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Author: Jake Jackson

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.

What is the difference between a “chest infection” and “pneumonia”?

Posted on by Jake Jackson

In general, when I’ve given the diagnosis of “pneumonia” to a patient, a look of seriousness comes over them. Yet, when I’ve given the diagnosis of a “chest infection” to another, they seem half-expectant.

So, the question is, what is the difference?

The answer is, sometimes, none.

The term “chest infection” really isn’t a technical medical diagnosis. Rather, it’s a simplistic statement that is usually used to describe a “lower” respiratory tract infection.

Let’s look into this further. The respiratory tract begins from a person’s nose. Infection can occur from anywhere starting at the nose, all the way down to the throat, and this is termed an “upper respiratory tract infection”. So, tonsillitis for example, is still considered an upper respiratory tract infection, or URTI for short. The voice box, technically termed the larynx, usually marks the deepest part of the upper respiratory tract. If you ever lose your voice because of infection, you’re said to have “laryngitis”. This is usually caused by a virus. Like tonsilitis, this is described as an upper respiratory tract infection too.

Beyond the larynx is the trachea. Infections of the trachea all the way into your lungs are termed a lower respiratory tract infection, or LRTI for short. The trachea divides into two main branches, the left and right main bronchus, and after successive smaller branching, we get the air-filled sacs in the lungs, called “alveoli” that really are the functional unit responsible for the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between your body and the air you breathe.

It’s worthwhile pausing here to remember that some disease processes can involve both the upper and lower respiratory tract, and also that one can lead to the other. For example, some people can get a very sore throat and lose their voice, with some associated difficulty breathing. This is called laryngotracheobronchitis. It is usually viral, but can be bacterial. Other times, the flu can cause a runny nose and sore throat and go on to cause infection all the way into your lungs to the alveoli, this is more rare.

Coming back to the question we asked at the start then, what is the difference between a chest infection and pneumonia? Pneumonia is referring to specifically any infection that has gotten so far down, right to the depths of your lungs so as to affect the terminal branch, those little air filled sacs responsible for gas transfer, the alveoli. By contrast, “a chest infection” is a more colloquial reference to a lower respiratory tract infection beyond your neck really, in your chest cavity. So that could be affecting your bronchi or any branches beyond, perhaps even down to the air filled sacs, the alveoli. So, when your doctor says chest infection, it could in fact mean you have pneumonia. It’s hard for a doctor, listening to the lungs of a patient, to be so sure after all, exactly what level an infection has definitely gotten to. Hence the reasonably common use of the general term, “chest infection”.

If your doctor does say that you’ve got pneumonia, it may not be all doom and gloom. Pneumonia itself can vary in cause and severity. It can be caused by viruses (influenza, COVID-19), fungi or bacteria and can be mild or severe.

The symptoms of severe pneumonia include:

    Fever, shakes and shivers
    Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
    Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
    Sharp, stabbing chest pains, particularly when you breathe in
    A cough with thick, coloured or bloody phlegm

People at risk of getting and having more severe cases of pneumonia include infants (under 2 years of age), people over 65+], and those with suppressed immune systems.

What should you do if you think you’ve got a “chest infection”?

1. See your doctor. If you feel like you have a cough with any breathing difficulty, or chest pains, and therefore think you may have a chest infection, it’s worthwhile seeing your GP to be examined. Please remember, however, to do a RAT test first, to make sure you don’t have COVID-19.

2. Antibiotics? If your doctor decides you may have a bacterial infection, then they may prescribe antibiotics. Note that antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

3. Antivirals? If you get COVID-19 and fulfil particular Government criteria, you may be eligible for antiviral medication. So, in general, if you get COVID-19, arrange a telehealth consultation with your GP, and they’ll guide you about this.

4. Steroids? When you get pneumonia, your lungs get very inflamed. Whilst at some level, the processes involved in inflammation are protective and there to fight infection, severe inflammation itself can restrict your breathing and worsen your condition. In this case, you may experience increased shortness of breath and wheezing. Your doctor may then prescribe a steroid such as prednisolone which has a strong anti-inflammatory action.

