DPV Health - Pulse Newsletter - Autumn 2022

Pulse BACK TO SCHOOL

HEALTH & NUTRITION expert advice FOODS TO

BOOST ENERGY

women’s health

How to manage

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

& much more health & wellness tips and advice for everyone!

AUTUMN 2022

KEEPING YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS

contents 3.

Welcome to Pulse

4.

Managing menopause

6.

Common health conditions in kids while they are back at school

7.

4 unhealthy habits for kids teeth

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Foods to boost your energy. Tips for planning a healthy lunch box

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School readiness for news starters

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DPV Health news & updates

12. COVID-19 positive? now what?

13. DPV Health GP Respiratory Clinic 14. Meet our team. Careers at DPV Health 15. 100,000 vaccinations

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Who we are

Welcome

DPV Health is a not-for-profit organisation that offers exceptional health care services to people of all ages. We are the largest community health provider in Melbourne’s North, operating across five Local Government areas (LGAs): Whittlesea, Hume, Mitchell, Melton, and Banyule.

Hello Everyone,

Our vision Our vision is seeking to support the health and wellbeing of our community.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Custodians and Country DPV Health acknowledge the Kulin Nations as First Peoples, and Aboriginal traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waters on which we are meeting today and pay respects to their Elders and communities.

Welcome to the Autumn 2022 edition of “PULSE”!

We hope you find it to be a great read. Pulse will assist you to access the services that you and your family need to support better health and wellbeing.

So, we are now entering a post-COVID world, with the hopeful signs that, after two exhausting years, the pandemic is finally slowing down.

Unfortunately, it is not entirely over yet. For those of you who may be experiencing respiratory and cold/flu like systems, we invite you to register an appointment at our two new GP Respiratory Clinics in Broadmeadows and Mill Park.

A big highlight of the last six months has been the expansion of DPV Health’s family violence services.

Women, children and families across Melbourne’s North can now access coordinated family violence and child wellbeing services at the new Orange Door network locations in Broadmeadows and Epping.

They are open Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm, phone: 1800 271 151. More information is available at www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

DPV Health continues to ramp up face to face services. To keep everyone safe, we encourage you to get. vaccinated and maintain all COVID safety protocols including hand hygiene and social distancing.. Full details on programs and services are available via our website at www.dpvhealth.org.au.

The DPV Health team would love to receive your feedback on PULSE Autumn edition by sending an email to marketing@dpvhealth.org.au.

Wishing you good health & wellbeing.

1300 234 263 dpvhealth.org.au

Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health

© DPV Health Ltd 2022 ABN 68 047 988 477 ACN 136 371 152

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menopause managing

Menopause refers to the final menstrual period that a woman experiences, it is sometimes called “the change of life” meaning the end to a woman’s reproductive capacity. Menopause occurs naturally when a woman’s ovaries run out of functioning eggs.

At what age do women go through menopause?

What are the physical symptoms?

Most women become menopausal naturally between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with an average age of onset at around 50 years.

Premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency may occur before the age of 40 due to natural ovarian function ceasing either due to surgical intervention as a result of cancer treatment eg. chemotherapy or radiotherapy or by spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency which at times is unexplained.

Other factors may be associated with smoking, not having children, hysterectomy, HIV infection, low body weight or a family history of early menopause.

Menopausal transitioning is often referred to as peri-menopause. This is the time leading up to menopause when a woman may begin to experience changes to her menstrual cycle eg. irregular periods or change in flow, shorter or longer cycles.

Some women can experience menopausal symptoms for 5-10 years until they experience their final menstrual period. Every woman is different and there is no way to predict when he symptoms will start and how long they will last.

WATCH VIDEO

WATCH VIDEO

How to manage the symptoms > > > > > >

eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D achieve and maintain a healthy weight eat lots of fruit and vegetables exercise regularly drink plenty of water avoid caffeine, alcohol and foods that are sugary or spicy that trigger hot flushes

Menopause hormone therapy has been shown to help significantly to reduce menopausal symptoms for those experiencing extreme symptomatic menopausal symptoms. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.

When to see a GP

It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause before 45 years of age.

CLICK HERE to download menopause symptoms and how to manage it.

Book a medical appointment

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Learn more about Menopause from Allison - Clinical Nurse at DPV Health

Make an appointment at one of DPV Health’s Medical Centres. To book call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE to book online.

kids health

common health conditions in kids while they are back at school and kinder

Getting back to school and kinder can often expose children to a variety of health realted matters.

Below we listed some of the most common illnesses and infections, symptoms and treatment options.

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Hand foot and mouth disease Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common in infants and children younger than 5 years old.

Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms > sores and skin rash on hands, mouth and/or feet > fever > loss of appetite

Images source: raisingchildren.net.au

How to prevent Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys, encourage your child to wash their hands with warm water and soap as often as possible.

Avoid close contact with someone who has hand foot and mouth disease.

Treatment There is no specific medical treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Drink enough liquids. Mouth sores can make it painful to swallow, so your child may not want to drink much. Make sure they drink enough to stay hydrated.

Gastroenteritis

Conjunctivitis

Gastroenteritis happens when germs (viruses, bacteria, or parasites) infect the stomach or intestines, causing inflammation.

Many of the germs that cause gastroenteritis spread easily. So someone can get sick if they touch something contaminated or live with someone who is sick.

Pink eye is highly contagious and common eye infection.

Symptoms > diarrhea > vomiting and nausea > stomach pain and cramps > fever

How to prevent The best way to prevent your child from developing it is to encourage them to wash their hands with warm water and soap as often as possible. Your child also should avoid rubbing or touching their eyes.

Treatment Most cases of gastro in children aren’t serious and can last up to 1-3 days.

Make sure that your child gets enough fluid. Give your child small amounts to drink often – for example, a few mouthfuls every 15 minutes. This will help to prevent dehydration. Take your child to the GP if your child has a lot of diarrhea, is vomiting often, has blood in their poo or is under 6 months.

Symptoms > redness or swelling of the white part of your eye > itching, burning, or irritation > increased tear production > crusting of your eyelashes or eyelids

Treatment Cool compresses can provide relief from symptoms. To avoid spreading conjunctivitis to other members of the household, avoid sharing clothing, blankets, and pillowcases, and wash those items frequently.

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4 unhealthy habits for

kids teeth

We should start promoting healthy dental habits for kids from day one. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare dental decay is the most prevalent oral disease in Australian children (AIHW 2019).

Childhood tooth decay can be prevented.

To get your kids off to a healthy start and improve oral health parents can help their kids avoid these unhealthy dental habits.

1. Sleeping while sucking on a baby bottle If the mouth isn’t cleaned overnight the sugar from the milk or Juice remains on the tooth for a long time and can eventually cause tooth decay.

2. Eating too much sugar every day If the mouth isn’t cleaned overnight the sugar causes tooth decay. Small children shouldn’t be exposed to sugary snacks and fruit juices on a regular basis.

3. Not brushing after meals Every day promote the good habit of brushing after every meal. Ensure your child brushes their teeth daily at least twice for around 2 minutes. Introduce your child to brushing by having them watch while you do it yourself.

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4. Not visiting a dentist regularly Regular visit to the dentist help your child’s teeth be cavity free and become used to dentist checking their teeth. You can take your child to the dentist as soon their first tooth comes in, usually after 6 months. Its recommended that kids visit their dentist at least once a year, so the small problem now doesn’t turn in to big problems later.

The habits your child builds now will have a lasting impact on their dental health as they grow.

CLICK HERE to download, guide for parents.

WATCH VIDEO Useful tips on how to care for your baby and toddler’s teeth by Australian Dental Association.

Book a dental appointment

Make an appointment at one of DPV Health’s Dental Centres. To book call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE for information on dental services.

benefits of

stretching As the weather begins to cool down, chances are you have begun to notice a change in your joints. When temperatures drop, joint pain can act up. Use these stretching tips to help avoid stiff joint pain.

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

5 Benefits of stretching 1. Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion - Stretching helps improve your range of motion, which may also slow the degeneration of your joints.

2. Helps relieve post-exercise aches and pains - After a hard workout, stretching your muscles helps keep them loose and lessens the shortening and tightening effect that can lead to post-workout aches and pains.

3. Helps reduce or manage stress Source: The Australian Diabetes Educatorhold (ADE) less tension Well-stretched muscles and, therefore, can help you feel less stressed.

4. Promotes circulation - Stretching increases blood supply to your muscles and joints, which allows for greater nutrient transportation and improves the circulation of blood through your entire body.

5. Improves posture - Stretching the muscles of the lower back, shoulders and chest helps keep your back in better alignment and improves your posture.

How to start a stretching If you’re new to a regular stretching routine, take it slow. Just like other forms of physical activity, your body needs time to get used to the stretches you’re performing.

You can stretch any time during the day and aim for 5 to 10 minutes.

When stretching, focus on the major areas of your body that help with mobility, such as your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps. For upper-body relief, try moves that stretch the shoulders, neck, and lower back and hold each stretch for 30 seconds and avoid bouncing.

5 Tips for safe stretches: 1. Stretch to the point of tension, not pain.

While it’s normal to feel some tension when stretching a muscle, you should never feel pain.

2. Bouncing can injure your muscle and contribute to muscle tightness. Stretch in a smooth movement until you feel tension.

