Exceptional Coasties honoured in Australia Day Awards

Twelve exceptional Coasties have received Australia Day honours, including long-serving Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick who was named ‘Citizen of the Year’ at yesterday’s 2021 Australia Day Awards on the Central Coast. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that the annual Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to recognise Central Coast locals who …

The evidence for exercise & breast cancer prevention

With Breast Surgeon Dr Mary Ling Here are 3 updates from the latest research on exercise and breast cancer prevention.  How much exercise is enough? Much more than you think! A study published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology reported 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous activity per …

Summer style amid a La Nina

by Sam & Jordi Woods Most of Australia; but predominately the East Coast of Australia are currently experiencing the effects of this season’s La Nina weather pattern. A La Nina often brings strong winds, cooler temperatures and copious amounts of rain. As a La Nina is predicted to stick around for a majority of Summer, …

School Readiness: What really matters – the importance of play-based learning

By Brodie Jarman, Early Childhood & Primary Teacher ALKIRA ELC Research provides evidence that the first five years of life are the most crucial for brain development. Studies consistently highlight the importance of social development for young children and the number one predictor for positive outcomes is attachment; this means forming deep connections, a circle …

Brand New Private Maternity Ward for the Central Coast

As part of its $32 million redevelopment, Gosford Private Hospital is building a brand new, purpose-built Maternity Ward for local Central Coast families.  Due to open in April 2021, Gosford Private’s new ward will remain the only dedicated private maternity unit on the Coast, offering an extended stay for women and their partners, unmatched comfort …

2020 confirmed 7 life lessons

by Catherine Schasser Putting pen to paper in an attempt to summarise the year that’s been has presented challenging.  Not the same kind of challenge that accompanies bushfires or global pandemics of course, but a hesitation just the same. Where would one begin and what adjectives could possibly describe a year such as this? The …

Goodbye childhood, hello sons

by Sarah Tolmie For the last 12 years I have contributed to every issue of On the Coast – Families magazine. Today as I write this article I have decided it will be my last. Time has come to hand the baton to someone now still in the game, so to speak. You see, today, …

PEA is for Pain

by Diana Arundell – University qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist  PEA also stands for Palmitoylethanolamide which is a natural compound showing great benefits in the treatment of pain, inflammation and neurological disorders.  Chronic unresolved pain can affect the quality of life for those experiencing it as well as those around them. Physical, emotional and mental health …

Dress your Christmas tree like a professional

We all want to decorate the perfect Christmas tree with baubles, ornaments and lights all perfectly co-ordinated in a festive but stylish theme. In reality, however, it’s easier said than done. Decorating a Christmas tree is no mean feat, especially for the perfectionists among us, but if your home is your pride and joy and …

Dental implants What are they? Do I need them?

If you are looking to replace missing or damaged teeth or have loose or uncomfortable dentures, dental implants could be an ideal option for you and your smile. They are the most natural looking restoration option, and unlike dentures, you don’t remove them for cleanings, and can still eat and enjoy the foods you love.  …