Reader's Digest Magazine - October 2008

Read the November 2008 Press Release from Reader's Digest Magazine.

REPORT: WHY YOUNG AUSSIE WOMEN ARE HAPPY TO SMOKE

Despite all the warnings and all the evidence, young Australians – particularly women – are getting hooked on cigarettes. What’s more, some of them don’t even want to shake their deadly habit, and some are using cigarettes to stay thin.

A special report in the latest Australian issue of READER’S DIGEST investigates the reasons why one-in-four young Aussie women (aged 18-to-24) are smokers.

Many of them are happy puffers lured by glamorous images in movies and TV Shows, including Sex and the City, and they see the health ramifications as “something older people get”. Research also shows high school girls trying to lose weight are 40% more likely to be smokers than their non-dieting peers.

The report delivers the latest expert findings, talks to women who like to smoke, as well as those who’ve made the break to a healthier life.

THE RISE OF THE SUPERBUGS – BREAKING DOWN OUR DEFENCES

The medicines that protect us, make us better, and save our lives, are under siege. In the struggle between humans and disease, it’s a case of the bacteria strikes back. Superbugs are on the rise and striking fear into the medical establishment.

A special report in READER’S DIGEST reveals the once-conquered diseases that are making a disturbing comeback, along with the rise of new threats requiring extreme treatments.

The Superbugs are resistant to previous treatments and the report investigates what needs to be done to repel these latest threats, without giving rise to even more dangerous bacteria.

THE WEIRD & THE WONDERFUL – THE LATEST TRENDS

Fancy a wasabi iceblock, want to know why grazing animals tend to point in the same direction, or how about having your own kitchen scanner to automatically order new items.

In its popular ‘Right Here Right Now’ section, READER’S DIGEST showcases the weird and wonderful trends happening here and overseas, including an Aussie invention to alert the authorities when graffiti artists start shaking their spray cans.

And if you’re after something different for the kids this Xmas – how about the latest dolls on the market. They’re Gangtsa Babies – straight “outta da crib” and covered in bling. Cabbage Patch Kids they’re not!

A TRUE AUSSIE HERO – HELPING OUR FARMERS GET THROUGH

Having recovered from depression after losing his farm, suicide attempts, and then an operation to remove a brain tumour, Brian Egan is an inspiration.
With his wife Nerida, they have set up their own charity Aussie Helpers which is delivering everything from stock, feed, food and labour to paying the bills or providing counselling. Whatever remote and struggling farmers need, they try and provide it.

As part of its ‘Making A Difference’ campaign, READER’S DIGEST profiles an extraordinary couple who now generate more than $1million in help every year. More than 1,500 families have benefited so far.

INTERVIEWS – To arrange an interview – and for a copy of this article – contact Fiona Hamann on 02-9018 6224 or 0423 560 163 Tues-Thurs, (or Beatrix Hon on 02-9018 6227 on Mon & Fri.)