UTHSAC Newsletter - March 2020

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

MARCH 2020

ISSUE 27

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

NEWSLETTER

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 improve health

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.

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Coronavirus

Back to School

Diabetic

Outbreak

Retinopathy

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

Coronavirus Outbreak

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Back to School

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UTHS Clinic Visiting Doctors & Specialist

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Diabetic Retinopathy

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Drug Forum - 2019

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Sleep hygiene Women’s group program

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Domestic Violence Women’s group program

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Mental Health

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Staff Birthdays

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DAS Music Program Poster

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After Hours Mental Health Team Poster

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UTHSAC Vision, Mission & Diversity Statement

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0437 628 933 After Hours Mental Health General Support Line 1300 364 277 If it is an Emergency Please Call 000

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According to World Health organization, Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are

transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

There is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person, especially in Hubei Province.

The virus is most likely spread through:

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

close contact with an infectious person



contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze

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touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have

cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. As of today, SA Health are monitoring the 17 South Australians who are currently awaiting test results for novel

coronavirus.

Two test results returned positive on Saturday 1 February.

Commonwealth reminds every one of the importance of maintaining self-isolation at home for 14 days from the last date of exposure for the following groups of people is a must: 

Anyone who has returned from mainland China on or after1 February 2020.

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Anyone who has recently returned from Hubei Province.

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Anyone who has been in close contact with a known confirmed case.

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Anyone being specifically tested for Novel Coronavirus whilst awaiting results.

If you have a confirmed case, you need to isolate yourself to prevent it spreading to other people.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

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For prevention of 2019 Novel Corona Virus, it is recommend surgical

masks for healthy members of the public. A surgical mask will not protect you against the virus.

Mental health cannot be underestimated or thought to be less important than physical health. Humans are believed to have a sixth sense which has more to do with mental health and cognitive ability. If humans fail to look after their mental health, they wouldn’t be any different to that of any other animal. Therefore it should be considered to be of a prime importance that every person takes care of his/her mental health.

Everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections.

Good hygiene includes: 

washing your hands often with soap and water



using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze



avoiding close contact with others, such as touching

We, After-hours Mental Health Service, which is run under the drug and

Novel coronavirus is a controlled notifiable condition under the South

alcohol service, assist individuals in the community to help them in

Australian Public Health Act 2011. Doctors and diagnostic laboratories

improving their mental health. Through our various therapies and

are required to notify the Communicable Disease Control Branch of any

activities people in our community have the opportunity to experience

suspected cases.

modern techniques and methods through which they could overcome their difficult situations.

Not stopping from there, the After-hours Mental Health team is always ready to support the local institutions specially the Police and the Hospital whenever they need assistance. Further, the After-hours Mental Health team closely co-ordinates with day time workers of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service.

We call it a resting place for people who are mentally tired

and exhausted, and they are welcome to use our service to take a break or to refresh their thoughts.

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WOMEN’S GROUP PROGRAM Article from NACCHO Aboriginal Children’s Health;

Domestic Violence Women’s group program held on 21st November 2019. We discussed about Domestic Violence issues which is more prevalent in the community currently. It was visible that the clients

participated in this

session enthusiastically. Clients were raising questions about current Domestic Violence issues. Uniting country SA joined with us to advocate clients on Domestic Violence issues.

“When kids eat a healthy diet with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables in that diet, they actually perform better in the classroom.

They’re going to have better stamina with their work, and at the end of the day it means we’ll get better learning results which will impact on them in the long term.”

Marlborough Primary School Principal “ We know that fuelling children with the appropriate foods helps support their growth and development.

But there is a growing body of research showing that what children eat can affect not only their physical health but also their mood, mental health and learning.

The research suggests that eating a healthy and nutritious diet can improve mental health, enhance cognitive skills like concentration and memory and improve academic performance In fact, young people that have the unhealthiest diets are nearly 80% more likely to have depression than those with the healthiest diets 06

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” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffer increased risk of chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

SEWB - WOMEN’S GROUP PROGRAM Sleep hygiene Women’s group program held on 19th September 2019.

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.“

We discussed about sleep hygiene patterns at the women’s group followed by Lunch Prepared by the staff and the clients. Awareness videos and handouts were provided to the clients during the program today

PART 01 Children should be eating plenty of nutritious, minimally processed foods from the five food groups: 

fruit

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vegetables and legumes/beans

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grains (cereal foods)

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lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans

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milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives.

Consuming too many nutritionally-poor foods and drinks that are high in added fats, sugars and salt, such as lollies, chips and fried foods has been connected to emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents.

In fact, young people that have the unhealthiest diets are nearly 80% more likely to have depression than those with the healthiest diets.

Children learn from their parents and carers. If you want your children to eat well, set a good example. If you help them form healthy eating habits early, they’re more likely to stick with them for life.

So here are some good habits to start them on the right path.

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Drug Forum is highly regarded among academics, and it has been

referenced in hundreds of studies and dozens of books. Research has also shown that Drugs Forum can be used to predict drug trends.

