Pulse Spring 2023 - English

Pulse

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 2023

Get your finger on the Pulse with Health & Wellness News

NEW DESIGN! Managing Asthma this Pollen Season

Spring Clean your Oral Health Routine

Eating for Fun & Independence

With spring in the air, so is the pollen!

People can be sensitive to this time of year with hay fever symptoms. If you already have asthma, learn more on how to manage your Allergies.

Could your dental health use a little sprucing up? Consider spring cleaning your oral health routine to keep your oral health in check and to get the most out of your healthy, vibrant smile.

When body muscle is reduced from malnutrition it affects the ability to do everyday activities. Minimising muscle loss will help to maintain strength, mobility, and independence.

Welcome

In this Issue 1. Spring Clean your Oral Health 2. Protect yourself from Thunderstorm Asthma 3. Eating for Fun & Independence 4. NDIS Support Coordination 5. Home Care Package Services

Welcome to the Spring 2023 Edition of “PULSE”.

As we move towards the warmer end of the year, out of the colder months, it's important to take time to reflect on your health.

Exploring this new style of the Pulse newsletter, you’ll find information on dental hygiene, living independently at home as you age and preventative care for other health conditions including malnutrition. You can also take a look into new DPV Health services such as Private Audiology and learn more about our NDIS Support Coordination.

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.

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

Wishing you good health!

Don Tidbury CEO DPV Health

6. Children’s Asthma this Pollen Season 7. Easy, Delicious Taco Recipe 8. Private Audiology now Available

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 to support the health and wellbeing of our community

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians and Country DPV Health acknowledges 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.

Spring Clean your Oral Health Routine WELCOME Dental Health Could your dental health use a little sprucing up? This year consider spring cleaning your oral health routine to keep your oral health in check and to get the most out of your healthy, vibrant smile.

Here are a few tips to prioritise and spring clean your oral health habits this season.

1.

Replace Old & Worn Toothbrushes

Spring is a great reminder to change out your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head. Were you exposed to the flu this past winter season? Time to refresh your toothbrush! Viral and bacterial infections thrive among the bristles and can reinfect you from being in close contact to your gums and teeth.

Make sure you replace your toothbrush throughout the year, not only when you’re sick! It’s recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months. Keep your smile healthy and safe from bacteria by storing your toothbrushes upright to air dry faster after use, and rinse thoroughly.

2.

Commit to Flossing

Do you find it challenging to commit to flossing and remember to floss every day? Consider trying new types of dental floss to ensure healthy gums and mix up your flossing schedule. Waxed and unwaxed floss are commonly used options that make it easier to glide between teeth.

Floss picks are a great option if you have difficulty opening your mouth wide enough while using the traditional floss. These picks are great for when you’re on the go and allows you for more precision and control.

3.

Book a Dentist Appointment

Seeing your dentist regularly will help to spot any problems at an earlier stage and will ensure your oral health is in the best possible shape. Ask your dentist for further assistance and guidance when looking to secure healthy oral habits in your routine.

For more information on this service contact:

1300 234 263 (select option 2)

or download the brochure here

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23

Protect yourself from Thunderstorm Asthma WELCOME Medical Thunderstorm asthma is when asthma symptoms are caused by ryegrass pollen allergy during springtime thunderstorms. Thunderstorm asthma can happen suddenly to people in spring or summer when there is a lot of grass pollen in the air and the weather is stormy.

Who gets thunderstorm asthma?

You could get thunderstorm asthma if you are outside in gusty winds just before a thunderstorm on a day when there is a lot of pollen in the air AND you are allergic to ryegrass pollen.

This includes: people with asthma whose symptoms get worse in springtime people with asthma who are allergic to grass pollen people with asthma who get hay fever in springtime people with springtime hay fever, even if they have not been told they have asthma.

This means people with asthma and springtime hay fever need extra protection to avoid thunderstorm asthma if they are in a region with a lot of grass pollen.

How to stay safe Keep taking your asthma medicines prescribed by your doctor. Most adults and adolescents with asthma need more protection than just a blue/grey puffer. Medicines that contain inhaled corticosteroids help protect people from severe asthma attacks. Australian research shows that these kinds of asthma treatments might also protect you from severe thunderstorm asthma.

