FRIDAY, 27 JANUARY 2023 FOLLOW US
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HEALTH & EDUCATION
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Stay alert to meningococcal symptoms Central Coast Local Health District is urging people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear. Since the start of December 2022, there have been two cases of meningococcal on the Central Coast. Children under five and 15-25-year-olds are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease. District Director of Public Health Dr Kathryn Taylor said early intervention can be lifesaving. “Meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly,” she said.
“If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately.” Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Indicators of serious illness include fever, a fast heart rate, cold hands and feet or a mottled look to the skin, difficulty waking or increased lethargy or confusion. Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability. They include: severe, unexplained limb pain; difficulty waking up; high pitched crying in babies; severe headache; upset by bright lights; stiff neck; and red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when
pressed with a glass. “While it is a well-known symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur, or may present late in the illness,” Taylor said. “If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.” Taylor said vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and community from the harmful effects of meningococcal disease. Under the National Immunisation Program, meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents and people of all
ages with certain medical conditions. In NSW, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 10. Aboriginal children up to the age of two and people with certain medical conditions can also access free meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine. All children from six weeks of age can have the Men B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection. For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of meningococcal, see the NSW Health website. Source: Media release, Jan 24 Central Coast Local Health District
Children under five are among those at greatest risk
Free program tackles problematic gaming and screen usage A new free program aimed at teenagers with problematic gaming and screen habits will get underway in February at Wyong. Macquarie University Psychology Honours student Emily Kopp has been working with Associate Professor Wayne Warburton to develop the program. The program is called RES@T-A and is for teens whose gaming interferes with at least one important area of their life such as schoolwork, relationships, mental health or physical health. “In brief, the program was developed and refined over the
The program is for high school aged students who struggle to manage their video game play or general screen use
past two years by teams from Germany and Australia and has
Hamburg,” Kopp said. “It is for high school aged
MGL CARPENTRY
Notice of 1080 program The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program in Bouddi National Park and Rileys Island Nature Reserve from Wednesday 1 February until Friday 31 March 2023.
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The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes. The program is designed to minimise predator impact on wildlife, especially threatened species. Signs will be located at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted into NSW National Parks managed land. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
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Please contact the Local Girrakool NPWS area office for further information on (02) 4320 4200.
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students who struggle to manage their video game play or general screen use and is designed to be fun and engaging. “It involves nine group sessions and three-six one on one sessions, to be held at Wyong. “We have nearly finished with the first offering of the program, which began in mid-October last year, and from what we have seen it seems to be working as intended. “We have 11 impressive teens who have completed the bulk of the program and have all reported benefits in at least one area of their lives, including physical health, schoolwork
and sleep hygiene. “Now we are looking for participants to undertake the second offering of our study, beginning in the first week of February. “We believe there would be a lot of Central Coast parents struggling with their teenagers’ screen use.” The sessions will be held at the Mind and Me psychology clinic at 33 Margaret St, Wyong. More information on the program and registration details can be found at www. resataus.com. Source: Media release, Jan 19 Emily Kopp
AUTHORISED PERSON FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOME SCHOOLING REGISTRATION Upper Hunter Region, NSW and Central Coast Region, NSW NESA is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Authorised Person for home schooling registration from persons based in the Upper Hunter and Central Coast region of NSW. Authorised Persons assess and make recommendations regarding applications for registration for home schooling in NSW. Successful teaching experience and curriculum leadership is required. A Working with Children Check number is also required for this position. Information regarding the application process can be accessed by following the below stated relevant link: Upper Hunter Region: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ authorised-person-for-the-purpose-of-home-schoolingupper-hunter-region-379162 Central Coast Region: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ authorised-person-for-the-purpose-of-home-schoolingcentral-coast-region-379174
NSW Education Standards Authority educationstandards.nsw.edu.au
Applications close 6 February 2023. Further details can be obtained by contacting (02) 9367 8403