You Bloody Nose!

WARNING: Not the most pleasant post to read if you're having Sunday brunch

Excuse the language, but I constantly have a bleeding nose and have even had to give up Bikram Yoga because the heat doesn't help my condition.

Last week it happened during lunch and thank god I was in the company of good friends, all who were willing to help and provide home remedies to make the blood go away. In the end a first-aider had to come to the rescue having seen a "damsel in distress".

However, I rocked back up to work late with a manager searching the floor for me. He found me walking in but I didn't want to explain myself or show him the bag of yuckiness. Don't think he was too impress with my apparent slack attitude. 

So here I am writing as I am trying to stop a bloody nose on a sunny Sunday morning because I refuse to let this get in the way of my daily routine (and also because I am home, it doesn't matter if I look ridiculous). How you ask?

With a tampon up my nose. It brings back memories of Steve from SATC being treated after an accidental hit to the face, but it was under doctor's recommendations...and it's working...for now :)

Big really is better!

On Wednesday I wrote about Costco's entrance to the Melbourne market and how big is good. Next thing I see are articles about full figured ladies gracing magazine covers. This has been extremely well accepted with readers applauding the long awaited move to feature healthy girls...Check out this article from The Age.

Finally...a refreshing shot of reality!

Next thing I heard was Myer featuring plus size models on their runways. And the great thing is that they haven't been casted separately. They are part of the main show as fashion labels are catering for and embracing the average woman.

I know girls who can eat eat and eat and still be stick thin (yes JT, I know you're reading and you know we're all so jealous). Then there are those who eat and abuse themselves to be thin when they're already thin! (not that you ever need to abuse yourself). 

At the end of the day, it's your health that counts, not what the fashion industry typically sells. A roll here and a roll there will only make you more cuddly :) 

The Recessionista's Guide to Staying Fit

Winter is in full force and waking up to exercise in the mornings can be painful...but it's got to be done. Here are some budget friendly tips to staying fit:

1. Ditch the gym membership and hit the Tan

During decent hours, the track is filled with runners to keep you motivated. The air is fresh and and you don't have to pay to use it.

2. Join your university's sport centre

The fees at you university club will be much cheaper than those outside. Plus it's convenient and easy to co-ordinate before, between or after classes since it's not too far away. 

3. Play team sports

If your weekly schedule is lacking physical activity, time with friends, or both...set up a team with your friends so that you catch up regularly over some healthy competition. Futsal, netball and beach volleyball are popular choices.

4. Practice yoga at home

All you need is a mat and off you go! Once you've got yoga moves under your belt, you can practice anywhere and anytime.

Got Milk?

When I was young, I used to love the American Got Milk ads...

Mario growing up with milk

Australia will soon be launching a big campaign to encourage youngsters to drink since studies have shown that Aussie teens are not drinking as much milk as they should. This is especially the case for girls between 13 and 16 "becuase they feel that only little kids should be drinking it". So there I was (a twenty-something year), listening to this on the radio driving to work sipping out of a carton of milk.

Even heroes need it...

Australia's poor health system

I have been operating for the last week with one hand and it is really quite frustrating. I can't open a bottle of water or even start my car properly! I went to the hospital on Wednesday night because everyone thought I should get it checked out to at least rule out a break or fracture. Warned of long waiting lines at the hospital, Big Bear got me a stack of magazines and we headed to St. Vincent's Hospital. Waiting room was relatively quiet and I was told I was forth in line. I believe hospitals should treat everyone (rich, poor, young old), so I didn't complain when a homeless person was sleeping in the waiting area or when an old man walked out for a smoke baring his bottom.

Unfortunately, most of the people in the waiting room seemed to have Swine flu symptoms so Big Bear and I decided to wait out in the cold instead of catching something serious. An hour later, we asked how far we had progressed in the line - still number four. And the nurses' excuse was becuase there were lots of ambulances coming in. We had been waiting by the ambulance bay and not once did an ambulance come in. Rather disappointed, we left and I went to a Private clinic the next day. Paid a lot more, but at least it was good service and I didn't risk catching Swine Flu. I hear people complain about the system all the time, but you don't understand until you experience it first hand.

Anyhow, I managed to see a lovely doctor near work - an old Jewish man and he was adorable! He asked me a dozen questions before asking what was wrong with me...he believes that accountants and lawyers are the two worst professions left in the city. He said that he's dealt with patients who have worked with asbestos and heavy physical labour...and even they are treated in the workplace better than us. With trade unions, they get regular breaks and decent working hours unlike us professionals. I thought that was very true - no one really seemed to take notice of my bandaged hand and a workmate said "Uey, they'll probably make you work unless you were lying in hospital dying". So there I was trying to plough thorugh work with an injured hand and with all the typing we do, it should be categorised as an occupational health hazard! I am using an ointment called Lasolin to help with my burst blood vessels and try ease the bump causing the pain which the doctor call a "coagulation of blood"..all very glamorous stuff.

Cheeky bugger...

Being the girly blog this is, I only thought it would be right to share with everyone a new National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Center campaign. It's quite cute, though if one was unaware of what it was about, might find it a tad bit weird why someone is feeling themselves in a car wash or undressing whilst waiting for the bread to toast.

The message is simple: there is no right way to check your breasts. Just befriend them so that you are aware of any changes...check out Cheeky Check-Up for the television ads that I woke up to on a Saturday morning.

Have you done your cheeky check up today?
xo