Bendigo Health & Services Directory 2022 | Stay fit and healthy

We're all more health conscious these days, especially post-COVID. Apart from the basic hygiene of washing our hands and wearing a mask, we have been forced into a slower pace of life, where shopping is a considered weekly event, and visiting friends a non-starter.

When it comes to business, their wellness facts are more measurable. Did you know the annual total cost due to stress-related absences is $3.5billion?

Investing in wellness programs bring many benefits to both employers and employees, not least the fact that there are 38 percent fewer sick days at a business when a wellness program is in place.

Read our 2022 Bendigo Health & Services Directory e-mag online by clicking the link here

Now that many of us are working from home, having the cat or dog for company bodes well.

Just over half of employees where a wellness program is in place say having pets nearby when they work makes them feel 'happy, sociable and relaxed', while eight out of 10 say they are more likely to recommend the company to others as an ideal workplace.

Less stress, a quieter lifestyle, some social interaction and sensible diet and exercise seems to be a proven 2022 recipe to keeping us all fit and healthy.

Need to do a bit of gardening for that tick in the exercise column?

Grow your own Pavlova toppers with the directions in our magazine!

It wouldn't be an occasion - birthday, graduation or special day - without the quintessential Aussie pav on the table.

Who knew a few egg whites and sugar could be whisked up to make such a feast? Gloriously looking and tasty as your pavlova is, you now need to decorate the top of it, to make it a 'real' pav.

So it's time go out into your garden and pluck the juiciest toppers you can find.

No garden? Shame!

You know how good for your health it is to be outside and active, so just start off with these two simple plants.

Strawberries and blueberries need the smallest of space, lashings of water, and will fruit just in time for Christmas. You can aim for home-grown pav toppers, and a healthier, fitter you, for next year.

And the Golden Rule about alcohol, no matter your age?

'Shifting your drinking will shift your thinking.'

The estimated cost of alcohol harm to Australia every year is $36 billion, 6000 lives lost, more than 144,000 in hospital.

"Too many young people are pressured into drinking alcohol to 'fit in', " Sober in the Country founder Shanna Whan said.

"There's an incorrect assumption out there that only people with "problems" drink less or not at all.

This is absolutely not the case.

"Plenty of people also choose (proactively) to simply put their health, or savings, or family - or whatever it is - before grog.

"As a society we have to shift the conversation so that people don't automatically equate sobriety with being "less than" or some kind of cruel and terrible punishment.

"Plenty of us would not swap our sobriety for the world - and regard it as the greatest privilege of all.

We have experienced enough hangovers and loss to know the alternative is infinitely better in every way."

It's an extraordinary thing to discover and be part of. Here's cheers to those who know that it's not loss, but an endless gain of health, wealth and LIFE

Here's some practical advice on what you can do if you you're having less beers or no beers.

Organise to catch up with loved ones and mates over breakfast and /or coffee instead of in the pm, if that's a risky time for you.

Be honest with your family and friends about what you're doing, and simply ask for support. Remember those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind... what you're drinking.

Please don't ever be That Person who drills your mate because they pass on a drink, as It's hard enough for them already.

Just be a decent mate, grab an alternative, and get on with it. It is that ridiculously simple. It's how we can help change and save lives.

Source: soberinthecountry.org/

Read on for more practical tips here.