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One for older folk

February 11, 2019 February 2019 Comments Off on One for older folk

It is a tragedy how often people buy into the myth that our cognitive abilities inevitably diminish once we are in middle age.

If you are of over a ‘certain age you might enjoy this encouraging list from Psychology Today.

  • Leo Tolstoy learned to ride a bicycle at 67.
  • Queen Victoria began learning Hindustani at 68.
  • Giuseppe Verdi was still composing operas in his 80’s.
  • Somerset Maugham wrote his last book at 84.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright designed his last building at 89.
  • In their 90’s, Robert Frost was writing poems and George Bernard Shaw was writing plays. Georgia O’Keefe was painting pictures, and Pablo Casals was playing cello.
  • Oliver Wendell Holmes was still dominating the Supreme Court until he retired at 91.
  • Linus Pauling (chemist) was actively publishing just before his death at 93.

Leopold Stokowski (conductor) recorded 20 albums in his 90’s and signed a six-year contract at 96.

Nurture your Gut

February 11, 2019 February 2019 Comments Off on Nurture your Gut

The importance of good gut health for optimal physical and mental health is a popular topic right now, and for good reason! With over a trillion bacteria residing in our gut, research is showing us that this beneficial army within our bodies has many important roles – from enhancing our immune function, to assisting with a healthy body weight and metabolism, right through to playing a crucial role in our mood (including depression and anxiety).

Our gut health has changed in recent times, with less diversity in our gut biome than found in previous generations. If we think about our gut biome as a community with different bacteria having different jobs to do, this decreased diversity is like a community with no teachers, nurses, lawyers, farmers or plumbers to do those important roles. The community wouldn’t function at an ideal level, and so too our gut won’t either if some of the beneficial bacteria are missing or in insignificant numbers to do their various jobs.

Researchers are blaming our modern way of living as playing a role in reducing the diversity of our gut biome. Antibiotics, anti-bacterials, too little green time and too much screen time, processed foods, too little fibre, and too much stress are all factors that affect the health and numbers of our gut biome. Addressing these factors can help bring a positive balance to our gut and allow our body to function optimally. … Continue Reading

Pet’s Heat Stroke 

February 11, 2019 February 2019 Comments Off on Pet’s Heat Stroke 

It’s the time of year we all enjoy, having fun in the sun! Good to get outside and get that nice summer glow. But what about our four legged friends?

We have lots of ways to protect ourselves from the sun such as sunscreen, hats, the shade of our homes and air conditioning if it gets too much. Instead of sweating, dogs eliminate heat by panting and seeking shade. When panting isn’t enough, a dog’s body temperature rises. This can be fatal if not corrected quickly. 

Excessive panting and signs of discomfort indicate overheating in dogs. Other signs of a dog suffering from heatstroke include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse. If you see these symptoms in your dog, you should take them to your vet immediately for medical care. 

Owners can start the cooling process on the way to the vet by wetting the dog and running the car air conditioner. For farm dogs this may mean a dip in a trough and a trip into town on the back of the truck. … Continue Reading

Remembering Garry

February 11, 2019 February 2019 Comments Off on Remembering Garry

I, along with a great many others, attended a very sad funeral recently.  It was a raw and confronting time as we gathered to say farewell to Martinborough community stalwart Garry Jackson; raw because we all knew that Garry had taken his own life and confronting because, as his family shared their grief and bewilderment with us, this fact was not hidden away as in days gone by.

There were many lessons we could learn from reflecting on Garry’s life; compassion, caring, humour and dedication just scratches the surface.  The one that really struck a chord with me though was delivered in a forthright manner by Reverend Andy Eldred.  That lesson was blame.  It is human nature to want to blame someone or something for stuff we are not happy with or cannot explain. … Continue Reading

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Sports

Golf pro-am success _ without clubhouse

By Karen Stephens A record field of 172 players, including 43 professionals from New Zealand and Australia, battled light winds, warm temperatures and even light early-morning fog at Martinborough golf’s 2024 CER Electrical and Holmes Construction pro-am on February 1. At least that was the range of excuses for some …

Featherston wrestlers go offshore

Two members of Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club’s senior class have again been asked to join a New Zealand team overseas.  Wairangi Sargent and Angus Read will take part in the Journeymen Tournament and Training Camp over Easter in New York state.  Over the week they are there they will be …

Martinborough Golf Club has tumbled down

The demolition of the Martinborough Golf Club is complete. In the last days prior to Christmas a fully-insulated pole shed, much like a top end farm outbuilding, was erected to act as both office and temporary clubhouse. New septic tanks, internet connectivity, power, water, and Porticom loos were installed. On …

Regular Features

News from First Church

 Many folk imagine that going to church is a bit of an ordeal, a waste …

FROM THE MAYOR

By Martin Connelly In February the local Lions Club invited me for dinner and asked …

Driving Growth and Collaboration: Martinborough Business Assn Committee

The Martinborough Business Association Committee plays an important role in fostering economic growth and collaboration …

How Well Do We Know People in our Community?

Michael Bing talks to Lyle Griffiths Michael was raised in Auckland, attending St Peters College …

BOOK REVIEWS FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS

By Brenda Channer – Martinborough Bookshop “Whether Violent or Natural” by Natasha Calder This debut …

Community Garden News

By Debbie Yates This is definitely the month of thank you. Nga Mihi Nui! We …

EVENTS

Saturday 10 February: 10th annual Citizen Science Kākahi Count at Western Lake Shore Reserve, 18km …

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