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My Energy Got a Massive Boost from Ashwagandha and Rhodiola

My passion to help people live healthier lives brings me into direct contact with a broad range of physical issues and ways to help them. This includes feedback from regular customers at Amcal+ Pharmacy in Kenmore.

In one such recent conversation, David, a regular customer from Kenmore Hills, told me about how he had been suffering from very low energy, mediocre sleep and lack of mental clarity until a year ago.

daytime sleepiness — *Photo credit: Kenmore Amcal Pharmacy / Facebook*

So many of us feel there are not enough hours in the day. We run from one thing to the next until we fall into bed at the end of the day. It is estimated that 1.5 million Australians see their doctor about fatigue.

There can be many reasons for fatigue, such as medical, lifestyle choices, work-place related, and emotional concerns. There are many ways that you can help yourself to combat fatigue.

*Photo credit: Kenmore Amcal Pharmacy / Facebook*

When it comes to lifestyle factors, there are a few things that can be considered. On average an adult should be getting 8 hours sleep a night, yet many people don’t make this a priority. Also, a lack of exercise and a poor diet can affect our ability to deal with stress and can lead to fatigue.

Rhodiola and Ashwagandha Against Fatigue

In David’s case, his research unearthed two supplements that were getting strong reviews. He bought both at our store and started to take them based on the recommended dose on the container.

“Initially I just took Rhodiola and I was amazed at how it gave me a boost of energy and mental clarity for several hours, my productivity improved dramatically it felt like I now had a lot more capacity to work my brain,” David said.

*Rhodiola rosea plant (Photo credit: Opioła Jerzy [CC BY-SA 3.0*], *via Wikimedia Commons*)

Rhodiola rosea is a herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia.
A study by Anghelescu et al found that Rhodiola offered a comprehensive treatment of stress symptoms. The study also found that the herb can prevent chronic stress and stress-related complications. Another 11 studies were conducted, of which 8 found that Rhodiola enhanced physical performance and eased mental fatigue.

David continued: “Then I started to try Ashwagandha and frankly the feeling that gives you is not easy to describe other than to say something that would have caused me great stress before now feels easily manageable, the feeling of wellbeing and optimism lasts for several days for me after taking one small capsule.”

*Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha*
*(Photo credit:* *Wowbobwow12* at *English Wikipedia* [*CC BY-SA 3.0*], *via Wikimedia Commons*)

There are studies that show Ashwagandha helps make your body more resilient by significantly improving your body’s ability to deal with stress and anxiety. One study showed that through the use of Ashwagandha, their cortisol levels decreased by 28%. Cortisol is a hormone that increases when the body is responding to stress.

*The Amcal+ Pharmacy Kenmore family. (Photo credit: Kenmore Amcal Pharmacy / Facebook)*

At Amcal+ Kenmore, our team is trained in knowing what supplements suit common ailments and conditions. There are also many products that combat unusual ailments as well as target general wellbeing. The science of living healthily is evolving rapidly and embracing it can bring many health benefits to our daily lives.

Peter Jones is the owner of Amcal+ Pharmacy Kenmore and he has over 10 years experience as a pharmacist. Peter has a special interest in skincare and is passionate about helping the local community.

You can find Amcal+ Pharmacy Kenmore at Shops 33/34, 9 Brookfield Rd, Kenmore QLD 4069, Australia.

Kenmore Filmmaker Peter Hegedus Wows Festival Circuit with ‘Lili’ Documentary

Kenmore local Peter Hegedus has once again put his hometown on the map as his powerful documentary, “Lili,” was featured in two major film festivals this year.

In June, Mr Hegedus submitted “Lili” to the Sydney Film Festival competition for the Documentary Australia Foundation Award. The documentary emerged as one of the 10 finalists.

Mr Hegedus’ work was also one of the highlights of the Brisbane International Film Festival, where he graced the panel discussion with the audience after the screening.

Filmed in 2018 in his native land of Hungary and across the continent in Canada, “Lili” is about a young mom who had no choice but to leave for Australia without her two-year-old daughter at the height of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Her second daughter, Edie Hart, found out about her missing sister, Lili, named after her mom, as a teenager living in Brisbane.

