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Mortgage and inflation pain to ease, but only slowly: how 31 top economists see 2024

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a> A panel of 31 leading economists assembled by The Conversation sees no cut in interest rates before the middle of this year, and only a slight cut by December, enough to trim just $55 per month off the cost of servicing a $600,000 variable-rate mortgage. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/conversation-economic-survey-81354">panel</a> draws on the expertise of leading forecasters at 28 Australian universities, think tanks and financial institutions – among them economic modellers, former Treasury, International Monetary Fund and Reserve Bank officials, and a former member of the Reserve Bank board. Its forecasts paint a picture of weak economic growth, stagnant consumer spending, and a continuing per-capita recession. The average forecast is for the Reserve Bank to delay cutting its cash rate, keeping it near its present 4.35% until at least the middle of the year, and then cutting it to <a href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/static_files/files/3028/The_Conversation_AU_February_2024_Economic_Survey.pdf">4.2%</a> by December 2024, 3.6% by December 2025 and 3.4% by December 2026. <hr /> <iframe id="xV821" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xV821/4/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> The gentle descent would deliver only three interest rate cuts by the end of next year, cutting $274 from the monthly cost of servicing a $600,000 mortgage and leaving the cost around $1,100 higher than it was before rates began climbing. Six of the experts surveyed expect the Reserve Bank to increase rates further in the first half of the year, while 20 expect no change and three expect a cut. Former head of the NSW treasury Percy Allan said while the Reserve Bank would push up rates in the first half of the year to make sure inflation comes down, it would be forced to relent in the second half of the year as unemployment grows and the economy heads towards recession. Warwick McKibbin, a former member of the Reserve Bank board, said the board would push up rates once more in the first half of the year as insurance against inflation before leaving them on hold. Former Reserve Bank of Australia chief economist Luci Ellis, who is now chief economist at Westpac, expects the first cut no sooner than September, believing the board will wait to see clear evidence of further falls in inflation and economic weakening before it moves. <hr /> <iframe id="ZQgno" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZQgno/7/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>Inflation to keep falling, but more gradually</h2> Today’s <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/">Reserve Bank board meeting</a> will consider an inflation rate that has come down <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-7-new-graphs-that-show-inflation-falling-back-to-earth-220670">faster than it expected</a>, diving from 7.8% to 4.1% in the space of a year. The newer more experimental monthly measure of inflation was just <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-7-new-graphs-that-show-inflation-falling-back-to-earth-220670">3.4%</a> in the year to December, only points away from the Reserve Bank’s target of 2–3%. But the panel expects the descent to slow from here on, with the standard measure taking the rest of the year to fall from 4.1% to 3.5% and not getting below 3% until <a href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/static_files/files/3027/The_Conversation_AU_2024_economic_survey.pdf">late 2025</a>. Economists Chris Richardson and Saul Eslake say while inflation will keep heading down, the decline might be slowed by supply chain pressures from the conflict in the Middle East and the boost to incomes from the <a href="https://theconversation.com/albanese-tax-plan-will-give-average-earner-1500-tax-cut-more-than-double-morrisons-stage-3-221875">tax cuts</a> due in July. <hr /> <iframe id="buC9f" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/buC9f/6/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>Slower wage growth, higher unemployment</h2> While the panel expects wages to grow faster than the consumer price index, it expects wages growth to slip from around <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/wage-price-index-australia/latest-release">4%</a> in 2023 to 3.8% in 2004 and 3.4% in 2025 as higher unemployment blunts workers’ bargaining power. But the panel doesn’t expect much of an increase in unemployment. It expects the unemployment rate to climb from its present <a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/w9h9f/">3.9%</a> (which is almost a long-term low) to 4.3% throughout 2024, and then to stay at about that level through 2025. All but two of the panel expect the unemployment rate to remain below the range of 5–6% that was typical in the decade before COVID. Economic modeller Janine Dixon said the “new normal” between 4% and 5% was likely to become permanent as workers embraced flexible arrangements that allow them to stay in jobs in a way they couldn’t before. Cassandra Winzar, chief economist at the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia, said the government’s commitment to full employment was one of the things likely to keep unemployment low, along with Australia’s demographic transition as older workers leave the workforce. <hr /> <iframe id="pAioo" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pAioo/2/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>Slower economic growth, per-capita recession</h2> The panel expects very low economic growth of just 1.7% in 2024, climbing to 2.3% in 2025. Both are well below the 2.75% the treasury believes the economy is <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/speech/the-economic-and-fiscal-context-and-the-role-of-longitudinal-data-in-policy-advice">capable of</a>. All but one of the forecasts are for economic growth below the present population growth rate of 2.4%, suggesting that the panel expects population growth to exceed economic growth for the second year running, extending Australia’s so-called <a href="https://theconversation.com/were-in-a-per-capita-recession-as-chalmers-says-gdp-steady-in-the-face-of-pressure-212642">per capita recession</a>. <hr /> <iframe id="TO8bP" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TO8bP/4/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> The lacklustre forecasts raise the possibility of what is commonly defined as a “technical recession”, which is two consecutive quarters of negative economic somewhere within a year of mediocre growth. Taken together, the forecasters assign a 20% probability to such a recession in the next two years, which is lower than in <a href="https://theconversation.com/two-more-rba-rate-hikes-tumbling-inflation-and-a-high-chance-of-recession-how-our-forecasting-panel-sees-2023-24-208477">previous surveys</a>. But some of the individual estimates are high. Percy Allen and Stephen Anthony assign a 75% and 70% chance to such a recession, and Warren Hogan a 50% chance. Hogan said when the economic growth figures for the present quarter get released, they are likely to show Australia is in such a recession at the moment. The economy barely grew at all in the September quarter, expanding just <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/national-accounts/australian-national-accounts-national-income-expenditure-and-product/latest-release">0.2%</a> and was likely to have shrunk in the December quarter and to shrink further in this quarter. The panel expects the US economy to grow by 2.1% in the year ahead in line with the <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/01/30/world-economic-outlook-update-january-2024">International Monetary Fund</a> forecast, and China’s economy to grow 5.4%, which is lower than the International Monetary Fund’s forecast. <h2>Weaker spending, weak investment</h2> The panel expects weak real household spending growth of just 1.2% in 2014, supported by an ultra-low household saving ratio of close to zero, down from a recent peak of 19% in September 2021. Mala Raghavan of The University of Tasmania said previous gains in income, rising asset prices and accumulated savings were being overwhelmed by high inflation and rising interest rates. Luci Ellis expected the squeeze to continue until tax and interest rate cuts in the second half of the year, accompanied by declining inflation. The panel expects non-mining investment to grow by only 5.1% in the year ahead, down from 15%, and mining investment to grow by 10.2%, down from 22%. Johnathan McMenamin from Barrenjoey said private and public investment had been responsible for the lion’s share of economic growth over the past year and was set to plateau and fade as a driver of growth. <h2>Home prices to climb, but more slowly</h2> The panel expects home price growth of 4.6% in Sydney during 2024 (down from 11.4% in 2024) and 3.1% in Melbourne, down from 3.9% in 2024. ANZ economist Adam Boyton said decade-low building approvals and very strong population growth should keep demand for housing high, outweighing a drag on prices from high interest rates. While high interest rates have been restraining demand, they are likely to ease later in the year. <hr /> <iframe id="syk8x" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/syk8x/6/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> In other forecasts, the panel expects the Australian dollar to stay below US$0.70, closing the year at US$0.69, it expects the ASX 200 share market index to climb just 3% in 2024 after climbing 7.8% in 2023, and it expects a small budget surplus of A$3.8 billion in 2023-24, followed by a deficit of A$13 billion in 2024-25. The budget surplus should be supported by a forecast iron ore price of US$114 per tonne in December 2024, down from the present US$130, but well up on the <a href="https://budget.gov.au/content/myefo/index.htm">US$105</a> assumed in the government’s December budget update. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, Visiting Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/mortgage-and-inflation-pain-to-ease-but-only-slowly-how-31-top-economists-see-2024-218927">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Shop around, take lunch, catch the bus. It is possible to ease the squeeze on your budget

