3 minute read
HEALTH
NEUROLOGICAL disorders are now the leading source of disability globally, and the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world is Parkinson disease.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition known as a “motor disorder” and affects more than 18,000 Queenslanders – but it remains one of the least understood.
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The average age of diagnosis is 65 years, with 82 per cent at age 65 and over, however younger people are not excluded.
It is not easy to diagnose Parkinson’s. There is no diagnostic blood test or brain scan, so it is important that the diagnosis is made by a specialist, such as a neurologist, who will examine for any physical signs and take a detailed history of symptoms.
The underlying cause relates to a decline in the production of the brain chemical, dopamine. This lack of dopamine causes difficulty in controlling movements and moving freely.
Non-motor symptoms such as pain, depression and problems with memory and sleep can also occur and have an impact on day-to-day life.
There is currently no known cure.
However, there are many treatments available that can allow a person with Parkinson’s to lead a fulfilling and productive life. Treatments can assist in managing symptoms and provide a high quality of life for years to come.
Parkinson’s Queensland works to support everyone in Queensland living with Parkinson’s or impacted by the diagnosis and recognises that for each person diagnosed there are up to eight others impacted.
Support ranges from strategic advocacy, partnerships, supporting research and awareness programs, to the education of government and professionals from medical and community sectors.
Individuals are provided with information on various aspects of Parkinson’s diagnosis, educational sessions and webinars.
Most importantly, support groups and telephone peer support programs are available around the state. To find a support group near you, call Parkinson’s Queensland 1800 644 189 or email pqi@ parkinsonsqld.org.au Visit parkinsonsqld.org.au. • Kidneys rid your body of waste (through urine), clean your blood of waste and toxins, regulate your blood pressure and manage the production of Vitamin D • The biggest risk factors for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, established heart problems and/or stroke, family history of kidney failure, smoking, obesity, being 60 years or older.
Check your risk at kidney.org.au/ kidneyrisktest • About 63 people die with kidney-related disease every day • Kidney disease is a silent killer – sufferers can lose 90 per cent of kidney function without experiencing any symptoms • 1 in 3 people Australians are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease • 1.7 million Australian adults are affected by kidney disease while 1.5 million of them are unaware of it • Kidney-related disease kills
more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and road accidents. HEART HQ, the Sunshine Coast’s specialist cardiology clinic, has a new nurse practitioner running its heart murmur clinic.
Silvia Gres works with patients at the Sippy Downs clinic, assessing needs and letting them know what to expect before and after procedures.
She also works at Heart HQ’s Birtinya clinic, and with Dr Peter Larsen and Dr Stuart Butterly at the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital assessing patients in the cardiology ward.
Born in Slovakia, Silvia moved to New York in 1996 to obtain her nursing degree and worked there as a nurse for more than a decade.
In 2017, Silvia moved to the Sunshine Coast and joined Ramsay Health Care, where she became their first recognised interventional cardiology nurse practitioner in Australia.
While collaborating with the Heart HQ team on cardiac procedures through SCUPH, Silvia’s dedicated, forward-thinking approach to patient care aligned with their vision of providing compassionate, innovative cardiology care.
Her passion is to build a better healthcare service for patients on the Sunshine Coast so they receive world-class cardiac care. Visit hearthq.com.au
Sunshine Coast Heart Specialists is now
Heart HQ, Sunshine Coast’s specialist cardiology practice, has opened a Heart Murmur Clinic.
This innovative service is headed by our new Nurse Practitioner Silvia Gres and helps to identify valvular heart disease as quickly as possible. Through the clinic, and supported by an integrated team of heart experts, patients can also access timely treatment and follow-up.
World-class cardiac care on the Sunshine Coast.