Ask your doctor to check your asthma. Make sure you have a written asthma action plan that is up to date. If not, ask your doctor to write one.

During Spring and Summer, always carry your reliever inhaler. Stay up to date with pollen counts and weather forecasts during Spring and early Summer so you know if a storm is coming.

Just before and during storms with wind gusts, get inside a building or car with the windows shut and the air conditioner switched to recirculate/recycled.

To learn more visit: www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/thunderstorm-asthma

For more information on this service contact:

To book a medical appointment call

1300 234 263 (select option 1) or book online here

1300 234 263 (select option 2)

or download the brochure here

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23 Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23

Eating for Fun & Independence

WELCOME

Nutrition & Dietetics As we get older our lifestyles and appetite can change which can affect the types and amounts of foods we eat, increasing the risk of losing weight and not getting enough nutrients. There can be several reasons for this, like lack of interest in shopping, cooking, eating alone, feeling tired, chewing difficulties, or any number of chronic health conditions.

Often, we think that weight loss is a sign of improved health. However, this is not the case. Not eating enough not only means poor nutrition and weight loss, but it often also means loss of body muscle which is important. When body muscle is reduced, this means loss of strength which affects the ability to carry out everyday activities and may result in loss of independence. Minimising muscle loss will help to maintain strength, mobility, and independence.

Elaine Hadj Nutrition & Dietetics Team Leader

You may also be surprised to know that extra weight will help to protect older people from the effects of illness and injury.

Any extra weight carried will help to see one through illness and times when appetite is poor. Losing weight without trying maybe a concern.

When should I be concerned about my nutrition and seek help?

If you find that: Your appetite is not what it used to be You are losing weight without trying (loss of 3-5kg/ ½ - 1 stone within the last 6 months) Your clothes or jewellery are getting looser You are confused about what to eat due to multiple chronic health conditions or You have any concerns with chewing or swallowing.

Have a chat with one of our friendly Dietitians. At DPV Health, our Dietitians understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving health. With compassion and encouragement, they listen and work with you to support your health and wellbeing to achieve your goals. The Dietitians offer face to face and telehealth appointments, as well as home visits.

DPV Health Dietitians also offer fun educational activities and nutrition support, including: Upcoming cooking programs like ‘How to Cook on a Budget’ or ‘Cooking for One or Two’.

Information for home delivered meals (like Meals on Wheels).

Label reading and supermarket tours.

Prescription of nutrition supplement drinks to help improve nutrition.

Keeping strong, healthy, and independent is about: Eating better and not less Making every mouthful count Enjoying your meals and Nourishing Foods means Better Health and Independence.

To book an appointment with a dietitian call: 1300 234 264 (select option 4) or download the brochure here

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23

What you need to know about NDIS Support WELCOME NDIS Support Coordination Do you need a hand understanding your NDIS funding?

Have you been funded for Support Coordination?

DPV Health Support Coordination team can help!

DPV Health can help you identify what you have available in your NDIS plan and how you can utilise your plan to its full potential, as well as apply to change your plan if you are not happy.

The team at DPV Health are experienced in assisting people to manage their NDIS plans and funding.

Our support coordinators will work with people who require support and assistance to implement and manage their NDIS plans and supports. We research and find the services for you, help link you with the services and inform you on how much funding you have to cover all the different services or supports you are funded for.

The Support coordination team at DPV Health have immediate capacity for: Level 2 Support Coordination Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination Psychosocial recovery Coaches We offer both male and female coordinators, all with many years’ experience, most with lived experience with a family member or child living with a disability.

DPV Health offer CALD Coordinators who speak Arabic, Syrian, French, Marathi, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil.

If you are looking for dedicated Support Coordinators contact:

1300 234 264 (select option 3)

ndis@dpvhealth.org.au

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Spring at Home

WELCOME

Home Care Packages Recognising the need for extra support can be a big step, both for people who need care and carers themselves. DPV Health is an approved provider of Home Care Packages. We offer the highest quality Home Care Package services, delivered by our experienced, caring, quality staff.

Here are three ways we can help you this Spring using your Home Care Package: 1.

In-Home Cleaning

Do you need a little extra help cleaning around the house? You could be eligible for DPV Health’s in home cleaning service with your Home Care Package. DPV Health understand that maintaining a clean and tidy home is essential for well-being and peace of mind.

