VOCAL BOOT CAMP - Workshop for Business Leaders - Sign up Today!

Your business success relies upon the effectiveness of your vocal communication skills.  This particular workshop is for YOU!
This introductory workshop will consist of information, interactive movements and activities to educate and train the participants in the following areas;

• Vocal behaviours
• Posture & Support
• Breathing skills
• Vocal anatomy & physiology
• Resonance
• Vocal hygiene & health
• Vocal Exploration
• Practical application of effective voice use in business scenarios

HURRY PLACES ARE LIMITED!!

When:    Sunday June 19th 2011

Time:      9am - 12pm

Venue:   Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa, Kewarra Beach 

For more information, and costs please contact either Gail Rogers or Katerini Manolatos;

email: vocalbootcamp@hotmail.com or visit 

web: vocalbootcamp.com.au

www.calannapharmacy.com.au

What role did your Dad play when you were younger?

“Dad’s role in the family and why it is important to stay healthy”

Dads play a lot of different roles within the family unit, and the role of a father is changing. Traditionally we used to see dad going off to work and mum staying home to look after the children. However in today’s changing society we see more of our Mother’s going back to work when baby is at a young age, due to heavy financial burdens. Therefore fathers have an increased role to play within their family unit.  However, it is the most important role you will ever play in your life. With the mother’s role, they are traditionally the nurturer of their children and dads play more of a disciplinary role, however they still need to be aware they also need to be:

·          The protector of the family

·          Income earner, until the mother goes back to work

·          Supporter of feeling’s

·          The provider of discipline, love and support

·          Increased help with housework when mum does go back to work

·          Increased involvement with their child and childcare

·          The shoulder to cry on

It can sometimes be hard being a dad, because even though the traditional role has changed, fathers are still thought to be the “protector” of the family. For this reason it is important that our fathers stay fit and healthy.  Often mothers stay home for 12 months after their baby is born. Income drops dramatically, especially if mothers work for a company that does not provide good maternity benefits, and dad once again becomes the major bread winner. This alone can be stressful. With dad being the major bread winner and the added pressure to “provide for your family,” you need to stay fit and healthy. A good healthy balanced diet, plenty of exercise and rest ‘when you can’ will offer that and offer your family stability and support.

With a new baby, comes a change in the relationship. Mothers become tired, feel less desirable, and more stressed. As a father, they may feel less important and unable to help. This is not the case. It is within this time frame that the father should become more supportive and show an increased interest in both mother and child. As the child grows and becomes more independent the relationship between mother and father will be improve. 

How parents act together can reflect on how their children act when they grow up. Teach your children, at a young age, to be respectful of others. Children learn by watching their parents. If you are a good role model this will enhance good values in your children. If you, as a father, show a caring and respectful attitude towards your partner, and others, then this is what your children will learn.

So why is it important to instill good values in your children?

·          Better results at school

·          Less likely to get into trouble

·          Have better relationships in their future

·          Have a stronger connection with their community

As parents we experience many different emotions and challenges. Fathers need to be aware that their participation within the family is very important and vital on what the future holds for their children.

Written by Helen Bailey |Registered Nurse|Calanna Pharmacy Kirwan

www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Natural Medicine to Support Prostate Health

Written by Vanessa Laird - Naturopath Calanna Pharmacy Woree

Over the decades men’s reproductive health has often been ignored due to the conditioned ‘tough it out’ social stigma. When prostate issues arise it can often make them feel less masculine or embarrassed, which can result in detrimental consequences affecting their health and wellbeing.

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits underneath the bladder and is responsible for making fluid that becomes part of semen. As men begin to age, hormone changes begin to occur that may result in prostate conditions.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and prostate cancer is fast becoming a common occurrence amongst men over the age of 40. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the western world and is not normally seen in other countries. (3)

An enlarged prostate (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia - BPH) occurs due to hormonal changes related with aging. Testosterone levels reduce with age and other hormones such as oestrogen and other reproductive hormones increase. Oestrogen inhibits the elimination of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which leads to BPH. (2)

The enzyme 5-α-reductase also plays a role, contributing to the acceleration of prostatic growth. (2)

If you experience any of the following symptoms please consult your doctor:

·         Frequent urge to urinate

·         Burning or painful urination

·         Difficulty urinating

·         Blood in urine or semen

·         Dribbling of urination

·         Erection difficulties

·         Nocturia (night time urination)

·         Pain in pelvic and lower back area 

·         Reoccurring urinary tract infections or prostatic infections.

