In the House

by Marcelle Renkin

Spring at ACH

We have plenty happening at the House this Spring! Are you looking to try something new, join a regular meet-up group or learn some new skills? Check out the many clubs, groups and weekly activities in the What’s Happening section of NewsAngle. We are excited about our Games Night and the Tai Chi Class, which are open to all for a gold coin donation.

Children, youth and families

This September holidays get out and about or send the kids off on an adventure as they complete the Great Anglesea Treasure Hunt. For 14–25 year olds, Surf Coast Youth is offering a free barista course to be held at Anglesea Community House, which is a great way to build skills for volunteering or getting a summer job! Don’t forget to check out our Creative Kids course running again in Term 4 or our much loved playgroup meeting on a Thursday morning. All welcome to drop in!

Return of the Anglesea Twilight Farmers Market

We are excited to be gearing up to bring you a third season of the Anglesea Twilight Farmers Market. We have been overwhelmed to see how locals have embraced the market and come out to support local growers and makers. Starting 4 November, the markets will be held on the first and third Fridays of the month for shopping, to hear live music, grab a drink or a bite to eat and catch up with friends and family. We are excited to welcome Helen Kline from Aireys Inlet as the Market Manager for this season and can’t wait to see you all at the markets from November to March.

Celebrating Positive Ageing Month

Anglesea Community House is recognising Positive Ageing Month in October through continuing to provide an inclusive space for all community members and recognising that people of all ages are valued, respected and acknowledged. Join us in the celebrations for

morning tea on Friday 7 October from 11 am to

1 pm or come along to special afternoon tea held in conjunction with our ongoing Technology Support Group on Tuesday 18 October from 1 to 4 pm.

45 to 49 years health checks

By Stuart Jones

In the 2022 Census, nearly half of all Australians (46.6% or 11.6 million people) had at least one chronic health condition, such as depression, back pain, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis or heart disease. As shown in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) graph below, the rates of chronic disease begin to increase from age 45 and older. As a result, 45–49 years health checks can allow for early recognition and detection of illness or disease, and allow us to identify and modify lifestyle factors, which may decrease, or at least delay, the development of chronic diseases.

What is a 45 to 49 years health check?

This health check can assess your risks of developing chronic diseases in the future and it can allow for review of your current state of health and medical conditions. A doctor and nurse will often ask you a range of questions about: ▪ your level of physical activity ▪ if and how much you smoke ▪ how much fruit, vegetables and fats are in your diet ▪ how much alcohol you drink and how many alcohol-free days you have per week ▪ your mental health ▪ your family history for a variety of illnesses including stroke, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis ▪ whether you are up to date with screenings, such as cervical screening, bowel screening and skin cancer screening ▪ whether you are up to date with all recommended immunisations.

Examinations and investigations

Your weight, height and waist will be measured. Your GP and nurse will help you to develop a plan to return to a healthy weight if required. You will have your blood pressure checked and other potential examinations of your heart and blood sugars based on your personal and family history of heart disease and diabetes. You may also require further examinations based on your risk of other chronic diseases. You may be recommended to undergo some blood tests such as your cholesterol level, blood sugar and kidney function tests, or to have an ECG or tracing of your heart. You may also be recommended to have screening tests such as cervical screening, mammograms or faecal occult blood testing or a colonoscopy for bowel cancer. Based on your results, your GP will help you develop a personalised and tailored approach to improve your health and wellbeing, monitor for chronic diseases and prevent chronic diseases where possible. These 45 to 49 years health checks attract a higher Medicare rebate, which often means you are left with little or no out-of-pocket costs. As a result, it is a great opportunity to have a comprehensive assessment of your health and risk of developing chronic disease, particularly if you have not seen your GP for some time.

24.8 43.5 58.7 28.9 31.3 30.0 46.2

15–44 11.5 45–64 25.1 65+ 0 20 40 60 80 100

Percentage of people with selected chronic conditions, by age, 2020–21 Age group (years)

Percentage 0 conditions 1 condition 2+ conditions Source: www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks

Support your Rubbish Rangers

By Kelly Turner, Bendigo Community Bank The beautiful Surf Coast is the holiday destination of many Australians and international tourists and the lifeblood of communities all along the coast. A group of caring and dedicated residents have decided to make sure the coast is clean and bright for any visitor who comes to the region. The Anglesea Rubbish Rangers meet every Saturday morning at the Anglesea Bowls Club at 9 am. They walk roadways and waterways, collecting any unsightly rubbish, either dropped or blown away from congested areas. The group have a one-hour time limit for the collection and then reward themselves with a coffee at Morgan’s Bar and Grill at 10.15 am. Anglesea resident Winsome Coutts is one of the driving forces behind the dedicated folk who donate their time to make a difference. Winsome was introduced into the program by the instigator of the Aireys Inlet group, Glenys Drayton and from that meeting the Anglesea team leapt into action. ‘It is such a fun and vibrant group, with 15 to 20 turning up each week to be involved,’ Winsome said. ‘It gives us all a very positive feel when we finish, but it also good for health and wellbeing to get out into the open spaces.’ The groups are well established at Anglesea and Aireys Inlet and are now working on a Torquay team to tidy up the coast. The Aireys Inlet group meet at 9 am every Saturday morning at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall and the fledgling Torquay group meet on Sunday mornings at 9 outside Bomboras Pop Up Bar, with local resident Dean Walton as the driving force. Drop in and find out more about how you can get involved with any of the groups. You would be most welcome!