5. Deep breathing and coughing exercises. Often the parts of the lungs that are susceptible to infection are the very bottom, the “bases”. These parts tend to collapse easily, even ordinarily, since they’re only forced open by deep breathing. To get these parts open, moving again and avoiding collapse, doing slow deep breathing first thing in the morning and at night can be helpful. Coughing up any phlegm, to expel it, can similarly be helpful. There is a technique called the “huff cough” that physiotherapists use, for this purpose. The general gist though, better out than in!

6. Drink fluids. If you’ve ever been in hospital, often you are put on a “drip” to hydrate you directly via your veins rather than (or in addition to) fluid that you’d ordinarily drink. Similarly, as noted in the above point, the physiotherapist may see you, to help you with breathing exercises. Do these things at home, deep breathe and drink fluids. Getting dehydrated always makes being unwell worse. When you get dehydrated, your blood literally gets thicker, increasing your risk of low blood pressure (which may make you dizzy and fall over), blood clots in your legs, stroke, having a heart attack or kidney failure. Dehydration also thickens the phlegm in your chest, making it harder to cough out. Keep drinking fluids to avoid such complications. Note that some patients, for example with pre-existing heart conditions, may have a fluid restriction. Such patients should consult their doctor about how much fluid to drink.

How do I avoid getting pneumonia?

    Diet. Eat healthily, including lots of fruit and vegetables. In particular, lots of fruit with vitamin C and citric acid such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, passionfruit, lemons and pomegranates. Make sure also that the iron level in your blood isn’t low. Iron is an important part of your immune system.
    Exercise. Like most parts of your body, the saying “move it or lose it” is true for your lungs. Regular exercise will keep your respiratory tract and system functioning well, and give you that spare capacity to better get over infections, should you get any. At the very least, remember to consider that taking time to do a little deep breathing daily will help open up those bases of your lungs, that tend to collapse, even when you’re not sick. Note that during deep breathing, you may blow off extra carbon dioxide and eventually, blowing off too much carbon dioxide, too quickly, can make you dizzy. So perhaps consider doing it whilst seated, if you’re prone to dizziness or falling over.
    Vaccination. Vaccinations against COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal can all help decrease your risk. If you’re not sure about any of these, ask your doctor.
    Quit smoking. You need to be motivated, and then see your doctor who may be able to help you fight the cravings, such as with nicotine patches.
    Good hygiene. This includes hand washing and considering wearing a face mask, at least at particular high risk times (hospitals, crowded areas).

Like always, I hope this article has helped explain things. The main message is, if your doctor proclaims that you’ve contracted pneumonia, know that there are ways you can safely get better in the community. And indeed, know that there are definite ways you can maximise the functioning of your respiratory and immune system, at other times.

Dr Floyd Gomes
Managing Director, Atticus Health

Prioritise Your Health

Posted on by Jake Jackson

We want to provide you with scientifically proven ways to prioritise your health, with the information distilled into bite-sized chunks.

Here’s the magic! Once you turn these cool little health hacks into achievable daily habits and do them consistently, you can create new pathways in the brain.

The first step in prioritising your health is starting the journey and putting it all into practice. The three main areas we will focus on are movement, nutrition and sleep.

Nutrition: Rice cracker energy boost
A turbo snack that will save you from hunger attacks. Just the right combination of carbs and fats to keep you fuelled-up and happy – and ready for anything. Plus it tastes epic!

Spread the nut butter all over the rice cake. Top with the sliced banana, honey chia and pumpkin seeds. A super-quick energy boost, ready in just minutes.

Serves 1
1 wholegrain rice cake
1 heaped tsp nut butter of your choice
1 small banana, thickly sliced
1/2 tsp honey
A pinch chia seeds
1 heaped tsp of crushed walnuts
1/2 tsp toasted pumpkin seeds

Journalling before sleep
The effects of sleep deprivation are greatly underestimated. A bad night’s sleep not only makes us feel tired, but can cause a whole host of health issues, both mental and physical.