Sixty years since the deadly revolution, Edie is still looking for an answer on why her mother abandoned her older sister, an answer she seeks for closure, to heal the trauma once and for all. Mr Hegedus and his film crew followed her family in their search to deliver an emotional story of desertion, facing one’s demons, and ultimately, reconciliation.

“This film is about how people justify their actions and expose themselves, how history shapes the fate of families,” Mr Hegedus, who also works as a professor at Griffith University, said. “What happens to families who are torn apart and how that trauma is passed on to the next generation.”

Mr Hegedus has long been an unwavering part of the Hungarian community in Brisbane. Born in Budapest, he moved to Kenmore in 1991 and studied film at the Queensland College of Art. He has been gracing and bagging several awards at film festivals in Australia and around the world since becoming a professional filmmaker in the late ‘90s.

Visit the ‘Lili’ website to buy the film or request a screening. You can also join their mailing list to know if it’s showing in your area.

Funding Commitment for Kenmore Roundabout and Everton Link Park Road Announced

The notorious Kenmore roundabout is now a step closer to getting its much needed fix with the announcement of a $12.5-million commitment from the State Government.

“The Palaszczuk Government will invest $3.3 billion in transport and roads projects across Brisbane over the next four years, with some of that funding going towards fixing the Kenmore Roundabout as part of our plan to invest in better suburban roads,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

“Not only is it a gateway to growing communities further west, the roundabout sits between a school, shops and the entrance to the increasingly busy Kenmore Village shopping centre.

“The volume of traffic passing through it today demands action and that is what the western suburbs will get with this upgrade” he said.

Funding Commitment for Kenmore Roundabout and Everton Link Park Road Announced — *Photo credit: Google Earth*

The planning study that looked into the upgrade project has been completed and the preferred option to replace the Kenmore roundabout has been identified. The upgrade option includes a redesigned intersection with traffic lights, as well as safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians at the Moggill and Brookfield Roads intersection.

The State Government funding commitment will match the Federal Government’s $12.5 million commitment, bringing the total amount committed to the project to $25 million. The next step is for the State Government to seek agreement from the Federal Government on the project’s next steps, including the timing for the design and construction.

Also, Mr Bailey announced that tenders for the construction of the $26 million Everton Park Link Road — linking South Pine Road, north of the Kedron Brook Creek, to Stafford Road, east of Mountridge Street — are now being sought.

The project is stage one of a two-stage plan aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at the intersection of Stafford and South Pine Road.

Kenmore Cat Spa Now Offering Members-only Experience

To make booking an appointment hassle-free, this Kenmore cat spa, Australia’s first cat exclusive grooming salon, is now a members-only club.

Formerly known as “Nose 2 Tail Pet Care,” Aristocats Feline Day Spa has been in the business for more than 10 years, offering sedation-free cat grooming service. To cope with rising demand for regular grooming appointments and to make the booking process easier, Aristocats Feline Day Spa is now offering new membership packages.

There are two types of membership package currently on offer:

Diamond Package is designed for long or short-coated cats and entitles you to deluxe grooming session. For $160 a month, the package will include bath, blow dry, groom, comb cut, de-shedding treatment, toe-tuft trim, sanitary trim AND soft paws — vinyl nail caps — every month.
Sapphire Package is for short-coated cats only. Membership fee is $100 a month and entitles you to a bath and blow-dry with a de-shedding treatment AND soft paws (optional) every month.

Busting the myth – Cats DO like being bathed |
Video Credit: Aristocats Feline Day Spa / YouTube

An Aristocats membership enables you to: book an appointment up to a day before you need it; choose your preferred day for grooming; easily manage monthly payments (no $50 Direct Deposit payments required!); change your appointments easily online; and lock in your grooming price.

Aristocats Feline Day Spa cat spa — *Australia’s first cat exclusive grooming salon*
*Photo credit: Aristocats Feline Day Spa / Facebook*

Appointment will be offered to non-members who are on the waitlist, but only after the maximum member numbers have been reached; cost per appointment is $220.

