OWN
MATTERS
Newsletter of the Older Women’s Network New South Wales Inc.
No. 12 October 2002
CONTENTS
What Am I? .......................................... 1
Point of View ........................................2
What Am I?
Coordinators’ Report ...........................3
Public Relations ...................................3 A stirrer? To bring to the surface of sight
Women of Vision and Action...............3 the muddy intentions of powers that blight
Theatre Group Report .........................4 the peace of our days in the autumn of life;
Our New National Anthem ..................4
who think they know best what is right for the old
Over the counter .............................. 4-5
Community Action in Bourke..............5 and would still every voice that dares to be bold.
Aboriginal Support Circle meeting .....5
A Valued Volunteer..............................6 The grit? – in the oyster which legend has it
What’s Popular.....................................6
A Good Example or.............................. 7
produces the pearls which so lustrously sit
Spots, Floaters and Flashes ................. 7 on necks of the wealthy; but also with wit,
Depression may ‘worsen’..................... 7 create pearls of wisdom in these days of strife
Letters to the Editor.............................8
to help some problems that plague us in life.
Leaving Secrets Behind........................9
I Got it Wrong ......................................9
At and Beyond the Rocks A diamond? Whose hard edge can cut wide and deep a
Nowra and Kiama............................ 10 swathe through the promises pollies don’t keep,
Shellharbour and Penrith................11
Wollondilly .................................11-12 a tool to allow one to try shape earth’s heaps;
Sutherland and Sydney ................. 12 make rocks of security, wellness and fun
You don’t have to bend ...................... 13
and end the disaster of bad laws and guns.
Hydrotherapy..................................... 13
Tale of a Tipsy Miller ......................... 13
Luddite? Who, Me?............................ 14 A grain in the sand? By plunderers mined,
To Sisters Under the Prostheses ....... 14 against laws of nature, shorelines redefined;
Taking Off........................................... 14
used to build monuments which just remind
Dental Health..................................... 15
Call me “darling”................................ 15 us of egocentricity, men of great power,
A Peanut Butter diet?......................... 15 how we must be brave – to challenge, not cower.
Was? Was? ........................................ 15
No holiday .......................................... 16
Walking on Air .................................. 16 Do I muddy the waters and sting with the grit
What’s in a Name? ............................. 16 cut needlessly deep with the edge of one’s wit;
Thumbs up for herbal remedies ........ 17 does love conquer all, and should small grains of sand
Food Allergy and Food Intolerance... 17
just go with the flow and ebb from the land?
Arthritis .............................................. 17
Wrap With Love ................................. 17 Hell, there’s no way I’ll change, take me as I am!
Have Your Say on Your Telstra ......... 17
Notices...........................................18-19 Noreen Hewett
October 2002 OWN Matters 1
OWN Matters
is the Newsletter
Point of View
of the Older Women’s Network
New South Wales Inc.
It is published 11 times a year. Creating a Stronger Older Women’s Community
Subscriptions are $20.
Eva Cox, guest speaker at OWN Sydney’s first AGM on 23 August,
Who Are We? began by suggesting that today’s community is different to those of
OWN NSW is the peak body for the 30s and 50s. Earlier generations had a belief that things could be
sixteen OWN groups in NSW. better (the United Nations, the Welfare State, scientific discoveries
and so on) and they thought they could change things politically.
OWN promotes the rights, dignity
They saw themselves with obligations and believed that by working
and wellbeing of older women
in communities they could make it happen.
through a range of activities and
resources, and advocates to Since the 80s, people have become less optimistic and more
government and non-government uncertain. Scary events in the past twenty or so years have made it
agencies on issues of concern to harder to be politically optimistic – politicians are distrusted, some
older women. are behaving very badly.
Governments are ‘demonising’ particular groups of people, which
Contributions creates fear and uncertainty in communities. Rising racism, fear of
refugees and calls for ‘law and order’ can be seen as people’s
All members of OWN groups in reactions to uncertainty about the future and distrust of those in
NSW are encouraged to power. ‘Demonising’ is very harmful to collective action for the
contribute to OWN Matters with common good because it undermines a feeling of community.
items of interest to older women
and letters to the Editor. In the Treasurer’s Intergenerational Report, older people are
presented as a burden, and in the media, older people are commonly
They can be sent by mail or email
presented as ‘bloodsuckers’. How to counter this view? We need to
marked ‘Attention – Editorial
work out how to present alternative ideas to young people, to use the
Team’. Please include contact
level of knowledge that older people have acquired, to produce
details.
images that promote the idea that we can have a positive society,
Contributions must be received by that a better society is possible. Eva warmly acknowledged the role
the second Monday of of the OWN Theatre Group in presenting positive images of older
each month. women.
OWN Matters is copyright. Not only do we need to reaffirm ideas of fairness, generosity and
OWN members can freely respect... and respect for difference … we must celebrate the fact that
reproduce any material for their we are living longer – good on us!
own use. Others should ask
Eva suggested that to create a stronger older women’s community,
permission first.
we must face the challenge of how to start using the skills of older
OWN Matters is available to women to create a sense that we can trust, that there is reason for
subscribers on audio cassette at optimism, to project ideas about become a trusting community.
no extra cost.
Suggestions from members of OWN Sydney included emphasising to
Contact governments the volunteer work that many older women are
Older Women’s Network NSW involved in; using our compassion to support those groups being
87 Lower Fort Street demonised; ventilating our views; forging links to meet new
Millers Point NSW 2000 circumstances, writing about our experiences and telling our stories.
Eva finished up with a caution that we must resist governments and
Phone: 02 9247 7046
others looking at older women as free labour. Older people have
Fax: 02 9247 4202
many skills and we need to value that. We are being increasingly
conscripted into the family as volunteers and need to be aware when
Email: ownnsw@zip.com.au
we are being exploited. In terms of creating a stronger older
Web: www.own.org.au
women’s community, it’s a process, and there are no easy answers.
ABN 36 992 030 904
Reporter: Joy Ross
2 OWN Matters October 2002
OWN NSW Coordinators’ Report Women of
Vision & Action
The 2002-3 Management Team is Resource Coordinator, attended a Women of Vision and Action is an
settling into the rhythm of OWN meeting of Greek older women in organisation based in Canada. It is
NSW. It is a new journey for some Ashfield to discuss the formation a worldwide network of emerging
and a variation on immediate past of an Ashfield Greek OWN. and established women leaders
experience for others. Dorothy Buckland Fuller is Greek from all backgrounds who are
and as a result of her involvement dedicated to a vision of positive
This month sees some good news
in community radio, was well change for the future and who are
on the near horizon for our public
known (at least her voice was!) to actively involved in making their
liability insurance trials. After all
many of the twenty older women visions real in the world.
the ups and downs, stories of
present.
highly inflated amounts and a They believe that this is a
roller coaster ride to penury, Kris Coordinator, Mollie Smith, on momentous time in history when
Ferguson has negotiated cover behalf of OWN NSW, welcomed women all over the world are
through Meals on Wheels for noted specialist Dr John Yu and feeling the call to take a bold stand
another twelve months that others to our premises at Lower and demonstrate the face of
approximates last year’s costs. Fort Street for the official launch leadership based on the
OWN NSW owes many thanks to of Medicines Line, a no cost phone underlying principles of harmony,
Kris and Pam Ledden for their service which is available to peace, balance, partnership and
efforts on our behalf. people seeking information on the cooperation.
medicines that are prescribed for
Also, the NSW Government has The old story, based on greed,
them – see full report page 4.
paid the Commonwealth competition, over-consumption,
Government’s share of the 2002 For the seven NSW groups who disrespect, disharmony and
increase in Social and Community are members of OWN Australia, disempowerment has created an
Services Award. An amount of the Annual Conference on 29 unsustainable, unhealthy,
$2100 was owed to OWN to fund September to 1 October at unstable and unsafe planet where
Jan Malley, the Bankstown Burgmann College, ANU, is fast no one can truly thrive. The new
Wellness Centre project worker for approaching. We look forward to story will be infused with spirit-
her full salary under the Award. meeting friends and colleagues based principles of respect,
The NSW Government decided to from around Australia. honour, compassion, cooperation,
fund the amount so that workers harmony and life-sustaining love
OWN NSW will also be well
and their community employers for all inhabitants of our planet.
represented at the 2002 Bourke
were not disadvantaged by the
Women’s Gathering, entitled On 8 March 2003, International
Commonwealth’s refusal to fund
Fortitude and Far Horizons, with Women’s Day, they are calling
its share. $2100 means a lot to a
the Theatre Group performing and women around the world to gather
group such as ours that is run on a
Mollie Smith facilitating a in parks, community centres,
not for profit basis and where
workshop on setting up an Older places of worship, open spaces,
there is no ‘fat’.
