Health & Wellness

The health of our minds and our bodies is far too important to neglect, and if we achieve a sense of wellbeing, then we can give our families the very best as well. Sometimes taking time out to think about what we are grateful for is just what we need.
Motherhood and Breast Cancer

Motherhood and Breast Cancer

Motherhood and Breast Cancer – How a diagnosis taught me to prioritise my health and deepened my love for being a Mum. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my […]

Kids with Cancer Get the Ride of Their Lives at Bathurst 1000, with a Chance to Win a Hot Lap in a V8 SuperUte

Kids with Cancer Get the Ride of Their Lives at Bathurst 1000, with a Chance to Win a Hot Lap in a V8 SuperUte

Connor, a brave 7-year-old battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia since August 2023, recently swapped hospital wards for the fast lane at the iconic Repco Bathurst 1000.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness

Your breast tissue is incredibly delicate and needs tender loving care. If you don’t give your breasts proper support from a well-fitting bra, your delicate breast tissue will start to stretch and sag and it […]

Pregnancy And Infant Loss

Pregnancy And Infant Loss

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss International Remembrance Day Before we start, I want to say that this is a difficult topic for many people. This topic is relevant […]

Top Books, Podcasts, and Apps to Boost Your Mental Health and Well-Being

Top Books, Podcasts, and Apps to Boost Your Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental Health Month is celebrated each year in the month of October in NSW. In today’s fast-paced world, prioritising mental health and well-being has never been more important. Mental Health […]

‘Dementia Lens: Orange’ provides key information for local families

‘Dementia Lens: Orange’ provides key information for local families

When my aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68 years old, she left the psychiatrist’s office with a prescription and no information on what to do next. […]

Do you want to improve your mood, sleep, digestion and stress?

Do you want to improve your mood, sleep, digestion and stress?

Do you want to improve your mood, sleep, digestion and stress? Your Vagus Nerve may be the answer. What is the vagus nerve?  The vagus nerve is the longest cranial […]

Consider a ‘Dentist Near Me’ for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Consider a ‘Dentist Near Me’ for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Check-up your child’s eligibility – $1095 free dental care from ADA.

Helping your child survive the HSC!

Helping your child survive the HSC!

For year 12 students a lot of their energy at the moment would be focused on the HSC. This is a build-up after 13yrs of schooling and hard work. This […]

Food For Thought – What To Eat During The HSC

Food For Thought – What To Eat During The HSC

Do you have an HSC student in your household and not sure what to feed them? The HSC can be a gruelling time for our kids. It’s important to fuel […]

RMHC Central West keeping families together and close to the medical care they need

RMHC Central West keeping families together and close to the medical care they need

Ronald McDonald House Central New South Wales in Orange provides accommodation for families that are coming to Orange, free of charge, for families with an unwell child going into hospital or having medical procedures. It is set behind Orange Base Hospital in the leafy grounds of Bloomfield Park and provides security, support and assistance to families while in care.

The Impacts of Stress on the body

The Impacts of Stress on the body

We all live in a stressful environment and this can have large impacts on your body. Find out how to identify if your body is stressed and some simple strategies to compact the impacts of stress.

Empowering women and children to make informed choices

Empowering women and children to make informed choices

“We provide a unique, holistic women-centred preventative and treatment approach to health and well-being. We empower women and children of all ages, cultures, sexual orientation and gender identity to make informed choices throughout their lives.” Central West Women’s Health Centre

Vital Melanoma Research opportunity

Vital Melanoma Research opportunity

In the biggest melanoma study of its kind, Orange is co-hosting a multi-million dollar research project targeting one of Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancers.

5 Questions with Emily from Music In Mind Music Therapy

5 Questions with Emily from Music In Mind Music Therapy

What is music therapy, and how can it help people with their health and wellbeing? Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession and NDIS-funded support. In Australia, Registered Music […]

Enjoy High Tea for HD 2024 this Mother’s day

Enjoy High Tea for HD 2024 this Mother’s day

May is Huntington’s Disease awareness month and the 2024 High Tea fundraiser is on again!

