Cairns Fm 89.1

John Ehm, Michael, Ann Lear 

Michael's Show "At your Service" features a different local group each week.  It was fun ..  It is interesting to see how much goes on behind the scenes on radio.  Cueing in and out the music, linking to the news and weather.  very busy and interesting.  And always the hosts sound so calm..  Bravo Michael.   Thanks for inviting us. And as for me, no one could see me waving my hands about, Italian style.

Join the online group to learn about personal safety - I did

The Group  -  Brisbane Safe Steppers is an online community who are interested in taking responsibility for personal safety.  I am keen to learn how to go for my walk, and to encourage others to be able to do their own walk in safety.

The group convenor is Philippe and he has had decades of experience in safety, firstly as a martial arts instructor and as law enforcement officer for many decades.

Here is the link Brisbane-Safe-Steps.  There are regular articles for members which are full of great tips.

I took part in one of the monthly workshops in Brisbane, last weekend.  It was fun - I met up with some of the walking cane "Jedi's", who are brilliant. (and they probably would understand the "Jedi" reference ....ha)
I had a ball, playing on the balance beams............  I love that stuff.

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At 7th Brigade Park, Chermside

As well, as usual I learnt a couple of interesting things.

1. When someone asks "what time is it?"  they do not/ should not be in your personal space.  So you are not obliged to answer if they do... Looking down at your watch can make you vulnerable for a split second
2. Deflect. Being able to stand side on, quickly to deflect an unwanted advance can be more useful than standing your ground.  Think of the agile movement of a bullfighter.
3. One of the participants at the workshop is a runner, and she got some great tips about personal safety while running, including the use of a small torch.  By just flicking it off and on, could provide enough distraction for you to get away from danger.  Also tips on buying the right shape torch for a runner's safety.  Me.  I had a glove in each pocket.  My sister, Terri, said I'm packing heat..... ha.  

This stuff is really helpful.

Take a look at the link above.  I recommend joining.  It is safe. You can rest assured your privacy is safeguarded if you do join. and there are lots of good ideas, posts and comments .

Here is the next workshop 

Upcoming Meetups

• Friday, July 31, 2015 5:30 PM

  Sandgate-Shorncliffe Full Moon Night Walk

  
  
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On ABC Radio, Cairns Tuesday 9.20am

I am being interviewed by Cairns local radio prior to my trip on Wednesday.  I am talking about fall's prevention.  I will be speaking at the Civic Centre at the Celebration of Living event,  on Thursday. Very excited.

Swiss Institute has a great online test

Here is a link to an article in the AGE.
Will you make it to 2020?

Best predictor of premature death? It is frailty.  So Let's get working on those gluteal muscles.

A Great New Group- Brisbane Safe Steps

There is a new on line group interested in helping people take responsibility for  their own safety.

It is a "meet up" group and it is convened by  Golden Canes Seniors Self Defence.

This is a great idea.  This web page has great articles on personal safety outdoors, my favourite article is about dogs.  Very helpful.  Check it out www.meetup.com/Brisbane-Safe-Steps.

There is an event scheduled.  Strongly recommend 27th June "Introduction to Safe Steps" 8.30am
7th Brigade Park.  Murphy Road Here is the link:- Brisbane Safe Steps Event.

Make yourself Bigger - Habit of the Week

By making yourself bigger, in posture, and by raising your arms or sitting up tall with your hands behind your head - elbows out, you change your body's hormones. When you make yourself bigger, testosterone goes up, that is the bravery hormone and cortisol, bad stress, goes down.  It is only necessary for you to be in the pose for 2 minutes for these measurable changes to be detected. This idea is beautifully presented by Amy Cuddy in her Ted talk.  She says to share it with everyone.  So here is the link <Amy Cuddy's Ted Talk>  It goes for 21 minutes, but it is really worthwhile.  Maybe a little tear at the end.

We feel more courageous when we stand tall with legs straight and strong and hands on hips,  think 'wonder woman'.

Also from a self defence point of view, the Golden Canes guy Philippe calls it 'Roar'.  When your feel threatened make yourself bigger and make a fuss, make some noise.  It might just be enough to dissuade some "ne'r do well". This is what I'm talking about:- a picture of golden canes

Sitting Down, Again

My Facebook friend, Ann-Maree shared this video about sitting down.  It is from Ted.ed..
I couldn't have said it better myself.
This is a five minute video.  I am so impressed, I am standing up to type this.

Here is the link
Ted Ed Talk by Murat Dalkilinc