Master The Gentle Art Of Sleep
A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness.
Setting up a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for achieving restful sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Electronic devices emit blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Not to mention that texting, watching television or scrolling are all stimulating, which can keep your brain on alert. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed and turn off the TV.
Click read more for more tips on achieving a good night's sleep.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Facebook Marketplace Scams
Police are urging members of the public to be aware of Facebook Marketplace scams, in particular tiny home, shipping container and portable cabin home scams targeting Hawke’s Bay and the Eastern Police District.
Multiple people have seen the different listings and either paid deposits or the full price into various bank accounts.
Once the victim transfers money, the scammer deletes the listing, all the messages and blocks them.
In one case a victim has lost $10,000, with further victims losing in the thousands.
In many of these cases the offenders are based overseas and our ability to recover the funds transferred is limited.
“We are urging members of the community to think twice before transferring money for items on Facebook and other social media platforms.” says Senior Constable Gillon.
Anyone who has been affected by this scam is encouraged to contact Police online or via 105.
Senior Constable Gillon says if you decide to purchase off social media, we encourage you to take precautions to protect yourself.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
💸 Insist on meeting to conduct transactions and examine the item before completing the transaction.
💸 Meet in a public place and take a friend. DO NOT go into someone’s house or allow them into yours.
💸 DO NOT deposit money into another person’s account before you have received the item.
💸 Learning more about the person you are buying from or selling to.
💸 You can tap on a person's profile on the product listing page to see if you have any friends in common, their marketplace activity, and any ratings they may have received.
💸 Ensure friends and family, especially anyone vulnerable, understand what to do to protect themselves.
💸 Be the person to provide that ongoing support and advice.
💸 Trust your instincts – if it’s too good to be true or sounds like a scam, it probably is.
If you believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz..., or call Police on 105 and report the matter. If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
Disaster Welfare and Support Team - Hastings
We are looking for highly committed, multi-skilled volunteers for our Disaster Welfare and Support Team in Hastings. Team trains regularly in St Leonard.
For more information, please contact hastings@redcross.org.nz