Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,

Health is the greatest, most priceless gift of all.

When we have good health, whether that be mental or physical, we are incredibly blessed.

This week on the front page we welcome Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network’s new manager who will oversee all local operations.

Adriel Burley is dedicated to helping our region’s youth and is passionate about creating a supportive community that knows how to help others, so that suicidal thoughts can be prevented before they even form.

Mental health is not necessarily visible and that’s what makes it so hard to see – it is not a broken arm or snotty nose – it is often hidden deep and can be found in the most unlikely of usually smiling faces.

By checking in with each other, asking R U Ok?, we can all do our part to put an end to people thinking there is no other option but suicide.

Continuing with the health theme, I found out this week that my dad has bowel cancer.

He is 71 years old and fortunately, it was discovered early on, and it is operable.

As many of you will know, I was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer almost four years ago, and after six months of chemotherapy, I was lucky to survive.

It is well-known now that a prevalence of cancer runs in the family, so if you have a family history of cancer make sure you stay vigilant.

Watch out for symptoms such as extreme exhaustion, nausea, indigestion and an ongoing niggling ache or concern.

While most symptoms are usually of no concern, I believe it is our own responsibility to be our own internal doctor and complete regular check-ups.

When was the last time you had a breast scan or a pap-smear test? If you are over 50 or concerned about your bowel movements – have you ordered a bowel screening test?

A bit of discomfort now can avoid a lot of discomforts later, trust me, I know.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “The first wealth is health” (Emerson)

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