Be mindful of an iron overload
If you're celebrating 'a touch of the Irish' in your blood on St Patrick's Day, spare a thought for whether this means you are pumping too much iron.
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People of Celtic origin are more likely to have the iron overload condition haemochromatosis which is the most common genetic disorder in Australia.
About one in 200 people are genetically predisposed to it and one in seven are carriers.
The good news is that early detection means haemochromatosis is no barrier to a normal life and the condition is easily managed through blood donations.
But when undetected and untreated, it can cause organ/tissue damage and perhaps premature death.
So as you raise a glass to your heritage this year, vow to find out more about the 'Celtic curse' from your GP or by visiting www.ha.org.au
Dr Dianne Prince
President, Haemochromatosis Australia
Praise for Table of Ten event
Our Table of Ten wish to thank the organisers for the entertaining cricket dinner held at the Mittagong RSL, on March 6 , a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
My understanding from information received was that the purpose of the event was to raise funds for local cricket programs, establish a junior female competition and improve cricket facilities in the Southern Highlands.
This year a decision was made to donate a portion of the ticket price to the local fire brigades, well done.
In listening to the initial and subsequent speakers these objectives where articulated, no mention was made of any of the above to accompany the photos of the event published in The Southern Highland News Friday March 13.
This letter has been written to support the intent of the event; people enjoyed themselves and funds where raised to support the cricket programs.
Perhaps those who have a negative view of this year's event would be open to contributing their event management expertise to next year's Table of Ten committee.
E. Cranny
'Search for the light ahead'
My three year old granddaughter stands upon the lower shelf of empty supermarket shelves - "Gigi," she exclaims, "where all the things we buy?"
"All gone," I tell her. "People panicked, bought too much."
She jumps off and stomps down the aisles, curls bouncing and eyes flashing. "This makes me very upset," she pronounces. (She's just a tad over three - where does this social commentary come from?)
"They very cheeky!" she storms, commenting to all.
"Very cheeky, they leave nothing for us!"
Surrounding shoppers smile, some a little shamefaced.
A three year old has just shown them for what they are - adults with the mindset of children afraid of the dark.
They've forgotten there are many ways to turn dark into light, not all of them easy, but all of them available to grownups with a thinking mind.
So let's search for the light ahead, I'm thinking. Let's turn on all the lights so we can see clearly?
My philosophical musing is grounded as I watch the little munchkin scampering ahead.
"Gigi", Aria bounces back to me, gaily wrapped chocolates in hand. "Look at the pretty colours, please can we have this?"
"Yes, you may have this today Aria," I smile.
Chocolate, the light at the end of the tunnel for her, Chardonnay perhaps for me.
