To meet the increased community demand for dental services, we are adding more dental chairs and building new dental clinics
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 are 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, A 17% reduction in adult Dental Services wait times 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 655 children through Early Childhood services
You can see what DPV Health is doing across Melbourne’s North in the 2023/24 DPV Health Impact Statement
DPV Health continues to respond to our community’s needs We've introduced new services including the Aged Care Single Assessment System, Diabetes Connect, Home Care Packages, Care in Mind Mental Health Program, Victims Assistance Program, and Women’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Hubs
We recently updated our community members and industry partners on all of the above during our Annual General Meeting, where we unveiled our 2023/24 Annual Report.
DPV Health is held in high regard for the quality of services it provides This was evident when DPV Health won the “Premier’s Primary Healthcare Service of the Year Award” at the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards This is a wonderful testament to our people’s enduring commitment to our clients and community
Finally, as we take a brief break over the new year, I'd like to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you and your family Be safe and we look forward to seeing you in 2025.
Best regards,
Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health
WELCOME HealthcareTips
5 tips to stay cool this summer
As much as we love the warmth of summer, there are some days that are simply too hot for our bodies to handle, especially during heatwaves. Precautions need to be taken to avoid both heat stress and exhaustion
Five simple yet effective tips to help you combat the heat and avoid heat-related issues:
1. Stay indoors as much as possible
During extremely hot days, it's best to limit your exposure to the sun Plan activities indoors or in shaded areas to minimise heat-related risks.
2. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids
Water is your best friend during summer! Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you
3. Keep cool using air conditioning or fans
If you have access to air conditioning or fans, make sure to utilise them to create a cool indoor environment Additionally, draw your blinds to block out the sun and use wet cool towels to dampen your skin for extra relief
4. Avoid strenuous activities
High temperatures can make physical exertion more challenging and increase the risk of heatrelated illnesses Minimize strenuous activities, and if you need to go out, try to do so earlier in the day before it gets too warm
5. Dress for the weather
Choose for lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing to allow for better air circulation and help regulate your body temperature
By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the risk of heat stress and exhaustion, ensuring your summer experience remains enjoyable and safe
To help you stay healthy this summer book an appointment with a GP
(select option 1 for Medical)
WELCOME
Whatyouneedtoknow...
Medical termination of pregnancy
Ending a pregnancy (also called termination) is a personal choice It can be a hard decision tomake, but it’s important that you decide what’s right for you
What is medical termination of pregnancy?
Ending a pregnancy is also called abortion Pregnancy can be ended through medical abortion or surgical abortion. The following information refers to medical abortion, also called medical termination of pregnancy
This type of termination uses two different types of medication to end a pregnancy Medical termination can be done at home at a time that suits you This means you have more privacy and control around ending your pregnancy. However, medical abortion is only available to end a pregnancy up to 9 weeks i This form of termination is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor can provide further information.
Reasons for ending a pregnancy
There are many reasons why someone may choose to terminate their pregnancy For example: financial circumstances make it difficult to raise a child it’s not the right time to have a child not wanting to have a child at all pregnancy is a result of sexual assault not being in a stable or healthy relationship something is wrong with the baby physical or mental health conditions may make pregnancy unsafe
Our team of experienced, friendly practitioners are here to help you look after your sexual and reproductive health in a respectful and non-judgmental way All appointments are private and confidential
Talk about your options with your GP or reproductive health nurse
For more information on this topic visit: www
To book an appointment call
(select option 1 for Medical)
WELCOME
OurDentalServiceisGrowing!
Dental Health
DPV Health are excited to announce our Dental service is growing!
