gobbling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room - or a trellis to climb up. Do your homework and pick varieties which will grow well where you live and in the space you have. Discover your zone Knowing your ‘hardiness zone’ can help you choose the best plants. Simply put, it describes the coldest place a plant can grow. The higher the zone number, the warmer the climate. So, if a plant is ‘hardy to zone 4’ and you garden in zone 5, that plant will survive in your yard. If, however, you're in zone 3, it's too cold to grow that particular plant. Learn your frost dates Planting too early or late in the season can spell disaster for your garden. You need to know the last average spring frost date for your area so you don't accidentally kill plants by putting them out prematurely. It's also good to know your first average fall frost date so you can get your plants harvested or moved indoors before late-season cold damages them. Add some mulch Apply a layer of mulch that's two to three inches deep around each plant. This will help reduce weeds by blocking out the sun, and reduce moisture loss through evaporation, so you have to water less. Or, you can put down straw, shredded leaves, pine straw or some other locally available material. Feed plants regularly We've already talked about the importance of starting with great soil, but that soil works best in concert with regular boosts of high-quality nutrition for your plants. In other words, amazing soil + top-notch plant food = super garden success! So, a month after planting, begin feeding your garden with some plant food you’re your local store and be sure to follow label directions. Photos: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Try this one pot lamb shanks with button mushrooms

Need some weeknight dinner inspiration? Why not try this tender-to-the-bone lamb shank recipe? Serves: 3 | Cooks in: 3 hours and 10 minutes Ingredients <ul> <li>50g (1/3 cup) plain flour, to dust</li> <li>4 lamb shanks, Frenched</li> <li>1½ tbsp olive oil</li> <li>½ bottle red wine</li> <li>12 eschalots, peeled</li> <li>1 bunch thyme, half trussed, half leaves picked</li> <li>400g Button Mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to season</li> <li>Creamy polenta, to serve (¾ cup with 750ml mix of chicken stock and milk, butter and finely grated parmesan)</li> </ul> Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the flour into a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper. Dust the lamb shanks in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. 2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large, heavy-based, ovenproof saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the shanks for 5 minutes, turning, until browned. Remove and set aside. 3. Pour in the wine and boil for 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Return the shanks to the pan with the eschalots and trussed thyme. Pour in enough water to submerge the shanks and bring up to a simmer. Cover the surface with a piece of baking paper, then cover with a lid and place in the oven for 1.5 hours. 4. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and turn the shanks over, topping up with water if necessary. Add the mushrooms and cover with the baking paper and lid, then return to the oven for a further 1.5 hours or until the shank meat is falling from the bone. 5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tsp oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Toast the remaining thyme until bright green, then remove and set aside. 6. Remove the shanks from the pan and place in a bowl, loosely covered with foil and set aside to rest. 7. Place the pan over high heat. Reduce the sauce for 10-12 minutes or until thickened and glossy. 8. Divide polenta among bowls and top with a shank, mushrooms and eschalots. Spoon over the sauce and scatter with toasted thyme to serve. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/one-pot-lamb-shanks-with-button-mushrooms" target="_blank">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