Located in the elegant upstairs ballroom room of Hotel Canobolas, High Tea 4 HD will be a chance to sip bubbles, enjoy delicious finger food and pretty tiered cake stands – all in a sea of purple and blue table settings – this Mother’s Day on Sunday, 12 May at 11:00am.

Carer Gateway: Supporting Carers to Avoid Burnout

Carer Gateway: Supporting Carers to Avoid Burnout

Carer Gateway program supports adult and young carers to manage their own well-being with emotional and practical services and support, so that they can continue in their carer roles.

Winter Team Sports to Join in Orange, NSW

Winter Team Sports to Join in Orange, NSW

Sport and recreation is an important part of our Australian culture and especially important in regional communities.  Team sports promote participation and contribute to overall health and wellbeing. There are […]

What To Do If Your Child Is Involved In A Bullying Incident

What To Do If Your Child Is Involved In A Bullying Incident

What to do if your child is involved in a bullying incident If you learn or suspect that your child has been involved in a bullying situation, your first step […]

How To Drink Less And Enjoy Yourself More

How To Drink Less And Enjoy Yourself More

A lot has changed since COVID-19 hit our shores, including the way Australians drink. Many people are now looking to get their relationship with booze back on track. 

Tanya-Lee Holmes: 2023 Angel of the Year

Tanya-Lee Holmes: 2023 Angel of the Year

Tanya-Lee Holmes is based in Bathurst with her family and cookie business, and volunteers in the disability space helping 29 veterans locally and across Australia with health and well-being support by drawing on her personal experience of disability, PTSD, anxiety and past suicidal ideations.

Movember and Prostate Cancer screening – Men’s Health

Movember and Prostate Cancer screening – Men’s Health

Men’s Health: So November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and also Movember. This is a favourite time of the year for most men as instantaneous societal approval is given for […]

Look and feel at your best, everyday.

Look and feel at your best, everyday.

CosMedic Collective in Orange is home to health and beauty professionals working together to have us looking and feeling our best inside and out, through holistic approaches to care involving individualised consultations, treatment plans and service options.

Summer Team Sports to Join in Orange and Blayney, NSW

Summer Team Sports to Join in Orange and Blayney, NSW

Here is our Summer guide to sports clubs to join. Sport and recreation is an important part of our Australian culture and especially important in regional communities.  Team sports promote […]

6 Tips for Feeding the Family – Healthy Eating on a Budget

6 Tips for Feeding the Family – Healthy Eating on a Budget

Healthy meals the whole family will enjoy don’t have to be complicated or expensive! Below are my biggest tips for creating balanced meals without blowing your budget.   1. Take […]

Let your eyes be the light of your world

Let your eyes be the light of your world

Specialists Hansen Optometrists are proud major sponsors of Central West Mums Mummy Awards 2023 for the second year running and are all about promoting life-long eye health.

Like a Duck to Water

Like a Duck to Water

As a mum it’s easy to get stuck on the daily hamster wheel of mundane tasks and duties that require fulfilling. So, when the opportunity to try something completely out […]

Professional bra fitting serves everyday-confidence

Professional bra fitting serves everyday-confidence

“I fit bras for all women through every stage of life,” says Philippa Mitchell, owner of The Fitting Studio. “I service regional women with AA to K bra cups in sizes 8 to 28 – offering a beautiful range of quality garments, and back this up with exceptional customer service.”

Guacamole kid-friendly to celebrate National Avocado Day

Guacamole kid-friendly to celebrate National Avocado Day

Do you love guacamole? If you do not love avocados, then a good guacamole recipe is your gateway to loving this delicious and nutritious fruit. It’s national avocado day and […]

How to Choose an Aged Care Facility for a Person Living With Dementia

How to Choose an Aged Care Facility for a Person Living With Dementia

I thought I knew what mattered when it came to aged care choices for a family member with dementia. Turns out, I knew very little.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West – Who’s Eligible?

Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West – Who’s Eligible?

