By: Bec Harris
According to veterinarian Dr Ewen Blaikie, dental disease, weight gain, and skin or ear issues are among the top reasons pets visit the clinic – yet simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.
By: Kourtney Smith
While church and youth group helps, the biggest influence on a child’s faith comes from home.
By: Bec Harris
If you’ve ever wondered “what is Pilates?” and whether it’s right for you, you’re not alone. For many people, getting fit can feel intimidating.
Read more: Pilates: What It Really Is and Why It Might Be What You Need
Movement isn’t always about chasing personal bests or pushing through intense workouts. Instead, it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your body again – especially after injury, chronic pain, busy seasons, or long breaks from exercise.
That’s why Pilates for beginners, injury recovery, and gentle strength training so often come up in conversation. However, despite its popularity, Pilates is still widely misunderstood.
Physiotherapist Melanie Cauliffe explains what Pilates really is, where it came from, and how it can support people returning to movement – not just elite athletes or dancers. “Pilates was originally designed for people recovering from injury” says Mel.
Although Pilates is often associated with boutique studios and reformer classes, it didn’t begin as a trendy workout.
Joseph Pilates developed the method in the early 20th century. Originally, he used controlled, repetitive movements to help people rehabilitate from injury. He even designed spring-based resistance systems so bed-bound patients could strengthen their bodies safely.
That early equipment later evolved into what we now know as the Pilates reformer.
From there, Pilates moved into the dance community and eventually into mainstream fitness. Yet at its core, it has always focused on:
In other words, Pilates builds strength without encouraging you to push through pain or burn out.
One reason Pilates can feel confusing is that not all classes are the same.
This follows the original sequence of exercises created by Joseph Pilates. Instructors stick closely to the traditional order and structure.
This version allows instructors more flexibility. They design classes with flow, variation and modern movement science in mind.
Clinical Pilates, however, integrates physiotherapy principles. This approach often suits people recovering from injury or managing pain.
Mel highlighted an important difference in how instructors treat the spine. Instead of flattening the lower back into the floor – a cue many of us grew up hearing – clinical Pilates encourages a neutral spine.
Why does that matter?
Because strengthening your body in its natural alignment helps translate that strength into daily life. Standing, lifting, walking and sitting all rely on neutral positioning. Therefore, training this way supports real-world movement, not just mat exercises.
Another common question is whether mat Pilates or reformer Pilates is better.
The honest answer? They serve different purposes.
Mat Pilates uses your body weight and gravity for resistance. As a result, your core, posture and control remain constantly engaged.
Although it looks simple, mat work can be surprisingly challenging. You can’t rely on equipment for support, which makes it highly effective for building stability and strength.
Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded carriage that guides movement. The adjustable resistance supports the body while still providing challenge.
Because of this support, reformer classes often suit people:
Ultimately, it’s not about which option is “better.” Instead, you need to ask yourself: What does my body need right now?
One of the most reassuring takeaways from the conversation was this simple truth:
Pilates is you against you.
You don’t need to keep up with the person next to you. You don’t need to prove anything. And you definitely shouldn’t ignore pain.
In fact, Mel offered this important reminder: if something feels wrong, don’t do it. Even self-imposed pressure can lead to injury if you override your body’s signals.
That’s why proper guidance matters, especially when returning to exercise after injury. Learning safe posture, recognising what “good effort” feels like, and progressing gradually can protect your body long-term.
Whether you choose Pilates, walking, swimming or another low-impact exercise, remember this: fitness is not one-size-fits-all.
Strength, endurance and cardiovascular health are different aspects of overall wellbeing. However, you can build all three through consistent, sustainable movement. In fact, consistency matters more than intensity.
As Mel says “Turning up is the hardest thing – and it’s already a big win.”
If 2026 is the year you want to move again, Pilates may not be about doing more. Instead, it might be about learning how to move better – with control, confidence and kindness toward your body.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
By: Telana Sladen
For many people, introducing themselves sounds something like this: “Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a teacher,” or “I’m Mike, a builder.” Our work often becomes closely tied to who we believe we are. But is our job really meant to define our identity?
