Pittwater Life April 2024 Issue

Kickability on the beaches
Kickability – the modified
AFL program for children
with disability – is being
launched on the Northern
Beaches at the Pittwater
Tigers Junior AFL Club, with
registrations now open.
Club President Chris Davison
said Kickability would be
offered to youngsters aged
5 to 17, with interest already
strong.
“One of our committed
15-year-old club members
lives with disability,” he said.
“He and his family are cheering
because he has his own
Tigers uniform but until this
year was unable to play with
mainstream kids… now he
gets the chance to play in the
modified, supported game.”
Kickability will be held on
Sundays at 10.30am at North
Narrabeen Reserve from May
to August exclusive of school
holidays for a minimum of 10
sessions.
Specialist Coaches
from AFL Kids will guide the
team with the assistance of
professional Disability Sports
Support Staff at a ratio of 1:5.
Pittwater Tigers is offering
heavily discounted registration
($100), free socks, shorts
and a loaned guernsey for the
season to all Kickability registrations.
Active Kids vouchers
are accepted.
*More info at pittwatertigers.
com.au
Vet
on call
with Dr Brown
As our beloved pets journey
into their golden years, it’s
crucial to prioritise their health
and well-being. Since our furry
companions can’t verbally express
their discomfort, regular
health check-ups and wellness
blood tests are essential to detect
any potential issues before
they escalate.
Did you know that dogs are
considered seniors at 7 years
old, while cats reach their senior
years at 10? Aging pets may
start showing signs of agerelated
health issues, affecting
their behaviour, appetite, and
mobility. It’s crucial to recognise
these signs early on, as
prompt detection of age-related
diseases is the key to managing
them effectively and ensuring a
high quality of life for your pet.
Some symptoms of aging
may be obvious, like reduced
stamina during walks, while others
may be more subtle, such as
changes in appetite or demeanour.
Keeping an eye on your
pet’s eating and drinking habits,
weight, toileting behaviour,
and mobility is essential so that
you can promptly report any
changes to your veterinarian.
Common health problems
affecting senior pets include
osteoarthritis, obesity, metabolic
diseases like diabetes or
kidney failure, dental issues,
and cardiovascular changes.
Regular annual vet check-ups
and six-monthly wellness blood
tests are recommended for all
senior pets. These blood tests
help veterinarians assess the
function of internal organs such
as the kidneys and liver and
can often serve as the first
indicator of any underlying
health issues.
With early intervention, most
age-related diseases can be
managed effectively, ensuring
that your senior pet remains
comfortable, happy, and healthy
for years to come. Give your
furry friend the gift of proactive
healthcare – schedule their
wellness blood test today and
receive a complimentary bag of
Hill’s food tailored to your Pet’s
senior needs.
Sydneyanimalhospitals.com.
au; Avalon (9918 0833) or
Newport (9997 4609).
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
APRIL 2024 45