For any inquiries, you may email Aristocats Feline Day Spa at info@aristocats.com.au or visit them at Shop 8, The Courtyard, 2060 Moggill Road, Kenmore.

Substation Upgrade Secures Supply for Kenmore, Four More Western Suburbs

Photo Credit: Blickpixel/Pixabay

A $3.1 million upgrade to Kenmore’s Energex substation will help secure power supply in the region and will benefit nearly 10,000 local homes and businesses.

The project will involve installation of new electricity switching equipment at the Mirbelia Street facility, and associated electrical work. These upgrades will be handy during storms and other emergency power outages.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the upgrades would improve reliability and help accommodate local growth in Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Chapel Hill and parts of Fig Tree Pocket.

“The upgrades will secure the substation’s capacity while at the same time vastly improve the technical capabilities of the substation allowing Energex technicians to switch power around the local network much faster,” Dr Lynham said.

Dr Lynham added the upgrades are designed to cater for the current and future electrical needs of the area. These western suburbs have experienced steady growth over many years.

“A safe and reliable electricity network is essential for the western suburbs and surrounds to provide a safe and reliable power supply to homes, and to support growth for local businesses,” he said.

The $3.1 million investment, which is in the Palaszczuk Government’s 2019-20 State Budget, is part of the Queensland government’s investment in infrastructure to support current and future growth in the community.

The substation upgrade and associated changes to the electricity network are expected to be completed in December 2019.

Parking Guide Around Kenmore, Other Brisbane School Zones

Sixty schools, including Kenmore South State School, were identified by the Council as areas of attention at the start of Term Three, in its bid to curb illegal parking around schools. So how does one who regularly drop off and pick up a child from school keep a traffic inspector at bay?

Last semester alone, about 1,200 fines and warnings were issued for instances of dangerous and illegal parking in school zones. For Term 3, 60 schools have been put on the Council’s radar, including nominated schools and illegal parking hotspots, as it resumes its campaign against illegal parking around schools.

During specific times, speed limit and drop-off, pick-up, and parking rules are in effect at school zones to minimise traffic congestion and keep parents, carers, and children safe.

Some common signs that one can see around Brisbane schools:

No Parking – a designated area where drivers are not allowed to stop, unless when dropping off or picking up passengers or goods and does not move further than 3 metres from the vehicle; or drops off or picks up passengers or goods and drives on within two minutes unless a different time limit is shown.

No Stopping – A driver must not stop where a no stopping sign or yellow no stopping line applies.

School Zone – at most Qld schools, a 40km/hr speed limits applies during 7am-9am and 2pm-4pm.

Passenger Loading Zones – The two-minute passenger zone allows you to stop while you drop off or pick up the child within a two-minute time frame. Even if you remain in the car, you can still be fined if you exceed the two-minute allowance.

Passenger Loading Zones

Pedestrian crossing – Most pedestrian crossings have supervisors who stop vehicles so children and parents can cross.

You need to stop and wait for further directions from the pedestrian crossing supervisor. If the pedestrian crossing is not supervised, you need to make sure that car from both directions have stopped and can see you before you start to cross.

Also, you need to slow down, stop and give way once a pedestrian steps on the marked crossing.

The Council Parking Guide suggests the following when in a passenger loading zone:

Use the zone like a quick moving taxi rank.
Move to the head of the queue or move forward as space becomes available.
Teach children to move promptly to the vehicle.
Load and unload passengers at the front of the line.
Stay in the car if you are the driver, unless loading or unloading baggage or passengers.

DON’T

Park for more than two minutes – you can be fined for this.
Call children to the back of the queue or across the road.
Reverse into the zone as this puts children in danger.
Leave the vehicle, except to load or unload. Queue through pedestrian crossings or in no stopping zones.

For more information about traffic and parking fines, visit the Brisbane City Council site here.

Microtunnelling Technology Enabled Cost-Effective Sewer Upgrade From Kenmore to Jindalee

Did you know that the same cost-effective microtunneling techniques that made the installation of water and sewer pipelines beneath Kenmore and Jindalee a feat of engineering are also at the heart of the ongoing $55-million Bulimba Creek Sewer Upgrade?

