Placeholder Content Image

You’re probably brushing your teeth wrong – here are four tips for better dental health

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clement-seeballuck-583867">Clement Seeballuck</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicola-innes-388237">Nicola Innes</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a></em></p> <p>We all know the advice for healthy teeth – brush twice daily and don’t eat too much sugar. So why do those of us following these instructions find we sometimes need a filling when we visit the dentist? The truth is, there’s a little more to preventing tooth decay than these guidelines suggest. Here’s what you need to know.</p> <h2>Brush up on your skills</h2> <p>How you brush makes a big difference. The mechanical act of brushing removes the very sticky dental plaque – a mixture of bacteria, their acids and sticky byproducts and food remnants. It forms naturally on teeth immediately after you’ve eaten but doesn’t get nasty and start to cause damage to the teeth until it reaches a certain stage of maturity. The exact amount of time this takes isn’t known but is at least more than 12 hours.</p> <p>Bacteria consume sugar and, as a byproduct, produce acids which dissolve mineral out of the teeth, leaving microscopic holes we can’t see. If the process isn’t stopped and they aren’t repaired, these can become big, visible cavities.</p> <p>Taking two minutes to brush your teeth is a good target for removing plaque and you should brush at night and one other time daily. Brushing frequently stops the bacteria developing to a stage where the species which produce the most acid can become established.</p> <p>Electric toothbrushes can be <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD002281/ORAL_poweredelectric-toothbrushes-compared-to-manual-toothbrushes-for-maintaining-oral-health">more effective than manual brushing</a> and a small toothbrush head helps to reach awkward areas in the mouth, while medium-textured bristles help you clean effectively without causing harm to gums and teeth. The main thing, however, is to get brushing!</p> <h2>Use fluoride toothpaste and disclosing tablets</h2> <p>Most of the benefit from brushing comes from toothpaste. The key ingredient is fluoride, which evidence shows <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002278/full#CD002278-abs-0003">prevents tooth decay</a>. Fluoride replaces lost minerals in teeth and also makes them stronger.</p> <p>For maximum benefit, <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD007868/ORAL_comparison-between-different-concentrations-of-fluoride-toothpaste-for-preventing-tooth-decay-in-children-and-adolescents">use toothpaste with 1350-1500 ppmF</a> – that’s concentration of fluoride in parts per million – to prevent tooth decay.</p> <p>Check your toothpaste’s concentration by reading the ingredients on the back of the tube. <a href="https://theconversation.com/childrens-toothpaste-the-facts-80508">Not all children’s toothpastes are strong enough</a> for them to gain maximum benefit. Your dentist may prescribe higher strength fluoride toothpaste based on their assessment of your or your child’s risk of tooth decay.</p> <p>Plaque is difficult to see because it is whitish, like your teeth. Disclosing tablets are available in supermarkets and chemists and they make plaque more visible, showing areas you may have missed when brushing.</p> <h2>Spit, don’t rinse</h2> <p>At night, you produce less saliva than during the day. Because of this, your teeth have less protection from saliva and are more vulnerable to acid attacks. That’s why it’s important to remove food from your teeth before bed so plaque bacteria can’t feast overnight. Don’t eat or drink anything except water <a href="https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign138.pdf">after brushing at night</a>. This also gives fluoride the longest opportunity to work.</p> <p>Once you’ve brushed, don’t rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash – you’re washing away the fluoride! This can be a difficult habit to break, but can <a href="https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign138.pdf">reduce tooth decay by up to 25%</a>.</p> <h2>No more than four ‘sugar hits’</h2> <p>Intrinsic sugars are found naturally in foods like fruit and they are far less likely to cause tooth decay than added or <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/sugar-salt-and-fat/free-sugars">free sugars</a>. Free sugars are generally those added to foods by manufacturers but also include honey, syrup and fruit juices.