Issuu

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

JUNE 2021

ISSUE 32

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) will strive to:

NEWSLETTER

Inform, educate, perform, model and lead to ensure diversity is reflected throughout UTHSAC. Create & sustain an environment that actively embraces diversity and inclusion by recognising value in the uniqueness of all individuals

UMOONA TJUTAGKU WANGKA

Hold all people associated to UTHSAC accountable for their actions and decisions impacting the achievements of UTHSAC Diversity mission statement. Utilise the success in diversity to assist UTHSAC becoming a provider and the employer of choice as we lead our community to

VISION STATEMENT Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and surrounding region.

MISSION STATEMENT To provide a holistic health care service that achieves positive health outcomes through primary health care intervention as well as safer communities through prevention and education. 24

Healthy

Clinic Calendar

AOD

Cooking

UMOONA TJUTAGKU HEALTH SERVICE ABORIGINAL CORPORATION A: PO Box 166, Lot 08 Umoona Road Coober Pedy SA P: (08) 8672 5255 W: www.uths.com.au

F: (08) 8672 3349

Medical: reception@uths.com.au

Admin: umoona@uths.com.au

Content Men’s Healthy Cooking

AOD (ICE Workshop)

Clinic Calendar

Women’s Social Emotional Wellbeing

Cervical Screening Program

Diabetic Retinopathy

After Hours Mental Health

Social Workers Programs

Men's Music Program

Women's Arts and Crafts Program

UTHSAC Vision, Mission & Diversity Statement

Annual Influenza Immunisation Program 2021 It’s time for the Annual Influenza Vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people again. Influenza is one of the most common viral infection which could cause death to humans especially in high risk population. The influenza virus invades the nose, throat and lungs of people especially the ones with chronic disease conditions like Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and Hypertension. The most common symptoms are: runny nose, fever, headache, body weakness, cough and colds. It is commonly treated with proper diet, updated flu vaccinations, rest, fluids and medications prescribed by the physicians. Last 7th of May 2021, UTHSAC conducted an influenza immunisation program at the Umoona Community Stadium. The program aims to educate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population residing in Coober Pedy about the significance of having the COVID-19 vaccine for protection in this time of pandemic, whilst administering the annual influenza vaccination for the ATSIs of all age group. There are healthy food served for the people who attended the program and videos regarding the COVID 19 vaccination and its updates were being shown through the projector screen. The clients were screened for COVID 19 and were asked to do hand sanitation before they could enter to the stadium, the DAS staff assisted with the savoury food and clinic staff were responsible for the health education and the administration of the flu vaccine. In the end, there are a number of families attended the program and there are a total of more than 50 vaccines were administered.

Men’s Healthy cooking Program The UTHS healthy cooking program is designed to help clients get knowledge and improve their healthy cooking skills. Healthy cooking and eating are important aspects of quality healthcare. It is important that youth and adults in the community are getting adequate knowledge and skills on nutritious meals and enjoy positive mealtimes. Clients are also educated on healthy eating and nutrition during and after these programs as healthy cooking and healthy eating is mostly important for the lifestyle. The program is conducted on every Monday 11.00am-1.00pm

S o c i a l Wo r k e r s L u n c h P r o g r a m

S o c i a l Wo r k e r s M u s i c P r o g r a m

After Hours Mental Health Drug and Alcohol centre has been delivering mental health support to our community through the day After -Hours services, as substance use disorder has become a major c a u s e o f m e n t a l i l l n e s s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y. O u r m i s s i o n i s to ensure the well-being of every individual who are d i r e c t l y o r i n d i r e c t l y a ff e c t e d b y m e n t a l h e a l t h . C o m m u n i t y members are attended by a trained Mental health team assisting in early identification, brief intervention and crisis management. The clients have been referred to internally and external agencies to assist with their social e m o t i o n a l i s s u e s t h a t c o n t i n u e t o a ff e c t t h e i r m e n t a l s t a t e such as lack of housing, employment, financial needs and l a c k o f f a m i l y s u p p o r t . We r e c e i v e m a n y r e f e r r a l s f r o m other services such as correctional services, SAPOL and Coober Pedy hospital and other external agencies around Coober Pedy region. C o u n s e l l i n g s e r v i c e s a r e o ff e r e d through client comprehensive care planning and case management plan.

Basket-Ball Program The UTHS Basketball program is designed to improve the basketball skills of youth and children and to become physically and mentally healthier. The main goal of the program is to improve the sports and physical activity skills, teamwork and leadership skills. It was visible that the kids participated in this session enthusiastically. The program is conducted on every Thursday evening at Gilles street outdoor court with the music and refreshments. The UTHS is conducting a Fortnightly BBQ for all participants.

Home visits mainly focussed on therapeutic purposes such a s t o a d m i n i s t e r i n j e c t i o n s . To d e l i v e r m e d i c a t i o n , t o conduct welfare checks and to support client education and counselling. Regular checks are made, and are continued even after hours until the crisis is resolved to ensure client safety in suicidality and other self -harm. After hours mental health team also takes part in regular visits with hospital and SAPOL to ensure follow ups and continuity of care beyond the normal working hours. Mental Health promotion, early identification and intervention, and relapse prevention are the main focus of our health promotion. Other aspects of mental health promotion are to enable overcome social stigma of mental illness and to encourage to seek help in times of need. 20

Women’s Program (Social Emotional Wellbeing) “Social and Emotional Wellbeing” (SEWB) was originated to address “Mental

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious eye conditions: Diabetic macular edema (DME). Over time, about half of people with diabetic retinopathy will develop DME. DME happens when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid, causing swelling in the macula (a part of the retina). If you have DME, your vision will become blurry because of the extra fluid in your macula.

Health” in Aboriginal holistic approach which directly aims Aboriginal thinking and vision of wellbeing. In an attempt to capture the broader and more holistic ways of Indigenous thinking and interpretations around Indigenous mental health, Umoona Drug and Alcohol

Neovascular glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow out of the retina and block fluid from draining out of the eye. This causes a type of glaucoma.

SEWB team has able to organise Art and Crafts and Healthy for cooking women’s programs in every week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) which allow to get to know about Indigenous Australian women’s perceptions of wellbeing and wellness and explore through the participation of Aboriginal women whom had experienced or are at risk of developing SEWB problems.

Treatment

This program outlines within the essence of Aboriginal women’s SEWB perceptions,

beliefs

and

knowledge’s.

Retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy can cause scars to form in the back of your eye. When the scars pull your retina away from the back of your eye, it’s called tractional retinal detachment.

Also,

program

includes



the

Laser and other surgical procedures can slow the progression of the disease and decreases the risk of vision loss.

interconnectedness that centres around not only ones physical wellness but the

inherent connections embedded within the land, environment, community, and law underpinning the fabric of a women’s life, relationships and wellbeing and intern

Prevention for people with diabetes to reduce the risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy

directly attributing to their mental health and wellness. Our program structure mainly focuses on the specific “Yarning approaches” and



If you have diabetes, it’s very important to get regular eye exams. If you do develop diabetic retinopathy, early treatment can stop the damage and prevent blindness.



See an eye care professional regularly. Get retinal (back of the eye) photos taken

the main themes centred on wellness and wellbeing, autonomy, Aboriginal women being heard, support, and liaison with other service agencies which enhance the women’s wellness through the SEWB service benefits. Umoona Drug and Alcohol Centre promotes women’s program with the SEWB services while encompassing

a mental health centred women’s specific program which is effective, inviting and community centred.

Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colours. Blindness can occur. Common Sign and symptoms: 

Blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to read standard print, watch television or see people's faces

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Increased sensitivity to glare and difficulty seeing at night

People who have diabetes are at risk especially if they have: 

High blood-sugar levels or poorly managed diabetes



High blood pressure, particularly if they also have kidney disease

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A long history of diabetes

What causes diabetic retinopathy? 

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can damage your retina — the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through a nerve in the back of your eye (optic nerve).

Men’s Gym Program

What we can do

The UTHS Gym program is designed to help clients to get fit and become healthier. Clients are also educated on healthy eating and nutrition during and after these programs as healthy living is mostly based on healthy dieting and proper exercises. The program is conducted on every Tuesday and Friday for men and Monday for

It helps just to listen if the person wants to talk about their ice use. Try to listen without interrupting, judging or becoming upset. When they have finished taking, repeat what they have said back to them in a calm voice. This helps to check in and see that you have understood what they are telling. On ICE, it's very possible to get addicted. It may take a few days to break the habit if it is used on a daily basis. One of the reasons people use ICE is because it targets the “feel good” part of the brain. When someone gives up ICE they can be stressed, moody and “down” until their brain gets back to normal which can take weeks, months and for some people, can take years. That’s why it is so hard to give up ice.

Photos from a recent AOD Awareness programs (ICE workshops).

Men’s Music Program The UTHS Music Program has an integral part in transmission of the human experience throughout the community. We have devised extensive pedagogical methods to promote the preservation of Musical traditions within the cultural system. This is a rewarding and challenging program for the local community. UTHS music program provides community with viable options in improving leisure time activities and promoting cultural development. The program is conducted on every Wednesday 11.00am to 1.00pm.

AOD Awareness programs (ICE workshops) In our community, we're breaking the ICE Ice, also known as crystalline methamphetamine, is a stimulant, which means it speeds up the transmission of messages between the brain and the body. The effects of ice are usually felt immediately after smoking or injecting it. It can also be snorted or swallowed, though the effects may take up to 30 minutes to be felt. Ice has several street names, including ice, crystal meth, crystal, glass, shard, shabu, meth, tina, and rice.

How ice affect a person: People are affected by ice in different ways, they can experience the following:

BODY

MIND

Teeth grinding and dry mouth.

Feelings of extreme pleasure.

Fast heart rate and breathing. Feeling less hungry.

Increased confidence, alertness and energy.

Feeling dizzy and shaky.

Increased sex drive.

Over-sensitive skin that may cause people to scratch repetitively.

Feeling anxious or panicky. Some people get more violent.

