18 minute read
What is an anxiety disorder?
What is an Anxiety Disorder and when should I seek help?
Psychiatrist
Dr Matthew Hannon
MBBS BPsych (Hons) FRANZCP Cert Forensic Psych Psychiatrist
2 Greenwich Road, Greenwich, 2064 Ph: 9433 3555 www.northsidegroup.com.au
Anxiety is a normal human experience. It is usually an unpleasant experience that in part has its origins in our biological development over time - for instance the flight or fight adrenaline response.
Physical anxiety symptoms commonly occur in our heart, lungs, muscles and digestive systems. For instance, nervous public speakers often report a dry mouth, breathlessness, stomach cramps and sweaty palms.
Anxiety also affects our thoughts with concentration problems, too much worry and the development of irrational fears. Unfortunately, these very normal experiences can build up and start to affect our behaviour. We may develop insomnia, or avoid aspects of our lives that cause anxiety, and can commence unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol or binge eating.
Problem anxiety can last for months or years and may occur quite frequently. It may occur outside of stressful situations. Avoidance of the anxiety-provoking situation may stop you doing things you enjoy. You may also worry a lot about things that aren’t likely to cause a problem.
Problem anxiety can become an
Chilblains
Chilblains are a common condition that we see in our clinic this time of year. They are small red or purple lumps, or bruiselike lesions that form on the skin as an abnormal response to cold. Most commonly on the toes, they can also appear on other areas of the feet, ears and fingers. The lesions are usually painful, with an itchy or a burning sensation, and very tender to touch.
Chilblains are caused by the constriction and subsequent expansion of blood vessels when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures and then warmed.
It is thought that warming the body too fast after exposure to cold (eg. walking barefoot from the bathroom then hopping into a warm bed with an electric blanket) is more likely to cause chilblains. The blood vessels fail to adjust to the rapid increase in blood flow, leaking fluid into the surrounding tissues which then causes inflammation that leads to chilblains.
Chilblains can affect anyone. Children, women and the elderly are more likely to be affected, as well as patients with pre-existing circulatory problems such as diabetes or Raynaud’s syndrome. Underweight and smokers also have increased risk.
The good news is that chilblains aren’t serious and have no long-term effects. The condition can be treated with a combination of treatment at home, and we at Lane Cove Podiatry can assist with advice, management and treatment.
Please contact us if you require any further information.
LANE COVE PODIATRY, 57 Tambourine Bay Road, Riverview. Phone 9420 4673 Email: feet@lanecovepodiatry.com.au www.lanecovepodiatry.com.au Anxiety Disorder when there is a significant and negative effect on work, relationships and quality of life. You should seek help when this happens, or consider seeking help when you are concerned your anxiety may be heading that way.
What should I look out for in my family if I suspect problem anxiety?
Problem anxiety develops over time and may become part of a person’s regular routine. From your viewpoint, you may be better suited to notice problem anxiety in their thoughts and behaviour.
Adult family members may seem irritable and either avoid or lose friendships. They may start to perform poorly at work and complain about stress and tension. They may drink, smoke or eat more with changes seen in weight and physical appearance. They may complain about insomnia, and the start of low mood and self-esteem problems.
Young family members may show a different picture. They may want to consistently stay home from school and can give a variety of explanations. They may isolate to their room and stay awake late into the night. They may become very sensitive to criticism and or seem regularly distracted at home. They may worry excessively about their peers and start to avoid seeing them. Unusual compulsive behaviours such as checking switches or counting rituals may develop.
Where can I access help?
Your GP is a good first step. They can screen for common disorders and make referrals.
The internet is full of excellent resources, for example: Northside Group’s Resource Centre
www.ramsaymentalhealth.com. au/Resource-Centre/Apps
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
www.yourhealthinmind.org/ mental-illnesses-disorders/ anxiety-disorders
Beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.
au/the-facts/anxiety
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is the term used to describe pain on the outside region of an elbow. Pain on the inside is called golfers elbow and is less common.
Sometimes the pain is very localised, but it can spread into the muscles in the forearm. Although tennis and golf can cause these pains, more frequently elbow pains are found in people who perform repeated movements involving the wrist and arm.
The muscles around the elbow are relatively small, so cannot take a lot of load by themselves. Luckily when we use our arm, we also use our shoulder and frequently our body at the same time. If we watch a tennis or golf player, they use their whole body to produce an effective swing to hit the ball. Interestingly professional tennis and golf players have less elbow pain than amateurs.
