PAGE 20 HEALTH
SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
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New study exploring post-natal depression in fathers
Liam Meadham is an Aussie Heart Hero
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new study exploring postnatal depression in fathers, is being pioneered by a team of researchers from the University of Newcastle (UON), Ourimbah Campus. The team are the brains behind the What About New Dads (WAND) study, a 15 minute survey which focuses on the paternal and psychological wellbeing of new dads. According to data from the Parenting Research Centre (PRC), one in five fathers say they have suffered symptoms of depression or anxiety since having children, and of these, nearly one in 10 feel they have experienced postnatal depression. The PRC found that fathers with poorer mental health: were less likely to feel effective as parents; were more likely to feel that they were too critical of their children and had less patience; were more likely to wish they spent more time with their children; felt they were less consistent in their parenting; and, were less confident in
Members of the Dilf Club at a recent outing to Terrigal Beach
helping their children at school. WAND was developed by UON PHD student, Jaime Wroe, who said the study came about after a recent focus on men’s mental health in relation to parenthood, captured her interest. “The importance of maternal mental health is well known, and there’s a broad range of services to support women during the transition to motherhood. “But what about dads?” Wroe said. “New fathers may also experience distress in their adjustment to parenthood, which can then affect the
DYSLEXIA OR LEARNING DIFFICULTIES?
Some children experience reading and learning difficulties as a result of visual perception problems caused by Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity Irlen Syndrome can cause Dyslexia and difficulties with:
• Spelling • Writing • Comprehension• Concentration • Fatigue • Eye Strain
Approved NDIS providers: 4050012024 IRLEN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC NEWCASTLE Regular appointments available in Wyong Where: Nexus Smart Hub Business Centre: - 3 Amy Close, North Wyong 2259
Ph: 02 4955 6904
cognitive, emotional, social and behavioural development trajectories in infants. “In short, dads’ mental health and wellbeing definitely matters,” she said. To grow her study, Wroe reached out to Central Coast local and young dad, Luke McMahon. Luke is the dad behind the Central Coast Dilf Club, a new informal social and support group for Central Coast dads. The Club recently took part in Wroe’s study to support the development of better men’s and dads’ mental health services. According to Luke, what originally started as a tongue in cheek Facebook group for young dads has quickly grown into a large network for men to share and connect over parenting stories and struggles. “Going from having to pretty much only having to worry about yourself to having a new baby, is a huge shock to the system,” Luke said. “I’ve got two young girls and being a new dad is wonderful
but it can also be overwhelming. “I struggled a lot with that feeling of helplessness and responsibility and the sense that I had no idea what I was doing. “That was one of the reasons I started the Dilf Club. “I just wanted to make a Facebook group for dads to share their funny stories and to be able to ask for ideas and advice about some of the things they’ve struggled with adjusting to parenthood. “I had no idea it was going to blow up the way it has,” Luke said. Since starting the Facebook group in July just for dads in Luke’s local area of Wamberal, membership has swelled to almost 300 local men who connect with one another about the one thing they all have in common, fatherhood. Source: Media release, Aug 31 Mark Rothfield, Hunter Medical Research Institute Interview, Sep 3 Luke McMahon, Central Coast Dilf Club Dilon Luke, Journalist
Liam Meadham with his partner, Renee Roberts
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voca local and personal trainer, Liam Meadham, has been recognised as an Aussie Heart Hero for saving the life of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. The Australian Hearts campaign is shining a light on Liam as part of its push to get more defibrillators into the community. Liam’s story centres on one of his clients, who felt ill after a training session. Within minutes of Liam telling his client to sit and rest,
his client went into cardiac arrest. Liam began performing CPR and then applied a defibrillator. Liam continued to give CPR until paramedics arrived. The client was taken to hospital, underwent cardiac surgery, and made a full recovery, with no brain damage. In honour of this Aussie Heart Hero, the client, whose wife was pregnant at the time, named their baby boy, Liam. Source: Media release, Sep 5 Nick Trainor, Australian Hearts
C’mon Coasties get on your bike for breakfast in Gosford! Wednesday 26 September 2018
Bike2Gosford Breakfast
Event details
What you need to know
Wednesday 26 September 2018
• Are you keen to ride but don’t know where to start? Come and talk to friendly local bike riders who are happy to share their tips on how to get started. • Enjoy a cuppa (with your free voucher*) and a chat and make plans to do it all again. • Register on the day for Central Coast Go Active 2 Work Day (Third Wednesday every month) and receive a free satchel and reusable cup*. • Cycling for short trips is healthier, easier, cheaper, greener and fun!
William Street Mall (near Kibble Park) Gosford 6.00am – 9.00am For more details on this event contact Central Coast Health Promotion Service on 4320 9700 or GA2W@healthpromotion.com.au
*While stocks last
For more information visit transportnsw.info/bikeweek
ID: 41653
New and experienced riders are welcome to roll up for a free healthy breakfast*, free goodies* (bike bells, high-visibility gear and more) and a whole heap of fun.