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-de-zwaan-180752">Laura de Zwaan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> It’s no secret that the cost of living has increased substantially over the last year, with rises of between <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/employees-annual-living-costs-highest-record#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CLiving%20costs%20for%20employee%20households,per%20cent%20was%20in%201986.">7.1 and 9.6 per cent</a> for all households. So what can households do to manage these increases? It might sound simple, but starting with a budget is the best approach. Even if you already have a budget, price increases mean it will need to be updated. For those new to budgeting, it is just a list of your income and expenses. Make sure you match the frequency of these so you are working out your budget over a week, or a fortnight, or a month. There are plenty of budgeting apps and websites that can help, such as the <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/budgeting/budget-planner">Moneysmart budget planner</a>. Once your budget is up to date, you can see your financial position. Do you have a surplus of cash – congratulations! You can save that money to help you in an emergency. But what about if you have less income than expenses? You need to work through a process of figuring out where you can cut back. Some expenses are easy to cut back on: <ul> <li> If you have multiple streaming services, drop back to one at a time. Check for any other subscriptions you might be paying for – if you are not using them frequently, now is the time to cancel. You can always resubscribe when money isn’t tight. </li> <li> If you are spending a lot of money on take out or paying for lunch, find cheaper alternatives such as eating at home and packing a lunch using cheaper ingredients. Switch to tap water for normal drinks, and take a travel cup of coffee with you. </li> <li> Check and see if public transport is cheaper for you. If you are using a lot of fuel and paying for parking, public transport could be a better option. </li> <li> Groceries can be a huge cost for families. It is always worth shopping around to not pay full price. Understand unit pricing and buy the products you use when they are on special. It might be necessary to switch to cheaper products. </li> <li> Check if you are paying too much for your utilities like internet, electricity and gas. There are comparison websites you can use, including the <a href="https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/">Energy Made Easy</a> website. You can also make simple changes such as turning off lights and using a saucepan lid when boiling water that will reduce your usage. </li> <li> Check other products you might be paying for, such as car, home and health insurance to see if you can save money by switching. Be careful with any life or disability policies. It is best to speak to a financial adviser before changing those as there can be implications for cover. </li> </ul> Other expenses, like housing, can be a lot harder to manage. Rising interest rates have pushed up mortgage repayments for homeowners. Mortgage interest charges have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-03/record-high-living-costs-businesses-contracting-interest-rates/102296992">risen by 78.9% over the year</a> to March 2023. For many homeowners, their repayments are unaffordable compared to when they first took out their mortgage. If you are struggling to afford your mortgage, the first step is to talk to your lender as soon as possible. Moneysmart has <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/home-loans/problems-paying-your-mortgage">useful information</a> on what to do when you can’t meet your mortgage payments. You may also be able to <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-super/access-on-compassionate-grounds/access-on-compassionate-grounds---what-you-need-to-know/">access some of your superannuation</a> so you don’t lose your home, however bear in mind that this is a temporary solution and uses your retirement savings. Increased demand for rentals has seen average rents across Australia increase by <a href="https://content.corelogic.com.au/l/994732/2023-07-05/z2tcd/994732/1688600749Ly8Iv9wt/202306_CoreLogic_RentalReview_July_2023_FINAL.pdf">27.4% since the COVID pandemic</a>. Supply of rental properties is low, which means many people may not be able to find a suitable alternative if their rent increases and becomes unaffordable. It might be necessary to take on a housemate, or move to a cheaper location (make sure to consider additional costs such as transport). If your circumstances have changed suddenly and you cannot pay your rent, contact your landlord or property manager. If you are paying a lot in credit card or other personal debt repayments such as numerous Afterpay-style accounts, it could be a good idea to speak to a bank about consolidating. This can help move some expensive debt, such as that from credit cards, into lower interest debt and simplify your budgeting as there is only one payment. If debt is making your budget unmanageable, then you can call the <a href="https://ndh.org.au/">National Debt Helpline</a> or for First Nations Australians there is <a href="https://financialrights.org.au/getting-help/mob-strong-debt-help/">Mob Strong Debt Help</a>. A final option could be to increase your income by taking on more work. This can be a good solution, but if you already work full time it might be unsustainable. Two common side hustles to boost income are gig work, such as Uber driving, and multi-level marketing, which is selling goods like Doterra and Herbalife to family and friends. However, both are <a href="https://www.twu.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/McKell_QLD_Gig-Economy_WEB_SINGLES.pdf">low</a> <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/216593/1/MLM_report_Print.pdf">paid</a> and in most cases you would be better off earning minimum wage as a casual employee.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210895/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-de-zwaan-180752">Laura de Zwaan</a>, Lecturer, Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/shop-around-take-lunch-catch-the-bus-it-is-possible-to-ease-the-squeeze-on-your-budget-210895">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal debt

Nearly <a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-nz/19th-ipsos-new-zealand-issues-monitor">two-thirds of New Zealanders</a> are worried about the cost of living, and a quarter are worried about <a href="https://www.canstar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Consumer-Pulse-Report-NZ-2023-Final-4.pdf">putting food on the table</a>. But the <a href="https://visionwest.org.nz/food-hardship-part-one/">shame</a> that can come with financial stress is preventing some people from seeking help. According to a recent survey, a third of New Zealanders were not completely truthful with their family or partners about the state of their finances, and 12% <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/129477493/financial-infidelity-research-finds-kiwis-hiding-debts-from-their-partners">actively hid their debt</a>. This shame and worry about money can spill over into <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/concerns-buy-now-pay-later-schemes-could-fuel-addiction-as-kiwis-spend-17b-last-year/VOV3VIDIG2MZBGJEGPMLGWDMJI/">addiction</a>, <a href="https://www.newsroom.co.nz/i-had-serious-concussion-bad-credit-and-15000-debt-abuse-survivor">violence</a> and <a href="https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/financial-strains-significantly-raise-risk-suicide-attempts">suicide</a>. Considering the effect of financial stress on our wellbeing, it is clear we need to overcome the financial stigma that prevents us from getting help. We also <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/money/family-financial-strain">owe it to our kids</a> to break the taboo around money by communicating our worries and educating them on how to manage finances better. <h2>The burden of growing debt</h2> <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300817697/mortgage-pain-homeowners-facing-repayment-hikes-of-up-to-900-a-fortnight">Ballooning mortgage repayments</a> are compounding the financial distress of many New Zealanders. At the beginning of 2023, an estimated 11.9% of home owners were behind on loan payments, with more than <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/485045/data-shows-430-000-new-zealanders-behind-in-credit-repayments-in-january">18,400 mortgagees in arrears</a>. <div data-id="17"> </div> Given the <a href="https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/an/an-21-01-html">majority of household wealth</a> in New Zealand is in property, our financial vulnerability is closely linked to the ebbs and flows of the <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/84/documents/en/global-house-price-index-q2-2021-8422.pdf">second most overinflated property market</a> in the world. There are also cultural reasons for growing financial distress. Many households have taken on significant debt to “<a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/7616361/Keeping-up-with-the-Joneses">keep up with the Joneses</a>” and to pursue the quintessential <a href="https://www.interest.co.nz/property/99890/westpac-commissioned-survey-suggests-many-new-zealanders-still-pine-quarter-acre">quarter-acre dream</a>. Social comparison and peer pressure act as powerful levers contributing to problem debt and over-indebtedness. The average household debt in New Zealand is more than <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/households-debt-to-income">170% of gross household income</a>. That is higher than the United Kingdom (133%), Australia (113%) or Ireland (96%). <h2>The rise of problem debt</h2> And we are digging a deeper hole. Over the past year, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/485045/data-shows-430-000-new-zealanders-behind-in-credit-repayments-in-january">demand for credit cards increased by 21.7%</a>. The use of personal debt such as personal loans and deferred payment schemes <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/demand-for-personal-credit-rises-arrears-also-up-as-cost-of-living-bites/YCEM74CII5FQBPJXO3UOG4Y3GY/">is also climbing</a>. There is a real risk this debt could become problem debt. Problem debt can have severe and wide-reaching consequences, including <a href="https://theconversation.com/over-300-000-new-zealanders-owe-more-than-they-own-is-this-a-problem-173497">housing insecurity</a>, <a href="http://www.socialinclusion.ie/publications/documents/2011_03_07_FinancialExclusionPublication.pdf">financial exclusion</a> (the inability to access debt at affordable interest rates), <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07409710.2012.652016?journalCode=gfof20">poor food choices</a> and a plethora of <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-14-489">health problems</a>. Yet, the hidden <a href="https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sipr.12074">psychological</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11205-008-9286-8">social cost of financial distress</a>remains often unspoken, overlooked and underestimated. Even before the pandemic, <a href="https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1909/S00616/research-shows-financial-stress-impacts-mental-wellbeing.htm">69% of New Zealanders were worried</a>about money. The share of people worrying about their financial situation was higher for women (74%), and particularly women aged 18-34 (82%). It is no coincidence that the latter are particularly at risk of problem debt through so-called <a href="https://acfr.aut.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/691577/Gilbert-and-Scott-Study-2-Draft-v10Sept2022.pdf">“buy now, pay later” schemes</a>. The stigma of financial distress extends beyond the vulnerable and the marginalised in our society. A growing number of <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/467417/middle-income-families-hoping-for-help-in-budget-as-rising-costs-sting">middle-class New Zealanders </a> are quietly suffering financial distress, isolated by financial stigma and the taboos around discussing money. When pressed, one in two New Zealanders would rather <a href="https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2203/S00384/research-shows-wed-rather-talk-about-politics-than-our-finances.htm">talk politics over money</a>. <h2>Time to talk about money</h2> Navigating financial distress and <a href="https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2526&context=sulr">stigma</a> can feel overwhelming. Where money is a taboo subject, it may feel safer to withdraw, maintain false appearances, be secretive or shun social support. This tendency to avoid open discussions and suffer in silence can lead to <a href="https://loneliness.org.nz/lonely/at-home/financially-struggling/">feelings of isolation</a> and contribute to <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-financial-stress-can-affect-your-mental-health-and-5-things-that-can-help-201557">poor mental health</a>, such as depression, anxiety and emotional distress. Sadly, the trauma of living in financial distress can also <a href="http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39442/1/1307565_Wakefield.pdf">break up families</a>. Losing the symbols of hard-gained success and facing the prospect of a reduced lifestyle can be tough. It often triggers feelings of personal failure and self doubt that deter us from taking proactive steps to talk openly and seek help. But what can families do to alleviate some of this distress? <h2>Seek help</h2> First, understand that <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/86767aac-98e0-4dae-8c5a-d3301b030703">you are not alone</a>. Over 300,000 New Zealanders <a href="https://theconversation.com/over-300-000-new-zealanders-owe-more-than-they-own-is-this-a-problem-173497">owe more than they earn</a>. Second, seek help. There are many services that help people work through their financial situation and formulate a plan. In the case of excessive debts, debt consolidation or <a href="https://goodshepherd.org.nz/debtsolve/">debt solution loans</a> may help reduce the overall burden and simplify your financial situation. For those struggling with increasing interest on their mortgages, reaching out to your bank early is critical. During the 2008 recession, banks in New Zealand <a href="https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/banks-exchange-letters-crown-support-distressed-mortgage-borrowers">worked with customers</a> to avoid defaulting on mortgages, including reducing servicing costs, capitalising interest and moving households to interest-only loans. It is essential to understand that the <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/real-estate/130677426/are-we-on-the-brink-of-a-wave-of-mortgagee-sales">banks do not want mortgagees to fail</a>, and that options exist. To help future generations avoid debt traps, we need open communication about money – also known as “<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10834-020-09736-2">financial socialisation</a>”. This includes developing values, sharing knowledge and promoting behaviours that help build <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1241099.pdf">financial viability and contribute to financial wellbeing</a>. The lessons about handling money from family and friends are crucial for <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02162/full">improving our children’s financial capability</a>, helping them be <a href="https://www.fsc.org.nz/it-starts-with-action-theme/growing-financially-resilient-kids">more financially resilient</a> and better able to survive the stresses we are experiencing now – and those <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300836616/heres-how-much-household-costs-are-expected-to-increase">yet to come</a>. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-let-financial-shame-be-your-ruin-open-conversations-can-help-ease-the-burden-of-personal-debt-202496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Retirement Income

