Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 216 i WellBeing

The “Silk Road” is not a road. It’s not even a path, for that matter. The Silk Road actually refers to a network of routes used to transport goods between Europe and East Asia from when the Han dynasty of China opened trade in 130 BCE until the Ottoman Empire closed trade with the West in 1453 CE. For more than 1500 years, the 6500km of Silk Road represented the existence of trade between diverse cultures. Yes, silk did travel the Silk Road but so did porcelain, precious stones, tea, spices, animals, glassware and textiles. The horses introduced to China contributed to the might and power of the Mongol Empire, while gunpowder from China changed the fundamentals of warfare in Europe. Perhaps more important than all of these goods, however,…

Wild pollinators in danger: new research exposes pesticides’ threat to ground-nesting bees A new study published in Science highlights the alarming risks pesticides pose to ground-nesting bees, vital for pollination and food production. Led by Dr Sabrina Rondeau at the University of Ottawa, the research reveals that current pesticide risk assessments overlook wild bees’ unique vulnerabilities. Findings show more than 70 per cent of wild bee species face significant risks from pesticide residues in soil. Pesticides such as cyantraniliprole reduce survival and reproduction of queen bumble bees. Squash bees exposed to insecticide-fungicide mixes experience disrupted behaviour and lower offspring production. The study calls for a reassessment of pesticide safety standards to protect wild pollinators. Dr Rondeau warns, “Protecting wild pollinators requires rethinking pesticide regulations urgently. It’s crucial for safeguarding both…

Happiness: that thing we all want. You want it. Yet what is it? The easiest thing to begin with is to dispense with some of the popular misconceptions. For a start, happiness is not shopping. Despite everything that advertising tries to make you believe, you will not “become” happy by purchasing something. In fact, the evidence is that advertising is a major cause of unhappiness because it seeks to make people feel a sense of lack in their life. Of course, advertising agencies only have that power if you put any credence at all in any of their spruiking. Sling away slogans (there’s one for your T-shirt) and you won’t be open to the depredations that advertising can wreak in your psyche. If you ask a politician, they will tell…

Spices have shaped human history for millennia, originating from ancient trade routes such as the Silk Road. Highly sought after for their flavour, value and medicinal properties, spices such as cinnamon, pepper and cloves have incited wars, driven exploration and instigated colonisation. Nations competed for control over the spice trade, leading to significant geopolitical changes and the establishment of trade empires. It is often forgotten that spices were once more valuable than gold due to their rarity and demand. Spice was its own currency in many cultures, exchanged for precious metals or textiles and used to pay taxes and debts. Today, spices continue to connect and unify cultures by driving culinary innovation through shared experiences. The impact of spices on health, longevity and beauty Long considered superfoods, spices have been…

Berry Coconut Ice-Cream Serves: 4-6 Recipe: Lisa Guy 1 tin coconut cream2 cups mixed berries3 tbsp raw honey3 ripe bananas1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract Blend ingredients together in food processor. Pour mixture into an ice-cream machine and mix until you have the right consistency. For a firmer consistency spoon ice-cream into a container and put it in the freezer for 2 hrs. If you don’t have an ice-cream machine place your mixture in a container in the freezer for 3-4 hrs or overnight until firm. Delicious served with fresh berries, crushed macadamia nuts and coconut flakes. Green Tea Smoothie Makes: 2 large glasses Recipe: Lisa Guy Handful baby spinach2 stalks kale, ribs removed1 green pear½ green apple½ large avocado½ cucumber Juice 1 lemon½ bunch mint2 stalks celery1 cup…

Do you remember the freedom and joy of dancing when you were a child? Whether you took formal dance classes or simply enjoyed spinning and twirling across the living room to your favourite song, it’s likely that dance has fed your soul in one way or another. However, as adults, we are usually rushing from one commitment to the next, driven by our endless “to-do” list with exercise often becoming another box to be ticked and the notion of engaging in an activity for the sheer joy of it seeming like an unnecessary indulgence. Yet there is a growing trend of adults consciously pushing back on these pressures and defying ageist attitudes to pursue ballet in midlife and into their senior years. Not only are they reclaiming the joy of…

