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Author: Nathan Onias

The Truth About Cholesterol

Posted on by Nathan Onias

Let’s talk about something that might sound scary – cholesterol. But fear not, because knowledge is power, and understanding cholesterol is the first step to keeping your heart healthy and happy.

Imagine your arteries are like highways for blood to travel throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients. Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in your blood, also travels along this highway. It often gets a bad rap, but it’s not all villainous. Your body actually needs cholesterol for healthy cells and even making vitamin D!

Here’s the twist: there are two main types of cholesterol – the good kind (High-Density Lipoprotein, or HDL) and the bad kind (Low-Density Lipoprotein, or LDL).

Imagine HDL as the recycling truck, picking up excess cholesterol and taking it back to the liver for disposal. LDL, on the other hand, is like a lazy delivery guy, dropping off cholesterol everywhere on the highway, which can lead to build-up and clogged arteries. This build-up, called plaque, narrows your arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow freely. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.

So, how do you know if your LDL is causing a traffic jam in your arteries? Unfortunately, high cholesterol often has no symptoms. That’s why regular check-ups and blood tests are crucial. We need to find it before it causes trouble. Cholesterol doesn’t have a conscience! It doesn’t care if you’re a fitness fanatic or a champion couch potato. It can be influenced by genetics, but there are changes we can make in our lifestyle to keep the LDL at bay.

So, how do we avoid becoming a cholesterol casualty?

  • Diet: Ditch the greasy burgers and fries (sorry, gotta be honest!). Opt for a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in fish and avocado.
  • Exercise: Exercise helps your body use cholesterol more efficiently. Think brisk walks, dancing to your favourite tunes, or even chasing the kids (if you have the energy!)
  • Weight Management: If you’re carrying a few extra pounds, losing even a small amount can significantly improve your cholesterol levels.
  • Know your numbers: Get your cholesterol checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors.

Taking these steps can help you keep your cholesterol under control and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Cholesterol doesn’t have to be a mystery. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Together, we can create a plan to keep your heart healthy and your “highway” free and clear.

The Toll of Homelessness on Health

Posted on by Nathan Onias

As a GP, I witness the profound impact of life circumstances on health outcomes every day. However, few situations are as detrimental to well-being as experiencing homelessness.

People who are homeless often face a double jeopardy: the inherent stress and challenges of their situation coupled with significant barriers to accessing essential healthcare. In fact, most homeless people I see haven’t been to a GP in years, sometimes decades.

Experiencing homelessness exposes people to numerous health risks and difficulty securing basic needs like food and shelter. This leaves little room for prioritising healthcare and this neglect often leads to chronic health conditions, including malnutrition, mental health issues and infectious diseases. Additionally, these individuals frequently lack access to preventative care, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs down the line.

Furthermore, accessing healthcare presents unique hurdles for people experiencing homelessness. Cost remains a significant barrier, followed by a lack of stable housing, transportation and documentation. Stigma associated with homelessness can also further discourage individuals from seeking essential care.

The Mobile GP program, which we launched in December 2023, is an initiative that aims to bridge the healthcare gap for vulnerable residents, particularly those in Ozanam House, a facility supporting individuals aged 50 and above with chronic conditions.

The program has already achieved promising results. 26 residents are now enrolled and receiving essential healthcare. The program has facilitated numerous in-person consultations with medical professionals, with many tele-health appointments for convenient access, as well as physiotherapy sessions to improve residents’ physical wellbeing.

These figures paint a hopeful picture. The Mobile GP program demonstrates the positive impact of bringing healthcare directly to the homeless community, addressing accessibility concerns and offering personalised care.

While the program’s achievements are encouraging, it’s crucial to remember that homelessness remains a complex issue with widespread ramifications. Continued investment in affordable housing, mental health support and social services is vital to truly address the root causes of this problem.

Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Donate to organisations supporting the homeless: Your contributions can directly impact initiatives like the Mobile GP program, providing crucial healthcare services to those in need.
  • Volunteer your time: Many organisations rely on volunteers to assist with various tasks, such as distributing food, providing companionship or offering administrative support.
  • Advocate for systemic change: Raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless individuals and support policies that promote affordable housing, access to healthcare, and social support programs.
  • Challenge societal stigma: Educate yourself and others about the realities of homelessness and combat negative stereotypes. Remember, everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of their housing status.

By working together, we can work towards a society where everyone has access to basic necessities, including healthcare, and the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Dr Floyd Gomes

Rediscovering the World of Sound

Posted on by Nathan Onias

World Hearing Day, 3rd of March, is a reminder of the importance of taking care of our hearing. Millions of people worldwide experience hearing loss, impacting their daily lives. In this blog post, we meet Ray, a patient of Michelle Esparon, our in-house audiologist. Ray shares his personal journey with hearing loss and how getting hearing aids has made a positive difference for him.

Ray, before you started using hearing aids, what challenges did you face in your daily life due to hearing loss?

I was not actually fully aware I had a problem, my wife had sometimes said I wasn’t hearing things or the music was too loud. I saw my GP when I felt my left ear was blocked, and was referred to a specialist who found nothing. He suggested a hearing test. I’d never had one. Luckily for me, Michelle Esparon was at the practice and available.

What made you decide to seek help from an audiologist, and what were your initial expectations?

So I was just there, no expectations, mainly thinking I didn’t have any hearing loss.

Can you describe the process of getting fitted for hearing aids by Michelle? Was it smooth and informative?

Michelle explained the process, how she’d test me, a very clear outline of what she was about to do. It went very smoothly with Michelle explaining clearly all the steps. She discovered I did have hearing loss at the higher levels, and put in place the process for me to get aids. When they arrived Michelle took me through how to use them, how to connect via Bluetooth to my phone.

How have hearing aids impacted your daily life?

I noticed several things over the next few days. I could easily hear the higher tones while playing music for instance. However the big surprise was when I went down to collect our mail. I wondered what I was hearing, it was the rustling of leaves in a gentle wind, a wonderful sound.

What advice would you give to someone who is experiencing hearing loss but hesitant to seek help or consider hearing aids?

My advice to anyone reluctant to take the step and get assessed is simple, you will be doing yourself, your family, your friends, a very big favour. You will discover sounds that will enthrall you, you will not feel left out of conversations, you will manage the sound levels via your phone to enable you to cope with any situation. I wear mine from the moment I get up in the morning until I’m preparing for bed at night, have not missed a day over three years since getting the aids.

World Hearing Day is all about raising awareness and advocating for better hearing health. In your opinion, what are some important points people should understand about hearing loss and its impact?

If you have hearing loss, you are losing part of yourself, your being, possibly the ability to live and enjoy a full life. There is no shame whatsoever in wearing hearing aids, the ones I wear are relatively hard to see. Yes, there might be some discomfort at first when you try them, but that passes. The main, very minor issue, is my ears sometimes get a bit itchy, simple as that. Perseverance will pay off.

Can you share a funny anecdote about an experience you’ve had since using hearing aids?

I’ve found in noisy restaurants or cafes I can lower the volume to exclude the sound of banging cutlery and plates. Something I don’t do, I promise (fingers crossed), is turn the volume down so I can’t hear my wife talking to me. I don’t need to resort to that, I just tune myself out as usual, not the hearing aids.

Ray’s story is an inspiring example of how overcoming hearing loss can improve your quality of life. If you suspect you or someone you know might be experiencing hearing loss, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation. Early detection and intervention are key to managing hearing loss and living a full and connected life. Contact Atticus Audiology today to learn more about our comprehensive hearing services and take the first step towards better hearing.

 

Quality Over Quantity: Longer Consultations Lead to Better Outcomes for Older Australians

Posted on by Nathan Onias

A new study by Flinders University has found that longer consultations with a regular GP can significantly improve health outcomes for older Australians. The year-long trial, involving over 1000 patients, showed a decrease in hospital admissions and emergency department visits when patients received longer consultations and a continuity of care.

The trial also revealed improved health outcomes for older Australians when they saw the same doctor regularly, had prioritised appointments and received follow-up care after hospitalisation. These seemingly simple changes fostered a “slow medicine” approach, enabling GPs to provide comprehensive and unhurried care, leading to improved patient experience, reduced hospital visits and a potentially more sustainable healthcare system.

Participants reported feeling less rushed and more engaged in their healthcare. Additionally, GPs reported having more time for preventive care and deeper conversations with patients.

This study supports the RACGP’s call for a Medicare overhaul, including increased rebates and support for practices to expand their teams. While consultation lengths are increasing, GPs often lack appropriate resources, leading to burnout and pressure.

Professor Richard Reed, Head of General Practice at Flinders University, highlights the importance of this research considering the increasing needs of Australia’s aging population and rising healthcare demands. He emphasises that the intervention didn’t introduce new treatments, but rather promoted an approach where GPs could provide comprehensive and unhurried whole-person care.

This study offers compelling evidence that investing in quality time and continuity of care can lead to better health outcomes for patients and a more sustainable healthcare system. It’s time to prioritise “slow medicine” and ensure GPs are adequately supported to deliver the best possible care to all Australians.

How Hearing Loss is Stealing the Soundtrack of Our Lives

Posted on by Nathan Onias

Close your eyes for a moment. What do you hear?

Now, imagine the world without the familiar lilt of a loved one’s voice, or the vibrant energy of your favourite song, or the myriad sounds of nature.

For an alarming number of Australians, this isn’t just an imagined scenario, but a lived reality. Hearing loss, once considered an inevitable consequence of ageing, is now affecting more people at younger ages, and at a concerning rate.

In Australia alone, over 4 million individuals navigate life with hearing loss, and this number is expected to skyrocket to nearly 9 million by 2050.

This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a human story. It’s the young musician straining to hear the perfect pitch, the parent missing their child’s laughter, or the grandparent struggling to follow the conversation. It’s the isolation, the frustration and the fear that comes with a world growing quieter.

Rising exposure to recreational noise, untreated ear infections and a lack of awareness about preventative measures are all contributing to the surge in cases.

The impact of hearing loss goes far beyond missed conversations or muffled music. It affects our social connections, mental wellbeing and even physical health.

Atticus Audiologist, Michelle Esparon, notes, “Untreated hearing loss is linked to increased risk of dementia, depression and falls. It’s a domino effect that begins with subtle hearing loss.”

The good news is that 60% of hearing loss in children is preventable through public health initiatives. For those already experiencing hearing loss, there are a wealth of resources and support available.

Hearing aids, assistive listening devices and rehabilitation programs can significantly improve quality of life. Organisations like Hear For You and the National Acoustic Laboratories offer support, information and advocacy.

Remember, hearing loss is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. It’s a treatable condition, and early intervention is key.

World Cancer Day: Early Detection Saves Lives in Australia

Posted on by Nathan Onias

Each year, on February 4th, the world stands together on World Cancer Day. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against this disease, but also a day filled with hope. Because while cancer remains a challenge in Australia, with an estimated 165,000 new cases diagnosed in 2023, the good news is this: early detection is key to winning the fight.

Imagine detecting the most common cancers – breast, prostate, colorectal, melanoma, and lung – not when they’ve grown like a large, mature tree, but when they’re just tiny seedlings. Regular check-ups and screenings allow us to catch these “seedlings” early, leading to effective treatment and much better outcomes.

But early detection isn’t just about tests and appointments. It’s about empowering yourself with knowledge. Understanding your risk factors, both unavoidable like age and genetics, and controllable ones like smoking, sun exposure, and unhealthy diet, is crucial. Millions of Australians are affected by cancer, directly or indirectly. By raising awareness, encouraging loved ones to prioritise their health, and taking action for yourself, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.

