DECEMBER 17 2006 

A FESTIVE SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE  

 ANOTHER RADIO 3AW HEALTH SPECIAL

from 6PM - 8:00PM (Melbourne time)

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days;

that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller,

 thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!  

Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Traditionally this time of year is a time of festivities and holidays. It may be Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or just a celebration of  the end of another year. It's  about  children,  families, friends, food ,drink and gifts . We wish each other good health and good cheer. Its a pity we don't do that every day of the year. 

This may  seem a strange topic for a health special but according to the World Health organisation "Health" is defined as 

"a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

For most people the festive time of year will be a happy and healthy time spent eating a bit too much and feeling loved and loving . 

 But for others  it can be time of loneliness, sadness or stress. A time to be reminded of personal  isolation, or of loved ones no longer here. It can be a time when good intentions get fuelled by alcohol and turn into family reunion disasters. It can be a time when ads on tele  remind us of our financial situation   It can be a time of devastation when our world is shattered by road trauma or bushfires. 

For many people surviving the festive season can be an issue -at one extreme it might  be trying to reconcile the  pressie list or getting the cards out on time but for others it will be a time of major life issues

This evening I want to cover all our bases and talk about how to enter 2007 unscathed ( or at least minimise the risks ) from  the festive season. 

I have assembled a guest list of experts to cover all aspects of the festive season   - 

from safety and health for yourself your family and pets - to - unusual gift ideas and solving   menu dilemmas if you've been elected to organise the celebratory meal. 

AND OF COURSE WE'LL BE CROSSING LIVE TO SANTA HIMSELF  ! 

MY GUESTS 

EMERGENCY SERVICES AND SAFETY OVER FESTIVE SEASON

While we enjoy our festive meals and drinkies and many take a break from work while businesses close down over the next few weeks there are a few organisations that find this is one of their busiest periods. 

Our emergency services. 

 We all hope we don't need their services in order to reduce that likelihood  we need to take precautions 

Some people wont survive this festive season , literally.  My special guests from Victoria's peak emergency service organisations will help us find ways to not need to call upon them this festive season.

VICTORIA POLICE -  Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) Noel Ashby  heads up the Road Traffic section of Victoria Police - As horrible as it may seem there will be people listening to the program today who will be involved in road trauma over the festive season. Although the road toll has substantially reduced over recent years road trauma is no accident and it is preventable. Particularly at this time of alcohol and  fatigue play a big part. We must be mindful of road safety and this includes preparing young people properly whether they are getting their first bike for Christmas or  their drivers licence over the summer break. Its up to us.  

   Click HERE to visit  VICTORIA POLICE ROAD TIPS PAGE

METROPOLITAN FIRE BRIGADE  – Keith Adamson is the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for MFB  - We have been reminded of the devastation bushfires can bring. We might think this only happens in the bush but in metro areas we must be vigilant over the hot months to ensure our homes are not a fire trap. Keith will give us some tips on making sure our homes survive the festive season. 

Click HERE to visit  MFB's site for info on FIRE BANS 

METROPOLITAN AMBULANCE  SERVICE – Greg Sassella  is the CEO of MAS - The last thing we want or expect during a family celebration is a health crisis  - but its important to be prepared than just hope it wont happen. Greg  will fill us in on the fabulous work of our Paramedics and how to reduce your chances of needing to call upon one.

 Click HERE to Visit MAS's site 

SURVIVING FAMILIES AND HOLIDAYS  

ROYAL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICE  – Janeen Rees is the Centre Manager, Frankston RDNS. Royal District Nursing Service offer home nursing for thousands of Victorians. Over the Festive season there is even more need to be aware of what they offer. Will someone in your family require home nursing ? What about respite care if you are going away. RDNS can help but dont leave it until the last minute

RDNS 24 hour Customer Service number 9379 0577

Click HERE to visit ROYAL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICE (Victoria )

PARKS VICTORIA   Mark Stone  is the CEO of Parks Victoria. They manage our states magnificent Park land. In recent weeks our state has been devastated by bush fires and this has affected a large area of park land. Many people will be planning day or longer trips away with family to our national parks. While many areas are unaffected it is important to check the status of  the area you plan to visit before you leave.  

Parks Victoria  info line  is 131963

Click HERE to visit Parks Victoria 

( If you have other serious  family issues you may find some useful links  HERE from my program on 

NORMAN GIBBS –   Tireless community worker and Santa Assistant Norman has also received the honour of senior Victorian of the Year for 2007 and was a nominee in the Senior Australian of the year as well.  Norman has been contributing to his community for over sixty years, from when as a twenty-year old he formed a physical fitness group at his local church. After founding a drop-in centre for troubled youth, he trained as an honorary probation officer and remains the longest serving honorary worker in this field. His tireless work in this role since 1970 led to the tag of Mr Waverly - the man who always would help or know where to get help. In 1978 Norman became a foundation member of the Moomba Clown Club. As Zodo the Clown he entertains the young, the frail, the disabled - anyone who is in need of cheering up. He also spends a lot of time each year as Santa and the Easter Bunny visiting kindergartens, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.

click HERE to visit the Victorian Government Senior's page and a link to Norman's award 

SURVIVING THE FOOD !   

Is it your turn to do the do for the family this year . Do I hear you say you havent organised anything yet ? Well the day will be saved by some very important tips from some experts - 

THE PERFECT SPREAD  ( and that illusive plumb pud recipe) - SOFITEL - JOHN SAVAGE  - Executive Chef  and  Scott O’brien  and  pastry chef from Melbourne's  Hotel Sofitel  will give us the secret info we need to wow the family ! ( or maybe we can toss in the towel and go there in stead ! ) 

Click HERE to visit Sofitel Melbourne. 

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF VICTORIA - Dr ROBERT HALL - food preparation and safety this festive season. The worst thing would be to strike down the whole family with food poisoning because you didnt prepare the food correctly - you must listen to this ! 

Click here to visit the Victorian Government Health Information site on Food Safety 

GIFTS :  DILEMMAS AND SOLUTIONS

LORT SMITH ANIMAL HOSPITAL   - Lort Smith Animal Hospital is one of Melbourne's true treasures and I am proud to be one of their ambassador's. They provide veterinary care to so many animals who might otherwise have had no chance of survival. They take in lost and stray animals and try to find them homes.   DR SASHA HERBERT is a vet with Lort Smith Animal hospital and she'll be talking about  things  to think about before considering giving pets as gifts, because too many are abandoned. As well as this she's got some important tips for looking after your pets over the holiday ands summer months. 

Click here to visit LORT SMITH ANIMAL HOSPITAL's site 

WORLD VISION - TIM COSTELLO –  CEO -   While we enjoy our gifts and sumptuous meals there are millions of people around the world who couldn't begin to dream of a life like we enjoy.  Rather than  scour the shops for gifts why not consider something that really counts -why not make your friend or family member feel really good by sponsoring a child's immunisation or, a mosquito net for their bed. You can also  help establish a fish farm or buy a family a goat. World Vision has a range of very unusual gift ideas at prices t- 

Click here to visit WORLD VISION 's site

3AW XMAS PARTY - DAVID MANN is 3AW's promotions director. Together with an amazing band of volunteers each Christmas Day for many years he quietly gives up his family time to be part of a very special celebration. The 3AW Pensioners Christmas Party isn't promoted because that's not what its about. This party has been run with the help of fabulous sponsors including  Stonnington City Council and  some dedicated volunteers and  was founded to give those who may not have  family a lavish lunch and entertainment to brighten up their Festive Season.

CHRISTMAS DISEASE 

No its not another name for over indulgence - it is an inherited clotting disorder ( a haemophilia)

Dr Chris Barnes, a doctor from the Royal Children's Hospital  who specialises in blood disorders in children will tell us all about it 

I wish you and those you love

a 

safe and healthy Festive Season