News

Summer - from our facebook page 30/11/09

Hot, hot, hot! Feeling hot, hot, hot. Areeba!!

Ok, it isn't hot at the moment. But it will be again soon as summer officially starts tomorrow and you know what warm weather means? More time outdoors in the sun, more physical activity (I'm referring to exercise) and more time off work.

So here are a few reminders for continued summer fun and well being:

1. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP: Be sun smart when outdoors. Put on a t-shirt, cover yourself in sunscreen and whack on a hat. Avoid getting burnt. A bit of vitamin D is good for you, but going all lobster on us is not. Don't forget to cover those easy to forget areas as well, such as your ears, hairline/hair parting, toes and base of your feet, behind those knees and your underarms. You do not want the doctors to replace that hole they've put into you where the cancerous mole was with skin from your bum. Imagine, bum hairs on your nose. We've all seen those ads.

FYI: Over 430,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer each year – that's over 1,000 people every day. (www.sunsmart.com.au)

2. Sunglasses: don't forget to protect one of your greatest assets with a good pair off stylish sunnies.

3. Avoid the solarium: A systematic review of the research on the link between skin cancer and solarium use concluded that using solariums before the age of 35 boosts the risk of melanoma by 75%, and also increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. A more recent review suggested that the increased risk of melanoma could be as much as 98%. (www.sunsmart.com.au) Tell me that isn't enough to turn you off.

4. Fake tan: Orange isn't the best look on people is it? Go easy with that stuff. Massage oils remove fake tan instantly, even the expensive spray on type, and leaves you very streaky. If you really must use the stuff, do so after your massage sessions. It'll last longer.

5. Waxing: Everyone wants smooth skin in summer so they can show off their body in short shorts and take their shirts off. But remember to save your waxes, specifically back waxing, till after your massages. Waxing opens your pores, allowing for greater absorption of oils and dirt. Avoid a breakout of acne by having your massages first, then shower, then wax. Or wait a couple of days till your pores close up a little again, then get your massage.

6. Bucketing: Our gardens dry up so we're compelled to recycle our water more. This requires alot of time lugging full buckets of water around the house and garden. Save your backs by adopting safe lifting techniques. use your legs more. Don't fill the bucket too much before you lift. Get the husband or any available male to do it for you. They like to feel useful, believe me. Sorry guys.

7. Recycle your water: Target 155. Now unless you grow your own veggies out the back and actually eat them, there is no need to use clean, fresh water to water your garden. Hook up your washing machine to a hose and into your garden to keep those lawns looking green. Use a bucket to save excess water from your bath (why are you having baths anyway?) or shower so you can water your plants. Your garden will love you if you use low phosphate washing powder. Also, I know it looks ugly, but put buckets under drain pipes or in your yard on rainy days to catch more water for your plants when it's dry later on. And besides, a bit of brown grass never hurt any neighbourhood.

8. Exercise: Summer is always a great time to start a new exercise regime. The weather is good and days are long. There is plenty to do and heaps of eye candy around (I'm just saying it. Settle down boys and girls!), so lot's to motivate you. Have a chat to your friends and see how they're keeping fit. Talk to your health practitioner, personal trainer or local gym to see if there is something to suit you. Use that body. Keep the juices flowing. Get fit and healthy. Now is always a great time to start.

9. GO ON HOLIDAY: Aren't you due for one already? Haven't you worked hard all year for this very moment? Take advantage of this great weather coming up. Go and see family, friends. Or avoid family and friends. Leave town, stay locally. JUST GET AWAY FROM WORK.

Ok, that's enough from me for now don't you all think? So have fun in the sun and cheerio till next time.

Lahn

Thankyou Clients & Friends

A warm-hearted thankyou goes out to the many people who contributed to the 2009 Salvation Army Melton Foster Care & Adolescent Foster Care toy drive for Christmas 2009. Your generosity has meant that many children in foster care in the west, aged from just a few months to 18 years old, have enjoyed Christmas 2009 with new toys and with the knowledge that there are people out there who really do care. Again, it was a fantastic response, especially from children who visit our clinic. We look forward to Christmas 2010.

Christmas 2009

This year, we are marking our 4th year of running the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run at the clinic. Pop into the clinic at 623 Melbourne Rd, Spotswood and pick a name from our tree to give generously to well deserving children at the Melton Foster Care Program and the Adolescent Foster Care Program. You'll be surprising children at Christmas, aged from only a few months to 18 years old.

We had an amazing response to the toy run last year with clients gifting many toys, books and even a pram to these children. Let's make this year just as great for the children, if not better. Remember, gifts need to be back at the clinic by Wednesday the 23rd of December so they can be delivered to Melton Foster Care in time for Christmas. And a massive thankyou in advance to all of those who are participating this year. We couldn't do this without you. Merry Christmas.

Winter- edited from our facebook page 01/06/09

First of all, another warm welcome to new members who've recently joined. Your support is much appreciated.

For you June babies out there who are current clinic clients, expect your June birthday vouchers in the mail. If I've missed you, I apologise and please let me know.

So the month of May had been a massively busy one at the clinic. Many of you have popped in for a nice hello and a not so nice elbow in the buttocks or knuckle in the shoulders. I'd say nearly 2/3 of people coming in have also presented with cold/flu symptoms. Coughing, sneezing, runny noses, achey joints and plain old misery. I tried to convince them they had the infamous Swine Flu, but they didn't believe me. How odd.

Luckily, there is a little thing in the old massage toolbox called cupping. Yes, glass cups, open flame, vacuum effect and a few awesome bruises to tell your friends about. Did you know that aside from reducing muscle adhesions & trigger points, increasing circulation and relaxation, cupping can also be quite effective for boosting your immune system to fight the cold? Want to know more? Ask Lahn or Stacey. Got bigger issues than just cold/flu? Ask our resident acupuncturist Dianne Horvath or our naturopath Anthony Napoli. They know alot of useful stuff.

For those of you who've found yourselves on the waiting list for too long, please remember that booking in advance is the best wsay to get an appointment that suits your time.

I shall now leave you with some quick notes:
1. Swap mouse hands
2. Bend with your knees
3. Break up your work day with some stretches
4. Actually do your recommended stretches :-)
4. Stop hitting me when I cause you pain. It's not enough to stop me.

And to prevent the spread of infection:
1. Wash your hands regularly
2. Don't spread the love while sick
3. Disinfect things after you've touched them
4. Don't scratch your butt then touch your eyes. Apparently it can give you conjunctivitis. Ok, I got that bit of info from some comedian on tv.

Till next time. See you all, Lahn.

2009 Masters Games

This year, Lahn spent a week out in Geelong for the 2009 Masters Games. No, she wasn't competing, but was massaging one of the outdoor soccer teams.

The teams name was "Pressure". 16 men, aged 30 years plus, some ex-professional, some weekend warriors, some indoor soccer players, some had never even played before. An interesting combination, considering the team was formed 2 weeks before the competition and they had never played together before.

It was tough, but the boys ploughed through. 5 men were out by the end of the second game with various injuries. Cohesion was tough to find. The defence force boys, who took the gold, provided a tough match. In total: 1 loss, 1 win, 2 losses, 1 final win to finally take out the bronze. Stand out performance goes to Vince who scored 3 goals in game 2, with a torn quad. His philosophy, if he can stand, he can play.

Everyone was exhausted by the end, but we all had a load of fun. They reckon they're going to do it again next Masters Games. But next time, they'll train properly beforehand. We shall see. Holidays well deserved all round.

And the best part of all? Lahn received a bronze medal for being part of the team, and she didn't even have to play!