Seniors Health Information & Resources
Alzheimer’s patch
For medical novices, the concept of a wearable patch which aids Alzheimer’s sufferers sounds both futuristic and very far fetched. But believe it or not, such a patch is now available.
The patch will be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from July 1, 2008. It is a once-daily patch which offers a continuous delivery of medication through the skin for 24 hours. The medication is Exelon® (rivastigmine) and it has been shown to result in significant improvements in memory and thinking, with fewer side effects. Trials have shown the patch to be easier than oral medications for carers to administer.
Alzheimer’s disease causes impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia affecting between 100,000 and 150,000 Australians.
More information on the patch can be found here.
40 Tips for a Better Life in 2008…
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to ___ today.’
5. Live with the 3 E’s—Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of warm water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree..
22. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
23. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. GOD heals almost everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)
37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for _____. Today I accomplished _____.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
APEX medication storage
Forgetting to take your medication regularly can have a detrimental affect on its effectiveness. A simple solution is to use a pill container, designed to make life easier for those taking regular medication.
Apex have a range of cleverly designed pill containers, suitable for whether you need your medication organised daily or weekly. Available at leading pharmacies, APEX pill containers are handy sized, durable and brightly coloured, so they’re easy to carry around, and not so easy to loose.
Many of the planners also have braile markings to ensure there’s no confusion for those who are blind. With several different containers available, there’s sure to be a storage solution to suit your medication schedule.
For details of your nearest stockist, contact 1800 651 146
Fruit flies defy ageing
It’s often said that mixing with a younger generation keeps you young, now scientific research proves it - that’s if you’re a fruit fly!
Thanks to researchers at the University of Iowa, the secret of longevity may not be far away. A behavioural study was conducted into the habits of fruit flies, which had had their genetics modified to mirror diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s. These flies were found to have better physical responses and cope better with environmental stresses, when combined with younger, non-mutated fruit flies.
The findings of such research, which has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, could provide invaluable insights into age-related diseases and the treatment thereof. The results indicate that social interaction with younger members of the species has physiological benefits. Anyone with grandchildren is sure to agree!
Find out more about how fruit flies can help research into the age-associated disease.
Men’s health awareness
With 40% of men over 40 suffering serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, the message of International Men’s Health Week is simple - look after yourself and live longer.
Men are less likely to seek medical advice than their female counterparts, despite lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet contributing to a lower life expectancy. International Men’s Health Week, from 7-14 June 2008, highlights the risks of disease and the impact poor lifestyle choices has on men’s health, as well as the importance of seeking medical advice.
While increasing from year to year, the current life expectancy for a man is 78.5, compared to 83.3 for women, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Men under 75 years of age are three times more likely to die of coronary heart disease, stroke or vascular disease than a woman of comparable age. Added to employment-related hazards and the fact that men are more likely to engage in risk taking activities than women, a heightened awareness of men’s health issues is critical.
International Men’s Health Week is the perfect opportunity to seek advice on health issues, make informed lifestyle choices, and re-evaluate your attitude to your health and wellbeing. Over the next few days, the Men’s Health Week Australia’s website will go live. Find out what’s on in your area and join in.
Black moods
Depression takes many forms, from feeling a little under the weather, to not being able to function on a day-to-day basis.
Taking on the black dog, an article in the Winter issue of Your Life magazine, highlights a new book by Matthew and Ainsley Johnstone, Living with a Black Dog. The article reveals how the book gives useful advise on how to understand depression and those who are depressed.
Find out more about depression and how to tackle it.
Happy Vietnam vets
One in five Australians suffering from mental health problems. With the launch of a new website, the DVA aim to combat this problem in veterans and the defence forces.
At Ease, is an initiative geared towards raising awareness and tackling the issue of mental health problems in serving Defence Force members and veterans. Adapting to life post-conflict or dealing with the horrors seen during a tour of duty can effect mental health. Due to their strict military training, this may have been seen as a sign of weakness in the past.
With the launch of www.at-ease.dva.gov.au, many veterans, service men and woman, and their families, can have mental health issues identified early, treated and managed. Through the online resources, you can help yourself, or someone you know, recognise the signs of mental health problems, or just learn a few tactics to keep yourself balanced.
Available online are:
• DVA contacts
• fact sheets
• publications to order or download
• mental health advice book
which have been developed for health providers and staff who work with veterans and defence force clients. These are also useful references for veterans, their families and friends.
Keep on top of your mental health and find our more about what At Ease can offer you.
Medication made simple
Around one in four people aged 65 and over take four or more medications, difficult to keep track of with the busy lives people lead.
Medication works best when taken as prescribed, and the benefits achieved from taking prevenative medicines can quickly be erradicated if forgotten or not taken on time. The Webster-pak has been around for more than 20 years, and with fine tuning over this time, is now an invaluable service, giving patients, relatives and carers peace of mind.
Webster-pak is a blister pack which is filled by a pharmasist using a doctor’s prescription, and is securely sealed so the medication is protected and there’s no chance of mix ups or spillages. Split into seven days and four time slots, anyone can see what medication has been taken, and what is still to be given. The packs are personalised with the patients photo and details, vital in an emergency situation.
With around one in two elderly people on more than one medication regularly forgetting to take their medication as prescribed, and around 140,000 hospital admission annually related to medications take incorrectly, Webster-pak can make life easier and safer for those on medication.
For more information on how Webster-pak can help you, click here.
Recognise a stroke
Would you be able to recognise the occurrence of a stroke in yourself or someone else? If so, would you know what to do?
A swift response and access to the correct medical attention can make all the difference to someone who has suffered a stroke. The quicker the victim gets help, the better the prognosis. Some neurologists claim that the are able to completely reverse the all damage if the victim can be treated within three hours.
For more information on how to recognise the signs of a stroke, and what actions to take if you do, click here.
Banish the ‘flu bug
With all the coughs and sneezes going around as the weather gets colder, make sure this winter the flu bug passes you by.
Anyone who has ever suffered from a bout of flu knows just how serious it can be, and how awful it makes you feel. In 2006, influenza, and pneumonia, which is often suffered by those too weak to fight the flu bug, or who leave it untreated, was the 12th highest cause of deaths, taking the lives of 2725 Australians.
The National Immunisation Program entitles all Australians 65 and over to free vaccinations against influenza and pneumonia. Also, if you suffer from certain illnesses, you may be eligible for the vaccinations. For most people, vaccinations are completely safe, and you should be vaccinated every year to build up and ensure your immunity. Vaccinations can save your life.
For more information on who is most at risk, what actions you can take to minimize your chances of catching the flu and who is most at risk, click here.
Tackling winter ailments
Winter ultimately brings with it coughs, colds, aches and pains. The best way to tackle these minor ailments is to make sure you’re fighting fit.
Ensuring your immune system is as healthy as it can be is the best way to get over any germs and bugs that do get you down this winter. Simple lifestyle changes throughout the year all go towards fighting everyday winter ailments. Some of the changes you can make are:
· Get your lifestyle in balance and reduce stress
· Drink more water
· Eat raw fruits and vegetables as these contain anti oxidants that protect our cells
Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep prevents the body from repairing itself
If you do get the inevitable sore throat, blocked nose or cough, rather than rush to the pharmacy, why not try a natural remedy such as:
· For a sore throat - gargle with aloe vera juice twice a day
· For a cough - add 1/2 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and ground ginger to 2 tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey. Mix with 4 tablespoons water. Sip very small amounts as needed
· For a blocked nose - breathe salt water up into your nose. This can sting a little but is worth the effort
For more information on how to boost your immune system or deal with common winter ailments naturally, click here.
Silent killer
Ovarian Cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in women but with no early stage screening or examination currently available, what should you be looking for?
24th February 2008 saw the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, which sees the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) launching a campaign to highlight the possible symptoms of the disease. Approximately 1500 Australian women are diagnosed each year, many in advance stages and less than half survive five years after diagnosis, the need for early detection is evident.
Nobody knows their own body better than you so what should you be looking for? Symptoms are vague and can often be attributed to more common, everyday illnesses, however if the following symptoms are unusual for you or persist for any period of time, a visit to your GP is warranted:
abdominal bloating
abdominal or back pain
appetite loss or feeling full
changes in toilet habits
unexplained weight gain or loss
indigestion or heartburn
fatigue.
For more information about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week or the NBOCC, click here.
Forget me not
Appearing in Away With Her may have won Julie Christie an Oscar nomination for her portrayal as an Alzheimer’s sufferer but living with the disease is far less glamorous.
An estimated half-a-million Australians live with dementia, a term used to describe the large group of illnesses that result in the degeneration of a person’s mental function, of which Alzheimer’s accounts for 50-70% of cases, with the majority of suffers in their later years. The most common form of the disease is sporadic Alzheimer’s, which can affect people of any age but is most common in those over 65. Common symptoms are:
• Memory loss, particularly recent memory
• Confusion
• Personality change
• Withdrawal
• Loss of ability to do everyday tasks
It is a distressing time for family and friends, watching a loved one struggle with the most basic of tasks and often they are at a loss as to who to turn to. Alzheimer’s Australia have a website which can assist with most questions raised during this time, as well as giving feedback on current research, assistance for carers and those who are concerned that they may be showing early signs of dementia. They also offer information in other languages, a blessing for those not conversant in English but still facing the same problems as everyone else.
You can find out more about Alzheimer’s Australia by visiting their website, www.alzheimers.org.au - or if you need more urgent assistance, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500
Genetic diseases
Knowing where you come from can have health benefits, or can at least help you understand what the future may hold for you health wise.
With the constant advances in medicine finding out you have a genetic disease or disorder no longer needs to have such a devastating effect on your life as it used to and knowing that you have a history of certain diseases in your family can help with early diagnosis and treatment. HealthInsite, an Australian Government initiative has details of genetic diseases, their symptoms and possible treatments. For more information, click here.
Love therapy
Never underestimate the importance of having good companions, they could be making life healthier for you.
Everyone enjoys the warm feeling you get in a new relationship, it gives you a glow from within and a positive outlook on life but what about when the relationship is more established and the fuzziness goes? In an established relationship the sense of security you get from being with someone who listens, understands and cares about your woes makes you stronger, more confident and even benefits your health by helping you heal faster and live a longer life.
Several research projects have focused on how love, sex and companionship can have a measurable effect on your wellbeing. Women in happy marriages have been found to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than their more stressed and dissatisfied counterparts, showed a 2005 study from the University of Pittsburgh. An ongoing study of a million people since 1979, known as the National Longitudinal Mortality Study shows that fewer heart attacks, lower cancer rates and a longer life are experienced by those that are married.
A study by the University of North Carolina found that daily hugs raised the oxytocin levels in women, lowering their systolic blood pressure. Many studies are underway to prove the benefits of higher levels of oxytocin, which include lower breast cancer rates and slower growth of certain cancerous cells. For males, sex is the trigger for releasing oxytocin and men can cut in half the risk of having a fatal heart attack by having sex twice or more each week and frequent ejaculation may offer protection against prostate cancer, however, other health factors must be taken into consideration.
To find out more on how love and sex can improve your health, click here.
On the wagon
Another great way to save money is to stop drinking – alcohol, that is. Combine your abstemious ways with sponsorship by friends through the FebFast website and watch the money go to help those suffering from substance abuse. Result: a slimmer, sharper you, and money well pledged.
FebFast is a charity created to help those who have ‘overindulged’ during the Christmas period make a pledge to give up drinking alcohol for the month of February. Participants can sign up online – it costs $25 – create their own web page (it takes about 5 minutes) and then send emails to friends letting them know the target amount for that participant as long as they stay booze-free. Your target amount can be as low as $10, and friends can pledge their support online on your own page after receiving the email. The money raised will be directed to the Australian Drug Foundation and the Youth Substance Abuse Service. For those who glance at their February diaries and note a lot of fun occasions when they had thought a drink would be part of the celebration, fear not, “Time Out” certificates are available at $15, allowing for 24 hours of indulgence. www.febfast.com.au
Hearing Life
In Australia, around 1 in 6 baby boomers has hearing loss, and there are more people age 45 to 64 than there are people over 65 with hearing loss.
The realisation that hearing is no longer sharp can provoke feelings of anxiety about age. This reluctance by ‘Boomers’ has motivated hearing aid manufacturer, Sonic Innovations, to develop the Ion hearing aid, and recently the even more advanced ion200. It is great news for age-phobic, style-conscious boomers. Powerful and providing a sound quality previously unheard, both are so small that they are virtually invisible. Hearing Life are offering free ‘home trials’ of the Ion200 hearing aid through all of their 160 locations throughout Australia. Call 1300 134 097 or click www.hearinglife.com.au/appointment to arrange your own free home trial.
Older and Wiser
So you’re getting on in years and your memory’s not quite what it used to be and this is a great source of amusement for the rest of your family no doubt? Now you can have the last laugh with new findings suggesting that wisdom does indeed come with old age.
In a study led by Dr Lars Larsen, a psychologist at the University of Aarhus, Denmark, the records of 4300 US ex-servicemen were obtained. These men had undergone intelligence testing at about 20 years of age on entry to the military and were then tested 20 years later. Verbal skills were found to have increased and arithmetic skills remained constant, contradicting what had previously been believed, that the human brain is most effective between 18 and 26.
The study confirms the understanding that practicing skills keeps the brain sharp and experienced gained through life is never wasted, with the effect of both overriding the slow but steady loss of brain cells that occurs naturally. The results of the study suggest that employers, policymakers and educations institutions need to rethink their ideas on ageing.
Why the sudden switch from what was previously believed, that getting older meant becoming less intelligent? Part of this can be attributed to the methods of testing used, with previous tests on the young and old being identical and not taking into consideration educational and cultural differences.
With this study showing that the brain adapts and changes with age and challenges faced throughout life, the intellectual future for us all is very bright! Read more on this study and its author.
Men Living Longer
Gone are the days of the beer swilling, cigarette smoking, lay-about Aussie bloke it seems. Men are giving up smoking, cutting down on alcohol, taking regular exercise and are being rewarded by a longer life!
No longer is popping along to the GP for a health check the domain of women. Men have conquered their fear of doctors’ surgeries and realised this is indeed a good idea.
A report by the Department of Health and Ageing attributes these factors to the forecast that the number of people over 65 will have more than doubled to 6.3 million in 2036, with 1.1 million of us making it to over 85.
The report, Older Australia at a Glance, shows that 46.6% of the total population over 65 in 2036 will be male an increase of 1.6% on today’s figures. For more information on how to continue this trend by improving your health and quality of life, read about the four lifestyle changes key to living longer.
PBS Changes
The Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) underwent some changes on January 1 – here we explain the PBS and provide a quick and easy summary to bookmark for future reference.
So, what is the PBS?
The Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) offers listed prescription medicines at a government subsidised rate and is managed by the Department for Health and Ageing and administered by Medicare. If you suffer from pleural mesothelioma, certain eye conditions, want to stop smoking or have an infant in your family that suffers from chest infections, then you may benefit from the addition of new medicines to the PBS.