5 simple ways to ease anxiety

Everyone knows what it feels like to lay awake at night worrying about something, whether it be if you locked the car, sent that email, or how prepared your family is for an earthquake. For some, it's a minor annoyance – nothing more than a niggling feeling. For others it's an anxiety which consumes their every thought and can affect their daily lives. Sufferers of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) will find themselves worrying about everything, big or small, and may also suffer from conditions like depression, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder. GAD sufferers are people who generally expect the worst, worry excessively for no apparent reason, are irritable and restless, have difficulty concentrating, and may suffer from stomach issues including nausea and diarrhoea. While it's unknown what exactly causes GAD, it is to do with the "wiring" of some areas of the brain, and there is a genetic link, however children and teens won't often recognise the symptoms. Adults need to keep an eye out for behaviours including a fear of making mistakes, a feeling that they're to blame for any disaster, and a need for frequent reassurance. Five fast ways to feel calmer On a day-to-day basis, there are simple ways to help manage anxiety and worries. Here are five things you can do to get through tasks that make you anxious and to access some calm when you really need it. 1. Break up a mammoth task into small steps: Say you need to clean up your garage, but it's currently a storehouse for everything you've ever owned and dumped. Write a list of the individual steps needed: sort out items for giving away, give them a clean, ask friends/recipients to pick up, sort items for selling, decide value, list on Trade Me, etc. Tick off each task as you achieve it. 2. Just breathe: The first sign of a change in emotion is our breathing. One study has shown that up to 47 minutes before a panic attack, breathing starts to change. If you're breathing from mouth to chest, consciously focus on breathing from nose and belly. Consciously slowing down your breaths to a normal speed, might help temper anxiety symptoms and restore baseline calm. 3. There's an app for that: The <a href="http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/a-z/apps-e-therapy-and-guided-self-help/">Mental Health Foundation recommends a number of apps</a> and other forms of e-therapy to help you cope with anxiety. The <a href="https://www.happier.com/">Happier</a> app is a simple way to collect happy moments you find in every day, share them with close friends and family, and be reminded to do more of what makes you happier. 4. Listen up: Music is one of the best ways to escape a repetitive thought and perhaps help trigger happier memories. If it helps, sing at the top of your lungs or dance in your room until you drop – this can be a great way to release tension. But if it spins your wheels, listening to slow, quiet classical music can have a particularly beneficial effect; evidence suggests it slows the pulse and heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and decreases levels of stress hormones. 5. Share the load: The saying "a problem shared is a problem halved" really has some merit. Sharing your problem with someone you trust or spending time with someone who shares the same concerns can ease the burden. But now there are multiple ways to share positive, happy thoughts too. Using Pinterest, for example, you can pin quotes that inspire and motivate you. It might be nice to know you're helping to inspire others and, in some cases, comfort them. Building a space for positivity, and a community around it, might help you feel less alone and subsequently alleviate some anxiety. Image: Shutterstock

Mind

Easing your pups into a stress-free ride

With two long weekends and school holidays fast approaching, Aussies will be hitting the road to enjoy the break. To help all those adorable puppies purchased during lockdowns come to terms with life outside of their kennels, Toyota and Pet Expert Dr Leigh Davidson, <a href="https://www.yourvetonline.com/">director of Your Vet Online</a>, have put together 8 top tier tips to help ease pups' nerves on their first road trip. <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Young travellers </li> </ol> The best way to manage travel anxiety in pets is to familiarise the pet with travelling from a young age so it becomes second nature to them. This doesn’t mean older pets can’t be trained as many take to travelling extremely well. However, depending on their history, older pets may need a slower, unrushed start. <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Buckle up </li> </ol> Decide how you are going to secure your pet (remember it is illegal to have a pet loose in the car with you). Will it be in a crate cage, in a booster seat or simply attached via a seatbelt in the back seat or hatch area? Keep them well secured so that they feel safe and comfortable – while ensuring they can’t cause too many distractions while you’re driving. <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Begin with Basics </li> </ol> Start by simply securing your pet in the car and allow them to sit there with no movement and with the vehicle turned off. Give them their favourite toy and plenty of pats. Start the car and, if your pet seems fine and not showing signs of anxiety such as panting, licking their lips, cowering, tremors or whale eye then you can start to take your pet for short trips. Try to keep to roads that are smooth and straight to begin with to ensure a pleasant ride. <ol start="4"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Stick to routine mealtimes </li> </ol> Many pets have no issues with travelling so there is no need to be too pedantic with the timing of meals. However, for some pets it may be best to try to keep to a routine. If they normally eat breakfast at 6.30am then continue with this. Most pets will also want to go to the toilet after they have eaten therefore, as a rule of thumb to avoid accidents, try to feed your pet at least an hour before travel so they have time to do their business, or take them for a toilet break before you leave on your journey. <ol start="5"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Take a break </li> </ol> There are no dead set rules for how often to stop for breaks when on long journeys. Just like us, pets enjoy the opportunity to have a toilet break and stretch their legs every 3-4 hours. A small drink can also be offered then. A longer run around and opportunity for a snack every 6 hours or so would make for a much happier pet. <ol start="6"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Travel sickness </li> </ol> It’s not uncommon for pets to suffer from travel sickness and this can be particularly trying for everyone. A lot of dogs that show signs of anxiety when travelling may actually be experiencing nausea. In these situations, your veterinarian or your <a href="https://www.yourvetonline.com/">online vets</a> can assist by prescribing medications that can stop nausea. Also ensure your pet has had a small meal an hour or two before they travel. A completely empty stomach can make them feel worse. <ol start="7"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Air Flow </li> </ol> Keep a window down a little so that there is fresh air flowing, but not so low enough for them to escape or let their head out where they could get hit by debris. <ol start="8"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Road Trip equals Fun Trip </li> </ol> Taking pets with you regularly on short trips gets them familiar and comfortable with being in the car. Instead of taking the dog to your regular dog park, drive them to a different one a bit further afield so that they quickly learn that travelling is a good thing<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: #323130; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.

Family & Pets

Drunk driver who killed four children receives 21 years in prison: “No sentence can help ease that pain”

Samuel William Davidson will spend a minimum of 21 years behind bars after he ploughed into a group of children on a Sydney pavement, a court has ruled on Friday. The man, who was on drugs, drunk and speeding was sentenced to a maximum of 28 years in jail for the tragic crash in Oatlands killed siblings Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 8, and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11. He will be eligible for release in January 2041. Danny Abdallah, the father who lost three of his children in the devastating crash said nothing could bring them back, and the lengthy jail term was “God’s will.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840643/oatlands-children-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/de3c9b35c61d4357bbfdb22374af89d8" /> “Whether he gets one year or 100 years we won’t get Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique back,” he said while standing alongside his stricken wife Leila. “The most beautiful, innocent and pure-hearted children were killed on the 1st of February 2020 “We will all have our hearts broken until the day we take our last breath and no sentence can help ease that pain.” Mr Abdallah said the sentence meant that the Davidson family had also lost a son, meaning it was a “lose-lose” situation for everyone. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840642/oatlands-children-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1cc506b89c8b47518d037831bfafeb81" /> “Our focus was never really about what serving a sentence was going to be,” he said. “When we made that choice of forgiveness we focused on our kids. “We knew justice would be served and it was served because it was God’s will this sentence.” The mother of Veronique, Bridget Sakr said too many lives have been lost due to dangerous driving that is often influenced by drugs and alcohol. On February 22, seven children were walking along the footpath to a local IGA. They had been meaning to buy ice cream to evade the summer heat. At around 7:30 pm, the group of kids were hit by Davidson who had been travelling at 133km/h after 12 hours of drinking and drug-taking. Judge Bennett revealed that the graphic scene had seen the kid’s bodies found metres apart from each other. Out of the seven that were struck, only three survived with horrible injuries. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840644/oatlands-children.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5e2000f47cfb43ebb5c6b9de97a072ea" /> Judge James Bennett spoke in court on Friday, saying Davidson’s “horrific” actions and “menacing” driving that day showed he had abandoned all his morals. “The manner of driving was such that tragedy was inevitable,” the judge said. “The magnitude of the tragedy extends to the unimaginable.”

News

Queensland to open border to NSW as premier announces easing of restrictions

Queenslanders will be able to stand while they and drink from Friday afternoon as a road map for further easing of restrictions is announced which reveals the border to NSW will likely open on November 1. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released road map which breaks down the further easing of restrictions into three parts. “We have always said that we would continue to ease restrictions where we could in a staged and balanced way to keep Queenslanders safe – and this plan does just that,” she said. “We’ve had to make hard decisions, but it is because of these and the hard work of Queenslanders that we are in the position to continue easing restrictions.” Under the road map, stage 4 began at 1 am on October 1, 2020, which added extra local government areas included in the declared border zone across northern NSW. Those at indoor and outdoor venues with a COVID Safe plan will be permitted to stand while eating and drinking from 4 pm on October 2, and outdoor density increases to one person per 2sqm. Outdoor events have also doubled capacity from 500 to 1000 people. Stage 5 would be put in place at 1 am on November 1, which would see the borders open to New South Wales, with visitors and returned travellers to having to complete mandatory quarantine. But the border will only open if there was no community transmission in NSW for 28 days. “We have made it very clear that our borders have kept us safe … We’re watching NSW very closely,” Ms Palaszczuk said. Under stage 5, gatherings of up to 40 people will be permitted in homes and public spaces across the state, and 40 people can dance at weddings.

News

Total fines revealed Victorian lockdown eases

Melbourne’s tough lockdown curfew may have been lifted, but not before 2800 people were fined for breaching the rules. At $1652 each, police have managed to hand out infringements that add up to a whopping $4.6 million. Anyone who was caught out after 8 or 9 pm and before 5 am throughout the eight-week curfew was handed a fine. One of the last of at least 2801 Melbournians caught breaking the curfew was a man who was intercepted in the early hours of Saturday morning on the Mornington Peninsula. He claimed he was out looking for his phone which he had dropped earlier. As the legality of the strict measures is being challenged in the state’s Supreme Court, Daniel Andrew says that the curfew played a vital role in limiting movement and driving down COVID-19 numbers. “This strategy only works if we limit movement (and) if we want our police to be spending all their time having to move people on from Maccas car parks, where there are pop-up social gatherings that are not lawful – I’m going to have police wasting their time doing that,” Mr Andrews said on September 11. “It is working. And if you don’t limit movement, you won’t limit the number of cases.” Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent also said last week that the curfew was reducing movement across the city and making criminals easier to identify. One man was caught riding his bike in Dandenong, his explanation for police being that he had “fallen asleep” at a mate’s house. Another pair received an infringement notice after they were caught in a ride share car at 4 am in Melton. They claimed to be on their way to visit family. Another man told police he had driven almost 50km from Dandenong to Moonee Ponds during curfew hours to buy a coffee. Police said that many of the people who were caught out in public during curfew hours had left home to buy food and cigarettes from convenience stores.

Money & Banking

Here is how you can navigate public transport as safely as possible as coronavirus restrictions ease

As coronavirus restrictions continue to ease, one of the key challenges we face is how to deal with people moving around a lot more. In particular, as more of us start to head back to school and the office in the coming weeks and months, more of us will be getting on buses, trains and trams. So what is public transport going to look like as we relax restrictions, and how can we navigate this safely? Workplaces can help Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has emphasised <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/victoria-coronavirus-update-daniel-andrews-says-working-from-home-will-stay-c-1042934">working from home</a> will be one of the last measures the state will ease. But even when restrictions are relaxed, do we all need to go into the office as much as we used to? Working from home has become the “new normal” for many of us, and we’ve learnt a lot about how to do this successfully. Employers have adjusted too, with some indicating <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52765165">they will encourage</a> increased remote working moving forward. So one of the obvious things we can do to reduce the numbers of people using public transport is to continue to work from home where possible. Another option is for workplaces to implement flexible start times. If we can reduce the numbers of people using public transport during peak times, this will make a significant difference in reducing crowding. Public transport providers and governments State governments have introduced <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-public-transport-changes-marshals-security-to-enforce-coronavirus-social-distancing/4a6c3554-547d-4c76-b562-d071343eb06f">additional cleaning practices</a> on public transport networks. These will continue, and may even be increased, as more people return to public transport. Although increased cleaning is important, physical distancing remains the key to safely moving large numbers of people again. Governments will need to consider some changes to ensure people can keep a safe distance from others on their commute. As we’ve seen with the easing of restrictions, different states will take different approaches. For example, New South Wales has imposed limits on how many people can board a bus or train. A maximum of <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-nsw-public-transport-rules-how-many-people-can-go-on-bus-train/77bf87a6-288a-4015-86b5-87786fb6729c">32 people</a> are allowed in a train carriage (normally one carriage holds 123 passengers), while buses are limited to 12 passengers (capacity is normally 63). Further, markings on the seats and floors of buses and trains indicate where people can sit and stand. Marshals are also <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-public-transport-changes-marshals-security-to-enforce-coronavirus-social-distancing/4a6c3554-547d-4c76-b562-d071343eb06f">being stationed</a> around the public transport network to ensure commuters are following the rules. In a similar move, the South Australian government revealed they <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-29/coronavirus-plan-for-adelaide-trains-buses-and-trams/12301252">will remove seats</a> from Adelaide trains. In contrast, Queensland is not imposing any passenger limits, instead asking commuters to use their common sense. The government <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-22/coronavirus-queensland-commuters-distancing-public-transport/12263506">says</a> there is plenty of room on public transport in Queensland at present, and the risk of virus transmission is low given the small number of active cases. Similarly, Victoria has not imposed passenger limits. But the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/shift-work-and-days-at-home-on-the-cards-to-avoid-public-transport-overcrowding-20200530-p54xz6.html">government has indicated</a> commuters will be able to access information about which public transport services are the least crowded to assist travel planning. Some states have flagged <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/shift-work-and-days-at-home-on-the-cards-to-avoid-public-transport-overcrowding-20200530-p54xz6.html">extra services</a> may be needed to avoid overcrowding, though the extent to which this will be possible is dependent on resources. In addition to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/extra-services-added-to-sydney-s-straining-transport-network-20200523-p54vrs.html">extra services</a>, NSW has <a href="https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/physical-distancing-on-transport-key-to-a-safe-pathway-back-to-work">indicated</a> it will boost car parking and enhance access for cyclists and pedestrians. What can you do? The main responsibility around keeping virus transmission suppressed as we relax restrictions rests with us as individuals to behave sensibly and responsibly. The same principles apply when we use public transport as when we navigate all public spaces. Maintaining physical distance from others and washing our hands regularly are possibly even more important when we’re using public transport, given we potentially come into contact with a lot of people in an enclosed space. We know SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/coronavirus-risk-higher-tight-indoor-spaces-with-little-air-flow-2020-5?r=US&IR=T">more likely</a> to spread indoors than outdoors. We also know prolonged contact with someone infected with the virus increases the risk of transmission, as compared to a passing encounter. So public transport commutes have the potential to pose a significant risk of virus transmission, especially if you’re sitting next to an infected person on a long journey. Taking hand sanitiser when you use public transport is a good idea so you can clean your hands while travelling. You may be touching contaminated surfaces, for example the bars and handles for balance. In addition, washing your hands thoroughly with soap as soon as you arrive at your destination should become a part of your routine. Importantly, if you’re sick you should not be leaving the house, let alone taking public transport or going to work. What about masks? Wearing a mask on public transport is an issue of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/chief-medical-officer-backs-voluntary-use-of-face-masks-on-public-transport-20200529-p54xrd.html">personal preference</a>. But if you choose to wear a mask, it’s important to understand a couple of things. First, masks need to be <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks">put on and taken off correctly</a> so you don’t inadvertently infect yourself in the process. And while masks potentially offer <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449">some additional protection</a> to you and others, it’s still critical to follow physical distancing and other hygiene measures. Written by Hassan Vally. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-coronavirus-restrictions-ease-heres-how-you-can-navigate-public-transport-as-safely-as-possible-138845">The Conversation.</a>