3 things a first-time gardener needs to know

As it’s the beginning of a new year, many are thinking about what kind of hobbies they’d like to take in 2020. If gardening is on your list, here are three things that beginner gardeners need to know. 1. Don’t start too big Beginner gardeners might just see what kind of seeds they want to grow and begin planting, but according to Barbara Murphy, a master gardener coordinator and horticulturist with the University of Maine, this is the opposite of what you should do. “Starting too large is the most common mistake made by first-time gardeners,” said Barbara Murphy, a master gardener coordinator and horticulturist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension for 23 years. “Limit yourself to 10 feet by 10 feet, [3 metres by 3 metres]” she says. “If you grow frustrated because of too many things happening the first year, there’s a good chance you won’t feel like gardening for a second. You can always expand as your skills develop.” 2. Know your soil Knowing what your garden needs soil wise is vital for success. “Good soil preparation is important to success, but be patient,” said Rosie Lerner, an extension horticulturist with Purdue University to <a href="https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/01/05/features/advice-to-first-time-gardeners-think-small-and-find-your-spot/">Star Advertiser</a>. “Don’t force the soil when it’s wet. Soil structures will compact and get tight. That makes it tough for water and air to move through and greatly inhibits growth.” Squeeze the soil gently in your hand. If it crumbles a bit when squeezed, it’s ready for use. “It can take a long time to get good soil texture, and just minutes to destroy it if you work it while it’s too wet,” Lerner said. 3. Get rid of insects as quickly as possible Insects are bad news for growing gardens. “Make regular visits to your garden to check for plant pests,” Murphy said. “Don’t worry about the adults. You want to go after the eggs before they develop into juvenile leaf cutters. Most eggs are on the underside of leaves. Use soapy water and picking or simply remove the infested leaves.”

Home & Garden

5 ways to enrich garden soil

Healthier garden soil means healthier plants. It is the foundation of successful gardening and thus worth paying attention to. Here are 5 ways you can enrich your garden soil. 1. Spread grass <div id="page1" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Grass clippings add nutrients as they decompose. They also provide shade, keeping roots cool and reducing water loss in hot weather. Mix them with leaf litter or dig into the soil to avoid them forming a mat that will repel water. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil">2. Use manure</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil"> <div id="page2" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Cow manure improves soil micro-organisms and chicken manure, which is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, is great for the lawn and vegie patch. TIP: Don’t use manure from carnivores, such as dogs and cats. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil">3. Lay straw</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil"> <div id="page3" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Lucerne hay and pea straw strengthen the soil, so they’re highly recommended. They also break down fairly quickly, which gives the soil a quick nutrient injection, and can be dug in to speed up the process. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil">4. Use bark</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil"> <div id="page4" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> These mulches take longer to break down, so they don’t need applying as often. They shade the soil, help retain moisture, repel weeds and look decorative, but don’t add many nutrients to the plants. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil">5. Add compost</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil"> <div id="page5" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> A well-rounded source of goodness, compost allows water to penetrate the soil. It provides slow-release nutrients, attracts worms and encourages a healthy root system. Best of all, you can make it from kitchen scraps. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil"> Written by Handyman. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.handyman.net.au/5-ways-enrich-garden-soil">Handyman</a>. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

Would you drink this $900 pot of tea?

The Brits are serious about their tea, but a hotel overlooking Buckingham Palace has taken things to the next level with its new offering: an AU$300 cup of tea. The Rubens at The Palace is now serving what is touted to be the most expensive cuppa in the United Kingdom. The rare blend, named “Ceylon Golden Tips”, comes from specialist tea merchant PMD Tea. Produced in the highlands of Sri Lanka, the tea buds are handpicked at sunrise and sundried on a velvet cloth, which is claimed to turn them from silver to gold. The tea is <a href="https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/london-hotel-now-serving-uk-s-most-expensive-cup-tea">described</a> as having a “smooth, light, mellow texture with hints of fruity notes”. The special tea is prepared in a special way – first, the leaves are picked with gold tweezers and weighed “with precision”. They will then be infused using still natural mineral water and poured out from a silver tea set. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-_yL_hs2Z/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-_yL_hs2Z/" target="_blank">The UK’s most expensive Tea. Find it @rubenshotel by Buckingham Palace. Hand picked, high grown Golden Tips, served with a White Glove service. #pmdtea #rubens #rch #tea #luxury #goldentips #ceylontea #london #service #hospitality</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/pmdtea/" target="_blank"> P.M.David Silva & Sons</a> (@pmdtea) on Jul 16, 2019 at 9:27am PDT </div> </blockquote> The tea, which is offered exclusively at the hotel’s Palace Lounge, is priced at £500 (around AU$888) a pot, or roughly AU$300 a cup. The hefty price tag also covers sandwiches, scones and pastries to enjoy alongside the drink. Forking out nearly $900 for a pot of tea may seem excessive – but according to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/uk-most-expensive-pot-of-tea/index.html">CNN</a>, a pound of the tea was priced at the equivalent of AU$2,100 in 1891.

