Horoscopes
JENNY BLUME predicts your destiny for 24-30 JANUARY
Pisces FEB 20 – MAR 20
Your social butterfly is ready to burst free! Local groups or schools should expand your network through late summer and a romance might spice things up even more. Your stars should hit full party mode by Friday, so why not prepare with a hair or beauty session?
STAR TIP Romance and friendship could intermingle this month.
Aries MAR 21 – APR 20
Celestial forces are working to push you out of your comfort zone! Career-minded types may be offered a new position or a stroke of good luck might free up your options. On the downside, spending could spiral through late summer, so if you’re on a budget, take care.
STAR TIP A last-minute offer might be more fun than expected.
Taurus APR 21 – MAY 21
Feeling restless? As your desire for travel grows stronger, sitting still may feel like torture. If you can’t get away this weekend, plan a long walk or hit the dancefloor. For singles, someone with foreign connections might be worth a closer look.
STAR TIP Exciting study plans could hit the agenda.
Gemini MAY 22 – JUN 21
Your senses are working overtime. Lotions, potions, gourmet foods and fine wines... Little luxuries may prove irresistible this week. Venus might point you towards some gorgeous art or vintage items as well, so why not visit a few markets or antiques emporiums?
STAR TIP For singles, a chatty relationship could shift up a gear.
Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23
Ooh la la! With Venus lighting up your passion sphere, anything’s possible. Old relationships might spring back to life, while for singles, a business-minded type could make quite an impression. If finances are stressing you out, shaky foundations need shoring up.
STAR TIP Tackle weeds or pests under Sunday’s Capricorn moon.
Leo JUL 24 – AUG 23
Shaping a new you should be a breeze this month, with health kicks producing great results. And with sensual stars washing over your chart, it’s also time for a bedroom makeover – think moody lighting and new linen. In fact, a change of scenery might work wonders for couples.
STAR TIP Your increased empathy could spark an interest in counselling.
Virgo AUG 24 – SEP 23
You’ll be wearing your heart on your sleeve this week. Casual catch-ups will turn into bonding sessions, while on the love front, feelings will flow. Creative projects should tap into that arty streak, so parents, why not get the kids involved? The results might impress all!
STAR TIP Looking for love? Make a date with someone special.
Libra SEP 24 – OCT 23
Playing peacemaker comes naturally to you, but with Mars heating things up, debates may need to run their course. Concerts or catch-ups should come as a welcome distraction, while for romantics, Venus’ shift into forward motion could bring good news!
STAR TIP An old piece of jewellery might increase your luck.
Scorpio OCT 24 – NOV 22
All for one and one for all! Team efforts should bring out your best, not only at work, but after hours too. Your involvement with a club or sporting group could grow this month. In fact, with Mars firing up that feisty streak, local politics might even appeal.
STAR TIP If technology is on your wishlist, hold off until next week.
Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22
Your options are multiplying! Training could hit the agenda or a change in circumstance might allow you to move forward on a project – just research large purchases carefully. As the buzz around your home grows louder, prepare for visitors or unexpected guests.
STAR TIP Venus could transform you into domestic goddess.
Capricorn DEC 23 – JAN 20
Expect the unexpected! With Venus and Mars both lighting up your centrestage, anything’s possible. A flirtatious situation might escalate or a surprise invitation could land in your lap. Just don’t overdo things, especially at work – or after a few wines!
STAR TIP Wardrobe clear-outs might reveal some unexpected gems.
By now, we all know the importance of wearing SPF in summer (and all year round), but when it comes to sun safety, there’s more to it than just slip, slop, slap. Skin cancer prevention expert Liz King breaks down common myths and explains how to best stay protected this summer...
SUN MYTHS 1 You don’t have to be concerned about skin cancer because if it happens, you'll see it and it’s easy to treat FALSE
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand, with more than 90,000 Kiwis getting nonmelanoma skin cancer each year. Because it’s so common, we can underestimate its impact. Treatment can be much more serious than simply having a lesion “burnt off”. It may involve surgery
and chemotherapy, and can result in permanent scarring. Skin cancer can also spread to other parts of your body. Each year, about 500 Kiwis die of skin cancer, most of them from melanoma, which is diagnosed in 2738 New Zealanders a year. Some melanomas can grow quickly and become life-threatening in a short period of time. Protect your skin in the first instance and be alert for any new spots or changes to existing spots. Consult your GP immediately if you notice anything new or changing. And remember that the earlier it is found, the easier it is to treat.
2 People with darker skin are not at risk of skin cancer FALSE
Regardless of skin type, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause skin to be permanently damaged. People with skin types that are less likely to burn can still receive enough UV exposure to risk developing skin cancer. In Aotearoa, we have the highest level of UV radiation from the sun in the world (just ahead of Australia) and it’s high enough to do damage most months of the year. This means that protecting your skin is everybody’s business.
3 If you tan but don’t burn, you don’t need to bother with sun protection FALSE
There’s no such thing as a safe tan. When skin darkens, it’s a sign of skin cells in trauma, even if there is no redness or peeling. Skin darkens as a way of trying to protect itself because the UV rays are damaging living cells. If you tan easily, you are still at risk of skin cancer and need to use sun protection.
BEYOND SLIP, SLOP, SLAP
As the weather heats up, the UV across the nation hits high levels, meaning irreversible damage is happening to unprotected skin – the type that can cause skin cancer. As people gather outdoors, it’s important to practise sun-safe behaviours. The best way to avoid skin cancer is by regularly protecting your skin from UV radiation from the sun. Every day you protect your skin, you reduce your risk. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Use a combination of measures – never rely on just one.