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Aboriginal Health Key Focus of Mental Health Week
Last month we celebrated mental health week, which had a specific focus on a review into our mental health system recommended Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health be prioritised and mental health be included in Close the Gap targets.

We want to bring special attention to a Melbourne organisation who provides tireless work to help establish culturally-safe aboriginal health programs. They are DDACL in Dandenong.

The Co-op was established in 1975 and over the years has developed strong links to mainstream agencies and increased their capacity for providing essential services to improve Aboriginal health in the area. They have a first hand knowledge of issues effecting local indigenous communities and the health services DDACL offers include:
- GP services – doctors are selected to provide the best fit to prevent and manage ill-health
- Maternity services – a free initiative to provide support for mothers (both new and expecting)
- Chronic care – to manage and prevent chronic disease in the aboriginal community
- Tobacca program – to help individuals quit smoking in a culturally safe and friendly place
The DDACL plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and we are proud to highlight their work and hope any other local indiginous families in need can also utilise their services.

We also want to pay tribute to NAIDOC week (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) which runs from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. This helps the wider community gain an appreciation of the original inhabitants of Australia, through Indigenous Australian music, reading dream time stories, visiting Indigenous Australian websites on the Internet and organising an art competition. It is hoped that with greater awareness and appreciation will come a smaller gap in the lifestyles of white and indigenous Australians.
November 9, 2015
Alternative Medicine becoming more Mainstream

As health problems are becoming more prominent in society, people are now less inclined to see a doctor and take a bunch of pills. Rather, they are turning to natural therapies and alternative medicine to improve their well-being. Because of this, we felt it necessary to do a review of some of the best natural therapies available, and the businesses who offer the best service.

Reflexology

Reflexology has been around for over 5000 years, and is practiced widely all over the world. It focuses on using finger and thumb pressure techniques on the feet and hands, providing a non-invasive natural touch therapy.

Benefits of reflexology include reducing stress, stimulating the nervous system, reducing toxins in the body, improved metabolism, better circulation, and increased immunity. These benefits have flow on effects and the practice has been used to improve infertility, anxiety, bed wetting, gout and a lot more.

Recommended reflexologist: http://www.reflexologymelbourne.net.au/

Acupuncture

Also based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture focuses on specific points in the body and inserting very thin needles into this places. It helps the body to heal itself and helps restore balance.

It can help a variety of health issues and disorders including back pain, asthma, colds, skin conditions, poor circulation, muscle cramps, anxiety and lots more. If you have a sporting injury such as torn muscles, sprains and cartilage issues, acupuncture can also help with these.

Other techniques used may include cupping, remedial massage and Chinese herbs.

Recommended acupuncturist: http://www.utopiahealthcare.com.au/

Safety-conscious products

While this isn’t specifically “alternative”, we wanted to also feature household products that are good for you. Many mainstream brands you buy at the supermarket are full of potentially harmful chemicals that can have very adverse effects on your health.

Health Helper focuses on highlighting this (and more) and provides great options for buying cleaning products, toothpaste, shower gel and more that are 100% safety conscious and free of harmful ingredients.
http://www.healthhelper.com.au

And with modern diets so high in processed foods lately, we are generally deficient in nutrients, and as a result, our immune system summers. Nutritional supplements can really help boost your immune system and make a big difference to your overall health.
http://www.immuneboosters.com.au

You only get one body, so look after it!

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October 22, 2015
Melbourne’s Best Dentists in 2015

Everyone hates going to the dentist. But if you go to a good one, at least it makes things slightly less daunting. Which is why we have compiled a list of the best dentists in Melbourne. (more…)

October 16, 2015
Antique Auctions Drawing in Large Crowds

Second hand household items are growing in popularity as Melbourne buyers are becoming more and more interested in attending Auction Houses around the city. Of particular interest are antiques and retro furniture, along with vintage jewellery. (more…)

July 23, 2015
Payroll Services Better Outsourced Than In!