Historically tennis elbow pain has had poor outcomes because people only treated the elbow. At Burns Bay Physiotherapy, we will assess the structures around your elbow, your shoulder and your upper body to understand all possible factors contributing to your elbow pain. These findings then guide management to treat your elbow problem.
We’re all in this together!
As we go through life, our most distinctive physical features often characterise us – height, hair colour, skin colour, dress style, and so on. But regardless of how we look, our age always seems to be the most defining. By Liz Foster.
I vividly recall as a teenager my own father, in his fifties, saying to me “but in my heart, I’m 21”, and thinking – silly old duffer. Not for me that gentle decline into retirement, with all the associate trimmings of gardening, bridge, bushwalking, lawn bowls and so on! That’s just for ancients! Now of course, I’m approaching the same age he was when he made that remark and I get it.
A recent survey showed that marketers too have finally caught on; regardless of their age, people increasingly do not want to be referred to or defined as ‘old’. Instead, groups are collected into ‘Soon to be Older’ (50-60), 'Older' (60-80) and ‘Oldest Older’ (over 80). Since we all grow older from the moment we’re born, this language is certainly a friendlier catch-all.
Each year goes by with increasing pace because as we age, it becomes a smaller and smaller proportion of our overall life. Which is why birthdays are so precious to children – they take an age to come around.
At least we’re in it together: between 2000 and 2015, the world’s population over the age of 60 grew by 293 million. That’s a lot of collective wisdom. This global aging trend is giving rise to an interest in health and wellbeing with niche ingredients like the carob seed, which apparently has a regenerative capacity perfect for anti-aging products. You can’t seem to move these days without encountering a gluten-free quinoa-infused wholefood made with regenerative rainforest ingredients.
As a bona-fide Gen Xer a few months off qualifying for discounted car insurance, I now naturally feel quite differently about aging. Active pursuits, connectivity and engagements abound, all contributing to overall health, wellbeing and vitality. New opportunities created for informed travel and further education, funded via newfound financial independence (having finally kicked the children out), all enabled by the additional freedom that technology brings.
I can do about a thousand things more than I could in my twenties, physically and financially; I’m more self-aware; I’ve got bags of life and career experience and frankly, I’ve got much more to offer. And just like the carob tree, I can even survive in harsh climates including both frost and extreme heat. I really don’t care if I look my age or not, as long as I feel fabulous.
Ageing is definitely in the mind, but we should never regret growing older – after all, that’s the objective!
Enjoy a carefree lifestyle at Lane Cove Gardens
Units
• Overlooking Chatswood Golf Course and Lane Cove from just $400,000*
National Park. • Modern reception which includes hair salon and sunny lounge areas. • Dining room and indoor swimming pool. • A peaceful oasis just 10km from the city. • 24/7 On Call Assistance should you need it.
VISIT US MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 9AM-5PM, Visit us Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-12 noon or for an appointment call Melinda on 1800 911 989. SATURDAY 9AM-12 NOON OR FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL 1800 911 989
IMMUNITY Boosters
REDUCING OBESITY MAY PREVENT DIABETES*
Phil’s Green Smoothi: A pleasant-tasting base to add to water or a smoothie. Gives you all 105 elements or groups that your body needs on a daily basis and that it cannot make for itself. These are mostly deficient in your food and water supply, particularly most – or all – of the 78 minerals. Phil’s Supasmoothi plus: Helps you to achieve your ideal weight, plus a perfect low-GI food source to help prevent pre-diabetes! Phil’s Oils 50% of your daily fats/oils should be omega-3 in nature. Phil’s Oil is a blend of seed and nut oils that, taken regularly, may trigger fat-burning leptin hormones in your quest to prevent diabetes.* Wade’s ZinAc capsules: Contains nutrients that target healthy insulin formation*, which may assist in stabilising blood glucose. *Evidence based, references available.
Your local family chemist that meets all your pharmacy / naturopathic needs
Wade’s Compounding Chemist and Naturopath 152 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove. Tel: 9420 4959 www.internationalwellnesscentre.info
Consultations for an Age-Friendly Lane Cove
The community is being invited to participate in two upcoming forums that will help provide direction for the next stage of Lane Cove’s Age-Friendly Strategy.
Being an ‘age-friendly community’ means that the area is a good place for older people to live, work and visit. The 2016 Census shows that 24% of Lane Cove’s current population is over the age of 55.
People 55 and over who live, work or visit Lane Cove, as well as their carers, are invited to attend the consultation sessions and contribute on how we can help address some of the issues faced by older people.
This could include issues experienced by older people who want to use public transport, walk or drive around the area; find appropriate housing; be involved in the community or attend social activities; or to get the information they need.
