Keep your finger on the Pulse with Health & Wellness News
Switch your Home Care Package
DPV Health can help you make the most of your Home Care Package
We offer care & support that will keep you active & independent
Measles Outbreak in Victoria
Measles cases are spreading locally in Victoria with new locations throughout Melbourne identified as exposure sites
Sensitive teeth in the cold?
For those with sensitive teeth, winter can mean pain triggered by cold air or chilly foods Read the tips on how to manage sensitive teeth
Welcome
Welcome
to
the Winter 2025 Edition of “PULSE”
Exploring this edition of the Pulse newsletter, you’ll find information on supporting women’s health, dental care, and important information on the harmful effects of Vaping
We are also launching a special promotion on our Home Care Package service to help those who want to get more out of their package, change providers, or sign up with a provider who can offer them the care & support they need
I would also like to encourage everyone to prepare themselves and their families for the current flu season by booking a flu vaccination and a COVID booster. Both of these can be administered together and will help protect you and your family through the Winter season
Engaging with our community continues to be a high priority Over the last few months, we have participated in a range of community events and cultural festivals across Melbourne’s North It was wonderful to see so many of our clients, community members and employees and thank them for their ongoing support
Our organisation continues to be held in high regard by our community DPV Health was celebrated at the 2025 City of Whittlesea Business Awards this month, winning the “Community Contribution Award” and the “Business of the Year Award”,
We would love to receive your feedback on this issue of PULSE, as well as suggestions for topics that may be included in future editions Please send an email to marketing@dpvhealth org au
Wishing you good health!
Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health
1. Switch your Home Care Package to DPV Health
2.What our clients think of us!
3 Sensitive teeth in the cold?
4.Medical Services for the community
5. Escape the Vape: For those you care about
6. Lunch Box Ideas!
7. Winter Chicken Pie recipe
Whether it’s for you or a loved one, our Home Care Packages are designed to sensitively support you at every stage of ageing.
As an accredited and award-winning health care provider, DPV Health works with you to understand your unique needs and offer services that help reduce the pains of aging
Switch your Home Care Package to DPV Health and Receive a $100 VISA Gift Card!
Offer valid until 30th June 2025
DPV Health can help you make the most of your Home Care Package. We offer care & support that will keep you active & independent for as long as possible.
To learn more call 1300 234 263 (select Home Care Packages).
Measles cases are spreading locally in Victoria with new locations throughout Melbourne identified as exposure sites.
What is Measles?
Measles is a viral disease that can spread easily and can cause serious complications which can include, but is not limited to, respiratory infection and encephalitis
People who are at higher risk of infection and experiencing serious complications from measles include children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system
People who have not previously had measles or been fully immunised (with two measles-containing vaccine doses) are most at risk of becoming infected if exposed.
What are the common symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body The first symptoms take 7-18 days to appear after exposure
People with symptoms of measles should seek medical care and testing, calling ahead to the health service and wearing a face mask
Who should get vaccinated against measles?
Getting vaccinated is the best way for your patients and community members to be protected from getting infected with measles and spreading it to other people
Make sure they have had at least two doses of measles-containing vaccines, usually the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
If they were born in Australia between 1966 – 1994, or were born overseas, its likely they have only had one dose and need a measles booster vaccine
Vaccination records are available via Medicare (my gov au) or the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), as well as via personally held records (e g babybooks or handheld vaccine cards)
For more information on Measles CLICK HERE
To get vaccinated against measles book an appointment with a DPV Health GP
1300 234 263
(select option 1 for Medical)
Whatourclients thinkofus!
Since 2022 DPV Health has been conducting an annual Client Experience Survey (CES) to access how satisfied our clients across service/ program areas are with different aspects of the service they are receiving from DPV Health. This is part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to seeking and capturing client feedback, and finding ways to improve the way we plan, design and deliver our services and programs.
The December 2024 Client Experience Survey was sent via SMS to over 21,000 clients who accessed DPV Health services over the previous 6-month period.
How we use client feedback
with a high satisfaction rating
Based on feedback received from our clients, and their suggestions for improvement of the DPV Health service, we have put several actions in place. These include:
Improvements to the IVR booking system to reduce on-hold time and improve navigation
Reduce wait time for the first appointment through effective management of waitlists
Implement changes to the medical booking system to ensure medical clients are kept informed of unexpected delays, and their position on the waitlist in real time while onsite
Introduce alternate channels of service delivery such as telehealth and in-home visits, local pop-up clinics etc. to make healthcare more accessible, especially for people from vulnerable community groups
Ongoing training for all DPV Health staff to offer a more welcoming experience for clients from different backgrounds
Feedback can be provided in the following ways:
WELCOME
Sensitiveteethinthecold?
Dental
As the colder months roll in, many of us enjoy the crisp air, and layers of clothes
But for those dealing with sensitive teeth, winter can bring more than just winter fun it can mean sudden, uncomfortable zings of pain triggered by cold air or chilly foods.
If you’ve noticed your teeth reacting more strongly to the cold, you’re not alone
Why Are My Teeth More Sensitive in Cold Weather?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layer of enamel wears down or when gums recede, exposing the softer dentin layer underneath The nerve endings within dentin react strongly to temperature changes, leading to sharp, sudden pain- especially in cold conditions
Common reasons sensitivity can worsen during colder weather include:
Cracked or worn enamel
Receding gums
Increased exposure to cold air through mouth breathing
Dietary habits, such as indulging in acidic or sugary holiday foods
How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity This Winter
Switch to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth: These formulas help block pain signals and strengthen enamel
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate gums.
Cover your mouth outdoors: A scarf or mask can shield teeth from sudden blasts of cold air.
Limit acidic and sugary foods: These can erode enamel and worsen sensitivity
Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly helps maintain a healthy balance in your mouth
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings keep your teeth strong and healthy.
For more information or to book a Dental appointment call
1300 234 263 or download the brochure here (select option 2 for Dental)
WELCOME
Broadmeadows & Mill Park
Victims Assistance Program Ahelpinghandforvictims
DPV Health’s GP Clinics in Broadmeadows & Mill Park are thriving!
We are excited to share how our medical service continues to grow:
4 new GPs commenced in the past year
6 GP Registrar training positions
Extended hours & Saturday trading
Women’s Sexual & Reproductive Heath Hubs
expanded across Millpark and Braodmeadows
New Pharmacotherapy Service
Linkages to public hospital system
Employed a Medical Director
Upskilled Practice Nurses
Awarded excellent accreditation results
Established a happy environment with high employee engagement
New GP Clinic opening in Epping in 2026
Expanded dedicated Medical Reception Team
As one of Victoria’s largest Community Health organisations, we provide an integrated service model to complement General Practice and provide wrap around care and supports to people most in need.
Dr. Obaid Sajid
Dr Roisin Toohey
Dr Meg Bloomfield
Dr. Aisha Sami
Dr Mohammad Gadi
Dr Vaishali Bhalerao
Dr Jay Mudiyanse
Dr Julia Smilevski
FORTHOSEYOU CAREABOUT
Avoiding or cutting down on vapes can make it easier to maintain healthy relationships with those around us.
When people vape regularly, they develop a craving that can only be relieved by vaping. This creates a vicious cycle of ups and downs that leads to more stress and anxiety.
DPV Health is committed to prevent vaping use in the community through our program, Escape the Vape. By supporting young people, parents / caregivers, schools and the broader community, we can prevent the uptake of young people vaping and promote cessation support.
LunchBoxIdeas!
Community Health
Nutritious lunchboxes play an important role in developing positive lifelong healthy eating habits
Packing a nutritious lunchbox fuels your child with the long-lasting energy they need to concentrate in the classroom and play outside throughout the whole day.
When packing food and drinks for your child, try and focus on the five food groups. This includes 1 fruits, 2 vegetables, 3 grains, 4 meat and 5 dairy Each group provides different nutrient requirements essential for good health
1. Fruits: Packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre to help children stay well.
Lunchbox ideas:
Tip: Try slicing, dicing and chopping your fruit in different ways for different textures
Fresh fruit including apples, bananas, berries, pears, mango, plums & oranges
Tub of diced fruit in natural juice
Dried fruit such as sultanas or apple rings
2. Vegetables: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibre to keep fuelled for longer. Lunchbox ideas:
Tip: You could dip the vegetables into hummus or tzatziki
Fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, tomato, capsicum and snow peas
Canned vegetables and legumes like corns, chickpeas or kidney beans
Tip: These could be added to curries, stews and pancakes or slices
Baked vegetables including pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini
2. Grains: Provide carbohydrates to give kids energy throughout the day.
Lunchbox ideas:
Tip:
er 2025
Try and focus on wholegrain or wholegrain options
WELCOME
LunchBoxIdeas!
Nutrition & Dietetics
4. Meat and protein alternatives: These foods have protein essential for grown and iron to carry oxygen around the body
Lunchbox ideas:
5. Dairy: Contains calcium to strengthen bones and teeth for growing bodies
Lunchbox ideas:
Don’t forget to include water. Tap water is the best drink of choice for hydration, containing fluoride to help strengthen and protect teeth.
Tips for packing a nutritious lunchbox
Plan lunchboxes for the entire week: this can save you money and time in the morning You can also use leftovers from dinners.
Get children involved in making and packing the lunchbox: Take them shopping and let them help choose fruits and vegetables for their lunchbox Let them help prepare and pack their own school lunchbox
Try and buy fresh fruit and vegetables in season: they will be better quality and cheaper than out of season produce
Hard boiled eggs
Lean cold meat such as chicken or beef
Canned fish
Baked beans, canned beans or tofu cubes
Tip: Buy a plain yoghurt and add your own fruit
Plain milk
Cheese cubes or slices
Yoghurt
Water
For more tasty, healthy and easy to make recipes scan the QR codes or visit: www goodfoodforgoodhealth com au
INGREDIENTS
( 1.5 medium) Chicken Breast
( 0 5 cup) Plain Flour
( 1.5 cup) Skim Milk
( 1 5 rasher) Bacon 97% fat free
( 1 5 cup) Button Mushroom
( 1 cup) Frozen Green Peas
( 1 medium) Brown Onion
( 2 cloves) Garlic
( 2 sheets) Filo Pastry
( 4 medium) Desiree Potato
( 2 tbsp) Olive Oil
PROCEDURE
1.Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees.
2 In a large but wide microwave bowl add the diced chicken, sliced bacon, diced onion and garlic then the flour. Mix thoroughly to combine It’s important that the chicken is coated in the flour so you don’t get a lumpy sauce. The reason for a wide microwave bowl is because microwave will heat flatter objects more evenly.
3 Mix in 250 mL of the milk and place into the microwave for 10 minutes.
4 While this is cooking peel and boil the potatoes Allow to boil until potatoes are soft all the way through Then mash adding 25 mL per serve of the milk and the olive oil reserving 1 tsp for the pastry
5 When the chicken has cooked in the microwave for 10 minutes stir, add the peas and mushrooms and stir well before cooking in the microwave for a further 10 minutes
6 Add the chicken to a baking tray and top with the filo pastry Rub each layer of the pastry with the remaining oil and then bake until the pastry is golden brown
