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Edwina Bartholomew's husband shares encouraging health update

<p>Edwina Bartholomew's husband Neil Varcoe has shared an encouraging health update, just months after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue. </p> <p>In June, the father-of-two revealed how he was struck down with chronic fatigue syndrome after suffering from a virus that “knocked him”.</p> <p>At the time, he told <em>Australian's Women Weekly</em> that he had to cut back on his work after his energy depletion made him feel like he "had nothing left" to give to his job. </p> <p>Now, Varcoe has shared a positive update on his condition, saying he has returned to work as a communications teacher at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. </p> <p>The university campus is a 40 minute drive from Carcoar, where Neil, Edwina and their two children moved last year with plans to renovate a historic hotel. </p> <p>Neil shared in a heart-warming update on Instagram that he has taught his final class in feature writing and data journalism, with his wife Edwina joining in via Zoom. </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/p/CyPCQMQBeUq/?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/p/CyPCQMQBeUq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Neil Varcoe (@neilwrites)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I wrapped my final class at Charles Sturt University Bathurst yesterday with a chat with a journalist I greatly admire — my wife Edwina,” Neil’s caption began.</p> <p>“For the past three-and-a-half months, I’ve taught feature writing and data journalism to a talented group of students.”</p> <p>He went on to thank his colleagues and students, before teasing a return to the regional university in the new year. </p> <p>Neil's followers took to the comments to share praise for his return to university, and wish him all the best on this health journey. </p> <p>One person wrote, “Well done 🤩 So rewarding to get back on the bike as the saying goes!"</p> <p>Another local added, “I hope you both keep returning to us at Charles Sturt! Congratulations…I’m sure the students loved you.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Sam Newman encourages Aussies to boo during Welcome to Country

<p>Sam Newman has caused a stir after he encouraged Aussies to boo during the Welcome to Country acknowledgement at the upcoming AFL Grand Final.</p> <p>The sporting legend, who staunchly opposes the Yes vote, told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-12538667/Sam-Newman-welcome-country-boo-AFL-grand-final.html?ito=social-facebook_Australia&fbclid=IwAR16kiBQgzp8PA53n2TtbysHYzk7AiC2jg_SLelrmeqsplqeUnvuELevJls" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a> that the traditional ceremony was being used for political power, and everyday Aussies shouldn't be forced to listen to it at events. </p> <p>“If we are at all serious about the Welcome to Country and the nonsense that has suddenly taken over in the last 20 years from a completely harmless introduction by Ernie Dingo some years ago and people have latched onto it,” he told the publication. </p> <p>“What about this, next time you go to a public event like the Grand Final or a football game or any public event in an auditorium and they trot out the Welcome to Country, start booing … or slow hand clapping.”</p> <p>Newman, a white Australian, also mentioned that he believes many First Nations Australians share his views on the ceremony.</p> <p>“Of course it’s being rude, and so who is forcing this nonsense onto us?” he continued. </p> <p>“Who is telling us that we should be welcomed to (the) country that we live in, that we try and cohabitate, cohabit with all the people that have come here – particularly the Indigenous people."</p> <p>“There’s so many people who say it and I keep saying it’s just a push for reparations and financial power. It is, and I’m saying, the next time you go to a football game, a final, and they trot this nonsense out just start booing and that’ll stop (it)."</p> <p>Senator Lidia Thorpe was one of many people who lashed out at Newman's comments, as she spoke to Karl Stefanovic on <em>Today</em> to explain the purpose of the Welcome to Country. </p> <div id="story-primary" data-area="story-primary"> <p>“We all are on stolen land, there has never been a treaty, and a Welcome to Country is a way to bring people along on an understanding of the country that you are all living on,” the independent Senator said.</p> <p>“It’s about peace and the whole message behind a Welcome to Country is about respect and bringing people together. And I think Sam Newman is — you know, he is not a respectful man at the best of times so he needs to educate himself and not be so racist all the time.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