The new $17-million Kenmore Jindalee cross-river pipeline replaced the infrastructure that was damaged in the 2011 floods. The project is Queensland Urban Utilities’ latest investment to ensure a safer and more resilient network for the western suburbs.

The project involved the installation of new water and sewer pipes between Kingfisher Park in Kenmore and the Scout Hall on Mt Ommaney Drive in Jindalee, inside a tunnel bored 10 metres beneath the Brisbane River. Also installed are additional two kilometres of sewer pipelines and over 680 metres of water pipes within Jindalee.

What made everything possible was the use of micro-tunnelling technology. Guided by laser navigation system, the tunnel borer avoided going under homes as it bore its way underneath the riverbed.

Kenmore to Jindalee Cross River Pipeline | Video Credit: Queensland Urban Utilities / YouTube

“The machine is so large, it needs to be craned into the launch shaft in four parts,” Queensland Urban Utilities spokesperson, Sally Prosser, said.

“Once assembled, it’s almost 14m long, 1.8m in diameter and weighs more than 45 tonnes – the equivalent of six elephants.”

After the construction of the concrete tunnel was completed, the water and sewer pipes were then installed inside the tunnel and “pulled” through.

One of the largest sewer upgrade projects in SEQ, Bulimba Creek Sewer Upgrade, also employed similar microtunneling techniques. Meeting the project’s goal required tunnelling through Belmont Hills Bushland Reserve, made possible by harnessing the latest trenchless technology.

microtunneling Sewer Upgrade — *Video Still Credit: Queensland Urban Utilities / YouTube*

The Bulimba Creek Upgrade Stage 2 involves the installation of a new 4.25km gravity trunk sewer between Wecker Road in Mansfield and Cadogan Street in Carindale. The project uses open trenching and trenchless technologies.

By employing modern trenchless techniques, Queensland Urban Utilities was able to minimise the overall impact to the environment and to the residents affected by the projects.

The Bulimba Creek Upgrade Stage 2 is nearing completion and the project is expected to be operational in the second half of 2019.

Kenmore South State School Excels at Robotics Competition

Photo Credit: RoboCup Junior Queensland/Facebook

Kenmore South State School is now in a celebratory mood after two teams from the school won in the recently held Robocup Rescue Competitions at the University of Queensland on 10-11 August 2019.

Hamish Frew and Rain Haase finished first in Brisbane Regional Competition with their robot Krusty Krab while the KSSS team beat more than 30 teams at the Robocup Junior State Competition with their Silicon Slay3r. The KSSS Year 4 team consists of Liam Kunde, Hamish McNutt, Sam Yang, and Ryan Place.

At the Robocup Rescue Competitions, participants had to build and code Lego EV3 robots to rescue a victim from a deadly chemical spill. The twist is that they have to finish building and coding in two minutes.

Ryan believed there were two Ts that helped them succeed. As the student pointed out, “Testing” and “Teamwork” were both essential in their victory. He said one of the keys to their accomplishment was the piece of resistance, which was a curved piece of LEGO on the front of the robot that helped it go up slopes.

About RoboCup Junior Queensland

RoboCup Junior is open to students studying at a Primary School or Secondary School (or equivalent e.g. home schooled). The group encourages students to think creatively to develop solutions, mostly as members of a team of 2 or more, to the RoboCup Junior Challenges in OnStage (previously known as Dance), Rescue, and Soccer.

The next Robocup Competitions for Queensland will be held on October 11-13 2019.

Pullenvale Popup Lines Up Interesting Finds for Saturday Market Day

Saturday is meant to be spent on activities for unwinding and relaxing. You can do just that and more at this pop-up market next to the Pullenvale Hall on Grandview Road.

The Curious Caravan, the travelling cafe and events organizer for hire, and the wellness store The Essential Community are mounting the Pullenvale Saturday Pop-Up Market on the 24th of Aug 2019 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Expect a showcase of crafters, makers, and local food amidst a breezy background filled with greens and trees.

*Photo Credit: The Curious Caravan/Facebook*

*Photo Credit: The Essential Community/Facebook*

Keeping the Community Spirit Alive

The Curious Caravan is an iconic presence at the centre of Pullenvale Hall, where a lot of community events take place. Every morning, the tiny cafe’s freshly brewed coffee fills the air, much to the delight of the locals.