3. Don’t hold your breath when stretching.

Taking deep breaths can help to relax the muscles while you’re stretching. This can lead to a deeper stretch. Holding your breath prevents oxygen from getting to your muscles.

4. Be consistent with your stretching. To see results, stretching should be done routinely.

5. If you have an acute or existing injury, only perform stretches recommended by your doctor or physiotherapist.

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Foods to boost your energy Whether you need energy to focus on work or school, a balanced and varied diet will help you succeed. To help boost your energy try these three tips:

1. Choose meal options that includes the five food groups The whole grain carbohydrates will provide slow-release energy, the protein will help keep you full, fruit and vegetables will provide lots of fibre and micronutrients for good immunity and fat will help with absorption of the micronutrients.

CLICK HERE to download Australian Guide to Healthy Eating guide.

2. Whenever possible, choose water as your drink of choice Water helps to keep you hydrated which is important for your body to work efficiently.

CLICK HERE to download guide to how much water your should be drinking.

3. Trust your body The needs of your body are always changing. This means that some days you will be hungrier than others. Trust your body to know what it needs; this could mean eating lunch earlier or later than usual or adding an extra snack in the afternoon.

There are no set rules, tune into your body, it knows best.

To make an appointment with a Dietitian at DPV Health call 1300 234 263 (option 4).

Written by Adele Chenoweth, Senior Health Promotion Officer and the Dietetics Team at DPV Health

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Tips for planning a healthy lunch box

Did you know lunchboxes can make up almost 1/3 of a child’s daily food intake?

Here are some tips to help pack a healthy lunchbox: > involve your child in packing their lunchbox, they are more likely to eat the food if they chose it > make sure your child can open their lunchbox and any containers to avoid not being able to eat their lunch or snacks > pack food they are familiar with that you know they’ll eat and leave new foods to try at home, where it is safe and there is more time > freeze water bottles to keep food cool in lunchboxes > try to include foods from all five food groups > This can include individual foods like a tub of yogurt or a cheese sandwich that includes both dairy and carbohydrates.

Both are great options if your child enjoys them. > choose plain yogurt and add flavour using chopped up fresh fruit > limit processed meat like salami and ham, they are high in salt and saturated fats, which does not support good heart health and can make them thirsty throughout their day at school Download healthy lunchbox guide below: > English > Arabic > Hindi

healthy & delicious

breakfast recipe

Pancakes Ingredients 2 cups plain flour 2 tbsp raw sugar 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate) 1/3 tsp iodised table salt 1 large egg 1 cup lite (1% fat) milk 2 tbsp vegetable oil 12 large strawberries

For more healthy, simple, cost effective and tasty recipes visit goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au

> > > >

Easy to make Under $10/4 serves Vegetarian Time 15 mins

Method 1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

2. Combine the egg and milk in a bowl and stir in the dry ingredients.

3. Add the oil to a non-stick pan and add 1/4 cup of the batter to the pan at a time.

4. Cook until bubbles form on the top and flip to the other side before cooking for 2–3 more minutes.

5. Cut the strawberries in half, and serve with the pancakes.

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DPV Health

news & highlights

Smile Squad comes to DPV Health DPV Health has recently been successful in acquiring two vans as part of the Victorian Government’s Smile Squad scheme, which aims at providing free dental treatment to all Victorian public primary, secondary and special school students.

The two vans, which include an examination van and a treatment van, aim to treat students from approximately 70 schools within Hume City and City of Whittlesea.

DPV Health, with the help of Dental Health Services Victoria, has provided dental information packs to schools within the Hume and Whittlesea local government areas to inform parents of the program and has so far received very positive feedback from all involved. Currently, approximately 8 schools have signed up for the program, ranging from small sized schools of approximately 40 students to larger schools with upwards of 1800 students.

To learn more about Smile Squad visit www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au/informationparents.

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Audiology services now available at Broadmeadows DPV Health Medical Centre We are excited to launch audiology services at Broadmeadows Medical Centre, 42-48 Coleraine Street, Broadmeadows.

Our audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing problems. We treat infants to older adults – and clients with complex needs to improve their ability to communicate and interact in all environments.

We also work closely with other professionals and organisations, including paediatricians, GPs, ear, nose and throat specialists and Hearing Australia. We also collaborate with the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP) and provide diagnostic assessments for newborns, following the hearing screen in hospital.

This is a free service. We accept self-referral or GP / Hospital / Maternal Child Health Nurse referral.

To make an appointment please call 1300 234 263 (select option 4).

Interpreters are available if required.

DPV Health

news & highlights

‘Pride in the North’ Midsumma Pride March

HeadToHelp re-branded to Head to Health

The DPV Health team proudly marched at the Midsumma Pride March in St. Kilda on Sunday 6th February. DPV Health is one of only a handful of Community Health organisations that participate in this important human rights event. It symbolises our commitment to diversity and inclusion - a core value of DPV Health.

It’s the same great mental health service and support with free advice and help for all Victorians.

Midsumma Pride March is a signature event, where historically up to 10,500 marchers normally take to the streets down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda each year and over 45,000 people line the streets and balconies along the march route to show their support to the LGBTIQ community.

The March forms part of the Midsumma Festival, Victoria’s premier LGBTIQ cultural festival, celebrating solidarity in gender and sexuality diversity.

To learn about DPV Health’s LGBTIQ support services CLICK HERE. To join our LGBTIQ Facebook Community page CLICK HERE.

Head to Health is open to Victorians of any age experiencing distress or mental ill health.

Head to Health is a free mental health service, funded by the Commonwealth Government, for people who are experiencing stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. This includes people who have never accessed mental health services before and their family and friends.

It also is for family and friends of those in aged care. Anyone, including children, young people and older adults, families and carers, can contact Head to Health. Even if you have never sought help before, Head to Health is here for you.

DPV Health is a proud partner of Head to Health.

Call 1800 595 212 to speak to someone now, or CLICK HERE to find out more.

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Covid-19

positive? now what?

What to do if you have COVID-19 If you test positive for COVID-19, it is likely your symptoms will be mild and you can recover safely at home. If you have no symptoms, or only mild symptoms, this information and advice will help keep you and your loved ones safe.

1. Isolate immediately You’ll need to self-isolate, stay home and separate from others for at least 7 days. Find out more about how to self-isolate and to get the support you need.

2. Let contacts know Household members must also get tested and isolate. You should advise your friends, family and work contacts to monitor for symptoms.

3. Look after yourself If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, manage your care at home, with rest and overthe-counter medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Source: healthdirect.gov.au

4. Monitor your symptoms COVID affects everyone differently. Understand the difference between mild, moderate and severe symptoms.

5. If symptoms worsen Use the symptom checker to know if you to know if you should seek medical help, including when to call triple zero (000).

CLICK HERE to use the symptom checker.

6. Leaving isolation The infectious period varies from person to person. People with mild illness are generally considered to be recovered after 7 days if they have been asymptomatic or have not developed any new symptoms during this time.

Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 at any time if you need advice or support you need during self-isolation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Booster- Getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, you should make an appointment. CLICK HERE to find out where to get your 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose at DPV Health.

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Services GP Respiratory Clinic is now open at DPV Health Medical Centres in Broadmeadows and Mill Park.

Conveniently located within the local community, clients can access respiratory testing and treatment without going to the hospital. The clinics are operated and staffed by specialised and qualified clinicians, including general practitioners and nurses. The services are available to those with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the client. The clinics will; > undertake respiratory assessments of symptomatic clients, including COVID-19 testing > support management of patient’s immediate respiratory illness > refer patients back to their usual GP for ongoing care or assistance to identify a GP if they don’t already have one

WATCH VIDEO Learn more about the services offered at the Respiratory Clinics by Nichole - Operation Lead at DPV Health.

Face-to-face assessment and testing (including for COVID-19), and immediate support for issues such as: > Asthma > Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) > Pneumonia > Influenza > Shortness of breath > COVID-like symptoms Also available, COVID Testing for symptomatic person only, we do not provide COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients.

Cost

This is a FREE service. The services are available to those with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the client.

Locations

DPV Health Medical Centre > 42-48 Coleraine Street, Broadmeadows > 20 Civic Drive, Mill Park

How to book

To make an appointment, call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE to book online or to find out more.

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DPV Health

meet our team

Dr Christina Port

Dr Vimal Chandran Dowsett

General Practitioner DPV Health Medical Centre Broadmeadows

General Practitioner DPV Health Medical Centre Mill Park

Dr. Port has worked with DPV Health for over five years. She has gained Fellowship in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OB-GYN) and has special interest in chronic diseases in elderly clients and minor general and gynaecological operations.

Dr Vimal comes with extensive experience in Australian General Practice and carries a patient first focus.

Dr. Port speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Dr Vimal is fluent in English, Hindi, Malayalam and Russian

To make an appointment with Dr. Port, call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE to book online.

To make an appointment with Dr Vimal call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE to book online.

He carries special interests towards emergency treatment, skin care, women’s health and chronic disease management

Careers at DPV Health At DPV Health, we pride ourselves on being inclusive and actively embrace and celebrate the diversity of all people within our communities. We are passionate about supporting people to lead happy, healthy lives.

We currently have several positions available for health professionals. If you or someone you know might be interested, CLICK HERE to find out more information.

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