International Travel

No scrubbing necessary! Genius way to remove stains from stainless steel pots

Unfortunately, dirty pans and pots with impossible to remove stains are sentiments we know all too well in the kitchen. After a few uses or even after one bad mix up in the kitchen, our stainless steel appliances can become scorched and stained, and require a muscle workout to get them looking sparkling clean and brand new again. However, there is a solution that has become extremely popular on social media that has proven to work wonders – and the best part is the cleaning trick requires no elbow grease and zero scrubbing! To get a pot or pan back to its glorious original condition, all you need is a dishwashing tablet, a little time and boiling hot water. By placing a dishwashing tablet in your dirty pot with boiling hot water, the dirt, grime and hard-to-remove stains will lift and instead be replaced with a sparkling, unscratched surface. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7826196/dirty.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/666454068f4e41649065b66095be0cab" /> Dishwashing tablets have proven to be a magic trick in the kitchen – and not just for the dishes. Not only are they reported to do wonders on your stainless steel kitchen appliances, cleaning whizzes say they're also able to transform a dirty oven door and also your clothes as a replacement for laundry detergent. Will you be using this simple trick in your kitchen anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below.

Home & Garden

Chinese hot pot with Asian greens and chilli-garlic oil

Stave off the winter chill with this tasty Chinese hot pot. With an added hit of chilli, it's sure to keep you warm on a cold night! Ingredients: <ul> <li>½ brown onion</li> <li>1 knob ginger</li> <li>4 cloves garlic</li> <li>½ long red chilli</li> <li>2 spring onions</li> <li>1 tbsp sesame seeds</li> <li>2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li>1 tsp sesame oil</li> <li>300g pork mince</li> <li>1tsp Chinese five spice</li> <li>1 cube chicken stock</li> <li>3 cups boiling water</li> <li>1 ½ tbsp salt-reduced soy sauce</li> <li>70g baby spinach leaves (handful)</li> <li>300g ramen noodles</li> </ul> Directions: <ol> <li>Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to the boil. Finely slice the brown onion. Peel and finely grate the ginger. Peel and crush the garlic. Finely slice the long red chilli (remove the seeds if you don’t like heat). Finely slice the spring onion.</li> <li>Heat a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, stirring, for 3 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add ¼ of the olive oil, the sesame oil and the pork mince and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for 5 minutes, or until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. Toasting sesame seeds before adding them as a garnish to the hot pot boosts flavour and adds extra crunch.</li> <li>Add ¼ of the olive oil and the brown onion to the same pan on medium-high heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the ginger, ¼ of the garlic and the Chinese five spice. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the crumbled chicken stock cube, boiling water and salt-reduced soy sauce. Simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.</li> <li>Meanwhile, heat a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the long red chilli, the remaining garlic and the remaining olive oil and cook for 4 minutes, or until the chilli and garlic are soft and fragrant.</li> <li>Add the ramen noodles to the saucepan of boiling water and cook for 3 minutes or until soft. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add the drained noodles and the baby spinach leaves to the broth and season to taste with salt and pepper.</li> <li>Divide the noodles, baby spinach leaves and broth between bowls and top with Chinese pork. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onion. Drizzle over the chilli-garlic oil (if using).</li> </ol> Recipe supplied by <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8340400-12931890">HelloFresh</a>. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/chinese-hot-pot-with-asian-greens-and-chilli-garlic-oil.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.