For at least five minutes before going to bed, fill in your journal. Not tons of words, just a few bullet points at the end of the day. The effect can be huge, you will feel more focused and energised, even on days that don’t go so well…

It might sound a bit left-field, but research in the field of positive psychology has shown that writing a journal that has a gratitude element to it can:

    Make you happier
    Help you to handle change
    Make you calmer
    Help you sleep better

Atticus Health Turns 10!

Posted on by Jake Jackson

It’s been quite a ride over the last 10 years. We started our first medical clinic in Carrum, Victoria. This was a tricky project since it involved connecting a previous café with a three-bedroom house and turning it into a medical clinic. Somehow, we managed to open the doors on 25 March 2013.

Seeing then that we were quickly able to take on tricky projects, we kept going, opening a group of medical clinics in Victoria, and later taking on the challenge of running the medical services on Hamilton Island, Queensland.

Along the way, we’ve always maintained an interest in helping the elderly, and so, in 2022 we commenced operating our home care company, Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care. After years of preparation and planning, we were finally able to connect this dot with the clinics, and offer our elderly patients a chance to treat and use us as a true “one-stop shop”. This has been a real highlight along the way.

These days Atticus Health is also heavily involved in a nationwide telehealth service (Doctor in My Pocket) which we see continuing to grow.

And don’t forget our slow-burning projects – our healthy energy drink, e15, and of course, our very own comic character, Dratticus, who continues to save the day!

All of this, the whole adventure, could not have been made possible had it not been for the support of our patients, and the communities we find ourselves being a part of. Thank you. As well as those communities, the staff, family and friends who have helped us get here certainly deserve a special mention. A couple of staff in fact have been there right from the start. These are Helen Procter, Practice Nurse Carrum, and Clare Westlow, Group Practice Manager. Well done to both of you and thank you for your tireless contributions over the years. There is quite a few other staff who’ll be celebrating 10 years in 2024 – another cause for a party no doubt.

All in all, we hope that our little company, Atticus Health, has made a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of all the people we have touched. Like day 1, we still remain committed to the cause of making our communities stronger through the delivery of outstanding, compassionate healthcare. And indeed, now with the addition of homecare, we look forward to integrating health and social services, to go on to impact more lives, for the better, throughout Australia.

Please do feel free to follow our journey on the commemorative timelines in which we will be placed in each clinic.

Thank you once again for celebrating our 10 year anniversary with us, and here’s to 100 more!

Best wishes,
Floyd

Home Medicine Reviews

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Brett Thiedeman
Welcome to the street clinics podcast where we discuss various health-related topics. And today we have a special guest, Melissa, who is the pharmacist and is here to talk to us about HMR and home medicine reviews. Welcome, Melissa.

Melissa Riley
Thank you for having me, Brett.

Brett Thiedeman
Thank you. Yeah. Now I really appreciate it before the Easter break squeezing it in. But before we get stuck into it, Melissa, do you want to tell the listeners a little bit about yourself?

Melissa Riley
Yeah, sure. I’ve been a qualified pharmacist for almost 30 years now. And I started my career in retail pharmacy, and I worked in various pharmacies on the Mornington Peninsula. But when I had my first child, I was looking for something a little more flexible. So I did some further studies to become a consultant pharmacist, which allows me to do medication reviews for doctors.

Brett Thiedeman
Oh, excellent. And have you always been in the Mornington Peninsula?

Melissa Riley
I’ve lived on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 30 years. Yeah, so a long time and yeah, at the Mornington Peninsula resident, you know, I really enjoy spending time at the beach. You know, for me, the beat to the place where I can exercise, whether it’s walking my dog or trying to master a new skill, like stand-up paddleboarding? Yeah. It’s also a place where I like to relax and read a book while getting some vitamin D, or socializing with friends and family. So it really ticks all the boxes for health and well being for me.

Brett Thiedeman
It sounds perfect to me, Melissa, and actually, on the weekend, I was out at the red heel, rail trail. Walk Have you been there before?