There are different types of prostate conditions; these include:

Acute prostatitis: This condition arises due to a bacterial infection causing fever, pain in the lower back and between the legs. Pain when urinating may also be present.

Chronic prostatitis: this results from reoccurring prostatic infections that usually last for a longer period of time. It is generally characterized by chronic pelvic pain and may be caused by a micro-organism (e.g. bacteria).

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): refers to an enlarged prostate that causes a number of symptoms including difficulty urinating, frequent urination and/or dribbling. These symptoms occur due to a hormonal imbalance that blocks the urethra and, if left untreated, kidney damage may occur. (1)

Prostate Cancer: cancer of the prostate may be a result of untreated BPH.

Factors that increase the risk of prostate conditions:

·         On-going urinary tract infections

·         Genetics

·         Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia

·         Smoking

·         Excess alcohol consumption

·         Age over 50

·         Exposure to cold temperatures that cause urine retention may be a contributing factor.

Complementary Recommendations:

·         Zinc has an important inhibitory effect on 5- α-reductase and is involved in androgen metabolism (2)

·         Herbal Treatments such as Saw Palmetto may help improve urinary flow and reduce prostate volume. Quality of Saw Palmetto is a must, to ensure high levels of sterols and fatty acids. (1)  Saw Palmetto may also work as a 5-α-reductase inhibitor. (2)

·         Other herbs containing urinary antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and/or hormone regulatory properties can also be of benefit.

·         Phytoestrogens: can help remove elevated oestrogen levels, which is thought to inhibit the elimination of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in BPH. (1)

·         Eat plenty of pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (2)

·         Increase fibrous foods in the diet. Use psyllium husks or slippery elm to bind hormones and eliminate them from the body. (2)

·         Cadmium toxicity from smoking has also shown to increase the enzyme 5- α-reductase. (2) Zinc supplementation can help remove cadmium from the body. (2)

·         Massaging the prostate sometimes helps to release fluids.

·         Warm baths also may provide relief.

·         Other tests conducted by your doctor may include: PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. This antigen is made in the prostate gland; increased levels may indicate BPH. However the most effective test is a rectal examination.

Always consult a qualified health care professional before commencing any nutritional or herbal supplements.  There are many other treatment options available through a personalized consultation.

References:

Murray, M. (1998). Natural Medicine: Saw Palmetto Extract; Nature’s Answer to Prostate Enlargement. Chiropractic Journal; 13(1): 50-54.

Osiecki, H. (2006). The Physician’s Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. Bioconcepts Publishing; Eagle Farm, Australia. PP: 114-117.

Yarnell, E. and Abascal, K. (2008). Holistic Approaches to Prostate Cancer. Mary Ann Liebert Inc; Vol 14: No. 4.

www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Words of Wisdom for May......

Hello Club Members, we have something special to celebrate next month that is exciting!

Next month, Calanna Pharmacy celebrates its 35th birthday. The Woree Store and Medical Centre were opened on my father's 70th birthday (8th June 1976). This is a time to reflect, to be grateful and to look to the future. My parents gave me the opportunity to study Pharmacy and after 40 years I still love it.

My grandfather owned the cane farm and lived in the house - that was on the same site as the present medical Centre - along with grandma and his three daughters. One was my mother (Alma) and another (Edie), who became the first female Pharmacist in the Cairns area.  In 1955 mum and dad purchased the cane farm and with my sister (Lynette) lived in the same house until 1972.

We moved to allow the Medical Centre to be built. This was my father's vision for the fledging Woree - Bayview area. I owe much to dad's vision, courage, leadership and integrity. He started me on my journey - to build a business based on influence, empowerment and connection. My love for people and health has helped build and expand the business, attract many wonderful team members, form 1000's of friendships with loyal customers and their new families and be able to contribute to and be part of the Cairns community.

With my wife Linda in support and our children Matthew and Catherine as an integral part of the business, along with many vibrant, caring and intelligent team members - the Calanna mission of information, advice, support and empowerment,  providing Zest for Life, is set to continue its journey of community involvement and connection.