Following the tireless campaigning of Bernie Banton, who recently passed away, pemetrexed disodium (Alimta®) will now be offered in combination with cispalatin to treat pleural mesothelioma. This should help around 300 people each year at a cost of $26m to the PBS between 2008 and 2011.
Optometrists authorised to prescribe eye medicine will now be able to apply to Medicare to prescribe a limited number of PBS listed preparations. This initiative will improve access to eye treatments for many Australians at a cost of $10.7m over 4 years.
A new smoking cessation therapy treatment, varenicline, (Champix®) has been made available. This will help those trying to stop smoking by reducing the craving and withdrawal symptoms commonly suffered. With an expected 195,000 people using varenicline in the first year of listing, this will cost around $76.3m over four years.
Vaxigrip junior®, a new influenza vaccine available for infants up to 35 months of age will ease the burden for those at risk of suffering adverse consequences of chest infections.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
The scheme is open to all Australian Residents who hold a current Medicare card or overseas visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. If you also hold a current concession card i.e Pensioner Concession Card, Australian Seniors Health Card, Health Care Gold or DVA White, gold of Orange Card, you will also be eligible for a concessional benefit.
For further information, visit the Department of Health and Ageing
Low Haemoglobin
Sometimes we feel a little off colour, not quite as mobile as we should be and can’t quite put our finger on it. As @boutSeniors subscriber Bill L, found out on a recent trip to the blood bank, the reason could be low haemoglobin.
What is haemoglobin? Haemoglobin carries oxygen around our body. A low hemoglobin level can be a sign of anemia, however as we get older, these levels drop naturally. In the past doctors have done very little for people who experience this reduction in haemoglobin, marking it down to just another side affect of ageing. A study at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, which investigated 1000 women aged over 65, Reported by Radio National, suggests otherwise.
Medicare clarification
Our regular physiotherapy contributor to Your Life magazine, Jane Banting, clarifies which therapies can be accessed through Medicare.
“In your last @boutSeniors enewsletter, under ‘Wellbeing’, you mention people can access psychology, speech therapy and podiatry under Medicare. I assume this is under the Medicare extended care plan (EPC) for people with long-standing complex conditions. If your doctor thinks you are eligible, and he/she has to decide, under Medicare, you can access five visits only of a physiotherapist, dietitian, or other allied health services. The five visits can be shared between two disciplines, but there is a maximum of five visits only. Most doctors are happy to help. There is, however, quite a lot of paperwork and not all are eligible. Hope this helps.” Thanks for that, Jane.
Weight loss website
Looking for information on a healthy diet and exercise? Try the extensive resources and easy ‘energy needs calculator’ on this weight loss website.
Despite all the new fangled diets, many agree that weight loss is ultimately about energy in and energy out. What you put into your body has to be used up by activity or else you put on weight. There may be other conditions affecting your ability to lose weight, perhaps related to health conditions, but knowing your kilojoules and calories can certainly be a great place to start.
Medicare rebate
Are you aware that Medicare offers some rebates on services for those with chronic conditions requiring specialist care, such as psychology, speech therapy and podiatry?
The rebate is very generous and offers five visits per annum to relieve the pressure of having to pay for ancillary service providers when one requires their help most of all. For more information click here
Elizabeth’s pensioner dental scheme
Q. Do you know anything about a new dental scheme/plan for pensioners? I really would like some information about this if you know about it. I believe this new dental scheme will commence 1 November 2007.
A. There is no plan as yet to cover dental care for pensioners; however, one of the key election issues of COTA is to extend the entitlements of DVA Gold cardholder to all Aged Pension cardholders over 65.
If you have a veteran’s card, a health care card or some form of pensioner concession card, you may be eligible for inexpensive dental services, including the provision of dentures. Try the link below for help with dental care for HCC holders. Just click on the state you live in.
There is also some more information on our website regarding oral care at /index.php/articles/category/seniors_health_updates
Enjoy a cuppa?
Tea is the second-most popular beverage worldwide to water. But are you aware of the health benefits of your cup of tea?
Tea composition varies with climate, season, horticultural practices and variety. Polyphenols are the most important component in tea, as they constitute approximately 36 per cent of the dry weight of tea. One of the most important groups of Polyphenols in tea is the catechins in green tea and theaflavins and thearubigens in black tea. A variety of physiological effects have been attributed to tea catechins, which are currently best known for their anti-oxidant characteristics. Anti-oxidants are components which help to protect cells from damage. Cell damage can contribute to ageing, and a number of chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease and strokes.
Average daily consumption of tea of around 650ml provides very few calories and only a small amount of fat, whilst contributing valuable minerals and vitamins to the diet. It contributes:
- Over half of the total intake of dietary flavonoids;
- Nearly 16 per cent of the daily requirement of calcium;
- Almost 10 per cent of the daily requirement of zinc;
- Almost 10 per cent of the daily folic acid needed per day;
- Around nine per cent, 25 per cent and six per cent of Vitamins B1, B2 and B6 respectively.
Apart from the undisputable health benefits of tea, recent research conducted at the University of Newcastle has established that drinking tea could help improve memory and perhaps even slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Further, a recent Harvard Medical School Study discovered that regular consumption of tea could boost the body’s defences against infection.
