Pulse
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 2023
Get your finger on the Pulse with Health & Wellness News
Dental Care Tips for Frequent Swimmers Did you know that swimming safety measures should also include taking care of your teeth?
Improve Your Cyber Security Many online scams target older adults. Learn how you can improve your personal cyber security.
Nutrition tips for the summer Our Dietitians share a few tips on how to enjoy our meals wholeheartedly with our loved ones over the summer.
WINNER 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards
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 Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which our services and sites are located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our deepest regards to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Welcome
In this Issue 1. Dental Tips for Frequent Swimmers
Season’s Greetings everyone, and welcome to the summer edition of "PULSE"! What a year it's been, filled with exciting achievements, important milestones, and interesting challenges. At DPV Health, we've been dedicated to providing excellent healthcare services that make a positive impact in our communities. Here are some of the highlights: 32% growth in Allied Health appointments, An 18% growth in adult Dental Services, Helped 6,514 people through Family Violence programs, Welcomed 3,676 new patients to our GP Clinics, Supported 1,225 individuals in Mental Health services, Assisted 495 children through Early Childhood services. Plus, there's more to explore in our impact statement, showcasing many other achievements throughout the year. In addition to expanding the number of clients we treated, we've introduced new vital services like Home Care packages, Aged Care Assist, Care in Mind, Victims Assistance Program, and Women’s Sexual Health Clinic. We recently shared these advancements, achievements, and engaging activities with our members and partners during our Annual General Meeting, where we unveiled our 2022/23 Annual Report. I invite you to take a look. And as a crowning achievement we're incredibly proud to have received the Premier’s Primary Health Service of the Year Award at the 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of every individual at DPV Health. Finally, as we take a brief break over the new year, I'd like to extend warm holiday wishes and remind you to travel safely and take care of yourself and your loved ones. Best regards, Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health
2. COVID-19 Medications can Save Your Life! 3. Improve Personal Cyber Security 4. Home Maintenance Services 5. Eating for Fun & Independence 6. We can Support your Child's Health 7. Nutrition tips for the Summer 8. Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll Recipe 9. Victims Assistance now Available 10. Recent Events
Dental Care Tips for Frequent Swimmers WELCOME Dental Health Summertime often means spending endless hours relaxing, exercising, and simply having fun at the pool. It is important to follow necessary health and safety measures while doing so. Did you know that swimming safety measures should also include taking care of your teeth?
From exposure to incorrectly treated pool water to potential mouth injuries while engaging in water sports, here are a few considerations when it comes to swimming and your teeth. 1.
Swim only in properly maintained pools.
Several studies have shown how exposure to overly chlorinated water can cause harm to the teeth. Too much chlorine and the improper composition of chemical disinfectants can make the pool water highly acidic. Acidic waters, when in frequent contact with your teeth, can start to eat away at the tooth enamel, cause tooth structure to weaken and lead to discolouration.
2.
Be alert and take precautions against accidents.
Walk slowly along the poolside as tiles and wet floor surfaces can cause slips and falls that lead to mouth and tooth injuries. Teach kids swim and dive techniques that will help them avoid hitting the hard tiles or pool floor. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to engage in high-contact water sports and activities such as beach/water volleyball or water polo, protect your lips and teeth and wear a mouthguard if necessary.
3.
Book a Dentist Appointment
Depending on your oral hygiene habits and swimming routine, your dentist might prescribe additional steps to further protect your teeth from chlorine water exposure, such as: Interdental cleaning A new dental regimen such as the use of prescription fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse, varnish or gel Individualised toothbrushing schedule before and after swimming To learn more visit: www.mymidlanddentist.com.au/articles/swimming-your-dental-health
For more information on this service contact:
1300 234 263 (select option 2)
or download the brochure here
Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23
COVID-19 Medications can Save Your Life WELCOME Medical Even during the warmer months, COVID-19 is still here! Protect yourself and others through wearing a face mask, keeping good hygiene and getting tested if you have symptoms. Certain COVID-19 Medications can save your life, learn more about how you can stay protected:
Antivirals can protect you against COVID-19 If you have signs of COVID-19, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can provide Antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19 and help your recover quickly. Antivirals work best within first 5 days! Antivirals are available for people who – are 70 years of age or older, are 50 years of age or older, with two risk factors for severe disease, are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 30 years of age or older, with one risk factor for severe disease. Antivirals are prescription only. A GP can assess if you need these medicines and prescribe them for you.
