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Author: Jake Jackson

Allergies This Summer

Posted on by Jake Jackson

As the summer season approaches, so do dreaded allergies, such as hay fever. Hay fever affects millions of individuals worldwide. Let’s shed light on the allergies of hay fever, its causes, symptoms and effective management strategies to help you enjoy the summer season to the fullest.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould spores. When these allergens enter the body, the immune system overreacts, releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause the characteristic symptoms of hay fever.

Common Symptoms:

  1. Sneezing
  2. Runny or blocked nose
  3. Itchy and watery eyes
  4. Itchy throat and coughing
  5. Fatigue and irritability
While hay fever cannot be cured, several strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life during the summer season:
  • Limit exposure to allergens by staying indoors during peak pollen times, keeping windows closed and using air purifiers.
  • Regularly wash your hands, shower after spending time outdoors and change clothes to remove any allergens.
  • Over the counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can provide temporary relief. Reach out to your local GP if over the counter products do not seem to work for you.
  • Allergy shots can be considered for long-term management of hay fever symptoms.
  • Some individuals find relief through natural remedies like saline nasal rinses, steam inhalation, and herbal supplements.
Hay fever can be a challenging condition to manage, but with proactive measures, you can minimise its impact on your daily life. By implementing these strategies and seeking your GP’s guidance, you can enjoy the summer.

Here Comes The Sun!

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Spring is well underway, and summer is nearly here. This is an uplifting time of year when we tend to become more active, spend more time outdoors and also catch up with people during the festive season.
It’s also important to stay safe, here are my top tips:

Stay sun and heat safe
This comes up every year of course, and we all know to slip, slop, slap. But did you know to also seek and slide? The Cancer Council added these last 2 protective actions to reflect the importance of seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses to prevent sun damage. This summer is predicted to be particularly hot, and our older population is vulnerable to heat stress. In fact, over 200 elderly people succumb to the heat every year in Australia. In particular, those who live by themselves and those who have problems with their mobility or have dementia, are the most at risk. So as well as looking after ourselves by staying indoors during the heat of the day, seeking shade when outside, seeking out public places with air conditioning, such as libraries and shopping centres (if you haven’t got an air conditioner at home yourself), we also need to check in with our elderly family and friends. Make sure you know the signs of heat stress and heat stroke, and seek medical help if necessary.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • irritability
  • thirst
  • heavy sweating
  • elevated body temperature
  • decreased urine output

Stay hydrated
With the festive season coming up, there are plenty of end of year celebrations to attend. It’s important to drink enough water, and avoid too much alcohol, caffeinated drinks and drinks high in sugar. These drinks can make you even more dehydrated, and dehydration can exacerbate heat stress and heat stroke. If you are enjoying a few drinks, remember to alternate with a glass of water, and remind your mate to do the same.

slip slop slap

 

Hilde Aschehoug
Home Care Manager

Are We All Guilt-Free, Pleasure Seekers?

Posted on by Jake Jackson

We should be, provided we adhere to the golden rule. 

As a kid, I never said, “My pleasure” to anyone. It just wasn’t the thing you said. These days, I often find myself saying it, and it’s usually a phrase used when assisting others. Why is it “My pleasure” to assist someone else? Does it just sound fancy? In part, I started using it because it did sound fancy. By contrast, when I used to say, “No worries” a skilful communicator remarked, “Why do you even mention worries, if there are none?” It’s a double negative. Fair enough. So, along such lines I gravitated to “My pleasure”.

Moving along, this idea of pleasure is worth some more pondering. Pleasure is a powerful motivator. And, though we’re not going to focus on its counter, pain, it’s worthwhile acknowledging here for completeness. As they say, the average human gravitates towards pleasure and away from pain. 

Drawing our attention to pleasure, let’s begin by accepting that there are different and varying descriptions of pleasure. Broadly defined, there are fundamental pleasures largely related to survival, such as food, shelter and social belonging. Then there are what are referred to as higher order pleasures, such as the pleasure derived from viewing art and altruism. 