Travel Tips

7 questions answered on how to socialise safely as coronavirus restrictions ease

You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief as coronavirus restrictions are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/20/social-distancing-rules-australia-when-will-end-guidelines-coronavirus-laws-physical-covid-19-restrictions-signs-posters-nsw-victoria-qld-queensland-act-sa-wa-nt-tasmania">eased across Australia</a>. But as we emerge from our bunkers and dust off our social skills, we must think about how to navigate this transition safely. The winding back of restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over, although it is a recognition of how well we have done to control the spread of COVID-19 in Australia. There is still a long way to go, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to limit the chances of the coronavirus spreading. So what should a social gathering look like now we’re allowed to get together? Here are answers to some common questions. How big should my gathering be? At the time of writing, you can have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/20/social-distancing-rules-australia-when-will-end-guidelines-coronavirus-laws-physical-covid-19-restrictions-signs-posters-nsw-victoria-qld-queensland-act-sa-wa-nt-tasmania">five visitors in your home</a> and gatherings of up to ten outdoors in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In Tasmania you can only have two visitors to your home; in the ACT, South Australia and the Northern Territory you can have ten, while in Western Australia you can have 20. Whatever the restrictions in your state or territory, it’s important not to crowd too close together. You need to use common sense in deciding how many people to invite. Do we still need to socially distance and wash hands regularly? We should carry on doing the things that have so far proved successful in curbing the coronavirus. This includes staying at least 1.5 metres from other people, and being vigilant about hand hygiene. Make sure you have plenty of hand sanitiser available if you are hosting or attending a social gathering, so you can disinfect your hands regularly without having to go to the bathroom repeatedly. How should we greet each other? The same rules about physical contact still apply, so we should not be hugging for now. We could adopt some of the new ways of greeting, such as the elbow bump or the foot shake. Or just stick to saying hello for the moment. Should I bring my own cutlery to a dinner party? Assuming you trust the general hygiene standards of your friends (which I sincerely hope you do), this is not necessary. Cutlery should be washed properly with detergent in hot water and handled only with freshly washed hands. Cutlery is no different to any other food surface such as crockery, glassware or chopping boards – just make sure it’s as clean as possible. Can we share food? Although there is no evidence coronavirus is spread through food, there is still a risk of cross-contamination while eating food from a shared plate. So this is probably not a sensible thing to do right now. While it might feel less sociable, avoiding shared grazing plates is a simple tactic to limit the risk of virus transmission. It might even stop your friend scoffing all the dip. Similarly, avoid the temptation to clink glasses with your friends. It’s only a small risk but we should take every opportunity to reduce the virus’s chances. Should I wear a mask? A mask is not essential for social gatherings, assuming you maintain a safe distance and wash your hands regularly. Having said that, a mask can give people some extra reassurance so they can relax a bit more. That’s assuming it is worn (and taken off) correctly, and that people understand a mask does not guarantee protection from infection. There is no harm in wearing one, but remember to be extra friendly as your friends can’t see your smile! I don’t feel 100% – should I take a raincheck? It is important to factor in your personal health and risk factors in determining how you navigate your newly reinstated freedoms. For example, a 75-year-old with a pre-existing health condition, such as a heart condition or asthma, should still be very careful about limiting their contact with others, as the implications of getting sick are very serious. You should also consider your responsibility to other people. A 25-year-old who feels slightly unwell should err on the side of caution and not socialise, to protect others. Despite the lockdown lifting, we still need to take responsibility for our own health and also be considerate about the health of others. That way we can all start to enjoy one of the most rewarding aspects of humanity: being sociable.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139109/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hassan-vally-202904">Hassan Vally</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/7-questions-answered-on-how-to-socialise-safely-as-coronavirus-restrictions-ease-139109">original article</a>.

Body

Coronavirus restrictions easing: What you can do starting June 1

More coronavirus restrictions are being rolled back from Monday, June 1 in many Australian states. Restaurants and cafes will be able to seat more patrons, and the limits to social gatherings will be expanded. Here is a breakdown of what you can do in each state as <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/coronavirus-everything-you-can-do-from-june-1-in-australia-as-states-continue-to-release-restrictions/news-story/9e8299c806ad1513d006350309ad3ac2" target="_blank">the rules are being eased</a> in the coming month. Victoria Starting June 1: <ul> <li>Up to 20 people will be allowed to gather in one place. If it is in a house, the number must include the members of the household. Children and babies count towards the 20-people limit.</li> <li>An enclosed café or restaurant will be able to sit up to 20 people. Customers will be asked to provide their first name and number in case contact tracing is needed. Alcohol must be served with food. The limit will be pushed up to 50 people on June 22.</li> <li>As many as 20 people can play recreational sport together outdoors, including in public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate parks.</li> <li>Galleries, museums and other cultural sites as well as outdoor amusement parks, zoos and arcades can open their doors to 20 visitors. The same goes with libraries, youth centres and community clubs.</li> <li>Tourist accommodation such as caravan parks and camping grounds are allowed to open, but communal facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms are off-limits.</li> <li>Travel within the state is allowed.</li> </ul> New South Wales Starting June 1: <ul> <li>Beauty salons can welcome a maximum of 10 clients.</li> <li>Restaurants, pubs and cafes can sit up to 50 people. The four-square-metre rule continues to apply. Customers will be asked to provide their first name and number in case contact tracing is needed.</li> <li>Travel within the state will be allowed.</li> <li>Galleries, museums and libraries will be allowed to reopen.</li> </ul> South Australia Starting June 1: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-25/sa-coronavirus-stage-two-restrictions-relaxation-starting-june-1/12282246">Up to 80 people</a> will be allowed into pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, beauty salons, gyms and indoor fitness centre. Alcohol must be served with food. The four-square-metre rule continues to apply.</li> <li>Up to 50 mourners can attend funerals.</li> <li>Non-contact sport will be allowed to resume.</li> </ul> Queensland Starting June 12: <ul> <li>Up to 20 people will be allowed to gather in homes, restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, hotels, casinos, indoor cinemas, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, gyms, sports clubs, museums, art galleries, zoos, arcades, theatres, outdoor amusement parks, concert venues, arenas, stadiums, open homes and auctions, and places of worship.</li> <li>Up to 20 people can attend weddings.</li> <li>Up to 50 people will be able to attend funerals.</li> <li>Travel within 250km of one’s region will be allowed.</li> </ul> Northern Territory Starting June 5 noon: <ul> <li>The two-hour limit on indoor activities will be lifted.</li> <li>Alcohol can be served at bars and clubs without food.</li> <li>Entertainment venues and cinemas will be allowed to reopen in approved configuration, along with amusement parks, recreation centres and stadiums.</li> <li>Travel restrictions will be lifted, allowing residents to move between communities.</li> </ul> Tasmania Starting June 15: <ul> <li>The limit will be increased to 20 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings, including restaurants, cinemas, museums, galleries, religious gatherings, weddings and community sport.</li> <li>Up to 20 visitors will be allowed to enter open homes and auctions, beauty salons, and playgrounds.</li> <li>Up to 50 people can attend funerals.</li> </ul> Australian Capital Territory Starting June 1, residents will be allowed to travel to NSW for holidays. Western Australia Starting Thursday, May 28 at 11.59pm, travel within the state will be allowed <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/premier-mark-mcgowan-lifts-intrastate-travel-restrictions-in-time-for-public-holiday-20200525-p54w7g.html">with the exception of the Kimberley and bio-security zones in the east Pilbara and part of the Goldfields</a>. Premier Mark McGowan said he expected Broome to become available to visitors by June 5.

