Placeholder Content Image

The benefits of steam cleaning your home

<p>Steam cleaning is fast becoming the preferred method for keeping homes dirt and grime free. As well as saving you money, it is easy, non-toxic and highly sanitary.</p> <p>As we age we can sometimes become more susceptible to germs, allergies can be more common and cleaning thus becomes all the more important. Here are the many reasons why you should consider steam cleaning.</p> <p><strong>Non-toxic:</strong> Not only is steam cleaning an effective way to clean, sanitise and deodorise almost every surface in your home, it will also kill 99 per cent of bacteria and doesn’t require the use of toxic and potentially harmful chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Only heat and water are used, so as a result your house remains free from chemical residue and pollution. Say goodbye to E.Coli, salmonella, and staph, as well as dust mites and bed bugs.</p> <p><strong>Easy peasy:</strong> Most steam cleaners are lightweight and therefore easy to maneuver so you can easily clean hard-to-reach areas and also clean cushions, pillows, pet bedding, curtains and other soft furnishings.</p> <p><strong>Child and pet friendly:</strong> The non-toxic nature of steam cleaning makes your home a much safer environment for children and pets.</p> <p><strong>Allergies:</strong> As steam cleaning only uses water and heat to create an all-natural steam that removes dirt and grim from any non-heat sensitive surfaces, it won’t aggravate allergy symptoms or cause respiratory issues.</p> <p><strong>Penny pinching:</strong> On top of the initial purchase, the only money outlay for steam cleaning is for the water and electricity used to heat it. Thus, it can end up saving you money in the long term that you would’ve spent of detergents, cleaners and other products used throughout the home.</p> <p><strong>Effective:</strong> Steam cleaning, unlike bleach, will actually kill mould in your bathroom, which could otherwise cause all sorts of healthy problems. While bleach just turns mould white so it blends in with the surface, steam cleaning kills the mould from the cracks and hard to reach places.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

Surviving winter with steam breathing

<p>The WellO2 breathing exercise device is a non-medical device,<span> </span><strong>brand new to Australia!</strong><span> </span>Cold weather can be tough on all of us, but if you have asthma, winter can literally take your breath away. Asthma causes the airways to swell and narrow. When people with asthma are exposed to triggers — which make asthma symptoms worse — they might cough, wheeze or have trouble breathing. For many people, cold air is a common asthma trigger.</p> <p>For many people, asthma is harder to control during winter months, for a few reasons. First, the cold, dry air can irritate your airways and cause the muscles inside to spasm. Then there’s all those cold and flu viruses going around. A cold or respiratory tract infection can exacerbate asthma symptoms.</p> <p>Steam has been used to loosen tight phlegm from the airways for years – anyone who has been told to breathe over a bowl of warm water- or sit in a sauna – will know that steam is helpful in alleviating congestion. Steam plus RMT has been shown to help improve respiratory fitness and overall health and wellbeing.</p> <p>Start training with your WellO2 device today. Many people report seeing the benefit of using their WellO2 in two to four weeks!</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:324.67532467532465px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842666/rd_2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cf8fc5e57fb6450f930588ab05253074" /></p> <p><strong>5 Ways to get lung fit!</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Stay hydrated</strong><span> </span>– It might seem simple but keeping well hydrated helps maintain the health of the mucosal lining in the lungs.</li> <li><strong>Slow relaxed breaths</strong><span> </span>-Deep breathing helps you to expand and allow your lungs to reach their full capacity.</li> <li><strong>Nasal Breathing</strong><span> </span>– Our nose is an important part of the respiratory system. It warms and humidifies the air we breathe and helps protect the airways from allergens, pollutants, and pathogens.</li> <li><strong>Sit straight, stand tall and breathe with the diaphragm</strong><span> </span>– Our lungs are soft structures, so making room for them to expand and contract as we breathe is incredibly important. Breathing patterns become abnormal with excessive use of the upper rib cage, which leads to insufficient use of the diaphragm while breathing.</li> <li><strong>Invest in a WellO2</strong><span> </span>– Breathing exercise devices, such as WellO2 are beneficial not only for those experiencing ongoing respiratory concerns, but for individuals looking to engage in conscious breathing for everyday general wellness.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Hear from some of our very happy customers, WellO2 really can change lives!</strong></p> <p>“I have been using the Well02 for just over two weeks now and I’m starting to see a real improvement with my Asthma, which is always at its worst in Spring. For the first week, I used the breathing device for 5 minutes in the morning then 5 mins at night. I must say, it was a very strange feeling when I first started using the device and I did notice that it would make me cough, which I understand is normal. Due to the coughing, I did take a few free breaths between each inhalation which helped. By the second week I was using the device 10 minutes x 2 a day. I am no longer coughing and have adapted very well. I found the set up of the device very easy but I did watch the YouTube video to make sure I was doing it correctly. I am pleased to say, since using the device, my use of ventolin has decreased. This alone is a huge advantage. I have also noticed I’m not as “puffed” out as I usually am on my nightly walks. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued benefits.” – Melissa H, NSW</p> <p>“I suffer from asthma and chronic bronchitis resulting in difficulty breathing and regularly coughing up thick mucus. The mucus is hard to cough up at times and makes it hard to breathe so I was expecting big things on my first use. It was much gentler than I imagined and although I felt slightly dizzy using it I did cough up a bit of mucus, my initial thoughts were I wanted it hotter and harder but I felt a bit more free in my chest after the first few days.</p> <p>After the first week I was really feeling it under my lower ribs like “real” exercise. I’m not sure if I am doing it too hard as sometimes it makes a whistling noise and I can’t find anywhere in the instructions or online if this is a good or bad thing.</p> <p>I’ve now upped it to level 2 and things are going well – this level seems better suited to me for some reason although I did miss a few days which resulted in an itchy throat feeling like I was getting a cold. The one thing I find difficult is finding the time to fill it, clean it and use it. I would prefer it just sat in the room and I could breathe it in as it did the work and I could do other things without having to hold it. I do love how small it is though – you can just store it away out of sight.</p> <p>Overall I highly recommend it as I’ve had some relief from my chronic symptoms – my chest and nose feel clearer, and breathing easier. I’m also not as affected by pollution and smokers as I was before.” – Rachel K</p> <p>“I am into my third week of using Wello2. My Asthma is Bronchial and generally comes on with the dampness or cold weather (particularly night air). Given my location in Qld, there are not too many very cold nights at this time of the year (October) although the humidity can also play a part at times, it isn’t too late. I have found the Well02 to be more beneficial to me now at night prior to going to bed, I think it helps open the airways and helps me relax a little more going to sleep. I did get up one night with a breathing problem and used the Wello2 at 3am to assist with breathing and I did find the steam did help and also helped me relax to return to sleep., I also find dismantling the parts for cleaning is much easier now than it was in the beginning, they were very stiff to move initially. I would certainly say that the device has been useful to me during the period I have been using it.” – Glenys Davison.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:324.67532467532465px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842665/rd_3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/59a1c231b898475495bade4760bcb51e" /></p> <p><em><strong>For a limited time, we are offering a discount of A$100 to Over60 readers for the WellO2 steam breathing device (normally RRP A$399) or the Travel Pack (normally A$450). We offer a 60-day money back guarantee and ongoing support for your breathing journey with our Breathing Club. Simply enter code ‘Over60’ at checkout.</strong></em></p> <p><span>If you would like any further information on WellO2, simply head to our website </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.wello2.com.au/" target="_blank">www.wello2.com.au</a><span> or contact us at hello@wello2.com.au</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7-JL_06cL0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em><strong>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://wello2.com.au/" target="_blank">Well02</a>.</strong></em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Chinese steamed fish

<p>Cuisine's Ginny Grant demonstrates a quick and tasty steamed fish dish.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients: </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine</li> <li>2 fish pieces, skin on</li> <li>3 spring onions</li> <li>5cm piece ginger, peeled</li> <li>2 tablespoons soy sauce</li> <li>2 tablespoons sunflower oil</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong><br /> 1. Drizzle the Shaoxing rice wine over the fish and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for a few minutes.<br /> <br /> 2. Thinly slice two spring onions. Cut half the ginger into thin matchsticks. Roughly chop the remaining spring onion and ginger.<br /> <br /> 3. Put the roughly chopped spring onion and ginger on a plate and top with the fish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce.<br /> <br /> 4. Put the plate with the fish in a steamer and cook for 6-7 minutes (longer if the fillets are thick). <br /> <br /> 5. Put the fish onto serving plates, discarding the spring onion and ginger it was sitting on.  Top with the thinly sliced spring onion and ginger. </p> <p>6. Heat the oil in a small saucepan then pour over the fish, along with the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce. <br /> <br /> 7. Serve with rice or noodles and steamed greens.</p> <p><em>Written by Ginny Grant. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. Image credit: Jason Dorday via Stuff.co.nz.</em></p> <p><em><strong>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, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><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></span></strong></em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Steamed date pudding

<p>As featured in the Over60 cookbook, <em>The Way Mum Made It</em>, Jennifer Ellen Fildes says of her steamed date pudding recipe, “I still have the handwritten recipe from my late mum, which was given to her by my dad’s sister, my auntie Jean. This recipe means a lot to me; looking at my mum’s handwriting brings tears to my eyes.”</p> <p>To get this recipe and 174 others, you can purchase the Over60 cookbook, <em>The Way Mum Made It</em> by <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">clicking here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 4–6</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1½ cups finely chopped dates</li> <li>1 cup milk</li> <li>¼ cup caster sugar</li> <li>2 tablespoons unsalted butter</li> <li>1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda</li> <li>1 cup self-raising flour</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Combine the dates, milk, sugar and butter in a saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat. Add the bicarbonate of soda and while still frothing, add the self-raising flour. Stir until combined.</li> <li>Grease an 8 cup capacity metal pudding steamer. Add the mixture to the dish. Cover with baking paper, then foil. Cover with the lid and secure with rubber bands.</li> <li>Place in a large saucepan. Carefully pour boiling water into the saucepan until halfway up the side of the steamer. Cover with a lid. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, topping up with boiling water when necessary.</li> <li>Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully lift the steamer from the water. Stand for 10 minutes, then remove the lid. Turn the pudding out onto a plate. Serve with cream and or custard.</li> </ol>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Rail tour picks up steam after tow start

<p>A South Island rail tour on board a restored World War I locomotive looks set to run out of steam in Marlborough, before it even leaves the station. But tour organisers have a more modern plan to keep the centenary tour on track.</p><p>The 1915 steam train, called Passchendaele, will be towed from Picton to Kaikoura by a diesel engine. Tour organiser John Bovis said the train needed four certified crewmen to run, but they only had two for part of the journey's first leg.</p><p>The company Steam Incorporated usually found steam drivers through KiwiRail.</p><p>It was "possible but unlikely" they would find two extra drivers before setting off on the two-week trip on Monday, Bovis said.</p><p>The Picton to Kaikoura stretch behind a diesel engine would not be as impressive from the outside, but it was still a "great ride" for passengers, he said.</p><p>From there though, it was full steam ahead for the locomotive, making stops at Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Bluff, Middlemarch, Greymouth and Westport.</p><p>The AB 608 engine was built in 1915 and given its name in 1925 to commemorate the lives of about 450 New Zealand railwaymen lost in WWI.</p><p>It had already travelled around the North Island, and was scheduled for a WWI centenary tour of the South Island from October 19 to November 2.&nbsp;</p><p>Restoration of the train was completed in April last year, and cost the company $500,000. Between 150 and 180 passengers would be travelling on the train each day, Bovis said. The majority were from overseas.</p><p>Steam crewman Wayne Mason said the diesel engine would only be used from Picton to Kaikoura.</p><p>"After that it's fine for the rest of the way."</p><p>He and his fellow crewman Alastair Maciver would still be manning the train in "light steam" mode but control would be in the hands of the diesel engine up front.</p><p>Restoration of the Passchendaele began more than 20 years ago and had been a "full-time job" for the past few years, Bovis said.</p><p>The engine was built in the South Island and had been used on freight trains, passenger trains, and even on two royal tours; the Prince of Wales' tour in 1920 and the Duke of York's tour in 1927.</p><p><em>Image credit: Facebook /Steam Incorporated</em></p><p>Written by Elena McPhee. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/08/classic-rail-journeys-around-the-world/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>All aboard! Classic rail journeys around the world</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/09/80-year-old-man-builds-dog-train/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>80-year-old man builds custom train for stray dogs</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/08/tips-for-packing-for-holiday/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Great tips for packing for overseas trips</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Rail tour picks up steam after tow start

<p>A South Island rail tour on board a restored World War I locomotive looks set to run out of steam in Marlborough, before it even leaves the station. But tour organisers have a more modern plan to keep the centenary tour on track.</p><p>The 1915 steam train, called Passchendaele, will be towed from Picton to Kaikoura by a diesel engine. Tour organiser John Bovis said the train needed four certified crewmen to run, but they only had two for part of the journey's first leg.</p><p>The company Steam Incorporated usually found steam drivers through KiwiRail.</p><p>It was "possible but unlikely" they would find two extra drivers before setting off on the two-week trip on Monday, Bovis said.</p><p>The Picton to Kaikoura stretch behind a diesel engine would not be as impressive from the outside, but it was still a "great ride" for passengers, he said.</p><p>From there though, it was full steam ahead for the locomotive, making stops at Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Bluff, Middlemarch, Greymouth and Westport.</p><p>The AB 608 engine was built in 1915 and given its name in 1925 to commemorate the lives of about 450 New Zealand railwaymen lost in WWI.</p><p>It had already travelled around the North Island, and was scheduled for a WWI centenary tour of the South Island from October 19 to November 2.&nbsp;</p><p>Restoration of the train was completed in April last year, and cost the company $500,000. Between 150 and 180 passengers would be travelling on the train each day, Bovis said. The majority were from overseas.</p><p>Steam crewman Wayne Mason said the diesel engine would only be used from Picton to Kaikoura.</p><p>"After that it's fine for the rest of the way."</p><p>He and his fellow crewman Alastair Maciver would still be manning the train in "light steam" mode but control would be in the hands of the diesel engine up front.</p><p>Restoration of the Passchendaele began more than 20 years ago and had been a "full-time job" for the past few years, Bovis said.</p><p>The engine was built in the South Island and had been used on freight trains, passenger trains, and even on two royal tours; the Prince of Wales' tour in 1920 and the Duke of York's tour in 1927.</p><p><em>Image credit: Facebook /Steam Incorporated</em></p><p>Written by Elena McPhee. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/08/classic-rail-journeys-around-the-world/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>All aboard! Classic rail journeys around the world</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/09/80-year-old-man-builds-dog-train/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>80-year-old man builds custom train for stray dogs</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/08/tips-for-packing-for-holiday/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Great tips for packing for overseas trips</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

Our Partners