</p> <p>These are all easy for bacteria to consume, metabolise and produce acids from. However, it can be difficult to tell which are the worst sugars for teeth. For example, although normal amounts of fruit are fine, fruit juices have sugar liberated from the plant cells and heavy consumption can cause decay.</p> <p><a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/sugars_intake/en/">The World Health Organization</a> and <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/how-much-sugar-is-good-for-me/">NHS</a> recommend free sugars should ideally make up less than 5% of your daily calorie intake. So what does this look like? For adults and children over about 11 years old, this is around 30g – about eight teaspoons – of sugar daily.</p> <p>A 330ml can of Coke has <a href="https://www.coca-cola.co.uk/drinks/coca-cola/coca-cola">35g of sugar</a>. The <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.c4lfoodsmart&amp;hl=en_GB">change4life app</a> is helpful to track how much sugar you consume in your diet.</p> <p>Although not as important as how much, how often you eat sugar also matters. Simple carbohydrates like sugar are easier for bacteria to digest than proteins or complex carbohydrates. Bacteria produce acids after they metabolise sugar which causes demineralisation.</p> <p>Fortunately, through the actions of fluoride toothpaste and the remineralising effects of saliva, your teeth can recover from the early stages of these attacks. It’s like having a set of scales – trying to keep the balance between sugars on one side, fluoride toothpaste and cleaning on the other.</p> <p>Typically, your teeth can be exposed to four “sugar hits” – episodes of sugar intake – daily without irreversible damage to the teeth. Why not try counting how many sugary hits you have a day? This includes biscuits, cups of sugary tea or coffee and other snacks with refined carbohydrates like crisps. A simple way of cutting down would be to stop putting sugar in hot drinks and limiting snacking.</p> <p>Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, spit don’t rinse, eat and drink nothing after brushing, and don’t have sugar more than four times daily. Easy!<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/103959/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clement-seeballuck-583867">Clement Seeballuck</a>, Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Dentistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicola-innes-388237">Nicola Innes</a>, Professor of Paediatric Dentistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/youre-probably-brushing-your-teeth-wrong-here-are-four-tips-for-better-dental-health-103959">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Why and how often do I need to wash makeup brushes and sponges?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/enzo-palombo-249510">Enzo Palombo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rosalie-hocking-1428271">Rosalie Hocking</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>From the bristles of brushes to the porous surfaces of sponges, your makeup kit can harbour a host of bacteria and fungi.</p> <p>These potentially hazardous contaminants can originate not only from the cosmetics themselves, but also from the very surface of our skin.</p> <p>So, how can we keep things hygienic and avoid microbial growth on makeup brushes and sponges? Here’s what you need to know.</p> <h2>How do germs and fungi get in my brushes and sponges?</h2> <p>Germs and fungi can make their way into your makeup kit in lots of ways.</p> <p>Ever flushed a toilet with the lid open with your makeup brushes nearby? There’s a good chance <a href="https://theconversation.com/mobile-phones-are-covered-in-germs-disinfecting-them-daily-could-help-stop-diseases-spreading-135318">faecal particles</a> have landed on them.</p> <p>Perhaps a family member or housemate has used your eyeshadow brush when you weren’t looking, and transferred some microbes across in the process.</p> <p>Bacteria that trigger a pimple outbreak can be easily transferred from the surface of your skin to a makeup brush or sponge.</p> <p>And tiny little mites called Demodex mites, which have been linked to certain rashes and acne, live on your skin, as well, and so may end up in your sponge or brushes.</p> <p>Bacterial contamination of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38020232/">lip cosmetics</a>, in particular, can pose a risk of skin and eye infections (so keep that in mind if you use lip brushes). Lipsticks are frequently contaminated with bacteria such as <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>E. coli</em>, and <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em>.</p> <p>Low-quality cosmetics are more likely to have higher and more diverse microbial growth compared to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X23002978?pes=vor">high-quality cosmetics</a>.</p> <p>Brushes exposed to sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth and nose are particularly susceptible to being potential sources of infection.</p> <p>The range of conditions caused by these microorganisms includes:</p> <ul> <li> <p>abscesses</p> </li> <li> <p>skin and soft tissue infections</p> </li> <li> <p>skin lesions</p> </li> <li> <p>rashes</p> </li> <li> <p>and dermatitis.</p> </li> </ul> <p>In severe cases, infections can lead to invasion of the bloodstream or deep tissues.</p> <p>Commercially available cosmetics contain varying amounts and types of preservatives aimed at inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria.</p> <p>But when you apply makeup, different cosmetics with unique formulations of preservatives can become mixed. When a preservative meant for one product mixes with others, it might not work as well because they have different water amounts or pH levels.</p> <p>So preservatives are not foolproof. We also need to observe good hygiene practices when it comes to brushes and other cosmetics applicators.</p> <h2>Keeping brushes clean</h2> <p>Start with the basics: never <a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Isolation-of-Pathogenic-Microbes-from-Beauty-Salons-Hassan-Hamad/0199635290628fe326fcd04a2b8a2422884a8240">share makeup brushes or sponges</a>. Everyone carries different microbes on their skin, so sharing brushes and sponges means you are also sharing germs and fungi.</p> <p>If you need to share makeup, use something disposable to apply it, or make sure any shared brushes are washed and sterilised before the next person uses it.</p> <p>Clean makeup brushes by washing with hot soapy water and rinsing thoroughly.</p> <p>How often? Stick to a cleaning routine you can repeat with consistency (as opposed to a deep clean that is done annually). <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes#:%7E:text=To%20protect%20your%20skin%20and,every%207%20to%2010%20days.">Once a week</a> might be a good goal for some, while others may need to wash more regularly if they are heavy users of makeup.</p> <p>Definitely wash straight away if someone else has used your brushes or sponges. And if you’ve had an eye infection such as conjunctivitis, ensure you clean applicators thoroughly after the infection has resolved.</p> <p>You can use bactericidal soap, 70% ethanol or chlorhexidine solutions to wash. Just make sure you wash very thoroughly with hot water after, as some of these things can irritate your skin. (While some people online say alcohol can degrade brushes and sponges, opinion seems to be mixed; in general, most disinfectants are unlikely to cause significant corrosion.)</p> <p>For some brushes, heating or steaming them and letting them dry may also be an effective sterilisation method once they are washed with detergent. Microwaving sponges isn’t a good idea because while the heat generated by a domestic microwave would kill microbes, it would need temperatures approaching 100°C for a decent period of time (at least several minutes). The heat could melt some parts of the sponge and hot materials could be a scalding hazard.</p> <p>Once clean, ensure brushes and sponges are stored in a dry place away from water sources (and not near an open toilet).</p> <p>If you’re having makeup applied professionally, brushes and applicators should be sterilised or changed from person to person.</p> <h2>Should I wash them with micellar water?</h2> <p>No.</p> <p>Not only is this expensive, it’s unnecessary. The same benefits can be achieved with cheaper detergents or alcohol (just rinse brushes carefully afterwards).</p> <p>Disinfection methods such as using bactericidal soap, 70% ethanol, or chlorhexidine are all very good at reducing the amount of microbes on your brushes and sponges.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/220280/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/enzo-palombo-249510"><em>Enzo Palombo</em></a><em>, Professor of Microbiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rosalie-hocking-1428271">Rosalie Hocking</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>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/why-and-how-often-do-i-need-to-wash-makeup-brushes-and-sponges-220280">original article</a>.</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

