fbpx
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 03 9988 8200

Month: May 2023

Connection and Belonging

Posted on by Jake Jackson

There is a movie out at the moment called “Air”, it’s the story of Nike. I watched it and thought it was pretty good. Prior to that though, I read the book “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. Though I don’t recall too many details from the book, I remember him describing how he put so much effort into Nike, because he was in fact, through his work, wanting to “connect” and was searching for “connection”. All that effort to connect, sounds farfetched, concocted and fanciful, but perhaps in it lays something in common. 

In last month’s article, I concluded that the goal of personal development should have the ambition of ultimately forgetting about oneself and being selfless. It sounded a bit counterintuitive, even rude, no doubt, but here, I’ll explain a bit further. 

There are stages to considering your relationship to life, and people are basically at different stages. 

Stage 1. Life (in general) sucks. 

Stage 2. My life (specifically) sucks. 

Stage 3. I’m great (as an individual), and you’re not.  

Stage 4. We’re great (compared to a real or perceived competitor), and they’re not. 

Stage 5. Higher purpose (collective); we’re all great. Let’s help each other reach our full potential.  

Credit must go to another book I’ve recently read called Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan who considers 5 levels of leadership. The above stages are adapted from his work.  

There’s so much to say for the universal theme of finding satisfaction in moving from individual thinking to collective wisdom and shared experience; that movement from “I” to “we” at a deep level. 

At a personal and health level, we all strive for connection and belonging. These things enrich our lives immensely. This being said, a person must equally adopt a mindset that allows them to feel connection and belonging, they need to have that epiphany that opens the door. 

Returning to last month’s article, “Just a thought or two”, my second thought was that “personal development needs to ultimately be outward focused and selfless”. We can see the connection here. In business and in life, a perspective that never breaks free from the self and never crosses the chasm to consider things in the collective, ironically limits personal growth and development, and ironically, can stop a person or business from reaching their fullest potential. 

As a species, humanity has progressed because of our ability to successfully interact as large groups, across the globe. Flexible cooperation. That’s it. It typifies us. At the level of an individual life then, it’s worthwhile keeping this in mind. Striving for and maintaining a mindset of “we” will help you gain a greater feeling of connection and belonging in your life. And indeed, that feeling of shared experience has the power to enrich every moment of every day of your life.

 

Dr Floyd Gomes
Founder

Understand Anxiety

Posted on by Jake Jackson

In an ever-changing and evolving world, anxiety is on the rise. The unpredictability of world economics, global wars and the continually growing concern over climate change have left many wondering what the future could look like. It is reasoning like this that makes it easier to understand anxiety and why mental health issues continue to rise.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022, Anxiety was the most common group of 12-month mental disorders, making up for 16.8% or 3.3 million people. Mental health experts define anxiety as worry over a threat that’s yet to occur. For example, thinking about a conversation you need to have with your partner could twist your stomach into knots days before it happens. Your heart may race before an exam or you might feel like your breath is being taken away right before a big presentation. These are all signs of anxiety. A feeling everyone has felt at one stage or another

Whilst not a traditional method to getting over the feeling of anxiety, one of the most effective ways to ease and understand occasional anxiety is to accept it. Rosmarin, founder of the Center for Anxiety in New York City, states “When we let anxiety run its course in the moment without fighting it, ironically, that makes it less. On the other hand, fighting anxiety is what typically triggers a panic attack.”

Now let’s run through some alternative ways to limit anxiety.

1) Create a morning routine – Having a set morning routine will allow you to start your day with consistency. Whether that means getting up and going for a walk or heading to the gym, grabbing a coffee or reading a book, a consistent wake-up time and morning routine will allow you to minimise the feeling of “the morning rush”.
2) Accept anxiety as a normal feeling to have during certain times – Don’t be hard on yourself for having thoughts resulting from anxiety. They are normal, healthy responses by the body to circumstances, which are complicated, stressful, or difficult.
3) Control your energy – Our mind works in a particular way, where we focus our energy, is where will get it. Direct your thoughts at a task keeping you busy, limiting the amount of attention to are feeding your anxiety.
4) Exercise – Exercise has always been a doctor’s number 1 remedy for any mental health disorder. Physical movement has been proven to limit the severity of many mental health issues as it releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood.