FORUMS ON LANE COVE’S AGE-FRIENDLY STRATEGY:
WHEN: 1pm - 4pm OR 6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday 23 August WHERE: Lane Cove Civic Centre. Light refreshments served. For information/registration, email Council’s Manager Community Services on csinclair@lanecove.nsw.gov.au, or phone 9911 3592.
Those who can’t make a forum session can still have their say by completing a survey, available from Lane Cove Library, Lane Cove Council or Sydney Community Services (formerly Lane Cove & North Side Community Services). There will also be small discussion groups held with community groups and organisations.
For further information on Council’s existing Age-Friendly Strategy, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/agefriendly.
A White Ribbon Night event
Lane Cove Library will be hosting an event inspired by White Ribbon Night to help raise awareness about domestic violence.
THIS FREE EVENING SESSION WILL COVER:
● the causes, types, prevalence and impact of violence against women ● myths about violence against women ● primary prevention, managing disclosures, and safely standing up to violence ● the work of a domestic violence specialist service
HEAR FROM TWO PRESENTERS:
● Brianna Ragel is a Change Specialist who aims to do as much as she can to prevent more women experiencing domestic violence and its devastating effects. ● Tania Smith has many years in the domestic violence and homelessness sector working in Domestic Violence Specialist Services. She has managed the Delvena Women’s Refuge and now works as a Court Advocacy Worker for the Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Monday 21st August TIME: 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start Wine and cheese will be served on arrival and the session will conclude at 8:00pm. TO ASSIST WITH CATERING, PLEASE RSVP TO THE LIBRARY ON 9911 3634.
This September, celebrate everything that’s great about living in Lane Cove with a month-long program of community and Council run events.
● With live music, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, talks, walks, gatherings, sporting activities and more, there is something for everyone. ● In 2017 the Festival trials a new name - Lane Cove Festival – after being known as the Cameraygal Festival for the past 25 years. ● The 2017 Festival patron is NITV presenter, producer and journalist and local resident Natalie Ahmat. “The Lane Cove Festival promises to be a wonderful program of events, bringing together residents, local businesses and community groups to celebrate this wonderful place we are all lucky enough to call home”, says Natalie.
FESTIVAL LAUNCH
WHEN: 3.30 – 6.00pm, FRIDAY 11TH AUGUST WHERE: LANE COVE PLAZA
The launch of the 2017 Lane Cove Festival program includes a funfilled Plaza Party for the whole family featuring an energetic live performance by Lolo Lovina on her Gypsy Caravan stage, a petting zoo, face painting and loads of exciting kids’ activities.
After the launch, head over to Gallery Lane Cove from 6.00pm for the Lane Cove Art Award opening night and judging announcements.
Other festival highlights:
Judy Bailey At Your Request Concert:
Request your favourite song from Lane Cove’s revered jazz legend and her quintet. Friday 1st September.
Coffee Carnevale in the Plaza:
A celebration of Lane Cove’s thriving coffee culture. Saturday 2nd September.
Cameraygal Week:
Celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage with a week of film screenings, a traditional storytelling event and bush tucker workshop. Monday 2nd - Sunday 10th September.
Screen on the Green at Hughes Park:
Enjoy the family friendly flick The Secret Life of Pets (G) in Lane Cove’s newest park. Friday 15th September.
Judy Bailey’s Jazz Connection Big Band in the Plaza:
Be dazzled by the energy of Big Band music at the finale event for the 2017 Lane Cove Festival. Saturday 30th September.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM FROM: ww.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/festivals
or pick up a copy at Lane Cove Library or the Civic Centre from early August.
Blinds | Shutters | Curtains | Awnings
Past President of The Rotary Club of Lane Cove Jim Holmes, pictured with his wife Jean Holmes.
Jim and Jean continue to give
AT ROTARY, MUCH TIME IS SPENT GIVING.
Giving of time, giving of energies and talents, giving of a commitment to help create a better community and a better world. And some people just keep on giving long after they have had to cease weekly involvement for reasons beyond their control.
A shining example of that generosity is the recent gift of Past President Jim Holmes and his wife Jean Holmes who wanted to make a meaningful donation to The Rotary Club of Lane Cove to celebrate Jim’s 50 years of membership.
Jim and Jean kindly gave the club a cheque for $50,000, and this will be used to buy a new bus for Sydney Community Services (formerly Lane Cove & North Side Community Services). The bus will be based in Lane Cove.
The Rotary Club of Lane Cove, and indeed our whole community, will be the beneficiaries of this gift.
Thank you sincerely Jim and Jean.