Women’s Network group. We meeting halls, arenas, living
This month, Dorothy Buckland look forward to some positive rooms — wherever three or more
Fuller, a member of the outcomes. can gather — to join their energies
Management Team, and Dorothy Pat Simpson, Mollie Smith, Cate with the millions of women
Cora, our Information and Turner, Anne Warren. worldwide who believe there is a
better way. They are encouraging
women everywhere to
Public Relations
participate...to plan local Gather
OWN NSW wants to put more zest into increasing the profile of
the Women events on March 8
OWN groups with government departments and reaching out to
and to participate in the week-
older women across the state who are potential subscribers to
long activities beginning March 3
OWN Matters and/or future members of an OWN group.
to prepare themselves for the
The PR Committee is seeking new members with expertise and March 8 gathering
enthusiasm to be part of this exciting development. If you would
like to be involved please phone 9247 7046. For more information go to
October 2002 OWN Matters 3
Theatre Group Over the counter....
Report Into your mouth....
What are you taking?
A new service called Medicines
Our performance on August 31 at La Perouse School was a gala event. It
was a surprise party to celebrate Lucy Porter’s 70 th birthday. The family Line was launched at OWN on
invitation included in-laws and out-laws from Queensland, NSW and Wednesday, 4 September. Why
Sydney, and the many friends that Lucy has gathered over the years. was it launched at OWN? Our
The Theatre Group was in excellent form and our 45-minute composite premises were suggested by
performance was enthusiastically received with whistles and foot NCOSS as a suitable venue for the
stamping. Following a fantastic birthday lunch for around a hundred launch. The Management Team of
people, a belly dancer entertained us, weaving her way around the hall, OWN NSW were approached by
enticing and inviting the audience to join her. It was a joyful afternoon the National Prescribing Service
filled with love, mirth and goodwill. (NPS), an independent Australian
organisation which supports
Performing for the Illawarra Area Health Service on September 18 quality use of medicines, to see if
means a ‘crack o’dawn’ start for most of us. This helps us to appreciate OWN would be willing to provide
the effort Norma Bastock makes to come up from Nowra every week to
the venue for the launch. The
attend rehearsals and venues.
Management Team agreed.
At long last we have attained a goal we have been working towards for
Medicines Lines will be a non-
some years. In September, two groups will be performing
simultaneously, each with a musician. Ann Cunynghame will play for profit, community service to
the group going off to the Women’s Gathering in Bourke from 27 to 29 consumers and will provide
September and Elizabeth Swain is playing for the group at the OWN independent, accurate
Australia National Conference in Canberra on Monday night following information about medicines.
the conference dinner. This has been possible due to the enthusiastic This will cover prescription
participation by our group and our director, Louise Anike. medicines, over-the-counter
medicines, herbal and natural
October performances are on Saturday 12 at the Anglican Retirement remedies. By phoning 1300 888
Village, Castle Hill, at Mountains OWN on Wednesday 16, and on 763 Mondays to Fridays, 9am-
Tuesday 22, we are performing at Older Women, Violence and Abuse, a 6pm (EST) for the cost of a local
Forum for service providers. call, people will be able to speak to
Foreshadowed in last month’s report arising out of the Women on a health professional.
Wheels Tour, we now have two definite bookings for December. On the In his introduction to the service,
1st we will be in Forster, and on the 8 th in the Hunter Valley. We have
Dr Stephen Phillips, Chair of the
also received an expression of interest from Quirindi to perform in 2003
NPS, said that over 70% of
to TAFE and High School students and from Bowraville where they are
Australians are using medicines at
considering setting up an OWN group. This gives impetus to the value
of OWN’s presence on such tours and underlines the need for rural any one time. Close to 200 million
women to know about OWN and its policies. prescriptions are dispensed each
year, an average of ten
At the end of October the group will be looking forward to the ‘Happy prescriptions per person.
Heart’ weekend being organised by OWN Nowra at Jervis Bay.
In addition to prescription
That’s all for now, folks. medicines, some 35% of people
Merle Highet self-medicate and another 26%
use vitamin or mineral products.
Dr Phillips said that up to 10% of
Our New (compassionate) National Anthem problems arising from the use of
Australians all let us lament, our country’s all at sea; medicines occur due to people not
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil, but still it’s me, me, me; fully understanding their
medicines.
Our land abounds in Nature’s gifts, of beauty rich and rare; Last year people were most
We’ve room for all, so join the call, “Fair go for refugees”. interested in information on
antidepressants, herbal medicines
Refrain: and medicines for high blood
Oh Johnny Howard, can’t you see, “Fair go for Refugees”. pressure.
Continued page 5
4 OWN Matters October 2002
Dr John Yu, who is perhaps best Community Action in Bourke
known for being CEO of the
Children’s hospital for 20 years, On Monday, 2nd September, Elaine Telford, our guest speaker, told the
and is now Chancellor of the group about a recent two-month stay in Bourke, where she and her
University of NSW, in his husband John developed a community action plan. It is compulsory for
speech gave a gracious tribute to local governments in New South Wales to work out a social plan every
OWN, saying that he was year. Elaine and John have had much experience in this field, having lived
pleased that the launch was held in Bordertown, (on the border of South Australia and Victoria),
at OWN because OWN gives a Oombulgarri, (formerly the Forest River Anglican Mission, Western
voice to people who may not Australia) and Murrin Bridge.
normally be heard. He went on Bourke has a population of approximately 3,000 people, of whom 40% are
to say that many international Aboriginal. Thirty-two external agencies are involved in servicing the
and national health bodies community.
support the notion of assisting
consumers to take a more active Elaine and John consulted with the community to pinpoint major “blocks”
and informed role in managing stopping future development. One of the main culprits is intrusion from
their health and thereby external agencies. Also, people expressed frustration that they were
participating in the decision- constantly consulted but no action resulted. Journalists and Government
making process. Increasingly agencies fly in and out, issue reports, but don’t live in the town to
consumers are also demanding experience real local conditions.
better access to health-related After extensive consultation, a full day workshop was organised with 40
information. people, half indigenous and half non-indigenous, with five specific foci.
A recent Australian study The workshop proved to be a safe place for dealing with issues. Seven
showed that up to 28% of the strategies were developed as follows:
population is seeking health 1) Growth in respect of each others cultures.
information via the Internet and 2) A community beautification project.
this number is increasing. 3) Two youth representatives on decision-making committees.
Information available on the 4) Develop and coordinate crisis and family intervention programs.
Internet and other public 5) Facilitate/coordinate community development.
resources is not always evidence 6) Increase and sustain participation in education.
based and is of variable quality.
7) Employment/training think tank.
Nicola Ballenden the Senior After a thorough search, a person acceptable to the community has been
Health Policy Officer with the appointed to facilitate these strategies. Elaine expressed disappointment
Australian Consumers’ that she and John did not have a chance to teach skills in basic
Association spoke about management and leading workshops and meetings.
consumers’ rights including the
right to have clear and frank Ten years ago, reports on Bourke described it as a disaster area. Now there
disclosure in the area of health is a women’s refuge, an Aboriginal pre-school, several excellent schools, a
services. Tafe, and significant engagement in cultural expression. The Cotton
Growers’ Association has trained 24 young people who have gone on to
For we consumers one of the other employment. But while there is much goodwill, the town still has to
attractions of ‘Medicines Line’ is come to terms with racism – there is only one Aboriginal person on the city
that one does not need a council, and as yet, no Aboriginal people serve in shops.
computer to access information
and a consumer will be able to Elaine and John’s expertise is based on the Institute of Cultural Affairs
speak to a real person. There (ICA), a non-profit, tax-exempt company, which aims to empower and
were a number of facilitate creative change within individuals, organisations and
representatives of various communities.