The fundamental pleasures, we can all perhaps understand. The higher order pleasures are interesting for me since they don’t just always develop by themselves. They require some appreciation and cultivation in fact to develop. That’s to say, if a child walking along a street isn’t given some encouragement to appreciate their surrounds, perhaps the aesthetics of a garden or a sculpture adjacent to a highway, their mind may not develop this sense of higher order pleasure. Indeed, such is the risk of allowing their eyes to be glued to an iPad. It sounds like such a trifle, to learn how to find pleasure. Yet it is the case with higher order pleasures. And many a time these pleasures cost no money at all. 

The appreciation of beauty follows the same line. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s magnified in the trained eye. And it’s an absolute pleasure to look around and recognise beauty in all its forms. 

In an increasingly unstable world, I write this article in part as a hope that we may consider what we all have in common is our seeking out of pleasure, consciously and unconsciously. And, along the way, if we adhere to the golden rule, which is to treat others as one would want to be treated by them, then together we live in harmony. What’s more, recognising that great pleasure can be gained from altruism, paves the way for an increasingly fulfilling life. My finding of meeting people who engage in volunteering pursuits, generally attests to this. They often carry a particular sense of contentment.

And there you have it; perhaps it’s not just a saying, “My pleasure”. And ok, it certainly helps someone sound like an adult, yet evidently rightly so. After all, it’s a learned pursuit, this thing called “pleasure”. 

The Importance Of Social Groups

Posted on by Jake Jackson

As we enter the second half of our lives, maintaining social connections becomes increasingly vital for our overall wellbeing. One effective way to enhance these connections is through participation in social groups. Whether it’s joining a club, attending community events or engaging in online communities, social groups offer numerous benefits for individuals over 50.

One of the most significant challenges faced by individuals over 50 is the risk of social isolation and loneliness. Social groups provide a sense of belonging and companionship, helping to alleviate these feelings. By engaging with like-minded individuals, participants can form meaningful relationships, share experiences, and create a support network that enriches their lives. But participation in social groups can be more than just finding a friend. Active participation in social groups has been linked to improved mental and emotional wellbeing. Regular social interactions stimulate the brain, keeping it engaged and sharp whilst engaging in conversations, debates, and activities within a group setting can boost cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline.

In addition to health benefits, social groups provide opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth. Many groups offer workshops, seminars, or guest speakers on various topics of interest. Engaging in these activities allows individuals to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and explore their passions and can provide individuals with a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.

Movember, It’s More Than Just Growing A Mo

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Movember is a global movement that takes place every November. It aims to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. While it initially focused on prostate and testicular cancer, over the years it has expanded its scope to encompass overall men’s health. It encourages men to prioritise their wellbeing, particularly by emphasising the importance of getting regular check-ups.

Regular check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining good health, as they allow your GP to identify potential issues before they become more serious. These check-ups may include screenings for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, cardiovascular health, and mental health. By actively participating in Movember and scheduling regular check-ups, men can take control of their health, promote early intervention, and ultimately improve their quality of life.

In Australia, we are blessed with a range of resources and initiatives to support men in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. General practitioners and other healthcare specialists play a vital role in providing comprehensive check-ups. At Atticus Health we also offer valuable information, educational materials, and support networks to help men make informed decisions about their health.

Movember serves as a great reminder for men to prioritise their health. Remember, your health matters, and taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

Community Postal Agent

Posted on by Jake Jackson
Atticus Health Jindivick clinic is now an Australia Post Community Postal Agent.
The hours for the collection of parcels will be:
  • Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 11.30 am and 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm.
    • Collection out of these hours will need to be by prior arrangement.
  • Sunday will have limited opening hours of  9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
General postal services (such as stamps and envelopes) will commence from 6th November.

MyMedicare

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Since the 1st of October, we have been asking our patients to register for MyMedicare. MyMedicare is a program run through Services Australia that formalises the relationship between patient and their general practitioner, resulting in access to more Medicare benefits. It is a free and voluntary scheme launched by the federal government as part of a broader commitment to strengthening Medicare and creating greater continuity of care.

To be eligible, patients must have a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Verterans card and have had two or more face-to-face appointments at their regular practice in the past two years (or one face-to-face visit for practices in remote locations). People who are facing hardship will be exempt from all eligibility requirements. This includes people experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness. Parents or guardians and children can be registered at the same practice if one of them is eligible and registered. A parent or guardian must register a child under 14 years old and provide consent on their behalf. Individuals aged 14 to 17 years can register and provide consent without a parent or guardian.

The main benefit of signing up at this time is access to Medicare rebates for longer telehealth consultations. Last year the government eliminated rebates for telehealth appointments that were longer than 20 minutes and longer than 40 minutes. Registering through MyMedicare means that you will have access to these rebates again.

To summarise, MyMedicare patients will have access to:

  • greater continuity of care with your registered practice, improving health outcomes
  • longer Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) funded telehealth consultations with your GP
  • more regular visits from your GP and better care planning for people living in a residential aged care home, from August 2024
  • connections to more appropriate care in general practice for people who visit the hospital frequently, from mid-2024.

Patients can sign up via their myGov Medicare online account, via the Medicare App or in person by completing and submitting this form at one of our clinics.

Clare Gomes
Clinic Manager

Dogs, Nondualism and Strength in Connections

Posted on by Jake Jackson

At various times in my life, I’ve drifted into spirituality: sometimes dragged there by circumstance, clinging to greater meaning as a means of rescue, sometimes sheerly because I’ve had more time to reflect, and other times, just because I seemingly woke up from the spiritual side of the bed. I still remember locking myself in my cupboard as a kid, in pitch darkness, inspecting my body for any sign of an “aura”. I wasn’t alone in that, with my best friend doing the same in his cupboard that night too! We’re still good friends, and we still haven’t found our auras!

The essential theme I’ve found with all forms of spirituality is that feeling connected to the things around you is amazingly powerful. There may be many times each day where we reach a fulcrum, feeling alone and detached, and these feelings can really hurt. However, every time, we move through that by opening up to people around us, the stronger in fact we become. There is much strength in shared experience and connection. 

Of course, taking this to the “nth” degree, we get to a form of thought described as “nondualism”. Perhaps the simplest way to consider this is by way of example. It’s likely that you have at times looked out at a landscape, breathed in the view, and reflected that over “there”, “that”, is beautiful. Perhaps you’ve walked through a forest and felt the same as large trees envelope you. The next step is looking out at those same things, the ocean, the mountains, the trees, and feeling a sense that you are actually those things and those things, all of them, are actually you. That you are totally connected with your surroundings, in such a profound way, that you recognise yourself in everything you see and interact with. Of course, it can go wrong. In meandering over conversation, I mentioned this once to a patient of mine. The next day, she returned with her chewed up medical certificate. “Doc, I really connected with my dog, but he took it too far and started to bite into my medical certificate, I need another one please.” The spiritual met the practical indeed! I’ll stop there, without hopefully already having gone too far. The theme is ripe for the taking though – stay connected, by deliberate choice, for wellbeing. It’s a central and essential concept which has stood the test of time. 

Finally, on this note, I must say, I just love stumbling on more and more local clubs. Gardening clubs, sports clubs, writer’s clubs, craft clubs, fishing clubs – you name it, chances are there’s a club close enough to you for your specific interests. There’s so much potential to find connection with a group of people this way. These clubs are often free to join, or come at a minimal cost. They really are important to the fabric of communities, weaving their way through people’s lives, strengthening connection. If you have a club that you’d like us to mention in this newsletter please email community@atticushealth.com.au, and we’ll happily spread the word. Needless to say, I personally wouldn’t recommend my “find your own aura in your cupboard club”. 