Here’s what you can do to help:

  • Early detection saves lives, so don’t delay – prioritise your health and schedule your recommended screenings.
  • Talk to your doctor. Understand your individual risk factors and work with your doctor to create a personalised prevention plan.
  • Making healthy lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and exercising regularly can significantly reduce your cancer risk.
  • Spread awareness by talking to your family and friends, encourage them to prioritise their health and screenings, and share reliable information about cancer prevention and early detection.
  • Remember, knowledge is power, and early action is your best weapon.

Contact your nearest Atticus Health clinic to learn more about cancer screening and prevention options, and let’s create a healthier future. Together, we can turn the tide against cancer. Let’s make World Cancer Day not just a day of awareness, but a day of action.

Empowering Men for Lifelong Wellbeing

Posted on by Nathan Onias

In a world where health concerns often take a back seat to work, responsibilities, and daily routines, Atticus Health has spearheaded a revolutionary initiative that is empowering men for lifelong wellbeing. The Atticus Health Men’s Health Check – “Check Your Balls” Initiative has not only created a movement for men to attend an annual health check but is also championing a lifelong commitment to self-care and peace of mind.

Empowering Men for Lifelong Wellbeing
Check your balls

 

A Paradigm Shift in Men’s Health

Traditionally, men have been hesitant to seek regular health check-ups, often dismissing subtle signs and symptoms that could indicate serious underlying conditions. However, the Atticus Health Men’s Health Check initiative has challenged this status quo, triggering a paradigm shift in men’s health awareness. By focusing on a specific aspect of men’s health, this initiative has captured attention and sparked conversations that will extend beyond Men’s Health Week.

Empowering Men for Lifelong Wellbeing

 

Creating a Movement for Lifelong Well-being

The “Check Your Balls” Initiative is proving to be a catalyst for change, not just during designated awareness periods but throughout the year. Atticus Health recognises the significance of maintaining health vigilance beyond a single week, understanding that a yearly check-up alone is insufficient to address the evolving health needs of men. Atticus Health is fostering a movement that advocates for continuous care, encouraging men to proactively monitor their well-being for long-term peace of mind.

Empowering Men for Lifelong Wellbeing

 

Empowering Men for Self-Care

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Men’s Health Check initiative is its emphasis on empowerment. One of our core values. Atticus Health recognises that providing accessible and comfortable avenues for men to prioritise their health is crucial to effecting real change. By offering comprehensive health check-ups that address both physical and emotional aspects of well-being, Atticus Health is creating an environment that encourages open dialogue, destigmatises men’s health issues, and inspiring men to take charge of their own care.

Promoting Mental and Emotional Well-being

The Men’s Health Check initiative extends beyond physical health by acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional well-being. The initiative incorporates mental health screenings and encourages open conversations about stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological concerns. By addressing the holistic well-being of men, Atticus Health is empowering individuals to confront and overcome the challenges they face, nurturing a culture of emotional resilience and self-care.

Nurse Dayna with Dratticus - a school initiative

 

Driving Inspiring Outcomes

Through our commitment to ongoing men’s health check-ups, we’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact this initiative has had on the lives of countless men. By catching potential health issues early, fostering preventive measures, and facilitating appropriate interventions, this movement is becoming a catalyst for transformative outcomes, helping men lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

By creating a movement for lifelong well-being, Atticus Health is redefining the narrative surrounding men’s health, inspiring individuals to prioritise their physical and emotional well-being throughout the year. With the emphasis on empowerment, open dialogue, and holistic care, this initiative is not just promoting health screenings but also transforming lives and providing peace of mind.

Brett Thiedeman – Business Development Motivator

Driven by Soul

Falls & Balance Education Evening

Posted on by Nathan Onias

The Atticus Falls & Balance information evening was recently held on 17 & 18 May.

Our panel of experts (Podiatrist, GPs, Registered Nurse and Geriatrician) provided education and advice to the community about the risk of falling, how to improve balance and live safer at home.

Our resident podiatrist David Lee provided tips on recommended footwear to avoid falls, what footwear would more likely cause falls, and useful guidelines and reminders about mobilising (look, lead and land).

