March clinic update: easing into autumn
As we ease into autumn, I’m enjoying getting up before dawn, while it’s still cool enough to exercise comfortably. It’s no hardship, as an unscheduled trip to New Zealand has nudged my sleep pattern. So for now, I’m going with the flow.
In early April, daylight saving comes to an end. Putting the clocks back creates a kind of mini-jetlag, like trips across the Tasman. If you find yourself waking earlier than usual, try heading out for a walk if you can.
Sadness
I still can’t put into words the sadness and shock I feel for my homeland and the people of Christchurch. This is an overwhelming and triggering time for many. Be gentle with yourself.
From subject to collaborator
After completing cancer advocacy training last November, I officially became a ‘consumer in research’. It’s a privilege to turn my lived experience of cancer into an opportunity to collaborate with medical researchers, rather than be the subject of these studies.
I’ve taken on a number of volunteer assignments which have all commenced at the same time! On top of 10 hours of meetings with researcher in March, I attended the Australian New Zealand Gynaecology Oncology Group consumer forum and put on my party frock to celebrate at the Cancer Council NSW research awards night.
This has been an unexpected upside of my encounter with ovarian cancer. If you’d like to know more about what being a ‘consumer’ is like, or are interested in becoming one, take a dive into my world of consumer collaboration in cancer research.
Private health insurance rebates end on 1 April
If you have private health insurance with full “extras” cover, your insurer has no doubt contacted you about the changes in your policy. As I reported in November, there are complex, political reasons for these companies to no longer cover naturopathy, herbal medicine and a host of other complementary therapies.
You can still claim a rebate on any of our face to face naturopathic consultations in Sydney until the end of the month. There are limited appointment times left, but if you book now, there are a few consultations for initial and returning clients available.
As we head into a federal election, there are many things you can do to help reverse this decision. If you don’t like the changes, act now!
More fridge fixings
Thanks for the great feedback about last month’s fridge fixings article.
Another ‘fixing’ in high rotation this summer has been braised tomatoes. These slowly cooked gems can be used in so many different dishes, and I love to make a batch after visiting the local farmers market on the weekend. They’re simple to make and extremely useful to have in the fridge, take a look at the recipe.
Practitioner mentoring projects
I’m halfway through presenting a series of four Business Building webinars with Health Masters Live, leading a workshop at an International conference and continuing to mentor some awesome practitioners. If you’re a health practitioner, there’s a mentoring update – just for you!
Preparing for autumn
As the seasons change, we’re usually more vulnerable to picking up infections. Don’t forget that a good 30 second, sudsy hand wash is one of the most effective ways to decrease your chances of acquiring a respiratory or tummy bug! Want to know more about staying well in autumn? Take a look at these tips for autumn immunity.
If you’re not feeling your best right now, let’s work together to build up your immune system before the cool weather lurgies hit.