Domestic Travel

Scott Morrison announces three-stage plan to ease restrictions across the country

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed Australia’s three step plan to ease social distancing restrictions, in the effort to help revive the economy and keep infection rates low. “Today, we move ahead with reopening our economy and our society with a clear plan, and a clear framework, that shows Australians the road ahead,” Mr Morrison said at a media conference in Canberra. National cabinet has made the decision by listening to the advice given by a panel of medical experts as they devised the three-stage approach. While states and territories will move ahead at their own pace, the group has agreed on an overarching guide to building a “COVID-safe” economy, said Morrison. Stage one will allow five visitors at home and 10 people in businesses and public places, it has been announced. Small restaurants and cafes will begin to reopen, while still sticking to the social distancing measures, and retail shopping can resume. But chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy said some states may hold off on that particular measure. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Our 3 step roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia with our aim to get through these steps and get Australia working again in July this year. States and territories will set their own pace and decide the timings for each step.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/covidsafe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#covidsafe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Aus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Aus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirusaustralia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirusaustralia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qRGq8SJWZp">pic.twitter.com/qRGq8SJWZp</a> — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1258613312801001473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote> “So, some states don't want to open cafes and restaurants initially, because they feel that their situation, they would prefer to take some time,” Prof Murphy said. Libraries, community centres, playgrounds and boot camps can open, and people would be permitted to travel locally and regionally. Morrison said step one would mean: “Golfers back on the green. Lap swimmers back in the pool. Boot catch camps back in the parks. Retail and small cafes and restaurants reopening. “It will see easing of restrictions for funerals with up to 30 attendees, outdoors, and 10 at weddings.” People are urged to work from home if possible, for both the employee and employer. Stage two would allow gatherings of 20 people in their homes, in businesses and in public places, he said, but some states and territories may choose to allow larger groups of people. Gyms, beauty salons, cinemas, galleries and amusement parks would be allowed to reopen, as would caravan and camping groups. Some interstate travel would be permitted. People would still be encouraged to work from home “if it works for you and your employer”. Stage three would see pubs and nightclubs reopen and allow gatherings of up to 100 people. Other businesses such as food courts and saunas will also reopen. And the National Cabinet will consider cross-Tasman and Pacific Island travel, as well as international student travel. People would be asked to return to work and all interstate travel would resume. “It's our aspiration as agreed among premiers and chief ministers, in July, we would have moved through these three steps through the country,” Morrison said. More information about stages two and three will be released depending on the success of stage one. “We’ll be reviewing progress of our plan every three weeks and making any changes as we need to. All three stages require everyone to maintain a 1.5-metre distance, good hand hygiene, and the continued use of the COVIDsafe app.

News

Ways to ease chronic pain

Around 1.6 million Australians aged 45 or over have been living with persistent pain, according to newly released data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The figures, which cover 2016-17, reveal that GP consultations for chronic pain increased by 67% in the preceding decade. The number of visits for lower back pain increased by 400,000. Dealing with chronic pain also means you are likely to face longer hospital stays, much poorer mental health and are three times more likely than normal to be taking painkillers regularly. About 105,000 people were hospitalised with chronic pain in 2017-18, with a typical hospital stay three times longer than average. Behind those figures lies the human cost. As a clinical specialist in pain medicine, I see the jobs lost, the mortgage defaults, the superannuation withdrawals, and the family roles given up because of debilitating pain. Lower back pain, migraine and pain following trauma are among the top 10 causes of years lost to disability worldwide, and this has <a href="http://www.healthdata.org/gbd">barely changed over the past 20 years</a>. Because chronic pain can happen at any stage of life, many people have to live with it for decades. A <a href="https://www.painaustralia.org.au/static/uploads/files/the-cost-of-pain-in-australia-final-report-12mar-wfxbrfyboams.pdf">2019 Deloitte Access Economics report</a> commissioned by advocacy group <a href="https://www.painaustralia.org.au/">Painaustralia</a> estimated the annual cost to Australia’s economy at A$139.3 billion per year, more than A$20 billion of which comes directly out of the pockets of pain patients. A fresh approach The most expensive and inefficient way to manage this national crisis is pretty much the way we are currently doing it. Chronic pain care <a href="https://www.painaustralia.org.au/static/uploads/files/the-cost-of-pain-in-australia-final-report-12mar-wfxbrfyboams.pdf">is too fragmented</a> and too often delivered by those without the most up-to-date training. Yet most of the really effective treatments can be delivered at a relatively low cost and with low-tech means. Here are some potential solutions that pain doctors and researchers are confident will work. <ul> <li> Medications need to be carefully chosen and ruthlessly abandoned if they are not helping. The <a href="http://www.pbs.gov.au/statistics/expenditure-prescriptions/2018-2019/PBS_Expenditure_and_Prescriptions_Report_1-July-2018_to_30-June-2019.pdf">Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme</a> (PBS) currently spends more than A$170m a year on drugs such as sustained-release opioids and pregabalin. This could be reduced if more doctors prescribed them in accordance with <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/professionals/opioids-chronic-pain">best practice</a> knowledge. This would help patients and taxpayers alike. </li> <li> Skilled interventions such as inpatient infusions of medications like ketamine, or invasive procedures such as <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931">radiofrequency neurotomy</a>, need to be provided according to <a href="http://fpm.anzca.edu.au/documents/fpm-procedures-in-pain-medicine-ccs-v1-0-20191003.pdf">appropriate quality standards</a> so resources are not wasted and patients are not put at risk. </li> <li> PBS funding should be extended to cover effective treatments for specific conditions such as <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-019-0768-y">migraines</a>. </li> <li> Proven treatments such as group pain programs and individual therapy sessions with credentialed allied health specialists need to be supported by Medicare. These are essential for building the self-management skills needed to reduce patients’ reliance on pain medication. </li> <li> We need a massive investment in training and service redesign for agencies that deal with chronic pain as a result of work or transport injuries. </li> <li> High-quality pain care should be viewed not as a luxury for hospitals, but an essential part of the health-care ecosystem. Pain care should be integrated throughout the public health system, in both acute and subacute care, where it can shorten inpatient stays and improve rehabilitation. </li> <li> We should restrict access to low-value treatments like repeated surgery or medications that have not been working. </li> </ul> In the void created by the huge unmet need and the limited availability of expert pain care, an industry of highly dubious usefulness has been allowed to flourish. Social media is full of false hope. Supplements such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27477804">glucosamine</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28470851">curcumin</a> and <a href="https://journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/fulltext/2017/09000/omega_3_fatty_acids_in_rheumatic_diseases__a.6.aspx">fish oil</a> are not supported by credible studies, yet they are still promoted commercially as effective. Dodgy arthritis “cures” and devices that claim to relieve pain using magnets or electricity are everywhere. Despite <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/publication/guidance-use-medicinal-cannabis-treatment-chronic-non-cancer-pain-australia">dismal supporting evidence</a>, the medical cannabis industry continues to sell itself to chronic pain patients. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it can be hard to focus on other health issues. But Australia already has a path to improving life for many thousands of chronic pain sufferers. The federal government has developed a <a href="https://www.painaustralia.org.au/static/uploads/files/national-action-plan-11-06-2019-wftmzrzushlj.pdf">strategic plan for pain management</a> that offers a blueprint for future action. The plan calls for upskilling of all primary care health professionals to help them recognise the early stages of a chronic pain problem and nip it in the bud. If implemented, it will bring the dream of timely access to well-resourced expert interdisciplinary pain teams in the regions and outer suburbs closer to reality. Most importantly, we need a community-wide effort to destigmatise persistent pain and those who suffer from it. After all, the chances are you either have it or you live or work with someone who does.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/137891/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-vagg-1771">Michael Vagg</a>, Conjoint Clinical Associate Professor, Deakin University School of Medicine and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-in-5-aussies-over-45-live-with-chronic-pain-but-there-are-ways-to-ease-the-suffering-137891">original article</a>.