WHEN Gabe McNamara from Clear Creek near Bathurst stepped back from volunteering at RMHC Central West to focus on her pregnancy, she could not possibly forsee that within a year […]

Morning sickness relief with Mothers Health

Morning sickness relief with Mothers Health

Strikingly, morning sickness affects up to 90% of pregnant women but it is often overlooked as an illness and is considered the ‘norm’. Its unwanted symptoms of nausea or vomiting commonly occur in the first trimester and can happen at any time of the day and be isolating and physically challenging. The result is added pressure to the demands of work and raising a family – leaving many women feeling unsupported during a time that’s meant to be incredible.

Barbara May Fundraiser to Save Young Mothers (and some older ones too), in Africa

Barbara May Fundraiser to Save Young Mothers (and some older ones too), in Africa

It is unimaginable for us in Australia, but most of the world does not have access to adequate maternal healthcare. In Africa alone, more than 2 million women are suffering […]

Kids and Winter Sport

Kids and Winter Sport

Now I don’t want to alarm anyone, but most winter sports clubs are about to start their season sign ups… Yes – I know winter still felt like it was […]

Welcome to Westfund. Welcome to Feel Good Cover

Welcome to Westfund. Welcome to Feel Good Cover

Welcome to Westfund. Welcome to Feel Good Cover. You don’t spend 140-odd years working with Australians without finding out what matters to them. Westfund helped to forge the private health […]

‘To Do or Not To Do’ – That is the Question!

‘To Do or Not To Do’ – That is the Question!

Every school holiday period, our speech pathology families are given the option; continued therapy in the holidays or a therapy break? Choosing the option that is best for both you and your child might not as simple as it first seems.

Recovering From Floods

Recovering From Floods

The floods have been devastating across our community. When a flood happens in a community, it can be highly distressing for many people. A large number of these are children […]

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal Depression

What is Postnatal Depression? This is different to the “baby blues” that many women experience in the first few days after having a baby, and which resolves quickly. Many women, […]

10 Things To Do If You’re Reaching Burnout

10 Things To Do If You’re Reaching Burnout

10 things to do if you’re reaching burnout Connection. We are human beings who thrive in a tribe. Reach out to a friend, peer, mentor or coach. Journal. Write down […]

Eye Health Topic Series – Screen Time

Eye Health Topic Series – Screen Time

Screen Time and Eyes Watch our eye health topic on screen time and learn more about this area for your family with Justin Clunas. Justin Grew up and went to […]

Eye Health Topic Series – Behavioural Optometry

Eye Health Topic Series – Behavioural Optometry

Behavioural Optometry – What is it? Watch our eye health topic on behavioural optometry and find out why it’s important with Nick Hansen. Nick Hansen is a third generation optometrist. […]

Mindful Moments for Daily Bliss

Mindful Moments for Daily Bliss

Every new generation has its own sources of stress… everything from school pressures, friendship dramas, cyberbullying, dramas at home, and even concerns about social issues like the environment and human […]

Love your teeth!

Love your teeth!

It’s Dental Health Week 2022 so here are some ADA recommendations for keeping your teeth for life.

Keeping Yourself Fit and Healthy Through Winter – A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Keeping Yourself Fit and Healthy Through Winter – A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is a vast and very unique system of healthcare. The main treatment tools of TCM are herbal medicine and acupuncture, but diet and lifestyle corrections […]

Healthy Winter Holiday Fun For The Family

Healthy Winter Holiday Fun For The Family

With winter school holidays underway, it’s a great time to think about fun activities that will keep everyone in the family healthy, active and engaged in learning. Rather than vegetating […]

Peri Weight

Peri Weight

Ladies over 40 let’s chat.  Have you noticed your waist thickening and your boobs getting bigger?  You are not imagining it.  And it’s not your fault. It’s perimenopause. Now you […]

1 in 5 Children Have Chalky teeth- What Does This Mean?

1 in 5 Children Have Chalky teeth- What Does This Mean?

Let’s talk about Chalky teeth in children.

Torie’s Legacy Provides Vital Funds to Orange Hospital

Torie’s Legacy Provides Vital Funds to Orange Hospital

Established last year, the Torie Finnane Foundation is making a difference to the local community by funding training and resources for Orange Hospital staff

Improve Your Wellbeing – One Song At A Time!

Improve Your Wellbeing – One Song At A Time!

Discover all the benefits of group singing for your physical and mental health and community connection.

Looking After Our Mental Health In A Post-Pandemic World

Looking After Our Mental Health In A Post-Pandemic World

What does life look like with our mental health in a Post-Pandemic world? Stay at home orders, loss of employment, mask wearing, social distancing, financial pressures and loneliness are all […]

A Hairy Situation – Trichotillomania, What Is It?

A Hairy Situation – Trichotillomania, What Is It?

Recently a topic came up about a Mum’s experience with a child suffering from Trichotillomania, here are your questions answered. Contributed by a specialist paediatrician from Orange What is Trichotillomania? […]

Let’s Talk Women’s Health – Physiotherapy

Let’s Talk Women’s Health – Physiotherapy

We want women from all walks of life to feel better than ever by being confident and comfortable in their own bodies.Women’s Health Physiotherapy can help.

Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis), How To Treat

Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis), How To Treat

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever as it is more frequently known, is very common. It affects about 20% of people in Australia and it seems to be more so in […]

The Secret Ingredient In These Pancakes Is Delicious And Super Healthy

The Secret Ingredient In These Pancakes Is Delicious And Super Healthy

Do you have a weekly tradition of making pancakes or waffles for breakfast? Our family has had a rotating Sunday breakfast of pancakes and waffles since returning from Canada, where […]

Supporting Learning While Homeschooling

Supporting Learning While Homeschooling

It is fair to say remote learning has put an enormous pressure on our children, our families and our teachers – even more so when working with hidden disabilities such […]

How One Central West Family Discovered Their Daughter Had A Rare Genetic Condition

How One Central West Family Discovered Their Daughter Had A Rare Genetic Condition

One local Mum, Sam Smith has shared her family story about her daughter’s experience with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare genetic condition affecting children. What is Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)? […]

What’s The Buzz With Beehives?

What’s The Buzz With Beehives?

It’s official, I am now a beekeeper. Truth be told it’s only been a year and I don’t feel I do that term justice but in those 12 months I […]

LOCKDOWN: Effects On The Oral Health Of Our Children.

LOCKDOWN: Effects On The Oral Health Of Our Children.

While oral health may not be on the top of our priority list during lockdown, you may benefit from some oral health tips to navigate your way.

Nutrition For Tweens And Teens During Lockdown

Nutrition For Tweens And Teens During Lockdown

Are you worried about your child’s mental health and eating patterns? This article may help to address concerns regarding mental health and poor eating habits particularly in our tween – […]

COVID-19 And Nutrition

COVID-19 And Nutrition

If you’re wondering what to eat to support your health during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re in the right spot. Supporting your immune system and health through good nutrition is important […]

Lockdown And Life On The Spectrum

Lockdown And Life On The Spectrum

Are you in lockdown with a child on the spectrum? For those that are blessed to have a child on the spectrum, you will be fully aware of the roller […]

Understanding The NDIS

Understanding The NDIS

Most people are well aware of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a scheme designed to help Australians living with a significant and permanent disability. The problem is, many of us are also well aware that it can be quite difficult to navigate, particularly at times when stress levels are already high due to your family members not having the essential services they need.

The Ageing Process And Cosmetic Medical Treatments – CosMedic Collective Orange

The Ageing Process And Cosmetic Medical Treatments – CosMedic Collective Orange

Tune in to watch our Q & A live video discussion on skin and the ageing process here in Orange, NSW. Kylie Duncan, Director of the CosMedic Collective speaks with […]

Warning Signs And Risk Factors Of An Eating Disorder

Warning Signs And Risk Factors Of An Eating Disorder

Did you know? Over 1 million Australians are living with an Eating Disorder and only a quarter are getting treated! This is alarming, especially considering how dangerous eating disorders are […]

Learn the Facts, Pfizer Vaccine

Learn the Facts, Pfizer Vaccine

We’ve heard a lot about the Astra Zeneca Vaccine so now that the Pfizer vaccine is available in Australia it’s time to learn some facts about this vaccine. The COVID-19 […]

Covid Vaccine, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Covid Vaccine, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Last week I had my first covid vaccine- the AstraZeneca vaccine. Developed by a team based in Oxford, UK, this vaccine has had some really bad press recently. I’ve got […]

Decluttering – The Science Behind Getting SORTED!