2.

Gardening & Home Maintenance

Do you need a little extra help taking care of your garden or cleaning your gutters? As an approved provider of Home Care Packages within Hume and Whittlesea, DPV Health offer lawn mowing, gutter cleaning and light household maintenance, delivered by experienced staff.

3.

Allied Health Services

We offer the highest quality Allied Health services, delivered by our experienced, caring, quality staff. Our services include: Podiatry Physiotherapy Exercise Physiology Nutrition & Dietetics Occupational Therapy

Our Home Care Packages are specifically designed for you, to meet your unique needs and preferences. Our range of health and wellbeing services will support you to continue living comfortably and independently in your own home.

If you don’t currently have a Home Care Package call us on 1300 234 263 (select Aged Care Services).

For more information, visit: www.dpvhealth.org.au/home-care-packages

Download the brochure here Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23

Children’s Asthma this Pollen Season WELCOME Community Asthma program (CAP) With spring in the air, so is the pollen! Some children can be sensitive to this time of year with hay fever symptoms. If your child already has asthma this weather can often cause a flare up.

Here are a few tips to help manage your child’s asthma this pollen season: 1.

Take the Correct Medications

Make sure their hay fever symptoms are well managed with the right medications and if taking a preventer already, to continue taking it for asthma if hay fever is a concern.

Always carry Ventolin and always have an up-to-date written action plan to know what to do in a asthma exacerbation. If you are unsure of the correct preventative for your child, book an appointment with your GP.

2.

Download the Melbourne Pollen App

The Melbourne pollen app can be a good source to highlight the bad pollen days so you are aware prior going out for the day with your child to prevent the symptoms getting worse or causing a flare up. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

3.

Book in with the DPV Health Community Asthma Program (CAP)

The DPV Health Community Asthma Program (CAP) provides asthma education and support for children (1- 17 years) with asthma or viral induced wheeze.

The offers one-on-one education, support, and a full health assessment from one of our qualified Asthma Nurse Educators who will assist you and your child to understand asthma/wheeze and how to manage it.

This is a free service that provide an option of clinic, home visit or telehealth appointments, depending on the needs of the family.

For more information on this service contact:

1300 234 263 (select option 4)

CAP@dpvhealth.org.au

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23

For more tasty, healthy and easy to make Recipes scan the QR codes or visit: www.goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au

Easy, delicious Tacos Serves: 4 Prep Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

PROCEDURE

330 grams Beef Mince Low Fat

1. Heat the oil in a shallow pan. Cook the mince

1 tbsp Vegetable Oil

meat until the water has evaporated. Add the

1 medium Brown Onion

onions, cook until wilted and transparent. Add the Taco spices and mix well. Next add the

1 tbsp Taco Seasoning

beans and corn kernels and fold them through

1 cup Red Kidney Beans Canned

the meat.

2/3 cup Corn Kernals 8 shell(s) Taco Shell 1/3 cup Lite Sour Cream 1/4 medium head Iceberg Lettuce 2 medium Tomato 2/3 cup Low Fat Cheddar Cheese

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23

2. Arrange chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, sliced tomatoes, and any other salad ingredients of your choice, on a tray.

3. Once everything is ready, everyone can layer their own taco with meat and any other salad ingredients and sour cream they desire.

New Service now Available

WELCOME

Private Audiology Did you know DPV Health now offers Private Audiology Services. Our experienced audiologists are dedicated to helping you on your journey to better hearing. Whether you're seeking hearing assessments or expert advice, we've got you covered. The new service will now be offered at our Broadmeadows and Mill Park Medical Centres.

The Benefits of private Audiology: No long waits Get an appointment in just 1-2 weeks No GP referral required.

Why should you go see an audiologist?

You should seek a referral to the DPV Health Audiology service for a hearing test if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.

For children: Has concerns about their speech/language development Has frequent ear infections Often asks for repeats or says ‘huh’ or ‘what’ Has difficulty concentrating, paying attention, or has behavioural problems Sits close to the television Shouts or whispers when talking

For adults: Has trouble hearing in background noise Need the television turned-up loud Has difficulty hearing over the telephone Hearing buzzing, ringing or hissing noises in the ear

To book an appointment with an Audiologist call:

1300 234 264 (select option 4)

Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23