Here’s to 2017 and cheers to 2018

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On the eve of 2017 I wrote myself a list.  A list of the things I would achieve in 2017.  A list written in big bold lettering and covering all aspects of my life.  A list that I can not lay my hand on presently as I haven’t finished unpacking.  I can remember what is written on the list though as I looked at it many times that evening and during the year.

I’m pretty proud of what I have achieved and where I am in life.  Some things on my list I have certainly achieved.  I travelled with my children through three states in a campervan earlier in the year for 4 weeks and I am now living in my own brand new home that I worked my butt off for.

Some things didn’t happen exactly how I wrote them on my list.  Some things that I thought were important or that I wanted changed and evolved over the course of the year.  I knew I wanted to do something more professionally but I just didn’t know what.  I never thought that I would start a blog to provide information and advice and I never thought that I’d really enjoy this and the possibilities it brings to my life and others.  It was a lightbulb moment when I decided to do it and I’m so glad I pulled that switch. I can’t wait to see where it takes me when I really sink my teeth in to it in 2018!

I wrote on my list that I would improve my eating and exercise more.  I have certainly done this in a way I did not think I would.  I enjoy my personal training sessions and because I work so hard at the gym I don’t want to ruin it by making poor food choices.  When it came down to it I knew what I should eat I just didn’t always do it!  I look forward to and enjoy my Friday chocolate treat after a Friday check in and I’ll certainly be enjoying my pear cider tonight too!

I feel proud of the 3kg, 28.5cm and 5% body fat I have lost over the 3 months since I started training and eating well.  Fitting in to clothes that I never thought I’d fit in to again feels awesome!

So. To 2018.  The year I will turn 40. Eek!  The start of a new decade of life feels scary however I will start this with a better body than I did when I turned 30 (mainly because I was 39 weeks pregnant when I turned 30).  Anyhow I will start this year and my next decade feeling grateful and proud of where I am now and excited and determined for where I will be this time next year.  I can’t wait to sit down on 31st December 2018 and list my latest achievements.

“Natural” and “organic” claims aren’t always what they seem

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natural organic

Many people choose products with these claims thinking they are safer and better for them.  Just because a product has the word natural or organic in its name doesn’t always mean it is.

The following article, though written in 2015, explains well how to examine products for yourselves.

Natural and Organic products

Travel Medicines

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travel medicine

It’s that time of year when people (other than me) have time off from work and can do some travelling!

It’s important for those who take regular medicines to be organised and find out what restrictions may apply in the country(ies) they are heading to.  It is also important to find out what vaccinations and other medicines are needed or recommended for your destination of travel.  The best place to obtain this information is www.smartraveller.gov.au

Travelling with medicines

If you take regular medicines, for example for high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, pain etc it is important to take your medicines in their original packaging labelled from the pharmacy.  It is also a good idea to have a statement from your Doctor of what medicines you take.  Keep your medicines in your hand luggage in case your main luggage ends up at a different destination.  You can not use a prescription from your home country in another so you need to take enough medicine with you.

Thyroxine and insulin are usually stored in a refrigerator.  They can often be stored out of the fridge for short periods of time.  Speak with your Pharmacist before travel to work out a plan for storage.

If you need to use needles for injecting be sure to have a letter from your Doctor and present the items for screening.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required when travelling to certain destinations.  If you are travelling overseas it is a good idea to visit your Doctor a few months before to discuss what vaccinations may be needed.

Other illness prevention

Apart from vaccinations there are other ways to prevent illness.

Malaria is common in many countries and your Doctor can prescribe medication to prevent contracting it.  In addition to medication it is important to be sensible when out and about in malarial countries.

  • It is best to limit time outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wearing long sleeves, insect repellent and making sure your sleeping environment is protected from mosquitoes is also important.
  • Adequate sunscreen is important especially with certain malarial prevention medicines.

Travellers’ diarrhoea is a common ailment when travelling.  It is a good idea to take medication to treat diarrhoea in case it is needed.  Ideally a case of diarrhoea should be allowed to run its course but if it is severe or you need to travel medicine is helpful to stop it.  Preventing dehydration is very important in cases of travellers’ diarrhoea.  Rehydration solutions can be made from tablets/sachets and bottled water to sip on. Common sense and good hygiene is really important in preventing diarrhoea.

  • Drink only boiled or bottled water.
  • Eat only well cooked food or food that you peel yourself.
  • Do not eat raw or reheated food.
  • Wash and air dry hands before eating.
  • Avoid unpasteurised dairy products.