To meet the increased community demand for dental services, we are building new dental clinics across our LGAs and installing additional chairs at our existing dental clinics
Our New Dental Locations include:
WELCOME Howtotalktoyourchildaboutvaping Community Health
VicHealth (2024) have developed a Vaping conversation guide for parents Filled with conversation starters, tips and advice, this guide aims to empower parents and caregivers to have these important conversations. Keep in mind that every child is different and requires a slightly different approach to guide them on the harms of vaping Tailor this guide to suit your child’s needs
When it comes to starting the conversation, find the right time Make sure your child isn’t busy or distracted If you see a story about vaping on the news, or drive past someone vaping, use this as a time to approach the conversation calmly Share some facts on vaping as well as your thoughts on the issue Ask your child about their experience, use this time to let them openly talk and be honest without repercussions
One in three teenagers have tried vaping, and roughly one in five are currently vaping Even if you think there’s no way that your child could be vaping, be prepared for them to share that they have tried it or have thought about trying it Avoid making accusations and remain non-judgemental, as consequences might undermine their trust and prevent them from wanting to talk about it Active listening, talking without judging, and being interested in their thoughts is the best approach for these conversations (VicHealth, 2024).
Children look up to their parents as role models, so do your best to exhibit positive behaviours that you want your child to copy The research shows that children are less likely to smoke or vape if their parents or carers do not smoke or vape. If you have had problems with addiction, or have found quitting difficult, share your experience with your child Ask for their support during your next quitting attempt and be honest with how smoking or vaping has impacted you If your child can witness the reality of quitting, they may want to steer clear from smoking or vaping altogether (Victorian Government, 2024)
You might find better outcomes when you have these conversations before your child is exposed to vaping If your child is a bit older, don’t let this deter you The best time to start is now.
If you are worried about starting a conversation, Quitline counsellors can be contacted on 137848 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm for expert advice
DOWNLOAD
Vaping Conversation Guide for Parents
LEARN MORE Smoking and vaping: Advice for parents
Role modelling behaviour
WELCOME
Nourishingyourmind,bodyandbrain
Nutrition & Dietetics
Have you ever wondered why your stomach churns when you are stressed?
Did you know that the relationship between food and mood starts in your gut and the food you eat can play a role in how you feel and your mental health?
There is now more research into how nutrition can affect our mood, mental health and wellbeing
Here are just some of the ways our body affects our mental health:
1. The gut-brain relationship
Our gut and brain talk to each other via the gut brain axis So what is happening in the gut can influence our brain function and behaviour It’s a two-way connection and communication between the gut and the brain
2. Gut microbiome (the bugs in our gut)
The gut microbiome is a vast community of trillions of microbes that live in our digestive tract and influence our health and behaviour These microbes help us digest food, produce vitamins, regulate immunity, and even affect our mood and reasoning
In short, the microbiome can influence what gets said between the gut and the brain
3. Gut hormones
Ninety five percent of our ‘happy hormone’ (serotonin) is produced in the gut Meaning that a healthy digestive system with plenty of good bacteria will produce more ‘happy hormones’ and less stress hormones like cortisol
There is help out there! Ask Izzy is a great website which can tell you what support services there are near you. (https://askizzy.org.au/).
Therefore, what you eat can affect how the gut and brain work together, in turn affecting mental health.
Nourishing your body may assist to:
Give you more energy and mood
Help you think more clearly
Here are some Top Tips to keep your gut and brain working well:
Enjoy a variety of different foods in its natural form to reap benefits such as: fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants instead of processed foods which have less nutritional value
Enjoy high fibre foods and include fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans/lentils), wholegrains, nuts, and seeds
Include foods rich in omega-3 (eg salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, omega-3 enriched eggs, walnuts)
Flavour with herbs and spices
Include probiotic foods (eg yoghurt, fermented foods)
Eat red meat in moderation and choose lean cuts
Include extra virgin olive oil or other polyunsaturated oils (rice bran, canola oil) as the main source of cooking and added oil
Keep hydrated
Be mindful of alcohol consumption and enjoy in moderation
Our Dietitians listen and work with you to support your health, wellbeing and goals
1300 234 264 (select option 4) or download the brochure here
WELCOME
NewServicenowAvailable
Youth Program
The DPV Health Youth Program provides continuity of care for young people aged 7-14 years who access NDIS services
The Youth Program provides opportunities for young people to access 1:1 therapy, experience and explore different recreational activities within an evidence-based therapeutic framework.