I hope your start to November is a good one

 

Floyd Gomes

Founder of Atticus Health

Our Efforts Recognised by The Telstra Best of Business Awards

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Dear Fellow Atticusians,

This month we received some fantastic news, that Atticus Health has been selected to be a state finalist in the Telstra Best of Business Awards in the category Championing Health. This is in recognition of all our collective efforts in health promotion and prevention in the communities we serve. Over the years we have committed to and continued to improve how we help people get better and keep them well, and it’s encouraging to be recognised by being a finalist in these awards. The winners are announced on 3 November 2023. Fingers crossed!

Win lose or draw the Telstra Awards, well done everyone for together building an organisation of excellence. What we have together created, shines brightly in the public eye. Let’s continue to keep it that way, and only permit it to grow stronger.

Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Sandwich?

Posted on by Jake Jackson

In today’s fast-paced world, some of us are caught in a unique predicament; simultaneously caring for ageing parents whilst also supporting and raising a young family. This is “The Sandwich Generation”.  They quite literally are sandwiched between two generations, leading to a delicate balancing act of responsibilities.
In Australia, this phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent, mirroring global trends. According to recent statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), approximately 1 in 3 Australians belong to this generation.

The Financial Strain
One of the most pronounced aspects of being part of the Sandwich Generation is the financial strain it exerts. The costs of providing for both elderly parents and children can be overwhelming. The ABS reports that many in this generation face considerable economic pressure, as they navigate the challenges of caregiving while also meeting the financial needs of their families.

Caregiving for Ageing Parents
To bring this point closer to home, a Mornington Peninsula family, the Andersons, are grappling with the Sandwich Generation reality. For David and Libby Anderson, the responsibility of caring for David’s ageing mother, who lives with dementia, has become an integral part of their lives

Coping Strategies
Managing the multifaceted responsibilities of the Sandwich Generation necessitates a repertoire of coping strategies. Here are a few that may help David and Libby.

Time Management:

  • David and Libby can benefit from effective time management techniques, such as creating schedules, prioritising tasks, and using time-saving tools like calendars and reminder apps. This can help them allocate time to their children, their ageing parents, and themselves, ensuring a more balanced approach.

Self-Care:

  • David and Libby need to prioritise self-care to prevent burnout. This includes setting aside time for relaxation, exercise, hobbies, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They should recognise that taking care of themselves is essential to provide better care for their loved ones.

Seeking Support from Home Care Providers:

  • David and Libby can work with home care providers, like Mark and Sylvie’s, to share the caregiving responsibilities. Home care providers can offer assistance with daily tasks, medication management, and companionship for ageing parents, relieving some of the burden on the Sandwich Generation. This partnership allows David and Libby to focus on their children and their own wellbeing.

Establishing Boundaries:

  • David and Libby should set clear boundaries with their ageing parents and their children. Open communication is key to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This helps avoid conflicts and prevents them from feeling overwhelmed.

Delegating Tasks:

  • They can delegate some caregiving tasks to other family members or close friends who are willing to help. Delegating responsibilities can lighten their load and create a support network that ensures the wellbeing of their ageing parents.

Financial Planning:

  • Proper financial planning is crucial for David and Libby to manage the costs associated with caregiving. This includes understanding government assistance programs, insurance, and creating a budget that accommodates their caregiving responsibilities without jeopardising their own financial stability.

Emotional Support:

  • If things become overwhelming, they should seek emotional support from friends, support groups, or therapists. Sharing their experiences and feelings with others who are going through similar challenges can provide comfort and valuable advice.

Flexibility:

  • It’s important for David and Libby to remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. The needs of their ageing parents and their children may evolve over time, so being open to adjustments in their caregiving approach is essential.

The Future of the Sandwich Generation

As society evolves, so does the nature of family dynamics. Adaptation and support will be critical as the dynamics of caregiving and family life continue to shift.

The modern family squeeze is a complex reality for many Australians. As we conclude, it is vital to recognise the importance of addressing the unique struggles faced by this generation and to encourage support and understanding for those navigating this intricate path.

In doing so, we can foster resilience and compassion within our families and communities, ensuring that everyone feels less overwhelmed by the demands of the modern family dynamic.