Food & Wine

Little custard pot

These creamy baked custards, delicately flavoured with vanilla and accompanied by a fresh cherry compote, are easy to make and sure to be popular with all ages. Take care not to overcook the custards – they should be just set when you take them out of the oven. Serves: 6 Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: About 1 hour Ingredients <ul> <li>600ml low-fat milk</li> <li>½ vanilla pod, split</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>2 egg yolks</li> <li>2 tablespoons caster sugar</li> <li>½ teaspoon cornflour</li> <li>Cherry compote</li> <li>2 tablespoons raw sugar</li> <li>500g fresh cherries, stoned</li> <li>2 teaspoons arrowroot</li> </ul> Preparation <ol> <li>Place the milk and vanilla pod in a saucepan and heat until almost boiling.</li> <li>Remove from the heat, cover and set aside to infuse for 15 minutes.</li> <li>Preheat the oven to 160°C.</li> <li>Put the whole eggs, egg yolks, caster sugar and cornflour into a bowl and lightly whisk together.</li> <li>Bring the milk back to boiling point, then remove the vanilla pod and pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking all the time.</li> <li>Strain the mixture into a jug, then divide among 6 lightly buttered ½ cup (125ml) ramekin dishes.</li> <li>Set the ramekins in a roasting tin and pour enough hot water into the tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.</li> <li>Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly set – the custards should still be slightly wobbly, as they will continue cooking for a few minutes after being removed from the oven.</li> <li>Lift them out of the tin of hot water and place on a wire rack to cool.</li> <li>Once cold, chill until ready to serve.</li> <li>For the cherry compote, put the raw sugar and 90ml water in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved.</li> <li>Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and add the cherries.</li> <li>Cover and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.</li> <li>Lift out the cherries with a draining spoon and put them into a serving bowl.</li> <li>Mix the arrowroot with 1 tablespoon cold water.</li> <li>Stir into the cherry juices in the saucepan and simmer for 1 minute, stirring, until thickened and clear.</li> <li>Allow to cool for a few minutes, then pour over the cherries.</li> <li>Spoon a little of the cherry compote over the top of each custard pot and serve the rest of the compote in a bowl.</li> </ol> This recipe first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/little-custard-pot">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V">best subscription offer</a>. <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Food & Wine

Police called over neighbourhood pot plant feud

Most of us live quite harmoniously with our neighbours, save for the odd disagreement or noisy dinner party. But one set of neighbours’ petty argument has escalated so dramatically that police were called to intervene. Ying Pratt told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/39623797/victorian-neighbourhood-disputer-over-pot-plant/" target="_blank">7 News</a> her next door neighbours launched a vicious attack after she simply moved their pot plant back onto their property. “He kind of pushed me backwards, put the pot plant back at my feet, and then you know pushed my husband who came over to see what was happening,” Pratt explained. “He went to his garage and got a hand saw and started hacking at our bushes. This was in front of our children. Mind boggling behaviour really.” Security camera footage corroborates Pratt’s account of events, but according to her neighbours, there’s a little more to the story. They say there had been no love lost with the Pratts, and that on the day of the pot plant incident, they were “abused” and “provoked”. This latest episode is one of 20,000 annual neighbourhood complaints in Victoria alone. The biggest sore points for neighbours include fences, trees, parking and dogs. There is a free mediation service to those in Victoria who need to settle minor disputes, keeping them out of the clogged court system. “The mediator will work with neighbours who might have issues with each other, to talk through those range of issues, help them see the other person's point of view and ultimately come up with an agreement or a way forward,” said Dahna Bond from Dispute Settlement Centre in Victoria. Image credit: 7 News.