By: Telana Sladen
Burnout has become a familiar word in modern life. Many people describe themselves as constantly tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. Yet while burnout may feel normal, it was never meant to define how we live.
By: Bec Harris
When news breaks that a beloved celebrity has died, many people are surprised by how deeply it affects them. Even though we may never have met the person, the sadness can feel real and personal.
By: Bec Harris
It’s easy to start the new year full of enthusiasm for change. But by this time of year, many resolutions have fizzled.
By: Bec Harris
Reverend Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, reveals the staggering scale of gambling harm in Australia. From pokies to sports betting, Australians are losing billions, and the consequences are devastating.
Australia loses $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita in the world. Tim explained: “The nation that comes second in gambling losses is 30% less than us. The world looks at us and asks, how did we allow this?”
Pokies account for $17 billion, sports betting $6 billion, with horse racing and greyhounds adding more. Even more shocking: “We have 20% of all the world’s pokies, but 75% are in pubs and clubs. Everywhere else, pokies are only in casinos.”
Unlike casinos, pokies are everywhere: in pubs, clubs, and even shopping areas. Australians often gamble unintentionally, with machines designed for predatory addiction.
The reach of gambling goes beyond adults. Tim highlighted a growing problem among youth: “Influencers are paid by the pokies industry to show how fun it is to feed cash into machines.”
Combined with 900 gambling ads a day on free-to-air TV, many children are absorbing adult gambling behaviours. “Eighty per cent of ten-year-olds now know the odds on AFL and NRL games,” Tim said. “The normalisation is devastating.”
Advocacy is key. Tim outlined practical steps:
“Get boots on the ground. Send letters. Touch base with your politicians,” Tim urged. Western Australia sets a strong example, with no pokies in pubs or clubs and much lower gambling losses.
Despite bipartisan support for a national gambling regulator, recommendations remain ignored. “We need to treat gambling as a health issue, not a sports issue,” Tim said. “Where there’s gambling in a family, there’s four times more domestic violence.”
Public support is overwhelming: 80% of Australians want gambling ads banned, yet action is lagging. “Politicians need to listen. The public has spoken,” Tim added.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
By: Bec Harris
At just 16 years old, Ryan Oosthuizen is doing something remarkable. He’s not just starting a business, he’s starting a ministry.
Ryan is the founder of BoTL – Blessings of the Lord, a Christian fragrance brand based in Perth. What began as a prayer, when he was just 15, has become a purpose-driven business designed to spread faith in a subtle but powerful way.
Ryan didn’t wake up one day with a business plan. Instead, he started with a question.
“What am I meant to do with my life?”
Like many young people, he felt uncertain about the future. So he did something simple but bold. He prayed. He asked God for direction. According to Ryan, the answer was clear.
God gave him a vision. That vision became BoTL.
With support from his parents and a strong Christian upbringing, Ryan stepped out in faith. His goal was not profit alone, it was impact.
Ryan Oosthuizen’s journey has not been easy. He lost his brother, and the grief was deep. The questions were heavy. Yet, instead of stopping, Ryan chose to move forward.
He decided to honour his brother by living with purpose. He committed to showing others that no matter what happens, faith can carry you through. With God at the centre, Ryan believes nothing is impossible.
That belief now fuels everything BoTL stands for.
BoTL stands for Blessings of the Lord. But it is more than a name.
Ryan describes BoTL as a message in a bottle. Each fragrance is designed to spark curiosity, start conversations, and gently introduce people to faith.
It is not about preaching, it’s about presence. “It’s a subtle way to help people encounter God,” Ryan says. “Even through something as simple as smelling good.”
The answer is practical and personal. Ryan loves fragrance – he always has. He also knows that first impressions matter. People respond to scent – it opens doors. More importantly, Ryan believes God can use anything, even perfume.
By combining passion with purpose, Ryan found a way to grow God’s Kingdom through something he genuinely loves.
Starting a fragrance business is no small task. Especially at 15. Ryan learned quickly. He researched online, watched videos, studied scent profiles and fragrance notes. Eventually, he partnered with a fragrance manufacturer in Dubai.
Ryan selected specific accords and notes. From 14 fragrance samples, he narrowed the range down to four signature scents. Those four are now in production, with 1,000 bottles arriving in Perth.