4 easy but doable tasks to tick off every day, hopefully helping you minimise your feelings of anxiety.

Social Prescribing

Posted on by Jake Jackson

In recent years, “social prescribing” has emerged as a transformative approach to healthcare that goes beyond traditional medical interventions. It recognises that health is not solely determined by medical treatments but is deeply influenced by various social, environmental, and lifestyle factors. As I delved into the world of social prescribing, I have gained valuable insights into its potential and discovered effective strategies to promote and drive change in this field. In this article, I will share my learnings about social prescribing and discuss ways we can all move towards influencing change.

Understanding Social Prescribing:
Social prescribing is a holistic approach that connects individuals with non-clinical resources and activities to improve their overall well-being. Instead of solely relying on medication, doctors and healthcare professionals prescribe activities such as art classes, exercise programs, community volunteering, and support groups to address underlying social determinants of health.

So what are the social determinants of health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines social determinants of health as follows:

“the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems.”

The social determinants of health include factors such as income, social support, early childhood development, education, employment, housing and gender.

In this article I will share my learnings and experiences from connecting with the community groups that are already engaging in social prescribing initiatives.

The Power of Community:
One of the most profound lessons I learned during my visits was the transformative power of community. Community groups like Pantry 5000 & Warragul Community House play a crucial role in providing individuals with a sense of belonging, food support, and purpose. These groups can range from gardening clubs and art therapy sessions to walking groups and cooking classes. By participating in these activities, individuals not only develop new skills but also build social connections, which are vital for their mental and emotional well-being.

Addressing the Holistic Needs:
Recognise that an individual’s health is not limited to physical symptoms but encompasses various dimensions, including social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Through my interactions with Crib Point Community House, I observed how social prescribing initiatives cater to these holistic needs. For example, exercise classes not only improve physical health but also boost self-confidence and reduce stress. Similarly, at Somerville Community House, the support groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and seek emotional support. By involving people in decision-making and understanding their unique circumstances, healthcare professionals can create meaningful connections between individuals and appropriate community resources

Empowerment and Self-Management:
Empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. At Willum Warrain by connecting people with resources and activities that align with their interests and preferences, social prescribing allows their members to explore and discover what works best for them. This personalised approach promotes self-management and encourages individuals to become active participants in their own care, leading to better long-term health outcomes.

Collaboration between Atticus Health and Community Organisations:
Effective implementation of social prescribing relies on strong collaboration between general practice- receptionists, nurses & doctors and the community groups we serve. During my visits, I witnessed the value of partnership between doctors, nurses, social workers, and community leaders. At Pantry 5000 in Carrum a few weeks ago, we administered 35 flu vaccinations to people struggling with no income, no jobs or house in some cases. This small collaboration ensured that individuals receive appropriate support, and helped to bridge the gap between healthcare and community.

Strategies for Influencing Change:

Collaborative Partnerships: We will continue to foster partnerships between Atticus Health, community groups , and local authorities. By working together, we can leverage collective resources and expertise to establish sustainable social prescribing programs.

Professional Training: Ensure staff receive comprehensive training on social prescribing concepts,. so that you feel empowered to embrace this approach and effectively implement it in all of our practices.

Research and Evidence: Support and conduct research to generate robust evidence on the impact of social prescribing and publish findings to staff to build a strong evidence base for the integration of social prescribing into mainstream healthcare.

My journey through meeting these community groups & engaging with them has been eye-opening. Witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives on individuals’ lives reinforced my belief in the power of community and the potential of social prescribing to improve health outcomes. By recognising the importance of social factors and integrating community-based support, we can move towards a more holistic and person-centered approach to healthcare. It is my hope that these learnings inspire, even in a small way, the rest of the Atticus community to embrace social prescribing and work towards creating healthier, happier communities.

Social prescribing is a promising approach to improving health and wellbeing by linking our patients with non-medical support in their communities. While there is still so much for us to learn about the most effective approaches and models for social prescribing, there is growing evidence to suggest that it can have a range of positive outcomes for patients. By working together to develop and implement social prescribing initiatives, Atticus Health and community groups can be part of a larger social movement to create supportive environments for the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Digital Literacy for the Elderly

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Brett Thiedeman
Welcome to the street clinics podcast.

Brett Thiedeman
We talk about everything related to health care. In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing digital literacy and how technology can assist the elderly. And as part of this, we’ll discuss the benefits of the My Health app with one of our regular guest speakers, Hilda from Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care. So Hilda’s, a home care manager with several years of experience in the healthcare industry, working in general practice and hospitals. And she’s here to share insights about the Apps features and how they could benefit the elderly. Welcome, Hilda.

Hilde Aschehoug
Thanks for having me, Brett.

Brett Thiedeman
Can you tell us a little bit about, you know, what digital literacy is and why it’s important, particularly for the elderly?

Hilde Aschehoug
So digital literacy is the ability to use digital technology to access, understand and communicate information. In today’s world, technology is everywhere. And it’s really important for the elderly to be able to use this to stay connected, to stay connected with their families access health information and manage their care.

Brett Thiedeman
That’s great. And can you give us some examples of how this digital literacy can benefit people?

Hilde Aschehoug
Sure. So for example, homecare clients can use telehealth services to connect with their healthcare providers without having to leave their homes. This is especially important for clients who have mobility issues or live in rural areas where healthcare services are not so easily available. It can also help them stay connected with family and friends through social media, video chats, and other online platforms, as well as often using digital technology all the time. And I think as an elderly person, if you’re not aware of how to use it, you really miss out. It’s important for mental health and well being social isolation can be a major issue for our elderly.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, well, great. Have you seen this digital literacy benefit some of your clients with your, I guess with your own experience, Hilda,

Hilde Aschehoug
I’ve seen it make a big difference in people’s lives. For instance, I had a client who was feeling very isolated and lonely. So we introduced her to social media, and she was able to reconnect with some old friends and make new ones as well. She was so happy and grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with others. Another example is video and case conferencing, which can be used to connect clients with loved ones who may not be able to visit in person. This can be especially important for clients who may feel isolated or lonely. And this was a big thing during COVID as well. You know, it’s been sort of really well researched that the people who managed to stay connected during COVID actually had much better health outcomes than the ones that were not. And another one is, things like a lot of my clients use liked and easy. And we had their carers often help them set up their own email accounts and showing them how to order their, their food because that is like the easiest way to do it. So that’s another thing we’ve been doing as well. That’s great.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, Hilda, so what about those? And I’m sure you get this a lot like, what about people who are not comfortable with technology? How do you help them to become digitally literate?

Hilde Aschehoug
Yeah, right. That’s a good question. And you’re right, we still see that a lot. And I think especially during COVID, as well, we saw a lot of problems. And the elderly, having problems uploading their COVID certificate, accessing the services Australia app. So it just goes to show that you really do need to have the skills to do a lot of the things, you know, they said, I can’t go to Bunnings because I can’t get my certificate on my phone. You know, so what we do, even though we understand that not everyone is comfortable. We take a patient approach. So we start by assessing their needs and abilities, and then provide training and support as needed. So might be basic computer skills, setting up an email account and using smartphone apps. We provide ongoing support to ensure that our clients feel confident and comfortable in using technology.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, well, just moving along, if you could tell us a little bit about the Australian government has as a made an app called My Health app. Are you able to just describe in your in your experience how you you’ve seen that working so far?

Hilde Aschehoug
Yeah, sure. So the My Health app is free and it’s a secure digital tool provided by the Australian Government. It allows individuals to access and manage their health information in one place. So this is information about medications, allergies, medical conditions, test results, and immunizations. It’s a secure way to store or manage and share your health records and information with your doctors, specialists to home care managers and also other health care providers that you might need.

Brett Thiedeman
Well, that all sounds great, but so what do you think it’s important for people to use the app?