Home & Garden

The popular pot plant that is landing Aussies in hospital

The humble yucca can be found in many households across Australia, but experts are warning this popular plant could land you in hospital with serious ear injuries. No, we’re not joking. According to a recent study, the yucca, with its sword-shaped leaves has been involved in at least 28 cases of ear trauma since August 2012 – though this number is expected to be higher, given many incidents would go unreported. <img width="600" height="401" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267127/shutterstock_68238745.jpg" alt="Shutterstock _68238745" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Professor Stephen O’Leary, co-author of <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/coa.13049/abstract" target="_blank">a study published in medical journal Clinical Otolaryngology</a>, says that as bizarre as it sounds, the risks posed by yuccas are no laughing matter. “You wouldn’t think that a little pointy leaf that goes into your ear could possibly cause serious injury [but] it’s more like a fencing sword; it’s narrow enough to get right down through the ear drum,” Professor O’Leary told the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/popular-pot-plant-causes-string-of-serious-ear-injuries-20180118-p4yym3.html" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a>. “Most of us were surprised when we started getting these cases through, but then we looked back and thought, hang on, this is happening a lot. And it can go really wrong indeed.” The yucca has become massively popular in recent years thanks to its modern look and virtual indestructability, but Professor O’Leary says it’s important to be careful around its sharp leaves. Though uncertain as to how the incidents occurred, he says it’s likely the injuries happened while moving the plant or doing gardening. He wants Australians to know that a yucca-related ear injury should be treated as a medical emergency needing immediate treatment. But before you give your yucca the old heave-ho, Professor O’Leary recommends simply trimming the sharp points. “The yucca plant is a nice plant and we don’t want to say it’s not. But you might want to think about giving it a bit of a haircut – and just think about where those spiky little fronds are pointing.”

Caring

Michelle Bridges’ passionfruit cheesecake pots

A lovely light dessert – looks so indulgent yet is not bad on the calorie front. Serves: Four Ingredients: <ul> <li>3 tablespoons light spreadable</li> <li>cream cheese</li> <li>100 g fresh full-cream ricotta</li> <li>3 tablespoons Labne</li> <li>4 passionfruit, halved,</li> <li>Seeds and juice scraped</li> <li>1 tablespoon pure maple syrup</li> <li>1 tablespoon pistachio kernels,</li> <li>Finely chopped</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Place the cream cheese and ricotta in a bowl.</li> <li>Using a hand-held mixer, mix on high speed for 2 minutes or until smooth.</li> <li>Add the labne and passionfruit and mix until well combined. Divide the mixture among four 3/4 cup capacity serving glasses or jars and chill for 30 minutes.</li> <li>Top the cheesecake pots with maple syrup and chopped pistachio and serve chilled.</li> </ol> Mmm, doesn’t that sound delicious? Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>.

Food & Wine

The trick to growing herbs in a pot

Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his top tips for growing herbs in a pot. Lots of people ask me about herbs and vegies and whether they grow well in pots and tubs? Well the short answer is yes but it doesn’t just happen without some planning and effort. Some gardeners have to use pots if they don’t have a garden. Others like pots because they can move them around to change the look or to follow the sun. The good news is that by having pots you can keep the plants’ roots warmer through winter by moving them out of the way of frost. Potted plants need more care than garden plants. They require more frequent watering and more fertiliser. You need to re-pot whatever herbs or vegies you buy from the nursery. The pots they come in are way too small to survive long term. Half a dozen herbs in a wine barrel is a good rule of thumb. By the way, if using a wine barrel, make sure you have drainage holes in the bottom otherwise your herbs will drown. Use a good quality potting mix to give your plants the best start and chance for a long life. A nice, light pot like a hanging basket that has had the bottom flattened so it can sit flat is perfect to carry into the kitchen to use when cooking. Don’t leave it in the kitchen except for a few days here and there when it makes a nice feature and is convenient for cooking. I like having a couple of these so I can rotate them regularly. I find that the easiest herbs to grow are rosemary, mint, oregano, parsley, coriander and chives. If they are protected from frost and have plenty of light, water and fertiliser you should be able to grow them all year. I grow rosemary from cuttings because it’s free. The other herbs I grow from seed, whether you buy them or collect them from a plant that’s gone to seed. This is a cheap and easy way to get started. Mint, oregano, parsley and coriander will be stronger if grown from seed in position as they won’t go through the shock that seedlings do when they are transplanted. Saying that, seedlings reduce the time they’ll be ready for harvest by six to eight weeks and they are still much cheaper than buying bunches of herbs from the supermarket. To collect seeds for future planting allow some plants to go to seed. As they dry out, wait until the seeds are easy to shake off the plant and place the entire seed head into a paper bag or old envelope. They should be viable for a couple of years at least if stored in a dry, pest-free environment out of the sun. I let my herbs go to seed only as a last resort because they are tired or not looking their best. However, lots of gardeners have the problem of their herbs bolting to seed too early. This just means that you haven’t harvested them enough. Constant tip pruning will bush up your plants. Remove flowers as they start to form so the plant will put more energy into the foliage rather than flower and seed production, which reduces the herb’s vigour and life span. So use it or lose it. Whether it’s rosemary on your lamb roast, oregano sprinkled over your lasagne or mint in your drink of choice, a small herb garden can turn you not only into a better gardener but a better chef too. Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank">Domain.com.au.</a> Related links <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/how-to-make-a-no-dig-garden/">How to make a no dig garden</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/garden-fixes-after-heavy-rain/">Garden fixes after heavy rain</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/tips-for-removing-weeds/">Top tips for removing weeds</a>

Home & Garden

Pot-roasted pork scotch with potato, fennel and tomato

There’s like a Sunday roast with your nearest and dearest. This pot-roasted pork scotch with potato, fennel and tomato will become a new family favourite. Serves: 6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1.5 - 1.8 kg pork scotch roast, trimmed</li> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>4 cloves garlic, halved</li> <li>2 sprigs rosemary</li> <li>2 sprigs thyme</li> <li>400g can tomatoes, diced</li> <li>1 cup white wine or chicken stock</li> <li>3 bulbs pennel, washed and halved</li> <li>10 chat potatoes, halved</li> <li>Chopped parsley to serve</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>To begin, Trim pork roast well and season with salt and pepper.</li> <li>Heat oil in a large deep pan over medium heat and add the garlic to the pan.</li> <li>Brown the pork roast well on each side.</li> <li>Add the herbs to the pan along with the tomatoes and white wine.</li> <li>Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook covered for 20 minutes.</li> <li>Remove lid and turn roast, add the fennel bulbs and potatoes to the pot cover and cook for a further 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.</li> <li>Remove roast and allow to rest prior to slicing.</li> <li>Serve with fennel and potatoes and a little of the cooking liquid.</li> <li>Garnished with finely chopped parsley and crusty bread.</li> </ol> Mmm, doesn’t that just sound incredible? Really, is there anything better than a Sunday roast? What’s your favourite meat to roast? Let us know in the comments below. Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.pork.com.au/home-page-consumer.aspx" target="_blank">Australian Pork.</a> Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/maggie-beer-roast-chicken-with-lentil-and-avocado-salad/">Maggie Beer’s roast chicken with lentil and avocado salad</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/roasted-pumpkin-and-silverbeet-puree/">Roasted pumpkin and silverbeet puree</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/06/roast-chicken-with-burghul-and-tahini/">Roast chicken with jewelled burghul and tahini yogurt</a>

Food & Wine

Silken chocolate pots with shiraz syrup

Doesn’t this look incredible? A restaurant quality dessert without all the fuss. This chocolate treat is very rich so don't be tempted to serve too much! Serves: 6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 cups Australian thickened cream</li> <li>250g dark chocolate</li> <li>1 cup shiraz</li> <li>1 cup caster sugar</li> <li>2 cups frozen mixed berries</li> <li>Dark chocolate shavings, for serving</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Heat 1 cup of cream in a small saucepan until almost simmering, remove and stir in chocolate until melted. Cool to room temperature.</li> <li>Whip remaining cream until soft peaks form, fold in chocolate mixture until well combined.</li> <li>Spoon mixture into 6 serving glasses, refrigerate until set.</li> <li>For syrup, combine shiraz and sugar in a small saucepan, heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and turn off heat immediately. Cool to room temperature, stir in berries 1 hour before serving.</li> <li>To serve, pile soaked berries into the serving glasses and drench with syrup. Garnish with chocolate shavings.</li> </ol> What’s your go-to winter dessert? Do you have a personal recipe to share with us? Let us know in the comments below. Recipe courtesy of Legendairy. <a href="http://www.legendairy.com.au/" target="_blank">Visit their site for more delicious food ideas.</a> Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/three-ingredient-nutella-brownies/">3-ingredient Nutella brownies</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/mini-banoffee-pies/">Mini banoffee pies</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/chocolate-guinness-cake/">Chocolate Guinness cake</a>