Decluttering – The Science Behind Getting SORTED!

It is not uncommon for our clients to tell us how being more organised in their homes by using phrases such as “Life Changing” or “Incredible difference” or “I feel so much clarity”. Anecdotally I know that a good tidy up or declutter makes me feel so much better – but is there any scientific evidence behind this feeling?

Preventative Health, Central West

Preventative Health, Central West

Did you know? Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness and disability in Australia today with 89% of deaths in 2018 associated with these chronic conditions. These include; Cardiovascular […]

How To Get Active Everyday

How To Get Active Everyday

Getting up and active every day is so important for both children & adults alike…. but how can that be made simple?

Keeping Up With Active Kids

Keeping Up With Active Kids

Whether you’ve got one child, or a whole team of them…. once they become mobile, they’re going to keep you on your toes! Maintaining your fitness is going to be important…. but what the heck is ‘fitness’ anyway??

Greek Horta Recipe (Greek Greens)

Greek Horta Recipe (Greek Greens)

The Mediterranean diet is good for your health Spring is an important time of year in the Mediterranean diet.  On the Greek Islands, locals are known to forage for an […]

Contraception for couples – Mens Health, Why have a Vascetomy?

Contraception for couples – Mens Health, Why have a Vascetomy?

When the subject of “the snip” comes up in conversation most men will try to change the subject. Despite this, vasectomy remains the safest and most successful form of permanent […]

Quick Fix Energy Kicks

Quick Fix Energy Kicks

When the kids are bouncing off the walls running us ragged, it may seem counter-intuitive to give them an energy boost…. but in many instances, hyperactivity, poor concentration and generally […]

Let’s Celebrate SPRING!

Let’s Celebrate SPRING!

What’s your favourite thing about the new season? It’s a season that’s so full of life, growth and beauty to discover and share with our kids. There are so many […]

Helping Kids Cope with Hay Fever

Helping Kids Cope with Hay Fever

In the current climate, it’s easy to mistaken your child’s sneezing, congestion, and runny nose, as symptoms of a cold… or something worse… but if he or she experiences a […]

3 Lifestyle Hacks for Healthier Families

3 Lifestyle Hacks for Healthier Families

As parents, we can often feel pressured to give in to the requests (or demands) of our kids. Sometimes it saves arguments, other times it’s just quicker and easier to […]

Top Tips for Keeping Kids Motivated & Healthy

Top Tips for Keeping Kids Motivated & Healthy

It’s been a challenging year… so staying motivated day after day and trying to keep the kids focused and on-track (particularly with exercise and eating healthily), can be a little […]

Boosting Fitness for Healthier Kids

Boosting Fitness for Healthier Kids

With advancements in entertainment technology over the years, our kids (generally) spend a lot more time indoors than the children of past decades. With video games, the internet and television […]

Periods…What’s Normal?

Periods…What’s Normal?

There is no “normal”, but there is definitely “abnormal”. Many of us are anxious to discuss our periods, feel “they aren’t that bad”, or “many people have it worse”, or […]

Family Traditions & Rituals: Connecting Us In Times of Change & Uncertainty

Family Traditions & Rituals: Connecting Us In Times of Change & Uncertainty

Family rituals and traditions are an important part of life for many families and can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. They create our childhood memories […]

Creating Calm for Healthier Kids

Creating Calm for Healthier Kids

Did you know that overscheduled (& overstressed) kids are at higher risk of experiencing depression and anxiety? They can also show an overall lack of imagination or creativity and have […]

Boosting Immunity Naturally

Boosting Immunity Naturally

Our immune system functions to protect us against the constant daily barrage of microbial pathogens, foreign invaders and mutating cells. How easily we are able to resist and recover from […]