Body

Outrage over photo as lockdown restrictions are eased

A photo of a “disgusting” mess around a bin in a New Zealand park has caused outrage after the government eased lockdown restrictions for COVID-19. Merania Mihaka, a resident of Rotorua on the north island, claims that it only took hours for people to create a mess. "For 5 weeks Papatuanuku was able to heal herself, it takes less than 24 hrs for humans to ruin her again," she wrote, alongside photos of rubbish from fast food restaurants left discarded around public bins, on Facebook. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmerania.mihaka%2Fposts%2F3396723683689151&show_text=true&width=552&height=741&appId" width="552" height="741" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Papatuanuka is a Māori term meaning the land or a Mother Earth figure in Māori mythology. Others were angered by the sight. “Obviously these people don't appreciate what they have,” one woman wrote. One man added: “humans are the worst”. “Disgusting alright,” another woman wrote. “How disappointing to see some people just never learn.” The photo was posted just a day after New Zealand moved out of its toughest level of coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, allowing some non-essential businesses to reopen. "There is no one point in time that this mission ends. We are in the next phase of the battle and we are not done,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern explained. “It’s an ongoing battle.” The level three restrictions, which limit people to local travel and keep malls, pubs, hairdresser and other businesses closed, will last for at least another two weeks. "No one wants a second wave in New Zealand and we must guard against that," Ms Ardern said. "Elimination does not mean zero cases," she said. "It would be an ongoing campaign and zero tolerance for cases."

Travel Trouble

Coronavirus: Scott Morrison reveals three things needed to ease nationwide restrictions

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said social isolation measures will remain for at least another month. In a press conference on Thursday, Morrison said governments would look at restarting high-value, low-risk economic activity in mid-May if three goals can be met in the next four weeks. “If we are going to move to an environment where there are fewer restrictions then you need these three things in place,” Morrison said. The first is a more extensive testing regime, also known as sentinel testing, which covers those who do not display any symptoms. “If we are to move to a different phase when it comes to the restrictions we need an even broader testing regime than we have at this point,” he said. “Now we have one of, if not the most, extensive testing regimes in the world today but we need to do even better than that to ensure that we can have greater confidence that when we move to a lesser restriction environment, then we can have confidence that we’ll be able to identify any outbreaks very, very quickly and respond to them.” The second is an industrial-level contact tracing capability. “If we can get that in place, if we can get our tracing capability up from where it is, then that is going to give us more options and Australians more freedoms,” Morrison said. The third is Australia’s response capability at a local level. Morrison said an example of this was the outbreak in northwestern Tasmania, where state authorities worked together with the Australian Defence Forces and the Australian Medical Assistance Teams to contain the virus. “There will be other outbreaks in other parts of the country and in all states and territories,” Morrison warned. “We need that ability to move very fast to be able to lock down an outbreak where it occurs and to ensure that it does not transmit more broadly within the community.” Morrison said Australia is in the “suppression phase” of the pandemic rather than the “eradication” or “herd immunity” responses followed in other countries. “A positive thing to say is we have often found ourselves, as we have now, in a better place ahead of time,” he said. “But we want to be very clear with Australians. The baseline restrictions we have in place at the moment, there are no plans to change those for the next four weeks. “As I have said throughout this, the solutions we are putting in place are the right solutions for Australia. We are not looking to copy anyone. We have the right plan for Australia.”

News

5 tips to help ease your grandchild back into school mode after the holidays

Most children in Australia are going back to school in just over a week. Children experience a <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/children-australia/article/selfreported-perceptions-readiness-and-psychological-wellbeing-of-primary-school-students-prior-to-transitioning-to-a-secondary-boarding-school/C86DEA7A6CD20AAF29C26C6947A01F7E">mix of emotions</a> when it comes to going to school. Easing back after the holidays can range from feeling really excited and eager to concern, fear or anxiety. Getting butterflies or general worry about going back to school is <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/school-stress.html">common</a>. Among the <a href="https://media.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/ch2-outline.pdf">biggest worries of preschool children</a> are feeling left out, being teased or saying goodbye to their caregiver at drop off. Concerns of <a href="https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/childline-annual-review/">school-aged children are about </a> exams (27%), not wanting to return to school (13%), and problems with teachers (14%). Some feel lonely and isolated. The <a href="https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/publications/youth-survey/1326-mission-australia-youth-survey-report-2019/file">main concerns</a> for teens are coping with stress (44.7%), school or study problems (34.3%) and mental health (33.2%). Not thinking about school until it is time to go back is one way to enjoy the last week of holidays. But for some, this can make going back to school more difficult. Supporting parents, children and young people with back-to-school challenges can help reduce negative school experiences using the below steps. 1. Set up a back-to-school routine Create structure about going back with a <a href="https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/anxiety/tackling-back-to-school-anxiety">school routine</a>. Be guided by your knowledge and history of what best supports your child during times of change and transition. <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-homework-tips/morning-routine-for-school">Set up a practical chart of getting ready</a>. You could include: <ul> <li>what needs to be done each day for school like getting up, eating breakfast, dressing</li> <li>what help does your child need from you to get ready?</li> <li>what they can do on their own? (Establish these together).</li> </ul> The first week back can cause disruption from being in holiday mode so don’t forget <a href="https://childmind.org/article/encouraging-good-sleep-habits/">healthy habits around sleep</a> (<a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/physical-activity-exercise-sleep-screen-time-kids-teens">around 9-11 hours for children aged 5-13</a> and 8-10 hours for those aged 14-17), <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#npa517">exercise</a> (around <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#npa517">one hour per day</a> of moderate to vigorous physical activity <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/physical-activity/physical-activity-how-much">three times a week</a>) and <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-and-your-life-stages">diet</a>. Having <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#npa517">consistent bed and wake-up </a> times helps too. The National Sleep Foundation <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/plan-ahead-start-back-school-bedtime-routines-now">suggest starting two weeks</a> before the first day of school to set sleep routine habits. But a week beforehand will help get your kid on their way. In some way, parents go back to school with their children. Consider adjusting your own schedule to make the transition smoother. If you can’t in the mornings, arrange the evenings so you can give as much time as your child needs, especially during the first week. 2. Talk about going back to school Most children deal with some level of stress or anxiety about school. They have insight into their school experiences, so find out what worries them by asking directly. You can offer support by normalising experiences of worry and nerves. <a href="https://www.heysigmund.com/how-to-deal-with-school-anxiety-no-more-distressing-goodbyes/">Reassure your child</a> the feelings they have are common and they will likely overcome them once they have settled in. Worries and courage can exist together. Depending on your child’s age, you can also try the following to help: <ul> <li>early years/pre-school – write <a href="https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2018/08/free-social-stories-about-going-to-school.html">a social story </a> about going to daycare or school and the routine ahead</li> <li>primary years – set up a <a href="https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/professionals/learning/trkpp6.pdf">peer-buddy system</a> where a peer or older child meets yours at the school gate or, if neighbours, kids can go into school together</li> <li>secondary years – establish healthy routines as a family. Support each other around <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-parents-and-teens-can-reduce-the-impact-of-social-media-on-youth-well-being-87619">technology</a> use, sleep and <a href="https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/going-to-school/Pages/tips-starting-school.aspx">schoolwork</a>.</li> </ul> 3. Help create a sense of school belonging A sense of belonging at school <a href="https://theconversation.com/many-australian-school-students-feel-they-dont-belong-in-school-new-research-97866">can affect</a> academic success and student well-being. Parents can facilitate positive attitudes about school by setting an encouraging tone when talking about it. Also show an interest in school life and work, and be available to support your child both <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10648-016-9389-8">academically and socially</a>. <a href="https://www.webmd.com/special-reports/kids-and-stress/20150827/stress-survey">More than half of the parents in one survey</a> said homework and schoolwork were the greatest drivers of stress in their children. When parents are more engaged in their child’s schoolwork, they are better able to support them through it. 4. Look out for signs of stress Research suggests <a href="https://www.webmd.com/special-reports/kids-and-stress/20150827/stress-survey">parents can miss stress or anxiety</a> in their children. Parents can spot stress if their child (depending on age): <ul> <li>is more clingy than usual or tries escape from the classroom</li> <li>appears restless and flighty or cries</li> <li>shows an increased desire to avoid activities through negotiations and deal-making</li> <li>tries to get out of going to school</li> <li>retreats to thumb sucking, baby language or increased attachment to favourite soft toys (for younger students).</li> </ul> If these behaviours persist for about half a term, talk to your classroom teacher or school well-being coordinator about what is happening. Together work on a strategy of support. There may be something more going on than usual school nerves, like <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@christine-grove/2018/01/18/1299375/no-one-size-fits-all-approach-in-tackling-cyberbullying">bullying</a>. 5. Encourage questions Encourage questions children and teens may have about the next term. What will be the same? What will be different? Often schools provide transition information. If the school hasn’t, it might be worth contacting them to see if they can share any resources. Most importantly, let your child know nothing is off limits to talk about. <a href="https://www.heysigmund.com/school-anxiety-what-parents-can-do/">Set up times to chat</a> throughout the school term – it can help with back-to-school nerves. Written by Christine Grové and Kelly-Ann Allen. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-tips-to-help-ease-your-child-back-into-school-mode-after-the-holidays-129780">The Conversation.</a>