Within the Youth Program, young people can begin essential preparation for future community access, ensuring they have the skills to engage in their preferred activities and continue to develop and connect with peers The DPV Health Youth Program provides complete support for young NDIS participants and their families to address therapy goals across a number of domains
The services we offer include:
The benefits:
As young NDIS participants age out of Early Childhood Intervention Services, their developmental goals change. The DPV Health Youth Program provides opportunities for young people to:
Engage in therapeutic supports that illuminate and foster a sense of identity
Build their capacity to increase independence
Gain confidence and a sense of mastery by engaging in activities tailored to the individual’s ability so they can practice skills essential for future community engagement
Develop a sense of belonging and connection
more information visit our website here (select option 3) For more information on these services contact:
YoungParentsGroup2024
Community Health
DPV Health Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies program in partnership with City of Whittlesea, Brave Foundation and Westfield Plenty Valley established a young parent’s group that commenced in Term 2, 2024
Over 20 young parents have been referred to the program, sharing a supportive space that allows young parents to form friendships and develop their parenting skills.
This is done through a combination of formal educative sessions, professional advice and peer support It also allows for their children to play and socialise with others
We are excited to share the group will run again in 2025 and welcome any young parents under the ages of 25 to join.
Thank you to Westfield Plenty Valley for the opportunity and space to hold the group.
Scan here to learn more!
Most recently the group were visited by Santa and many children had their first Santa experience (photo above)
DPV Health are thrilled to announce we have won the ‘Premier’s Primary Healthcare Service of the Year’ for the second year in a row, as well as the award for ‘Excellence in Multicultural Community Health’ at the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards!
The awards were presented by the Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas MP, at the Awards Gala in November
DPV Health’s CEO Don Tidbury, along with Executives Jane Canaway, Deb Carrin and Board member Robert Burnham, proudly accepted the awards.
These awards acknowledge our organisation’s focus and commitment to our clients and diverse communities, and reaffirm our commitment to deliver excellent care, for every person every time. As well as recognising the true force behind this achievement, our people: our Board, clinicians, support teams, leaders, volunteers and our community advisors
Congratulations to all the other award winners and finalists on an incredible achievement
WELCOME
AreyouBushfireReady?
Community Health
As we enter the summer season, the risk of bushfire increases and you need to be prepared. If you live in an area that is prone to bushfires, then there are some steps you can take to assist with your preparedness
Five simple yet effective tips to help you combat the heat and avoid heat-related issues:
Bushfire Safer Places
A Bushfire Safer Place is an area that you can relocate to with the threat or event of a bushfire, such as metropolitan Melbourne and some regional townships, that is considered safe and has low level of bushfire fuel.
Emergency Kits
A bushfire emergency kit should contain all the resources and items you may need in the event of a bushfire The items should help you survive and assist you for a few days after the bushfire event
Your Home and Property
Your home and property should be well prepared throughout the year, not just the summer months Having a well prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire than one that isn’t Some examples of a well prepared home are clean gutters, non-flammable building materials, and removed dead branches, leaves and undergrowth
Preparing Yourself
You need to prepare yourself and be ready! You have a much better chance of surviving a bushfire if you have a bushfire survival plan, and a well-maintained home. A bushfire plan with help you to decide if you need to leave early or stay and defend your home
Find out more about being bushfire ready, as well as helpful factsheets in the CFS website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
For more tasty, healthy and eas
Recipes scan the QR codes or v www goodfoodforgoodhealth co
INGREDIENTS
( 1 cup) Black Beans Canned
( 1/2 cup) Frozen Blueberries
( 40 ml) Almond Milk
( 1 tbsp) Vanilla Essence
( 1/2 cup) Splenda
( 3 tbsp) Cocoa powder
( 1/2 cup) Gluten Free Flour
( 1 tsp) Baking Powder
( 1 tsp) Bicarb Soda
( 50 grams) Dark Chocolate
PROCEDURE
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celcius. 1. Drain the black beans through a sieve and rinse thoroughly 2.
Into a blender add the black beans, blueberries, almond milk, vanilla, and stevia powder and blend until smooth 3.
4
In a large bowl add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and mix.
5
Combine the flour and black bean mixture and fold together, before folding in the chocolate chips, if you can’t find chocolate chips simply chop up a block into shards.
6 Enjoy! 7
Line a baking tray with grease proof paper and then spread the brownie mixture into an even layer and bake for 35 – 45 minutes