Hilde Aschehoug
First, it allows individuals to have control over their health information. So they can access their own health records or bid consent, you can access your child’s record or your elderly mom’s record, anytime, anywhere, so you don’t have to rely on your memory, or carry around physical documents. So it can help improve quality of care individuals receive. For example, if you have a medical emergency while you’re traveling, doctors can see that health information through the app that can help them provide informed and better care. The app can help reduce the risk of errors and misunderstanding in healthcare. For example, if someone has allergies or taking certain medication, this information can be easily accessed by healthcare professionals reducing your risk of adverse reaction. And as well as Floyd pointed out as well, if you have been to hospital or your specialists have ordered Bloods, but they haven’t been sent to the GP yet, you can actually show them at the appointment. So it says a lot of running around and trying to chase for solids, which we do a lot of as well.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, great. So who can benefit most Do you think by by using the My Health app

Hilde Aschehoug
and can benefit anyone who wants to take an active role in managing their own health information, but probably particularly useful for people with chronic conditions or complex health needs? Because they have, you know, more information they need to manage, and they see more types of different doctors as well. And also for people who can sometimes forget as well. So if you’re sort of prone to forgetting things, it’s definitely a good thing to have right there at your fingertips. Okay, well, and again,

Brett Thiedeman
like in your experience, Hilda, are there any specific benefits for people for receiving homecare services?

Hilde Aschehoug
Yeah, definitely. So homecare clients can benefit from using the My Health app, it can help them to communicate more effectively with the healthcare team. It allows the app allows used users to share the information with the healthcare providers, including their homecare provider, which ensures that everyone is on the same page, which is really useful when I go to see someone and they can tell me straightaway, what their medications are, what their medical history is, when they were last in hospital, all that sort of thing that I would normally have to write to their GP to get that answer. Yeah, really good.

Brett Thiedeman
Sounds useful. how can listeners download the the app?

Hilde Aschehoug
Yeah, it’s quite easy. I did it myself yesterday. So listeners can download the app from the App Store or Google Play depending on which type of phone you have. And once you have downloaded the app, you’ll need to create my house record and link it into the app.

Brett Thiedeman
That’s great. Well done. Thanks so much for coming in today. I know you’ve been running around seeing a lot of clients today as well and so appreciate your time. And your I guess your insights on the on the My Health app. It sounds like a great tool for managing health and well being so like for more information on health and wellness Tune in next week. Well, we’ll might talk to Hildur again, I think. Did you know though? No, no. Thanks, everyone. We’ll talk to you soon.

Hilde Aschehoug
Thanks for having me. Bye.

What Are The Best Fruits To Eat When You Have A Cold?

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Geez it was cold yesterday!

Since the weather has changed, many people have gotten sick with coughs and colds. Although the common cold usually resolves without specific treatment, it is highly prevalent and may be debilitating. I generally advise simple remedies to relieve symptoms, and occasionally I have to dish out antibiotics in high-risk patients. Along the way though, I also mention to people to “eat fruit”.

So, what are the most nutritious fruits to help you get better, how do they help and what’s the evidence? That’s the topic of this discussion.

In searching the internet, it seems that some studies show that taking vitamin C before the onset of symptoms may reduce the duration of a cold. However, there wasn’t too much high-quality evidence that eating fruit helps prevent the common cold. This does leave me wondering why I say it at all! And yet, having said that, I can only go by my personal experience that it definitely has helped me (and my family), and indeed, I can’t afford to get sick! That’s actually the strongest evidence I can offer.

Going on from that, let’s consider which fruits have the greatest benefits.

Vitamin C: Guava. But since no one really has much to do with guava in Melbourne, let’s go with Kiwi fruit. The kiwi fruit is packed with vitamin C. Oranges, strawberries and lemon also go a long way.

Citric Acid: Lemons or limes. The adage is true after all, a bit of lemon and honey tea goes a long way. Oranges are fairly high up there too.

Worthwhile noting that it’s not only fruits; vegetables like broccoli, kale and spinach are high in vitamin C as well as other vitamins and minerals. So, if you’re sick, make sure you stack up on leafy vegetables.

To be sure, what is the idea behind citric acid and vitamin C helping with colds? Again, I return to the point that I couldn’t find much evidence at all. However, citric acid is a weak acid, and this can help directly kill some viruses and bacteria. Additionally, it is an antioxidant, and since oxidation is a part of the process of inflammation, when you’re sick, citric acid can act as an anti-inflammatory. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It also helps your immune system and helps you absorb iron.

Hopefully, this article has stacked up to more than just my “two bobs”. What I can say is, if you are sick, doing what you can to optimise your health, including tending to your diet, resting, drinking plenty of fluids and not smoking can definitely help one way or another. And of course, failing that, if you still need help, we’re always here.