Art

Entertain with ease with a red onion salsa three ways

Explore the different ways to use red onion in salsa with these three recipes. Serves 4 Prep: 15 mins Cooking time 0 mins Red onion, Avocado & apple salsa Ingredients <ul> <li> 1 pink lady, Fuji or Jazz apple, cut into matchsticks </li> <li> 1 avocado, diced </li> <li> 1 small red onion, peeled, halved, finely diced </li> <li> 2 tbs chopped coriander </li> <li> 1 lime, juiced </li> </ul> Method <ol> <li> Combine the apple, avocado, onion and coriander in a bowl. Pour over the lime juice, stir to combine.</li> <li>Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.</li> <li>Serve over sticky pork, kebabs or rissoles. </li> </ol> Red onion, apple & cucumber salsa Ingredients <ul> <li> 1 pink lady, Fuji or Jazz apple, cut into matchsticks </li> <li> 1 large Lebanese cucumber, diced </li> <li> 1 small red onion, peeled, halved, finely diced </li> <li> 2 tbs chopped flat leaf parsley leaves </li> <li> 1 lime, juiced </li> </ul> Method <ol> <li> Combine the apple, cucumber, onion and parsley in a bowl. </li> <li>Pour over the lime juice, stir to combine.</li> <li>Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.</li> <li>Serve over fish, pork, lamb or chicken. </li> </ol> Red onion, chilli mango salsa Ingredients <ul> <li> 1 firm ripe mango, peeled, diced </li> <li> 1 Lebanese cucumber, diced </li> <li> 1 small red onion, peeled, halved, finely diced </li> <li> 1 long red chilli, finely chopped </li> <li> 2 tbs chopped coriander </li> <li> 1 lime, juiced </li> </ul> Method <ol> <li> Combine the mango, cucumber, onion, chilli and coriander in a bowl. </li> <li>Pour over the lime juice, stir to combine.</li> <li>Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.</li> <li>Serve over fish, pork or chicken. </li> </ol> Recipe courtesy of Australian Onions.

Food & Wine

Sneeze with Ease!

Over 200 million people worldwide live with incontinence, and in Australia alone 1 in 4 people have some form of incontinence which is even higher for older members of the community. The onset of menopause, prostate issues, pelvic surgeries, hysterectomies or even just having children can lead to bladder and bowel control problems, which can be difficult to deal with. Despite its prevalence, the reality is no one plans for a future with incontinence and coming to terms with this condition can be challenging. Developing the right routine and learning to manage your needs, or the needs of another you care for, can often take time and feel frustrating. An important element of this is finding the right product solution, and with many factors to consider such as ongoing cost, comfort, convenience and product bulkiness this can prove overwhelming. The Challenges of Buying Continence Management Products The traditional route used by many is to head to the supermarket or local pharmacy, only to be faced with a personal care aisle full of products that vary greatly in style, size, features and degrees of absorbency. It can prove both difficult and confronting to stand in front of rows of products trying to figure out what will work best. A Smarter Way One Australian company offering a better way is ConfidenceClub, innovative, Australian business with a genuine interest in the lives of people who live with this common condition. Founded by two online retailing veterans in collaboration with one of Australia’s leading experts in continence management products, ConfidenceClub offers a focused range of quality products that are discreetly delivered to your door with no fuss. “We really wanted to make life easier for those who live with incontinence” said Gavin Basserabie, co-founder of ConfidenceClub. “With the evolution of online shopping and the convenience of fast and discreet national delivery, we felt we could improve the experience while providing better products and savings. And if you are one of the roughly 50 percent of ConfidenceClub customers who are buying for someone else, we offer a great way to save you time that can be better spent with your loved one.” Saving Time and Money By going direct to the consumer, ConfidenceClub offers great performing products at significantly cheaper prices than other well-known brands. Orders can be placed on the phone or online and are quickly delivered straight to your door in discreet packaging. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/sneeze-with-ease">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Caring

Entertain with ease: Avocado, garlic and cheese pull-apart bread

Impress friends and family with this fabulous and easy pull apart. Time to prepare: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 to 6 Ingredients 1 loaf sourdough bread 1 ripe avocado, peeled and halved lengthways 1 tbs olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbs lemon juice 1½ cups grated 3-cheese mix Salt and pepper to season Directions 1. Preheat oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan-forced. 2. Using a sharp knife, deeply cut the bread into a honeycomb pattern (don’t cut through the base of the loaf). 3. Scoop avocado flesh into a bowl and add oil, garlic and lemon juice and seasoning, and lightly mash with a fork. 4. Gently ease bread open and spoon avocado mixture into the loaf. 5. Repeat using cheese. 6. Place loaf onto a large sheet of foil and loosely wrap. Place on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. 7. Uncover and bake for a further 8-10 minutes until hot and golden. Recipe courtesy of <a rel="noopener" href="http://australianavocados.com.au/" target="_blank">Australian Avocados</a>. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/avocado-garlic-and-cheese-pull-apart-bread.aspx" target="_blank">Wyza.com.au</a>.

Food & Wine

How to change your iPad password with ease

Whether you keep forgetting your code or found an old iPad that you want to start using again, changing the password is easier than you think. If you know the password to your iPad but want to change it If you already know your password but want to change it, that’s simple to do once you know the steps. <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Log into your iPad with the current password</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to the “Settings” app which looks like grey gears</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Scroll down until you find “Passcode”. This can be called “Touch ID & Passcode” on newer devices</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enter in your current passcode and scroll down to “Change Passcode”. You will enter in your current passcode again (they’re very secure).</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">You can now enter in your new code. Your code can be 6-digit numbers, a custom alphanumeric code, a custom numeric code or the standard 4-digit numeric code.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enter in your new password twice and you have successfully changed your passcode.</li> </ol> If you don’t know the passcode and forgotten it The only way to fix this is to restore your iPad to factory settings. Make sure you’ve backed it up before you’ve done this, otherwise you will lose all of your data. However, if you’re definitely unable to remember the code, say goodbye to your data on the iPad. There are two ways to reset your iPad. One is via iTunes and the other is via your iCloud account online. Method one: via iTunes <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Plug in your iPad and load up iTunes.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open the device in iTunes by clicking on the little icon underneath the sound bar.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Once you have opened the device, click on “Restore iPad”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">iTunes will warn you that you will lose all of your data by doing this. Click on the “restore” button anyway.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Your iPad will start up as a brand-new device, which you can access from iTunes</li> </ol> Method two: via iCloud account online You are able to remotely erase the data on your iPad thanks to iCloud.com. This method is usually used if the device has been stolen or is lost but can also be used to erase data off your iPad. <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to iCloud.com and log into your iCloud account. This is the same as your Apple ID.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click on “Find my iPhone”, which is located at the top of the screen. Click “All devices” and select your iPad’s name.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click on “Erase iPad”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">You will be warned that your data will be lost, and you will be unable to track your device anymore. Click on “erase”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Your device is now restored to factory settings.</li> </ol> Did you know of the iCloud method for restoring your iPad? Let us know in the comments.

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