Eat with your kids, as a family, without the distraction of the television. Children

benefit from routines, so try to eat meals at regular times. Make sure your kids eat breakfast too – it’s a good source of energy and nutrients

It protects against up to 9 types of HPV, including those that cause around 70 % of cervical cancers. Since the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, vaccinated women still need to have regular cervical screening.

to help them start the day. Good choices are high-fibre, low-sugar cereals or wholegrain toast. It’s also a good idea to prepare healthy snacks in advance for them to eat in between meals. Encourage children to drink water or milk rather than soft drinks, cordial, sports drinks or fruit juice drinks – don’t keep these in the fridge or pantry.

Children over the age of two years can be given reduced fat milk, but children under the age of two years should be given full cream milk.

Why are schools an important place to make changes? Schools can play a key role in influencing healthy eating habits, as students can consume on average 37% of their energy intake for the day during school hours alone! A New South Wales survey found that up to 72% of primary school students

purchase foods and drinks from the canteen at least once a week. Also, in Victoria, while around three-quarters (77%) of children meet the guidelines for

PROGRAMS RUN BY UMOONA CLINIC TO PROMOTE CERVICAL SCREENING Umoona clinic runs program, to promote the cervical screening especially in never screened women One day just focused on women’ s health check and promotion and educational services given to client regarding cervical screening and its importance.

recommended daily serves of fruit, only one in 25 (4%) meet the guidelines for recommended daily serves of vegetables; and discretionary foods account for nearly 40 per cent of energy intake for Victorian children. It’s never too late to encourage healthier eating habits – childhood and adolescence is a key time to build lifelong habits and learn how to enjoy healthy eating.

Get Started Today You can start to improve students’ learning outcomes and mental wellbeing by promoting healthy eating throughout your school environment. 

Have a healthy canteen menu in line with the Schools Canteen and Other School Food Services Policy.



Make sure water is freely available across your school, and allow students to have a water bottle with them in class.

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Plant a vegetable garden and use the produce you grow in cooking activities and at the canteen. Check out the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program for more ideas.

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Schedule ‘brain food’ breaks during the day to encourage students to eat fruit and vegetables in class.

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Engage all school staff to become positive role models — visibly taking care of their health by eating healthy foods and drinks at school.

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Use non-food rewards in the classroom to help students develop healthy relationships between food and behaviour.

Since the program began in 1991, the number of women developing cervical cancer has decreased significantly



Encourage parents to provide healthier lunches.

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER

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Source fresh produce from your local community, such as local markets and food growers.

Cervical Screening Program The national cervical screening program aims to prevent cervical cancer with regular testing. The cervical screening tests look for human papillomavirus. The program targets women from 25 to 74 years of age. WHY SCREENING IS SO IMPORTANT Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Most cervical cancers occurs in women who have never screened or do not screen regularly. Having regular screening tests is the best way to protect yourself. The tests detects the presence of HPV(HUMAN papilloma virus) so that it can be monitored or investigated further if needed.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a women’s cervix the entrance of the womb from the vagina. It happens when there are changes in some cells lining the cervix. Sometimes these abnormal cells grow and multiply, and can develop into cancer. THE NEW CERVICAL SCREENING TEST IS MORE EFFECTIVE The cervical screening test replaced the Pap test IN 2017. It is expected to protect 30% more women. The Pap test used to look for cell changes in cervix. The new tests looks for HPV( Human papilloma virus) which can lead to those cell changes. An HPV vaccine is available.

PART 02 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffer increased risk of chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Eating healthy food and being physically active lowers your risk of getting kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, and of dying young from heart disease and some cancers. Being a healthy weight can also makes it easier for you to keep up with your family and look after the kids, nieces, nephews and grandkids. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may find it useful to chose store foods that are most like traditional animal and plant bush foods – that is, low in saturated fat, added sugar and salt – and use traditional bush foods whenever possible. The Healthy Weight Guide provides information about maintaining and achieving a healthy weight. It tells you how to work out if you’re a healthy weight. It tells you how to work out if you’re a healthy weight. It lets you know up-to-date information about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid and what and how much physical activity to do. It gives you tips on setting goals, monitoring what you do, getting support and managing the challenges.

Clinic Calendar AUGUST 2021

June 2021 SUN

MON

TUE 1

WED 2

THU 3

FRI 4

SAT 5

GP & PED GP & PED GP

GP & Audiologist

GP & Cardiologist

Closed

GP & Podiatrist

ENT

No Doctor

SUN 1

Dietitian

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI 2

SAT 3

No Doctor No Doctor

10 17

No Doctor No Doctor No Doctor No Doctor No Doctor 18

GP & Reg GP & Reg GP & Reg 25 12

THU

FRI

SAT 7

GP & Cardiologist

No Doctor No Doctor

WED

GP & Reg GP & Reg GP & Reg No Doctor No Doctor

JULY 2021 SUN

TUE

No Doctor No Doctor No Doctor No Doctor No Doctor

GP & Nep GP & Nep GP & Car- GP & Car- GP & Cardiologist diologist diologist 27

MON

All the consultations are done by appointments, it can be made by contacting our reception on 08 8672 5255 Between 8.30 am to 4.30pm

Monday to Friday Note: We are closed after 2:30pm on Friday

For more information visit our website www.uths.com.au 13