"I just got brushed": Ally Langdon responds to greatest snub in Australian television

<p>An awkward exchange between Tracy Grimshaw and her rumoured A Current Affair replacement has been caught on camera and immediately went viral on social media.</p> <p>The media veteran bid an emotional farewell to ACA after 17 years of hosting. Of course, Channel 9 staff delivered a standing ovation after she signed off for the last time.</p> <p>However, the clip shows a very awkward exchange between Grimshaw and current Today co-host Allison Langdon.</p> <p>After hugging several other staffers, Grimshaw approaches Langdon, who has her arms outstretched ready for an embrace. Instead of acknowledging this, Grimshaw instead walks right past her, appearing to slightly shake her head before leaning in for a hug with a male colleague.</p> <p>The clip immediately attracted thousands of likes, comments and shares. “I’m actually second hand embarrassed for that lady,” one person wrote, while another added they “need to know the drama” behind the exchange.</p> <p>“In front of at LEAST 50 people as well,” another commented, while one TikTok user said it was proof “Allison is definitely taking her place!”</p> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@badassnewss/video/7169539767065955586" data-video-id="7169539767065955586"> <section><a title="@badassnewss" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@badassnewss?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@badassnewss</a> Tracy Grimshaw has signed off ACA for the last time and also regected a hug from Today Show host - Allison Langdon on the way out 😬 bit awks. <a title="tracygrimshaw" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tracygrimshaw?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#tracygrimshaw</a> <a title="acurrentaffair" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/acurrentaffair?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#acurrentaffair</a> <a title="goodonyatrace" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/goodonyatrace?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#goodonyatrace</a> <a title="congratulations🎉" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/congratulations%F0%9F%8E%89?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#congratulations🎉</a> <a title="♬ another love sped up - avery" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/another-love-sped-up-7043057957856398126?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ another love sped up - avery</a></section> </blockquote> <p>Langdon and Stefanovic weighed in on the “snub” on Today describing the situation as “brutal” but explaining that there was a “reason” behind the apparent brush off.</p> <p>The pair revealed they had “managed to secure some never-before-seen footage from another angle of the shock snub”, with the new clip showing the excruciating moment in even clearer detail.</p> <p>“That’s the moment my heart breaks,” Langdon said.</p> <p>“Look how red my face is. I just got brushed. I don’t think Tracy knows who I am.”</p> <p>Stefanovic joked Langdon “didn’t have much sleep last night”, with his co-host teasing that she was “devastated” after being “brushed” by her “hero”.</p> <p>They went on to share a statement from Grimshaw herself clearing up the incident, with her confirming it had been a big misunderstanding: “I’m sorry I missed you, was so overwhelmed and obviously didn’t see your petite head once Karl’s big boofhead loomed into vision. Argh, big sorry x’’ the statement said.</p> <p>Langdon said she had accepted the apology and the Today co-hosts joked about it being “one of the greatest snubs in Australian television”.</p> <p>“Anyway, apology accepted Trace. It was a very big night. It was a beautiful night to be part of. I have decided I still love her,” Langdon said.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

The part of your teeth you’ve been forgetting to brush

<p>Like so many things in life, brushing your teeth is a matter of quality over quantity. There’s no point in brushing your teeth four times a day if you’re doing it the wrong way.</p> <p>Jessica Hilburg, DDS and associate dean for clinical affairs at the NYC College of Dentistry, was recently asked by the Huffington Post about the most-common errors people make when they give their mouth the old once-over.</p> <p>"Sometimes people forget to brush the insides of their teeth, the surfaces that face the tongue and the palate," Hilburg said. "Sometimes people forget these areas because we don't see them when we look in the mirror. Food and plaque can buildup in these areas so it's just as important to brush there as it is on the front of our teeth where we can easily see."</p> <p>Hilburg added not brushing your teeth long enough or using the wrong amount of pressure while brushing your teeth is equally incorrect and can ultimately be damaging.</p> <p>"Applying too much pressure while brushing could damage gums and be abrasive to the teeth," she said. "Applying too little pressure while brushing just isn't as effective and will not remove the plaque as well as using gentle pressure. (Also) just rubbing the toothbrush back and forth in long strokes will not do as good a job as the short strokes because the short strokes allow you to get in between the teeth much better."</p> <p>She added, "The 'right amount of pressure' is pressure that feels comfortable, does not crush the bristles of the toothbrush (too much pressure) and of course leaves your teeth feeling and looking clean."</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Postnatal psychosis is rare, but symptoms can be brushed aside as ‘normal’ for a new mum

