HOLISTIC - Health and Wellbeing
Finally, some good news about COVID! by DOCTOR EDWIN KRUYS
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e’re all a bit tired hearing about COVID-19, which is understandable. But it’s also good to celebrate the progress we have made in recent times. For example, we now have antiviral medications to stop the virus multiplying in the body. Not only that, instead of administering the medication via an infusion in hospital, GPs can now prescribe tablets. Anyone 70 years and over is eligible for antiviral tablets if they test positive to COVID-19 with a RAT or PCR test. Younger age groups are also eligible depending on background and risk. The medication works best early in the disease, so it is important to start within five days after the onset of symptoms. Please remember that RAT self-tests are not always reliable, especially when the test outcome is negative in the presence of symptoms like a runny nose, cough or fever. In this case it is important to do a PCR test at a pathology collection centre.
We regularly see that the PCR is positive when a RAT has indicated no COVID-19 in symptomatic people. On the other hand, if the RAT test is positive, a COVID-19 infection is likely. The other good news is that the risk of a hospital admission with COVID-19 drops with every vaccine people receive. In other words, those who have had four vaccinations have a lower risk than those with three vaccinations. A quick reminder that people who are immunodeficient are eligible for a fifth shot. Lastly, do masks work? I always say that if they didn’t work doctors wouldn’t be wearing them while operating on their patients for hours on end. I applaud everyone who is wearing a mask in supermarkets and social gatherings. Also, a big thank-you for respecting the mask-wearing policy in our health facilities on the Sunshine Coast, which remains necessary to protect patients and staff.
A great team at Bloomhill
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loomhill Cancer Care can assist with the diagnosis, treatment, recovery from cancer or end-of-life through practical, emotional, physical and spiritual support for both the person diagnosed and their loved ones and carers. Accessing help is as easy as picking up the phone or dropping in to talk with the staff to find out more about client services. “In June alone, Bloomhill's care team supported more than 400 active clients touched by cancer with almost 1000 episodes of care,” said Christopher John, Bloomhill’s CEO. “Our nurses provided more than 340 appointments in June, and their exercise team provided almost 200 sessions including group classes. “Bloomhill psychologists and counsellors supported clients with more than 90 sessions in the last month, and their lymphoedema therapist provided more than 80.” Not to mention Bloomhill’s contractors, who provided more than 120 sessions in physiotherapy, reflexology, massage, acupuncture, nutrition and dietetics. What a team! “The work of our care team is supported by retail teams (including many volunteers) who run our 10 shops and by generous donations from our community,” continued Christopher. “If you have volunteered for us, shopped at our stores, attended an event or made a donation, thank you. We are truly grateful as your generosity helps us enact our passion for supporting those touched by cancer. We are making a positive difference to peoples' lives every day.” If you would like to know more about Bloomhill services, or become a partner or volunteer, please visit: bloomhill.com.au
Dr Edwin Kruys is a GP at Ochre Health Maleny
27 AUGUST 2022 HINTERLAND TIMES