Drugs Forum encourages intelligent, thoughtful discussion of drug-related politics, and we strive to maintain an environment free from sensationalism and bias. Drugs Forum also boasts a vibrant recovery community where senior members are always willing to lend an ear to those struggling to overcome substance abuse. Around members utilize

our recovery journals to document their progress towards sobriety and gain support from our recovery community. Drugs Forum also saves lives through harm reduction-oriented peer-to-peer advice and helps members avoid life-threatening overdoses with up-to-date information about bad batches.

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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

“THANK YOU FOR THOUGHTS & IDEAS” The Drug Forum was held on 03rd December 2019 at Drug and Alcohol centre. Most of the community members from Coober Pedy Council, Police, Complete Personnel, Coober Pedy School, Hospital, Aboriginal

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.

Health Council, Housing SA, Families SA, Foot Steps, Umoona Council

Children over the age of two years can be given reduced fat milk, but children

were attended to share their thoughts and Ideas for a better future for

under the age of two years should be given full cream milk.

our community.

Why are schools an important place to make changes?

At Drugs-Forum, we pride ourselves on the quality of the information and

Schools can play a key role in influencing healthy eating habits, as students can

advice that we offer. In keeping with our mission to provide reliable

consume on average 37% of their energy intake for the day during school hours

information about drugs, all posts must meet high standards of quality.

alone!

As a result of our strict moderation, Drug Forum offers a safe space for

A New South Wales survey found that up to 72% of primary school students

discussion of all aspects of recovery and drug use, both medical and

purchase foods and drinks from the canteen at least once a week. Also, in Victoria,

recreational. There is very little flaming or abuse, and our membership

while around three-quarters (77%) of children meet the guidelines for

includes researchers, harm reduction and addiction specialists, public officials, lawyers, physicians, representatives of NGOs, and mental health professionals.

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.

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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.

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Encourage parents to provide healthier lunches.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

 

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.

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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 If your eye doctor thinks you may have severe diabetic retinopathy or DME, they may do a test called a fluorescein angiogram. This test lets the doctor see pictures of the blood vessels in your retina.

Take prescribed medicines as instructed Control blood-sugar levels and follow a healthy diet

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.

There are also tips on how to eat well if you live in rural and remote areas. The national Live Longer! Local Community Campaigns Grants Program supports Indigenous communities to help their people to work towards and maintain healthy weights and lifestyles. For more information, see Live Longer!.

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PART 03 - Parents may not always realise that their children are not a healthy weight.

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  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  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).  Diabetes damages blood vessels all over the body. The damage to your eyes starts when sugar blocks the tiny blood vessels that go to your retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. To make up for these blocked blood vessels, your eyes then grow new blood vessels that don’t work well. These new blood vessels can leak or bleed easily.

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If you think your child is underweight, the following information will not apply to your situation and you should seek advice from a health professional for an assessment.

If you think your child is overweight you should see your health professional for an assessment. However, if you’re not sure whether your child is overweight, see if

you recognise some of the signs below. If you are still not sure, see your health professional for advice. 

Overweight children may experience some or all of the following:

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Having to wear clothes that are too big for their age

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Having rolls or skin folds around the waist

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Snoring when they sleep

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Saying they get teased about their weight

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Difficulty participating in some physically active games and activities

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Avoiding taking part in games at school

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Avoiding going out with other children

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UPCOMING DOCTORS & SPECIALIST MAY 2020

MARCH 2020 SUN 1

MON 2 GP

TUE 3 GP

WED 4 GP

THU 5 GP

FRI 6 GP

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

7

1

9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM 8

15

22

29

9 Clinic

10 NO

11 NO

Closed

Doctor

Doctor

16 GP &

17 GP &

DENTIST

mologist

18 GP &

19 GP &

20 GP &

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

23 NO

24 NO

25 GP

26 GP &

27

Doctor

Doctor

1PM-4.30PM Audiologists

30 NO

31 NO

Doctor

Doctor

3

5

12

19

MON

28

17

24

THU

FRI

1 NO

2 NO

3 NO

Doctor

Doctor

Doctor

9 GP

10 Clinic

SAT 4

8 GP

Audiologists

Audiologists

1PM-4.30PM 9AM-11AM

Closed

Clinic Closed

14 NO

15 NO

16 NO

17 NO

Doctor

Doctor

Doctor

Doctor

20 GP &

21 GP & Registrar

22 GP & Registrar

23 GP & Registrar

24 Respira- 25 tory nurse

13

29 Endocri- 30 Optome& DENTIST nologist & trist & DENTIST DENTIST

2

5 GP

6 GP

7 GP

8 GP

9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM

9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM

11 Occupa- 12 Occupa- 13 GP tional tional 1PM-4.30PM

14 GP

15 NO

9AM-11AM

Doctor

Therapist

Therapist

18 GP &

19 GP &

20 GP &

21 GP &

22 GP &

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

25 GP & Registrar

26 GP & Registrar

27 GP & Registrar

28 GP & Registrar

29 GP & Registrar

9

16

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All the consultations are done by appointments, it can be made by contacting our reception on 08 8672 5255

7 ENT &

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between 8.30 am to 4.30pm

Monday to Friday For more information visit our website www.uths.com.au

27 Dietitian & 28 Dietitian

DENTIST

12

WED

6 ENT &

Registrar

26

TUE

4 GP

10

21

APRIL 2020 SUN

SAT

DENTIST

12 Ophthal- 13 Ophthal- 14

mologist

FRI

13