DPV Health - Pulse Newsletter - Winter 2021

Pulse Help prevent

COLDS &FLU in kids BEAT THE WINTER BLUES HOW TO MANAGE

DIABETES

DELICIOUS, HEARTY & HEALTHY RECIPES

& much more

JU NE 2 0 2 1

KEEPING YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS

contents

2

3.

Welcome to Pulse

4.

Help prevent colds & flu in kids

5.

Learn the signs of diabetes

6.

Painful joints & ways to manage the pain

7.

How to beat the winter blues

8.

Gum health

9.

How to recognise learning disorder in kids

10

Healthy eating, recipes & more

11.

Active living

12

Community Programs at DPV Health

13.

Covid-19 Vaccination

14.

DPV Health past events & highlights

14.

Volunteering - get involved

15.

Q&A’s

Who we are 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.

Welcome Hello everyone, Welcome to the “Pulse”, DPV Health’s new community newsletter. We hope that you find it an enjoyable, relevant and entertaining read.

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

In pulling the newsletter together, we have sought articles that will support you and your family to have better health and well-being, particularly at this challenging COVID-19 time.

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.

DPV Health is a not for profit community based organisation, committed to engaging with everyone in our community to assist them to lead a happy and healthy life.

We would love to receive your feedback on our newsletter, please . pass it on to us by sending an email to marketing@dpvhealth.org.au. .

Wishing you good health!

Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health

1300 234 263 dpvhealth.org.au © DPV Health Ltd 2021 ABN 68 047 988 477 ACN 136 371 152

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colds & f lu

How to help prevent colds & flu in kids

Colds and flu (influenza) are different illnesses caused by different viruses; however, they often start with similar symptoms. Understanding how to prevent cold and flu illnesses in kids is an important first step in keeping your family well this winter.

Coughing, sneezing, having a runny or blocked nose and a sore throat are symptoms that colds and flu share in common. Flu symptoms also include fever, exhaustion, and severe body aches and pains. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure which one you have. Colds and flu are highly contagious. Teaching your kids great hygiene is one of the best ways to help them avoid catching a cold or flu.

Talk to your kids about: 1. Washing hands with soap and water, especially before handling food, or after using the toilet and/or touching your nose or mouth.

2. Remembering to sneeze and cough into your elbow or a tissue (then throw the tissue away and wash your hands).

3. Clean surfaces such as toys, phones, door handles and kitchen benches regularly to get rid of germs.

When to call the Doctor Always call the doctor if you think your child might have more than a cold, your child gets worse instead of better, or if your child has any of these symptoms: > coughing up a lot of mucus > shortness of breath > unusual lethargy/tiredness > inability to keep food or liquids down or poor fluid intake > increasing headache or facial or throat pain > severely painful sore throat that interferes with swallowing > fever of (39.3°C) or higher, or a fever (38.0°C) or higher that lasts for more than a day > chest or stomach pain > swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck

4. Avoid sharing cups, plates and cutlery and be sure to wash everything in hot water.

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from becoming sick with influenza.

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Source: kidshealth.org & Australian Government, Department of Health

Get the flu vaccination

To make an appointment at one of DPV Health’s Medical Centres for a flu vaccination, or a checkup call 1300 234 263 or CLICK HERE to book online.

DID YOU KNOW? Children under the age of 5 are immunised for free, as are children who have certain medical conditions such as asthma.

diabetes

Learn the signs of diabetes Diabetes happens when the body is unable to maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a form of sugar which our bodies use as a source of energy. Our bodies use a hormone called insulin to change glucose into energy. When people with diabetes eat foods containing glucose (such as fruit, starchy vegetables, cereals, bread, milk, yoghurt and sweets) they can’t convert it to energy.

Types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and is not linked to lifestyle factors. About 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1, and it is a common chronic condition in children.

Symptoms: Weight loss, fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, being excessively thirsty and needing to pee a lot. Type 1 diabetes is often managed with insulin injections or an insulin pump.

Type 2 diabetes occurs over time as the body becomes resistant to insulin. The cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown; however, it is connected to lifestyle risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes.

WATCH Video on signs of Diabetes to look out for.

Symptoms: Being very thirsty, needing to pee more often, feeling tired, feeling hungry, blurred vision, having cuts that take a long time to heal, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, mood swings and leg cramps.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. It often resolves after the baby is born.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through a blood sugar test during pregnancy.

Source: Diabetes Australia

Need help with managing diabetes?

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

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painful joints

Ways to manage the pain when it hits

As we age, our joints can become stiff and occasionally painful. This is because the cartilage and lubricating fluid inside the joints decreases and becomes thinner. The ligaments around the joints also tend to shorten, which means that its normal for joints to lose some flexibility and occasionally feel stiff.

Joint pain can be chronic or acute.

Chronic joint pain lasts a long time and is usually caused by a rheumatic condition such as arthritis, gout or lupus. Acute pain comes on quickly and lasts for a short time. It is usually caused by an injury, infection or illness such as the flu or COVID-19.

Here are a few simple ways that you can manage joint pain when it hits.

Movement Try to keep your joints moving. This will help to keep the fluid in your joints moving and it will help prevent the cartilage from shrinking and becoming immobile. Walking or light weight training is a great idea.

If your joints are too painful for these options, consider water exercise which is not weight bearing. Stretching also helps with joint flexibility.

Use the P.R.I.C.E method For acute pain: > protect the joint > rest the joint > ice for 20 minutes every 3 hours > compress with a firm but not tight bandage > elevate the joint above the level of the heart to reduce swelling

Medication or surgery For chronic pain such as arthritis, your doctor may prescribe prescription medication such as anti-inflammatory medicines. In severe cases, surgery may be suggested to replace or repair joints.

Need help with managing the pain?

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

Source: Better Health Australia, Health Direct and Arthritis Australia

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DID YOU KNOW? DPV Health offers “Living Well With Pain” Program to help you manage pain at home. CLICK HERE to find out more.

winter blues What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes according to the season.

People with SAD have symptoms of depression or mania at roughly the same time each year.

SAD usually develops in autumn and winter, then disappears in spring and summer. In some people, the symptoms develop in spring and early summer. SAD is thought to be caused by changes to the body’s circadian rhythms (its ‘body clock’) at certain times of the year. It may also happen because in winter the body produces less of the hormones melatonin and serotonin, which affect sleep and mood

What are the symptoms of SAD?

WATCH Video to get 10 tips to maintain your mental health.

Symptoms usually start out mild and get worse as the season progresses. When the season changes, people normally become completely well again.

Symptoms of SAD in winter include: > lack of energy > sleeping too much > finding it hard to wake up in the morning > feeling very tired all the time > overeating and craving carbohydrates > gaining weight > losing interest in normal activities

Do you need help with your mental health?

Call HeadtoHelp on 1800 595 212, an experienced mental health professional will listen and work with you to find the best ways to get you the help you.

Alternatively, visit CLICK HERE for more information.

Source: Health Direct

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gum health Protect your gums from gum disease

Your gums play an important role in keeping your mouth and teeth healthy.

Even if you have perfectly white teeth and no cavities, your gums can still be at risk of gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease can be painless, and many people don’t even know they have it.

Signs of gum disease Even if you take every precaution, it is still very important to check for signs of gum disease. It is also crucial to notify your dentist if you have any of these following warning signs of gum disease: > your gums bleed easily > your gums are very red, tender and / or swollen > you can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed. > your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth > you have chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth > you notice a change in your bite or in the way your teeth fit together > your teeth are loose or they are separating Source: Victorian Government, Department of Health and Better Health.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Periodontal (gum) disease can be serious and lead to significant bone loss around your teeth and, ultimately, loss of your teeth.

Need an affordable check-up & clean?

DPV Health Epping dental clinic is now offering Affordable Private Dental with $99 Check-up & Clean introductory offer. One per person. Limited time. Call 1300 234 263 to book. CLICK HERE to request a call back.

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WATCH Video to find correct technique to help protect your teeth & gums.

The most common learning disorders are:

learning disorders

How to recognise learning disorders in kids One in every 10 people in Australia has a learning disorder. The good news is that with the right support, kids with learning disorders can succeed at school and in work.

Getting help for your child as soon as possible increases their confidence and boosts their chances of success.

In this article we will talk about what learning disorders are, the main types of learning disorders that exist, what causes learning disorders, how to recognise them in kids and what you can do about it.

What is a learning disorder?

When someone struggles with reading, writing or maths, it’s called a learning disorder or learning disability.

Learning disorders are usually lifelong problems. Learning difficulties are different from intellectual disabilities which affect all aspects of how a person learns. With learning disabilities, it is usually just one or two specific areas of learning that are the problem.

Dyslexia – having problems reading and writing Dysgraphia – problems with writing and spelling.

Dyscalculia – problems with maths Dysphasia – problems with speaking or understanding the speech of others

What are the signs of a learning disorder?

Children with learning disorders tend to struggle with certain areas of their learning, but not others. It’s common for children to fall behind the standard of other people in their age group in specific areas. Common signs that your child may have a learning disorder include: > difficulty spelling > difficulty writing and reading > messy handwriting > disliking school or feeling under confident > difficulty staying focused; being easily distracted These signs alone are not enough to determine that a person has a learning disability. Speak to a doctor if you have any concerns to refer you to a specialists.

Australian Federal Government ‘Learning disabilities’ Health Direct

Concerned that your child might have a learning difficulty?

Call 1300 234 263 to make an appointment for an assessment and referral to see a DPV Health’s specialist.

DPV Health offer a range of child & youth services.

CLICK HERE to see our range of services.

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healthy eating

Healthy, simple, cost-effective, and tasty dietitian-approved recipes for you and your family.

Good Food for Good Health is an online cookbook developed

by DPV Health and approved by dietitians to promote healthy eating for our community.

Eating healthy food can improve your mood and give you more energy.

It also reduces your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The recipes in the Good Food for Good Health cookbook are affordable, with ingredients that you can buy locally. Some of the recipes cost less than $2 per serve!

www.goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au

Visit www.goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au to search for healthy and delicious recipes and enter our competition for your chance to with a $50 Woolworth’s Gift Card.

Competition closes 30/6/21. Conditions apply.

winter

comfort food

Winter is one of the best seasons for cooking and eating, and we have plenty of recipes online to satisfy your cold-weather cravings. Here is one of our recommendations.

Pea, carrot & potato stew > Quick > Under $10/4 serves > Vegetarian > Time 30 mins A rich one-pot stew to warm you up and fill you up!

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Ingredients

Method

4 medium 5 medium 3 cup

3 medium 1 1/2 tbsp 3 cloves 5 tsp 400 ml 300 ml 1 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 cube

1. Cut the onions, potatoes, carrot, and garlic into small pieces. Set aside.

Desiree potato, peeled Peeled carrot Green peas, frozen then boiled or microwaved, drained Brown onion, raw and peeled Olive oil Raw garlic, peeled No-added-salt tomato paste Tomato puree commercial Tap water Iodised table salt Ground black pepper Stock powder or cube

a pan, add the oil and fry the onions and 2. In garlic until golden.

3. Add the carrots to the cooked onions. Stir well until softened.

4. Add the potato and peas. Continue stirring until all vegetables are tender.

5. Add the salt, pepper, Vegeta, tomato paste, tomato sauce, stock and water.

6. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, until fully cooked.

active living There are so many reasons to crawl out from under your doona and keep active in winter. Besides helping us to stay in shape and avoid the extra winter kilos, exercise warms us up and releases ‘feel-good’ hormones called endorphins. Plus, staying physically active can reduce the likelihood of catching common winter ailments and their associated symptoms like sore throats.

Watch our video on simple tips to fit in more movement in your day to keep active and healthy during winter.

Visit www.getactive.vic.gov.au for collection of guided videos for workouts, challenges, and games.

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programs

DPVHealth.

Health.To Tosupport supportyour yourhealth health&&wellness. wellness. atatDPV

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Little Big Talk Program Little Big Talk allows parents to discuss their pre-school aged child’s speech, language and general development concerns with a speech pathologist, without the need for a referral or pre-arranged appointment.

Self referrals accepted.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

My Time Group

This service assists pregnant women to improve access to antenatal, postnatal, and other human services that support and deliver health promotion messages through women’s pregnancy and beyond. Self referrals accepted.

MyTime groups are for all parents and family carers of children aged under 18 years who need a higher level of care than other children do. This may be because of disability, developmental delay or a chronic medical condition.

Self referrals accepted.

Cost: FREE More information: Call 1300 234 263 (select option 4)

Cost: FREE More information: Call 8401 7348

Hand Therapy Program

Living Well With Pain

Aimed at helping you manage your chronic hand/upper limb conditions. This service is delivered as two separate programs. Available to individuals 18 years and over. Self referrals accepted.

An 8-week program that aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to manage their pain at home and within the community. Available Programs to individuals 18 years and over who live with chronic pain. Self referrals accepted.

BALC - Exercise Physiology

Cost: FREE More information: Email Sue. pakakis@education.vic.gov.au

Cost: Fee may apply More information: Call 1300 234 263 (select option 4 then option 1)

Cost: Fee may apply More information: Call 1300 234 263 (select option 4 then option 1)

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This group is designed to help individuals begin and safely complete an exercise program available atenvironment.

DPV Health within a gym It is suitable for a range of clientele, pathologies and goals, including weight loss, older adults, diabetes, and more. Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $5 More information: Call 1300 234 263

programs

at DPV Health. To support your health & wellness.

GLA:D Australia

Let’s Talk Dementia

An exercise & education program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It provides participants skills to selfmanage their osteoarthritis. Self referrals accepted.

This is a group designed for people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia or are experiencing memory loss.

The group aims to support participants and their family/ carers to understand dementia and learn strategies to navigate their journey. Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $7.50 per session More information: Call 1300 234 263 or email: physiotherapy.team@ dpvhealth.org.au

Cost: $7.60 per session More information: Call 1300 234 263 (select option 4)

Men’s Behaviour Change Program This program is suitable for men who want to identify, understand, and take responsibility for their abusive behaviours. It is an opportunity to learn new ways to deal with anger and violence.

Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $300 - $400 More information: email: mbcpintakecoordinator @ dpvhealth.org.au

covid-19 vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccination is now available at DPV Health Medical Centres in Mill Park and Broadmeadows and roaming pop-up sites near you. We are taking bookings for those who are eligible.

We are dedicated to helping you through the COVID-19 pandemic, offering testing to stay safe and the COVID-19 vaccine to protect you, your family and the community.

For more information and current pop-up centre locations CLICK HERE.

Click below to Download DPV Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination information brochure: > English > Arabic > Punjabi > Turkish To check your eligibility or to book call:

1300 DPV VAX or dial 1300 378 829

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events

past events and highlights at DPV Health

Volunteers Luncheon - 19 May

Volunteers Luncheon - 19 May

Food Link Program

LGBTIQ Forum - 17th May

LGBTIQ Forum - 17th May

Rainbow Tick Celebration - 25 March

Pride March - 23 May

Pride March - 23 May

Covid-19 Vaccination Centre

volunteering DPV Health highly values our Volunteers for their Programs available at DPV Health generous time, commitment and dedication to work with our organisation and our clients. Over a year, our volunteers have made over 15,000 trips with our clients, contributed to over 75 meals per week in our social support groups and made over 2,000 wellbeing calls to people in our community. If you would like to join our volunteers and for more information, email: volunteers@dpvhealth.org.au.

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Q&A’s

Do you have a question on health related concerns?

Email us on info@dpvhealth.org.au and we will answer it in the next edition of the newsletter.

Why do I get dry itchy skin in winter?

if symptoms persist Call 1300 234 263 to arrange an appointment at one of our Medical Centres.

The cold temperatures may make a significant difference to how the skin looks and feels.

As the temperatures drop outdoors the cold air, low humidity, and high winds outdoors strip your skin of much-needed moisture.

Turning up the heat indoors and taking hot showers do the same. These harsh conditions cause your skin to lose its natural oils. This allows moisture to escape, leading to dry skin. Contact your doctor if you have a rash that isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatments, is bleeding, or has severe symptoms.

Source: How to Get Rid of a Winter Rash (healthline.com)

Can ingrown toenail be dangerous?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can cause an infection in the bone in your toe.

A toenail infection can also lead to foot ulcers, or open sores, and a loss of blood flow to the infected area. Tissue decay and tissue death at the site of infection are possible.

A foot infection can be more serious if you have diabetes. Even a small cut, scrape, or ingrown toenail may quickly become infected due to the lack of blood flow and nerve sensitivity.

Source: Nails - fingernail and toenail problems - Better Health Channel Ingrown toenails | healthdirect

See your doctor right away if you are concerned about an ingrown toenail infection.

Call 1300 234 263 to arrange an appointment at one of our Medical Centres or at the skin clinic.

Why your child might see a paediatrician?

Your child might see a paediatrician if your GP wants a specialist opinion about your child’s health, growth and development. For example, your GP might refer your child to a paediatrician for further assessment and treatment of, asthma and allergies, poor growth, behaviour problems, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and more. A paediatrician might also see your baby immediately after birth, to make sure everything is OK. Paediatric services are available at DPV Health.

Call 1300 234 263 to arrange an appointment at one of our Medical Centres for a referral.

Source: What do paediatricians do? | healthdirect. Paediatrician Better Health Channel, Kids Health Information : Paediatricians (rch.org.au)

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Medical Services

Dental Services

Mental Health

Disability Services

65+ Health

Child & Youth

Physical Health

Community Support

.org.au

1300 234 263

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