News

Encouraging signs in search for missing sub

<p>An Australian submarine expert said “banging noises” have been detected in 30-minute intervals by rescuers searching for the Titan submersible — “encouraging” rescuers that the five people on board were still alive.</p> <p>The Titan <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/search-underway-for-tourists-missing-on-titanic-submarine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">went missing</a> in the Atlantic Ocean on June 18 around one hour and 45 minutes after commencing the dive.</p> <p>Frank Owen, former Australian submarine officer and current search and rescue director, told the <em>New York Post</em> he is confident the noises are coming from inside of the Titan, and those aboard are well trained in emergency submarine situations.</p> <p>“This tells me a huge amount,” he said.</p> <p>“Onboard the Titan is the French former Navy diver, the Titanic expert [Paul-Henri Nargeolet]. But also because he’s a diver, he understands the way search forces look for submarines that are lost … submariners are taught that if they’re stuck in a disabled submarine on the hour and the half-hour they bang the hull for three minutes, then they stop. They don’t make any more noise.”</p> <p>He added, “So the fact that we’re hearing banging at 30-minute internals tells me that the people inside are sending a message that says, ‘We understand that you would be looking for us and this is how you might expect us to react.’ So, it’s very encouraging.”</p> <p>His comment come soon after authorities confirmed underwater “banging noises” were still heard in the area where the submersible disappeared on what proved to be a disastrous dive to explore The Titanic wreckage.</p> <p>In a press conference held in Boston on June 21, The US Coast Guard said that more noises had been detected.</p> <p>“A Canadian P3 detected underwater noises in the search area,” Captain Jamie Frederick said. “It is my understanding that the P3 heard noises today, as well.”</p> <p>He said the attempts to identify the source of the noise had been so far unsuccessful. The Captain was also asked about the 30-minute intervals described in the internal Department of Homeland Security emails, to which he responded, “I hadn’t heard 30-minute intervals.”</p> <p>He also said the data had been sent to the US Navy for analysis proved “inconclusive”. The important piece is we’re searching in the area where the noises were detected,” Captain Frederick said.</p> <p>“We don’t know what they are, to be frank with you. We have to remain optimistic and hopeful,” he said of the noises.</p> <p>Extra ships, specialised salvage equipment and US Navy experts converged on the tough search area in the North Atlantic as rescuers, who have gotten help from around the world, are concentrating their efforts near the sounds.</p> <p>“We’re searching in the area where the noises were detected and we’ll continue to do so,” Captain Frederick said.</p> <p>It comes in the wake of news that rescue crews exploring the depths of the Atlantic will receive help from the Victor 6000 robot — a highly advanced, deep-sea craft and one of the few vessels on Earth capable of reaching the wreck.</p> <p>The Victor 600 is being rushed to the search site aboard French research vessel L’Atalante and was set to arrive about 12 hours before the oxygen supply on the Titan is expected to run out.</p> <p>The Victor 6000 — a three metre long, remote-controlled robot with a bright yellow back has been described as a “flagship device for underwater operations”, by the French network BMTV, and is capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 metres.</p> <p>With the Titanic lying 2,8000 metres beneath the waves on the ocean floor, the craft should have a good chance of reaching it.</p> <p>A rescue would have the Victor 6000 accompany the Horizon Arctic, a powerful tug and supple ship which has a large cable the deep sea craft can take it down with it toward the wreck of the Titanic.</p> <p>Victor 6000 is equipped with a robotic arm, which could be used for dislodging the missing Titan submersible if it is found trapped within the Titanic wreckage.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

News

Why you should encourage your grandchildren to write stories

<p>In an article published in <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/41405103" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Language Arts</em></strong></span></a>, educators who were interested in encouraging children to write were asked why it was important for children to be encouraged to write. Their reasons were varied and interesting, and worth considering for anyone who has a young child in their life – let’s take a look at some:</p> <p><strong>1. To entertain</strong></p> <p>As humans, we tell stories for many reasons, but perhaps the foremost reason is that we want to entertain one another. By encouraging children to write their own stories, they can discover what entertains them, as well as what entertains others – well-told, engaging stories.</p> <p><strong>2. To stimulate the imagination</strong></p> <p>By creating from nothing a story full of characters and original plots, a child’s imagination grows and develops.</p> <p><strong>3. To search for identity</strong></p> <p>When children write their own stories, they can use the conflict and characters to take their first steps on their search for identity. The power simple stories can have on a child’s self-development is remarkable.</p> <p><strong>4. To improve reading and writing skills</strong></p> <p>Children need to read and write, so we may as well find a way to make it more interesting for them. Not only will writing help kids learn how to read, it can also help them understand literary devices (suspense, twist, dramatic irony, etc.), and grammatical structures.</p> <p>Now that we’ve explored some of the reasons creativity in writing in our kids, let’s find some ways to help get them started:</p> <p><strong>5. Inspiration exploration</strong></p> <p>When you’re spending time with your grandchildren, make a game out of looking for fun story inspirations. Interesting newspaper headlines, a unique-looking house, a colouring-in book. You could even keep a box full of story inspirations to explore together with your grandchildren.</p> <p><strong>6. Unblank the page</strong></p> <p>Anyone who has ever sat down to write knows there’s nothing more intimidating than a blank page. To help kids out, try giving them the opening line to a story. You can create these yourself, find a list of opening lines on the internet, or even borrow the opening line of a book on your own shelf.</p> <p><strong>7. Work all of the mind</strong></p> <p>If you find that your grandchildren have difficulty focusing on just words, encourage them to explore other aspects of their own creativity by using visuals. Storyboards, illustrations, or even writing the story as a comic book can help stimulate storytelling.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

Banksy encourages stealing from luxury store after unauthorised use of his artwork

