Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Laura Geitz: My little family 6

Queensland Country Dental Mackay now open 22

Do you suffer from sciatic pain?

24

Top 5 tips for healthy winter skin

Living Healthy Contributors Executive Manager Glenn Seri Editor and Marketing Officer Tamika Piccinelli Corporate Partnership Manager Kim Anderson Member Experience Manager Matthew Wilshere Contributors Laura Geitz, James Jensen, Jacqui Shears, Carolyn Seri, Daryl Ansell and Larissa Bright.

Thank you to all of our contributors - we appreciate being able to provide our Members with valuable information.

Contact Us Address 333 Ross River Road, Aitkenvale, QLD 4814

PO Box PO Box 42, Aitkenvale, QLD 4814

Phone 1800 813 415

Contents From the Executive Manager. Glenn Seri................................................... 3 My little family. Laura Geitz...................................................................... 4 Queensland Country Dental Mackay now open!....................................... 6 Staff in focus: Kim Anderson.................................................................... 8 Rural Health Connect............................................................................... 8 Celebrate on us!....................................................................................... 9 Access Gap Cover‌what you need to know!..........................................10 Member services to help make claiming easy!.........................................11 What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? James Jensen............................... 12 Know your Extras cover!.......................................................................... 14

Email

ANC Breakfast Beans. Jacqui Shears...................................................... 16

info@queenslandcountry.health

Refer a Friend.......................................................................................... 17

Website

COVID-19 and children. Carolyn Seri........................................................ 18

queenslandcountry.health

Member Satisfaction Survey 2020.......................................................... 20 Do you suffer from sciatic pain? Daryl Ansell......................................... 22

Queensland Country Health Fund Ltd ABN 18 085 048 237 Queensland Country Dental is a business name of Queensland Country Health Fund Ltd ABN 18 085 048 237

Top 5 tips for healthy winter skin. Larissa Bright................................... 24 Queensland Country in the Community.................................................. 26 Money Mentors........................................................................................27

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is provided for general information purposes only not as a substitute to medical advice. The information provided or views expressed by third party contributors in this publication are not necessarily those held by Queensland Country Health Fund Ltd.

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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

From the Executive Manager Welcome to the Winter / Spring

returned to work and be able to

lifted and our Mackay team are

edition of Living Healthy!

accommodate the new premium.

ready and looking forward to seeing

With a healthy dose of

We were still able to implement

understatement, it is fair to say

some positive changes to policies

a lot has changed since the last

on April 1 including improving the

edition of Living Healthy! I hope this

simplicity of our benefits and

edition finds you and your loved

optical benefit improvements.

ones well and in good spirits.

Prior to October 1 we will

The impacts of Covid-19 are ongoing and although Australia has done well so far on the health aspects of the pandemic, we are not out of the woods yet. The economic and social impacts from the pandemic are continuing and will certainly shape our lives for the

patients. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Dr Isabella Ihle, Dariannah, Sam and Melina to our Queensland Country family. If you have any general dental needs, please contact the Mackay team

communicate with those Members

on 1300 555 376.

who were scheduled for a premium

Speaking of our dental team, during

increase and reconfirm the new premium amount.

During February our new Mobile App was launched and was well received by both Members and staff, if you haven’t had a chance to have a

the restrictions on dental services, some of our dental staff were given the opportunity to assist in other areas of the business including our Member Care Team. The Member Care Team was an initiative put into

foreseeable future.

look and explore please download

place during restrictions to check in on some of our older Members

Queensland Country Health Fund

it from the Apple App store or GooglePlay store today. The coming

and to see how they were coping

year will see further enhancements

during the height of isolation. Whilst

to the App including a new “secure

our Members really appreciated

Inbox” feature which will allow

these calls, our staff were the real

Queensland Country to send

winners. The team enjoyed the

important information to Members

opportunity to chat to Members,

without the need for letters.

listen to their personal stories and

staff were able to transition very quickly to working from home and our overall Member service remained unchanged during these trying circumstances. We continue to offer financial hardship packages to our Members and I encourage any Member who is feeling the financial strain due to Covid-19 to contact

In mid March we opened our newest dental practice, Queensland

hear about their long standing history with Queensland Country.

Country Dental Mackay located at

Let’s hope the remainder of 2020

24 Sydney Street. Unfortunately,

sees our economy bounce back

As you may be aware, Queensland

the opening was short lived with

strongly and that we continue to

Country also delayed our April 1

Covid-19 restrictions implemented

keep the spread of Covid-19 under

premium increase to October 1

and immediately all dental

control.

due to the uncertainty around the

practices across Australia were

financial impact of Covid-19 on

limited to providing emergency only

our Members. The hope is that by

dental services. The restrictions

Glenn Seri

October 1 most Members will have

on dental services have now been

Executive Manager

the Health Fund as soon as possible.

Healthy Regards,

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

Laura Geitz Member and Brand Ambassador

My little family I can’t believe it has been over two

surrounded by nature. We are

years since I last put pen to paper

exceptionally grateful, given the

and featured in Living Healthy. At

current way of the world, that we

that time I had taken a year away

have had some space to occupy

from the game of professional

and let the boys run free.

netball to welcome Mark and my first child, Barney and was writing on my new role of motherhood.

Fast forward two and a half years and I find myself with a now 3 and half year old, plus another beautiful little boy Franky, who has just turned 1. Our tribe is growing at a rapid rate and in January 2021 we will be welcoming our third little one to the family. We are extremely excited and could not be happier!

The concepts of isolation, hand sanitising and social distancing have all become the new normal and while COVID-19 has provided us all with challenges, I think it has also had many positives. For our family, it has allowed us to reconnect and spend some more quality time with one another rather than keeping up with the rat race of being here and there. It has also prompted us to engage with the outdoors and get

Coming from a small family, I

back to basics with our way of living.

have always loved the thought of

When I reflect on some of the ways

having a house full of kids. It has been especially lovely to witness the evolving relationship between Barney and Franky as they become wonderful little mates and the

we have been occupying ourselves during this time, most of our activities have been outdoors. Many of our activities have allowed us to live a little more sustainably where

thought of another one in the mix

we can. We have created our own

will no doubt add an additional

vegetable patch, which has also

element of personality and

been a great way to encourage a

busyness!

few more vegetables into Barney’s

Two years ago, Mark and I also decided to move to the outskirts of Brisbane for a tree change and

diet and we’ve welcomed some chooks into our family, giving us fresh free range eggs for breaky.

more space. When our family life

I must admit I have thoroughly

began, it was always a dream of

enjoyed this period of time, re-

mine to provide our children with

engaging with values and ways

some of the same opportunities

of life I experienced as a child

that I had as a child living in the

and having a renewed sense of

country such as fresh air and being

achievement from the little things.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Queensland Country Dental Mackay now open!

Our newest Queensland Country Dental practice is now open!

Located conveniently at 24 Sydney Street, Queensland Country Dental provides high quality, affordable, patient focused dental care for Health Fund and Bank Members; and is also open to the general public.

Services include: •C omprehensive examinations for the whole family, including children’s dentistry • Digital x-rays and photographs • Preventive treatments such as scale and clean • Mouthguards for adults and children • Dental hygiene treatment • Emergency dentistry •F ull range of restorative treatments such as composite (tooth coloured) restorations (fillings) • Teeth whitening • Endodontic (root canal) treatment • Crowns and bridges • Metal and acrylic dentures • Extractions • Cosmetic dentistry Members of Queensland Country Health Fund with extras cover pay no or low out-of-pocket costs on preventive and diagnostic treatments~.

Queensland Country Dental strives to provide excellent dental care, whilst upholding patient safety and continuously improving on the quality of your experience during your time at the practice. Dr Isabella Ihle and her team look forward to welcoming you!

Book your appointment today on

1300 555 376

~ Subject to waiting periods and available limits.

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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

The Queensland Country Dental team left to right: Dariannah Greentree, Melina Jackson and Dr Isabella Ihle.

What benefit we’ll pay for diagnostic and preventive dental care: Level of cover

Type of service

Diagnostic

Waiting periods

Diagnostic

2 months

Diagnostic

2 months

Diagnostic

2 months

$32

Scale and clean

$84

Fluoride treatment

$22

Mouth guard (limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$150

Periodic oral exam

$35

X-Rays

$22

Scale and clean

$59

Fluoride treatment

$15

Mouth guard (limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$105

Periodic oral exam

$40

X-Rays

$25

Scale and clean

$67

Fluoride treatment

$18

Mouth guard (limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$120

Periodic oral exam

$38

X-Rays

$24

Scale and clean

$63

Fluoride treatment

$17

Mouth guard (limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$113

Overall limit

$600^

$800^

$1400 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all dental services (excludes orthodontics which has separate claim limits)

$400^

$500^

$400 per person up to $800 per policy^^ for general dental

$900 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all dental services (excluding orthodontics which has separate claim limits)

Overall limit for ALL benefits payable under Select Extras (including dental, optical, therapies, pharmaceuticals and Healthy Living benefits) up to $2,200 per person $4,400 per policy per Membership Year.

Sub-limits apply

2 months

Young Extras Preventive

X-Rays

2 months

Select Extras Preventive

$50

2 months

Essential Extras Preventive

Periodic oral exam 2 months

Premium Extras Preventive

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Example of benefits

2 months

$500 per person up to $1,000 per policy Combined limit claimable for general and major dental*

Note: Membership Year limits are calculated from the anniversary date of the establishment of the policy ^Dental sub-limits: The maximum benefit amount claimable per person for treatment/service in a specific area of dentistry per Membership Year. This is providing an individual person’s overall dental benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit is reached, no further dental benefits can be claimed by this individual on any area of dentistry until a new Membership Year commences. Individual dental item benefits apply. ^^ Dental sub-limits: The maximum benefit amount claimable per person and/or per policy for dental treatment/services per Membership Year within this sub-limit. This is providing an individual person’s overall limit for ALL other benefits payable under Select Extras for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit is reached, no further dental benefits can be claimed by this individual on any area of dentistry until a new Membership Year commences. Individual dental item benefits apply. * Dental sub-limits: The maximum benefit amount claimable per person/per policy for treatment/service in dentistry per Membership Year. This is providing an individual person’s or per policy overall dental benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit has been reached, no further dental benefits can be claimed by this individual or any other person/s on the policy on any area of dentistry until a new Membership Year commences. Individual dental item benefits apply.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Staff in focus

Kim Anderson

Corporate Partnership Manager Meet Kim Anderson, our Corporate Partnership

Do you have a hobby or talent you’d like to share?

Manager. Kim has over 15 years of private health

In a previous life I was a musician and played several

insurance experience and has been a part of the

instruments. With life being so busy I don’t get to play

Queensland Country family for over 6 years. Kim offers

music as often as I’d like, however when I do get spare

exceptional industry and product knowledge and is

time I love to play an instrument or two.

dedicated to helping our corporate Members find a

How do you keep active? I start every morning by

policy that suits their needs. We recently sat down with

walking. It’s a great way to switch my mind on. I also

Kim to find out a little more about her.

travel a lot with work so it's also a great way to see

What is your role at Queensland Country? I work

and enjoy the local areas I visit.

with our corporate partners to promote and develop

What is your favourite song and why? That is a difficult

awareness amongst their employees about our

question for a musician to answer because we have

corporate health plans. I then provide ongoing support

100’s of “favourite” songs. However, one of my all-time

for those employees who join our fund. I am also lucky

favourites would be Cool Change by Little River Band.

enough to get out and about and speak to some of our

I love sailing and this song reminds me of the peace I

amazing Members at community events.

feel when I am out on the water.

With over 15 years experience, what is the most

Do you have a favourite meal you like to cook or

important thing about private health insurance?

restaurant meal you like? I love making Mexican for my

For me, it’s about choice when it comes to treatment.

family, in particular Fajitas.

If you need to have surgery, and your illness/injury is

What is the Queensland Country difference? Without a

affecting your quality of life, being able to choose

doubt, the key difference is that our Members matter

your own surgeon and timing of treatment provides an

most. I love being part of a company that values great

invaluable sense of peace of mind in a difficult time.

Member service.

Introducing Rural Connect Rural Health Connect allows you to speak to a psychologist over video conferencing using your smartphone or computer. It is easy to use, convenient and secure. You can access psychologists who are experts in treating children, anxiety, relationships, trauma, addiction, depression and a range of other specialties.

Go to www.ruralhealthconnect.com.au and click “Get Started” to see available psychologists and appointment times.

Step 2 Before your first session you will need

Simply speak with your GP about a referral and mental health plan

a referral and mental health care plan

then follow the steps to get started and to claim your psychology

from your GP. Ask them to fax it to

sessions through Medicare. The normal Medicare rebate is $86.15

us at 07 4573 1100 or send via Medical

per session with a psychologist or $126.50 per session with a clinical

Objects (they will know what that is).

psychologist.

Step 3

Or you can choose to book straight away without a referral and pay the full fee. If you choose to pay the full fee and receive no Medicare benefits, contact the Queensland Country Health Fund team on 1800 813 415 to see if you are eligible to receive a benefit for this service under your level of Extras cover.

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Step 1

Online Psychologists

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

Log in ahead of your appointment time and click “Join Session” to speak to your psychologist. Medicare rebates will be processed automatically.

Celebrate on us!

Our Members are at the core of everything we do.

We’re constantly working on ways to ensure that we are doing more for our Members by providing products and services that matter and ultimately help you live a better life through better health.

That’s why we’re excited to give back and provide a little bit of joy during these unusual times!

As a current Queensland Country Health Fund Member, you have been automatically entered into the draw to win $1,000 towards a dinner for you and a group of friends and family to celebrate the easing of social restrictions. The prize draw will take place on 2 September 2020 and the winner will be notified by 3 September 2020.

Great news, you don’t need to do anything from here, just make sure to keep an eye out to see if you have won.

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IZE DRAW R S* P 1X

$1000

For new Members who join during July and August 1X

$1000

For loyal current Health Fund Members

Good luck!

Support Local For more information and terms and conditions visit queenslandcountry.health/celebrate-on-us *Competition runs from 1 July to 31 August 2020. There will be two prize draws one for new Members and one for current policy holders. Prizes are determined by random draw. One entry per policy. All financial obligations under the policy must be met at the time of the draw. Full Terms & Conditions of Entry are available at queenslandcountry.health/celebrateonus. Queensland Country Health Fund Ltd ABN 18 085 048 237.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Access Gap Cover... what you need to know!

When you are admitted into hospital, your accommodation, doctor, surgeon and anaesthetist costs are all charged separately. These medical expenses are assessed against the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which is a fee set by the government that they determine to be reasonable for the medical service you’re receiving.

When you have private health insurance with Queensland Country Health Fund, you’re guaranteed to be covered for the MBS fee – Medicare covers 75% of the MBS

the new maximum gap allowed

the agreed Access Gap Benefit

for Access Gap Cover will be up

amount, you’ll have out-of-pocket

to $500 per doctor per medical

expenses to pay. Some doctors

episode, except for obstetrics

don’t participate in the Access

which remains unchanged at $800.

Gap Scheme at all while some

We expect a very low impact

participate on a patient-by-patient

regarding any changes to gaps

basis. In the instance your doctor

and hope that it will encourage

doesn’t participate, we’ll only be

increased compliance by doctors

able to cover the 25% between the

to charge the correct gap. This

Medicare rebate and MBS fee.

will mean less or no out-of-pocket

Be prepared, plan ahead

expenses for you.

to treatment, we recommend

Change to the rule regarding booking or administrative fees

contacting your treating doctor

The Access Gap Cover Terms and

to find out if they will participate

Conditions have been strengthened

in the Access Gap Scheme and

to ensure that doctors who use

discuss all fees up front.

Access Gap Cover do not charge

To make sure you are aware of all fees to be charged prior

additional fees, such as ‘Booking

fee and we cover the remaining

We want you to be fully prepared

25%. Some doctors however,

and aware of any out-of-pocket

charge more than the MBS fee.

expenses before you go to

Queensland Country try and make

hospital. If your treating doctor

treatment more affordable by

doesn’t participate in the Access

The current Access Gap Cover rules

offering Access Gap Cover where

Gap Scheme, or won’t agree to

state that doctors can’t charge

your doctor participates in what’s

participate for your treatment,

‘Other Fees’, however it does not

called the Access Gap Scheme.

you can find doctors who may

and Administrative Fees’ or any other fees not associated with the Medicare item number.

state that if they do, they will not be

participate by visiting the ASHA

paid the Access Gap Cover benefit.

website.

Effective 1 July 2020, a new term will make it clear that these additional

some doctors charge more than

Change to the Access Gap Cover patient gap rule

the MBS fee, we offer Access

Access Gap Cover has always had a limit on the maximum gap that

Gap Cover for you.

Gap Cover to make treatment more affordable for you. If your

a specialist can charge you, this

doctor participates in the Access

can be complicated to understand.

Gap Scheme, there is an agreed

Prior to 1 July 2020, depending on

maximum amount we’ll pay up to

your procedure, the gap could have

for your doctor’s services, this is

been any amount up to $400 for

known as the Access Gap Benefit.

one Medicare item number, or $800

What is Access Gap Cover?

Access Gap Cover is a big feature of our hospital cover. Because

Your doctor may choose to accept this amount as full payment for your treatment which means no out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Alternatively, they may choose to

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If your doctor’s fee is higher than

for obstetrics. Where you may have had a combination of procedures or item numbers billed by your specialist during a single episode*, the cost would have been much higher.

charge an allowable known gap

To simplify things, the rule has been

(limits apply) under the Scheme.

changed. Effective 1 July 2020,

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

fees cannot be charged to you if the doctor chooses to use Access Remember to always contact Queensland Country Health Fund if you are charged these types of additional fees. Our team are here to help and we also encourage our Members to make contact with us prior to going into hospital for treatment. *Definition of episode: The period of admitted patient care between a formal or statistical admission and a formal or statistical separation, characterised by only one care type. Example: If a patient changes care type (in the same or different hospital), e.g. Acute to Rehabilitation then back to Acute this would be three separate episodes. This would apply even if there has not been more than a seven-day break between two acute episodes as there was a separation between each care type.

Member services to help make claiming easy!

At Queensland Country, our primary focus is satisfying the needs of our Members. We invest heavily in making your experience unique and refreshing. Here are a couple of ways you can claim on services through your cover to help make your membership with us easy and worry free!

Online Member Services Our Online Member Services (OMS) portal gives you control over your policy. Normally, you’d need to call us to make changes to your details or policy, but with OMS, you simply need to login (or register) from the top

Mobile App

corner of this website. With

Our Mobile App offers you 24/7 access to your

• Update personal details

membership and an easy, convenient, secure way to manage your membership.

What you can do: • View your claims history • View your benefit limits and remaining benefits

What you can do:

• Review your claims history

• Lodge claims directly to Queensland Country, simply

Login today at members.queenslandcountry.health

take a photo of your receipts and pressing submit • Check your annual benefit limits

Your online portal

• Review your claims history Download and explore today! Available at and

On-the-spot claiming If your healthcare provider has a HICAPS or CSC HealthPoint electronic claiming facility, you can claim at the time of your consultation – before you even leave the building. The system processes your claim much like an EFTPOS transaction and allows you to just pay the difference and your claim is finalised on-the-spot.

You can use HICAPS or CSC HealthPoint at most of the following health service providers:

Face to face

• Dentists, endodontists, periodontists, dental

We also work closely with Queensland Country Bank,

prosthetists/advanced dental technicians,

which means you can drop off your printable claim

prosthodontists and paediatric dentists

form along with your receipts to any Bank branch in

• Dispensing optometrists, optical dispensers

Queensland. These will then be forwarded to the Health

• Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths,

Fund for processing.

podiatrists, occupational therapists and psychologists

Additionally, we have dedicated retail centres available within Queensland Country Bank branches in Townsville

Please contact your healthcare professional to see if

(Aitkenvale), Cairns (Earlville), Mount Isa, Ayr and

they offer the HICAPS or CSC HealthPoint facility at

Mackay (Caneland Central) where our friendly staff can

their practice.

help you out with claims or other policy enquiries.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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James Jensen Functional Medicine Practitioner Australian Nutrition Centre

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

complex nature, many patients

sugars combined with regular

is a hormonal disorder causing

are misdiagnosed or not treated

exercise is essential for most.

enlarged ovaries with small cysts

appropriately.

on the outer edges. Whilst its name

It’s important not to underestimate

deficiencies and having a closer

the emotional toll PCOS can

look at some of the potential or

cause. For many women,

exacerbating causes can often

the whole body, and is the most

symptoms affecting their physical

yield brilliant results for those who

common endocrine problem in

appearance, such as acne, weight

have not yet had success.

women and one of the leading

gain and excess body hair, can be

reasons for female infertility. It’s

very distressing. Often, they have

not uncommon for women to also

tried numerous strategies to rid

experience depression, or other

themselves of these issues, not

infers that it’s just a problem of the ovaries, it really does affect

mood disorders, as well as physical symptoms like excess weight, acne and hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth on face, chest and back).

The cause of PCOS is multifactorial and therefore the exact cause will vary from person to person, but there is evidence to suggest that lifestyle and excess stress hormones can be a contributing factor.

realising they are in fact symptoms of PCOS and need to be treated holistically.

Addressing any micronutrient

Depending on how many lifestyle changes the patient is willing to make, they generally start to see a significant improvement in symptoms and begin ovulating again within 3 – 6 months. This is especially important for women

Typical treatments for PCOS can

wishing to conceive, and it is one of

include oral contraceptives to

the most rewarding parts of my job

reduce testosterone, or metformin

when I hear the news that “we’re

to reduce blood glucose levels.

expecting!”

While some women respond well to these treatments, others benefit from a holistic approach that addresses their individual root

If you suffer from the symptoms described, or have been diagnosed with PCOS and feel your treatment options could benefit from a

Diagnosis can be complex, as many

causes and symptoms.

patients may have cysts on their

Because PCOS affects the whole

it might be worth seeking advice

ovaries without having met other

body and how it can occur is not

from a qualified integrative health

diagnostic criteria like excess

just specifically related to the

practitioner.

androgens or issues with blood

ovaries, treating the whole of body

sugar regulation. A combination of

is a must. This is where natural

pathology testing with confirmed

medicine can really excel.

cysts on the ovaries, and

The number one treatment I

how it is’, and that with a little

consideration of all other physical

recommend for PCOS is diet

digging to get to the root cause,

symptoms is the most reliable way

and exercise. Sticking to an

it is possible to rebalance the

to diagnose PCOS. Because of its

unprocessed diet low in refined

hormones so you can feel your best.

personalised, holistic approach,

I’m a firm believer that women should not have to accept feeling a certain way ‘because that’s just

The information provided by Australian Nutrition Centre is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care.

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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

What is it?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

Symptoms include: • Menstrual irregularity • Depression or other mood disorders • Weight gain • Acne • Unwanted hair growth

Tips to treating PCOS holistically PCOS affects the whole body, not just the ovaries, so treating the whole body is a must.

• Unprocessed, low in refined sugars diet • Regular exercise • Identify and treat micronutrient deficiencies

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

2 months

2 months

Preventive

General services

2 months

2 months

12 months

School accidents

Healthy Living benefits

Childbirth education

$84

$22

Scale and clean

Fluoride treatment

$900 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all dental services (excludes orthodontics which has separate claim limits)

$60

$150

Up to limit

$70

$215 per person

$42

$125

Up to limit

$45

$42

$125

$450 per child

$300

$55

N/A

N/A

Root canal obturation – one canal

Full veneered crown

Surgical extraction

Simple extraction

One surface composite filling

Occlusal splints

N/A

$125

N/A

$18

Fluoride treatment

$245 per person

N/A

$600 per person up to $1,200 per policy^ for Major Dental

$400 per person up to $800 per policy^ for General Dental

$125 per person up to $250 per policy

$400 per person up to $800 per policy

Up to $490 per policy per Membership Year for optical items

$119

$560

$126

$84

$72

$240

$120

$67

Scale and clean

Mouth guard (limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$25

$40

X-Rays

Periodic oral exam

Example of benefits

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Select Extras

Overall limit for ALL benefits payable under Select Extras (including dental, optical, therapies, pharmaceuticals and Healthy Living benefits) up to $2,200 per person $4,400 per policy per Membership Year.

Sub-limits apply.

Overall limit for ALL benefits payable under Select Extras (including dental, optical, therapies, pharmaceuticals and Healthy Living benefits) up to $2,200 per person $4,400 per policy per Membership Year.

Sub-limits apply

Limit per Membership Year

$225 per person

N/A

$500

$500 per person up to $1,000 per policy^ Combined limit claimable for general and major dental

Limit per Membership Year

N/A

$125

N/A

$45

$125 per person up to $250 per policy

$150 per person up to $300 per policy

Up to $450 per policy per Membership Year for optical items

N/A

N/A

N/A

Full veneered crown

$135

$79 Surgical extraction

$68 Simple extraction

$225 One surface composite filling

Occlusal splints

$113

$17

Fluoride treatment Mouth guard (Limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$63

Scale and clean

$38 $24

X-Rays

Periodic oral exam

Example of benefits

Young Extras

‡ Prescriptions not covered by the PBS, excluding contraceptives and items normally available without prescription and drugs not approved for sale in Australia. A co-payment applies to each prescription equal to the current PBS Patient Contribution. Refer to page 41 of the Extras Cover brochure for more information.

Total benefit per person per Membership Year for optical items

^ Dental sub-limits: The maximum benefit amount claimable per person/per policy for treatment/service in dentistry per Membership Year. This is providing an individual person’s or per policy overall dental benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit has been reached, no further dental benefits can be claimed by this individual or any other person/s on the policy on any area of dentistry until a new Membership Year commences. Individual dental item benefits apply.

$60

$150

$750 per child

$500

Total benefit per person per Membership Year for optical items

$300 per person

$1,500 Lifetime Limit

$500^

$300^

$350^

$560^ (sub-limit accumulating to $1,000 per year after 2 years of membership)

$400^

$500^

$3,000 Lifetime Limit

$350

$119

$560

$126

$74

$63

$300^

$500

Full upper and lower denture

Root canal obturation – one canal

Full veneered crown

Surgical extraction

Simple extraction

One surface composite filling

$210

$500^

$400^

Overall limit per person per Membership Year

(increases to $1,000 after holding Essential Extras for 2 years and $1,500 after 3 years)

$850^

$500^

$1400 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all dental services (excludes orthodontics which has separate claim limits)

Occlusal splints

$105

$15

Fluoride treatment Mouth guard (Limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$59

Scale and clean

$35 $22

X-Rays

Periodic oral exam

Example of benefits

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Essential Extras

$1,000

$850

$600^

$800^ (sub-limits will increase to $1,500 per year after holding membership for 2 years)

$700^

$800^

$500^

$800^

$600^

Overall limit per person per Membership Year

(increases to $2,000 after holding Premium Extras for 2 years and $3,000 after 3 years)

Full upper and lower denture

$170

$800

Full veneered crown

Root canal obturation – one canal

$180

$105

Simple extraction

Surgical extraction

$90

$300

One surface composite filling

Occlusal splints

$150

$32

X-Rays

Mouth guard (limited to one per person per Membership Year)

$50

Periodic oral exam

Example of benefits

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Premium Extras

Note: Membership Year limits are calculated from the anniversary date of the establishment of the policy.

2 months

2 months

12 months

12 months

12 months

12 months

12 months

Pharmaceutical‡

Other Services

Single vision spectacles, Bifocal spectacles, Multifocal spectacles, Contact lenses (hard or soft), Repairs to frames or spectacle frames only or replacement lenses

Optical

Orthodontics

Orthodontics

e.g. Dentures

Prosthodontics

e.g. Specialised gum treatments

Periodontics

e.g. Root canal therapy and root fillings

Endodontic

Crowns or bridges

e.g. Wisdom teeth extraction, removal of impacted teeth

12 months

2 months

Simple extraction

Surgical extractions

2 months

e.g. Composite fillings and amalgam fillings

Restorative

2 months

Waiting periods

Diagnostic

Dental

Type of service

Been a while since you reviewed what benefits you have available? Wanting to have a remedial massage or get that new pair of glasses but not sure what you are covered for? We have put together a snapshot of our Extras covers to help you get the most value from your membership.

Extras Cover

Know your Extras cover!

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

15

2 months

Speech therapy

$35

$75

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial visit

$70

Initial visit

$35

$80

Group therapy

Subsequent visit

$80

$80

Up to limits

Reports

Initial and subsequent visit

$60

$80

Initial visit

Initial and subsequent visit

$60

Report

$40

$50

Initial and subsequent visit

Subsequent visit

$10

Group therapy

Subsequent visit

$35

$35

Initial visit

Monthly Program Fee

$10

$50

Group therapy

$55

$40

Initial visit

Subsequent visit

$35

$35

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

$60

X-rays (not reading of x-rays)

$35

$35

Subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

$55

Initial visit

$40

Up to limits

Minor procedures

Subsequent visit

Up to limits

$40

Approved appliances (orthotics)

Initial and subsequent visit

Example of benefits

$150

$700 combined sub-limit### ($150 combined sub-limit applies to group therapy services provided under physiotherapy and/or exercise physiology**)

$700 combined#

$600##

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Premium Extras

$1400 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all therapy services

Overall limit per person per Membership Year

Subsequent visit

Initial visit

Group therapy

Reports

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Subsequent visit

Initial visit

Report

Initial and subsequent visit

Group therapy

$400##

The maximum benefit amount claimable per person per Membership Year for podiatry services. This is providing an individual person’s overall therapies benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit is reached, no further benefits can be claimed on this (or any) therapy until a new Membership Year commences.

##

$8

$32

$44

$28

$500 per person up to $1,000 per policy Sub-limit of $120 applies to group therapy**

$500 per person up to $1,000 per policy combined limit#

$400 per person up to $800 per policy

Overall limit for ALL benefits payable under Select Extras (including dental, optical, therapies, pharmaceuticals and Healthy Living benefits) up to $2,200 per person $4,400 per policy per Membership Year.

Sub-limits apply.

Limit per Membership Year

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Group therapy

Subsequent visit

Initial visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Subsequent visit

Initial visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

X-rays (not reading of x-rays)

$8

$32

$42

$30

$30

$35

$55

$30

$30

$50

$42 $30

Subsequent visit

Up to limits

Up to limits

$30

Initial visit

Minor procedures

Initial and subsequent visit Approved appliances (orthotics)

Example of benefits

Young Extras

$400 per person up to $800 per policy Sub-limit of $120 applies to group therapy**

$300 per therapy $500 per person up to $1,000 per policy

Limit per Membership Year

Combined sub-limit: the maximum benefit amount claimable per person per Membership Year for a combination of physiotherapy and exercise physiology services. This is providing an individual person’s overall therapies benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit is reached, no further therapy benefits can be claimed by this individual on any therapy until a new Membership Year commences. Individual visit benefits apply.

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Group therapy

Subsequent visit

Initial visit

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Initial and subsequent visit

$50

$28

Subsequent visit X-rays (not reading of x-rays)

$44

Up to limits

Initial visit

Up to limits

Minor procedures

$32

Approved appliances (orthotics)

Initial and subsequent visit

Example of benefits

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Select Extras

** Group therapy has a combined sub-limit for services provided under physiotherapy and exercise physiology. This is providing an individual person’s overall therapies benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. Once the overall limit has been reached, no further benefits can be claimed by this individual on any therapy until new Membership Year commences. Individual benefit limits apply.

###

$900 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all therapy services

Overall limit per person per Membership Year

Don’t forget you can keep up to date with how much you have claimed so far for each Extras service via our Mobile App.

Combined sub-limit: the maximum benefit amount claimable per person per Membership Year for a combination of chiropractic, remedial massage, myotherapy and osteopathic services. This is providing an individual person’s overall Therapies benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. If this was the case no further therapy benefits can be claimed by this individual on any therapy until a new Membership Year commences.

$105

$500 combined sub-limit### ($105 combined sub-limit applies for group therapy services provided under physiotherapy and/or exercise physiology**)

$500 combined#

#

$25

$49

$56

$56

$56

Up to limits

$42

$28

$56

$42

$35

$7

$25

$25

Subsequent visit Monthly Program Fee

$35

Initial visit

$7

$28

Group therapy

$39

Initial visit

$25

$25

$28

$53

$28

$25

Subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Subsequent visit

Initial visit

Initial and subsequent visit

Initial and subsequent visit

$50

$25

Subsequent visit X-rays (not reading of x-rays)

$39

Up to limits

Up to limits

$28

Initial visit

Minor procedures

Initial and subsequent visit Approved appliances (orthotics)

Sub-limit per person per Membership Year

Essential Extras Example of benefits

* Benefits are payable for services rendered by Australian Regional Health Group Limited approved providers registered with Queensland Country Health Fund.

2 months

2 months

Psychology

(orthoses and custom made footwear)

Foot orthoses and orthopaedic shoes

2 months

2 months

Physiotherapy

Orthoptic therapy

2 months

Acupuncture*

2 months

2 months

Chinese Medicine*

Occupational therapy

2 months

Dietitian

2 months

2 months

Osteopathy

Audiology

2 months

Remedial massage or myotherapy*

2 months

2 months

Chiropractic

Exercise physiology

2 months

Waiting periods

Podiatry

Therapies

Type of service

Extras Cover continued.

Winter warmer recipe

ANC Breakfast Beans Looking for a delicious warm breakfast?

Why not try this delicious recipe from our friend Jacqui Shears, Nutritionist at the Australian Nutrition Centre.

Ingredien ts

1 can of c annellini o r pinto be (drained a ans nd rinsed) 1 can of c rushed tin tomatoes 2 tablesp oons of to mato pas te 4 rashers of short c ut bacon (diced) 1 small on ion (diced ) 6 button mushroom s 1 teaspoo n keens c urry powd er ½ teaspo on garam masala 1 lemon (ju ice) Salt & pep per to sea son

GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE

Method

Additional tips

1. In a skillet cook the diced onion, bacon

1. This meal can be made vegetarian with the exclusion of bacon

and mushrooms until brown.

2. Add cannellini beans, tin tomatoes and tomato paste, bring up to heat.

3. Add curry powder, garam masala, squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

4. Turn down to low heat and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes.

16

and add more mushrooms. Or replace cannellini beans with pinto beans.

2. Add a poached or fried egg on top, baby spinach and avocado on the side.

3. Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day.

4. Replace the bacon with a ham hock and cook in a slow cooker.

5. Add a chilli to the mixture or the amount of curry powder to increase the flavours.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

RE

N

$1

L GIV E YO UA

00

D

WE’L

R E

* Gift Card IF ELIG THEY TA IBLE K SING E OUT A N LES POLI CY

E

F

Friend

I

E

Refer a

FER A F R

R

A

D FRIEN

We’ll double it for a couple or family!

Refer a friend, family member, mate or colleague to Queensland Country Health Fund and if they take out an eligible policy during the promotional period, we’ll say thank you with a gift card.* Make sure you tell your friend when joining to provide us with your name and contact details, so we can send you your gift card.

*Offer valid until 31 October 2020 (promotional period). The referring person must be an existing Queensland Country Health Fund policyholder. Available to new Silver and Bronze Hospital policies only. Available with corporate discount offers, but not in conjunction with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply and are available at queenslandcountry.health/refer.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

17

Carolyn Seri Psychologist

COVID-19 and children COVID-19 has been a time of disruption and mixed emotions for many families. Household relationships have been put to the test far and wide with home schooling and having to spend an unusual amount of time together. As restrictions lift, children may struggle with adjusting to the new way of doing things. Some possible issues to be mindful of are that children may be frustrated that some things are returning to normal while others are not.

There may be anxiety around the ‘what ifs’ - what if we go back to lockdown or if there is a second wave and people get sick? Other children may ‘act out’ as they just want things back to normal right now! There is also a new way of connecting with people, the 1.5 metre rule is confusing and restrictive and can cause some unease in children who need physical contact, such as younger children at kindy or prep.

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Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

Time for reflection

Be curious

This is a time where parents can

There are so many ways to play, the

When a child is scared or not

reflect on the relationship they

list is extensive.

coping, the thinking and problem-

have with their child and think about the one they want. Moving forward in this new world things are different, we are different.

How can you use play to help your child cope with COVID-19?

• Create puppet shows to explain

solving parts of their brain are on snooze mode. The limbic system (survival brain) is in full swing. By being a curious parent, you can

Looking back over the past two

to children about important

disarm the unhelpful thinking and

months, how would you describe

things they need to learn and

behaviour with some simple actions

your approach to parenting and

understand about your family

just by being curious. An example

supporting your Gen-Z child through

situation.

you might use when a child tells

COVID-19? In an already trying time to parent, with a heavy reliance on electronics, high financial needs of keeping up in society and the super-sized expectations the western world has to offer, it’s

• Write your own family story book, the good and the bad.

• Engage in imagination play about the virus and how it has impacted your society. For

hard…parenting is hard.

younger children, setting up their

So how can you raise a caring, kind,

signs up, then have characters

resilient human? How can you stay kind and calm and be the parent you dreamed of being? How do you build relationships with your children where they feel valued and supported in dealing with the new COVID-19 world?

There is currently limited literature based specifically on supporting children through COVID-19. The full

favourite park and put closed that want to go to the park but can’t because of the virus.

This helps younger children to have a framework to help them understand why they can’t do the things they want to do.

• Use slime and minute toys to demonstrate the spread of COVID-19.

extent of the impacts are not yet

Be accepting

fully understood. As parents we

When a child talks about feeling

need to develop a framework for not only now, but well into the future.

Some helpful tips to get you started on being a supportive parent, and even enjoying COVID-19 are:

worried, it is important not to dismiss their feelings and do not always say everything will be ok, because sometimes it is not. Being untruthful can be unsettling for

you they are angry or scared about the virus and its impacts are, “tell me the thing that is most scary about the virus,” “what parts of being in lockdown have made you feel angry,” “tell me what you wish would happen to the virus.” By asking questions you help a child access their executive functions where they can be rational and apply their problem solving. It is important to use strengths-based language and be non-judgemental.

Be empathetic From our own experience being human and parents, we all know that empathy goes a long way.

Sometimes you don’t need to solve the problem. By simply saying, “it’s ok to feel scared, it’s ok to have emotions,” “I feel sad when you are worried, can I do anything to support you? Would you like a hug or maybe a glass of water,” “Can I sit with you while you have these

Be more playful

a child when they can clearly see

emotions so I can support you.”

Being a playful parent builds

things are not ok. If a child does have a valid worry, try saying,

These are just a few examples

connection and trust. The chemicals the brain releases when a child and parent play, sets them up to succeed. Play should happen often and daily. There should be planned play and consequential play. Play without electronics. Role play. Game play. Sensory play.

“I see you are worried, that must be scary for you, it’s ok to worry, I am here for you.” You can also say, “It’s normal to feel worried, I also feel worried, but we are here together and we are going to be strong as a family.” These are just

(adapted from the PACE model) of how to use these rich connection building strategies which will leave a child feeling supported and loved. Taking steps to being a supportive parent during COVID-19 is in your hands.

some examples you can build on.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

19

Member Satisfaction Survey 2020

Thank you for you feedback!

We value the views and opinions of Queensland Country Health Fund Members.

In January 2020, we invited our Members to complete a satisfaction survey to find out what we do well and the areas where we can improve. Here's what you told us:

2,139

Communication with our Members

Members shared their

60% of Members that have interacted with us

thoughts with us and

over the past 12 months said that enquires are

completed the survey*

always taken care of on-the-spot.

71% of Members who have interacted with us say it is always an easy process.

93% of Members are satisfied with their health fund membership*

67% have phoned us in the last year.

* 62% were very satisfied and 21% were somewhat satisfied.

Of those who called: 83% were very satisfied with the telephone service they have received (in terms of problem solving and the advice given).

Claiming 90% of Members have NOT had a claim rejected or unpaid in the last year.

83% of Members that have claimed in the last year were very satisfied with the speed of their claim payment.

88% of Members were very satisfied with their claiming experience when they swiped their Membership Card at the provider.

95% of Members who have claimed via the Mobile App have been satisfied with the service.

20

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

What you think of us 80% of respondents agree that we offer good value for money for our Members.

1,985 respondents agree that we are easy to deal with.

90% of respondents agree that we are Member-service focused.

86%

Queensland Country Dental 48% of Members that reside in the dental practice areas have visited Queensland Country Dental Townsville or Mount Isa. Of those who visited, 69% were very satisfied.

have both hospital and extras cover with us.

Thank you again for your valuable feedback!

What you say matters as it helps us concentrate our efforts on offering quality service in areas that are important to you.

What we’re working on…

• We’ll continue to share how you can process your claims, so you can stay up to date on changes and new processes.

• We’re here to help you better understand the value of your private health insurance. We want to help you to live a better life through better health. Ask us how to use your policy so you can get the most value out of your cover.

• Life moves and changes quickly, so if circumstances change, contact us to make sure your policy reflects this and suits where you’re at.

• Keep informed and up to date:  Read our bi-annual Living Healthy magazine – you can nominate how you’d like to receive this as a electronic or hard copy  Read Health eBYTES your bi-monthly email  Follow us on Facebook  Follow us on Instagram  Check out our Health and Wellness Centre on the website  View stories and news on the Mobile App

Whilst we wish you a lifetime of good health, if something does go wrong, don’t worry, let us know, we’re here to help!

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

21

Daryl Ansell Principal Chiropractor, Ansell Chiropractic

Do you suffer from sciatic pain?

Sciatica can stop you being able to do the most basic activities such as walking, bending or sitting. It can severely interrupt your every aspect of your life.

What causes sciatica?

How do you treat sciatica?

Sciatica is most often caused by

The first aim in treating sciatic

damaged discs, biomechanical

pain is getting the symptoms

problems in the lumbar spine, or

under control. This is usually done

degeneration of the spine.

by reduced activity, rest and

If you suffer from sciatica it is

stenosis, sacroiliac dysfunction,

important to understand what

piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis,

The second and more important

it is and the treatment options

pregnancy, muscle strains, tumours,

aim is to locate and remove the

available to you.

fractures or infections.

cause of the nerve irritation by

So what is sciatica?

Each one of these problems can

Sciatica is actually the term that is used to describe symptoms that are felt down the path of the sciatic nerve. Just like the word “headache”, it is not an actual diagnosis, just an accurate description of a pain location.

Sciatic pain can be anything from a mild ache to extreme pain, making simple tasks such as walking, bending, or just standing up, seem impossible. It can be felt in your pelvis, the back of your thigh, calf and foot, and can be anything from a sharp pain to numbness, or even pins and needles.

What is the sciatic nerve?

have exactly the same symptoms

drugs such as painkillers and antiinflammatory drugs.

addressing the structural and functional problems.

but the treatments are totally

The most common treatments are

different. This is why an accurate

spinal manipulation and mobilisation

diagnosis is so important before

to restore spinal function, specific

any treatment takes place.

exercises to improve the movement

Who is at risk for sciatica?

Sciatica affects any age group however the most common age for developing sciatica is between 40 to 50 years of age.

and strength of the muscles in the area and massage. Steroid injections may also help in severe cases.

For the small number of people who don’t recover with conservative treatment, surgeries such as

People who have spinal

microdiscectomy, laminectomy

degeneration, damage to the spine

fusion or even disc replacements

and discs, and those who sit for

may be necessary.

long periods of time or do work involving heavy lifting are most

Who treats sciatica?

often at risk from sciatica.

Sciatica can be treated by many different health care

lower lumbar spine and travels out

How do you find the cause of sciatica?

through your buttocks, continuing

The cause of sciatica is found

can provide treatment to correct

down the thigh to your knee, calf

through medical history, functional

the biomechanical problems

and foot. It is vital for the control

and neurological examinations, and

in your spine. GP’s can provide

of your leg movement, sensation

imaging such as x-rays, cat scans

painkillers and NSAID drugs when

and balance.

and MRI’s.

necessary. Masseurs can help with

The sciatic nerve starts in the

22

Other possible causes are spinal

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

professionals. Your chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath

What to do if you have sciatica?

muscular changes, and exercise physiologists can help with long term strengthening of your

Normal Disc

If you are experiencing sciatic pain,

core muscles.

Degenerative Disc

consult your health care professional

How long will it take to get better?

The recovery time varies from person

to accurately diagnose the cause

Bulging Disc

of your sciatica and design the best treatment plan for you.

Herniated Disc

to person and can take days, weeks or even months, depending on the specific cause of your sciatica.

What benefit will Queensland Country pay for chiropractic services: Level of cover

Premium Extras

Essential Extras

Select Extras

Young Extras

Waiting periods

2 months

2 months

2 months

2 months

Example of benefits Initial visit

$55

Subsequent visit

$35

X-rays (not reading of X-rays)

$60

Initial visit

$39

Subsequent visit

$25

X-rays (not reading of X-rays)

$50

Initial visit

$44

Subsequent visit

$28

X-rays (not reading of X-rays)

$50

Initial visit

$42

Subsequent visit

$30

X-rays (not reading of X-rays)

$50

Sub-limit

Overall limit

$700 combined limit#

$1400 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all therapy services

$500 combined#

$900 overall benefit limit per person per Membership Year for all therapy services

$500 per person up to $1,000 per policy combined limit

Overall limit for ALL benefits payable under Select Extras (including dental, optical, therapies, pharmaceuticals and Healthy Living benefits) up to $2,200 per person $4,400 per policy per Membership Year. Sub-limits apply

x

$300 per therapy $500 per person up to $1,000 per policy

# Combined sub-limit: the maximum benefit amount claimable per person per Membership Year for a combination of chiropractic, remedial massage, myotherapy and osteopathic services. This is providing an individual person’s overall Therapies benefit limit for the Membership Year has not already been reached. If this was the case no further therapy benefits can be claimed by this individual on any therapy until a new Membership Year commences.

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

23

Top 5 tips for healthy winter skin

24

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

Larissa Bright Larissa Bright Australia

Winter can ravage your skin — making it dry, itchy, and irritated. When outside, winter conditions leave your skin feeling extremely dry and irritated. Once indoors, heaters become the culprit: drawing moisture from the air and your skin. It can feel like there is no escaping the havoc.

Don’t despair, there are many simple

cleansers infused with natural

dry, cracked lips and keep them

ways to combat dry winter skin and

ingredients (Jojoba, Aloe Vera,

from cracking. It’s a great idea

help keep your skin feeling hydrated

Apricot Oil), detergent free with a

to always carry a Lip Balm in your

and supple, including some easy

think creamy consistency. Natural,

bag as you never know when and

changes to your everyday routine.

thick cream cleansers are designed

how often you’ll be needing it in

For example, using rich moisturisers,

to be highly effective without

the winter! Look for natural balms

the right cleansers and avoiding

dehydrating the skin.

infused with Jojoba, Coconut or

long, hot showers.

I have been formulating skincare products for the harsh Australian climate for over 25 years. Here are

3. Modify your facial skincare regimen for the season

other hydrating natural emollients.

4. Moisturise frequently, especially your hands

During the winter months, choose

I always apply a nourishing,

chemical free creams and toners

naturally based body moisturiser

that don’t contain alcohol. Toning

after bathing. Hot, long showers

is important, but a lot of toners

are lovely in Winter but they remove

contain alcohol. It can be extremely

natural oils from your skin. Maintain

drying on the skin – especially in

healthy skin by moisturising after

disastrous in winter. Everyday soap

winter months.

every shower session.

bars can contain a cocktail of

Your sleep phase is the perfect

Don’t forget your hands, especially

opportunity for the skin to repair

after washing the dishes. I prefer

and heal. Choose a rich night cream

a hand cream made with plant

and moisturising serum specifically

oils and botanicals. I find plant oils

designed to deeply hydrate and

(Almond, Apricot, Olive or Jojoba)

repair as you slumber. Avoid

to be really nourishing. Not only

chemicals, synthetic ingredients

are they natural, they really do

and instead opt for naturally based,

work to rehydrate and replenish

preservative free alternatives.

moisture. I also recommend wearing

my top 5 tips to ensure your skin stays in peak condition during the winter months.

1. Avoid harsh, drying soaps Using the wrong soap can be

irritating ingredients that include artificial fragrance, preservatives and detergents. They will make your skin feel clean for a few moments then dry and uncomfortable later.

Choose a soap that is made with plant oils and free of sulphates.

Natural soaps are highly effective in cleaning the skin without the harsh drying effect of chemically based alternates.

When you consider we bathe every day, it’s incredibly important to use a soap that is gentle and moisturising on our skin. It’s best to avoid chemicals and use gentle shower gels and natural soaps in winter that moisturise and soothe the skin.

2. Choose gentle, chemical free facial cleansers Just like soaps we use on our body, when cleansing our face, it’s very important to use a gentle, effective hydrating detergent free cleanser.

Exfoliation is also super important during winter. Exfoliating removes dead, dry skin cells, unclogs pores, increases blood circulation and brightens your skin’s appearance.

Most importantly, exfoliating 1-2 times a week allows your moisturiser and serums to penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively.

waterproof gloves whilst cleaning or washing dishes (avoids direct contact with chemicals).

5. Apply sunscreen Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget your sunscreen.

Even on overcast, cloudy days, the sun’s rays are damaging.

Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap! It’s just as important to be applying

Opt for exfoliants made with

sunscreen in the harsh winter

non-irritating ingredients. Look for

weather as it is in the summer.

hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera Juice and Jojoba. Top tip: Choose an exfoliant with tiny granules as large granules may overstimulate and irritate the skin.

Finally remember to eat right.

Healthy food on the inside reflects on the outside. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and most importantly, in my view, a

I recommend cream cleansers

And don’t forget your lips. Applying

wide smile and confidence will also

(especially in winter). Look for

a moisturising balm can help heal

work wonders for the skin!

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

25

Queensland Country in the

Community

With COVID-19 restrictions in place over the last few months our team have been unable to get out and about in our community as much as we’d like to have.

So we thought this would be a great opportunity to look back at some of the community events and sponsorships our team have been able to be a part of. Some of these great events included: the Townsville Running Festival, Cairns Health and Wellness Expo, River to Reef Charity Ride and the Bowen Roller Coaster Cancer Challenge.

Cairns Healt

h and Welln

ess Expo

River to Reef

nge

er Challe

ster Canc

ller Coa Bowen Ro

Townsville Ru nn

ing Festival

Stay up to date with us After the latest news and stories from Queensland Country Health Fund. Simply 26

Queensland Country Health Fund • Living Healthy Winter / Spring 2020

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Money Mentors

Setting your mind at ease The Coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on most

Queensland Country Bank offers a free Money

people’s finances in some way. For some, they’ve

Mentoring service to Members to simplify and structure

experienced a devastating loss of income, while others

your finances and deliver tailored solutions to achieve

may have retained their regular salary and actually

short and long term financial goals. Each budgeting

saved money during isolation.

specialist can help you:

There’s no doubt it gave us a chance to re-evaluate

• Develop a personalised budget tailored to your

our lives, and in moving forward, take control of how we spend our time and money to reach our lifestyle and financial goals.

Perhaps you realised that you haven’t missed dining out and prefer socialising at home, or you’ve reignited your love for cooking and want to make it a priority to prepare healthy, home-made lunches. The enforced break may have helped break shopping habits…or you may have fallen in love with online shopping and spent more than you realised!

All these lifestyle changes make it the ideal time to take a proactive look at your budget and set some financial goals. The financial uncertainty of the pandemic also highlighted the importance of having a savings account for a rainy day.

own needs • Identify your key financial goals and develop a plan of how you could achieve them • Identify areas you could save money or reduce spending • Check your progress through follow up appointments With your own personal Money Mentor by your side, you can expect to receive genuine advice on budgeting and practical solutions regarding Queensland Country Bank’s products to help you achieve your financial goals and adapt as your circumstances change.

The Money Mentors are currently available in person at Queensland Country Bank’s Cairns, Mackay, Mount Isa and Townsville branches but phone appointments can be arranged right across the state. To arrange an appointment please contact your nearest branch.

queenslandcountry.bank/money-mentoring This service will provide budgeting tools for personal finances and is limited to our products and services only. There may be other products issued by other providers that may better suit your needs . Queensland Country Bank Limited 2020 ABN 77 087 651 027 AFSL 244 533