Pat Zinn
organisations at the launch
including The Heart
Foundation, and several OWN
members. It was good publicity The next meeting of the Aboriginal Support Circle will be a visit
for OWN, with many people at to the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour on
the launch taking one of our Monday, 14 October at 10.45 am. We will be having a guided tour of
brochures. Saltwater - Yirrkala bark paintings at 11am. The cost is $4.80 per
person, which includes entrance fee plus the tour. All welcome.
Mollie Smith
October 2002 OWN Matters 5
A Valued Volunteer songs rather than in talk-fest style,
and this, of course, led to the
formation of the OWN Theatre
For over fifty years Noreen During the Vietnam War, Noreen
Group.
Hewett, social justice activist used her political skills and
extraordinaire, has worked with eloquence to initiate the women- In 1991, Noreen decided to devote
dedication and determination to only campaign ‘Save Our Sons’ all her time to OWN. She was on
break down barriers to women’s which fought conscription and the OWN Inc. Working Committee
participation in all areas of life. Australia’s involvement in for a number of years and, with
And, at 82, she’s still at it! Vietnam. her special interest in women
determining their own needs,
Two years ago, not long after she During the 80s and 90s she
became active in the health group
relocated to the southern suburbs, turned her attention to older
and in lobbying the NSW
Noreen set about establishing an people’s issues, occupying many
Department of Health to fund
Older Women’s Network Wellness state and national positions in
research into women’s special
Centre in the Sutherland pensioner organisations. She
health needs.
municipality. Undeterred by fought fierce opposition, from
advice that there was no men in these organisations, to her A few years later, largely through
government money for new demand for the right to establish Noreen’s vision and ceaseless
projects, Noreen and Barbara women-only discussion groups so efforts, the Bankstown Older
Burnham approached Sutherland older women could voice their Women’s Wellness Centre was
Council with a clearly reasoned different needs and develop funded by the Department of
and tightly researched funding assertiveness skills. Health. Not long after that, the
submission, were rewarded with a Northside Wellness Centre was
In 1985, Noreen successfully
seeding grant for their first year of opened, providing another
lobbied for government funding to
operation and the centre opened in distinctive, self-designed blueprint
research issues of concern to older
April 2001. In addition to her for healthy ageing.
women, and this led, in 1987, to
voluntary role at the centre, she the formation of the Older Noreen’s determination and
spends many hours every week Women’s Network. commitment to women’s rights is
resolutely exploring government
demonstrated in the creative
and non-government networks for Noreen argued persuasively that
verse, written by her in 1999,
funding leads to ensure that the older women should challenge
which is on page one of this issue
centre can continue to remain their invisibility by presenting
of OWN Matters.
open. their lives and political concerns
in theatrical skits and satirical Dorothy Cora
In June this year, not content to
rest on her laurels, Noreen
initiated the formation of a What’s Popular?
Sutherland Older Women’s Overwhelmingly the most popular feature for participants in OWN
Network group on the basis that Wellness Centre Sutherland is the welcoming atmosphere. All remark
many women attending a Wellness on the absence of cliques, and the feeling of belonging.
Centre may also be interested in
exploring local issues that impact We have eight hours of exercises on two days – Gentle Exercises,
on women’s lives. International Dance, Tai Chi and Feldenkreis. Discussion topics range
from books, women’s health, laughter therapy and poetry, to women and
Despite a lack of formal education children in detention camps in Australia – the latter showing differences
and training, and few financial but no angry divisions. ‘Our Psyche’ is a popular topic facilitated by
resources, Noreen’s history as a Vianney Hatton. Adele is hooked on haiku. She researched its history,
volunteer is long and illustrious. made haikus mentally every day, and helped run a poetry session.
From 1948 to 1970, she was an
active volunteer with the Union of We have volunteer teams for Management, newsletter, Caring/Catering,
Australian Women, during which library, risk management, program design, session monitors, and more.
time she was editor of ‘Our Women have written to MP’s to lobby for the Centre, and helped get
Women’ from 1961 to 1966. ‘Our donations from local organisations. Now we have a training program for
Women’ featured many articles on group leadership and other skills, part of an outreach project into the
the struggle for equal pay and Shire localities.
better working conditions for We’re also cooperating in a project on women’s health over the age of 65
nurses and women workers in the with a Health Research Unit in South East Sydney Area Health Service.
metal, clothing and textile trades.
Noreen Hewett.
6 OWN Matters October 2002
A Good Example or a Horrible Warning Depression
may ‘worsen’
Your health is in your hands. This and comes from food containing age-related macular
was the message given by Diana carbohydrates. Insulin is a degeneration
Russell, Nurse Educator from hormone that lowers glucose
Diabetes Australia, at a very levels in the blood.
interesting diabetes information Depression, although not actually
Diabetes occurs when the
day held on 7th August. Diana responsible for worsening
pancreas (the organ responsible
patiently led us through the facts underlying eye conditions, makes
for producing insulin) is either
and explained, if we are diagnosed a person’s vision seem worse than
unable to make insulin or the
with diabetes, how to manage and it is, say US researchers.
insulin is unable to work
control it.
effectively. Without insulin doing Age-related macular degeneration
Diana explained that Type 2 its job, glucose builds up in the (AMD) is a common cause of
diabetes is a lifestyle disease blood leading to high blood deteriorating vision in older
strongly associated with family glucose levels. It is a metabolic people. One-third of participants
history. It is the fastest growing progression and if left untreated were depressed at the start of the
disease worldwide. Risk factors of your health will suffer. study. They also had significantly
the disease are a family history of Uncontrolled and untreated greater levels of physical disability
diabetes, abdominal obesity, heart diabetes can lead to strokes, heart than non-depressed patients.
disease, high blood pressure and attacks, kidney disease, blindness
age. Lifestyle behaviours which and amputation of limbs. When they were re-evaluated six
may contribute to the onset of the months later, the researchers
How to live with diabetes? found that those patients whose
disease are inactivity and diets
Working with your GP or diabetes depression had worsened also had
high in saturated fats and highly
clinic to formulate a progressive a decline in self-reported vision
processed foods. Type 2 diabetes
management plan with constant function, regardless of actual
accounts for 85% to 90% of all
monitoring and awareness is vision deterioration.
cases of diabetes. There are over
essential if you are to maintain
one million cases of diabetes in The study concludes that
good health. Permanent lifestyle
Australia with an estimated 50% worsening depressive symptoms
changes need to be made with
not yet diagnosed, so it is essential are related to perceived vision
to see your doctor and have a exercise and diet. Diabetes
Australia (Phone: 1300 136 588 or function. They suggest that as
fasting blood glucose test (not a depression is a treatable disorder,
finger prick) to find out if you have 1800 640 862) have a lot of
information available to assist people with AMD should be able
the disease. to look forward to improved
you, and remember if you have
Diabetes is present when there is diabetes you can be a good outcomes.
too much glucose in the blood. example or a horrible warning! From: www.surgerydoor.co.uk/
Glucose, a form of sugar, is the news/detail.asp?offset=2639
main source of fuel for our bodies Lucy Porter
Spots, Floaters and Flashes
Spots or floaters are small, semi-transparent or Seeing flashes or streaks of light usually means that
cloudy particles within the vitreous, the clear jelly- the vitreous is shrinking. It may become detached
like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They are from the back of your eye. This is common and rarely
quite common and usually, but not always, harmless. leads to serious eye problems.
Appearing as threadlike strands or cobwebs, floaters
It is very important that these flashes are checked
are most visible when you look at a light background,
immediately as it may also be a symptom of retinal
such as the sky. It is common to have spots or
detachment, which although rare, requires urgent
floaters after having cataracts removed.
treatment.
Spots and floaters are caused by: deterioration of the
Although spots and floaters are usually harmless, you
vitreous fluid, which is part of the natural ageing
should see your optometrist for a thorough eye
process; certain eye diseases or injuries; small flecks
examination when you first begin to see them or
of protein or other matter trapped during the
when you notice changes or increases in them.
formation of the eye before birth.
www.eyefloaters.com
October 2002 OWN Matters 7
Letters to the Editor although many of them find that
leaving their comfort zone is too
much to cope with. Family ties are
Refugee Appeal As I approach the age when my so very strong.