There have been dozens of these Pullenvale Saturday Pop-Up Market over the years. However, every event is an opportunity for the locals to touch base with each other and enliven the community.

What to Expect at the Pop-Up

You’ll be pleased to shop and dine at this pop-up’s laid-back atmosphere, amongst a crowd of friendly faces. Aside from The Curious Caravan and The Essential Community, these local establishments will be setting up stalls at the pop-up:

Julia’s Pantry

Julia’s Pantry is a specialty home-based business offering a wide range of goodies like cakes and tarts, as well as preserves and jams. An empty nester with a passion for cooking, Julia makes use of her postgraduate degree in gastronomy to cook food from scratch and sell these at markets and festivals. She also conducts cooking classes in West Brisbane, as there is nothing more she’d love to do but be in the kitchen.

At the Pullenvale Pop-up last July, Julia sold these goodies below so expect more treats to hoard from her stall this August:

Seremban Living

Seremban Living is a home decor supplier selling unique crafts for your house or for gifting to friends and family. Their popular items include snuggly throw blankets, resin art trays, and raw cotton cushions. They also have Shibori home products, which makes use of a Japanese dyeing technique.

A Life Made of Paper

A Life Made of Paper features bespoke cards, home decors, party favours, banners or buntings and other giftables created by Kelly Olds. While she has a day job, she dabbles in the creative arts as a passion and has been Stampin’ Up!© demonstrator for over five years. She also teaches paper crafting classes.

*Photo Credit: A Life Made of Paper/Facebook*

Rani’s Cuisine

Rani’s Cuisine offers authentic Indian and Mauritian dishes prepared by Ranee Veerassamy. Her native island of Mauritius might be known as a tourism hotspot but for Rani, it is the food that’s the heart of her heritage with its curry, pickles and spices. Her friends regard her cooking as healing comfort food.

Among Rani’s best-selling products come in jars sold for $7 or $9 a pop: Mauritian Curry Paste, Mauritian Piment Limon Rouge, Butter Chicken Paste, and the Kerala Fish Curry Paste. She prepares and grinds these following techniques and recipes passed on to her family for generations.

Don’t forget to ask about her cooking classes. She’s also open to catering dinner parties.

To add to the casual vibe, live music will play while you’re shopping, eating or hanging around with your group at the picnic tables.

The Pullenvale Saturday Pop-Up Market is still open for stall holders if you’re interested in selling at this event. Phone The Curious Caravan at 0452 068 098 or email thecuriouscaravan@gmail.com for enquiries.

Free Gentle Exercise Session Offered to Newcomers at Kenmore Tai Chi School

If you would you like to improve your physical fitness with an exercise routine that isn’t too rigid, check out the Tai Chi School of Gentle Exercise in Kenmore, where first-timers can enjoy their introductory Tai Chi class for free.

Tai Chi was once an ancient Martial Arts defense training. Today, however, it has been adopted as an exercise routine involving deep breathing and slow movements because of its proven physical mental benefits.

This exercise works against headaches, insomnia, arthritis, back problems, and high blood pressure, among other conditions. It’s also a stress buster and may boost the immune system.

New classes will start at the Tai Chi School of Gentle Exercise on Friday, the 23rd of August 2019, at the Holy Spirit Anglican Church Hall at 1036 Moggill Road. The session at the upper hall will start at 12:30 p.m. Be there in your most comfortable workout clothes a few minutes earlier to sign up and prepare for the class.

The whole course lasts for eight weeks and comes with a free DVD instruction so you can also practice and master Tai Chi relaxation techniques at home.

Tai Chi School of Gentle Exercise has been around since 1983 and has accredited instructors led by Glenn Blythe.

*Photo Credit: Tai Chi School of Gentle Exercise/Facebook*

“For the ninety percent of people who have never done Tai Chi that join, I slowly teach the basics such as Joint Alignment, Posture and Spinal Alignment and how this creates movement without placing stress on the joints,” Mr Blythe said.

For more details about the classes, phone 3883-1508.