Melissa Riley
No, I haven’t. But yeah, my kids used to do a lot of long-distance running. And they would often be doing training along there at different points. Good place for walking and running. I believe it was beautiful.

Brett Thiedeman
First time I’d been out there and I loved it. And I was at one of the wineries as well in Red Hill at the green olive and if you’ve been out there before, yes, yeah, you’ve been to that one. Yeah, no, no heaps of fun. So I hope to explore that area some more. So what we might do now is get into it. And I guess to start off with, are you able to explain to the listeners, what is HMR? Melissa?

Melissa Riley
Sure. So HMR is a service offered by a consultant pharmacist in Australia to review a patient’s medication use in their own home. So it involves a comprehensive medication review where the pharmacist evaluates the patient’s medication regime, and can provide recommendations to their doctor to optimize their therapy.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, great. That sounds interesting. Are you able to tell us a little bit about how it works?

Melissa Riley
Yeah, absolutely. And so the process begins with the pharmacist organizing a suitable time to visit the patient in the privacy of their own home. And during this visit, there’s a discussion with the patient to gather information about their medical history, medications and any concerns or issues they may have with their medication use. And the pharmacist can also provide advice to the patient about how they store take and dispose of their medications.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, well, that’s a very detailed, I guess, what are some of the benefits? Melissa, are you able to share some of those with the medicine reviews?

Melissa Riley
Yeah, there are several benefits with having a high medicine review. So firstly, it can help to identify and resolve any medication related problems, such as side effects or drug interactions. And secondly, it can improve medication adherence, which is especially important for people with chronic conditions. Thirdly, it can help to simplify medication regimes, which can be beneficial for patients who are taking multiple medications. And finally, it can also help to reduce the risk of medication related hospital admissions.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, great. Sounds like great benefits is a specific group of patients who would benefit most to you know who you see benefit the most at the moment.

Melissa Riley
Yeah, absolutely. HMR is suitable for anyone who takes multiple medications, especially those who have complex medication regimes, chronic conditions or risk of medication related problems. It’s also beneficial for patients who have recently been discharged from hospital or have had any changes made to their medication.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, that makes sense. And I guess for the listeners, how can someone access this type of service?

Melissa Riley
I HMR is available free of charge through a referral from a GP or a special So, once the referral is made, the patient’s pharmacists will contact them to arrange an appointment for the review to begin.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, great. Is there anything else that you’d like to add? About the about HMOs? Melissa?

Melissa Riley
I guess it’s something that a lot of people are not aware of. And they’re not aware that this service is readily available for them. So I guess I would just encourage your listeners to talk to their doctor about whether it would be suitable for them to have a HMR in their own home.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, great. Now, that’s great. Well, listen, again, thank you for your time. So close to the Easter break. Really appreciate your time. And we look forward to maybe getting you on another time as well. And before you go, what are your plans for the Easter break?

Melissa Riley
I’m actually lucky enough to be heading down to rain in Ireland, which is down in Gippsland. Going to stay with my inlaws who have a little place down there. So I’ll be spending a few days down there hopefully eating lots of chocolate, well, not too much chocolate, some chocolate and sharing some wonderful food and company with family.

Brett Thiedeman
Great. Well, I have a Happy Easter. Enjoyed the break. And as I said, and hopefully we can get you on the podcast again, at a later date. After you’ve done some more reviews, and I guess for the listeners before you go, yeah, Melissa will be doing the home medicine reviews for Atticus health. So yeah, if you are listening and as Melissa said, you know, please speak to your GP who can refer you to Melissa, if you think this is something that you might need after you’ve listened to this podcast. So thanks again and we’ll speak to you soon.

Melissa Riley
Thanks for having me, Brett.

Dementia Screening

Posted on by Jake Jackson

Brett Thiedeman
Welcome to the street clinics podcast, brought to you by Atticus Health where we explore health and wellness topics to help you live your best life. And today, we’re really excited to have a special guest with us in the studio, which is exciting as well. We don’t always have the chance to do the podcast in the studio. So today we’ve got Dr. Joseph Dookan, who is a geriatrician and has worked extensively with the elderly population. Welcome, Joseph.

Dr Joseph Dookhan
Thank you, Brett. And thanks for having me on the show.

Brett Thiedeman
No worries. It’s great to have you in as I said in the studio on a beautiful sunny day in Melbourne as well. So today we want to talk about the importance of health assessments for people over 75 Dementia screening and a new drug called Lecanemab that has been recently approved in the USA. So let’s start with the health assessments. Why are they so important for this age group, Joseph?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
Sure. So as people age they become more susceptible to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Health Assessments are crucial for identifying these conditions earlier on. And then allows for timely intervention and management also provides an opportunity to discuss preventative measures such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, and lifestyle changes that can improve overall health and quality of life.

Brett Thiedeman
And I guess that’s an important distinction to make. Joseph, can you tell us a bit about what happens during a health assessment?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
Sure. A health assessment for someone over 75 typically involves a comprehensive review of their medical history, a physical exam, and a series of tests to assess their cognition and physical function. These tests can include things like blood pressure checks, blood tests, hearing and vision tests, and of course, memory testing as well.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, so speaking of the memory test, Joseph, let’s move on to the dementia screening. Like how does that work? And why is it important? Why do you think it’s important for older adults?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
So dementia screening is a way to assess a person’s memory and cognitive function and involves a series of tests that evaluate things like memory, language, attention, and problem-solving skills. It is important because Dementia is progressive, and unfortunately, at this stage and a reversible, irreversible disease that affects millions of older adults worldwide. So early detection is crucial because it allows for early intervention and management which may be able to slow the progression of the disease and certainly improve one’s quality of life.

Brett Thiedeman
It’s really helpful to know so I guess let’s shift gears and talk about this trial drug, Lecanemab. Can you tell us a little bit more about it?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
So Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called amyloid beta, which is believed to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This drug is designed to reduce the buildup of amyloid beta in the brain, which is thought to be the major contributor to cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s disease. It is exciting because it’s one of the first drugs that has been shown to slow the progression of disease in clinical trials.

Brett Thiedeman
So that’s really exciting news for patients and families. So what are some of the potential benefits of the drug,

Dr Joseph Dookhan
potential benefits of Lecanemab are significant clinical trials so far have shown that the drug can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 20 plus per cent. Additionally, patients who received the drug experience improvements in cognitive function and memory

Brett Thiedeman
that’s incredible. So are there any side effects or risks associated with glaucoma?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
Like all drugs, there are potential risks and side effects. The most commonly reported in clinical trials were rash and infusion-related reactions. Additionally, the long-term safety and effectiveness of the drug are still being studied.

Brett Thiedeman
And I guess that’s important to keep in mind. So how can patients and their families learn more about Lecanemab and whether it’s right for them?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
Lecanemab is not yet available in Australia on will need to be approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or the TGA. I see Lecanemab as an important step and a move in the right direction for treating OSA on this disease fortunately for which we currently still do not have a cure.

Brett Thiedeman
Thanks, Joseph. That’s great. And you know, thanks for sharing your insights on dementia screaming and Lecanemab. But is there anything else you’d like to add before we wrap it up?

Dr Joseph Dookhan
Yes. So I would like to stress the importance of early detection and treatment for dementia. If you or a loved one are experiencing memory problems or other cognitive impairments, it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier dementia is detected, the more effective treatment options are likely to be.

Brett Thiedeman
Well, thanks again for your time, Joseph and for our listeners, Dr. Joseph Dukan will be practising ant the Atticus Health Hastings and Highett clinics. And we’re also we also have Dr. Joanne Chow, who practices in Jindivick and Dr. Regis Singh, at the Atticus Bangholme clinic. So if you are concerned, or as a family member, if you’re concerned about a parent or relative or someone you’re supporting, please get in contact with a doctor. And who can be referred to a geriatrician like Joseph as well So Joseph, thanks again for your time today. We really appreciate it. Thank you