<p>The period after birth of a child is supposed to be a time of great happiness for women. However, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491613/pdf/WPS-19-313.pdf">a significant number</a> of new mothers will experience a mental illness at this time.</p> <p>One is <a href="https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/mental-health-pregnancy/post-partum-psychosis">postnatal psychosis</a> (also known as postpartum or <a href="https://www.cope.org.au/health-professionals/health-professionals-3/perinatal-mental-health-disorders/puerperal-psychosis/">puerperal psychosis</a>). It’s not related to postnatal depression.</p> <p>Postnatal psychosis affects <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009991.pub2/full">one to two in every 1,000 new mothers</a>, or about 600 women each year in Australia.</p> <p>But our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026661382100245X">interviews with women</a> who have been diagnosed with this rare but serious condition show their symptoms were often dismissed as a normal part of adjusting to motherhood.</p> <h2>What is postnatal psychosis?</h2> <p>Postnatal psychosis affects women across all cultures and geographic areas.</p> <p>The condition can put a woman at risk of self-harm or suicide and, on rare occasions, of harming others including her new baby or other children.</p> <p>We don’t know what causes it. But contributing factors may include sleep deprivation, and rapid hormone changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth.</p> <p>The risk of postnatal psychosis increases if a woman has a history of <a href="https://www.sane.org/information-stories/facts-and-guides/bipolar-disorder#what-is-bipolar-disorder">bipolar disorder</a> or has had postnatal psychosis before.</p> <p><iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JUFRZ6PgfQE?wmode=transparent&amp;start=81" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </p> <h2>What are the symptoms?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.cope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Postpartum-Psychosis_Health-Prof-Fact-Sheet.pdf">Symptoms</a> can begin in the first few days after giving birth but may not appear until up to 12 weeks afterwards.</p> <p><strong>Some women have manic symptoms</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>manic symptoms include feeling they do not need to sleep, and are powerful and strong</p> </li> <li> <p>women may have unusual experiences, such as seeing or hearing things others cannot. They may believe things that are not true</p> </li> <li> <p>they can also make unrealistic and impulsive plans, can be disorganised or forgetful, and talk very quickly</p> </li> <li> <p>their moods may change rapidly or they may seem excessively happy.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Others have depressive symptoms</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>depressive symptoms include a loss of energy and an inability to sleep or eat</p> </li> <li> <p>women may have thoughts or auditory hallucinations that they are a bad mother and they may say they wish to die. Hallucinations or delusions (false beliefs) point to postnatal psychosis rather than to postnatal depression</p> </li> <li> <p>women may find it difficult to complete activities, such as caring for themselves or their baby, or attending to other tasks in the home</p> </li> <li> <p>they may believe they are helpless, hopeless and worthless, especially as a mother</p> </li> <li> <p>they can become isolated and no longer enjoy activities.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Women say it’s traumatic</h2> <p>Women say postnatal psychosis is traumatic, especially if they do not get help when they first report symptoms. But it can be challenging to diagnose because of the stigma surrounding mental illness around the time of giving birth.</p> <p>Women say they are <a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs00737-015-0548-6.pdf">reluctant to disclose</a> unusual symptoms as they feel ashamed they are finding motherhood difficult and worry they may lose custody of their baby.</p> <p>When we <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026661382100245X">interviewed ten women</a>, who had experienced an episode of postnatal psychosis in the past ten years, we discovered another barrier to diagnosis.</p> <p>Women said they knew they had unusual symptoms, such as not being able to sleep or changes in the way they thought or behaved, but they found it difficult to get help. Often, they were told these symptoms were a normal part of adjusting to motherhood.</p> <p>Their postnatal psychosis was not identified until their only option was admission to an acute mental health unit and separation from their baby.</p> <p>So we need more education about the condition for health-care workers. By identifying the condition earlier, this gives women more treatment options.</p> <h2>There are treatments</h2> <p>Once diagnosed, the condition can be treated with antipsychotic and mood stabilising medication, prescribed by a psychiatrist or other treating doctor.</p> <p>This is <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-009-0117-y">very effective</a> but medication is often not started until the symptoms have become very severe and the woman requires hospitalisation in an acute mental health unit, without her baby. This separation can compromise the developing bond between them.</p> <p>So early diagnosis can potentially reduce the time a woman may spend in an acute mental health unit.</p> <h2>Admission to a mother-baby unit</h2> <p>Best practice is to admit women and their babies to a <a href="https://www.cope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/COPE-Perinatal-MH-Guideline_Final-2018.pdf">mother-baby unit</a>, which is usually linked to a hospital. This allows women to continue to care for their babies with the support of child and family health-care professionals.</p> <p>However, publicly funded units are only available in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. In New South Wales, two public mother-baby units <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/new-unit-provides-mother-and-baby-mental-health-support-to-western-sydney-20210909-p58q9v.html">are being built</a>. In NSW, the only existing one is a <a href="https://www.sjog.org.au/our-locations/st-john-of-god-burwood-hospital/our-services/mental-health-and-therapy/mother-and-baby-unit">private facility</a>, which many families cannot afford.</p> <h2>Helping others</h2> <p>The women we interviewed said they developed support networks with each other. One woman told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>You feel like, okay, that was such a hard experience, is there a way that we could make that a little less hard for the women who are going to go through it next time?</p> </blockquote> <p>Women wanted to tell their stories so others would better understand postnatal psychosis and could find it easier to get help.</p> <p><em>If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, contact the following organisations for more information or support: <a href="https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/postnatal-psychosis">Perinatal Anxiety &amp; Depression Australia</a> (PANDA), 1300 726 306; <a href="https://www.cope.org.au/">Centre of Perinatal Excellence</a>; <a href="https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/pregnancy-and-new-parents/maternal-mental-health-and-wellbeing/bipolar-disorder">Beyondblue</a>, 1300 22 4636; Lifeline, 13 11 14. You can also contact your GP or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/170278/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/diana-jefferies-183951">Diana Jefferies</a>, Senior lecturer, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></span></p> <p>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/postnatal-psychosis-is-rare-but-symptoms-can-be-brushed-aside-as-normal-for-a-new-mum-170278">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

How “Anh’s Brush with Fame” became one of the best shows on TV

<p>We’ve seen dozens – perhaps even hundreds – of talk shows and interview programs before, but none quite like Anh’s Brush with Fame. If you haven’t seen it before, the concept is pretty straightforward – presenter, comedian and author Anh Do interviews Aussie legends the likes of Magda Szubanski, Dr Charlie Teo, Jimmy Barnes, Ian Thorpe and more – all the while painting a portrait of them.</p> <p>Now, two seasons and two Logie nominations later, it’s safe to say the show is a certifiable hit. Here are three things you might not have known about the show, and how it became so popular.</p> <p><strong>1. How it started</strong></p> <p>You might be surprised to learn Do only began seriously exploring his artistic talents four years ago. “Painting was always something I thought I’d do once I retired,” he told the <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/stellar/stellar-q-a-anh-dos-take-on-one-nation-and-why-hes-off-the-doughnuts/news-story/ac4096c08f08b7a96a6b562e8f92274b" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Daily Telegraph</span></strong></a>. “But then, about five or six years ago, a good mate passed away suddenly at the age of 50 and it made me realise that if I put off doing stuff until I retire, I might not ever get there. So, I took six months off and I went to TAFE to study painting in 2013.”</p> <p>Just one year later, his portrait of his father, Tam (which can be seen in the background of most episodes) was a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize.</p> <p><strong>2. Where his style came from</strong></p> <p>That same distinctive painting style used for his dad’s portrait has stuck with Do throughout his art career, but you might be surprised to learn where it came from.</p> <p>“When I was at TAFE the teacher told us you can use a variety of tools – brushes, spray cans, knives,” he <a href="https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/tv/anh-dos-breakout-abc-series-returns-ng-b88438989z" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">recalled</span></strong></a>. “When I was 18 and studying law, I had worked at the Cheesecake Shop decorating cakes so I went, ‘I might go the knife because I know how to use them’. I went to the art store and said, ‘Give me the biggest art palette knife,’ but it was sort of the size of your hand.</p> <p>“So I went to the kitchenware shop and said, ‘Give me your biggest cake decorating knife,’ and they are the massive ones that you see me use on the show.”</p> <p><strong>3. The people and the portraits</strong></p> <p>Each of his interview/painting sessions takes around two to four hours to complete, and after each portrait reveal, you get the sense that Do really understands his subject. It’s something he puts down to the raw, real setting of the program in his Sydney studio.</p> <p>“It's incredibly intimate,” he tells <a href="http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4104118/anh-do-turns-celebrity-portrait-painter-for-revealing-new-series-anhs-brush-with-fame/?cs=40" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Herald</span></strong></em></a>. “Because there's no studio audience, the guest doesn't feel like they need to perform. They can let their guard down and just be really authentic.”</p> <p>Head over to <a href="http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/anhs-brush-with-fame" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ABC iview</span></strong></a> to watch every episode for free, and tell us in the comments below, what’s your favourite portrait from Anh?</p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

How to clean your make-up brushes

<p>When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? If you're anything like us, you're probably ashamed to answer that question.</p> <p>However, think about it. When you leave your brushes in the bathroom, the heat and moisture, combined with the naturally occurring bacteria by the sink and the faeces-flecked mist from the toilet every time you flush, creates the perfect breeding conditions for all kinds of nasties.</p> <p>You may have a clean complexion, but apply a germ-infested makeup brush with caked-on sebum, dust, dead skin cells and remnants from hair products lingering between the bristles and you're putting yourself at risk of breakouts and allergies. You cringe at only washing your bed sheets every three weeks, and yet you put that thing to your face every morning? Wiping a concentrated mass of grease and grime over your T-zone can't be good for anyone.</p> <p>Dirty tools aren't as effective when it comes to putting on makeup either. When working with a clean brush, you know exactly what colours you're applying and can better distribute the product. And don't forget your eyelash curler - product build-up on your curler can stick to hair, pulling out precious lashes every time you use it. Give it a good wipe down with an alcohol-soaked cotton bud if you can't be bothered replacing the pad.</p> <p>It's good practice to wash your brushes every one to three weeks. Giving them a good clean on the regular keeps them in good shape and prolongs their life. When you can start to see caked foundation in the bristles, you know you've gone too long.</p> <p>Here are five simple steps for keeping your make-up brushes (and your others cosmetics) fresh and clean.</p> <p><strong>1. Wash</strong></p> <p>Gather your brushes and sponges and rinse them in lukewarm water. Always turn the brushes so that the water runs down the length of the bristles. This prevents water from streaming into the ferrule (a fancy-pants word for the metal bit where the bristles connect to the handle), which can weaken the glue and shorten its lifespan. Wash your tools with baby shampoo, rinsing as you go.</p> <p><strong>2. Repeat</strong></p> <p>Continue washing until the water runs clear. (Watching that colour run into the sink is the most satisfying thing.) To draw out the debris without ruining your brushes, swirl them against your palm using light pressure.</p> <p><strong>3. Disinfect</strong></p> <p>Why drop coin on brush cleaners and wipes when you can DIY? Create an effective disinfecting solution by mixing one-part vinegar to two parts water. Swirl your brushes in here for a minute without fully submerging the ferrules.</p> <p><strong>4. Dry</strong></p> <p>Squeeze the excess water out of the sponges and brushes and reshape the bristles, paying special attention to pointy tips and contour brushes. Let them dry by laying them out flat on a tea towel, rotating once or twice so they maintain their shape.</p> <p><strong>5. Spray and wipe</strong></p> <p>As for the rest of your makeup collection, get a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to spritz onto lipsticks and mist a tissue with the solution to wipe off the surface of your bronzers, blushes and eye shadows. Your makeup, face and OCD side will thank you for it.</p> <p>Do you have a different method for cleaning your make-up brushes to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Kathleen Lee Joe. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/beauty-tricks-that-do-not-cost-a-penny/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">10 beauty tricks that don't cost a penny</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/more-ways-to-use-vaseline-in-your-beauty-routine/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ingenious ways to use Vaseline in your beauty routine</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/home-remedies-for-chapped-lips/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4 home remedies for chapped lips</span></em></strong></a></p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