There’s something special about slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Shoalhaven region. Located just a twohour drive from Sydney and two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, the award-winning South Coast region not only boasts 100 beaches but is made up of 70 per cent national parks and forests. In the eight years my wife Lauren and I have lived on the South Coast, we’ve only scratched the surface — it was time to dig a little deeper. Our weekend began in Milton, a town that blends country charm with vibrant energy, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead. As we arrived, we felt an immediate sense of ease, the kind that comes from crisp, coastal air, rolling green hills and the promise of time well spent.…

For something untold The Butterfly Women Madeleine Cleary, Affirm Press The Butterfly Women by Madeleine Cleary unearths a hidden chapter of Australia’s Gold Rush history, giving voice to the women who shaped Melbourne’s underbelly. Through meticulous research sparked by her own family discoveries, Cleary crafts a fascinating narrative that challenges traditional historical accounts. The novel resonates powerfully with contemporary discussions about gender, sex work and economic inequality and celebrates the resilience of female friendship. This page turning work of historical fiction illuminates stories that were ignored — essential reading for anyone interested in Australia’s complex social history. For something healing How to Fall in Love with Humanity James Gill, Affirm Press How to Fall in Love with Humanity by James “Fish” Gill tackles relationship repair with practicality and heart. Moving beyond…

While many beauty brands retrofit their operations with eco-friendly practices, Weleda’s story reveals how a brand can scale globally without compromising its core values. Theirs is a masterclass in maintaining integrity, meeting modern market demands and trailblazing sustainable innovation. Since their founding in 1921, Weleda has pioneered holistic beauty through a deep respect for nature and sustainability, creating products that support the body’s regenerative processes. This philosophy, rooted in anthroposophy (which recognises the connection between humans and the natural world), extends from the brand’s biodynamic gardens to its seed-to-shelf sourcing, ensuring every step from cultivation to production is ethical, sustainable and regenerative. Innovation and tradition coexist at the heart of Weleda’s operation. The brand’s iconic Skin Food, first developed in 1926, remains a beloved staple, proving that nature’s wisdom is…

I’ve killed several trees with well-intentioned mulch, like the young grapefruit trees that I surrounded with old carpet, to keep the weeds down and the moisture in. The carpet did both perfectly. Not a single weed came up through it — and not a single drop of rain penetrated the carpet to water the trees either. By the time I realised that the carpet was backed with waterproofing, one tree was dead and the others none too healthy, either. Even a loose mulch of autumn leaves and lucerne can soak up the small amounts of rain we usually get in droughts. Two to three millimetres in a night once a week can be enough to keep plants alive, but if the trees are mulched, even with the best mulch possible,…

A 67-year-old recently retired woman was concerned with the coming cold and flu season and wanted a program to protect her from infections. For two to three years, she had been getting the annual flu vaccine from her doctor, but she had been increasingly reacting adversely to the vaccine — getting a worse dose of the flu than she ever used to prior to the vaccinations. Research shows that while the flu vaccines help some people, they are not always as effective in older people as they are purported to be. The figures show that in elderly people, less than 30 per cent find them effective. She agreed to follow a program for the next few months. These programs are more effective if commenced at the change of season, before…

There’s a saying we’ve all heard and, perhaps, overuse — “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But what if it is broken? Do you fix it? In our throwaway culture, we’re often quick to replace rather than repair. We toss a malfunctioning appliance, upgrade to the latest smartphone or walk away from challenging relationships. What are we losing in our rush toward the new, the unblemished, the convenient? My husband is a fixer by nature. When I’m ready to order a new vacuum, he applies duct tape to our existing one and it works just fine. When the kids’ toys break, he’s there with super glue and screws. Friends constantly call on him for help with anything that needs constructing or fixing. Recently, my computer screen broke, leaving me…