<p dir="ltr">Banksy has appeared to encourage shoplifters to target a luxury fashion store in London after they used his artwork without permission. </p> <p dir="ltr">The elusive street artist told his followers on Instagram to go to the Guess store in Regent Street to steal items after they “helped themselves” to one of his most iconic artworks for a recent campaign. </p> <p dir="ltr">Posting a photo of the front window display of the store, he wrote, “Attention all shoplifters. Please go to GUESS on Regent Street.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ve helped themselves to my artwork without asking, how can it be wrong for you to do the same to their clothes?” he told his 11.5 million followers. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Guess display, which showcased their capsule collection called Brandalised, features several of Banksy’s works, which he claims were used without his authorisation. </p> <p dir="ltr">The clothing company’s <a href="https://guess-hub.mmbsy.be/guess-in-partnership-with-brandalised-to-create-a-special-capsule-collection-with-graffiti-by-banksy">official announcement</a> for the capsule collection used the word “inspired” and said the items were produced in partnership with Brandalised, an urban graffiti license “whose mission is to offer Banksy fans affordable graffiti collectibles.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“The graffiti of Bansky has had a phenomenal influence that resonates throughout popular culture,” Guess Chief Creative Officer Paul Marciano said in the press release. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This new capsule collection with Brandalised is a way for fashion to show its gratitude.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After Banksy posted the message on Instagram, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63682298">the BBC reported</a> that Guess closed the store, put security outside, and covered the window display.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

Art

Common ingredient found to encourage aggressive cancer spread

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New research has found that a fatty acid found in palm oil and dairy products contributes to the aggressive nature of tumours and allows them to spread.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The study from Barcelona’s Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) saw researchers expose samples of mouth and skin cancers to a diet rich in palmitic acid - a major component of palm oil - before transplanting the sample tumours into mice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil in the world and can be found in food, beauty products, and detergents, according to the </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/which-everyday-products-contain-palm-oil" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">World Wildlife Fund</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The team found that the tumours had a greater capacity to metastasize - meaning they were more likely to spread to other parts of the body.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They also identified that the cancer cells were permanently changed after being exposed to palmitic acid and were able to maintain this improved ability to metastasize months after.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When they compared palmitic acid to linoleic acid and oleic acid - found in ingredients such as olive oil and linseed oil - the team discovered that palmitic acid was the only one to have any effect on the tumours.</span></p> <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/CWGewZNIOOx/?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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWGewZNIOOx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by IRBBarcelona (@irbbarcelona)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They also found that the fatty acids didn’t increase the risk of developing cancer in the first place.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There is something very special about palmitic acid that makes it an extremely potent promoter of metastasis,” researcher Dr Salvador Aznar-Benitah told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/10/fatty-acid-found-in-palm-oil-linked-to-spread-of-cancer" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Guardian</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In previous work, the same team showed that there was a correlation between palmitic acid and increased risks of metastasis.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In 2017, we published a study indicating that palmitic acid correlates with an increased risk of metastasis, but we didn’t know the mechanism responsible for this,” Dr Aznar-Benitah </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/news/scientific/palmitic-acid-promotes-cancer-metastasis-and-leaves-more-aggressive-memory-tumour" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">explained</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In their latest study, published in </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04075-0" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nature</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, they identified that the altered, aggressive cancer cells attracted the attention of the body’s nervous system and led to the construction of a network of neurons around the tumour, which helps the cancer cells to keep growing and spreading.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, the team found that blocking Schwann cells - cells that surround and protect the neurons - could stop the network from developing and prevent metastasis.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This discovery paves the way for research into and the development of therapies that specifically block cancer metastasis, a process that is almost always the cause of death by cancer,” researcher Dr Gloria Pascual said.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Dr. <a href="https://twitter.com/SalvadorAznar3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SalvadorAznar3</a>: “In this study, we detail the process and reveal the involvement of a metastatic capacity “memory” factor and we point to a therapeutic approach to reverse it. This is promising”. <a href="https://t.co/DW1zOpaIk8">pic.twitter.com/DW1zOpaIk8</a></p> — IRB Barcelona (@IRBBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRBBarcelona/status/1458464584113827845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Helen Rippon, the chief executive at Worldwide Cancer Research, praised the work as a “huge breakthrough”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This discovery is a huge breakthrough in our understanding of how diet and cancer are linked and, perhaps more importantly, how we can use this knowledge to start new cures for cancer,” she </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/acid-found-in-palm-oil-encourages-cancer-spread-new-research-finds-c-4543186" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Rippon said about 90 percent of cancer deaths across the world can be attributed to metastasis.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Learning more about what makes cancer spread and - importantly - how to stop it is the way forward to reduce those numbers.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images / @worldwidecancerresearch (Instagram)</span></em></p>