Food & Wine

Fun pictures of spilled flower pots

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to display your gorgeous flowers, the “spilled flower pot” look could be for you. The artistic idea turns your flowers into streams of colour spilling out of your flower pot. Above is a gallery of pictures to inspire your creative gardening endeavours. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/natural-fertilisers/">5 natural fertilisers that can be found in your house</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/how-to-create-peaceful-garden/">6 steps to a peaceful garden</a>

Home & Garden

How to sterilise soil for new seeds

That pile of soil that you used to grow winters crop of plants is about ready for a revamp before the warmer weather really sets in. Soil, especially soil which has been used for a couple of growing seasons can harbor pests, diseases and the seeds of weeds, even if you’ve been rigorous about plucking them out. To ensure a healthy, happy garden bed it’s a good idea to sterilise your soil before a new season of planting. Here are three ways to do it: 1. Sterilising with steam Steaming is the optimum way to sterilise potting soil, as the steam will kill anything living in the soil. Steaming can be carried out using a pressure cooker or sterilising container. <ul> <li>Using a pressure cooker: Pour three to four cups of water into your cooker and place shallow pans of soil over the top of the rack. Cover with foil and close the lid. It’s important to leave the steam valve open enough to allow steam to escape. Heat for 15 to 30 minutes.</li> <li>To sterilise without a pressure cooker: Pour 10cm of water into a sterilising container. Place soil filled, foiled covered pans on a rack over the water. Close the lid and bring to a boil, allowing a small gap for steam to escape. Continue boiling for 30 minutes then allow to cool.</li> </ul> 2. Sterilising using the oven To sterilise with your oven, put some soil in an oven safe container and cover with foil. Using a heat safe thermometer, bake at 80 to 90°C for 30 minutes or until soil reaches around 82°C. Remove from oven and allow to cool. 3. Sterilising using a microwave To sterilise using the microwave, fill a clean microwave safe container with moist soil and cover with a lid. Add a few ventilation holes. Heat the soil for 90 seconds for batch on full power. Allow to cool and leave in container till ready to use. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/diy-self-watering-planter/">How to make a self-watering planter</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/test-if-seeds-can-be-planted/">Are those seeds viable for planting?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/how-to-choose-plants-at-nursery/">What you need to know to choose the best plants at the nursery</a>

Home & Garden

6 clever ways to use broken pots

There’s no need to throw away your broken pots and planters! Breathe new life into them with these six clever ideas. 1. Label your plants <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9030/1_500x375.jpg" alt="1 (56)"/> 2. Decorative (and functional) mulch to keep critters from getting into pots <img width="480" height="480" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9031/2.jpg" alt="2 (59)"/> 3. Drainage for your pot plants <img width="498" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9032/3.jpg" alt="3 (55)"/> 4. Camouflage an ugly pot <img width="448" height="225" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9033/4.jpg" alt="4 (52)"/> 5. Create a succulent feature <img width="337" height="448" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9034/5.jpg" alt="5 (50)"/> 6. Turn it on its side for a creative look <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9035/6_500x334.jpg" alt="6 (49)"/> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/07/hanging-planter-ideas/">Gallery: 10 hanging basket ideas for your flowers</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/repotting-plants/">How to repot plants</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/tips-for-cheap-gardening/">5 tips for gardening on the cheap</a>

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6 clever ways to use broken pots

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