Whilst new aspects of the healthful effects of tea are being discovered regularly, the principal is clear: tea is a very healthy herb, and regular tea consumption is clinically proven to be beneficial to human health. Article courtesy of Vin Ramanadhan from Dilmah Australia, http://www.dilmah.com.au
Cheap laugh
It’s free to laugh and you can do it anywhere, anytime: at home on your own, with others in your close circle or as a group at a movie or show. It may sound funny, but another option is to join a laughter club.
Laughter Clubs were started in India by a doctor who was looking at ways of alleviating stress. Friends of @boutSeniors helped set one up one at Bondi Beach. If you are interested in attending, the group meets on Sundays from 10am to 10.30 a.m. on the south side of Bondi Pavilion at the picnic shelter on the grassed area, closest to the Pavilion – it lines up with the Hotel Bondi, McDonalds and New Zealand Ice Cream. If it’s raining they go under cover at the Pavilion.
To find out more information and watch video clips on the laughter clubs, click here
Nuts about nuts
The best way to meet your nutritional needs is to include a handful of nuts and seeds in your diet on top of as fruits, vegetables and proteins, of course. Nuts are nature’s own vitamin and mineral pill – they contain more than 28 important nutrients and are a great source of energy.
If you get the mid-morning and or mid-afternoon slumps, a handful of almonds and walnuts can perk you up better than any sugary drink or treat. They provide sustainable energy and those who eat a handful of nuts up to five times a week can have a reduced risk of heart attack.
The other wonder-food are seeds. Crushed up linseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are a nutritious and easy way to boost your energy levels. It only takes five seconds to crush a few of each in a small coffee grinder and throw them on your breakfast cereal. Crushed seeds are easily absorbed into your system – otherwise they can just pass right through you without being broken down.
Other ideas for using nuts and seeds include tossing them into a salad, pasta or on top grilled fish. Crushed almonds or macadamias are tasty on top of ice cream too. For more information, click here
Affordable medicines
Did you know?
• You can choose generic medicines?
• Alphapharm has pioneered the availability of generic medicines to Australians for over 25 years?
• Millions of Australians take an Alphapharm medicine every day?
• Alphapharm invests millions in research & development?
• Alphapharm’s medicines are made to the highest quality standards?
• Alphapharm manufactures prescription medicines in Australia?
Is Alphapharm the only company that makes generic medicines?
No, there are several companies that supply generic medicines to the Australian market. Alphapharm has been manufacturing medicines in Australia since 1982 and is now the largest manufacturer of the broadest range of prescription medicines in Australia. We employ more than 700 Australians.
We are committed to researching, developing and manufacturing medicines in Australia and we are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve the lives of Australians.
My doctor didn’t prescribe the Alphapharm medicine…why not?
When doctors write a prescription, they generally write the originator brand name, often out of habit, as it has been promoted to them and has been on the market for longer. However, most doctors understand medication can be costly and are happy for you to have the choice of a less expensive medicine. Feel free to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain, should you have any questions.
Why are branded medicines more expensive than generic medicines?
The government subsidises the cost of prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). When there is more than one brand of a medicine on the market, the government will only fully subsidise the lowest priced brands. So if you take the more expensive brand, you – the consumer - pay a premium imposed by the manufacturer.
This brand price premium is not subsidised by the government and does not contribute to your Safety Net.
Why isn’t there a generic equivalent for some medicines?
When a generic medicine is not available, it is usually because the medicine is still protected by a patent. When the product’s patent expires, a generic medicine should become available.
Will buying Alphapharm generic medicines make it more difficult to reach the safety net?
When you buy an Alphapharm medicine, you reach the Safety Net as quickly as you would if you purchased the more expensive brand. This is because the government counts only the cost of the lowest priced medicine towards your Safety Net, regardless of which brand you choose.
Palliative care improvements
Your loved one’s last days can be made much easier with care from professionals who have an in depth knowledge of end-of-life health issues. Research grants have been awarded to Cairns’ James Cook University to look into improving our knowledge in this area.
The funding is also to go towards further understanding of the issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The James Cook grant is one of 10 research grants and 12 researcher support awards across Australia, which total more than $3.5 million. The money will go towards improving the quality of palliative care, informing policy development, improving clinical practice and developing researcher capacity and expertise. For more information click here
A sympathetic ear
Mensline, a government funded, anonymous telephone help line for blokes who need a bit of advice about a personal problem, gets about 3500 calls a month. If you think it just might help to talk to someone who you won’t bump into down the street or in the pub, Mensline could be the perfect solution.
Mensline has helped thousands of men to get things off their chest and work out what to do next about a personal issue, such as separation or illness. It seems Monday is often the day when the calls come in thickest and fastest, after a weekend of mulling over what’s going on.
Since it started six years ago in a basement in West Melbourne, Mensline has grown enormously. Its gone form 30 volunteers to employing 48 paid professional counselors. Mensline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and you can talk to someone from a non-English background. It also has a dedicated line for Australia Post workers, who suffer stress due to shift work and long periods away from home. If you’d like a chat, call Mensline now on 1300 789 978. For more information, click here
Exercise and the f word
F stands for fun…exercise and fun – what a concept! But seriously, we all know it feels good when we exercise. You end up with more, not less, energy. A new book aims to bring the fun back into your exercise regime – or make it sound like so much fun that you can’t resist starting.
Martha Lourey-Bird has a Masters in Sports Science and has devised exercise programmes for Weight Watchers, as well as working in London at exclusive fitness clubs, such as the Chelsea Harbour Club (club of Princess Diana) and the Royal Berkshire Club (club of Fergie).
She says that the key to making fitness an integral and ‘normal’ part of your life is to make it mentally, as well as physically, interesting. Her new book, called Exercise and the F word…Fun, aims to get even the most sedentary person moving again. Find out more
Know what you’re eating
Confused about what the nutritional labels on food are actually saying? When it says ‘low fat’, what exactly does that mean? Food Standards Australia New Zealand has released a new book, Choosing the right stuff, to help you know what you’re eating.
Diet-related disease is a growing problem but even if you are as fit as a fiddle, it is empowering to be able to look at a food label and interpret it correctly. It is easy to see that there is sodium in the product, yet not know how much is too much in a given serve.
The other typical area where people get confused is around the labeling of fat content – nutritional labeling on saturated fat has been mandatory for more than five years, but it is a good idea to make it a part of your normal routine to look at the labels for saturated fat, in particular.
The full title of the new book is…wait for it…Choosing the right stuff – the official shoppers’ guide to food additives and labels, kilojoules and fat content. As well as information on how to read food labels, it lists many useful resources where you can get more information on healthy eating. Published by Murdoch books, it’s reasonably priced at $14.95. Find out more
Old-fashioned rememdies
A group of pharmacists is using both high technology and traditional techniques to tailor therapies to an individual’s needs. They are called Compounding Pharmacists and they believe that the old-fashioned way still has relevance in these days mass produced medications.
Modern pharmaceutical manufacturers try to cater to the majority of patients but there are always a few who slip through the cracks or who need something specific or slightly different. For instance, some people’s stomachs are sensitive to certain drugs, they have difficulty swallowing pills, and crushing a tablet, or breaking open a capsule can result in a loss of efficacy.
Often you will find pharmaceutical companies have stopped selling products for commercial reasons but this doesn’t mean that the efficacy of the drug has altered. Another area Compounding Pharmacists can be helpful is in finding the right balance of dermatological products and children’s medication. For more information about compounding pharmacists click here
Tackling depression
Beyondblue: the national depression initiative and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) are running information sessions to raise awareness of the very real problem of depression in older people.
Many people don’t want to admit they are having problems as they age and it’s often hard to recognise depression in older people. These information sessions are there to help people become more aware of the signs and symptoms through listening and talking to peers who understand the issues specific to older Australians.
There has been a successful pilot programme in Adelaide and information sessions are being rolled out nationally. For more information to order a fact sheet on depression in older people, call beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36 (local call) or click here
Women and heart attacks
Are you aware that the symptoms for a ‘female’ heart attack can be very different than for a male?
An American woman called Joan has written her story in the hope that many will benefit. She had a heart attack one evening with no prior exertion or trauma. It just felt like indigestion, then little squeezing motions that started in the spine and moved to the breastbone, throat and jaw.
Symptoms for women can vary greatly so Joan’s advice if anything unpleasant seems to be occurring is to call the ambulance – better to be told you’ve just suffered indigestion than to end up in deep trouble, because when it comes to heart attacks, one thing is the same for men and women: they must be dealt with urgently. Don’t call your doctor and don’t drive yourself to the hospital.
Thanks to Joan for sharing her experiences with the world. To find out more about your heart, click here
Parkinson’s breakthrough
Researchers from the Howard Florey Institute, the University of Melbourne and the Mental Heath Research Institute of Victoria are developing a simple test which can diagnose Parkinson’s disease before symptoms appear.
The new test measures the levels of a certain protein in the blood and can work across a range of different types of Parkinson’s. The researcher’s work has broad implications for the monitoring of the disease and the effectiveness of drug treatments.
Currently doctors rely on observations to make a diagnosis, which can make early detection and prescribing treatment difficult. The researchers are now undertaking a large-scale study on the new test and if the results are good, the test could be available for clinical use within two years. For more information click here
High blood pressure cure
Australian doctors have found a particular type of high blood pressure can be cured!
Medical researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that a simple operation for a particular high blood pressure condition, known as primary aldersteronism, can deal with the problem and potentially lower the amount of medication a patient needs to take.
Aldersteronism is hereditary and has no obvious symptoms, but can be diagnosed through blood and other tests. About 10 per cent of sufferers of high blood pressure have this form of the problem, related to hypertension and the overactivity of the adrenal glands, which cause the body to retain salt. For more information click here
Online depression help
Anyone, anywhere can now access online assistance for mood disorders at the Australian National University’s MoodGYM. Treatment for depression has never been so easy and anonymous.
The online treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a proven way of encouraging people to reduce negative thoughts and focus their mind differently. If you or someone you know needs somewhere to go or wants to find out if CBT works for them, this website could be a gentle way to find out. To check out the MoodGYM website, click here
How’s your cognitive fitness?