“All of us need each of us and each of us needs all of us”

My gratitude to you all, Mario

 www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Menopause: The Natural Transition into Wisdom

A common perception today is that menopause is a disease, rather than a natural process of the female reproductive cycle. This transitional period in a woman’s life can be used to reflect her sense of self, spiritual growth and renewal of purpose.

Like most forms of transformation, there can be an array of mixed emotions and physical symptoms. For a lot of woman this can come at a time when their children begin to leave home, parents may become ill or pass away and personal relationships may need redefining.

Menopause is a natural process that the body undergoes when a woman’s menstrual cycle comes to complete cessation. The average age for the onset of Menopause can occur between the 45 and 55 years; however it can occur at earlier or older ages.

This new phase starts due to a lack of reproductive eggs in the ovaries. These eggs stimulate the production of oestrogen that controls the menstrual cycle.

There are three phases of menopause:

·      Perimenopause: This is where the female’s periods start to become irregular; there can be changes in length of the cycle and possible increases in PMS associated symptoms. 

·      Menopause: Periods have completely ceased. Symptoms associated with this phase include; hot flushes, night sweats, headaches, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, urinary tract infections, depression, anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, muscle aches & pains and fatigue.

·      Post Menopause: This phase indicates completion of menopause and associated symptoms.

Natural Suggestions to Help Manage Menopausal Symptoms:

·     Phytoestrogen dietary sources:  Flaxseed, fermented soy products (tofu, tempeh), hummus, alfalfa, red clover and garlic. These plant compounds have oestrogen-like constituents that mimic the human body’s natural hormones. Post menopausal women become more susceptible to bone related diseases such as osteoporosis. Oestrogen has been shown to protect bones from becoming porous. Phytoestrogens can help remove bad oestrogen from the body, which has been linked to illness such as breast cancer).

·     Grapefruit: may inhibit the breakdown of oestrogen, therefore reducing menopausal symptoms.

·     Lecithin Granules: 1 tbsp taken 2-3 x daily before meals. Helps to reduce hot flushes and related problems – emulsifies Vit. E

·     Vitamin E (400IU): May help to reduce hot flushes & vaginal dryness

·     Supplements of Vitamin D plus calcium and magnesium can help prevent osteoporosis and heart disease.

·     Herbs: Many herbal preparations can be an excellent way to manage hormonal balance. Herbs can also help reduce symptoms of stress, irritability and fatigue. Speak to a qualified naturopath, herbalist or nutritionist to have a formula specifically made to suit your individual needs.

·     Homoeopathic Aconite 6C: this remedy is beneficial for menopausal symptoms including; anxiety, depression, hot flushes and racy pulse/heart.

·     Homoeopathic Calc Carb 6C: best suited for hot flushes with perspiration on face and hands, irritability, poor memory and weepiness.

·     Homoeopathic Pulsatilla 6C: menopausal symptoms such as moodiness, weeping, needs to be with company, night sweats and urinary incontinence.

·     Homoeopathic Sepia 6C: menopausal symptoms including fatigue, aversion to company, irritable, hot flushes and night sweats.

·     Waste Elimination. Regular daily bowel movements are crucial to maintaining a balance throughout menopause.

·     Exercise 30 min of exercise for at least 3 times per week can significantly reduce hot flushes. Weight bearing exercise helps to protect the heart and maintains bone density.

·     Yoga can reduce stress, improve mood and improve metabolism. Specific yoga positions can help reduce hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal/urinary problems and other pains.

·     Acupuncture: may help to reduce hot flushes as well as muscle aches & pain.

·     It is important that you have regular pap tests, bone density tests and thyroid tests during and after menopause.

·    Book Recommendation:

Before commencing any of the above recommendations, please consult a qualified health practitioner.

Reference List                                                                                                                                                                        

1.        Bach, P (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Penguin Putnam Inc.; New York.

2.        Bedson, P. (2005). The Complete Family Guide to Natural Healing.  Hinkler Books, Victoria, Aust

3.        Bone, K. (2003). A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs. Churchill Livingston; Aust

4.        Murray, M. & Pizzorno, J. (1998). Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Three Rivers Press; NY

5.        Osieki, H. (2006). The Physician’s Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. Bio Concepts Publishing; Aust



Written by Vanessa Laird - Naturopath Calanna Pharmacy Woree

www.calannapharmacy.com.au