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100 words
Our 100-word story competition showcases writers we have within the community. Each month we publish a selection of these stories.
In the 1950's my father owned a hardware store on the corner of a small lane where McGrath Estate Agents now stands. At the back was an ice works business and down the lane was Mr Mortimer, the 'bootmaker'. I can still remember my mother taking me to Mr Mortimer for our shoes to be re-heeled or re-soled. He always stood there with half a dozen nails between his lips, surrounded by interesting iron shoe lasts. I can remember the smell of the leather and dust. Those were the days when my father sold nails individually from a cardboard box.
Sandi Joelson, Camperdown
Everyone knew Fred, the legend newspaper deliverer of Blaxlands Corner. If you were lucky, you’d see him work a cul-de-sac. He seemed to have 6 arms, 4 elbows, and too many pumping legs, going like the clappers all at once. Out of his 4WD, rolled newspapers would arc up into the sky and rain down onto the gardens and lawns of the sleeping, as he spun his car round the circle. After an hour, and a thousand newspapers later, the phone would ring, and he’d say, “tell Mr Smith his Fin Review is under the rose bush to the left”.
Matt McCormack, Longueville
On the plane to Brisbane I sat next to a man wearing a crinkled shirt, khaki shorts and sandals. We started talking. We had nothing in common. I was a much older educated woman who loved reading and classical music. He had left school early and had worked on farms and in country towns all his life. But we talked – and talked – and laughed – and pulled the world apart and put it together again – and we never stopped! At Brisbane airport we parted, he to travel further north and never to think of me again? I will never forget him.
Tricia Darton, Lane Cove
I remember the days of the old school yard. Looking, watching, sometimes playing.
Handball? I was good at that but not small enough to get those low ones. No hat? No play.
I always had mine on. Had to be an example, I suppose. To whom? Can't remember these days.
Not allowed to talk to my friends. Not allowed to sit down. Doing those a lot now. Was like a soldier really, only I had no uniform. All the others did though. So many, running, shouting, laughing...falling. Oh dear! Got to help them. Always on hand. Just doing my duty.
Angela Wallace, Lane Cove
Early morning grey. Watery sun emerges. The 289 idles patiently at the terminus. Bare branches bend. Warmth at a premium. Bus doors open, as early birds seek shelter. Seven o’clock looms. The appointed hour. One last puff for our regular driver. Adjustment of seat. Check of the mirrors. Blue blazer girl is missing. Here she comes now! Hurtles ‘round the corner. Scarf, hat and bag are flying.
The daily ritual continues.
Passengers now settled. Headphones inserted. Glowing screens punctuate the gloom. Mars Road lies ahead. We’re behind schedule…
Lane Cove’s Groundhog Day commences. TO ENTER: Email your story with your name, address and phone number to
editor@thevillageobserver.com.au.
CONDITIONS: Stories must be exactly 100 words and can be about any subject and in any writing style. They must be original and unpublished. There is no limit to the number of stories that you contribute during the year. Each month, selected entries will be published in TVO. At the end of the year, all entries will be judged based on their originality and creativity.
THREE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED TO RECEIVE A $50 BURNS BAY BOOKERY VOUCHER.
Paul was absent-minded on his regular walking route from bus stop to office. An old friend passed by. Only immediately afterwards – as the crowd absorbed Paul and his friend in their respective journey streams – did they acknowledge each other. The chance to say good morning had unfortunately whizzed past.
The fleeting nature of time struck Paul. Moments are to be savoured. So often, valuable chances for simple courtesies slip away. Small niceties make our day.
All was not lost. Paul was especially attentive on his regular walk the next day. He greeted three good friends and enjoyed brief, wholehearted conversations.
They left Eden early and began the long drive back to Melbourne. It had been a good holiday, but she could smell the smoke now. As they headed down the mountainside she could see the smoke, and freaked out because he didn’t seem to notice it, and was driving recklessly. When they reached Morwell the road was closed, and paddocks were blackened all around. The motel where they had to spend the night had straw lining the ceilings. While he snored the night away, she lay awake worrying. It was a relief to arrive home. So much for happy holidays.
Maureen King, Lane Cove
I was chatting with my mates, waiting for choir practice to start. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an extremely tall, fair haired man come into the hall.
“I know that bloke” I thought. “Of course, it’s Brent!” Brent and I had been colleague’s decades before.
“How is Joy?” Joy was another colleague, whom Brent had married. “Unfortunately, Joy was taken by cancer nearly five years ago”.
Brent proved a very valuable addition to the basses. I was able to help with reading music and tempo control.
Within twelve months Brent died from melanoma. I miss him.