I am writing to thank you for your mother began to have fractures
generous donation to our Friends Cunnamulla is alive and well. Yes,
(two wrists, ankle and hip), with a
of Zainab appeal. Your donation it has its problems, drug abuse
good bone density reading, I won’t
will help Zainab complete her HSC and all that goes with it, but what
be giving up HRT or the wine
this year and will contribute to the town or city does not?
either!
education of other students on Joan Johns
Temporary Protection Visas. Perhaps we should shift the blame
from drug companies and doctors Free Legal Advice
All funds are held in trust in the and think of the savings to the
school accounts and are allocated Commonwealth Government’s I am writing to introduce myself
according to need. In 2002 we Pharmaceutical Budget if as the new Principal Solicitor at
have used these funds to pay hundreds of thousands of Inner City Legal Centre. Our
Zainab a fortnightly allowance in Australian women come off HRT. Centre provides free general legal
lieu of the Special Benefits This may explain our Health advice by appointment to people
(students on Temporary Minister’s silence. living and working in the city,
Protection Visas become ineligible inner city and eastern suburbs,
for benefits if they remain in full Annette Butterfield
and ongoing representation to
time education after their marginalised and low income
Alive and Well
eighteenth birthday), and provide people in the areas of
our younger refugee students with Do you remember the film, discrimination, employment,
essentials for schooling. Cunnamulla? It portrayed the victims compensation, some
seamy side of this small criminal matters and some
Thank you again for your Queensland town 150km from the consumer and civil matters. We
contribution. A receipt is NSW border, population 1500. run a gay and lesbian legal advice
enclosed.
Cunnamulla is an attractive town service in association with the Gay
with turn-of-the-century timber and Lesbian Rights lobby, and we
Dorothy Hoddinott
Principal, Holroyd High School buildings and massed petunias have a special interest in the needs
flourishing in the main street, of transsexual and transgender
Another View nourished by artesian water. The clients. Phone 9332 1966
An answer to Jan Carroll’s letter to dust bowl begins at the edge of Natalie Ross
the Editor, September issue, OWN town.
Principal Solicitor
Matters. Whilst Jan’s anger at the Two hundred students attend the
current HRT scare is under- local school where they can
standable, I did exactly what she continue to secondary level. The Best Laid Plans …
suggested, “Work if out for About 70% of the students are of Do you remember the article I
yourselves”. (Myself). The actual Aboriginal descent. The school is wrote in August OWN Matters re
increase in the number of breast a pleasant place, well equipped payment of doctors in public
cancer cases was eight in 10,000 and progressive. Students are hospitals?
patients. My GP said that the encouraged in personal
dosage given was double that development skills and also learn I pointed out that they earn only
prescribed for most Australian farm management on the school’s $40 an hour and it went into print
women. The age group was farm nearby. Student artwork on as $90! A very different kettle of
mainly 60-70. No distinction was the noticeboard gently mocks the fish – more than twice as much!
made between smokers and non- teachers, which shows the kind of My four looked like a nine, hence
smokers, drinkers and non- relationships they have. The the mistake. I would not have
drinkers (two glasses per day is a parents of the Aboriginal children written the article if the figure had
contributing factor for breast used to be scared to visit the been $90, and I apologise to all
cancer). Other factors, such as school but now that fear has the doctors concerned. The best
breast feeding, were not broken down. There are 45 people laid plans of mice and me (sic)
considered, and anecdotal employed at the school, including went astray.
evidence would suggest that more some Aboriginal women.
Australian women were Any comments from readers about
breastfeeding in the appropriate Some of the Aboriginal children go our value system in this society?
time frame than US women. to University in Toowoomba, Joan Johns
8 OWN Matters October 2002
Leaving Secrets Behind … friend into her confidence) before
she decided, “I’ve got to tell the
family and I’ve got to meet her”.
Edith was 75 and had lived the last what happened to him. She did both, and a very gradual
20 years of her life on her own in friendship is growing between
So there she was, faced with a
Cootamundra, since her daughter them, and between her “kept”
huge decision – how could she
and two sons had married and left daughter and Janelle who live only
open up something which had
home. Her husband had deserted an hour apart. Despite the
been closed for so long – how
her soon after the birth of her difficulties of the past year, Edith
could she ever tell her kids, and
third child, so she was used to now has a feeling of relief that
her grandchildren that there was
being alone, but she had an active Janelle had a good life, her
“another one”?
social life in various community children did not condemn her –
groups. And why would a 58 year old they just said, “But why didn’t you
adopted woman suddenly come tell us before?” – and that she has
She was mystified by a letter she
looking for her? Edith discovered three more grandchildren to add
received from the Benevolent
that her daughter, Janelle, had to her collection!
Society which read, “We have
waited until her adoptive parents
received an enquiry you may be Since adoption information
had died to make any enquiries;
able to assist us with – it is a legislation gave mothers and
but she’d been an only child and
personal matter, but is not adopted people rights to
was longing to know if she had
urgent”. After a few days of information, many many older
siblings – and was anxious to
puzzling, she rang the social women have “come out of the
have some medical history. After
worker who had written the letter, closet” and discovered the freedom
many long talks with the social
and was absolutely stunned to of leaving secrets behind. We
worker, Edith sent Janelle a letter
hear that her first child, a daughter welcome enquiries, anonymous or
and received back a letter and
who had been born when she was not; by phone, email or letter. The
photo, which showed a woman so
17, two years before she married, Post-Adoption Resource Centre is
like Edith’s aunt that she knew
was making enquiries about her. a service of The Benevolent
this was ‘for real’. It took Edith
Edith had vivid memories of the Society. Phone Petrina Slaytor on
nearly a year of thinking, crying
horrendous experience of getting 9365 3444.
and talking (she took her oldest
pregnant, being sent away by her
parents to an unmarried mothers’
home and giving birth under the
judgmental eyes of nurses who I Got it Wrong…
gave her little time and nil
sympathy. She only saw the baby I was looking forward to a lovely easy day. I looked at my calendar, just
to check. Shock, horror! An appointment with a specialist for a check
briefly and signed the adoption
up in a couple of hours. How could I have forgotten? How could I get
papers because she had no other there in time?
choice.
I made the bed, washed up, tidied up as best I could in the little time
She coped with it all by trying to available. I showered and dressed, fixed my hair and rushed out. I
forget, but so often she’d watch the forgot to turn on the answering machine, but no time to go back. I
TV or pick up a women’s magazine drove to the station and parked the car (of course, this happened a
and there was the dread word couple of years ago, before I had my fall), just missing the train that
“adoption”. She was always would have got me there with a little time to spare. The next train
relieved that she’d never told her eventually arrived. Fortunately, just a short journey to Macquarie
husband, so her children had Street, but that was the easy part. Up the first escalator, up the second,
never found out about an up the steep stairs into Macquarie Street, breathless and worried
experience she felt deeply because it was such a long walk from there to the doctor’s office. I went
ashamed of, although in her as fast as I could. It started to rain. I had no umbrella. I’d left it in the
car…
rational mind she knew she had
done the best thing for herself and I arrived at the doctor’s office, panting, red-faced, breathless, happy to
for the baby, given her parents’ see there were no other patients waiting, so I would be attended to fairly
attitude, and given the complete quickly. And I was on time, believe it or not! The receptionist greeted
lack of services to help her in the me pleasantly. “I just made it in time,” I said. “How do you mean?” she
1940s. The father had been in the said. “Do you mean I got the time wrong?” I asked. “No,” she said.
services, and he’d been sent to “You got the day wrong. Doctor is overseas on holiday. Your
New Guinea even before he knew appointment is in two weeks’ time….”
she was pregnant. She never knew Renee Simons
October 2002 OWN Matters 9
At and Beyond the Rocks
such an exaggerated and over- field, Aboriginal dancers, painters,
Nowra dramatic tone of voice when composers and actors are not seen
reading their plain and simple as deserving praise in modern day
At a recent meeting of OWN
stories? And the TV ads are also Australia, and the white
Nowra we enjoyed sharing the
presented like melodramas! community should confront its
“Bees in our Bonnets”, and what a
own racism on this,” she reminded
buzz that stirred up! Twelve Val was also hostile about the us.
members participated, all with media and the ‘beat up’ they give
something to ‘get off their chests’. to news items on topics such a The use of mobile phones,
‘nutrition’ and ‘advances in especially on trains; ‘road rage’
Barbara C. was first, and she
medical science’. “TV and radio directed at women; those large
could hardly contain herself – the
‘experts’ give far too much toilet rolls where the follow-on
distress, indignation and anger
information that is shallow and sheets are impossible to get at;
she feels over the treatment of
misinformed,” she feels. “This can windfalls of fruit left lying on the
asylum seekers. What makes her
be dangerous, and gives out false ground to rot rather than be
so incensed is the attitude of
hope to sufferers.” collected and shared. These were
many Australians in their
more of the topics that had us all
readiness to believe the untruths The lack of honour and respect abuzz.
spread around concerning paid to Aboriginal and Torres
refugees. Other members joined Strait Islander artists is a source of A stimulating afternoon. Why not
her with incidents they have heard irritation to Everald. She feels try it in your group. You may be
of, stories ‘hyped up’ by the that they are not shown the surprised at the subjects that
media, and the comments by recognition they deserve. “Unlike cause a stir.
