HEALTH NEWS 09
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 APRIL 2023
2023 influenza vaccinations a boost in protection for everyone
Heart checks essential
The Heart Foundation has called on the Australian Government to extend funding for free Medicare Heart Health Checks before the item expires on 30 June this year. Medicare Benefits Scheme data for February shows that nearly 440,000 Australians have taken the Check since they launched in 2019. The Heart Foundation’s Healthcare Programs Manager, Natalie Raffoul, said the Heart Health Checks must continue. “They’re the only Medicare-subsidised checks specific to the early detection and prevention of heart disease in Australia,” Ms Raffoul said. “The checks involve an holistic assessment of heart disease risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, family history, diet and exercise. “The Heart Health Check is available to anyone aged 45 years or over (30 and over if First Nations) and it’s currently the only Medicare preventative health check for Australians aged 50-74 years. “This age group represents more than half of the individuals hospitalised for coronary heart disease each year. If the Check is removed, it would jeopardise prevention efforts in this high-risk group.” The former Government introduced Heart Health Checks as a temporary item on the Medicare Benefits Schedule in 2019. As it stands, the item is set to expire on 30 June 2023. Now, with clear evidence that people in Australia want and indeed expect the Medicarefunded Heart Health Check, the Heart Foundation is calling on the Australian Government to extend funding beyond 30 June. “The Check has passed the test – Australians have shown that they expect it to be there when they need it to help avoid a heart attack or stroke,” Ms Raffoul said. “We are optimistic that the Government will keep it available for Australians – but we are calling on Australians to support us to make sure this happens.”
HOW PEOPLE CAN HELP The Heart Foundation has opened a petition which people can sign. To view and sign the petition, click here:
2023 influenza vaccinations are available now and costfree for several groups under the National Immunisation Program, including children aged six months to under five years old. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said there was already an increase in state-wide case numbers since January, and urged people to get vaccinated ahead of the winter months to provide the highest level of protection. “We need Queenslanders to play their part in helping to limit the spread of flu,” she said. “In addition to getting vaccinated, I encourage all of us to stay home when we’re sick, wash our hands often and cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. “They may be very simple acts, but time and time again, they have proven critical in stopping the spread of infectious diseases.”
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said everyone aged six months or older should get a flu vaccine. “It is the single most important measure many of us can take to protect ourselves and each other,” he said. “Young people in particular play an important role in getting vaccinated as they are considered super-spreaders. “The flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. “It’s also recommended that those over 65 years receive a COVID-19 booster at the same time as their flu shots if it’s been more than six months since previous Covid vaccinations or natural infection.” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was vaccinated last week, urged all Queenslanders to go and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu.
1. Get a flu shot every year. 2. If you are unwell, stay at home and avoid contact with others. 3. Wash your hands often and properly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. 4. Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Throw your tissues away
immediately and wash your hands afterwards. 5. Try to stay 1.5 metres away from anyone who coughs and sneezes. 6. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly with soap and water or detergent. 7. Don’t share items such as cups, glasses, cutlery, lip balm, toys or anything that has come into contact with the mouth or nose.
Influenza cases and influenza associated deaths in Queensland from 1 January to 9 April: • 2022: 69 cases, 0 deaths. • 2023: 6374 cases, 8 deaths.
Influenza cases and deaths in Queensland from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022: • 44,436 cases, 90 deaths.
Venomous snakes still a concern in the region BY ALF WILSON Queensland Health have warned residents in the Torres Strait, NPA and around North Queensland to make sure they maintain their awareness of venomous snakes in the region. The initial warning came after a Torres Strait Islander man was bitten by a snake on the last day of the Goldfield Ashes Cricket Carnival at Charters Towers. The man was released from hospital on the same night about 11pm. A Queensland Health spokesperson said typically the highest number of presentations relating to snake bites or contact with a venomous snake were between October and April, when the reptiles were the most active.
“Hospital presentations typically peak towards the end of the summer months,” the spokesperson said. “Many bites occur when people try to kill snakes they find around the house. “Medical and wildlife experts agree the best advice is to leave snakes alone. “If a snake needs to be removed, don’t take the risk – call a snake catcher to relocate the snake.” They also said it was important to know what to do if you or a family member or friend was bitten, especially in a remote areas where medical assistance was not readily available. Emergency Department Director Dr Deanne Crosbie said anyone bitten by any snake should assume it was potentially life threatening. “If you are bitten by a snake, the safest
After a snake bite or suspected snake bite, people should: • Check airway, breathing and circulation. If the patient has collapsed, start CPR immediately.
https://campaign.heartfoundation.org.au/saveheart-checks
• Call 000 for an ambulance for transport to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. You should treat any snake bite as an emergency, regardless of whether you think the snake was venomous or not.
From the petition, Australians can contact their local MP to ask for support, or share with family and friends for them to sign.
• Don’t attempt to drive yourself to hospital. Sit or lie down, stay as still as possible. Bring transport to the patient. Do not walk or mobilise.
We want YOUR news!
7 easy steps to help fight the flu
thing to do is assume you have been bitten by a potentially life-threatening species and perform first aid immediately,” she said. “This involves both applying a tight pressure bandage around the whole of the affected limb and immobilising the limb. “Don’t walk or move the limb. “Get to the emergency department as soon as you can so we can assess and monitor you. “Please don’t try to catch the snake or bring it to the ED after being bitten; it is unnecessary and knowing the species isn’t needed for the ED to treat you. “Most snake bites can be avoided through simple precautions such as wearing heavy footwear while walking through bush or calling a qualified snake catcher to remove any snakes spotted.”
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site, and then cover the entire limb. The bandage should be as tight as you would apply to a sprained ankle. • Immobilise the limb using a splint. Any rigid object may be used as a splint – e.g. spade, piece of wood or tree branch, rolled up newspapers etc. • Keep the patient absolutely still and encourage them to remain calm.
NEVER wash venom off the skin, cut the bitten area, try to suck the venom out or use a tourniquet.
Have you got news? If you have an event or news you’d like to share... make sure you share!
You can email our editorial team via Diat or Christine with your words and pics – and tell us what’s new in your world!
Please contribute your words and fully captioned pics in clearly identified folders via Dropbox or WeTransfer (www. WeTransfer.com). One folder per story and pics, or item.
You must include: your full name and contact details (not necessarily to publish, but to verify), a word or text document explaining who, what, when and where your story or event occurred, and a list of captions for any photographs you include. If you’d like more information about how to get your story on board, matha ring come! Diat: editor@torres.news Christine: christine@torres.news