When it comes to keeping your brain alert and healthy, many would agree with the ‘use it or lose it’ principle. A new centre dedicated to improving ‘cognitive fitness’ aims not only to keep your mind from deteriorating but also to improve your memory, concentration and communication abilities.
The new mind gym, called ‘HeadStrong’, is headed up by leading international Professor of Neurology in New York, Professor Elkhonon Goldberg. He says that new discoveries in neuroscience have confirmed that it is not only in youth that the brain has the ability to generate new nerve cells.
HeadStrong operates in a similar way to a conventional gym, providing qualified trainers who design personalised programmes designed to stimulate certain areas of the brain. Professor Goldberg has published two books addressing cognitive fitness after he used himself as a test case. So get your cognitive fitness caps on – it’s been said that continuing to challenge the brain can help delay the onset of Dementia and even Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information, click here
Tackling elder abuse
Do you know about the Elder Abuse Prevention Association? It’s a non-for-profit, independent organisation offering consumer advocacy, workshops for aged care workers, presentations to raise awareness within the community and much more.
The association also provides counselling for older people, their families and aged care providers, and policy initiation and training packages for residential care facilities and community care agencies. And if your family is in the awful position of needing representation in a disputed matter, they can help.
Though based in Victoria, the association services all states and territories. Even if you’ve heard of them before you might want to note that they’ve moved premises and have new contact details:
Elder Abuse Prevention Association
Suite 3, 49 Wadham Parade, Mount Waverley, VIC
Ph 1300 884 665
To go to their website, click here
As always, health information you might find on the internet, in publications or get from friends is at best a guide and is no substitute for advice from a real doctor.
This site does not have detailed information about health matters. It has links to other sites which may include the detail you are after. If you are seeking information on a particular disease or condition, such as high blood pressure or angina, go to one of the links below.
- For comprehensive information on health matters go to the Australian Government departments:
- Australian Medical Websites. A list of many of the medical websites within Australia.
Go there
- Adverse Medicine Events. Consumer access to advice about adverse drug reactions and medication errors through the Adverse Medicine Events consumer reporting hotline.
Go there
or phone Adverse Medicine Events Line 1300 134 237
- Better Health Channel. Established by the Victorian Government, its role is to provide the community with access to online health information which is quality assured, reliable, up-to-date, and locally relevant. Under the topic "Life stages" are more than 60 articles for seniors.
Go there
- Drug database at myDr. Information on prescription, over-the-counter and some alternative medicines available in Australia.
Go there
- GastroNet Australia provides accurate, up-to-date information for patients, to be used with guidance from health professionals. The site includes information and links on gastrointestinal diseases, special diets and patient support organisations.
Go there
- HealthAtoZ is a comprehensive health and medical resource developed by healthcare professionals. The site includes interactive tools, community tools, and information centres giving free and fast access to health and medical information.
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- HealthInsite is an Australian Government initiative. It aims to improve the health of Australians by providing quality information from leading health information providers. A comprehensive resource of up-to-date information on topics such as diabetes, cancer, mental health, hypertension and asthma. Grouping is by lifestyle, conditions and diseases, life stages and events and population groups.
Go there
- Health Network is an online health information database separated into life stages. You can also browse by condition, treatment and test. It also publishes a wide range of information on worldwide health and welfare issues for travellers.
Go there
- Holistic Medicine. Holistic-online provides detailed information about holistic, integrative, alternative, and mind-body therapies. Topics include natural remedies, nutrition, vitamins and minerals.
Go there
- Home Medicines Review. You may benefit from this program if you take a number of medicines, if you are having difficulty with your medicines or if you have recently been discharged from hospital or from care. Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you think you might benefit from a home medicines review. The government pays the pharmacist and the GP's service will be charged the same as for any other consultation (that is, it may be bulk billed or you pay the doctor and claim a medicare rebate). Find out more:
Go there
Phone PBS Information Line: Freecall 1800 020 613
- The US Mayo Clinic's comprehensive website has a wealth of information on disease management and medicines. The Drug Information covers prescription and over-the-counter drugs (in the US).
Go there
- Medicines Line is a National Prescribing Service (NPS) telephone information service which provides consumers with independent and accurate information about the safe and effective use of their medicines.
Go there
Phone 1300 888 763, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm EST.
- MEDLINEplus Health Information is a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. 'Health Topics'; has information on conditions, diseases and wellness, plus a medical encyclopedia, and "Drug Information" has details on generic and brand name drugs.
Go there
- Men's Health Program is from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. While aimed at veterans, most of the information is applicable to all men.
Go there
- Multicultural Health Communication Service, NSW provides information on various health topics in many languages including English.
Go there
- Olderwise from the Wesley Healthwise Centre in Queensland aims to:
- Supply older people with information that is current, relevant and accurate;
- Provide a means by which you can identify health services and resources;
- Assist you in your search for information.
In addition to general health advice there is information and links for major conditions of the body and mind. Go there
- Pelvic Floor Function...and the Bowel. This website is aimed at women who have bowel problems which may relate to pelvic floor muscle weakness.
