Break free from addiction

Methamphetamines or its more common name, ice, is a real concern for the Australian community right now.

The Australian Government has committed $18 million dollars over the next four years to the Australian Crime Commission to break the drug syndicates that peddle the illicit drug across the nation. Read more about the Australian government's response to ice here.

Lives Lived Well is an organisation helping individuals and families struggling with addiction and substance abuse.  In this edition of Stayin' Strong, senior practicioner, Bianca Cooke, provides an insight to the ice issue.  Listen here to her message.  

Where to go for help

Lives Lived Well  1300 727 957

Alcohol and Drug Information Service 1800 177 833

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Unlike cars, our body doesn’t come with an instruction manual for care and maintenance!

Fortunately there are people like Tim Mathew from Kidney Health Australia who have valuable knowledge to share.

Here are his five key tips for healthy kidneys:

1. Regular exercise - be active at least five to six days a week for 30-40 mins;
2. Quit smoking;
3. Moderate alcohol – no more than 2 glasses of wine a night, have alcohol-free days;
4. Maintain a healthy weight - ask your GP to assess you and figure out what works with your lifestyle; and
5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

You can apply these to taking care of the body’s other organs too!

Listen to the full message here for bonus information.

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Are you caring for someone or know someone with COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Living with COPD isn't easy. Breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and feeling tightness in the chest are daily symptoms which worsen over time.  

Elizabeth Harper, chief executive officer of Lung Foundation Australia, says as the symptoms worsen, a person can become socially isolated as they withdraw from daily life and interactions with family and friends.

"They're trying to avoid getting more breathless with activity," she explains.

For the full message listen here.

More info

Lung Foundation Australia  1800 654 301

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The Stayin' Strong project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Read more here.