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Edition 15 - July 2006

THE GRUMPY OLD MAN CHALLENGE!
Are you up for a challenge in 2006?

Now that Christmas is over, the family have all gone home and the turkey is finally finished, we can turn our attention to important issues, like who's going to win the footy this year. We already know the Broncos will be fighting hard to get the trophy off the West Tigers and the Eagles and the Swans will be battling it out goal for goal. Well, as the season is already underway, it's time to catch up with your old mates and have a drink or two down at the club.

Now, an important question: did you make your New Year resolution? If you didn't, now is the time to start thinking about that 'grumpy old man' way of thinking that your family keeps reminding you about.

Maybe the stress of the past year has got you thinking that you really do bite the head off anyone in your way. Do you remember that check-out girl at your local supermarket, or the person on the phone when you rang to ask about your bank statement? Remember when time meant something? Why can't everyone be organised and on time? Remember when you had to be on parade at 0700, not a minute earlier or a minute later?


Stress… Stress… Stress - Yellow Card

As the world moves faster and time has little meaning, it’s no wonder we get stressed and grumpy and our moods fluctuate so much.

Did you know that stress can have negative effects on your body and mind, from muscle stiffness and insomnia to general unhappiness? It can also affect your daily routine by colouring your outlook on life, affecting your personal relationships and health, and contributing to heart disease, memory loss and loss of libido.

Anything that causes a change in your life can cause you stress.

Emotional stress - arguments, disagreements and conflicts.

Physical illness - catching a cold, breaking an arm or a sore back.

Pushing your body too hard - working hard followed by long drinking sessions to unwind and that ‘morning after’ feeling.

Sooner or later, the energy drain on your system will cause your body to fall behind in its repair work - there won’t be enough time or energy for it to fix or replace broken cells. Changes occur in your body's internal environment. You will ‘hit the wall’, ‘run out of steam’.

You can’t keep this going. Are you ready to accept the challenge to make some changes?

Lower your stress levels and become less of a Grumpy Old Man.

Kick the Winning Goal - Stress Busters…

1. Begin an exercise that you enjoy:

• dust off your golf clubs;
• re-string your tennis racquet;
• get out your runners;
• take your dog for a walk; or
• just talk with a mate.

2. Talk to your GP:

• have your blood pressure taken; or
• have an annual check up.

3. Search the Internet:

• www.therightmix.gov.au
• www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
• www.beyondblue.org.au

4. Get involved and visit your:

• local sports club;
• ex-service networks; or
• community organisations.

For more information or to order materials call 1800 011 046, check out the web site www.therightmix.gov.au, e-mail alcoholproject@dva.gov.au or write to:

Alcohol Management Project
DVA
PO Box 21
Woden ACT 2606

* See Edition 9 - August 2004 of the Right Mix archived articles (And The Boys Light Up) to find out how Lofty modified his drinking towards light beer, the benefits of this change and new developments in the manufacturing of light beer to improve its taste.


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Edition 14 - February 2006
Edition 13 - December 2005
Edition 12 - July 2005
Edition 11 - March 2005
Edition 10 - December 2004
Edition 9 - August 2004
Edition 8 - June 2004
Edition 7 - April 2004
Edition 6 - February 2004
Edition 5 - December 2003
Edition 4 - October 2003
Edition 3 - August 2003
Edition 2 - June 2003
Edition 1 - May 2003

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