Body

Jane Fonda releases new exercise video to encourage voting

<p>Jane Fonda, well known for her exercise videos which were initially released in 1982, has gotten back into the swing of things and released a new video.</p> <p>In her latest Instagram video, she's teamed up with Register2Vote to lead Exercise That Vote, which is a video promoting voter registration and voting on November 3rd in the US election.</p> <p>"Hello, class, we're bringing back the movement," Fonda says as neon graphics fill the screen and '80s music plays in the background. </p> <p>"We need you to be in shape in the upcoming race. I need you to be strong, I need you to be laser focused, I need you to be fully committed to the task at hand, so let's get ready to exercise our right to vote."</p> <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/CF-FJGop3lP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><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/CF-FJGop3lP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Let’s Get Registered!!!! 💪. We’re getting in shape for the race of our lives this November and it has never been more important to exercise your right to vote. Many states have registration deadlines today so do not wait! Head to the link in my bio and check your registration status now! LET’S DO THIS!!!!! #ExerciseThatVote</a></p> <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/janefonda/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Jane Fonda</a> (@janefonda) on Oct 5, 2020 at 10:21am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The video features a wide range of celebrities in 1980s workout gear, including Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Ken Jeong, Ashley Benson, Kerry Washington, Amy Schumer and Shaquille O'Neal.</p> <p>"Exercise your glutes, exercise your quads and most of all, exercise your right to vote," Fonda says.</p>

Body

Woman makes ‘monstrous’ knitted masks to encourage social distancing

<p>An Icelandic woman has promoted social distancing through a novel, innovative way: knitting.</p> <p>Knitwear designer Ýrúrarí Jóhannsdóttir has gone viral after sharing her knitted masks and other isolation creations on social media.</p> <p>The 3D masks – which feature knits of mouths, teeth and jutting tongues – have been described by fans as “grotesque”, “<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/icelandic-knitwear-designer-tongue-masks-yrurari-johannsdottir">trippy</a>” and “<a href="https://10daily.com.au/news/a200505cmtfy/woman-makes-grotesque-knits-to-scare-people-into-social-distancing-20200505">freakish</a>”.</p> <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/B_DKJ3xgUWt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><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/B_DKJ3xgUWt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">I’ve been experimenting with some of my sweater ideas to wear on a face, always interesting to see the outcome 👽 It has been fun to see masks inspired by mine, good use of quarantine time to knit💜But a reminder again, my masks are not made for safety, knitted masks are not safe to start with! Take care 🦠❌🦠❌🦠 #mask #knitting #fashionforbankrobbers</a></p> <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/yrurari/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Ýrúrarí</a> (@yrurari) on Apr 16, 2020 at 10:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-4JbBOABY5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-4JbBOABY5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ýrúrarí (@yrurari)</a> on Apr 12, 2020 at 3:22am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 27-year-old designer said she has always been interested in tongues because “they are kind of rude, sticky, and strange”.</p> <p>She extended her work from sweaters to face masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>“I didn’t really make the masks to wear,” she told <em><a href="https://mashable.com/article/knitted-face-mask-tongue-lips/">Mashable</a></em>. “In my mind they are more like wearable sculptures, not made for safety [but] more as a fun approach to the rule of keeping distance.”</p> <p>“If you look scary enough people will stay away!”</p> <p>Jóhannsdóttir said the masks promoted the idea that “using masks can be fun”.</p> <p>“Everything we put on us can also be fun if we want it to, and bringing smiles to people’s faces in times like these is also important,” she told <em><a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/icelandic-knitwear-designer-tongue-masks-yrurari-johannsdottir">Vogue</a></em>.</p> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PcEsSAByb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PcEsSAByb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ýrúrarí (@yrurari)</a> on Apr 21, 2020 at 4:27am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aQTE0gOyo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aQTE0gOyo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ýrúrarí (@yrurari)</a> on Apr 25, 2020 at 9:16am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

Art

Neil Diamond reworks ‘Sweet Caroline’ to encourage hand washing

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has joined a growing number of actors and musicians that are encouraging persistent hand-washing and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>He posted a video on Saturday night of him at his home playing “Sweet Caroline”.</p> <p>“I know we’re going through a rough time right now, but I love you, and I think maybe if we sing together we might feel a little bit better,” he says during the video.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Stay safe out there! “Hands... washing hands..” 🎶 <a href="https://t.co/QaRB1qZshp">pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp</a></p> — Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/status/1241584423927074818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Diamond proceeds to sing the opening verse of “Sweet Caroline” with the revised chorus, saying “Hands, washing hands, reaching out, don’t touch me, I won’t touch you!”</p> <p>The video has racked up more than 1.2 million views on Twitter alone.</p> <p>Diamond is just one of many musicians that are taking to social media to perform for their followers, with John Legend and Chris Martin recently performing a mini concert in their homes for their followers.</p> <p>Actors, such as Josh Gad, are using the time in quarantine to do daily book readings for kids and adults.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Music

“We’ve dealt with serious s**t before”: Russell Crowe sends encouraging message to Aussies amid coronavirus crisis

<p>Russell Crowe has sent an encouraging message to his fellow Australians amid the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>The 55-year-old posted a series of bushfire-themed photos to Instagram, reminding Aussies of all the obstacles they have faced in recent months.</p> <p>“Australia, just a reminder, we’ve dealt with serious s**t before, and we will deal with what confronts us now. Together (minimum 1.5 metres apart),” he captioned the post.</p> <p>The first photo was a snap of a eucalyptus tree with fire embers burning through it.</p> <p>He referenced social distancing when he spoke about staying “1.5 metres apart”, which can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.</p> <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/B9410KShgq0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><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/B9410KShgq0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Hey Australia, Just a reminder, we’ve dealt with serious shit before, and we will deal with what confronts us now. Together (minimum 1.5 metres apart).</a></p> <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/russellcrowe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Russell Crowe</a> (@russellcrowe) on Mar 18, 2020 at 1:19pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Russell also co-owns the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team, but the season could be shut down due to COVID-19.</p> <p>The NSWRL and QRL have already suspended their seasons, which isn’t reassuring for the NRL.</p> <p>“If we are going to continue our season, some revolutionary thought is going to be required,” Russell told the<span> </span><em>Daily Telegraph</em>.</p> <p>“Based on the information that this particular strain seems to be less potent in warmer climates, (the idea should be) to move all teams and coaching squads to northern regional centres.</p> <p>“The big cost to the game is not going to be lack of crowds in urban stadiums. The big cost, financially and culturally, is if the game is forced to halt and broadcast revenue dries up.”</p> <p>Due to the coronavirus, NRL games are currently being played without crowds as the government has banned gatherings of 500 people or more.</p>

Caring

Chezzi Denyer's warning to parents: "I fully encourage people to get their children tested"

<p>Chezzi Denyer has taken to Instagram to share her daughter’s recent health scare to raise awareness, in the hopes that other parents do the same.</p> <p>The mother-of-two, who has been married to Grant Denyer for the last nine years, posted a photo of her seven-year-old daughter Sailor’s arms after she was tested for allergies.</p> <p>“These are Sailor’s little arms pricked with different drops of various things we suspect she could be allergic to,” she wrote.</p> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXODH6F-nl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" 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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXODH6F-nl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ｃｈｅｚｚｉｄｅｎｙｅｒ (@chezzidenyer)</a> on Feb 26, 2019 at 3:05pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Chezzi went on to say that her daughter’s results “are worse than they were three years ago,” as she now suffers from more allergies than before.</p> <p>“She’s also now developed a reaction to peanuts for the first time. Also, oranges and avocados. So, we’ll carry an Epi-pen.”</p> <p>The post came after Chezzi shared a family incident that occurred during a holiday, after Sailor was exposed to peanuts.</p> <p>“Sailor had a bad allergic reaction a week ago. Her little throat started to close up. She had hives. We had to act fast. It’s not the first time, but it was worse this time. I wasn’t expecting it. We think it was cross-contamination of some pistachio nuts on some tongs at a hotel we stayed at.”</p> <p>Speaking to<em><span> </span></em><a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/2019/02/27/13/13/chezzi-denyer-grant-denyer-allergy-daughter-test" target="_blank"><em>9Honey</em></a>, Chezzi said that she was aware of Sailor’s minor allergies to cashews, but was surprised to see her results three years later.</p> <p>“We knew she had a slight moderate allergy to cashews. We are very careful, but we also travel a lot, and I became complacent about cross contamination, like at the buffet.”</p> <p>“Until it happens to you, [you] don’t quite understand the gravity of the situation.”</p> <p>After sharing the heartfelt post, other parents in similar situations praised the 39-year-old for raising awareness about the seriousness of allergies.</p> <p>“A lot of parents go through it and I take my hat off to them,” she tells<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/2019/02/27/13/13/chezzi-denyer-grant-denyer-allergy-daughter-test" target="_blank"><em>9Honey</em></a>.</p> <p>“It’s warmed me to see all the beautiful comments from people telling me about their own experiences.</p> <p>“It seems to be getting a lot worse.”</p> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuNhFTkFnlg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" 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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuNhFTkFnlg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ｃｈｅｚｚｉｄｅｎｙｅｒ (@chezzidenyer)</a> on Feb 22, 2019 at 8:39pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Chezzi had dealt with her own allergy experience in the past, when she was 32 years old, “part of my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was related to me myself having an anaphylactic reaction when Sailor was 18 months old,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I arrived at hospital close to death, unable to breathe with swollen lips, eyes closed over and swollen tongue. They cut my clothes off me and put the paddles on my chest and at the same time gave me a large shot of adrenalin.”</p> <p>She continued, saying: “As my husband drove me to hospital, I was throwing up and struggling to breathe. And it happened so quick. It was so unexpected. Grant’s quick thinking and driving skills saved my life that day.”</p> <p>Chezzi then urged parents to remain vigilant and keep an eye on any adverse reactions their child may be going through when coming in contact with something.</p> <p>“If you see any signs like hives around the mouth or if they complain that something they’ve eaten has made their mouth feel funny, of if they have itchy eyes, or sneezing a lot, I fully encourage people to get them tested.”</p>

Caring

Seniors encouraged to stay warm despite power price increases

<p>Last week, the ACT Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission announced that households could expect an increase in electricity prices by nearly 20 per cent.</p> <p>The change is expected to come after July 1 and will see the average electricity bill increased by $333 a year and natural gas bills by $247 a year.</p> <p>This news came one day after the 2017 ACT budget revealed that rates would be increasing up to 33 per cent in some cases with the average increase sitting at 7 per cent.</p> <p>National Senior’s ACT Policy Advisory Group Member Dr Bill Donovan explained that these price hikes will impact the elderly the hardest as many are pensioners or on a fixed income.</p> <p>“These power increases, which come at the coldest time of the year when older people rely on heating to keep their homes liveable, will make it hard for many of them to make ends meet,” said Dr Donovan.</p> <p>“Even the main energy supplier, ActewAGL, has acknowledged that looming price hikes are shocking and is urging people who have trouble paying their bills to contact them. They have promised not to cut off supply.”</p> <p>Chief Executive Officer for ActewAGL, Michael Costello, said that the energy provider would create a $250,000 Energy Support Fund to assist those struggling to pay their bills.</p> <p>“We understand these price increases may cause financial stress or significant hardship, which is why we have announced an Energy Support Fund,” he said.</p> <p>“We’ve met with community groups that provide frontline services and we are acting on their helpful advice and the ideas we discussed – we’ll be working with these groups to identify as early as possible people who may be struggling and to direct support where it’s needed most.”</p> <p>“At the heart of the Fund is our promise to work with customers to keep them connected this winter.”</p> <p>From July 1, ActewAGL will provide energy vouchers through community groups that provide emergency relief services and a Solar Grants Program to help reduce energy bills for groups that provide vital community support.</p> <p>“In addition, we will be establishing a dedicated Bill Help Hotline, providing all customers with a range of support options and information on rebates, concessions and energy saving advice,” Mr Costello said.</p> <p>Dr Donovan is encouraging seniors to seek assistance if needed rather than going cold throughout the winter.</p> <p>“It’s not hard to understand why older people sometimes feel ignored by their governments and communities, when in the space of 24 hours they face price rises of hundreds of dollars every year and they have no way of boosting their income to cover them,” Dr Donovan said.</p>

Caring

Vets encourage animal blood donations to save lives

<p>Just like humans, did you know signing your pet up to donate blood could save a life?</p> <p>Emergency veterinarian Taleta Hompas is encouraging pet owners to consider signing their dog or cat up to become a regular blood donor, the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-13/dog-and-cat-donors-give-blood-to-save-a-life/8597902">ABC</a></span> reports.</p> <p>The Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services [CVES] started building their own blood bank or canines and felines earlier this year.</p> <p>"If you have a patient that arrives after a serious trauma and they're bleeding internally, they need blood," CVES director and veterinarian Taleta Hompas told <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-13/dog-and-cat-donors-give-blood-to-save-a-life/8597902">ABC</a>.</span></p> <p>"Ten, 20 minutes is too long sometimes so when they need the blood they need it now."</p> <p>There are not many feline blood banks established in Australia yet.</p> <p>"I think we're one of the first ones that are going to hold cat blood that are ready for transfusion and ready to supply to other clinics in the region when they need it," Dr Hompas said.</p> <p>A number of cats and dogs have already signed up to become regular blood donors at the clinic.</p> <p>"It's fairly quick — about five to 10 minutes," Dr Hompas said.</p> <p>"They wake up and have the blood volume replaced with fluids, and then hopefully they don't look back."</p> <p>Now all dogs and cats fit the criteria to be a blood donor though.</p> <p>"Temperament is a very important one for us because we need them to relax and be willing to have the donation made," she said.</p> <p>"We usually ask for dogs over 30 kilograms so we can take a full unit of blood, which is 500 mils, as a donation.</p> <p>"With cats ... we take between 40 and 50 mils, so a big difference from the amount we take from dog.”</p>

Family & Pets

Government to encourage retirees to downsize

<p>The Federal Government is reportedly planning to encourage retirees to downsize, in a bid to free up more than 50,000 properties a year for younger buyers.</p> <p>According to <em>News Corp</em> reports, the measures will <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/retirement-income/2017/02/the-hidden-costs-of-downsizing/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>encourage downsizing through incentives and lenient rules</strong></span></a> to the Age Pension asset test, as well as super caps.</p> <p>A Treasury analysis of the number of properties in major cities occupied by people in retirement has reportedly been commissioned by <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/2016/05/winners-and-losers-from-the-2016-federal-budget/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Treasurer Scott Morrison</strong></span></a>, to investigate the feasibility of introducing these sorts of reforms for retirees.</p> <p>But the government has been quick to point out that <span>these </span>reforms would not be <span>designed </span>to actively force older Aussies out of their homes. Instead, they would focus on removing disincentives for doing so, and encouraging more feasible living spaces.</p> <p>What’s your take? Do you think this move’s a winner? Or are you unconvinced?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/2017/01/6-questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-retirement-village/">6 questions to ask when choosing a retirement village</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/12/definitive-checklist-for-downsizing/">The definitive checklist for downsizing</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/10/coping-with-the-stress-of-moving/">How to cope with the stress of moving out of the family home</a></em></strong></span></p>

Retirement Life

Grandma’s daily encouraging texts to grandkids

<p dir="ltr">In a time where young people are suffering with more with depression and anxiety than ever before, this grandma is making sure that her grandchild knows she's loved.</p> <p>Sierra Sessions from Salt Lake City shared a range of photos revealing the messages that her grandma sends her every day.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/seesesh">@seesesh</a> you guys.... 😭😩 <a href="https://t.co/t005o5Wilu">pic.twitter.com/t005o5Wilu</a></p> — Sierra Sessions (@seesesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/seesesh/status/834581525622554624">February 23, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>“My grandma sends me these every day. She is the purest thing on the earth and we have to protect her at all costs,” Sierra wrote on Twitter.</p> <p>The photos show her grandma telling Sierra that she loves her from various locations the grandma visits in her day.</p> <p>Do you send similar messages to your loved ones? Let us know in the comments below. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/grandma-paints-from-hospital-bed/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>83-year-old gran creates stunning paintings from hospital bed</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/waitress-donates-kidney-to-her-customer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Waitress donates kidney to her customer</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/girl-moves-birthday-party-to-nursing-home/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Girl moves 10th birthday party to her grandma’s nursing home</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

Why you should encourage older loved ones to exercise

<p>We don’t need to tell you that exercise is good for your health, we all know it by now! Unfortunately, many people are still not getting enough – if any – exercise, and countless studies have shown that as we age, the benefits of regular exercise increase. With life expectancy continuing to grow towards the 100 mark, it’s safe to say your 60s and 70s are the new 40s and 50s! However, that doesn’t mean exercise can’t play an important role as we enter our 80s and beyond. So, if you have a loved one who thinks that being an octogenarian or nonagenarian is an excuse to sit on the sidelines, we’re about to prove them wrong!</p> <p>Let’s take a look at some of the surprising ways regular exercise can maintain and improve our health as we get older.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Improved balance</strong> – if you’ve cared for an elderly parent before, you’ll know just how crippling a fall can be. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent falls, thanks to some smart and easy yoga moves. Last month, Tracy Adshead, a specialist in senior yoga, gave us her tips for improving balance. <a href="/health/body/2016/05/how-to-improve-your-balance-with-yoga/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to check it out.</li> <li><strong>Fighting cancer</strong> – yep! New research has shown that exercise can help people suffering from cancer and the side effects of treatment. In a recent <a href="/health/body/2016/05/exercise-is-a-new-contender-in-the-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TED Talk</span></strong></a>, Exercise Physiologist Prue Cormie shared some of her exciting findings into the role of exercise in cancer management.</li> <li><strong>Improved posture</strong> – many people believe poor posture is just a part of getting older, but it’s actually a result of poor exercise and weight distribution. Having good posture is essential to prevent back pain, something which affects a staggering <a href="http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/back-pain" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>4 in 5 of us</strong></span></a>. <a href="/health/body/2016/04/pilates-moves-to-improve-posture/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to learn some simple pilates moves to help improve posture.</li> <li><strong>Prevention and treatment of diabetes</strong> – that’s right, you can actually prevent and treat diabetes with some easy yoga poses. Studies have shown that yoga is an effective way to control blood glucose levels and improve nerve function. Tracy Adshead <a href="/health/body/2016/04/yoga-poses-that-treat-and-prevent-diabetes/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">offers some great tips</span></strong></a> for diabetics and prediabetics.</li> <li><strong>Lower risk of anxiety and depression</strong> – Given that a record number of us are suffering anxiety and depression, it’s never been more important to ensure we get a head start and begin preventing and treating mental illness at the onset. <a href="/health/body/2016/04/workouts-to-beat-anxiety/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">These three</span></strong></a> research-backed exercises are perfect for preventing and treating anxiety and depression.</li> </ul> <p>Does your elderly loved one get enough exercise? Let us know how they motivate themselves in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/05/how-to-improve-your-balance-with-yoga/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to improve your balance with yoga</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/05/exercise-is-a-new-contender-in-the-fight-against-cancer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Exercise is a new contender in the fight against cancer</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/05/workouts-for-people-who-dont-like-getting-sweaty/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Workouts for people who don’t like getting sweaty</strong></em></span></a></p>

Caring

15 ways to encourage kids outdoors

<p>Recent research has found that children spend up to 55 hours a week using electronic devices. This comes at the expense of other type of play, particularly outdoor activities. Encourage the kids in your life outside and away from the iPad with these nifty ideas.</p> <ol> <li>Go on a treasure hunt</li> <li>Create a scavenger hunt with prizes for the most unique object</li> <li>Go on a photo safari</li> <li>Plant or tend to a veggie garden</li> <li>Collect different objects from the outdoor environment and use them as part of craft activities</li> <li>Go for a walk or bike ride around your neighbourhood</li> <li>Go exploring on a rainy day. Puddle jumping essential!</li> <li>Get dirty – Mud pies and pits, sand castles, hand kids a shovel and they’ll be on their way</li> <li>Build a fort the traditional way with sheets, pillows and rods for structure</li> <li>Set up a tent and go camping in your backyard (either for the afternoon or overnight if you’re feeling brave!’)</li> <li>Watch the clouds and talk about the shapes they make</li> <li>Go foraging – If you live in an area that is naturally abundant, go for a wander and see what you can score!</li> <li>Climb a tree</li> <li>Start a rock collection together, and add to it every week!</li> <li>Create a nature notebook together and work on adding regular entries.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/04/dont-praise-clever-kids-and-celebrating-effort/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Why we shouldn’t praise clever kids and start celebrating effort</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/03/things-not-to-say-when-disciplining-kids/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 things you should not say when disciplining kids</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/03/kids-getting-meaner/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Are our kids getting meaner?</strong></em></span></a></p>

Family & Pets

Amelia Earhart's sweet advice to a young lady who aspired to be a pilot

<p><span>Who better to give advice on becoming a pilot than Amelia Earhart herself! The pilot broke new ground for women in aviation after becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932.</span></p> <p><span>Amelia Earhart wrote a letter of encouragement to a 13-year-old female fan in 1933, where Earhart explained the steps required to become a pilot.</span></p> <p><span>In the letter Earhart offers tips prior to becoming a pilot, such as undertaking a physical examination from a physician in the Department of Commerce before being cleared to fly. Earhart also encouraged her fan to enter the aviation industry by other means, doing clerical work or working in factories. She also offers to answer any other questions her teen fan has. Our favourite quote from the letter would have to be her optimism about women progressing in the field of aviation.</span></p> <p><em>“As far as women’s opportunities in flying go, I think they will improve as they have in all industries. Just now there are no pilots on the regular scheduled airlines, someday I suspect there will be”</em></p> <p><span>The letter, which can be purchased from The Raab Collection for $15,000, was written just four years before Earhart disappeared in her attempt to fly solo around the world. </span></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/find-cat-hiding-in-this-kitchen/">Can you find the cat hiding in this kitchen?</a></strong></em></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/man-leaves-wife-at-service-station/">Man accidentally leaves wife at service station, drives 100km before realising</a></strong></em></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/25-worst-online-passwords-used-in-2015/">25 worst online passwords used in 2015</a></strong></em></span></p> <p> </p>

News

105-year-old nun sends letters of encouragement to prisoners

<p>A Minnesota nun who just celebrated her 105<sup>th</sup> birthday says age won’t stop her from her most treasured project of sending letters of encouragement to prison inmates.</p> <p>Sister Mary Mark has been writing letters to prisoners for over two decades, and has implored others to follow suit.</p> <p>"I surely do enjoy writing the letters and I've been doing it for many years," she told ABC News. "They're in prison, but they're working. They hope to make it. Other people have asked me for names, so that they could write to them [the inmates] too."</p> <p><img width="292" height="373" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14038/nun-105.jpg" alt="Nun 105" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Sister Mary Mark, who has been a nun for over 80 years, originally started the letter writing project after responding to a notice in a newspaper enlisting pen pals for prison inmates.</p> <p>Kathleen Conrad, pastoral care coordinator of Carondelet Village in St. Paul where Sister Mary Mark lives, says, "I think at one point she was writing to about 50 prisoners.</p> <p>"When she was 89 years old she was called down to Oklahoma to testify on behalf of a prisoner on death row because she had been writing to him for such a long time."</p> <p>"She says she just offers [the inmates] love and encouragement and let's them know that they're not alone," Conrad added.</p> <p>The centenarian says she’d be happy spending many more years on Earth as long as she can still write her letters.</p> <p>“As long as I can write, I’ll do it,” she said.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/worlds-happiest-countries-in-2015/">These are the happiest countries in the world</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/older-generation-better-at-learning/">Older generations better at learning than everyone else</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/tips-for-being-a-good-person-today/">8 ways to be a good person today</a></em></strong></span></p> <p> </p>

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Seniors encouraged to stay warm despite power price increases

Vets encourage animal blood donations to save lives

Government to encourage retirees to downsize

Grandma’s daily encouraging texts to grandkids

Why you should encourage older loved ones to exercise

15 ways to encourage kids outdoors

Amelia Earhart's sweet advice to a young lady who aspired to be a pilot

105-year-old nun sends letters of encouragement to prisoners

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