Category: Our Specialists

Expert Gardening Advice: Getting to the Root of the Problem

Expert Gardening Advice: Getting to the Root of the Problem

Jul 20, 2021 | , , |

Brian Roach Have you ever wondered why our local bushland does not significantly suffer during extreme weather conditions? In the past, we have had virtually no rain and some very hot days and yet the trees and shrubs in the bush didn’t seem to care. All the while, many of the plants in our gardens just turned up their toes. In the main, it’s all about roots. I’m fortunate to have a nice boat and I spend quite a bit of time in Cowan Creek and Broken Bay. I never tire of looking at the landscape surrounding this wonderful...

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Cosmetic Dentistry 101

Cosmetic Dentistry 101

Jun 30, 2021 | , , |

Dr Ian Sweeney A smile is a beautiful asset, and many people believe a smile will advance their work, career and social prospects. Cosmetic dentistry concentrates on techniques designed to not only maintain maximum longevity of teeth, but also focus on ways to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of teeth. There are many cosmetic options available, depending on each person’s unique need. Examples of cosmetic treatments available include but are not limited to the following: Tooth Whitening: By far, the simplest way to brighten a smile! Whitening is a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that can be performed within the dental...

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Digital Citizenship: Benefits of Online Gaming

Digital Citizenship: Benefits of Online Gaming

May 31, 2021 | , , , |

Sarah Wainwright Let’s break it down! Video games span from a simple, single player card game to massive multiplayer online games with virtual universes, where players interact and deal with transactions in the form of points, game enhancements and money. Video games are played on computers, laptops, hand-held devices, game consoles and increasingly on phones and tablets. One of the most popular multiplayer online games is ‘Fortnight Battle Royale’ boasting 40 million players world-wide (Webroot.Inc., 2021). A Snapshot on Gaming Courtesy of Digital Australia, 2020: Over 90% of Australian households own a gaming device67% of Australians play video games46%...

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Wellbeing for Seniors

Wellbeing for Seniors

Apr 5, 2021 | , , |

Dr Sue Ferguson As well-known psychologist Martin Seligman says, “I’m trying to broaden the scope of positive psychology well beyond the smiley face. Happiness is just one-fifth of what human beings choose to do.” These building blocks of wellbeing are described by the acronym ‘PERMA’, and they help us flourish. These are an important aspect of wellbeing, but they also contribute to our resources and resilience and thus our future wellbeing. P is for Positive emotions (happiness, optimism, gratitude, amusement, awe and joy). So, try to think positively about your situation, or list 3 good things that have happened...

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Optimism and how to have a little more

Optimism and how to have a little more

Mar 30, 2021 | , , |

Sarah Wainwright One of my favourite and most compelling branches of psychology is Positive Psychology. I had the privilege of attending a lecture by one of the founders, Professor Martin Seligman, at Ravenswood School for Girls. Some of the scientific research undertaken by Professor Seligman includes optimism, and more specifically, Learned Optimism. Optimism is an attitude, a belief that the outcomes of events or experiences will generally be positive. Optimistic attitudes are linked to a number of benefits, including better coping skills, lower stress levels, better health and greater persistence when pursuing goals. Learned Optimism explains that we can...

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