Go there
- Preventing Falls. NSW Health has a comprehensive report 'Preventing Injuries from Falls in Older People.' It discusses the many causes of falls and the countermeasures that can be applied.
Go there
- Science for Seniors. This US site has the latest information about diabetes, congestive heart failure, alzheimers, cancer and ageing. Science for Seniors is about making sure we are not left behind on the road ahead when it comes to senior health medicine, assistive technologies and new knowledge that can empower seniors.
Go there
Cyber Health Scams
Many people now look to the internet for readily available health information. But the internet also gives the opportunity for fraudulent health products and treatments to be promoted, wasting your money and perhaps even harming your health.
The International Marketing Supervision Network (IMSN), of which the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is a member, offers the following tips to avoid health fraud:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is;
- Beware of products or treatments that are advertised as a quick and effective cure-all for a wide range of ailments or for an undiagnosed pain;
- Be cautious of testimonials claiming amazing results;
- Watch out for promoters who use phrases such as 'scientific breakthrough', 'miraculous cure', 'exclusive product' and 'secret ingredient'; and
- Before you purchase, consult your pharmacist, doctor or other health professional.
If you believe you have been a victim of a health scam on the internet, report the matter to the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
Elder Abuse
- A leaflet available through the New South Wales Senior Information Service succinctly covers types of abuse, why we don't hear more about it, why it happens, where to go for help and related information.
Go there - Elder abuse prevention unit. A Queensland organisation which promotes the rights of older people to live free from abuse.
Go there - Contact the following if you would like to discuss issues related to elder abuse:
- Australian Capital Territory – ACT Disability Aged and Carers Advocacy Service (ADACAS)
Phone (02) 6242 5060 - New South Wales – Seniors Information Service
Phone 13 12 44 - Northern Territory – Phone any Aged Care Assessment Team
- Queensland – Elder Abuse Prevention Unit Helpline
Phone 1300 651 192 - South Australia – Aged Rights Advocacy Service
Phone (08) 8232 5377 - Tasmania – Department of Health and Human Services
Phone (03) 6336 5503 - Victoria – Carers Association Victoria
Freecall 1800 242 636 - Western Australia – Crisis Care Line
Phone (09) 9223 1111
Emergency Cards
MedicAlert. This system provides personal medical identification information by way of:
- Bracelet/necklet
- Wallet card
- Computer data bank
- 24 hour telephone answering service
Medic Alert Australia
Go there
Health Insurance
iSelect is an advisory service helping you select a policy from any participating insurer. iSelect helps you identify a health insurance policy that meets your needs and budget from their participating funds.
Go there
Healthy Eating
- Australian Guide to Healthy Eating: Information about the amounts and kinds of food you need each day to get enough of the nutrients essential for good health and wellbeing.
Go there
- Better Health Channel has an alphabetical list of all the food facts articles, plus health promoting recipes.
Go there
- Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults: Produced by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults highlight the groups of foods and lifestyle patterns that promote good nutrition and health. The use of the guidelines will encourage healthy lifestyles that will minimise the risk of the development of diet-related diseases.
Go there
- Dietitians Association of Australian (DAA). A nutrition focused organisation with a website providing up-to-date information. The Nutrition A-Z section is comprehensive. Check also the Healthy eating self-assessment to see if dietary changes are indicated.
Go there
- Food and Nutrition from Health Insite covers a range of subjects, from the nutritional benefits of particular foods to food safety and medical conditions affected by diet, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Go there
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (formerly ANZFA) protects the health and safety of the people in Australia and New Zealand by maintaining a safe food supply. Find out about what's in food (e.g. additives, GM food, caffeine, percentage labelling, food irradiation, mercury in fish), food recalls and safety, check ANZFA's media releases and much more.
Go there
- Foodwatch. The site for information on healthy food, nutrition, food labelling, weight reduction and more.
Go there
- Nancy Frawley's Healthy Eating. Linking you to nutrition and fitness info with one of the largest collections of healthy online eating/fitness links.
Go there
- Nutrition Australia. A non-government, non-profit community based organisation that aims to provide scientifically based nutrition information to encourage all Australians to achieve optimal health through food variety and physical activity. Check 'Nutrition in Later Life' among many valuable fact sheets.
Go there
Return Unwanted Medicines
The National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Ltd, known as the RUM program, is a national not-for-profit company, set up to enable consumers to return unwanted or out-of-date medicines to any pharmacy, at any time. The medicines returned are in no way reused or recycled. So sort out you out-of-date and unwanted medicines and drop them in to your local pharmacy. Find out more about the RUM program:
Go there
Sex Advice
Erectile Dysdunction
- Impotence Australia. A not-for-profit organisation that was set up to decrease the suffering of men with impotence and their partners by providing quality telephone counselling. In addition to telephone counselling, Impotence Australia provides information fact sheets on many sexual issues.
Go there
- Impotence-guide.com. Most men will have to face up to the challenge of impotence at least once in their lifetime...If you have a problem then a visit to this site could help.
Go there
Sex & Ageing. From the Sexual Health InfoCentre, one of the most popular sources of sexual health information on the Internet.
Go there
Sex and the Ageing Process. An article from another Australian site, myDr.
Go there
