Welcome to June,
Viktor Frankl said: “It is the very pursuit
of happiness that thwarts happiness”.
I think it appropriate that we each think about the term “happiness”.
On a daily basis we hear people say – if I had a new car I would be happy; if I found the right partner I would be happy; if I found the perfect job I would be happy.
Some of these phrases really give much credence to Viktor’s quote. Things can bring us comfort or enjoyment NOT happiness. Happiness really is a mindset, a decision. It is being content as a result - of what we do, who we associate with and our own attitude toward life. It is about following the need in our heart and not what others expect of or from us.
Happiness is not pleasure. Happiness cannot be bought or won or sold. Happiness is the product of your mind, your body, your heart and your will. It results from the pursuit of your purpose in life. Happiness is a state of mind and not a status symbol.
Take Care…………Mario
Hello Club Members,
I wish to share this story with you about a carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee.
A young woman went to her mother and told her how things were so hard for her. She wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother filled three pots with water and placed each on the stove. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil;
Then she fished out the carrots and placed them in a bowl, then the eggs and then the coffee.
The mother asked her daughter what she saw. "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," her daughter replied.
Her mother asked her to feel the carrots -they were soft; the eggs – they were hard boiled and to taste the coffee – had a rich aroma.
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile but its insides became hardened. The ground coffee beans had changed the water.
How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
The carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity; do you wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
The egg starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat to a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
The coffee beans actually change the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.
The truth is we are all three from time to time. Our aim should be to be a coffee bean as often as possible. Behaviour is a decision – to act with nobility or to act badly.
Our society shows so many displays of bad behaviour – greed, selfishness, pride. And yet there is much more good behaviour – patience, respect, compassion.
Our society needs to be nurtured and healed – so make a determined effort to be less a carrot, less an egg and more like a coffee bean.
Behaviour is a decision ……….enjoy making good coffee.
Words of Wisdom by Mario Calanna - www.calannapharmacy.com.au
For many women, the vitality of younger looking skin is comfort. This month, we are looking at skin care, with some very helpful tips on how to look after your skin for that youthful feel.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It has many important functions, which include:
Preventing too much water loss from the body’s tissues
Regulating body temperature
Eliminating wastes
Protecting the body from invasion by bacteria, fungi and parasites
To perform these vital functions, skin consists of the following three layers:
• Hypodermis: an underlying loose connective tissue layer which contains lots of fat cells, blood vessels, nerves and immune cells. It nourishes and supports the upper layers.
• Dermis: a dense layer of connective tissue that sits on top of the hypodermis; it contains lots of collagen and elastin fibres, giving skin strength and elasticity
• Epidermis: the overlying protective layer, which consists largely of dead cells filled with a protein called keratin. It forms a natural barrier to keep water in.
COMBATING DRY SKIN
While the winters are mild in North Queensland, many people notice that their skin becomes drier during the cooler months. Follow the tips below to keep your skin in optimal shape so that you can look and feel great!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water each day. This will keep your skin hydrated and assist in elimination of toxins from the body. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks, as these draw water out of the body.
No soaps allowed…
Normal soaps and hot water destroy the protective layer of oil that covers the epidermis, leaving it more vulnerable to damage and dehydration. Have a warm shower and use a non-soap wash.
Moisturise the skin regularly
Make moisturising your body part of your routine after bathing. A variety of skin creams will do the trick – most people won’t go wrong with sorbolene cream or aqueous cream. For particularly dry skin, try applying an oil such as olive oil, evening primrose oil, almond oil, avocado oil or apricot kernel oil.
Boost your intake of the good stuff!
Essential fatty acids and vitamin E are wonderful for skin health. Rich sources include tuna, salmon, sardines, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as selenium and zinc, are also important for skin wellbeing. Eat lots of colourful fresh fruit and vegetables and wholegrain products to optimize your intake of these antioxidants. Essential fatty acids and antioxidants are also available as supplements.
| A Positive look into Autism |
Many of us have heard or know what Autism is, and it’s a shame to say that many have feared those with Autism due to not fully understanding someone with Autism.
This month, it’s all about Autism awareness - we are going to look into the Positive Side of Autism, and share some of the amazing traits & personalities, in hope that we can look upon and welcome an Autistic friend into our lives with a new appreciation.
