Horoscopes
JENNY BLUME predicts your destiny for OCTOBER 18-24
Libra SEP 24 – OCT 23
The power of teamwork is about to be demonstrated! Close relationships can benefit from these proactive patterns, so rather than focus on differences, look for common ground and make time to talk. If a project has stalled, Mercury’s directional shift should act like a green light.
STAR TIP Markets or online sales could turn a profit in late spring.
JEFF GOLDBLUM As a Libran, the Jurassic Park actor knows a thing or two about teamwork in his major film roles alongside many other talented A-listers.
Scorpio OCT 24 – NOV 22
Differing viewpoints could spark some intense conversations this week, but they might also spur you into action. Something refreshingly different is just around the corner, so start making plans. An influx of cash might even be in the pipeline – just in time for a feelgood makeover.
STAR TIP Thursday’s Full Moon could shed light on a long-held mystery.
Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22
As your ruler, Jupiter, shifts into forward gear, feelings of frustration should fade. For some, a phase of life may be winding down, but a fresh sense of excitement is about to take hold. Sunday’s chatty stars could bring a happy catch-up – or even yikes, a crazy shopping spree.
STAR TIP Relieve the pressure by pouring some energy into a creative project.
Capricorn DEC 23 – JAN 20
Don’t let someone take advantage of your good nature. If resentment has been brewing, speak up and set some new boundaries. Diffuse the tension by throwing yourself into something physical, then chase up some old friends. Your chart’s social sector is beginning to glow!
STAR TIP Turn your home into a haven with calming music, candles and incense.
Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19
If life’s serious issues are getting you down, earth yourself by spending more time in nature. Tackle the garden, plan a picnic or explore a local walking trail. Then start researching your next big adventure – an offbeat holiday or great-value deal could prove irresistible.
STAR TIP Don’t let a late-week clash dampen your spirits – it’s a storm in a teacup.
Pisces FEB 20 – MAR 20
Conversations may veer into uncharted territory this week but as a result new dreams for the future might begin to take shape. Moneywise, Mercury’s building trajectory could usher you into a more lucrative phase, but don’t be talked into something that feels risky or wrong.
STAR TIP Perhaps it’s a karmic reward? Sunday could bring a pleasant surprise.
Aries MAR 21 – APR 20
Thanks to Jupiter, gorgeous things – and people! – are being drawn towards you. A generous gift or offer might even materialise. Even better, couples might find themselves entering a more united, positive phase, while for singles, a budding relationship could burst into flower.
STAR TIP A friend’s left-field suggestion might be worth a closer look!
Taurus APR 21 – MAY 21
Turn your frustration into a positive force. Burn off some fuel in the great outdoors or throw yourself into a worthwhile project. If better health is a goal, Mercury’s directional shift should work in your favour. A new diet or therapy could see you bouncing out of your skin.
STAR TIP Surrounding yourself with supportive people is the key to success.
Gemini MAY 22 – JUN 21
Get ready to thank your lucky stars! Chance meetings, surprise payments or romantic moments could make for a memorable week. If a close relationship has been floundering, Mercury could prompt a “kiss and make up” session. At work, your ideas might hit the mark.
STAR TIP Games and sporting events look like fun, particularly for singles.
Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23
As Mercury gathers speed, a wave of optimism should wash over your chart. If a decision has been weighing heavily, Thursday’s Full Moon might tip the balance, particularly if your home is involved. To celebrate, treat yourself to an appliance you’ve wanted for ages!
STAR TIP As your golden touch intensifies, an idea could prove profitable.
Leo JUL 24 – AUG 23
Things are heating up – not just socially and romantically but on the home front, too. Venus could conjure up an outdoorsy new love interest for singles, while for couples, a shared project might rekindle that old sense of teamwork. Just rein in that bossy streak on the weekend.
STAR TIP Get your hands dirty – it should help lower those stress levels.
Virgo AUG 24 – SEP 23
Ready to try some feng shui? Clear the way for new people and opportunities to enter your life by sprucing up your home’s front entrance, then focus on getting healthy. Jupiter’s increasing trajectory should propel things along and your energetic approach will inspire others.
STAR TIP If you feel jittery, ditch the coffees and opt for herbal teas instead.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them susceptible to fractures and breaks. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it’s most common in older people. It affects more than one in four women over 75, says Ferguson Street Osteopathy osteopath Julie Hjorth.
“Other factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include a family history of the condition, smoking, low calcium intake in diet, low vitamin D levels, long-term use of some medications (eg corticosteroids), lack of physical activity, being overweight or underweight and going through early menopause,” says Julie. “Excess caffeine (more than three cups per day) and alcohol (more than two drinks per day) can also contribute.”
Here, Julie busts five common misconceptions.
1 IT’S A TYPE OF ARTHRITIS & CAUSES PAPAIN FALSE
Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are often confused – but they are completely different conditions. Osteoarthritis occurs in joints, can cause aching pain and in advanced cases can lead to joint replacements. Osteoporosis is pain-free unless it causes a fracture, which can also require surgery to fix. Osteopenia is diagnosed when you have low bone density, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. There is less risk of fracture with osteopenia, however it can progress to osteoporosis, so if you are diagnosed with osteopenia it’s important to do all that you can to preserve your bone strength.
2 IT MAKES YOU A HUNCHBACK FALSE
Although Al h h advanced d osteoporosis can lead to a stooped posture from wedging of the spinal vertebrae, having a diagnosis of osteoporosis does not mean this will happen to you. Early diagnosis and treatment, along with lifestyle measures such as a calcium-rich diet, vitamin D exposure and appropriate exercise, can slow down bone loss and you can continue to live a happy, healthy life.
3 NO NEED TO WORRY IF YOU’RE YOUNG FALSE
Most people think it’s a disease for old ladies, but the truth is it can occur in women (and men) as young as 50. Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, can cause bone health to deteriorate quickly. Younger people should be aware of the risk factors to give themselves the best chance at preventing osteoporosis. It can be hereditary. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, low levels of physical activity, low calcium intake and low levels of vitamin D, as well as body build and weight (being thin or being obese are both risk factors), can influence your risk of developing osteoporosis. Underlying health conditions such as eating disorders, early menopause and long-term medication use also increase the risk.
4 IT ONLY AFFECTS WOMEN FALSE
Although more common in women, men also develop osteoporosis, so everyone needs to be aware of risk factors of this condition. Ten per cent of men over the age of 75 experience osteoporosis.
5 ONCE YOU HAVE IT, IT’S TOO LATE TO PROTECT FROM FRACTURES FALSE
A lot of people think osteoporosis is just part of old age and there’s nothing you can do about it. But this isn’t t true, because osteoporosis is treatable. Treatment along with lifestyle changes can help slow down the bone loss and reduce your risk of a fracture. Keeping fit and active, doing load bearing exercises, eating calcium-rich foods all help maintain bone strength. But unfortunately, once you have osteoporosis, these are not enough to prevent further bone loss.
WEDNESDAY DAY OCTOBER 20 IS WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY