North East Health & Wellbeing Spring 2018

health GROUP FITNESS MOTIVATION

EXERCISE THERAPY

TASTY PAPAYA TREAT

wellbeing SPRING | 2018

Page 2 - Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018

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Is your snoring caused by sleep apnoea?

IF you or someone in your family snores during their sleep, it may be a symptom of something more sinister - sleep apnoea.

Since 70 per cent of excessive snorers do have this condition, it is an important issue warranting further investigation.

After all, sleep apnoea is a serious medical condition which puts you at increased risk for strokes, heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and accidents.

Furthermore, it can make you fatigued during the day, affecting your mood at home and your productivity at work.

What is sleep apnoea?

"Apnoea" literally means "stopping breathing".

If someone suffers from sleep apnoea, they can stop breathing several times during the night.

In severe cases, these episodes can be as frequent as 80 times per hour.

If you sleep in the same room as your spouse, ask them if they notice any periods in which you stop breathing.

Unexplained daytime fatigue can also be a

strong indicator of sleep apnoea.

Other risk factors include smoking, sleeping on your back, or being overweight.

What treatment options are there?

If you have a severe case of sleep apnoea, your healthcare professional may recommend a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device.

This machine creates air pressure inside your throat as you sleep, preventing the tissues inside your throat from blocking your airway.

CPAP devices use a face mask connected to the machine to deliver the air.

Many patients, however, find these appliances extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient and therefore will not wear them, despite the obvious health benefits.

There is, however, another solution.

Studies have shown that custom-made oral appliances can deliver great treatment result for most sleep apnoea patients, especially if someone cannot use a CPAP machine.

At Michelson’s Dental Surgery, they work

SNORER: Snoring can be a telltale sign of sleep apnoea, but dental appliances can help alleviate this problem.

closely with an Australian-based specialised dental sleep lab to deliver appliances that fit accurately and comfortably in your mouth.

As you sleep, the appliance gently pushes your tongue and lower jaw forward to maintain a clear airway.

In addition, this appliance is also a fantastic treatment option for non-sleep apnoea-related snoring.

If your family is losing quality sleep due to your loud snoring, it’s definitely worthwhile finding out if this appliance may help bring better sleep for everyone at home.

To discover whether a comfortable, custom-fit oral appliance from Michelson’s Dental Surgery could provide relief for your sleep apnoea or snoring, contact the team today for an appointment with one of their friendly dentists.

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Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018 - Page 3

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Fitness and fulfilment in numbers

By KYLIE WILSON EXERCISING and reaching common goals together is what binds Wangaratta woman Felicity Carmody and her friends.

Felicity joined the group, who first met each other in an exercise group and now train with Ash Good at Get Good Fitness, about two years ago when she moved to the area after living overseas, but the group itself has been exercising together for over seven years.

The group tackle various types of fitness together about four times a week, and Felicity said she and her friends enjoy setting goals and feeling a sense of achievement to push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of.

Eleven members of the group most recently took part in the Bloody Long Walk – held in Melbourne in late August to raise funds for research into mitochondrial disease – and the team, led by Daniella White, managed to raise $3000 for the cause, many times their original target.

“It was good to do something for other people,” Felicity said.

The 35km route followed the Yarra River from Fairfield, in Melbourne’s northern parklands, to St Kilda Pier, and Felicity said that in addition to their regular training, which includes boxing,

weights and cardio, the group would take part in regular walks and hikes in and around Wangaratta to prepare for the event.

She praised the infrastructure of tracks and trails in the area, saying that they helped vary the exercise experience and were very accessible for exercisers of all ages.

Felicity said she valued exercise extremely highly in order to feel strong and have energy for all aspects of her life, saying “I really enjoy any type of exercise.”

She added that exercising with a group helped ensure she stayed motivated and accountable with her fitness goals.

“Doing something for myself is also pretty important,” she said.

“We’re all very different people, coming together, having fun while staying fit and healthy.

“I feel very grateful to have these ladies in my life.”

Felicity said that she recommended anyone considering getting fitter to find a group or friend to participate in healthy activities with, and to make sure to follow up their motivation with action.

“The hardest part is putting your shoes on in the morning, making the commitment and following through,” she said.

“You will feel good once you’ve done it.”

ACHIEVEMENT: Pictured after completing the recent Bloody Long Walk in Melbourne are (back, from left) Kate Finnigan, Maria Larkin, Tammy Vincent, Daniella White, Chantal O’Brien, Floss Miller and Kerry Patford; and (front, from left) Felicity Carmody, Kate Harding, Jo Bear, and Lexi Togolo.

EVOLVING BEAUTIFUL SMILES FOR OVER 30 YEARS EVOLVE ORTHODONTICS ARE TRAINED SPECIALISTS IN STRAIGHTENING TEETH AND ALIGNING JAWS. For your FREE consultation in Wangaratta or any of our convenient locations call (02) 6021 1288.

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Page 4 - Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018

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State of the art mammography imaging WANGARATTA X-Ray are continually working to have the latest in imaging technology available for their clients in order to provide the best possible images and patient care.

The most recent upgrade of their mammography system ensures that they can capture high quality images for easier and correct diagnosis.

The new Fuji Amulet Innovality with Tomosynthesis capabilities is now available at xray@ thegardens and Wangaratta X-ray.

The Amulet Innovality provides a highly advanced mammography system which offers an extremely fast image interval of just 15 seconds and high quality examinations with superior image quality.

The X-ray Group has purchased an optional extra called Excellent-m, that decreases the radiation dose to the patient by 30-40 per cent when compared to conventional Tomosynthesis systems.

The Tomosynthesis technology makes it possible to observe the internal structure of the breast.

In breast Tomosynthesis, the X-ray tubes moves through an arc while acquiring a series of low-dose x-ray images.

IMAGING TECHNOLOGY: Wayne and Bronwyn Ashton with Wangaratta X-Ray staff member Nicole Seymour.

The images taken from different angles are reconstructed into a range of Tomosynthesis slices where the structure of interest is always in focus.

The reconstructed tomographic images make

it easier to identify lesions which might be difficult to visualise in routine mammography because of the presence of overlapping breast structures, this can result in an increased

sensitivity and specificity of up to 30 per cent.

The Tomosynthesis function on the Amulet Innovality is suitable for a wide range of uses, offering two modes of imaging, to cater for various clinical scenarios.

Standard mode combines rapid exposure timing and efficient workflow with a low X-ray dose, while High Resolution mode makes it possible to produce images with an even higher level of detail, allowing the region of interest to be brought into clearer focus.

This service also includes a stereotactic biopsy function allowing accurate and reliable biopsy procedures using high resolution images.

The team at Wangaratta X-Ray said that to make more efficient use of imaging opportunities, when a patient makes an appointment, they can do an ultrasound and mammography during the same appointment time, to get the most thorough views of the breasts..

They encourage all people at risk of breast cancer to get themselves checked and have the most comprehensive examination possible.

For more information, see the website at www.xraygroup.com.au, or call the Wangaratta offices on (03) 57200700.

OCTOBER IS BREAST AWARENESS MONTH EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES At Wangaratta X-ray, we are dedicated to providing professional and caring breast imaging services, including:

Digital Low Dose Mammograms Breast Ultrasounds Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsies Talk to your GP and schedule your breast imaging appointment today!

Ph. (03) 57 200 700 101 Rowan St, Wangaratta Bulk Billing Medical Imaging (Corner of Rowan & Green Sts) K31D23737-V13/4017

Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018 - Page 5

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Tap into special properties of salt EACH year, salt therapy helps to relieve symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions in thousands of adults and children.

Recently opened in Wangaratta, the Salts of the Earth team are eager to help you this spring with your hay fever and allergy symptoms.

The Wangaratta centre is designed exclusively for salt therapy and utilises state of the art equipment including a specialised Halogenerator, that grinds pharmaceutical grade salt into tiny breathable particles and disperses these micro particles into a salt room.

During a 45 minute session, the salt particles are inhaled deep into the lungs to help loosen congestion and cleanse the airways of smoke, dust, pollution, pollens and other allergens.

When the salt lands on the skin it can also help to improve your skin health and relieve the symptoms of a range of skin conditions.

In Salts of the Earth’s adult room, the lights are dimmed so you can sit back

and relax in the comfort of their massage chairs.

Some clients like to read, whilst others enjoy a period of quiet rest and relaxation.

They have a dedicated children’s room with fun toys and a TV where parents can enjoy the experience with their child.

They also have a private room designed speciďŹ cally for clients with conditions that require privacy.

The Salts of the Earth team said regular salt therapy may relieve your symptoms of a range of conditions and allergies including: t &D[FNB t %FSNBUJUJT t "MMFSHJFT t 0UIFS TLJO DPOEJUJPOT To book your free consultation contact the centre on (03) 5798Â 3888 or pop in and see them at 2/103 Murphy Street.

RELAXING TOGETHER: Salts of the Earth clients John and Mia Szeligiewicz in the business’s specialised children’s room. PHOTO: Kylie Wilson

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Page 6 - Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018

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5 Smoking and quitting myths 1.

Nicotine is the toxic part of cigarettes

MYTH: Nicotine causes few health effects other than being addictive. It is the other 7,000 chemicals in tobacco which cause health problems such as heart attacks, cancer and lung damage.

2.

Cutting back or smoking mild cigarettes reduces harm

MYTH: Smoking fewer or milder cigarettes does not significantly reduce your risk of health problems because without realising it you take deeper and more puffs to compensate for getting less nicotine.

3.

Smoking just a few cigarettes a day reduces harm

MYTH: You are at least 3 times more likely to die from a heart attack or lung cancer by smoking just 1 cigarette a day compared to non-smokers.

Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018 - Page 7

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Tackling smoking: cutting back or going cold turkey?

TACKLING TRIGGERS THAT SUPPORT YOUR HABIT The activities you do while having a smoke are often the triggers that prompt you to light up. They are usually related to a certain situation or the way you’re feeling at a particular time. For example, you might always have a smoke when: having your morning coffee, chatting on the phone, going for a drink with your mates, you’re bored while stuck in traffic, work is stressing you out. A Quit Coach can help you work out a plan when faced with these situations. Coaching can take the form of: Quitline Telephone coaching to help manage cravings when they happen.

Quit Counselling Face to face coaching to help keep you on track.

4.

Quitmail

MYTH: Research has shown that smoking increases stress levels overall. You may feel calmer because you are relieving the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Smoking is a good stress relief

Emails with personalized tips and encouragement.

QuitTxt Text messages with personalized tips and encouragement.

QuitCoach

5.

It’s too late to quit now, the damage is done

MYTH: While there are more benefits when you quit earlier, many of the health effects caused by smoking reverse rapidly after quitting at any age. Even quitting at 60yrs can increase life expectancy.

Joan’s quit journey: don’t stop trying!

JOANS ADVICE: “Don’t stop trying”

At the age of 68, Wangaratta resident Joan Mansfield finally quit smoking for good after 45 years and numerous attempts. “They say it takes the average person five to six attempts before they give up smoking and that was certainly the case for me,” Joan says.

It was the birth of her grandson which was the final turning point. “I was holding my daughter’s precious baby and had this realisation that I wanted to see him grow older.

So I decided to quit cold turkey there and then,” reminisces Joan. “It worked.”

Joan started smoking when she was 23, “when everyone was doing it,” she says. As her habit increased, she looked for ways to minimise the problem.

“I tried herbal cigarettes, a holder with holes that was supposed to reduce how much you inhale, 2mg (lower nicotine) brands, gum and patches,” recalls Joan about her attempt methods. Each time an attempt was made, Joan recalled there had been significant stresses in her life and she would end up sabotaging the process. “I’d take off my patch and go for a smoke,” she laughs.

There were always plenty of reasons to give up, with deteriorating health and the rising cost of cigarettes, but they never seemed to be enough motivation for Joan to stay quit. “I always loved to sing and was a member of the Wangaratta Music Theatre for about 15 years, but after a time, my breathing affected my ability.”

After quitting for good, Joan’s lung capacity improved, she was able to save enough money to buy herself a new car and she remembered having more energy. “When you smoke, that first hit makes you kind of hyper.” Joan feels that she was eating poorly when she smoked, but once she quit, she started eating better and enjoying food, which gave her more sustained energy. “You don’t realise it at the time, but cigarettes muck up your taste,” says Joan. “Even a cup of tea tasted better once I quit.”

Joan now encourages others not to get disheartened when their quit attempts seem to fail. “Each time you try, you’re one step closer to quitting for good, so don’t stop trying” she says.

Online coaching that helps you come up with a quit plan.

The keys to tackling smoking are to: go cold turkey + take NRT or Quitting Medication (or a combination) + work out the best Quit Coaching method to keep you on track.

Cathy encourages “speak to your Pharmacist, Doctor, Practice Nurse or call Quitline on 13 7848 to work out a plan. It’s never too late!

NO SAFE LIMIT: Cathy Henry Pharmacist, Mansfield Pharmacy

According to Quit Victoria, quitting all your cigarettes at once, also known as going cold turkey is more effective than slowly cutting back on the amount of cigarettes you smoke.

Pharmacist Cathy Henry explains “there is no safe limit for smoking. The only thing that should enter your lungs is air.”

So how do you quit smoking cold turkey when your brain tells you, you need a nicotine hit? How do you change a habit when it’s been a part of your daily routine for so many years?

Quitting smoking and staying quit requires tackling: your nicotine addiction, and the triggers that support your habit. Part of your plan for quitting should tackle both if you want to improve your chances of success.

TACKLING NICOTINE ADDICTION Nicotine is an addictive substance which gives you the urge to smoke. When you quit smoking, your body reacts to the lack of nicotine and you can experience symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, strong cravings and sleeplessness.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Quitting Medications can lessen these symptoms. They include:

Lozenges Similar to a cough lolly; available at Supermarkets.

Feel like this every day.

Mouth Spray Sprayed under the tongue; available at Supermarkets.

Inhalator Similar to a plastic cigarette; available at Pharmacies.

Gum Chew and leave in mouth 30min; available at Supermarkets.

Patches Apply like a bandaid, replace daily, 8-12 weeks; available on script.

Champix (Varenicline) 12 week course of tablets; available on script.

Zyban (Bupropion) 9 week course of tablets; available on script.

This feature was prepared by Gateway Health’s Early Intervention Chronic Disease program. Gateway Health is a Not-For-Profit Company limited by guarantee and a registered Community Health Service under the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic). Gateway Health focuses on the provision of primary health and welfare services to people at highest risk of poor health outcomes.

Page 8 - Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018

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Papaya frozen yoghurt bark WITH spring being one of the peak seasons for papaya, there is no better time to try this recipe from Papaya Australia.

Papaya is packed with goodness which is vital for overall health, including essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, folate and ďŹ bre.

Papaya is also low in kilojoules and has a moderate glycaemic index (GI) to keep you fuller for longer.

Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for Australian papaya and papaw but it is available all year round.

For delicious recipes and more information about papaya visit: www.australianpapaya.com.au and www.facebook.com/papayaaustralia.

Ingredients: > 2 cups Greek or natural yoghurt > ½ tsp vanilla paste or extract > 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup > 300gm peeled papaya > 1 cup frozen raspberries (130gm) > Ÿ cup chopped pistachios (35gm)

Method 1. Line an oven tray with baking paper.

2. Dice the papaya – chop half ďŹ nely (1cm pieces) and the other half roughly (23cm pieces), you should have about 2 cups total.

3. Combine yoghurt and vanilla in a bowl.

Add syrup or honey to taste, then stir through half the ďŹ nely chopped papaya.

4. Spread papaya yoghurt mixture over the prepared pan in an even layer. Top with raspberries, pistachios and remaining papaya.

5. Freeze 2-4 hours until ďŹ rm. Cut or break yoghurt bark into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately, or store in a freezer bag for a quick treat.

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Suffering from Aching legs? Leg cramps? Unsightly veins?

Dr Peter Chu, vascular surgeon, is dedicated to providing effective and prompt treatment of circulatory and venous conditions to the Northeast region of Victoria. He has recently established The Melbourne Vascular Surgery & Vein Clinic, and can now, in conjunction with Melbourne Vascular Imaging, bring the latest minimally invasive or "walkin walk-out" treatment strategies for varicose veins, spider veins and other venous disorders to the Northeast region.

Patients who suffer from VXSHUÀFLDO YHQRXV GLVHDVH may present syptoms of: ‡ 9DULFRVH YHLQV ‡ 6ZROOHQ OLPEV BEFORE

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SUPERFICIAL VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE IS PROGRESSIVE. SYMPTOMS CAN WORSEN OVER TIME IF LEFT UNTREATED.

Albury: The Gardens Medical Centre - 470 Wodonga Place, Albury NSW 2640 Wangaratta: Wangaratta Cardiology & Respiratory Centre 29 Clark Street, Wangaratta VIC 3767 Echuca: Echuca Consulting Suites 25 Francis Street, Echuca VIC 3564.

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Contact to organise a consultation (03) 9348 9446

‘bulk billed vein assessments available’ Phone (03) 9348 9446 | Fax (03) 9329 3051 Email info@melbourneveincentre.com.au 21d11093-v36/3918

Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018 - Page 9

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All about Bowen therapy

By CHRISTOS MILIANKOS, North East Naturopathic Group What is it and how does it work?

Bowen is a full body treatment aligning the body by working on the soft tissue.

Unlike many other hands-on therapies, the Bowen technique does not use forceful manipulations.

Subtle moves are performed over muscles and connective tissue.

Results can be remarkable even after the first session.

Often, only a few sessions are needed to correct presenting conditions.

There are frequent but essential pauses through the session that allows the body time to respond and begin the healing process.

The practitioner addresses the body as a whole but can also target specific problems.

The technique addresses not only the musculoskeletal framework but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs. It also helps with lymphatic drainage, digestion and eliminating toxins.

Can I use other therapies?

A Bowen session initiates a cascade of beneficial changes that continue for several days. Applying other manipulative therapies during this time can interrupt this process and undermine the overall effectiveness of the Bowen work. It is therefore recommended that clients wait for a few days before commencing other manual treatment.

Can the Bowen Technique help me?

The original Bowen Technique is extremely gentle, effective, non-invasive and is considered suitable for anyone from pregnant women, babies to the elderly and sports people. Bowen can assist recovery from many conditions from traumatic injury to chronic illness. No adverse side-effects have been reported.

The technique should be considered for: t Back pain and sciatica t Digestive and Bowen problems including IBS t Ear-ache, ear infections and migraines t Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome t Knee, ankle and foot problems

Bowen Therapy (evening) classes starting in October 2018 Would you like to learn Bowen Therapy?

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Contact Christos at christosmili@yahoo.com or 0411 037 475 and visit http:// bowentraining.com.au/bowentherapy-instructors/boweninstructor-christos-miliankos for dates and details.

Exp er t,

Change to an exciting new career or help assist family and friends with their ailments? This is an exciting new opportunity in Wangaratta.

Put wellness in your hands... become a Bowen therapist with Bowen Training Australia (RTO#41134).

Bowen therapy is a remedial softtissue therapy that is easy to learn and quickly applied.

Flexible study options available!

7KH &HUWLÀFDWH ,9 LQ %RZHQ Therapy (10533NAT) is Nationally Recognised.

t Menstrual and Hormonal irregularities t Neck and Shoulder problems inc. Frozen Shoulder t Groin pain, Pelvic tilt and Uneven leg length t Respiratory problems and Hay fever t RSI, Carpal tunnel syndrome and Tennis elbow t Sports Injuries and sport recovery t Accident injuries t Stress t Jet lag Bowen Therapy (evening) classes will be held locally starting on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, giving local people an opportunity to embark on a new career or help assist family and friends with their ailments.

Bowen therapy is a remedial soft-tissue therapy that is easy to learn and quickly applied and there are flexible study options available.

The Certificate IV in Bowen Therapy (10533NAT) is nationally recognised.

For more information, email christosmili@yahoo.com or 0411 037475 and visit bowentraining.

BOWEN KNOWLEDGE: Christos Miliankos has com.au/bowen-therapy-instructors/bowen-inplenty of experience in Bowen therapy. structor-christos-miliankos for dates and details.

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Page 10 - Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018

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Take care of your neck to get the most out of life

By BARBARA BINKS, Physiocare Wangaratta DOES your neck drive you crazy?

Can you look over your shoulder to drive?

Be honest.

Are you one of those drivers who relies on their mirrors or a spouse/significant other to check the road behind you?

Chronic neck stiffness seems to be a phenomenon that we often just put up with and many people put it down to the inevitability of age-related change.

They just accept it and don’t try to fix it.

Headaches, neck and shoulder pain are common complaints but I remain surprised at

just how many people will suffer for long periods of time – even years - without realising that they can help themselves with therapy.

I will often ask a client to turn their head as far as they can.

They reach about 45 degrees whilst their eyes continue to roll sideways to maximum possible eyeball range - not enough to be able to safely view oncoming traffic.

The reality is that most people, with some guidance, gentle physiotherapy and soft tissue techniques, a home exercise program and a little bit of discipline will get that head turning properly and again be safe to drive without a co-driver.

PAIN IN THE NECK: The proper care can help turn you around.

injured or suffering pain in your hands or upper limbs?

Are you

did you know... that you can choose your therapist yourself?

you might be eligible for private or compensable treatment?

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Headache, Neck and Back Problems Sports injuries Post Surgical and Post Fracture Rehabilitation

Aquatic Therapy Hand and upper limb injuries including splinting, tendons, cuts, fractures, crushes and burns

We provide services for WorkCover, TAC, DVA, ComCare, Sports and Private Insurance (extras)

Referrals are NOT required!

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years 19experience!

03 5721 5874

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25 Green St, Wangaratta enquiries@physiocarewangaratta.com.au www.physiocarewangaratta.com.au

Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018 - Page 11

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Exercise Therapy isn't just about reducing pain OSTEOARTHRITIS is a leading cause of pain and disability in adult men and women.

It is characterised by joint pain that stops us from moving the way we want to.

Whether it be gardening or bushwalking, activity just isn't as enjoyable when it hurts.

But what if exercise was the answer?

Exercise Therapy is designed to produce therapeutic goals.

North East Life Physiotherapy staff say it has been proven time and time again to be at least as effective in reducing joint pain as taking pain-killers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and Paracetamol.

Recent evidence suggests Exercise Therapy can even be more effective than arthroscopic surgery.

Furthermore, arguably the most important reason to exercise is that it is the cor-

nerstone treatment for at least 26 chronic diseases including heart disease, dementia and type 2 diabetes.

In fact, when considering all the benefits that exercise has - weight loss, improved mood, blood pressure regulation, cardiovascular health, improved insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammatory markers, the list goes on - the only negative outcome is the chance of an increase in pain, yet this is usually the thing stops people in their tracks.

Fortunately, when exercise is prescribed at an appropriate intensity and duration, it can be tolerated very well.

This is where physiotherapists trained in Exercise Therapy can help.

If you would like to learn more about how you can use exercise to improve your health and wellbeing, contact North East Life Physiotherapy on 03 5722 1424 or visit www.nelife.com.au.

GET GOING: Being active has many health benefits.

IVF births at highest number ever: report SOME 15,198 IVF babies were born in Australia and New Zealand in 2016/17 as a result of cycles undertaken in 2016 – the highest number ever in IVF’s 40-year history, a UNSW report released recently shows.

“The increase in the number of IVF babies reflects both the rise in number of cycles and an improvement in success rates over the last five years,” says Professor Michael Chapman, president of the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA).

The report shows the live birth rate per embryo transfer has increased from 22.5 per cent in 2012 to 26.2 per cent in 2016, the most recent year from which data are available.

A major factor in these improved outcomes is an increase in the success rate of frozen embryo transfers, from 20 per cent in 2012 to 27 per cent in 2016.

For the first time, there were more thawed embryo transfer cycles than fresh cycles performed in 2016 – almost 60 per cent of babies born through IVF treatment resulted from frozen embryos.

Another factor in the improved success rate has been the uptake of preimplantation genetic testing of embryos, which increased more than 200 per cent since 2012.

“Australia leads the world in the reduction of

multiple pregnancy and its adverse outcomes, with a high rate of single embryo transfer – making us one of the safest countries in the world to have IVF,” says Professor Luk Rombauts, vice president of the FSA. The proportion of IVF cycles with only a single embryo transferred increased from 73 per cent in 2012 to 88 per cent in 2016.

This has meant that the proportion of twins and triplets born following IVF treatment is now 3.8 per cent, one of the lowest rates in the world.

Due to a continued trend of delaying childbirth, one in four cycles are performed in wom-

en 40 years or over.

Success rates in this group have risen by 30 per cent over the last five years, from 10 per cent to 13 per cent.

The report, funded by the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA), contained data about IVF cycles undertaken in 2016 and the resulting babies born in 2016 and 2017.

The data presented in this report is maintained by the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU) within UNSW’s Centre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Women’s and Children’s Health on behalf of the FSA.

Benalla 39 Nunn Street T (03) 5762 6866

Wangaratta 10 Chisholm Street T (03) 5722 1424

Yarrawonga 24 Belmore Street T (03) 5743 1142

www.nelife.com.au

T/21D13001

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Page 12 - Health and Wellbeing Spring 2018

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Where is your hearing aid?

By DIANA BIENVENU, Audiologist I RECENTLY ran into a comic where the main character strode into a shop selling hearing aids and said that he wanted the “smallest and cheapest hearing aid”.

The gag: he walks out with a small person who will repeat everything said to the purchaser!

Sometimes when I ask a new client whether they have used hearing aids before, they jokingly say that their “hearing aid” is at home – their spouse!

They are accustomed to their partner providing a repeat of information that they have missed.

While this may certainly appear to be a simple and cost-effective way of getting the message, and one does not need to wear a hearing instrument on the ear, the benefits are limited.

What happens when the other person is not present?

Or when the helper mis-hears the initial message?

What about hearing environmental sounds?

In our practice, we also hear from the

person who is the “hearing helper”, a role they perform because they care about whether their partner gets the message.

Often they express concern about the things they notice being missed – a call from a friend across the road, a message from the next room or questions from the doctor.

They don’t necessarily want to be the intermediary in each conversation, being asked “what did he say?” when someone else has just spoken.

Perhaps you are guilty of asking family members for repeats instead of using the hearing instruments sitting in the drawer at home.

Is it time to finally try them out again, organize a hearing check and work out what benefits you are missing?

If you frequently ask others for repeats and don’t already have “real” hearing aids, you can organise a hearing test by calling Wangaratta Audiology on (03) 57224433.

HEARING HELPERS: If a person is struggling with hearing loss, they can often rely heavily on their spouse or friend to relay information to them.

Wangaratta’s Premier Audiologists & Hearing Clinic with support for hearing aids including sales & maintenance, ‘everyone deserves to communicate’

don’t

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important

things in life

ȏ Professional Hearing Tests - audiometry, speech discrimination & tympanometry ȏ Hearing Rehabilitation for private & Hearing Services Program clients ȏ “Try before you buy” hearing aids & connectivity devices ȏ Industrial Hearing Screening ȏ Ear Protection (water & noise)

- 5pm Monday - Friday angaratta 9am 82 Docker St, Wangaratta Phone: 03 5722 4433 udiology www.wangarattahearing.com.au

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