Atticus GPs then provided education about factors that can affect a person’s mobility and increase their chance of falling due to medical conditions, such as hypotension (low blood pressure) which can lead to dizziness, heart disease, infections and environmental factors.

Lastly, our Geriatrician provided his comprehensive insight about important related factors including cognitive impairment and dementia, management and the treatment of delirium, and muscle weakness as we age. In addition, education about medications and any side effects that can affect our balance and increase falls (e.g. benzodiazepines, and opiates) was elaborated on.

At the end of the session, the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions and that lead to some great discussion.

Feelings, Habits and Reasoning

Posted on by Nathan Onias

Above: Floyd, Steve and Di –  fortunate friends.

My kids are growing up a bit these days.  Whilst I used to be able to tell them what to do, now I have to make sure my arguments stack up or I’m in trouble.  My eldest son especially is one heck of a debater.  And somewhere in that mix of questions and fingers being pointed my way, I realised – I don’t really know what I’m doing as a parent.  

So, as it is with such things that I feel I don’t know enough about, I looked to educate myself.  In this case, I turned to books, and I stumbled across a concept that I find compelled to share. 

A long time ago, I think I wrote an article in this newsletter that asked the question, when a child gets hurt, in a minor way, should you (I) encourage them to brush themselves off quickly, “chin up”, or sympathise with them.  I asked myself this question because I wanted my children to grow to be compassionate for others, for society, yet be strong within themselves and have fortitude all the same. 

And now, many years later, I’ve formed a stance. 

When a child or an adult has an experience, good or bad, they get a feeling.  That feeling comes in a wave and it’s very compelling and not so easily “nipped” in the bud, or if it is, not naturally so.  After that feeling, classically there is a behaviour.  Such an automatic behaviour, we call a “habit”.  Beyond the habit, our conscious mind (pre-frontal cortex) brings in a period of reflection and reasoning, a lucid moment occurs where logic comes in.  “Okay, it was just a graze on my knee, I think I’ll be alright now that the band aid is on.” 

The thing is, I have concluded that it’s vital that a child be given the time and opportunity to move through the above steps at their own pace.  This is because at the point of having a feeling, if one is rushed through it, for example, “Don’t worry about it, you’re fine,” too abruptly by an external source (e.g., a parent), that child actually gets confused and worse still, can end up feeling a degree of guilt, “I was in pain, but mum or dad said I shouldn’t be”.  

Even as an adult, just like a child, our experiences cause us to rather automatically have feelings.  Those feelings, coming in a wave, can almost be unavoidable.  If we haven’t learnt to allow ourselves time to sit with a feeling, pause before we act and then move to reasoning and reflection, we’re left in our day with our experiences triggering internal crises leading to confusion, anger, frustration and guilt. These crises we find hard to resolve.

As an example of this, recently, our clinic has been involved in training about domestic violence and how to best support victims and perpetrators.  On the perpetrator side, it’s conceivable that a failure to adequately grapple with feelings triggers just such an internal crisis, that, unresolved, escalates to anger and the behaviour of violence which ensues. 

So, to conclude, I reckon kids need time to move through their experiences, feel what they need to feel, do what they need to do and then reflect, for themselves. In giving them the space to do this, we in fact give them the space to develop their own inner guide, their own self-regulation.  Once developed, these attributes, this quiet confidence, they carry for life. 

I could actually keep writing for a very long time about this, particularly the phenomenon of a “habit” and the power of it.  Habits dominate our day, they save our conscious mind, and provided we cultivate good ones, wow – that’s powerful.  Food for thought – for another The River’s Mouth!

Finally – just a wrap up from a few articles ago “Ode to the Bee Gees” about CPR, well it so happened that amazingly the person who had the cardiac arrest and received CPR did survive and he (Steve) got in touch with me after the event.  I was overjoyed to learn that he’s doing great.  ABC ran with the story.  Here’s the article and here’s a link to the video.  The experience spurred me to become a CPR trainer, so I’m moon lighting with the path to that.  And of course, looking forward to my next catch up with Steve! 

Dr Floyd Gomes