Book your COVID-19 and flu vaccine now COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at your local pharmacy or GP. It is safe and effective to take them both at the same time. You should get a booster if it has been 6 months or more since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection. Particularly recommended for people over 65 years. You can get your COVID-19 and flu vaccination at the DPV Health Broadmeadows and Mill Park For more information on this service medical centres. contact:
To book a medical appointment call
1300 234 263 (select option 1)
1300 234 263 (select option 2)
or download the brochure here
or book online here Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
Pulse Newsletter | Spring 23
How you Can Improve Personal Cyber Security WELCOME Aged Care Services The web can be a rich source of information, connection, and community for older adults— something that became even clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as with any public space, you need to be aware of your surroundings. There are many online scams that target older adults, and their number and sophistication continues to grow.
4 tips to improve your cyber sercurity: 1. Don’t click on links in emails from unfamiliar senders. Be wary of any strange or unexpected messages, even if it's from someone you know. Emails, text messages (or SMS), and social media posts can all contain malicious links. Spam or malicious emails are by far the most common method attackers use to deliver malware or phishing links. Phishing links take you to sites that gather your personal and financial information.
2. Don’t open any attachments unless you know the sender and were expecting them to send it. While attachments to an email may appear to be harmless, they could contain malware designed to launch an attack on your device. These attachments can be disguised as run-of-the-mill Word documents, PDFs, e-files, and voicemails. Don’t open any attachments you aren’t expecting or that are from an unknown contact.
3. Ignore unsolicited phone calls and “robocalls.” Treat any unsolicited phone calls with scepticism—even if the phone number or name on your caller ID looks familiar. The person on the other end of the line is banking on the fact that you’ll pick up because the call seems legitimate. And once that happens, you’re immediately vulnerable to voice phishing.
4. Don’t respond to or click on pop-up windows on your phone or computer. Screen pop-ups are another way to scam older adults. A common pop-up ploy is scareware. This is a malware scam technique that uses pop-up security alerts and other tricks to frighten you into downloading or paying for fake software disguised as real cybersecurity protection. To learn more visit: www.ncoa.org/article/how-older-adults-can-improve-their-personal-cyber-security
If you need Aged care Services Call 1300 234 263 (select option 3).
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
Summer Maintenance Work
WELCOME
Home Care Packages DPV Health understand that maintaining a clean and tidy home is essential for well-being and peace of mind. As an approved provider of Home Care Packages (HCP) within Hume and Whittlesea, offering high quality services, delivered by our experienced, caring, and professional service teams.
Use our home cleaning and maintenance services to keep your home neat and safe this summer:
1.
Domestic 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. This includes weekly cleans, deep cleaning and spring cleaning.
2. Home Maintenance Do you need a little extra help taking care of your garden or cleaning your gutters? DPV Health offer Gardening, Pruning, weed control, rubbish removal, clean up, gutters cleared/washed, window and flyscreen cleaning, pressure washing, cobweb removal and external pest spray.
3.
Home Safety
DPV Health Home Care Package offer home safety services including, smoke alarm battery change, smoke alarm checks, handrail installation, access ramps, rubber ramps, door magnet/stoppers, minor maintenance such hanging frames/mirrors, fitting shelves, toilet seat replacement.
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
Supporting your Child's Health & Wellbeing WELCOME Children’s Services DPV Health offer an extensive range of specialised services for children's health. Providing quality, evidence-based interventions and strategies to improve the health, development, wellbeing and safety of children, using a family-centred approach.
Here are a range of services DPV Health have to support your child’s health:
Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS)
Children’s Physiotherapy
Children’s Audiology
Children’s Occupational Therapy
Children’s Dietetics
Children’s Speech Pathology
Children’s Asthma Program
Pathway to Good Health
These services include improving the capacity of those people closest and most significant to the child – their families, parents and carers.