If you own a business with multiple employees, chances are you’ve had to deal with payroll. Many bosses can’t afford to put someone qualified on full time to deal with this aspect of the business, and are usually too busy (and underqualified) to try and do it themselves! (more…)

March 27, 2015
Roman Blinds voted most popular

The results are in! A 2015 survey of Melbourne adults aged 18 to 80 has ranked roman blinds as the favourite window covering for your home. More than 36% of those surveyed ranked the smooth luxurious blinds as their favourite. Reasons for the pick included high level UV protection, fits into a range of room styles, easy to use, has a smooth comforting feel about it, and is easily fitted to the window frame. (more…)

January 29, 2015
Low Doc Loans Crucial For Self Employed
Borrowing money is an important part of our lives, and without it, the majority of people would find it hard to function on a day to day basis. Mortgages allow us to buy our dream home, credit cards help us pay for that overseas trip, and no-deposit options from retailers allow us to purchase that 60 inch LED tv in time for Christmas!

But when it comes to loans, having a strong credit history and solid paperwork can be very important. Lenders have tightened their requirements, especially after the craziness of the global financial crisis a few years ago. This can make things very hard for self employed people, who’s earnings may not be as “stable” as someone who works for an employer.

Luckily, low doc loans are the saviour of the self employed. These loans require less documentation than regular loans, which is perfect for sole traders who may not have access to the tax returns and financial statements such as pay slips normally needed from your lender.

But applying for a low doc loan still doesn’t mean you will definitely be approved. Borrowers generally need to satisfy these requirements:
- must have a clean credit history and solid repayment record for any other loans
- must confirm legitimacy of self-employment, usually through a registered ABN
- must self-certify your income (with a signed borrower’s income declaration)
Low doc lending has tightened

Prior to the GFC, you could get a low doc loan simply by signing a statutory declaration stating you could meet the repayments. However this saw a number of borrowers unable to pay their loans back, and now lenders are very strict with the above requirements.

Low doc loans can also have restrictions. You may not get as good an interest rate as other loans. Some banks do not allow you to switch deals in the first few years. And if you borrow between 60-80% you will need to pay mortgage insurance (for regular loans this is only required if borrowing more than 80%).

But even with the restrictions, they are still a great way for people with minimal paperwork to borrow.

Some of the better quality lenders offering low doc loans:

http://www.bestloansfirst.com.au
https://www.cua.com.au
http://www.imortgage.com.au

Before applying for a loan, you should be asking a number of questions first.
Can I make the repayments? Is the debt realistic for my situation?
Will my earnings be stable enough if there’s an interest rate rise?
What other regular expenses do I have each month?
November 24, 2014
A Plumbing Emergency Needs Quick Action

We’ve all experienced it before. A pipe has sprung a leak and it spraying water everywhere, which is spreading across the floor and messing up the place. We put a couple of saucepans down to try and catch some of the water, but in reality we need it fixed…and fast!

An emergency plumber is a saviour in our time of leaky need, and finding one who will come to us quickly, any time of the day or night is not an easy task.

Whether it’s a leaky pipe, dripping tap, blocked toilet, dishwasher flooding or anything else, a reputable plumber should be fast, and efficient when it comes to taking care of your needs.

Recommended plumbers in Melbourne:

Red Dog – Offer emergency plumbing and can also install, replace and repair rainwater tanks and hot water tanks. They have worked with some of Melbourne’s largest construction companies, implementing plumbing solutions to new homes and extensions. Based in Williamstown, they service all areas of the Western Suburbs including Altona, Footscray and Kensington. Give Steve a call and find out what all the barking is about!

QuickSure Plumbers – If you have general plumbing issues, gas leaks, blocked drains or any other issue, QuickSure can help you out. Based on the south-eastern side of Melbourne, they offer emergency plumbing and great service to suburbs such as Camberwell, Kew, Glen Iris and more. Chat to Ashley and he’ll take care of you!

The Drain Man – Blocked drains are their specialty but their registered plumbers also deal with pipes and have high pressure water jet clearing equipment and can remove tree roots and other debris. A cost effective and reliable services, ask for Peter!

August 28, 2012