UTHSAC Newsletter - September 2019

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

SEP 2019

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UTHSAC NEWSLETTER |

ISSUE 25

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 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

We respect all our Community and all who walk through our doors and expect the same in return from Community Members and Clients

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.

A: PO Box 166, Lot 08 Umoona Road Coober Pedy SA P: (08) 8672 5255

W: www.uths.com.au Medical: reception@uths.com.au

F: (08) 8672 3349

Admin: umoona@uths.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICE

Content

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) has given a new face for it’s organisation by creating a brand new logo for the organisation.

The old logo is displayed below:

Public Notice

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QIC Accreditation

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Salmonella infection

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Special Counselling Support

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Special Counselling Support

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We have created the new logo by using the concepts of Umoona, People and Caring. All the designs to feature the Aboriginal colours & art themes.

Oral Health

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UTHS Clinic Visiting Doctors & Specialist

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AOD Therapists Visit in Oodnadatta

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Meaning of “Umoona” is before the white settlement the name of the area was "Umoona" which is named after the Umoona tree meaning long life which is found at the Breakaways and the Umoona Community in Coober Pedy. After the white man inhabited this area in search of opal Aboriginal people named this area Kupaku Piti meaning "white man's hole".

SA’s Commissioner Visit at Umoona Health

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Grief and Loss

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Homelessness Week Celebration

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Staff Motivation Program

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Mental Health

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After Hours Mental Health Team Poster

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DAS Music Program Poster

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UTHSAC Annual Meeting Notice

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UTHSAC Vision, Mission & Diversity Statement

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UTHSAC New logo displayed below:

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MENTAL HEALTH 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.

We, After-hours Mental Health Service, which is run under the drug and alcohol service, assist individuals in the community to help them in improving their mental health. Through our various therapies and activities people in our community have the opportunity to experience 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

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

and exhausted, and they are welcome to use our service to take a break or to refresh their 20

thoughts.

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IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE

Salmonella Salmonella infection is a type of gastroenteritis (or ‘gastro’). It’s caused

by Salmonella bacteria. It’s likely to make you or your child feel sick, possibly with fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, and it usually lasts for two to seven days.

What causes salmonella?

» Fever » Loss of appetite » Headache » Stomach cramps » Nausea and vomiting » Blood or mucus in stools (poo).

Salmonella treatment You should drink a lot of fluids such as water or oral rehydration drinks (from the chemist).

Most people recover within about a week and don't need antibiotics.

However antibiotics, may be prescribed for young children or older people.

If you have salmonella, you've been infected with bacteria that's transferred to your mouth from:

Avoid medicine to prevent vomiting or diarrhoea, unless recommended by your doctor.

» contaminated food, water or your own hands » another person's hand or a contaminated surface » animal faeces.

Salmonella prevention

Contaminated food can look and smell normal.

If you have salmonella you should avoid contact with other people for at least 24 hours after your vomiting and diarrhoea stops.

You can spread it for as long as you carry the bacteria - which may be months after you stop having any symptoms.

Salmonella symptoms Symptoms start between six hours and seven days after you've been infected and may include: 06

IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE

The best way to prevent salmonella is to:

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handle and cook food safely

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take care in selecting, preparing and eating high-risk foods such as raw or incompletely cooked eggs, unpasteurised milk and incompletely cooked chicken

wash your hands after going to the toilet, before and after preparing food, changing nappies and after touching animals

Salmonella infections are common in Asia, the Pacific islands, Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America. If you travel to these parts, avoid foods that may be contaminated such as salads and fresh fruit salads, raw or cold seafood, or cold meat. In these areas, use bottled water for drinking and for brushing teeth. Don't have ice in drinks or washed or cut fruit.

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STAFF MOTIVATION PROGRAM

STAFF MOTIVATION PROGRAM

“Employee motivation techniques create the foundation that keeps your workforce happy and productive”. Staff motivation program was held on 21st June 2019 and designed to Encourage teamwork, which improves company's success as well as staff motivation. A supportive work atmosphere leads to positive motivation for employees and improves morale. We arranged below items & games on the program 1. Educational Session by Phycologist 2. Question Round 3. Staff Exercise Activity 4. Staff Games such as Guess the phrase, Knock the bottles, Cup pyramid, Act it out and many more.

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Prevention Prevention is better than cure. The best way to prevent health problems caused by bad oral health is to practice and maintain good oral hygiene and regularly seek assistance from your dentist.

To practice good oral hygiene: 

Brush the teeth and gums for two minutes at least twice a day

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Floss the teeth daily

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Avoid smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco products

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Use toothpaste and mouthwash products that contain fluoride

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Limit sugary foods and drinks

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Eat a well-balanced diet for optimum nutrition

Homelessness Week Celebration Homelessness Week is an annual week coordinated by Homelessness Australia to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face and the action needed to achieve enduring solutions.

Homelessness Week came about from various churches and missions running winter vigils to remember people who had died on the streets.

In this year, Homelessness Week was the 4th -10th August with a theme “Housing Ends Homelessness’’.

We, Drug & Alcohol Service of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service put our hands together with 9 other local agencies in Coober Pedy to raise awareness of our community on this regard. The event held at “Rotunda” from 10AM onwards on the 23rd August of 2019. Refreshments and clothes were available for all the attendees to attract more people to this event and to spread the message of “Housing Ends Homelessness”.

Healthy teeth are clean and free of pain caused by cavities and disease.

Healthy gums do not bleed when brushed or flossed. Oral health is indicative of a person’s overall health. Taking good care of oral health and to prevent oral health issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease can help avoid the risk for serious health problems throughout the body.

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GRIEF AND LOSS

SPECIAL COUNSELLING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE EFFECTED BY DRUG AND ALCOHOL!

Grief is a reaction as we succumb to common losses in our lives.

It can include the loss of a loved one, ending of a relationship, loss of a career or even sudden changes in our lives.

Misuse of alcohol and other drugs takes it on everyone. Unfortunately shame and stigma can often be the biggest barriers to seeking help.

Grief has stages and it usually ranges through shock, pain of grief, a sense of loss, anger, guilt, regrets, anxiety and fearfulness, intrusive images, disorganisation and forgetfulness, overwhelmed, to relief, loneliness, reorganisation and positive feelings.

If you are affected directly or indirectly, remember you are not alone.

Over 3.5 million Australians are seriously and negatively affected by alcohol alone.

Women and men grieve differently with women often good at seeking out support and supporting each other and by talking through their pain.

Men cope by seeking out one or two mates and doing activities and in so doing working through their losses.

Practical strategies that can help include:

Our experienced counsellors will help you work through your challenges in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment. We offer a range of individual and group counselling programs.

Link to programs

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Keep some time each day to reflect on the loss;

UTHS Drug & Alcohol Counselling Service will link clients appropriately to our Day centre Activity Programmes. These are often essential for helping people quit or reduce drug and Alcohol use.

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Write down your thoughts

Programme Include:

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Spend time with supportive people

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Have a good cry

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Avoid making big decisions

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Talk about the person who has died with others if they are comfortable

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Find a good listener

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Talk to a grief Counsellor

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Men’s Harms Minimisation, young Adults Social & Emotional Wellbeing (18-25 years ) Women’s Social & Emotional Wellbeing Healthy for life Men’s Music Youth sports (up to 17 years), Women's & Men's Changing Tracks Art ,Craft &Trade Skills Women’s & Men's Gym Groups.

Doing practical things like writing a eulogy or visiting the grave; and commemorate the person on anniversary and special occasions.

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ORAL HEALTH IS THE DOOR TO HEALTHLY LIFE!

Respiratory Infections The respiratory system is another victim of poor oral health. Bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth and inflamed gums can be breathed into the lungs or reach there through the bloodstream. Once the bacteria reach the lungs, that situation can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even COPD.

Diabetes Diabetics is another disease that can be badly affected by infected gums that lead to periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can in turn make diabetes worse and difficult to control. It is particularly important for diabetics to maintain good oral health to avoid complications with their disease.

Pregnancy Complications One of the common conditions we come across at UTHSAC Clinic frequently is dental health issues. Oral health is not just about the health of the mouth, teeth and gums, but much more than that. Because the mouth is a primary entryway into the body, poor oral health can have negative consequences for the entire body. Here below are some common and serious health problems caused by bad oral health:

It is extremely important for expectant mothers to take good care of their oral hygiene. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes in their body can cause oral infections in them relatively easily. Oral health issues in the mother such as periodontitis and gingivitis may lead to premature birth and low birth weight for infants.

Cardiovascular Disease

Clearly, smoking or using tobacco products are poor oral health practices. Such practices can not only lead to oral and throat cancers, but also are connected to other types of cancer. People who have poor oral health are at a high risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood cancers.

Having poor oral health puts a person at risk of heart disease. If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, that same bacteria can actually get into the bloodstream and cause the arteries to build up plaque and harden the arteries. This hardening of arteries is called atherosclerosis, and it is a very serious condition. The damaging impact on the arteries and blood vessels can cause hypertension and increased risk for strokes. Poor oral health can also cause endocarditis, an often fatal condition that occurs when the lining of the heart becomes infected.

Cancer

Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease affects kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Infections in the body like periodontal disease can put people at risk of kidney disease.

Dementia

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The brain also can be affected by poor oral health. Substances released from gums inflamed by infection are dangerous to the brain, and can actually kill brain cells. This would lead to memory loss.

According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, people having gum disease are four times more vulnerable to get Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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Alcohol & Other Drug Therapists

visit in Oodnadatta Oodnadatta AOD Therapists visit was on 29th July 2019 by Shana & Don, visit was mainly planned to follow up and support the clients who are in that region. On this day a BBQ was offered to the clients along with the service promotional handouts. Enthusiastic participation of the clients were seen while the discussions were going on about the services that we offer. Many clients raised questions and clarified their doubts on AOD related issues. Further clients were provided information on how to contact us if they have further queries.

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South Australia’s commissioner

Visit at Umoona Health Umoona Tjutagku Health service hosted a community visit from April Lawrie, South Australia’s commissioner for Aboriginal children and young people .

Aboriginal children, young people, their families and community members attended this community conversation. It was a good opportunity for everyone to raise their concerns about issues that matter to them including, safety and wellbeing of aboriginal children and young people. Commissioner promised to come back in December for another visit.

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UPCOMING DOCTORS & SPECIALIST november 2019

September 2019 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 9 GP &

10 GP &

11 GP &

12 GP &

13 GP &

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23 ENT &

24 ENT &

25

26

27

28

8

14

3

4

5

Podiatrist

Podiatrist

Audiologist

10

11

12 Endocri- 13 Endocrinologist nologist

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18 GP &

19 GP &

Respiratory 30

24

october 2019 SUN

MON

TUE 1

WED 2

THU 3

FRI 4

SAT 5

SAT 2

Herpetologist

Audiologist Audiologist 29

FRI

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

20 GP &

21 GP

22 GP

23

Respiratory

Respiratory

9AM-4.30PM 9AM-4.30PM

Physician

Physician

Physician

25 GP &

26 GP &

27 GP &

28 GP &

29 GP &

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

30

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

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8

9

10

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12

14 GP

15 GP

16 GP

17 GP

18 GP

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9AM4.30PM

9AM4.30PM

9AM4.30PM

9AM4.30PM

9AM4.30PM

21 GP &

22 GP &

23 GP &

24 GP &

25 GP &

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

DENTIST

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29

30

31

7 Clinic

Closed 13

20

27

12

Herpetolo-

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between 8.30 am to 4.30pm

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