For more information on these services contact:
1300 234 263 (select option 4)
Our friendly and experienced team are able to support children up to the age of nine. Services can be delivered from our 5 purpose-built, bright and spacious sites (Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Meadow Heights, Mill Park, Mickleham North), in your home or the child's educational setting.
for more information visit our website here
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
Nutrition tips for the Summer
WELCOME
Nutrition & Dietetics The warmer weather usually means more fresh produce are around and some of us may be lucky enough to attend a few gatherings with friends and family during the festive season. The Dietitians at DPV Health share a few tips on how to enjoy our meals wholeheartedly with our loved ones over the summer. Tip #1 – Enjoy a rainbow of coloured fruits and vegetables Whether it’s salads or share platters, eating a rainbow of coloured fruits and vegetables can ensure you receive a variety of nutrients. Phytochemicals and antioxidants give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colour. Red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, strawberries and red beans, are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants. Yellow/orange fruits and vegetables, including carrots, peaches, squash and pineapple, are also loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, which can also boost the immune system. Green leafy vegetables have the highest concentration of antioxidants and fibre, and also contains iron. Blue/purple fruits and vegetables, including purple grapes, blueberries and eggplant may help promote healthy aging. Tip # 2 – Drink responsibly and in moderation If you decide to drink alcohol during the festive celebrations, try to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Having food in your stomach helps slow the rate that alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Aim to limit alcohol consumption to the quantity recommended by the NHMRC for safe consumption. Tip #3 – Try a Mediterranean style of eating A Mediterranean style of eating refers to the traditional eating patterns of the people in the Mediterranean region, such as Greece, Italy and Spain. Research suggests many benefits to eating a Mediterranean style diet as the food combinations have plenty of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which is important for prevention and management of various chronic conditions.
To book an appointment with a dietitian call:
1300 234 264 (select option 4) or download the brochure here
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
For more tasty, healthy and easy to make Recipes scan the QR codes or visit: www.goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au
Vietnamese rice paper rolls Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
PROCEDURE
( 20 sheets) Rice paper wrapper
1. Cook the chicken in a pan with the oil.
( 2 medium) Lean chicken breast, raw
2. Remove the mint and coriander leaves from their
( 1 bunch) Fresh mint ( 1/2 bunch) Fresh coriander ( 2 cup) Fresh bean sprouts ( 1 cup) Cos lettuce
stems. 3. Cut the cucumber and carrot in half lengthways, and then slice diagonally very thinly. 4. Shred the lettuce leaves. 5. Boil water in the kettle or a pan, and put it into a container large enough to fit the rice paper sheets.
( 1 medium) Cucumber
Place a sheet of rice paper in the water for 10
( 1 medium) Peeled carrot
seconds and remove. The rice paper will now be soft.
( 1/2 cup) Nuoc Cham ( 2 tbsp) Vegetable oil
Place two (2) prawn halves and some vegetables on top of the rice paper, and roll. 6. To form the roll, place the fillings at the bottom of the piece of rice paper, roll over once, then bring the sides of the rice paper over the ingredients. Then, roll the rest of the paper.
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
WELCOME New Service now Available
Victims Assistance Program Have you been the victim of a crime, witnessed a crime or are you related to a victim of crime? DPV has a new program – the Victims Assistance Program (VAP) which can help you (if the crime occurred in Victoria). The Victim Assistance Program is FREE, VOLUNTARY AND CONFIDENTIAL. The team at DPV Health are professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds with multiple disciplines and speak more than one language (e.g. Tamil, Hindi, Arabic, Turkish, Swahili to name some). They will support and listen to you to meet your individual needs.
What support is provided? Practical support such as safety planning; Information such as liaising with police; Justice support such as assistance with Victim Impact Statement and Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT); Therapeutic/recovery support such as referral to counselling services We accept self-referrals and we work with people who experience homelessness, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples, People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTQI+ identified people, people living with a disability or people with mental illness, children and young people, older people, people who misuse/abuse alcohol and other drugs, isolated and/or rural people, male victims of family violence. For more information on this service contact:
1300 234 263 (select option 4)
vapintake@dpvhealth.org.au
or visit our website here
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
WINNER
WELCOME 2023
Victorian Public Healthcare Awards DPV Health are thrilled to announce they have won the ‘Premier’s Primary Healthcare Service of the Year’ at the 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. Presented by the Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, at the Awards Gala event held last night, DPV Health’s CEO Don Tidbury, along with Executives Jane Canaway and Sophie Gilmour, proudly accepted the award. “We are incredibly excited and honoured to win this award. Our teams have worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to build a client centered and high functioning healthcare organisation, which is well appreciated and respected by our communities.” said Don Tidbury CEO DPV Health. “This is a whole of team achievement, and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of every individual person at DPV Health. From our Board Members, Executive, Clinicians, Support Teams, Community Advisors, right through to our volunteers…congratulations to you all!” Also on the night, DPV Health was recognised as a Finalist in two other categories: - Partnering with consumers to improve patient experience! - Excellence in culturally diverse health! These awards acknowledge our organisations’ focus and commitment to our clients and diverse communities, and ensure we deliver excellent care, for every person every day.
Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
DPV Health Events WELCOME Pride in the North Summit: Beyond the Rainbow Lanyard DPV Health recenlty delivered the inaugural Pride in the North Summit: Beyond the Rainbow Lanyards, along with our Pride in the North (PiN) partners. The event celebrated the work we have done to advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility and equality in our local community and invited discussion on how we can collectively make further improvements to the lives of LGBTQIA+ people. The Pride in the North Summit was attended by 196 participants, including community members, state government, businesses, peak bodies and community organisations. The event showcased lived experience speakers, including Dr Todd Fernando, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Daniel Witthaus, CEO Rural Pride Australia, and keynote speaker Jac Tomlins. Don Tidbury, CEO DPV Health delivered the opening speech and Luke Alebakis, owner of Epping based café Nina’s Cucina delivered a session on inclusive businesses. Following a series of workshops, the group identified key priorities, and participating organisations committed to sharing learnings from the Summit with their respective peer groups, and strategically doing more work around:
1. Visibility 2. Intersectionality 3. Safety
4. Allyship 5. Resourcing
DPV Health 2022-23 Annual General Meeting On Tuesday, 28 November, DPV Health hosted its 2022-23 Annual General Meeting. The event commenced with the traditional Welcome to Country delivered by Wurundjeri man, Thane Garvey. DPV Health Board Chair Emmanuel Tsarkis launched the 2022-23 Annual Report & Quality Account. Don Tidbury, CEO DPV Health provided an update on the key highlights of 2022-23 and the organisation’s plans and aspirations for the year ahead. He went onto speak of the various achievements and innovations DPV Health has achieved winning the “Premier’s Primary Health Service of the Year Award” at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards recently. Nearly 70 people attended the AGM, in-person and online. Attendees included Guest Speaker Jane Mills, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Innovation, and Dean- La Trobe Rural Health school, DPV Health Board Members & Directors, community members, advisors, and industry stakeholders from partner organisations. The event concluded with a delightful local cultural performance by sisters Ruci and Joanne from Outer Urbaan Projects.
We are delighted to share our 2022-23 Annual Report with you and invite any feedback: www.dpvhealth.org.au/publications Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
DPV Health Events WELCOME 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international campaign to call for an end to violence against women and girls. To commemorate 16DOA, DPV Health participated in and organised a host of events involving our employees, community and clients.
2023 Walk Against Family Violence DPV Health joined arms with other community organisations and community members to participate in the Walk Against Violence, held at Parliament House on 24 November, and say ENOUGH to violence against women.
Respect, Empower and Celebrate Women Wellbeing Day On 27th November the ‘Respect, Empower and Celebrate Women Wellbeing Day’ was held for culturally diverse women from Whittlesea and surrounds. Eighty local women from diverse backgrounds attended this enjoyable event, with many Arabic speaking women and other language groups such as Persian and Punjabi. The aim of the event was to broaden the reach of prevention messaging by contextualising the actions to address gender-based violence to the experiences of people from refugee and migrant communities. The event broke down some of the gendered drivers of family violence for women in the community. The day was a wonderful mix of learning and fun with yoga, dance, food, weaving, art and financial information sessions delivered in language. The event was a partnership between DPV Health, Women’s Health in North and Whittlesea Council with funding provided by Respect Victoria.
The Best Time in History to be a Dad Webinar On the 6th of December DPV Health hosted ‘The Best Time in History to be a Dad’ Webinar. Dads today have the opportunity to be more actively and emotionally in their kids’ lives than ever before, defining themselves so much more broadly than their father’s generation. Research shows this has multiple upsides for men, for their children and for their partners. The webinar explored the benefits and challenges of being a dad in 2023, how to navigate modern fatherhood, and provide inspiration for these changes can deliver for you and your family. Pulse Newsletter | Summer 23
Visit our website to learn more about these activities.
Children’s Services
1300 234 263
dpvhealth.org.au