Link found between gut virus and Alzheimer’s development Researchers from Arizona State University and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute have identified a connection between a chronic gut infection caused by cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This common virus, transmitted through bodily fluids, can remain active in the gut and potentially travel to the brain via the vagus nerve, where it may trigger immune responses linked to Alzheimer’s. A recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia identified HCMV in the gut, brain and vagus nerve of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The virus activated microglia, the brain’s immune cells, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal damage. Researchers demonstrated HCMV exposure increased amyloid and tau protein production in brain cell models, hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. This discovery highlights a potential Alzheimer’s subtype affecting…

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, globe artichoke (Cynara) is an ancient herbaceous thistle native to the Mediterranean basin. The base of the fleshy leaves and the large immature flower head is eaten as food and is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Traditionally, Cynara was prescribed to improve digestion and for liver and gallbladder diseases. Today, artichoke extracts have shown diverse healthprotective benefits for many organ systems. Active compounds The heads and leaves of the globe artichoke contain antioxidants, polyphenolic compounds, the prebiotic inulin, cynarin and flavonoids (luteolin) and a variety of minerals (copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus) and vitamins (folate, Vitamin C, B2, B3, B6 and K). Cynara is low in fat, carbohydrates and calories and high in fibre with three per cent protein. Therapeutic uses Research demonstrates Cynara reduces…

It is not uncommon to use the words “dirt” and “soil” interchangeably, but they are two very different things. Dirt is inert, soil is alive. In effect, dirt is soil with the vitality removed. Whereas dirt just ruins your clothes, soil has a role in creating healthy nutrient-dense produce for us into the future. It is the engine room of farms, your home garden and the planet. Every engine needs to be understood so it can be cared for, so it is important to understand exactly what soil is. The soil support system Soil is a living, breathing support mechanism for life on Earth. It is a layer of life beneath your feet, and it tends to be taken for granted. A handful of living soil is overflowing with all…

In 1996, Michael Mobbs disconnected his Chippendale home (in inner Sydney) from mains water and the sewer, and then in 2015, from the electricity grid. “It was enough to have me committed,” he says. Back then, it was no small feat and people thought he was crazy. Fast forward to today, and the Off Grid Guy, as Mobbs is known in Australia, is something of a celebrity and thought leader in the sustainable living space. Almost 2500 people have visited his home for inspiration and tips. There’s also a model of his energy-efficient home on display at the Powerhouse Museum. He’s even written a book, Sustainable House, about his journey, rich with tips and advice. Mobb’s message is that you don’t have to live in the sticks or break the…

Are you proactive when it comes to your health? Do you have regular check-ups and monitor changes in how you feel? Are you comfortable discussing topics like sexual health and emotional well-being with your doctor? Or do you find yourself skipping appointments because you’re too busy or too uncomfortable to bring up certain issues? Your relationship with your primary doctor is an important and sometimes overlooked element of your healthcare journey. However, people often hold back due to reluctance, embarrassment or self-neglect. Taking a holistic approach to your health, however, involves making time for yourself, building a good rapport with your doctor and being open to meaningful discussions about your health-related concerns. Empowering yourself as a patient Taking a holistic approach to your health means being an active participant in…

Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who was later canonised a saint after her death late last century, devoted her life to help the poor and destitute in the slums of Kolkata, India. She stated, “Today, if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Her salient observation was made decades ago, yet these words resonate now more than ever as we live in times of great uncertainty and polarity where isolation is prevalent. To belong is to be seen where we feel valued and safe. So, don’t we all need to come together? United we stand, divided we fall There is an ancient Latin word that’s coming back into vogue: communitas, which means the spirit of community. In a world where we…