How to brush your pet's teeth

<p>Good dental health is a very important part of maintaining your pet’s overall wellbeing. As with our own teeth, plaque will develop even on the cleanest of teeth – and if not removed properly it will soon become mineralised tartar or calculus. This can then lead to chronic inflammation and in turn the teeth and gums will begin to separate – and again cause more problems like rotting or teeth falling out. Inflammation in the mouth can also take a toll on your pet’s immune system and even effect their bones, kidney or cause heart disease.</p><p>A spokesperson from the RSPCA tells Over60 they recommend an annual health check for all pets. "Preventative dental scale and polish is advocated for pets so that the dental issues are addressed before infection and pain progress. Some animals require more regular dental prophylaxis due to their genetics, diet and other underlying conditions," the spokesperson explains.</p><p>Studies have found that 85% of dogs and cats over four years of age have some form of dental disease. More serious cases can lead to pain and life-threatening illness. Early intervention is best, the RSPCA spokesperson advises. "Just like we should get regular dental checks, so too should our pets. Dental disease may affect dogs and cats at any stage of life, but it is most common as pets enter middle age."</p><p>You should be checking your pet’s teeth every month. While there are excellent options available to feed our pets, we need to clean their teeth too.</p><p>Things to look out for:</p><ul><li>Bad breath</li><li>Discoloured teeth</li><li>Broken teeth</li><li>Loose teeth</li><li>Excessive drooling</li><li>Inflamed or bleeding gums</li><li>Dropping food from the mouth when eating, or reluctant to eat at all</li><li>Pain when handled around the head</li><li>Facial swelling</li><li>Behavioural changes</li></ul><p><strong>HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PET'S TEETH</strong></p><p><strong>Toothbrush</strong><br> You’ll firstly need to select an appropriate toothbrush – a soft finger-brush works best.</p><p><strong>Toothpaste</strong><br>Next up you’ll need to get some pet-safe toothpaste. Your local pet shop should have a variety of different flavours.</p><p><strong>Start early</strong><br>They say it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, so with this in mind you should get your pet used to brushing by starting as young as possible. You need your pet to get comfortable with you gently handling them around the mouth, teeth and gums. You can start off by just gently touching these areas so they can get used to it first. Then rubbing toothpaste over these areas. And the final step is to get them used to the brushing sensation, you could try using a washcloth or gauze before moving onto a toothbrush.</p><p><strong>Begin brushing</strong><br>Once you feel your pet in comfortable with all of the above, you’re ready to move onto a toothbrush. Remember to build up to this gradually and for short periods if your pet is not accepting. Try brushing once your pet is tired after a big walk or run, this way they are less likely to think it's a game.</p><p><strong>Game time</strong><br>You can now begin the read deal. Apply the paste between the bristles, as this allows for greater contact time with the teeth. Angle the brush at 45 degrees and rub in circular motions over and between the teeth and gum margins (where the teeth meet the gum). Ten circular motions should be completed at a time covering three to four teeth – this will depend on the size of the brush and your pet’s teeth.</p><p><strong>Brush daily</strong><br>Not only is dental disease painful for your pet, it is also costly to treat and can progress to life-threatening illness. Brush your pet’s teeth daily to avoid bad breath and dental disease.</p>

Family & Pets

Our Partners