Each BoTL fragrance carries its own identity:
The fragrances were tested by more than 50 people. The favourites rose quickly and the choice was clear.
BoTL’s marketing strategy focuses on social media. Ryan uses TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to share his story, his faith, and his fragrances. He shares short videos, honest conversations and has a clear purpose.
Some Christian influencers have already partnered with him. The goal is simple. Reach people where they are and let the story speak for itself.
Ryan Oosthuizen’s operation is hands-on – very hands-on. The stock is being stored in his family garage. Ryan packs every order himself. He labels the boxes. He even sprays fragrance inside so the package smells great on arrival.
Customers can choose local pickup in Mandurah or Australia Post shipping across Australia and New Zealand. International shipping is planned for the future.
Ryan doesn’t see BoTL as just a brand – he sees it as a ministry.
His long-term vision is global. He hopes the business will fund mission work around the world, from the poorest communities to the wealthiest cities, Ryan wants to share the love of Jesus with anyone willing to listen.
Ryan Oosthuizen’s advice is simple. If God puts something on your heart, do it.
Don’t wait, don’t overthink it. Pray, talk to people, take the step. Ryan believes that if God is behind it, nothing can stop it.
Age doesn’t matter. Background doesn’t matter. Faith does.
Ryan’s story is a reminder that God can work through anyone, at any age, in any industry.
From loss came purpose. From prayer came vision. BoTL is more than perfume, it is proof that when faith leads, impact follows. Check out the BoTL range here.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Supplied
By: Bec Harris
As we head into a new year, many parents are reflecting on family routines and goals for 2026. One common challenge is helping children take responsibility for everyday tasks – like putting away school bags, picking up towels, or tidying toys – without constant reminders. While it may seem like children are acting deliberately, understanding what’s happening in their brains can completely change how we respond.
Learning Intervention Specialist, Natalie Nicholls from PLECS Learning, shared insights about resilient kids and how parents can take a compassionate, brain-based approach to executive functioning as they head into the new year.
Natalie explained that expecting children to automatically complete tasks often overlooks how their brains process information. For example, a child may ignore a school bag left in the hallway, not out of defiance, but because their brain is overwhelmed with other priorities or sensory input.
“When we delve into the why underneath, it helps us get more action and the results we’re actually looking for,” Natalie said.
As we start a new year, parents can shift their perception. Instead of assuming a child is being difficult, ask: What else is going on in their brain right now? Recognising that each child – and adult – is wired differently is a crucial first step toward effective, compassionate guidance.
Natalie highlighted the role of dopamine, a chemical that influences motivation, task initiation, and attention. Low dopamine levels, often seen in children with ADHD traits, can make it harder for kids to start tasks or notice what needs to be done.
Parents can support their children in the new year by:
“We cannot expect a child’s behaviour to exceed the brain’s capacity,” Natalie explained. “This applies to adults too – when expectations exceed capacity, we get stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.”
Understanding this principle allows parents to approach children with more compassion and less frustration in 2026 and beyond.
Natalie also addressed the impact of trauma and neurodiversity. Children who have experienced trauma may react based on the age at which the trauma occurred. Similarly, children with ADHD or other neurodiverse traits may appear hyperactive or withdrawn.
“The brain will go into protective mode,” Natalie said. “When parents are stressed too, their child’s nervous system mirrors that stress.”
Recognising these patterns ensures that teaching moments occur when both parent and child have the capacity to engage, rather than in moments of heightened emotion – a crucial approach to begin the year with calm and clarity.
Natalie outlined practical ways to implement this approach as families start fresh in the new year:
“This isn’t just about a tidy house,” Natalie emphasised. “It’s about equipping children with a skill for life.”
By focusing on compassion, brain capacity, and micro-teaching moments, parents can reduce frustration and help children develop independence as we head into 2026. Natalie’s approach encourages parents to shift perception, ask questions, and provide structured support, rather than relying on repeated commands or criticism.
“The goal is not a perfect house, but resilient kids who can see, decide, and act,” Natalie concluded.
Implementing these strategies can help families start the new year with calmer routines, stronger bonds, and resilient, capable children ready to face the year ahead.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva