Pulse Winter 2023 - English

LIVING WELL WITH PAIN WINTER WARMING RECIPES

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.

Our vision

Our vision is for a healthier and connected community, with excellent care for all.

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

In this edition, we’ve packed some fantastic updates, heartwarming stories, and valuable resources to keep you informed and inspired throughout the season. Discover expert advice and tips from our healthcare professionals to stay healthy and well this winter. Your well-being is our top priority!

Exploring this edition of the Pulse newsletter, you’ll find information on staying healthy in the colder months, dental hygiene, family planning and preventative care for other health conditions, including living with pain and mental health.

Get inspired by the incredible stories of resilience and compassion within our community. Learn about the latest initiatives and programs we’re launching to address your specific needs and make a positive impact on your lives.

As always, your feedback is invaluable to us. Please let us know what you think about the newsletter and what topics you’d like to see in future editions. We’re here to listen and continuously improve. Send an email to marketing@dpvhealth.org.au.

Wishing you good health!

Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health

Starts with You!

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (‘the flu’) is a potentially serious infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses and spreads easily from person to person. The flu can be much more serious than the common cold, as it can affect your lungs and you can end up in hospital.

What can I do to stay safe?

Get Vaccinated

Book your Flu Vaccine and 2023 COVID-19 dose with your GP, Local council, Pharmacy or an Immunisation Nurse at DPV Health. The flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine can be safely given at the same visit.

You should get the flu vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally from June to September. Influenza vaccines are given each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus, which can change from year to year, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year.

Why should I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine helps you stay healthy and strong and can protect you and your loved ones from the flu. If you are pregnant, the flu vaccine will also protect your baby against the flu when it is born. Getting the flu vaccine lowers the chance that you’ll need to go to the hospital if you get the flu.

Book in for your vaccination appointment

Make an appointment at one of DPV Health’s Medical Centres. To book call 1300 234 263 and select option 1 or CLICK HERE to book online.

What

are the side effects to the flu vaccine?

Common side effects may include mild pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine is given. These side effects usually last for a few days and go away without any treatment. Serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction are extremely rare. Flu Vaccinations are Latex free.

Eligibility for the free influenza vaccine

Free seasonal influenza vaccine, funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is available to the following groups of people:

> children aged six months to five years (can be given at the same time as childhood vaccines)

> Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older

> Pregnant women (can be given at any stage of each pregnancy)

> People aged 65 years and older

> People six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.

For non-eligible clients, flu vaccination for Medicare holders is available at DPV Health Medical Clinics for $20.

Living Well with Pain

Did you know one in 5 Australians aged 45 and over are living with chronic pain (persistent, ongoing pain)? This pain can be disabling and stressful, making it hard for a person to work and do the things they enjoy.

The cooler months may also have a significant impact on joint pain.

Do you have pain that:

> Has been there for longer than 3 months?

> May be the result of an injury or may exist without a clear reason?

> May come and go or be present all the time?

If you answered YES to one of more the of the above, then The Living Well with Pain program may be for you.

For more information, contact DPV Health on 1300 234 263 (Select Option 4)

What is the Living Well with Pain program?

The Living Well with Pain program is an 8-week program which aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to manage their pain at home and within the community.

The program consists of:

> Educational sessions on a variety of topics relating to pain.

> Tailored Physiotherapy exercise program

> Occupational Therapy circuits to help you manage your pain.

> Relaxation education and practical session

DPV Health’s Women’s Health Nurses offer free health screening, education and information to women of any age. They provide confidential information and advice to women in a safe and respectful space.

Women should attend their GP at least once a year for a routine check-up.

When should a women start routine cervical screening?

Women should start routine cervical screening test starting from the age of 25 years until 75 years. The new cervical screening test is done 5 yearly. There are options for physician collected and self-collected swabs (for eligible population), so nothing should keep you from at least having a discussion with your GP.

It is recommended that women self-check their breast once a month preferably after their period and come and see the GP in case of any doubt query or concern.

Women planning pregnancy can come in 3 to 6 months before to have a discussion and get some blood work done if deemed necessary or if there are concerns.

Book an appointment

To make an appointment call 1300 234 263, and select Option 4 (all other Health Services). Please ask for an appointment to see the Women’s Health Nurse. (If you need to have a Cervical Screening Test please tell them at the time of booking so they can make a note of it when booking the appointment)

Women’s Health

Family Planning

What health services for women are available at DPV Health?

Pregnancy: Dr Jhelum Paralikatr is an accredicated Antenatal Shared Care provider at TNH, western health ,RWH , Heidelberg and Werribee Mercy.

Pap smear: Dr Jhelum Paralikatr is a GP at DPV Health and Sharyn Fernandes is a Women’s Health Nurse. Both are trained to do Cervical screening test.

Contraception: DPV Health have a clinic every Tuesday at Mill Park. Dr Jhelum Paralikar is trained to Insert and remove IUD, Implanon, as well as MToP (medical termination of pregnancy.

Fertility advice: Pregnancy counselling can be provided referrals can be done if deemed necessary.

Management of unplanned pregnancy: Women can be provided with options of management both continuation of pregnancy as well as MTOp after unplanned pregnancy.

Management of menopause: Menopause, advise can be given with regards to hormonal and non-hormonal options as well as Mental health.

Dental

Health during pregnancy

Visiting a dentist while pregnant is highly recommended for your own wellbeing and that of your unborn child. Routine dental treatment is safe during pregnancy, although some procedures or medication should be avoided in the first 3 months, so be sure to tell your dentist you are pregnant.

Top 7 tips for Dental health during pregnancy are:

1. Eat well

> Your growing baby’s calcium demands are high so you should increase your own calcium consumption to compensate. Eat calcium-enriched foods such as dairy or soy alternatives.

> Eat a nutritious diet every day including fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and lean meats and try to reduce sweet foods.

2. Clean Well

> Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 to 3 minutes.

> Floss your teeth at least once a day.

3. Drink well

> Drink lots of tap water, especially if fluoridated. Fluoride is added to tap water in most areas in Victoria and helps protect teeth against decay

4. Protect your unborn baby’s health

It is important to keep teeth and gums healthy during and after pregnancy to:

> Stop gum disease that could lead to premature birth or a low birth weight baby.

> Stop transfer of decay-causing bacteria from you to your baby. Your child will be less likely to suffer early childhood decay.

5. Gum disease and pregnancy

Many women can develop gum disease during pregnancy because of natural hormonal changes in the body. If gum disease becomes severe, the infection can affect an unborn baby’s development and increase the risk of premature birth.

Signs of gum disease include:

> bleeding gums

> red gums (instead of pink)

> swollen gums

> bad breath.

If you suspect you may have gum disease, talk to a dentist or an oral health professional. Gum disease can be treated.

6. Morning sickness, vomiting and acid reflux

Pregnant women who experience morning sickness with vomiting and/or acid reflux are at high risk of tooth erosion*. To reduce risk of tooth erosion and damage to your teeth after vomiting/reflux you can:

> Rinse your mouth immediately with water or a mouth rinse. (e.g. Add a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a cup of water to rinse and spit after vomiting)

> Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva flow to neutralise and wash away acid.

> Smear a little bit of toothpaste over your teeth with your finger.

> Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel surface.

For further advice, speak to your dentist or an oral health professional. * Tooth erosion is the gradual wearing away or dissolving of the outer enamel layer of your teeth.

7. Smoking

Smoking while pregnant is not good for you and your unborn baby and it can also lead to gum disease. If you smoke, consider quitting.

Book

Make

Allied health

Did you know you can use your NDIS package to access Allied Health services with DPV Health?

The health and wellbeing program at DPV Health have a large range of services which can be of value to NDIS participants. These include.

Adult Physiotherapy: Support for mobility, gait aids, functional goal attainment, safety and falls management, hydrotherapy and other exercise programs.

Adult Occupational Therapy: For support with your home safety and modification, equipment prescription to help achieve functional goals, community safety and engagement, wheelchair and seating prescription, and functional assessments.

Exercise Physiology:

For adults and paediatric participants to help increase exercise for your specific goals in your preferred setting.

Dietetics:

Service and advice for adults and paediatric participants requiring support with disability related dietary intake challenges.

Podiatry:

For adults and paediatric participants requiring supports such as gait assessments, footwear and orthotic prescription and footcare impaired by disability.

Book in to use your NDIS package today at DPV Health

To make an appointment at to see one of our friendly clinicians at DPV Health call 1300 234 263 (option 4). CLICK HERE.

Osteoarthritis During Winter

Osteoarthritis can affect many people throughout the year. However, many people report feeling more aches and discomfort when the weather changes, especially from hot to cold. Some people suggest they are able to predict a cold change coming. This has led to a research paper conducted by Professor Robert Jamison from Harvard Medical School saying that,

“67.9% of the people surveyed responded that they were sure changes in the weather had an effect on their pain. Most of the patients reported that they can feel a change in their pain before rain or cold weather occur.”

During the winter months, the cold and overcast conditions can make people move less and curl up. This usually causes people to be less active, leading to more stiffness and weakness. Exercise can ease arthritic pain by improving mobility, flexibility, strength and energy.

If you need more information on exercise and how to manage your arthritis better, please contact the Exercise Physiology or Physiotherapy teams at DPV Health, 1300 234 263 (option 4).

Here are some tips for the winter months:

> Don’t stay in one position for too long. Regularly change your position and move around

> Walk inside shopping centres where it is warmer. Use trolleys for support if needed

> Swimming or aqua aerobics in indoor heated pools

> Take an aerobics or yoga classes

> Get involved in some dance classes

> Play with kids

> Use the stairs instead of the elevator

> Move when a commercial comes on when watching TV

> Walk with a neighbour or friend

> Warm your joints with a nice hot water bottle or heat bag

How Nutrition can help you beat the

Many people think that feeling down and tired is a normal part of winter, but you may not be aware that nutrient deficiencies may also contribute to these symptoms.

During winter, it is important to ensure to get adequate vitamin D through your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to absorb and produce vitamin D. That’s because your body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to:

> Low immunity

> Fatigue

> Low mood

> Increased risk of osteoporosis falls and fractures

The elderly are more at risk of Vitamin D deficiency as well as people who are housebound or in residential care, naturally dark-skinned, those who cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons. Vitamin D deficiency is also highly prevalent in those diagnosed with Diabetes.

Winter Blues

Foods that are a good source of Vitamin D include:

> Fatty fish (salmon, herring)

> Liver

> Eggs

> Mushrooms

> Milk and milk alternatives (including lactose free, soy, oat milk etc)

If you’re unsure if you have Vitamin D or any other nutrient deficiency, speak with your family doctor and they may prescribe a blood test for you to find out.

You may also like to speak to a DPV Health Dietician, who can help you learn ways you can gain some of that energy back or help support you through this winter with some ideas for some quick and hearty meals.

Book an appointment

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

Let us know what type of recipes you want to see on the website

Our Voice

Community

The DPV Health ‘Together Framework’ for Community Engagement and Participation outlines our commitment to seek, empower, engage, and respond to the diverse needs of clients and community in Melbourne’s North. To enable this, DPV Health regularly consult with members of the Community Advisory Network to enable people to have their say.

The 2023/2024 DPV Health Annual Plan has been influenced by community voice. Community consultations have also influenced development of the DPV Health Disability Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan, Mental Health service model codesign activities and the design of Aged Care supports and services.

What we have heard is important to our local community

Physical access for people with disability

Oral health access

Support for suicide prevention

Volunteer support roles

Support people over 65 to access services

Information in my language

Responding to community priorities, we have committed to several key actions as part of our 2023-24 Annual Plan:

> Preparations for a new Epping Hub providing state-of-the-art dental services, including oral health education

> Codesign of new service models and site service plans with community

> Growth of the DPV Health Volunteer Program

> Workforce training and awareness initiatives to further develop culturally safe and sensitive practices to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

> Identify opportunities for Commonwealth and State funded Mental Health service growth, including suicide prevention and aftercare

> Improvements in referral screening and appointment booking systems

> Launch of a new Employee Value Proposition to support DPV Health’s talent acquisition, including a focus on bicultural workforce.

If you are interested in participating in future consultations and events, please see further details on how to get involved.

Call: Emlyn Jenkins 0417 218 413 Email: populationhealth@dpvhealth.org.au

Visit: www.dpvhealth.org.au/community-engagement-program

Specific services available at this site include:

> Early Childhood Development Services (ECIS)

> Exercise Physiology

> Physiotherapy

> Podiatry

> Nutrition & Dietetics

> Home Care Packages

Community Navigator Project

Improves Access to Services

The Community Navigators Project is a Department of Family, Fairness and Housing funding initiative developed to service the social housing residents of Hume City.

The program is designed to deliver three key outcomes:

Provide employment opportunities for local people

Connect residents across Hume that are hardly, or arguably ever reached, with DPV Health and other local health and support services, Improve the health literacy and service navigation knowledge of residents to empower them to take control of their health and respecting their right to self-determine their future health outcomes.

Case Study:

The the last 6 month of active outreach, the team have engaged with 950 residents, educating them on local health services, providing 233 official referrals into DPV Health services, and attended 35 engagement sessions.

Phase 2 of the project will see the team connecting with social housing residents in Craigieburn, West meadows, Gladstone Park, Campbellfield and implement these findings for future engagement opportunities. Assistance with referral pathways to DPV Health, other health services and community engagement opportunities will also be available.

To contact the Community Navigators Team at DPV Health call 03 8488 8736.

The Community Navigators team supported an individual from a social housing estate who did not have a healthcare card and was finding it challenging to get a dental appointment. The team managed to get the resident booked in for an emergency dental appointment and they were able to get an X-ray done the next day. The X-ray confirmed the resident had an infected tooth that required extraction, and the DPV Health dental team prioritised a followup appointment for the procedure.

The individual is recovering well and in significantly less pain, following extraction of the infected tooth. They expressed their gratitude to the Community Navigators team for assisting them to navigate the healthcare system, and supporting them uptil and even after their appointment.

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