To many parents and carers, it is very important to shed light on the good side, and they say there are many plentiful benefits for these special need children and adults;
Intelligence - they have outstanding recollection and make keen observations. School may come easier, sense of direction is phenomenal, and the smallest of details are noted.
Focused Interests - they thrive on consistency, so specific shapes, patterns and texture really intrigue them. They acquire an advanced degree in specialized skills to enable them to be successful through life.
Truth - children with Autism don’t lie. They don’t play “head games” and are sometimes too truthful, and will tell on themselves sometimes - which can be quite humorous, but a good quality.
Class distinction - children/adults with Autism don’t judge others harshly. It doesn’t matter what clique surrounds them, they will find amazing qualities in people that deserve ppreciation.
Living in the moment - Instead of being easily hurt like their typical developing peers, if something upsets them they feel it but then move on quickly.
Materialism - and obsession is almost non-existent. These needs are not important to them and they are generally happier with less and don’t require frivolous needs.
We all appreciate that true person who inspires us to see the less complicated side of life. A major trait of children with autism is evoking deep thought in others. Autism encourages open-mindedness & acceptance in society.
Oral Hygiene | Tips on a healthier Palette!
Did you know that over 500,000 Australians are in urgent need of dental treatment and are on public waiting lists as long as two years?
Good oral hygiene is essential, not only for healthy teeth and gums but also for overall health and well being.
Poor dental health has a significant impact on health and wellbeing along with being a significant cost not only to those suffering from poor oral health but also to the community.
Tooth decay and gum disease however are largely preventable if we follow some basic steps….
- Brush teeth twice daily with a good soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss regularly – flossing will not only reduce tooth decay but also help prevent gum disease and actually assist in whitening your teeth.
- Gargle with a good quality antibacterial mouthwash
- Chew sugar-free gum between meals – this helps increase saliva production in the mouth. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against plaque and tartar.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks such as sweets and soft drinks. Swap soft drinks for water.
- Supplement daily with a good calcium and magnesium supplement – this is also great for bone strength and development.
- Some medicines can reduce the amount of saliva your body produces. Talk to our pharmacists about medications that may cause this problem and how to solve it.
Colgate Disclotabs
An excellent Aid for Oral Hygiene instruction;
- The food die in the tablet stains the plaque red, making it easier to see
- Safe & simple to use for adults and children
Welcome to April,
In your own mind do you choose to be a Victim, a Hero or a Villain?
In most life stories there are three elements - Victim, Hero and Villain. We need to be the hero if only to ourselves and we will influence others in this way. If we wait for someone else to help or rely on someone for our needs - we are VICTIMS and we will NEVER be the person we are meant to be. We will regret our life and so will our family, our friends and our society.
They called Earl Shoaff "The Millionaire Maker." He was an "average Joe" who made it big and freely shared with anyone who would listen - how they could also do this. He frequently toured America telling spellbound audiences:
"Life never, never withholds anything from anyone - love, health, wealth, companionship. All these exist in infinite abundance. We alone are the ones that prevent our own good from flowing, simply because we are not aware of nature's abundance and the tremendous power dormant in each of us. Our power will remain untapped because we don't know how to release, and set in motion, the activities which function the laws of our success."
"One of life's great tragedies is mankind’s persistence in clinging so tenaciously to lack and limitation. The true mark of greatness is not just in what a person accomplishes with their own life, but in their ability to help others help themselves, and to realize that they too can become great".
He had that rare ability of simplifying the laws of success and abundance to where even children understood and successfully applied them.
Mr. Shoaff used to say: "Be naive enough to believe what I say for just thirty days and you will be on your way to a new life."
There is so much fear - of loss, of lack, of disaster in our society – that we often fail to realise mankind’s amazing potential for creativity and innovation and the abundance of possibilities in ourselves, in our society and how self rejuvenating our natural world really is.
Our thoughts are ours alone – our thoughts limit us – our thoughts make us grow – our thoughts are only controlled by ourselves………Think as a Hero….
Enjoy an abundant April………Mario
e: mario@calannapharmacy.com.au w: www.calannapharmacy.com.au