You’ve clocked up plenty of snooze time, stuck religiously to your new exercise regime, cut your work hours to reduce stress, but you still feel tired… all the time. Feeling fatigued is not uncommon. In fact, it’s nipping at the heels of many Australians — among them, working parents. A 2021 study by McKinsey & Company reported 62 per cent of employees were feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Exhaustion weighs on our minds, it zaps our energy, impacts on our relationships with those around us and can make us feel depressed. Holly Phillips, author of The Exhaustion Breakthrough, writes that fatigue can have a ripple effect. “When it strikes, it can knock you off your equilibrium or take you down for the count with a barrage of symptoms,” she explains. Among…

In recent years, it feels like the lid has been lifted on what was once a taboo topic, and now it’s the word on everyone’s lips… menopause. Instagram, TikTok and our bookshelves are full of it, and it seems impossible as a woman in her 40s to catch up with friends without it stealthily entering the conversation at some point. Growing up, I had no idea of what menopause was and certainly wasn’t interested in what it meant for those experiencing it, until I was well into my late 30s, headed towards the inevitable, myself. By my mid-40s, for the first time outside of puberty and pregnancy, my hormones were running wild, playing havoc with my body and mind. This was when I was introduced to the phenomenon known as…

This Balinese sunrise is hours old when I hit the sand, pausing on the palm-fringed edge of the sea to watch the rolling waves. Stretched before me, a broad wedge of grey sand tempers the crashing swell and a handful of riders shoot through barrels and peel off to do it all again. Down the beach in the softer waves, some new-tosurfing girlfriends are practising their moves, riding gentle tumblers to shore on their bellies and knees. I kick off my thongs and take the plunge, ducking and diving and soaking up this unhurried scene — the warmth of the water, the crumbling cliffs that line the beach and an utterly old-school surfer vibe I never knew still existed in Bali. Denpasar’s “hello mister” hustle puts a lot of travellers…

The support and interest in natural medicine is growing with more people turning to complementary therapies to boost their health and wellbeing. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, remedial massage and many more therapies can enhance the body’s natural healing ability. There are so many ways natural medicine can support you, however it is important to seek care from an accredited natural medicine practitioner who upholds the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Why choose an accredited practitioner? When looking for a natural medicine practitioner, look out for the accredited practitioner logo of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) or ask if they are a member of a professional industry association. This status or membership means they are required to seek continued professional education each year to ensure they are across the latest research…

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through beauty blogs or supplement aisles, chances are you’ve come across the popular vitamin biotin. Biotin is often touted as a miracle ingredient for hair, skin and nails, but what exactly is it, and how does it work? Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in supporting the body’s metabolic processes. It helps convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy, which is crucial for overall health and vitality. Biotin is a member of the B-vitamin complex and, while it’s often associated with improving beauty, it’s just as important for your energy levels, brain function and digestion. Biotin and natural beauty connection Biotin has become a popular staple in beauty routines. Here are some ways it can…

During the holidays, three generations of my family contracted COVID. While I wasn’t severely unwell (thanks to my trusty echinacea tincture), I did experience several days of persistent lethargy and brain fog. To combat this, I prepared a tincture containing Siberian ginseng, ginkgo, bacopa, withania and bilberry. I took this mixture diluted in water four times a day and, within 24 hours, I felt more capable of managing daily tasks. Adaptogens are among my favourite classes of herbs. These natural substances, often derived from plants, enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress by modulating physiological responses to various stressors. and influencing key regulatory systems such as the hypo-thalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Adaptogens are also valuable for managing the effects of long-term exposure to environmental toxins. They can play an integral…

01. In Essence Hydrate and rejuvenate your skin with In Essence Barrier Repair Face Oil. This nutrient-rich blend of cold-pressed oils and natural actives is enriched with camellia oil and vitamin C-packed Kakadu plum. The luxurious oil brightens skin, firms fine lines and strengthens the skin barrier for a luminous, healthy complexion. inessence.com.au 02. Weleda Weleda’s Smoothing Day Cream Wild Rose & White Tea is like a morning hug for your skin. With organic wild rose and antioxidant-packed white tea, it smooths fine lines and delivers a vitamin C-like boost, leaving your skin glowing all day long. weleda.com.au 03. MV Skintherapy Rich in calendula, a time-honoured healer, alongside Roman and German chamomile, MV Skintherapy’s Daily Soother Booster restores a plush and balmy softness to dry, irritated or damaged skin. This…