(dare we say ‘racist’) politicians. those who succeed in the sporting Barbara Robertson
We all had plenty to say – a vocal
and passionate lot.
Winifred’s bonnet is buzzing Kiama
because of another inaccuracy.
She wants the inhabitants of the Kiama OWN has taken the first steps to make the group exciting and
United States of America to stop enjoyable by forming a committee of sorts and also mapping out some
calling themselves ‘Americans’. future ‘directions’.
“What about Canadians, As part of our new direction, we had a coffee morning at Yvonne
Brazilians, Mexicans and so many Kingsford-Archer’s home in August followed by a coffee morning at the
others who also live on the Bookshop coffee shop in Kiama in early September.
American continent?” she asks.
“Those who live in the USA could Earlier in the year we joined Illawarra OWN at Corrimal Community
call themselves ‘Usans’ and not Centre for the Biggest Morning Tea – a delightful day with entertain-
take such a proprietary attitude.” ment by their singing group and a wonderful morning tea. Everyone was
so friendly and warmly welcoming. We travelled to Corrimal by commu-
Most of us had a say on the
nity bus, picking up members from Shellharbour OWN on the way.
constant inane and insincere
remarks like “”Have a nice day”, Since then, members of Illawarra OWN have been to visit us during our
“Absolutely”, “No worries”, “No July meeting, giving us helpful advice to stimulate more interest in our
problem” and “She’ll be right”, all Kiama group. Their singing group has also entertained Kiama Probus
quite unnecessary. Also the Club.
derogatory and conciliatory
manner used by many when My experience of getting to know about OWN was at a meeting in the
referring to older persons. Kiama Community Centre where the OWN Theatre Group entertained us
by singing songs and keeping us in stitches laughing at their clever words
Faye added that there was no to well-known melodies relating to our lives as older women.
excuse for the bad grammar and
incorrect pronunciation that is The aim for OWN is to maintain the health and wellbeing of older
often used by those persons who women and showing how age is no limit when one is involved in making
are frequently heard on the it happen.
airwaves. And why do they adopt Jean Grosse
10 OWN Matters October 2002
At and Beyond the Rocks
Shellharbour Wollondilly
Shellharbour OWN has been very busy networking and enjoying guest The Wollondilly group has
speakers and outings including joining Nowra OWN in celebrating their organised a trip to visit the
10th anniversary. Observatory at Campbelltown
during October, following a talk
Members who live alone regularly meet on the last Sunday of the month given at their August meeting by
at Nan Pitt’s for a BBQ. This provides an opportunity to enjoy Nan’s Richard Everett who is a well-
beautiful garden and outlook as well as catching up with members who known astronomer in the area.
have become good, supportive friends. We were invited to visit on 17
Some members of the group have travelled to the UK or within Australia August when only one member
for holidays and to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee we took a ‘right royal was brave enough to face the
trip down memory lane’. We recently commenced holding regular freezing conditions that prevailed
discussions on topics that are provided by members and each person is on that evening. We all felt
asked to express their view on the topic. terrible about letting Alicia go on
her own and have promised that
Guest speakers have included Dianne O’Brien who spoke on an adult no matter what the weather,
mentoring scheme for school children, and Valli Beattie, the consumer come October, when we have
advocate for Illawarra Health, who discussed her role and that of the again been invited to attend,
local Healthwatch group. Some members of the group were interested to more of us will be there. Alicia
hear that Valli will represent and support consumers with any issues reported that the evening, despite
they have with local health services. the cold, was very enjoyable and
that the stars seen through the
Outings have included a shopping spree with Mission Australia to all
telescopes that were made
their shops in the area. Members were chauffeured to each store and, in
available to her, were truly
between finding many bargains, were fed morning tea and a delicious
beautiful and well worth the trip
light lunch. Some members went to see Chicago and had a champagne
out in the cold.
lunch at a local club.
October is going to be a big
Future events include speakers on self-healing and HRT. At the end of
month here as our drumming
September the group is looking forward to a visit to Bowral to see the
group will be performing at two
tulips.
festivals, Multicultural Women’s
Reported by Caroline Davis Day, on the 12th and Shire day on
the 20th. Shire Day is always a
Penrith big day in Wollondilly and will be
our first local event that we can
Thelma Anderson wrote a successful submission to the Department of use to promote our OWN group.
Sport and Recreation requesting a grant for classes in gentle exercise,
yoga and drumming. Wollondilly covers a huge area
and there are a lot of women out
Penrith OWN has classes in Tai Chi on Mondays, aquarobics on Tues- there who, at the moment, do not
days and international dance and table games on Wednesdays. Every know we exist. Shire Day will
third Saturday, there is a meeting to which a guest speaker is invited. A help us reach out to more of
recent speaker demonstrated silk painting. them.
Members of the group enjoyed a bus trip to Port Stephens on Saturday One of our drummers, Elizabeth
14 September for a dolphin cruise and a picnic lunch. Ottessen, will miss the first day,
as she is using, for the first time,
Volunteers from Penrith OWN helped set up a Women’s Wellwise Cafe her free rail pass and visiting
at Windsor Library, run by Hawkesbury Community Health one day a Broken Hill for a week’s
week. Thelma spoke at the official launch and has now got local volun- landscape painting. She had
teers to take over the running of the centre. visited there many years ago and
was entranced by the sunrises
Reported by Caroline Davis
(Continued page 12)
October 2002 OWN Matters 11
At and Beyond the Rocks
(Continued from Page 11) We are also in the process of propose a program and explore a
and sunsets and promised herself setting up a drop-in day at the budget for an event. The
that one day she would return Picton Community Centre. I have committee will also consider a
with her easel and canvas to try to volunteered to work each Tuesday submission for the event under
capture the beautiful visions she at the centre and it will be a great Sutherland Shire Council Grants
saw so long ago. We are all opportunity to invite our OWN program.
looking forward to seeing her members to meet for a cuppa and
Meanwhile, Ann Lang has
paintings when she returns, but at the same time other residents of
organised a raffle for our Group. A
will miss her on Multinational the shire, to learn a little more
beautiful crocheted rug, a specially
Women’s Day. about our group. I have the poster
minted coin (commemorating
ready to go up as soon as I get the
Elizabeth and two other members women’s suffrage), and costume
go ahead from council, which I
of our group are going to join the jewellery pieces are the prizes.
expect in the near future.
Southern Highlands group on Two Wellness Centre participants
Saturday for a day of singing a And that’s Wollondilly OWN’s offered prizes and others are
cappella. That’s one excursion I news for this month. offering items for raffles or a stall
would love to have gone on, but Barbara Malcolm
for the Wellness Centre and the
unfortunately I will not be able to OWN Group.
make the trip to Mittagong for the
Four members are attending the
day.
National OWN Conference in
Our Tai Chi group is now self Sutherland Canberra. We’re also having ‘Fish
supporting and that, added to the on Friday’ at Cronulla RSL on the
Sutherland OWN is planning 4 October.
workout we do with the local gym
early for International Women’s
instructor, followed by Scottish
Day, 2003. At its monthly After that we’re looking at
Country Dancing, makes
meeting on 19 September, publicity for the Group to add to
Wednesday a very busy and
speakers and venues were the niineteen members on our list.
healthy day for Wollondilly OWN
members. discussed. A committee is to Noreen Hewett
OWN Sydney Highlights
OWN Sydney held its first Annual General Meeting on along, think about bringing a friend with you, and
23 August. Eleven members were elected to the register early! Please see the enclosed flyer.
Working Group and our new Guidelines were accepted. Remember I mentioned the ‘Right to Safety’ quilt that
A brief version of the Guidelines is included in this was initiated at the state conference? Well, we are now
OWN Matters and we will also send it to all new looking for members who are interested in quilting –
members. please give me a call on 9251 9333.
In her address at the AGM, Eva Cox, well-known social Whilst on the subject of violence and older women,
commentator, evoked a lively response to a number of Louise Anike will be a speaker at an ‘Abuse of older
current issues. A summary of her talk is on page 2, people: More common than we think!’ Seminar on 23
Point of View. October (please see flyer) and Margaret Sargent will
be a speaker at a forum ‘Older women and violence in
Good news! OWN Sydney’s Wellness Day last the home’ which is being held for workers on 22
November has borne fruit! We have received $4297 October.
from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation to
hold gentle exercises and tai chi classes. With the OWN Sydney has submitted a number of
drumming group, this will give us a ‘wellness day’ on recommendations for delegates to take to the OWN
Wednesdays. Australia conference in Canberra on September 30-
October 1. The principle recommendation addresses
We plan to publicise the classes widely in local areas to the lack of a formal role for State OWNs, of which there
attract new women, so if you are interested in coming are now three – WA, Queensland and NSW.
Joy Ross
12 OWN Matters October 2002
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BEND
Loyal readers of OWN Matters often send in interesting bits and pieces
culled from various sources. Being usually short of space, we sometimes
have to reject these offerings, but this one we have to pass on to the
gardening readers. It comes from the Easy Access Gardening Services in
Victoria and explains how you can garden successfully if you (a) find it
difficult to bend and (b) find it difficult to dig.
Here is the recipe:
First make sure the area chosen is in full sun with good drainage. Tale of a
Cover an area of ground about 1 x 2 metres with overlapping sheets of Tipsy Miller
newspaper, 1cm thick. Buy two bales of lucerne or peastraw. Leave the
cord around the bales and place them top of one another in the centre of
the paper. This raises them to waist high. On top of the bale, sprinkle ‘Millers Point’ was originally called
dried animal manure (cow is best.) Then a layer of compost or good mix ‘Jack the Miller’s Point’ after John
about 15cms thick (a 10 litre bag is enough.) Water with a fine spray Leighton, who had a windmill there
and plant - anything you like, vegies, herbs, flowers. to grind the colony’s grain. His end
was typical of millers who drank.
All the nutrients the plants need are there at their Emboldened by alcohol, he ignored
roots, so they grow faster and bear fruit earlier. the hazards of climbing a windmill’s
As the bale composts down, the plants grow, so sails.
harvesting is achieved without bending, and
with two stakes in the ground beside the non- The ‘Sydney Gazette’ reported the
dig bed and some plastic wire, you can grow coroner’s inquest on “the body of
tomatoes, or peas. too. John Leighton, the proprietor of a
flour mill, who came to his death in
Muriel Hortin consequence of a fall of upwards of
20 feet from a ladder while in a state
of intoxication”.
So Leighton’s mill is not a figment
of fantasy and, if any further proof
Hydrotherapy is needed, Windmill Street is still
there today. Back in the 1830s when
When I knew that I had osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, which made
much of the Rocks district had a
mobility downright painful, I was urged by OWN members and others
distinctly seedy reputation,
to try hydrotherapy. The idea of buying a floral swimming costume and
Windmill Street was a desirable
squeezing into it in change rooms was not altogether attractive to me, so
address.
I tried physiotherapy first. Then my doctor suggested that I go for the
water treatment. I found a big bottom of a two-piece I wore quite some According to one writer of the time,
time ago, and over it I wore an old T-shirt, and that was quite “a number of respectable dwelling
acceptable. houses have lately been
erected…and are mostly occupied
My antics in the warm, heavy water to try for balance were not funny to by opulent persons…it is probably
me, but after a few lessons with the encouragement and attention of my one of the best neighbourhoods in
lovely mermaid therapist, I noticed that there was growing Sydney”.
improvement. The therapy is tailored to individual conditions and
Helen Creak
weaknesses of the class, and it certainly makes everyone aware of their
bad habits in posture, and also what they can achieve. There is Ref. ‘Philip Geeves presents Cazneaux’s
attention to self-discipline as well. When I complained that one activity Sydney 1904-1934’
was hard, I was tartly told, “Well, you didn’t come here for a holiday!”
I have been practising striding it out when walking when I can. I felt
like Lleyton Hewitt, when I could run across the pool, something I When we talk to God we are
cannot do elsewhere, and our physio said, “Look at Enid go!” I praying; when God talks to
recommend you go for it if you have knee, leg or back trouble, as it helps us, we are schizophrenic
a lot. Even if you have to buy that floral costume.
Enid Harrison Lily Tomlin
October 2002 OWN Matters 13
Saturday mornings and completed Some do without altogether,
Luddite? Who, Me? the first session of six weeks of relying on loose clothing.
Writing, by putting pen to paper, Computer Studies. We have now
has always been a pleasure for me commenced a further seven weeks Birdseed is the best substitute as it
so it took the peer pressure of course which includes Internet provides sufficient weight to
some older women friends to drive Studies. We feel privileged to have counterbalance the remaining
me to acquire a computer and to had the opportunity to go to these breast. In the days before
start learning about it. It was also classes with such an expert and manufactured prostheses it was
vanity, I suppose, not wanting to patient teacher and at no cost. the prosthesis of choice.
be one of ‘the oldies’ left high and Mastectomy patients were advised
dry when modern technology was Thanks to Joy and Dorothy, who on discharge from hospital to “get
all the go. organised the program for us, a bag of birdseed, dear, and pop it
OWN has again come up with the in your bra”.
Now, however, the walls have goods for our members and
come down and my attendance at fulfilled a need. In the seven years since my
computer classes at TAFE has mastectomy I have had recourse to
After class, our lot adjourn to the nearly all these substitutes. The
finally breached my resistance.
gorgeous patisserie in Enmore expensive prosthesis, for which,
Don’t get me wrong. I cannot sit
Road for coffee because, as usual, after much haggling and needing
longer than an hour at a time at
OWN women manage to turn any to identify myself, as one of the
the computer and when I switch
on the Internet I certainly don’t gathering into a happy occasion disgracefully improvident would-
trawl through all the detritus of for socialising. be-freeloading aged, I obtained a
ads or chat shows or randomly $200 grant, is now almost
The ease with which I have come
‘surf the net’. Thanks to the unusable. After four years it lost
to terms with my hitherto monster
Internet section of this TAFE of a computer has reinforced my its shape and elasticity and is a
course I can now access the most firm belief that cognitive ability is heavy, unsightly lump. So,
interesting information. I feel like not affected by age. It is still whenever possible, I dispense with
“Some watcher of the skies/When possible to learn completely new it, but at a cost.
a new planet swims into his ken”. subjects, although I find that, for We are warned, post-operatively,
me, I must recapitulate and that the prosthesis, which seems
How else can I describe my delight
practise the newly learnt skills too heavy, is necessary to prevent
at stumbling into Parliament and
several times as soon as I have ‘back problems’ caused by uneven
being able to read the text of the
latest Bills before the House, or learnt them because the ‘curve of distribution of weight. This can
being able to print out that forgetting’ begins more quickly cause spinal damage and I am told
wonderful recipe of Ian now. that the peripheral neuritis, which
Parmenter’s that I missed last Muriel Hortin afflicts me with discomfort and
night, or reading Kerry Nettles’ much inconvenience, could be the
fiery maiden speech to the Senate result of this imbalance.
last week about land clearing, Therefore, my sisters of the
GATS and War on Terrorism. It’s prosthesis, be warned. If you
wondrous. I have the world at my don’t have a comfortable
fingertips. prosthesis, birdseed is best and to
This renaissance is due to OWN most of us would be preferred to
who organised for us a course on
To Sisters under the one recycled and grudgingly
computers, one of the many Prostheses – Birdseed offered by an insensitive health-
innovative programs offered by is Best care bureaucrat.
OUTREACH at TAFE colleges in Helen Monaghan
In a recent speech to parliament a
NSW. These programs are
female member related the Taking Off
designed to meet the needs of the
difficulties many women
educationally disadvantaged,
experience in obtaining prostheses I could fly,
funded by the NSW Department of
after a mastectomy. She described
Education and offering many I could fly,
the substitutes some have had
different courses at venues
recourse to: padding bras with old I could eat Tim Tams ‘til I die,
throughout NSW.
stockings, cotton wool, disused
Fifteen women from Sydney OWN shoulder pads and birdseed. I’m a great grannie!
attended Enmore TAFE on Joan Johns
14 OWN Matters October 2002
Dental Health A Peanut Butter Diet?
