UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF ASTHMA

In the world of medicine, there are so many questions, mysteries that both baffle and fascinate.

It’s Medical Research Week and over the next five nights, we’ll profile the work of some of our brightest home-grown minds, striving for answers.

We begin with a researcher from the Hunter Medical Research Institute who’s begun unlocking some of the secrets surrounding one of the most common chronic diseases, asthma.

LIVING WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

For years, schizophrenia has been associated with so-called split personalities and violent behaviour.

But it’s myths like these that mental health experts are trying to stamp out.

Tonight, in our Mind Matters series, we examine some of the misconceptions surrounding the illness, and the deep stigma that’s often attached.

JETS CLOSE SHAVE

Several of the Newcastle Jets will be sporting new a aerodynamic look after loosing their locks in the name of charity.

Supporting the Leukaemia foundation’s Shave for a Cure campaign, Sean Rooney, Tarek Elrich and Ljubo Milicevic were among those who fronted up with Shaun Ontong taking on the role as barber.

See him wield the clippers along with a young fan who also joined in.

FEELING THE MUSIC, SUNG FROM THE SOUL

Here’s evidence that singing really does come from the soul.

Catherine Mahoney is a self-confessed Christmas music junkie and although she can’t see the notes, they’re delivered by a voice described as angelic.

A VERY NBN CHRISTMAS

From Newcastle to Narrabri, Brooklyn to Broadbeach, backyards buzzed with families and friends, feasting on this season’s offerings.

For most, that involved a lunch with all the trimmings, after what’s always, a very early start.

UNIQUE COFFEE BLEND ONLY FOUND ON THE CENTRAL COAST

A Central Coast barista has launched a new line of coffee, with a big difference.

The beans that are used to make the brew come from the mouths of a much-loved animal.

NORTH COAST SURF REPORT 26-09-08

NORTH COAST SURF REPORT 26-09-08

Size does matter, as well as the shape. As we charge head-long into our summer surf conditions, with ever changing wave types, the design of the surfboard you are riding will determine how much fun each session will be.

We are now seeing much more variety in board design and size than ever before. Just take a look around you when next in the surf, you are likely to see young groms riding speedy competition models and the reborn mal riders on modern sleek designed nine footers.

Also, the retro four finned fish design, based on the 70’s twin fins has huge popularity with the soul surfers, there everywhere. It’s not uncommon to see young chargers riding dads old single fin they found under the house, and of course the backpackers in surf school on the soft style double ender.

As well technology has opened a pandoras box of board shapes and design, with hollow epoxy models giving a different feel compared to the standard fibre-glassed craft. A local Coffs shaper of note once told me his concepts for board design are a mix of a door and a beachball. Thats sounds hi-tech.

In todays scenes, taken at Diggers beach in Coffs Harbour around 9:30 today, we see a 1 metre ESE swell fanned by a light SSE breeze and a dozen or more surfers with boards of all styles enjoying a sunny spring day of fun waves.

The swell is predicted to drop a little over the weekend with northerly winds kicking in bringing on a very summer like start to the school holidays. When you rock up for your next surf I hope you are all well equiped to maximise the fun.

Cheers, noel.

DESIGNER BUNNIES A FANCY HOBBY

Rabbits have received a pretty tough rap in Australia over the years, blamed for damaging crops and even the extinction of native animals. But not all bunnies are bad.

The hobby of breeding and exhibiting rabbits is called ‘The Fancy’, and reporter Jess Phillis learnt how the game really lives up to its name.

Double click on video to play in full screen mode.

More information on rabbit breeding can be found at the NSW Rabbit Breeders & Exhibitors website.

ARE WE REALLY A FAT NATION?

Despite all the spin and statistics, questions still remain when it comes to the national obesity epidemic.

However one academic has told a Commonwealth inquiry that being a fat nation is merely a symptom of a much bigger health crisis.

KIDS CAN’T RESIST NEW EXERCISE PROGRAM

25 per cent of Australian children are overweight or obese, and unless we make some serious lifestyle changes now, that statistic is just going to keep growing.

A University of Newcastle study is paving the way, providing school students with a form of exercise they’re finding hard to resist.

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