Autumn and winter Fruit Apples (Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Jonathan, Lady Williams, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Sundowner), banana, breadfruit, cumquat, custard apple, fig, grapes (Muscat, Purple Cornichon, Sultana, Waltham Cross), grapefruit, guava, kiwifruit, lemon, lime, mandarin (Imperial), melons (honeydew, rockmelon), nashi, orange (Valencia), papaya, passionfruit, pears (Beurre Bosc, Howell, Josephine, Packham, Red Sensation, Williams), persimmon, pineapple, plum, pomelo, pomegranate, quince, rambutan, raspberry, rhubarb, tamarillo, tangelo. Vegetables Asian greens (bok choy, choy sum, gai laan, wonga bok), avocado, beans (butter, green, snake), beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chilli, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, field mushroom, okra, olive, onions (brown, red and spring), parsnip, peas, potato, pumpkin, shallot, silverbeet, spinach, squash, swede, sweetcorn, sweet potato, taro, tomato, turnip, witlof, zucchini.…

I have a friend, we will call her Wynfull, who makes a delicious drip filter coffee. I don’t know what it is about her technique, but I always have it black when I am at her house and somehow the dark brew never fails to have a uniquely satisfying taste. Every so often I drop in at hers and am always pleased when a pot is on. Most recently, as we sipped coffee and munched on some Greek sweets called kourabiedes, I had provided as my part of the bargain, Wynfull began lamenting her situation with her daughter. Her daughter is 18 and has largely been a homebody, going out with friends as teenagers do, but happily entertained with school, netball, social media (scary) and social life (not-so-scary). On this…

Study finds dark chocolate may reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 21 per cent Eating dark chocolate, but not milk chocolate, may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Published in The BMJ, the study followed more than 192,000 adults for 30-plus years. Participants who ate at least five servings of dark chocolate weekly had a 21 per cent lower risk of T2D, while milk chocolate showed no benefit. Increased milk chocolate intake was linked to weight gain, a T2D risk factor. “Dark chocolate’s polyphenols may offset the effects of sugar and fat on weight and diabetes, unlike milk chocolate,” said Qi Sun, study co-author. Researchers highlight small dietary changes, like choosing dark chocolate, could benefit health.…

Vibrant, clear skin has long been the holy grail of beauty, but what if the secret wasn’t found in surface-level rituals? For years, the gut’s role in digestion and immunity was its defining narrative but emerging research suggests that what happens in the twists and turns of the digestive tract may ripple outward, influencing everything from breakouts to premature ageing. Scientists refer to this as the gut-skin axis, a complex relationship that may explain that an imbalanced gut microbiome, heightened systemic inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption could all manifest on our most visible organ — our skin. While the gut-skin connection remains an evolving field, scientists are uncovering intriguing parallels between microbial diversity and complexion clarity. Could the key to a calm, resilient and luminous complexion lie not just in…

Your body’s ability to process and use energy from food depends on one crucial hormone: insulin. When cells stop responding to insulin effectively, it triggers a cascade of health effects that can impact everything from your energy levels to heart health and brain function. Here, we explore natural approaches to help your body restore healthy insulin function and regain metabolic balance. Insulin resistance is a silent yet significant disruptor, often overlooked despite its profound impact on the health and wellbeing of millions of people worldwide. Its effects extend far beyond just weight gain, increasing the risk of serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome. The good news is that insulin resistance is both preventable and reversible with a holistic approach combining targeted dietary changes,…

As young teens, my friend Ann and I would scoop up fistfuls of mud, slather it on our faces and grin at each other as we sat in the sunshine. With our mud masks cracking, we’d nibble carrot sticks and stolen mulberries from the tree that hung over the back fence. While our organic mud masks might have beauticians cringing in horror, it turns out our healthy snacks were right on the money for natural beauty, and by eating the right kinds of foods, you can achieve more radiant skin. Barefaced beauty What began with a trickle of environmental consciousness is now a growing global movement that celebrates natural beauty and a fresh and dewy look. It’s all about ditching make-up and embracing the beautiful skin that you are in.…

Many years ago, Joni Mitchell sang about developers paving paradise and putting up a parking lot. Today, it is becoming increasingly common to see paved or concreted surfaces returned to nature, and this is not just as a concession to the hippy generation. In built-up areas, impermeable hard surfaces have become ubiquitous. There was a logic behind this. Cities and towns were once unsanitary places with an excess of mud and filth, and after sewers came into use, the goal for managing excess water was to simply dispose of it. This arrangement worked relatively well until fairly recently. Now climate change is raising ocean temperatures, causing the air above to hold more moisture, which results in storms over land that are increasingly frequent and more intense. Surface water from flash…

If you’re reading this, chances are you already know your childhood and social conditioning shaped who you are right now. Maybe you’ve met your inner child in a guided meditation, unpacked your past in trauma-informed therapy, or laughed (a little too knowingly) at a meme about ’90s parenting fails. We have long known that big T trauma (for example, abuse or neglect in the family of origin, racism, poverty or the loss of a parent) can create a lasting physical, mental and emotional impact on a person. But only in more recent times have we discovered that little t trauma (for example, harsh comments by parents, being bullied at school or reading toxic body-image content) can also leave an imprint, especially during formative years when we are developing our psyche…

The dawn of multi-modal hybrid fitness is changing the game for health enthusiasts everywhere. This innovative approach synthesises various exercise modalities specifically combining strength training, cardiovascular workouts, flexibility exercises and functional movement into a singular, dynamic regimen. By embracing this integrated style of training, individuals can experience a multitude of benefits that cater to diverse fitness goals while promoting overall wellbeing. At its core, multi-modal hybrid fitness is about intertwining different exercise types, allowing participants to engage in a comprehensive workout experience. Unlike traditional fitness routines that often compartmentalise strength and cardio sessions using weights or gym-style machines, hybrid fitness melds these elements together. The philosophy is rooted in functional fitness — an approach that focuses on exercises mimicking everyday activities, enhancing overall physical capability while preventing injuries. Individuals, whether…

In Cosy Vegan, Instagram foodie and Glow Diaries founder Liz Douglas delivers a refreshing take on plant-based cooking that prioritises comfort and accessibility. Born from her personal journey of veganising beloved dishes after transitioning to plant based eating in 2019, this cookbook offers more than 100 recipes that prove vegan food can be both familiar and exciting. Douglas’s background as a professional food buyer shines through in her practical approach, sharing valuable time-saving tips and cooking hacks. The cookbook strikes a perfect balance between wholesome nutrition and indulgent comfort, making it an ideal companion for both curious beginners and experienced plant based cooks. From viral recipe videos to this comprehensive collection, Douglas continues to demonstrate that plant-based living can be both deliciously decadent and wonderfully approachable. Cosy Vegan by Liz…

“What’s in a name?” Shakespeare’s Juliet famously pondered. For MV Skintherapy, it’s everything, which is why they’ve deliberately used the term “skin therapy”, instead of “skincare”. This isn’t mere semantics; it’s a statement of purpose. MV Skintherapy operates outside traditional beauty industry parameters as the brand bridges the gap between complementary medicine and beauty therapy. Starting slow MV Skintherapy asks you to rethink your relationship with your skin. I’ve been blessed with naturally good skin and rarely felt the need for complicated regimens, until sleepless nights with children and running on adrenaline began taking a toll. Suddenly, my reflection didn’t look quite as effortless anymore, but quick fixes and elaborate 12-step routines have historically put me off many skincare brands. I instantly fell in love with MV Skintherapy’s philosophy: start…

I magine a treat that’s not just a delicacy but a delightful narrative of nourishment, wrapped in creamy white chocolate and sprinkled with nature’s most charming ingredients. I have just that for you this month, a white chocolate bark that isn’t just a recipe — it’s an edible love letter to wellbeing, family and those deliciously unexpected moments of joy. Let’s talk about this little sweet treat that transforms simple ingredients into a haven of flavours and nutrition. White chocolate melted into silky smoothness, macadamias and pumpkin seeds punctuated across its surface, deliciously dried blackcurrants adding their deep, rich burst of antioxidant goodness with every bite. Macadamias aren’t just nuts; they’re tiny balls of heart-loving monounsaturated fats, bringing a buttery richness that makes your taste buds and cardiovascular system equally…

I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that a lot of us don’t take our livers very seriously. Aside from the national pastime of regular alcohol consumption glorified by a constant flow of advertising suggesting that it’s a social lubricant, rather than a malignant scourge, a visit to an X-ray clinic for a scan that reveals a fatty liver might be greeted with a shrug from our doctor and consequently indifference and inertia from us. This might be a lamentable gaffe as the liver is our largest organ with a significant influence on every metabolic and biochemical process, which can either engender our wellbeing or, if disregarded, spawn our downfall. This megalopolis is a manufacturing and detoxification behemoth, its portfolio spanning fat digestion, protein and hormone production,…

“Wow! It sounds like you’ve lived several lives, Ally,” a colleague remarked. I don’t recall what triggered the comment, but I remember my response. “Yeah, I really have,” I said softly. I flinched at a few unwanted memories before lightening the conversation with a goofy joke. Nobody seemed to notice. I’ve gotten pretty good at deflection. They say trauma makes you funny. I guess there are worse coping mechanisms out there. I should know, I’ve tried many of them! My inability to process some big adult themes experienced at a young age resulted in an “off-the-rails” adolescence — school drop out by 16, rehab at 18. Depressive episodes, flashbacks, feeling hopeless and wondering if it would ever get better was the norm. The black dog was my constant. That version…

June Mabo Day June 3, AU reconciliation.org.au/commemorating-mabo-day World Environment Day June 5, Global worldenvironmentday.global World Ocean Day June 8, Global worldoceanday.org Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival June 6-8, Bellingen, AU bellingenwritersfestival.com.au MindBodySpirit Festival June 6-9, Melbourne, AU mbsfestival.com.au World Blood Donor Day June 14, Global  who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day The Bloody Long Walk June 1, Sunshine Coast, AU June 16, Brisbane, AU June 29, Wollongong, AU bloodylongwalk.com.au The Good Food & Wine Show June 20-22, Sydney, AU goodfoodshow.com.au/sydney July Dry July July 1–31, Global dryjuly.com Plastic Free July July 1–31, Global plasticfreejuly.org Darwin Fringe Festival July 11–20, Darwin, AU darwinfringe.org.au Run Melbourne July 13, Melbourne, AU runmelbourne.com.au Noosa Alive July 18-27, Noosa, AU noosaalive.com.au Coastrek July 18, Sunshine Coast, AU coastrek.com.au World Hepatitis Day July 28, Global worldhepatitisday.org International Day of Friendship July…

If you want to expand your mind, let it play over the concept of a black hole for a moment. These things were predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity more than a century ago. As our astronomical equipment improved, we have discovered that there are millions of black holes just in our own galaxy, the Milky Way. In fact, every galaxy has a supermassive (that is genuinely the technical term for them) black hole at its centre that is millions, or even billions, of times the size of our own sun. The supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy is called Sagittarius A and is as big as three to four million Earths but has a mass equal to four million of our suns. Astrophysicists believe that…