As most of us know it is important to keep our minds and bodies healthy, especially during these difficult and trying times.

Don't be a couch potato and get into the habit of sitting around, eating and watching TV, using devices such as mobile phones, when we are blessed with beautiful beaches and walking trails.

Do simple breathing exercises while sitting in the fresh air and sunshine. It's good for the lungs and helps you relax.

When inside clean out your cupboards, drawers and wardrobes, sort through photos, do crosswords and puzzles. Put some music on and dance. Do simple aerobic exercises and skip.

It is important not to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. We have a high incidence of heart disease and diabetes.

Families can do some baking with the kids, play board games, cards, or pick up a pen and write a letter to a friend or relative. Write your biography or a story about something from your past.

When I went through cancer treatment several years ago I kept a detailed journal of my journey, it was very therapeutic. And although limited at times I did a little exercise every day.

Last year, aged 67, I competed in the City2Surf for the first time.

Finally, remember the Serenity Prayer: 'God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference'.

We, the residents and committee of Birubi Sands Village, are delighted to report that Port Stephens Council is nearing completion of the footpath from Gordon Close to Anna Bay shopping precinct along Gan Gan Road.

This stretch of road was a trial by foot for any who dared, it had serious safety overtones and we are glad of its arrival.

Thanks go to the councillor for the central ward Sarah Smith who supported our cause. Thank you and the Port Stephens Council.

With my 91st birthday falling on April 14, I have decided to do an 'Olympic treatment' and defer it to 2021, but still celebrate as this can help beat the aging process.

In the meantime to keep fit over the next 12 months I am playing my regular early morning golf where even my companions, the resident kangaroos at Nelson Bay golf course, are keeping proper social distancing.

We are all aware of the effects of the coronavirus on our daily lives. Politicians are asking all of us to play our part and make sacrifices to reduce the effects of the virus on our population.

The federal government appears to be doing a good job with the JobSeeker and JobKeeper programs, as well as distancing and travel restrictions. The NSW government, albeit with a couple of hiccups, seems to be handling the medical emergency well.

At the time of writing, they have yet to address the issue of residential rental properties and tenants not paying rent. For many landlords, these properties are their main source of income, especially self-funded retirees. Besides having to pay maintenance costs, landlords are required to pay council rates, water rates, land taxes, etc.

The state government has made the eviction of tenants illegal, yet has not addressed how landlords are meant to survive without their rental income.

Port Stephens Council should now step up and do their part by waiving council rates for rental properties for the duration of the coronavirus emergency.