As we keep our teeth longer, and look forward to having them for life, Peanut butter is among the foods
the wear of our teeth becomes an area of concern. that a lot of us crave. It’s rich, it’s
sticky, it tastes like roasted
Three major categories of wear are recognised:
peanuts and it’s ready whenever
Attrition – loss of tooth structure from grinding teeth; we are. But all those calories!
Two tablespoons contains 190
Abrasion – wear resulting from friction between teeth and another calories. And all that fat! A 2-
object, eg brushing with excessive force or using an abrasive paste; tablespoon serving has 16 grams
Erosion – dissolution of tooth structure by the action of acid or other of fat – about the same as in a
agents. hamburger.
Tooth wear may be slow at first, though once it has progressed through However, although peanut butter
the enamel surface and exposed the soft internal dentine, the rate may is high in fat, most of it is mono-
increase dramatically. unsaturated, the same ‘good fat’
that’s found in olive oil. Recent
Some of the causes of erosion are: studies suggest that a diet high in
* citrus juices, carbonated beverages, sports drinks; mono-unsaturated fat from
peanuts and peanut butter could
* vinegar and pickles
actually be good for your heart,
* vitamin C tablets (chewable) and perhaps even better than the
* certain cough suppressants and inhalers low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
* extreme weight suppression most health experts recommend.
* gastric reflux and/or repeated vomiting. But there’s a hitch. Unless we’re
It is important to attend to these problems as early as possible as early experienced in nutrition,
detection can often mean simple solution, looking after our teeth can designing an eating plan that
reduce dental costs and we will enjoy a better quality of life. includes peanut butter plus all the
nutrients we need without going
While adding fluoride to the water supply has been important, good overboard on calories can be
nutrition and eating habits also play an important role in preventing extremely tricky. Check out the
tooth decay. Peanut Butter Diet at
Dairy foods play an important role in dental health. They provide www.prevention.com.
protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals and anti-decaying properties
such as casein, calcium and phosphorus. So, if you snack on foods such
as milk, yogurt, fish, fruit, peanuts or eggs, you reduce the risk of tooth
decay. Did you know that eating cheese before and after meals with a
high sugar content helps reduce damaging acid production by increasing
the calcium level of the saliva?
Marjorie Moffat
WAS? WAS?
You ring up to make an
Call me “darling” appointment. Says the voice at
the other end, “And what was
Nobody called me “darling” until older age. Now men and women of all
your name?” Was? Was?
ages who help me into cars, buses and across roads acknowledge me as
What does she mean, “Was”?
darling. Also waiters and waitresses call me “darl”. Even my family
Does she mean your name before
doctor calls me “darling”.
you were married? The name
After a waitress did this, my American cousin asked, “How do you like your schoolmates called you?
being called “doll”? I corrected her and said, “She did not say “doll”, she The nickname your friends gave
said “darl”… I don’t think she got it. you? What?
OK, I don’t mind at all, it is a damn sight better than some of the other You calm yourself. Your head is
labels I get any day. full of crushing reprimands. But
you don’t say any of them. You
After all, I KNOW I am a darling. just say stiffly, “My name was, and
Enid Harrison still is, Renee Simons…”
October 2002 OWN Matters 15
No holiday waiting for papers and five minutes of foot pumping is
medication. She waited at the equivalent to a 200 metre walk!
Last September, my long-awaited They’re light and compact when
Nurses’ station, we waited at the
fortnight at Norfolk Island turned uninflated, which makes them
lifts, all the time hearing, “Won’t
into a bronchial nightmare. The ideal for popping into your hand
be long”. A kindly soul chatted to
morning after the return flight luggage.
her at the lifts. “Oh, how nice,”
home, two hefty ambos came to
she said, “You’re taking your
my call, plonked a ventilator on Extract from Choice magazine
MOTHER home!” We laughed all
my unbreathing nose, and carried
the way down in the lift to the NB: A member of our Editorial Team
me, and the equipment, down the
Pharmacy (I’m two years older!) uses the Pushcush as a back support
stairs. And that’s all I remember
and finally home. when driving her car … recommended
of my entry into Manly Hospital.
by her chiropractor. It’s fabulous for
But where is the motor I’m
Lost in drug-induced limbo is my her lower back problem!
supposed to use to run the
refusal to get into bed, my threats nebuliser I’m supposed to use four
to throw a chair out the window, hourly? She rang the hospital
and their attempts to restrain me. Pharmacy. Closed. Down the What’s in a Name?
Temporarily losing all hearing that
street to the local chemist, where
first awful week made the whole I’ve had an obsession with ‘names’
she and the friendly pharmacist
experience surreal and for years and years. Early next
between them learnt to operate
frightening. In that huge, year I’m conducting a series of
the bloody thing! And that was
humming hospital, I heard lectures for U3A on the subject of
my departure from Manly
nothing…so knew nothing. ‘names’ – their origins and
Hospital!
Hearing slowly returned, and I’m personal meanings. I will be
out of intensive care and into a About a month later, I was phoned including pet names and house
ward already occupied by a by a person from the Hospital, names.
seriously ill stroke victim in need wanting to know about my time
of constant care. Plenty of light there. So I told her. She If you have a pet, what is it called,
and noise from then on…not to thanked me…said she rarely got an and why did you choose that
forget the icy blasts from nearby honest answer. particular name? Or maybe you
window. No one, not even the had a pet in the past? For
specialist to whom I complained I know I should be grateful not to example, I once talked to a child
in desperation, could cure that. die of pneumonia, but I sometimes whose duck was called Moby
It seemed a small thing in the wonder…wasn’t it once known as Duck. There was also a girl who
presence of so much busy-ness of “The older people’s friend”? named her kitten, Ben, and then
the staff. It seemed to me that Dorothy Cox found out it was female so
ringing for help was a waste of renamed it Ben Hur.
time…the response was usually, Has your house got a name? Have
“I’ll be back later”…and later never you once lived in a house with a
came. Walking on Air name? If you answer yes to any of
I hate to tell you this, but the night The risk of deep-vein thrombosis these questions, I would love you
the catheter was removed, leaving is definitely increased on long to phone me so I can find out
a large urine build-up, I struggled plane, bus or car rides. Taking some more. My telephone number
out of bed on hugely swollen feet short occasional walks is said to is (02) 9449 9006.
and legs, to use the pan as decrease the risk which is easy if Joyce Chapman
instructed. Twelve times I used you’re in the car and can take a
that same pan, and had to ask for break, but not so easy in the
its removal next morning! Full cramped confines of a bus or in Limerick
to the brim… economy-class on a plane. She obtained an old run-
down computer,
My incredible Sister came twice An inflatable foot cushion called
Which confounded the
daily, bearing warmth…hot water the Airwalker allows you to ‘walk’
cleverest tutor.
bags, extra blanket, etc., food I without leaving your seat.
It has its own quirks –
could eat, and good cheer. Her Another option is called the
And at times even works,
assurance to the doctors that I’d Pushcush. You move your feet on
But mostly just serves to
be well cared for at her home top of the cushion, contracting
confuse’ er.
hastened my departure, but not and relaxing your calf muscles to
Trudy Davis
before a whole day was spent keep blood circulating. Apparently
16 OWN Matters October 2002
Thumbs up for herbal remedies in dementia Wrap With Love
Aromatherapy with balm oil is an effective treatment for agitation in If you love to knit, crochet,
people with severe dementia, a UK study concludes. Preliminary trials patchwork or quilt, why not
have indicated the positive effects of aromatherapy on behavioural and consider our cause? We are
psychological symptoms in dementia, such as agitation, but this is the knitting, crocheting and creating
first to provide conclusive placebo-controlled proof of the effectiveness warm, comforting wraps for those
of the treatment, say the researchers. who need it most – the cold, the
hungry, those stricken by natural
Researchers from Newcastle General Hospital looked at 71 patients to or man-made disasters; those who
assess the effect of aromatherapy on dementia-associated agitation. The live overseas and those who live
patients were evenly split between those treated with lemon balm next door. We create our wraps to
aromatherapy oil and those who were given the placebo sunflower oil. bring them comfort, warmth and
Caregivers applied the designated ointments to each patient’s face and solace.
arms twice a day. Sixty per cent of the patients who received the active
treatment experienced a 30 per cent reduction in symptoms compared You can work from home; we
to only 14 per cent of the placebo-treated group. respect your privacy. You do as
much or as little as you like, from
From www.surgerydoor.co.uk/news/detail.asp?offset=2478
knitting a square to creating a
whole wrap!
We are ten years old this year! We
Food Allergy and Food Intolerance are based in Sydney, BUT… There
What’s the difference? are over 20,000 Australian Wrap
With Love workers throughout the
You have a food allergy when your immune system reacts to certain
country. There is a contact person
food. The reaction usually occurs within minutes, and generally what
in your area who can help get you
happens is that your body creates antibodies to the food. When these
started.
antibodies react with the food, histamine and other chemicals cause
hives, asthma, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Not religious, not political, not a
charity, just a mission of mercy.
Food intolerance or sensitivity is an adverse reaction to a food that
We are situated in South Sydney
doesn’t involve the immune system. It may cause discomfort and pain,
area, in premises provided by
such as the bloating and stomach pain associated with lactose
South Sydney Council. Call (02)
intolerance, but it’s not potentially life threatening in the same way as
8399 3000 for more information.
many food allergies.
You may grow out of allergies to some foods, but an allergy to peanuts
or seafood will generally last for life. Have Your Say on Your
Telstra
Extract from Choice Magazine
The Independent Member for
Calare, Peter Andren, has called
Arthritis on people to register their
The disease process of arthritis damages joints. Inflammation is present support for a NO-Telstra Sale.
He claims that although a recent
to varying degree in all types of arthritis. It causes swelling, redness,
Newspoll survey found that two-
local heat, loss of movement and pain. thirds of people are opposed to
If you have arthritis, there’s a lot you can do to help yourself. Exercise, the sale of Telstra, the
plus pain and stress management may decrease the pain. Pain, distress, government dismisses the
numbers and wants the sale to
fatigue and depression are all closely connected and each very much
proceed.
affects the others.
Exercises, massage, relaxation and heat and cold treatments can nearly Call this NO-Telstra-Sale
always break the pain cycle. You must find the balance between exercise phone number and leave a
and rest, and also become aware of the way you hold your body. message: 02 6352 4411, or
send an email to
Keeping a positive attitude and becoming well informed about all the Peter.Andren.MP@aph.gov.au
choices available is the best way of setting up a program for managing or visit the ‘Have Your Say’
the pain caused by arthritis. section of his website at
www.peterandren.com.
Seniors Information Service
October 2002 OWN Matters 17
NOTICES
Bequests Spare Room? Home Library Service.
to the Helen, a former member of OWN Do you have special needs and live
in the North Sydney Municipality?
Adelaide, would love to spend
Older Women’s more time with her daughter in
If you do you will be interested to
Sydney.
Network know that the Stanton Library
If you have spare room, or would provides a service, which involves
like to house swop, please call her the delivery of library resources to
If you would like to include a on 08 827 1 8114 or phone the person’s home on a four
bequest to OWN in your will, Heather, her daughter, on 9326 weekly basis.
the following options will 5313.
guide you in its wording. For enquiries regarding this
For a reference call Peg Hewett, matter, please contact Laurene
Please specify which Older
Women’s Network you wish 9398 2428. Marriott-Brittan or Cathy Mark
to be the recipient of your direct on 9936 8429 during
gift: the Older Women’s business hours.
Network NSW or the Older Laughter Clubs
Women’s Network Sydney. Recommended Websites
Balmain, Shirley 9879 4865
Belrose, Judy 9972 7139 www.facecampaign.org/
Option No. 1
I devise the sum of $ Carlingford, Alex 9874 8422 Face to Face is an international
.......... to the Older Women Cronulla, Robyn 9523 7551 campaign for the health, rights
Network for the general and equality of all women. In
purpose of the Older Hornsby, Jan 9477 3730
particular it promotes the needs
Women’s Network OR for the Hunters Hill, Shirley 9879 4865
specific purpose of and rights of women in the
........................................ Manly, Maria 9412 2430 developing world.
such purpose being Newcastle, 4951 2084
www.phrases.shu.ac.uk/
consistent with the aims and Newtown, Rowena 9519 2522
objectives of the Older It’s a phrases thesaurus. Type in a
Women’s Network, to be Queenscliffe, Maria 9412 2430
word and it returns a list of
administered by the Older
Women’s Network. phrases that are related to your
Reclaim the Night word in some way – often in ways
you wouldn’t expect.
Option No 2 Friday 25 October
(for a proportional bequest) 6 pm Rally at Town Hall www.womens.gateway.nsw.com.au
I give to the Older Women’s
Network for its general 6.30 March begins This is the NSW Department for
purposes or the specific Women’s website. It includes
Celebration at Hyde Park North
purpose of ..................... thousands of items of interest to
from 7.30 to 9 pm.
...% of my estate (or ...% of women and to organisations.
the rest of my estate).
Fish Lunch and Movies at the Ritz
The gift you make to the Friday, 18 November 2002
Older Women’s Network
will be an enduring Take bus 372, 373, 376 or 377 and get off at the second bus stop in
record of your Belmore Road, Randwick. Meet at the first entrance to the Royal
generosity. Randwick Mall at 12 noon.
We can eat in for $14.50 which includes wine or soft drink or have
take-away in the park for $8.50. The movies cost $4.
18 OWN Matters October 2002
NOTICES
Getting to know your The Rights Stuff Workshop Belvoir Theatre
computer - A basic guide 10.30 to 2 pm Unwaged performance date
This manual is a practical, easy to Tuesday 15 October 2002
‘Swetlana in Slingbacks’
read guide, specifically developed Redfern Town Hall
for community organisations to 73 Pitt Street Redfern Thursday 12 December 2002
help them make sense of computer This free workshop is for HACC Please phone the Box Office on
use and maintenance. consumers and family carers, not 9699 3444 two weeks prior to the
www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/ service providers. performance to confirm dates as
linking/internet/hacc_cm.html they are subject to change.
You will get lunch and
refreshments, a copy of the new Entry on presentation of a
book, The Rights Stuff: A Toolkit healthcare, pensioners or industry
Representing OWN for HACC Consumers and card only.
reimbursement for out-of pocket
The Aged Care Rights Service
expenses, eg taxi fares.
(TARS) is seeking new board
members. TARS provides advo- You must register by 8 October.
Drumming
cacy for people receiving Commu- For more information, or to
nity Aged Care Packages and for register, please contact Carolyn Please note that there will be no
people in nursing homes, hostels Campbell-McLean, Education and Drumming Classes on 2 and 9
and retirement villages. Training Officer, Community October.
Services Commission on Classes will re-commence on
If you would like to talk to them 9384 4929 or email
about what’s involved, please Wednesday 16 October 2002.
carolyn@csc.nsw.gov.au
contact the manager, Leisa
Simmons, on 9281 3600.
Fish Lunch
Get a Life Project Mark your diaries NOW for the
Refugee girls and women in are desperately in need of re-usable November Fish Lunch picnic
sanitary napkins. What would you do if you had nothing to cope with which will be held in Kiama on
this most basic of feminine needs? You can make a donation to the Friday 15 November.
Get a Life Project by sending your cheque payable to ANCORW, and
send it C/- Centre for Refugee Research, School of Social Work, More details in the next issue
University of NSW, PO Box 973, Kensington, 2033 of OWN Matters.
£
New Subscriptions to OWN Matters
Individual subscription is $20 per year.
(Organisational rate on application)
OWN Matters is also available on audio tape.
Name _______________________ Organisation________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
Telephone ___________ Fax __________ Email _______________________
Please support OWN Sydney by including a $5 membership fee.
Please send your cheque/money order to OWN Matters Subscription,
Older Women’s Network NSW, 87 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point 2000.
October 2002 OWN Matters 19
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in OWN
Matters are those of the writer and
not necessarily those of the Older
Women’s Network.
NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION TEAM
Judith Mustard, Ermes Solari, Helen
McMaugh, Joan Johns, June West,
Polly Gow, Renee Simons, Jacqueline
Schofer, Dorothy Cora, Caroline
Davis and Wilhelmina van Dorp.
20 OWN Matters October 2002